College Football Preview

College Football: 2008 SEC Preview

Raphielle Johnson — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 06:35:20 -0700

HTML clipboard

The SEC has won the last two national titles, with their league champions ending up in the BCS National Championship Game with either one (Florida, 2006) or two (LSU, 2007) losses on their record. These results may be further proof of what many have thought for years: that the SEC is indeed the best conference in college football. And even though they should receive a stiff challenge from programs throughout the nation, the SEC has four teams that could very well find themselves heading home with the crystal football come January 8^th.

The conversation would best start with the defending national champion LSU, who is absolutely loaded at every position except for one: quarterback. One-time Harvard transfer Andrew Hatch has performed the best in camp, but Jarrett Lee and incoming freshman Jordan Jefferson should also see some action under center. If this position can find a way to simply manage the game and not put the Tigers behind the figurative eight ball the Les Miles could have another national title to his credit. But they’ll have to get past a September 20^th meeting at Auburn to simply win the West, and the Tigers will be up to some new offensive tricks in 2008.

New offensive coordinator Tony Franklin gave War Eagle fans a taste of what to expect in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl, with Auburn running nearly forty more plays than their per game average in the overtime victory. The backfield will not lack talent, and quarterbacks Kodi Burns and Chris Todd offer differing styles that could confuse opponents all year long. Add to this a once-again stout defense led by tackle SenDerrick Marks and linebacker Tray Blackmon and head coach Tommy Tuberville could win the SEC for the first time since 2004.

Behind these two juggernauts should be Alabama and Mississippi State, both of whom have the talent and ability to improve upon their 2007 campaigns. John Parker Wilson won’t lack for weapons to get the ball to on offense, including freshman sensation Julio Jones at wide receiver and Terry Grant at running back. And while the Crimson Tide only return six starters on defense, head coach Nick Saban and defensive coordinator Kevin Steele have enough experience between them to improve upon Bama’s 31^st-ranked total defense.

Sylvester Croom heads into 2008 armed with a contract extension and seven starters on defense, including linebackers Jamar Chaney and Dominic Douglas. But the key for the Bulldogs will be improving an offense that ranked 113^th in total offense. Anthony Dixon and Christian Ducre are back at running back, but the issue during the Croom era has been the passing game. If MSU can get more through the air they could have a shot at matching their eight wins from a season ago.

Lastly you have two programs that due to a coaching change may be joined at the hip this season. Amidst much turmoil and an upset of LSU in late-November, Houston Nutt resigned his post at Arkansas…and was quickly snatched up by Ole Miss. Jevan Snead takes over at quarterback, which should mean good things for a program that struggled mightily in the passing game last year. And in defensive end Greg Hardy the Rebels have one of the nation’s more talented pass rushers. Bobby Petrino left the Atlanta Falcons with three games left in the season and showed up at a night press conference in Fayetteville calling the Hogs. We won’t get into the ethics of such a move here, but he’ll have a tough time replacing Darren McFadden and Felix Jones in the backfield. Look for the ball to be in the air a lot more than in seasons past at Arkansas.

As for the East, the two contenders for the national title at season’s end have never been too fond of each other, and Georgia’s celebration of their first score against Florida last October did nothing to put out the fire. The display made it into Gator head coach Urban Meyer’s new book despite Georgia head coach Mark Richt apologizing for the act. But both are absolutely loaded, with Georgia holding a slight edge on the defensive side of the ball. Their meeting on November 1^st looks to be one for the ages, just as much for the extracurricular activities that may be on display as the game itself.

In regards to who can challenge the Dawgs and Gators for SEC East supremacy, the “Head Ball Coach” may have a sleeper in Columbia. South Carolina returns ten starters on defense, not including linebacker Jasper Brinkley who missed 2007 due to a knee injury. Linebacker Eric Norwood and corner Captain Munnerlyn are two other faces that opponents will get to know this season. But the question for USC has always been the quarterback position, with Tommy Beecher seemingly being the guy Coach Spurrier is willing to settle on…for now.

Tennessee says goodbye to David Cutcliffe and Erik Ainge, and hello to former Richmond coach Dave Clawson, who is the new offensive coordinator. Even though the Volunteers will look to open things up on offense a bit this season behind quarterback Jonathan Crompton, the reliable Arian Foster is back at running back with the school rushing record well within his reach. And Eric Berry leads what could be one of the country’s best secondary units, which would be a marked improvement from their ranking of 73^rd in passing defense last season.

And no disrespect to either Kentucky or Vanderbilt, but either one of them winning the East would go right alongside Appalachian State beating Michigan as one of the biggest surprises in recent college football history. Not only did the Wildcats lose Andre Woodson and Rafael Little, they also had to dismiss projected starter Curtis Pulley. Mike Hartline will get the call in the opener against Louisville, and the eight returning starters on defense will need to do some heavy lifting while he gets his “sea legs”.

The Commodores may have missed out on their best shot at a bowl game for the first time since 1982 thanks to tough losses to Georgia and Tennessee. Mackenzi Adams and Chris Nickson are both back at quarterback, with the hope that one (or both) can be consistent. A defense that was 16^th nationally in total defense last season returns six starters, including corner D.J. Moore (league-high six interceptions in 2007). The race for the top spot may look to be between four teams right now, but in the SEC you never know what each weekend will give you.

Players of the Year: QB Tim Tebow (Florida) and DE Tyson Jackson (LSU)

Coach of the Year: Mark Richt (Georgia)

Newcomers of the Year: RB Chris Rainey (Florida) and LB Gerald Williams (Tennessee)

Three Best Non-Conference Games

1. Georgia @ Arizona State (September 20^th): The second major road test for the Bulldogs will be a measuring stick game for the hosts.

