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07-28-2010, 01:18 PM
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Marc lawrence Playbook 2010 NCAA Preview
2010 BIG EAST CONFERENCE FOOTBALL PREVIEW
| More This always-powerful basketball conference has come a long way toward establishing a football pedigree since it rejected Penn State's application for admittance in 1985. Under its current alignment, which has been in place for five seasons, the BIG EAST is a combined 159-61 in non-conference games (.721). That stands as the best five-year non-league record in the history of the conference and second among FBS conferences, only behind the SEC. It's 36 non-conference wins in 2009 rank second in conference history, behind only the league's 37-8 mark in 2006. Included in the success outside the conference is a sterling 16-6 mark in bowl games the last four years. Six of the eight current BIG EAST teams have won at least a share of the BIG EAST title in the last five years, with only Rutgers and South Florida on the outside looking in. Despite Joe Paterno's eventual ties with the Big 10 Conference, the BIG EAST is doing just fine these days, thank you. Note: Numbers following team name represent the amount of returning starters on offense and defense, with an asterisk (*) designating a returning quarterback. Designated 'Play On' and 'Play Against' Best Bets follow each team's preview. CINCINNATI – 8 / 6 TEAM THEME: COACHING CAROUSEL The Central Michigan/Cincinnati feeding frenzy continues as Butch Jones once again follows in the footsteps of the departed Brian Kelly. Unfortunately for Jones, the cupboard is a little bare as QB Tony Pike and star WR Mardy Gilyard are among those gone from last year's 12-win squad. However, QB Zach Collaros, last season's emergency sparkplug is back and he'll lead an offense that committed only 10 turnovers in 2009, the fewest in the nation. In his short stay in the Queen City, Kelly certainly left an impact. The Bearcats were a surprising 8-2 versus ranked opponents under his guidance and were ranked in the Top 25 a total of 28 weeks. Cincy had been ranked a total of just six weeks the previous 70 years! Jones didn't miss a beat after taking over the Central Michigan program. The question is… can he keep the Bearcats rocking? PLAY AGAINST: as favorite vs. Fresno St (9/4) CONNECTICUT – *8 / 8 TEAM THEME: YOUNG & RESTLESS An eight-win season could have easily resulted in a double-digit win campaign had UConn turned a couple of close losses into victories. Randy Edsall's Huskies lost a total of five games by a combined 15 points, with none coming by more than four points. The young talent started to blossom late in the year, ending the season on a four-game win streak, capped by a bowl win over South Carolina. QB's Zach Frazier and Cody Endres, both of whom started games last season, are back along with 1,100-yard runner Jordan Todman. "I am very happy with how our off-season conditioning program has gone. Our players have shown a commitment that they want to be even better in 2010," said Edsall. If Edsall can fine-tune a 'D' that slipped 91 YPG, and experience can turn a couple of close losses into wins, who knows what excitement can be in 'Storr' this season? PLAY ON: vs. West Virginia (10/29) LOUISVILLE – *9 / 6 TEAM THEME: HOLD THE ANCHOVIES The fire that raged under the seat of deposed head coach Steve Kragthorpe has been extinguished now that Charlie Strong is in the house. Strong brings offensive coordinator Mike Sanford, the former UNLV head coach, and his spread offense to Papa John's Stadium. The delivery may take some time, however, as the WR's are the thinnest group on the Cardinals' offense and QB Adam From was in and out of the lineup with injuries last season. There is no truth to the rumor, though, that Strong and Sanford were seen viewing video of 'Papa John' Schnatter tossing the pigskin. A reasonable non-conference menu shouldn't have the Louisville faithful starving for victories early – but they may want to order seconds as six of the final seven games are against bowlers. Eat up! PLAY AGAINST: vs. Syracuse (11/6) PITTSBURGH – 5 / 6 TEAM THEME: CAT'S MEOW A 10-win season could have been even better had the Panthers not missed an extra point on the final score of the game against Cincinnati. That chip shot denied Pittsburgh a Big East title and a BCS bowl. The Panthers don't return a lot of quantity in 2010 but there is plenty of quality. RB Dion Lewis, the most decorated freshman in the nation last year (1,799 yards, 17 TD's) is back, as are a pair of outstanding wideouts in Jon Baldwin, a Biletnikoff candidate, and Mike Shanahan. QB Bill Stull is gone but his backup, Pat Bostik, red-shirted last season and has started nine games. On the other side of the ball, DE's Greg Romeus and Jabaal Sheard are arguably the best pair in the land. Last year's No. 15 ranking was Pitt's highest finish since 1982. A tough non-conference schedule (at Utah, vs. Miami) will let us know early if Wanny's Panthers will continue to prowl. PLAY ON: as dog vs. Utah (9/2) RUTGERS – *6 / 6 TEAM THEME: BANK ON IT They've been playing some good football "on the banks' the last four years as Rutgers is one of only four teams in the nation to win four straight bowl games. Averaging nine wins per season over that span, Greg Schiano's Knights are primed to make a run at the Big East title. That elusive crown may have to wait another season as the schedule finds them visiting Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and West Virginia. Nonetheless, there is optimism on the Scarlet sidelines with QB Tom Savage returning for his sophomore season. Savage started 11 games in 2009 and leads all active Big East signal callers in games started, going from the least experienced to the most in one season. RB Joe Martinek, the Knights' leading rusher, also makes his way back to New Brunswick. Despite a tough schedule, there's no shame in backing these Scarlet Letter(men). PLAY AGAINST: as favorite vs. Connecticut (10/8) SOUTH FLORIDA – *9 / 5 TEAM THEME: A HOLTZ NEW ERA Year 13 wasn't lucky for legendary coach Jim Leavitt as he was relieved of his duties after allegations of player abuse. Even a sterling 95-57 record couldn't save his job. Enter Skip Holtz, winner of back-to-back conference titles – one of only four coaches nationally to do so over the last two seasons. QB B.J. Daniels, the entire offensive line and three of the top four running backs return, ensuring the smile on Skippy's face is not clown-like. Four of the first five games are in Tampa, practically assuring the Bulls of a quick start. However, Holtz will need to overcome a hard-to-shake Leavitt trait: 15-0 SU in the season's first five games over the last three years but just 8-13 SU in the final seven games (maybe the real reason Leavitt is gone!). New DC Mark Snyder (ex-Marshall boss) and OC Todd Fitch (with Holtz at ECU) should keep the Bulls running. PLAY ON: vs. Connecticut (12/4) SYRACUSE – 5 / 10 TEAM THEME: FRESHLY SQUEEZED Doug Marrone did a nice job in his first season with the Orange. Despite WR Mike Williams, a Biletnikoff finalist, quitting the team in midseason, the 'Cuse still managed to win more games than in either of the previous two seasons. The offense finally averaged in the 20's, albeit low 20's, for the first time in five seasons and the defense improved significantly. Not satisfied, Marrone will also assume the offensive coordinator duties in 2010. If the Orange can squeeze out a couple of winnable road games to start the season, they should be able to get off to a 4-0 start for the first time since 1991 – not bad for a team that hasn't won more than four games in a season since 2004. While Marrone certainly has the Orange heading in the right direction, we're still not confident they're ripe enough for the taking. We'll know more after their meeting with the improved Huskies. PLAY ON: vs. Connecticut (11/20) WEST VIRGINIA – 8 / 9 TEAM THEME: MUTTON, HONEY After serving as Bobby Bowden's sacrificial lamb in last year's Gator Bowl, the Mountaineers are anxious to get back to work in 2010. Behind 17 returning starters, including an experienced offensive line that took 839 of 855 snaps in 2009, and multi-talented RB Noel Devine (1,465 rushing yards on 6.1 YPR), WVU enjoyed its first undefeated home record since 1993. It won't be cruise city, however, as head coach Bill Stewart must develop a new starting quarterback for the third straight year. It hasn't mattered in the past, though, as the stump-jumpers have posted 5-2 conference records in each of the last four seasons. With a seventh straight bowl in the offing, look for the Mountaineers to improve on a sterling 83-46-1 SU all-time mark in Big East play since their inaugural 1991 season. PLAY ON: as a dog vs. Pittsburgh (11/26)
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GLTA Last edited by bobby2; 07-28-2010 at 01:33 PM. 
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07-28-2010, 01:19 PM
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2010 BIG 10 CONFERENCE FOOTBALL PREVIEW
| More When you talk Big 10 Football these days you talk Ohio State. The Buckeyes won at least a share of the last five Big Ten Championships and will look to match the conference record with a sixth straight crown in 2010, equaling the feat first accomplished by Ohio State from 1972-77. OSU became just the second team in conference history to win five straight conference championships after claiming the 2009 title, splitting the crown with Penn State in 2005 and 2008 and ending the 2006, 2007 and 2009 seasons alone in first place. The Buckeyes have compiled a Big Ten mark of 36-4 over the last five years. Ohio State became the first conference team in over 15 years to finish in first place in five straight seasons since Michigan won at least a share of five consecutive championships from 1988-92. The 2009 Big Ten Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year return to their respective teams in 2010. Wisconsin RB John Clay and Michigan State LB Greg Jones enter the 2010 campaign as the respective winners last season. Clay becomes the first returning Offensive Player of the Year since 1999 when former Purdue quarterback Drew Brees returned to the Boilermakers after being honored as a sophomore in 1998. Jones becomes the first returning Defensive Player of the Year since 2008, when Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis came back to successfully defend his 2007 conference honor. The Big Ten also welcomes back seven starting quarterbacks from the 2009 season, five of which led their teams to bowl appearances. Iowa senior Ricky Stanzi and Ohio State junior Terrelle Pryor each led their squads to BCS victories last January, Stanzi in the Orange Bowl and Pryor in the Rose Bowl. Wisconsin senior Scott Tolzien led the Badgers to a victory in the Champs Sports Bowl, while Minnesota senior Adam Weber guided the Gophers to the Insight Bowl. Michigan State junior Kirk Cousins guided the Spartans' in their 31-point effort in the Alamo Bowl. Also returning in 2010 is the conference's top statistical passer, Indiana senior Ben Chappell, and Michigan sophomore Tate Forcier, the only full-time freshman starting quarterback in the Big Ten last year. And the there's Joe. Penn State's Joe Paterno picked up his 394th victory with a triumph over LSU in the Capital One Bowl and currently holds the all-time victory record among Football Bowl Subdivision coaches. Paterno has built a record of 394-129-3 in his 44 seasons leading the Nittany Lions. Paterno is the longest serving head coach at one school in major college football history. Note: Numbers following team name represent the amount of returning starters on offense and defense, with an asterisk (*) designating a returning quarterback. Designated 'Play On' and 'Play Against' Best Bets follow each team's preview. ILLINOIS – 5 / 7 TEAM THEME: OUT OF JUICE Thanks to a disappointing offense and an even worse defense, the Illini could only squeeze out three wins in 2009. Six new assistant coaches arrive in Champaign to sort out the mess led by OC Paul Petrino (Bobby's brother) and DC Vic Koennig. Petrino's playbook won't include Juice Williams, whose once promising career soured out, or top WR Arrelious Benn, a 2nd round NFL draft pick. The plan may be to revert back to classic Big Ten football as four of the team's top five RB's return. In addition, four of the Illini's top five tacklers are back in the fray. With eight bowlers lining the 2010 schedule, including road trips to Penn State and Fresno State, 'three yards' may be a bit optimistic. However, the cloud of dust is likely to hang over this program for at least one more season. PLAY ON: as dog vs. Fresno St (12/3) INDIANA – *8 / 4 TEAM THEME: QUICK DRAW The feeling here is the Hoosiers could be a real sleeper team in 2010. Four of their eight losses last year were by 3 points or less. A promising 3-1 start ended in a 0-5 disaster after IU blew a 25-point lead at Northwestern and followed up by choking away a two-TD lead at Iowa. The roster is loaded with upper classmen (19 seniors, 23 juniors) and efficient QB Ben Chappell is back to lead an offense that will add the 'Pistol' to its repertoire. Chappell was the first QB in IU history to complete 60% of his passes in a single season. A favorable early schedule could find the Hoosiers off to a quick 5-1 start. However, they'll need to continue pulling the trigger late in the season to silence some conference opponents and prevent another November nightmare. PLAY ON: vs. Purdue (11/27) IOWA – *6 / 8 TEAM THEME: COMEBACK KIDS Talk about stability. Since 1979 only two coaches have manned the Iowa City sidelines – Hayden Fry and Kirk Ferentz. Ferentz may have saved his best coaching job for 2009. Despite ranking 10th in the Big 10 in scoring, rushing and total offense, the 12-year veteran guided his team to a 6-2 conference record, an 11-2 overall mark and an Orange Bowl win over Georgia Tech. Did we mention that Iowa, amazingly, trailed in every contest last season until the regular-season ender versus Minnesota! The Hawkeyes 10th-ranked defense (277 YPG) constantly saved the day. Expect more of the same in 2010 as it welcomes back eight starters, including the entire front four. The return of injured QB Ricky Stanzi and RB Jewel Hampton should provide the 'O' with a much-needed boost. Either way, the Kinnick Stadium crowd should be in for another 'Kardiac Kampaign'. PLAY ON: vs. Northwestern (11/13) MICHIGAN – *7 / 8 TEAM THEME: FORCIER THE ISSUE Pete Fiutak of College Football News.com put it best when he asked of Rich Rodriguez's playbook, "Is this thing ever going to work?" As disappointing as Michigan's spread offense has been, the defense has been worse – decaying 57 YPG since Rich Rod's arrival. Last season, the Wolves suffered through a 6-game Big Ten losing streak for the first time in 50 years. In fact, Rodriguez has 13 conference losses in just two seasons at Ann Arbor. FYI: It took Bo Schembechler 13 years to lose 13 Big Ten games! There was one bright spot in the Big House and that was the play of freshman QB Tate Forcier, who passed for over 2,000 yards and 13 TD's. The automakers repaid Obama five years early on their bailout loan. Rodriguez may have to do the same if he doesn't get it in gear this season. PLAY AGAINST: as favorite vs. Notre Dame (9/11) MICHIGAN STATE – *7 / 6 TEAM THEME: HELTER SKELTER East Lansing saw the good, bad and ugly in 2009. On the good side, the Spartans beat Michigan for a second straight season – the first time that's happened since the Beatles were topping the charts in the mid '60's. From a mediocre standpoint, Mark Dantonio's bunch dropped six regular season games for the first time under his direction – though five of those losses were by a total of just 23 points. Now for the ugly: