I'm confused. First Urban Meyer resigns. Then Urban Meyer doesn't resign, it's then reported he will be taking a year off. Then the latest, he will take some time off but be back on the sidelines when the Gators take the field for the first time next season. Steve Addazio will be the interim head coach, as reported, until coach Meyer returns.
With the announcements this weekend Meyer has accomplished a few things. He has stolen the thunder from Tim Tebow and his last football game in a Gators uniform. He has taken the Sugar Bowl away from his players to enjoy and put all the attention on him. He has become a distraction for the Gator football team that will be playing an undefeated Cincinnati Bearcat squad.
Now, I'm not saying that Meyer does not have have every right to step away from the game and get his health in order, but he is also sending mixed messages to the college football world, the university and his family. I question the timing of the announcement and the quick reversal for the need to come back next year. If his health and family are his number one priority I see no reason to be swayed by his players request for him to return and not resign or to take a year off . I fully understand his commitment to Florida and his players but his health must come first. Why not take full year off and get his health in order. Does he not have that much faith in his staff to keep the ship heading in the proper direction? Does he feel he may need this distraction for what could be a down year for the Gator Nation next year? Does he feel this could be used as an excuse if the Gators should fall flat in 2010?. I'm not in Urban Meyers head so I don't know what he is thinking and feel the last two comments are way out there but those points will be raised.
I started writing this entry on Sunday evening but had to hold off as more news started to come in from very credible news organizations so I had to wait to draw a full conclusion. I have concluded this though, there is something wrong with Urban Meyer, nobody except for Meyer, hopefully his wife, and doctors know what it is for sure. If Meyer feels he can come back in the fall then more power to him.
I find it though very disturbing though, that the hospital stay after the SEC Championship game was for a heart related issues and not the dehydration as reported by the university. The 911 call seems to point obviously to something more serious. Was the reason for the dehydration excuse to calm nerves in the Gator Nation. Was it used to help sway any recruits that were on the fence that all is well in Gainesville? Was the reason for the quick reversal of the resignation because national signing day is less five weeks away?
I do not want to know all the details of Meyer's ailments but would like to know the truth if they are going to talk about it. I feel the university and Meyer owe that to the players, future recruits and fan base. If the ailment was enough to warrant the thought of resigning then it is something that needs to be discussed concerning the future of the program.
I fully support Meyer's right to privacy and that line though does get blurred when living in the public eye. I would much rather him come out and say what the problem is then listen to or watch the endless hours of speculation from so called experts as to what is wrong with his ticker.
Coach Meyer needs to remember though that it is just football and if I had to choose between being healthy by walking away from football or living in pain because I'm walking the sidelines, I would choose to walk away and enjoy the time I spent on the sidelines and then enjoy my life.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Meyer Steps Down at Florida
Shocking new today coming out of Gainesville (FL). University of Florida head football coach Urban Meyer resigned today sighting health reasons.
Meyer said he consulted with his family, his doctors, school president Bernie Machen and athletic director Jeremy Foley before deciding it is in his best interest to focus on his health and family.
"Coach Meyer and I have talked this through and I realize how hard this was for him to reach this decision," Foley said. "But the bottom line is that coach Meyer needed to make a choice that is in the best interest of his well being and his family. I certainly appreciate what he has meant to the University of Florida, our football program and the Gator Nation. I have never seen anyone more committed to his players, his family and his program. Above all, I appreciate our friendship."
The Jacksonville Observer is reporting the reason for the resignation is because of a heart condition. Just after the Gators loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship game game, Meyer was admitted to Shands Hospital, for what was reported as dehydration at that time. A source from the NFL is reporting that Meyer informed the team of a heart problem being the reason for the resignation. The Huffington Post is reporting that Meyer's heart condition came to light during the the hospital stay in November.
In 1988 an arachnoid cyst was discovered on his brain while on the coaching staff at Notre Dame. While the cyst was determined to be non-life threatening, stress could cause Meyer to have severe head pain.
The Gators will have Meyer for the Sugar Bowl against Cincinnati but will then head into next season with Meyer, Tim Tebow and defensive coordinator Charlie Strong, who is now the head coach at Louisville.
************update*********************update******************update***********
It is now being reported that Urban Meyer is scheduled to hold a press conference tomorrow in New Orleans, sight of the Sugar Bowl. Meyer is expected to announce that he will be staying at the University of Florida in some capacity, just not as head football coach. It is now being speculated that University of Florida officials have known for sometime that this was coming down the road due to the length and completeness of the e-mail that Florida officials sent to members of the the media.
**************update #2***************update #2**************update#2*********
Everyone already knows this but I figured I would update the blog with the news. Urban Meyer has decided he will not be resigning as head coach from the University of Florida. He will be taking a one year leave of absence from head coaching duties. Steve Addazio, offensice coordinator, will be the interim head coach. Meyer is expected to be back on the sidelines in 2011 if all health issues are worked out and he is deemed fit to resume his duties.
Meyer said he consulted with his family, his doctors, school president Bernie Machen and athletic director Jeremy Foley before deciding it is in his best interest to focus on his health and family.
"Coach Meyer and I have talked this through and I realize how hard this was for him to reach this decision," Foley said. "But the bottom line is that coach Meyer needed to make a choice that is in the best interest of his well being and his family. I certainly appreciate what he has meant to the University of Florida, our football program and the Gator Nation. I have never seen anyone more committed to his players, his family and his program. Above all, I appreciate our friendship."
The Jacksonville Observer is reporting the reason for the resignation is because of a heart condition. Just after the Gators loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship game game, Meyer was admitted to Shands Hospital, for what was reported as dehydration at that time. A source from the NFL is reporting that Meyer informed the team of a heart problem being the reason for the resignation. The Huffington Post is reporting that Meyer's heart condition came to light during the the hospital stay in November.
In 1988 an arachnoid cyst was discovered on his brain while on the coaching staff at Notre Dame. While the cyst was determined to be non-life threatening, stress could cause Meyer to have severe head pain.
The Gators will have Meyer for the Sugar Bowl against Cincinnati but will then head into next season with Meyer, Tim Tebow and defensive coordinator Charlie Strong, who is now the head coach at Louisville.
************update*********************update******************update***********
It is now being reported that Urban Meyer is scheduled to hold a press conference tomorrow in New Orleans, sight of the Sugar Bowl. Meyer is expected to announce that he will be staying at the University of Florida in some capacity, just not as head football coach. It is now being speculated that University of Florida officials have known for sometime that this was coming down the road due to the length and completeness of the e-mail that Florida officials sent to members of the the media.
**************update #2***************update #2**************update#2*********
Everyone already knows this but I figured I would update the blog with the news. Urban Meyer has decided he will not be resigning as head coach from the University of Florida. He will be taking a one year leave of absence from head coaching duties. Steve Addazio, offensice coordinator, will be the interim head coach. Meyer is expected to be back on the sidelines in 2011 if all health issues are worked out and he is deemed fit to resume his duties.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Just Some Random Thoughts
As the college football bowl season starts to get in full swing I'm seeming to get over my writers block that has been plaguing me for the last couple of weeks. I've seen some events transpire but couldn't figure out how to put my thoughts down on this keyboard. Well I seem to have found that second wind, so here we go.
The University of Texas administration made the right call in giving Mack Brown a $2 million raise a few weeks ago to raise his annual salary to $5 million a year. Those are some crazy numbers I agree but look what he has done for the university. Texas is the leading revenue producing football program in the country and has given over $6 million to the education fund over the last few years. Say whatever you want but that would not happen if Texas was losing football games. $5 million a year is outrageous, but if that is the going rate nationally for a winning college football coach than why should Mack Brown not be paid that much. One national championship under his belt and playing for another one this year.
The University of Florida seems to be going after some top notch student/athletes to play football for the Gators. Check out the myspace/facebook pages of lineman Leon Orr and defensive player Lynden Trail, these are some top notch recruits who have pics posted of themselves flashing gang signs and one poses with a gun. Gator fans can not say a word now about any other school and who they recruit and the thugs that are on the field. It seems that Urban Meyer may have a problem brewing in Gainesville and he better get it under control before it spirals out of control. Remember the almighty Tim Tebow is gone after the bowl game.
What the hell was ESPN thinking a week ago? On Saturday night they glorify the Miami Hurricanes teams of the 80's for brash behavior, hanging with drug dealers, having bounties put on opposing players heads and apparently owning the town and being totally out of control. The next morning they run a story on Outside the Lines that vilifies Florida State for their academic scandal and only give one side of the story.The two interviewee's were an advisor that is currently suing the university and a former player who lasted one semester. I'm not saying what happened at FSU was not wrong I'm saying it happens at almost every major college football school in the nation and does not need to just be fixed at Florida State but around the nation. But why the double standard? Did anyone know that the producer of the OTL story was a former Florida grad? What about ESPN's contract with the SEC? You mean this type of thing doesn't happen in the football factory conference of the SEC? I used to hold ESPN to a higher standard for expose stories but after watching the Miami story and FSU story, I have to wonder.
Speaking of Florida State and getting back to on field matters the Noles rise from the ashes may not happen next season but with recruits Jimbo Fisher is landing and the coaching staff he is assembling is may not be that far off. A return to national prominence may be in the future for the garnette and gold.
Bowl season is under way and the Mountain West Conference is coming out the gate strong and making some noise to be given an automatic BCS birth. With BYU destroying Oregon State and Utah putting away California the Mountain West has showed they can compete with the so called major conferences.
The University of Texas administration made the right call in giving Mack Brown a $2 million raise a few weeks ago to raise his annual salary to $5 million a year. Those are some crazy numbers I agree but look what he has done for the university. Texas is the leading revenue producing football program in the country and has given over $6 million to the education fund over the last few years. Say whatever you want but that would not happen if Texas was losing football games. $5 million a year is outrageous, but if that is the going rate nationally for a winning college football coach than why should Mack Brown not be paid that much. One national championship under his belt and playing for another one this year.
The University of Florida seems to be going after some top notch student/athletes to play football for the Gators. Check out the myspace/facebook pages of lineman Leon Orr and defensive player Lynden Trail, these are some top notch recruits who have pics posted of themselves flashing gang signs and one poses with a gun. Gator fans can not say a word now about any other school and who they recruit and the thugs that are on the field. It seems that Urban Meyer may have a problem brewing in Gainesville and he better get it under control before it spirals out of control. Remember the almighty Tim Tebow is gone after the bowl game.
What the hell was ESPN thinking a week ago? On Saturday night they glorify the Miami Hurricanes teams of the 80's for brash behavior, hanging with drug dealers, having bounties put on opposing players heads and apparently owning the town and being totally out of control. The next morning they run a story on Outside the Lines that vilifies Florida State for their academic scandal and only give one side of the story.The two interviewee's were an advisor that is currently suing the university and a former player who lasted one semester. I'm not saying what happened at FSU was not wrong I'm saying it happens at almost every major college football school in the nation and does not need to just be fixed at Florida State but around the nation. But why the double standard? Did anyone know that the producer of the OTL story was a former Florida grad? What about ESPN's contract with the SEC? You mean this type of thing doesn't happen in the football factory conference of the SEC? I used to hold ESPN to a higher standard for expose stories but after watching the Miami story and FSU story, I have to wonder.
Speaking of Florida State and getting back to on field matters the Noles rise from the ashes may not happen next season but with recruits Jimbo Fisher is landing and the coaching staff he is assembling is may not be that far off. A return to national prominence may be in the future for the garnette and gold.
Bowl season is under way and the Mountain West Conference is coming out the gate strong and making some noise to be given an automatic BCS birth. With BYU destroying Oregon State and Utah putting away California the Mountain West has showed they can compete with the so called major conferences.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Kelly to the Irish
Angry players...disappointed players....a coach leaving before his team plays in the Sugar Bowl against Florida. Brian Kelly has been hired as the new head coach of the Notre Dame Fighintg Irish, the announcement is not big news or surprising news, since it was expected about a week ago.
What is surprising though is how Bearcat players have reacted to the announcement. Most of the team is disappointed and feel betrayed that the coach won't even be staying around for the bowl game. No one is saying that Kelly should not have taken the job but they are sad to seem him go. They are realists that Notre Dame was able to offer more money, better facilities and more prestige. The best question that Bearcats are asking is this, "Where did Kelly stand a better chance of winning at." Most feel that Cincy was the place, far and above the Irish and South Bend. Many feel that Kelly should have stuck around for the Sugar Bowl though.
Kelly will have his hands full next year with quarterback Jimmy Claussen announcing that he is leaving for the NFL along with standout wide receiver Golden Tate.
What is surprising though is how Bearcat players have reacted to the announcement. Most of the team is disappointed and feel betrayed that the coach won't even be staying around for the bowl game. No one is saying that Kelly should not have taken the job but they are sad to seem him go. They are realists that Notre Dame was able to offer more money, better facilities and more prestige. The best question that Bearcats are asking is this, "Where did Kelly stand a better chance of winning at." Most feel that Cincy was the place, far and above the Irish and South Bend. Many feel that Kelly should have stuck around for the Sugar Bowl though.
Kelly will have his hands full next year with quarterback Jimmy Claussen announcing that he is leaving for the NFL along with standout wide receiver Golden Tate.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
FISHER HAVING EARLY IMPACT FOR FSU
The announcement that Jimbo Fisher will be taking over the reigns at Florida State and is no longer just the head coach in waiting is a little more than a week old but is already having a big impact on the football program and recruiting. For the second time in less than a week the Seminoles have landed a five-star recruit when Larmarcus Joyner agreed to come to FSU. Joyner joins Jeff Luc, another five-star recruit, who committed a few days ago.
Joyner is ranked #5 over-all among high school seniors and is rated the #1 corner back coming out of high school. He attended St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale (FL). Joyner chose Florida State over Ohio State, Florida, Notre Dame and Georgia.
Luc is a beast of a middle linebacker who is expected to have an immediate impact coming in at 6'1" and 241 pounds. He went to Treasure Cost High School in Port St. Lucie (FL). Luc is rated the #6 player coming out of school and the #1 rated linebacker.
With the performance of the defense Florida State is focusing on getting defensive players into the program at this time. FSU has new moved up the rankings as far as recruiting classes are concerned to #9. 2011 is also looking very strong for the Noles as they have some early commitments to the program.
Joyner is ranked #5 over-all among high school seniors and is rated the #1 corner back coming out of high school. He attended St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale (FL). Joyner chose Florida State over Ohio State, Florida, Notre Dame and Georgia.
Luc is a beast of a middle linebacker who is expected to have an immediate impact coming in at 6'1" and 241 pounds. He went to Treasure Cost High School in Port St. Lucie (FL). Luc is rated the #6 player coming out of school and the #1 rated linebacker.
With the performance of the defense Florida State is focusing on getting defensive players into the program at this time. FSU has new moved up the rankings as far as recruiting classes are concerned to #9. 2011 is also looking very strong for the Noles as they have some early commitments to the program.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Strong to Louisville
It all starts. With winning comes the loss of staff. Urban Meyer and the Florida Gators have lost defensive coordinator Charlie Strong to the Louisville Cardinals, where Strong will be the new head coach.
Strong will take over for Steve Kragthorpe, who struggled for three seasons at Louisville.
This will be Strong's first head coaching position. It is unclear if Strong will stay on to coach the Gators in the Sugar Bowl.
Strong will take over for Steve Kragthorpe, who struggled for three seasons at Louisville.
This will be Strong's first head coaching position. It is unclear if Strong will stay on to coach the Gators in the Sugar Bowl.
