1) Kiffin Backlash
The sentiment supporting Kiffin is minimal, but the sentiment keen to bash his appointment is numerous around the Vols community and the media in general. Kiffin was considered good enough to be OC at a big time school like USC, Head Coach (albeit under Al Davis) at the Oakland Raiders, but now people are suggesting that he is not good enough for Tennessee??? Kiffin is a good recruiter, a good X and O guy and surely now able to put together a strong staff to get Tennessee on the road back to SEC strength. For my thoughts it is the early timing that is very important to try and salvage some of the Volunteer recruits. Kiffin will be busy getting some of these young recruits to recommit.
2) BCS Changeup
Well, it wasn't the changeup that I expected, but Oregon has played spoiler, it appears knocking Oregon State out of the Rose Bowl. With a win over UCLA next week, the Trojans of USC will now likely take the Pac10 and the automatic Rose Bowl berth to take on Big 10 champs Penn State. That could open the door for the likes of Boise State to get back in the mix as an at large team. Given that either Florida or Alabama will play the Title Game and the other in the Sugar Bowl. If we consider that one Big12 team will play in the title game and one in the Fiesta Bowl, The winner of Va Tech and BC will play in the Orange Bowl, then that leaves a number of at large opportunities. Utah will take one - going to either the Fiesta, Orange or Sugar Bowl. Cincinatti will also wrap one up, leaving space for one more. With the rule about no conference providing more than 2 teams to the BCS, it would appear Boise and Ohio State would be likely contenders. Ohio State would bring another great game to the table in any of the bowls, Boise State would bring an undefeated team and a strong fan base. We shall see...
3) SEC Coach Wanted
With the resignation of Sylvester Croom at Miss State, an opening now exists for a coach to get into the SEC ranks. The pros of this are the strong recruiting base, outstanding level of competition, but the cons are the tough schedule, competition for recruits etc. With the Clemson job, Washington job still unfilled, it will be interesting to see how the cards fall!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
28 NOV - 2008
1) Kudos to Me
It was a brave and early pick, but it appears I have got one right, nominating back at the end of September in this very blog, before even there was a Tennessee job open and right on the heels of Kiffin's Oakland exit, that Kiffin would become the next Vols coach. As of Monday coming, it appears this will become a reality. I accept your hearty round of applause.
2) Colt Backing Down
As of a month ago, Colt McCoy said he was coming back to Austin for his senior year. I was skeptical. Now we learn he will seek the NFL Advisory review to see where he could be drafted. My thought is he would be a first round guy and if the committee confirms this, look for him to exit stage left.
3) Who is it going to be?
There is bound to be an upset or two in interfering with the BCS picture. Will it be Oklahoma State? Florida State, Auburn? Maybe Oregon? All in all, things can't go smoothly for everyone, it would be out of the current trend. Texas took care of their business against A & M, so whats next.
It was a brave and early pick, but it appears I have got one right, nominating back at the end of September in this very blog, before even there was a Tennessee job open and right on the heels of Kiffin's Oakland exit, that Kiffin would become the next Vols coach. As of Monday coming, it appears this will become a reality. I accept your hearty round of applause.
2) Colt Backing Down
As of a month ago, Colt McCoy said he was coming back to Austin for his senior year. I was skeptical. Now we learn he will seek the NFL Advisory review to see where he could be drafted. My thought is he would be a first round guy and if the committee confirms this, look for him to exit stage left.
3) Who is it going to be?
There is bound to be an upset or two in interfering with the BCS picture. Will it be Oklahoma State? Florida State, Auburn? Maybe Oregon? All in all, things can't go smoothly for everyone, it would be out of the current trend. Texas took care of their business against A & M, so whats next.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
23 NOV - 2003
1) Whose style points?
The Gators stomped all over Citadel with a 70 point display. The Sooners destroyed Texas Tech with piling on 65. Yet when it came down to the standings it was the Gators climbing to #2 instead of Oklahoma. Both coaches Meyer and Stoops had talked about 'style points' in the leadup, knowing they were likely to play a role. Incidentally, the Sooners are up in the human polls, with the Gators having the edge in the computers. All will probably be a moot point anyway with either Bama or Florida to lose in the coming SEC title game. Oklahoma and Texas will need to take care of their business, hope to edge the other one out of a Big 12 champs spot and win that to finish number 1.
2) NFL QB Dramas
McNabb - benched. Rams, Lions, Texans, Vikings all needing help. Will McNabb be available for one of those teams next season? What about the likes of Matt Cassel and Tyler Thigpen? Both are sure to command some interest in the free agent market, especially with no sure option in next year's draft. What will the Bucs do?
