mdg CFB

Blogpoll Ballot Week 12

2006-11-13T00:45:00.000-08:00

Rank	Team	Delta
1	Ohio State	--
2	Michigan	--
3	Southern Cal	5
4	Florida	1
5	Arkansas	5
6	LSU	1
7	Rutgers	8
8	Wisconsin	1
9	Louisville	5
10	West Virginia	2
11	Notre Dame	3
12	Texas	7
13	Wake Forest	6
14	Auburn	8
15	Tennessee	4
16	Oklahoma	--
17	Georgia Tech	--
18	California	5
19	Boise State	1
20	Maryland	--
21	Virginia Tech	--
22	Hawaii	--
23	Nebraska	1
24	Boston College	2
25	Brigham Young	1

Dropped Out: Oregon (#23), Texas A&M (#25).

Blogpoll Ballot Week 11: It's Been Awhile!

2006-11-07T09:48:00.000-08:00

Rank	Team	Delta
1	Ohio State	25
2	Michigan	24
3	Florida	23
4	Louisville	22
5	Texas	21
6	Auburn	20
7	LSU	19
8	Southern Cal	18
9	Wisconsin	17
10	Arkansas	16
11	Tennessee	15
12	West Virginia	14
13	California	13
14	Notre Dame	12
15	Rutgers	11
16	Oklahoma	10
17	Georgia Tech	9
18	Boise State	8
19	Wake Forest	7
20	Maryland	6
21	Virginia Tech	5
22	Hawaii	4
23	Oregon	3
24	Nebraska	2
25	Texas A&M	1

Dropped Out:

Blogpoll Week 5

2006-09-27T10:27:00.000-07:00

Rank	Team	Delta
1	Auburn	--
2	Southern Cal	--
3	Ohio State	--
4	Louisiana State	--
5	Michigan	--
6	Florida	--
7	Texas	--
8	Louisville	--
9	West Virginia	--
10	Virginia Tech	--
11	Iowa	1
12	Georgia	1
13	Tennessee	--
14	Clemson	12
15	Notre Dame	1
16	Florida State	1
17	TCU	1
18	Cal	6
19	Oregon	--
20	Oklahoma	3
21	Nebraska	--
22	Georgia Tech	4
23	Michigan State	1
24	Miami (Florida)	2
25	Houston	1

Dropped Out: Boston College (#15), Arizona State (#20), Alabama (#25).

Blogpoll Week 4

2006-09-20T07:30:00.000-07:00

Rank	Team	Delta
1	Auburn	25
2	Southern Cal	24
3	Ohio State	23
4	Louisiana State	22
5	Michigan	21
6	Florida	20
7	Texas	19
8	Louisville	18
9	West Virginia	17
10	Virginia Tech	16
11	Georgia	15
12	Iowa	14
13	Tennessee	13
14	Notre Dame	12
15	Boston College	11
16	Clemson	10
17	Florida State	9
18	TCU	8
19	Oregon	7
20	Arizona State	6
21	Nebraska	5
22	Michigan State	4
23	Oklahoma	3
24	Cal	2
25	Alabama	1

Dropped Out:

Week 3 Picks "Separation Saturday"

2006-09-16T11:22:00.000-07:00

It's a weak title, but it is fitting since my picks have been pretty weak. My quick two cents for this week's seven games featuring top 25 teams.

1. LSU-Auburn - I like Auburn, not because the Tigers are my pick to win the national title, but because the game is on The Plains. Auburn 13, LSU 7.

2. Michigan at Notre Dame - Part thinks Michigan will expose the overrated Irish, but its hard to pick against Charlie, Brady, and Touchdown Jesus. Notre Dame 28, Michigan 24.

3. Nebraska at USC - This could get ugly. Nebraska is improved, but only Trev Alberts would pick the Huskers. USC 38, Nebraska 20.

4. Florida at Tennessee - I like the Volunteers only because they are at home. Tennessee 23, Florida 17.

5. Miami at Louisville - This will be a statement game for Louisville, Miami is not good, and could get embarrassed. Louisville 30, Miami 17.

6. Oklahoma at Oregon - The Ducks are for real, the Sooners are not. Oregon 38, Oklahoma 24.

7. Texas Tech at TCU - TCU is looking good, while Tech had trouble at UTEP. This is a make or break game for the Frogs BCS chances. Texas Tech 31, TCU 28.

Week Two Picks

2006-09-09T02:53:00.000-07:00

The Biggest Games(ranked by significance)

1. Ohio State at Texas- The first time in 10 years No. 1 vs. No. 2 will go head to head. Games don't get much bigger than this, especially in September. Ohio State has the obvious advantage on offense and Texas has the obvious advantage on defense. The game will fall on the shoulders of Texas freshman quarterback Colt McCoy. If he can make plays with few mistakes, the homefield advantage will be enough for Texas to pull out the win. Texas 28, Ohio State 26.

2. Penn State at Notre Dame- The Irish will win this game, but will it be close or a blow-out? Penn State QB Anthony Morrelli should have some success against the Notre Dame secondary, but Brady Quinn will shred the Nittany Lion secondary. Penn State's linebackers will have to step up their game, if the Nittany Lions expect to have a chance to win. Notre Dame 31, Penn State 21.

3. Clemson at Boston College- The Eagles looked like awful last week against Central Michigan, while Clemson blew out Florida Atlantic. With that said, Clemson looks like the easy pick, even on the road. However, Boston College should be able to control the clock and be able to eek out the upset win at home. Boston College 29, Clemson 28.

4. Georgia at South Carolina- Arguably the toughest game to call this week. South Carolina's defense was great last week, albeit, it was Mississippi State. Georgia is still unproven, and playing on the road this early has all the makings of an upset. If South Carolina can get the ball into WR Sydney Rice's hands 7-10 time in this game, the Gamecocks should come out on top. South Carolina 13, Georgia 10.

5. Oregon at Fresno State- Can Pat Hill pull out the victory? Oregon looked unstoppable last week against Stanford, but it will be a whole different story away from Eugene. The 'Dogs matchup well with the Ducks, and the homefield has proved to be the difference the last three times these schools have met. Fresno State 34, Oregon 32.

3 Potential Upsets........

What will happen- Fresno State beats Oregon. See above.

What might happen- Nevada surprises Arizona State. ASU looked bad against Weber State, while Nevada was just a few plays away from upsetting Fresno State.

What is unlikely to happen- North Carolina upsets Virginia Tech. The Tar Heels tanked at home last week against Rutgers, but VA Tech could be in for a surprise this week.

A Betting man? Surefire Picks!

UCLA (-27.5)) vs. Rice - UCLA looked very good last week against Utah, Rice will score some points, but the Bruins will hit 50 in this one.

Tennessee (-19.5) vs. Air Force - The Vols could tank this week, but the offense should continue to roll.

Texas Tech (-7) at UTEP - Are you kidding me? This will be a high-scoring affair but Tech will outscore the Miners by double-digits.

Last Week's Picks

Blogpoll Ballot Week 2

2006-09-06T04:52:00.000-07:00

Blogpoll released!

Rank	Team	Delta
1	Auburn	25
2	Southern Cal	24
3	Ohio State	23
4	Texas	22
5	LSU	21
6	Florida State	20
7	Florida	19
8	Michigan	18
9	Notre Dame	17
10	Iowa	16
11	Louisville	15
12	West Virginia	14
13	Tennessee	13
14	Clemson	12
15	Georgia	11
16	Virginia Tech	10
17	Miami (Florida)	9
18	Oregon	8
19	Nebraska	7
20	Oklahoma	6
21	Penn State	5
22	Texas Tech	4
23	Pittsburgh	3
24	UCLA	2
25	Arizona State	1

Dropped Out: (17) Cal, (22) Boston College

Week One Picks

2006-09-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

The Biggest Games(ranked by significance)

1. Miami at Florida State- Neither team is ranked in the top 10 and both are coming off of bowl losses -- FSU almost upset Penn State in the Orange and Miami was blown by LSU in the Peach. Miami brought in Rich Olsen to run the offense. Olsen comes from the NFL but was a Miami assistant in the 90's. His job is to turn QB Kyle Wright and the offense into the juggernaut it once was. FSU QB Drew Weatherford has a complete season under his belt, but unless FSU utilizes RB Lorenzo Booker, the offense will not improve. FSU's defense must rebuild and the Miami offense will be more potent than last year's unit. This game has not been that high-scoring the last few years, but Miami will top 20 points and win at home. Miami 24, Florida State 20.

2. Cal at Tennessee- Jeff Tedford is known for his offense, but it’s the defense that will carry Cal this season, especially early on. Tennessee rehired David Cutcliffe to run the offense and tutor QB Erik Ainge. Ainge has all the pressure in the world to produce, and Cal is not the most ideal opening game. Cal 27, Tennessee 13.

3. Notre Dame at Georgia Tech- This could be the upset of the opening weekend, but the Yellow Jackets secondary will be at a disadvantage all night. On the other hand if Tech QB Reggie Ball can get the ball into the hands of Calvin Johnson, the Jackets have the shot at the upset. Brady Quinn will kick off his Heisman campaign is glorious fashion. Notre Dame 41, Georgia Tech 24.

4. USC at Arkansas- Easily one of the most intriguing match up this Labor Day weekend. Can USC's offense continue its greatness with Bush, Leinart, and White? How will Josh David Booty respond playing against a decent team on the road, with revenge on its mind? Arkansas Darren McFadden is still questionable for the game and if he is no where near 100%, the 'Hogs don't have a shot at win. As good as the USC offense has been the last few years, people tend to forget Pete Carroll is a defensive guru. USC 28, Arkansas 6.

5. Washington State at Auburn-Underrated match up, winner could be a national title sleeper. Honestly, if Washington State won at Auburn, don't you think they would be considered one of the better teams in the nation? It might be a stretch, but Washington State should have closer to 9-2 last season instead of 4-7. Auburn on the other hand, is my preseason No. 1 and rightfully so, the Tigers are loaded and talented. Some receivers have to emerge for Auburn to take it the distance, and WSU will be good challenge early on. Auburn 38, WSU 21.

6. Utah at UCLA-A fun matchup that could go a long in determining who will play in the one of the five BCS bowls. A Utah win will certainly signal the start of unbeaten BCS crashing season. A UCLA loss could be the final straw for Bruin head coach Karl Dorrell. True UCLA fans were not fooled by last season's 10 win season. UCLA 34, Utah 30.

3 Potential Upsets........

What will happen- Baylor beats TCU. The Bears are not as bad as they used to be. And TCU is not as good as its 11-1 record of a year ago.

What might happen- BYU surprises Arizona. The Wildcats are coming off of a 3-8 season, BYU almost beat Cal in the Las Vegas Bowl.

What is unlikely to happen- Hawaii upsets Alabama. The Warrior defense is awful, but the Alabama offense is not going to score too many points either.

A Betting man? Surefire Picks!

West Virginia (-22)) vs Marshall - The Herd will have a tough time containing White and Slaton.

North Texas(+41) at Texas - The 'Horns are going to roll, but covering 41 will be tough with a new QB, even against the Mean Green.

Utah State (+12.5) at Wyoming- Plenty of offensive weapons for the Aggies, and they might win this one straight up.

Bowl Predictions

2006-08-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

I love to predict bowl games. I have drafts I wrote down from as early as January. I just didn't get around to posting them on the blog. There will be 32 bowls this year, including the BCS National Title game in Glendale, AZ. Three new bowls -- actaully four if you include the former Houston Bowl, which is now the Texas Bowl -- join the lineup, the International Bowl, Birmingham Bowl and the New Mexico Bowl. And one other, the Fort Worth Bowl, has changed its name to the Armed Forces Bowl.

New Orleans Bowl - SMU 8-4 vs. Troy 7-5
New Mexico Bowl - Nevada 8-4 vs. Colorado State 6-6
Poinsettia Bowl - Fresno State 10-2 vs. BYU 8-4
Birmingham Bowl - Southern Miss 8-4 vs. Virginia 6-6*
Armed Forces Bowl - TCU 8-4 vs. UTEP 7-5
International Bowl - Rutgers 6-6 vs. Akron 6-6
Motor City Bowl - Toledo 8-4 vs. Oregon State 7-6*
GMAC Bowl - Northern Illinois 10-3 vs. UCF 8-5
MPC Computers Bowl - Boise State 10-2 vs. North Carolina 7-5
Hawaii Bowl - Hawaii 9-4 vs. Washington State 7-5
Liberty Bowl - Tulsa 10-3 vs. Ole Miss 7-5
Emerald Bowl - Arizona State 8-4 vs. Maryland 7-5
Las Vegas Bowl - Oregon 8-4 vs. Utah 10-2
Texas Bowl - Baylor 6-6 vs. South Florida 8-4
Independence Bowl - Alabama 7-5 vs. Iowa State 7-5
Music City Bowl - Geogia Tech 7-5 vs. South Carolina 8-4
Insight Bowl - Wisconsin 8-4 vs. Texas A&M 7-5
Meineke Car Care Bowl - Navy 10-2 vs. Boston College 9-3
Alamo Bowl - Kansas 9-3 vs. Purdue 8-5
Sun Bowl - Arizona 8-4 vs. Pitt 9-3
Champs Sports Bowl - Virginia Tech 9-3 vs. Michigan State 8-4
Gator Bowl - Miami 10-3 vs. Oklahoma 9-3
Holiday Bowl - Cal 9-3 vs. Texas Tech 9-3
Cotton Bowl - Nebraska 10-3 vs. Arkansas 8-4
Peach Bowl - Clemson 9-3 vs. Georgia 9-3
Outback Bowl - Penn State 8-4 vs. Tennessee 9-4
Capital One Bowl - Florida 9-3 vs. Iowa 10-2
Fiesta Bowl - Texas 12-1 vs. West Virginia 11-1
Sugar Bowl - LSU 9-3 vs. Louisville 11-1
Orange Bowl - Florida State 11-2 vs. Michigan 10-2
Rose Bowl - Ohio State 10-2 vs. Notre Dame 10-2
BCS National Championship - Auburn 12-1 vs. USC 11-1

*no eligible conference team available

Pac-10 Predictions

2006-08-31T06:55:00.000-07:00

Order of Finish
1. USC 11-1 (8-1)
t2. Cal 9-3 (6-3)
t2. Arizona 8-4 (6-3)
t2. Oregon 8-4 (6-3)
t5. Arizona State 8-4 (5-4)
t5. Washington State 7-5 (5-4)
t7. Oregon State 7-6 (4-5)
t7. UCLA 6-6 (4-5)
9. Washington 2-10 (1-8)
10. Stanford 2-10 (0-9)

SEC Predictions

2006-08-31T06:50:00.000-07:00

Order of Finish
West
1. Auburn 12-1 (8-1)*
t2. LSU 9-3 (5-3)
t2. Arkansas 8-4 (5-3)
4. Ole Miss 7-5 (4-4)
5. Alabama 7-5 (3-5)
6. Mississippi State 4-8 (1-7)

East
t1. Tennessee 9-4 (6-3)*
t1. Florida 9-3 (6-2)
t3. Georgia 9-3 (5-3)
t3. South Carolina 8-4 (5-3)
5. Kentucky 4-8 (1-7)
6. Vanderbilt 3-9 (0-8)

*Auburn defeats Tennessee in SEC Championship game.

Big XII Predictions

2006-08-31T06:44:00.000-07:00

Order of Finish
West
1. Texas 12-1 (8-1)*
2. Oklahoma 9-3 (6-2)
t3. Texas Tech 9-3 (5-3)
t3. Texas A&M 7-5 (5-3)
5. Baylor 6-6 (3-5)
6. Oklahoma State 4-8 (1-7)

East
1. Nebraska 10-3 (7-2)*
t2. Kansas 9-3 (5-3)
t2. Iowa State 7-5 (5-3)
4. Colorado 5-7 (3-5)
t5. Missouri 6-6 (2-6)
t5. Kansas State 5-7 (2-6)

*Texas defeats Nebraska in the Big XII Championship game.

WAC Predictions

2006-08-31T06:05:00.000-07:00

Order of Finish
t1. Boise State 10-2 (7-1)
t1. Fresno State 10-2 (7-1)
t3. Hawaii 9-4 (5-3)
t3. Nevada 8-4 (5-3)
5. Utah State 4-8 (4-4)
t6. Louisiana Tech 5-8 (3-5)
t6. Idaho 4-8 (3-5)
8. San Jose State 3-8 (2-6)
9. New Mexico State 2-10 (0-8)

Sun Belt Predictions

2006-08-31T05:58:00.000-07:00

Order of Finish
t1. Troy 7-5 (6-1)
t1. Louisiana-Lafayette 8-4 (6-1)
t3. MTSU 6-6 (5-2)
t3. North Texas 5-7 (5-2
t5. Arkansas State 3-9 (2-5)
t5. Florida Atlantic 2-10 (2-5)
t7. Louisiana-Monroe 2-10 (1-6)
t7. Florida International 1-11 (1-6)

MAC Predictions

2006-08-31T05:51:00.000-07:00

Order of Finish
West
t1. Northern Illinois 10-3 (8-1)*
t1. Toledo 8-4 (7-1)
3. Central Michigan 6-6 (5-3)
4. Western Michigan 4-8 (3-5)
5. Ball State 3-9 (2-6)
6. Eastern Michigan 0-12 (0-8)

East
t1. Miami Ohio 6-7 (5-4)*
t1. Kent State 6-6 (5-3)
t1. Akron 6-6 (5-3)
t1. Ohio 6-6 (5-3)
5. Bowling Green 6-6 (4-4)
6. Buffalo 1-11 (0-8)

*Northern Illinois defeats Miami Ohio in the MAC Championship.

CUSA Predictions

2006-08-31T05:44:00.000-07:00

Order of Finish
West
1. Tulsa 10-3 (8-1)*
t2. SMU 8-4 (5-3)
t2. Houston 8-4 (5-3)
t2. UTEP 7-5 (5-3)
5. Tulane 2-10 (1-7)
6. Rice 0-12 (0-8)

East
t1. UCF 8-5 (6-3)*
t1. So Miss 8-4 (6-2)
3. Memphis 7-5 (5-3)
t4. UAB 4-8 (3-5)
t4. ECU 3-9 (3-5)
6. Marshall 3-9 (2-6)

*Tulsa defeats UCF in CUSA Championship game.

Big Ten Predictions

2006-08-31T05:40:00.000-07:00

Order of Finish
t1. Ohio State 10-2 (7-1)
t1. Michigan 10-2 (7-1)
3. Iowa 10-2 (6-2)
t4. Penn State 8-4 (5-3)
t4. Michigan State 8-4 (5-3)
t4. Purdue 8-5 (5-3)
7. Wisconsin 8-4 (4-4)
t8. Minnesota 5-7 (2-6)
t8. Northwestern 4-8 (2-6)
10. Illinois 4-8 (1-7)
11. Indiana 4-8 (0-8)

Big East Predictions

2006-08-31T05:34:00.000-07:00

Order of Finish
1. Louisville 11-1 (6-1)
2. West Virginia 11-1 (6-1)
t3. Pitt 9-3 (5-2)
t3. USF 8-4 (5-2)
5. Rutgers 6-6 (3-4)4-8
t6. UConn 4-8 (1-6)
t6. Cincinnati (1-6)
t6. Syracuse 3-8 (1-6)

Neglected Not Forgotten

2006-08-29T02:10:00.000-07:00

For the few readers that still frequent this blog, I apologize for the lack of content. But between work, family, the Fresno State Football Blog, the Bark Board and another new FS blog (which officially launches sometime next week), something had to give -- and unfortunately it had to be MDG CFB.

But I am still going to add my season picks, and provide weekly picks every Thursday or Friday, so check back or just check in every day for the Hottie of the day.

It is the best time of the year, college football is just two days away.

My Preaseason Blogpoll Ballot

2006-08-15T09:53:00.000-07:00

Preseason Blogpoll released!

Rank	Team	Delta
1	Auburn	25
2	Southern Cal	24
3	Ohio State	23
4	Louisiana State	22
5	Texas	21
6	Notre Dame	20
7	Michigan	19
8	Florida State	18
9	Florida	17
10	Iowa	16
11	Louisville	15
12	West Virginia	14
13	Miami (Florida)	13
14	Clemson	12
15	Georgia	11
16	Oklahoma	10
17	Cal	9
18	Tennessee	8
19	Virginia Tech	7
20	Nebraska	6
21	Penn State	5
22	Boston College	4
23	Oregon	3
24	Texas Tech	2
25	Arizona State	1

Dropped Out:

Mountain West Conference Preview

2006-07-23T16:47:00.000-07:00

The Mountain West Conference welcomed Texas Christian as its ninth member in 2005, and the Horned Frogs ran away with the conference title. TCU is a favorite, along with 2004 conference champion and BCS buster Utah, to win the MWC in 2006.

Speaking of the BCS, the consensus thought is a MWC school, if any non-BCS school, will earn a berth in the expanded version of the controversial bowl series. If this year’s formula had been in place last year TCU would have earned an automatic berth to a BCS bowl. Hypothetically speaking, imagine if TCU would have won a BCS bowl last year and West Virginia would have got beat in the Sugar Bowl. Then the debate about the Big East’s automatic BCS berth would be heated. It was just two years when Utah whipped the Big East champion, Pittsburgh, 35-7 in the Fiesta Bowl.

There is a fine line between the Big East and MWC, but West Virginia’s Sugar Bowl win over Georgia and Louisville’s high-scoring offense have created a separation that has held off the debate, for now.

Utah 10-2 (7-1) – The Utes were on top of the world in 2004, but were given a heavy dose of reality last season. However, Utah has great shot to return the BCS for the second time in three years. It all starts with great quarterback play, and very few, if any, schools can match the Utes’ quarterback depth. Brian Johnson, Brett Ratliff or Tommy Grady could start for most MWC schools. The Utes must replace tailback Quentin Ganther and that is easier said then done. Brian Hernandez leads a good experienced receiving corps. The offensive line is solid but lacks experience depth. The defensive line returns three starters led by all-MWC candidate Kelley Talavou. The linebackers are headed by rover Joe Jiannoni and are among the best in the conference. The defensive backfield is a real strength. Cornerback Eric Weddle and strong safety Casey Evans are among the best in the country at their respective positions.
Schedule- It has BCS written all over it. The toughest test is at UCLA to start the year, but UCLA will be breaking in a host of key starters. The toughest league games, TCU and BYU, are at home. And one can’t forget the BCS Buster Bowl vs. Boise State the last day of September.
Final Words- I am still not sold on the Utah offense under offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig, and a quarterback controversy could kill team moral. If Utah does not win at least 10 games with this amount of talent and favorable schedule, then Urban Meyer was really a once and lifetime coach.
Bowl- Chance at the BCS, but I say Vegas baby!

TCU 8-4 (6-2) – The Frogs beat teams with sound defense and mistake free football. The formula will not change in 2006. The strength behind TCU’s offense is its depth at tailback. Robert Merrill and Lonta Hobbs is one of the most potent duos in the nation. Quarterback Jeff Ballard is 8-0 as the starter, but is not a great quarterback per se. The offensive line returns just on starter and could pose a problem if the holes can not be filled. The early departure of wide receiver Cory Rodgers hurts both on offense and special teams. The defensive line returns the two best defensive ends, Tommy Blake and Chase Ortiz, in the conference. The linebackers are some of the best in the country. Middle linebacker Jason Philips is an All-American candidate. However, the secondary could be the weak link of the defense. Weakside safety Marvin White is the only returning starter. I consider returning strong safety Eric Buchanan a linebacker in the 4-2-5 defense.
Schedule- The MWC did not do TCU any favors by scheduling it an after Thanksgiving game at Colorado State. TCU has never played a post October game in the Rockies. Texas Tech at home will make or break the Frogs season. Last year’s team could have easily started last season 0-4, this year’s team could conceivably be 1-4 by mid-October.
Final Words- TCU was +21 in turnover margin last year and the odds are the Frogs will not be as lucky this year. The offensive line and secondary are problems areas that were not a year ago.
Bowl- Fort Worth

BYU 8-4 (6-2) – It was not long ago when BYU was considered one of the top 10 football programs in the nation. Today the Cougars are just another “mid-major” trying to earn national respect. Utah may have the conference’s best quarterback depth and TCU the best running back depth, but there is not a better quarterback/running back tandem in the MWC then BYU’s John Beck and Curtis Brown. The receiving corps is the best in the conference, as is the offensive line. Tight end Johny Harline is one of the best in the country and Jake Kuresa is the best tackle in the conference. As good as the offense is the defense is a mess. The defensive line will be breaking in young raw talent and the starters could all be newcomers. The linebackers are the strength of the defense and are led by all-MWC performer Cameron Jensen. The secondary was decimated by injuries last year, but should stay healthy improve its numbers in 2006.
Schedule- Arizona and Boston College on the road is not going to be easy. Conference games at TCU and Utah makes if very difficult for BYU to win an outright conference title.
Final Words- BYU will be much improved, but the tough schedule will prevent the Cougars from making any splash beyond a minor bowl win. If the defense can overcome its shortfalls and be a force, BYU just may win the conference title.
Bowl- Poinsettia

Colorado State 6-6 (5-3) – Sonny Lubick is the dean of the MWC coaches, but his program has fallen on some hard times. Departure of Parade All-American quarterback Justin Holland is welcomed by many Rams fans, but he could be harder to replace than many expect. Running back Kyle Bell is built like a truck (6’ 2 226) and will top 1,000 yards on the year. The receiving corps loses David Anderson, but returns four of the top five pass catchers. The offensive line loses two starters but looks to be just a strong as last year’s unit. The Rams are loaded on defense. The front seven is experienced and deep. Defensive end Jesse Nading will vie for all-MWC honors. The secondary is led by stellar cornerback Robert Herbert. It is, as well, very deep and experienced.
Schedule- Lubick tried to tone down the non-conference schedule this year, but games at Nevada and Fresno State will not be easy, neither will be the annual game vs. Colorado. BYU and TCU have to come to Fort Collins in MWC play.
Final Words- The Rams will be underrated, again. Has Lubick lost his touch? No, in fact with an upset or two, CSU could find itself atop the conference.
Bowl- New Mexico

San Diego State 6-6 (3-5) – Chuck Long steps into a great situation in San Diego. The former Oklahoma offensive coordinator is finally a head coach, and just may be the one to awake the sleeping giant that is known as the San Diego State football program. The offense will start and end with tailback Lynell Hamilton. He has not been healthy since late 2003, but could be the best back in the West by season’s end. Quarterback Kevin O’ Connell must learn a new offensive scheme, but should adapt well. The receivers lose some talent, but shouldn’t miss a beat. The offensive line loses three starters, but should be comparable to last year’s unit. The Aztec defense will be led up front by one of the conference’s best defensive ends, Antwan Applewhite. The linebackers should be a lot healthier and more productive this season. The secondary is underrated, but should be among the best in the country. Cornerbacks Donny Baker and Terrell Maze are undersized, however, are the best CB duo in the MWC.
Schedule- SDSU can make an early splash with a win over UTEP in the season opener. At Wisconsin will not be as tough as many expect. Utah comes to San Diego the following week.
Final Words- Long has great weapons on offense to work with. The defense will be strong point and there is a great chance for SDSU to win eight to nine games.
Bowl- Quite possibly the hometown Poinsettia

UNLV 4-8 (3-5) – The Rebels might as well join the Pac 10 considering how many Pac 10 transfers will call UNLV home in 2006. The offensive back field will be led by former USC quarterback Rocky Hinds. The “little” Erick Jackson (5’6 185) is a decent back, but there is little experience behind him. Two of top three receivers depart, but still remains a strong point. The offensive line returns virtually in tack. The defense is full of potential and question marks. Howie Fuimaono is mountain of a nose guard and will anchor the 3-4; however, overall the unit is very inexperienced. All-MWC linebacker Beau Bell leads an inexperienced group. The secondary is full of big-name transfers, but will they blend well and contribute. Former USC cornerback Eric Wright is considered by many pundits one of the best in the nation, yet he has not played in nearly two years and only started four games for the Trojans in 2004.
Schedule- The conference road schedule is brutal: Colorado State, BYU, Utah and San Diego State. The Rebels have to play two of the WAC’s best, at Hawaii and vs. Nevada, along with a very tough road game at Iowa State.
Final Words- The big name transfers draw media attention and give fans hope. However, the transfers have yet to play or contribute to the team per se. I am not sold on the “elite” secondary and UNLV could struggle early on against great passing teams (Hawaii and Nevada).
Bowl- With a few upsets, there is an outside shot.

New Mexico 4-8 (2-6) – The Lobos lose their top rusher, DonTrell Moore, and receiver, Hank Baskett III, and must rebuild with only 10 returning starters. Former UCLA head coach Bob Toledo will be the new offensive coordinator. He will switch from the spread to more of a West Coast offense, but has few weapons to work with. Quarterback Kole McKamey is a duel-threat quarterback, but will have to hold off Chris Nelson for the starting job. Moore and Baskett’s departure leave gaping holes at the skill positions. The returning receivers have size, but were not impressive last season. The offensive line returns three starters, led by all-MWC tackle Robert Turner. The defensive line is raw and undersized. But the heart of the Lobos 3-3-5 is the linebackers and Cody Kase and Quincy Black are among the best in the conference. The secondary will be much improved from a year ago.
Schedule- Missouri and UTEP come to Albuquerque and both pose great upset opportunities. New Mexico’s last five games are against arguably the MWC’s best: Utah, at Colorado State, TCU, at BYU, and San Diego State.
Final Words- The cupboard is bare on offense, and after the first two games there are no breathers. If no one steps on offense it could be a very long season for Lobo fans.
Bowl- The hometown bowl will have to wait at least another year.