An Act of Congress...Really???
I know when you were growing up you heard this said by your dad, "It would take an act of Congress to get that done.". Well guess what, the NCAA may be forced into to putting together a college play-off system to determine a true National Champion. A House sub-comittee approved today some legislation that would force a some type off college football playoff. It's a long way from becoming law but it is heading that way.
On a personal not I think Congress has more important things to worry about than college football and who wins the National Championship. Some in the House tend to agree.
"With all due respect I think we have more important things to spend our time on." said Rep. John Barrow D-Ga.
While I agree that a playoff system is needed I don't think Congress should be wasting the taxpayers money debating it or making it a law.
On a personal not I think Congress has more important things to worry about than college football and who wins the National Championship. Some in the House tend to agree.
"With all due respect I think we have more important things to spend our time on." said Rep. John Barrow D-Ga.
While I agree that a playoff system is needed I don't think Congress should be wasting the taxpayers money debating it or making it a law.
Volunteers Under Investiagtion
Okay, Florida Gator Fans, South Carolina fans and anyone else Tennessee's Lane Kiffin has pissed of or offended. The Volunteers are now under investigation for some possible recruiting violations.
It's now time to jump on the bandwagon and give Kiffin back some of what he has handed out. The issues that are under investigation all took place under the watchful eye of the loudmouth coach and center around hostesses visiting high school games around South Carolina and Tennessee.
The Vols have been cited for a series of secondary violations since Kiffin took over the program . SEC commissioner Mike Slive has also reprimanded Kiffin twice for improper public comments.
AD Mike Hamilton has acknowledged the investigation and is expected to hold some sort of press conference later today.
It's now time to jump on the bandwagon and give Kiffin back some of what he has handed out. The issues that are under investigation all took place under the watchful eye of the loudmouth coach and center around hostesses visiting high school games around South Carolina and Tennessee.
The Vols have been cited for a series of secondary violations since Kiffin took over the program . SEC commissioner Mike Slive has also reprimanded Kiffin twice for improper public comments.
AD Mike Hamilton has acknowledged the investigation and is expected to hold some sort of press conference later today.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
WOW!!!!...WHAT A WEEKEND
Saturday showed us exactly what college football is all about with some great games and some crying on national television, and not just from Tim Tebow. I could write a recap of all the games but why bore you with that? Here are some quick thoughts from the weekend.
* Skip Holtz gets little or no attention for what he is doing at East Carolina. Carolina dropped Houston yesterday to pick up the Pirates second straight Conference USA Championship.
* Ndumakong Suh from Nebraska is the real deal. I have never seen a defensive lineman keep a team in the game like he did against Texas.
* CJ Spiller of Clemson is with out a doubt the most exciting player in college football today. His performance in the loss to Georgia Tech was incredible.
*The major conferences better be glad Texas pulled it out against Nebraska or the National Championship might have wound up with TCU or Cincinnati and, the big boys would not have been happy.
*Alabama, simply put, dominated the Florida Gators on Saturday. Tebow looked confused and hurried most of the day.
*Tony Pike of Cincinnati showed the poise and confidence in the latter stages of the comeback win over Pitt that will serve him well in the pros.
*Hey, college football fans, those wildcat and spread formations are great but Paul Johnson of Georgia Tech is quite happy with how the wishbone is working for the Yellow Jackets.
*With the loss to Arizona yesterday the USC Trojans finished 6th in the PAC-10. Yes, I said 6th.
*I think Tim Tebow takes a loss too hard. He didn't have a chance and it wasn't his fault. I appreciate the emotion but ,"There's no crying in football".
*Don't ever give up. See Cincinnati, Texas and Georgia Tech.
*Colt McCoy almost cost Texas a chance at the National Championship by playing the last play before the field goal a little too casually.
*Did Mark Ingram do enough against Florida to win the Heisman Trophy? Many in the media are thinking so.
*Pitt's freshman phenom running back Dion Lewis is a future Heisman Trophy winner. 47 carries 197 yards and three touchdowns against Cincy.
*Boise State gets no love. Two seasons in a row without losing a regular season game. This is their third season this decade going undefeated in the regular season, and not one chance to play for a National Championship. Yeah, the college football BCS system is fair.
* Jake Locker of Washington will be a Heisman Trophy candidate and Washington may challenge for the PAC-10 title next year if he comes back for his senior season.
Just one season removed from going 0-12. The Huskies finished the season 5-7 after upsetting #19 Cal on Saturday.
* How much did the Gators miss Carlos Dunlap (DUI suspension) and would it have made any difference?
*Mardy Gilyard of Cincinnati is big time. When the Bearcats needed some big plays to rally from behind, Gilyard was ready and stepped it up.
* Much noise was made about LaGarrete Blount and the punch he threw in the opening game loss to Boise State and the subsequent suspension he received. He quietly came into the game Thursday night and silenced some critics, and gained some redemption.
* Cal and head coach Jim Tedford have to be disappointed with how the Bears performed this season. With USC on the snide this year Cal had a chance to step up and grab the PAC-10.
* Does college football get any better than it this Saturday? Gator fans might disagree. But if you weren't on the edge of your seat almost all day Saturday you weren't watching the same games I was.
*Give credit to Tim Tebow because even with about six minutes to play you thought the Gators still had a chance. Call it the Tebow factor.
*The BCS must be doing the happy dance right now because of Texas escaping the Big 12 Championship with a win. Imagine the chaos that would have ensued with a Nebraska win.
*Gator Bowl officials must also be doing the happy dance with Clemson losing to Georgia Tech. Will it be easier to explain allowing an undeserving Florida State team the chance to get waxed by West Virginia on New Year's Day?
*Going to be interesting to watch Florida and Cincinnati play in the Sugar Bowl. With both coaches being rumored, or having been rumored, to be up for the head coaching position at Notre Dame.
*Was the talk of defensive coordinator Charlie Strong leaving for Louisville a distraction for the Gators?
* The officials got it right putting one more second on the clock at the end of the Big 12 Championship game.
* Skip Holtz gets little or no attention for what he is doing at East Carolina. Carolina dropped Houston yesterday to pick up the Pirates second straight Conference USA Championship.
* Ndumakong Suh from Nebraska is the real deal. I have never seen a defensive lineman keep a team in the game like he did against Texas.
* CJ Spiller of Clemson is with out a doubt the most exciting player in college football today. His performance in the loss to Georgia Tech was incredible.
*The major conferences better be glad Texas pulled it out against Nebraska or the National Championship might have wound up with TCU or Cincinnati and, the big boys would not have been happy.
*Alabama, simply put, dominated the Florida Gators on Saturday. Tebow looked confused and hurried most of the day.
*Tony Pike of Cincinnati showed the poise and confidence in the latter stages of the comeback win over Pitt that will serve him well in the pros.
*Hey, college football fans, those wildcat and spread formations are great but Paul Johnson of Georgia Tech is quite happy with how the wishbone is working for the Yellow Jackets.
*With the loss to Arizona yesterday the USC Trojans finished 6th in the PAC-10. Yes, I said 6th.
*I think Tim Tebow takes a loss too hard. He didn't have a chance and it wasn't his fault. I appreciate the emotion but ,"There's no crying in football".
*Don't ever give up. See Cincinnati, Texas and Georgia Tech.
*Colt McCoy almost cost Texas a chance at the National Championship by playing the last play before the field goal a little too casually.
*Did Mark Ingram do enough against Florida to win the Heisman Trophy? Many in the media are thinking so.
*Pitt's freshman phenom running back Dion Lewis is a future Heisman Trophy winner. 47 carries 197 yards and three touchdowns against Cincy.
*Boise State gets no love. Two seasons in a row without losing a regular season game. This is their third season this decade going undefeated in the regular season, and not one chance to play for a National Championship. Yeah, the college football BCS system is fair.
* Jake Locker of Washington will be a Heisman Trophy candidate and Washington may challenge for the PAC-10 title next year if he comes back for his senior season.
Just one season removed from going 0-12. The Huskies finished the season 5-7 after upsetting #19 Cal on Saturday.
* How much did the Gators miss Carlos Dunlap (DUI suspension) and would it have made any difference?
*Mardy Gilyard of Cincinnati is big time. When the Bearcats needed some big plays to rally from behind, Gilyard was ready and stepped it up.
* Much noise was made about LaGarrete Blount and the punch he threw in the opening game loss to Boise State and the subsequent suspension he received. He quietly came into the game Thursday night and silenced some critics, and gained some redemption.
* Cal and head coach Jim Tedford have to be disappointed with how the Bears performed this season. With USC on the snide this year Cal had a chance to step up and grab the PAC-10.
* Does college football get any better than it this Saturday? Gator fans might disagree. But if you weren't on the edge of your seat almost all day Saturday you weren't watching the same games I was.
*Give credit to Tim Tebow because even with about six minutes to play you thought the Gators still had a chance. Call it the Tebow factor.
*The BCS must be doing the happy dance right now because of Texas escaping the Big 12 Championship with a win. Imagine the chaos that would have ensued with a Nebraska win.
*Gator Bowl officials must also be doing the happy dance with Clemson losing to Georgia Tech. Will it be easier to explain allowing an undeserving Florida State team the chance to get waxed by West Virginia on New Year's Day?
*Going to be interesting to watch Florida and Cincinnati play in the Sugar Bowl. With both coaches being rumored, or having been rumored, to be up for the head coaching position at Notre Dame.
*Was the talk of defensive coordinator Charlie Strong leaving for Louisville a distraction for the Gators?
* The officials got it right putting one more second on the clock at the end of the Big 12 Championship game.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Championship Weekend
It's a huge weekend for college with the ACC, Big East, Big 12 and SEC all deciding conference champions with title games or de-facto title games. One of the major conferences already had their de-facto championship game with Oregon beating Oregon State last night on ESPN. If you missed it you missed a very good rivalry game to decide the PAC-10 Champion and who goes to the Rose Bowl.
#5 Cincinnati, with still some National Championship Game hopes, heads to Heinze Field to take on the #14 Pitt Panthers to decide the Big East and a trip to the Orange Bowl. While not a true championship game it as close as we can get in the Big East. Cincy is trying to finish the season undefeated and ignoring the rumors that head coach Brian Kelly could be heading to Notre Dame next year. The Bearcats are healthy again at quarterback with Tony Pike back in the saddle and commanding an offense that can score points. The Panthers are trying to win 10 games for the first time since 1981, with Dan Marino at quarterback, and win the Big East outright for the first time ever. Pitt is coming off a loss last weekend to West Virginia in the Backyard Brawl rivalry. For Cincy to win they must be able to handle a stout pass rush from the Panthers and shut down Pitt QB Bill Stull who has the second best passer rating in the conference behind the Bearcats Pike. Cincy must also shut down freshman phenom running back Dion Lewis, fourth ranked rusher in the nation.
MY PICK: CINCINATTI
Both of the teams playing for the ACC Championship are coming off losses in rivalry games last weekend. Clemson got thumped by South Carolina and Georgia Tech got shut down by Georgia. This game is also a rematch from earlier in the season when Clemson beat Georgia Tech 30-27 with a field goal in the final seconds. Tech has been running wild all season long with coach Paul Johnson's hybrid wishbone attack. Clemson has been relying on CJ Spiller to carry the scoring load. Tech must shut down Spiller, which no one has been able to do all season, if they expect to win. The Tigers must figure out a way to slow down the rushing attack of the Yellow Jackets if they expect to capture the ACC. With the game in Tampa no one has the home field advantage but Clemson does travel well so expect to see a lot of orange in Raymond James Stadium Saturday.
MY PICK: GEORGIA TECH
When #3 Texas takes the field Saturday at Cowboys Stadium to face #22 Nebraska for the Big 12 titile the Longhorns know that a victory means a chance to play for the National Championship in Pasadena. The Horns' will be riding the hot hand of quarterback Colt McCoy who is coming off a performance last week over Texas A&M that might have cemented the Heisman Trophy for him. Nebraska has one thing in their favor though, Texas may be looking past the Cornhuskers and having sights already on the National Championship Game. Nebraska also must look at the fact that Texas A&M was also able to roll up over 500 yards of offense against on the best defensive units in the nation. Nebraska head coach Bo Pellini has led the Cornuskers to two consecutive nine win seasons and they have their sights set on capturing their first Big 12 Championship since 1999.
MY PICK: TEXAS
All eyes with be on the Georgia Dome Saturday afternoon when the #1 Florida Gators and #2 Alabama Crimson Tide line up to decide the SEC Championship and who will be representing the conference in the National Championship Game. Florida comes in to the game riding high after embarrassing in-state rival Florida State last weekend. Bama comes in after after a hard fought victory of Auburn in the Iron Bowl. This game will come down to which defense cracks first. Both are ranked among the best in the nation. Bama must contain Tim Tebow who is looking to pick up his third National Championship ring in his spectacular college career. Bama is looking to end Florida's dominance and will rely heavily on running back Mark Ingram. Florida will be playing without outstanding defensive end Carlos Dunlap, who was suspended for getting a DUI arrests earlier in the week. The difference in this game may not be Tebow or Ingram but Crimson Tide quarterback Greg McElroy. If he maintains composure under the ferocious attack for the Gator D, Florida might be in for a long day at the office.
MY PICK: FLORIDA
#5 Cincinnati, with still some National Championship Game hopes, heads to Heinze Field to take on the #14 Pitt Panthers to decide the Big East and a trip to the Orange Bowl. While not a true championship game it as close as we can get in the Big East. Cincy is trying to finish the season undefeated and ignoring the rumors that head coach Brian Kelly could be heading to Notre Dame next year. The Bearcats are healthy again at quarterback with Tony Pike back in the saddle and commanding an offense that can score points. The Panthers are trying to win 10 games for the first time since 1981, with Dan Marino at quarterback, and win the Big East outright for the first time ever. Pitt is coming off a loss last weekend to West Virginia in the Backyard Brawl rivalry. For Cincy to win they must be able to handle a stout pass rush from the Panthers and shut down Pitt QB Bill Stull who has the second best passer rating in the conference behind the Bearcats Pike. Cincy must also shut down freshman phenom running back Dion Lewis, fourth ranked rusher in the nation.
MY PICK: CINCINATTI
Both of the teams playing for the ACC Championship are coming off losses in rivalry games last weekend. Clemson got thumped by South Carolina and Georgia Tech got shut down by Georgia. This game is also a rematch from earlier in the season when Clemson beat Georgia Tech 30-27 with a field goal in the final seconds. Tech has been running wild all season long with coach Paul Johnson's hybrid wishbone attack. Clemson has been relying on CJ Spiller to carry the scoring load. Tech must shut down Spiller, which no one has been able to do all season, if they expect to win. The Tigers must figure out a way to slow down the rushing attack of the Yellow Jackets if they expect to capture the ACC. With the game in Tampa no one has the home field advantage but Clemson does travel well so expect to see a lot of orange in Raymond James Stadium Saturday.
MY PICK: GEORGIA TECH
When #3 Texas takes the field Saturday at Cowboys Stadium to face #22 Nebraska for the Big 12 titile the Longhorns know that a victory means a chance to play for the National Championship in Pasadena. The Horns' will be riding the hot hand of quarterback Colt McCoy who is coming off a performance last week over Texas A&M that might have cemented the Heisman Trophy for him. Nebraska has one thing in their favor though, Texas may be looking past the Cornhuskers and having sights already on the National Championship Game. Nebraska also must look at the fact that Texas A&M was also able to roll up over 500 yards of offense against on the best defensive units in the nation. Nebraska head coach Bo Pellini has led the Cornuskers to two consecutive nine win seasons and they have their sights set on capturing their first Big 12 Championship since 1999.