Thanks to a frat spat at the end of the regular season, a black cloud hangs over the heads of 11 players found guilty of brawling. The news also varies in 2010. Thanks to graduation losses and the fraternity chaos, the WR corps and D-line is severely short-handed entering the 2010 season. The good news is QB Kirk Cousins, who started all 13 games in 2009 and ranked No. 25 in the nation in pass efficiency, is back. Let's hope ugly stays home. PLAY AGAINST: as favorite vs. Northwestern (10/23) MINNESOTA – *9 / 2 TEAM THEME: SATURDAY IN THE DARK To paraphrase a line from Dennis Green, "The Gophers are who we thought they were" – a middle of the pack Big 10 team. After a terrific turnaround in 2008, a big 2009 season could have made HC Tim Brewster millions. However, an uneventful 6-7 year capped off by a bowl loss to Iowa State has the Gophers' faithful feeling a little punky. With just two starters and no linemen back on defense, the Minneapolis natives may be best served to keep the TV off until Sunday. The biggest shoes to fill will be the loss of three LB's that were all NFL combine attendees. While point production dropped for the third straight year under Brewster, Minnesota's offense may suddenly be the strength of the team with nine starters back. Nine bowlers roll onto the 2010 slate but six visit the comfy confines of TCF Bank Stadium. Saturday looks like another yawner in the City of Lakes. PLAY AGAINST: as favorite vs. Northern Illinois (9/25) NORTHWESTERN – 8 / 6 TEAM THEME: CURIOUS 'CATS Savoring their most successful stretch of football in school history, the Wildcats finished the decade with a 61-60 record. The winning record may come as a bit of a surprise… as should this little piece of bar trivia: in the last 15 years, only Ohio State and Michigan have won or shared more Big Ten titles than Northwestern's three crowns. While HC Pat Fitzgerald won just five Big Ten contests in his first two years in Evanston, his Wildcats have posted five conference wins in each of the last two seasons. An offensive line that returns intact along with the entire linebacking crew should keep the 'Cats prowling in 2010 – but career back-up Dan Persa will have to fill the void left by 2009 Big Ten passing leader Mike Kafka. Road trips to Penn State and Wisconsin may cost the 'Cats a couple of lives, but another year without the Buckeyes on the slate could have this bunch feeling frisky. PLAY AGAINST: vs. Indiana (10/30) OHIO STATE – *10 / 6 TEAM THEME: COVER UP The combination of eight home games and a ferocious defense that ranks third nationally over the last six years (280 YPG), makes the Buckeyes serious title contenders in 2010. If he doesn't cave under the pressure of being our cover boy, QB Terrelle Pryor should be a front-runner for the Heisman Trophy. After a mid-season loss at Purdue, Pryor took matters into his owns hands (and feet), leading the Buckeyes to a season-ending 6-game win streak, including a Rose Bowl win over Oregon. The junior has plenty of help on offense as nine starters return, including a backfield that HC Jim Tressel calls the deepest he's had in his 10 years at Columbus. Ohio State's biggest hurdles on its way to a BCS title tilt will be road games at Wisky and Iowa. Along, of course, with our aforementioned cover jinx. Just ask Big Ben, who graced – or should we say disgraced – last year's edition. PLAY AGAINST: as favorite vs. Iowa (11/20) PENN STATE – 7 / 5 TEAM THEME: AMAZING RACE To those who contend Joe Pa is slipping, we say you need to tune into a reality show – real quick. Not only have the Lions posted back-to-back 11-win seasons, but the only team that they have failed to outgain over the last two regular seasons has been Ohio State, as Penn State is 22-2 'In The Stats' during that span. A tough schedule, laced with eight bowlers and road trips to Alabama, Iowa and Ohio State figure to test those numbers in 2010. Replacing QB Daryll Clark may also test Paterno's patience, though highly-recruited SO Kevin Newsome is poised to win the starting job. Linebacker U. returns only five starters on the defensive side of the ball but that unit is in its usual reloading, rather than rebuilding, phase. It's another race against time for the 83-year old Paterno. Our money is on Joe. PLAY ON: as dog vs. Alabama (9/11) PURDUE – 6 / 6 TEAM THEME: SIMPLY MARVE-ELOUS For the second straight year, the Boilermakers lose a starting QB to graduation. Joey Elliott did an admirable job replacing Curtis Painter and now it's Robert Marve's show. The transfer from Miami Fla, who lost his starting job to Jacory Harris, will be front and under center as the Boilermakers look to avoid a third straight losing season. Despite a seven-loss campaign, there is 'Hope' in West Lafayette (read: Danny). Six of the seven losses in 2009 were to bowl teams and four were by seven or less points. The second-year head coach also saw his forces win four of their final six games, beating Ohio State and Michigan in the same season for only the third time in school history. A defense that lost its entire secondary will have to be addressed but with only three winning teams on this year's ticket, it could be a 'marvelous' time to be a Boiler. PLAY ON: vs. Minnesota (10/16) WISCONSIN –*10 / 6 TEAM THEME: ALIVE AND KICKING It could be argued that the majority of the Badgers wins last season came against teams that barely had a pulse. Thus it was strange to watch Wisconsin manhandle Miami in the Champs Sports Bowl last year. That's because the Badgers' three losses last year were to quality opposition. Ironically, they will face only three teams (two coming at home) in 2010 that enjoyed winning seasons last year – the same three that took them down in 2009. That leaves nine foes sporting losing ledgers and, behind 16 returning starters, Bret Bielema is obviously anxious to let the games begin. And kick this around, if you will… Bielema, who is 38-14 in his four seasons at Madison, has seen his team involved in 13 games that were decided by three or less points. He is 9-4 in those games, with wins in five of the last six. The holes are few and far between in Camp Randall Stadium. PLAY ON: as a dog vs. Ohio State (10/16) – *KEY +6.5 pts or more
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GLTA Last edited by bobby2; 07-28-2010 at 01:34 PM.
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07-28-2010, 01:21 PM
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2010 BIG 12 CONFERENCE FOOTBALL PREVIEW
| More They gained notoriety as the 'Sure We Cheat' (SWC) league in the 1970's. They then evolved into the Big 8 Conference before expanding into the Big 12. Where they go from here, no one knows. What we know for sure is the Big 12 Conference is back for another college football season in 2010. And we can also likely expect another lackluster performance from this loop come bowl time. Granted, Texas made it to the BCS championship game last year, a game in which Oklahoma has made four appearances this past decade. But the truth of the matter is unless the Big12 can improve on its blasé 39-38 SU and 32-45 ATS mark in bowl games since 2000, they will likely go down as another also-ran major conference that continues to shoot itself in the foot thanks to lackluster play on the defensive side of the ball. In closing, despite the defensive deficiencies of the rest of the conference, beware of the Sooners. Other than the game with Texas, they figure to be double-digit favorites in every other contest this season. Remember, the last time Bob Stoops lost five games in the same season his team went on to go 13-0 and win a national championship (2000). Note: Numbers following team name represent the amount of returning starters on offense and defense, with an asterisk (*) designating a returning quarterback. Designated 'Play On' and 'Play Against' Best Bets follow each team's preview. North Division COLORADO – *9 / 7 TEAM THEME: ROCKY MOUNTAIN LOW When a coach goes just 10-22 in league play and his team finishes LAST in total conference offense two years running, one would figure a coaching change is in order. Not in Boulder. The Buffaloes rehired Dan Hawkins because they could not afford the cost of a buyout and a rehire. Talk about a sign of the times! The only team in the Big 12 not to use a spread offense, Colorado will turn to an offensive line that returns all five starters. A soft seven-game home schedule, only four true road games, revenge aplenty and an over-abundance of playing time for true freshman over the last three seasons, could actually find the Buffaloes roaming in a minor bowl. If not, the only sign you may see around the Boulder area is one that says 'For Sale' – no matter what the cost. PLAY AGAINST: vs. Kansas (11/6) IOWA STATE – *8 / 5 TEAM THEME: PEEPING PAUL When newly-hired HC Paul Rhoads first met with the team, he told them that they were going to win a bowl game in 2009. Did Paul see something nobody else did? After all, the Cyclones had gone 2-10 in 2008 and had not won a bowl game since 2004. Despite an offense that ranked last in the Big 12 in 2009, Rhoads was true to his word as an Insight Bowl victory over Minnesota capped off a surprising 7-6 season. The offensive numbers should improve in 2010 as eight starters return to Ames, including QB Austen Arnuad. Defensively, only five starters are back in the mix but the linebacking unit – the strength of the defense – returns three starters including tackling machine, Jesse Smith. Here's some scholarly advice for Rhoads: with nine winning teams and eight bowlers on the docket, we suggest you take a long look at the schedule before making any promises. PLAY AGAINST: vs. Nebraska (11/6) KANSAS – 8 / 7 TEAM THEME: WEIGHT AND SEE After a mistreatment allegation, the big man has left the campus as Mark Mangino's eight-year stint in Lawrence comes to an abrupt end. New HC Turner Gill knows he'll have some big pants to fill and the former Nebraska star will bring along some heavy-hitting coordinators in Chuck Long and Carl Torbush. Star QB Todd Reesing and his 11,194 total yards and 90 TD's have also departed. Not to worry. Gill turned a dormant Buffalo program into a conference champion in three years. Imagine what he could do with a team that has won 25 games over the past three seasons and returns 15 starters, including an entire offensive line. We realize the Big 12 is a large leap from the MAC but we also recall that Gill is a perfect 20-0 versus the conference in his playing days as a star QB. Been there – done that! PASS KANSAS STATE – 5 / 7 TEAM THEME: PHASE TWO, YEAR TWO Kansas State's silver-haired HC Bill Snyder proved age is only a number when he guided the 2009 Wildcats to bowl-eligible status. After a 3-year hiatus, the 70-year old Snyder returned to the Manhattan sidelines and looked to shore up a defense that was scorched for over 36 PPG, 479 YPG and 5.2 YPC the previous season. And shore up he did. The 'Cats held seven opponents to under 20 points as the defense improved by 13 PPG and an incredible 139 YPG while allowing just 3.5 YPC. The combination of a now well-fortified defense (seven returning starters), a top-notch RB in Daniel Thomas (the Big 12 newcomer of the year) and a favorable early schedule (first true road game not until mid-October) holds promise for 2010. Old habits never die. PLAY ON: vs. Oklahoma St (10/30) MISSOURI – *8 / 8 TEAM THEME: CAT SCRATCH FEVER Expect a big year from Missouri in 2010. Many believe that following their breakout season in 2007 (12-2), Gary Pinkel recruited a slew of talent – and that investment is about to pay some dividends. Not only do the Tigers return eight starters on each side of the ball, but 30 of the 44 players on the season-ending two-deep roster were either freshmen or sophomores – the second most in the nation last year. A season opening five-game schedule that includes three home games against FBS foes with a combined 8-28 record, a fourth home game against McNeese State and a neutral site match-up with 3-9 Illinois, should help these Tigers catch their tail early. If the Cats are going to have the year we think they'll have, a 5-0 start is critical with only two of the season's final seven games at home, including trips to Lincoln and Lubbock. Nonetheless, we'll take the bait. PLAY ON: vs. Nebraska (10/30) NEBRASKA – *10 / 7 TEAM THEME: TWO YEARS GONE BY Have the Huskers turned the corner? Bearing in mind they ranked No. 116 in scoring defense in 2007 (37.9 PPG) – the year before HC Bo Pelini arrived – and No. 1 last season (10.4 PPG), the answer is a resounding yes. Also consider they were 1-20 SU versus Top 20 ranked teams before a promising 3-2 showing last season. The former NFL assistant also has the Kids of the Corn playing their best ball late in the season, posting a stout 9-2 record from November out, including 7-1 in November alone (Bill's Callahan's previous 4-year regime only won a total of six November contests). 17 returning starters, with every ball carrier back in the mix and a favorable schedule that includes Texas at home and is sans Oklahoma, makes Nebraska worthy of a BCS futures play. Is that Springsteen's 'Glory Days' we hear playing in those Lincoln cornfields? PLAY AGAINST: vs. Colorado (11/26) South Division BAYLOR – *7 / 5 TEAM THEME: LET'S GET PHYSICAL Perhaps no team in the land figures to benefit more from the return of a key player from injury than Baylor, as star QB Robert Griffin III re-claims his starting spot after tearing an ACL in Game Three last season. After a promising 2-1 start, the Bears went into hibernation (2-7) when Griffin went down to stay. HC Art Briles, however, has more than the return of his star on his mind as he looks to address a defense that allowed over 400 YPG in 2009. After the spring game, Briles noted, “Those guys are strong, fast, mean and tough… that's what they need to be. They need to be aggressive and physical with a bad temper. That's what we have to get to and that's the way we have to play, because in the Big 12 South if you're friendly and nice, you're going to have a long season.” If RG3 can stay healthy and Briles can impose his will, these Bears will be anything but average. PASS OKLAHOMA – *10 / 6 TEAM THEME: KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES Despite losing three players in the first four picks of this year's NFL draft – including Heisman trophy winner and all-time NCAA passing efficiency leader Sam Bradford – 23 full or part-time starters return. Included is SO QB Landry Jones, who led the nation's freshman QBs in passing yards (3,198) and TD passes (26) last season. His yardage figure was also an OU record, breaking the mark set by Bradford in 2007. Expect Jones to surpass those numbers this season as all-everything RB DeMarco Murray and record-setting WR Ryan Broyles stay onboard the Sooner Schooner in 2010. Whether by land or air, the OU attack shouldn't miss a beat as Jones and company figure to keep up with the Bradfords. Remember, OU faced the 2nd toughest schedule in the land in 2009 and four of its five losses were by a total of 12 points. PLAY ON: vs. Texas Tech (11/13) OKLAHOMA STATE – 6 / 4 TEAM THEME:“O”, NO It's not often a 9-win season is considered a bummer. That may have been the case in Stillwater last season, though, when the Cowboys were shut out in their season finale at rival Oklahoma and then held to seven points in a bowl loss to Ole Miss. When the dust settled, a highly-touted, veteran offense saw their production fall 13 points and 120 YPG as injuries, player suspensions and being a 'marked team' finally took its toll. The 'D' was actually a bright spot last year but with only four starters back in the mix, HC Mike Gundy realizes he may have to win a few shootouts. Enter OC Dana Holgorsen. He brings his playbook from Houston where his offense was tops in the nation last season. Star RB Kendall