We are starting into the TOP 10 with todays update.
TEAMS #6-10
#10 LSU Tigers (12-2, National Champs)
The Tigers have to replace their starting QB and RB, as well as half of their starting defense from last years title team and are still in the top 10. That just gives you an idea of how loaded the Tigers are. LSU will be breaking in a brand new QB after last years back-up Ryan Perrilloux was dismissed from the team. Redshirt freshman Jarrett Lee will be under center this fall taking his 1st collegiate snaps. With all these problems and replacements to deal with Les Miles and LSU should still be right in the middle of the SEC West battle. The Tigers play at Florida and Auburn, but do get the Georgia Bulldogs in Baton Rouge, the home team has won 5 of the last 6 in that match-up.
#9 Texas Longhorns (10-3)
Colt McCoy is back for his 3rd year starting at Texas trying to forget about last years season when he threw 18 INT's. The Longhorn offense does lose RB Jamaal Charles and WR Limas Sweed, but still have tons of weapons on offense with WR's Quan Cosby (60 rec, 5 TD's) and Jordan Shipley (15.4 ypc, 5 TD's). The offensive line returns 4 of 5 starters and should be a strength of the team. On defense the Longhorns return MLB Rashad Bobino who does a little bit of everything for UT. New Defensive coordinator Will Muschamp from Auburn should greatly help this defense which struggled at times last year, giving up over 25 ppg. The Longhorn will have to get work done on the road when they will play at Kansas and Texas Tech and as always square off with Oklahoma in the Red River Shootout in Dallas.
#8 Wisconsin Badgers (9-4)
The Badgers are the real threat to tOSU this season. Wisconsin led last year in Columbus 17-10 in the 3rd quarter before the Buckeyes scored 28 straight to win the game. During that game the Badgers played without PJ Hill, who ran for 1,212 yards and 14 TD's last year. The Badgers return 17 starters from last year and get Ohio State, Penn State and Illinois all at home. If Wisconsin can take care of the ball (-2 in turnovers last year) and get hot going into a tough October schedule, they will be this years Illinois and knock off the Buckeyes.
#7 West Virginia Mountaineers (11-2)
West Virginia returns Pat White and Noel Divine to the offense that ran all over the opposition last year (minus Pitt, 13-9!!). The WVU offense averaged nearly 300 ypg on the ground last year and almost 40 points a game (ran for 104 yards and 7 points, Pitt gave them the last 2). All that being said, oh yeah, did I mention that their coach, after crying and calling the game a "nightmare" left the program and caused the university to go to shambles? Just think had they only won that 1 game, the game where they were 28 point favorites, they would have been playing for the national title and RichRod would still be there. Instead they are in complete flux, they hired a coach on a whim because he coached 1 good game and now it is only a matter of time before the whole program goes down the tubes. 13-9 FOREVER!
#6 Missouri Tigers (12-2)
Missouri had one of the more fun and unpredictable offenses last season. They could throw it all over the field (QB Chase Daniels 307 ypg, 33 TD's) or the could run the ball down your throat (ask Texas A&M, the Tigers rushed for over 200 yards last year versus the Aggies). This year however they will lack the running threat. Last year Tony Temple carried the load on the ground, but he is gone and the next leading rusher from last year, also happens to be the teams leading receiver. A positive for the Tigers is that Oklahoma is not on the schedule. The Sooners were the only team to defeat Mizzou last year, beating them once in October and once again in the Big XII championship game. Missouri has a relatively easy schedule, missing Texas Tech this year also, and should go into the Texas game undefeated, if they win that one, they have clear sailing until the season finale against Kansas.
TOMORROW:
The TOP 5
ONLY 18 DAYS UNTIL THE FIRST SATURDAY OF THE SEASON!!!!!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
2008 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW Day 11
Teams #15-11
#15 Arizona State Sun Devils (10-3 last season)
In his first season at ASU Dennis Erickson had the Sun Devils playing at a high caliber. He returns Rudy Carpenter as well as 5 others on offense this year. Carpenter ranks 3rd on the schools all-time passing list and will almost certainly take over the #1 spot if he performs to his potential this year. The Sun Devils started out last year 8-0 before losing 3 of their last five in blowout fashion (3 loses by total of 50 points). For ASU to be successful they will have to play some defense this year. They return 7 starters on that side of the ball, but when you give up 20+ points in 8 of your final 10 games it may not be a good thing that you return that many starters. We know the Sun Devils will score, they had just better hope they can stop teams from scoring.
