Originally posted by Jasonal_98
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The only thing less credible than bleacher report is probably fits news.Comment -
The State Newspaper, based in Columbia, mentioned it today. My source is neither bleacher report nor fits news.Comment -
Men, Steve Spurrier see's something in this kid that you and I may be missing. Hell, I know Garcia is tough as nails because I've seen him take on linebackers or any tacklers shoulder to shoulder. Maybe ole Spurrier see's something we don't. I would have dumped the kid long ago....but I don't get paid $3 million to win ballgames at South Carolina.
One thing I do know...South Carolina has a chance to be pretty damn good this year. I think the old 66 year old ball coach knows he doesn't have many more chances.Comment -
Agree with you on that one, WH. IF Garcia can keep his head, SC could win the East again, and they can beat anybody in the country on any given day with Jeffery and Lattimore. It's just a big "if."Comment -
I see a challenge match with Jasonal_98 and The Dib.
Hell, I'm game if I can get some of these old dodgers to put up some money.
Would be fun and you two guys have been great supporting college football.Comment -
OK, done...Siver posted you guys for a challenge match. We have....
BigDaddy vs opponent.
The Dib vs Jasonal_98
I love this stuff...but I have to keep up with these contest. IT's ON.Comment -
Last post on this, not going to ruin this thread. This whole # of suspended times is pretty worthless anyway. Again.. ask yourself how many of those suspensions are that big of a deal.
I mean shit, Courtney Upshaw beats a girl and Saban doesn't blink an eye.Comment -
Way off base on the BEATING Upshaw put on his girlfriend.
Let us know the facts Bud....or shut the **** up with this crap about Alabama.
You think Saban is a candy ass and you are crazy....give us the facts Dib.
I know what goes on at Alabama and it's pretty damn tight...no BS with this coach.Comment -
Struck a nerve with that last post?
Thanks for proving my point though. We listen to the media too much. Most of this crap isnt even a big deal, see Upshaw or Garcia. The coaches know the truth and how to handle it best. Honestly can't tell me that other players on other teams aren't also getting drunk and pissing outside of bars..
August needs to hurry so these pointless offseason arguments will end.Comment -
Thankyou 98...that's what we love about college football guys. We love The Dib because he loves CFB. He doesn't have to agree with me or you....free thread and we all have different opinions. Our gang loves Dib but wont take crap about Alabama unless warranted. Respect you more for sticking up for good football guys. We are a small football family here and our gang knows everyone of you.
Thankyou J-98....especially for the PM Bud. Hell, we're all pulling together when it's said and done.Comment -
Get past some little scraps.....don't mean nothing...I've been shot at over less.
College Football is all that matters here at this forum. Babies...go suck a tit.
I'll break the ice...Roll Tide. Anybody else to welcome their team. Welcome....not ducks.Comment -
Roll Tide, Work Horse and Bigdaddy and everyone else......I know its been said a bunch but thank you for the continuous work put into this thread. I dont have the time these days to follow all of the happenings so I know I can come here and get quick updates. You guys are doing a great job.
Did Dib really accuse Upshaw of "beating" his girlfriend? Is this the same situation that happened outside the REC like 2-3 years ago? If so that is old news and the people who knew what happened said he really didnt do anything that wrong. I think he barely laid a hand on her and then was accused of assault. (i think thats how the story went)Comment -
Guys, I think that Spurrier is making a desperate move here. He must think that he cannot win without Garcia. The fact is that South Carolina has not had a season where they lost less than 5 games since 2001, back in the Lou Holtz era. South Carolina has neve3r been a major player in the SEC. They finally make it to the SEC Championship game, and they get dismembered by Auburn last season. This really is not an issue to get all upset about. Spurrier is desperate. He does not know where to turn, so he stick with Garcia, hoping that the kid can stay out of trouble long enough to atleast start the season.
As far as the challenge goes, I am ready Workhorse. Just name my opponent. I thank you and Siver. Just a suggestion here. You may want this challenge to go off in Week 3. Two reason for this. First, it gives you a little time after the big Week 1 contests. Next, there are some great games scheduled for Week 3, such as LSU @ Miss. State on Thrusday the 15th, Boise State at Toledo on Friday the 16th, and Auburn @ Clemson, Texas @ UCLA, Arizona State @ Illinois, Oklahoma @ Florida State, Utah @ BYU, Michigan State @ Notre Dame, Stanford @ Arizona, Colorado @ Colorado State, Louisville @ Kentucky, Navy @ South Carolina, Pitt @ Iowa, Tennessee @ Florida, and Washington @ Nebraska on Saturday, the 17th. That is a good schedule to work with. Like I said, just a suggestion to spread things out a bit.Comment -
Excuse my stupidity, but what kind of contest are we in?
Capping games when season starts?
I have missed something....Comment -
Originally posted by cant call it
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I think that the only way coaches can deal with these off field incidents is on an individual basis after gathering all of the facts. There is usually 2 sides to every story and you can pretty much rest assured that we don't get all of the information, or even accurate information through the media. I don't envy this aspect of a coaches responsibility. It's a difficult job to field a competitive team and keep 18-23 year old kids on the straight and narrow. Especially football where you're talking about over 100 kids. I'm not saying that the players don't have a responsibility here because they do, but I think most of us have made some stupid choices at that age, so I try not to make a kneejerk reaction to some of the nonsense that comes up.
I guess that leash that the gang has on the pit bull.....I mean Workhorse on isn't a very short one. I noticed that 2 guys got bit in the ass last night. But that's cool, a little off season excitement is needed around here once in a while.Comment -
Updates: This is our Early Summer Update to the Predictions that we made earily in the year. I will post the predictions, and put the updates next to each team:
Very Early Looks: ACC Atlantic.
This will be the first in a series of very early looks at the BCS Conferences and what they may have to offer this season: In alphabetical order, so we lead off with the ACC.