Hunter is back to tote the pigskin but untested 26-year old JR QB Brandon Weeden takes over for Zac Robinson. It's time to man up, 'Boys! PASS TEXAS – 6 / 7 TEAM THEME: BIG (12) BULLIES The Horns were a shoulder-injury short of winning a national championship last season. When QB Colt McCoy went down in the BCS title game, so did Texas' hopes of beating Alabama. McCoy is off to the NFL and in steps Garrett Gilbert to direct an attack that will be moving away from the spread offense to more of a running game in 2010. This move will take some pressure off Gilbert, the 2008 High School Player of the Year, and hopefully improve a ground game that averaged a mere 148 YPG – their worst since 2002. No such adjustments are needed on the defensive front where the UT rush defense held opponents to a nation-low 72 YPG on the ground. Eight bowlers do roam this year's schedule but six of those come from the Big 12 where the Horns are 16-1 SU over the last two seasons. The first two games in October will likely decide their fate. PLAY AGAINST: as favorite vs. Texas Tech (9/18) TEXAS A&M – *6 / 9 TEAM THEME: WHO STOPS J.J.? The Jerrod Johnson show returns to College Station for its final season and it may draw a bigger audience in these parts than 'Who shot J.R.?' Johnson, a second-team all Big 12 performer, keyed the 5th best offense in the land by throwing for a school record 3,217 yards and 28 TD's while adding another 455 yards on the ground. He saved his best performance for Texas, throwing for 342 yards and rushing for 97 more. J.J. is joined by a cast of kids that formed the youngest roster in the nation last year. While the offense will take the lead role, it's imperative for the defense to add some support. Mike Sherman will rely on new DC Tim DeRuyter to shore up a stop unit that ranked 105th in the nation. DeRuyter, who led Air Force to a No. 11 team defense ranking last season, will have eight starters to work with as he incorporates his 3-4 scheme. With a season-ender at Texas, the finale should be scintillating. PASS TEXAS TECH – *8 / 6 TEAM THEME: JAMES GANG With Craig and Adam James' approval, Tommy Tuberville steps in to take over for Mike Leach, in one of the major coaching moves in Division 1 this season. After getting unceremoniously dumped by Auburn, Tuberville now walks into the Lubbock fire. Leach won 84 games in his 10 seasons with Tech – and along with Texas and Oklahoma, formed the winningest trio of teams in the nation from the same conference over the last three seasons (276 victories). Tuberville welcomes back 14 returning starters, including QB Taylor Potts. The word, though, is the QB job is open between Taylor and fan favorite Steven Sheffield (rumor has it that whoever completes more passes to Adam in the spring will likely get the nod). Whomever Tuberville decides on, he better make sure of one thing: he leads the Raiders to a bowl – 'cause the fans sure got used to it with Leach. PLAY ON: vs. Houston (11/27) – *KEY as dog
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GLTA Last edited by bobby2; 07-28-2010 at 01:34 PM.
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07-28-2010, 01:22 PM
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2010 CONFERENCE USA FOOTBALL PREVIEW
| More 'Welcome Back' is the theme in 2010 in the C-USA. Its 2009 Most Valuable Player (Houston QB Case Keenum), its 2009 Defensive Player of the Year (UCF DE Bruce Miller) and its 2009 Special Teams Player of the Year (East Carolina WR/KR Dwayne Harris), all seniors, are back. In addition, former Memphis RB Larry Porter and former ECU DB Ruffin McNeill each return to their alma maters as new head coaches in 2010. This up and coming loop has sent six teams to post-season in four of the past five seasons, while going 10-6 SU and 12-4 ATS against .666 or greater opposition in those games. Southern Miss takes an eight-year bowl skein into this campaign. SMU was the most-improved team in the FBS during the 2009 season. The Mustangs won seven more games last year than they did in 2008. In closing, remember this about this never-say-die conference: since its inception, CUSA underdogs are 21-1 ATS in non-conference battles in which both teams are undefeated, including 15-5 ATS when the foe is off a spread win. It's like John Sebastian once said, "Yeah we tease him a lot cause we've hot him on the spot, welcome back, welcome back, welcome back… Note: Numbers following team name represent the amount of returning starters on offense and defense, with an asterisk (*) designating a returning quarterback. Designated 'Play On' and 'Play Against' Best Bets follow each team's preview. East Division ALABAMA BIRMINGHAM – 8 / 9 TEAM THEME: BLAZING INFERNO The Blazers have improved each year under HC Neil Callaway but the Birmingham brigade is clamoring for the 4th-year HC to bring home UAB's first winning season (and bowl appearance) since 2004. It appears Callaway is starting to buckle under the pressure and is looking for the quick fix as he signed a nation-high 12 junior-college transfers. "We got a good mixture of people at every position,' said Callaway. "I really think we helped ourselves at every spot and with the number of JC guys that we've signed, I think we got some immediate help." Help is on the way in the form of nine returning starters for a defense that slipped a titch in 2009. The 22nd-ranked offense, which was boosted by the return of the entire unit last year, should once again be productive with the return of eight starters – though Callaway will have to replace versatile QB Joe Webb. The heat is on. PLAY ON: as dog vs. East Carolina (11/13) CENTRAL FLORIDA – 8 / 7 TEAM THEME: ODD OCCURRENCE George O'Leary may want to turn the calendar ahead – say a year from now. The 7th-year HC has had terrific success in odd numbered years (26-14, three bowl appearances) while the even-numbered seasons have been brutal (8-27, zero bowls). If 2010 is going to show any promise, it will start with a rush defense that was tops in Conference USA and No. 4 nationally. C-USA defensive player of the year, Bruce Miller, returns for his senior season. The All-America candidate leads all active players nationally with 27 sacks and 44 tackles for a loss. Offensively, junior RB Byrnn Harvey (1,109 rushing yards, 14 TD's) spearheads the Knights attack. Harvey actually had more yards in his sophomore season than highly-touted Kevin Smith had in his second year with the Knights. 'Even' though the calendar says 2010, the Knights 'oddly' enough should be competitive. PLAY AGAINST: vs. UAB (10/6) EAST CAROLINA – 5 / 2 TEAM THEME: 'RUFFIN IT' After escalating the ECU program to new heights, Skip Holtz couldn't say no to a multi-million dollar offer from South Florida – his reward for putting the Pirates on the map. Enter former ECU defensive back and assistant, Ruffin McNeill. College football's 13th minority head coach inherits a defense that led the nation in red-zone scoring defense (71.6%) and one that enjoyed the squad's highest take-away total (34) since 1996. It may be awhile before Greenville sees those numbers again as McNeil also inherits a stop unit that returns just two starters and no linemen. While Holtz had the luxury of 52 returning letterman and 16 returning starters in 2009, Ruffin won't enjoy the same – just 43 returnees and 7 total starters back for 2010. Early stops at Blacksburg and Chapel Hill will have us jumping ship before this voyage gets set for its September sail. PLAY ON: vs. SMU (11/26) MARSHALL – *7 / 7 TEAM THEME: THE DOCTOR IS IN A native of Hurricane, WV and widely regarded as one of the country's best recruiters, John 'Doc' Holliday brings an impressive resumé to Huntington. An associate head coach at West Virginia and Florida, Holliday will need to operate with the skill of a surgeon in order to escape the wrath of a brutal season-opening schedule that is laced with seven consecutive bowl teams – who combined for a 60-33 record. Fourteen returning starters, including a pair of QB's that have started 24 games the past two seasons, should help in the procedure. So should a home field that has seen the Herd post a 118-19 record at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. Need some bar bet material? That .866 win percentage is No. 1 all-time in Division 1 football as Alabama (.825) and Bear Bryant Stadium rank a distant second. Holliday will like those house calls. PLAY ON: vs. East Carolina (10/23) MEMPHIS – 7 / 7 TEAM THEME: PORTER HOUSE When Tommy West was pink-slipped in early November last season, he held a fiery press conference saying, "This is not a good day at the office. We've got to help this football program… or do away with it." Help is on the way in the form of new coach Larry Porter, former MSU running back and most recently RB coach and chief recruiter at LSU. Asking every player to 'Invest in the Helmet', Porter contends all positions are open. Porter's first priority will be patching up a defense that was over 100 YPG worse last season than in 2008.With only one QB on the roster that has taken a collegiate snap and rail-thin at WR where the top two receivers in school history are gone, it may be a while before dividends from his recruiting efforts are realized. Porter and the Tigers look to be raw in 2010. PASS SOUTHERN MISS – *4 / 9 TEAM THEME: HOLD ON TO YOUR HATS We're not quite ready to give another tip of the hat to Larry Fedora but the third-year head coach has kept one important Southern Miss tradition going – winning. Thanks to a season-ending five-game win streak in 2008 and season-opening hat trick in 2009, the Golden Eagles have recorded 16 straight winning campaigns… albeit, by the skin of their teeth. But 2009 saw the both sides of the ball take a slight step backwards. Nine returning starters should help the stop unit turn it around but improving an offense that loses record-setting RB Damion Fletcher and four offensive linemen will be Fedora's main concern. The good news is there is plenty of experience at the QB position with the expected return of Austin Davis, who sat out most of last season after tearing a ligament in his foot. 'Favre' be it for us to say, but something could be amiss in Hattiesburg this season. PLAY ON: vs. UAB (10/30) West Division HOUSTON – *9 / 7 TEAM THEME: A 'CASE' FOR THE HEISMAN QB Case Keenum and his supporting cast are back and the Cougars are billing him as a legitimate Heisman candidate. And why not? His numbers speak for themselves as he is on the cusp of breaking every NCAA total offense and passing mark. With his top three wideouts all back (each with 85 or more catches), Keenum will likely become the first QB in college football history to throw for 5,000 yards three years in succession. How good has this offense been, you ask? Over the past two seasons, the Cougars have been held to under 28 points just three times while ringing up 40 or more points on 16 occasions! A couple of disappointing season-ending losses, including a throttling by Air Force in the Armed Forces Bowl, should have Keenum and company on the offensive early – and quite often. PLAY ON: vs. Central Florida (11/5) RICE – 9 / 9 TEAM THEME: BABY OWLS The biggest collapse of all FBS programs in 2009 (from 10-3 to 2-10) resulted in a major overhaul to David Bailiff's coaching staff. In Bailiff's defense (or lack of one last year), 75 starts were lost to injuries. As a result, 14 starters on the 2009 squad were either freshmen or sophomores on the two-deep roster, matching Louisiana Tech for the youngest starting lineup in the nation. In fact, 22 Owls made their first collegiate start last year. The owlets started to show a little maturity late in the season with a pair of home wins over Tulane and UTEP. The good news is 18 starters who experienced those victories are back. The bad news is they may have to wait an extra week as their 2010 opener finds them playing Texas. That may not be so bad because, like last year, there's only one way to go – and that's up! PLAY ON: as dog vs. SMU (10/2) – *KEY SMU – *8 / 7 TEAM THEME: PAROLED Apparently there IS life after death. 2009 saw the Mustangs go bowling for the first time since 1984, two years prior to their infamous 'death sentence.' It didn't take long for June Jones to put his stamp on the program as both the offense and defense took huge strides. After being outscored 458-202 in 2008, the Mustangs got the better of the opposition in 2009 by a 380-359 count – a 277-point turnaround! No wonder they improved a nation's-best seven games last season. They were also the only team in the country to outgain Houston during the regular season and hold Nevada's potent rushing attack to over 200 yards below their season average. All this, with the 4th youngest team in the nation as 29 off 44 players on the two-deep roster were either freshmen or sophomores. With a target squarely on their backs, can the Mustangs once again live to tell about it? PLAY AGAINST: vs. UTEP (11/6) TEXAS EL PASO – *7 / 4 TEAM THEME: DASHING AND DARING It's been five years since HC Mike Price has brought a winner to West Texas but there's a lot to fall in love with in El Paso this year – and it's not a Mexican girl. QB Trevor Vittatoe, who broke UTEP passing records with three 3,000-yard passing seasons, is back. So is RB Donald Buckram (1,594 rushing yards) – one of only two backs (Toby Gerhart) to rush for 200-plus yards in three separate contests last season. "I think he'll be even better this year. He's bigger. He could be 200 pounds by the time the season starts," gushes Price of Buckram. Eight all-conference honorees also return to El Paso in 2010. The schedule lends support to a big year, as well, as the Miners face only one team in the first eight games that sported a winning record in 2009. If Price can figure out a way to win the close ones (lost five games by a TD or less), then this season could be as "wild as the West Texas wind." PLAY ON: as dog vs. UAB (10/16) TULANE – *7 / 4 TEAM THEME: TOLEDO, TOO LATE After three seasons and a 9-27 record, Bob Toledo has learned that coaching in New Orleans is not so easy. That is, if you're the head man at Tulane. With the loss of leading rusher Andre Anderson, another big losing campaign is likely and it's doubtful Toledo will be back to man the Green Wave sidelines for his wooden anniversary. While there are no ball carriers with any significant experience on the roster, QB Ryan Griffin is back after starting the final six games and putting up solid numbers (1,143 yards, 8 TD's) as a freshman in 2009. Toledo will have to improve on a 1-7 conference mark in each of the last two seasons if he has any chance of staying Green. A four-game home stand late in the year may help his cause but the feeling here is it will be too little, too late. Wave goodbye, Bob. PLAY ON: vs. Army (10/9) TULSA – *9 / 5 TEAM THEME: MISSION: REVENGE A 5-7 campaign, on the heels of four straight winning seasons in which they averaged 9.5 wins a year, makes the Hurricane a certified 'Mission Team' in 2010. The mission will be to rejuvenate an offense that dropped 160 YPG and 18 PPG. The mission leader is QB G.J. Kinne who passed for 2,732 yards and 22 TD's, while also leading the team in rushing yards (393 yards) and TD's (5). Kinne is the only player in school history to pass for 300 yards and rush for 100 yards in the same game. WR/KR Damaris Johnson, the nation's 2009 leader in all-purpose yards with a 224 YPG, looks to make another statement in 2010. Three of the top five tacklers return to a defense that actually improved in points against but slipped in total yards allowed. Despite a road schedule that includes four winning teams and Notre Dame, a soft home schedule makes this mission entirely possible. PLAY ON: vs. Southern Miss (11/27) – *Key as dog
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GLTA Last edited by bobby2; 07-28-2010 at 01:35 PM.