3) Atlanta Falcons = Top Surprise team
Last year they were woeful, on and off the field. Now, with a star free agent running back and a rookie QB, all is looking great for a return to the post-season. And an O Line that was terrible last year seems to be performing admirably. Big rap for new coach Mike Smith who has these Birds headed in the right direction!
The Gators stomped all over Citadel with a 70 point display. The Sooners destroyed Texas Tech with piling on 65. Yet when it came down to the standings it was the Gators climbing to #2 instead of Oklahoma. Both coaches Meyer and Stoops had talked about 'style points' in the leadup, knowing they were likely to play a role. Incidentally, the Sooners are up in the human polls, with the Gators having the edge in the computers. All will probably be a moot point anyway with either Bama or Florida to lose in the coming SEC title game. Oklahoma and Texas will need to take care of their business, hope to edge the other one out of a Big 12 champs spot and win that to finish number 1.
2) NFL QB Dramas
McNabb - benched. Rams, Lions, Texans, Vikings all needing help. Will McNabb be available for one of those teams next season? What about the likes of Matt Cassel and Tyler Thigpen? Both are sure to command some interest in the free agent market, especially with no sure option in next year's draft. What will the Bucs do?
3) Atlanta Falcons = Top Surprise team
Last year they were woeful, on and off the field. Now, with a star free agent running back and a rookie QB, all is looking great for a return to the post-season. And an O Line that was terrible last year seems to be performing admirably. Big rap for new coach Mike Smith who has these Birds headed in the right direction!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
22 NOV - 2008
1) BCS Uncertainty
There are some good teams in college football this year, but do you think we can work out who are the best two? Many had Texas Tech among the top 2, but #5 Oklahoma sure did a job on them, and now look like they have to be considered for a Top 2 spot. #4 Florida destroyed a hapless Citadel and look like a dominant force, but still have undefeated Alabama ahead in the SEC title. With the murky Big 12 South (Texas, Tech and Okie all a chance) whoever gets the nod for the Big 12 game vs Missouri will need a convincing win to secure a BCS spot, especially with USC watching closely. If the Sooners survive Oklahoma State next week, the BCS should have them ahead of Tech and the Longhorns and worthy for a title game shot, but Texas will be looking to keep their hopes alive. Utah have officially put their hand up for the BCS buster job this year and a probably Fiesta Bowl trip looks likely against 'The Other Big 12 team'. So maybe Utah vs Texas. If Oklahoma wrap up a #1 game against my tip of Florida, with Penn State and Oregon State to play in the Rose Bowl, USC would be a hot ticket for either the Orange or Sugar Bowl. How about USC vs Alabama in New Orleans? As someone headed for the Sugar Bowl contest, that would make me happy. Although if Bama upset UF and the Gators were there instead, even better.
2) Wolverines Out with a Whimper
It has been one heck of an off-season and season for Michigan. Losing a pile of stars to the NFL (possibly the best graduating class ever at UM) a new coach, transfers and the worst season in Wolverine history as the country and Ann Arbor buzzing with discontent. People are already pointing the finger at Rich Rodriguez. But is it fair? With most of the offense gone it was always going be a tough year, but to change schemes and lose the bonafide replacement to Henne (Ryan Mallett) because of that, it is tough. Now we are hearing that freshman RB Sam McGuffie is homesick and wants out. RR needs to steady this ship. The sooner we get LOI day happening the better for UM so that Tate Forcier and Shadorick Beaver can get in the Maize and Blue. Plenty of freshman cut their teeth, so the likes of Cissoko, Odoms and co will benefit in the long term. Lets play hypotheticals for a bit. Lets assume Lloyd Carr was still in place. How would the season have gone? Well, for starters we would have had Ryan Mallett at the helm and likely using his arm to effective use in getting the ball to Greg Matthews and his freshman buddies. Carson Butler would have probably stayed at TE. 3 yards and some more dust would have been the order of the day. Probably an efficient enough offense, with a weakened Oline limiting the success. Defensively, with Tim Jamison and Terrance Taylor we should have been stout, but the Scott Shafer scheme didn't help them out. Morgan Trent was looking to have a big year to solidify his NFl stock, not sure how that went, especially with the poor play at safety. Is it time to panic? No. Would there be calls for any coach's head after a season like this...for sure...how RR responds will be the question.