Wyoming 3-9 (2-6) – Joe Glenn is 15-20 in his first threes at Wyoming. The highlight of his Cowboy coaching career was the Las Vega Bowl win over heavily favored UCLA in 2004. Last year’s team should have contended for the conference crown after starting an impressive 4-1, but lost its last six games. The dynamic pass-catching duo of Casey Bramlet and Jovon Bouknight has departed and Cowboys return just 12 starters. Bramlet didn’t have the best senior year, and projected starter Karsten Sween could post better numbers. The offensive and defensive lines look to be stronger. Weakside linebacker Ward Dobbs is a super sophomore and heads a very strong unit. The secondary is a wreck. Only one starter, free safety John Welding, returns.
Schedule- The non-conference slate really has no breathers. Utah State is decent ball club that could upset the Cowboys in the opener. Boise State, road games at Virginia and Syracuse will be tough for a Wyoming team trying to build some momentum early in the season. In conference play, it ends the season on the road at BYU and UNLV.
Final Words- There is a still talent in Laramie. There is only one major concern, defensive back, and if the Sween can develop chemistry with his receivers the Cowboys have a shot to win six games.
Bowl- Not likely

Air Force 2-10 (1-7) – Man oh man do I hate to pick Air Force last. Since 2003 the Falcons have steadily fallen and they just may hit rock bottom in 2006. Shaun Carney is another in a long line of great Air Force quarterbacks. The running backs and offensive line are experienced but were not that impressive last year. The receiving corps must be rebuilt. Despite returning just five starters on defense, the Falcons are still experienced. Defensive end Gilberto Perez is an all-MWC caliber player. The linebackers and secondary will improve if they can stay healthy.
Schedule- Navy is no longer a gimme, and neither is this year’s road trip to Army. Notre Dame and Tennessee will be blowouts, but at least the Irish are at home. In conference the tough games are at home, and the easier ones are on the road.
Final Words- The Falcons are not the worst team in the MWC. Any of the predicted bottom six teams could finish third through ninth; unfortunately the Falcons have the toughest schedule of the six, in my opinion.
Bowl- Unlikely

All-MWC Team

Offense
WR- Johnny Walker, Colorado State
WR- Brian Hernandez, Utah
TE- Johny Harline, BYU
T- Jake Kuresa, BYU
T- Robert Turner, New Mexico
C- Nick Allotta, Colorado State
G- Dallas Roberts, BYU
G- Bo Greer, New Mexico
QB- John Beck, BYU
RB- Kyle Bell, Colorado State
RB- Lynell Hamilton, San Diego State
AP- Curtis Brown, BYU

Defense
DL- Tommy Blake, TCU
DL- Kelly Talavou, Utah
DL- Antwan Applewhite, San Diego State
DL- Chase Ortiz, TCU
LB- Jason Phillips, TCU
LB- Cameron Jensen, BYU
LB- Ward Dobbs, Wyoming
CB- Eric Weddle, Utah
CB- Donny Baker, San Diego State
SS- Casey Evans, Utah
FS- Ben Stratton, Colorado State
PR- Chris Sutton, Air Force

Specialists
K- Chris Manfredini, TCU
P- Jimmie Kaylor, Colorado State
KR- Brent Casteel, Utah

Individual Awards

Offensive POY- John Beck, BYU
Defensive POY- Chase Ortiz, TCU
Freshman of the Year- Walter Watts, Utah
Coach of the Year- Chuck Long, San Diego State
Game of the Year- BYU at Utah
Upset of the Year- Colorado State over TCU
Most Overrated- Eric Wright, UNLV
Most Underrated- Donny Baker, San Diego State

Top Units

Best Quarterbacks- Utah
Best Running Backs- TCU
Best Wide Receivers- BYU
Best Offensive Line- BYU
Best Defensive Line- TCU
Best Linebackers- TCU
Best Defensive Backs- Utah
Best Special Teams- San Diego State
Best Coaching- TCU
Best Intangibles- TCU

CFB's Best Quarterbacks

2006-07-17T00:02:00.000-07:00

Time to start my All-American picks and there is no better place to start than with the quarterback. Notre Dame's Brady Quinn is going to be "everyone's" first team preseason All-American quarterback. Quinn is a great quarterback and very well may be the first pick in the 2007 NFL draft, but is he the best "college" quarterback?

Last year Matt Leinart was hands down the best quarterback heading into the season. He was the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, the best pro prospect, and arguably the best college football player to ever play the game. However, by season's end Texas' Vince Young proved to be the best college quarterback and surprisingly was the first quarterback taken in the 2006 NFL draft.

This quarterback list is not necessarily the best pro prospects, but in my opinion the best quarterbacks in the college game.

1. Troy Smith, Ohio State- Smith is this year's Vince Young. He is quick, mobile and can just flat out make plays.
2. Sam Keller, Arizona State- Keller missed half of last year due to injury, but should 100% this fall. When healthy there is not a better college quarterback in the nation.
3. Brady Quinn, Notre Dame- Head coach Charlie Weis has turned Quinn into a remarkable player. Quinn will win the Heisman if the Irish wins at least nine games and he passes for over 3,000 yards and 30 scores.
4. Drew Tate, Iowa- It seems everyone is forgetting about Iowa and Tate this year. He is still the quintessential college quarterback, undersized with little or no pro potential yet is a leader and finds a way to win games.
5. Pat White, West Virginia- White is not the best thrower, but he is the best dual threat quarterback in nation. White had 952 yards rushing last year, despite not starting until mid-October. He could be the first quarterback, ever, to rush for 1,500 yards and pass for 1,500 yards in the same season.
6. Brian Brohm, Louisville- I was skeptical about him last season, but he proved me wrong. He not only proved to me to be a great full-time starter, but to be one of the best quarterbacks in the nation.
7. Drew Stanton, Michigan State- Few quarterbacks have the on and off switch like Stanton. When he is on, he is arguably one of the best quarterbacks in the nation, but when he is off...
8. Chad Henne, Michigan- Henne had a bit of a letdown in 2005 compared to his great freshman year. Was Braylon Edwards that big of a difference? I think not.
9. Bret Meyer, Iowa State- Meyer is a virtual unknown that takes the torch from Young as the best quarterback in the Big 12.
10. Tyler Palko, Pittsburgh- Palko had a pretty bad season last year. He should rebound nicely and just may be the best quarterback in the Big East, and that is saying a lot.
11. Colt Brennan, Hawaii- It's a good bet Brennan will shatter the NCAA record for passing yards in season this year. The Warriors will play 14 games if bowl eligible.
12. Matt Ryan, Boston College- The most underrated passer in all of college football. A great season by Ryan could land the Eagles in the BCS.
13. Chris Leak, Florida- Leak would be a much better quarterback in a different offense. The spread is just not his thing.
14. Trent Edwards, Stanford- Edwards could be the Pac 10's best quarterback.
15. Jeff Rowe, Nevada- The unorthodox pistol offense is run to perfection by the experienced Rowe.
16. Brandon Cox, Auburn- He just gets the job done, and makes few mistakes.
17. Luke Getsy, Akron- An excellent passer that deserves more notice.
18. Drew Weatherford- His improvement could be the difference between another five loss season and possible national title.
19. Paul Smith, Tulsa- A tough, gritty quarterback that is a great team leader.
20. John Beck, BYU- Beck is a throwback to the great Cougar quarterbacks of the past.
21. Rudy Carpenter, Arizona State- He could start for most teams in the nation, but will ride the pine behind Keller.

My Top 25

2006-07-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

It's been two months since my last top 25; things have change a bit and it's time to update the teams. The official preseason Blog Poll ballot is still over a month away, and this will be my last "unofficial" top 25 until then. I rank teams based on talent, coaching, depth, intangibles, and I do take into account schedules and where a team might finish the season.

Auburn- There is still no reason to drop the Tigers from my top spot.
USC- Slowly this team is starting to remind me of the 2003 national title team.
Ohio State- The offense is just too good to keep the Buckeyes out of the top 3, and the defense will progress each game.
LSU- Talent wise, there are few teams in the Tigers' league.
Texas- I would not be surprised to see a repeat.
Notre Dame- Unlike the Buckeyes, the Irish defense will not get better as the season rolls along.
Iowa- The schedule is very favorable, and the talent is not too shabby either.
Florida State- This team is ready to surprise the nation.
Michigan- There is too much talent on this team to keep the Blue out of the top 10.
Oklahoma- This team is very good, but not great in my book.
Louisville- Could very well play for the national title.
West Virginia- 12-0 is a good possibility, but talent wise; this is where the Mountaineers belong.
Florida- The Gators season hinges on quality quarterback play.
Miami- The 'Canes overhauled the coaching staff, will it pay off?
Clemson- The Tigers are top 10 worthy, but have to prove it on the field first.
Georgia- If last year was considered a rebuilding year, then what would you call this year?
California- The team is good, but hardly top five good some pundits are predicting.
Tennessee- The Volunteers will back to their old SEC title contending days.
Virginia Tech- The loss of Vick is a both good and bad, this ranking is the bad, for now.
Nebraska- The Cornhuskers have a good shot to win a somewhat "weak" Big 12.
Penn State- There is holes to fill, but nothing too big for JoPa to overcome.
Boston College- The Eagles have dropped, but some big early season wins will put them back in my top 10.
Oregon- The Ducks will win their share of games, but the defense is a concern.
Texas Tech- The Red Raiders are this close to getting over the hump and becoming an upper echelon team.
Arizona State- The Sun Devils need to stay healthy.

on the outside looking in: Georgia Tech, Arkansas, Pittsburgh, South Carolina, Alabama, Michigan State, Utah, Maryland, TCU, Iowa State, Wisconsin, Oregon State, Fresno State, Arizona, Kansas, Rutgers, UCLA, Navy, Purdue, Washington State, Tulsa, Boise State, UCF, N. Illinois, So. Miss

bold-teams to watch

post spring top 25

1550 Sporting News Radio

2006-07-05T03:59:00.000-07:00

I will be on the air today at 7:25 am with Tony D and the gang talking Bulldog football and recruiting. Listen to the webcast here.

ACC Preview

2006-07-03T03:05:00.000-07:00

The Atlantic Coast Conference has become one of the top four conferences in major college football with the addition of Miami and Virginia in 2004 and Boston College last year. However, with the added schools, it’s doubtful an ACC representative will play in the BCS national championship game this season.

Inaugural season of the 12 team ACC set numerous records for the conference, including a record eight bowl teams. 7-4 Florida State upset 10-1 Virginia Tech in the ACC championship game, thus the Seminoles earned an automatic bid to the Orange Bowl. If the current BCS formula had been in place last year, TCU would have been given the ACC’s automatic bid to the BCS, based on FSU’s low BCS ranking.

The ACC shouldn’t encounter that same problem again in 2006. The conference is loaded with great teams, but there is no clear cut favorite. Miami and Florida State are always going to be the talk of the ACC and the nation for that matter. Virginia Tech still is fighting for respect in the college football despite going to a bowl game every year since 1992. Clemson has its best team in the Tommy Bowden era. Boston College has a solid team again. As many five other ACC teams could be bowl eligible, this would give the ACC an unprecedented 10 bowl teams. Duke is the only school with really no shot at becoming bowl eligible.

Atlantic Division

Florida State 10-2 (6-2) - The Seminoles lose a boatload of starters especially on defense. However, this year’s team will be more experienced than last year’s conference championship squad. The offense is loaded with weapons, but it remains to be seen if Bowden junior can kick it into high gear. Quarterback Drew Weatherford is poised to have a great year and tailback Lorenzo Booker is a dangerous threat running or receiving. The offensive line will be better as long as it can stay healthy. Add in the abundance of depth at wide receiver and you can see why the offense might just be obliterating teams, while the defense comes around early in the season. The defensive front seven, despite the loss of starters, shouldn’t be a major concern. Weakside linebacker Buster Davis will have a great year. The secondary is in great shape compared to last year, and will be one of the nation’s best.
Schedule: FSU has a very favorable schedule, but their toughest game is right off the bat at Miami in the season opener. A win in the Orange Bowl would put the Seminoles on track for an unbeaten season; a loss may not damage their chances if they can run the table the rest of the way.
Final Words: Florida State will be underrated in 2006, which can be either good or bad for the psyche of the team. The defense will be strong once again, but if the offense struggles, FSU could be in for a tough year. Booker needs to gain at least 1,000 yards on the ground in order for the Seminoles to be considered a serious national title contender.
Bowl: I smell Oranges.

Boston College 9-3 (5-3) – The Eagles are my pick to surprise team in the ACC this year. Quarterback Matt Ryan is underrated, but in my opinion will be the best quarterback in the ACC at the end of the season. LV Whitworth and Andre Callender are a great one-two punch at running back. Combined they should exceed the 2,000 yard mark this season. The offensive line and receivers have holes to fill, but there is enough talent to make a seamless transition. Linebacker Brian Toal is one of the best in the nation and will lead the defense. The front seven looks to be down a notch overall, but the secondary should improve from a year ago.
Schedule: BC hosts Clemson and Virginia Tech but must travel to Miami and Florida State. The other eight games are winnable; therefore, the Eagles have a good shot at their best season since 1984
Final Words: If the Eagles can take care of business at home, a double-digit win season is likely. If the Florida State stumbles along the way, it is not a stretch to say that BC could be playing for the ACC title in early December.
Bowl: Music City

Clemson 9-3 (5-3) – How far can the Tigers go? Atlantic Division winners, ACC Champs, BCS Bowl, National title, they will go as far as quarterback Will Proctor will take them. All the pieces are in place for Tommy Bowden to finally get the Tigers over the hump. Procter is a better fit for Bowden’s spread offense than departing four-year starter Charlie Whitehurst. The receivers are deep and the running backs are arguably the best in the conference. The offensive line returns all five starters and will be among the nation’s best. The defense is the strongest it has been in the Bowden era. The defensive line has to fill some holes, but defensive end Gaines Adams returns and is one of the best in the nation. The linebackers are deep, talented and experienced. The secondary shouldn’t miss a beat despite having to replace cornerback Tye Hill.
Schedule: This is where the Tigers get screwed. Their second and third games of the season are at Boston College and Florida State, respectively. For the Tigers to have any shot at the ACC title they have to sweep or at least split those games.
Final Words: Bowden has had some talented teams in his tenure, but his Tigers always seem to lose a game or two they shouldn’t. Clemson arguably can be considered the most talented and experienced team in the ACC, but could lose as many as four games this season.
Bowl: Just Peachy

Maryland 7-5 (4-4) – Ralph Friedgen won 10 games in each of his first three seasons at the helm. However, the Terps have struggled to win just 10 games total his last two years. This year’s team should break the losing skid and get Friedgen back to a bowl. Running back Lance Ball is the key to the offense, and should top the 1,500 yard mark as a full time starter. Sam Hollenbach returns as the starting quarterback, but loses his top four receivers from 2005. The veteran offensive line will pave the way for a ground oriented attack why the young receivers get their feet wet. The defensive line looks to be the strong point of the defense. The linebackers are a concern with the loss of D’Qwell Jackson. The secondary is far more experienced than 2005 and can only improve.
Schedule: This is not an easy schedule. The Terps must travel to West Virginia. Miami and Florida State will sell out Byrd Stadium but it would be tough for Maryland to win both. Road games at Clemson and Boston College surround the Miami game in November.
Final Words: Despite having one of the tougher schedules in the ACC, Maryland should have its best season since 2003. If the receivers develop into quality targets the offense should average over 400 yards per game for the first time since 2003.
Bowl: Emerald

NC State 5-7 (2-6) – The Wolfpack simply underachieved last season. The all-star stellar defense from a year ago must be rebuilt up front; however, the secondary should be one of the best in the country. Defensive tackle DeMario Pressley is a nice rock to build the defense on. Offensively, NC State has weapons, but simply can’t score points. Receiver/return specialist Darrell Blackmon is threat to score every time he touches the ball. Marcus Stone was an average quarterback at best last year, but should have a decent year as the sole starter. Center Leroy Harris is an all-American candidate at center, but the offensive line must replace three starters.
Schedule: The Wolfpack have a tricky road game at Southern Miss before ACC play begins. Florida State and Boston College must come to Raleigh. Road games at Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina will be the difference from a winning season or a losing one.
Final Words: NC State should have won more than six games last year. This year’s team despite not being as talented could match or exceed last year’s win total.
Bowl: Possible

Wake Forest 5-7 (2-6) – Jim Grobe’s program is now full of his recruits. The Demon Deacons are loaded on both sides of the ball with and are capable of earning a bowl bid. Quarterback Ben Mauk has to have good season if Wake Forest is to finish in the upper half of the ACC. Replacing record breaking tailback Chris Barclay is not going to be easy. The receiving corps is an underrated group that could surprise. The offensive and defensive lines are the strong points of the team heading into fall. Defensive end Matt Robinson is a candidate for all-ACC honors. The linebackers and secondary return all its starters and both units should rank among the top in the conference.
Schedule: Wake Forest has a chance to start the season 5-0, but could conceivably lose its last seven games. The Demon Deacons will more than likely have to win two ACC road games to become bowl eligible.
Final Words: A lot of people are going to expect Wake Forest to challenge for a bowl game. It’s quite possible for the Demon Deacons to win eight games, but five or six is more reasonable.
Bowl: Possible

Coastal Division

Miami 10-2 (7-1) – Miami was clearly the best team in the ACC last year and was in the national title race until an upset loss to Georgia Tech late in the year. Larry Coker fearing for his job overhauled his coaching staff. He hired former Hurricane offensive coordinator Rich Olsen to rejuvenate the once mighty ‘Cane offense. Kyle Wright is supposed to be the next great Hurricane quarterback, and 2006 could be his breakout year. Miami has an extremely talented receiving corps, led by Ryan Moore, but unfortunately they have yet to live up to their billing. Tight end Greg Olsen is one of the best in the nation catching the ball. Tyrone Moss has to find a way to stay healthy to boost the ‘Canes running game. The offensive line is a weak point of the offense for the first time in a long time. The defense will be among the nation’s best. Baraka Atkins makes the move from defensive tackle to defensive end, and will be an all-American candidate. Miami has to replace two starting linebackers but Tavares Gooden returns from injury to bolster a very strong unit. The secondary is loaded at safety, but cornerback is a bit suspect.
Schedule: An early game at Louisville could make or break the season. The Hurricanes are still considered the big dog, even against the likely favored Cardinals. Florida State, Virginia Tech and Boston College all must play Miami in the Orange Bowl.
Final Words: With this much talent and a favorable schedule, anything less than an ACC title would be a disappointment.
Bowl: Gator Country

Virginia Tech 9-3 (5-3) – What was up with Marcus Vick last year? He was a better passer than his brother, Michael, but couldn’t handle his problems off or on the field. The Hokies will be better without him per se. Sean Glennon will take over for Vick at quarterback, but is not quite the same athlete. Brandon Ore is the mold of the great Hokie running backs of the past, and should break the 1,000 yard barrier this year. The receivers are probably the best in Virginia Tech history. The big question mark on offense is not the quarterback, but the offensive line. The Hokies must replace three all-ACC players. The defensive line shouldn’t miss a beat even with the loss of numerous starters that were drafted by the NFL. Passing rushing specialist Chris Ellis will lead the ACC in sacks. Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi are the best inside linebacker duo in the nation, but Virginia Tech can not afford any injuries at linebacker. The secondary loses Jimmy Williams, but actually looks like it could improve in 2006.
Schedule: It’s not too daunting. Trips to Miami and Boston College are the toughest tests. Tough games against Southern Miss and Clemson fall in between those two tough road trips.
Final Words: If Glennon can develop a rhythm with his receivers, then look out. The defense will carry this team until October. After that, the offense will have to put of some points, if the Hokies want to contend for a conference or even national title.
Bowl: Champs Sports

Georgia Tech 7-5 (4-4) – The Wrambling Wreck could wreck Notre Dame’s national title hopes to start the season. The Yellow Jackets have the nation’s best receiver in Calvin Johnson, and return four starters on the offensive line. Senior quarterback Reggie Ball has 36 career starts under his belt but is still in a battle for his job heading into fall. Ball is an undersized thrower, but is capable of making plays. Tashard Choice will take over PJ Daniels at tailback, and he led the team in rushing touchdowns last year. The defensive front seven will be very good. Kenny Scott is the best cornerback in the ACC, but overall the secondary is weak.
Schedule: Aside from the home opener against the Irish, trips to Virginia Tech, Clemson and Georgia stand out. Miami has to come to Atlanta.
Final Words: An upset win over Notre Dame will say a lot for Georgia Tech and the ACC. A 10-2 season and ACC Coastal Division title is not too far fetched of an idea.
Bowl: Could be hometown Peaches but I say Meineke.

North Carolina 7-5 (4-4) - The Tarheels finished 5-6 last year despite having one of the worst offenses in the nation. They brought in former Fresno State offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti to change things around. Quarterback is the hot issue in 2006. Nebraska transfer Joe Dailey and redshirt freshman Cam Sexton are in a heated battle heading into fall. At least each will have talented trio of running backs, led by Ronnie McGill, to hand the ball to. However, the receiving corps needs some players to step up. The offensive line is young but should improve. The defense was the savior last season, and again will be the strongest part of the team. The front seven has decent talent and great depth. Linebacker Larry Edwards is force on the strong side. The underrated secondary will be vastly improved.
Schedule: A trip to South Bend will be tough, as will games at Miami and Clemson. A home contest against Virginia Tech, in the second week of the season, is an excellent opportunity for the Tarheels to pull the upset.
Final Words: Cignetti is often considered the mastermind behind a supposedly high scoring Fresno State offense. His offense, however, was complex and lacked imagination, but it moved the ball with a punishing ground attack and precise passing scheme. It will be interesting to see how it fares in the much stronger ACC.
Bowl: Boise or bust

Virginia 6-6 (3-5) - Head coach Al Groh has stated 2006 will be a rebuilding year. Only 12 starters return and Virginia must replace both its starting quarterback and running back. On the other hand, the Wahoos top five receivers return. Christian Olsen took command of the quarterback position in the spring, and is more of a traditional drop back passer than former signal caller Marques Hagans. Michael Johnson is a speedy tailback that must prove he can be an every down back. The offensive line needs some rebuilding but there is plenty talent to fill the gaps. The defensive line is also a bit down this year, but has enough talent to be a productive unit. Defensive end Chris Long is an all-ACC candidate. The linebackers were considered the best in the nation just two years ago, now are just average. The secondary is very deep and talented.
Schedule: Starting the season at Pitt will be tough, but closing the season at Florida State, vs. Miami and at Virginia Tech is just plain brutal. Luckily in between Virginia has a good shot to win seven games.
Final Words: If the Olsen can get the ball to his receivers and Johnson has a 1,000 yard season, the Wahoos will win eight games. Groh always seems to have a better season when least expected.
Bowl: Boise or bust

Duke 1-11 (0-8) – Duke has not had a winning season since 1994, and the hiatus will continue again in 2006. The offense only returns four starters and the offense line will be young and inexperienced. At least quarterback Zack Asack and running back Justin Boyle return. In fact, Duke returns its top three rushers. The receivers need help. The defensive line will be decent, and should improve its numbers from a year ago. The linebackers are in trouble, health could be an issue again this year. The secondary returns three starters, including superb corner John Talley.
Schedule: The added 12th game must benefit a team like Duke. With the added game, the Blue Devils should schedule four easy non-conference games against IAA, MAC or Sun Belt doormats. But, Duke has games against Navy and at Alabama to go along with their tough ACC schedule.
Final Words: Will Duke ever be a contender in the much stronger 12 team ACC? Probably not in the near future, or maybe never.
Bowl: No way

ACC Championship Game: Florida State over Miami

All-ACC Team

Offense
WR- Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech
WR- Greg Carr, Florida State
TE- Greg Olsen, Miami
T- Barry Richardson, Clemson
T- Stephon Heyer, Maryland
C- Leroy Harris, NC State
G- Josh Beekman, Boston College
G- Charleston Gray, North Carolina
QB- Matt Ryan, Boston College
RB- Lorenzo Booker, Florida State
RB- Brandon Ore, Virginia Tech
FB- Keon Lattimore, Maryland
AP- Eddie Royal, Virginia Tech

Defense
DE- Gaines Adams, Clemson
DT- DeMario Pressley, NC State
DL- Baraka Atkins, Miami
DE- Chris Ellis, Virginia Tech
LB- Brian Toal, Boston College
LB- Vince Hall, Virginia Tech
LB- Anthony Waters, Clemson
CB- Kenny Scott, Georgia Tech
CB- Tony Carter, Florida State
SS- Brandon Meriweather, Miami
FS- Josh Gattis, Wake Forest
PR- Brandon Tate, North Carolina

Specialists
K- Jad Dean, Clemson
P- Nic Schmitt, Virginia Tech
KR- Darrell Blackmon, NC State

Individual Awards

Offensive POY- Lorenzo Booker, Florida State
Defensive POY- Chris Ellis, Virginia Tech
Freshman of the Year- Myron Rolle, Florida State
Coach of the Year- Tom O’ Brien, Boston College
Game of the Year- Boston College at Miami
Upset of the Year- North Carolina over Virginia Tech
Most Overrated- Tyrone Moss, Miami
Most Underrated- Matt Ryan, Boston College

Top Units

Best Quarterbacks-Florida State
Best Running Backs- Clemson
Best Wide Receivers- Miami
Best Offensive Line- Clemson
Best Defensive Line- Miami
Best Linebackers- Clemson
Best Defensive Backs- Virginia Tech
Best Special Teams- Virginia Tech
Best Coaching- Virginia Tech
Best Intangibles- Florida State

Non-BCS Top 15

2006-06-29T03:07:00.000-07:00

I hate to join the masses and create separation between the haves and have nots, but honestly there are just a handful of non-BCS teams that have had success against the "Big Boys" since the BCS was created.

Fresno State is widely considered the "giant killer" of college football with their 10 wins over BCS schools since 2000. However, Utah might have something to say about that considering the Utes have beaten 11 BCS schools in that same time span; including eight BCS wins in the last three years.

TCU's win at Oklahoma last year is considered by many the most impressive win over a BCS school by a non-BCS school in recent years. However, OU finished a disappointing 7-4 in 2005. Fresno State's near upset of USC gets the 'Dogs a lot of respect but it still was a loss. Utah has whipped top 25 teams in its last two bowls games, Pitt and Georgia Tech, and was the first and only school to finish in the top six of the BCS standings.

Yet, everyone seems to forget N. Illinois' amazing run in 2003 when it beat No. 15 Maryland, Iowa State and No. 21 Alabama. What about Boise State? The Broncos have gone an impressive 45-7 the last four years, but who have they beaten? BSU has knocked off only two BCS schools in those four years, Iowa State and Oregon State. Both schools were unranked and both were beaten on the blue turf.

This year the road to the BCS gets a little easier for the “little” guys of major college football. The BCS has been like the Da Vinci Code for the five conferences without an automatic bid. Since its inception in 1998, only Utah has been able to crack code and share in the riches of a BCS bowl payout.

The BCS has decided to spread the love in 2006 by adding a fifth BCS bowl. The six BCS conference champions still get their automatic bid. After those six, any team ranked in the top 14 in the final BCS standings will be eligible for an at-large bid. The highest ranked non-BCS conference champion will receive an automatic bid if it’s ranked in the top 12 of the BCS or ranked higher than any of the six BCS conference champions. Let's not forget Notre Dame, who just has to be ranked in the top eight to get an automatic bid.

Who has the best chance to crack the BCS this year? The formula to be a BCS buster is simple. First a school must start the season ranked in the preseason top 25 or beat a highly ranked BCS team early in the season. After that is accomplished, that team must run the table. In theory, a non-BCS team could lose one or two games and still finished ranked in the top 12, but it’s highly unlikely. These are top 15 non-BCS teams with the best chance to get an automatic bid. Please keep in mind; these are not the top 15 teams in terms of talent. These are simply the top 15 teams with enough talent, luck and have the schedule conducive to finishing ranked in the top 12 of the BCS when it is all said and done the first week of December.

1. Utah- The Utes did it once before and my money is on them to have the best shot to do it again. The have a good shot to start the season ranked in the top 25. If not, knock off UCLA on September 2 and the media will already pencil the Utes in the Fiesta Bowl for the second time in three years.
2. Boise State- Do these guys ever play a real schedule? Oops, I forgot they tried last year and got their ass handed to them by Georgia. This year BSU is back to their old ways, Oregon State at home, at Wyoming and their toughest challenge is (drum roll please), at Utah. BSU's best chance to get the early season hype is to knock off a top 25 Ute team in Salt Lake or hope for Fresno State to beat LSU the week before the Bulldogs travel to Boise.
3. TCU- The 'Frogs had their chance last year, and if this year's formula would have been in place, their loss to SMU wouldn't have mattered. This time TCU will probably be ranked in the preseason top 25, thus all they have to do is run the table. Unfortunately, games at Baylor, vs. Texas Tech, at Utah and against BYU all come before mid-October. TCU has the talent to win all four, but after last year, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the 'Frogs stumble against BYU or Utah after upsetting the Red Raiders.
4. Tulsa- The Golden Hurricane came out of nowhere to win the conference title their first year in Conference USA. This year Tulsa replaces games against Minnesota and at Oklahoma with games at BYU and at Navy. It could equal an unbeaten season, but hardly enough to get voters to believe in you. Yeah, you beat an uninspired Fresno State team in the Liberty Bowl, but what have you done for me lately.
5. UTEP- The Miners could easily finish 7-5, but also could run the table if Jordan Palmer is able to distinguish jersey colors this year. The schedule comes down to two games, Texas Tech at home and at Tulsa. If the Miners can upset the Red Raiders, then it could be a magical season. But I am getting ahead of myself. If Palmer is still color blind, then the season will end August 31 at San Diego State.
6. Fresno State- My alma mater likes to take on the big boys. FS gets respect from the national media by doing so, but also gets boned in the ass by losing to some random WAC foe. It happens every year, and there is no reason to think it will not happen again. However, every dog has its day, and FS just might have enough moxie to finish in the top 12 in 2006. If the 'Dogs can beat Oregon, a close loss to LSU still may not be enough to keep them out of the BCS. However, this team has not been able to win in Boise, and Pat Hill has already flushed away one sure fire BCS berth in 2001 by losing to the Broncos. My guess it happens again this year.
7. Navy- If Notre Dame wasn't so freakin good; the Middies would be No. 1 on this list. Sure Navy has some semi-tough games at Stanford and at home against Tulsa and Rutgers. But Navy has enough talent to bury all three of those teams on a good day. The Irish are a different story. If Notre Dame was its typical overrated self, I would give Navy a good chance to finally smack around the Catholic boys. However, Notre Dame will beat Navy, thus no BCS.
8. Toledo- There is better teams in the MAC, but the Rockets have the "easiest" schedule. If Toledo can win at Iowa State and at home vs. Kansas in its first three games, the season could get interesting. Only games at Pitt and Northern Illinois will stand in the way of BCS glory.
9. Colorado State- The Rams have had better teams, but this year's team is still capable of winning the Mountain West. Coach Sonny Lubick has been on hard times in recent years and CSU is not expected to make a national splash anytime soon. Yet, the schedule says otherwise. Colorado is the big name on the plate, but at Fresno State will be tougher. Win those two and CSU could be ranked in the top 25 heading into the MWC schedule.
10. Northern Illinois- The Huskies have two daunting road games, at Ohio State and at Iowa. Honestly, this team has no chance to beat Ohio State, but I give NIU a puncher's chance against the Hawkeyes. 11-1 with a win over Iowa is BCS worthy.
11. Nevada- How good is the Wolfpack? We will all know by Sept 9. Nevada has to travel to Fresno State and Arizona State in back-to-back weeks to start the season. It has a slight chance to win both, and more than likely, those wins will give the Wolfpack that coveted top 25 ranking. 12. Hawaii- The Rainbows can score with anyone, but their defense can't stop anyone. They must win at Alabama September 2 to have any chance at the BCS.
13. San Diego State- New coach Chuck Long's Aztecs are a long shot to win the MWC, but he inherits enough talent to make the season interesting. At Wisconsin will be tough, but not impossible. The week after the Badgers, Utah comes to San Diego, but games at BYU and TCU will be just too much later in the season.
14. SMU- No this is not a joke. The Mustangs beat three bowl teams last year, and were just a win away from winning CUSA's West Division. Only one game this year can be classified as a "sure" loss and that is the opener at Texas Tech.
15. Houston- Only if the Cougars didn't have to travel to the Orange Bowl. Games against Oklahoma State and at Southern Miss will be difficult, but I would bet good money on Houston finishing 11-1.