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07-28-2010, 01:25 PM
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2010 INDEPENDENT FOOTBALL PREVIEW
| More Once again, like last year, just three teams make up the INDEPENDENTS yet all three have a say on the participants in the 2010 National Championship BCS game when theses Indy's take on no less than 16 combined opponents that landed bowl bids last season. Rest assured, without a conference affiliation, this self-governing group holds plenty of veto power when it comes to dashing the dreams of many BCS Championship Game aspirants. All eyes will be Notre Dame and their new head coach, Brian Kelly. The pressure to succeed will certainly be enormous. He can find solace in the fact the previous five first-year head coaches that succeeded him in South Bend since 1980 combined to go 36-24 SU and 30-28-2 ATS in their debut season with the Irish. Incidentally, those same coaches were 2-8-1 ATS collectively as favorites from Game Nine out. Caveat emptor. Note Numbers following team name represent the amount of returning starters on offense and defense, with an asterisk (*) designating a returning quarterback. Designated 'Play On' and 'Play Against' Best Bets follow each team's preview. ARMY – *8 / 8 TEAM THEME: ABOUT FACE The Rich Ellerson era began with a bang in West Point last year when the Cadets won the most games in a season since 1996. The next step for the new regime will be to lead the Black Knights to their 1st winning season since that 1996 campaign. It shouldn't be an uphill fight as QB Trent Steelman, who started all 12 games last year as a freshman and led the team in rushing and passing yards, returns for his sophomore season. It also doesn't hurt with only four bowlers – and no pre-season Top 25 squads – dotting the 2010 schedule. It's easy to like a coach like Ellerson with his military background and a team whose motto is 'Duty, Honor, Country' and we look for this military historian to make some history of his own this season. These new-look Cadets have plenty of options – but it's the triple-option that has fans at Michie Stadium buzzing these days. PLAY AGAINST: vs. North Texas (9/18) NAVY – *7 / 5 TEAM THEME: COMMANDING PERFORMANCE After back-to-back 8-5 seasons, Ken Niumatalolo's third year in Annapolis was a charm as the Middies capped off a record-tying 10-win season with a convincing bowl win over Missouri. All hands are on deck for another double-digit win campaign as QB Ricky Dobbs returns for his senior season. Despite playing with a broken kneecap over the final six games and missing the majority of two games, Dobbs scored a school-record 27 TD's. After leading the nation in rushing four straight seasons, Navy finished fourth last year. But the disciplined Middies led the nation in fewest penalties and won their 7th straight Commander-in-Chief trophy. Their four losses in 2009, including those at Ohio State and Pitt, were versus foes that were a combined 36-16. No such battles this season as only four winning teams grace the schedule and none likely to crack the Top 25. Clear sailing ahead! PLAY AGAINST: vs. Notre Dame (10/23) NOTRE DAME – 6 / 8 TEAM THEME: BEND IT LIKE BRIAN When he hit the South Bend campus, Brian Kelly was reminded of a shining moment in Notre Dame football: since the advent of the AP Poll, only one team – the Fighting Irish - has finished No. 1 three out of four seasons (1946, '47 and '48). He was also quickly reminded that his predecessor was 1-8 vs. Top 10 opponents – worst in school history. In fact, the Irish will take an 11-game losing skein against ranked opponents into the 2010 season. To which our database replies: Kelly's teams step up in big games as evidenced by his amazing 13-1 SU and 12-1-1 ATS mark as a favorite or a dog against .750 or greater foes. Even the loss of QB Jimmy Claussen won't have us looking in another direction as Kelly's 'next man up' system has seen six QB's make their starting debut the last three years. Only three true road games should have this team hell-bent on winning in 2010. PLAY AGAINST: as favorite vs. Boston College (10/2)
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GLTA Last edited by bobby2; 07-28-2010 at 01:36 PM.
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07-28-2010, 01:26 PM
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2010 MID AMERICAN CONFERENCE FOOTBALL PREVIEW
| More Entering its 64th year of gridiron competition, the MID AMERICAN CONFERENCE will once again play a balanced schedule, meaning each team will play eight conference games in 2010. Let's hope the results are more balanced that last year when only two teams in the MAC West Division managed to finish the season with a winning record. This on the heels of the 2008 campaign when only Buffalo was on the plus side of the ledger inside the East Division. This is definitely a league that is wide open and one that likes to mix things up. Seven different teams have appeared in the last five MAC Championship games while 11 different MAC schools have appeared in a bowl game in the last five seasons. Finally, keep this note handy once the bowl games roll around: since the 2008 calendar year, MAC bowlers are 1-11 SU and 0-10-2 ATS! Note: Numbers following team name represent the amount of returning starters on offense and defense, with an asterisk (*) designating a returning quarterback. Designated ‘Play On' and ‘Play Against' Best Bets follow each team's preview. East Division AKRON – *6 / 9 TEAM THEME: GOOD YEAR After suffering his fourth straight losing season, J.D. Brookhart was quickly bounced from town. Last year's three-win season was the Zips' lowest since 1997 and inevitably meant some rubber was going to meet the road. New HC Ron Ianello leaves his South Bend receivers coach gig and inherits the third youngest team in the nation: twenty-nine players from last season's two-deep squad were either freshman or sophomores. Ianello does welcome back nine starters from a defense that has improved each of the last two seasons and he may be able to zip through the majority of his non-conference matchups. However, he'll need to rely on all of his offensive prowess to repair an attack that regressed 96 YPG and averaged less than 20 points per contest if Akron hopes to rebound from last year's fiasco. Look for the ball to bounce Ianello's way in 2010. PLAY AGAINST: vs. Kentucky (9/18) BOWLING GREEN – 3 / 4 TEAM THEME: TOO GREEN TO BOWL The Falcons were picked to finish 5th in the MAC East Division a year ago. After a 1-4 start the pundits appeared on target, but a 6-1 finish lifted the Falcons and rookie HC Dave Clawson to a winning campaign and a trip to the alleys. Another slow start might be in the offing as Clawson must replace 15 starters and 18 seniors from last year's squad – including QB Tyler Sheehan, who accounted for 97% of the team's passing yards since 2007 and star WR Freddie Barnes, who set an NCAA record with 155 receptions last year. This depleted roster must also deal with a schedule that finds them on the road for five of their first seven contests. With only five games taking place in Doyt Perry Stadium, a strong case for a reversal of fortune could be made this season. No Bowling for these Green Falcons in 2010. PLAY AGAINST: vs. Troy (9/4) BUFFALO – 6 / 8 TEAM THEME: WINGING IT After resisting tempting offers the previous year, a five-win season had Turner (Gill) putting on the burners and heading for Kansas. Jeff Quinn, a long-time assistant to Brian Kelly, takes over the reins. The veteran OC will be looking to install a new spread offense in upstate New York. Quinn, however, will need to find replacements at QB and the top two WR spots from an offense that averaged over 400 YPG. On the bright side, four offensive linemen are back and eight starters return from a defense that allowed a respectable 24 points and 343 yards per game. With four of their first six games in other pastures, the Bulls' defense will need to lead the stampede and give Quinn's offensive system time to gel. We'll need to see more before we run and gun with these new-look Bulls. PASS KENT STATE – *9 / 7 TEAM THEME: FLASH FORWARD An 0-3 finish denied the Flashes a winning season for the first time since 2001. An offense that dropped 73 YPG and 7 PPG was the main culprit but it should turn into a strength for HC Doug Martin as nine starters return, including QB Spencer Keith who tossed for over 2,100 yards and 14 TD's as a freshman in 2009. Keith will, once again, be hooking up with WR Tyshon Goode, who excelled in his freshman season while hauling in a team-leading 53 passes and 5 TD's. The backfield is deep as four RB's who have combined to rush for over 5,200 yards in their collegiate careers are back in the mix. If Kent can weather a storm that finds them on the road early and often, look for the Flashes to come up Golden in 2010. A year of experience and a season-ending schedule that finds them home for four of their final five games ensures no late-season collapse this year. PLAY AGAINST: as favorite vs. Ohio U (11/26) – *KEY off loss MIAMI, OHIO – *8 / 9 TEAM THEME: ROCK THE CRADLE Miami's ‘Cradle of Coaches' (Paul Brown, Carm Cozza, Paul Dietzel, Weeb Ewbank, Ara Parseghian, John Pont and Bo Schembechler) likely turned over in their graves after witnessing the Redhawks cough up a nation-high 32 giveaways to opponents last season. Injuries forced first-year HC Michael Haywood to turn to a bevy of freshmen and sophomores, resulting in a turnover-plagued, 1-11 season. Included in the Pampers' parade was QB Zac Dysert, who passed for over 2,600 yards as a redshirt freshman. Haywood better have this group of toddlers ‘turnover trained' as they leave their Oxford crib for seven games this season, including stops at Gainesville, Missouri and Cincinnati. The feeling here is Haywood might throw a temper tantrum of his own before this season is said and done. PLAY ON: vs. Kent St (10/2) – *KEY as dog OHIO U – *7 / 7 TEAM THEME: BOBBING AND WEAVING We were as wrong as the day is long on our assessment of the Bobcats last year. Or at least on the SU and ATS scoreboards – and that's what ultimately counts! It was our contention that OU would not improve on a 4-8 mark from 2008 without better defensive play and fewer mistakes. The defense did not improve at all while the offense regressed 50 YPG – yet the Bobbies won nine games and hit the alleys. We'll press our bet in 2010, as teams that enjoyed great success without improving their numbers are normally a sure-fire disappointments the following season. In our defense, we turn to our highly popular Midweek Alert newsletter, which points out that the Bobcats were just 4-10 ‘In The Stats' despite the 9-5 SU and 8-5 ATS marks in 2009. Outside of a trip to Columbus, the schedule doesn't appear too daunting. However, after all, you can only ‘Bob' and weave for so long. PLAY AGAINST: vs. Bowling Green (10/9) TEMPLE – *9 / 7 TEAM THEME: THE ‘EYES' HAVE IT MAC Coach of the Year, Al Golden, took the Owls to new heights last year as Temple enjoyed their first winning season since 1990, their first league title since 1967 and their first bowl appearance in 30 years. The news gets even better as 16 starters return to Philly, including conference defensive Player of the Year and league leader in sacks, DE Adrian Robinson. Nine of those starters, led by SR QB Vaughn Charlton and RB Bernard Pierce, who rushed for 1,361 yards and 16 TD's as a true freshman, return to an offense that tallied 30 PPG last season. There's plenty to like about this group and its coach. With a tough non-conference schedule, there may not be a lot of hooting early but it would be wise to keep both eyes on these Owls. The way we see it, the later in the season, the better for this nocturnal bunch. PLAY AGAINST: vs. Miami Oh (11/23) West Division BALL ST – *10 / 7 TEAM THEME: PARRISH THE THOUGHT Could this be the year Stan Parrish (4-42 SU) finally shakes the enigma of being in over his head as an FBS head coach? The signs are there. Since 2005, the Cardinals have committed the 5th fewest turnovers (87) in the nation. The usually well-stocked Ball State offense returned only four starters last season, and it showed as the output dropped by 148 YPG. There's no such dilemma this season, however, as the offense returns virtually intact, led by all-MAC RB MiQuale Lewis. Stan would be wise to rely on the 3rd all-time leading rusher in BSU history to carry the load if he wants to continue to man the Muncie sidelines. By season's end, we'll know if it's either ‘Stan the Man' or ‘Stan gets banned.' One thing we know for sure – Parrish will have to learn how to beat .500 or greater opponents (1-28-1) if he doesn't want the ‘Ball' to drop any further. PLAY AGAINST: vs. Western Michigan (10/9) CENTRAL MICHIGAN – 6 / 5 TEAM THEME: THE FEVOUR'S GONE There's no more ‘Fevour' hanging around the Mt. Pleasant campus but new HC Dan Enos may still want to take a couple of aspirins. Not only has record-sitting QB Dan LeFevour left for the NFL, but also Antonio Brown and Bryan Anderson, the two most prolific WR's in school history. The 1st-year HC takes over a program that won its seventh MAC title last year – the most of any school since joining the league in 1975. Thanks to LeFevour, Central Michigan won eight or more games each of the last four seasons and appeared in four straight bowl games. The Chippewas have never won eight or more games in five consecutive seasons and with a new coaching staff and signal caller, we're betting ‘never' triumphs once again. Let the Chips