2. Auburn @ West Virginia (October 23^rd): The Tigers take on another Big East opponent, this time on the road in Morgantown. They would like a better result this time around (an overtime loss to USF last year).

3. Alabama vs. Clemson (in Atlanta, August 30^th): The opening game will tell the nation a lot about both teams, and whether or not the Tide can challenge in the SEC West.

Conference Games of the Year

SEC East: Florida vs. Georgia (in Jacksonville, November 1^st): The day after Halloween offers up this traditional rivalry, one that should have a little more spice to it after last season’s matchup. The winner could be well on their way to Miami by way of Atlanta when it’s all said and done.

SEC West: LSU @ Auburn (September 20^th): One could only wish that this game was played later in the season, but this is their traditional meeting time. LSU won in Baton Rouge on the game’s final play last season, and Auburn won the game two seasons ago late in the fourth quarter. I think you get the hint.

How they’ll finish

East: 1. Georgia West: 1. LSU

2. Florida 2. Auburn

3. South Carolina 3. Alabama

4. Tennessee 4. Mississippi State

5. Kentucky 5. Ole Miss

6. Vanderbilt 6. Arkansas

College Football: 2008 ACC Preview: Part Two

Raphielle Johnson — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 09:04:38 -0700

HTML clipboard

Part Two: Projected Standings & Player Awards

Players of the Year: QB Cullen Harper (Clemson) and DB Alphonso Smith (Wake Forest)

Coach of the Year: Tommy Bowden (Clemson)

Newcomers of the Year: RB Josh Haden (Boston College) and DE DaQuan Bowers (Clemson)

Three Best Non-Conference Games

1. Clemson vs. Alabama (in Atlanta; August 30^th): How good is Clemson? We’ll find out in the season opener.

2. Florida @ Florida State (November 29^th): After getting embarrassed in the Swamp last year, can the ‘Noles knock off the Gators?

3. North Carolina @ Rutgers (September 11^th): Some people think Carolina can give Virginia Tech a run. This game will be a good early gauge for UNC.

Key Conference Games

Atlantic: Clemson @ Wake Forest (October 9^th): Wake’s lost the last two in this series, and they’ll need to protect their turf if they want to play for the ACC crown.

Coastal: Virginia Tech @ North Carolina (September 20^th): Nine days after Rutgers the Heels get the division favorites in Chapel Hill. The winner is in good shape to win the Coastal.

How they’ll finish

Atlantic: 1. Clemson Coastal: 1. Virginia Tech

2. Wake Forest 2. Miami

3. Florida State 3. North Carolina

4. Maryland 4. Georgia Tech

5. Boston College 5. Virginia

6. NC State 6. Duke

College Football: 2008 Pac-10 Preview

Raphielle Johnson — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 09:25:36 -0700

HTML clipboard

The last time a Pac-10 team other than USC took the league’s automatic BCS berth was…2002. That year saw Washington State represent the league in the Rose Bowl, but the Trojans still managed to grab an at-large berth in the Orange Bowl. But given the program that Pete Carroll has built in Los Angeles, the better question may be whether or not the Pac-10 can send two teams to the BCS. While the Trojans return a wealth of talent on both sides of the football, making them the clear favorite to once again win the conference, there are two teams that can make sure their road to Pasadena (or Miami should they rank in the top two) isn’t a walk in the park.

Arizona State could be poised to make a run at the top spot this season due to the return of senior quarterback Rudy Carpenter and fifteen other starters. The primary issue for the Sun Devils will be a schedule that is much more challenging than last season’s slate. In addition to hosting Georgia September 20^th, ASU also visits Cal and USC before hosting Oregon. And yes, those four games are all in a row, which makes that stretch all the more important. As for the Ducks, they may be without the services of quarterback Nate Costa for a while due to a knee injury suffered earlier this week. But they do have Justin Roper, who also saw time in place of Dennis Dixon last season. On the other side of the ball Oregon could have one of the league’s best secondary units, led by Patrick Chung at safety and Walter Thurmond III at corner.

Those may be the three most likely suspects to take home the Pac-10 title, but is also a group of possible spoilers who could at the least prevent one of those three from winning the league. California will be looking to recover from last season’s tailspin in which they lost six of their last seven regular season games before beating Air Force in the Armed Forces Bowl. Kevin Riley takes over at quarterback, but they’ll have to replace RB Justin Forsett and wide receivers DeSean Jackson, Robert Jordan and Lavelle Hawkins. Seven starters are back on defense, including all three linebackers.

Oregon State also has the ability to pull off an upset or two this season, and they’ll look to get better play at quarterback from Lyle Moevao and Sean Canfield. WR Sammie Stroughter should be in better spirits after injury and personal issues that plagued him in 2007. The problem for OSU could be a defense that while experienced in regards to eligibility returns just three starters. Rick Neuheisel takes over at UCLA and will have Norm Chow with him as offensive coordinator. But the familiar injury woes at quarterback have stuck, with Patrick Cowan being lost for the season and Ben Olson struggling to stay healthy. But DeWayne Walker is back to coordinate the defense, something that should maintain continuity in a unit that ranked 29^th in total defense last season.