CFB's Top Non-Conference/Non-Rivalry Games

2006-06-26T16:51:00.000-07:00

USC and Notre Dame will be the most anticipated non-conference matchup in 2006, but the Trojans and Irish are rivals that play every year. Notre Dame’s games with Michigan and Michigan State are other great games but are rivalries. Texas and Ohio State had a memorable game last year, and this year's contest, between the two, will again be one of the biggest non-conference/non-rivalry games of the season.

The NCAA approved the 12 game regular season for 2006 but that has not led to any more prominent non-conference matchups than in prior years. The 12th game has led to a few interesting intersectional games like Washington State at Auburn and Fresno State at LSU; however, most 12th games will pit BCS powers against Division IAA schools or IA pasties.

Fans can blame the NCAA for the less than stellar matchups. The NCAA will allow 6-6 teams to be bowl eligible and count any wins over IAA teams towards the six wins. In the past, a school had to finish over .500 and IAA wins could be counted towards bowl eligibility only once every four years.

So what games will be worth tuning into? There still will be a good number of games to watch in 2006 between non-conference/non-rival schools. I list my top 15 with the Longhorns and Buckeyes atop.

1. Ohio State at Texas, Sept. 9- This home and home between the schools has been the best thing to happen to college football in the last two years. Last year's game ultimately decided who won the national championship. If Texas had not won in Columbus, Ohio State easily could have taken their spot in Pasadena. Most people forgot, late in the season, how big of a win it was for Vince Young and Texas. This year, however, Young will not be lining up behind center. Texas is still loaded and is the home team. But the Buckeyes have this year's "Vince Young" in Troy Smith. Smith is considered by some the best quarterback in the nation. The duel-threat signal caller will have an early shot to jump atop the Heisman race with a big win in Austin. I like Texas to hold home court.
2. California at Tennessee, Sept. 2- This game doesn't have quite the luster because the Vols are coming off of a 5-6 season and Cal had an unimpressive 8-4 season. But many are calling for Cal to knock of USC in the Pac 10 this year, and some are expecting Tennessee to contend for the SEC East. There might not be a more exciting game on opening weekend, or the entire season for than matter. The early season winner will have a leg up on a big season and position itself for a BCS bowl berth. I like the Bears chances in this early contest.
3. Oklahoma at Oregon, Sept. 16- The Sooners and Ducks met two years ago in Norman and it was no contest, 31-7 OU. Last year they met in the infamous Holiday Bowl. It was unlike the high-scoring shootouts synonymous with the game in San Diego, instead it was a 17-14 Sooner yawner of a win. This time OU-UO should be one of the most intriguing games of the year. The "Oregon" offense will be in year two and it will be firing on all cylinders against Oklahoma, arguably the nation's best defense. The Sooner offense is still trying to find its stride with quarterback Rhett Bomar, but is still considered a national title favorite. Adrian Peterson is 100% and looking to top 2,000 yards on the season, but who will block for him? It may not matter because the Duck defense lost mammoth DT Haloti Ngata to the NFL. Michigan was a national title contender in 2003 when it visited Autzen Stadium and lost. New teams don't adjust well to the "Zoo", I like the Ducks chances to pull the upset.
4. Miami at Louisville, Sept. 16- Two years ago Louisville was an eyelash away from upseting the third ranked undefeated Hurricanes at the Orange Bowl. This year the Cardinals have a better team and host a Miami team that is not as good as the one from 2004. In theory, it should be a Louisville victory. However, things don't always work out so easily. Miami has an influx of new offensive assistants that can change the whole mantra of Larry Coker's team. The 'Canes don't lack talent, but the team chemistry could be their doom in Papa John's Cardinal Stadium.
5. Penn State at Notre Dame, Sept. 9- Only if this game was scheduled last year. Penn State had the better team in 2005, but it would have been a classic matchup between top 10 teams. This year is a different story. Both schools will be ranked in the top 25 but Notre Dame will be a consensus top three team, while Penn State is rebuilding and will be ranked in the low teens at best. I would like the Nittany Lions chances better at Beaver Stadium, but not in the Irish's 2006 home opener.
6. Nebraska at USC, Sept. 16- 10 years ago this game would have been the game of the century. Nebraska was coming off of its second straight national title and USC was in the midst of a good run under Coach John Robinson. This year the game is not really getting the hype it deserves. Nebraska is not the I back power option attack of the Tom Osborne era and USC is far from the pedestrian student body right days of John Robinson. USC's offense may not be as strong as last year's but the defense will pose enough problems for Nebraska's West Coast offense to win.
7. Notre Dame at Georgia Tech, Sept. 2- Everyone's preseason pick to win the national title is Notre Dame. There is not a dominant team in 2006 like USC and Oklahoma were the last three years, so why not pick the Irish and their Golden Boy quarterback Brady Quinn. But how funny would that be if their dreams of a national title ended inside the confines of Bobby Dodd Stadium? It could very well happen. The 'Wreck is a good football team and the offense is led by a senior quarterback, Reggie Ball, and the best wide receiver in college football, Calvin Johnson. If the defense can hold their own against the Golden Boy, I like Tech's chances.
8. USC at Arkansas, Sept. 3- USC whipped the Razorbacks last year in L.A., therefore, this game is somewhat of an afterthought. Arkansas only went 4-7 last year but played a difficult schedule and was very close in many of its games. This year the 'Hogs are loaded and should be back in the bowl picture. USC will be breaking in a new quarterback and tailback for the first time since 2003. Ironically, USC opened the 2003 season on the road at an SEC West school, as well, at Auburn. A game USC won 22-0. Like the 2003 game against the Tigers, I expect the Trojan defense to dominate, while the offense progresses at its own pace.
9. Washington State at Auburn, Sept. 2- Washington finished 4-7 last year but was just as close to finishing 9-2. The Cougars caught all the bad breaks in 2005, losing four close games in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. This year the Cougars will be just as good, if not better. Auburn on the other hand will be a national title contender. The Tigers have sputtered out of the gate the two out of the last three years and Washington State is a team that can not be taken lightly. Despite Auburn's lack of success in home openers, this is the year it lays down the hammer.
10. Michigan State at Pittsburgh, Sept. 16- Prepare to replace the scoreboard. Two of the nation's best quarterbacks will square off, Pitt's Tyler Palko and MSU's Drew Stanton. Both of these quarterback's teams had losing seasons last year, but will be poised to turn it around. There might not be a better quarterback battle all year, and that includes Stanton vs. Quinn the following week.
11. Colorado at Georgia, Sept. 23- Dan Hawkins took his Boise State Broncos into Athens last year and got embarrassed. This year he has to return to the site of the massacre as the Buffs first year coach. This time he has more talent at his disposal and UGA is rebuilding per se, but the outcome shouldn't be any different.
12. UCLA at Notre Dame, Oct. 21- These are the type of intersectional games college football fans love. The Pac 10's golden boys versus the nation's golden boys. UCLA doesn't have a chance in South Bend, unless the Bruin defense just dominates, which is highly unlikely.
13. Fresno State at LSU, Oct. 21- The 'Dogs came close to upsetting No. 1 USC last year, but Death Valley is a different story. LSU will be more than ready for the so-called "giant killers".
14. Purdue at Hawaii, Nov. 25- Hawaii will lead the nation in passing yards. Purdue will try to get back its high-flying passing days after last year's embarrassment of just 10 touchdowns passes. The Island is always friendly to the Warriors late in the season when a bowl bid is on the line.
15. Texas Tech at TCU, Sept. 16- TCU upset Oklahoma last year only to lose at SMU the following week. The Red Raiders are the toughest team on the 'Frogs schedule this year. Tech has a defense to go along with their pass happy offense, and it should be enough to hold off TCU even in Fort Worth.

Heisman Hype: Not the Usual Suspects

2006-06-22T13:38:00.000-07:00

The most prestigious award in all of sports is the Heisman Trophy. Every year college football media outlets start hyping their favorites in January and the hype doesn't end until early December. Reggie Bush walked away with the Heisman last season, mostly based on his record breaking performance against Fresno State. Vince Young finished second but after the Rose Bowl, it was evident who really deserved the award.

Last year Bush was the overwhelming preseason favorite to win the Heisman. However, a dark horse usually seems to always emerge. Who could have imagined Brady Quinn getting an invite to New York back in August of last year? Prior to last year, every year since 2000 a long shot has either won or finished second in the Heisman race.

In 2000 thirty-something Chris Weinke beat out Josh Heupel in a less than stellar year for Heisman contenders. Heupel came out of nowhere to lead Oklahoma to the national title, but it wasn't enough win the Heisman.

In 2001 Eric Crouch beat out the more deserving sophomore Rex Grossman. Grossman, like Heupel, was long shot to win the Heisman in the preseason and fell victim to the sophomore rule.

2002 produced the most exciting race this decade, in my opinion. Carson Palmer, Brad Banks, Larry Johnson, Willis McGahee and Ken Dorsey were all deserving. Palmer won, but preseason long shots Banks and Johnson finished second and third, respectively.

2003 produced the most surprising winner this decade. The often injured Jason White put up remarkable numbers to beat out Larry Fitzgerald.

In 2004 White returned for the chance to be the only second repeat winner. Despite posting better overall numbers than he did in 2003, he didn't win. Matt Leinart was considered one of the favorites to win the Heisman after finishing sixth in 2003 and did so. However, White's teammate, freshman sensation, Adrian Peterson came out of nowhere to finish second.

Last year I listed 10 dark horse candidates who I felt had a legitimate chance to win the Heisman. Michael Robinson was the only one is listed to finish in the top 10, he finished No. 5 in the voting. This year I have 10 more dark horses who could surprise. I will leave all the "real" Heisman analysis to HeismanPundit, but I feel I have a knack for picking long shots. In 2003 I pegged White as one of my favorites, if Oklahoma ran the table, but I didn't have a blog that year to record my opinions. So, I don't think I can take the credit for it. This list will not contain the usual suspects: Brady Quinn, Troy Smith, Ted Ginn, Adrian Peterson, and etc. Nor will it list any players from the non-BCS conferences. I don't think there will be winner from a non-BCS school anytime soon. The 10 dark horses in no particular order:

Michael Bush, Louisville- Bush had 23 rushing touchdowns last year despite missing 2 games. His only shot to win the Heisman is too put up ridiculous numbers.

Lorenzo Booker, Florida State- FSU is poised for a breakout year. The schedule is set up for a national title run and Booker could lead that charge. The former high school all-American has yet to live up to the hype, this could be his year.

Drew Tate, Iowa- Banks finished 2nd in 2002, so it is not a stretch to think a Hawkeye quarterback can win the Heisman. Iowa has a chance to finish the season unblemished, and the quarterback for a national title contender is always a top candidate.

Drew Stanton, Michigan State- The Spartans have little or no chance to win the Big Ten or contend for the national title. However, Stanton is one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the game. If he can out duel Brady Quinn in September and pass for over 4,000 yards on the year, the kid has a good shot to win.

Pat White, West Virginia- If the Mountaineers can survive the hype, there is a good chance they will be the only unbeaten team in the country. White has good chance to pass for over 2,000 yards and rush for close to 1,500 yards. With numbers like that, he will be hard to ignore. His biggest competition, however, will come from teammate Steve Slaton.

Mike Hart, Michigan- Hart was every bit as good as Adrian Peterson in 2004. He had an injury filled season last year, but will be ready to lead the Wolverines back into the national title picture in 2006.

Chauncey Washington, USC- The starting tailback at USC always has a chance to win the Heisman. It doesn't hurt that Washington was considered, by some, a better tailback than Reggie Bush and Lendale White when all three were freshman in 2003.

Kenny Irons, Auburn- Irons is the best running back in the nation in my opinion. He might not be able to put up the numbers to beat the "usual suspects" but he could make it interesting if the Tigers are the No. 1 team in the nation.

Thomas Brown, Danny Ware or Kregg Lumpkin, Georgia- One of the trio has to emerge, and as of spring ball it looks like Brown. I am a fan of Lumpkin, but any one of these three has a chance at the Heisman as long as they get 20-25 carries a game.

Tyler Palko, Pittsburgh- Palko and Pitt had a very forgettable year last season, and it can only get better this year. Pitt has a very favorable schedule and the Panthers have a good shot at double-digit wins, if Palko has an outstanding year.

BlogPoll Roundtable No.???

2006-06-15T10:55:00.000-07:00

I have missed the last couple of BlogPoll Roundtables, mostly just due to oversight and off-season blues. Bruce Ciskie hosts the roundtable this time around with some pretty good questions about the preseason previews and the upcoming season. Here is my take....

Which preseason college football magazine is your favorite?

Plenty to choose from. Lindy's, Sporting News, Athlon's, Phil.

I have bought every TSN CFB Yearbook since 1989, save 1991. In my opinion it has been the most consistent and has the best features. If TSN had the amount of info that Phil Steele's has, then hands down TSN would be impossible to beat. I read TSN, Lindy's, Athlon and the others and put them away for the season, but I keep Steele's out for easy reference all year. To me that makes it the best preseason magazine of the bunch.

What team is being supremely overrated in the preseason rankings?

Overrated teams are all too common in the preseason, but it is hard to determine who is overrated because every magazine ranks their preseason top 25 differently. I can buy Florida being a top 5 team based on talent and not have a problem with it. But the Gators can conceivably lose 4 games against their tough schedule but will that make overrated? However, if Florida was ranked No. 1, like Notre Dame and Oklahoma, by every preseason magazine then I would consider that being overrated.

Notre Dame shouldn't skip a beat and are led by arguably the best quarterback in country, but got beat pretty handily by Ohio State. The Irish defense should improve, but as tough as their schedule is, two losses should be expected.

Now, Oklahoma has jumped onto the scene after losing four games last year. The Sooners struggled all year and after starting 2-3, they won 6 of 7 only losing a controversial game at Texas Tech. But Oklahoma didn't dominate. In the Holiday Bowl, the Sooners offense didn't look too impressive against an average Oregon defense. The Ducks were playing without their starting quarterback, so I can not give the Sooner defense too much credit for holding Oregon to 14 points.

Steele calls the Sooner defense the best in the country, I can argue that but I won't. I am more concerned about who is going to block for Adrian Peterson. Can Rhett Bomar really beat teams with his arm without an effective running game? The schedule is very manageable and I will not be surprised to see OU win 10 games. I can buy the Sooners as top 10 team, but not as a preseason No. 1.

Turn the tables. Who is underrated?

Iowa, Iowa, Iowa....

The Hawkeyes are not the most talented team in the nation, and the last year's hype may have been just a bit too much. However, Iowa hosts Ohio State and only a trip to the Big House may stand in the way of a trip to Glendale.

As much as I like Iowa's chances, I can't ignore Pitt's chance to win double-digit games. The Panthers sucked last year, but Dave Wannstedt will turn this team around this season and Tyler Palko is as good as any quarterback in the country. Pitt should be favored in all their away games, the toughest being UCF and USF. Virginia and Michigan State will be tough early on but both are in Pittsburgh. And of course West Virginia and Louisville must play at Heinz Field.

Which conference will be the best in 2006?

Is the SEC really the best conference in football, or is more hype than substance? Didn't the BCS's little sister conference champion beat the SEC's best last year? Yes, but that was last year. The ACC could have as many as 10 teams gain bowl eligibility but unless Miami and Florida State fill some big holes, the ACC champ will not be playing in Arizona January 8.

The SEC has three teams that are arguably top 10 teams, Auburn, LSU and Florida. There is two more that could join them, Tennessee and Georgia. And four more that could win at least 8 games, Alabama, South Carolina, Arkansas and Ole Miss. However, Vanderbilt, Kentucky and Mississippi State are bad as lower tier teams can be. Although, a majority of SEC teams rarely leave the South to prove their almighty image, it is still hard to argue with the strength of the top half of this conference.

Which "non-BCS" conference will be the best in 2006?

This is not even close, it's the Mountain West. The WAC has gotten better and I will even say the WAC's top four are stronger than the MWC's top four. However, the WAC's bottom half is awful, while the MWC's bottom teams are at least competitive. What makes things even more interesting is CUSA's top two teams are former WAC schools, Tulsa and UTEP. Another former WAC member, SMU, may finally earn a bowl berth this year. If the WAC had its same configuration of a couple years ago, it could easily be the best non-BCS conference.

Which non-BCS conference team will have the best season?

I don't think any non-BCS team will go unbeaten this year, but two have a good shot, Utah and Boise State. Both of these teams should win at least 10 games. If they both win their one respective token BCS game in early September, then the BSU-Utah game winner on Sept. 30 should have a clear shot at the BCS's 5th bowl.

Let's get your first read on this one...who will win the H*i*m*n? Oh, by the way, players whose last names begin with the letter "Q" are ineligible.

I can't pick Brady Quinn, ah F*ck! Ok so maybe the media is hyping the Golden Boy way too much. Unless Notre Dame loses more than two games, it might be hard for anyone else take the trophy away from Quinn. I know it sounds like I am conceding the coveted trophy to him, but hasn't he already accepted it and will just play the season as a formality. Ok, I will be serious. I like Kenny Irons but I don't think he can put up the numbers to sway voters away from Quinn. Someone has to put up some outlandish numbers to really make voters take notice. And that player will be Michael Bush. Bush has a real shot to rush for near or over 2,000 yards but what will win him the Heisman will be topping 30 rushing touchdowns and big games against Miami and West Virginia.

The Road to Glendale Top 25....

2006-06-14T10:34:00.000-07:00

I don't even think the purest college football enthusiasts could have pictured Glendale, Arizona as the host city for what will be the "biggest" game in college football history. Tempe was once an little known bowl city in Arizona until January 2, 1987. That night it hosted the biggest and most hyped national title game at the time, Penn State vs. Miami.

So why I am I calling this year's national title game, with unknown participants, the "biggest" game in college football history. Well, for the first time the national championship game will not be hosted by a traditional "bowl" game and it will be hosted in the most modern football stadium in the world. Of course this is still not a playoff, but it is a start in the right direction.

The road to Glendale will be easier for some teams than others, it is all about scheduling. Last year I pegged Texas as the 12th best team to make it to Pasadena. I ranked them 12th because the Longhorns had the toughest non-conference road game in the country last year, at Ohio State, had not beaten Oklahoma in Dallas the last five years, and I expected Texas A&M to have a great year and the Aggies hosted the Longhorns. I was wrong. Vince Young worked his magic to pull out the win in Columbus. Oklahoma was still trying to find its stride in early October, and Texas stomped the Sooners. A&M just sucked, as did my picks, for not having faith in the all-mighty Vince Young and Texas.

This year's road to a national title is wide open. Last season, USC was everybody's No. 1 team and rightfully so. The 2003 and 2004 national champions fulfilled its destiny by earning a bid to last year's Rose Bowl but fell just a short of its quest for a three-peat. Who has the easiest road to Glendale? This poll ranks the best teams, with the best shot (meaning talent vs. schedule), to make into the national title game.

Auburn- I believe the Tigers are a top 3 team talent wise, couple that with a favorable schedule and Auburn has the easiest road, in my opinion, to reach Glendale. It helps that the Tigers were snubbed by the BCS two years ago. Added motivation and a little love from voters is always nice to have in your corner.
Louisville- The Cards are borderline top 15 team in terms of talent, but their toughest games (Miami and West Virginia) are both in Papa John's Stadium. Louisville was unstoppable at home last year and this year's offense will compensate for the defensive short falls. The Cards had its troubles on the road last year and Kansas State and Pitt could be tricky road games. Auburn can afford one loss, but Louisville does not have that luxury, it must run the table to make it to Glendale.
Southern Cal- The Trojans are reloading and although the schedule has some big games (at Arkansas, Nebraska, Cal and Notre Dame), USC should be favored in all its games. The first four games (at Arkansas, Nebraska, at Arizona and at Washington State) are tough but USC can afford an early season loss and still make it to Glendale.
Texas- Despite losing Young, the Longhorns are still loaded. Ohio State has to come to Austin and the Oklahoma monkey is off their back. There is, however, two very tough road games back-to-back in October, at Nebraska and at Texas Tech.
West Virginia- The Mountaineers are loaded, but can they run the table. No Big East team will make it to Glendale with one loss. Especially when you consider UWV's two toughest games are at the end of the year, at Louisville and at Pitt.
Iowa- QB Drew Tate had an off year last year, but is still one of the top playmakers in the nation. The Hawkeyes host Ohio State and have only one really tough road game, at Michigan.
Oklahoma- The Sooners have a manageable slate, but I am still not convinced the offense will able to move the ball with ease as the 2000-2004 teams. Games at Oregon and at Texas A&M will be tough for this squad and we will see October 7 if the Texas magic was just a one year wonder.
Notre Dame- The defense is awful per se, but the offense will score points in bunches. The first five games (at Georgia Tech, Penn State, Michigan, at Michigan State and Purdue) is the toughest September schedule in the nation. And there is the season ending battle at USC. I can't see Notre Dame playing in Glendale if it loses its last game.
Miami- If Miami can shake last year's Peach Bowl embarrassment and the new assistant coaches can make an impact, and then watch out for the 'Canes. The talent level is top five worthy and schedule is very favorable, but what about the mental makeup of this team? Florida State and Virginia Tech have to come to the Orange Bowl this year and although Louisville is tough road game, that game is winnable.
Florida State- The offense has a chance to return to the glory days of Mark Richt's offensive schemes. The defense loses a bunch of talented starters but the schedule is "bookend". At Miami to start the year is tough, as is Florida at home to close the year, but everything in between is "easy".
Ohio State- The Buckeyes are a top 5 team in terms of talent, but how I underestimated Texas last year, I might be underestimating Ohio State this year. There is no denying Troy Smith and the offense, but the defense loses nine starters. Texas and Iowa on the road is no easy task, even for one of the top teams in the country.
LSU- The Tigers get no favors this year in their SEC schedule. If LSU had Auburn's schedule and vise versa, LSU would be my No. 1 team in this poll. The Tigers are loaded but road games at Auburn, Florida, Arkansas, and Tennessee will be too much for the Bayou Bengals to overcome. One loss maybe, but two losses means your road to Glendale is closed.
Florida- Urban Meyer's second year has been magical at each of his previous coaching jobs. However, Bowling Green and Utah did not have to face the schedule the Gators will be facing this year: at Tennessee, at Auburn, vs. Georgia and at Florida State. Florida is a top 10 team, but could easily lose three to five games this year.
California- The Bears road to Glendale has two major stops, one in Knoxville and the other in Los Angeles. They should be able to beat Tennessee early, but expecting a win at USC is a bit too much. The Pac 10 is very underrated, road games against Oregon State, Washington State and Arizona can not be taken lightly.
Michigan- Last year I thought Michigan could be this year's favorite to win the national title, but two things have changed this thought. One, Michigan collapsed last year and lost five games, two, road games against Notre Dame and Ohio State fall into the un-winnable category this year.
Georgia- The Dawgs have some key spots to fill, especially at quarterback, but still have the best running back unit in the nation. The schedule is also very manageable. Only two games can be considered difficult, vs. Florida and at Auburn. The World Largest Cocktail Party is a neutral site contest, and luckily for UGA the away team has always has success in the South's Oldest Rivalry, just ask Auburn about last year.
Nebraska- The Cornhuskers are back. This team should win 10 games and if it can find away to beat Texas and win the Big 12 Championship game, Glendale is a possibility even with an early season loss at USC.
Tennessee- The Volunteers are coming off their first losing season since 1988. David Cutcliff is back to run the offense and expectations are high on Rocky Top. Hosting Cal in the opener is not a good way for a 5-6 team to start the season. Win or lose, Tennessee should be able to take care of the rest of the home slate. The road games are not too bad, at Georgia is the biggie.
Pittsburgh- The Panthers had an awful year last season. Tyler Palko is one of the best quarterbacks in the nation and I expect coach Dave Wannstedt to turn around the program this year. Pitt is a borderline top 25-30 team in terms of talent but it should be big favorites in all its road games. If Heinz Field becomes a legitimate home field advantage this year then Virginia, Michigan State, West Virginia and Louisville could all fall victims to a surprise Panther team.
Virginia Tech- The Hokie defense will keep this team in every game until the offense rolls around. The only real difficult games are at Boston College and at Miami.
Boston College- The Eagles will surprise many this year. This is a top 20 team but must travel to Miami and Florida State. I can not see Boston College doing any better than 10-2.
Utah- The Utes ran the table in 2004 and were the first non-BCS school to crash the party. They have the talent to run the table this year and the schedule is a laugher. More importantly, Utah could start the season in the top 25, which is the most important element for a non-BCS school in search of a BCS bid. If no one else is unbeaten, Utah could be the first non-BCS school to play for the national title.
Michigan State- If the Spartans can find a way to beat Notre Dame and Ohio State at home, then watch out.
Boise State- The Broncos play a very weak schedule. There is no reason they should not go 12-0. But the once mighty Boise State offense is a step slower than it was with Ryan Dinwiddie running the show. Jared Zabransky has to stop turning the ball over if the Broncos expect to win at Utah and beat Fresno State and Oregon State on the blue turf. Even then, BSU has a snowball chance in hell to play in Glendale, unless it is the Fiesta Bowl.
Kansas- The Jayhawks have the easiest schedule of any BCS conference school, including the Big East. The talent level is low compared to the rest of the Big 12's top teams but Kansas misses Texas, Oklahoma and Texas Tech from the Big 12 South and Nebraska will probably be the only game against a top 25 team. Mark Mangino has had success in Lawrence. The defense is a mess but by mid season this team should be good enough to win at least 8 games.

Navy is the sentimental pick. Games against Tulsa and at Stanford are challenging, but if the Middies can beat Notre Dame in Baltimore, how can you keep a 12-0 Navy team out of the national championship game in a time of war?

What is TSN Thinking.....

2006-06-12T23:22:00.000-07:00

The Sporting News College Football Yearbook has always been my favorite of all the preseason college football magazines. However, the one thing I hate about it is the fact that regional beat writers write the conference previews. The WAC preview was written by Chadd Cripe of the Idaho Statesman, Boise paper, not Moscow. He does a fine job, but his analysis of FS's defensive philosophy needs an added note:

Coordinator Dan Brown's athletic units attack quarterbacks and plays strong pass defense. The weakness, if there is one, is the run defense. The Bulldogs allowed 21 rushing touchdowns last season.

There should be an * next to last sentence. 14 of those 21 touchdowns were scored after WLB Marcus Riley went down with a season ending injury against USC. How important do I think Riley is too the defense, well that is his grill on the banner atop the webpage and is by far the most underrated LB in the WAC.

Anyways, Cripe did a decent job for his first time tackling the entire WAC. The last few years the Fresno Bee's Marek Warszawski wrote about half of TSN's WAC previews, including Fresno State's. Now, I don't know if Cripe is the one that picked the all-WAC team or not but one omission just irks me. Last month I complained that Hawaii's Samson Satele was not named to the TSN preseason all-WAC team, considering he was an all-WAC guard last season and among the best in nation. But, I was not aware he made the switch to center and that is where I am confused by TSN's national player rankings and preseason all-conference teams.

In their national position rankings Fresno State's Kyle Young is ranked the 5th best center in the nation. Ahead of him at No. 1 and 2 are the usual suspects, West Virginia's Dan Mosez and USC's Ryan Kalil, respectively. No. 4 is NC State's Leroy Harris, but No. 3 is the most puzzling, it’s Satele. Satele is a guard making the move to center, a position he is not familiar with. He is, in my opinion, of the top three or four guards in the nation but I have never seen him play center. TSN believes he is the No. 3 center in the country ranked ahead of three-year starter, 2005 first team all-WAC center Young, but is not good enough to make the TSN preseason all-WAC team as either a center or guard.

Satele is monster on the line, so maybe TSN wants to recognize him as such, but as the No. 3 center in nation. It is a new position for him, and I guarantee he will not be as good as Young. The same can be said if Young made the switch to guard, Satele is by far the better guard. This kind preseason bullshit just irks me. I wonder where TSN would have ranked Young if he made the switch to tackle in the spring. I guarantee he would not have been rated among the 20 best in the nation. And I would have not had a problem with it. Young is freaking best in the middle but as tackle he would need time to adjust. Satele very well may be a better center, but I feel preseason pubs should rank on talent as of, not of what you expect it to be. If that was the case, then handful incoming high school all-Americans should be ranked among the best in the nation.

Here is another issue that irks me........ If you ask any diehard Bulldog fan what unit of the defense he/she is worried about, more than likely the answer would be, the secondary. However, TSN thinks FS's secondary is among the top 20 in the nation, huh? (TSN's also ranks Boise State's as the 9th best in the nation, exactly WTF are they smoking?) The Bulldogs lose two NFL draft picks and have only three scholarship cornerbacks heading into fall camp.

Maybe TSN thinks very highly of CB Marcus McCauley? After all, TSN rated Richard Marshall the 8th best CB in last year's CFB yearbook. And if anyone saw a majority of Bulldog games last season, would have seen McCauley more than held his own, and could have easily been considered better than Marshall. Yet, TSN doesn't even rank McCauley among its top 20 cornerbacks in the nation this year. WTF? How is that possible? McCauley is bigger and apparently faster than Marshall. He is a vicious hitter and blankets any receiver he is covering. This MoFo will be a top 10 pick in next year's draft if he stays healthy.

The only other returning starter in the Bulldog secondary is strong safety Josh Sherley. Sherley did well last season and had a great spring, but will be in a battle in the fall to keep redshirt freshman Moses Harris off the field. Free safety Vince Mays had a kick-ass spring too, but the senior has never started a game. The other cornerback spot will be manned by either an untested senior (Elgin Simmons), a former all-state stud turned college bust (Damon Jenkins) or by a true freshman (Damion Owens or AJ Jefferson). TSN either has a lot of faith in the new guys or are simply ranking the 'Dogs solely on reputation. Because the secondary will be a concern all the way until it plays in its first game against the pass-happy Nevada Wolfpack September 1.

After I read the entire preview, I am sure I will find more quandaries, but it still my favorite preseason magazine.

