Thoughts on a great 2011 season and a look to next year Mallers?

[cuse_man]

1. How the hell did Frank Beamer avoid being the joke of Bowl season ? Granted I didn't get much sport center type viewing in, but I heard almost nothing about his fake punt blunder.... This was already a pretty poorly coached game offensively speaking, but that may have been the worst move I have seen in my life... I doubt anyone will top that either. Beamer essentially turned down a chance to run it from about less than a yard behind a NFL back, and an oline that was forcing their will at the time. Instead he chose to run it from 18 yards out with his punter. The fact that this was talked about so little is every bit as baffling to me.

2. Its almost not fair having Saban in the college ranks, and to coach a school like Alabama. At the very least he should be relegated to a school like South Carolina like the great Spurrier. It sure does make it fun though... for those of us who don't have to play or coach against him. Alabama again has to be considered the team to beat in the SEC regardless.

3. Two quarterbacks everyone should be watching with a close eye next year... Denard Robinson and Logan Thomas. Both of these guys made huge strides this year, and should be dominant at times next year. The Hokies will lose a lot next year though so we will have to see how things shape up. Michigan on the other hand was a team I had as much improved this year, but I have to admit did not see them in a BCS bowl. Robinson has made good improvements as a passer, and returns a very talented line that will have good experience. Also a hell of a RB in Toussaint.... Another year under Hoke/Mattison. They should be one of the favorites to win the big 10, and maybe a sleeper nationally depending how good the b10 is next year.

4. Auburn... How good will this team be this year ? They surprised some early on, but it was a bit of an illusion. Still this team showed Tiger fans plenty of reason to be excited for the future, and capped that off with a very solid win over Virginia in their bowl game. Most people were probably not impressed with this win, but Virginia was actually a very solid team who brought everything to that game. Auburn got a lot of breaks early eventually taking away some of Virginia will, but they really showed what talent can do. When you hear people discount the fact the SEC is superior just sit them down, and make them watch this game.

5. West Virginia. Year after year this team produces... You really have to give it up for the program they have going there in Morgantown. The Orange Bowl was no exception. Before the bowl my reasoning behind wvu was that I really thought that defense was a bit underrated. Sure I knew with time to prepare Holgorsen would find his share of matchups to exploit, but wow they really put it on Clemson. Future rivalry in the making with WVU heading to the ACC. Have fun there, and hope Dana is there for the long run. That spread offense will only get better with time, and practice... It will also get a LOT faster, and they bring back an improved Geno Smith in his last season. The rest of the teams in the Big East will be a bit relieved when these guys finally take off.


*Syracuse... 2010 was a hopeful year, and anyone around here just knew they were not going to lose to Kansas State in that bowl game. This year was a bit different, but I think a lot of people felt like I did and expected it. Maybe not all the fans, but the coaches and anyone else that followed the program close. This was another part of a team in a major rebuild, and actually Syracuse stock is still going up. The record may not have reflected that this year, but its been 2 years of continued progress. I wouldn't be surprised if Syracuse surged up again a bit like in 2010. A Syracuse Over win total may be something to consider.


Those are some of my quick thoughts. Feel free to share yours.

[cuse_man]

Found some odds quick.. Most likely somewhere in Vegas:


ACC

Florida State: 18/1

Virginia Tech: 18/1

Clemson: 28/1

Miami: 90/1

North Carolina: 100/1

Virginia: 100/1

Georgia Tech: 100/1

BIG 12

Oklahoma: 18/1

Kansas State: 25/1

Texas: 30/1

Oklahoma State: 40/1

Texas Christian: 50/1

Baylor: 75/1

BIG TEN

Michigan: 18/1

Nebraska: 30/1

Wisconsin: 40/1

Michigan State: 40/1

Penn State: 100/1

Iowa: 125/1

BIG EAST

West Virginia: 50/1

Cincinnati: 75/1

Louisville: 100/1

PAC-12

USC: 6/1

Oregon: 9/1

Washington: 50/1

Stanford: 60/1

Arizona State: 75/1

Utah: 100/1

Washington State: 100/1

Cal: 100/1

SEC

LSU: 3/1

Alabama: 7/1

Arkansas: 12/1

Georgia: 15/1

South Carolina: 28/1

Auburn: 30/1

Florida: 35/1

Texas A&M: 60/1

Mississippi State: 75/1

Missouri: 75/1

Vanderbilt: 100/1

INDEPENDENT/NON-BCS

Notre Dame: 22/1

Boise State: 50/1

BYU: 100/1

The field is listed at 50/1.

[BLBisinnocent]

Wvu heading to the ACC??? Good stuff up to there...

[cuse_man]

Originally Posted by BLBisinnocent

Wvu heading to the ACC??? Good stuff up to there...

You right... got them confused with their neighbor. All this conference nonsense gets confusing.

[JunkyardDog47]

I will be posting my early outlook shortly. Suffice it to say that the 'Cuse gets USC at the MetLife Stadium on 9/8. Ouch.

[cuse_man]

USC made me some coin this year in that one... Still trying to figure out how exactly Cuse dropped 17 on them though.

[Bisket]

Louisville over season wins will be "never post again" material. Hopefully 7.5 or less

[cuse_man]

Originally Posted by Bisket

Louisville over season wins will be "never post again" material. Hopefully 7.5 or less

Not sure I watched an entire L'ville game all season, but I will have to keep that in mind bisky.

[Muleriders]

Damn good post Cuse. Dr. Jack and Cappers Mall have a good base of knowledgeable college football guys. I could name the ones I read but don't want to leave out anyone.

I and my crowd are already looking forward to next season. You veterans keep the CFB forum flowing here.

Good place!

[cuse_man]

Originally Posted by Muleriders

Damn good post Cuse. Dr. Jack and Cappers Mall have a good base of knowledgeable college football guys. I could name the ones I read but don't want to leave out anyone.

I and my crowd are already looking forward to next season. You veterans keep the CFB forum flowing here.

Good place!

ty... lotta typos though.. was late and nice night what can i say

Lotta good folk here you right..always had potential, but have had just a few things hold back a bit. Like you and everyone here I too can't wait till next year, but have to stay on the sidelines a bit here at cm now.. We have college basketball here though.. the best/easiest sport of the big 3 to handicap...............



I see a lot of people high on USC for next year, and while I wasn't able to follow them as much as some of the others this year I would tend to agree. Most people aren't too fond of Kiffin, but I have always thought he had some major potential to be one of the better coaches out there. See no reason they do not take another step forward possibly becoming one of the major players as soon as next year.