Atlantic:
1. Florida State. A no brainer here. With 17 returning starters, all the 'Noles need do is develop a good QB and Florida State should cruise in this division. Many think the E.J. Manuel is that QB. A schedule with no Va. Tech or North Carolina on it, and N.C. State and Maryland at home make Florida State the easy pick here. The toughest game they may have could be against Oklahoma. Loook for N.C. asperations here...With a team loaded with returning starters, and very few seniors (6 out of the projected 22 starters), Florida State will be a major contender for N.C. honors in 2012, and possibly this season.
2. North Carolina State. The Wolfpack finally got ontrack last season, and finished the year with 9 wins. To repeat that success, N.C. State's QB Wilson will have to depend on some new WR's as the pack loses 3. The defense must find replacements on the line. Still, with a schedule that is very user frinedly, look for the possibility of 10 wins for the Pack this season...Another young team. It will be up to the defense and QB Glennon.
3. Maryland. New H.C. Randy Edsel inherits a team that shocked everyone last season with 9 wins. This year promises to be more difficult, with the loss of RB Scott, two WR's and two LB's. The schedule promises to be a lot tougher also, with games at Florida State, North Carolina State, and Georgia Tech, plus a game in Landover with Notre Dame. Maryland should be bowl bound, but 9 wins is a lot to ask this season...Can Qb O'Brien and a new HC lead this team?
4. Wake Forest. The Deacons had a very poor 2010, but return 9 starters on offense, and 8 on defense. H.C. Grobe has done very well with teams like this, who fly under the radar. The schedule is difficult, but look for Wake to surprise a few teams...A Senior laden Offensive Line will determine how far Wake goes.
5. Boston College. This team needs to find some scoring punch, now that the defense is losing 5 starters. The offense must replace 3 on the line. The schedule is very tough, with games at Notre Dame, Va. Tech, and Miami, plus the Atlantic rivals. Perhaps their opener against Northwestern will tell us a lot...Again, scoring will be the major factor for B.C.
6. Clemson. This may be a very tough year for H.C. Swinney, whose team finished a disappointing 6-7 last season. With QB parker and three others gone on offense, and 6 gone on defense incoudling most of the LB and secondary corps, Clemson has a lot of holes to fill in. Add on a killer schedule that includes games against Auburn and at South Carolina, N.C. State and Virginia Tech, and it could be a very long year for Dabo...The schedule does not help, nor does the lack of WR's and RB's.Comment -
I continue with the ACC. A look at the Coastal Division, which promises to be a lot closer than last year's race.
Coastal:
1. Virginia Tech. Why? Because they get the most back on defense. They take major hits on the offense, losing QB Taylor and RB Williams, but so does everyone else in the Coastal. They do have experience on the the offensive line. They also get a very cozy conference schedule, avoiding Florida State, and North Carolina State...The Defense is young. Can QB Thomas take advantage of his excellent WR Corps?
2. North Carolina. They also lose QB Yates, and a lot of seniors, but they were racked by suspensions last season and lots of players got plenty of playing time because of this. They also avoid Florida State, and have a favorable non-con schedule. The fact that so many players got quality playing time is an advantage for UNC...A lot of new faces here, but many received a lot of playing time last season.
3. Miami. New HC Golden has a QB controversy on his hands. Jacory Harris has proven ineffective in crunch time. A lot of skill players on offense graduate. The loss of LB Brandon Harris does not help. The schedule is very tough with a non-con game against Ohio State minus 5 starters, and away games at Florida State, UNC, and Va. Tech. Still, if the QB situation can resolve itself, Miami could well be a contender in this wide open division...A lot of Seniors on offense. How will the QB situation and other problems play out?
4. Georgia Tech. Josh Nesbitt and Anthony Allen are gone. So are 6 out of the 7 starters in the defensive LB corps and secondary. Tech's problem is that they are too one dementional on offense. Johnson has to open up his passing game. The schedule is doable. Tech's success will rest solely on the shoulders of their new QB's arm, and legs...Not a lot of experience here. A new Qb and Defensive Backfield will have to step up.
5. Virginia. This team had it's moments last season, and does not get hit real hard by graduation. They still lose QB Verica, but litle else on offense. DE Parr left early, but the defense still returns 8 starters. The big question is consistancy. Virginia defeated Miami last season, but lost every other conference game. Virginia still has a lot of growing up to do. They will improve, but not enough to challenge in the ACC Coastal...Lots of starters return on both sides of the ball..If QB Rocco can lead, this team will surprise some people.
6. Duke. Duke returns their starting QB and 6 others on the offense. The problem is that their offense did not play very well most of the time last season. The defense loses 5 of their front 7. Duke managed only three wins last season. Their is room for improvment, but anything over 4 wins will be a major accomplishment...The problem is a lack of talent. Duke will have to overachieve to be successful this season.Comment -
Early Look: Big East
Can the Big East possibly be as bad this season as they were last season? In a word, yes. The Conference will be hit very hard by graduation, NFL defections, and coaching changes. Still, we have to pick someone, so here goes.
1. Rutgers. Why? Because they have 10 starters returning on offense. This is head coach Schlano's chance to prove that he is a legitimate head coach and that Rutgers has a legitimate program. They get a huge break in the schedule, playing West Virginia, South Florida, Pitt and Cincinnati at home. If they can find any semblence of a defense, they should be the favorites to win the Big East...AS previously mentioned, this Conference is by far and away, the toughest to pick. Rutgers will have to perform at their peak level.
2. Cincinnati. The Bearcats return their QB, RB, and some WR's but must replace 3 on the line. The defense returns intact. If that defense can improve, look for Cincinnati to be back in the fight for the Big East crown. If not, it will be a long season. Butch Jones will feel a little heat this season...A lot of starters return on a defense that was not very good last season. QB Collaros will have to lead an inexperienced offense. A bad start can kill this team's morale.
3. Pittsburgh. Pitt got ripped by the early defections of RB Lewis, FB Hynoski, and WR Baldwin. The good news is that the offsesive line will have plenty of experience, and the defense loses only 3 starters. Pitt plays 8 home games this season, but their non-con schedule includes a game at Iowa, and Notre Dame and Utah at home. If new HC Graham can find an offense, Pitt will be the thick of things...Can the defense overcome a new HC, new QB and an inexperienced offense?