2006-07 Bowls

2006-06-02T00:04:00.000-07:00

Dec. 19 Tue. Poinsettia Bowl (San Diego, CA) 8:00 pm ESPN
MWC No. 3 vs at-large

Dec. 21 Thu. Las Vegas Bowl 8:00 pm ESPN
Pac 10 No. 4 vs MWC No. 1

Dec. 22 Fri. New Orleans Bowl 8:00 p.m. ESPN
Sun Belt Champ vs CUSA No. 4 or 5

Dec. 23 Sat. Birmingham Bowl 1:00 pm ESPN2
CUSA No. 4 or 5 vs Big East No. 5 or 6

Dec. 23 Sat. New Mexico Bowl(Albuquerque, NM) 4:30 pm ESPN
MWC No. 4 vs WAC No. 3

Dec. 23 Sat. Fort Worth Bowl 8:00 pm ESPN
MWC No. 2 vs CUSA No. 3/(Pac 10)*

Dec. 24 Sun. Hawaii Bowl 8:00 pm ESPN
WAC vs Pac 10 No. 6/(CUSA) *

Dec. 26 Tue. Motor City Bowl (Detroit, MI) 7:30 pm ESPN
MAC No. 2 vs Big 10 No. 7

Dec. 27 Wed. Independence Bowl (Shrvprt, LA) 3:30 pm ESPN
Big 12 No. 7 vs SEC

Dec. 27 Wed. Emerald Bowl (San Francisco, CA) 8:00 pm ESPN
Pac 10 No. 5 vs ACC No. 7

Dec. 28 Thu. Holiday Bowl (San Diego, CA) 8:00 pm ESPN
Pac 10 No. 2 vs Big 12 No. 3

DEc. 29 Fri. Music City Bowl (Nashville, TN) 1:00 pm ESPN
ACC No. 5 vs SEC

Dec. 29 Fri. Sun Bowl (El Paso, TX) 2:00 p.m. CBS
Pac 10 No. 3 vs Big East No. 2/Notre Dame or Big 12 No. 4

Dec. 29 Fri. Liberty Bowl (Memphis, TN) 4:30 pm ESPN
CUSA No. 1 vs SEC

Dec. 29 Fri. Champs Sports (Orlando, FL) 8:00 pm ESPN
ACC No. 4 vs Big 10 No. 5

Dec. 29 Fri. Insight Bowl (Phoenix, AZ) TBD NFL Network
Big 12 No. 6 vs Big 10 No. 6

Dec. 30 Sat. Meineke Car Care (Charlotte, NC) 1:00 pm ESPN
ACC No. 6 vs Navy/Big East No. 3

Dec. 30 Sat. Alamo Bowl (San Antonio, TX) 4:30 pm ESPN
Big 12 No. 5 vs Big 10 No. 4

Dec. 30 Sat. Peach Bowl (Atlanta, GA) 8:00 pm ESPN
ACC No. 2 vs SEC No. 4

Dec. 31 Sun. MPC Computers Bowl (Boise, ID) 7:30 pm ESPN
WAC vs ACC No. 8

TBD TBD New Houston Bowl TBD TBD
Big East No. 4/Notre Dame/(CUSA)* vs Big 12 No. 8

Jan. 1 Mon. Cotton Bowl (Dallas, TX) 11:00 a.m. FOX
Big 12 No. 2 vs SEC West

Jan. 1 Mon. Outback Bowl (Tampa, FL) 11:00 a.m. ESPN
Big 10 No. 3 vs SEC No. 3

Jan. 1 Mon. Gator Bowl (Jacksonville, FL) 1:00 pm CBS
ACC No. 3 vs Big 12 No. 4 or Big East No. 2/Notre Dame

Jan. 1 Mon. Rose Bowl (Pasadena, CA) 4:00 p.m. ABC
Pac 10 champ/BCS vs Big 10 Champ/BCS

Jan. 1 Mon. Fiesta Bowl (Glendale, AZ) 8:30 pm FOX
Big 12 Champ/BCS vs BCS at-large

Jan. 2 Tue. Capital One Bowl (Orlando, FL) 1:00 p.m. ABC
Big 10 No. 2 vs SEC No. 2

Jan. 2 Tue. Orange Bowl (Miami, FL) 8:00 p.m. FOX
ACC Champ/Big East Champ/BCS vs BCS at-large

Jan. 3 Wed. Sugar Bowl (New Orleans, LA) 8:00 p.m. FOX
SEC Champ/BCS vs BCS at-large

Jan. 6 Sat. International Bowl(Toronto) Noon ESPN2
MAC No. 3 vs Big East No. 4 or 5

Jan. 7 Sun. GMAC Bowl (Mobile, AL) 8:00 pm ESPN
CUSA No. 2 vs MAC No. 1

Jan. 8 Mon. BCS Title Game (Glendale, AZ) 8:00 p.m. FOX
BCS No. 1 vs BCS No. 2

*conference in ( ) will fill spot if needed

Disney Changes Things Around

2006-05-24T20:21:00.000-07:00

Why does ABC/ESPN have to mess with the broadcast teams? I know Keith Jackson is retiring again, but why mess with the rest. Ok, Gary Danielson is gone but I can't believe Mike Tirico is leaving ESPN Thursday night games. Tirico is one of the best and I love his play-by-play, but I am looking forward to seeing Chris Fowler take his place.

The most interesting change is moving Dan Fouts over to play-by-play and teaming him up with former play-by-play man Tim Brant. ESPN's Saturday night crew will be Mike Patrick and Todd Blackledge. WTF? And Doug Flutie will be floating back and forth from ABC and ESPN.

Post Spring Top 25

2006-05-22T12:00:00.000-07:00

I will be honest, I have not had the chance to research all 119 DIA teams but I will give the post spring top 25 a crack. Texas and USC are having some off the field problems but there is enough talent to keep these schools among the top 10. I don't see a clear cut No. 1 like Miami, Oklahoma and USC were the last few years.

I am still sticking with Auburn as my No. 1 team and Ohio State is a solid No. 2. Notre Dame has returned to greatness and I expect many preseason publications to have the Irish ranked in the top three. Lets not forget West Virginia, the Mountaineers have the best shot to run the table. Boston College is my surprise team. I expect very few to preseason pubs to rank the Eagles because they only return 13 starters. But the Eagles have a schedule set up beautifully to make a run at the ACC title. So you can see this poll is not based on talent alone. The top 4 teams are schools I think that the best talent and manageable schedule to run the table.

Auburn- Snubbed by the BCS in 04, but won't be this year.
Ohio State- Tressel Twist, the offense will be unstoppable.
USC- Quarterback issues is something Carroll is not used.
West Virginia- The talent is there but the Big East sucks.
LSU- Trips to Auburn and Florida are among the first 6 games.
Notre Dame- Quinn has the weight of the Irish on his shoulders.
Texas- Can't afford to lose Taylor along with Young.
Florida- Meyer's glory year is always year No. 2.
Oklahoma- Peterson's Heisman year?
Miami- New(old) OC Rich Olsen will spark the offense.
Michigan- Carr needs a Big Ten title or else?
Boston College- Can the Eagles win the ACC?
Georgia- Richt's team will not fall too fall from the top of the SEC.
Iowa- 5th straight New Year's Day bowl for the Hawks.
Louisville- The best offense in the nation.
Florida State- Is this Junior's year?
Texas Tech- Pass right, pass left, pass middle and finally a defense.
California- Who will quarterback the Bears?
Clemson- Losing Whitehurst not that big of a deal.
Virginia Tech- Last time the Hokies were underrated they won the ACC.
Oregon- The Ducks must play at USC and Cal.
Nebraska- The Huskers are back.
Arizona State- Koetter's team has to put it together with all this talent.
Penn State- Paterno has major holes to fill.
Alabama- The defense will have to carry the Tide.

really early top 40(from January)

Finally ABC Does It!

2006-05-16T07:59:00.000-07:00

It may be a little too late, but at least the effort has been made. ABC will finally showcase a prime time college football game on weekly basis at 8pm ET. And it will be in high definition.

Brent Musburger will call the play-by-play and Bob Davie will be the color analyst. Kirk Herbstreit will join the crew on certain weekends, but where in the hell is Lee Corso? Lisa Salters will be the sideline reporter. I am guessing Herbie will join the crew when ESPN Gameday is at the site of the ABC prime time game, like ND-GT and OSU-Tex to start the year. ABC was smart to ditch Corso and Davie is decent choice, but he is no Gary Danielson.

I bought a HDTV last year and was disappointed ABC only broadcasted one regular season game in HD, Miami-Florida State. There might have been few more I missed but it was not like CBS and NBC where all the games were broadcast in HD. ESPN will still have their weekly prime time game and it will allow the Disney networks to showcase two games every week in prime time in HD.

It is a smart move by ABC, no one really watches network TV on a Saturday night. It is not like the 80s when I was a kid and couldn't wait to watch Diff'rent Strokes at 8pm. Why not showcase a college football game in the fall lineup? Well, the negative is most hardcore college football fans are used to tuning into ESPN/2 for their prime time football fix. Disney will be competing with itself for viewers. West Coast fans are either coming from or going to a college game around 5pm PT. Most people have satellite/cable TV and there are plenty of college games on in prime time with any of respective sport packages.

If ABC would have done this 15 years ago when ESPN was is its infancy, I believe the impact would have been bigger. Saturday nights have been a dog for the networks for a long time, I don't know why it took so freakin long to finally pull the trigger. The TV landscape has changed so much, and I wouldn't be surprised to see ABC pull the plug after this year if the ratings suck.

New BS Logo, Sorry BCS

2006-05-12T08:46:00.000-07:00

FOX Sports will be home to four of the five Bowl Championship Series Bowls starting this season. Only the Rose Bowl remains on ABC. The details of the BCS bowls on FOX are still uncertain but at least the logo is finished.

This season will mark the first "national title" game that will follow a week after the four BCS bowls. This not a playoff, for those who are not aware, it is merely another money game. The two teams will be picked from atop the BCS standings the same time the other bowl games will be announced. This year's BCS title game will be held at the site of the Fiesta Bowl, the Arizona Cardinals new stadium in Glendale, AZ.

The hype of the new format is it will allow the "little-guy" a better shot at earning a BCS bid. The non-BCS conference champion with the highest BCS ranking will earn a bid to one of the 5 bowl games. However, it still has to be ranked among the top 14 in the BCS standings or at least be ranked ahead of one of the 6 BCS conference champions. Prior to this year, a non-BCS school had to be ranked sixth or higher. Only Utah was able to break the BCS barrier in the first eight years of existence of the BCS. A combination of a preseason ranking, decent schedule and undefeated season propelled the Utes to a No. 6 ranking in 2004.

Three other non-BCS schools finished unbeaten but never had a shot at a BCS berth in those same eight years. Tulane, Marshall and Boise State all had unbeaten seasons in 1998, 1999, and 2004, respectively. This year there will be a legitimate chance for just about every unbeaten non-BCS team to earn a BCS berth.

There is no clear cut favorite among the ranks of the non-BCS, but most preseason magazines will probably rank TCU and Utah of the MWC among their top 25. Boise State and my choke-artist alma mater, Fresno State, are always considered favorites out of the WAC. UTEP and Tulsa are head and shoulders above anyone else in CUSA. The MAC will be a battle this year. There is no clear cut favorite in what should be a wide open race for the conference title. The Sun Belt, please but watch out for a decent Louisiana-Lafayette team. Navy has a somewhat easy slate but still has to play Notre Dame.

There are four non-BCS schools that have very manageable schedules: Boise State, TCU, Tulsa and Utah. BSU's toughest games are Oregon State, at Wyoming, at Utah, Fresno State and at Nevada, nothing daunting there. TCU's slate is not too bad either with Texas Tech, at Utah, and at Colorado State providing the most difficult challenges. Tulsa, by far, has the easiest schedule of the four. The Golden Hurricane's toughest games are at BYU and at Navy. Utah, in my opinion, will have the best shot at earning a BCS bowl. Beating UCLA on the road the start the year, should catch the nation's attention and solidify the Utes probable top 25 ranking. After UCLA, the Utes' schedule only has 4 games against 2005 bowl teams and all four will be played in Salt Lake City.

CFB Preseson Previews: 'Dogs Underrated?

2006-05-08T04:58:00.000-07:00

Spring Practice is only a month old, but that is just enough time for the preseason college football magazines to make their predictions. Athlon Sports is always the first to hit the news stands, usually by mid to late May, but often the least accurate. The Sporting News is one of my favorites but doesn't hit newsstands until early June. Phil Steele gives the most stats and information but is poorly written.

When I was a kid I couldn't wait for these preseason magazines to hit the news stands, and I have bought every TSN CFB Yearbook, save 1991, since the 1989 issue with Ron Cox on the cover. Now that I am older, I realize these predictions are just a crapshoot; their basis of information is just spring practice, returning talent, and the team's performance from the prior season. As well, many of them rely on a host of regional newspaper beat writers to write their previews. This sometimes creates contradiction from one what the magazine might say in the national preview compared to what the beat writer may say in the conference preview.

The Fresno Bee's Andy Boogaard wrote the Fresno State previews back in 89 when I purchased my first TSN CFB Yearbook, and the Fresno Bee's Marek Warszawski wrote last year's. I am too lazy to go through all my issues, but I can all but guarantee these two have written the Bulldog preview in TSN for the last 17 years or so. I could be wrong, but I doubt anyone other than a Fresno Bee beat writer has written the preview in TSN. If not, it was a WAC(or Big West in 90-91) beat writer. My point is these guys are "homers", although Boogaard and Warszawski are good writers, and know their stuff; they are still "homers". However, a "homer" will be able to give the most accurate information about his respective team.

Phil Steele claims to have had the most accurate preseason preview for the last 6 years, prior to 2005, based on the Stassen ratings. Steele's preview didn't finish on top last year, but still finished a respectable third. He writes every team's preview, and each is an equal two pages. TSN only has two pages for its top 25 BCS teams. TSN just has one page for the rest of the BCS teams and top non-BCS teams and only a half page for the rest of the 119 Division IA teams. Steele knows his stuff, but it is not like he attends spring practice of every IA school.

I didn't see him at any of Bulldog spring practices, but I did see the Fresno Bee's David White. I don't know if White is going to write the TSN preview this year, but if he did he would have the more accurate view compared to Steele. But Steele is a far more knowledgeable CFB expert and a keen football stat freak. That is why he has picked Fresno State to win the WAC the last two years but TSN stuck with Boise State. On paper Fresno State is a "winner" but in reality it does not win WAC titles under Pat Hill.

As far as Fresno State for 2006, spring does not tell the entire story. By just watching or reading the recap of the Spring Game and scrimmage, the quarterbacks look to be abysmal. But anyone who saw Paul Pinegar in last year's practice and saw the new quarterbacks this year, know the new guys are far more talented just inexperienced. By reading the recaps one would think that the offensive line was going to be average because it got beat up by a defensive front that couldn't stop anyone the last four games and lost WAC Defensive Player of the Year Garrett McIntyre. But anyone who saw practice realized that the defensive line is much improved despite losing its best player. And knows Hill was shuffling the offensive line all spring because two starters were out the entire spring.

To make an accurate prediction for the 2006 Bulldogs one will have to watch preseason practice come August. The cornerback situation looks like it is in dire straights, but who’s to say incoming true freshmen Damion Owens or AJ Jefferson won't make a difference in the fall. What about walk ons? Hill is synonymous for developing good walk ons; this year will be no different. I spoke with incoming WR walk on Phil Ghilarducci and he is ready to contribute. Most don't know about the 6-4 217 target who runs a 4.5 forty and benches an impressive 340 lbs. Nationalchamps.net even stated he ran a 4.4 in their 2004 Oregon State preview. There is another thing about most preseason previews; they often use school's spring rosters and prospectus. Ghilarducci left Oregon State in January of 2004 and was not going to be Beaver in the fall, but nationalchamps.net was very high on the freshman WR, calling him the best of the bunch. How often is gobulldogs.com updated? The spring prospectus is not even uploaded to the sight and it was released on March 8.

Preseason previews will make assumptions about incoming freshman/talent but only if they are 4 or 5 star recruits. For instance, last year Phil Steele raved about West Virginia’s incoming 5 star running back Jason Gwaltney's size and speed. He predicted Gwaltney would win the starting job and even named him preseason all-Big East second team. Gwaltney was a bust but unheralded 3 star running back Steve Slaton came out of nowhere to rush for over 1,000 yards. As well, redshirt freshman quarterback Pat White took over mid-season because of an injury to starter Adam Bednarik. Steele expected the fast, elusive White to start but most preseason magazines based their predictions on Bednarik. With Bednarik WV struggled to a 5-1 start, got whipped in Morgantown by Virginia Tech, and was in danger of getting blown out by Louisville at home, but he got injured in the 3rd quarter vs. the Cardinals. In comes White and WV comes back from 24-7 down, wins in overtime, doesn't lose a game the rest of the year, and finished ranked in the top 5.

West Virginia will be good in 2006, and even ESPN's Pat Forde gave the Mountaineers the nod as his early pick(subscription required) to win the national championship. But are you telling me that if WV would have lost by 3 instead of winning by 3, against Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, would it have gotten the same hype from Forde? My guess is no. WV would still be considered a top 10-15 team but would not be mentioned in the same breath with say a USC or Texas. An argument can be made about Oregon too. The Ducks are ranked No. 19 by Athlon this year. But if they had beaten Oklahoma in the Holiday Bowl, I guarantee Athlon would have the Ducks rated at or near the top 10. Athlon ranks TCU No. 18; I bet that is based on the Frog's 11-1 season last year. Hell, even Utah is ranked No. 23. The Utes finished 7-5 but whipped No. 24 Georgia Tech in the Emerald Bowl. Strong finishes usually lead to higher preseason rankings.

The Bulldogs finished 2005 with a 4 game losing streak, but if they would have beaten Nevada, Louisiana Tech and Tulsa the outlook would be different in 2006. FS returns more senior starters than anyone else in the WAC and has 11 starters that have played in at least 30 games. The Bulldogs also have 2003-04 starting running back Dwayne Wright back at full-strength. However, I will expect most preseason predictions to call for a down year for the 'Dogs compared to their numerous preseason top 25 rankings last year. Only two of the top 12 preseason publications did not rank FS in its preason top 25. I expect none to rank the 'Dogs this year.

They will point to youth and the loss of Paul Pinegar, Wendell Mathis, Richard Marshall, Tyrone Culver and Garrett McIntyre as the reasons. Youth? At quarterback and maybe one cornerback spot if junior Damon Jenkins doesn't step up his game. Pinegar was an average quarterback that fit a system and had good players around him his last two years. Mathis is not even close to the bull Wright is. Marshall is irreplaceable, but the team still has Marcus McCauley, who in my opinion was a better cornerback than Marshall last year. Culver's spot will be filled by senior Vince Mays, who is a better athlete and had a great spring. McIntyre's motor is irreplaceable but there is far more talent at defensive line this year than in Hill's previous nine years.

The 2005 team was -4 in turnover margin in 2005, the first time that a Hill coached team finished below even. The 2005 Bulldogs also did not have Wright all year and RB/KR Clifton Smith was lost for the season in game 2. Besides those two, the team had 7 others starters miss at least one game with an injury including losing key starters at some point for the remainder of the season: K Clint Stitser, WLB Marcus Riley, and FB Roshon Vercher. 2004 starting fullback Nate Adams was lost for the year in preseason, as well.

I highly doubt the 2006 team will face the same bad luck and misfortune. The ball usually bounces the other way from one season to another. Couple that with the immense talent and experience this year's Bulldogs have, I say the team will win at least 9 games, with a solid chance at 11. Come August the new offensive coaches will start making their mark, and this team should finally be healthy. Only then can anyone make any sort of legitimate prediction on the fate of the 2006 season. Just about every preseason prediction jumped on the Bulldog bandwagon last year, but this year they will not be so kind. So in short, ignore the preseason publications and start counting down towards September 1.

31, Maybe 32 Bowls

2006-05-01T17:00:00.000-07:00

The 2006-07 college football bowl season will have a record 31 games, maybe 32 if the Houston Bowl is recertified. The four new bowls that will join the party are the: International Bowl, Birmingham Bowl, New Mexico Bowl and, of course, the infamous 5th BCS bowl.

The International Bowl will pit MAC vs Big East from the Sky Dome in Toronto. The Birmingham Bowl will pit CUSA vs Big East from Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama. The New Mexico Bowl will pit WAC vs MWC from University Stadium in Albuquerque. The 5th BCS bowl will be played one week after the Fiesta Bowl at the new Arizona Cardinal Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

What do all these bowl games mean? Well, for me I love to predict college bowl game matchups, but I even think that 32 bowls is too many. 6-6 teams will now be eligible to participate in a bowl game. However, all teams within a respective conference, with a better record, must be invited ahead of any 6-6 team.

It was just two years ago when 6-5 Akron was the only bowl eligible team not invited to a bowl. Granted, South Carolina and Clemson, both bowl eligible at 6-5, suspended themselves from bowl participation, but it was evident that the bowls get watered down after the top 15-20 bowls select their teams.

But now that the bowl games are complete, I will assume the Houston Bowl will be recertified, I will give my pre-preseason bowl predictions of all the 32 bowls. I know it is early but the season is slow and I have not researched enough to write any previews. Besides predicting bowl games are a crapshoot, anyways, until at least after the first week of December.

This blog will have more action now that the NFL draft is complete and I can start focusing on college football predictions. But the Fresno State Football Blog still takes up a majority of my time.

WAC Schedules

2006-04-07T14:56:00.000-07:00

The Wacky-WAC is such a weird conference. It stretches from Honolulu to Ruston, LA, but over half of its members rest in three states: California, Nevada and Idaho. The top five conference teams(Boise State, Fresno State, Hawaii, Louisiana Tech and Nevada) will be some the top non-BCS teams for 2006, but the bottom four(Idaho, New Mexico State, San Jose State, and Utah State) some of the worse. As well, some of the best coaches, young and old, in the game call the WAC home. Dick Tomey chose to rebuild the San Jose State program at the tender age of 67 last year. This year Dennis Erickson returns to the college game as the head coach of Idaho. Boise State and Fresno State are still the teams to beat, and these knee-jerk preseason predictions will change as August approaches. (red=predicted loss)

Boise State 9-3 (7-1)
Sept. 2 Sacramento State
Sept. 7 Oregon State
Sept. 16 at Wyoming
Sept. 23 Hawaii
Sept. 30 at Utah
Oct. 7 Louisiana Tech
Oct. 14 at New Mexico State
Oct. 21 at Idaho
Nov. 1 Fresno State
Nov. 11 at San Jose State
Nov. 18 Utah State
Nov. 25 at Nevada

Fresno State 9-3 (7-1)
Sept. 1 Nevada
Sept. 9 Oregon
Sept. 16 at Washington
Sept. 30 Colorado State
Oct. 7 at Utah State
Oct. 14 Hawaii
Oct. 21 at LSU
Nov. 1 at Boise State
Nov. 11 New Mexico State
Nov. 18 Idaho
Nov. 24 at Louisiana Tech
Dec. 2 at San Jose State

Hawaii 9-4 (5-3)
Sept. 2 at Alabama
Sept. 16 UNLV
Sept. 23 at Boise State
Sept. 30 Eastern Illinois
Oct. 7 Nevada
Oct. 14 at Fresno State
Oct. 21 at New Mexico State
Oct. 28 Idaho
Nov. 4 at Utah State
Nov. 11 Louisiana Tech
Nov. 18 San Jose State
Nov. 25 Purdue
Dec. 2 Oregon State

Idaho 4-8 (3-5)
Sept. 2 at Michigan State
Sept. 9 at Washington State
Sept. 16 Idaho State
Sept. 23 at Oregon State
Sept. 30 at Utah State
Oct. 7 New Mexico State
Oct. 14 at Louisiana Tech
Oct. 21 Boise State
Oct. 28 at Hawaii
Nov. 4 Nevada
Nov. 18 at Fresno State
Nov. 25 San Jose State

Louisiana Tech 6-7 (4-4)
Sept. 2 at Nebraska
Sept. 16 Nicholls State
Sept. 23 at Texas A&M
Sept. 30 at Clemson
Oct. 7 at Boise State
Oct. 14 Idaho
Oct. 21 Utah State
Oct. 28 at San Jose State
Nov. 4 at North Texas
Nov. 11 at Hawaii
Nov. 18 Nevada
Nov. 24 Fresno State
Dec. 2 at New Mexico State

Nevada 8-4 (5-3)
Sept. 1 at Fresno State
Sept. 9 at Arizona State
Sept. 16 Colorado State
Sept. 22 Northwestern
Sept. 30 at UNLV
Oct. 7 at Hawaii
Oct. 21 San Jose State
Oct. 28 New Mexico State
Nov. 4 at Idaho
Nov. 11 Utah State
Nov. 18 at Louisiana Tech
Nov. 25 Boise State

New Mexico State 3-9 (1-7)
Aug. 31 SE Louisiana
Sept. 9 New Mexico
Sept. 16 Texas Southern
Sept. 30 at UTEP
Oct. 7 at Idaho
Oct. 14 Boise State
Oct. 21 Hawaii
Oct. 28 at Nevada
Nov. 4 San Jose State
Nov. 11 at Fresno State
Nov. 25 at Utah State
Dec. 2 Louisiana Tech

San Jose State 2-10 (1-7)
Sept. 2 at Washington
Sept. 9 Stanford
Sept. 23 Cal Poly
Sept. 30 San Diego State
Oct. 14 Utah State
Oct. 21 at Nevada
Oct. 28 Louisiana Tech
Nov. 4 at New Mexico State
Nov. 11 Boise State
Nov. 18 at Hawaii
Nov. 25 at Idaho
Dec. 2 Fresno State

Utah State 3-9 (3-5)
Sept. 2 at Wyoming
Sept. 9 at Arkansas
Sept. 16 Utah
Sept. 23 at BYU
Sept. 30 Idaho
Oct. 7 Fresno State
Oct. 14 at San Jose State
Oct. 21 at Louisiana Tech
Nov. 4 Hawaii
Nov. 11 at Nevada
Nov. 18 at Boise State
Nov. 25 New Mexico State

Sun Belt Schedules

2006-04-05T10:35:00.000-07:00

The lowly Sun Belt is next in my pre-preseason predictions. Not too many college football fans care about this conference, but I'll admit that I am a college football nut and would watch a Sun Belt showdown over an NFL game. The knee-jerk picks continue, and trust me the Sun Belt schedule predictions are as a knee-jerk as ones can be. The Sun Belt schedule is all messed, I believe I corrected all the dates, if some are incorrect, I apologize. (red=predicted loss)

Arkansas State 6-6 (5-2)
Sept. 2 Army
Sept. 9 Oklahoma State
Sept. 23 at SMU
Sept. 30 at FIU
Oct. 7 UL Monroe
Oct. 14 at Memphis
Oct. 21 North Texas
Oct. 28 at Florida Atlantic
Nov. 4 at Auburn
Nov. 11 MTSU
Nov. 18 at Troy
Nov. 25 at UL Lafayette

Florida Atlantic 2-9 (2-5)
Sept. 2 at Clemson
Sept. 9 at Kansas State
Sept. 16 at Oklahoma State
Sept. 23 at South Carolina
Sept. 30 at UL Monroe
Oct. 14 UL Lafayette
Oct. 28 Arkansas State
Nov. 4 at MTSU
Nov. 11 Troy
Nov. 18 at North Texas
Nov. 25 FIU (in Miami)

Florida International 2-10 (2-5)
Aug. 31 at MTSU
Sept. 9 at South Florida
Sept. 16 Bowling Green
Sept. 23 at Maryland
Sept. 30 Arkansas State
Oct. 14 at Miami
Oct. 21 at North Texas
Oct. 28 at Alabama
Nov. 4 UL Monroe
Nov. 18 UL Lafayette
Nov. 25 at Florida Atlantic
Dec. 2 Troy

UL Lafayette 8-4 (6-1)
Sept. 2 at LSU
Sept. 9 at Texas A&M
Sept. 16 Ohio
Sept. 30 Eastern Michigan
Oct. 7 at Houston
Oct. 14 at Florida Atlantic
Oct. 28 MTSU
Nov. 4 at Troy
Nov. 11 North Texas
Nov. 18 at FIU
Nov. 25 Arkansas State
Dec. 2 UL Monroe

UL Monroe 2-10 (1-6)
Sept. 2 Alcorn State
Sept. 9 at Kansas
Sept. 16 at Alabama
Sept. 23 North Texas
Sept. 30 Florida Atlantic
Oct. 7 at Arkansas State
Oct. 14 MTSU
Oct. 21 at Troy
Oct. 28 Arkansas (in Little Rock)
Nov. 4 at FIU
Nov. 18 at Kentucky
Nov. 25 North Texas
Dec. 2 at UL Lafayette

MTSU 4-8 (3-4)
Aug. 31 FIU
Sept. 9 Maryland
Sept. 14 Tennessee Tech
Sept. 23 at Oklahoma
Sept. 30 at North Texas
Oct. 6 Louisville
Oct. 14 at UL Monroe
Oct. 28 at UL Lafayette
Nov. 4 Florida Atlantic
Nov. 11 at Arkansas State
Nov. 18 at South Carolina
Nov. 25 Troy

North Texas 4-8 (4-3)
Sept. 2 at Texas
Sept. 9 SMU
Sept. 16 at Tulsa
Sept. 23 at Akron
Sept. 30 Middle Tennessee
Oct. 7 Florida International
Oct. 21 at Arkansas State
Oct. 28 at Troy
Nov. 4 Louisiana Tech
Nov. 11 at UL Lafayette
Nov. 18 Florida Atlantic
Nov. 25 at UL Monroe

Troy 7-5 (5-2)
Sept. 2 Alabama State
Sept. 9 at Florida State
Sept. 16 at Georgia Tech
Sept. 23 at Nebraska
Sept. 30 at UAB
Oct. 14 UL Monroe
Oct. 28 North Texas
Nov. 4 UL Lafayette
Nov. 11 at Florida Atlantic
Nov. 18 Arkansas State
Nov. 25 at MTSU
Dec. 2 at FIU

Big 12 Schedules

2006-04-05T09:03:00.000-07:00

Now I am on a roll. I will try to pump out the rest of the predictions today or by Friday at the latest. The Big 12 is loaded in the South Division and weak in the North. Nebraska is on the cusp of achieving greatness again, but overall the North is just the little sister to the powerful South. Texas and Oklahoma are national title contenders. Will the winner of the Red River Shootout be playing in the first ever post BCS bowl national title game in Tempe? Remember, these are just knee-jerk picks. (red=predicted loss)

