I hate to see people lose their jobs, but these coaches are in desperate need of a breakout season. I'll even let you in on my thought about their future.
Charlie Weis, Notre Dame
Oh how I love to see the Irish fail. Which is true for alot of non-Irish fans-you either love them, or want to see them fail miserably. Anyways, Weis has a winning percentage that is lower than what both Bob Davie and Ty Willingham had at this point in their tenure. Willingham and Davie were both gone before their 5th year was over. Weis has 7 years left on a 10 year contract that should pay around $4mil a year. With a cake schedule and 18 starters back, the Irish should have a decent year. Projection? Weis saves his job for another year.
Steve Kragthorpe, Louisville
As a West Virginia fan, I am LOVING the situation at UL. 11-13 in 2 seasons isn't quite what AD Jurich had in mind when he gave ol' Stevie a fat contract. Petrino was 41-9 with the program that Kragthorpe took the reins of. Outstanding QB Brian Brohm's senior season was AWESOME (to me) at 6-6. Last year, the Cardinal's weren't even bowl eligible at 5-7, losing 5 of the last 7, including of course that God awful 63-14 loss against Rutgers. Jurich is a positive thinker though, insisting that Kragthorpe isn't on the hot seat. Fans aren't as optimistic, and who would be with road game at Kentucky, Utah, West Virginia, Cincinnati, and South Florida. My thoughts... Steve Kragthorpe is either unemployed, or on a VERY hot seat after this season.
Steve Spurrier, South Carolina
Let me make this clear: I don't think the Gamecocks will fire Spurrier if he doesn't do well this year. More than likely, the ol' ball coach will probably hang up the whistle if things don't get better. I'm sure SC is happy to have him if he's still willing (and bowl eligible), but the guy's getting old (not JoePa or Bobby Bowden old, but he's geting up there). No thoughts to end this one, I already gave them.
Rich Rodriguez, Michigan
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA, LMFAO- Sorry, had to ROFL for a second there. Patience was the thought of most fans after the Big Blue's loss to Toledo last year. After the clock hit triple zeroes at the last game of the year, the thought probably shifted to anger, hatred, maybe even lynching. RichRod's first year at Michigan was the worst season the school has ever seen. They did beat Wisconsin (somehow), ranked number 9 at the time. But their other 2 wins were at home against Miami (of Ohio.....) and at Minnesota.
I'll give some slack (why, because I have to be unbiased as a writer....) to him. Going from Michigan's tradition of power football to his form of the spread in 8 months isn't easy. This is really the first year that we'll see a full class of RR's recruits, so maybe things have turned around for Michigan. Maybe.
My thoughts on the deal in Ann Arbor: Michigan fans aren't going to put up with another year of sub-par football. I think the Wolverines have to make a bowl to save Rich Rod's job.
2 weeks and 4 days till kickoff (September 3rd, 7:00PM NC State and South Carolina).
Keep your shoulders low and your legs driving, fans.
Jay
Monday, August 17, 2009
Top 5 ACC Teams
I spend the majority of my “off-season” reading about ACC football and know the changes for each team pretty well. I won’t call myself an expert but I do know quite a bit more about the ACC than I do about any other Conference. The ACC has a bad reputation for having poor quality teams, but as a constant watcher, it’s a little more complex as to the reason the numbers aren’t as mind boggling. I’ll briefly list a few of those reasons and then dive into my Top 5 ACC Teams.
First and foremost, the ACC is not a weak offensive conference but rather a strong defensive conference. Nearly every team prioritizes defense and even teams at the bottom of the pack have some great talent on the defensive side of the ball. Secondly, it’s a very balanced conference. No team really has a gunslinger at quarterback (with the exception of maybe Riley Skinner of Wake Forest) but does have quarterbacks capable of managing running and passing attacks pretty evenly. You won’t see the gaudy passing numbers that you see in the Big 12—partly because ACC teams can play better pass defense—but you will see fairly high completion rates and moderate numbers. Last but not least, there is a lot more parity in the conference than in the past. Teams like Duke and UNC have restored pride in their programs and borught in good talent with good coaches to be able to compete in the conference, and it’s working. That’s my two cents on the ACC and I think people will eventually start to realize that it is a well balanced conference.