#14 Illinois Fighting Illini (9-4)
Ron Zook made a big splash last season taking a 2 win team from '06 and winning 9 games in '07, including a win in Columbus against #1 ranked tOSU. Juice Williams will have to run the offense solo this year since Rashard Mendenhall in now going to be lining up on Sundays this year which could cause the offense to stumble out of the gates in their openers against Missouri. Luckily, after that game they have 2 cream puffs then a week off before they start the Big Ten slate in Happy Valley. The defense will have to replace their top 3 tacklers from last season, but since the only teams in the Big Ten that put up a lot of points are Illinois and tOSU that shouldn't hurt them that badly.
#13 Oregon Ducks (9-4)
The Ducks were 1 ACL injury from playing for the national title last season. This year they are still without Dennis Dixon but will also have to replace RB Jonathan Stewart, combined the 2 accounted for over 4,000 yards and 40 TD's last year. The QB spot is still up in the air with either Justin Roper or Nathan Costa most likely coming out of camp with the job. The RB job will go to Jeremiah Johnson, who played as a backup to Stewart last year. The defense will be solid, very solid. If it wasn't for USC maybe having the best defense in the country this year, it would be the Ducks that Pac-10 coaches would be talking about. Oregon got no favors form the scheduling committee though this year playing road games at Purdue, USC, Arizona State and Cal, the last 3 all being the top challengers to the Pac-10 crown.
#12 Auburn Tigers (9-4)
What is a coach supposed to do when every team in their conference runs a version of the high powered spread offense? Tommy Tuberville went out and hired a defensive coordinator that can stop it. Tuberville hired DC Paul Rhoads away from Pitt this off-season after watching Pitt completely stifle the inventor of "the spread" Rich Rodriguez and his West Virginia offense. The defense returns 7 starters from a squad that finished the year ranked 6th in overall defense and should be strong again this year. The offense will have a new leader in fleet-footed Kodi Burns which will allow Tuberville to run a little of the spread option attack himself. The Tigers do return their 4 leading rushers from last year and 5 of their top 6 pass catchers. Auburn misses Florida this year and gets LSU, Tennessee and Georgia all at home this year. They do travel north to take on WVU in a can't miss showdown in October, a lot should be riding on that game for both teams.
#11 Clemson Tigers (9-4)
Same old story Coach Bowden is favored to win the ACC, this year there is a twist, it is Tommy Bowden. The offense at Clemson is loaded with the 2-headed rushing attack of James Davis and CJ Spiller along side QB Cullen Harper. The RB combo last year averaged over 5 ypc and had 13 TD's on the ground, while Harper threw for another 27 TD's. The question mark is whether or not the O-line will be able to protect Harper this year. The O-line allowed 35 sacks last year and will be replacing 3 of the 5 starters from that less then stellar bunch. The defense will be fast and aggressive this year and should continue the string of 3 straight seasons averaging less then 20 ppg on defense. The biggest obstacle with Clemson might just be not beating themselves. The past few years Clemson has beaten some really good teams, only to lose games they had no business losing. If they can take care of business they will be in Tampa for the ACC title game December 6th.
TOMORROW:
Teams #10-6
ONLY 18 DAYS UNTIL THE FIRST SATURDAY OF THE SEASON!!!!!
#15 Arizona State Sun Devils (10-3 last season)
In his first season at ASU Dennis Erickson had the Sun Devils playing at a high caliber. He returns Rudy Carpenter as well as 5 others on offense this year. Carpenter ranks 3rd on the schools all-time passing list and will almost certainly take over the #1 spot if he performs to his potential this year. The Sun Devils started out last year 8-0 before losing 3 of their last five in blowout fashion (3 loses by total of 50 points). For ASU to be successful they will have to play some defense this year. They return 7 starters on that side of the ball, but when you give up 20+ points in 8 of your final 10 games it may not be a good thing that you return that many starters. We know the Sun Devils will score, they had just better hope they can stop teams from scoring.
#14 Illinois Fighting Illini (9-4)
Ron Zook made a big splash last season taking a 2 win team from '06 and winning 9 games in '07, including a win in Columbus against #1 ranked tOSU. Juice Williams will have to run the offense solo this year since Rashard Mendenhall in now going to be lining up on Sundays this year which could cause the offense to stumble out of the gates in their openers against Missouri. Luckily, after that game they have 2 cream puffs then a week off before they start the Big Ten slate in Happy Valley. The defense will have to replace their top 3 tacklers from last season, but since the only teams in the Big Ten that put up a lot of points are Illinois and tOSU that shouldn't hurt them that badly.