MY PICK: TEXAS
All eyes with be on the Georgia Dome Saturday afternoon when the #1 Florida Gators and #2 Alabama Crimson Tide line up to decide the SEC Championship and who will be representing the conference in the National Championship Game. Florida comes in to the game riding high after embarrassing in-state rival Florida State last weekend. Bama comes in after after a hard fought victory of Auburn in the Iron Bowl. This game will come down to which defense cracks first. Both are ranked among the best in the nation. Bama must contain Tim Tebow who is looking to pick up his third National Championship ring in his spectacular college career. Bama is looking to end Florida's dominance and will rely heavily on running back Mark Ingram. Florida will be playing without outstanding defensive end Carlos Dunlap, who was suspended for getting a DUI arrests earlier in the week. The difference in this game may not be Tebow or Ingram but Crimson Tide quarterback Greg McElroy. If he maintains composure under the ferocious attack for the Gator D, Florida might be in for a long day at the office.
MY PICK: FLORIDA
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Bobby Done Wrong?
The feeling from many around Tallahassee and from the national media is that the retirement of Bobby Bowden was done in a fashion that has shamed Florida State University. Bowden helped build the program into the national powerhouse that it became and many feel he should have been able to say when and how he left FSU. Bowden wanted to come back in 2010 for his last season and many are feeling he should have been given the opportunity for all he has given to Florida State.
Bowden, though, did decide how he wanted to leave years ago. He came right out and said, "When I leave here I don't want no parades or farewell tours. I just want to go quietly". That is exactly what happened. Bowden was given a choice to come back in 2010 as a puppet head coach, with Jimbo Fisher making all the day to day decisions, or to retire. Bowden took a look at the choices and decided it was in the best interest of Florida State and himself to walk away after the bowl game this year. He knew that it would never work with the other choice.
FSU fans will have their chance to bid a a found farewell to an icon of college football, more than likely at the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville (FL). I would not want it any other way. I knew this year would be his last, the writing had been on the wall since October. If other FSU fans didn't see it they were standing in the wrong bathroom stall. I would rather see it this way than having Bowden fired mid-season or completely run out of town. He was able to leave with his dignity and on his terms.
Even though FSU, by Bowden's own standards, have been on tough times, FSU is in a position to come out of this funk rather quickly. With the coaching change made prior to the bowl game future prospects will now know the status of coaching at FSU. They will now be able to decide whether or not FSU is a choice. This does not hurt FSU and the football program.
While the argument will be made that the Florida State administration showed little class in the retirement of Bowden. Was there any other choice? When do you tell an icon its time to go? How do you tell a legend to hang it up? In reality Bowden probably hung on a few years too long and help create this mess but always being the optimist and thinking he could turn it around. The time came for the administration to take a stand.
The time will come to thank Bobby Bowden for all he did for football at Florida State and all he did for college football on a whole. The Seminole Nation and the college football world will come out and recognize him for all he did. The administration at Florida State will do it the right way and in a fashion that honors Bowden and his wife Ann.
As a fan base it is time for the Seminole Nation to rally around Bowden in his last game and then turn the focus to supporting Jimbo Fisher and the Seminole football team. Many of the Seminole Nation rooted for and became fans because of Bobby Bowden. When the Noles kick-off next year root louder and more wildly than ever before, and do it for Bobby.
Bowden, though, did decide how he wanted to leave years ago. He came right out and said, "When I leave here I don't want no parades or farewell tours. I just want to go quietly". That is exactly what happened. Bowden was given a choice to come back in 2010 as a puppet head coach, with Jimbo Fisher making all the day to day decisions, or to retire. Bowden took a look at the choices and decided it was in the best interest of Florida State and himself to walk away after the bowl game this year. He knew that it would never work with the other choice.
FSU fans will have their chance to bid a a found farewell to an icon of college football, more than likely at the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville (FL). I would not want it any other way. I knew this year would be his last, the writing had been on the wall since October. If other FSU fans didn't see it they were standing in the wrong bathroom stall. I would rather see it this way than having Bowden fired mid-season or completely run out of town. He was able to leave with his dignity and on his terms.
Even though FSU, by Bowden's own standards, have been on tough times, FSU is in a position to come out of this funk rather quickly. With the coaching change made prior to the bowl game future prospects will now know the status of coaching at FSU. They will now be able to decide whether or not FSU is a choice. This does not hurt FSU and the football program.
While the argument will be made that the Florida State administration showed little class in the retirement of Bowden. Was there any other choice? When do you tell an icon its time to go? How do you tell a legend to hang it up? In reality Bowden probably hung on a few years too long and help create this mess but always being the optimist and thinking he could turn it around. The time came for the administration to take a stand.
The time will come to thank Bobby Bowden for all he did for football at Florida State and all he did for college football on a whole. The Seminole Nation and the college football world will come out and recognize him for all he did. The administration at Florida State will do it the right way and in a fashion that honors Bowden and his wife Ann.
As a fan base it is time for the Seminole Nation to rally around Bowden in his last game and then turn the focus to supporting Jimbo Fisher and the Seminole football team. Many of the Seminole Nation rooted for and became fans because of Bobby Bowden. When the Noles kick-off next year root louder and more wildly than ever before, and do it for Bobby.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Thank You Bobby
Dear Coach Bowden,
Thank you for coming to Florida State and leading the Seminoles for 34 years. You are the only coach I have ever known at FSU and I am shedding a tear today after hearing you announce your retirement. I have spent all of my adult life and most of my childhood rooting for the Garnet and Gold. Even though you may not be walking the side lines anymore you will cast a shadow over every game that the Seminoles lace up the cleats and buckle up their helmets for a long time to come.
Thank you for coming to Florida State and making the Seminoles into a national powerhouse, respected and feared around the country. Thank you for 34 years of never having a losing season. Thank you for taking our Noles to a bowl game every year since 1982 and taking our Noles to bowl games in 31 of the 34 years you coached at Florida State. Thank you for leading the Noles to 14 consecutive years of being ranked no lower than 5th nationally at the end of the year. Thank you coach, for leading the Noles to 12 ACC Conference Championships. Thank you for bringing home two National Championships to Tallahassee.
I remember the first time we ever met. You shook my hand and asked if I was a Seminole fan. Of course I said yes, and you said, "thank you" to me. The last time I had the chance to speak with you was in a radio interview in 1991 after a Cotton Bowl victory and you let me know that you remembered us meeting, and you thanked me again for being a Seminole faithful. You let me know how important the fans were.
You have given so much to Florida State and so many smiles to Florida State fans. Even in heartbreaking losses you made us smile. You made a nation smile. You leave Florida State a legend just like your hero Paul Bryant left Alabama. You are respected not just by Florida State fans but by a nation of college football fans. You brought a style and class to the college game that will never be matched.
You showed a nation that a college football coach can profess his beliefs in Jesus Christ and God and use that as a building block to overcome any adversity that came your way. You showed a love of family.
I want to thank you for so much but most of all I want to thank you for just being Bobby Bowden.
We love you coach and we will miss you.
Love,
A Fan
Thank you for coming to Florida State and leading the Seminoles for 34 years. You are the only coach I have ever known at FSU and I am shedding a tear today after hearing you announce your retirement. I have spent all of my adult life and most of my childhood rooting for the Garnet and Gold. Even though you may not be walking the side lines anymore you will cast a shadow over every game that the Seminoles lace up the cleats and buckle up their helmets for a long time to come.
Thank you for coming to Florida State and making the Seminoles into a national powerhouse, respected and feared around the country. Thank you for 34 years of never having a losing season. Thank you for taking our Noles to a bowl game every year since 1982 and taking our Noles to bowl games in 31 of the 34 years you coached at Florida State. Thank you for leading the Noles to 14 consecutive years of being ranked no lower than 5th nationally at the end of the year. Thank you coach, for leading the Noles to 12 ACC Conference Championships. Thank you for bringing home two National Championships to Tallahassee.
I remember the first time we ever met. You shook my hand and asked if I was a Seminole fan. Of course I said yes, and you said, "thank you" to me. The last time I had the chance to speak with you was in a radio interview in 1991 after a Cotton Bowl victory and you let me know that you remembered us meeting, and you thanked me again for being a Seminole faithful. You let me know how important the fans were.
You have given so much to Florida State and so many smiles to Florida State fans. Even in heartbreaking losses you made us smile. You made a nation smile. You leave Florida State a legend just like your hero Paul Bryant left Alabama. You are respected not just by Florida State fans but by a nation of college football fans. You brought a style and class to the college game that will never be matched.
You showed a nation that a college football coach can profess his beliefs in Jesus Christ and God and use that as a building block to overcome any adversity that came your way. You showed a love of family.
I want to thank you for so much but most of all I want to thank you for just being Bobby Bowden.
We love you coach and we will miss you.
Love,
A Fan
Bowden to Meet Wednesday
Florida State Football head coach Booby Bowden is scheduled to meet with FSU president TK Whetherell and athletic director Randy Spetman on Wednesday to discuss Bowden's future at Florida State.
The administration met with head coach in waiting Jimbo Fisher today. No announcements have been made concerning that meeting.
***************UPDATE********************UPDATE*****************UPDATE*******
The meeting that was scheduled to take place Wednesday apparently happened today just before lunch, as being reported by ESPN. Bowden was given two choices. One choice was a diminished roll with Jimbo Fisher making most of the decisions concerning gamplan and hiring of staff. The other choice while not mentioned has to be retirement. Bowden stated that he will meet again with Wetherell and Spetman on Tuesday and decision will come at that time.
*************UPDATE #2 *****************UPDATE#2*************UPDATE#2*****
ESPN is reporting that Bobby Bowden will be announcing his retirement Tuesday morning at press conference. A deal has been reached with Jimbo Fisher to replace Bowden begining in 2010.
The administration met with head coach in waiting Jimbo Fisher today. No announcements have been made concerning that meeting.
***************UPDATE********************UPDATE*****************UPDATE*******
The meeting that was scheduled to take place Wednesday apparently happened today just before lunch, as being reported by ESPN. Bowden was given two choices. One choice was a diminished roll with Jimbo Fisher making most of the decisions concerning gamplan and hiring of staff. The other choice while not mentioned has to be retirement. Bowden stated that he will meet again with Wetherell and Spetman on Tuesday and decision will come at that time.
*************UPDATE #2 *****************UPDATE#2*************UPDATE#2*****
ESPN is reporting that Bobby Bowden will be announcing his retirement Tuesday morning at press conference. A deal has been reached with Jimbo Fisher to replace Bowden begining in 2010.
Butch Davis to Notre Dame
It's not official but sources, who wish to remain anonymous, are saying that Butch Davis could be announced rather quickly as the new head coach at Notre Dame. This announcement, if it happens, comes out of left field after all the talk of who may be the next coach for the Irish.
"Davis has been contacted by Notre Dame and has expressed interest in becoming the new head coach." one source said, "It may be announced by the end of the week."
Another source added this, "It seems that Coach Davis' days here in Chapel Hill may be coming to an end. The vibe around here is that it is an almost done deal."
None of this information can be confirmed at this time. Both sources requested anonymity because they are not authorized to comment on the issue.
Neither Davis, North Carolina and Notre Dame are not commenting.
Davis has found success before at a high profile program when he was the head coach at Miami. Davis' name comes as a surprise after the names of Tony Dungy, Brian Kelly, Gary Patterson and Chris Peterson all came up as being on the wish list of Notre Dame officials.
"Davis has been contacted by Notre Dame and has expressed interest in becoming the new head coach." one source said, "It may be announced by the end of the week."
Another source added this, "It seems that Coach Davis' days here in Chapel Hill may be coming to an end. The vibe around here is that it is an almost done deal."
None of this information can be confirmed at this time. Both sources requested anonymity because they are not authorized to comment on the issue.
Neither Davis, North Carolina and Notre Dame are not commenting.
Davis has found success before at a high profile program when he was the head coach at Miami. Davis' name comes as a surprise after the names of Tony Dungy, Brian Kelly, Gary Patterson and Chris Peterson all came up as being on the wish list of Notre Dame officials.
What's Next for Two Elite Programs
Today we should start to see the dominoes start to fall at a couple of high profile football programs. Notre Dame is currently evaluating Charlie Weis and the job he has done or hasn't done for the Irish. Florida State administration is meeting with head coach in waiting Jimbo Fisher today to discuss the program.
No word on which way Notre Dame officials are leaning concerning Weis. Popular opinion is that Weis is finished as the head coach. The major sign was that Irish officials asked Weis to come back to Indiana following the loss to Stanford instead of staying on the west coast to get some recruiting done, that has happened in years past.
Some new names have popped up on the radar screen for the Irish head coaching position and one that is quite intriguing is former NFL and Super Bowl winning head coach, Tony Dungy. It does seem though that the leading contender for the position is Cincinnati Bearcat coach Brian Kelly. Kelly has made it public that he would be interested in the position.
Florida State on the other hand has a head coach in waiting, Fisher. I find it odd though that the administration is meeting with Fisher today and no time table has been set, though expected later this week, to meet with the actual head coach Bobby Bowden.
Bowden said after the loss Saturday to Florida that he would have to go home and look at the game, and I'm paraphrasing here, and digest the loss before he made up his mind about returning. On Sunday he came out and said, that he would like to return for one more season but the decision was out of his hands.
FSU president TK Wetherell is a Bodwen supporter. Wetherell has announced his retirement already though. That could be a sign that Bowden is finished at FSU.
The coaching carousel has started in other programs. Lousiville has dismissed Steve Kragthorpe and it is rumored that Florida defensive coordinator, Charlie Strong, is high on the list for Louisville officials to take over. Al Groh is gone from Virginia and it appears like Al Golden from Temple is a leading candidate to replace.
So it begins. Where it ends no one is for sure. But by the end of the week there should be more clarity to what is happening.
No word on which way Notre Dame officials are leaning concerning Weis. Popular opinion is that Weis is finished as the head coach. The major sign was that Irish officials asked Weis to come back to Indiana following the loss to Stanford instead of staying on the west coast to get some recruiting done, that has happened in years past.
Some new names have popped up on the radar screen for the Irish head coaching position and one that is quite intriguing is former NFL and Super Bowl winning head coach, Tony Dungy. It does seem though that the leading contender for the position is Cincinnati Bearcat coach Brian Kelly. Kelly has made it public that he would be interested in the position.
Florida State on the other hand has a head coach in waiting, Fisher. I find it odd though that the administration is meeting with Fisher today and no time table has been set, though expected later this week, to meet with the actual head coach Bobby Bowden.
Bowden said after the loss Saturday to Florida that he would have to go home and look at the game, and I'm paraphrasing here, and digest the loss before he made up his mind about returning. On Sunday he came out and said, that he would like to return for one more season but the decision was out of his hands.
FSU president TK Wetherell is a Bodwen supporter. Wetherell has announced his retirement already though. That could be a sign that Bowden is finished at FSU.
The coaching carousel has started in other programs. Lousiville has dismissed Steve Kragthorpe and it is rumored that Florida defensive coordinator, Charlie Strong, is high on the list for Louisville officials to take over. Al Groh is gone from Virginia and it appears like Al Golden from Temple is a leading candidate to replace.
So it begins. Where it ends no one is for sure. But by the end of the week there should be more clarity to what is happening.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Last Regular Season Week-End
The college football regular season came to a close this weekend. The end results were much as expected by many for the top three. The rest of the field took some on the chin.