fall where they may – just be sure to stand clear. PASS EASTERN MICHIGAN – *7 / 7 TEAM THEME: MAJORING IN ENGLISH They weren't speaking fluent English at EMU last season where the Eagles suffered through an 0-12 season. "There is no doubt that our players will be bigger, stronger, tougher and coached better than they were a year ago," contends second-year HC Ron English. We certainly hope so. English thinks his Eagles will be much improved in 2010 and we tend to agree. Due to injuries and a lack of depth, 25 newcomers – including nine true freshmen – saw significant playing time last season. Our database is also keeping a close eye on this bunch, noting: winless teams who find themselves favored in any game the following season are 31-21 ATS since 1980, including 21-9 ATS when laying five or more points. That's a lesson in Playbook 101. Now let's see if English could get his message across. PASS NORTHERN ILLINOIS – *6 / 9 TEAM THEME: KILLING ‘EM SOFTLY The Kill era is seemingly at a crossroads. While the third-year HC has guided Northern Illinois to a bowl in each of his first two seasons, both of those games ended in losses and all Kill has to show for his effort is a 13-13 record. In fact, his Huskies have yet to beat an opponent with a winning record (0-11). While the defense declined slightly in 2009, it still ranked tops in the MAC and 30th in the nation and remains the strength of the team. Nine return from that highly-rated unit but it did suffer a blow when DE Jake Coffman, the team leader in sacks, decided to skip his senior season. "We did lose some kids… some very good players," said Kill. "But at the same time, we've had some in the program that are growing up. This is the best I've felt since I've been here." We don't want to be a killjoy but that feeling here is that the Dekalb bunch is growing restless. PASS TOLEDO – 6 / 6 TEAM THEME: BOY WONDERS? Holy Toledo, Beckman. The second-year head coach saw six true freshmen start at least two games in 2009, including three defensive backs. That's one good reason to explain their 92nd-ranked pass defense. "We have nine seniors and only three who played all four years. So we need leaders to step up from junior, sophomore and even freshmen classes," contends Beckman. The former Oklahoma State defensive coordinator probably didn't sleep too well after seeing his defense stepped on for 38 PPG and over 400 yards of total offense. The young Rockets, though, did manage five wins thanks to an offense that ranked 13th in the nation. However, with just six starters back on each side of the ball and a non-conference schedule that includes three bowlers, it may take some time before Toledo sees lift-off. A fifth straight losing season is likely in the offing. PLAY ON: vs. Bowling Green (11/17) – *KEY WESTERN MICHIGAN – 7 / 7 TEAM THEME: SPIN MOVES The love affair in Kalamazoo is on the ropes. A 1-3 conclusion to the 2009 season denied the Broncos a second straight bowl bid and to that they can thank an offense and a defense that each slid 25 YPG. If 6th-year HC Bill Cubit hopes to keep the yo-yo working (alternating winning and losing seasons each of the four years), he'll need to win every home game possible with three of his six road games against bowl teams – along with a visit to Notre Dame wedged in between! (Note: WMU is just 2-7 SU and ATS in its last nine road games). To make matters worse, QB Tim Hiller has departed, having matched or broke every Broncos' passing record along the way. Only four teams with winning records dot the schedule, so there's a chance Cubit could play cupid in 2010. PLAY ON: vs. Kent State (11/20)
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GLTA Last edited by bobby2; 07-28-2010 at 01:36 PM.
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07-28-2010, 01:27 PM
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2010 MOUNTAIN WEST CONFERENCE FOOTBALL PREVIEW
| More There are highs and lows in every major conference. In the Mountain West Conference they range from 70 feet to 7,200 feet in altitude. They also range from 2009's National Coach of the Year (TCU's Gary Patterson) to one-win New Mexico. For a league an unsung as the MWC, they find themselves atop the pecking order in a handful of meaningful categories in the FBS. Among them: TCU QB Andy Dalton leads all returning signal callers in career victories (29), while Utah has more consecutive bowl wins (9) than any team in the nation. In addition, the Utes and the Horned Frogs will ride 17 and 14 game home win streaks, respectively, into the 2010 season. With 26 all-conference players returning in 2010, it would be no surprise to find this league to improve on its 25-16 bowl mark since 1996. After all, they're riding a mighty nice high in the MWC these days. Note: Numbers following team name represent the amount of returning starters on offense and defense, with an asterisk (*) designating a returning quarterback. Designated ‘Play On' and ‘Play Against' Best Bets follow each team's preview. AIR FORCE – *5 / 5 TEAM THEME: WHERE'S THE BEEF? While the Falcons welcome back just five starters on offense, including QB Tim Jefferson, the quintet accounted for 100% of the team's passing yards, rushing yards and total scoring. The concern for HC Troy Calhoun is rebuilding an offensive line that loses all five starters to graduation. Despite losing nearly 1,500 pounds of beef, the Force will again feature a ground attack that has led the MWC in rushing 26 of 28 years, including each of the last 12. There are a few issues on the defensive side, as well. The last time we saw the Falcons' stop unit in action was in the Armed Forces Bowl where they shut down high-powered Houston, 47-20, picking off Case Keenum SIX times. However, only five starters return from that opportunistic unit which ranked No. 11 nationally while leading the country in turnover margin, including zero on the offensive line. Yes, there are some holes to fill this season in Colorado Springs but in ‘Calhoun We Trust.' PLAY ON: vs. Navy (10/2) BYU – 6 / 6 TEAM THEME: CREATURES OF HABIT Who needs a calendar when you have a Bronco? By the end of November, you can pretty much count on double-digit wins from BYU and by the third week in December you can always find the Mormons in Sin City. For the fourth time in five years, Bronco Mendenhall's Cougars won 10-plus games, while a fifth straight season was capped off with a trip to the Las Vegas Bowl. In truth, last year's 11-win season was probably a bit disappointing. After surprising Oklahoma to start the season, the Cougars were upset at home by Florida State and lost for the second year in a row to conference rival TCU. They'll get a chance to make amends this year with trips to Tallahassee and Fort Worth. With just six starters returning on each side of the ball, we need to see more before assessing those chances. One thing we know for sure: we'll be rolling the dice with Bronco's boys come December. PLAY AGAINST: vs. Utah (11/27) COLORADO STATE – 4 / 10 TEAM THEME: HONEY, PLEASE COME BACK After leading the Rams to their first winning season since 2003 and delivering their first bowl victory in seven years, the Ft. Collins courtship was on for HC Steve Fairchild. A 3-0 start to 2009 pressed the engagement but, like a jilted lover, things got ugly. Real ugly. A season-ending nine-game losing skein was even more befuddling considering the fact that the Rams were favored in four of those contests. For Fairchild to get back in the sack, he'll need the offense to revert to their productive 2008 form. Easier said than done with only four starters back in the mix, including a new signal-caller for the third straight season. The defense, as a whole, took baby steps in 2009 but the D-line, in particular, showed vast improvement. With 10 starters back on that side the ball, and a recruiting class that Rivals.com called CSU's best in ten years, maybe Steve can get his groove back. PLAY ON: vs. UNLV (10/16) NEW MEXICO – 5 / 6 TEAM THEME: BABY STEPS When you are winless without a TD in your last four season openers, a new team motto is needed. "Take the Next Step" is the phrase Mike Locksley has opted for in 2010. These young Lobos managed only one win for Locksley in his rookie season, but they showed marked improvement over the season's final five games, losing the stat battle by an average of 59 YPG as compared to a negative 161 YPG in the first five games of the year. "The last five games we improved about 50 to 60 percent in almost every vital statistical category, and the last five games included the best teams in the conference. We got better, we stepped forward," confirmed Locksley. Blue-chip DT recruit Calvin Smith and a defensive line that returns three starters assures these Lobos are taking steps in the right direction… slow but sure. PLAY ON: vs. San Diego St (10/23) SAN DIEGO STATE – *9 / 8 TEAM THEME: ABOVE ALL HOKE If you listen to HC Brady Hoke, it's time for his Aztecs to get physical. His first year at the helm saw San Diego State double its win total from the previous season, thanks to a defense that improved dramatically against the run. Yet opponents still more than doubled their rushing output per game (165 to 78). The continued development of both the offensive and defensive lines is critical if the Aztecs are to produce their first winning season since the MWC formed in 1999. Skill wise, Brady's bunch is in good shape with the return of WR's Vincent Brown (778 yards, 6 TD's in six games before a season-ending thumb injury) and DeMarco Sampson, who was granted a sixth year of eligibility. A relatively soft non-conference schedule may give Hoke the push he's looking for early, but can this group hold their ground after visiting BYU, Wyoming and TCU? Time will tell. PLAY ON: vs. UNLV (11/27) TCU – *9 / 7 TEAM THEME: A TAD(POLE ) OLDER The Frogs just seem to keep on multiplying. TCU had more freshmen (17) on the depth chart last season than seniors (13) and the 27 seniors on this year's roster more than double last year's number. Despite a disappointing bowl loss to Boise in which they held the Broncos to 25 points below their season average, the Horned ones completed a perfect regular season for the first time in school history. As always, it was about the ‘D'. Since 2005, the Frogs have allowed a meager 79.5 rushing yards per game – tops in the nation. In fact, over that span, Gary Patterson's stop unit has held 45 opponents to under 333 total yards of offense, producing a 42-3 record in those contests. The offense is also in good hands as QB Andy Dalton, the MWC player of the year in 2009, returns. With only one tough conference roadie (Utah), it looks like the Fort Worth Frogs will, once again, be jumping. PLAY ON: vs. Oregon St (9/4) UNLV – *8 / 8 TEAM THEME: MR. CLEAN Mike Sanford is out and Bobby Hauck is in as six straight non-winning seasons was all the UNLV brass could stomach. They'll gamble that the winningest coach in the FCS over the last seven years can change the Rebels' fortunes. Hauck compiled a stellar 80-17 mark at Montana while leading the Grizzlies to three national championship games. SR QB Omar Clayton returns along with four starting offensive linemen and 1,291 of the team's 1,522 rushing yards. However, Hauck plans on cleaning house if necessary as he contends that, "No job is safe now or ever, really. You may see a lot of spread principles in our offense because that's what the strength of our personnel is." With nine bowl teams on this year's form, including four non-conference bowlers, it may take some time before Hauck cleans up this mess. PLAY ON: vs. Wyoming (11/13) UTAH – *8 / 4 TEAM THEME: SAND BAGGERS Playing in the MWC, Utah is America's best-kept secret. However, every year when we publish our Bowl Stat Report, Kyle Whittingham's Utes come front and center. That's because Utah owns the winningest bowl percentage (12-3, 80%) in Division 1 history of teams with at least 15 appearances. They also own the nation's longest current bowl win streak at 9 – and Whittingham has been a part of all of them. QB Jordan Wynn, the MVP of last season's Poinsettia Bowl, is back. So too is RB Eddie Ware, who rushed for over 1,000 yards in 10 games last season. Ware is joined in the backfield by Matt Asiata, who led the conference in rushing through the first four games before a knee injury ended his season. Checking the scoresheet we find twelve starters in all, including six all-MWC perfomers, returning to Salt Lake City as Whittingham looks to make it 10 strikes in a row. PLAY ON: vs. Iowa St (10/9) – *KEY as dog WYOMING – *7 / 7 TEAM THEME: JUST DO IT… AGAIN Chase Daniel, former Missouri quarterback, was right on the money when he proclaimed that his former OC Dave Christensen was "going to take that program to levels it's never seen." In short order, Christensen took the Cowboys bowling for the first time since 2004 and then proceeded to upset Fresno State as a double-digit dog in the New Mexico Bowl. Some may say it was the new Nike uniforms they wore for the first time in 2009. Others argue the five 4th-quarter comebacks orchestrated by MCW Freshman of the Year QB Austyn Carta-Samuels had more to do with it. "We didn't utilize all of our offense last year… I think we can start moving toward what we originally envisioned for the spread when we came here… I believe we've improved our team athletically," said Christensen. It's hard to argue with success. PLAY AGAINST: vs. Colorado State (11/20)
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GLTA Last edited by bobby2; 07-28-2010 at 01:37 PM.