Top 5 ACC Teams:
- Virginia Tech: Granted I’m a little more biased towards this one than many people will be but it’s hard to deny a defense that retools every year under one of the best assistant coaches in college football. The offense was set to go until Darren Evans tore his ACL and was declared done for the season. But with the knowledge of the recruiting base and team that I have, I don’t see much of a drop off in the backfield. That’s hard to say considering how good of a runner Darren Evans was last year but Ryan Williams and David Wilson are both one of a kind…or I guess two of a kind…athletes. With a speedy quarterback and two incredibly fast running backs, running could be the name of the game in Blacksburg, but don’t overlook the young but experienced receiving corps. The conference is theirs to lose and I believe the team could be one of the best Blacksburg has seen since 1999. Alabama will be a true early test of skill but the next candidate could be the real bump in the road.
- North Carolina: Wait…Is this football or basketball we’re talking about UNC winning in? Butch Davis has restored pride in the program (might not be all of his doing) but has coaching skill to keep the highly talented players working well for the team. The Tar Heels defense is the backbone of the team and is anchored by the much underrated Quan Sturdivant and the monstrous Marvin Austin. The offense is the only question mark in my mind because TJ Yates needs to stay healthy for the team to retain its potency. The receivers are a little bit untested (and not as talented) compared to Hakeem Nicks and Brandon Tate. The running game is solid behind that offense line, but it can’t carry the whole load.
- Georgia Tech: We all know the Paul Johnsons run scheme is hard to stop but after a while, a good defense will adapt and make necessary adjustments to stop the attack. When that happens, there isn’t all that much that they have been able to do on the passing side. Sure, it sets up the play action well but Nesbitt doesn’t have all too many options to throw to. Jonathon Dwyer is a threat for a homerun every time he gets the ball, but I think he is more of a product of the system. The defense is good but can be porous at times and is a liability at times trying to cover the pass.
- Florida State: Hard to believe that I would rank FSU as the fourth best team in the ACC given their past. Recently though, FSU has been a whirlwind of scandal, dismissals, and mediocre performance. Some suggest Bobby Bowden is to be blame but he is not the ultimate decision maker for each player. Putting the off the field issues aside, FSU actually returns a pretty solid team and could make the ACC Championship in the watered down division of the ACC. I think the rest of the teams in FSU’s division have too many question marks to really challenge FSU and their deep talent pool.
- Clemson: I’m still having trouble buying into the Clemson hype. Yes, I know CJ Spiller is a Heisman hopeful but I still don’t buy into his hype either. Maybe he’ll prove me wrong but I do not see the gold shining out of his rear end like everyone else does. He’s exciting to watch but his numbers really aren’t all that spectacular. That being said, he’s really the only highlight in an offense that is flip-flopping on which QB to start, Willy Korn or Kyle Parker. The defense is luckily pretty solid to backup the hit or miss offense and has some great talent in D’Quan Bowers and the rest of the defensive line. If Dabo Swinney can get true control of this team, they could finally fill the expectations they have been given over the past few seasons.
Honorable mentions: University of Miami and Duke…yes, Duke.
More to come, I'll do the Top 5 of each conference
Quick Intro
My name is Casey and I'll keep this pretty quick. I'm a big time hockey fan but need an outlet for my opinions on college football as well so hopefully I can contribute to this blog a lot. I'm a diehard Virginia Tech fan and grew up 30 miles away in Roanoke. I'm a student there now and Autumn in Blacksburg is a site to behold.
I'm a big follower of the ACC but will also watch pretty much any game that's on TV. Saturdays from early September to January are spent in front of my TV or in Lane Stadium, and I don't think I'd change that any time soon.
Anyway, like Jay said, if you see something you like--or don't like--comment on it and spread the blog around to your friends. We know everyone's got their own two cents but we're just happy you're reading ours.
