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Showing posts with label NCAAF. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NCAAF. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Evaluating the Unbeatens

6 teams are still perfect heading into week 10. We take a look to see who has an easy road, or who might face a setback and suffer their first loss of the season.
(Capital= home team)
LSU
alabama, WESTERN KENTUCKY, ole miss, ARKANSAS
Obviously, the big game this weekend will decide which SEC team will probably end up in the title game. The intriguing game to me is Arkansas at home. If LSU loses to Bama, and Arkansas keeps winning, both teams will have only lost to the Crimson Tide and set up a play in game for Sugar Bowl.
Bama
LSU, mississippi state, GEORGIA SOUTHERN, auburn
Well once again the game of the college football season is Saturday and title hopes lie in Tuscaloosa. If Bama wins, it still has a somewhat challenging schedule, starting with a road game against Mississippi St, which Saban and the Tide can't take lightly. And there's always the Iron bowl to end the season vs Auburn, and you can bet last years defending champs will be sending the house to try and upset the Tide.
Oklahoma St
KSU, texas tech, iowa st, OKLAHOMA
Most of the nation can't wait for the December 3 showdown between the Cowboys and the Sooners. But OSU can't overlook all three of its opponents beforehand. Sure, their offense can run and gun with anyone in the country, but if Weeden and Blackmon are off, can the D make a stop during the crucial stretch in the season? We'll find out.
Stanford
oregon st, OREGON, CAL, ND
The big thing for the Cardinals is the three home games to close out the season, which will be huge if they fall into one of the final 2 BCS spots. The Ducks is the premier game, as the PAC 12 championship is also on the line. Cal and the Irish will be upset minded, but Luck and his vast amount of TE's and RB Taylor will start to wear down those teams.
Boise St
unlv, TCU, sdsu, Wyoming, NM
The Broncos need some blue magic, as at least 3 teams have to lose plus they need some generous help from the BCS computers. Their final "challenging" game left is against TCU, but the Horned Frogs haven't been anywhere near as good as they have the past 2 years, so an easy win for the Broncos is likely.
Houston
aub, tulane, SMU, tulsa
The Cougars still have an outside shot for a Fiesta Bowl Bid. Casey Keenum is a worthy Heisman Candidate, but a weak conference and schedule doesn't help his case or his team's for a BCS bid

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Heisman 2011-2012

Marcus Lattimore RB South Carolina- Lattimore was tremendous last year as a true freshman and this year he and his fellow Gamecocks look to build on it. If Stephen Garcia can stay out of trouble and on the field, Marcus will have lots of room to run if the passing game is on.

Andrew Luck QB Stanford- The favorite heading into this season, Luck has all the tools. He can run a pro style offense, he can audible efficiently, he can use his legs to escape pressure and has a rocket arm attached to his body. Luck has it all, but can his receivers give him some help instead of just his tight ends?(see the Orange Bowl)

Trent Richardson RB Bama- The loss of Mark Ingram isn't that tough with Richardson now the starter. He has gotten plenty of reps in his first 2 years, and he starts this year as a Heisman hopeful on a top 5 team.

Kellen Moore QB Boise State- Moore was a finalist last year as a junior, but he will be missing his 2 favorite targets this year. Boise has tough tests against TCU and Georgia, but winning them will surely help increase Moore's chances of leaping to the top of the vote charts.

2 players who could possibly pull a Cam Newton( not the scandal, i mean coming out of nowhere) and lead their team into the polls.

Geno Smith WVU QB- Its been a bad off season in Huntington, but Smith and his legs can turn that frown around come kickoff.
Dan Persa QB NW- Persa and the Wildcats face a tough challenge against BC in the opener. NW needs to get off to a good start to help Persa's campaign for the trophy.