4. South Florida. Holtz did an admirable job with this team last season. The bad news is that only 5 starters return on each side of the ball. The good news is that QB Daniels is one of those returnees. I liked the way USF finished the season, even though they lost a tough game to UConn. Holtz returns to South Bend for game one against Notre Dame. That may tell us how he will fare in 2011...USF must remain healthy. There is a lack of experience on offense. Next season looks a lot more promising.
5. West Virginia. It's not so much the fact that the defense gets ripped by graduations and defections. They lose 8 starters. It is not so much that RB Devine and 3 others depart from the offense. What hurts West Virginia is their current coaching fiasco. I do not like "lame duck" head coaches, and that is what Stewart is. This cannot be a good thing for the team. West Virginia goes into a transitional state this season...Chaos during the off season. HC in waiting Holgorson is a problem child. The offense loses their 1-2 punch. The defense only returns 4 starters.
6. UConn. UConn loses their top playmakers on offense, plus a couple of linemen. They also lose 4 on the defense including two LB's. But the biggest loss came when Randy Edsell headed South to Maryland. Enter Paul Pasqualoni, the long time former head coach of Syracuse. He has been out of football for 6 years. Let's give him a year to get his feet wet before we go looking for a championship. He does have a very soft non-con schedule...10 starters return on defense, but a weak offense with a new QB and a new HC spell trouble for UConn.
7. Lousiville. A solid first season under Charlie Strong may bode well for the Cards, but the still lose a lot of talent. Gone is QB Froman and 4 of the starting 5 offensive linemen, as well as 5 starters on defense. A very challenging schedule sees the Cards playing North Carolina, Kentucky, and 4 Big East teams on the road. Will Strong have another successful year, or will the sophmore jinx strike yet again?..The Cards return only 3 players on offense, and 6 on defense. On top of al lof this, they play 3 out of their last 4 games on the road.
8. Syracuse. It is tough picking the Orange this low after such a successful season in 2010, but graduation really kills them. They lose 6 on offense, including 4 on the line, and 8 starters on defense, including all 3 LB's and 3 in the secondary. HC Marrone has a huge rebuilding job ahead of him. Well, at least he gets to take a trip to sunny California when he plays USC in Los Angeles...Syracuse must replace a lot of key players, especially on defense. Still, in this Conference, anyone can jump up and win it.Comment -
Early Look: Big 10 Leaders
I really shoud get kudo's just for keeping a straight face when I refer to the Big 10 Conference's divisions as "Leaders" and "Legends". They should be named "Laggers" and "Losers". We will move on with the Leaders Division.
1. Ohio State. The Buckeyes should have enough to prevail in this division, even with the suspension of the "Tattoo 5" for the first 5 games of the season. Ohio State's bigger concern should be losing 6 out of 7 starters at LB and in the defensive secondary. Another concern is that when the 5 players return, their first game will be at Nebraska. Still, with the talent that other teams in the division lose, Ohio State should prevail...Move Ohio State down to #3. Tressel is gone. Pryor will probably not play another down. Who knows how many players will jump ship? With only 4 starters returning on defense, Ohio State has it's work cut out for it. They will NOT win the Big 10 Leaders.
2. Wisconsin. This team will be a ghost of last years team. They get hammered by graduation and NFL defections, losing 7 starters on offense. Their defense must lead the team while the offense is rebuilt, and while they only lose three starters, the defection of DE Watt to the NFL is huge. A realtively soft schedule keeps Wisconsin in 2nd place in this conference...With Ohio State's problems, Wisky moves to #1. The offense will have to rebuild around a new QB, but the defense looks solid.
3. Penn State. Much like Wisconsin, the Lions get hit hard offensively by graduation, losing 6 starters including RB Royster. Joe Pa will have to depend on his defense to keep him in games early on. The difference between Penn State and Wisconsin is the schedule. Penn State's is brutal, with home games against Alabama, Iowa, and Nebraska, and finishing on the road against Ohio State and Wisconsin...Bump JoePa up to #2. There is enough returning talent on both sides of the ball for Penn State to make things interesting.
4. Illinois. This team surprised a lot of people last season, going 7-6, including a bowl win. The defenctions of RB LeShoure, DT Liuget, and LB Wilson hurt this team, and keep Illinois from competing with the top 3, but the Illini still have 7 starters returning on offense and 6 on defense. Their schedule features 8 home games including Ohio State and Wisconsin, and away games against Indiana, Purdue, and Minnesota, as well as a rather soft non-con schedule. Keep your eyes on the Illini this season...If this team had any consistancy at all, they could be a legitimate challenger in a suddenly weak Big 10 Conference. Zook MUST produce this season. 6 wins will not cut it for an experienced team like Illinois.
5. Purdue. QB Mauve returns with 6 other starters on offense, but the loss of two WR's does not help. The defense returns 9, but played very poorly in the last half of last season. After a win against Minnesota, Purdue was 4-2,and then lost every game for the rest of the season last year. This team must find some type of consistancy. Starting off the year at Rice, sandwiched in between home games against Middle Tennessee and Southeast Missouri State is a good way to develop that consistancy...9 starters return on a defense that was not very good last season. Purdue must break in a new QB, and must avoid injuries.