Colorado 5-7 (3-5)
Sept. 2 Montana State
Sept. 9 Colorado State (in Denver)
Sept. 16 Arizona State
Sept. 23 at Georgia
Sept. 30 at Missouri
Oct. 7 Baylor
Oct. 14 Texas Tech
Oct. 21 at Oklahoma
Oct. 28 at Kansas
Nov. 4 Kansas State
Nov. 11 Iowa State
Nov. 18 OPEN
Nov. 24 at Nebraska

Iowa State 7-5 (4-4)
Aug. 31 Toledo
Sept. 9 UNLV
Sept. 16 at Iowa
Sept. 23 at Texas
Sept. 30 Northern Iowa
Oct. 7 Nebraska
Oct. 14 at Oklahoma
Oct. 21 Texas Tech
Oct. 28 at Kansas State
Nov. 4 Kansas
Nov. 11 at Colorado
Nov. 18 Missouri

Kansas 8-4 (4-4)
Sept. 2 Northwestern State
Sept. 9 UL Monroe
Sept. 16 at Toledo
Sept. 23 South Florida
Sept. 30 at Nebraska
Oct. 7 Texas A&M
Oct. 14 Oklahoma State
Oct. 21 at Baylor
Oct. 28 Colorado
Nov. 4 at Iowa State
Nov. 11 OPEN
Nov. 18 Kansas State
Nov. 25 at Missouri

Kansas State 4-8 (1-7)
Sept. 2 Illinois State
Sept. 9 Florida Atlantic
Sept. 16 Marshall
Sept. 23 Louisville
Sept. 30 at Baylor
Oct. 7 Oklahoma State
Oct. 14 Nebraska
Oct. 21 at Missouri
Oct. 28 Iowa State
Nov. 4 at Colorado
Nov. 11 Texas
Nov. 18 at Kansas

Missouri 7-5 (3-5)
Sept. 2 Murray State
Sept. 9 Ole Miss
Sept. 16 at New Mexico
Sept. 23 Ohio
Sept. 30 Colorado
Oct. 7 at Texas Tech
Oct. 14 at Texas A&M
Oct. 21 Kansas State
Oct. 28 Oklahoma
Nov. 4 at Nebraska
Nov. 11 OPEN
Nov. 18 at Iowa State
Nov. 25 Kansas

Nebraska 9-3 (6-2)
Sept. 2 Louisiana Tech
Sept. 9 Nicholls State
Sept. 16 at USC
Sept. 23 Troy
Sept. 30 Kansas
Oct. 7 at Iowa State
Oct. 14 at Kansas State
Oct. 21 Texas
Oct. 28 at Oklahoma State
Nov. 4 Missouri
Nov. 11 at Texas A&M
Nov. 18 OPEN
Nov. 24 Colorado

Baylor 5-7 (3-5)
Sept. 2 TCU
Sept. 9 Northwestern State
Sept. 16 at Washington State (in Seattle)
Sept. 23 Army
Sept. 30 Kansas State
Oct. 7 at Colorado
Oct. 14 at Texas
Oct. 21 Kansas
Oct. 28 Texas A&M
Nov. 4 at Texas Tech
Nov. 11 at Oklahoma State
Nov. 18 Oklahoma

Oklahoma 10-2 (7-1)
Sept. 2 UAB
Sept. 9 Washington
Sept. 16 at Oregon
Sept. 23 MTSU
Sept. 30 OPEN
Oct. 7 vs. Texas (in Dallas)
Oct. 14 Iowa State
Oct. 21 Colorado
Oct. 28 at Missouri
Nov. 4 at Texas A&M
Nov. 11 Texas Tech
Nov. 18 at Baylor
Nov. 25 at Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State 6-6 (2-6)
Sept. 2 Missouri State
Sept. 9 at Arkansas State
Sept. 16 Florida Atlantic
Sept. 23 at Houston
Sept. 30 OPEN
Oct. 7 at Kansas State
Oct. 14 at Kansas
Oct. 21 Texas A&M
Oct. 28 Nebraska
Nov. 4 at Texas
Nov. 11 Baylor
Nov. 18 at Texas Tech
Nov. 25 Oklahoma

Texas 10-2 (6-2)
Sept. 2 North Texas
Sept. 9 Ohio State
Sept. 16 at Rice
Sept. 23 Iowa State
Sept. 30 Sam Houston State
Oct. 7 vs. Oklahoma (in Dallas)
Oct. 14 Baylor
Oct. 21 at Nebraska
Oct. 28 at Texas Tech
Nov. 4 Oklahoma State
Nov. 11 at Kansas State
Nov. 18 OPEN
Nov. 24 Texas A&M

Texas A&M 7-5 (3-5)
Sept. 2 The Citadel
Sept. 9 UL Lafayette
Sept. 16 Army
Sept. 23 Louisiana Tech
Sept. 30 Texas Tech
Oct. 7 at Kansas
Oct. 14 Missouri
Oct. 21 at Oklahoma State
Oct. 28 at Baylor
Nov. 4 Oklahoma
Nov. 11 Nebraska
Nov. 18 OPEN
Nov. 24 at Texas

Texas Tech 9-3 (5-3)
Sept. 2 SMU
Sept. 9 at UTEP
Sept. 16 at TCU
Sept. 23 SE Louisiana
Sept. 30 at Texas A&M
Oct. 7 Missouri
Oct. 14 at Colorado
Oct. 21 at Iowa State
Oct. 28 Texas
Nov. 4 Baylor
Nov. 11 at Oklahoma
Nov. 18 Oklahoma State

Big Ten Schedules

2006-04-05T08:31:00.001-07:00

I have taken my freaking time with these predictions, but I have been occupied with Fresno State spring practice. Practice is winding down, and so are many other programs'. The Big Ten was one of the best, if not the best, football conferences last year, and this year should be no different. It is getting closer to the end of spring but these predictions are still just knee-jerk picks. (red=predicted loss)

Illinois 5-7 (2-6)
Sept. 2 Eastern Illinois
Sept. 9 at Rutgers
Sept. 16 Syracuse
Sept. 23 Iowa
Sept. 30 at Michigan State
Oct. 7 Indiana
Oct. 14 Central Michigan
Oct. 21 at Penn State
Oct. 28 at Wisconsin
Nov. 4 Ohio State
Nov. 11 Purdue
Nov. 18 at Northwestern

Indiana 5-7 (1-6)
Sept. 2 Western Michigan
Sept. 9 at Ball State
Sept. 16 Southern Illinois
Sept. 23 Connecticut
Sept. 30 Wisconsin
Oct. 7 at Illinois
Oct. 14 Iowa
Oct. 21 at Ohio State
Oct. 28 Michigan State
Nov. 4 at Minnesota
Nov. 11 Michigan
Nov. 18 at Purdue

Iowa 10-2 (6-2)
Sept. 2 Montana
Sept. 9 at Syracuse
Sept. 16 Iowa State
Sept. 23 at Illinois
Sept. 30 Ohio State
Oct. 7 Purdue
Oct. 14 at Indiana
Oct. 21 at Michigan
Oct. 28 Northern Illinois
Nov. 4 Northwestern
Nov. 11 Wisconsin
Nov. 18 at Minnesota

Michigan 9-3 (6-2)
Sept. 2 Vanderbilt
Sept. 9 Central Michigan
Sept. 16 at Notre Dame
Sept. 23 Wisconsin
Sept. 30 at Minnesota
Oct. 7 Michigan State
Oct. 14 at Penn State
Oct. 21 Iowa
Oct. 28 Northwestern
Nov. 4 Ball State
Nov. 11 at Indiana
Nov. 18 at Ohio State

Michigan State 7-5 (4-4)
Sept. 2 Idaho
Sept. 9 Eastern Michigan
Sept. 16 at Pitt
Sept. 23 Notre Dame
Sept. 30 Illinois
Oct. 7 at Michigan
Oct. 14 Ohio State
Oct. 21 at Northwestern
Oct. 28 at Indiana
Nov. 4 Purdue
Nov. 11 Minnesota
Nov. 18 at Penn State

Minnesota 5-7 (2-6)
Aug. 31 at Kent State
Sept. 9 at California
Sept. 16 Temple
Sept. 23 at Purdue
Sept. 30 Michigan
Oct. 7 Penn State
Oct. 14 at Wisconsin
Oct. 21 North Dakota State
Oct. 28 at Ohio State
Nov. 4 Indiana
Nov. 11 at Michigan State
Nov. 18 Iowa

Northwestern 4-8 (2-6)
Aug. 31 at Miami University
Sept. 9 New Hampshire
Sept. 16 Eastern Michigan
Sept. 22 at Nevada
Sept. 30 at Penn State
Oct. 7 at Wisconsin
Oct. 14 Purdue
Oct. 21 Michigan State
Oct. 28 at Michigan
Nov. 4 at Iowa
Nov. 11 Ohio State
Nov. 18 Illinois

Ohio State 11-1 (8-0)
Sept. 2 Northern Illinois
Sept. 9 at Texas
Sept. 16 Cincinnati
Sept. 23 Penn State
Sept. 30 at Iowa
Oct. 7 Bowling Green
Oct. 14 at Michigan State
Oct. 21 Indiana
Oct. 28 Minnesota
Nov. 4 at Illinois
Nov. 11 at Northwestern
Nov. 18 Michigan

Penn State 8-4 (5-3)
Sept. 2 Akron
Sept. 9 at Notre Dame
Sept. 16 Youngstown State
Sept. 23 at Ohio State
Sept. 30 Northwestern
Oct. 7 at Minnesota
Oct. 14 Michigan
Oct. 21 Illinois
Oct. 28 at Purdue
Nov. 4 at Wisconsin
Nov. 11 Temple
Nov. 18 Michigan State

Purdue 7-6 (4-4)
Sept. 2 Indiana State
Sept. 9 Miami University
Sept. 16 Ball State
Sept. 23 Minnesota
Sept. 30 at Notre Dame
Oct. 7 at Iowa
Oct. 14 at Northwestern
Oct. 21 Wisconsin
Oct. 28 Penn State
Nov. 4 at Michigan State
Nov. 11 at Illinois
Nov. 18 Indiana
Nov. 25 at Hawaii

Wisconsin 8-4 (4-4)
Sept. 2 at Bowling Green (in Cleveland)
Sept. 9 Western Illinois
Sept. 16 San Diego State
Sept. 23 at Michigan
Sept. 30 at Indiana
Oct. 7 Northwestern
Oct. 14 Minnesota
Oct. 21 at Purdue
Oct. 28 Illinois
Nov. 4 Penn State
Nov. 11 at Iowa
Nov. 18 Buffalo

MWC Schedules

2006-03-13T23:30:00.000-08:00

The schedule predictions continue on with the Mountain West Conference. The knee-jerk predictions for the best non-BCS conference are just that, knee-jerk! These predications will change after spring ball, and again during preseason. Will TCU win the MWC again? Can Utah make it back to the BCS? Is BYU back? Without further ado, the MWC early predictions: (red=predicted loss)

Air Force 4-8 (3-5)
9-9-06 at Tennessee
9-23-06 at Wyoming
9-30-06 NEW MEXICO
10-7-06 NAVY
10-12-06 COLORADO STATE (Thur.)
10-21-06 at San Diego State
10-28-06 BRIGHAM YOUNG
11-4-06 at Army
11-11-06 NOTRE DAME
11-18-06 UTAH
11-24-06 at UNLV (Fri.)
12-2-06 at TCU

Brigham Young 7-5 (5-3)
9-2-06 at Arizona
9-9-06 TULSA
9-16-06 at Boston College
9-23-06 UTAH STATE
9-28-06 at TCU (Thur.)
10-7-06 SAN DIEGO STATE
10-21-06 UNLV
10-28-06 at Air Force
11-4-06 at Colorado State
11-9-06 WYOMING (Thur.)
11-18-06 NEW MEXICO
11-25-06 at Utah

Colorado State 6-6 (4-4)
9-2-06 WEBER STATE
9-9-06 vs. Colorado @Denver, CO
9-16-06 at Nevada
9-30-06 at Fresno State
10-7-06 UNLV
10-12-06 at Air Force (Thur.)
10-21-06 at Wyoming
10-28-06 NEW MEXICO
11-4-06 BRIGHAM YOUNG
11-11-06 at Utah
11-25-06 TCU
12-2-06 at San Diego State

New Mexico 5-7 (3-5)
9-2-06 PORTLAND STATE
9-9-06 at New Mexico State
9-16-06 MISSOURI
9-23-06 UTEP
9-30-06 at Air Force
10-7-06 WYOMING
10-14-06 at UNLV
10-19-06 UTAH (Thur.)
10-28-06 at Colorado State
11-11-06 TCU
11-18-06 at Brigham Young
11-25-06 SAN DIEGO STATE

San Diego State 4-8 (2-6)
8-31-06 UTEP (Thur.)
9-16-06 at Wisconsin
9-23-06 UTAH
9-30-06 at San Jose State
10-7-06 at Brigham Young
10-21-06 AIR FORCE
10-28-06 CAL POLY
11-4-06 at Wyoming
11-11-06 UNLV
11-18-06 at TCU
11-25-06 at New Mexico
12-2-06 COLORADO STATE

Texas Christian 8-3 (6-2)
9-2-06 at Baylor
9-16-06 TEXAS TECH
9-28-06 BRIGHAM YOUNG (Thur.)
10-5-06 at Utah (Thur.)
10-21-06 at Army
10-28-06 WYOMING
11-4-06 at UNLV
11-11-06 at New Mexico
11-18-06 SAN DIEGO STATE
11-25-06 at Colorado State
12-2-06 AIR FORCE

UNLV 2-10 (1-7)
9-2-06 IDAHO STATE
9-9-06 at Iowa State
9-16-06 at Hawai'i
9-30-06 NEVADA
10-7-06 at Colorado State
10-14-06 NEW MEXICO
10-21-06 at Brigham Young
10-28-06 at Utah
11-4-06 TCU
11-11-06 at San Diego State
11-18-06 WYOMING
11-24-06 AIR FORCE (Fri.)

Utah 9-3 (7-1)
9-2-06 at UCLA
9-9-06 NORTHERN ARIZONA
9-16-06 at Utah State
9-23-06 at San Diego State
9-30-06 BOISE STATE
10-5-06 TCU (Thur.)
10-14-06 at Wyoming
10-19-06 at New Mexico (Thur.)
10-28-06 UNLV
11-11-06 COLORADO STATE
11-18-06 at Air Force
11-25-06 BRIGHAM YOUNG

Wyoming 7-4 (5-3)
9-2-06 UTAH STATE
9-9-06 at Virginia
9-16-06 BOISE STATE
9-23-06 AIR FORCE
10-7-06 at New Mexico
10-14-06 UTAH
10-21-06 COLORADO STATE
10-28-06 at TCU
11-4-06 SAN DIEGO STATE
11-9-06 at Brigham Young (Thur.)
11-18-06 at UNLV

The One and Only BB Post

2006-03-13T00:22:00.000-08:00

Looking at this year's tournament seeding I have realized why I do not bother to watch college basketball as much as I used too. There is no consistency or method of madness to selecting the field of "65". It is funny how "college football" has such an influence in the selection process. How else can one explain the Missouri Valley Conference getting screwed with only 4 bids, when it deserved at least 5, if not 6. Did the powers at be not want a so called "mid-major" conference to have more bids than the ACC, Big 12 and Pac 10 of the BCS? Anyways for what it is worth my Final 4......now back to college football.

TEXAS
KANSAS
UCONN
BOSTON COLLEGE

Aggies Screw Ducks

2006-03-01T15:07:00.000-08:00

Just last week Utah State released its 2006 football schedule, but in less than a week have already made a change. The Aggies have dropped Oregon in favor of resuming their historical series with in-state rival BYU. The Ducks got screwed royally. Not only must UO find a last minute replacement, but were in the process of printing their official 2006 football schedule, with Utah State still set for September 23.

UO will more than likely have to fill the open spot with a DI-AA opponent. Their first choice would be a Big Sky school, but the Big Sky opens conference play on September 23, meaning all of those schools will be in action. UNLV has an open date September 23, and is entitled to a 13th, because of their trip to Hawaii, if they choose to play it. Otherwise, Oregon may be stuck playing Creampuff State, but at least it will not hurt their chance at becoming bowl eligible.

Pac 10 Schedules

2006-02-28T09:26:00.000-08:00

The next conference in the knee-jerk schedule predictions is the Pac 10. The Pac 10 has been USC and the nine dwarfs the last 3 years. Only Cal has beaten USC since the start of the 2003 Pac 10 season. The Trojans look to be the early favorite once again, but will they lose a conference game in 2006? As stated before these predictions will change after spring and again in preseason. (red=predicted loss)

Arizona 7-5 (5-4)
9-2-06 BRIGHAM YOUNG
9-9-06 at Louisiana State
9-16-06 STEPHEN F. AUSTIN
9-23-06 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
9-30-06 WASHINGTON
10-7-06 at UCLA
10-14-06 at Stanford
10-21-06 OREGON STATE
11-4-06 at Washington State
11-11-06 CALIFORNIA
11-18-06 at Oregon
11-25-06 ARIZONA STATE

Arizona State 8-4 (5-4)
8-31-06 NORTHERN ARIZONA
9-9-06 NEVADA
9-16-06 at Colorado
9-23-06 at California
9-30-06 OREGON
10-14-06 at Southern California
10-21-06 STANFORD
10-28-06 at Washington
11-4-06 at Oregon State
11-11-06 WASHINGTON STATE
11-18-06 UCLA
11-24-06 at Arizona

California 9-3 (6-3)
9-2-06 at Tennessee
9-9-06 MINNESOTA
9-16-06 PORTLAND STATE
9-23-06 ARIZONA STATE
9-30-06 at Oregon State
10-7-06 OREGON
10-14-06 at Washington State
10-21-06 WASHINGTON
11-4-06 UCLA
11-11-06 at Arizona
11-18-06 at Southern California
12-2-06 STANFORD

Oregon 8-4 (6-3)
9-2-06 STANFORD
9-9-06 at Fresno State
9-16-06 OKLAHOMA
9-30-06 at Arizona State
10-7-06 at California
10-14-06 UCLA
10-21-06 at Washington State
10-28-06 Portland State
11-4-06 WASHINGTON
11-11-06 at Southern California
11-18-06 ARIZONA
11-25-06 at Oregon State

Oregon State 6-6 (3-6)
9-2-06 EASTERN WASHINGTON
9-9-06 at Boise State
9-23-06 IDAHO
9-30-06 CALIFORNIA
10-7-06 WASHINGTON STATE
10-14-06 at Washington
10-21-06 at Arizona
10-28-06 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
11-4-06 ARIZONA STATE
11-11-06 at UCLA
11-18-06 at Stanford
11-25-06 OREGON
12-2-06 at Hawai'i

Southern Cal 11-1 (8-1)
9-2-06 at Arkansas
9-16-06 NEBRASKA
9-23-06 at Arizona
9-30-06 at Washington State
10-7-06 WASHINGTON
10-14-06 ARIZONA STATE
10-28-06 at Oregon State
11-4-06 at Stanford
11-11-06 OREGON
11-18-06 CALIFORNIA
11-25-06 NOTRE DAME
12-2-06 at UCLA

Stanford 5-7 (3-6)
9-2-06 at Oregon
9-9-06 at San Jose State
9-16-06 NAVY
9-23-06 WASHINGTON STATE
9-30-06 at UCLA
10-7-06 at Notre Dame
10-14-06 ARIZONA
10-21-06 at Arizona State
11-4-06 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
11-11-06 at Washington
11-18-06 OREGON STATE
12-2-06 at California

UCLA 6-6 (3-6)
9-2-06 UTAH
9-9-06 RICE
9-23-06 at Washington
9-30-06 STANFORD
10-7-06 ARIZONA
10-14-06 at Oregon
10-21-06 at Notre Dame
10-28-06 WASHINGTON STATE
11-4-06 at California
11-11-06 OREGON STATE
11-18-06 at Arizona State
12-2-06 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Washington 5-7 (3-6)
9-2-06 SAN JOSE STATE
9-9-06 at Oklahoma
9-16-06 FRESNO STATE
9-23-06 UCLA
9-30-06 at Arizona
10-7-06 at Southern California
10-14-06 OREGON STATE
10-21-06 at California
10-28-06 ARIZONA STATE
11-4-06 at Oregon
11-11-06 STANFORD
11-18-06 at Washington State

Washington State 4-8 (2-7)
9-2-06 at Auburn
9-9-06 IDAHO
9-16-06 Baylor (@Seattle)
9-23-06 at Stanford
9-30-06 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
10-7-06 at Oregon State
10-14-06 CALIFORNIA
10-21-06 OREGON
10-28-06 at UCLA
11-4-06 ARIZONA
11-11-06 at Arizona State
11-18-06 WASHINGTON

The Independents Schedules

2006-02-17T15:32:00.000-08:00

Independents are a thing of the past, only Notre Dame, Navy and Army are left. Temple is a probationary member of the Mid-American Conference this year, and will be a full fledged member in 2007. Besides Notre Dame, what other school could survive as an independent and still be a national title contender? Until the BCS mandates conference membership as a requirement to play in the national championship, Notre Dame has no reason to join a conference. Army left Conference USA last year in order to have more freedom in scheduling. Navy has never been a member of a conference, but has had great success the last 3 years under head coach Paul Johnson. Will Navy make it to their 4th straight bowl game? Will Notre Dame run the table? This is just a knee-jerk prediction on how the Indys will finish? As stated before, these predictions will change after Spring and again before Fall. (red= predicted loss)

Army 4-8
Sept. 2 at Arkansas State
Sept. 9 KENT STATE
Sept. 16 vs. Texas A&M @San Antonio, TX
Sept. 23 at Baylor
Sept. 30 RICE
Oct. 7 VMI
Oct. 14 at Connecticut
Oct. 21 TCU
Oct. 28 at Tulane
Nov. 4 AIR FORCE
Nov. 18 at Notre Dame
Dec. 2 vs. Navy @Philadelphia, PA

Navy 8-4
Sept. 2 EAST CAROLINA
Sept. 9 MASSACHUSETTS
Sept. 16 at Stanford
Sept. 23 TULSA
Sept. 30 at Connecticut
Oct. 7 at Air Force
Oct. 14 RUTGERS
Oct. 28 Notre Dame @Baltimore, MD
Nov. 4 at Duke
Nov. 11 at Eastern Michigan
Nov. 18 TEMPLE
Dec. 2 vs. Army @Philadelphia, PA

Notre Dame 10-2
Sept. 2 at Georgia Tech
Sept. 9 PENN STATE
Sept. 16 MICHIGAN
Sept. 23 at Michigan State
Sept. 30 PURDUE
Oct. 7 STANFORD
Oct. 21 UCLA
Oct. 28 at Navy (Baltimore, Md.)
Nov. 4 NORTH CAROLINA
Nov. 11 at Air Force
Nov. 18 ARMY
Nov. 25 at USC

SEC Schedules

2006-02-15T23:17:00.000-08:00

The all-mighty SEC, the toughest conference year in and year out, always has at least a couple of teams contending for the national title. This year should be no different. Will Tennessee rebound from their first losing since 1988? Will Georgia be able to offset the loss of key starters to the NFL? Can Urban Meyer run the table at Florida? Who has the easier road in the West, LSU, Auburn or Alabama? I am just continuing my knee-jerk predictions for 2006. As stated before these predictions will change after Spring and again before Fall. (red= predicted loss)

ALABAMA 8-4 (4-4)
Sept. 2 HAWAII
Sept. 9 VANDERBILT
Sept. 16 LOUISIANA-MONROE
Sept. 23 at Arkansas
Sept. 30 at Florida
Oct. 7 DUKE
Oct. 14 OLE MISS
Oct. 21 at Tennessee
Oct. 28 FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL
Nov. 4 MISSISSIPPI STATE
Nov. 11 at LSU
Nov. 18 AUBURN

ARKANSAS 7-5 (3-5)
Sept. 2 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Sept. 9 UTAH STATE
Sept. 16 at Vanderbilt
Sept. 23 ALABAMA
Oct. 7 at Auburn
Oct. 14 SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE
Oct. 21 OLE MISS
Oct. 28 LOUISIANA-MONROE (at Little Rock)
Nov. 4 at South Carolina
Nov. 11 TENNESSEE
Nov. 18 at Mississippi State
Nov. 25 LSU (at Little Rock)

AUBURN 11-1 (7-1)
Sept. 2 WASHINGTON STATE
Sept. 9 at Mississippi State
Sept. 16 LSU
Sept. 23 BUFFALO
Sept. 28 at South Carolina
Oct. 7 ARKANSAS
Oct. 14 FLORIDA
Oct. 21 TULANE
Oct. 28 at Ole Miss
Nov. 4 ARKANSAS STATE
Nov. 11 GEORGIA
Nov. 18 at Alabama

FLORIDA 9-3 (6-2)
Sept. 2 SOUTHERN MISS
Sept. 9 CENTRAL FLORIDA
Sept. 16 at Tennessee
Sept. 23 KENTUCKY
Sept. 30 ALABAMA
Oct. 7 LSU
Oct. 14 at Auburn
Oct. 28 vs. Georgia (Jacksonville)
Nov. 4 at Vanderbilt
Nov. 11 SOUTH CAROLINA
Nov. 18 WESTERN CAROLINA
Nov. 25 at Florida State

GEORGIA 9-3 (5-3)
Sept. 2 WESTERN KENTUCKY
Sept. 9 at South Carolina
Sept. 16 UAB
Sept. 23 COLORADO
Sept. 30 at Ole Miss
Oct. 7 TENNESSEE
Oct. 14 VANDERBILT
Oct. 21 MISSISSIPPI STATE
Oct. 28 vs. Florida (Jacksonville)
Nov. 4 at Kentucky
Nov. 11 at Auburn
Nov. 25 GEORGIA TECH

KENTUCKY 4-8 (1-7)
Sept. 2 at Louisville
Sept. 9 TEXAS STATE
Sept. 16 OLE MISS
Sept. 23 at Florida
Sept. 30 CENTRAL MICHIGAN
Oct. 7 SOUTH CAROLINA
Oct. 14 at LSU
Oct. 28 at Mississippi State
Nov. 4 GEORGIA
Nov. 11 VANDERBILT
Nov. 18 LOUISIANA-MONROE
Nov. 25 at Tennessee

LSU 10-2 (6-2)
Sept. 2 LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE
Sept. 9 ARIZONA
Sept. 16 at Auburn
Sept. 23 TULANE
Sept. 30 MISSISSIPPI STATE
Oct. 7 at Florida
Oct. 14 KENTUCKY
Oct. 21 FRESNO STATE
Nov. 4 at Tennessee
Nov. 11 ALABAMA
Nov. 18 OLE MISS
Nov. 25 at Arkansas (Little Rock)

OLE MISS 8-4 (4-4)
Sept. 2 MEMPHIS
Sept. 9 at Missouri
Sept. 16 at Kentucky
Sept. 23 WAKE FOREST
Sept. 30 GEORGIA
Oct. 7 VANDERBILT
Oct. 14 at Alabama
Oct. 21 at Arkansas
Oct. 28 AUBURN
Nov. 4 NORTHWESTERN STATE
Nov. 18 at LSU
Nov. 25 MISSISSIPPI STATE

MISSISSIPPI STATE 4-8 (1-7)
Aug. 31 SOUTH CAROLINA
Sept. 9 AUBURN
Sept. 16 TULANE
Sept. 23 at UAB
Sept. 30 at LSU
Oct. 7 WEST VIRGINIA
Oct. 14 JACKSONVILLE STATE
Oct. 21 at Georgia
Oct. 28 KENTUCKY
Nov. 4 at Alabama
Nov. 18 ARKANSAS
Nov. 25 at Ole Miss

SOUTH CAROLINA 8-4 (5-3)
Aug. 31 at Mississippi State
Sept. 9 GEORGIA
Sept. 16 WOFFORD
Sept. 23 FLORIDA ATLANTIC
Sept. 28 AUBURN
Oct. 7 at Kentucky
Oct. 21 at Vanderbilt
Oct. 28 TENNESSEE
Nov. 4 ARKANSAS
Nov. 11 at Florida
Nov. 18 MIDDLE TENNESSEE
Nov. 25 at Clemson

TENNESSEE 8-4 (5-3)
Sept. 2 CALIFORNIA
Sept. 9 AIR FORCE
Sept. 16 FLORIDA
Sept. 23 MARSHALL
Sept. 30 at Memphis
Oct. 7 at Georgia
Oct. 21 ALABAMA
Oct. 28 at South Carolina
Nov. 4 LSU
Nov. 11 at Arkansas
Nov. 18 at Vanderbilt
Nov. 25 KENTUCKY

VANDERBILT 2-10 (0-8)
Sept. 2 at Michigan
Sept. 9 at Alabama
Sept. 16 ARKANSAS
Sept. 23 TENNESSEE STATE
Sept. 30 KENT STATE
Oct. 7 at Ole Miss
Oct. 14 at Georgia
Oct. 21 SOUTH CAROLINA
Oct. 28 at Duke
Nov. 4 FLORIDA
Nov. 11 at Kentucky
Nov. 18 TENNESSEE

CUSA Schedules

2006-02-14T15:27:00.000-08:00

Will there be a BCS buster from CUSA? A non-BCS conference champ will be guaranteed a BCS bowl bid if they finish ranked in the top 12 of the standings. The non-BCS schools always have it tougher and their schedules are no different. This is just a knee-jerk prediction on how the CUSA schools will fare. As stated before, these predictions will change after Spring ball and again heading into September. Will there be any huge upsets over BCS schools? (red= predicted loss)
East Carolina 5-7 (5-3)
Sept. 2 at Navy
Sept. 9 at UAB
Sept. 16 Memphis
Sept. 23 West Virginia
Oct. 7 Virginia
Oct. 14 Tulsa
Oct. 21 SMU
Oct. 28 at Southern Miss
Nov. 4 at UCF
Nov. 11 Marshall
Nov. 18 at Rice
Nov. 25 at NC State

Marshall 5-7 (4-4)
Sept. 2 at West Virginia
Sept. 9 Hofstra
Sept. 16 at Kansas State
Sept. 23 at Tennessee
Oct. 4 UCF
Oct. 14 at SMU
Oct. 21 at UAB
Oct. 28 Memphis
Nov. 4 Tulane
Nov. 11 at East Carolina
Nov. 18 UTEP
Nov. 25 at Southern Miss

Memphis 4-7 (2-6)
Sept. 9 UT-Chattanooga
Sept. 16 at East Carolina
Sept. 30 Tennessee
Oct. 7 at UAB
Oct. 14 Arkansas State
Oct. 21 Tulsa
Oct. 28 at Marshall
Nov. 4 Southern Miss
Nov. 11 UCF
Nov. 18 Houston
Nov. 25 at UTEP