Friday, August 14, 2009
BCS Projections
So, after halfway through writing the Penn State article, I figured I ought to have a few projections for the BCS. Some of these may surprise a few people, but others may think the same way I do.
BCS National Title Game
Florida vs. Texas
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
Oklahoma vs. Boise State
Rose Bowl Game
USC vs. Penn State
Allstate Sugar Bowl
Ole Miss vs. Brigham Young
Fedex Orange Bowl
Florida State vs. Pittsburgh (it KILLS me to say that)
I think you'll find the Florida State pick a bit of a surprise. But with Darren Evans out for the year, Virginia Tech needs to prove that they aren't one-dimensional before I put them anywhere but the Gator bowl. I like Va. Tech, don't get me wrong, but Tyrod can't do everything. Freshman Ryan Williams, who's been hyped as much as any other freshman, will have to step up. Quickly.
Of course the Hokies do return much of a defense that was 7th in the nation last year. My guess is that the Hokies will have to rely on that D to get them through the first week of the season, when the Hokies meet Alabama in the Georgia Dome. The offense should be able to take it from there
The Hokies will know where they stand after they play Alabama to open the season. If they beat 'Bama, I may change my mind.
Texas and Oklahoma face off in the Red River shootout in Week 6. Should be a great game since both Hesiman finalist QBs are back this year. I have to give Texas the nod because Colt McCoy doesn't forget how he got messed out of a shot at Florida last year. He won't say it, but he wants a go at the Gators.
Hard to argue against Boise State and BYU going undefeated this year, and unfortunately stealing 2 BCS bids. Ole Miss picks up the SEC's bid since UF will more than likely be playing for the title. Jevan Snead has all the skills to carry the Rebs into the Superdome for a January game.
I'll end with Pittsburgh. I don't like them one bit, not at all. I'd rather have a sister in a whore house than a friend at Pitt. But, they look like the team to beat in the Big East this year. Of course, the Big East is probably the most unpredictable conference in football this year. 5 teams got first place votes (USF, WVU, Pitt, Rutgers, and Cincy). This conference race could get interesting come mid to late November.
Keep your shoulder low and your legs driving.
Jay
BCS National Title Game
Florida vs. Texas
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
Oklahoma vs. Boise State
Rose Bowl Game
USC vs. Penn State
Allstate Sugar Bowl
Ole Miss vs. Brigham Young
Fedex Orange Bowl
Florida State vs. Pittsburgh (it KILLS me to say that)
I think you'll find the Florida State pick a bit of a surprise. But with Darren Evans out for the year, Virginia Tech needs to prove that they aren't one-dimensional before I put them anywhere but the Gator bowl. I like Va. Tech, don't get me wrong, but Tyrod can't do everything. Freshman Ryan Williams, who's been hyped as much as any other freshman, will have to step up. Quickly.
Of course the Hokies do return much of a defense that was 7th in the nation last year. My guess is that the Hokies will have to rely on that D to get them through the first week of the season, when the Hokies meet Alabama in the Georgia Dome. The offense should be able to take it from there
The Hokies will know where they stand after they play Alabama to open the season. If they beat 'Bama, I may change my mind.
Texas and Oklahoma face off in the Red River shootout in Week 6. Should be a great game since both Hesiman finalist QBs are back this year. I have to give Texas the nod because Colt McCoy doesn't forget how he got messed out of a shot at Florida last year. He won't say it, but he wants a go at the Gators.
Hard to argue against Boise State and BYU going undefeated this year, and unfortunately stealing 2 BCS bids. Ole Miss picks up the SEC's bid since UF will more than likely be playing for the title. Jevan Snead has all the skills to carry the Rebs into the Superdome for a January game.
I'll end with Pittsburgh. I don't like them one bit, not at all. I'd rather have a sister in a whore house than a friend at Pitt. But, they look like the team to beat in the Big East this year. Of course, the Big East is probably the most unpredictable conference in football this year. 5 teams got first place votes (USF, WVU, Pitt, Rutgers, and Cincy). This conference race could get interesting come mid to late November.