6. Indiana. It's the same old story every year for Indiana. They beat up on cream puff non-con teams, only to get crushed by their Big 10 opponents. Indiana has won 3 Big 10 games in 3 years. This season, they lose their QB, and two WR, plus the right side of the offensive line. They do get 9 back on defense, but that was the defense that gave up 83 to Wisconsin. This season they do host Virginia, and that game will tell us a lot about both of those teams. Indiana lacks talent. It is that simple...Only 4 starters return on offense, and 5 on defense. This team suffers from a serious lack of talent.Comment -
I liked Florida St. last year and like them even more this year. Last year they played all of the ACC front runners(Va.Tech,Clemson, NC St.,No.Carolina,Miami Fla.) and had a non conference schedule consisting of Oklahoma, BYU (down year for them), Florida, and played So. Carolina in a bowl game. I would guess that it had to be one of the toughest schedules out there and other than an early season pounding at Oklahoma, they won or were in every game. Obviously, Manual will be a big factor, but if he pans out, it wouldn't surprise me one bit to see them in the title hunt.Comment -
These guys should be called the "Losers" after their bowl performaces last year. At any rate, here is how I see it.
1. Nebraska. This team certainly has potential, but lacks consistancy. The Huskers return 6 starters on an offense that ran hot and cold last season. The defense did it's job, holding all but two opponents to 23 or less points. This unit returns 8 starters. Pelini is going to have to find some consistancy from his offense and QB Martinez. If he does, Nebraska is good enough to win this division...With QB Green transfering, Nebraska must depend on hot and cold QB Martinez. This team must become a lot more consistant on offense.
2. Michigan State. There is no polite way to say it. MSU got their asses handed to them by Alabama in the Capitol One Bowl. Memories linger on. Michigan State only loses 3 starters from their offense, but loses 2 LB's and 2 from the defensive secondary. MSU lived a charmed life last season, winning three games by 6 points or less. With away games at Notre Dame, Nebraska, Ohio State, Iowa, and Northwestern, that will not happen again...MSU is very talented on offense skilled positions, but the line needs work. The schedule is no help at all. Still, they cannot be overlooked
3. Northwestern. The team that everyone overlooks, but who has the best coach (IMO) in the Big 10. Coach Fitzgerald welcomes back QB Persa and 9 other starters on offense, and 7 on defense. Their schedule is not the hardest in the Big 10, as they duck Ohio State and Wisconsin. The Wildcat defense fell apart in their last 3 games of the season last year. If they can improve, Northwestern is a player in the Legends this season...This team returns 8 starters on offense, 6 on a porous defense, and is always overlooked. If QB Persa is completely recovered from his injury, Pat Fitzgerald's team is going to make a lot of noise in the Big 10.
4. Iowa. This team was a huge disappointment last season, with 5 losses, including three in a row to end the regular season. This season, Iowa must replace QB Stanzi and 4 others on offense, and seven players on defense, plus find a new punter and PK. As usual, Iowa will be mentioned in the mix, and as usual, Ferentz will underproduce. On the plus side, a very soft schedule will help Iowa...Iowa returns only 4 starters on offense. Only 6 return on defense. The good news is that Ferentz normally does very well when his teams are not expected to do much. Such is the case this season.
5. Michigan. The Rich Rod era at Michigan is over, and new HC Hoke inherits a team with a ton of petential, but not much defense. The offense returns every starter but one. The defense loses two LB's and a corner. This should be great news, but Michigan must find players. The kicking game was a joke last season, and the defense was worse. The schedule features only 4 away games (Northwestern, Iowa, Michigan State, and Illinois), but home games include Notre Dame, Nebraska and Ohio State (back to back). This team can actually improve, but have a losing record again...Michigan is loaded on offense, but their defense is still a huge question mark. They certainly can finish as high as 3rd in this division, but also can lose 7 games. Hoke has his work cut out for him.
6. Minnesota. You have to love the way that this team finished the season, but will any of that momentum carry over? With the loss of QB Weber and 5 other starters( including 4 on the line), and the defnesive secondary, probably not. Minnesota has a new stadium. Now they must start to rebuild their program, and that takes athletes, something they do not have. They do have three soft non-con opponents at home, but that is after they open up at USC...Minnesota is in a rebuilding program. They only have 5 starters returning on both sides of the ball. With their schedule, it is quite possible that Minnesota does not win a Big 10 game.Comment -
Early Look. Big 12-2
There will be lots of changes in the Big 12-2 this season. No Colorado or Nebraska. A Round Robin Schedule. No Championship game. The only thing that may not change is the eventual Conference Champion. An Early look.
1. Oklahoma. The Sooners return everyone on offense minus RB Murray. They are loaded, and should score just about at will. The defense loses two starters on the line, and both safeties. The schedule features games at Florida State and Oklahoma State. If OU can get past those two games, and get consistant play from their defense, they could easily find themselves in the N.C. game...The only thing that has changed in Norman is the "Stoops to Ohio State" rumors that are flying around now. This team is loaded. Only trips to Florida State and Oklahoma State offer any challenges to OU.
2. Oklahoma State. Much like OU, State returns everyone on offense minus RB Hunter and one lineman. They should have no problem scoring. The defense is where the work is needed. The Cowbows lose 3 starting linemen and 2 LB's. Okie State gave up 98 points in their two losses last season, and 28 or more points in 5 other games. If the Cowboys want to contend, that stat must improve. The schedule takes them to A&M, Texas, Missouri, and Texas Tech. That is a lot of tough conference road games...This team will once again be a scoring machine on offense. The question is can they stop anyone?
3. Texas A&M. This team finished with 6 straight wins after a 3-3 start last season. The offense reurns 9 starters, but loses QB Johnson. The defense loses 3 starters, two of which are LB's. The schedules features a home game against Oklahoma State, followed by a trip to Jerryworld to play Arkansas. Those two game may tell the fate of A&M this season. They do travel to Norman to play OU. Let's see if H.C. Sherman can continue the improvment...A lot is expected of this team that returns 9 starters on both sides of the ball. A home game against Oklahoma State in September will tell us about this team's fate. They also must go to OU, where they have not won since Oklahoma became a State (or so it seems).
4. Missouri. Another successful 10 win season for H.C. Pinknel last year. His offense must replace QB Gabbert and RB Washington, but 8 other starters return. The defense loses DE Smith to the NFL, and 3 starters in the secondary, plus a LB. Missouri scored 17 points in both of their regular season losses last year, both on the road. This season, they get OU and A&M on the road. They also travel to Tempe to play Arizona State early on. That should give us a good indication of where this team is going this season...Another team that returns a lot of starters on both sides of the ball, but with the departure of 2nd string QB Gabbert, Mizzou is now thin at the QB position. They get their last 3 games at home, or on a neutral site.