A program in desperate need of a good season, both for the job security of its head coach and the sanity of its fan base is Arizona, and they just might be able to reach bowl eligibility for the first time since the 1998 season. Willie Tuitama returns to lead an offense that returns ten starters, most notably wide receivers Mike Thomas, Terrell Turner and Delashaun Dean and tight end Rob Gronkowski. The questions lie with a defense that returns only three starters this season and frankly looked to be overrated at times in 2007. While Washington heads into this season with the conference’s toughest non-conference schedule (once again), head coach Tyrone Willingham’s team may need to show some serious improvement if he’s to return for another season in Seattle. Jake Locker is one of the better dual threat quarterbacks in the country, but the Huskies must find him some playmakers to help carry the load.

Jim Harbaugh may not have gotten to a bowl game in his first season at Stanford, but he did pull off one of the biggest upsets of the season in knocking off USC in the LA Coliseum. The defense could be a strength with nine starters back on The Farm (led by tackle Ekom Udofia and linebacker Clinton Snyder), but new coordinators Andy Buh and Ron Lynn will have their hands full since Stanford ranked 98^th in total defense last season. The offense was even worse last season, ranking 107^th in total offense, but the Cardinal found a way to finish the season +3 in turnover margin. But just like Washington they’ll have a non-conference schedule that could make it difficult to achieve bowl eligibility.

Lastly, there’s Washington State, who welcomes Paul Wulff as its new head coach. Also on the agenda for the Cougars is replacing Alex Brink at quarterback. Despite the heavy criticism for not being able to lead WSU to new heights, Brink left the Paloose as one of the best quarterbacks in school history when looking at the numbers. But they do have four starters back on the offensive line and RB Dwight Tardy, who missed spring ball in order to recover from knee surgery. Eight starters are also back on defense, but that gift could be a curse if they play like the 85^th ranked defense that was on the field in 2007. It will take Coach Wulff and his staff a little time to rebuild, but they do share a campus with a guy who knows how to do the “unthinkable”: head basketball coach Tony Bennett.

So while the Pac-10 has a clear favorite in USC, it would be unfair to sum the conference up as one juggernaut and nine also-rans that go into 2008 hoping for a miracle. And as crazy as last season proved to be, you never know where the chips will fall come January.

Players of the Year: QB Rudy Carpenter (Arizona State) and LB Rey Maualuga (USC)

Coach of the Year: Pete Carroll (USC)

Newcomers of the Year: RB LaGarrette Blount (Oregon) and DE Trey Henderson (USC)

Three Best Non-Conference Games

1. Ohio State @ USC (September 13^th): This could be the best non-conference game of the season in college football, with the winner going a long way in grabbing a spot in the BCS National Championship Game.

2. Georgia @ Arizona State (September 20^th): The Bulldogs take their first trip west of the Mississippi since 1960 and could very well be headed home with a loss. Whether ASU is one year away or their time is now could be decided on this night.

3. Oregon State @ Penn State (September 6^th): This is a measuring stick game for both programs, maybe more so for the Beavers. Luckily for the Beavers their three returning starters are in the secondary, with the Nittany Lions having one of the best receiving corps in the nation.

Conference Game of the Year

Arizona State @ USC (October 11^th): The second of two home games for the Trojans against the likely challengers to their reign with Oregon visiting on October 4^th. Last year USC drilled the Sun Devils in Tempe on Thanksgiving night, cementing themselves as the frontrunner in the conference race. The winner here could very well do the same thing.

How they’ll finish

1. USC

2. Arizona State

3. Oregon

4. California

5. Oregon State

6. UCLA

7. Arizona

8. Washington

9. Stanford

10. Washington State

College Football: 2008 ACC Preview: Part One

Raphielle Johnson — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 09:02:08 -0700

HTML clipboard

Another season of ACC football is on the horizon, and the nagging question regarding this league remains the same: when will the conference champ win its BCS bowl game? Since Florida State knocked off Virginia Tech (then a member of the Big East) in the 2000 Sugar Bowl, the league champ has lost every BCS tilt. Some by blowout (Maryland's loss to Florida in the Orange Bowl a few years back comes to mind) and others by a narrow margin (Virginia Tech's loss to Kansas in last year's Orange Bowl), but the results remains the same. So, is there an answer in the affirmative for the ACC's BCS woes? There just might be one: Clemson.

The Tigers, who were able to retain the services of head coach Tommy Bowden (he turned down Arkansas to remain at Clemson) and running back James Davis (who flirted with entering the NFL Draft back in January), are the clear team to beat in the eyes of many college football analysts heading into this season. The passionate fans, who've been without an ACC title since 1991 (the year before Florida State joined the league), aren't in the mood to settle for anything less than a conference title this year. But there will be some roadblocks in achieving that goal this season, and for a program with a penchant in recent years for allowing one bad moment snowball and nearly derail their entire season, that's not a good thing.

With Clemson the pick to win the Atlantic Division, the Coastal should once again rest firmly in the hands of defending ACC champ Virginia Tech. The dismissal of running back Branden Ore may be similar to that of LSU quarterback Ryan Perrilloux (read: addition by subtraction), but the Hokies in addition to a lack of experience in the backfield are also without playmakers at wide receiver with four graduating and another (junior Brandon Dillard) going down with a season-ending injury during off-season workouts. But head coach Frank Beamer has gone away from the two-quarterback system (Sean Glennon and Tyrod Taylor) that kick-started the offensive attack and got them to the Orange Bowl, selecting Glennon as starter. The Hokies hope to be able to redshirt Taylor, giving him three years of eligibility starting in 2009.