#13 Oregon Ducks (9-4)
The Ducks were 1 ACL injury from playing for the national title last season. This year they are still without Dennis Dixon but will also have to replace RB Jonathan Stewart, combined the 2 accounted for over 4,000 yards and 40 TD's last year. The QB spot is still up in the air with either Justin Roper or Nathan Costa most likely coming out of camp with the job. The RB job will go to Jeremiah Johnson, who played as a backup to Stewart last year. The defense will be solid, very solid. If it wasn't for USC maybe having the best defense in the country this year, it would be the Ducks that Pac-10 coaches would be talking about. Oregon got no favors form the scheduling committee though this year playing road games at Purdue, USC, Arizona State and Cal, the last 3 all being the top challengers to the Pac-10 crown.
#12 Auburn Tigers (9-4)
What is a coach supposed to do when every team in their conference runs a version of the high powered spread offense? Tommy Tuberville went out and hired a defensive coordinator that can stop it. Tuberville hired DC Paul Rhoads away from Pitt this off-season after watching Pitt completely stifle the inventor of "the spread" Rich Rodriguez and his West Virginia offense. The defense returns 7 starters from a squad that finished the year ranked 6th in overall defense and should be strong again this year. The offense will have a new leader in fleet-footed Kodi Burns which will allow Tuberville to run a little of the spread option attack himself. The Tigers do return their 4 leading rushers from last year and 5 of their top 6 pass catchers. Auburn misses Florida this year and gets LSU, Tennessee and Georgia all at home this year. They do travel north to take on WVU in a can't miss showdown in October, a lot should be riding on that game for both teams.
#11 Clemson Tigers (9-4)
Same old story Coach Bowden is favored to win the ACC, this year there is a twist, it is Tommy Bowden. The offense at Clemson is loaded with the 2-headed rushing attack of James Davis and CJ Spiller along side QB Cullen Harper. The RB combo last year averaged over 5 ypc and had 13 TD's on the ground, while Harper threw for another 27 TD's. The question mark is whether or not the O-line will be able to protect Harper this year. The O-line allowed 35 sacks last year and will be replacing 3 of the 5 starters from that less then stellar bunch. The defense will be fast and aggressive this year and should continue the string of 3 straight seasons averaging less then 20 ppg on defense. The biggest obstacle with Clemson might just be not beating themselves. The past few years Clemson has beaten some really good teams, only to lose games they had no business losing. If they can take care of business they will be in Tampa for the ACC title game December 6th.
TOMORROW:
Teams #10-6
ONLY 18 DAYS UNTIL THE FIRST SATURDAY OF THE SEASON!!!!!
Monday, August 11, 2008
2008 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW Day 10
Sorry I missed yesterday, it was my travel day coming back from the beach. So without further delay let's start up where we left off, countdown my preseason Top 25.
Today we have TEAMS #20-16.
#20 Penn State Nittany Lions (9-4 last season)
Penn State is one of 4 Big Ten teams that I have in my Top 20 to start the season. The problem is that Ohio State seems to be in a class of their own in the conference leaving everyone else fighting for 2nd place. The defense will once again be the stronger of the 2 units this year even with star LB Sean lee out after tearing his ACL in the spring. Maurice Evans will create havoc, leading the defensive line which returns all 4 starters. The big question mark this year will be the play of the QB spot. Anthony Morelli is gone and now the coaching staff needs to decide the style of play they want. One option is Daryll Clark, who had more rushing yards then passing last season and brings back the Michael Robinson style offense that led them to the Orange Bowl in '05. Or JoePa and JayPa can keep the same type of offense as the past 2 years and hand over the reins to Pat Devlin who was a very heralded passer out of high school, but does not give the running dimension to the position. With Evan Royster winning the starting RB job in the spring and a bevy of talent at WR, if the Nits can get consistent play from the QB and the team can stay healthy and out of jail they could be at top of that second tier in the Big Ten this year.
#19 Brigham Young Cougars (11-2)
The Cougars are this years Utah, or Boise State or Hawaii, however you want to look at it. They are the best of the non-BCS conference teams. Teams like Fresno State and Utah may challenge for that title, but as of now it goes to BYU. The Cougars return 9 starters to an offense that averaged 30+ ppg last year and finished the season winning their last 10 games by an average of 15.3 ppg. The defense will be young, but if the offense puts up the numbers they are capable of they will be okay. The schedule will play a factor in them trying to go undefeated and into a BCS bowl. They play both Washington and UCLA from the Pac-10, but should be able to handle them but then they have their 2 toughest conference games (Utah and TCU) both on the road.