The #1 Florida Gators treated the Florida State Seminoles like a Division III football team on Saturday. Tim Tebow in his final home game at Florida Field put on a dominating performance and along with his defense showed why the Gators are the team to beat. I'll be the first to say that I have thought all year long that the Gators have flaws, and I thought the Noles might pull off the upset. I could not have been further from reality. Tebow was flawlessin almost every facet of his game. The Gator defense was just as flawless in keeping the Seminoles out of the end zone for much of the day with the first team in. While the Noles are no powerhouse this year the Gators put to sleep many of the questions on Saturday pertaining to the quality of this team. The Gators are for real and may just be the next National Champions.
The #2 Alabama Crimson Tide had to rally to overcome the Auburn Tigers on Friday in the Iron Bowl. The Tigers took the Tide to the brink but Bama quarterback Greg McElroy hung in all day and continued to show maturation in leading Bama to the win and keeping the Tide in the discussion for the National Championship. Bama will have to bring their A game if they expect to get by Florida next weekend in the SEC Championship game.
The third ranked Texas Longhorns showed some weakness against the Texas A&M Aggies on Thanksgiving Day on defense and allowed the Aggies to ring up 39 points and 532 yards of offense. The only thing Texas had going for them was Colt McCoy who threw for over 300 yards and four touchdowns and rushed for another 175 yards and 1 td. McCoy may have cemented himself as the Heisman Trophy front runner on a 65-yard highlight worthy touchdown run.
#4 TCU continued to roll trouncing New Mexcio 51-10. TCU will find themselves in BCS Bowl but most hope for a Texas loss to Nebraska in the Big 12 Championships game if they hope to play for a National Championship.
The fifth ranked Cincinnati Bearcats welcomed starting quarterback Tony Pike back into the line up and Pike lit up Illinois for 399 passing yards and six touchdowns. Cincy will find themselves in BCS Bowl after finishing the season undefeated and winning the Big East.
With some help from an Oklahoma State loss, #6 Boise State find themselves in a postion to go BCS bowling this January. The Broncos took care of business dispatching of Nevada with a final of 44-33. Boise quarterback and Heisman hopeful Kellen Moore threw for 262 yards and five touchdowns.
Starting at the seventh ranked Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets is where the weekend started to get crazy. Already secure with the knowledge that they would be playing the ACC Championship the Yellow Jackets were held to just 205 yards rushing in a 30-24 loss to the un-ranked Georgia Bulldogs.
Quarterback Bill Stull was held to just 179 passing and threw one touchdown and two interceptions as the #9 ranked Pitt Panthers lost the Backyard Brawl to West Virginia 19-16 on Friday. Pitt had been trying to show they were getting back to elite status and loss to the Mountaineers shows they still are a work in progress.
Oklahoma proved Saturday that the Sooners are still a good football team, that had to deal with a rash of injuries this season that derailed the high hopes the Sooners had. Oklahoma laid an old fashion butt whooping on the #12 Oklahoma State Cowboys, 27-0. The Sooners held the Cowboys to just 109 yards of total offense and totally shut down Cowboy quarterback Zac Robinson.
The Clemson Tigers came into Saturdays match with South Carolina ranked #18 and like Georgia Tech, knowing they would be in Tampa playing for the ACC Championship next Saturday. With that knowledge they failed to show up against the Gamecocks and will head to Tampa stinging from a 34-17 loss.
#24 North Carolina fought all season to get back in the top twenty five and were hoping to end the season on a high note. NC State on the other hand was trying to save a lost season and give head coach Tom O'Brien some redemption. Mission accomplished for the Wolfpack as they dropped the Tar Heels 28-27.
Which Ole Miss team and which Jevon Snead would show up Saturday for the 25th ranked Rebels against Mississippi State was the question of the day. Mississippi State was played the toughest schedule of any team in the country this season and put itself on position to have a tremendous 2010 campaign by thumping Ole Miss 41-27. Snead threw for 275 yards and three touchdowns but was also picked off three times.
The #1 Florida Gators treated the Florida State Seminoles like a Division III football team on Saturday. Tim Tebow in his final home game at Florida Field put on a dominating performance and along with his defense showed why the Gators are the team to beat. I'll be the first to say that I have thought all year long that the Gators have flaws, and I thought the Noles might pull off the upset. I could not have been further from reality. Tebow was flawlessin almost every facet of his game. The Gator defense was just as flawless in keeping the Seminoles out of the end zone for much of the day with the first team in. While the Noles are no powerhouse this year the Gators put to sleep many of the questions on Saturday pertaining to the quality of this team. The Gators are for real and may just be the next National Champions.
The #2 Alabama Crimson Tide had to rally to overcome the Auburn Tigers on Friday in the Iron Bowl. The Tigers took the Tide to the brink but Bama quarterback Greg McElroy hung in all day and continued to show maturation in leading Bama to the win and keeping the Tide in the discussion for the National Championship. Bama will have to bring their A game if they expect to get by Florida next weekend in the SEC Championship game.
The third ranked Texas Longhorns showed some weakness against the Texas A&M Aggies on Thanksgiving Day on defense and allowed the Aggies to ring up 39 points and 532 yards of offense. The only thing Texas had going for them was Colt McCoy who threw for over 300 yards and four touchdowns and rushed for another 175 yards and 1 td. McCoy may have cemented himself as the Heisman Trophy front runner on a 65-yard highlight worthy touchdown run.
#4 TCU continued to roll trouncing New Mexcio 51-10. TCU will find themselves in BCS Bowl but most hope for a Texas loss to Nebraska in the Big 12 Championships game if they hope to play for a National Championship.
The fifth ranked Cincinnati Bearcats welcomed starting quarterback Tony Pike back into the line up and Pike lit up Illinois for 399 passing yards and six touchdowns. Cincy will find themselves in BCS Bowl after finishing the season undefeated and winning the Big East.
With some help from an Oklahoma State loss, #6 Boise State find themselves in a postion to go BCS bowling this January. The Broncos took care of business dispatching of Nevada with a final of 44-33. Boise quarterback and Heisman hopeful Kellen Moore threw for 262 yards and five touchdowns.
Starting at the seventh ranked Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets is where the weekend started to get crazy. Already secure with the knowledge that they would be playing the ACC Championship the Yellow Jackets were held to just 205 yards rushing in a 30-24 loss to the un-ranked Georgia Bulldogs.
Quarterback Bill Stull was held to just 179 passing and threw one touchdown and two interceptions as the #9 ranked Pitt Panthers lost the Backyard Brawl to West Virginia 19-16 on Friday. Pitt had been trying to show they were getting back to elite status and loss to the Mountaineers shows they still are a work in progress.
Oklahoma proved Saturday that the Sooners are still a good football team, that had to deal with a rash of injuries this season that derailed the high hopes the Sooners had. Oklahoma laid an old fashion butt whooping on the #12 Oklahoma State Cowboys, 27-0. The Sooners held the Cowboys to just 109 yards of total offense and totally shut down Cowboy quarterback Zac Robinson.
The Clemson Tigers came into Saturdays match with South Carolina ranked #18 and like Georgia Tech, knowing they would be in Tampa playing for the ACC Championship next Saturday. With that knowledge they failed to show up against the Gamecocks and will head to Tampa stinging from a 34-17 loss.
#24 North Carolina fought all season to get back in the top twenty five and were hoping to end the season on a high note. NC State on the other hand was trying to save a lost season and give head coach Tom O'Brien some redemption. Mission accomplished for the Wolfpack as they dropped the Tar Heels 28-27.
Which Ole Miss team and which Jevon Snead would show up Saturday for the 25th ranked Rebels against Mississippi State was the question of the day. Mississippi State was played the toughest schedule of any team in the country this season and put itself on position to have a tremendous 2010 campaign by thumping Ole Miss 41-27. Snead threw for 275 yards and three touchdowns but was also picked off three times.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Who's Gonna Win FSU/UF?
Florida comes into the game against the Seminoles ranked #1 in the country and riding a 21-game winning streak. Florida has Tim Tebow and Brandon Spikes. Florida has the #2 defense in the country. Florida will be playing this game at "The Swamp". This will be Tebow's final home game in front of the UF faithful.
Florida State struggled just to become bowl eligible. Florida State's defense is the worst it has been in recent memory. Florida State will be playing with a quarterback that has just two career starts. The Noles are playing with the turmoil surrounding Bobby Bowden, that has been around most of the season.
It defies all logic but I think the Seminoles pull this one out. Why? I have no idea. I mean that. There is every reason to believe that the Gators will clean the Seminoles clock from end zone to end zone at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Why wouldn't they? They are going to be playing for the SEC Championship in a few weeks with sights set on yet another National Championship.
Many reading this will feel I making this pick because I'm a FSU homer and you could be right about that. I also consider myself a realist as well and the Noles are not of the same caliber of the Gators, but my gut is just telling me that the Gators may be looking beyond this game. I think the Gators won't even consider this game a challenge and will try to breeze beyond the struggling Noles with all eyes on Alabama. The Gators have the better team and they know it. The Gators have the experience and know it. The Gators have the young hot shot coach and know it. The Gators have a Heisman trophy winning quarterback and know it. The Gators should win and they KNOW IT.
Florida State will be playing for pride. FSU does not want to go 0-3 against in state opponents. FSU will want to send Mickey Andrews out in his final game against Florida a winner. The Noles are wounded and that makes them dangerous. Jimbo Fisher will pull out all the stops on offense and throw some wrinkles in the Florida has not seen. The defense will play the game of their life for Coach Andrews. Florida State will be out to ruin the Gators season. This is Florida State's , national championship game. Call me crazy and I know you will but call me Sunday morning and tell me I was right.
FINAL SCORE: FSU 24 FLORIDA 19
Florida State struggled just to become bowl eligible. Florida State's defense is the worst it has been in recent memory. Florida State will be playing with a quarterback that has just two career starts. The Noles are playing with the turmoil surrounding Bobby Bowden, that has been around most of the season.
It defies all logic but I think the Seminoles pull this one out. Why? I have no idea. I mean that. There is every reason to believe that the Gators will clean the Seminoles clock from end zone to end zone at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Why wouldn't they? They are going to be playing for the SEC Championship in a few weeks with sights set on yet another National Championship.
Many reading this will feel I making this pick because I'm a FSU homer and you could be right about that. I also consider myself a realist as well and the Noles are not of the same caliber of the Gators, but my gut is just telling me that the Gators may be looking beyond this game. I think the Gators won't even consider this game a challenge and will try to breeze beyond the struggling Noles with all eyes on Alabama. The Gators have the better team and they know it. The Gators have the experience and know it. The Gators have the young hot shot coach and know it. The Gators have a Heisman trophy winning quarterback and know it. The Gators should win and they KNOW IT.
Florida State will be playing for pride. FSU does not want to go 0-3 against in state opponents. FSU will want to send Mickey Andrews out in his final game against Florida a winner. The Noles are wounded and that makes them dangerous. Jimbo Fisher will pull out all the stops on offense and throw some wrinkles in the Florida has not seen. The defense will play the game of their life for Coach Andrews. Florida State will be out to ruin the Gators season. This is Florida State's , national championship game. Call me crazy and I know you will but call me Sunday morning and tell me I was right.
FINAL SCORE: FSU 24 FLORIDA 19
25 Greatest Seminoles of ALL-TIME
1) Charlie Ward
2) Chris Weinke
3) Deion Sanders
4) Derrick Brooks
5) Fred Biletnikoff
6) Warrick Dunn
7) Peter Warrick
8) Ron Sellers
9) Marvin Jones
10) Terrell Buckley
11) Ron Simmons
12) Walter Jones
13) Clay Shiver
14) Greg Allen
15) Michael Boulware
16) Peter Boulware
17) Sam Cowart
18) Andre Wadsworth
19) Derrick Alexander
20) Alex Barron
21) Leroy Butler
22) Renaird Wilson
23) Jamal Renyolds
24) Sebastin Janikowski
25) Lawrence Dawsey
Honorable Mentions: Pat Watkins, Snoop Minnis, "Pooh Bear" Williams, Anquan Boldin, Everette Brown, Darnell Dockett, Derrick Gibson, Paul McGowan, Corey Simon, William Floyd.
2) Chris Weinke
3) Deion Sanders
4) Derrick Brooks
5) Fred Biletnikoff
6) Warrick Dunn
7) Peter Warrick
8) Ron Sellers
9) Marvin Jones
10) Terrell Buckley
11) Ron Simmons
12) Walter Jones
13) Clay Shiver
14) Greg Allen
15) Michael Boulware
16) Peter Boulware
17) Sam Cowart
18) Andre Wadsworth
19) Derrick Alexander
20) Alex Barron
21) Leroy Butler
22) Renaird Wilson
23) Jamal Renyolds
24) Sebastin Janikowski
25) Lawrence Dawsey
Honorable Mentions: Pat Watkins, Snoop Minnis, "Pooh Bear" Williams, Anquan Boldin, Everette Brown, Darnell Dockett, Derrick Gibson, Paul McGowan, Corey Simon, William Floyd.
Monday, November 23, 2009
URBAN DENIES NOTRE DAME
First it was Bob Stoops and now it's Urban Meyer's turn. The University of Florida head coach said he has no plans to leave the #1 ranked Gators and will stay as long as they will have him.
Meyer is the second high profile coach to speak about the possible head coaching position at Notre Dame. Meyer said he ahs no intentions of leaving Florida and Stoops said he has not been contacted.
In a recent Fox Sports poll 63% of readers say that Meyer will stay at Florida while 37% said he would be coaching at Notre Dame once Weis is let go. Over 8,500 readers responded to the poll.
I just find it interesting that both of these coaches are on the Irish wish list and Charlie Weis hasn't even been fired yet but they are talking about it.
Meyer is the second high profile coach to speak about the possible head coaching position at Notre Dame. Meyer said he ahs no intentions of leaving Florida and Stoops said he has not been contacted.
In a recent Fox Sports poll 63% of readers say that Meyer will stay at Florida while 37% said he would be coaching at Notre Dame once Weis is let go. Over 8,500 readers responded to the poll.
I just find it interesting that both of these coaches are on the Irish wish list and Charlie Weis hasn't even been fired yet but they are talking about it.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
25 Greatest Gators of ALL-TIME
This is my list. You may or may not agree with it and gladly look forward to your comments adding those I may have left off. This list does not include anything accomplished in the NFL or coaching, just as a college football player.
1) Tim Tebow
2) Danny Wurffel
3) Steve Spurrier
4) Emmitt Smith
5) Chris Leak
6) Wilber Marshall
7) John Reaves
8) Jack Youngblood
9) Lomas Brown
10) Kerwin Bell
11) Wes Chandler
12) Percy Harvin
13) Brandon Spikes
14) Carlos Alavrez
15) Louis Oliver
16) Reidel Anthony
17) Ike Hilliard
18) Neal Anderson
19) Brad Culpepper
20) Kevin Carter
21) Tony Lilly
22) Jacquez Green
23) Jarvis Williams
24) Jason Odom
25) Rick Casares
Honorable Mentions: Chris Collinsworth, Chris Doering, Lito Shepard, Scott Brantley, Fred Taylor, Trace Armstrong, Jevon Kearse, Channing Crowder, Eric Rhett, Rex Grossman.