Keep your shoulder low and your legs driving.
Jay
Continued success?
As I sit in my room watching the Big ten Network's coverage of Penn State's fall camp, it brings to mind these questions: Can they win the Big Ten? Can they beat Ohio State? How will they replace 4 starting DBs who had a combined 117 starts for the Nittany Lions? Can they make a run at the national title?
Well, let's start with the DB problem, since that will be a huge factor in the rest of the answers.
Penn State is replacing one of the nation's most experienced defensive backfields. Not something you want to do when Ohio State is on your schedule. Whether it's passing or rushing, OSU gets into the secondary. In last year's Rose Bowl, Mark Sanchez pretty much had his way with the Lions' DBs, throwing for 4 TDs. Terrell Pryor is no Mark Sanchez, but the kid isn't average. Lucky for JoePa, PSU has 3 games that should be a nice warmup before Big Ten play starts (Akron, Syracuse, and Temple all visit Happy Valley before Iowa rolls into town). Watching the practice footage, I'm impressed with how the new secondary is adjusting. So far, through 40 minutes, they've jumped 5 routes, and picked off 2 of those. Of course Darryl Clark hasn't taking as many reps, but still, they're moving to the ball. The newbies cover well in man, but zone is an area that could use some improvement. The safeties (I'm lacking in names because the Big Ten Network is on mute so I can think) have to learn to respect their zones downfield. The corners roll well with the play, but need to be more consistent.
They should be ok until Iowa comes into Beaver Stadium. That will be their first real test (unless Syracuse has done some serious improving with Greg Paulus running the offense).
I'll combine the first two questions here: Can they beat Ohio State and win the Big Ten?
Looking at the PSU and OSU schedules, I can almost promise you that OSU will come in at 9-1 (USC visits Columbus in week 2, sorry Buckeyes) and PSU will probably come in unbeaten, if they can get past Iowa. If Terrell Pryor plays to his ability, and the OSU defense plays like Tressel lit a fire under them, as he usually does, then I think it could be a great game. Penn State's defense should be adjusted by then, and Darryl Clark and Evan Royster should be firing on all cylinders-barring any injuries. Penn State has an inexperienced group of recievers, but they too should have ample time to adjust for this game.
I'm not really answering the question, but I can just about guarantee that the winner of this game wins the Big Ten and plays USC in the Rose Bowl, unless of course USC plays Florida for the title. Either way, one of these two teams is going to the Rose Bowl.
Now, can they make a run at the BCS crown?
Yes. No doubt about it they can if they beat Ohio State. But more than likely, with the way the BSC (yes, that's B S C)works, an undefeated Penn State will not get the nod over an undefeated USC. Penn State's non-conference schedule isn't as strong as the Trojan's even though USC's best non-conference opponent is in fact the Buckeyes.
I'll post my BCS bowl projections in a little while.
Keep your shoulders low and your legs driving fans.
Jay
Well, let's start with the DB problem, since that will be a huge factor in the rest of the answers.
Penn State is replacing one of the nation's most experienced defensive backfields. Not something you want to do when Ohio State is on your schedule. Whether it's passing or rushing, OSU gets into the secondary. In last year's Rose Bowl, Mark Sanchez pretty much had his way with the Lions' DBs, throwing for 4 TDs. Terrell Pryor is no Mark Sanchez, but the kid isn't average. Lucky for JoePa, PSU has 3 games that should be a nice warmup before Big Ten play starts (Akron, Syracuse, and Temple all visit Happy Valley before Iowa rolls into town). Watching the practice footage, I'm impressed with how the new secondary is adjusting. So far, through 40 minutes, they've jumped 5 routes, and picked off 2 of those. Of course Darryl Clark hasn't taking as many reps, but still, they're moving to the ball. The newbies cover well in man, but zone is an area that could use some improvement. The safeties (I'm lacking in names because the Big Ten Network is on mute so I can think) have to learn to respect their zones downfield. The corners roll well with the play, but need to be more consistent.