As for who can challenge these two favorites: in the Atlantic you have to like Wake Forest with the return of quarterback Riley Skinner and defensive playmaker Alphonso Smith. Head coach Jim Grobe has put together one of the greatest program turnarounds in recent college football history, and don't be surprised if the Deacs find their way to Tampa on December 6^th. Florida State has to deal with some suspensions in their first three games, two of which are against Championship Subdivision foes. But if they can take care of Wake at home on September 20^th, they just might be a darkhorse in the Atlantic Division race, a peculiar position in which to find a program of such prestige.

Maryland and North Carolina State both went into fall camp with question marks at quarterback, but the difference is that Coach Friedgen had a couple of proven commodities from which to choose in College Park. Chris Turner and Jordan Steffy have both played a great deal for the Terps, with Turner finishing third in the ACC in pass efficiency last season. He'll begin in the saddle, but the Terps have a nice insurance policy should he go down. The Wolfpack, on the other hand, will go with redshirt freshman Russell Wilson will begin the year as the starter, beating out incumbent Daniel Evans and Mike Glennon among others. State goes into the season with three capable running backs (Jamelle Eugene, Toney Baker and Andre Brown) that should be able to relieve some of the pressure placed on Wilson.

Boston College will have their hands full in replacing the leadership and skill of Matt Ryan, but at least Chris Crane made it an easy decision as to who the next quarterback would be. Just as pressing a concern is who will help fill the void left by departed running backs L.V. Whitworth and Andre Callender. Josh Haden will get a lot of looks as a true freshman, and he has the athletic ability to turn some heads this season. But they do welcome back defensive tackle B.J. Raji (academics) and linebacker Brian Toal (shoulder injury), both of whom missed last season. The Raji/ Ron Brace combo should make for one of the nation's best tackle combos.

On the other side, inexperience abounds which could mean a rise to second place for Butch Davis' North Carolina Tar Heels. Greg Little hit his stride late in the season at running back, and in Hakeem Nicks the Heels have one of the league's best wide receivers. If the defense, that while young has a wealth of ability, can hold its own the Heels could make their way to Tampa come December. Consistency at quarterback was an issue for Miami all season last year, so it'll be interesting to see if the tandem of Robert Marve and Jacory Harris can combine to provide stability. The two-quarterback system could see its first test on September 6^th when Miami head to Gainesville to take on the Gators.

I say "could" instead of "should" because Marve is suspended for the opener, and if Harris plays well enough maybe he takes the job outright for that second game. But in Javarris James and Graig Cooper, head coach Randy Shannon will have one of the ACC's better running back combinations.

Paul Johnson brings the triple option to the ACC at Georgia Tech, but it's going to take some time for the players to get acquainted with the new system. However, the Yellow Jackets will play a role in the Coastal Division race this season, spoiling things for someone late in the year. Virginia had to say goodbye to Chris Long and Branden Albert, both of whom were first round selections. But to watch DE Jeffrey Ferguson and QB Jameel Sewell get dismissed due to academics could mean bad things for the Cavaliers, even with a loaded running back position. The linebackers will also be strong, led by Jon Copper and Clint Sintim.

And lastly, there's a Duke program with a new head coach in David Cutcliffe. It'll take some time for the Blue Devils to get things turned around, but they do have ten starters back on defense and WR Eron Riley is one of the ACC's best. Duke has already surprised some on the recruiting trail, and this should be a more athletic product on the field this season. As for how many more games they can win, I think four wins is a reasonable goal at this point.

The goal of the ACC during their expansion was to create a league that could compete with the nation's elite for national titles and multiple BCS berths. Neither has happened to this point. But to put that pressure on Tommy Bowden and Clemson this season could be a bit much, especially when you consider how much pressure is coming from his own fan base.

College Football: 2008 MAC Preview

Raphielle Johnson — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 09:20:06 -0700

If you don’t follow the Mid-American Conference too closely, then you’d probably head into this season thinking that Central Michigan would be the runaway favorite to repeat as champ. With Butch Jones not being the choice at West Virginia to replace Rich Rodriguez and quarterback Dan LeFevour back in the saddle, there are two very good reasons why. However, even with eight starters back on both sides of the football there are some questions needing to be answered for the Chippewas. Most importantly, how much has the defense improved in the off-season? CMU ranked 109^th in total defense and an even worse 118^th against the pass.

The Chips gave up thirty or more points in nine of their fourteen games last season. In order for CMU to have any shot at defending their crown these numbers must improve, but with an early schedule featuring trips to Georgia and Purdue it’s going to be a tough climb. And their biggest challenger in the West Division has an explosive offense back on campus. Ball State, led by junior quarterback Nate Davis, returns nine starters to an offense that was 31^st nationally in total offense. But just like CMU, the Cardinals need to improve on the other side of the football (96^th in total defense) if they are to take the top spot. Ball State was 106^th against the run, so it may not be such a bad thing that they return just one starter in the front four.

The next two spots in the West look to be a tug-of-war between Toledo and Western Michigan. Head coach Tom Amstutz will be looking for more help from a defensive unit that ranked 102^nd nationally in total defense and a putrid 116^th in scoring D. Safeties Barry Church and Lester Richmond will be two of the anchors for that group this season, with more production needed from the pass rush. The Rockets finished the season with nine sacks. As for the Broncos, a bounce-back season is needed from junior quarterback Tim Hiller, who threw fifteen picks in his sophomore campaign. And head coach Bill Cubit will also welcome back nine defensive starters to a unit which was one of the MAC’s best despite ranking 68^th nationally in total defense.