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#8
07-28-2010, 01:28 PM
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2010 PAC 10 CONFERENCE FOOTBALL PREVIEW
| More After capturing seven straight PAC 10 titles, the University of Spoiled Children (USC) was hit hard in 2009. Not only in the standings but also during the off-season when head coach Pete Carroll scooted off to Seattle in the NFL. And suddenly, just like that, a race is on in the PAC 10. Replacing Carroll is Lane Kiffin, the celebrated former head coach with Tennessee (last year) and Oakland in the NFL. Kiffin is an ex-assistant with the Trojans who has a penchant for recruiting. His first recruiting class, with the Volunteers last year, was ranked best in the land by Rivals but he drew more attention when he received a 'verbal' commitment from 13-year-old quarterback David Sills. USC is one of two teams (UNLV the other) that will face 13 FBS opponents this year. Knocking on the door will be California and the Oregons, three teams that have been bridesmaids much throughout the Carroll era. And the feeling here is Washington, behind QB Jake Locker – a possible first pick in this year's NFL draft – will have a strong say in who finishes where in this wide open loop. Note: Numbers following team name represent the amount of returning starters on offense and defense, with an asterisk (*) designating a returning quarterback. Designated 'Play On' and 'Play Against' Best Bets follow each team's preview. ARIZONA – *10 / 4 TEAM THEME: GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS One of the smartest moves HC Mike Stoops made in his six years at the Wildcats' helm was bringing OC Sonny Dykes in to run his offense. In three short seasons, Dykes turned an offense that was averaging 253 total yards and 17 PPG into an attack that accounted for over 30 PPG and just under 400 yards of total offense. The trouble in Tucson is that Dykes has taken his playbook to Louisiana Tech. The good news for the feline faithful is the Wildcats return 10 starters from an offense that rushed for over 2,000 yards and 19 TD's and threw for more than 3,000 yards and 20 scores. While we're not fond of Stoops' plan to form co-offensive coordinators among the current staff, we're guessing they'll be more good news than bad news this season – if QB Nick Foles and RB Nic Grigsby don't get too 'nicked' up. PLAY AGAINST: vs. Arizona St (12/2) ARIZONA STATE – 7 / 7 TEAM THEME: ROAD BLOCKS After leading the Sun Devils to a 10-win season in his first year at Tempe, Dennis Erickson has only been able to muster a total of nine wins in the past two campaigns. It should be another tough road ahead for the veteran HC as five of ASU's six away games this season are against bowlers. In defense of Erickson, his Sun Devils fielded one of the youngest teams in the country last year while losing three starting O-linemen to season-ending injuries. And speaking of defense, seven starters return from a unit that was tops in the Pac-10 and 13th nationally. The erratic offense should get a boost with redshirt JR QB Steven Threet, a Michigan transfer, competing for the starting job. While Devils' fans shouldn't experience another season of complete hell, those trips outside of Tempe put us at a crossroad in determining ASU's 2010 fate. PLAY ON: vs. Oregon St (10/2) CALIFORNIA – *9 / 7 TEAM THEME: EIGHT IS NOT ENOUGH Jeff Tedford enters the season as the longest tenured coach in the Pac-10. In his first eight years at the Cal helm, his Bears own the second winningest record among conference foes. Despite turning around a 1-10 program, producing eight straight winning seasons and a delivering a 5-2 bowl record, the Berkeley bunch wants more. Granted, the Bears did beat two ranked opponents in the same season last year for the first time since 1950. To get to the next level, however, Tedford will have to address a couple of issues. Replacing RB Jahvid Best, a first-round draft choice, will fall to the fast feet of junior Shane Vereen who accounted for 852 yards and 12 TD's during Best's injury-plagued 2009 season. The bigger concern is to repair a defense that slipped 63 YPG last season. Rest assured, Tedford will not sleep until these Bears, at minimum, smell the Roses. PLAY ON: as dog vs. USC (10/16) – *KEY +10 pts or more OREGON – 9 / 8 TEAM THEME: WHAT THE DUCK IS GOING ON? Let's tell it like it is: the black clouds recently cast over the Oregon program are nearly as ugly as their uniforms. RB LeGarrette Blount's Mike Tyson-like display in last season's opener cost him dearly in this year's NFL draft. His back-up, LaMichael James (physical harassment) was suspended for this year's season opener and all-everything QB Jeremiah Masoli (burglary) was dismissed for the season. Not only was Masoli an All-Pac 10 second-team performer, he led the Ducks to an 8-1 league record in which they scored 36 or more points in every contest. A junior-laden team in 2009, the Ducks will now turn to senior leadership and 17 returning starters in hopes of overcoming these key player losses and the egg they laid in last year's Rose Bowl. Early pre-season polls put them in the Top 12 but we'll wait on their trip to Rocky Top before figuring out what to do with this Quack Attack. PLAY ON: vs. Stanford (10/2) OREGON STATE – 9 / 8 TEAM THEME: BEAVER FEVER Here's another bar bet you'll win nine out of ten times: Name the ONLY team to finish in the top three in the Pac-10 standings each of the last four seasons. Drink up if you had the Beavers on your mind. OSU's 25-11 conference record is second only to USC's 27-9 league mark during that span. In fact, Oregon State went 80-46 this past decade, after going 28-81-1 during the '90's. The mastermind behind the success is HC Mike Riley, who spurned USC's advances in the off-season to remain in Corvallis. While the defense slipped a bit, the offense was efficient, committing only 11 turnovers. 17 returning starters, led by the Rodgers brothers (RB Jaquizz and WR James), should be enough to overcome the loss of QB Sean Canfield. With September games versus TCU and Boise State, we'll find out early if we want to mess with these Beavers. PLAY ON: as dog vs. USC (11/20) SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA – *5 / 6 TEAM THEME: CHANGING LANES The nine-year Pete Carroll era came to a stunning end when he took the NFL money and headed for Seattle. The Trojans now turn to 34-year old Lane Kiffin, who bolted Rocky Top after one season, to return to the USC sidelines. Kiffin was an integral part of Carroll's first six staffs. "Having been here before, during the championship years, makes the transition a seamless one… I love that," said Kiffin. He brings an all-star coaching staff to tackle a 13-game schedule that sends them packing for four of their first six games. A favorable non-conference schedule finds nary a winning opponent, but do these Trojans have the horses to get back on top? Be careful as our Midweek Alert points out: USC was just 4-4 In The Stats against bowlers last year after going 30-5 the previous five years. Maybe it wasn't the money that caused Carroll to jump off this Trojan horse. PLAY ON: vs. Washington (10/2) STANFORD – *8 / 6 TEAM THEME: REDBIRD GOING… UP It's no wonder that Jim Harbaugh is on every team's 'in need of a coaching upgrade' list. 2009 saw Stanford break a string of seven straight losing seasons and with any 'Luck', 2010 will see the Cardinal record a bowl win for the first time since 1996. If Harbaugh plays his 'Cards' right, and we're sure he will, he'll ride the right arm of QB Andrew Luck to a top echelon job just about the time Luck, a first-team all-freshman selection last year, heads off to the NFL. As Luck may have it, an offensive line that allowed the 2nd fewest sacks in the land last year returns virtually intact. While replacing Heisman runner-up RB Toby Gerhart won't be an easy assignment, Harbaugh does have the luxury of eleven 5th and 6th-year seniors on the roster. With three of the top four tacklers back on defense, it looks like all the Cards are falling into place in 2010. PLAY ON: vs. Arizona (11/6) UCLA – *7 / 5 TEAM THEME: ROSE(BOWL)-COLORED GLASSES A big jump on offense and steady improvement on defense has the Bruins back in contention in the watered-down Pac-10. Rick Neuheisel's biggest hurdle this season will be to replenish a defense that loses six starters, including four all-league performers. Still, there's a feeling of confidence in the L.A. air as four wins in the final five games of the season, along with a Top 10 recruiting class, has UCLA breathing a bit more comfortable these days. "I expect us to continue to build on the growth and progress we made on offense a year ago. Most of all, our young players have now gained starting experience and are entering the third year of our system," says a self-assured Neuheisel. Trips to Texas, Cal and Oregon don't exactly have us brimming but it's tough to question the UCLA head man who has had just two losing seasons in 10 years as a college head coach. PLAY ON: vs. Texas (9/25) – *KEY as DD dog WASHINGTON – *10 / 6 TEAM THEME: UNDER LOCK AND SAR-KEY The return of a healthy Jake Locker saw the Washington attack take a quantum leap in 2009 as the Huskies doubled their offensive output from that forgettable 0-12 effort in 2008. The offense, which stays virtually intact, figures to take another jump forward as Locker, the potential top pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, decided to stay in school for his senior season. Last year's five win campaign – their most since 2006 – could have even been higher if not for a couple of close road losses at Notre Dame, Arizona State and UCLA. Second-year HC Steve Sarkisian ended his rookie campaign on a high note with a 42-10 thrashing of Cal and is itching to get back to work as 17 other starters join Locker in Seattle. To no one's surprise, the former NY Giants' DC improved the Huskies 'D' dramatically last season. However, in 2010 it's all about the 'O'. Lock it up. PLAY AGAINST: vs. Arizona (10/23) WASHINGTON STATE – *8 / 9 TEAM THEME: MORE AFRAID OF VIRGINIA If you thought 2008 wasn't a pretty year in Pullman – check out 2009. Paul Wulff's Cougars allowed more yards than any team in the country by a wide margin and totaled more than only New Mexico State. Despite a slew of young talented players that are a year older in 2010, Pac-10 scribes pick State to, once again, finish in the conference cellar. On the heels of the worst two-year stretch in school history – in which the Cougars have posted a 3-22 record while averaging 12.5 PPG and allowing 41.5 PPG – who could blame them? The offense should get a boost as SO QB Jeff Tuel, who took over the job last October and actually played well before a season-ending kneecap injury, returns along with all of his top WR's. Maybe the Cougars can sneak up on a few teams this season, as it's unlikely any of the nine winning teams on this year's slate are afraid of this Wulff. PLAY AGAINST: vs. SMU (9/18)
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GLTA Last edited by bobby2; 07-28-2010 at 01:37 PM.
