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Will The Tide Roll To A BCS Title?

Thursday, January 7th, 2010

The BCS Championship game tonight pits two undefeated teams in the Rose Bowl. Texas will take on Alabama with the winner to be crowned National Champion. Both teams have star players and two of the best coaches in college football.

Alabama is lead by their Heisman trophy winner, Mark Ingram. Ingram leads a rushing attack that averaged 215.9 yards per game, good for 12th in the nation. It will be vital to establish this ground attack so they can set up their passing game and keep the Texas defense on the defense. Balance will be a key to victory. Alabama will also need too pressure Texas quarterback Colt McCoy. They have been susceptible to the big play this year. McCoy can come up with the big play and Bama better keep those plays to a minimum.

Nick Saban will have Alabama fired up in tonights BCS Championahip game vs. Texas.

The Crimson Tide also sport one the best coaches in the nation in Nick Saban. Saban seems to squeeze the most out of his players and will have this team both prepared and motivated. He has had time since Bama’s big SEC Championship win over Florida. Saban will also use that momentum to keep the tide rolling. If this game comes down to a the kicking game, Bama will fair well. Leigh Tiffin kicked 29/33 field goals this year. Bama will hope this game will not be that close.

Texas is led by their great quarterback Colt McCoy. McCoy finished third in the Heisman balloting to Ingram. He could use this as motivation to out play Ingram and Alabama tonight. McCoy must manage this game smartly and limit his mistakes against a opportunistic Alabama defense. Texas cannot afford to make mistakes, it is that easy. Texas also sports the #1 rushing defense in the nation, only giving up a poultry 62.2 yards per game. If they can bring that kind of defense tonight against Bama’s vaunted rushing offense, they will wind up National Champions.

Texas also has a great coach in Mack Brown. Brown has already won a National Championship at Texas and would like nothing better than to add a second. Texas might also be a team of destiny. They pulled out a 13-12 victory over Nebraska in the Big Eight Championship when there was one second added to the clock. They then used that one second to their advantage as their place kicker Hunter Lawrence kicked a game winning field goal. Lawrence is a stellar kicker converting 22/25 field goals this year.

I think that the Tide is too balanced and too good for the Longhorns. Bama has everything working for them including talent, coaching and momentum. I think the tide will roll to the National Championship.

Tags: alabama, BCS, Big Eight, Colt McCoy, Florida, Hunter Lawrence, Leigh Tiffin, Mack Brown, Mark Ingram, Nebraska, Nick Saban, SEC, texas
Posted in Alabama University, Florida University, Nebraska University, Texas University, college football | No Comments »

How Will The Nebraska Cornhuskers Rebound In The Holiday Bowl?

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

Tonights Holiday Bowl in San Diego features a match up of two teams that had devastating loses that could of had them in a BCS bowl. One in particular was one second away and saw elation turn into a nightmare.

Will Suh have the Cornhuskers morivated to play great defense to carry rhem to a victory tonight in the Holiday Bowl.

Will Ndamukong Suh have the Cornhuskers motivated to play defense to carry them to a victory tonight in the Holiday Bowl.

Nebraska is the team mentioned. The Cornhuskers (9-4) and 20th ranked held a 12-10 lead over second ranked Texas in the Big 12 Championship.Texas quarterback Colt McCoy threw the ball out of bounds ,and the Huskers thought they were Big 12 champs and headed to a BCS berth. But fate played a cruel joke on them as they even celebrated on the field for a brief moment. The officials put a mere one more second on the clock and Texas kicked a game wining field goal to escape with a 13-12 victory putting them in the BCS Championship Game. You talk about snatching the jaws of victory form a team, this is what happened.

Arizona (8-4) and 22nd ranked have a game on their resume’ that could of had them BCS bowling. They were within six seconds of being in position to win the Pac 10 title. They held a 31-24 lead over Oregon only to concede to that touchdown that tied the game ,and Oregon pulled it out in double overtime 44-41.Know they find themselves in the Holiday bowl instead of the Rose Bowl. Zona did rebound nicely to win their next two games. Nonetheless, they have to question, “What might of been?”