5. Texas. This team is in total disarray at the coaching level, with many new assistant coaches arriving. On top of that, the Horns lose 6 starters on offense, 4 of which were on the line. The defense loses DE Acho, and both starting CB's. In order for Texas to succeed, they are going to need a lot more production from the offense, and and some consistancy from the defense. Games at Missouri and A&M near the end of the season do not help. Texas needs to produce a running game...After a disasterous 2010 season, Mac Brown cleaned house. He only returns 4 starters on offense, and 6 on defense. This team is a huge question mark.
6. Baylor. Baylor started hot, then slumped badly at the end of the season. On offense QB Griffin and 9 others return. Griffin's health is critical to Baylor's offensive success. The defense loses 2 starting LB's, and 3 in the secondary, plus their NG. Baylor's defense was non-exiatant too may times last season, giving up 35 or more points 7 times. For Baylor to succeed, this must improve. Opening at home against TCU will show us how far this team can go this season...Baylor returns 8 starters, on offense, but must find a RB who can take the pressure off of QB Griffin. The defense needs improvment.
7. Texas Tech. Graduation hit this team that underproduced last season very hard. The offense loses Their starting backfield and a WR, plus one on the line. The defense, which gave up 34 or more points 6 times last season, loses 5 starters. The schedule features games at OU, Texas, Missouri and Baylor. If T-Tech wants to improve, they are going to have to rebuild their offense and find some way of stopping their opponents from scoring...Nothing new at T-Tech. The offense should do well, especially with their usual cream puff non-con schedule. The defense must show a lot of improvment. 5 of their last 6 games are very difficult
8. Kansas State. K-State won 7 games last season, thanks in part to a very kind non-con schedule. That is not the case this year, losing a non-con game and going to Miami (FL). The offense loses their starting QB, RB, and 3 on the line. The defense loses 6 starters, and was very inconsistant last season. A pretty decent recruiting day, and some other signings will help this team in the future, but this season, 6 wins and another bowl trip would be a major accomplishment...K-State is going to have to rebuild the offense, and improve on the defensive side of the ball. The schedule is no help at all.
9. Kansas. Las season was terrible for 1st year HC Gill, but it did have it's moments, with upsets of Ga. Tech and Colorado. This season, Gill returns 9 starters on an offense that was just terrible last season, scoring 16 or less points in 9 games. The defense loses 6 starters, and was also very bad last season. Both kickers also graduate. With all of this going on, Kansas will have the luxury of flying under the radar. Kansas may be better, but will need a lot of improvment to win more than 3 games this season...This team was very disapponting last season, and is going to need a lot of help. Gill got off to a rough start at Kansas, and this season may not be any better.
10. Iowa State. This team gets hit hard by graduation, losing 7 starters on offense, including their starting backfiekd and two WR's. The defense loses two on the line, and both starting safeties. Iowa State was very inconsistant on both sides of the ball last season. The losses on offense will not help the situation at all. Neither will the tough non-con schedule that takes them to UConn and has them hosting Iowa. It is tough to see more than 2-3 wins for this team this season...This team is very unsettled on offense, and will have to depend on their defense to games. The schedule is a killer, with Northern Iowa being the only easy game they play.Comment -
Early Look: Pac 12 North
How strange does that sound? Pac 12 North. This is the first year of divisional play for the Pac 12. Oddly enough, the two premier teams of last season find themselves in the same division, and not the one USC is in. An early look.
1. Stanford. This pick will surprise a lot of people, but Stanford gets the nod for two reasons. First, they host Oregon. Second, they have the best player in the Pac 12, if not the nation, returning. Andrew Luck is one of 5 starting offensive players returning for the Cardinal. The defense also returns only 5 starters. Stanford will have to fill in some holes on both sides of the ball, but last years revanped Stanford defense managed to pitch three shutouts and shut down Va. Tech in the Orange Bowl. Stanford should be undefeated until 10/29, when they start a tough three week run, at USC, at Oregon State, and hosting Oregon. That should decide things for the Cards in 2011...While returning only 4 starters on offense, Stanford does return a lot of players with considerable playing time. The defense will hold the key.
2. Oregon. This team shocked the nation with it's speed oriented offense last season, and the offense returns it's star players. The Ducks do lose 3 starters on the line and two WR's. The defense is Oregon's problem, only returning 4 starters. If Oregon had a weak spot, it was the defense last season. The schedule is no bargain, opening up at Jerry world against LSU, and then playing at Stanford, followed immediately by home games against USC and Oregon State. The trouble with gimmick offenses is that they beome ineffective once they are figured out. Cal and Auburn figured out Oregon's gimmick offense. More teams will be able to do this in 2011...No doubt that the offense is loaded. Like Stanford, it will be up to the defense. We will know a lot more after their opener against LSU.
3. Oregon State. This team would have been able to challenge the top two had it not been for the untimely and strange defenction of Jacquizz Rodgers to the FNL, especially since his borther decided to stay at Oregon State. Still, Oregon State whould have a good offense, with 8 returning starters, including QB Katz. The defense must replace 3 starters on the line, but little more. Oregon State gets a break in the schedule. Their non-con schedule is easier, with only a game at Wisconsin looming large. They also duck USC. The Beavers are the very definition of the word "sleeper" in 2012...The offense will be much better, if they can stay healthy. They are very thin. Like most Pac-12 teams, the defense, which returns only 4 starters, will determine how far this team goes.
4. Washington. Yes they lose QB Locker, but Washington returns a ton of talent. Only two other losses hit the offense, and a total of three on the defense. Sark has done a good job rebuilding this program. The schedule presents a real challege. The Huskies paly 5 away games, but they are at Nebraska, Utah, Stanford, USC and Oregon State. The USC and Oregon State games are back to back, following a home game aginst Oregon. If Sark can manage this schedule, and continue to improve in recruiting, Washington may be a team to watch in 2012...The offense must be rebuilt, but the defense should be improved, with 6 starters returning. While not a contender, you can never count this team out. Just ask USC.