1) Tim Tebow
2) Danny Wurffel
3) Steve Spurrier
4) Emmitt Smith
5) Chris Leak
6) Wilber Marshall
7) John Reaves
8) Jack Youngblood
9) Lomas Brown
10) Kerwin Bell
11) Wes Chandler
12) Percy Harvin
13) Brandon Spikes
14) Carlos Alavrez
15) Louis Oliver
16) Reidel Anthony
17) Ike Hilliard
18) Neal Anderson
19) Brad Culpepper
20) Kevin Carter
21) Tony Lilly
22) Jacquez Green
23) Jarvis Williams
24) Jason Odom
25) Rick Casares
Honorable Mentions: Chris Collinsworth, Chris Doering, Lito Shepard, Scott Brantley, Fred Taylor, Trace Armstrong, Jevon Kearse, Channing Crowder, Eric Rhett, Rex Grossman.
Friday, November 20, 2009
ALMOST TO THE FINISH LINE
In August, hope is eternal in the college football world. That goes for players, coaches, alumni and fans. November on the other hand brings the stark reality of seasons that have come undone or have exceeded expectations beyond belief. This time of year teams are prepping for the final games of the season and preparing for conference championship games and looking forward to some holiday season bowling. Some teams are trying to put the final touches on their season to become bowl eligible. While other teams are already wishing August would come again and quickly.
Who's a winner this year:
Florida: Urban Meyer's game plan for this season was simple. WIN!!. It didn't have to look pretty and didn't have to be flashy. So far it has been mission accomplished. Say what you want about the Gators but you can not avoid the fact that they win and the defending National Champions, have been tested a few times this season and with out a doubt have passed with flying colors. No they haven't scored a bazillion points and don't have Tim Tebow vying for the Heisman but they have won. They have done the old fashion way with a stout defense and cram the ball down your throat offense. The Gators have told everyone what they are going to do on offense and dared someone to stop them. No one has and now all they need are two more easy regular season wins and a win over Alabama in the SEC Championship game and they will find themselves playing for a National Championship again.
Alabama: Ditto the Gators when it comes to Alabama. Old fashion football at it's best with a workhorse running back in Mark Ingram. Defense has ruled the roost in Bama. Bama's road to the SEC Championship game with Florida is a little more difficult with an Iron Bowl rivalry game against Auburn. It is a game the Crimson Tide should win and then they will be on the collision course with the Gators in the semi-final game for the National Championship.
Texas: Colt McCoy has been the quarterback we all remember from last year over the last half of the season. Jordan Shipley has been catching McCoy's passes and returning punts so well that he is being mentioned in the Heisman talk. Coach Mack Brown has not had the toughest schedule this year but has the Longhorns in a position to meet the Florida/Bama winner in Miami for the national title game.
TCU- Coach Gary Patterson has gone out and made TCU the team nobody wants to play. Each week it seems the Horned Frogs get stronger and stronger. A BCS Bowl is in the waiting for this squad but finishing no higher than second or third in the final BCS standings is the most they can hope for.
Boise State- Bronco quarterback Kellen Moore is a beast and putting up numbers so big that some are considering him as a top Heisman candidate. The Broncos are undefeated and will be heading to a very good bowl and maybe, just maybe,a BCS Bowl. Year in an year out the boys in blue are putting a product on the field that the rest of college football world doesn't want to play. Don't expect head coach Christ Peterson to hang out in Idaho forever.
SMU- The Mustangs are on the verge of qualifying for a bowl game and probably will be for the first time since 1984. While the Mustangs are a far cry from the powerhouses that rule the roost in college football. Head coach June Jones has done a splendid job in getting the 'Stangs back to respectability.
Temple- It's really hard to believe that this is the same Owls football team that back in 2006 broke a 20-game losing streak. Al Golden has done a masterful job in turning the program around. This former Big East member that now plays in the MAC Conference finished the 2008 season at 5-7. Golden has the Owls riding an eight game winning streak after losing the first two games of the season to Villanova and Penn State. They currently are 6-0 in the MAC East division. The Owls are looking to go to a bowl game for the first time since 1979.
Stanford - What can you say about what Jim Harbaugh has done with the Harvard of the West football team. USC and Oregon can tell you what the Cardinals are all about. They have a Heisman worthy running back in Toby Gerhart, a superb quarterback in Andrew Luck and a ranking in the top 25. With two high profile games left against Cal and Notre Dame, a top tier bowl game is not out of the question.
Georgia Tech - The best one loss team in the nation. With everyone running the wildcat formation Yellow Jacket coach Paul Johnson turned back the hands of time and put his own twist on the option. The Ramblin Wreck have proved you don't need to throw the ball to have success. They are the pride of the ACC, a conference that has taken some lumps this year. They find themselves BCS Bowl bound with a win in the ACC Championship game.
Cincinnati- The best team in Ohio isn't the Buckeyes but the Bearcats. Many thought the Bearcats season would unwind when starting quarterback Tony Pike went down with an injury but they might have gotten better with Zach Collaros under center. The Bearcats get Illinois this weekend and then hope to secure the Big East Championship with a win over #9 Pittsburgh the following week.
Pittsburgh - Coach Dave Wannestadt has been saying for years that the Panthers are close to turning the corner. Doubters have said that he couldn't get it done at Pitt. But guess what?, they are 8-1 and ranked #9 in the country. They beat Cincy in a couple of weeks and the Big East Championship gets to call Pitt home and then a BCS game.
Miami - It's not the "U" we all remember from the late 80's and 90's but head coach Randy Shannon has this club on the upswing. They don't have all the swagger they once have but they have shown glimpses of it. They have a quarterback in Jacory Harris, who could be making a lot of noise if he matures over the next two years as much as he did between his freshman and sophomore year.
Central Michigan - The Chippewas are 9-2 overall and lead the MAC West with 7-0 conference record. They have a future NFL quarterback in Dan LeFevour, who has thrown for over 2500 yards and 22 touchdowns. The Chippys are setting themselves up for a showdown with Temple in the MAC Championship Game but must first get by a pesky Northern Illinois Husky squad next weekend.
Appalachin State - Yeah, I know not a FBS school, but so what. Any college at any level would love to be having the success that head coach Jerry Moore is having with the Mountaineers. Last Saturday they clinched their fifth straight Southern Conference Championship.
Who can't wait for next year to start:
Florida State: It has been a nightmare for the Noles and Bobby Bowden. The losses piled up early. They are now trying to just get one more win to even qualify for a bowl game. The starting quarterback, Christian Ponder, goes down for the season with an injury. Alumni and Board Of Trustees calling for Bowden to step down or be fired. 2010 can not come soon enough.
Illinois - The Fightin' Illini though with Juice Williams at quarterback they would contend for a Big Ten title. Could not have been further from the truth. Head coach Ron Zook shows, like he did at Florida, that he can recruit but falls short on game day. A 2-6 conference record and 3-7 overall would get most coaches fired but the administration is sticking behind the Zooker for at least one more year.
Michigan - Another Big Ten school with aspirations of grandeur in 2009. They came out the gate hot and then cooled off big time. Coach Rich Rodriquez left West Virginia to come to the maize and blue and many are now wishing he would go back. The latest problem at Michigan is an investigation into off season practice and conditioning.
USC - The Trojans losers. How many would have said before the first game of the season that USC would be hanging on to three losses with games still to play. Not many. Pete Caroll's winning in So Cal has attracted a lot of attention and thus he has seen many of his top assistants bolt for head coaching jobs. With a freshman quarterback under center this year the Men of Troy are anxious for 09' to come to an end and look for better things in 2010.
Oklahoma - Bob Stoops must be wondering to himself, what could have been this year. First they loose a standout receiver to a season ending injury before the season even starts. In the first game they lose Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Sam Bradford, they didn't know it then, for the season. The injury bug kept biting all year as the Sooners have been without three more starters just on the defensive side for the last two games and will be without them for the rest of the season.
Georgia - Head coach Mark Richt knew that 2009 would be a rebuilding year with the loss of Matt Stafford and Knowshaun Moreno to the NFL but he didn't know the losses would be as many and come as often. And the latest hit for the Dawgs is the loss of UGA VII to a heart ailment. Even the mascot couldn't take it anymore.
Notre Dame - We hear it every year that the Domers will be playing for the National Championship. With all the talent the Irish had on the offensive side of the ball this year it wasn't a far stretch. But with losses to Michigan, USC, Navy and Pittsburgh and games still left against UConn and Standford, they could be looking at a six loss season and the end of the Charlie Weis era or experiment.
Before I finish I want to send condolences to Chris Speilman and his family. Speilman was a standout linebacker at Ohio State and later in the NFL. Yesterday he lost his wife, Stefanie to an 11-year courageous battle with breast cancer. Stefanie left behind Chris and their four children. It's not always about the game.
Who's a winner this year:
Florida: Urban Meyer's game plan for this season was simple. WIN!!. It didn't have to look pretty and didn't have to be flashy. So far it has been mission accomplished. Say what you want about the Gators but you can not avoid the fact that they win and the defending National Champions, have been tested a few times this season and with out a doubt have passed with flying colors. No they haven't scored a bazillion points and don't have Tim Tebow vying for the Heisman but they have won. They have done the old fashion way with a stout defense and cram the ball down your throat offense. The Gators have told everyone what they are going to do on offense and dared someone to stop them. No one has and now all they need are two more easy regular season wins and a win over Alabama in the SEC Championship game and they will find themselves playing for a National Championship again.
Alabama: Ditto the Gators when it comes to Alabama. Old fashion football at it's best with a workhorse running back in Mark Ingram. Defense has ruled the roost in Bama. Bama's road to the SEC Championship game with Florida is a little more difficult with an Iron Bowl rivalry game against Auburn. It is a game the Crimson Tide should win and then they will be on the collision course with the Gators in the semi-final game for the National Championship.
Texas: Colt McCoy has been the quarterback we all remember from last year over the last half of the season. Jordan Shipley has been catching McCoy's passes and returning punts so well that he is being mentioned in the Heisman talk. Coach Mack Brown has not had the toughest schedule this year but has the Longhorns in a position to meet the Florida/Bama winner in Miami for the national title game.
TCU- Coach Gary Patterson has gone out and made TCU the team nobody wants to play. Each week it seems the Horned Frogs get stronger and stronger. A BCS Bowl is in the waiting for this squad but finishing no higher than second or third in the final BCS standings is the most they can hope for.
Boise State- Bronco quarterback Kellen Moore is a beast and putting up numbers so big that some are considering him as a top Heisman candidate. The Broncos are undefeated and will be heading to a very good bowl and maybe, just maybe,a BCS Bowl. Year in an year out the boys in blue are putting a product on the field that the rest of college football world doesn't want to play. Don't expect head coach Christ Peterson to hang out in Idaho forever.
SMU- The Mustangs are on the verge of qualifying for a bowl game and probably will be for the first time since 1984. While the Mustangs are a far cry from the powerhouses that rule the roost in college football. Head coach June Jones has done a splendid job in getting the 'Stangs back to respectability.
Temple- It's really hard to believe that this is the same Owls football team that back in 2006 broke a 20-game losing streak. Al Golden has done a masterful job in turning the program around. This former Big East member that now plays in the MAC Conference finished the 2008 season at 5-7. Golden has the Owls riding an eight game winning streak after losing the first two games of the season to Villanova and Penn State. They currently are 6-0 in the MAC East division. The Owls are looking to go to a bowl game for the first time since 1979.
Stanford - What can you say about what Jim Harbaugh has done with the Harvard of the West football team. USC and Oregon can tell you what the Cardinals are all about. They have a Heisman worthy running back in Toby Gerhart, a superb quarterback in Andrew Luck and a ranking in the top 25. With two high profile games left against Cal and Notre Dame, a top tier bowl game is not out of the question.
Georgia Tech - The best one loss team in the nation. With everyone running the wildcat formation Yellow Jacket coach Paul Johnson turned back the hands of time and put his own twist on the option. The Ramblin Wreck have proved you don't need to throw the ball to have success. They are the pride of the ACC, a conference that has taken some lumps this year. They find themselves BCS Bowl bound with a win in the ACC Championship game.
Cincinnati- The best team in Ohio isn't the Buckeyes but the Bearcats. Many thought the Bearcats season would unwind when starting quarterback Tony Pike went down with an injury but they might have gotten better with Zach Collaros under center. The Bearcats get Illinois this weekend and then hope to secure the Big East Championship with a win over #9 Pittsburgh the following week.
Pittsburgh - Coach Dave Wannestadt has been saying for years that the Panthers are close to turning the corner. Doubters have said that he couldn't get it done at Pitt. But guess what?, they are 8-1 and ranked #9 in the country. They beat Cincy in a couple of weeks and the Big East Championship gets to call Pitt home and then a BCS game.
Miami - It's not the "U" we all remember from the late 80's and 90's but head coach Randy Shannon has this club on the upswing. They don't have all the swagger they once have but they have shown glimpses of it. They have a quarterback in Jacory Harris, who could be making a lot of noise if he matures over the next two years as much as he did between his freshman and sophomore year.
Central Michigan - The Chippewas are 9-2 overall and lead the MAC West with 7-0 conference record. They have a future NFL quarterback in Dan LeFevour, who has thrown for over 2500 yards and 22 touchdowns. The Chippys are setting themselves up for a showdown with Temple in the MAC Championship Game but must first get by a pesky Northern Illinois Husky squad next weekend.
Appalachin State - Yeah, I know not a FBS school, but so what. Any college at any level would love to be having the success that head coach Jerry Moore is having with the Mountaineers. Last Saturday they clinched their fifth straight Southern Conference Championship.
Who can't wait for next year to start:
Florida State: It has been a nightmare for the Noles and Bobby Bowden. The losses piled up early. They are now trying to just get one more win to even qualify for a bowl game. The starting quarterback, Christian Ponder, goes down for the season with an injury. Alumni and Board Of Trustees calling for Bowden to step down or be fired. 2010 can not come soon enough.
Illinois - The Fightin' Illini though with Juice Williams at quarterback they would contend for a Big Ten title. Could not have been further from the truth. Head coach Ron Zook shows, like he did at Florida, that he can recruit but falls short on game day. A 2-6 conference record and 3-7 overall would get most coaches fired but the administration is sticking behind the Zooker for at least one more year.
Michigan - Another Big Ten school with aspirations of grandeur in 2009. They came out the gate hot and then cooled off big time. Coach Rich Rodriquez left West Virginia to come to the maize and blue and many are now wishing he would go back. The latest problem at Michigan is an investigation into off season practice and conditioning.
USC - The Trojans losers. How many would have said before the first game of the season that USC would be hanging on to three losses with games still to play. Not many. Pete Caroll's winning in So Cal has attracted a lot of attention and thus he has seen many of his top assistants bolt for head coaching jobs. With a freshman quarterback under center this year the Men of Troy are anxious for 09' to come to an end and look for better things in 2010.
Oklahoma - Bob Stoops must be wondering to himself, what could have been this year. First they loose a standout receiver to a season ending injury before the season even starts. In the first game they lose Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Sam Bradford, they didn't know it then, for the season. The injury bug kept biting all year as the Sooners have been without three more starters just on the defensive side for the last two games and will be without them for the rest of the season.
Georgia - Head coach Mark Richt knew that 2009 would be a rebuilding year with the loss of Matt Stafford and Knowshaun Moreno to the NFL but he didn't know the losses would be as many and come as often. And the latest hit for the Dawgs is the loss of UGA VII to a heart ailment. Even the mascot couldn't take it anymore.
Notre Dame - We hear it every year that the Domers will be playing for the National Championship. With all the talent the Irish had on the offensive side of the ball this year it wasn't a far stretch. But with losses to Michigan, USC, Navy and Pittsburgh and games still left against UConn and Standford, they could be looking at a six loss season and the end of the Charlie Weis era or experiment.