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07-28-2010, 01:30 PM
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2010 SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE FOOTBALL PREVIEW
| More When it comes to determining college football's next national champion, one would be wise to peruse the SEC before casting a vote. Winning four national titles in a row and five of the last seven, the SEC might have padded the numbers even more had Auburn caught a break in 2004. But, as Pete Fiutak of College Football News.com reminds us, "of the five recent national champions from the SEC, only Alabama of last year was able to get through clean." So while saddling up with an SEC team to make it the BCS title game would appear to be the high percentage play, the tougher question is ‘who'. Five different teams have captured the SEC championship game the last six years, with only Florida winning twice. And speaking of the Gators, the Tim Tebow era ends, and the John Brantley era begins, in Gainseville in 2010. We'll soon learn whether Florida's 48 wins the past four seasons was more a factor of Tebow or head coach Urban Meyer. (UF won nine games in Meyer's first year at the helm in 2005). Regardless, the fact remains the SEC has won more BCS bowl games (14) than any conference and until another another steps up and says otherwise, they remain SECond to none. Note: Numbers following team name represent the amount of returning starters on offense and defense, with an asterisk (*) designating a returning quarterback. Designated ‘Play On' and ‘Play Against' Best Bets follow each team's preview. East Division FLORIDA – 6 / 5 TEAM THEME: TIM 1:70 The only Division 1 team to ever win 13 games in consecutive seasons has lost its leader. The Tim Tebow era has come to an end but not before the chosen one leaves with a 170.8 career passer rating, which ranks No. 1 all-time in the SEC and No. 2 in CFB history. QB John Brantley, a more conventional passer, steps in and he'll be surrounded with the team's top four RB's who combined to rush for nearly 2,000 yards last season. Most important, Urban Meyer is back, insisting there is no truth to the rumor that his leave of absence is coming in 6-hour increments. Only 11 starters return from last year's squad as nine Gators were gobbled up by the NFL draft – the most of any school this season. Meyer will also have to replace DC Charlie Strong – the fifth assistant under Meyer to be hired as a head coach. We'll give you one guess where GameDay will be on October 2! PLAY ON: as dog vs. Alabama (10/2) GEORGIA – 10 / 5 TEAM THEME: A LEG UP Despite a down season, an Independence Bowl win over Texas A&M gave the Bulldogs their 13th straight season of eight or more wins – extending the longest such streak in the nation. To keep that skein intact, the Dawgs will need to keep from losing the yardage battle – which was the case a surprising seven of 13 times in 2009. As a result, three new defensive coaches are aboard. Special teams is one area where Mark Richt shouldn't have any concerns. P Drew Butler, the 2009 Ray Guy award winner, is back. So is PK Blair Walsh, a finalist for the Lou Groza award. A soft non-conference slate along with a favorable SEC road schedule (Richt is 33-6 in true road games, including an amazing 11-3 vs. ranked opponents) should have these Bulldogs, once again, ‘kicking' butt in 2010. PLAY ON: vs. Kentucky (10/23) KENTUCKY – *5 / 7 TEAM THEME: OPERATION WHAT? New HC Joker Phillips has begun a plan called ‘Operation Win.' To which we say, "Huh?" After all, the Wildcats have won seven-plus games each of the last four years for the first time since 1909-1912 and have gone bowling four straight years for the first time in school history. In fact, the 2009 seniors have recorded the most wins in Kentucky lore since the 1950 class, including a victory at Georgia last year – the Wildcats first win ‘Between the Hedges' in over 20 years. Kudos to veteran Rich Brooks who retires with peace of mind knowing he masterminded the aforementioned milestones. Seven starters are back on defense and the QB position is in good hands with the return of Morgan Newton and former starter Mike Hartline. With three of the last four seasons ending in bowl wins, our advice to Phillips is simple: Keep winning – or the laughing stops in Lexington. No Joke. PLAY AGAINST: as favorite vs. Louisville (9/4) SOUTH CAROLINA – *8 / 7 TEAM THEME: ROUTE 666 While a trio of six-loss seasons the last three years is hardly impressive, the 68 wins that the Gamecocks posted this past decade were the most in school history. It's a good thing for the ol' ball coach that 99% of his team's passing yards, 93% of their rushing yards and 83% of their receiving yards return from a year ago as his Gamecocks face the toughest schedule in Division 1 this year – despite hosting seven contests. Eleven winning foes dot the 2010 docket, including 10 bowlers. Even its six home games versus FBS foes find no cupcakes, as all six went bowling while combining for a 53-26 record in 2009. QB Stephen Garcia, the SEC active leader in total yards and passing yards, is back for the challenge but he'll have to improve on his 8-8 mark as a starter if these Columbia ‘Cocks want to hit the alleys for the fifth time in six years. PLAY ON: as dog vs. Georgia (9/11) TENNESSEE – 5 / 6 TEAM THEME: AS THE VOLS TURN The soap opera has left town. Lane Kiffin is out after a one-year stand in Knoxville but, truth be told, nary a tear was shed. It's now Derek Dooley's show. The son of legendary coach, Vince, and most recently the sideline boss at Louisiana Tech, looks to rebuild a once proud program. "Everything we're going to do is going to be a foundation of integrity in every aspect of the program… I'm excited about what the future holds for Tennessee, " says Dooley. The loss of 11 starters, including star CB Eric Berry, may keep the ratings down in Season One but winning runs deep in the Dooley family tree. Dooley's run-first philosophy may also miss prime time with the departure of Montario Hardesty. It may take some time but we have a suspicion Dooley and the Vols will be a long-running hit. PLAY ON: as dog vs. Alabama (10/23) VANDERBILT – *7 / 5 TEAM THEME: THANK GOD FOR EMU'S A tough season-opening four-game itinerary against four bowlers is only the tip of the iceberg for the Commies in 2010. They must deal with no less than 10 bowl teams this campaign, and another that will dress up as a ‘Mission Team' (Wake Forest). To make matters worse, bad news came out of spring camp when DT Adam Smotherman, a vital cog on a leaky defense last year, blew out his knee. JUCO transfer QB Jordan Rodgers, the brother of Green Bay signal-caller Aaron, is expected to battle Larry Smith, who started nine games last season, for the starting job. Thirty-six sophomores and red-shirt freshman, including SEC Freshman of the Year, RB/KR Warren Norman, will see plenty of time as HC Bobby Johnson rebuilds from the ground up. Our advice for Bobby: with wins looking hard to come by, make 0-12 Eastern Michigan the homecoming opponent! PASS West Division ALABAMA – *8 / 2 TEAM THEME: ELEPHANT SEASON SEC opponents will be trading in their snatch hooks for double rifles now that the defending national champs replace the Gators as the team to beat this season. How good was the Tide last year? Of the five recent national champions from the SEC, only the 2009 Crimson managed to get through the season unscathed. Expect the Tide to continue rolling under QB Greg McElroy, a senior who has yet to experience a loss in a high school or college game as a starter. He'll have plenty of firepower to work with as Heisman Trophy winner RB Mark Ingram and WR Julio Jones (maybe the best receiver in the land) return for their junior seasons. Defense (ranked No. 2 overall the last six years – allowing just 275 YPG) has been the name of the game in Tuscaloosa but the ‘Nictator' will have to retool a unit that lost four players to the first two rounds of the NFL draft. Let's see how these well-rounded elephants fare with the bulls-eye squarely on their trunks. PLAY AGAINST: vs. Auburn (11/26) ARKANSAS – *9 / 7 TEAM THEME: HOG WILD The mud slinging should be kept to a minimum with a lot to like in Fayetteville this season. The Razorbacks capped off an eight-win season last year with a Liberty Bowl victory over East Carolina despite facing the nation's 4th toughest schedule. The 2009 squad leaders in passing, rushing, receiving, total offense, all-purpose yards, tackles, sacks, interceptions, pass break-ups, QB hurries, forced fumbles, fumble recoveries, kickoff returns, field goals, punting and blocked punts all return! One of those returning leaders is 6'7" 238-lb QB Ryan Mallett, who was named the top signal caller in the country last season by the Sporting News. In all, 59 letterman, 16 starters and both specialists will once again don the cardinal & white, making Petrino's Hogs a handful in 2010. PLAY AGAINST: vs. Texas A&M (10/9) AUBURN – 7 / 8 TEAM THEME: JUST WIN, BABY A 5-0 start diminished to a 2-5 finish, but Gene Chizik silenced the naysayers with an 8-win campaign that included a victory over Northwestern in the Outback Bowl. His Tigers were even on the verge of an Iron Bowl win before arch-rival Alabama rallied for a 26-21 victory on their way to the national title. As a result, Auburn enjoyed a strong recruiting class, which should serve as building blocks for the future. Unfortunately, the future is always now at Jordan-Hare Stadium and Chizik will have to deal with a schedule that includes eight bowlers and a trip to Tuscaloosa. The good news is eight home games dot the slate and 15 starters return, including the majority of offensive and defensive linemen. Here's some friendly advice for Chizik – keep winning. It didn't matter that former HC Tommy Tuberville had eight straight winning seasons… a 5-7 season sent him packing. PLAY ON: vs. Kentucky (10/9) LSU – *6 / 4 TEAM THEME: CLUE LES The Tigers' offense fell off the map in 2009, barely averaging over 300 YPG and finishing No. 112 in the nation. Maybe it's time to start pointing the finger at Les Miles. Yes, Miles has won 51 of 66 games in his first 5 years at LSU, but nine of those losses have come within the past two seasons as he continues to find more ways to lose games than win them. Last year ended with a whimper as the Bengals dropped three of their last five, losing the stat battle in every contest. To make matters worse, the defense slipped for the third year in a row. To further emphasize our point, and to show how his teams continue to underachieve, we point out that LSU is 14-3 SU as a home favorite under Miles but only 2-14-1 ATS in those games. If the return of QB Jordan Jefferson doesn't help, perhaps an appointment with Dr. Jennifer Melfi will. PLAY AGAINST: as favorite vs. Mississippi St (9/18) MISSISSIPPI – 3 / 6 TEAM THEME: NINE BALL Thanks to 31 turnovers and the inconsistent play of QB Jevan Snead, the Rebels were unable to improve on their surprise 2008 season. On some bad advice, Snead forewent his senior season and declared for the NFL Draft. However, it's the loss of some other skill players that has Houston nutty. "When you lose the first 1,000-yard receiver in Ole Miss history (Shay Hodge), and then lose a guy like Dexter (McCluster) who was a 1,000-yard rusher and 500-yard receiver, that's 2,500 yards you've got to make up," lamented Nutt. Nutt has led the Rebels to consecutive nine-win seasons for the first time since 1961-1962. A seven-game home slate and a favorable non-conference schedule (only one bowler) should keep Ole Miss in the mix, but Nutt will need to call on all of his coaching acumen to produce a third straight nine-win season. PLAY ON: as dog vs. Alabama (10/16) MISSISSIPPI STATE – 6 / 8 TEAM THEME: CROOMING A DIFFERENT TUNE Sadly, with Sylvester Croom in retirement, the excitement is back in Starkville. After leading the nation in increased attendance last season, 34,127 fans attended the spring game – a new record in the state of Mississippi. Despite facing the toughest slate in the country last season, the Bulldogs won a respectable five games – including three on the road. 2010's schedule is also challenging: Dan Mullen's men face no less than nine bowlers. However, the second-year HC returns four starters from an offensive line that paved the way for a ground attack that led the SEC in rushing while improving by over 1,500 yards and a significant 1.8 YPG. Thanks to the ground game, the offense averaged 26 PPG – quite an improvement from the 15 PPG in 2008. While the passing attack (No. 113) still requires some glee, Mullen has the State faithful singing in full force. PLAY ON: vs. Arkansas (11/20)
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GLTA Last edited by bobby2; 07-28-2010 at 01:38 PM.
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#10
07-28-2010, 01:31 PM
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2010 SUN BELT CONFERENCE FOOTBALL PREVIEW
| More Be careful, FBS. We just may find a member of the Sun Belt Conference playing in a BCS bowl game sooner than later. And, no, we're not suffering from sun-spots. If it can, the SBC champion will earn an automatic berth in a BCS bowl game if that team is ranked in the top 12 of the final BCS standings, or if that team is ranked in the top 16 of the final BCS standings and its ranking is higher that that of a champion of a conference that has an automatic berth in one of the BCS bowls. Just thought we'd clarify that given the fact that the last year's champion, Middle Tennessee State, concluded the season with 10 wins, the first Sun Belt Conference team in history to reach the 10-win mark. Never shy about take on the big boys, Arkansas State defeated Texas A&M last year in a game which snapped the Aggies' 20-game winging streak in home openers and handed them just their fourth loss over their last 50 non-conference games. The following week, MTSU won its first-ever home game against a team from a BCS guaranteed conference with a win over Maryland. In previous season teams from the Sun Belt have defeated powers such as Alabama, Missouri and Oklahoma State. Sure, they may be hands-down the weakest of the 11 BCS conference affiliates, and it's league champ won't be guaranteed a BCS bowl, but don't tell them. They've having fun in the sun. Note: Numbers following team name represent the amount of returning starters on offense and defense, with an asterisk (*) designating a returning quarterback. Designated 'Play On' and 'Play Against' Best Bets follow each team's preview. ARKANSAS STATE – 9 / 10 TEAM THEME: JONESING FOR MORE HC Steve Roberts has led ASU to its most victories in an 8-year span since 1985-1992, but the Red Wolves only have one bowl appearance to show for it. While Roberts has big shoes to fill on offense with the departures of star QB Corey Leonard and leading rusher Reggie Arnold, he'll one again lean on ol' reliable - a defense that has ranked No. 1 or No. 2 in the Sun Belt each of the last four seasons. And with 10 returning starters back on that side of the ball, why not! With seven road games sprinkled throughout the 2010 schedule, including five before the calendar hits mid-October, Roberts will once again need to rely on home cookin' if his Wolves hope to become bowl eligible this season. His solid 29-10 record at ASU Stadium in his nine seasons in Jonesboro should keep the home folks dancing. PLAY ON: as dog vs. Louisville (10/2) FLORIDA ATLANTIC – 3 / 9 TEAM THEME: 'X' MARKS THE SPOT It's Year 10 for the Owls and their master architect, Howard Schnellenberger. Despite taking over a program from scratch, Howie probably didn't plan on designing a 53-55 record over the first nine years. Especially when you consider a portfolio that included three national championships in Alabama under Paul 'Bear' Bryant and an unbeaten season in Miami under Don Shula. He also had his blueprint on the 'U' during the start of their glory days. To keep the building from crumbling, Schnellenberger's hopes rest on the arm of QB Jeff Van Camp. Van Camp replaces four-year starter Rusty Smith, the first Owl ever drafted by the NFL. Eight road games and heavy graduation losses will put the program builder to task in 2010. It's a little too sketchy for our liking. PLAY ON: as dog vs. La Monroe (10/9) FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL – 7 / 4 TEAM THEME: CAN YOU SEE WHAT I SEE? A disappointing 2009 season was capped off with a fourth straight loss to crosstown rival FAU. Making matters worse, the 2010 campaign started with the tragic stabbing death of starting RB Kendall Berry. After making gigantic strides with five wins in 2008, Mario's 'Cristo-bal' probably didn't envision a 3-9 follow-up. However, when your defense gets torched for 492 YPG – the second worst in the country – it doesn't take Madame Cleo to predict the inevitable. A season that had high hopes, with some even whispering bowl, wilted in the Miami sun. With the senseless loss of Berry, the 2010 campaign doesn't hold much promise, either. The Panthers do return their best player, WR T.Y. Hilton, who caught 57 passes despite nagging injuries, but until he learns to play defense, we'll look for game and fortune elsewhere. PLAY ON: as dog vs. Rutgers (9/11) LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE – *5 / 8 TEAM THEME: CALL ME The Cajuns have been bowl eligible four of their last five seasons, yet are still awaiting their first-ever FBS bowl bid. It's obvious a 6-6 season won't have Sun Belt coaches sitting by the phone. If HC Rickey Bustle expects to hear from Ma Bell this season, he'll have to retool an offense that slipped 88 YPG and 11 PPG. Bustle will call on QB Chris Masson to lead the way. Masson enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2009 with nine 200 yard-games on 222 completions. To their credit, the disciplined Cajuns do not beat themselves with penalties as they remain the least penalized team in the conference since Bustle's arrival nine years ago. Insiders say the Cajuns insist on being called Louisiana – not Louisiana Lafayette. With a schedule that includes seven road games and four non-conference bowlers, we think they'll be happy just being called. PLAY AGAINST: vs. North Texas (10/2) LOUISIANA-MONROE – *6 / 4 TEAM THEME: BERRY INTERESTING Despite improving an offense by 54 YPG, a defense by 96 YPG and adding a couple of check marks to the win column, Charlie Weatherbie was let go after seven seasons in Monroe. With no bowl appearances and no winning seasons along the way, we can't argue with the firing. But we can question the hiring of Todd Berry. UNLV's offensive coordinator the past three years, Berry had a four-stint as Army head coach from 2000-2003. While his Cadets set 25 team records during his tenure, Berry marched out of West Point with a somber 5-42 mark and a 15-game losing streak. With just a combined 10 starters back, it may take some time before Berry has the Monroe band playing Dixie. One thing is certain: Berry will need to improve on his 0-22 SU and 6-16 ATS mark in games off a win or loss of 17 or fewer points if he hopes to finally taste a winning season. PASS MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE – *8 / 6 TEAM THEME: BLUE BY YOU We'll be the first to admit that we're big fans of Blue Raiders HC Rick Stockstill. His team has won 20 of its 29 conference games under his guidance and was the first Sun Belt team to win 10 games in a season last year. A victory in the New Orleans Bowl capped off that successful 2009 campaign and the present looks anything but blue for the men from Murfreesboro. SR QB Dwight Dasher, a 2nd team all-SBC performer and MVP of the New Orleans Bowl, returns to lead an offense that ranked No. 7 in the nation in total offense. There's plenty more to like about this team, especially a schedule that includes only two winning teams on the docket. It looks like 'Blue' skies ahead for Stockstill and his potent Raiders. PLAY AGAINST: vs. Florida Atlantic (11/27) NORTH TEXAS – *10 / 8 TEAM THEME: GREEN WITH ENVY Despite winning only two games last year, the Eagles showed marked improvement on both sides of the ball and with 18 starters back, should be flying higher than they have in a long time. It's been six years since the 'Green' has showed any sort of 'Mean', but that should change behind a vastly improved offensive line led by tackle Victor Gill that returns four starters. HC Todd Dodge handed the reins to his son Riley last year and the freshman QB responded by leading the conference with a 67.7 completion percentage – a NTSU record. Lance Dunbar is also back to help carry the load. Dunbar led the Sun Belt in rushing and scoring, despite starting only eight games in 2009. With a career 5-31 record, we wouldn't blame the 4th-year HC for allowing his team to get downright nasty this season. He also won't have to 'Dodge' a schedule that finds only three winning foes. PLAY ON: vs. Florida International (10/16) TROY – 6 / 3 TEAM THEME: BYE, BYE LEVI BROWN The four-time defending conference champions, and the first team to go undefeated in Sun Belt play since 2004, will have their work cut out for them in 2010. An offense that carried the load last season returns only six starters – and that doesn't include record-setting QB Levi Brown. It will also feature a new offensive coordinator for the third time in five years. It gets worse on defense, much worse. Only three starters and no linemen are back from a defense that was torched for 425 yards per game, including 287 through the air. Even the schedule doesn't protect these Trojans as they're on the road for seven games. HC Larry Blakeney's 21st-year at the Troy helm (only Paterno and Beamer have more tenure), may be his toughest yet and he'll have to do his usual home cooking (83-12-1) to ensure a 5th straight winning season. This bunch will be 'up' for the challenge. PLAY ON: as dog vs. South Carolina (11/20) WESTERN KENTUCKY – *9 / 9 TEAM THEME: QUINCY, M.E. An 8-year run under David Elson came to a crashing halt last season when a winless campaign sealed his fate. Enter Willie Taggart, RB coach at Stanford the last three seasons. Prior to that stint, Taggart served an 8-year tenure as an assistant with the Hilltoppers. “WKU is in my DNA… I've always bled red since day one and I know what it takes to win here. I know what type of direction we want to go,” says Taggart. It better be up, as these stiffs have lost 20 games in a row while compiling a 2-22 record since attaining FBS status two years ago. Returning is QB Kawaun Jakes, who started nine games last season, and RB Bobby Rainey, a 2nd team all-SBC selection who rushed for 939 yards in 2009. Forensics experts are standing by. PASS!