They should be ok until Iowa comes into Beaver Stadium. That will be their first real test (unless Syracuse has done some serious improving with Greg Paulus running the offense).
I'll combine the first two questions here: Can they beat Ohio State and win the Big Ten?
Looking at the PSU and OSU schedules, I can almost promise you that OSU will come in at 9-1 (USC visits Columbus in week 2, sorry Buckeyes) and PSU will probably come in unbeaten, if they can get past Iowa. If Terrell Pryor plays to his ability, and the OSU defense plays like Tressel lit a fire under them, as he usually does, then I think it could be a great game. Penn State's defense should be adjusted by then, and Darryl Clark and Evan Royster should be firing on all cylinders-barring any injuries. Penn State has an inexperienced group of recievers, but they too should have ample time to adjust for this game.
I'm not really answering the question, but I can just about guarantee that the winner of this game wins the Big Ten and plays USC in the Rose Bowl, unless of course USC plays Florida for the title. Either way, one of these two teams is going to the Rose Bowl.
Now, can they make a run at the BCS crown?
Yes. No doubt about it they can if they beat Ohio State. But more than likely, with the way the BSC (yes, that's B S C)works, an undefeated Penn State will not get the nod over an undefeated USC. Penn State's non-conference schedule isn't as strong as the Trojan's even though USC's best non-conference opponent is in fact the Buckeyes.
I'll post my BCS bowl projections in a little while.
Keep your shoulders low and your legs driving fans.
Jay
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Introduction
Welcome. I'm one of your writers and fellow college football maniac. I'm Jay.
Born in Florida, pretty much raised in Virginia, moved back to Florida, now living in Belmont, NC. I've been around football since I could walk, even played a bit of high school ball(Free Safety and Quarterback). I attended West Virginia University for a year, and then when I saw my student loan bill, I transferred.
I'm a die-hard Mountaineer fan. But overall, I love college football. I don't move from the couch on Saturdays in the fall and early winter. Bowl season throws me into the "dead-to-the-outside-world" category. The tailgating, tradition, pageantry, passion, the goose bumps you get when the crowd goes nuts are all unmatched (except European soccer-those people are something else). Very few other places can you find strange people coming together for one united cause like a college football stadium. I love it. I thrive on it. I live for it (in season of course).
When football leaves, I spend my time fishing, hunting, and with my family. I write college football blogs because everyone has an opinion about the sport. This is how I make mine heard. I thank you in advance for reading, and hope you enjoy the articles that myself and fellow writer, Casey, will post. Feel free to comment. Positive or negative. If you don't like it, tell us. If you like it, tell your friends.
Again, thank you. Now, IS IT FOOTBALL SEASON YET?!?!?!?!
Jay
Born in Florida, pretty much raised in Virginia, moved back to Florida, now living in Belmont, NC. I've been around football since I could walk, even played a bit of high school ball(Free Safety and Quarterback). I attended West Virginia University for a year, and then when I saw my student loan bill, I transferred.
I'm a die-hard Mountaineer fan. But overall, I love college football. I don't move from the couch on Saturdays in the fall and early winter. Bowl season throws me into the "dead-to-the-outside-world" category. The tailgating, tradition, pageantry, passion, the goose bumps you get when the crowd goes nuts are all unmatched (except European soccer-those people are something else). Very few other places can you find strange people coming together for one united cause like a college football stadium. I love it. I thrive on it. I live for it (in season of course).
When football leaves, I spend my time fishing, hunting, and with my family. I write college football blogs because everyone has an opinion about the sport. This is how I make mine heard. I thank you in advance for reading, and hope you enjoy the articles that myself and fellow writer, Casey, will post. Feel free to comment. Positive or negative. If you don't like it, tell us. If you like it, tell your friends.
Again, thank you. Now, IS IT FOOTBALL SEASON YET?!?!?!?!
Jay
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