Before I finish I want to send condolences to Chris Speilman and his family. Speilman was a standout linebacker at Ohio State and later in the NFL. Yesterday he lost his wife, Stefanie to an 11-year courageous battle with breast cancer. Stefanie left behind Chris and their four children. It's not always about the game.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
It's the second to last week of the season and while some of the top ranked teams have some cupcakes to beat up on before finishing the year with some rivalry games there are some games that do have some importance being played on Saturday.
Florida State has a huge game this weekend against Maryland. Why?, Because this could be their last chance for a win this season, with #1 Florida on the horizon the prospects of winning next week look bleak. The Noles need one win to get themselves bowl eligible and keep a streak of 26 straight seasons of bowling alive. It hasn't been the year that the Noles have hoped for but a bowl game would be a small consolation for a season that high expectations. A bowl game would also give the Noles an opportunity to say goodbye to longtime defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews, who is retiring at the end of the season.
#10 Ohio State has a rivalry match-up with Michigan. The Buckeyes have had the Wolverines number for the last few years and Michigan, who came out of the gate with guns a blazing have fizzled. Ohio State needs this win to stay in the top ten and head to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl. Michigan Coach Rich Rodriquez is battling the NCAA over off season workouts and practice logs and the whole mess has taken its toll on the Wolverines this season.
The ACC will be putting on a decent show Saturday with North Carolina visiting Boston College. BC has not gotten a lot of press this year but have quietly stood in the hunt for the division title. The Tar Heels are out to finish the season strong after starting strong but losing ground in between.
#25 California and #17 Stanford meet horns on Saturday. This a big game for both teams. Coach Jim Harbaugh has proved to the nation that a winning football program can be built at a school that favors academics over athletics for what he has done at Stanford . Harbaugh, in my opinion, is coach of the year in college football. Cal will still be without former Heisman candidate Jahvid Best, who took a scary hit a few weeks ago and is recovering from a concussion.
Please watch if you can the SMU/ Marshall football game. After leaving Hawaii, many questioned why June Jones chose SMU to coach at. Well, guess what, Jones has the Mustangs ready to go to bowl game this year and contending for a Conference USA Championship. This is the same SMU that was dealt the death penalty from the NCAA many years ago and have been rebuilding ever since. Hats off to Coach Jones.
Colt McCoy of Texas doesn't get a lot of post-season awards. But one thing he will be leaving with at the end of this year is the NCAA record for most wins as a starting quarterback. He might even leave Texas with a National Championship.
Next week the whole blog will be devoted to the Florida State / Florida game taking place. There will be something different everyday so stop by and take a look everyday next week.
Florida State has a huge game this weekend against Maryland. Why?, Because this could be their last chance for a win this season, with #1 Florida on the horizon the prospects of winning next week look bleak. The Noles need one win to get themselves bowl eligible and keep a streak of 26 straight seasons of bowling alive. It hasn't been the year that the Noles have hoped for but a bowl game would be a small consolation for a season that high expectations. A bowl game would also give the Noles an opportunity to say goodbye to longtime defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews, who is retiring at the end of the season.
#10 Ohio State has a rivalry match-up with Michigan. The Buckeyes have had the Wolverines number for the last few years and Michigan, who came out of the gate with guns a blazing have fizzled. Ohio State needs this win to stay in the top ten and head to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl. Michigan Coach Rich Rodriquez is battling the NCAA over off season workouts and practice logs and the whole mess has taken its toll on the Wolverines this season.
The ACC will be putting on a decent show Saturday with North Carolina visiting Boston College. BC has not gotten a lot of press this year but have quietly stood in the hunt for the division title. The Tar Heels are out to finish the season strong after starting strong but losing ground in between.
#25 California and #17 Stanford meet horns on Saturday. This a big game for both teams. Coach Jim Harbaugh has proved to the nation that a winning football program can be built at a school that favors academics over athletics for what he has done at Stanford . Harbaugh, in my opinion, is coach of the year in college football. Cal will still be without former Heisman candidate Jahvid Best, who took a scary hit a few weeks ago and is recovering from a concussion.
Please watch if you can the SMU/ Marshall football game. After leaving Hawaii, many questioned why June Jones chose SMU to coach at. Well, guess what, Jones has the Mustangs ready to go to bowl game this year and contending for a Conference USA Championship. This is the same SMU that was dealt the death penalty from the NCAA many years ago and have been rebuilding ever since. Hats off to Coach Jones.
Colt McCoy of Texas doesn't get a lot of post-season awards. But one thing he will be leaving with at the end of this year is the NCAA record for most wins as a starting quarterback. He might even leave Texas with a National Championship.
Next week the whole blog will be devoted to the Florida State / Florida game taking place. There will be something different everyday so stop by and take a look everyday next week.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Notre Dame and Charlie Weis to Part Ways
The rumors are starting to fly out of South Bend, IN and the Notre Dame football team concerning head coach Charlie Weis. It seems that this season will be Charlies last as the Irish head coach and the search has started for a replacement.
The list is long and I will pass it along just as it was passed along to me. Now I will say these are just all rumors and nothing has been confirmed. Remember though, Notre Dame has deep pockets and will be willing to hand out some serious cash for what is considered one of the most prestigious coaching positions in college football.
Here is the wish list in no particular order ( some names have been rumored before)
1) Chris Peterson - Boise State
2) Jim Grobe - Wake Forest
3) Brian Kelly - Cincinnati
4) Charlie Strong - Defensive Coordinator - Florida
5) Skip Holtz - East Carolina
6) Urban Meyer - Florida
7) Kirk Ferentz - Iowa
8) John Gruden - ESPN / Former head coach Tampa Bay Bucs
9) Bill Cowher - NBC / Former head coach Pittsburgh Steelers
10) Mike Shanahan - Former head coach Denver Broncos
11) Steve Spurrier - South Carolina
12) Bob Stoops - Oklahoma
13) Mike Stoops - Arizona
14) Tommy Tuberville - Former Auburn head coach
15) Gary Patterson - TCU
16) Steve Sarkasian - Washington
17) Greg Schiano - Rutgers
18) Bud Foster - Defensive Coordinator Virginia Tech
19) Tyrone Nix - Defensive Coordinator South Carolina
20) Troy Calhoun - Air Force
* - This is a corrected list. First list had Steve Spurrier on twice.
Not my list just one that was passed along.
**********UPDATE***************UPDATE***************UPDATE******************
There has to be some truth to the rumors. Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops has now come out and said that no one has contacted him from Notre Dame concerning the head coaching position. He added that there is not a coaching position available at this time at Notre Dame. With Oklahoma losing some key players next year and a few underclassman who may decide to leave after seeing Sooner quarterback Sam Bradford go down with a season ending injury this season, the Sooners may be in for a long season next year. And so it begins.
The list is long and I will pass it along just as it was passed along to me. Now I will say these are just all rumors and nothing has been confirmed. Remember though, Notre Dame has deep pockets and will be willing to hand out some serious cash for what is considered one of the most prestigious coaching positions in college football.
Here is the wish list in no particular order ( some names have been rumored before)
1) Chris Peterson - Boise State
2) Jim Grobe - Wake Forest
3) Brian Kelly - Cincinnati
4) Charlie Strong - Defensive Coordinator - Florida
5) Skip Holtz - East Carolina
6) Urban Meyer - Florida
7) Kirk Ferentz - Iowa
8) John Gruden - ESPN / Former head coach Tampa Bay Bucs
9) Bill Cowher - NBC / Former head coach Pittsburgh Steelers
10) Mike Shanahan - Former head coach Denver Broncos
11) Steve Spurrier - South Carolina
12) Bob Stoops - Oklahoma
13) Mike Stoops - Arizona
14) Tommy Tuberville - Former Auburn head coach
15) Gary Patterson - TCU
16) Steve Sarkasian - Washington
17) Greg Schiano - Rutgers
18) Bud Foster - Defensive Coordinator Virginia Tech
19) Tyrone Nix - Defensive Coordinator South Carolina
20) Troy Calhoun - Air Force
* - This is a corrected list. First list had Steve Spurrier on twice.
Not my list just one that was passed along.
**********UPDATE***************UPDATE***************UPDATE******************
There has to be some truth to the rumors. Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops has now come out and said that no one has contacted him from Notre Dame concerning the head coaching position. He added that there is not a coaching position available at this time at Notre Dame. With Oklahoma losing some key players next year and a few underclassman who may decide to leave after seeing Sooner quarterback Sam Bradford go down with a season ending injury this season, the Sooners may be in for a long season next year. And so it begins.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
What About Who's ranked #4?
All of the top teams did exactly what they were supposed to do as the season is coming to and end. They won this past weekend. The only question that remains is why does TCU get left out in the cold when it comes to the BCS and a chance to play for a championship?
Do you really want to tell me that the Horned Frogs of Texas Christian University do not deserve to play for a the title? On Saturday they demolished a #16 ranked Utah team, that has played in a BCS Bowl game and is very well respected (just ask Urban Meyer), by a score of 55-28.
TCU did it every way they could by offense, defense and on special teams. They also have wins against a currently ranked BYU team and a currently ranked Clemson squad. Both wins coming on the road. You really want to say they don't deserve a shot. Florida has only one win over a currently ranked team (LSU) as does Texas (Oklahoma State). Alabama has two wins against currently ranked teams (LSU and Virginia Tech). These Horned Frogs may be the best team in the country and you know what Florida, Texas or Alabama will more than likely be crowned the National Champions. Not saying they aren't good football teams but lets settle this on the field not in the polls.
Lets look at the facts. TCU ranks seventh nationally in total offense. Where do #1Florida, #2 Alabama and #3 Texas rank. Well it's not even close. Florida (29th), Alabama (34th) and Texas (28th).
The next question that pops up will be, "What about their defense?", and the answer to that is #4 in the country behind Texas, Florida and Alabama, in that order. You mean to tell me TCU doesn't deserve a shot?
Now the naysayers will say, "What about their strength of schedule"?, Well even that argument doesn't hold water when you compare them to the top three in the AP and USA Today polls. TCU comes in with a SOS of #25 in the country. Florida is at #14, Alabama (20) and Texas (37).
Six of the six computer rankings that the BCS systems uses have TCU ranked higher than Florida and Alabama. Three of the six, computer rankings, have TCU ranked higher than Texas. The computers seem to think TCU could stand a chance against the mighty three.
Many will say that TCU should put a tougher non-conference schedule together. They did, as the previously mentioned Clemson, and against Virginia on the road. As with Boise State, it's hard to get someone to schedule you outside of conference when they know that team could beat them.
So with all that, it is pretty much settled that the winner of the SEC Championship will get to face Texas, if they win the Big 12 Championship, in the Fed Ex National Championship Game in Miami. TCU will get BCS Bowl bid and deservedly so, but it's a shame that maybe the best team in the country won't get to prove it on the field. I now that either Florida or Alabama would much rather face Texas than TCU.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
A Quiet Weekend Ahead? Think Again
While the average college football fan has started making plans for bowl tickets for their favorite team or starting making reservations for the conference championship games to be played they need to hold off a few more weeks. There is still a lot of football to be played and as this season and a lot is still on the line for many teams. This season has showed, NO ONE IS SAFE.
Tonight on ESPN ,#24 South Florida is tangling with Rutgers in the first of two huge Big East match-ups on ESPN on consectutive nights. South Florida is playing solid football and have not noticed the absence of 4-year starting quarterback, Matt Groethe, who went down with a knee injury prior to the Bulls meeting Florida State. BJ Daniels has stepped up and held them together. The Bulls have losses to Cincinnati and Pitt but recovered last week and handed West Virginia their first conference loss of the season. Rutgers has recovered since the opening day drubbing, 47-15, that Cincy laid on them. As with South Florida, Scarlett Knights only two losses have been to fellow Big East members Cincy and Pitt.
Friday night on ESPN, the nation will get to see if #5 Cincinnati is for real. With a back up quarterback, that has played well, the Bearcats get to take to host West Virginia in a Big East match-up. The Mountaineers have been fairly quiet all year but have managed to climb into the ranking at #25. Cincy, meanwhile still has high hopes for a possible shot at the National Championship Game. It probably won't happen but could. The winner of this game controls their own fate in winning the Big East.
The game of the week is #4 Texas Christian and #16 Utah. Last year the Utes knocked off TCU to keep a BCS game in the cross hairs. This year TCU will be hoping to reverse that any keep their own National Title or BCS Bowl hopes alive. ABC has decided that #19 Oklahoma State and un-ranked Texas Tech game will be more entertaining than this Mountain West Conference match-up. TCU wins they capture the Mountain West and will find themselves in a BCS Bowl. Utah wins and they prove that they are still kings of the Mountain West.
#1 Florida gets to face their old coach and a South Carolina Gamecocks squad that is itching for an upset and chance to climb back into the rankings. South Carolina has yet to have that marquee win under Steve Spurrier and this could be the best shot they have ever had. While ranked #1 most of the season there have been times that the Gators have looked vulnerable especially on offense. The last two games the Gators have been breaking out of the offensive funk, if you want to call it that, that has kept them from posting the numbers they have in years past. The Gamecocks only hope for sending the Gators home with National Title hopes dashed, is that they are already prepping themselves mentally for Alabama and the SEC Championship game. Meyer has been reminding his squad all week long to not look past South Carolina and to stay focused.
#2 Alabama must get over the euphoria of beating LSU last week and winning the SEC West and focus on Mississippi State this week. This will be the second game in a row that Bama has played an opponent that Florida has already beaten and it will be interesting to watch the outcome. We all know the cowbells will be ringing and every year the Bulldogs manage to pull an upset out of their sleeves. As with Florida, Nick Saban has been preaching all week long to his Crimson Tide players to not look ahead.
#10 Iowa and #11 Ohio State hook up in the Horseshoe to settle the Big Ten. The Hawkeyes are coming off an upset loss to Northwestern and will be without starting quarterback Ricky Stanzi. Ohio State is coming off a big win over Penn State and their QB Terrelle Pryor seems to be finding his groove at the right time. The Buckeyes last smelled roses in1996 while Iowas has waited even longer, not since 1990 have the Hawkeyes seen Pasadena and the Rose Bowl.
For all the joking that goes on with #6 Boise States strength of schedule, the Broncos are going to have to bring their A game against the resurgent Idaho Vandals. The Vandals are 7-3 this year, after being the doormat of college football for the last decade or more. This is more than an in-state rivalry between the two. With conference rival Nevada still undefeated, Boise State needs to win this game to win the WAC and stay in the hunt for BCS game.
With an outside chance at the PAC-10 title and a Rose berth, there is a lot riding on the game between #25 Stanford and #9 USC. Stanford has split the series the last two years against the Trojans, losing last year but pulling off a victory in 07' when they were 41-point underdogs. There's a lot more on the line this year though.
#12 Pittsburgh has come a long way under head coach Dave Wannestedt and and are looking for a Big East title. They will be taking on Notre Dame, who is smarting from an upset loss to Navy. An Irish loss and and head coach Charlie Weis will be looking at his last season on the sidelines for the Domers. A win for Pitt and a huge showdown with Cincinnati is ahead.
In a side note, and I'm writing this not just because I'm a Florida State fan, it will be interesting to see heralded recruit and red shirt freshman quarterback EJ Manuel take the field against Wake Forest this Saturday. Manuel was trumpeted as Jimbo Fisher's prize recruit when he decided to come to Florida State. He will now be pressed into action because of the loss of Christian Ponder for the season. Fisher has stated, he will not change the play book for Manuel in his first college start and expects Manuel to tow the line. Manuel drop-passing style does not differ much from Ponders, as he can also run much like Ponder out of the pocket and on options.