Both teams tonight have good defenses. Nebraska has the 9th rated defense, giving up only 11.2 points per game and held the vaunted Texas offense to a mere 202 yards in the Big 12 Championship game. They are lead by their sensational defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. Suh had a phenomenal year that had him finish 4th in the Heisman balloting.Arizona is 21st in total defense and has played good defense in their last couple of games.

I think that both teams still have nightmares of what could of been. Nebraska’s last game is what they remember most. I want to see how they rebound and motivate themselves to get up off of the carpet and have the fire to win. This game is a toss up. I have to think the Huskers will muster up the motivation to carry them to victory tonight in San Diego.

Tags: Arizona Wildcats, BCS, Colt McCoy, Ndamukong Suh, nebraska cornhuskers, oregon, Rose Bowl, texas
Posted in Arizona University, Nebraska University, Oregon University, Texas University, college football | 1 Comment »

College Bowl Game Predictions

Saturday, December 19th, 2009

The college bowl schedule kicks off today with two opening games on the schedule as Wyoming meets Fresno State in the New Mexico Bowl and Central Florida hooks up with Rutgers in the St. Petersburg Bowl. College football fans will be treated to 34 games over 20 days culminating with Alabama and Texas deciding this year’s national champions.

This year’s matchups pair what appear to be some with three teams favored by double-digit spreads and twelve team favored by a touchdown or more. While Vegas is seeing a lot of mismatches, there appears to be some great upsets brewing. I am projecting right now seven underdogs achieving outright victories and sixteen underdogs covering the spread.

My biggest underdog covers include SMU, Boston College, Northwestern, East Carolina and Boise State. My biggest underdog outright victories are Texas A&M and Stanford.

Bowl	Matchup	Spread	Winner	Cover
New Mexico Bowl	Wyoming vs. Fresno State	Fresno State by 11	Fresno State	Fresno State
St. Petersburg Bowl	Central Florida vs. Rutgers	EVEN	Central Florida	Central Florida
New Orleans Bowl	Middle Tenn St vs.Southern Miss	Southern Miss by 4	Southern Miss	Middle Tenn St
Las Vegas Bowl	BYU vs. Oregon State	Oregon State by 3	BYU	BYU
Poinsettia Bowl	Utah vs. California	EVEN	Utah	Utah
Hawaii Bowl	SMU vs. Nevada	Nevada by 15	Nevada	SMU
Little Caesars Bowl	Ohio vs. Marshall	Ohio by 3	Ohio	Ohio
Meineke Care Bowl	North Carolina vs. Pittsburgh	Pittsburgh by 3	Pitt	North Carolina
Emerald Bowl	Boston College vs. USC	USC by 9	USC	BC
Music City Bowl	Kentucky vs. Clemson	Clemson by 7½	Clemson	Clemson
Independence Bowl	Texas A&M vs. Georgia	Georgia by 7	Texas A&M	Texas A&M
Eagle Bank Bowl	UCLA vs. Temple	EVEN	Temple	Temple
Champs Sports Bowl	Wisconsin vs. Miami	Miami by 3	Miami	Miami
Humanitarian Bowl	Bowling Green vs. Idaho	Bowling Green by 2	Bowling Green	Bowling Green
Holiday Bowl	Nebraska vs. Arizona	Arizona by 1½	Nebraska	Nebraska
Armed Forces Bowl	Air Force vs. Houston	Houston by 4½	Air Force	Air Force
Sun Bowl	Stanford vs. Oklahoma	Oklahoma by 8	Stanford	Stanford
Texas Bowl	Navy vs. Missouri	EVEN	Navy	Navy
Insight Bowl	Iowa State vs. Minnesota	Minnesota by 3	Minnesota	Minnesota
Chick Fil-A Bowl	Tennessee vs. Virginia Tech	Virginia Tech by 4½	Virginia Tech	Tennessee
Outback Bowl	Northwestern vs. Auburn	Auburn by 7½	Auburn	Northwestern
Capital One Bowl	LSU vs. Penn St.	Penn St. by 3	Penn State	Penn State
Gator Bowl	Florida State vs. West Virginia	West Virginia by 3	West Virginia	West Virginia
Rose Bowl	Ohio State vs. Oregon	Oregon by 3½	Oregon	Oregon
Sugar Bowl	Cincinnati vs. Florida	Florida by 11	Florida	Florida
International Bowl	Northern Illinois vs. South Florida	South Florida by 7	South Florida	South Florida
Papa John’s Bowl	Connecticut vs. South Carolina	South Carolina by 4½	Connecticut	Connecticut
Cotton Bowl	Mississippi vs. Oklahoma State	Mississippi by 3	Oklahoma State	Oklahoma State
Liberty Bowl	Arkansas vs. East Carolina	Arkansas by 8	Arkansas	East Carolina
Alamo Bowl	Michigan State vs. Texas Tech	Texas Tech by 8	Texas Tech	Texas Tech
Fiesta Bowl	Boise State vs. TCU	TCU by 7	TCU	Boise State
Orange Bowl	Iowa vs. Georgia Tech	Georgia Tech by 4	Georgia Tech	Iowa
Gmac Bowl	Troy vs. Central Michigan	Central Michigan by 3	Central Michigan	Central Michigan
BCS Championship	Texas vs. Alabama	Alabama by 5	Alabama	Alabama