Southern Miss 6-6 (5-3)
Sept. 2 at Florida
Sept. 9 SE Louisiana
Sept. 16 NC State
Sept. 26 at UCF
Oct. 3 at Tulsa
Oct. 14 Houston
Oct. 21 at Virginia Tech
Oct. 28 East Carolina
Nov. 4 at Memphis
Nov. 11 at Tulane
Nov. 18 UAB
Nov. 25 Marshall

UAB 5-7 (4-4)
Sept. 2 at Oklahoma
Sept. 9 East Carolina
Sept. 16 at Georgia
Sept. 23 Mississippi State
Sept. 30 Troy
Oct. 7 Memphis
Oct. 14 at Rice
Oct. 21 Marshall
Oct. 31 at SMU
Nov. 10 UTEP
Nov. 18 at Southern Miss
Nov. 25 at UCF

UCF 8-4 (6-2)
Sept. 2 Villanova
Sept. 9 at Florida
Sept. 16 South Florida
Sept. 26 Southern Miss
Oct. 4 at Marshall
Oct. 13 Pittsburgh
Oct. 21 Rice
Oct. 28 at Houston
Nov. 4 East Carolina
Nov. 11 at Memphis
Nov. 18 at Tulane
Nov. 25 UAB

Houston 7-5 (5-3)
Sept. 2 at Rice
Sept. 9 Tulane
Sept. 16 at New Mexico State????? (not confirmed by NMSU)
Sept. 23 Oklahoma State
Sept. 30 at Miami
Oct. 7 UL Lafayette
Oct. 14 at Southern Miss
Oct. 21 UTEP
Oct. 28 UCF
Nov. 4 Tulsa
Nov. 11 at SMU
Nov. 18 at Memphis

Rice 0-12 (0-8)
Sept. 2 Houston
Sept. 9 at UCLA
Sept. 16 Texas
Sept. 23 at Florida State
Sept. 30 at Army
Oct. 7 at Tulane
Oct. 14 UAB
Oct. 21 at UCF
Nov. 4 at UTEP
Nov. 11 at Tulsa
Nov. 18 East Carolina
Nov. 25 SMU

SMU 7-5 (4-4)
Sept. 2 at Texas Tech
Sept. 9 at North Texas
Sept. 16 Sam Houston State
Sept. 23 Arkansas State
Sept. 30 at Tulane
Oct. 7 at UTEP
Oct. 14 Marshall
Oct. 21 at East Carolina
Oct. 31 UAB
Nov. 11 Houston
Nov. 18 Tulsa
Nov. 25 at Rice

Tulane 2-10 (1-7)
Sept. 9 at Houston
Sept. 16 at Mississippi State
Sept. 23 at LSU
Sept. 30 SMU
Oct. 7 Rice
Oct. 14 at UTEP
Oct. 21 at Auburn
Oct. 28 Army
Nov. 4 at Marshall
Nov. 11 Southern Miss
Nov. 18 UCF
Nov. 25 at Tulsa

Tulsa 9-3 (6-2)
Aug. 31 Stephen F. Austin
Sept. 9 at BYU
Sept. 16 North Texas
Sept. 23 at Navy
Oct. 3 Southern Miss
Oct. 14 at East Carolina
Oct. 21 at Memphis
Oct. 27 UTEP
Nov. 4 at Houston
Nov. 11 Rice
Nov. 18 at SMU
Nov. 25 Tulane

UTEP 8-4 (5-3)
Sept. 2 at San Diego State
Sept. 9 Texas Tech
Sept. 23 at New Mexico
Sept. 30 New Mexico State
Oct. 7 SMU
Oct. 14 Tulane
Oct. 21 at Houston
Oct. 27 at Tulsa
Nov. 4 Rice
Nov. 10 at UAB
Nov. 18 at Marshall
Nov. 25 Memphis

Big East Schedules

2006-02-13T23:54:00.000-08:00

The Big East has a legitimate national title contender in West Virginia. But will the Mountaineers be able to run the table in the "weak" Big East? Louisville is loaded on offense once again, but can the Cards not choke at a lesser opponent this year? Will Syracuse win more than one game this year? Will Pitt bounce back from a dismal 5-6 year? This is just a knee-jerk prediction on how the Big East teams will fare in 2006. As stated in other posts these predictions will change as the depth charts take shape after Spring ball. (red= predicted loss)

Cincinnati 5-7 (2-5)
Sat, Sept 2 Eastern Kentucky
Fri, Sept 8 Pittsburgh
Sat, Sept 16 @ Ohio State
Sat, Sept 23 @ Virginia Tech
Sat, Sept 30 Miami (OH)
Sat, Oct 7 Akron
Sat, Oct 14 @ Louisville
Sat, Oct 21 USF
Sat, Oct 28 Syracuse
Sat, Nov 4 bye
Sat, Nov 11 @ West Virginia
Sat, Nov 18 Rutgers
Sat, Nov 25 @ Connecticut

Connecticut 3-9 (1-6)
Thur, Aug 31 Rhode Island
Sat, Sept 9 bye
Sat, Sept 16 Wake Forest
Sat, Sept 23 @ Indiana
Sat, Sept 30 Navy
Sat, Oct 7 @ USF
Sat, Oct 14 Army
Fri, Oct 20 West Virginia
Sat, Oct 28 @ Rutgers
Sat, Nov 4 bye
Sat, Nov 11 Pittsburgh
Sat, Nov 18 @ Syracuse
Sat, Nov 25 Cincinnati
Sat, Dec 2 @ Louisville

Louisville 10-2 (6-1)
Sat, Sep 2 Kentucky
Sat, Sept 9 @ Temple
Sat, Sept 16 Miami (FL)
Sat, Sept 23 @ Kansas State
Sat, Sept 30 bye
Fri, Oct 6 @ MTSU (in Nashville)
Sat, Oct 14 Cincinnati
Sat, Oct 21 @ Syracuse
Sat, Oct 28 bye
Thur, Nov 2 West Virginia
Thur, Nov 9 @ Rutgers
Sat, Nov 18 USF
Sat, Nov 25 @ Pittsburgh
Sat, Dec 2 Connecticut

Pittsburgh 9-3 (5-2)
Sat, Sep 2 Virginia
Fri, Sept 8 @ Cincinnati
Sat, Sept 16 Michigan State
Sat, Sept 23 Citadel
Sat, Sept 30 Toledo
Sat, Oct 7 @ Syracuse
Sat, Oct 14 @ Central Florida
Sat, Oct 21 Rutgers
Sat, Oct 28 bye
Sat, Nov 4 @ USF
Sat, Nov 11 @ Connecticut
Thur, Nov 16 West Virginia
Sat, Nov 25 Louisville

Rutgers 6-6 (3-4)
Sat, Sep 2 @ UNC
Sat, Sept 9 Illinois
Sat, Sept 16 Buffalo
Sat, Sept 23 TBA
Sat, Sept 30 @ USF
Sat, Oct 7 bye
Sat, Oct 14 @ Navy
Sat, Oct 21 @ Pittsburgh
Sat, Oct 28 Connecticut
Sat, Nov 4 bye
Thur, Nov 9 Louisville
Sat, Nov 18 @ Cincinnati
Sat, Nov 25 Syracuse
Sat, Dec 2 @ West Virginia

South Florida 7-5 (4-3)
Sat, Sep 2 McNeese St.
Sat, Sept 9 FIU
Sat, Sept 16 @ Central Florida
Sat, Sept 23 @ Kansas
Sat, Sept 30 Rutgers
Sat, Oct 7 Connecticut
Sat, Oct 14 @ UNC
Sat, Oct 21 @ Cincinnati
Sat, Oct 28 bye
Sat, Nov 4 Pittsburgh
Sat, Nov 11 Syracuse
Sat, Nov 18 @ Louisville
Sat, Nov 25 @ West Virginia

Syracuse 3-9 (1-6)
Sat, Sep 2 @ Wake Forest
Sat, Sept 9 Iowa
Sat, Sept 16 @ Illinois
Sat, Sept 23 Miami (OH)
Sat, Sept 30 TBA
Sat, Oct 7 Pittsburgh
Sat, Oct 14 @ West Virginia
Sat, Oct 21 Louisville
Sat, Oct 28 @ Cincinnati
Sat, Nov 4 bye
Sat, Nov 11 @ USF
Sat, Nov 18 Connecticut
Sat, Nov 25 @ Rutgers

West Virginia 11-1 (6-1)
Sat, Sep 2 Marshall
Sat, Sept 9 Buffalo
Thur, Sept 14 Maryland
Sat, Sept 23 @ East Carolina
Sat, Sept 30 bye
Sat, Oct 7 @ Miss. St
Sat, Oct 14 Syracuse
Fri, Oct 20 @ Connecticut
Sat, Oct 28 bye
Thur, Nov 2 @ Louisville
Sat, Nov 11 Cincinnati
Thur, Nov 16 @ Pittsburgh
Sat, Nov 25 USF
Sat, Dec 2 Rutgers

ACC Schedules

2006-02-13T14:51:00.000-08:00

A quick breakdown of the ACC teams' schedules. This is just a knee-jerk prediction on the teams respective schedule. These predictions will get stronger once spring practice is over, and again heading into the Fall. Spring depth charts are not set and many teams will improve after a good spring, and some will fall with the departure of talent as they head into the summer. Without further ado, the early predictions( red=predicted loss).

Boston College 10-2 (6-2)
Aug. 31 (Thurs.) at Ohio
Sept. 9 Clemson
Sept. 16 Brigham Young
Sept. 23 at NC State
Sept. 30 Maine
Oct. 7 Open
Oct. 12 (Thurs.) Virginia Tech
Oct. 21 at Florida State
Oct. 28 Buffalo
Nov. 4 at Wake Forest
Nov. 11 Duke
Nov. 18 Maryland
Nov. 23 (Thurs.) at Miami

Clemson 9-3 (5-3)
Sept. 2 Florida Atlantic
Sept. 9 at Boston College
Sept. 16 at Florida State
Sept. 23 North Carolina
Sept. 30 Louisiana Tech
Oct. 7 at Wake Forest
Oct. 14 at Temple
Oct. 21 Georgia Tech
Oct. 26 (Thurs.) at Virginia Tech
Nov. 4 Maryland
Nov. 11 NC State
Nov. 18 Open
Nov. 25 South Carolina

Duke 2-10 (0-8)
Sept. 2 Richmond
Sept. 9 at Wake Forest
Sept. 16 at Virginia Tech
Sept. 23 Open
Sept. 30 Virginia
Oct. 7 at Alabama
Oct. 14 Florida State
Oct. 21 Miami
Oct. 28 Vanderbilt
Nov. 4 Navy
Nov. 11 at Boston College
Nov. 18 at Georgia Tech
Nov. 25 North Carolina

Florida State 10-2 (6-2)
Sept. 4 (Mon.) at Miami
Sept. 9 Troy State
Sept. 16 Clemson
Sept. 23 Rice
Sept. 30 Open
Oct. 5 (Thurs.) at NC State
Oct. 14 at Duke
Oct. 21 Boston College
Oct. 28 at Maryland
Nov. 4 Virginia
Nov. 11 Wake Forest
Nov. 18 Western Michigan
Nov. 25 Florida

Georgia Tech 7-5 (5-3)
Sept. 2 Notre Dame
Sept. 9 Samford
Sept. 16 Troy
Sept. 21 (Thurs.) Virginia
Sept. 30 at Virginia Tech
Oct. 7 Maryland
Oct. 14 Open
Oct. 21 at Clemson
Oct. 28 Miami
Nov. 4 at NC State
Nov. 11 at North Carolina
Nov. 18 Duke
Nov. 25 at Georgia

Maryland 5-7 (2-5)
Sept. 2 William & Mary
Sept. 9 Middle Tennessee
Sept. 14 (Thurs.) at West Virginia
Sept. 23 Florida International
Sept. 30 Open
Oct. 7 at Georgia Tech
Oct. 14 at Virginia
Oct. 21 NC State
Oct. 28 Florida State
Nov. 4 at Clemson
Nov. 11 Miami
Nov. 18 at Boston College
Nov. 25 Wake Forest

Miami 10-2 (6-2)
Sept. 4 (Mon.) Florida State
Sept. 9 Florida A&M
Sept. 16 at Louisville
Sept. 23 Open
Sept. 30 Houston
Oct. 7 North Carolina
Oct. 14 Florida International
Oct. 21 at Duke
Oct. 28 at Georgia Tech
Nov. 4 Virginia Tech
Nov. 11 at Maryland
Nov. 18 at Virginia
Nov. 23 (Thurs.) Boston College

North Carolina 7-5 (4-4)
Sept. 2 Rutgers
Sept. 9 Virginia Tech
Sept. 16 Furman
Sept. 23 at Clemson
Sept. 30 Open
Oct. 7 at Miami
Oct. 14 South Florida
Oct. 19 (Thurs.) at Virginia
Oct. 28 Wake Forest
Nov. 4 at Notre Dame
Nov. 11 Georgia Tech
Nov. 18 NC State
Nov. 25 at Duke

NC State 7-5 (3-5)
Sept. 2 Appalachian State
Sept. 9 Akron
Sept. 16 at Southern Mississippi
Sept. 23 Boston College
Sept. 30 Open
Oct. 5 (Thurs.) Florida State
Oct. 14 Wake Forest
Oct. 21 at Maryland
Oct. 28 at Virginia
Nov. 4 Georgia Tech
Nov. 11 at Clemson
Nov. 18 at North Carolina
Nov. 25 East Carolina

Virginia 8-4 (5-3)
Sept. 2 at Pittsburgh
Sept. 9 Wyoming
Sept. 16 Western Michigan
Sept. 21 (Thurs.) at Georgia Tech
Sept. 30 at Duke
Oct. 7 at East Carolina
Oct. 14 Maryland
Oct. 19 (Thurs.) North Carolina
Oct. 28 NC State
Nov. 4 at Florida State
Nov. 11 Open
Nov. 18 Miami
Nov. 25 at Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech 9-3 (5-3)
Sept. 2 Northeastern
Sept. 9 at North Carolina
Sept. 16 Duke
Sept. 23 Cincinnati
Sept. 30 Georgia Tech
Oct. 7 Open
Oct. 12 (Thurs.) at Boston College
Oct. 21 Southern Mississippi
Oct. 26 (Thurs.) Clemson
Nov. 4 at Miami
Nov. 11 Kent State
Nov. 18 at Wake Forest
Nov. 25 Virginia

Wake Forest 4-8 (1-7)
Sept. 2 Syracuse
Sept. 9 Duke
Sept. 16 at Connecticut
Sept. 23 at Mississippi
Sept. 30 Liberty
Oct. 7 Clemson
Oct. 14 at NC State
Oct. 21 Open
Oct. 28 at North Carolina
Nov. 4 Boston College
Nov. 11 at Florida State
Nov. 18 Virginia Tech
Nov. 25 at Maryland

UGA Gets In State Blue Chip

2006-02-01T09:54:00.000-08:00

LSU and Miami never had a shot despite their numerous attempts to land safety prospect Reshad Jones.

"I wanted to play for the home state," said Jones.

The 6-2 180 lb Jones was the state's top remaining prospect that was still undecided. He is arguably the best safety prospect in the South and will help fill the void left by All-American Greg Blue.

Maybe a bigger story than his signing was his shoes. Jones was pimped for his press conference.

Don't Pressure or You'll Get Spurned

2006-02-01T09:46:00.000-08:00

Urban Meyer and the Florida Gators found out the hard way they lost one of their top prospects. Patrick Robinson changed his mind at the last minute from Florida to his dream school all along, Florida State. Why the sudden change of heart? What was wrong with Florida? If FSU was his dream school then why did he commit to Florida?

“I felt pressured to go with them [Florida],” he said.

“I didn’t call Florida to tell them about the switch because of the pressure. They know now.”

If the kid is scared to call the coach to tell him to change his mind, then what else is he scared of? Come on it is not like Meyer is going to reach through the phone and beat the kid up. Or is Meyer skilled at Jedi Mind Tricks?

Top O Lineman Stays Home

2006-02-01T09:40:00.000-08:00

Big Andre Smith signs with Alabama. Not much surprise hear, but he had everyone guessing at his press conference.

Taking a page out of Tim Hawthorne's book yesterday, Andre had three hats on the table, and Alabama was not one of them. Wearing a coat and tie, Smith talked about his three schools then said he brought his own hat, and he committed to Alabama.

The 6-4 315 lb lineman is widely considered the best offensive lineman of the 2006 class.

Signing Day

2006-02-01T07:59:00.000-08:00

There is not a more exciting day in college football then signing day, except for maybe opening day. Today is the day the waiting finally ends. When 17 and 18 year-old kids decide their future, while thousands of alumni, boosters and fans celebrate their college choice. The big undecided has already made a somewhat surprising choice. Life-long Florida State fan, C.J. Spiller, has decided to leave his home state of Florida.

"In the fall of 2006, I will enroll at Clemson University," Spiller said.

Miami, Southern California, Florida and Florida State were the other schools on his list, but the 5 star prospect from Union County HS in Lake Butler will be a Tiger.

Last year, he ran for over 1,800 yards rushing on 167 carries and 30 touchdowns.

My Apologies

2006-01-23T13:55:00.000-08:00

I am sorry for not posting on this blog. I have been devoting most of my attention to the Fresno State Football Blog. I invite all my readers to check it out. After signing day, Feb 1, I will start breaking down the conferences heading into spring. Now with all the early entries to the NFL official, finalizing the recruits and the 2006 schedules is all that is left before "better" predictions can be made.

NFL Early Entries

2006-01-20T17:48:00.000-08:00

Underclassmen in 2006 NFL draft

Player School Pos. Year
Darnell Bing USC S Jr.
Cornell Brockington UConn RB Jr.
Reggie Bush USC RB Jr.
Brian Calhoun Wisconsin RB Jr.
Antonio Cromartie Florida State CB Jr.
Vernon Davis Maryland TE Jr.
Maurice Drew UCLA RB Jr.
Ray Edwards Purdue DE Jr.
Anthony Fasano Notre Dame TE Jr.
Charles Gordon Kansas WR Jr.
Willie Hall Middle. Tenn. St. OT Jr.
Devin Hester Miami-FL RS/DC/WR Jr.
Santonio Holmes Ohio State WR Jr.
Chad Jackson Florida WR Jr.
Omar Jacobs Bowling Green QB Jr.
Cornell Johnson Indiana State RB Jr.
Marquis Johnson Texas Tech WR Jr.
Johnathan Joseph South Carolina CB Jr.
Winston Justice USC OT Jr.
Brandon Kirsch Purdue QB Jr.
Greg Lee Pittsburgh WR Jr.
Laurence Maroney Minnesota RB Jr.
Richard Marshall Fresno St. CB Jr.
Derrick Martin Wyoming CB Jr.
Fred Matua USC G Jr.
John McCargo North Carolina State DT Jr.
Stanley McClover Auburn DE Jr.
Tony McDaniel Tennessee DT Jr.
Derek Morris North Carolina State OT Jr.
Haloti Ngata Oregon DT Jr.
Kai Parham Virginia LB Jr.
Bobby Payne Middle Tennessee DE Jr.
Bernard Pollard Purdue DS Jr.
Leonard Pope Georgia TE Jr.
Drouzon Quillen Louisiana-Monroe WR Jr.
Cory Rodgers Texas Christian WR Jr.
Ko Simpson South Carolina S Jr.
Ernie Sims Florida State LB Jr.
Daniel Smith Idaho WR Jr.
Rob Smith Tennessee OG Jr.
Stephen Tulloch N.C. State LB Jr.
Marcus Vick Virginia Tech QB Jr.
Dee Webb Florida CB Jr.
LenDale White USC RB Jr.
Donte Whitner Ohio State S Jr.
Mario Williams N.C. State DE Jr.
Ashton Youboty Ohio State CB Jr.
Vince Young Texas QB Jr.

The Really Early Top 40

2006-01-11T03:12:00.000-08:00

It's never too early to start talking about next year. My really early top 40 is just a knee jerk poll heading into LOI signing day. This poll will change after February 1, again after spring ball, again at the start of summer, and etc. Take it for what its worth, just one guy's opinion.

Auburn- Kenny Irons the best back in America?
Ohio State- For once the defense is suspect.
USC- Just reloading.
LSU- Could be most talented team in the nation.
West Virginia- Will be everyone's trendy pick for national title.
Texas- Vince Young is irreplaceable.
Michigan- A healthy Hart will go a long way.
Notre Dame- Brady Quinn for Heisman.
Florida- Meyer's second year is his best.
Boston College- The sleeper pick.
Oklahoma- Bomar and Peterson are a tough combo.
Miami- New staff= no more 3 loss seasons?
Virginia Tech- Loss of "thug" drops Hokies from top 5.
Georgia- Best stable of running backs in the country.
Texas Tech- Cupcake schedule needs to stop.
Florida State- Special Teams, Special Teams.
Penn State- Robinson will be missed.
Oregon- QB play needs to improve.
Clemson- A very dangerous team.
Louisville- Brohm, Bush and Urrutia. Wow!
Alabama- Need to find a QB.
Iowa- Bucks visit Iowa City.
Arizona State- Is Sam Keller the best QB in America?
Cal- Could win 9 games.
TCU- Good shot to crack BCS top 12.
Nebraska
South Carolina
Iowa State
Utah
Tennessee
Pittsburgh
Georgia Tech
Purdue
UCLA
Wisconsin
Fresno State
Oklahoma State
Tulsa
Kansas
Navy

Early 2006 Outlook

2006-01-10T15:29:00.000-08:00

This a knee jerk prediction for 2006. Early NFL draft lists are not complete and the recruiting season isn't over. Coaching changes are still possible, as well, there is always some players that don't make it to fall. Without further question my early picks for 2006.

Red- National Title Contenders
Green- BCS contenders
Orange- Top 25 caliber
Purple- Bowl Eligible
*- predicted conference champ
@-surprise team

ACC

Atlantic
Boston College@
Clemson
Florida State
Maryland
North Carolina State
Wake Forest

Coastal
Duke
Georgia Tech
Miami FL*
North Carolina
Virginia
Virginia Tech

BIG EAST

Cincinnati
Connecticut
Louisville
Pittsburgh@
Rutgers
South Florida
Syracuse
West Virginia*

BIG TEN

Illinois
Indiana
Iowa@
Michigan
Michigan State
Minnesota
Northwestern
Ohio State*
Penn State
Purdue
Wisconsin

BIG 12

North
Colorado
Iowa State@
Kansas
Kansas State
Missouri
Nebraska

South
Baylor
Oklahoma
Oklahoma State
Texas*
Texas A&M
Texas Tech

CUSA

East
East Carolina
Marshall
Memphis
Southern Miss
UAB
UCF

West
Houston
Rice
SMU@
Tulane
Tulsa*
UTEP

MAC

East
Akron*
Bowling Green
Buffalo
Kent State
Miami OH
Ohio

West
Ball State
Central Michigan
Eastern Michigan
Northern Illinois
Toledo
Western Michigan@

MWC

Air Force
Brigham Young
Colorado State@
New Mexico
San Diego State
TCU*
UNLV
Utah
Wyoming

PAC 10

Arizona
Arizona State
California@
Oregon
Oregon State
Southern California*
Stanford
UCLA
Washington
Washington State

SEC

East
Florida
Georgia
Kentucky
South Carolina
Tennessee@
Vanderbilt

West
Alabama
Arkansas
Auburn*
Louisiana State
Mississippi
Mississippi State

SUN BELT

Arkansas State*
Florida Atlantic@
Florida International
Louisiana-Lafayette
Louisiana-Monroe
Middle Tennessee
North Texas
Troy

WAC

Boise State*
Fresno State
Hawai'i
Idaho
Louisiana Tech
Nevada
New Mexico State
San Jose State
Utah State@

INDYS

Army
Navy
Notre Dame*
Temple

Final Blogpoll Top 25 Ballot

2006-01-05T14:09:00.000-08:00

Texas (2)
Southern Cal (1)
Penn State (3)
Ohio State (4)
West Virginia (10)
Virginia Tech (9)
Louisiana State (11)
Georgia (6)
Alabama (13)
Wisconsin (21)
Auburn (5)
Florida (14)
TCU (18)
Notre Dame (12)
Oregon (7)
Miami (Florida) (8)
UCLA (nr)
Clemson ( 20)
Florida State (15)
Oklahoma (nr)
Boston College (22)
Texas Tech (23)
Louisville (19)
Nebraska (nr)
Tulsa (nr)

out- Geogia Tech(16), Michigan(17), Northwestern(24), Iowa(25)

ALL MDG Team: BlogPoll All-American Team Ballot Entry

2006-01-05T14:02:00.000-08:00

The innagural Blogpoll All-American team will be voted by the blogpoll voters. The rules for the team are as follows:

1. Pick two teams of players as follows:

- One QB
- Any combination of five skill players (RBs, WRs and TEs)
- Five offensive linemen (preferrably divided by specific position - two
tackles, two guards and a center)
- Three or four defensive linemen (again, preferrably divided into ends and
tackles)
- Three or four linebackers (must jibe w/ the number of D-linemen to equal a
front seven, i.e., you can't pick four linemen and four linebackers)
- Two cornerbacks
- Two safeties
- One kicker
- One punter
- One kick returner
- One punt returner

2. Each first team vote is worth two points; each second team vote is worth one.
Final teams determined by most points at each position (duh).

3. Voters can't vote for players they didn't see play. Highlights don't count.
For example, I missed out on West Coast teams Oregon, Washington State, Oregon
State and UCLA this season, so I can't vote for Haloti Ngata, Jerome Harrison,
Mike Hass or Maurice Drew. If a voter somehow didn't see USC, he can't vote for
Reggie Bush or Prince Leinart.

This does NOT mean that the player you're voting for had to have an All-America
type game when you watched him; virtually every offensive lineman would be
disqualified if voters were required to specifically have noticed every player
and ignore all media hype. Statistics and other information outside of direct
observation will be required for the vast majority of picks.

FIRST TEAM

Offense

WR-Mike Hass, Oregon State
WR-Jeff Samardzija, Notre Dame
TE- Garrett Mills, Tulsa
T- Marcus McNeil, Auburn
T- D' Brickshaw Ferguson, Virginia
C- Kyle Young, Fresno State
G- Max Jean-Guilles, Georgia
G- Taitusi Lutui, USC
QB- Vince Young, Texas
RB- Reggie Bush, USC
RB- Brian Calhoun, Wisconsin

Defense

DE- Mathias Kiwanuka, Boston College
DT- Haloti Ngata, Oregon
DT- Rodrique Wright, Texas
DE- Elvis Dumervil, Lousiville
LB- A.J. Hawk, Ohio State
LB- DeMaco Ryans, Alabama
LB- Paul Pusluszny, Penn State
CB- Jimmy Williams, Virginia Tech
CB- Kelly Jennings, Miami
SS- Micheal Huff, Texas
S- Greg Blue, Georgia

Specialists

K- Mason Crosby, Colorado
P- Dan Sepulveda, Baylor
PR- Maurice Drew, UCLA
KR- Steve Breaston, Michigan

SECOND TEAM

Offense

WR- Dwayne Jarrett, USC
WR- Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech
TE- Leonard Pope, Georgia
T- Eric Winston, Miami
T- Sam Baker, USC
C- Ryan Kalil, USC
G- Will Allan, Texas
G- Dan Mozes, West Virginia
QB-Matt Leinart, USC
RB- Laurence Maroney, Minnesota
RB- LenDale White, USC

Defense

DE- Tamba Hali, Penn State
DT- Darryl Tapp, Virginia Tech
DT- Jesse Mahelona, Tennesee
DE- Manny Lawson, NC State
LB- Jimmy Contrell, New Mexico State
LB- D'Qwell Jackson, Maryland
LB- Aaron Harris, Texas
CB- Aaron Gipson, Oregon
CB- Allen Zemaitis, Penn State
S- Dwayne Slay, Texas Tech
FS- Tom Zbikowski, Notre Dame

Specialists

K- Alexis Serna, Oregon State
P- John Torp, Colorado
PR- Devin Hester, Miami
KR- Adam Jennings, Fresno State

Super Young!

2006-01-05T08:27:00.000-08:00

It was a pretty sloppy first half by both the Trojans and Longhorns. Note to Reggie Bush, don't pitch to the white guy. After trailing 16-10, USC would make its second half adjustments, as always, and come away with the win, right? Unlike, Oregon, Arizona State, Notre Dame, or Fresno State, Texas has Superman Vince Young. Is Reggie Bush, really the best player in college football?

On the biggest stage in college football history, Bush had a good game, but no where near the magnitude of Young's. USC had seemed to pull away in the fourth quarter after Bush's leap into the endzone and Dwayne Jarrett's stretch across the endzone put the Trojans ahead 38-26. In between Texas added a field goal, but were slowly fading away like every team that plays the Trojans. However, with under 9 minutes to go and Young under center, he showed the nation just how good he is.

USC coach Pete Carroll had a decent defensive plan, but still could not contain Young. In fact the blame could be put on the offense, not the defense, for the loss. The Trojan offense has been the ringl leader of their run for a third national title, the defense was nothing more than a side show all year. With a fourth and short near mid-field with under two minutes to play in the game, Carroll relied on his offense to pull out the win. But bruising back LenDale White, who had punished the Longhorn defense all night long, could not get the first down. Did Carroll have too much faith in his offense or no faith in his defense? Either way, USC did not make the plays all game long to win.

The Trojans had Texas on the ropes in the fourth. Down 38-26, the Longhorn sidelined looked distraught except for one person, Young. Young answered USC's challenge and cut the lead to 38-33. Matt Leinart, Bush, White, and Jarrett had the game in their hands after the ensuing kickoff. They had scored a touchdown on every drive in the second half and the Texas defense had fear in their eyes. But the magic that beat Notre Dame would stop in Pasadena.

After stopping White on fourth down, Young went to work. Like a renowned surgeon he slowly dissected the USC defense on the game winning drive. Facing a fourth and five with :24 to play, Young walked into the endzone like he has done all season. Up 39-38, and only :19 left in the game, Texas decided to go for two. This could have backfired. If Texas would have turned the ball over on the two-point try USC could have returned it for two points and lead. But there was no doubt who would have the ball in his hands. Behind his great offensive line, Young bullied his way into the endzone on the quarterback draw.

Leinart would have :16 to try answer Young's go ahead score after the kickoff return. With the ball at 30, his first pass was dumped off to Bush. He scampered into Texas territory and got out of bounds with 8 seconds to go in the game. Leinart failed to get USC near field goal range on the next play. He scrambled away from pressure only to throw the ball away as time expired.

The Rose Bowl is Vince Young's playground. His two most remarkable games have come on this field. If he comes back for his senior, you can pencil in the Longhorns for the Fiesta Bowl. The defense does lose a lot of key players, but Young proved last night he is Superman.