#18 Virginia Tech Hokies (11-3)
The ACC should send the Big East a thank you card this time every year. Since Miami, BC and VT left the Big East and moved to the ACC (to help their football conference) Tech has been the only consistent team in the entire conference. The Hokies have won 10+ games each of the last 4 years, no other ACC team has won at least 8 games in that span. The Hokies will again be favored to win the Coastal Division in the ACC this year, but will have to do so with some young talent. True freshman RB Ryan Williams out of Manassas, VA will have to carry the heavy running duties that go with the VT offense. The top 2 runners from last season were Branden Ore (dismissed from team) and Kenny Lewis (injured expected to return by Oct.) combined for over 1,100 yards and 13 TD's on the ground. The defense lost a lot of its fire power, but this is Virginia Tech we are talking about they just reload on the defensive side of the ball. The Hokies miss Clemson on the ACC schedule this year which should set up a nice showdown between the 2 teams in Tampa for the ACC Championship game December 6th.
#17 South Florida Bulls (9-4)
The Bulls return 10 starters on offense from a team that was ranked at #2 in the country at one point last season. For USF the offense is based solely of the arms and feet of QB Matt Grothe. Grothe led the Bulls last year in rushing, while throwing for over 2,600 yards and 14 TDs. In the 4 loses of the Bulls last year though Grothe struggled, turning the ball over 10 times. The defense for the Bulls is anchored by DE George Selvie who had 31.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and 14.5 sacks. The Bulls do have to replace Ben Moffit who did a little of everything (100+ tackles, 4 INT's) at MLB but it looks like Tyrone McKenzie, who led the Bulls with 121 tackles in '07 will just slide to the inside. USF gets Pitt and Rutgers at home this year, but has to travel to Morgantown to take on the Mountaineers to close the season. That is a good thing for USF fans, the Bulls have never lost in Morgantown and we all know how well the 'Eers play at home in December (13-9!!).
#16 Texas Tech Red Raiders (9-4)
The most explosive offense over the past 5 years FINALLY has a defense to go with it. Everyone knows what the Tech offense has been able to do over the past 5 years (averaged 38.3 ppg and 420.6 passing yards per game). This year that explosive offense returns 10 starters including QB Graham Harrell (5,705 yds, 48 TD's) and WR Michael Crabtree (134 rec, 22 TD's). The defense however actually will have some bite for the first time in years. The Red Raider defense returns 8 starters including their entire D-line form last year. TT does have a tough conference schedule facing Nebraska and Texas at home and traveling to Oklahoma and Kansas, but misses Missouri. If the defense mature and plays half way decent Tech will be good, if they play well, the Red Raiders could be playing in the Big XII Title game.
TOMORROW:
Teams #15-11
ONLY 19 DAYS UNTIL THE 1st SATURDAY OF THE SEASON!!!!
Today we have TEAMS #20-16.
#20 Penn State Nittany Lions (9-4 last season)
Penn State is one of 4 Big Ten teams that I have in my Top 20 to start the season. The problem is that Ohio State seems to be in a class of their own in the conference leaving everyone else fighting for 2nd place. The defense will once again be the stronger of the 2 units this year even with star LB Sean lee out after tearing his ACL in the spring. Maurice Evans will create havoc, leading the defensive line which returns all 4 starters. The big question mark this year will be the play of the QB spot. Anthony Morelli is gone and now the coaching staff needs to decide the style of play they want. One option is Daryll Clark, who had more rushing yards then passing last season and brings back the Michael Robinson style offense that led them to the Orange Bowl in '05. Or JoePa and JayPa can keep the same type of offense as the past 2 years and hand over the reins to Pat Devlin who was a very heralded passer out of high school, but does not give the running dimension to the position. With Evan Royster winning the starting RB job in the spring and a bevy of talent at WR, if the Nits can get consistent play from the QB and the team can stay healthy and out of jail they could be at top of that second tier in the Big Ten this year.
#19 Brigham Young Cougars (11-2)
The Cougars are this years Utah, or Boise State or Hawaii, however you want to look at it. They are the best of the non-BCS conference teams. Teams like Fresno State and Utah may challenge for that title, but as of now it goes to BYU. The Cougars return 9 starters to an offense that averaged 30+ ppg last year and finished the season winning their last 10 games by an average of 15.3 ppg. The defense will be young, but if the offense puts up the numbers they are capable of they will be okay. The schedule will play a factor in them trying to go undefeated and into a BCS bowl. They play both Washington and UCLA from the Pac-10, but should be able to handle them but then they have their 2 toughest conference games (Utah and TCU) both on the road.