The wild card in the West may be Northern Illinois, who welcomes former Southern Illinois head coach Jerry Kill to DeKalb. The key to their hopes will be the improvement of a defense that returns ten starters from a season ago. End Larry English is one of the MAC’s best at getting to the quarterback, with his 10.5 sacks in 2007. The offense may need a little time to gel, but there are eight starters back including four offensive linemen. Keeping QB Dan Nicholson upright will be their most important responsibility, with Nicholson coming back from off-season shoulder surgery.

The East looks to be the more wide-open division of the two when looking at who can find their way to Ford Field for the conference championship game. While Bowling Green did rack up eight wins in 2007, they ended the season with a bitter taste in their collective mouths. Even though they finished with the best record in the East Division, Miami went to the title game thanks to their 47-14 win in early October. That disappointment was followed by an embarrassing display in the GMAC Bowl, getting manhandled by Tulsa to the tune of 63-7. The keys to redemption for the Falcons will be replacing three departed starters on the offensive line and improvement on defense for a unit that ranked 93^rd nationally in total defense.

Miami still finished 2007 with a 6-7 record despite the appearance in the MAC Championship Game, but this season could have the makings of a championship run. Unlike many of the other top teams in the MAC, the Redhawks’ issues last season lay with the offense, ranking 108^th nationally in scoring and 81^st in total offense. QB Daniel Raudabaugh is back for his junior season, but don’t be surprised if freshman Clay Belton sees action under center. The defense, one of the conference’s best, returns nine starters including league Defensive Player of the Year Clayton Mullins.

Kent State returns the conference’s best running back in the diminutive Eugene Jarvis. But for Jarvis to match his production of a year ago (1,669 yards rushing) the Golden Flashes need to receive more respect in the passing game. Kent State ranked 111^th nationally in passing offense last year. People know that the Golden Flashes can move the ball on the ground with Jarvis and Edelman, and they’re going to stuff the box with defenders in order to stop it. The best news for Akron this past offseason may have been the groundbreaking for a new football stadium slated to replace the Rubber Bowl in 2009. And this may be a welcome diversion from an offense that struggled mightily in 2007, ranking 111^th in total offense. On top of that is the fact that just four defensive starters return, led by linebacker Doug Williams and strong safety Bryan Williams, an All-MAC running back in 2007.

Temple and Buffalo look to be two programs on the rise in the MAC, with a pair of solid young coaches (Al Golden at Temple and Turner Gill at Buffalo) leading the way. Gill in fact was a candidate for the vacancy at his alma mater (Nebraska) before Dr. Tom Osborne went with former LSU defensive coordinator Bo Pelini. The Owls return a wealth of experience on both sides of the football and may be the best equipped to be surprise winners of the East. The Bulls also return a number of key contributors from last season, most notably QB Drew Willy and four starters on the offensive line. While it would qualify as a surprise, it shouldn’t be a stunner if either of these teams found themselves in the MAC Championship Game.

While Eastern Michigan is the one program that no one is picking to win the West, Frank Solich’s Ohio squad is another to keep an eye on in the East. Even with the loss of running back Kalvin McRae, Ohio has enough returning depth on both sides of the football to challenge for the division title. Quarterbacks Boo Jackson and Theo Scott could end up sharing the role, given the fact that one is a better passer (Jackson) while the other is adept at making plays with his feet (Scott). But rest assured that this will be a wild year in the MAC. And whoever walks away with the title is anyone’s guess at this point in time.

Players of the Year: QB Dan LeFevour (Central Michigan) and LB Clayton Mullins (Miami)

Coach of the Year: Shane Montgomery (Miami)

Newcomers of the Year: QB Clay Belton (Miami) and LB Obi Ezemma (Buffalo)

Three Best Non-Conference Games

1. Miami @ Michigan (September 6^th): The bad news for the Redhawks is that this isn’t Michigan’s opener (they host Utah). So either the Wolverines will be full of confidence…or they’ll be in a bad mood.

2. Central Michigan @ Georgia (September 6^th): A win “Between the Hegdes” would qualify as one of the biggest upsets in recent memory. But the dual threat LeFevour could give the Dawgs a hard time.

3. Ball State @ Indiana (September 20^th): This game gives the MAC a good opportunity to pick off a Big Ten opponent.

Conference Games of the Year

East Division: Miami @ Bowling Green (October 18^th): Last year’s meeting was the difference in who represented the division in the conference title game, and the rematch could mean more of the same.

West Division: Ball State @ Central Michigan (November 19^th): Two of the league’s best quarterbacks square off in a game that could decide how the West was won.

How they’ll finish

East: 1. Miami West: 1. Central Michigan

2. Bowling Green 2. Ball State

3. Kent State 3. Toledo

4. Buffalo 4. Western Michigan

5. Temple 5. Northern Illinois

6. Ohio 6. Eastern Michigan

7. Akron

College Football: 2008 Sun Belt Preview

Raphielle Johnson — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 09:18:33 -0700

HTML clipboard

Last season was a special year for the young program at Florida Atlantic, where Howard Schnellenberger’s team won its first conference title in school history. Form there it was on to the New Orleans Bowl, where the Owls soundly defeated Memphis 44-27 for the school’s first bowl victory. But can 2008 be the year of seconds for the Owls? There’s a good chance that the answer may indeed be a yes, led by Sun Belt Player of the Year Rusty Smith. Both sides of the ball are absolutely loaded, making FAU the clear favorites to win the conference.

Their biggest challenger could be the team they beat on the road last season to clinch the title: Troy. Fourteen starters return for the Trojans, but they’ll need a good year from sophomore quarterback Jamie Hampton, who steps in for two-time Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year Omar Haugabook. Another issue for the Trojans will be a schedule that includes trips to LSU and Ohio State. Good lick with that.