It All Comes Down to This

2006-01-04T09:29:00.000-08:00

I find it funny that ABC analysts and just about everyone associated with the Disney is stating that they can not remember a national championship game more anticipated than this year's. Are they stupid, or did they just forget about all the hype heading into last year's Orange Bowl between USC and Oklahoma. If I remember correctly, most college football experts were divided on who would win last year's BCS title game. The only thing that put a damper on the pregame hype was 12-0 Auburn on the outside looking in.

That game aside the most anticipated national title game, prior to this year's, that I can remember was the 1996 Fiesta Bowl. Unbeaten Florida versus unbeaten defending national champion Nebraska. The game has some similarities to this year's Rose Bowl. Nebraska was on the cusp of its second national title, but was very close to winning the national title back in 1993, losing to Florida State on a last minute field goal. Nebraska was as dominant as any team ever in college football during the 1995 season. Florida on the other hand, was the trendy favorite heading into the Fiesta Bowl. The Gators were headed to their first national title game under 6th year head coach Steve Spurrier.

USC has been won two AP national titles in a row and are on the cusp of unprecedented third. Mack Brown has Texas in its first national title game in his tenure, and many are calling for a Longhorn win, despite being a touchdown underdog. Last year's national title game was supposed to be a great game. Few thought USC could dominate the Sooners on both sides of the ball. Many thought, Oklahoma's speedy defense would contain USC's offense and that Oklahoma would be able to move the ball with their balanced offense. USC laid the smack down, 55-19, and it was not even that close.

Texas is a better team than Oklahoma last year for one reason only, Vince Young. I underestimated Texas this year. I didn't think the Longhorns could duplicate last year's 11 wins since they had to replace their two best players, Cedric Benson and Derrick Johnson. But it was not Texas I underestimated, but Vince Young. I totally overlooked the emergence of Vince Young from a mobile quarterback to a complete quarterback that can beat you with both his arm and legs.

The Rose Bowl breakdown comes down to basically two questions.

1. Can USC move the ball and score on the Texas defense?
2. Can USC stop Vince Young?

The answer to both questions is yes. That should equal an easy Trojan victory, right? Not necessarily, Texas is more than Vince Young. Just because USC will be able to move the ball on the Longhorn defense, does not mean the defense will not make plays. Special teams will play a vital part in tonight's national title game. USC is not great in this area, and Texas will score at least one special teams touchdown. If you give USC head coach Pete Carroll a month to prepare for an offense, his defense will be ready. That will be the difference. The USC offense will score points, but the defense will step it up just enough to contain the Texas offense.

Much like the way Nebraska-Florida played out in 1996, USC should come away with a dominant win led by their offense. The scoreboard will not look like the 62-24 massacre ten years ago, but there will be no doubt about the outcome. The Longhorn defense and special teams will score some points making the outcome seam closer than the game really was. Like Florida in January of 1996, Texas will dust themselves off after their loss and point to next year as their year to win it all, as they should. USC 38, Texas 27.

Conference USA Refs Suck! Iowa Robbed!

2006-01-02T11:52:00.000-08:00

Just as Alabama was kicking the ugliest game winning field goal I have ever seen, CUSA officials robbed Iowa a chance at comeback win. With a 1:24 left and down 31-24, the Hawkeyes attempted a successful onside kick and recovered the ball inside Florida territory. However, the side judge threw a flag which usually is offsides, which it was. Wrong! After seeing the replay, there was no way in hell, Iowa's Chad Greenway was across the line as the ball was kicked.

It might have been close, but there was no reason for that ref to throw that flag with the game on the line. If instant replay is going to be used in college football. The NCAA should do the NFL one better and be able to overturn bad calls by officials. I hate when a ref directly determines the outcome of the game. Iowa got a second chance to attempt the onside kick, but successfully converting consecutive onside kicks is near impossible. The Hawkeyes may or may not have scored the tying touchdown, but we will never know. Florida recovered the second attempt and ran out the clock, Iowa had no timeouts and could not stop the clock. Hawkeye coaches, players and fans have a legitimate reason to be upset. They were robbed by inept CUSA officials at a chance to win the game.

Sacrilegious

2006-01-02T07:18:00.000-08:00

Too bad Barry's swan song will be a blowout loss.

Not since the 1988-89 bowl season has there not been bowl games played on New Year's Day. It did not even feel like New Year's Eve on Saturday because I knew I was not going to awake from my hangover to the start of the Outback Bowl. I didn't even eat any Menudo on New Year's Day, couple that with no Cotton Bowl, Fiesta Bowl or Sugar Bowl, man that's sacrilegious. The Rose Bowl Parade was not even on TV yesterday. Everything that does not get started until today.

Just about everybody has the day off, but there are a few that have to return to work like any other Monday. Luckily, I am not one of them. There are 8 bowl games left, and 6 of them will be on today. I am going to start my delayed New Years Day tradition at 8 am PT by watching the Cotton Bowl. The Outback Bowl usually has been the first bowl game for years even back when it was known as the Hall of Fame Bowl. When FOX took over the rights of the Cotton Bowl from CBS some years back they moved the start of the game to 11am ET. Now it goes head to head with ESPN's Outback Bowl.

This year the matchups are good in both games. The Outback has Florida vs Iowa, but the Cotton has a very interesting Alabama vs Texas Tech. I will try to flip between the two, but what makes it difficult is that Comcast Digital in my area does not have FOX HD. So I have to flip on the cable box to flip to ESPN HD for the Outback then flip back to over the over the air HD for the Cotton. I could just flip back and forth from the analog FOX on the box, but once you watch a game in HD, analog pales in comparison.

If Mike Leach and Texas Tech want to be taken seriously and get over the hump they have to beat Alabama. Last year's rout over top 5 Cal led to a 9-2 season, but the only win of significance this year was the last second controversial 23-21 victory over Oklahoma at home. If they can pass and score over the great Alabama defense then Tech will have its big win and give the Red Raiders their first 10 win season in over 25 years. Easier said then done, Alabama wins 23-16.

After the Cotton Bowl I will tune in to catch the second half of the Capital Bowl blowout win by Auburn. Tigers 52, Badgers 24, Wisconsin defense sucks, too bad for Barry Alvarez. Then it will be time for the game of the day, the Fiesta Bowl. I like Ohio State to shut down the Notre Dame offense. The Stanford game was no fluke, the Irish could be in real trouble if their defense doesn't show. Ohio State is good on both sides of the bowl, but the defense will be tested by Brady Quinn and the Shark. Ohio State 38, Notre Dame 27.

Finally, the nightcap is the most underrated bowl game of the year, West Virginia vs Georgia from the Sugar Bowl in Atlanta. West Virginia is better than most give them credit for. Freshman quarterback Pat White is a player and the second coming of Major Harris. The Bulldogs have fought through some adversity to get here. Senior leader quarterback D.J. Shockley has had a good year, and a Sugar Bowl win would be a nice way to end his career. Georgia last won the Sugar Bowl in Shockley freshman year against a huge underdog, Florida State. The Mountaineers are huge underdogs, but no Bulldog win this time. West Virginia in the upset, 24-21.

Liberty Bowl Preview

2005-12-30T22:54:00.000-08:00

The Boise State win is long gone. The ESPN Instant Classic against USC is still a loss, no matter how you look at it. Back to back losses at Nevada and at home versus Louisiana Tech are still very fresh in the minds of Bulldog fans. Now Fresno State must play in a bowl game against former Western Athletic Conference pasty but 2005 Conference USA champion, Tulsa. It is not just any bowl game, but the historic Liberty Bowl from Memphis on New Year’s Eve. What Bulldog team will show up, the one that took USC to the wire at the Coliseum or the one that was embarrassed at home by Louisiana Tech?

The Fresno State seniors have never lost a bowl game, and Paul Pinegar could be the first starting quarterback in NCAA history to win four consecutive bowl games. Will that be motivation enough to beat Tulsa? Hardly, the Bulldogs must dig deeper. Losing at Nevada could be forgiven considering the heartbreak the week before against USC, but the Louisiana Tech loss was utterly disappointing. Fresno State must redeem themselves and their coach, Pat Hill. Hill has stated that he takes full blame for his team’s lackluster performances.

Tulsa is not the same team that was kick around by the Bulldogs four straight years from 1999-2002 in the WAC. Coach Steve Kragthorpe became the head coach in 2003 and has never faced Fresno State. In his first year at Tulsa, the Golden Hurricane went 8-4 (6-2) in the WAC and nearly pushed the Bulldogs out of the Silicon Valley Classic. The WAC guarantees its top two teams bowl games. Fresno State and Tulsa had the same conference records in 2003, but Tulsa had the tiebreaker. Luckily for the Bulldogs, WAC champ Boise State accepted a bid to the Fort Worth Bowl which opened up the then Humanitarian Bowl for Tulsa.

The Golden Hurricane fell to 4-7 last year, but has rebounded nicely in its first year in Conference USA. Tulsa backed into the conference championship after league favorite UTEP lost back to back games to end the season. They made the most of their opportunity by tearing apart a decent Central Florida team on the Golden Knights home field. Tulsa is a very hot team, while Fresno State is not. The Bulldogs are still more than a touchdown favorite, but some prognosticators are predicting a Tulsa win.

Tulsa is led by sophomore quarterback Paul Smith. Smith is not going to beat teams himself, but is an effective leader of the offense and makes few mistakes. His main target is All-American tight end Garrett Mills. Mills is one player that can take control of a game. There is not a better pass catching tight end in the country, and his ability rivals that of former Virginia Cavalier tight end Heath Miller. Kragthorpe just needs to pop in a tape of last year’s MPC Computers Bowl to see how to attack the Bulldog defense with the tight end.

The Golden Hurricane runs a balance two-tight end attack. Smith has thrown 19 touchdowns against just six picks. The running game is done by committee, with Uril Parrish leading the way with over 700 yards rushing. Fresno State’s run defense has been less than spectacular since the Boise State game. Giving up 294 yards to Reggie Bush is acceptable, per se, but letting Nevada’s backup rack up over a 100 yards and 4 tds is unacceptable. Louisiana Tech was able to run against a once great Bulldog run defense, as well. Tulsa’s backs are just as good as Louisiana Tech’s, and their offensive line is just as big, led by first team all-CUSA stud, Jesse Stoneham.

The Tulsa offense will center on Mills. If Fresno State can contain him it would be huge. There is not another receiver on Tulsa’s roster that has over 400 yards receiving. Senior Ashlan Davis is the second leading receiver, but is more of a threat as a kick returner. On the other hand, both of Tulsa’s leading rushers are tied for third on the team in receptions. There are few game breakers on this Golden Hurricane team, but their scheme is diverse enough to give the Bulldog defense fits.

Defensively, Tulsa uses a 3-3-5. Fresno State has not faced this type of defense this year, and Tulsa did not implement this defense until 2003, when Kragthorpe became head coach. It has been very effective against the pass, but it is vulnerable against the run. Great running teams have had tremendous success against the Golden Hurricane defense this year. Minnesota’s Laurence Maroney had a field day against them on opening day, and Oklahoma’s Adrian Peterson had his best game of the season against Tulsa. Fresno State’s running game is more than capable of running the ball down the throat of the Tulsa defense.

Special teams could be a difference maker. Fresno State has had some of the best in the nation, but they have been far from great the last couple of games. Tulsa’s Davis set an NCAA record last year with 5 returns for touchdowns, including a streak with one in four straight games. Davis has only one return for a touchdown this year, but still was named first team all-CUSA as a kick returner. Fresno State’s Adam Jennings is no slouch, either. He has yet to take back a kick or punt for a touchdown this year, but was also named first team all-conference as a kick returner. Bulldog kicker Kyle Zimmerman is adequate but lacks the leg strength to kick anything beyond 40 yards. Tulsa’s kicker, Brad DeVault has the upper hand if the game comes down to a field goal.

Kragthorpe has turned around the Tulsa program, and has them in a bowl game for the second time in three years. A win over Fresno State would be considered a huge victory for the program, maybe even bigger than the CUSA championship win over UCF. Fresno State meanwhile is expected to win and a loss will be not be easily forgiven. Hill has to coach his best game because Kragthorpe will have his team ready. Some think Kragthorpe is the hottest coach on the market from a non-BCS school. A big win over Hill and his Bulldogs will substantiate that.

The game will come down to what the Bulldogs do on offense. The loss of fullback Roshon Vercher hurts the running game, but the Bulldogs should still be able to control the line of scrimmage. If the coaching staff decides to lead with the pass, and abandon the run, it could prove to be ineffective. When Fresno State has run for less than 150 yards, they have lost. Pinegar is still capable of winning this game with his arm, but the Bulldogs are beaten up physically and mentally.

Tulsa is far more excited and motivated to play in the Liberty Bowl. If the Bulldogs can right the ship and return to the level of play that almost beat USC, Tulsa has no shot at a win. However, there is no guarantee that the Bulldogs will be ready to play this game and may face the same fate they did against Louisiana Tech. If it is the former then it will be an easy Bulldog win. If it’s the latter, then the Bulldogs could struggle and get embarrassed by the Golden Hurricane. I expect Fresno State to come out ready to play, but would not be surprised by a Tulsa win, either. My fearless prediction is, Fresno State 41, Tulsa 27.

For more Fresno State and Liberty Bowl info click here.

Time for the Real Bowl Games to Begin

2005-12-30T22:39:00.000-08:00

Great matchup, terrible game.

Tonight's Peach Bowl between top 10 teams Miami and LSU was the only bowl game that featured opposing ranked teams, played prior to the New Year. Too bad the outcome was the worst blowout thus far in the bowl season. Of the three bowls that will be played on New Year's Eve, only one team is ranked, TCU. The Horned Frogs' game with Iowa State in the Houston Bowl will be interesting though. However, the other two have some pretty uninteresting matchups.

The Meineke Car Care Bowl matchup is as ugly as the bowl name itself, 6-5 South Florida vs 6-5 NC State. The Liberty Bowl jumped the gun an invited Fresno State, right after the Bulldogs took USC to the wire. They lost their last two games and enter their bowl game on a three game losing streak. Tulsa, on the other hand, was a Western Athletic Conference doormat for nine years. Then wins the Conference USA title in its first year to earn a trip to Memphis.

Come Monday every bowl from then on will feature ranked teams against each, highlighted by the Fiesta Bowl on Monday and the Rose Bowl Wednesday night.

Surviving the Early Bowl Season

2005-12-23T04:15:00.000-08:00

The Las Vegas has been the best bowl thus far.

This has to be one of the weakest slates of bowls ever. The bowls have always been watered down since the move to 28 games, but this year even the lesser bowls can't provide a decent game.

I have been unable to sit through at least one entire half of any of the four games played so far. The most I have seen of any particular one was the Poinsettia Bowl, and that was only because it was on late and there was nothing else to watch. It proved to be decent viewing only because Colorado State didn't prepare for the Navy option. The Middies' offense is fun to watch when a defense can't stop it.

Tonight the lame viewing continues with the Fort Worth Bowl: Houston vs Kansas. Tomorrow it does not get much better with Central Florida vs Nevada from Hawaii. The six bowls before Christmas are the worst early games in a long time. Usually the GMAC bowl is a fun one to watch, but not this year, Toledo beat the crap out of UTEP. Arkansas State gave S. Miss some fits in a otherwise yawner of a New Orleans Bowl. BYU vs Cal in the Las Vegas Bowl had its moments but overall Cal dominated the game.

The Bowl Season doesn't really get interesting until Wednesday, December 28. Boise State hosts Boston College in the MPC Computers Bowl in a great matinee and Michigan plays Nebraska that evening in the Alamo Bowl. Until then enjoy the time with your family.

Smart Move By Hawkins?

2005-12-15T13:15:00.000-08:00

Boise State head coach Dan Hawkins will be named head coach at Colorado on Friday. Is it a smart move on Hawkins' part? Who is getting the better deal Colorado or Hawkins? He will be getting a hefty raise, about double his current salary of $525,000, but he will be taking over scandal ridden program that has hit rock bottom in its last three games.

Hawkins was rumored to have been in the running for at least a half of dozen big-time jobs last year after Boise State finished 11-0 in the regular season. He turned them all down to stay at Boise State. Maybe he thought he could hit the big-time in Boise. The Broncos were a heavy favorite to be this year's BCS buster and some prognosticators predicted they would win at Georgia in their opener. Boise State started the season ranked 18th in the country, but were embarrassed in Athens.

Hawkins and the entire Bronco football program practically vanished from the national spotlight. But after winning 9 of their last 11 and claiming a share of their fourth straight WAC title, Boise State and Hawkins have resurfaced. The Broncos have a mega bowl matchup against Boston College in their home stadium. A win would certainly make Hawkins a hot commodity once again, but another embarrassing loss would all but certainly place Boise State among the small fries of college football for the second time this season.

Taking the Colorado job before the MPC Computers Bowl might distract the Boise State players, but at least Hawkins will be addressing media on top of the football world and not at the bottom. Hawkins is a natural fit at Colorado. His somewhat clean image will be refreshing face in Boulder. His high-scoring offense will remind many of the Kordell Stewart led offenses under McCartney and the high flying days of Rick Neuheisal.

The talent and recruiting base at Colorado dwarfs anything he ever had at Boise. In a weak Big 12 North, he should have the Buffs back in the Big 12 Championship game, as long as he kind find a capable quarterback to run his offense. His complex offense excelled under NCAA record breaking quarterback Ryan Dinwiddie, but has not had the same firepower under the mobile but erratic Jared Zabransky.

Now, what happens to Boise State? The Bronco football program is at the beginning of expanding its football stadium and improving its facilities. Does this stop with the departure of Hawkins? His offensive coordinator Chris Peterson will likely be the top candidate to replace him, if he doesn't follow Hawkins to Colorado.

Dirk Koetter left Boise State in 2001 for Arizona State and the Broncos reached unprecedented heights under Hawkins. Many Bronco fans believe the real magic behind Boise's run the last four plus years is in the mind of Peterson. He is the genius of the Bronco's offensive scheme and not Hawkins. If that is the case, Boise State should not miss a beat if Peterson is named the new head coach of the Broncos.

So what about the WAC's other high-profile coach, Fresno State's Pat Hill. Hill has his Bulldogs attracting national attention each year with wins or great performances against top flight BCS schools. Although he has not been able to win an outright WAC title in his nine years, his name continues to be mentioned for many coaching opportunities in college and the NFL.

Hawkins probably realized he would not be able to get the national respect at Boise State that he coveted. Rather than squander another high-profile opportunity at a BCS school, he took the first that met his criteria. Should Hill do the same? It is evident, despite the dreams of some idiotic Bulldog fans, Hill will never win a national title at Fresno State, as long as the Bulldogs play in the WAC.

Hill has been rumored to be a candidate in Houston, if the Texans fire Dom Capers, which is highly likely. Hill is probably a better fit for the pro game, despite his success at Fresno State. Beating BCS teams and attracting great national exposure to Fresno State is his resume. He has yet to get the Bulldogs over the hump, and win a WAC title or earn a bid to the BCS. I doubt Hill will be offered a first rate opportunity at I-A school that is in the hunt for national title, but more than likely be offered a job at a program that will need some sort of rebuilding.

The WAC is already considered a lackluster league around the country. If the conference loses its two marquee coaches then it would really be fighting to earn some respect in 2006.

Ranking the Bowls

2005-12-13T19:42:00.000-08:00

It is the most wonderful time of the year, College Football Bowl Season. 28 bowls will be on tap from December 20-January 4. It all starts with the New Orleans Bowl and ends with the Granddady of them all, the Rose Bowl.

Not even the most die-hard college football fan can say everyone of this year's bowl games are worth watching. I have separated the bowl games into three categories, Buffet, In-Law, and Dog Bowls.

The Buffet bowls are the can't miss games. These are the bowl games where you break out the buffet of football food and sit back and enjoy.

The In-Law bowls are the so-so games. There are just an excuse to get out of visiting with the in-laws.

The Dog Bowls are just that, dogs. Don't feel bad if you miss these games.

THE BUFFET BOWLS

1. Rose Bowl- USC vs Texas
Last year's USC-Oklahoma national championship game was supposed to be the all everything, but this year's national championship will not disappoint.

2. Fiesta Bowl- Notre Dame vs Ohio State
At the expense of leaving out a deserving Oregon team from the BCS, the Fiesta has set up the best matchup outside of Pasadena.

3. Peach Bowl- Miami vs LSU
The defenses might dominate this one, but this is a better matchup than the one scheduled just three days later in Atlanta.

4. MPC Computers Bowl- Boston College vs Boise State
The Broncos embarrassed themselves on the road against Georgia in September. It will be interesting to see how well they fare at home against a very good BC team.

5. Cotton Bowl- Alabama vs Texas Tech
The Bama defense versus the pass happy Tech attack.

6. Holiday Bowl- Oregon vs Oklahoma
Annually there is usually not a more exciting game than this one in San Diego. Both schools have something to prove.

7. Sun Bowl- UCLA vs Northwestern
Should be a high scoring affair, and could be Karl Dorrell's last game as head coach of the Bruins, if they do not come out on top.

8. Sugar Bowl- West Virginia vs Georgia
The Mountaineers have never had to prove so much in one game. The Big Least could once again become the Big East.

THE IN-LAW BOWLS

9. Orange Bowl- Florida State vs Penn State
Bowden vs Paterno is classic, but Seminoles vs Nittany Lions is not.

10. Gator Bowl- Virginia Tech vs Louisville
Would have been a Buffet if Brian Brohm was not injured. The Cards will be over-matched against the Hokies.

11. Alamo Bowl- Michigan vs Nebraska
Eight years ago this game would have been a great national title matchup.

12. Capital One Bowl- Wisconsin vs Auburn
Barry Alvarez's last game as coach of Badgers is a tough one.

13. Liberty Bowl- Fresno State vs Tulsa
A big Bulldog win will signal that losses to Nevada and LA Tech as flukes, but a loss would be a certain sign of trouble in one of the nation's best non-BCS programs.

14. Outback Bowl- Florida vs Iowa
Urban Meyer will try to top Ron Zook's bowl record. This is the Gators' third trip to Tampa in the last four years.

15. Houston Bowl- TCU vs Iowa State
It would have been nice to have seen TCU play a better opponent, but the Cyclones are more than capable of beating the Frogs handily.

16. GMAC Bowl- UTEP vs Toledo
Both of these schools underachieved this year, but it still should be a high-scoring shootout.

17. Independence Bowl- South Carolina vs Missouri
Spurrier gets the Gamecocks back to a bowl in his first year. Brad Smith will try to win his first bowl game, ever, in four years.

18. Music City Bowl- Minnesota vs Virginia
Only one reason to watch and that is Laurence Maroney.

THE DOG BOWLS

19. Champs Sports Bowl- Clemson vs Colorado
Will Colorado even show up to play?

20. Insight Bowl- Arizona State vs Rutgers
Rutgers first bowl game in over 25 years, but too bad it's a dog.

21. Las Vegas Bowl- BYU vs Cal
The bowl will get the sell-out they desired but the game isn't worth the price of admission.

22. Emerald Bowl- Utah vs Georgia Tech
Well, the Utes finally get a legit opponent but it's a year too late.

23. Motor City Bowl- Akron vs Memphis
The Zips were the only bowl eligible team did not get a chance to go bowling last year, but this year they make their first ever bowl appearance as conference champs.

24. Hawaii Bowl- Nevada vs Central Florida
UCF's rags to riches story can not help this uninteresting matchup.

25. Ft. Worth Bowl- Houston vs Kansas
Decent offensive team versus decent defensive team, but does anyone care which is which?

26. New Orleans Bowl- Southern Miss vs Arkansas State
The Indians are playing in their first bowl game and actually have a chance at a win.

27. Meineke Car Care Bowl-North Carolina State vs South Florida
An ugly bowl name, but an even uglier bowl matchup. The on and off again Wolfpack could get smoked in USF's first bowl.

28. Poinsettia Bowl- Colorado State vs Navy
This is exactly why 6-5 teams do not deserve to be in bowl games.

2005 AP All-American Team

2005-12-13T19:18:00.000-08:00

Headlined by Heisman Trophy winner, Reggie Bush, the Pac 10 conference dominated the skill positions on the AP All-American team. Only Texas QB Vince Young and Maryland TE Vernon Davis prevented the Pac 10 from completing a clean sweep of all skill position players on the first team, even UCLA tailback Maurice Drew was named first team all-purpose player. But USC QB Matt Leinart and UCLA TE Mercedes Lewis were both named to the second team. The AP All-American team:

FIRST TEAM

Offense

Quarterback - Vince Young, 6-foot-5, 230 pounds, junior, Texas.

Running backs - Reggie Bush, 6-0, 200, junior, Southern California; Jerome Harrison, 5-10, 199, senior, Washington State.

Wide receivers - Dwayne Jarrett, 6-5, 210, sophomore, Southern California; Mike Hass, 6-1, 210, senior, Oregon State.

Tight end - Vernon Davis, 6-3, 253, junior, Maryland.

Linemen - Jonathan Scott, 6-7, 310, senior, Texas; Marcus McNeill, 6-8, 335, senior, Auburn; Max Jean-Gilles, 6-4, 340, senior, Georgia; D'Brickashaw Ferguson, 6-5, 295, senior, Virginia.

Center - Greg Eslinger, 6-3, 285, senior, Minnesota.

Kicker - Mason Crosby, 6-2, 210, junior, Colorado.

All-purpose player - Maurice Drew, 5-8, 205, junior, UCLA.

Defense

Linemen - Tamba Hali, 6-3, 267, senior, Penn State; Haloti Ngata, 6-4, 345, junior, Oregon; Elvis Dumervil, 6-0, 256, senior, Louisville; Rodrique Wright, 6-5, 330, senior, Texas.

Linebackers - A.J. Hawk, 6-1, 240, senior, Ohio State; Paul Posluszny, 6-2, 229, junior, Penn State; DeMeco Ryans, 6-2, 232, senior, Alabama.

Defensive backs - Jimmy Williams, 6-3, 215, senior, Virginia Tech; Darnell Bing, 6-2, 220, junior, Southern California; Michael Huff, 6-1, 205, senior, Texas; Greg Blue, 6-2, 215, senior, Georgia.

Punter - Ryan Plackemeier, 6-3, 235, senior, Wake Forest

SECOND TEAM

Offense

Quarterback - Matt Leinart, senior, Southern California.

Running backs - DeAngelo Williams, senior, Memphis; Brian Calhoun, junior, Wisconsin.

Wide receivers - Jeff Samardzija, junior, Notre Dame; Calvin Johnson, sophomore, Georgia Tech.

Tight end - Marcedes Lewis, senior, UCLA.

Linemen - Levi Brown, junior, Penn State; Mark Setterstrom, senior, Minnesota; Eric Winston, senior, Miami; Taitusi Lutui, senior, Southern California.

Center - Dan Mozes, junior, West Virginia.

Kicker - Alexis Serna, sophomore, Oregon State

All-purpose player - Brandon Williams, senior, Wisconsin.

Defense

Linemen - Mathias Kiwanuka, senior, Boston College; Darryl Tapp, senior, Virginia Tech; Kyle Williams, senior, LSU; Orien Harris, senior, Miami.

Linebackers - Chad Greenway, senior, Iowa; D'Qwell Jackson, senior, Maryland; Patrick Willis, junior, Mississippi.

Defensive backs - Dion Byrum, senior, Ohio University; Tye Hill, senior, Clemson; Kelly Jennings, senior, Miami; Alan Zemaitis, senior, Penn State.

Punter - Dan Sepulveda, junior, Baylor.

THIRD TEAM

Offense

Quarterback - Brady Quinn, junior, Notre Dame.

Running backs - Laurence Maroney, junior, Minnesota; LenDale White, junior, Southern California.

Wide receivers - Greg Jennings, senior, Western Michigan; Derek Hagan, senior, Arizona State.

Tight end - Garrett Mills, senior, Tulsa.

Linemen - Sam Baker, sophomore, Southern California; Andrew Whitworth, senior, LSU; Justin Blalock, junior, Texas; Will Allen, senior, Texas.

Center - Nick Mangold, senior, Ohio State.

Kicker - Brandon Coutu, sophomore, Georgia.

All-purpose player - Skyler Green, senior, LSU.

Defense

Linemen - Brodrick Bunkley, senior, Florida State; Willie Evans, senior, Mississippi State; Mario Williams, junior, North Carolina State; Jesse Mahelona, senior, Tennessee.

Linebackers - Aaron Harris, senior, Texas; Nick Reid, senior, Kansas; Bobby Carpenter, senior, Ohio State.

Defensive backs - Aaron Gipson, senior, Oregon; LaRon Landry, junior, LSU; Ko Simpson, sophomore, South Carolina; Tom Zbikowski, junior, Notre Dame.

Punter - Danny Baugher, senior, Arizona.

Break is Over!

2005-12-12T21:47:00.000-08:00

As many of you can see, I took somewhat of a break from bloggin. I told the family I would refrain from college football after the DI-A season ended on Dec. 5 for a week. I really don't care for the ESPN CFB Award Show and we all knew Bush was going to win the Heisman, so I was not missing too much. I must say Fresno State getting their ass handed to them by La Tech made it very easy to skip the college game for a week. The break is over, thank gawd! Time to talk bowls, recruiting, and maybe even take an early peak at 2006.

The Way It Should Be

2005-12-05T13:41:00.000-08:00

The final BCS standings were released and No. 5 10-1 Oregon is out, but No. 22 8-4 Florida State is in just because it won the ACC conference championship. Huh? Last year Pitt was the lame duck, this year it's the mighty Seminoles. This year worked out perfectly for the BCS, the two top teams are the only unbeatens, but are they the two best teams in the nation? Probably, but it would still be fun to see some sort of a playoff because it does not always work out perfectly for the BCS every year. According to my previous post on the BCS solution, this is how I think the college football post season should have panned out using the final BCS standings and conference champions that have a championship game.

The BCS Playoff

Rose Bowl- Southern Cal 12-0 vs Penn State 10-1

Fiesta Bowl- Oregon 10-1 vs Ohio State 9-2

Sugar Bowl- Georgia 10-2 vs Notre Dame 9-2

Orange Bowl- Texas 12-0 vs Miami 9-2

*winners are re-seeded according to their BCS ranking and the higher seeds host a national semi-final.