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GLTA Last edited by bobby2; 07-28-2010 at 01:38 PM.
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#11
07-28-2010, 01:32 PM
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2010 WESTERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE FOOTBALL PREVIEW
| More If it appears the WAC is running things up, it's because they are. As a team, Nevada led the nation in rushing with 344.9 yards per game. The Wolf Pack became the second team in WAC history (Rice in 2004 with 306.5 yards per game) to lead the country in rushing yards per game. And for the first time since 2001, a WAC running back led the nation in rushing. Fresno State's Ryan Mathews (first-round draft choice by San Diego this season) averaged 150.7 yards per game after racking up 1,808 rushing yards, the fourth most in a single season in WAC history. It is the seventh time a WAC back has led the country in rushing. More impressive, there are 53 Division I-A programs west of the Mississippi that include all of the teams from the WAC, Big 12, Mountain West and Pac-10 and several teams from the Big Ten, Conference USA, SEC and Sun Belt. Since the 2001 football season. No other team has won as many games as Boise State (102). Can the Broncos run the card and create a spot in this year's BCS championship game? After checking out their overview below, we're not about to bet against them. Note: Numbers following team name represent the amount of returning starters on offense and defense, with an asterisk (*) designating a returning quarterback. Designated 'Play On' and 'Play Against' Best Bets follow each team's preview. BOISE STATE – *10 / 10 TEAM THEME: BOYS SEE BCS All eyes will be on Landover, MD on September 6th where the Broncos could very well punch a ticket to the BCS title game with a win over Virginia Tech. Considering HC Chris Petersen is 31-1 (45.5 PPG) in his career versus WAC opponents, there's not much else that stands in the way of another unbeaten season and a probable date with history. As if that's not enough, the Broncos return 20 starters, including five all-WAC 1st-team performers, from last year's 14-0 edition. QB Kellen Moore, 26-1 as a starter, leads the way behind an offensive line that allowed the fewest sacks in the nation in '09. A new Blue FieldTurf, said to be softer on the eyes, was installed this year at Bronco Stadium. With Petersen signing a five-year, $8 million contract expansion, look for Boise to extend its current 56-game home win streak. It's BCS title game or 'bust' for the boys in blue this season. PLAY ON: vs. Fresno St (11/19) FRESNO STATE – *8 / 8 TEAM THEME: KING OF THE 'HILL' It's good to be a Bulldog these days. 81 wins over the last decade are the most in school history. 15 BCS wins since 2000 are the second most in the nation among non-BCS schools. Seven home games frequent the schedule for the first time since 1994. Fresno State returns every starting lineman on both sides of the ball in 2010, along with five of their top six tacklers. HC Pat Hill, in his 14th season at the Fresno helm, is living right. Now if he could just figure out a way to win a bowl game. The Bulldogs have faltered in three out of their last four postseason appearances. Our Playbook.com database has the solution – enter as a dog. You'll probably want to file this in the archives until late December: the dog in Fresno State bowl games has won the last nine games – straight up! These Bulldogs look to have a dangerous bark. PLAY AGAINST: vs. Idaho (11/27) *KEY off SUATS loss HAWAII – *5 / 7 TEAM THEME: PASSING FANCY Despite finishing in the top three nationally in passing offense for the 10th time in 11 years, Hawaii's 23 PPG was their lowest scoring average in over a decade. The 30 points allowed per game was also the most since the 2005 season – the only other time in eight years that the Warriors failed to go bowling. Hence, a pair of new coordinators are on board in 2010. HC Greg McMakin welcomes back 48 lettermen in his third full year as island master, including QB Bryant Moniz. More importantly, All-WAC first team WR Greg Salas (106 catches) returns for his senior season. While McMakin knows he'll have to tighten a 'D' that was roasted for over 400 YPG, he also realizes an explosive offense is required in the wide-open WAC. Hawaii's 25-0 SU record since 2005 in games in which they score 40 or more points reminds him of that! PLAY ON: as dog vs. Nevada (10/16) IDAHO – *8 / 10 TEAM THEME: DANCING IN THE DARK A decade of darkness is over. Picked to finish last in the WAC last year, Robb Akey's Vandals had fans dancing in the streets of Moscow when they capped an eight-win season with an exciting come-from-behind bowl victory over Bowling Green. Thanks to an offense that vandalized opposing defenses for 451 YPG, Idaho was the nation's second most improved team in 2009. Star QB Nathan Enderle, a 4-year starter, is back to lead the nation's 9th-ranked offense, along with seven other starters. The defense also showed signs of improvement and should take an even bigger step in 2010 with 10 starters back in the mix. The Spuds will open at home for the first time since 1998 and will play in a non-Saturday game for the first time in over 50 years. Yes, success has its rewards. PLAY ON: as dog vs. Boise St (11/12) LOUISIANA TECH – *8 / 6 TEAM THEME: SONNY DAYS New head coach Sonny Dykes arrives with his wide-open offense and that could spell trouble for some defenseless WAC foes. The son of former Texas Tech coaching legend, Spike, Dykes has served as offensive coordinator at Arizona the past three seasons where the Wildcats offense improved 138 YPG and 16 PPG under his direction. Dykes takes over a Tech program that actually improved on both sides of the ball, despite winning four less games. Departed HC Derek Dooley left the offense well-stocked as QB Ross Jenkins, WR Philip Livas (the only player in the nation to score four different ways last year), and the entire offensive line return to Ruston. We'll also remind you that 18 players missed at least half the season with injuries in '09 – the most in the nation. Look for these Bulldogs to show some serious bite this fall. PLAY ON: as dog vs. Fresno St (11/6) NEVADA – *9 / 6 TEAM THEME: THOU'AULT SHALL RUN Joe Paterno, Mack Brown, Frank Beamer, Jim Tressel and Chris Ault. No, there is nothing amiss here. These are the five active coaches with at least 200 career wins. The common thread among this group is to 'run first' and no one has done it better than Ault's Wolf Pack, as they look to extend a school-record five straight bowl appearances behind the No. 1 rushing offense in the land (nearly 50 YPG more than any other team in 2009). Led by QB Colin Kaepernick, only the second player in NCAA history to post consecutive seasons with 2,000 yards passing and 1,000 yards rushing, and RB Vai Taua, a first-team all WAC performer each of the last two years, five different players combined to rush for more than 100 yards an incredible 22 times last season. Seven home games (the most in school history) figures to have Nevada re-writing the history books in 2010. PLAY ON: vs. Colorado St (9/11) NEW MEXICO STATE – *9 / 7 TEAM THEME: 'AGGIE-NIZING' DeWayne Walker had an uneventful rookie campaign when his Aggies took a step back on both sides of the ball last season. The offense was particularly disappointing, averaging an FBS-worst 12 PPG on 230 yards of total offense – another national low. However, 2010 finds plenty of optimism in Las Cruces. For openers, 16 starters are back, including 9 on offense. New OC Mike Dunbar, a 25-year veteran, figures to add some spark as he designs an attack around RB Seth Smith. The lone bright spot from an inept offense, Smith rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2009 as a walk-on and the ground game actually improved 87 YPG and 1.6 YPR. In addition, all four starting DB's are back from a unit that ranked No. 36 in the country in pass defense. A non-conference schedule that includes four losing teams with a combined 14-34 record could cultivate some early-season wins. PLAY AGAINST: vs. New Mexico (10/9) SAN JOSE STATE – *9 / 7 TEAM THEME: ROAD WORK AHEAD New coach Mike MacIntyre takes over the Spartans' reins from the recently retired Dick Tomey and, to no one's surprise, the old veteran left the cupboard well-stocked. Sixteen returning starters are back from last year's team, along with three other potential starters who were red-shirted in 2009. A former NFL assistant and most recently Duke defensive coordinator, MacIntyre was named AFA assistant coach of the year in 2009. Unfortunately, Tomey has also left MacIntyre with the schedule from hell. Besides dealing with unbeaten conference foe Boise State, the Spartans face three FBS non-conference opponents that went a combined 34-6 in 2009. The Spartans were outscored 179-48 (0-4 SU & ATS) in their first four road games last season. With trips to Alabama, Wisconsin, Utah and Nevada, they may not want to find the way out of San Jose this season. PASS UTAH STATE – *8 / 9 TEAM THEME: LITTLE HOUSE IN LOGAN Despite a 4-8 record, Gary Andersen's first year on the Logan sidelines had to be considered a success as the four wins were the most since 2002. In the process, Utah State set a school record for total offense (5,272 yards). This season may find more records fall as the Aggies return eight offensive starters, including QB Diondre Borel. Borel owns three school records, including fewest interceptions in a season (4) last year. The senior signal-caller will be joined by a bevy of returning backs (5) and will also have three of last year's top four WR's at his disposal. Even a defense that allowed over 450 yards per game welcomes back five of its top six tacklers. Expect the defense to play with plenty of emotion on their prairie this season as they honor the most decorated player in school history – Merlin Olsen - who passed away in the spring. PLAY ON: vs. New Mexico St (11/6
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GLTA Last edited by bobby2; 07-28-2010 at 01:38 PM.
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#12
07-28-2010, 03:25 PM
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Lawrence's publication is an excellent souce of Techincal information for the "capper,but his predictions often leave something to be desired.
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"Now I want you to remember that no bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country." George Patton. I am a winner because I make the other poor dumb bastards lose.
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#13
07-29-2010, 09:34 AM
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lots of good little quick tidbits to read through. nice posting.
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one thing ive learned is, never let anyone hooskow ya! -the great chili dog 2006 NBA Playoff Contest Champion
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#14
08-06-2010, 03:29 AM
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thanks for the info
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#15
08-06-2010, 03:14 PM
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yep nice little bits of info,thanks Bobby2.
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