#18 Virginia Tech Hokies (11-3)
The ACC should send the Big East a thank you card this time every year. Since Miami, BC and VT left the Big East and moved to the ACC (to help their football conference) Tech has been the only consistent team in the entire conference. The Hokies have won 10+ games each of the last 4 years, no other ACC team has won at least 8 games in that span. The Hokies will again be favored to win the Coastal Division in the ACC this year, but will have to do so with some young talent. True freshman RB Ryan Williams out of Manassas, VA will have to carry the heavy running duties that go with the VT offense. The top 2 runners from last season were Branden Ore (dismissed from team) and Kenny Lewis (injured expected to return by Oct.) combined for over 1,100 yards and 13 TD's on the ground. The defense lost a lot of its fire power, but this is Virginia Tech we are talking about they just reload on the defensive side of the ball. The Hokies miss Clemson on the ACC schedule this year which should set up a nice showdown between the 2 teams in Tampa for the ACC Championship game December 6th.
#17 South Florida Bulls (9-4)
The Bulls return 10 starters on offense from a team that was ranked at #2 in the country at one point last season. For USF the offense is based solely of the arms and feet of QB Matt Grothe. Grothe led the Bulls last year in rushing, while throwing for over 2,600 yards and 14 TDs. In the 4 loses of the Bulls last year though Grothe struggled, turning the ball over 10 times. The defense for the Bulls is anchored by DE George Selvie who had 31.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and 14.5 sacks. The Bulls do have to replace Ben Moffit who did a little of everything (100+ tackles, 4 INT's) at MLB but it looks like Tyrone McKenzie, who led the Bulls with 121 tackles in '07 will just slide to the inside. USF gets Pitt and Rutgers at home this year, but has to travel to Morgantown to take on the Mountaineers to close the season. That is a good thing for USF fans, the Bulls have never lost in Morgantown and we all know how well the 'Eers play at home in December (13-9!!).
#16 Texas Tech Red Raiders (9-4)
The most explosive offense over the past 5 years FINALLY has a defense to go with it. Everyone knows what the Tech offense has been able to do over the past 5 years (averaged 38.3 ppg and 420.6 passing yards per game). This year that explosive offense returns 10 starters including QB Graham Harrell (5,705 yds, 48 TD's) and WR Michael Crabtree (134 rec, 22 TD's). The defense however actually will have some bite for the first time in years. The Red Raider defense returns 8 starters including their entire D-line form last year. TT does have a tough conference schedule facing Nebraska and Texas at home and traveling to Oklahoma and Kansas, but misses Missouri. If the defense mature and plays half way decent Tech will be good, if they play well, the Red Raiders could be playing in the Big XII Title game.
TOMORROW:
Teams #15-11
ONLY 19 DAYS UNTIL THE 1st SATURDAY OF THE SEASON!!!!
Saturday, August 9, 2008
2008 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW Day 9
Today we are going to start a more detailed preview as we start breaking down my preseason Top 25.
TEAMS #21-25
#25 Kansas Jayhawks (12-1 last season)
The Jayhawks had a pretty amazing run last season on their way to the schools first BCS bowl game, where they defeated #5 Virginia Tech 24-21. Kansas has the core of that team back, led by QB Todd Reesing who threw 33 TDs last year, but the conference schedule will not be nearly as favorable as last year. Last season the Jayhawks missed the top 3 teams from the South division of the Big XII (Oklahoma, Texas and Texas Tech). This year they get all 3. Throw in an improving Nebraska team on the road and the finale against rival Missouri and it could lead to some tough times ahead for Kansas.
#24 Pitt Panthers (5-7)
The Panthers have failed miserably in living up to expectations since Dave Wannestedt took over in '05, going 16-19. Everything finally looks to be in place for the Panthers though this season. The biggest question mark for the Panthers in the O-line. With the return of Bill Stull at QB after a season ending injury in the 3rd quarter of the season opener and all-conference WR Derek Kinder the passing game should open some space for LeSean McCoy and the running game. As for the defense, a unit that finished #5 in overall defense nationally last year, it should be solid again. The defense is led by Scott McKillop who led the nation in tackles last year and anchors the LB Corps which returns all 3 starters. Again the O-line is the key though this year and will dictate the success of the Panthers. If the O-line struggles Pitt is a 6-7 win team at best, but if the unit gels and finds success early the sky is the limit and a Big East Title is not unrealistic.