The Remaining Bowl Games(*participants must have at least 7 wins/except a conference champ)

Cotton Bowl- Texas Tech 9-2 vs Alabama 9-2
Capital One Bowl- LSU 10-2 vs West Virginia 10-1
Holiday Bowl- UCLA 9-2 vs Iowa 7-4
Gator Bowl- Florida State 8-4 vs Auburn 9-2
Outback Bowl- Wisconsin 9-3 vs Florida 8-3
Peach Bowl- South Carolina 7-4 vs Virginia Tech 9-2
Alamo Bowl- Michigan 7-4 vs Oklahoma 7-4
Sun Bowl- TCU 10-1 vs Nebraska 7-4
Liberty Bowl- Tulsa 8-4 vs Boston College 8-3
Insight Bowl- Colorado 7-5 vs Minnesota 7-4
Champs Sports Bowl- Louisville 9-2 vs Clemson 7-4
Music City- Georgia Tech 7-4 vs Iowa State 7-4
Independence- Arkansas State 6-5* vs Louisiana Tech 7-4
Las Vegas- Boise State 9-3 vs Rutgers 7-4
Motor City- Akron 7-5 vs Northwestern 7-4
Hawaii- Navy 7-4 vs California 7-4

Final Regular Season Blogpoll Ballot

2005-12-05T10:57:00.000-08:00

Southern Cal (1)
Texas (2)
Penn State (3)
Ohio State (5)
Auburn (6)
Georgia (10)
Oregon (8)
Miami (Florida) (9)
Virginia Tech (7)
West Virginia (11)
Louisiana State (4)
Notre Dame (12)
Alabama (13)
Florida (15)
Florida State (nr)
Georgia Tech (16)
Michigan (17)
TCU (19)
Louisville (20)
Clemson (21)
Wisconsin (22)
Boston College (23)
Texas Tech (24)
Northwestern (25)
Iowa (nr)

out- UCLA(14), Fresno State(18)

just missed- South Carolina,

on the radar- Boise State, Nebraska, Nevada, Tulsa

last weeks top 25 ballot

last weeks blogpoll

Games I watched: Fresno State-La Tech(all), Central Fla-Tulsa(1/2), Colorado-Texas(1/2), USC-UCLA(1/2), Georgia-LSU(on second TV), Florida State-Va Tech(3/4)

I Wonder if Colorado and UCLA Know About This

2005-12-03T04:11:00.000-08:00

Stations Casino has an early line on the Rose Bowl between USC - Texas, even though each could lose this Saturday and potentially knocked out of the Rose Bowl. Stations gives the edge to the Trojans (-7). I am sure the Longhorn faithful are jumping on that bet, but what happens if they lose to the Buffaloes, it happened to them in 2001.

The Big 12 Championship has not been kind to potential BCS national championship game participants from the conference. Kansas State's loss cost them a shot at the national title in 1998, Texas had an outside shot in 2001 before losing to Colorado, and Oklahoma backed into the national championship game two years despite the blowout loss to K-State.

The Picks

2005-12-03T04:03:00.000-08:00

Central Florida, Texas, Navy, USC, Georgia, Middle Tenn State, West Virginia, UConn, Virginia Tech, and Hawaii

italic are the potential upsets
bold are the surefire picks

Championship Week and My Solution to the BCS

2005-12-03T02:19:00.000-08:00

It is championship week in college football, both a sad day and great day. It marks the end of the regular season and the start of the post season. The BCS selection show will conclude the week Sunday afternoon.

The current format of the BCS needs to be change. I do not hate the BCS, but I hate the current structure and the rules it follows. The computers should be allowed to use whatever formula they like, and include margin of victory to an extent.

For instance, if Florida State beats Florida Atlantic 49-20, but Louisville beats FAU 69-3, does that make Louisville that much better than Florida State? A cap of say 25 points should be the limit, so if Florida State beat FAU 35-20 it would not carry as much weight as the 49-20 win. But, Louisville's 66 point win will be looked upon the same as FSU's 29 pt win. Honestly, after 25 points or the equivalent of 4 scores, a team is just running up the score.

Next, conference automatic bids need to be done away with. The BCS rankings then need to ditch the Harris Poll and seek the AP for its services. Take the two polls, the 6 computers, add strength of schedule, give each equal weight and compile them together to create the BCS Poll.

Now for selection, first, take the top three teams no matter what, even if they are somehow from the same conference. Next teams chosen, are conference champions with no more than two losses and that are ranked in the top 12 of the BCS. This gives current non-BCS schools equal chance to earn a berth, despite playing in a crappy conference. If there is still open slots then teams ranked 4-6 are automatically selected no matter what conference they are in. If slots still remain open then conference champs with no more than two losses and that are ranked in the BCS top 15 earn a berth. If slots are still open beyond this point then the remaining teams ranked highest in the BCS rankings earn a berth, no matter what conference they are in.

In order to make this system fair every conference must have a championship game or otherwise the respective conferences that does not have one can only earn a berth as an at-large selection and not as a conference champion. For example, the ACC, Big 12, SEC, CUSA and MAC champs could all earn automatic berths after the top three teams in the BCS rankings are selected, as long as they did not have more than two losses and were ranked in the top 12 of the BCS. Meaning a Big Ten team could be left out of the BCS, despite being ranked as high as number 4 in the BCS, if the top three in the BCS were the Pac 10 champ, BE champ and Notre Dame or any other at-large team.

This guideline will move conference expansion into overdrive, as the Pac 10, Big Ten, Big East, MWC scramble to field 12 teams. The WAC and Sun Belt could be forced to merge and add one more team from I-AA or be left out of the big picture. Notre Dame might look into joining a conference for the first time ever in this scenario.

Now the matchups, the BCS playoff would consist of the same four bowls used now by the system, but all of them will be played on New Years Day. Tradition and traditional matchups will be upheld but the Orange or Sugar Bowl could be forced to have a late morning kickoff or could play in the late evening on New Years Eve instead. Maybe the NFL will have to move their games to a Saturday or Monday when New Years falls on a Sunday. It makes me sick that when I wake up New Years Day this year, with my hangover, I will have to watch NFL instead of my yearly dose of Jan. 1 bowl games. I guess I will get to sleep in for once on New Years Day; I can not stand NFL football, and this years sucks more than usual.

The Orange Bowl 1/1 11am ET- ACC champ/at-large vs Big 12 champ/at-large(the Big 8 champ never played in the Fiesta, the goal was always the Orange)

The Fiesta Bowl 1/1 2:30pm ET- at-large vs at-large(this game always used to match the best two teams available before the BCS came along)

The Rose Bowl 1/1 5:50pm ET- Pac 10 champ/at-large vs Big Ten/at-large(like any other teams should play in Pasadena on New Years Day)

The Sugar Bowl 1/1 9:15pm ET- SEC champ/at-large vs at-large

The ACC used to send its champ to the Citrus/Capital One Bowl, but since Miami and Florida State used to play almost annually in the Orange Bowl its a natural fit for the ACC champ in Miami.

The Big East never had a destination for its conference champ, and the WAC, MWC, CUSA and Sun Belt destinations are some very weak bowls. But if the WAC or MWC champ was selected the Fiesta is natural fit geographically.

After the BCS bowl games, the four winners are re-seeded and the two top seeds will host a national semi-final played 7-10 days after New Years, depending on which day Jan. 1 lands on. This gives teams an incentive not to schedule pasties, otherwise, their strength of schedule could cost them a home game in the national semi-finals. Some may think a home game this late in the season is unfair, but great teams find ways to win big ball games no matter where the game is played(no one ever complains about homefield advantage in the NFL, because it is earned not given away).

The winners of the national semi-finals meet in a national championship game hosted by one of the four BCS bowls on a rotating basis, played a 7-10 days after the semi-finals or on the weekend before the Super Bowl. For example, on Jan. 1 it is the Rose Bowl, but for the national title game, it would be called the NCAA College Football National Championship hosted by the Rose Bowl.

No system can ever be perfect, but I am against a 16 team playoff. To many teams and I have no desire to see a 6-5 or 7-4 Sun Belt conference champion play the top seed and get slaughtered.

As for the rest of the teams that didn't make the BCS, they still have the other bowl games to be invited to. But 24 other bowl games is just too many and the matchups really get watered down towards the bottom.

The solution eliminate 8 bowl games, therefore besides the 8 teams that go to the BCS playoff, only 32 other teams will get to taste the postseason. I think only 1/3 of college football deserves to be accepted to a bowl games not 1/2. The 16 Bowls that stay and conference champ they would host if that conference did not earn a BCS bid or the runner up in the conference, otherwise, the bowl slots are open. Teams can go to any bowl they are invited, but the conference champ is guaranteed a bid whether it is the BCS or regular bowl berth. If a conference sends its champ to a BCS bowl, then the runner up is guaranteed a bowl berth. I wish the traditional names could come back in some sort of capacity, like the Outback Hall of Fame Bowl or the Capital One Citrus Bowl:

Cotton- Big 12 vs
Capital One/Citrus - SEC vs
Holiday- Pac 10 vs
Gator - ACC vs
Outback/Hall of Fame - Big Ten vs
Peach- open
Alamo- open
Sun- MWC vs
Liberty- CUSA vs
Insight/Copper
Champs/Tangerine- Big East vs
Music City
Independence- Sun Belt vs
Las Vegas- WAC vs
Motor City- MAC vs
Hawaii/Aloha

the 8 that get the boot: mostly because they are new and lack any real tradition, but the Houston, Emerald and Meineke are the only three worth saving, maybe the GMAC.
Meineke Car Care-
Houston
Emerald
MPC Computers
GMAC
Ft Worth
Poinsettia
New Orleans

go ahead pundits rip it away.............Come Sunday/Monday I will fill in the slots when the final BCS rankings are released and I'll see how the first MDG CFB mythical BCS playoff national champion will play out.

Dear Blogpoll Voters,

2005-12-02T23:10:00.000-08:00

This is exactly why I told you not to vote Fresno State in your preseason top 25; Pat Hill must have gotten a new calendar because October came late this year.

BCS Predictions

2005-11-28T07:14:00.000-08:00

Rose Bowl- Southern Cal 12-0 vs Texas 12-0

Fiesta Bowl- Notre Dame 9-2 vs Ohio State 9-2

Sugar Bowl- Georgia 10-2 vs West Virginia 10-1

Orange Bowl- Virginia Tech 11-1 vs Penn State 10-1

notes: It is pretty simple from this point on. West Virginia is in the Sugar Bowl as the Big East champ. LSU/Georgia winner is in the Sugar and Va Tech/FSU winner is in the Orange. USC and Texas are virtual locks for the Rose. Only the Fiesta can change things around. If the Fiesta chooses Penn State over Notre Dame, then flip flop ND and PSU and substitute Oregon for Ohio State. But, do not rule out a possible Ohio State-Penn State rematch in Tempe.

Week 14 Blogpoll Top 25 Ballot

2005-11-27T09:49:00.000-08:00

Southern Cal (1)
Texas (2)
Penn State (3)
Louisiana State (4)
Ohio State (5)
Auburn (6)
Virginia Tech (8)
Oregon (10)
Miami (7)
Georgia (12)
West Virginia (13)
Notre Dame (9)
Alabama (14)
UCLA (15)
Florida (18)
Georgia Tech (16)
Michigan (17)
Fresno State (11)
TCU (19)
Louisville (20)
Clemson (21)
Wisconsin (24)
Boston College (nr)
Texas Tech (nr)
Northwestern (nr)

out- Iowa State(22), Colorado(23), Florida State(25)

just missed- Iowa, Central Florida, South Carolina, Boise State

on the radar- Nebraska, Nevada

last weeks top 25 ballot

last weeks blogpoll

Games I watched: Texas-Texas A&M(3/4), Hawaii-Wisconsin(half), Maryland-NC State(half), Fresno State-Nevada(all) small parts of:N. Ill.-W. Mich, WV-Pitt, Colo-Neb, Ari-ASU, VT- NC

Notes:

Fresno State has lost all national respect, again, for the third time in five years. Every time they get some national respect; it is all lost in conference play.
After pondering for some time, I concluded TCU's bad loss at SMU and Louisville's embarrassment at South Florida are far worse than Fresno State's 4 point loss at Nevada. SMU is getting better, but are no where as good as Nevada. South Florida is a decent team but Louisville had no business getting beat by 31 points. Based on those factors Fresno State deserves to be ranked. They played one bad game at an 8-3 Nevada team that is co-WAC champs. Considering the game came after back-to-back games against Boise State and USC, it can be forgiven but not forgotten.
Notre Dame has been looking pretty lackluster; do they really deserve a BCS bid?

Week 13 Picks

2005-11-25T19:09:00.000-08:00

The short version: its Thanksgiving Weekend forgive me

Biggest Games(ranked by significance)

1. Georgia 20 at Georgia Tech 14

2. Florida State 28 at Florida 24

3. Virginia Tech 34 vs North Carolina 10

4. Miami 29 vs Virginia 13

5. NC State 21 vs Maryland 17

6. Notre Dame 45 at Stanford 31

1 Pontential upset.....

UConn beats South Florida- The cold November weather is not kind to the boys from the Sunshine State.

1 Surefire pick

Fresno State(-15.5) at Nevada- no letdown here

The Backyard Brawl: Pitt at West Virginia

2005-11-24T12:42:00.000-08:00

It has become a Thanksgiving tradition and a lot is on the line besides bragging rights. West Virginia is just two wins away from representing the Big East in the Bowl Championship Series. Pittsburgh is on the brink of being eliminated from a bowl eligibility after a much anticipated season that has been anything short of a disappointment.

The Mountaineers have exceeded all preseason expectations and are a -13 point home favorite. The Panthers can turn around their whole season with an upset win over their rival and subsequently earn a bowl bid. A 7-5 season and bowl win is a lot better than 5-6 and home for the Holidays. The extra practice time would be blessing for team that has fallen flat under new head coach Dave Wannestedt.

West Virginia is not just wining against a easy slate, they are very good, and could surprise the SEC champ in the Sugar Bowl. This a first of a tough two game slate for WV, a trip to South Florida awaits them next week. The Mountaineers beat the Panthers on their way to a Sugar Bowl berth. WV 34, Pitt 26.

Bowl Picture Becoming Clearer

2005-11-22T00:28:00.000-08:00

Navy excepted a bid to the inaugural Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego yesterday and today TCU is expected to except an at-large bid to the Houston Bowl.

Utah is also expected to be invited to their third straight bowl game, the Emerald in San Francisco. Their opponent will likely be from the ACC, maybe the NC State-Maryland winner.

Colorado State looks to be the front runner for the Mountain West's spot in the Poinsettia Bowl, leaving New Mexico scrambling for a bowl.

The Las Vegas Bowl gets their wish, BYU will be invited today.

The WAC could have as many as four teams going bowling but nothing is certain beyond a team in the MPC Computers Bowl and Hawaii Bowl.

The Music City Bowl has a verbal agreement with the ACC that should benefit Virginia.

Week 13 Blogpoll Top 25 Ballot

2005-11-21T09:42:00.000-08:00

Southern Cal (1)
Texas (2)
Penn State (4)
LSU (5)
Ohio State (7)
Auburn (10)
Miami (3)
Virginia Tech (8)
Notre Dame (6)
Oregon (11)
Fresno State (14)
Georgia (12)
West Virginia (13)
Alabama (9)
UCLA (16)
Georgia Tech (nr)
Michigan (15)
Florida (18)
TCU (19)
Louisville (20)
Clemson (23)
Iowa State (21)
Colorado (22)
Wisconsin (24)
Florida State (25)

out- South Carolina(17)

just missed- Boston College, Iowa, Texas Tech, Northwestern

on the radar- South Florida, Central Florida

last weeks top 25 ballot

last weeks blogpoll

Games I watched: Virginia-Va Tech(1st half), Michigan -Ohio State(all), Auburn- Alabama(half), Oregon-Oregon State(half), Michigan State-Penn State(half), Fresno State-USC(all) small parts of: ND-Syr, Cal-Stan, SC-Clem, Wash-WSU

Notes:

If Notre Dame's claim to fame is their close loss at home to USC on the "tall" grass, then where does Fresno State fit into the equation? The Bulldogs turned the ball over five times in the second half, Matt Leinart was nearly flawless, Reggie Bush gains a record 513 AP yards, and the Bulldogs still have a chance to win? Fresno State led 42-41 with just about 7 minutes to play in the game, yet USC found a way to win. That is why USC is the two time defending champs, they find ways to win with their backs against the wall. That is why there are still no. 1 because could Vince Young and Texas have been able to do the same? This blogger doesn't think so.

'Dogs Lose Heartbreaker, 50-42

2005-11-20T00:52:00.000-08:00

Coach Pat Hill does not believe in moral victories, but if there was such a thing, Fresno State won the biggest one in the history of college football.

Fresno State hung toe to toe with the best team in the nation for four quarters, and nearly sent the game into overtime. But with less than a minute and a half to play, and the Bulldogs driving for the tying score, Paul Pinegar's pass was intercepted in the end zone. It was Pinegar's fourth of the game, all in the second half, and ended Fresno State's comeback effort. The Bulldogs just did not do enough to contain USC and Heisman Trophy candidate Reggie Bush.

The Bulldogs controlled the tempo for the first half en route to a 21-13 halftime lead. USC would not let their 32 game win streak end so easily. The Trojans bounced back in the third quarter, scoring three touchdowns to take a 34-31 lead.

Fresno State did not lie down like many former Trojan opponents. The Bulldogs fought back, and after a costly Bush fumble on a kickoff return, they regained the lead, 42-41, on a 19 yard touchdown run by Wendell Mathis.

The real of story of the game was Bush. The junior tailback racked up a Pac 10 record 513 all-purpose yards, including a career high 294 yards rushing, and two touchdowns. His record breaking performance might have just locked up USC's third Heisman Trophy winner in the last four years.

Week 12 Picks

2005-11-18T00:18:00.000-08:00

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The Biggest Games(ranked by significance)

1. Fresno State at USC- In arguably the Bulldogs biggest game ever the stakes are high for both teams. USC is on a quest to win three national titles in a row, while Fresno State wants to prove they belong among the elite of college football. USC 41, Fresno State 28. Link to Preview.

2. Alabama at Auburn- The Iron Bowl takes a back seat to Fresno State, huh? Well, if Alabama had not lost last week against LSU, the 2005 Iron Bowl would have been the biggest game between the two since 1994 when both schools entered the game without a loss. Auburn 24, Alabama 17.

3. Ohio State at Michigan- If Joe Pa and Penn State loses later in the day, the winner of this historic rivalry will win the Big Ten. Ohio State has rebounded from its early losses in the season and is playing some of the best football of the year. However, Michigan has done the same. Michigan 20, Ohio State 19.

4. Penn State at Michigan State- Penn State can wrap up the Big Ten and a BCS bid with a win in East Lansing. Michigan State could easily pull the shocker and get bowl eligible. Penn State 34, Michigan State 21.

5. Clemson at South Carolina- The Palmetto State has a game to get excited about. There will be no brawl during this year's game, just some good football. South Carolina 31, Clemson 27.

6. Oklahoma at Texas Tech- Oklahoma has quietly rebounded to a respectable 7-3 record. A win over an overrated Texas Tech would almost certainly put the Sooners back in the top 25 and earn them a berth into the Cotton Bowl. Oklahoma 38, Texas Tech 31.

7. Virginia Tech at Virginia- The Hokies have fallen off the national radar faster than you can say Wahoo. This is a trap game, if there was ever such a thing. Virginia Tech can not fall victim to its past late season tumbles. A BCS at-large berth is still in the picture. Virginia Tech 16, Virginia 6.

3 Potential Upsets...........

What will happen- Maryland beats Boston College- The game is at College Park, and the Terps are improving each week. A loss by the Eagles might drop them from Peach Bowl consideration.

What might happen- Indiana over Purdue- The Boilermakers are back on track after just stinking it up early on, but for the first time in the Joe Tiller era, the Hoosiers actually have a shot at a win.

What is unlikely to happen- Oregon State upsets Oregon- Even without Kellen Clemons at quarterback the Ducks are huge favorites. The Beavers need a win to get bowl eligible and at the same time spoil their arch rivals shot at a BCS bowl. How sweet rivalries are.

Betting Man? Surefire Picks!

Washington(+3) vs Washington State- Yeah, the Cougars are very close to being 9-1, but the fact remains they fall apart in the 4th quarter. The Huskies own this series and should win straight up.

Stanford(+4.5) vs Cal- See the pattern, take the Pac 10 home dog, they will all be winners.

BYU (-10.5) vs Utah- 10.5 is a lot a points for a rivalry such as the Holy War, but Utah's quarterback Brian Johnson is out and the Cougars will looking for some sweet revenge.

all my other picks at D1AFootball.com

last week's picks

Fresno State-USC Preview

2005-11-17T14:54:00.000-08:00

Read the preview at Valley411.com. It All Comes Down to This: USC Preview.

Fresno State-USC

2005-11-16T19:53:00.000-08:00

With so much attention about this week's Fresno State-USC game, I have been devoting most of my attention to FS Bulldog Blog. So, MDG CFB will probably not be updated until tomorrow or Friday for picks of the upcoming week. 'Dogs-Trojans preview coming tomorrow.

ESPN Gameday Live From East Lansing. What?

2005-11-15T01:55:00.000-08:00

I know the Michigan-Ohio State game has lost some luster this year, but it is usually a Gameday stop every year. Tuscaloosa was the stop last week, so I guess the crew did not want to go back to Alabama for the Iron Bowl at Auburn.

How about Los Angeles for the #16 Fresno State at #1 USC game, by far the day's most intriguing game. But, the game is on Fox Sports Net and a 10:15 pm kickoff ET. I guess Gameday will probably make L.A. their final stop on December 3 for UCLA-USC, since UCLA pulled out the win over Arizona State to get to a 9-1 record.

I just do not see why 5-5 Michigan State vs 9-1 Penn State is worthy of the live remote. I guess ESPN wants center stage for their prime time game at 4pm ET, hoping the Nittany Lions will clinch their first Big Ten title since 1994.

The Biggest Game of the Week

2005-11-14T14:04:00.000-08:00

It is supposed to be rivalry week. The week that hated college football rivals butt heads, but the biggest game this week is not the Iron Bowl of Alabama-Auburn nor the battle at the Bighouse between Michigan-Ohio State. No, the biggest game comes to you from beautiful Southern California, and it is not USC-UCLA, but USC-Fresno State.

Yes, folks Fresno State has hit the big time. The 16th ranked Bulldogs travel to the Coliseum for the first time to battle the two-time defending national champion Trojans, who happened to be ranked no. 1 for like the 1oo straight week.

Fresno State does hold a 1-0 lead in the series, a result of a 24-7 win over USC at the 1992 Freedom Bowl.

for all other pregame notes and stuff read the Fresno State Football Blog

BCS Predictions

2005-11-13T13:57:00.000-08:00

The bowl picture is a mess, from the BCS Bowls down to the New Orleans Bowl. It is very possible 10-1 teams Oregon and Virginia Tech could be shut out of the BCS at-large spots, yet 9-2 Notre Dame and/or 9-2 Ohio State be included as at large teams. Just do not get me started on the South Florida Bulls. I like the little guy just as much as the next guy, but no way does an 8-3 USF team belong in the BCS just because they won the Big East.

The Big East title could come down to a West Virginia at USF game on December 3 in Tampa, thanks to Hurricane Wilma. Both school must win out in order for that to happen, my guess the tropical climate Bulls will stumble in cold Storrs, Connecticut against the Huskies on November 26.

I am not going to do the all the bowl predictions this week because they are just not making sense when you get towards the bottom. But here is my prediction for the BCS:

Rose Bowl- Southern Cal vs Texas

Fiesta Bowl- Notre Dame vs Virginia Tech

Sugar Bowl- Georgia vs West Virginia

Orange Bowl- Miami vs Penn State

notes: The Fiesta will have first at-large selection and that will be Notre Dame, but I would not be surprised to see Oregon selected. Georgia as the projected SEC champ goes to the Sugar and Miami to the Orange as the projected ACC champ. The BCS tries to set the best matches possible and try to accommodate each bowl's request for at-large choice. I project Penn State in the Orange giving that bowl the second most intriguing matchup of the BCS.

Since the Sugar invited Virginia Tech last year and I do not see the benefit of a Georgia-LSU rematch or having Oregon come cross country. West Virginia will more than likely be on the top of their list if Penn State is in Miami and Ohio State is not in the top 12.

This leaves the Fiesta with the last choice and it being a true at-large selection. The Fiesta will be able to choose any team ranked in the BCS top 12. Virginia Tech should be the highest ranked team, but Oregon would bring a lot of fans as would LSU, Ohio State, Alabama, or Auburn from the SEC.

If Ohio State can win at Michigan, it is a no brainer, the Buckeyes will be here or in the Sugar Bowl. If Oregon had Kellen Clemons I think Oregon would get the invite to the Fiesta opposite the Irish, but without their star quarterback the Ducks are just not the same team. That leaves Virginia Tech, LSU and the Auburn/Alabama winner. If Alabama is 10-1, it is the Tide in Tempe, otherwise, I can not see the Fiesta skipping over a 10-1 Virginia Tech team.

Week 12 Blogpoll Top 25 Ballot

2005-11-13T10:37:00.000-08:00

Southern Cal (1)
Texas (2)
Miami (Florida) (3)
Penn State (5)
LSU (8)
Notre Dame (6)
Ohio State (7)
Virginia Tech (9)
Alabama (4)
Auburn (12)
Oregon (11)
Georgia (10)
West Virginia (13)
Fresno State (15)
Michigan (16)
UCLA (20)
South Carolina (nr)
Florida (14)
TCU (23)
Louisville (24)
Iowa State (nr)
Colorado (17)
Clemson (nr)
Wisconsin (21)
Florida State (18)

out-Texas Tech(19), Northwestern(22), Georgia Tech(25)

just missed- Minnesota, Boston College, Oklahoma, UTEP

on the radar- South Florida, BYU, Central Florida, Iowa

last weeks top 25 ballot

last weeks blogpoll

Games I watched: Fresno State-Boise State(all), Rutgers-Louisville(1st half), Florida State-Clemson(all), LSU-Alabama(all), USC-Cal(2nd TV), Auburn-Georgia(3/4), Arizona State-UCLA(2nd TV), Stanford-Oregon State(1st half), Oregon-Washington State(1/2)

Alabama Loses!!!!

2005-11-12T16:28:00.000-08:00

The 16-13 overtime loss to LSU ended the Crimson Tide's Rose Bowl dreams. Alabama could not get going on offense in the second half, and it cost them dearly. LSU outplayed the Tide in the second half, but three missed field goals by Chris Jackson left the game deadlocked at 10.

LSU last miss gave Alabama great field position at their 40 yard line with :47 left to play in the game. The Tide's comeback fell short inside the LSU 10 yard line and sent the game into overtime.

Bama scored first in overtime with a field goal, but LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell's touchdown pass won the game. LSU just needs to win out to play in the SEC championship game. A Georgia-LSU game is likely, which would be a rematch of the 2003 game won by the Bulldogs.

The BCS can quit crapping their pants, as USC and Texas are the only unbeatens left in college football. Not unless Fresno State pulls the unthinkable next week at the Coliseum or Texas A&M quits messing around and actually plays a game against the Longhorns the day after Thanksgiving.

Week 11 Picks

2005-11-11T00:39:00.000-08:00

The Biggest Games(ranked by significance)

1. LSU at Alabama- What a matchup, two top five teams battling for a spot in the SEC championship game. Alabama's offensive has been anemic since the loss of Tyrone Prothro against Florida. LSU has two solid wins over Florida and Auburn, but both were in Death Valley. Bama will win a close one at home. Alabama 13, LSU 12.

2. Auburn at Georgia- D.J. Shockley's injury cost the 'Dawgs a shot at the Rose Bowl. The offense could not do anything against Florida. Auburn is a lot better than their ranking and record. The visiting team has had great success in the South's Oldest Rivalry. Auburn 17, Georgia 14.

3. Southern Cal at Cal- Does anyone think this game will be close? This was suppose to be USC toughest challenge of the year. Fresno State will give the Trojans a better game next week. Southern Cal 48, Cal 24.

4. Northwestern at Ohio State- Northwestern's magical run at a Big Ten title ends here. Ohio State is on a mission. A win here sets up a big game at the Big House. Ohio State 45, Northwestern 17.

5. Florida at South Carolina- A Florida win coupled by a Georgia loss would put the Gators in the SEC title game. Florida has not shined this season like many thought, but the Gators are still in the BCS picture in mid November. How ironic, Steve Spurrier could prevent Florida from getting to the SEC championship game. A place they have not been since he was the head coach. South Carolina 14, Florida 10.

6. Colorado at Iowa State- Colorado is on a collision course for a rematch with Texas in the Big 12 championship game. Even a loss to the Cyclones will not derail the Buffs. They will still have a one game lead over anyone else in the North. Iowa State is playing their best football since the win over Iowa in September. Iowa State 31, Colorado 27.

7. Arizona State at UCLA- UCLA's dream season was dashed in the desert last week. A win over Arizona State could help ease the pain the next three weeks before the game at USC. The Sun Devils are still not the same team without Sam Keller, but are playing better since his injury. Arizona State 34, UCLA 31.

3 Potential Upsets.........

What will happen- Clemson beats Florida State- Bowden Bowl no. (who cares). Even without a healthy Charlie Whitehurst, Clemson will get two in a row and it might be just enough to keep Tommy in town for one more year.

What might happen- Washington State over Oregon- Dennis Dixon did not impress anyone in Kellen Clemons absence and Brady Leaf had to come in for relief. The Ducks should have just enough to beat the Cougars, but Washington State is capable of blowing out UO, too.

What is unlikely to happen- UNLV upsets TCU- With the Mountain West title already wrapped up, the Frogs could be overlooking their last game against the Rebels. UNLV pulled a big upset over 2002 MWC champ Colorado State in the 15th ranked Ram's last game of the season.

Betting Man? Surefire Picks!

Hawaii(-17) vs Utah State- The Aggies have not played at Hawaii since the mid 1960's. The Island is not kind to teams from the mainland.

Wisconsin(-3) vs Iowa- Barry Alvarez's last game at Camp Randall, the place will be rocking.

Memphis(+18.5) at Tennessee- Loser of this game can kiss their bowl hopes goodbye. Memphis will be amped for their in-state rival. Tennessee should win but will not cover.

the rest of my other picks at D1AFootball.com

previous week

Boise State at Fresno State

2005-11-10T01:23:00.000-08:00

Even David Carr couldn't beat Boise.

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The biggest game of the Western Athletic Conference season is tonight on ESPN HD at 8pm ET. It will not be your average Thursday night ESPN fanfare, expect a great game between two teams that respect each other, but have no love lost between them.

The biggest game on Thursday night this season thus far was Boston College at Virginia Tech. The best game was probably the Utah-TCU overtime game or the N.C. State-Georgia Tech game.

Fresno State-Boise State should surpass them all. The Broncos have had the Bulldogs' number for four straight years and have claimed three straight outright WAC titles in the process.

Will this be the year head coach Pat Hill and Fresno State beats Boise State? Hey, Florida State finally beat Miami and Mack Brown and Texas were finally able to get by Oklahoma. It seems the stars are aligned right for a Bulldog win. For more analysis, stories, series history and my prediction, please check out the Fresno State Football Blog.