5. California. This team is a real puzzle. Tedford's team once again underachieved last season, losing their last 3 games at home, and failed to get to a bowl game for the first time in 7 years. On top of all of this, Cal loses QB Riley and RB Vereen on offense, plus two others. The defense returns 7 starters, but loses two starters on their three man front line. Their non-con schedule is not set as of yet, but Cal does play at Oregon and then hosts USC on back to back Thrusdays, and finishes the season at Stanford and Arizona State. Someting is wrong with the chemestry on this team. Tedford's seat has to be very hot now...This team is a mess. Tedford once again proved that he was an underachiever last season. This season, he does not have nearly the tools to underachieve again and get away with it.
6. Washington State. This team won only two games last season, but managed to show improvment, going 6-4-1 ATS. Wazzu returns 7 starters on offense and defense. QB Tuel showed some promise last season. Non-con games against Idaho State and UNLV at home to start the season should get the Cougs off to a good start this season. They also go to Pac 12 South also-rans UCLA and Colorado. Make no mistake about it. Wazzu still has a long ways to go to become competitive, but the schedule this year allows them to possibly win 3 or 4 games, which would equal or exceed their total for the last two seasons...It is do or die for H.C. Wulff. The Coug's return 7 on offense, and 6 on defense. Vast improvment must be seen if Wulff wants to return in 2012. It is possible.Comment -
The Pac 12 South will feature the two new teams in the Conference. These picks are assuming that USC does NOT wil their appeal to the NCAA. If they do win, things could be different. With that in mind, here goes.
1. Arizona State. This team finished hot last season. The Devils return 10 starters on offense, including QB Threet. Points should be no problem for them. The defense returns 9 starters, but takes two losses on the line. The schedule has a game at Oregon, but no Stanford, and USC at home. ASU lost 4 games by a total of 11 points last season. If ASU can continue the momentum that they built up at the end of last season, they have to be considered one of the favorites to win the Pac 10 South...It is do or die time for Erickson. With 6 starters returning for ASU, and high expectations, this team must produce. By produce, I mean win the Pac 12 South. If not...
2. USC. The enigma of the Pac 12 South. USC loses 7 players that were listed as starters on the offense last season, but they played so many players that the effect is hard to measure. QB Barkley and a great group of WR's return. The defense loses 4 starters, but should be an improved group. USC lost 3 games by a total of 7 points last season, and played only 45 scholarship players during part of the season. The NCAA appeal looms large. If USC wins that appeal, look out. If they lose, the question will be if they can put it together for another year minus a bowl appearance...USC lost their appeal. Both lines must pick up the slack. This team will be thin, but has plenty of talent in the offensive backfield. Kiffin can cemet his job at USC with a 9 wins season. While difficult, that is not an impossible task. Watch the Special Team play. That could be critical.
3. Utah. One of the new kids on the block. Utah loses 4 starters on offense, but QB Wynn returns. The defense loses 6 starters, and will have to rebuild the line and secondary. The schedule is not bad at all, with a game at USC being the only major away test in the division. Utah also skips Oregon and Stanford. Utah started red hot last season, only to disappoint at the end of the year. If H.C. Wittingham can get it back together this season, Utah has a shot at winning this division...Utah will need a big performance from a young and inexperienced defense. Whittingham has done well against Pac 12 opponents, but can he sustain that record on a week to week basis?
4. Arizona. This team unexcusably tanked at the end of last season, losing their last 5 games. That is simply not acceptable. QB Foles returns on the offense, but only has 3 other starters joining him. The line will be a major rebuilding project. The defense returns 6 starters, but also must rebuild the line. The schedule is brutal, with games at Oklahoma State, USC, Washington, Oregon State, and Arizona State, plus home games against Oregon and Stanford. H.C. Stoops has his work cut out for him this season if he wants to make Arizona a legitimate contender on the South...Arizona was a major disappointment last season. While their offense will feature a good passing attack, they will need help on the line and in the running game. The defense also need help on the line. The scchedule is a killer for the 5 weeks after their opener against Northern Arizona.
5. Colorado. The other new kid on the block enters the Pac 12 with a new H.C. and a new outlook. The Buffs return 8 starters on an ofense that was very inconsistant last season. The defense returns 6 starters, but loses both CB's and two LB's. Their schedule is not easy, with games at Hawaii, Ohio State, Stanford, and new rival Utah, and home games against Oegon and USC. Colorado did manage 5 wins last season. While they are not up to challenging for the Pac 12 South title, they are capable of an upset or two, especially in Boulder...There is a lot of excitment in Boulder with a new Conference, and a new HC. Colorado is not expected to do much this season, and that may play right into their hands. They do return 8 on offense and 6 on defense.
6. UCLA. This team is in coaching chaos. Neuheisel still does not have a complete coaching staff, as of this writing. He is still looking for a D.C, and other assistant coaches. UCLA only loses two starters from the offense, but the problem is that the 9 returning starters are not very good. The defense returns 8 starters, but loses it's three best players. The schedule features games at Oregon State, Stanford, Utah, and USC, but does not have Oregon on it. With all of these returning starters, one would think that UCLA would finish much higher in the Division, but with Neuheisels record (7-3 vs non-con teams and 8-19 vs conference teams), and all of the turmoil at UCLA, plus a terrible recruiting year, UCLA could well finish dead last in the South...UCLA returns a lot of players that saw action last year. The big question is this. Are they any good. The offense has been anemic and lacks a star. The defense returns 6 players, but loses it's two best players. UCLA is also very injury prone. It is going to take a lot for UCLA to rebound.Comment -
A Very Early Look. SEC East
The SEC has been the dominating conference this century, but a closer look reveals that while 3 SEC West Teams have won the NC (Alabama, Auburn, and LSU), only one SEC East team has managed that feat, and they lose their Head Coach. Here is a look at the SEC East.