Monday, December 13, 2010

My BCS Playoff System

There have been plenty of calls for a playoff system, so here is my idea.
  • My idea is a 12 team playoff, with the top 4 teams receiving byes.
  • The standings would be based off the 6 automatic conference winners and then the remaining teams would have their seed's determined by how high their BCS ranking is.
  • For example, this year's top 4 teams with byes would be Auburn, Oregon, TCU, and Stanford. Wisconsin, Oklahoma, VT, and Uconn would be the next highest seeds and host 1st round games, with Arkansas, Boise St, Ohio St, and Michigan St rounding out the final 12. The only flaw is LSU getting snubbed, who is a mere .0003 behind Boise St. But that's a debate for another time.
  • People worrying about the major bowls disappearing should stop. The semifinals can be the Orange and Sugar Bowls, with the Rose and Sugar Bowls picking 1st round losers to compete in their bowls.
  • Note- If a playoff system were to be installed, it would likely be a 4 or 8 team playoff before more expansion is made.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Under the Radar Bowl Games

Besides the 5 BCS bowl games, here are 4 intriguing games that i will be sure to watch:

MAACO Las Vegas Bowl Dec 22-11 Boise St vs 19 Utah- 2 of the top non-BCS schools clash in a game which will feature the QB's in Kellen Moore and Jordan Wynn. With both schools moving to new conferences next year, this is a statement win for two rising programs.

Capital One Bowl Jan 1- 16 Bama vs 9 Michigan St- The Spartans get a mammoth test against Bama, while the Tide try to salvage their disappointing season.

Alamo Bowl Dec 29- 14 Oklahoma St vs Arizona- The Cowboys and Wildcats meet in a battle of 2 high powered offenses. The question is which defense can make a stop first?

Chick-fil-A Bowl Dec 31- 20 South Carolina vs 23 FSU- I think this is the most interesting non-BCS bowl this year. The Gamecocks have certainly had their highs and lows this year and on the other side, Florida St has endured many injuries but still found itself in the ACC Championship

Monday, November 29, 2010

Final BCS Bowl Projections and Heisman votes

Final week:
BCS- Auburn vs Oregon- Both have tough, final tests, which should be both teams' main focus, not the game in January.
Sugar- Ohio St vs Arkansas- Arkansas has really impressed the voters with their surge lately.
Rose- Wisconsin vs Stanford- This could be potentially be a very solid game, with possibly a offensive shootout in Luck vs Wisconsin's running game.
Orange- WVU vs VT- One game that features the 2 weakest BCS conferences.
Fiesta-TCU vs Oklahoma- Everyone has TCU in the Rose Bowl, but i think they slide to the Fiesta Bowl once again.

Heisman-
1. Cam Newton- Unless he blows up, he's got it in the bag
2. Andrew Luck- Quietly having the best season in Stanford's history.
3. LaMichael James
4. Kendall Hunter
5. Kellen Moore- We can only ask, " What if?"

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Bowl Projections and Heisman Hopefuls

Heres my ballot for The Heisman, from fifth to first place:

1. Cam Newton-Auburn-QB
2. LaMichael James-Oregon-RB
3. Kellen Moore-Boise St-QB
4. Justin Blackmon-Oklahoma St-WR
5. Andrew Luck-Stanford-QB

BCS Bowl Projections:
Rose- TCU vs Wisconsin
Sugar- LSU vs Boise St
Orange- VT vs Pitt
Fiesta - Nebraska vs Ohio St
BCS- Auburn vs Oregon

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

NCAAF Undefeated teams: Part 2

Here are the final five undefeated teams and their schedules' ahead.

#6 LSU- Les Mile's team has two humongous games back to back against Auburn and the Alabama. The Tigers will have a chance to silence all their critics with a W in both games. If they make it to their last game undefeated, they still have a tough Arkansas Razorbacks team.
#8 Michigan St- The Spartans have been high on emotion while playing for their health beaten coach. The real test now begins as they face the Iowa Hawkeyes, with a potential Big Ten Championship on the line. Don't overlook Northwestern this week, as the Wildcats go for the upset.
#9 Utah- Utah is getting absolutely no attention, as the rest of the media is all over the other BCS Busters. (Boise St and TCU) They still have a decent schedule with opponents like Notre Dame, Air Force, and BYU left. The big game for them is against TCU, when the Utes can jump into the spotlight with a win.
#17- Oklahoma St- The Cowboys have had a fairly easy schedule so far, but 3 ranked opponents in 4 games, and a date with the #3 Sooners in the last week will show the nation their true colors.
#18 Missouri- Mizzou has had an even easier schedule than Oklahoma St, and with games against Oklahoma and Nebraska, its doubtful they'll be ranked after this.