#23 Wake Forest Demon Deacons (9-4)
Wake followed up their 11-3 Orange Bowl season is 2006 with a 9 win season. The defense returns 9 starters from a solid team that held 4 of their final 5 opponents under 20 points. CB Alphonso Smith is probably the best shutdown corner in ACC maybe the nation. He led Wake with 8 INTs 3 of which he returned for TDs. The offense will once again be led by junior signal caller Riley Skinner who is hoping to bounce back from a sluggish sophomore year. Wake should challenge Clemson for the Atlantic Division this season and get the Tigers at home on a Thursday primetime game. Clemson has won 3 of the last 4 in this match-up and this years winner should represent the division in the ACC Title game in Tampa this December.
#22 Rutgers Scarlet Knights (8-5)
Rutgers will be going through an offensive makeover this season changing from a power running team to a wide open passing game. Ray Rice rushed for over 2,000 yards last season and he is now suiting up on Sundays, so rather then trying to replace that Greg Schiano will put the offense on the throwing arm of Mike Teel. Teel threw for over 3,000 yards last year and returns his 2 favorite targets Kenny Britt (62 rec, 1,232 yards, 8 TDs) and Tiquan Underwood (65, 1,100, 7). The defense returns 8 starters from a team that underachieved last year. Rutgers does have an uphill climb in conference play due to the difficult draw from the schedule makers. The Scarlet Knights must travel to Pitt, USF, Cincinnati and WVU.
#21 Tennessee Volunteers (10-4)
The Vols will be breaking in a new QB this year to replace the schools 3rd all-time leading passer Erik Ainge. Jon Crompton looks to have the upper hand to replace Ainge, but he threw only 12 passes last year and will have to get comfortable fast. The Vols kick off the season @UCLA on Labor Day and then follow that up with games against Florida and Auburn to finish off the September schedule. While Crompton is settling in Arian Foster will be carrying the load on the ground. He ran for nearly 1,200 yards and 12 TDs last season and with 4 of the 5 starters back on the O-line should be able to top those numbers this season. The defense is a young unit, but Sophomore SS Eric Berry returns as the teams 2nd leading tackler and led the team with 5 INTs last year.
TOMORROW:
Teams #16-20
ONLY 21 DAYS UNTIL THE FIRST SATURDAY OF THE SEASON!!!!!
TEAMS #21-25
#25 Kansas Jayhawks (12-1 last season)
The Jayhawks had a pretty amazing run last season on their way to the schools first BCS bowl game, where they defeated #5 Virginia Tech 24-21. Kansas has the core of that team back, led by QB Todd Reesing who threw 33 TDs last year, but the conference schedule will not be nearly as favorable as last year. Last season the Jayhawks missed the top 3 teams from the South division of the Big XII (Oklahoma, Texas and Texas Tech). This year they get all 3. Throw in an improving Nebraska team on the road and the finale against rival Missouri and it could lead to some tough times ahead for Kansas.
#24 Pitt Panthers (5-7)
The Panthers have failed miserably in living up to expectations since Dave Wannestedt took over in '05, going 16-19. Everything finally looks to be in place for the Panthers though this season. The biggest question mark for the Panthers in the O-line. With the return of Bill Stull at QB after a season ending injury in the 3rd quarter of the season opener and all-conference WR Derek Kinder the passing game should open some space for LeSean McCoy and the running game. As for the defense, a unit that finished #5 in overall defense nationally last year, it should be solid again. The defense is led by Scott McKillop who led the nation in tackles last year and anchors the LB Corps which returns all 3 starters. Again the O-line is the key though this year and will dictate the success of the Panthers. If the O-line struggles Pitt is a 6-7 win team at best, but if the unit gels and finds success early the sky is the limit and a Big East Title is not unrealistic.
#23 Wake Forest Demon Deacons (9-4)
Wake followed up their 11-3 Orange Bowl season is 2006 with a 9 win season. The defense returns 9 starters from a solid team that held 4 of their final 5 opponents under 20 points. CB Alphonso Smith is probably the best shutdown corner in ACC maybe the nation. He led Wake with 8 INTs 3 of which he returned for TDs. The offense will once again be led by junior signal caller Riley Skinner who is hoping to bounce back from a sluggish sophomore year. Wake should challenge Clemson for the Atlantic Division this season and get the Tigers at home on a Thursday primetime game. Clemson has won 3 of the last 4 in this match-up and this years winner should represent the division in the ACC Title game in Tampa this December.
#22 Rutgers Scarlet Knights (8-5)
Rutgers will be going through an offensive makeover this season changing from a power running team to a wide open passing game. Ray Rice rushed for over 2,000 yards last season and he is now suiting up on Sundays, so rather then trying to replace that Greg Schiano will put the offense on the throwing arm of Mike Teel. Teel threw for over 3,000 yards last year and returns his 2 favorite targets Kenny Britt (62 rec, 1,232 yards, 8 TDs) and Tiquan Underwood (65, 1,100, 7). The defense returns 8 starters from a team that underachieved last year. Rutgers does have an uphill climb in conference play due to the difficult draw from the schedule makers. The Scarlet Knights must travel to Pitt, USF, Cincinnati and WVU.