3) My Predictions
At the very start of the pre-season I had Knowshon Moreno and Percy Harvin as my Heisman favourites. Both have had injury interrupt their plans to a point and Moreno lost much of his OLine to injury. Both are still among the most electrifying players in CFB, but not likely to take it out this year. My bet now is Sam Bradford or Colt McCoy. My National championship prediction was for Georgia or FLorida. The Gators are still in the hunt, but the Bulldogs suffered early and although mounting a solid season, are not quite there. Next year could be their year if they can keep Matt Stafford in Athens and not in the pros.
There are some good teams in college football this year, but do you think we can work out who are the best two? Many had Texas Tech among the top 2, but #5 Oklahoma sure did a job on them, and now look like they have to be considered for a Top 2 spot. #4 Florida destroyed a hapless Citadel and look like a dominant force, but still have undefeated Alabama ahead in the SEC title. With the murky Big 12 South (Texas, Tech and Okie all a chance) whoever gets the nod for the Big 12 game vs Missouri will need a convincing win to secure a BCS spot, especially with USC watching closely. If the Sooners survive Oklahoma State next week, the BCS should have them ahead of Tech and the Longhorns and worthy for a title game shot, but Texas will be looking to keep their hopes alive. Utah have officially put their hand up for the BCS buster job this year and a probably Fiesta Bowl trip looks likely against 'The Other Big 12 team'. So maybe Utah vs Texas. If Oklahoma wrap up a #1 game against my tip of Florida, with Penn State and Oregon State to play in the Rose Bowl, USC would be a hot ticket for either the Orange or Sugar Bowl. How about USC vs Alabama in New Orleans? As someone headed for the Sugar Bowl contest, that would make me happy. Although if Bama upset UF and the Gators were there instead, even better.
2) Wolverines Out with a Whimper
It has been one heck of an off-season and season for Michigan. Losing a pile of stars to the NFL (possibly the best graduating class ever at UM) a new coach, transfers and the worst season in Wolverine history as the country and Ann Arbor buzzing with discontent. People are already pointing the finger at Rich Rodriguez. But is it fair? With most of the offense gone it was always going be a tough year, but to change schemes and lose the bonafide replacement to Henne (Ryan Mallett) because of that, it is tough. Now we are hearing that freshman RB Sam McGuffie is homesick and wants out. RR needs to steady this ship. The sooner we get LOI day happening the better for UM so that Tate Forcier and Shadorick Beaver can get in the Maize and Blue. Plenty of freshman cut their teeth, so the likes of Cissoko, Odoms and co will benefit in the long term. Lets play hypotheticals for a bit. Lets assume Lloyd Carr was still in place. How would the season have gone? Well, for starters we would have had Ryan Mallett at the helm and likely using his arm to effective use in getting the ball to Greg Matthews and his freshman buddies. Carson Butler would have probably stayed at TE. 3 yards and some more dust would have been the order of the day. Probably an efficient enough offense, with a weakened Oline limiting the success. Defensively, with Tim Jamison and Terrance Taylor we should have been stout, but the Scott Shafer scheme didn't help them out. Morgan Trent was looking to have a big year to solidify his NFl stock, not sure how that went, especially with the poor play at safety. Is it time to panic? No. Would there be calls for any coach's head after a season like this...for sure...how RR responds will be the question.
3) My Predictions
At the very start of the pre-season I had Knowshon Moreno and Percy Harvin as my Heisman favourites. Both have had injury interrupt their plans to a point and Moreno lost much of his OLine to injury. Both are still among the most electrifying players in CFB, but not likely to take it out this year. My bet now is Sam Bradford or Colt McCoy. My National championship prediction was for Georgia or FLorida. The Gators are still in the hunt, but the Bulldogs suffered early and although mounting a solid season, are not quite there. Next year could be their year if they can keep Matt Stafford in Athens and not in the pros.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
11 NOV - 2008
1) Destiny in their own hands
All Alabama and Texas Tech need to do is win out. Simple right? If they do make it through unscathed, we have your BCSNCG matchup. If not, all hell will break loose in the struggle for a top 2 BCS finish. Some crucial meetings in Conference title games will decide this. Bama and Florida look set to meet for SEC supremacy, with the winner likely to hold one title game spot. Texas Tech will probably end up with Oklahoma as their matchup, and the winner there looks promising for the other spot. But the other 1 loss teams - USC, Texas etc are all looming large. Penn State killed their chance and now look headed to the Rose Bowl. My tip is for the Gators to knock off the Tide and take on Texas Tech, who I think can survive the Big 12 game. Time will tell.