So you thought it was going to be a quiet weekend. Don't be surprised if a big upset or two or maybe three takes place this weekend.
Tonight on ESPN ,#24 South Florida is tangling with Rutgers in the first of two huge Big East match-ups on ESPN on consectutive nights. South Florida is playing solid football and have not noticed the absence of 4-year starting quarterback, Matt Groethe, who went down with a knee injury prior to the Bulls meeting Florida State. BJ Daniels has stepped up and held them together. The Bulls have losses to Cincinnati and Pitt but recovered last week and handed West Virginia their first conference loss of the season. Rutgers has recovered since the opening day drubbing, 47-15, that Cincy laid on them. As with South Florida, Scarlett Knights only two losses have been to fellow Big East members Cincy and Pitt.
Friday night on ESPN, the nation will get to see if #5 Cincinnati is for real. With a back up quarterback, that has played well, the Bearcats get to take to host West Virginia in a Big East match-up. The Mountaineers have been fairly quiet all year but have managed to climb into the ranking at #25. Cincy, meanwhile still has high hopes for a possible shot at the National Championship Game. It probably won't happen but could. The winner of this game controls their own fate in winning the Big East.
The game of the week is #4 Texas Christian and #16 Utah. Last year the Utes knocked off TCU to keep a BCS game in the cross hairs. This year TCU will be hoping to reverse that any keep their own National Title or BCS Bowl hopes alive. ABC has decided that #19 Oklahoma State and un-ranked Texas Tech game will be more entertaining than this Mountain West Conference match-up. TCU wins they capture the Mountain West and will find themselves in a BCS Bowl. Utah wins and they prove that they are still kings of the Mountain West.
#1 Florida gets to face their old coach and a South Carolina Gamecocks squad that is itching for an upset and chance to climb back into the rankings. South Carolina has yet to have that marquee win under Steve Spurrier and this could be the best shot they have ever had. While ranked #1 most of the season there have been times that the Gators have looked vulnerable especially on offense. The last two games the Gators have been breaking out of the offensive funk, if you want to call it that, that has kept them from posting the numbers they have in years past. The Gamecocks only hope for sending the Gators home with National Title hopes dashed, is that they are already prepping themselves mentally for Alabama and the SEC Championship game. Meyer has been reminding his squad all week long to not look past South Carolina and to stay focused.
#2 Alabama must get over the euphoria of beating LSU last week and winning the SEC West and focus on Mississippi State this week. This will be the second game in a row that Bama has played an opponent that Florida has already beaten and it will be interesting to watch the outcome. We all know the cowbells will be ringing and every year the Bulldogs manage to pull an upset out of their sleeves. As with Florida, Nick Saban has been preaching all week long to his Crimson Tide players to not look ahead.
#10 Iowa and #11 Ohio State hook up in the Horseshoe to settle the Big Ten. The Hawkeyes are coming off an upset loss to Northwestern and will be without starting quarterback Ricky Stanzi. Ohio State is coming off a big win over Penn State and their QB Terrelle Pryor seems to be finding his groove at the right time. The Buckeyes last smelled roses in1996 while Iowas has waited even longer, not since 1990 have the Hawkeyes seen Pasadena and the Rose Bowl.
For all the joking that goes on with #6 Boise States strength of schedule, the Broncos are going to have to bring their A game against the resurgent Idaho Vandals. The Vandals are 7-3 this year, after being the doormat of college football for the last decade or more. This is more than an in-state rivalry between the two. With conference rival Nevada still undefeated, Boise State needs to win this game to win the WAC and stay in the hunt for BCS game.
With an outside chance at the PAC-10 title and a Rose berth, there is a lot riding on the game between #25 Stanford and #9 USC. Stanford has split the series the last two years against the Trojans, losing last year but pulling off a victory in 07' when they were 41-point underdogs. There's a lot more on the line this year though.
#12 Pittsburgh has come a long way under head coach Dave Wannestedt and and are looking for a Big East title. They will be taking on Notre Dame, who is smarting from an upset loss to Navy. An Irish loss and and head coach Charlie Weis will be looking at his last season on the sidelines for the Domers. A win for Pitt and a huge showdown with Cincinnati is ahead.
In a side note, and I'm writing this not just because I'm a Florida State fan, it will be interesting to see heralded recruit and red shirt freshman quarterback EJ Manuel take the field against Wake Forest this Saturday. Manuel was trumpeted as Jimbo Fisher's prize recruit when he decided to come to Florida State. He will now be pressed into action because of the loss of Christian Ponder for the season. Fisher has stated, he will not change the play book for Manuel in his first college start and expects Manuel to tow the line. Manuel drop-passing style does not differ much from Ponders, as he can also run much like Ponder out of the pocket and on options.
So you thought it was going to be a quiet weekend. Don't be surprised if a big upset or two or maybe three takes place this weekend.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
The Big Losers This Season
We can talk about who going to win the National Championship or who is even going to be playing for the National Championship all day long and have a great conversation about it. But the teams I think we should be taking a closer look at right now are the squads who came into the season with such high hopes and high ranking that have fallen and some pretty hard. Almost half of the teams ranked pre-season have either fallen out of the rankings are have fallen so low that playing for the National Championship or a BCS Bowl is now a goal for next year and for some getting to a bowl is going to be struggle.
Here is what the rankings looked like coming into the season. For arguments sake we'll just use the Associated Press Top 25.
AP TOP 25
1)FLORIDA
2) TEXAS
3) OKLAHOMA
4) USC
5) ALABAMA
6) OHIO STATE
7) VIRGINIA TECH
8) MISSISSIPPI
9) OKLAHOMA STATE / PENN STATE
11) LSU
12) CALIFORNIA
13) GEORGIA
14) BOISE STATE
15) GEORGIA TECH
16) OREGON
17) TCU
18) FLORIDA STATE
19) UTAH
20) BYU
21) NORTH CAROLINA
22) IOWA
23) NOTRE DAME
24) NEBRASKA
25) KANSAS
Oklahoma came into the season ranked #3 and got smacked in the head by BYU and also lost Heisman winning quarterback Sam Bradford for few games that turned into the season. Add losses to Miami, Texas and Nebraska and the Sooners didn't impress that much and you would think that this team was way overrated. Take a few steps back and look closer and you'll see that they could easily be undefeated with just a few lucky bounces. The losses are as follows to BYU (1 pt), Miami (1 pt), Texas (3 pts) and Nebraska (7 pts). The hard part for the Sooners will be overcoming the loss to the Cornhuskers with games against Texas A&M, Texas Tech and #19 Oklahoma State on the horizon. If Oklahoma doesn't win out, and they may not, all will not be well in Norman and Bob Stoops will have to step it up in 2010.
USC came into the season ranked #4 and with a freshman quarterback in Matt Barkley. Barkley has done a fine job under center but losses to Washington, Barkley was out hurt, and Orgeon dimmed any hope of the Trojans playing for all the marbles. Even now they only have an outside shot at a Pac-10 title. Pete Carroll and the Men of Troy have games left against, a pesky Stanford team, UCLA and #17 Arizona. It is very possible for the Trojans to finish with four losses and make for a disappointing season.
Ohio State started the preseason with a #6 ranking, they lost early to USC and then tanked one against Purdue in an upset. Quarterback Terrelle Pryor has come under some heat for his play but the Buckeyes have righted the ship some with a big win over Penn State and climbed back to #10. A win over Iowa and the Bucks get to smell some roses and the losses to USC and Purdue will fade quickly.
Frank Beamer and the Viginia Tech Hokies had big dreams this season with a #7 ranking and all but they were quickly woken up with a opening day loss to Alabama. Just recently they lost two in a row to #19 Georgia Tech and North Carolina. The schedule is favorable for the Hokies to win out but a three loss season was not expected in Blacksburg.
The most overrated team coming into the season was #8 Mississippi and their Heisman hopeful quarterback Jevon Snead. To say the least both did not live up to expectations. Snead looked terrible from the start of the season and has yet to find his rhythm. Ole Miss climbed as high as #4 in the ranking but then forgot to show up against South Carolina on national TV. Add losses to Alabama and Auburn and the Rebels are just average. Houston Nutt still has a surging Tennessee squad and a mad as hell LSU team left on his schedule along with Mississippi State and the Rebels could be looking at a six loss season after starting the season ranked #8.
Penn State and Oklahoma State both game tied for #9 pre-season ranking and the Nitany Lions went out and lost to Iowa and Ohio State at State College, not a goot thing. Joe Pa and his men in white still cling on to a #18 ranking. The Cowboys were hoping to flex some strength this season in the Big 12 with stud wide receiver Dez Bryant. Bryant was suspended for lying to NCAA officials and the Boys went out and lost to BCS buster hopeful Houston and then then got thrashed, trashed and left laying on the side of road by #2 Texas. With games against Texas Tech and Oklahoma the Cowboys are fighting to get in a decent bowl.
California started at #12 and we all knew it wouldn't last because Jim Tedford always finds a way to lose some big games. What should have been said is that they would lose big. Two weeks in a row Oregon and USC held Heisman candidate Jahvid Best in check and the Bears could only eek out a meager three points while giving up over 40. Than last week Best was literally knocked out of the game and the Oregon State Beavers dropped the Bears. Cal will finish the season with Arizona, Stanford and Washington and could be staring at a five or six loss season.
A #13 pre-season ranking for the Georgia Bulldogs and head coach Mark Richt. They opened the season with a loss to then ranked #9 Oklahoma State and followed that up with losses to Tennessee, LSU and Florida. They still have Auburn and Georgia Tech on the schedule. Sitting at home for the holidays with six losses could happen for the Dawgs. Guess they miss Matt Stafford a lot more than we thought?
Talk about overrated the Seminoles came in #18 and then went out and lost a thriller to Miami on Labor Day. That might have been the high point of the season. Since then South Florida, Boston College, Georgia Tech and Clemson have all had their way with the boys from Tally. Not to mention now losing Christian Ponder for the season. With games against Wake Forest and Florida left a 26 year bowl streak is going to be over. The calls for Bobby's head will grow louder
and a new era might be coming to FSU.
Butch Davis thought this could be the breakout year for the Tar Heels and started the season ranked #21. North Carolina kept it together until the Georgia Tech game and that started a stretch of three losses in four games. Carolina redeemed itself some with wins over Va. Tech and Duke but still have Miami and Boston College left to play and in the crazy ACC and five loss season may happen in Durham.
Every year we hear that this is the year for Notre Dame to claim it's rightful spot on top of the college football world. With a former NFL whiz as a head coach and a Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback calling the signals many thought starting the season at #23 was too low. Boy were they shocked at the Domers have fallen to Michigan, USC and Navy. Heda coach Charlie Weiss may be planning an exit strategy as I write this. With Pitt, UConn and Stanford still on the schedule another average season may signal the end of the Weiss era in South Bend.
When Bo Pellini was hired to coach Nebraska many thought the Cornhuskers would be back to where they once were. 2008 showed some promise and a #24 ranking was deserved. But then came losses to Virginia Tech, Texas Tech and Iowa State and Pellini was being questioned. A win last week over Oklahoma has helped this year and season with just three losses may be in the cards but it's not where the Cornhusker faithful want to be.
Here is what the rankings looked like coming into the season. For arguments sake we'll just use the Associated Press Top 25.
AP TOP 25
1)FLORIDA
2) TEXAS
3) OKLAHOMA
4) USC
5) ALABAMA
6) OHIO STATE
7) VIRGINIA TECH
8) MISSISSIPPI
9) OKLAHOMA STATE / PENN STATE
11) LSU
12) CALIFORNIA
13) GEORGIA
14) BOISE STATE
15) GEORGIA TECH
16) OREGON
17) TCU
18) FLORIDA STATE
19) UTAH
20) BYU
21) NORTH CAROLINA
22) IOWA
23) NOTRE DAME
24) NEBRASKA
25) KANSAS
Oklahoma came into the season ranked #3 and got smacked in the head by BYU and also lost Heisman winning quarterback Sam Bradford for few games that turned into the season. Add losses to Miami, Texas and Nebraska and the Sooners didn't impress that much and you would think that this team was way overrated. Take a few steps back and look closer and you'll see that they could easily be undefeated with just a few lucky bounces. The losses are as follows to BYU (1 pt), Miami (1 pt), Texas (3 pts) and Nebraska (7 pts). The hard part for the Sooners will be overcoming the loss to the Cornhuskers with games against Texas A&M, Texas Tech and #19 Oklahoma State on the horizon. If Oklahoma doesn't win out, and they may not, all will not be well in Norman and Bob Stoops will have to step it up in 2010.
USC came into the season ranked #4 and with a freshman quarterback in Matt Barkley. Barkley has done a fine job under center but losses to Washington, Barkley was out hurt, and Orgeon dimmed any hope of the Trojans playing for all the marbles. Even now they only have an outside shot at a Pac-10 title. Pete Carroll and the Men of Troy have games left against, a pesky Stanford team, UCLA and #17 Arizona. It is very possible for the Trojans to finish with four losses and make for a disappointing season.
Ohio State started the preseason with a #6 ranking, they lost early to USC and then tanked one against Purdue in an upset. Quarterback Terrelle Pryor has come under some heat for his play but the Buckeyes have righted the ship some with a big win over Penn State and climbed back to #10. A win over Iowa and the Bucks get to smell some roses and the losses to USC and Purdue will fade quickly.
Frank Beamer and the Viginia Tech Hokies had big dreams this season with a #7 ranking and all but they were quickly woken up with a opening day loss to Alabama. Just recently they lost two in a row to #19 Georgia Tech and North Carolina. The schedule is favorable for the Hokies to win out but a three loss season was not expected in Blacksburg.
The most overrated team coming into the season was #8 Mississippi and their Heisman hopeful quarterback Jevon Snead. To say the least both did not live up to expectations. Snead looked terrible from the start of the season and has yet to find his rhythm. Ole Miss climbed as high as #4 in the ranking but then forgot to show up against South Carolina on national TV. Add losses to Alabama and Auburn and the Rebels are just average. Houston Nutt still has a surging Tennessee squad and a mad as hell LSU team left on his schedule along with Mississippi State and the Rebels could be looking at a six loss season after starting the season ranked #8.
Penn State and Oklahoma State both game tied for #9 pre-season ranking and the Nitany Lions went out and lost to Iowa and Ohio State at State College, not a goot thing. Joe Pa and his men in white still cling on to a #18 ranking. The Cowboys were hoping to flex some strength this season in the Big 12 with stud wide receiver Dez Bryant. Bryant was suspended for lying to NCAA officials and the Boys went out and lost to BCS buster hopeful Houston and then then got thrashed, trashed and left laying on the side of road by #2 Texas. With games against Texas Tech and Oklahoma the Cowboys are fighting to get in a decent bowl.
California started at #12 and we all knew it wouldn't last because Jim Tedford always finds a way to lose some big games. What should have been said is that they would lose big. Two weeks in a row Oregon and USC held Heisman candidate Jahvid Best in check and the Bears could only eek out a meager three points while giving up over 40. Than last week Best was literally knocked out of the game and the Oregon State Beavers dropped the Bears. Cal will finish the season with Arizona, Stanford and Washington and could be staring at a five or six loss season.