1. Georgia. To put it simply, it is "do or die" for HC Richt. The offense loses WR Green, but had to play without him for parts of last season. They return QB Murray and 5 other starters. The defense also returns 5 starters, but gets hit hard at the LB position. The schedule is not too bad. UGA gets South Carolina, Mississippi State, and Auburn at home, and ducks Alabama, LSU, and Arkansas. They open with Boise State in Atlanta. If Richt can not make a divisional winner out of this group, with an unusually soft SEC East, he will be gone next season. He had better find some consistancy with this team...Once again, UGA's off season was not short on controversy. With Early and Green gone, and only 4 starter returning on offense, UGA is going to have to depend on it's defense to win games. A weak SEC East, plus a favorable schedule will help.
2. South Carolina. The old ball coach finally won a divisional title, but was no match for Auburn in the Conference Championship game, or Florida State in their bowl game. QB Garcia returns, along with 5 other starters on offense, but the line will need work. The defense loses 4 starters, and will need work up front. The schedule is tricky, going to Georgia, and then Missisippi State, Tennessee, and Arkansas, with a bye thrown in. That is a long time to be away from home. They also host Florida and Auburn. A lack of consistancy has always haunted South Carolina, and it could cost them this season...The Garcia Soap Opera continues. Right now, he is back on the team, but for how long? South Carolina returns 7 starters on both sides of the ball, if Garcia survives and keeps his nose clean. Still, this team lost 5 games last season. Spurrier has never lost less than 5 at South Carolina. Caviat Emptor.
3. Florida. The start of a new era, and Will Muschamp takes over for Urban Meyer. Muschanp inherits a team that loses 4 out of 5 starting linemen. QB Brantley returns after a questionable season. The defense gets ripped, losing 9 starters. This will be a huge rebuilding project. The schedule offers little help, with away games at LSU, Auburn, South Carolina, and the Cocktail Party against UGA. 'Bama and Floirda State come calling. Muschamp has a huge rebuilding job this season, and an unfriendly schedule. Florida will do very well to win 8 games...Florida returns 6 on offense, but must get more production out of QB Brantly. The defense is talented, but unproven. Only 3 starters return. It is porbably asking too much for Florida to win the SEC East... this year.
4. Tennessee. New H.C. Dooley did exactly what he was expected to do last season, going 6-6 in the regular season. This season will not be much better. The Vols lose 5 on offense, and get hit very hard at WR and TE. Their QB's are all unproven. The defense loses 6 starters, including all of their starting LB's. The schedule only as 4 away games on it, but 3 of those are very loseable, at Florida, Alabama, and Arkansas. Home games against UGA, LSU, and South Carolina are no bargain deals either. The Vols still need more talent to compete in the SEC East. Another 6 wins season seems to be in the cards...Tennessee needs a lot more production from it's QB's. This team only returns 5 starters on both sides of the ball. Tennessee is a very young team, but will need time to climb back into the Top 3 in the SEC East.
5. Kentucky. Another 6 win team in the SEC, thanks largely to a very soft non-con schedule. Kentucky went 4-0 against their non-con opponents, but 2-6 against the SEC. This year, they lose their QB, RB's and WR's on offense. That will be a huge rebuilding job. The defense returns 7 starters, but the line will need work. Once again, the non-con schedule is very soft. Kentucky is going to need that to match last years win total of 6 games this season...Kentucky loses most of it's offense. Only 4 starters return, all on the line. The line is going to have to help a new backfield and WR's. The defense returns 7 starters, but get's hit on the line. It is going to be tough sledding for Kentucky, if they have to depend on their defense to win games.
6. Vanderbilt. Vandy only won two games last season. The good news is that they return 9 starters on both sides of the line. The bad news is that there is not a lot of talent returning. The schedule is a bit kinder, with Elon, Mississippi, and Army traveling to Nashville. Vandy will need a lot of overall improvment from their returning starters to win more than 3 games this season. With their coaching situation settled, they may get just that...Vandy returns 10 on offense and 8 on defense. The problem is that none of these players are very good. The experience is there, but is the talent?Comment -
A Very Early Look. SEC West
Hands down, the best division in football, as long as they stary away from playing USC. (Had to throw that in). Half of the SEC West teams have won NC's in the last 4 years. This promises to be an extremely close race, with possibly 4 teams being involved to some degree.
1. Alabama. The Tide lose a ton of skill players on offense. Richardson can replace Ingram, but QB McCarron had better be able to do the job. Alabama's strength will be in it's defense that returns 9 starters. Marcel Dareus leaves early, but the defense should be one of the best in the NCAA. The schedule features trips to Penn State, Florida, Mississippi State, and Auburn. While' Bama is my pick to win the SEC West, it is unlikely they will escape that mine field unscathed...Things are pretty simple for Alabama. If new QB McCarron can step in, and the defensive line plays well, no one can stop them. If not, then the SEC West race may be tighter than some think.
2. LSU. LSU returns their QB controversy, and adds on to it, by having UGA transfer Mettenberger join the circus at the QB position. LSU MUST settle on one QB. The line returns 4 starters. The defense, which has been the strength of LSU, returns 7 starters, but loses CB Peterson early. The schedule is not kind, with a game against Oregon at Jerryworld starting things off, and games at Mississippi State, West Virginia, and Alabama, adding to a tough schedule. LSU must find a solution to their QB situation, or they may finish lower than this...The problem at QB persists, with no QB looking anywheres near good in the Spring. The defensive line must be rebuilt. The schedule is no help, nor are the high preseason rankings. LSU will need all the breaks to finish ahead of Alabama this season.