Monday, October 18, 2010

NCAAF Undefeated teams: Part 1

There are currently 10 undefeated teams left in the NCAA. But you never know with college football, as there could only be 6 teams next week. I break down the remaining big games for these 10 teams.

#1 Oregon- The Ducks play USC and Washington in the next 3 weeks, both who have enough firepower to take down the Ducks. Oregon has a very challenging last 2 games in Oregon State and Arizona. Oregon should definitely earn a spot for the "big game" if they win out.
#2 Boise St-The biggest obstacle for the Broncos is not their opponents, but themselves and their strength of schedule. Games against Hawaii and Nevada will hopefully help their cause in the polls, but the Broncos biggest goal is to not beat themselves. A big conference school losing would help a lot too.
#3 Oklahoma- The Sooner's biggest test for weeks is this week's battle vs undefeated Missouri. After that, its smoothing sailing. The next test is their last game vs Oklahoma St, also undefeated. Oklahoma has the easiest way to Glendale.
#4 TCU- Often overlooked, TCU is in a poor position. Their schedule is weaker than Boise St, and they need a ton of teams to lose to even get their name into title contention. The game that will get them into more serious discussion is #9 Utah, but Utah will need to be undefeated going into that game to help TCU's cause.
#5 Auburn- My personal favorite, the Tigers, led by Cam Newton, have a monster game against #6 LSU. The winner will jump into the top 3, and have the SEC advantage. The Tigers also have a Friday night game late in the season against Bama, which will also be gigantic, depending on how Bama fares.

The reaming 5 teams will be dissected later this week.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

NCAAF Top 15

With the college football season a little more than a third over, here is my top 15. Plus 2 teams to watch.

1. Bama
2. Ohio St.
3. Oregon
4. Boise St.
5. Oklahoma
6. Nebraska
7. Auburn
8. TCU
9. Arizona
10. LSU
11. Arkansas
12. Iowa
13. Miami
14. Stanford
15. Utah

Teams 2 watch:
Nebraska- The Cornhuskers are quietly 7th in the polls, as their hasn't been much love for Nebraska. QB Taylor Martinez has his name in the Heisman race now, but 3 tough game face Nebraska in KSU, Texas, and Mizzou.
Michigan St- Emotion has swelled this team, with Head coach Dantonio gone due to a heart attack. Playing for their coach can go along way, so they'll be ready to go against the big boys in the Big Ten. Just ask Wisconsin.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Previewing Saturday Football

The college season keeps getting better and better, as ten Top 25 teams square off this week, just as conference play begins. My predictions for 6 big games plus an upset special.

21 Texas vs 8 Oklahoma- Texas is coming into the Red River Rivalry game after getting sacked by UCLA at home last week. Youth and inexperience is still a concern for the Longhorns. Look for the Sooners to run in down their throats. OU: 34 TEX: 20

7 Florida vs 1 Bama: These two teams have combined for the 3 of the last 4 BCS championships, as Bama takes on another top 10 team in consecutive weeks. Bama won big last year, and theres no way it goes any other way. Bama 27 UF 13

22 Penn St vs 17 Iowa: The overlooked game of the week, as Big Ten title hopes are up for grab here. The winner sets up a gigantic contest with OSU, but the prize for now is this game. Hawkeyes at home, but not by much. Iowa: 20 Penn St 16

9 Stanford vs 4 Oregon: All the marbles are out for this game as the ultimate prize is not just the Pac-10 championship, but a BCS title bid. Even though its way too early in the season to say the winner is a lock for the big game, the winner of this slug fest will be one of the favorites. Eugene will be rocking for this one. ORG: 39 Stan: 27

11. Wisconsin vs 24 Michigan St: This game flies way under the radar, as the surprising Spartans try to pull the upset over the Badgers. But Wisconsin is no Notre Dame. Wis: 35 Mich St: 32

UPSET SPECIAL
Clemson over 16 Miami: You heard it here first. CLEM: 42 Miami 24

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Early Heisman Hopefuls

Four weeks of college football has gone bye, and Heisman candidates have identified themselves, and some have even gotten themselves dismissed from the discussion already. Five players to watch going forward.