#21 Tennessee Volunteers (10-4)
The Vols will be breaking in a new QB this year to replace the schools 3rd all-time leading passer Erik Ainge. Jon Crompton looks to have the upper hand to replace Ainge, but he threw only 12 passes last year and will have to get comfortable fast. The Vols kick off the season @UCLA on Labor Day and then follow that up with games against Florida and Auburn to finish off the September schedule. While Crompton is settling in Arian Foster will be carrying the load on the ground. He ran for nearly 1,200 yards and 12 TDs last season and with 4 of the 5 starters back on the O-line should be able to top those numbers this season. The defense is a young unit, but Sophomore SS Eric Berry returns as the teams 2nd leading tackler and led the team with 5 INTs last year.
TOMORROW:
Teams #16-20
ONLY 21 DAYS UNTIL THE FIRST SATURDAY OF THE SEASON!!!!!
Friday, August 8, 2008
2008 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW Day 8
TOP GAMES IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER
WEEK 10:
Wisconsin @ Michigan State
Nebraska @ Oklahoma
Pitt @ Notre Dame
Florida @ Georgia
Texas @ Texas Tech
WEEK 11:
Cincinnati @ West Virginia
Clemson @ Florida State
Alabama @ LSU
Kansas @ Nebraska
WEEK 12:
Virginia Tech @ Miami (Thursday Nov 13th)
Ohio State @ Illinois
Georgia @ Auburn
Texas @ Kansas
Rutgers @ South Florida
WEEK 13:
Pitt @ Cincinnati
Michigan @ Ohio State
Texas Tech @ Oklahoma
BYU @ Utah
WEEK 14:
Texas A&M @ Texas (Thursday Nov 27th)
West Virginia @ Pitt (Friday Nov 28th)
Auburn @ Alabama
Kansas @ Missouri
WEEK 15:
South Florida @ West Virginia
Southern Cal @ UCLA
TOMORROW:
Breaking down the teams #21-25 in my preseason Top 25
ONLY 22 DAYS UNTIL THE FIRST SATURDAY OF THE SEASON!!!!
WEEK 10:
Wisconsin @ Michigan State
Nebraska @ Oklahoma
Pitt @ Notre Dame
Florida @ Georgia
Texas @ Texas Tech
WEEK 11:
Cincinnati @ West Virginia
Clemson @ Florida State
Alabama @ LSU
Kansas @ Nebraska
WEEK 12:
Virginia Tech @ Miami (Thursday Nov 13th)
Ohio State @ Illinois
Georgia @ Auburn
Texas @ Kansas
Rutgers @ South Florida
WEEK 13:
Pitt @ Cincinnati
Michigan @ Ohio State
Texas Tech @ Oklahoma
BYU @ Utah
WEEK 14:
Texas A&M @ Texas (Thursday Nov 27th)
West Virginia @ Pitt (Friday Nov 28th)
Auburn @ Alabama
Kansas @ Missouri
WEEK 15:
South Florida @ West Virginia
Southern Cal @ UCLA
TOMORROW:
Breaking down the teams #21-25 in my preseason Top 25
ONLY 22 DAYS UNTIL THE FIRST SATURDAY OF THE SEASON!!!!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
2008 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW Day 7
Let's just pick up where we left off yesterday.
TOP GAMES IN OCTOBER
WEEK 6:
Pitt @ South Florida (Thursday Oct 2nd)
Florida State @ Miami
Missouri @ Nebraska
Ohio State @ Wisconsin
Oregon @ Southern Cal
WEEK 7: (possibly the best saturday of football all season)
Clemson @ Wake Forest (Thursday Oct 9th)
Rutgers @ Cincinnati
LSU @ Florida
Tennessee @ Georgia
Nebraska @ Texas Tech
Oklahoma @ Texas
Penn State @ Wisconsin
Arizona State @ Southern Cal
WEEK 8:
Kansas @ Oklahoma
Michigan @ Penn State
Missouri @ Texas
WEEK 9: (also in consideration for best week)
Auburn @ West Virginia (Thursday Oct 23rd)
Alabama @ Tennessee
Oregon @ Arizona State
Colorado @ Missouri
Virginia Tech @ Florida State
Georgia @ Florida
Illinois @ Wisconsin
Texas Tech @ Kansas
Penn State @ Ohio State
Rutgers @ Pitt
WEEK 10:
South Florida @ Cincinnati (Thursday Oct 30th)
TOMORROW:
the best games in November (including the rest of week 10)
ONLY 23 MORE DAYS UNTIL THE FIRST SATURDAY OF THE SEASON!!!!