The two Louisiana schools in the conference could be next in line, with a winning season possibly being the perfect remedy for Louisiana-Lafayette’s Ricky Bustle. In order for that to happen, however, the Ragin’ Cajuns need to improve a defense that ranked 104^th in total defense and 113^th against the run in 2007. All three linebackers return, led by Antwyne Zanders (team-high 93 tackles in 2007). The combination of QB Michael Desormeaux and RB Tyrell Fenroy eclipsed 2,000 yards on the ground, but Desormeaux needs to be more consistent in the passing game.

Louisiana-Monroe returns all three starters at wide receiver and quarterback Kinsmon Lancaster, which could be good news for an offense that was 106^th in passing offense a season ago. Like their rivals from Lafayette the Warhawks return all three starting linebackers, and this unit could be the key to Charlie Weatherbie’s program building upon their upset of Alabama.

Arkansas State changed their nickname in the offseason, going from Indians to Red Wolves. But they return just thirteen starters, led by quarterback Corey Leonard and running back Reggie Arnold, both of whom were All-Sun Belt selections last season. Unfortunately for the Red Wolves they have to replace all four starters in a secondary that helped ASU finish 19^th in pass defense last season. Middle Tennessee is also light in the returning starters category, but at least they return RB Desmond Gee, who is one of the Sun Belt’s more versatile players. The defense, however, needs to improve against the run given their ranking of 102^nd in run defense last season.

North Texas will look to make some strides in the second season under Todd Dodge. Giovanni Vizza may be the incumbent at quarterback, but the head coach’s son Riley could be the best fit for the system. Sixteen starters return, including eight on an offense that ranked 47^th nationally last season. However, a defensive unit that returns six starters must play better than they did in 2007, ranking 113^th in total defense and giving up at least thirty points ten times (and more than sixty three times). Florida International is also looking to improve in their second season under Mario Cristobal, but the best news may be the new on-campus stadium that opens with South Florida visiting on September 20^th. The Panthers were atrocious on both sides of the football last season, ranking 118^th in total offense and 105^th in total defense. There really isn’t anywhere to go but up for FIU.

Players of the Year: QB Rusty Smith (Florida Atlantic) and LB Frantz Joseph (Florida Atlantic)

Coach of the Year: Howard Schnellenberger (Florida Atlantic)

Newcomers of the Year: QB Riley Dodge (North Texas) and CB Nate Brown (Louisiana-Monroe)

Three Best Non-Conference Games

1. Florida Atlantic @ Texas (August 30^th): The Owls get their first major test of the season in the opener. They probably won’t win in Austin, but they can make the Longhorns sweat for a bit.

2. Troy @ Ohio State (September 20^th): This game follows Ohio State’s trip to USC, so one of two things can happen. Either the Buckeyes will be in a really bad mood, or they’ll all show up with smiles on their faces. Either way, the Trojans are in trouble.

3. Maryland @ Middle Tennessee (September 6^th): This could very well be the Sun Belt’s best chance to notch a win against a BCS opponent.

Conference Game of the Year

Troy @ Florida Atlantic (October 7^th): Last year’s regular season finale saw the Owls win at Troy to clinch the Sun Belt title. The Trojans will look to return the favor in early October in a game that will go a long way in deciding who heads to the New Orleans Bowl.

How they’ll finish

1. Florida Atlantic

2. Troy

3. Louisiana-Monroe

4. Louisiana-Lafayette

5. Arkansas State

6. Middle Tennessee

7. North Texas

8. Florida International

College Football: 2008 WAC Preview

Raphielle Johnson — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 09:15:47 -0700

HTML clipboard

Could this be the third straight season the champion of the WAC crashes the BCS party? Most people like BYU in the Mountain West, but there are two teams in the WAC that could possibly snatch a berth. Fresno State is thought to have its best team in the Pat Hill era, and that just may be the case with QB Tom Brandstater back for his senior season leading ten offensive starters. The key to their hopes will be improving a defensive unit that ranked 73^rd in total defense last season. And given their “anyone, anywhere, anytime” attitude in regards to the non-conference slate (@ Rutgers, Wisconsin, @ Toledo and @ UCLA), the tough schedule outside of the WAC is looked at as an opportunity instead of a challenge in the Valley.

Boise State could make their second BCS appearance in the last three years, led by a deep backfield which features Ian Johnson, D.J. Harper and Jeremy Avery. They only return fourteen starters overall, but the Broncos bring back enough players who were a part of the rotation on both sides of the football to make a seamless transition. Boise State’s non-conference schedule doesn’t lack for challenges either, with trips to Oregon and Southern Miss on the schedule.

After the top two, there will be a tough time figuring out where the next four teams will finish. New Mexico State returns one of the nation’s most productive quarterbacks in Chase Holbrook, but the Aggies need to improve on defense (94^th in total defense in 2007) if they’re to have any shot a bowl bid. Chris Ault’s Nevada squad returns eight offensive starters, including sophomore quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who should have an even better grasp of the “Pistol” offense. But they return just four starters on defense, most notably linebacker Joshua Mauga.

Hawaii lost June Jones to SMU, and he’ll be replaced by defensive coordinator Greg McMackin. The good news is that he knows the program well. The bad news is that QB Colt Brennan and a talented quartet of wide receivers are all gone. Not to mention losing Tyler Graunke to off-field issues and this will leave UH without an experienced signal caller. Just nine starters return for the Warriors in 2008, but keep an eye on linebacker Solomon Elimimian. San Jose State has to replace one of the country’s best cornerbacks in Dwight Lowery, but sidekick Christopher Owens is back for his final campaign. He’ll have to lead a secondary in which he’s the only returning starter. Their big question mark on the other side of the ball is who will play quarterback: Myles Eden, Kyle Reed, Jordan LaSecla or Sean Flynn.