Looking at conference performance, here’s how I see it playing out:

Bowl	Matchup
Atlantic Coast	4-3
Big East	4-2
Big Ten	2-4
Big 12	4-4
C-USA	2-4
Mountain West	4-1
Pac-10	3-4
Southeastern	4-6
Western Athletic	2-2

The SEC might be the power conference, but they got some unfavorable matchup. I think the Big 12 and Big East are going to surprise some opponents. The Mountain West is going to do some damage and really stoke the argument that they deserve an automatic BCS invite.

As for the National Championship game, I am seeing a major blowout. Given Texas’ performance against ranked opponents and closing out its season on some very poor play, this just seems like a mismatch of grand proportion. TCU and Cincinnati were much more deserving of a spot in the Championship Game and Alabama is going to apply a major smackdown that will likely drop Colt McCoy’s NFL stock drop tremendously when he loses the game single-handedly.

Overall, this bowl season looks to be exciting. We have a lot of underdogs with solid shots at upsets which should make the next 20 days enjoyable for all to watch.

Tags: Air Force, alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Auburn, BCS, boise st, Boston College, Bowling Green, BYU, California, Central Florida, Central Michigan, cincinnati, Clemson, college bowl games, college football, Connecticut, East Carolina, Florida, florida state, Fresno State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Houston, Idaho, Iowa, Iowa State, Kentucky, LSU, Marshall, Miami, Michigan State, Middle Tenn St, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Navy, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Northern Illinois, Northwestern, Ohio, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, oregon, Oregon State, Penn St., Pittsburgh, Rutgers, SMU, South Carolina, South Florida, Southern Miss, Stanford, tcu, Temple, Tennessee, texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Troy, UCLA, USC, Utah, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Posted in Alabama University, Arizona University, Arkansas University, Auburn University, Boise State University, Boston College, Brigham Young University, California University, Cincinnati University, Clemson University, Connecticut University, East Carolina University, Florida State University, Florida University, Fresno State University, Georgia Tech University, Georgia University, Houston University, Idaho University, Iowa State University, Iowa University, Kentucky University, Lousiana State University, Marshall University, Michigan State University, Minnesota University, Missouri University, Navy, Nebraska University, Nevada University, North Carolina University, Northwestern University, Ohio State University, Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma University, Ole Miss University, Oregon State University, Oregon University, Penn State University, Pittsburgh University, Rutgers University, South Carolina University, Southern Cal University, Southern Methodist University, Southern Miss University, Stanford University, Tennessee University, Texas A&M University, Texas Christian University, Texas Tech University, Texas University, UCLA University, University Central Florida, University Miami Florida, University South Florida, Utah University, Virginia Tech University, West Virginia University, Wisconsin University, Wyoming University, college football | 1 Comment »

Big Ten Conference Expanding, Who Will It Be?