Denard Robinson-QB-Michigan- He has exploded on to the stage this season, and as long as the Wolverines keep winning, he will be one of the favorites.

Ryan Mallet-QB-Arkansas- The lost vs Alabama really hurts him, but there will plenty of more chances for him to shine on the big stage in the SEC.

Mark Ingram-RB-Bama- Even with missing the first 2 games, Ingram is off to a fast start for the #1 Tide. He has really bounced back nicely from his injury, as the Tide will need him to be on his A game against the Gators this week.

Kellen Moore-QB-Boise St- All his premier games are gone now, so he needs to put up major numbers against the WAC to get considered for a finalist.

Terrelle Pryor- QB-Bucks- Pryor is just racking up touchdowns like there going out of style, as the Bucks are coming to Big Ten play.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Saturday Football

After a big week in college football last week, it cools down a tad this week. But don't let that keep you from watching some marquee games with conference play right around the corner.

9 Iowa vs 24 Arizona- Iowa faces a big test in QB Nick Foles and the rowdy Wildcats. If they can snatch this win, it will be a big motivator heading into Big Ten conference play.

Baylor vs #4 TCU- Everyone thinks TCU already played their tough test in Oregon St. in week 1. Baylor is lead by the explosive Robert Griffin at QB, as they try to prove they're not a roll over opponent.

10 Florida vs Tennessee- Can this be the year the Volunteers finally beat those hated Gators? Florida has looked no where near their normal self and you wonder if John Brantley can handle the atmosphere in Neyland Stadium.

ND vs Michigan St- The Irish are coming off a lost on their home turf by Denard Robinson.( or Michigan) A loss against "giant killer" MSU, and Coach Kelly will be feeling the heat.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

College Football Preview

Sorry for the break, but I'm back now. Also, follow Wolfpack basketball games( and occasionally football and volleyball) here with live updates.

Football season is among us at last. And I'm not talking about the Revis Circus and the latest Favre episodes. College football is in full swing, as preseason polls have just been released and two-a-days are ending. Here are some of my predictions and things to watch.

My Preseason Rankings-
1. Alabama
2. Ohio St
3. Boise State
4. Oklahoma
5. Florida
6. VT
7. Miami
8. Texas
9. Iowa
10. USC

2 Surprise Teams to watch for in the BCS
Wisconsin- Everyone is talking about Ohio St and Iowa in the Big Ten. Get to know the Badgers! John Clay is a top 10 RB in the country and there is plenty of upperclassmen on the defense.
UNC- Has 6 preseason All Americans on the defensive side of the ball, which is sure to help for the bid to win the ACC

Names to know:
Kellen Moore-QB-BSU- Can Moore lead the #3 ranked Broncos to the big stage? He has all the talent to.
Von Miller-LB--Texas A&M- The best LB in the Big 12, if not the country( compared to Lance Briggs)
Mark Herzlich-LB-Boston College- Cancer survivor, still has a huge heart and 2008 ACC defensive player of the year.
Marcell Dareus-DT-Bama- Projected top 5 pick, and will try to anchor #1 Alabama's defense.
Ryan Williams-RB-VT- Broke ACC Frosh running yards record and will try to add on to it this year.

Must Watch four games:

Oct 2- FLA vs BAMA: Fight for the SEC crown and possibly BCS championship berth on the line.
Sept 6- VT vs BSU- Huge opening game on labor day weekend, with two top 10 teams squaring off.
Sept 4-Oregon St vs TCU- If TCU can win, they control their own destiny to another BCS game.
Nov 20-Ohio St vs Iowa- The winner will be probably smelling roses, if not better.

My BCS bowl predictions

Sugar- Bama vs Pitt
Orange- UNC vs Oklahoma
Fiesta- Florida vs Miami
Rose- Iowa vs Oregon
BCS- BSU vs Ohio st