Louisiana Tech did some good things in their first season under Derek Dooley, taking Hawaii to overtime and finishing the season 5-7. With eight starters back on offense, the main thing the Bulldogs need is a starting quarterback, and they’ll welcome Georgia Tech transfer Taylor Bennett into the fold along with Ross Jenkins and Steven Ensminger. While the Bulldogs could make their way up the standings in 2008, the same may not apply to Idaho and Utah State.

Rob Akey enters his second season in Moscow with his work cut out for him, but the good news is that seventeen starters return, including all eleven on offense. Running back Deonte Jackson was the WAC’s second-leading rusher last season, averaging just under ninety-eight yards per game. The task of rebuilding is a bit tougher for Brent Guy at Utah State, but nine defensive starters are due back in Logan this season. Linebacker Jake Hutton was a second-team all-conference selection last season, but the Aggies were one of the nation’s worst on both sides of the football. Add to this a non-conference schedule that includes a trip to Oregon and home games against BYU and Utah and you have the makings for a rough 2008.

Players of the Year: QB Chase Holbrook (New Mexico State) and LB Adam Leonard (Hawaii)

Coach of the Year: Pat Hill (Fresno State)

Newcomers of the Year: QB Taylor Bennett (Louisiana Tech) and CB Coye Francies (San Jose State)

Three Best Non-Conference Games

1. Wisconsin @ Fresno State (September 13^th): Give Wisconsin credit for taking this game in the first place, an act that they may regret on the flight back to Madison. If the Bulldogs win this one and get to 2-0 (provided they beat Rutgers September 1^st), look out BCS.

2. Boise State @ Oregon (September 20^th): This game will be the first major roadblock for the Broncos. Autzen Stadium is one of the nation’s loudest stadiums, meaning that BSU will have their work cut out for them.

3. Texas Tech @ Nevada (September 6^th): The Wolf Pack may not win this game, but this game is one that could light up the scoreboard. First one to fifty wins? Maybe.

Conference Game of the Year

Fresno State @ Boise State (November 28^th): The schedule makers got this one right, placing this game at the end of the regular season. At the least, the WAC title could be on the line. But if one (or both) of these teams can get to this point undefeated, a whole lot more could be on the line.

College Football: Notre Dame & Independents Preview

Raphielle Johnson — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 09:30:02 -0700

HTML clipboard

Heading into 2007, many had an idea that Notre Dame would suffer a drop in the win column. After all, it’s not everyday when you have to replace a quarterback the caliber of Brady Quinn, along with many other key contributors. But to finish with a record of 3-9 was something that anyone not named Mark May was stunned by. The problems: an offense that had a hard time scoring points and a defense that lacked depth and speed. Experience and a solid recruiting class should solve the former, and the hiring of former Georgia Tech defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta will help immensely with the latter. If you’re not too familiar with Coach Tenuta, expect to see the Irish blitz much more this season.

As for the offense, QB Jimmy Clausen has a year under his belt and is one of nine starters returning, which should help the production of the Notre Dame offense. Add to that a schedule that is a bit more manageable, meaning that the negative momentum that started in a shutout loss to Georgia Tech and snowballed until the Irish were 0-5 shouldn’t be an issue this year. Expect Notre Dame to win seven games this season, maybe even eight.

Navy played a role in the demise of Notre Dame last season, ending a forty-four game losing streak in the series. But head coach Paul Johnson moved on to see if he could lead Georgia Tech to the top of the ACC, leaving the reins to former offensive coordinator Ken Niumatalolo. But only thirteen starters are back, most notably quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada and all four members of the secondary. They’ve got some tough games on the schedule, with trips to Wake Forest and Air Force to go along with hosting Pitt and Rutgers, but they should be bowl eligible once again. And with the new Congressional Bowl in their backyard, six wins should be enough to ensure a thirteenth game.

The other two independents may end up sitting out the bowl season, but for contrasting reasons. Head coach Stan Brock is taking Army back in time in hopes of at least ending their six-game losing streak to rival Navy. After trying to stick with the previous regime’s pro-style offense, the Black Knights will go to the spread option, a system that’s seemingly been a staple of the service academies for years. Hopefully the change will bring about an improvement in their offensive numbers, as Army ranked 116^th in total offense last season. Linebackers Frank Scappaticci and John Plumstead look to lead a defense that spent far too much time on the field in 2007, resulting in a ranking of 89^th in total defense.

Lastly, Western Kentucky completes its final season as an independent before joining the Sun Belt next year. Quarterbacks K.J. Black and David Wolke will look to navigate a much tougher schedule this season after helping lead the Hilltoppers to a 7-5 record last season. It’s also important to note that six of WKU’s seven wins came against opponents from the NAIA and Football Championship Subdivision. This season’s schedule features just two FCS opponents (Eastern Kentucky and Murray State) and five games against future conference rivals. WKU will also visit Alabama, Kentucky and Virginia Tech. Six starters, led by end Dan Cline and linebacker Alonso Higgins return on defense, but the Hilltoppers will face many challenges in their quest to notch the school’s thirteenth consecutive winning season.

Five Best Games

1. Army vs. Navy (in Philadelphia, December 6^th): Other games may provide more star power, but this is one of the nation’s best rivalries. It would help if Army were more competitive, however.