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009

Big Ten Conference Looking To Expand

Officials from the Big Ten, as reported by ESPN, announced that a committee has been formed to explore the addition of a twelfth team to join the conference. The committee will explore options over a 12-18 month period. The Big Ten last expanded in 1989 when it added Penn State to the conference. Exploratory conversations were had with Notre Dame in 1999, but their inclusion never transpired.

The call for expansion comes on the heels of the recently completed football season. Each season, the Big Ten concludes two weeks prior to all other conference championship games. The early season ending hurts the Big Ten visibility with recruits and can often leave the conference irrelevant when they are on hiatus. More importantly, the Big Ten loses out on big broadcasting rights and sponsorship deals given their inability to hold a conference championship.

The question that is bouncing around is who is on the list of consideration and why?

Notre Dame

The obvious first candidate for consideration. Everyone wants Notre Dame to join their conference. The are a great addition due both to athletic program quality and educational prowess. The Irish have traditionally been noted to get top recruiting classes, but the recruits are not translating into wins on the field. Joining the Big Then would create an immediate impact in getting real blue chippers to come to South Bend. By joining the Big East for all other sports, the Irish have seen improvements across the board in performance and success. Given the lucrative TV contract that Notre Dame can still command, its unlikely that we’ll see Notre Dame join and give up that revenue. They gotta cut those checks to Charlie Weis for quite a few more years.

Pittsburgh

Pitt seems like the most practical choice. Not really one of the “Big East” notables, Pitt has flown under the radar for years in the conference despite its consistent success in basketball and football. From a recruiting standpoint, the are right in the mix with Big Ten teams given their proximity. More importantly, they have an instant rivalry in Penn State upon their joining the league.

Boise State

The athletic program at Boise State has probably displayed the most growth of any over the past decade. The school puts it football, basketball and wrestling teams into the conversation every year. With no true rivals out in Idaho, joining the Big Ten would reward this school for its progress and success across the board. They are the feel good story of the NCAA. And think about the fan interest it would generate on the West Coast for the Big Ten to enter the Great Northwest. The Rose Bowl would become a much bigger bowl game draw.

Syracuse

The once great football power is limping on its way to death. Since the departure of Miami, Boston College and Virginia Tech, the football squad has suffered from an inability to generate recruits due to the loss of its biggest rivalry matchups. Football has historical importance to this school and becoming relevant again would happen with a jump to the Big Ten. For the Big Ten, they get a premier basketball squad that can help make their basketball conference relevant again. Good payoffs for both sides.

Nebraska

The Cornhuskers should be desperate to get out of the Big 12. Since joining, they have become irrelevant in every sports and lost their annual rivalry game with Oklahoma due to the splitting of the conference into North-South. A jump out the Big 12 would give Nebraska new life. For football, they become the talk of the town and recruiting would go skyward. For basketball, they are immediately playing their way into the NCAA tourney every year, both women and men. Volleyball, gymnastics and wrestling all fit in nicely with the Big 10 as well. You split the conference East and West with the dividing line at the Indiana border. And when they bolt, TCU finally gets its invite to the Big 12.

If I was a betting man, I’d like my money on Nebraska. Second choice goes to Pitt. Notre Dame is not going to join because they want the football TV cash. Syracuse will show its allegiance to the conference it helped form despite the devastation to its once proud football program. Boise State, well, they are used to not being the belle at ball. The expansion is definitely going to happen. There is big money to be made and the Big Ten is ready to put tradition behind for the cash.