2) Cal's Helmet Stripes
What is with them? They would be close to the ugliest addition to a uniform this year. Whilst it might match their sharper uniform accents, it doesn't match the old school Cal script.
3) Tennessee Undefeated Still
I have never been a Vince Young fan and seeing Kerry Collins lead the Titans to their 9-0 mark has made me even more on that side. With a strong running game, a tough defense and a veteran QB at the helm, the Titans are true Superbowl contenders.
All Alabama and Texas Tech need to do is win out. Simple right? If they do make it through unscathed, we have your BCSNCG matchup. If not, all hell will break loose in the struggle for a top 2 BCS finish. Some crucial meetings in Conference title games will decide this. Bama and Florida look set to meet for SEC supremacy, with the winner likely to hold one title game spot. Texas Tech will probably end up with Oklahoma as their matchup, and the winner there looks promising for the other spot. But the other 1 loss teams - USC, Texas etc are all looming large. Penn State killed their chance and now look headed to the Rose Bowl. My tip is for the Gators to knock off the Tide and take on Texas Tech, who I think can survive the Big 12 game. Time will tell.
2) Cal's Helmet Stripes
What is with them? They would be close to the ugliest addition to a uniform this year. Whilst it might match their sharper uniform accents, it doesn't match the old school Cal script.
3) Tennessee Undefeated Still
I have never been a Vince Young fan and seeing Kerry Collins lead the Titans to their 9-0 mark has made me even more on that side. With a strong running game, a tough defense and a veteran QB at the helm, the Titans are true Superbowl contenders.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
4 NOV - 2008
1) Shoes to Fill
Now that Phillip Fulmer has officially resigned to take up his enormous payout, add Tennessee to the positions available. Also looking for a coach for 2009 is Washington, Toledo and probably Clemson. Don't be surprised to see Auburn added to the list by December. I still believe Lane Kiffin is the candidate for Tennessee, with Will Muschamp likely to get a shot at either Clemson or Tennessee. I expect Jim Mora Jr to have his chance to take his 'dream job' at Washington. Kirk Ferentz in Iowa is a candidate to end his tenure with the Hawkeyes. Look for the usual suspects - Jim Grobe et Al to get more offers. The question is...will JoePa end it all this year? A Penn State National Championship would mean a certain yes I believe.
2) Raiders Reeling
With a first round bust QB, an injured #1 pick RB, an interim head coach, a lunatic old owner and the likely cut of expensive trade arrival DeAngelo Hall, the Raiders are a mess. Just ask Brian Baldinger. How and when can they find their way out of it? I don't see an end in sight.
3) BCS Picks
Look for Penn State and Florida to go head to head in the BCS title game. The Gators huccup against Ole Miss will long be forgotten with their late season form if they can run the table from here, including a SEC title game win over Alabama (presumably). The Nittany Lions have a soft finishing schedule, so should cruise in. Texas Tech will need to win out to take a spot in the big game, but have their toughest stretch ahead in Big 12 play, plus the title game. And of course USC is looming. If Bama keep winning, their undefeated SEC status would get them in ahead of Florida. The end to the season will be interesting.
Now that Phillip Fulmer has officially resigned to take up his enormous payout, add Tennessee to the positions available. Also looking for a coach for 2009 is Washington, Toledo and probably Clemson. Don't be surprised to see Auburn added to the list by December. I still believe Lane Kiffin is the candidate for Tennessee, with Will Muschamp likely to get a shot at either Clemson or Tennessee. I expect Jim Mora Jr to have his chance to take his 'dream job' at Washington. Kirk Ferentz in Iowa is a candidate to end his tenure with the Hawkeyes. Look for the usual suspects - Jim Grobe et Al to get more offers. The question is...will JoePa end it all this year? A Penn State National Championship would mean a certain yes I believe.
2) Raiders Reeling
With a first round bust QB, an injured #1 pick RB, an interim head coach, a lunatic old owner and the likely cut of expensive trade arrival DeAngelo Hall, the Raiders are a mess. Just ask Brian Baldinger. How and when can they find their way out of it? I don't see an end in sight.
3) BCS Picks
Look for Penn State and Florida to go head to head in the BCS title game. The Gators huccup against Ole Miss will long be forgotten with their late season form if they can run the table from here, including a SEC title game win over Alabama (presumably). The Nittany Lions have a soft finishing schedule, so should cruise in. Texas Tech will need to win out to take a spot in the big game, but have their toughest stretch ahead in Big 12 play, plus the title game. And of course USC is looming. If Bama keep winning, their undefeated SEC status would get them in ahead of Florida. The end to the season will be interesting.
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