A #13 pre-season ranking for the Georgia Bulldogs and head coach Mark Richt. They opened the season with a loss to then ranked #9 Oklahoma State and followed that up with losses to Tennessee, LSU and Florida. They still have Auburn and Georgia Tech on the schedule. Sitting at home for the holidays with six losses could happen for the Dawgs. Guess they miss Matt Stafford a lot more than we thought?
Talk about overrated the Seminoles came in #18 and then went out and lost a thriller to Miami on Labor Day. That might have been the high point of the season. Since then South Florida, Boston College, Georgia Tech and Clemson have all had their way with the boys from Tally. Not to mention now losing Christian Ponder for the season. With games against Wake Forest and Florida left a 26 year bowl streak is going to be over. The calls for Bobby's head will grow louder
and a new era might be coming to FSU.
Butch Davis thought this could be the breakout year for the Tar Heels and started the season ranked #21. North Carolina kept it together until the Georgia Tech game and that started a stretch of three losses in four games. Carolina redeemed itself some with wins over Va. Tech and Duke but still have Miami and Boston College left to play and in the crazy ACC and five loss season may happen in Durham.
Every year we hear that this is the year for Notre Dame to claim it's rightful spot on top of the college football world. With a former NFL whiz as a head coach and a Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback calling the signals many thought starting the season at #23 was too low. Boy were they shocked at the Domers have fallen to Michigan, USC and Navy. Heda coach Charlie Weiss may be planning an exit strategy as I write this. With Pitt, UConn and Stanford still on the schedule another average season may signal the end of the Weiss era in South Bend.
When Bo Pellini was hired to coach Nebraska many thought the Cornhuskers would be back to where they once were. 2008 showed some promise and a #24 ranking was deserved. But then came losses to Virginia Tech, Texas Tech and Iowa State and Pellini was being questioned. A win last week over Oklahoma has helped this year and season with just three losses may be in the cards but it's not where the Cornhusker faithful want to be.
Monday, November 9, 2009
FSU Losses to Clemson...Ponder Lost for Season
If it wasn't bad enough that the Florida State Seminoles gave up 19 unanswered points in the fourth quarter Saturday night to Clemson and suffered another loss in what has become the worst season in any Seminoles fans memory, the Noles now have to deal with not having starting quarterback Christian Ponder, who has been lost for the season with a shoulder injury.
It was announced today that Ponder will need surgery to repair his shoulder that was injured during a tackle of DeAndre McDaniel late in the loss. To add insult to injury, literally, Ponder had his worst performance of the year throwing four interceptions.
The Seminoles will now turn to prized recruit, EJ Manuel, to finish out the season.
It was announced today that Ponder will need surgery to repair his shoulder that was injured during a tackle of DeAndre McDaniel late in the loss. To add insult to injury, literally, Ponder had his worst performance of the year throwing four interceptions.
The Seminoles will now turn to prized recruit, EJ Manuel, to finish out the season.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
And the Heisman Goes To......
CJ Spiller - Clemson University Tigers - Running Back/Return Specialist
WHY: Spiller has accounted for 12 touchdowns this season. He is the most electrifying college football player in the game and is a threat to score anytime he touches the ball. He has 739 rushing yards, 334 receiving yards, 191 punt return yards and 530 kickoff return yards. In his last game against FSU he accounted for 312 yards from scrimmage.
WHY NOT: It's Clemson and their record of 6-3. If Clemson wins against NC State, Virginia and South Carolina his stock could rise.
Kellen Moore - Boise State Broncos - Quarterback
WHY: #1 rated passer in NCAA FBS with a rating of 169.35. Moore has thrown for 2,259 yards and has 27 touchdowns against just 3 interceptions. Last game against Louisiana-Monroe he passed for 354 yards and three touchdowns. Boise is ranked #6 in BCS and Broncos are once again trying to be a BCS buster.
WHY NOT: Voters will shy away from Moore for the same reason they may not bust into the BCS this year. Strength of schedule and playing the WAC Conference. Big wins against an improved Idaho squad and Nevada could sway some voters.
Jimmy Claussen - Notre Dame Fighting Irish - Quarterback
WHY: He plays for Notre Dame and national media exposure on NBC. Huge fan base could help influence some voters. He's not a bad quarterback either. He has thrown for 2,770 yards, 20 touchdowns against just 3 interceptions and has a QB rating of 162.89. Another notch in his belt is that Claussen has played well even in losing causes.
WHY NOT: Notre Dames record of 6-3. Losses to Michigan, USC and Navy do not bode well. Also playing for Notre Dame could have a negative impact with some voters.
Golden Tate - Notre Dame Fightin Irish - Wide Receiver
WHY: 65 catches for over 1,000 yards and ten touchdowns. Shown brightly even in a loss this past weekend to Navy. Just like Claussen playing for the Domers has it's perks.
WHY NOT: SEE JIMMY CLAUSSEN
Freddie Barnes - Bowling Green State Falcons - Wide Receiver
WHY: 107 catches lead the nation. 1,176 receiving yards also leads the nation. Also throw in ten touchdown receptions. Last game against Buffalo on national television showcased his talents as he grabbed eight passes for 122 yards and the go ahead touchdown.
WHY NOT: No one knows who he is. Plays for Bowling Green in the MAC and has not had much national exposure. The Falcons record of 4-5 does not help his cause.
Case Keenum - University of Houston Cougars - Quarterback
WHY: Gaudy, and I mean gaudy numbers. 3,815 yards passing. 28 touchdown passes against five interceptions. Three games over 500 yards passing. QB rating 158.92. Last game against Tulsa 522 yards passing and three TD passes in a come from behind win. Marquee win over a ranked opponent (Oklahoma State) in which he threw for 366 yards has the Cougars ranked #15 in BCS.
WHY NOT: All Houston does is throw the ball, so many would say any half decent quarterback could put up those numbers. Loss to UTEP stings, even though he threw for 536 yards. Playing in Conference USA and the competition within the conference.
Colt McCoy - University of Texas Longhorns - Quarterback
WHY: Voters may feel guilty for not giving it to him last year instead picking Sam Bradford. Has the Longhorns ranked #2 and will probably play for the National Championship. Has thrown for 2,247 yards and 17 touchdowns. Has also rushed for 151 yards and one touchdown. Last game threw for 470 yards and three touchdowns against UCF.
WHY NOT: The Longhorns schedule has not been the toughest in the country. Many in the national media feel he has underperformed this year. Averaging more than one interception per game this year. Doesn't spread the ball around enough. Keep winning and voters could take a second look.
Jordan Shipley -University of Texas Longhorns - Wide Receiver/ Return Specialist
WHY: He's fun to watch. 75 receptions for 1,050 yards and six touchdowns. Has also returned two punts for touchdowns. Last game against UCF recorded 11 catches for 273 yards. Texas is undefeated and ranked #2 in the country.
WHY NOT: Many feel he is the only option for Colt McCoy to throw to. Texas' weak schedule.
Andy Dalton - Texas Christian University Horned Frogs - Quarterback
WHY: A quarterback that has his team ranked #4 in BCS. TCU is a media darling right now. Has thrown for 1,881 yards with 16 touchdowns against just three picks. Has a QB rating of 162.71. Has also rushed for 341 yards and two touchdowns. Marquee wins over Clemson and a ranked BYU team.
WHY NOT: Stats not gaudy enough. TCU plays in the Mountain West Conference. Big win over Utah and Dalton may get to at least be on the stage.
Mark Ingram - University of Alabama Crimson Tide - Running Back
WHY: Bama's getting a lot of media attention. Tide is ranked #3 on most current BCS. Fifth in the nation in rushing with 1,148 yards. Has also scored eight touchdowns. Big game against #9 LSU on national TV, rushed for 144 yards and caught five passes for 30 yards.
WHY NOT: He's a sophomore and voters rarely hand the Heisman to sophomore's. Not very flashy. Bama known more for it's defense than prolific offense.
Tim Tebow - University of Florida Gators - Quarterback
WHY: Has led the Gator to an undefeated season so far. Many feel he should have won it for the second time last year and voters may feel guilty. Just a great college athlete. Has accounted for 20 touchdowns, 11 passing and 9 rushing. Has 1,531 yards passing and 578 rushing.
WHY NOT: The Tim Tebow effect, many are tired of hearing how great Tebow is and tired of hearing about the Gators. Stats are down from last year and down even further down from when he won the Heisman. Winning the Heisman as a sophomore.
Toby Gerhart - Standford Cardinals - Running Back
WHY: #2 rusher in the country. Has rushed for 1,217 yards and 16 touchdowns. Rushed for 233 yards against #8 Oregon on national television this past Saturday. Has helped the Cards be bowl eligible and ranked for the first time since 2001.
WHY NOT: Work horse and not very flashy. Plays for Stanford, not known for football. Very little national exposure but that could all change should Stanford run the table against and beat USC, Cal and Notre Dame. Gerharts stock could take off.
Some who may not be totally out of the picture:
Terrelle Pryor - Ohio State
Tony Pike - Cincinnati
Bill Stull - Pittsburgh
Andrew Luck - Stanford
Players who were there but have fallen of the radar:
Jevon Snead - Ole Miss
Dez Bryant - Oklahoma State
Max Hall - BYU
Christian Ponder - FSU
Jahvid Best - CAL
Matt Barkley - USC
Jacory Harris - Miami
WHY: Spiller has accounted for 12 touchdowns this season. He is the most electrifying college football player in the game and is a threat to score anytime he touches the ball. He has 739 rushing yards, 334 receiving yards, 191 punt return yards and 530 kickoff return yards. In his last game against FSU he accounted for 312 yards from scrimmage.
WHY NOT: It's Clemson and their record of 6-3. If Clemson wins against NC State, Virginia and South Carolina his stock could rise.
Kellen Moore - Boise State Broncos - Quarterback
WHY: #1 rated passer in NCAA FBS with a rating of 169.35. Moore has thrown for 2,259 yards and has 27 touchdowns against just 3 interceptions. Last game against Louisiana-Monroe he passed for 354 yards and three touchdowns. Boise is ranked #6 in BCS and Broncos are once again trying to be a BCS buster.
WHY NOT: Voters will shy away from Moore for the same reason they may not bust into the BCS this year. Strength of schedule and playing the WAC Conference. Big wins against an improved Idaho squad and Nevada could sway some voters.
Jimmy Claussen - Notre Dame Fighting Irish - Quarterback
WHY: He plays for Notre Dame and national media exposure on NBC. Huge fan base could help influence some voters. He's not a bad quarterback either. He has thrown for 2,770 yards, 20 touchdowns against just 3 interceptions and has a QB rating of 162.89. Another notch in his belt is that Claussen has played well even in losing causes.
WHY NOT: Notre Dames record of 6-3. Losses to Michigan, USC and Navy do not bode well. Also playing for Notre Dame could have a negative impact with some voters.
Golden Tate - Notre Dame Fightin Irish - Wide Receiver
WHY: 65 catches for over 1,000 yards and ten touchdowns. Shown brightly even in a loss this past weekend to Navy. Just like Claussen playing for the Domers has it's perks.
WHY NOT: SEE JIMMY CLAUSSEN
Freddie Barnes - Bowling Green State Falcons - Wide Receiver
WHY: 107 catches lead the nation. 1,176 receiving yards also leads the nation. Also throw in ten touchdown receptions. Last game against Buffalo on national television showcased his talents as he grabbed eight passes for 122 yards and the go ahead touchdown.
WHY NOT: No one knows who he is. Plays for Bowling Green in the MAC and has not had much national exposure. The Falcons record of 4-5 does not help his cause.
Case Keenum - University of Houston Cougars - Quarterback
WHY: Gaudy, and I mean gaudy numbers. 3,815 yards passing. 28 touchdown passes against five interceptions. Three games over 500 yards passing. QB rating 158.92. Last game against Tulsa 522 yards passing and three TD passes in a come from behind win. Marquee win over a ranked opponent (Oklahoma State) in which he threw for 366 yards has the Cougars ranked #15 in BCS.
WHY NOT: All Houston does is throw the ball, so many would say any half decent quarterback could put up those numbers. Loss to UTEP stings, even though he threw for 536 yards. Playing in Conference USA and the competition within the conference.
Colt McCoy - University of Texas Longhorns - Quarterback
WHY: Voters may feel guilty for not giving it to him last year instead picking Sam Bradford. Has the Longhorns ranked #2 and will probably play for the National Championship. Has thrown for 2,247 yards and 17 touchdowns. Has also rushed for 151 yards and one touchdown. Last game threw for 470 yards and three touchdowns against UCF.
WHY NOT: The Longhorns schedule has not been the toughest in the country. Many in the national media feel he has underperformed this year. Averaging more than one interception per game this year. Doesn't spread the ball around enough. Keep winning and voters could take a second look.
Jordan Shipley -University of Texas Longhorns - Wide Receiver/ Return Specialist
WHY: He's fun to watch. 75 receptions for 1,050 yards and six touchdowns. Has also returned two punts for touchdowns. Last game against UCF recorded 11 catches for 273 yards. Texas is undefeated and ranked #2 in the country.
WHY NOT: Many feel he is the only option for Colt McCoy to throw to. Texas' weak schedule.
Andy Dalton - Texas Christian University Horned Frogs - Quarterback
WHY: A quarterback that has his team ranked #4 in BCS. TCU is a media darling right now. Has thrown for 1,881 yards with 16 touchdowns against just three picks. Has a QB rating of 162.71. Has also rushed for 341 yards and two touchdowns. Marquee wins over Clemson and a ranked BYU team.
WHY NOT: Stats not gaudy enough. TCU plays in the Mountain West Conference. Big win over Utah and Dalton may get to at least be on the stage.
Mark Ingram - University of Alabama Crimson Tide - Running Back
WHY: Bama's getting a lot of media attention. Tide is ranked #3 on most current BCS. Fifth in the nation in rushing with 1,148 yards. Has also scored eight touchdowns. Big game against #9 LSU on national TV, rushed for 144 yards and caught five passes for 30 yards.
WHY NOT: He's a sophomore and voters rarely hand the Heisman to sophomore's. Not very flashy. Bama known more for it's defense than prolific offense.
Tim Tebow - University of Florida Gators - Quarterback
WHY: Has led the Gator to an undefeated season so far. Many feel he should have won it for the second time last year and voters may feel guilty. Just a great college athlete. Has accounted for 20 touchdowns, 11 passing and 9 rushing. Has 1,531 yards passing and 578 rushing.
WHY NOT: The Tim Tebow effect, many are tired of hearing how great Tebow is and tired of hearing about the Gators. Stats are down from last year and down even further down from when he won the Heisman. Winning the Heisman as a sophomore.
Toby Gerhart - Standford Cardinals - Running Back
WHY: #2 rusher in the country. Has rushed for 1,217 yards and 16 touchdowns. Rushed for 233 yards against #8 Oregon on national television this past Saturday. Has helped the Cards be bowl eligible and ranked for the first time since 2001.
WHY NOT: Work horse and not very flashy. Plays for Stanford, not known for football. Very little national exposure but that could all change should Stanford run the table against and beat USC, Cal and Notre Dame. Gerharts stock could take off.
Some who may not be totally out of the picture:
Terrelle Pryor - Ohio State
Tony Pike - Cincinnati
Bill Stull - Pittsburgh
Andrew Luck - Stanford
Players who were there but have fallen of the radar:
Jevon Snead - Ole Miss
Dez Bryant - Oklahoma State
Max Hall - BYU
Christian Ponder - FSU
Jahvid Best - CAL
Matt Barkley - USC
Jacory Harris - Miami
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