Biggest problem in front of the committee is not what team to chose, it is is what to call the conference. The Big 12 is already trademarked and calling yourself the Big Ten when you have twelve team makes no sense. Hope it doesn’t take them another 12-18 months to figure that one out.

Tags: big ten, boise st, nebraska cornhuskers, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, syracuse
Posted in Boise State University, Boise State University, College Basketball, Illinois University, Illinois University, Indiana University, Indiana University, Iowa University, Iowa University, Michigan State University, Michigan State University, Michigan University, Michigan University, Minnesota University, Minnesota University, Nebraska University, Nebraska University, Northwestern University, Northwestern University, Notre Dame University, Notre Dame University, Ohio State University, Ohio State University, Penn State University, Penn State University, Pittsburgh University, Pittsburgh University, Purdue University, Purdue University, Syracuse University, Syracuse University, Wisconsin University, Wisconsin University, college football | 4 Comments »

Making The Heisman Case For Ndamukong Suh

Tuesday, December 8th, 2009

The Heisman Trophy finalist were announced on December 7th with a shocker…a defensive player from Nebraska was invited to the party. His name is Ndamuko Suh and he is the first defensive player invited to the Downtown Athletic Club since 1997 when Charles Woodson won the award, albeit more for his playing multiple positions than just his defensive prowess.

The fact that a defensive player has yet to win the award for his position performance diminishes what the Heisman Trophy stands for. The award is handed out annually to the most outstanding collegiate football player. So why has only one defensive player ever been recognized and only recognized for what he did when not playing defense? Does it suggests that no defensive player can ever win this award and be acknowledged.

To take nothing away from Charles Woodson, the guy didn’t win it specifically just for his defensive play. Woodson returned kicks and also played wide receiver on that great Michigan squad. He won the award, fittingly, for being the best athlete, not specifically his play at cornerback. If Woodson had not been so versatile it is unlikely he wins the award.

That’s brings us back to Suh. Can he become the first Heisman winner selected because of his body of work just on defense. Hugh Green came the closest with his second place finish in 1980. Steve Emtman came close in 1991, but ended up fourth in the voting in what many describe as the greatest single season by a defensive player in the history of the game. Emtman’s 1991 season earned him induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.

If we agree that Emtman’s 1991 season is the standard, then lets get the votes in now for Suh. During that undefeated national championship season run, Emtman tallied 60 tackles, 19.5 tackles for a loss and 6.5 sacks. Additionally, his team held opponents to 9.6 points per game. Emtman was the star and his performance on the field merited him the #1 pick in the 1992 NFL Draft.

In comparison, here is how Suh stacks up playing the same exact position. 82 tackles, 23 tackles for a loss, 12 sacks, 24 quartback hurries, 10 passes defended, 3 blocked kicks, 1 forced fumble and 1 interception. Additionally, the Nebraska defense allowed just 11.2 points per game and opposing offenses averaged just 2.8 yards per carry. In almost every category, Suh outperforms Emtman except in points per game because Washington had a better supporting cast. One more thing, he still has one more game to play!

More importantly is how Suh performed in the “big game” against Texas in the Big 12 Championship. He recorded 10 solo tackles, 12 total tackles and 4.5 sacks. It was a truly dominating performance on national stage. During one play, Suh grabbed McCoy for a sack and threw him about 6 yards from where he was standing. Catch the video included here to see that play.

All said, if the Heisman voters are not going to award Suh for what can be hailed as one of the truly greatest collegiate seasons by a defensive player in the history of the sport, we will never see a defensive player awarded the Heisman Trophy specifically on the merits of his defensive play.

Tags: college football, heisman trophy, Ndamukong Suh, nebraska cornhuskers
Posted in Nebraska University, college football | No Comments »