3. Mississippi State. To sum it up in two words for this team, WATCH OUT. Dan Mullen did a brilliant joblast season, winning 9 games. This season 7 starters return on an offense that ran hot and cold last season. The defense returns 7 starters, but will need work at the LB position. The schedule is not real easy, with games at Auburn, Georgia, and Arkansas, but they play Alabama and LSU at home. State is the type of team that can upset anyones apple cart. With a little more consistancy, this team could be a player in the SEC West race...With 8 starters returning on offense, and 7 on defense, Miss. State is not a team to be overlooked. If they can get more offensive production, they are going to upset some people. Playing both Alabama and LSU at home certainly helps.
4. Arkansas. Ryan Mallett leaves early, and his loss will be huge for the Razorback offense. Seven starters do return, but someone must relance the QB. Their defense also returns 7 starters, but needs work in the secondary. Arkansas had a solid season last year, but their defense gave up too many points. That is going to have to improve. A three week run at Alabama, vs Texas A&M at Jerryworld, and home against Auburn should tell us wherer this team is going in 2011. They also play LSU on the road...Arkansas must rebuild it's offense. The good news is that 7 starters return on what should be an improved defense. If the defense can keep Arkansas in games early on, the offense may have time to catch up. An early soft non-con schedule will help.
5. Auburn. This team was the "dirty" team in the SEC last season and everyone knows it. On offense, QB Newton, along with his payoff, and 7 others, including most of the line, are gone. On defense, DT Fairley, the dirtiest player in the NCAA, leaves along with 7 other players including the entire line. Both kickers also depart. The schedule is a disaster waiting to happen, with away games at Clemson, South Carolina, Arkansas, LSU, and Georgia. Add on home games vs Miss. State, Florida, and Alabama, and Auburn may be lucky to win 6 games this season. The entire SEC is waiting for them. They may finish dead last. The mighty will take a mighty fall. This team is fade material...Auburn is undersized, and lacks any experience, with only 3 starters returning on each side of the ball. The NCAA may not be through with them either. Auburn fades back to reality this season. Did I use the word "fade" again?
6. Mississippi. This team managed only 4 wins last season after two consecutive 9 win seasons. Their problems were wide spread. This season OleMiss returns 8 starters on a team that ran hot and cold on offense last year. THe defense gets hit very hard by graduation, losing 8 starters. That might be a good think as the defense was not very reliable last season. Their schedule sees most of their tough competition going to Oxford. Ole Miss is going to have to get consistancy out of their offense, and play decent defense to escape the SEC West cellar. Mississippi loses too much talent to be a contender in a very difficult division. With only 6 players returning on offense, and 3 on defense, the word "rebuilding" rings out loud and clear in Oxford.Comment -
Back to the South Carolina "thing"......I hope Garcia has the season of his life and the Gamecocks go undefeated....So Bama can BITCH SLAP those punks...we owe them some GET-BACK........Comment -
I will step up to the challenge.......I would love to compete with BigDaddyHQ........Whats the playOriginally posted by WorkHorseComment -
Vandy will have its best chance to be good over the next few years....the new HC has a very good plan for recruiting.....basicaly he is going to sell the educational value of a Vandy degree. I loved hearing him on the radio the other day and believe if he cant get it done then it will never happen for the commodores........would love to see the door mat of the SEC be a bowl team for a few years in a row.Originally posted by BigdaddyQHComment -
as always excellent work bigdaddyhqComment -
Great resourse BD...thanks.
AUBURN
Without identifying anyone by name, head coach Gene Chizik said Tuesday that he's open to adding players to his roster this summer if they'll help the Tigers win games. Former North Carolina State quarterback Russell Wilson has discussed the possibility of walking away from his current gig as second baseman for the Asheville (N.C.) and playing football this fall. He spent three seasons as North Carolina State's quarterback. Chizik noted that he's comfortable with his current crop of quarterbacks, but didn't rule out adding another option. Chizik added that he has not discussed with offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn a "drop dead date" for a quarterback to arrive on campus.
FLORIDA
Alabama coach Nick Saban on Tuesday admitted that he regrets not hiring Will Muschamp to be his defensive coordinator with the Miami Dolphins in 2006. Muschamp, upset that he wasn't promoted into that position, left the NFL and accepted a job as defensive coordinator at Auburn. His reputation grew quickly and he left for Texas in 2008 before becoming Florida's head coach six months ago. Saban was asked if there was a problem between the two and he answered by saying he just made a mistake in not promoting Muschamp. Alabama at Florida will be interesting this season....other than just playing the game.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Tony Morrell, recruiting analyst for BigSpur, reported yesterday that star recruit Jadeveon Clowney is now qualified by NCAA standards and that he should be admitted to South Carolina in June and start classes in July. Clowney was consider by most analyst at the No. 1 recruit in the nation. He's already been penciled in as a starter for the Gamecocks this coming season.
OLE MISS
Former West Virginia University quarterback Barry Brunetti looks to have nailed down the starting QB job for the Rebels this season. Head coach Houston Nutt hasn't officially named a starter but said yesterday if he had a game today, Brunetti would open under center. Brunetti transferred from WVU after one season. Because of a sick mother, he received a hardship waver by the NCAA and was cleared to play immediately.
OHIO STATE
With Tressel now gone, is athletic director Gene Smith next? Speaking at a student-sponsored event on the Ohio State campus Wednesday afternoon, Ohio State president E. Gordon Gee indicated that Smith is not in danger of being fired or forced to resign. "Gene Smith's job is safe," Gee told the students. The old dreaded vote of confidence!
SEC MEETINGS
At the Southeastern Conference meetings yesterday, South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier tossed out an interesting proposal to the other eleven coaches in the conference: pay the 70 member traveling parties for each squad $300 per player, per game. Seven coaches approved of the proposal, but it also means five coaches were against it. No chance in hell this proposal will ever see the light of day.Comment -
What kind of challenge are we doing ?Comment -
CCI, any challenge matches will be after the first week of the season. The first week will be devoted to the Opening Week Invitational invites and those who choose to participate. Games will be listed with lines and you pick the winner....pretty simple with the exception there will some type of tiebreaker. Details will be provided later...............Comment -
sounds fun, count me in cheif.
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