2. Notre Dame @ Michigan State (September 20th): The last time these two met in East Lansing the Irish pulled off a comeback for the ages. State won last season’s meeting 31-14, a departure from the nailbiters in recent years.

3. Michigan @ Notre Dame (September 13^th): With Michigan installing a new offensive system, Notre Dame could head into this one as the favorite. And after last year’s embarrassing showing in Ann Arbor, payback could be the order of the day.

4. Florida Atlantic @ Western Kentucky (October 18^th): In getting prepared for the Sun Belt, the Hilltoppers host the favorite to win their second consecutive Sun Belt title.

5. Navy @ Air Force (October 4^th): This game in recent years has been the one that decides the winner of the Commander in Chief’s Trophy with Army struggling of late.

College Football: 2008 Big Ten Preview: Part Two

Raphielle Johnson — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 09:12:57 -0700

HTML clipboard

Big Ten: Standings & Player Awards

Players of the Year: RB Chris Wells (Ohio State) and LB James Laurinaitis (Ohio State)

Coach of the Year: Bret Bielema (Wisconsin)

Newcomers of the Year: QB Terrelle Pryor (Ohio State) and LB Johnny Adams (Michigan State)

Three Best Non-Conference Games

1. Ohio State @ USC (September 13^th): Buckeyes head west for a game that will set the tone for this season.

2. Illinois @ Missouri (August 30^th): Illinois lost the “Braggin’ Rights” but ended up with the BCS berth; the Tigers could be a national title contender.

3. Wisconsin @ Fresno State (September 13^th): The Badgers head west to take on the Bulldogs, who won’t be intimidated by the Big Ten label.

Conference Game of the Year

Ohio State @ Wisconsin (October 4^th): OSU’s trip to Illinois takes place in mid-November, but this one will go a long way in determining the way in which the title race plays out. If the Badgers can pull this one out, the Big Ten race could be closer than anticipated.

How they’ll finish

1. Ohio State

2. Wisconsin

3. Illinois

4. Michigan State

5. Penn State

6. Michigan

7. Purdue

8. Indiana

9. Iowa

10. Northwestern

11. Minnesota

College Football: Big Ten Preview: Part One

Raphielle Johnson — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 09:11:36 -0700

HTML clipboard

Despite the wishes of the casual college football fan, it looks as if a constant in the recent history of the BCS National Title Game could very well be back on that grand stage: Ohio State. The Buckeyes, led by running back Chris “Beanie” Wells and a stout defense, are more than capable of ending up in Miami on January 8^th. With one of the nation’s best recruiting classes as well, featuring quarterback Terrelle Pryor and a group of offensive linemen known already as “Block O”, the only thing standing in their way could be a trip to USC in mid-September. Or so we’ve been told.

Yes, the Bucks are the clear favorites to win the Big Ten, which would be the fourth straight conference crown for Jim Tressel’s program, but don’t expect it to be an easy road. Illinois, who won in the Horseshoe on their way to nine wins and a Rose Bowl berth, get the Buckeyes at home this time around. But the Illini have to get through road games against Penn State, Michigan and Wisconsin in order for that November 15^th meeting to mean anything in regards to a Big Ten title. The Badgers will have to break in a new quarterback, most likely Allan Evridge, but P.J. Hill and Zach Brown are both back at tailback. Lance Smith, who was restricted to home games last year due to his off-field issues, is no longer with the team due to violating the terms of his probation.

After these three is where the fun begins. Penn State also has a new signal-caller, and getting back on the field will be a welcome diversion from the off-field problems most recently documented in an episode of ESPN’s “Outside the Lines”. Either Daryll Clark or Pat Devlin will get to throw to one of the league’s best wide receiver trios: Jordan Norwood, Deon Butler and Derrick Williams. And don’t forget about tight end Andrew Quarless. Michigan welcomes another former West Virginia head coach to the family, this one being new head coach Rich Rodriguez. How much will the Maize and Blue suffer from losing out on Terrelle Pryor? And is there enough talent back on offense to prevent a serious drop?

Michigan State may be the closest thing to a sleeper in the Big Ten this season, with Mark Dantonio welcoming back sixteen starters, including QB Brian Hoyer and RB Javon Ringer. Purdue could also make a move up in the standings this year, with head coach Joe Tiller heading into retirement at season’s end. QB Curtis Painter is one of thirteen starters due back for the Boilers, who will also have Jaycen Taylor and Kory Sheets in the backfield and Greg Orton at wide receiver. Is the heat on Kirk Ferentz at Iowa? Who really knows, but it may be a good idea for the Hawkeyes to get over that six-win plateau, something they’ve been unable to do the past two years.

Indiana, Minnesota and Northwestern should be competitive this season, with the Wildcats of Pat Fitzgerald being the best equipped of the three to be bowl eligible. QB C.J. Bacher and RB Tyrell Sutton are two of the better offensive players in the conference, but NU’s lack of success has led to them being overlooked by some. Tim Brewster and his staff are getting things done in recruiting for the Golden Gophers, but they may still be a year or two away from making a serious move up the standings. And the Hoosiers will hope to duplicate their seven wins last year without wide receiver James Hardy, who left for the NFL. And quarterback Kellen Lewis missed spring drills due to a violation of team rules, but he will be back this fall. The Hoosiers also have three defensive linemen and two linebackers (most notably end Jammie Kirlew) back in the starting lineup.

The Big Ten should be one of the more entertaining conferences to watch this season, with surprises due to happen nearly every week. But there is one certainty: barring disaster Ohio State will once again earn the league’s automatic BCS berth. Now here are some predictions for league honors.