TOP GAMES IN OCTOBER
WEEK 6:
Pitt @ South Florida (Thursday Oct 2nd)
Florida State @ Miami
Missouri @ Nebraska
Ohio State @ Wisconsin
Oregon @ Southern Cal
WEEK 7: (possibly the best saturday of football all season)
Clemson @ Wake Forest (Thursday Oct 9th)
Rutgers @ Cincinnati
LSU @ Florida
Tennessee @ Georgia
Nebraska @ Texas Tech
Oklahoma @ Texas
Penn State @ Wisconsin
Arizona State @ Southern Cal
WEEK 8:
Kansas @ Oklahoma
Michigan @ Penn State
Missouri @ Texas
WEEK 9: (also in consideration for best week)
Auburn @ West Virginia (Thursday Oct 23rd)
Alabama @ Tennessee
Oregon @ Arizona State
Colorado @ Missouri
Virginia Tech @ Florida State
Georgia @ Florida
Illinois @ Wisconsin
Texas Tech @ Kansas
Penn State @ Ohio State
Rutgers @ Pitt
WEEK 10:
South Florida @ Cincinnati (Thursday Oct 30th)
TOMORROW:
the best games in November (including the rest of week 10)
ONLY 23 MORE DAYS UNTIL THE FIRST SATURDAY OF THE SEASON!!!!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
2008 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW Day 6
Sorry for the delay today, I went golfing today and it threw off my daily schedule. As for golfing, I put up the best round of the year for myself with an 88, which included going 3 wood, hybrid and sinking about a 10-15 footer for my first career eagle on the 1st hole.
As for the game of football, and todays preview, lets get going on that. Today we are looking at the best games in the month of September.
TOP GAMES IN SEPTEMBER (AUGUST 30th included too)
WEEK 1:
Missouri vs Illinois @ St.Louis
Clemson vs Alabama @Atlanta
Kentucky @ Louisville
WEEK 2: It is a reach to find good games this week, but next week makes up for it.
Cincinnati @Oklahoma
Miami (FL) @ Florida
Oregon State @ Penn State
WEEK 3:
Kansas @ South Florida (Friday Sept. 12th)
Wisconsin @ Fresno State
Arkansas @ Texas
UCLA @ BYU
GAME OF THE SEASON:
the Ohio State University @ Southern Cal
WEEK 4:
West Virginia @ Colorado (Thursday Sept. 18th)
Alabama @ Arkansas
Georgia @ Arizona State
Florida @ Tennessee
LSU @ Auburn
WEEK 5:
Southern Cal @ Oregon State (Thursday Sept. 25th)
Fresno State @ UCLA
Tennessee @ Auburn
Virginia Tech @ Nebraska
Illinois @ Penn State
I will be finishing my weekly blog throughout the season this year by predicting the winner of each of these games that I have selected.
TOMORROW:
Best games of October
ONLY 24 MORE DAYS UNTIL THE FIRST SATURDAY OF THE SEASON!!!!
As for the game of football, and todays preview, lets get going on that. Today we are looking at the best games in the month of September.
TOP GAMES IN SEPTEMBER (AUGUST 30th included too)
WEEK 1:
Missouri vs Illinois @ St.Louis
Clemson vs Alabama @Atlanta
Kentucky @ Louisville
WEEK 2: It is a reach to find good games this week, but next week makes up for it.
Cincinnati @Oklahoma
Miami (FL) @ Florida
Oregon State @ Penn State
WEEK 3:
Kansas @ South Florida (Friday Sept. 12th)
Wisconsin @ Fresno State
Arkansas @ Texas
UCLA @ BYU
GAME OF THE SEASON:
the Ohio State University @ Southern Cal
WEEK 4:
West Virginia @ Colorado (Thursday Sept. 18th)
Alabama @ Arkansas
Georgia @ Arizona State
Florida @ Tennessee
LSU @ Auburn
WEEK 5:
Southern Cal @ Oregon State (Thursday Sept. 25th)
Fresno State @ UCLA
Tennessee @ Auburn
Virginia Tech @ Nebraska
Illinois @ Penn State
I will be finishing my weekly blog throughout the season this year by predicting the winner of each of these games that I have selected.
TOMORROW:
Best games of October
ONLY 24 MORE DAYS UNTIL THE FIRST SATURDAY OF THE SEASON!!!!
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