The USC Trojans, coming off a 11-2 record and an impressive Rose Bowl victory, open the season at #1 in the nation and have the team to back it up. They will face some tough Pac-10 squads on the road to the BCS title game, but they should be able to stay unbeaten.
Fellow California-based programs like Cal and UCLA will challenge the Trojans, and if USC goes unbeaten, then they will be competing for a spot in the Rose Bowl.
Let's take a glance at the 2007-08 Pac-10 programs, in order of predicted finish.
1) USC Trojans (#1)
Last Season Record: 11-2 (7-2 Pac-10) *Pac-10 Champions* Postseason Result: Won 32-18 over Michigan in Rose Bowl
Impact Players
QB John David Booty [SR]
DE Lawrence Jackson [SR]
MLB Keith Rivers [SR]
Offense (A+)
USC's offense is just a juggernaut. Booty is an excellent QB and he has almost unlimited options at very skill position. The Trojans have more good tailbacks than entire conferences. Some of the WRs that won't catch a pass this year could be all-conference at any other school. The offensive line looks like a steel wall. They could set records for scoring.
Defense (A-)
Oh, you want defense? Don't worry, USC has got plenty of that too. Rivers and Jackson are only two of several top starters for the Trojans' D. Senior DT Sedrick Ellis, three excellent junior linebackers and future star sophomore FS Taylor Mays are bound for incredible seasons.
Special Teams (A)
Junior kicker David Buehler is the perfect complement to a high-scoring offense.
Overall (A+)
Should we hand over the crystal ball now, or let the season play out? Fine, we'll play but expect USC to be in the conversation all year long.
2) California Golden Bears (#16)
Last Season Record: 10-3 (7-2) Postseason Result: Won 45-10 over Texas A&M in Holiday Bowl
Impact Players
WR DeSean Jackson [JR]
FS Thomas DeCoud [SR]
RB Justin Forsett [SR]
Offense (A)
Cal has a great balance on offense, with a strong passing game led by junior QB Nate Longshore and a bruising run game paced by Forsett. Watch out for WR Jackson, who is a threat to score anytime he touches the ball and will be a return game monster. The o-line is also very talented.
Defense (B-)
Surprisingly, Cal's defense pales in comparison to their offense. In a tough conference like the Pac-10, the Bears might find themselves struggling to stop some of their high-powered opponents. DeCoud needs to get some serious assistance from guys like junior OLBs Worrell Williams and Anthony Felder, and exciting sophomore CB Syd'Quan Thompson.
Special Teams (A+)
Cal's two senior specialists are very good but may not even be the Pac-10's best unit.
Overall (A-)
Cal needs a lot of improvement on defense for them to seriously challenge the Trojans. If they can't do that, then improving just a little could mean a BCS bowl.
3) UCLA Bruins (#19)
Last Season Record: 7-6 (5-4) Postseason Result: Lost 44-27 to Florida State in Emerald Bowl
Impact Players
FS Dennis Keyes [SR]
DT Brigham Harwell [JR]
RB Chris Markey [SR]
Offense (B+)
UCLA's offense is very good but looks average compared to some of their Pac-10 rivals. Junior QBs Ben Olson and Pat Cowan will battle all year for the starting job, which could provide some inconsistency. Still, the Bruins have a bunch of skill players to make up for that, including Markey and senior WRs Joe Cowan and Brandon Breazell. Senior OG Shannon Tevaga anchors a solid o-line.
Defense (B+)
I really like the way UCLA's defense is built, with plenty of star power and a ton of young depth. Keyes, Harwell and others like seniors OLB Bruce Davis and CBs Rodney Van and Trey Brown are just the kind of leaders the Bruins need. Watch out for talented sophomores like FS Aaron Ware, CB Alterraun Verner and DE Korey Bosworth to show off their skills.
Special Teams (A+)
Redshirt freshman kicker Kai Forbath is already one of the nation's highest-rated kickers.
Overall (A)
UCLA has a very balanced unit that could do some major damage across the conference, but they need some consistency at QB to really produce something special.
4) Oregon State Beavers (#31)
Last Season Record: 10-4 (6-3) Postseason Result: Won 39-38 over Missouri in Brut Sun Bowl
Offense (B+)
Oregon State has a bunch of great skill players and a domianting offensive line. Bernard and Stroughter give the Beavers two serious offensive threats, which will keep Oregon State in every contest. The question mark is sophomore QB Sean Canfield, who needs to be efficient and careful with the ball to keep the Beavers competitive.
Defense (B-)
Positives: DE, OLB, CB and experience. Negatives: Safety, DT, MLB and general depth. This might be Oregon State's best year for defense in a while, unless they go crazy in recruiting.
Special Teams (A+)
Senior kicker Alexis Serna was a Preseason all-conference pick.
Overall (B+)
Oregon State has a very talented squad and should compete well, but concerns at QB and on defense may hinder their shot at double-digit wins again.
5) Arizona State Sun Devils (#42)
Last Season Record: 7-6 (4-5) Postseason Result: Lost 41-24 to Hawai'i in Hawai'i Bowl
Impact Players
FS Derrick Carty [SR]
MLB Robert James [SR]
QB Rudy Carpenter [JR]
Offense (B+)
Arizona State has a very good mix on offense, with plenty of solid tailbacks (senior Ryan Torain will start) and receivers (senior Rudy Burgess led last year) to get the ball to. On top of all that, QB Carpenter is very solid and should be able to keep defenses off-balance by spreading the ball around. The exclamation point to this unit is an excellent o-line.
Defense (B)
Carty and James headline a pretty solid group, but they might be in a little trouble due to some weak spots. Opposing Pac-10 squads with top-notch RBs could exploit their d-line, while pass-oriented teams could target their corners. Still, the Sun Devils have a decent squad that should complement their awesome offense.
Special Teams (B+)
A redshirt freshman and a senior, both at about the same talent level, will do the kicking.
Overall (B)
Arizona State is an intriguing squad that could go 9-3 or 3-9, depending on opposing teams' gameplans and their own play.
6) Oregon Ducks (#43)
Last Season Record: 7-6 (4-5) Postseason Result: Lost 38-8 to BYU in Las Vegas Bowl
Impact Players
RB Jonathan Stewart [JR]
SS Patrick Chung [JR]
WR Jaison Williams [JR]
Offense (A-)
The Ducks will have a very explosive offense behind Coach Mike Bellotti's spread option attack, with the perfect QB to run it in senior Dennis Dixon. Dixon and Stewart form one of the Pac-10's most dynamic backfield duos, which will equal a ton of rushing yards and points. The senior signal-caller also has plenty of targets like Williams and rising sophomore TE Ed Dickson. Oregon should also feel confident in their experienced and talented o-line.
Defense (B)
The Oregon defense looks promising but they have an odd mix of experience and talent. Players like Chung and seniors DT David Faateete and OLB A.J. Tuitele provide the leadership and playmaking, but Oregon has a big weak spot at MLB. The DEs, CBs and free safeties have talent but they are so young. Oregon needs to gel quickly to compete.
Special Teams (B+)
A pretty mediocre unit.
Overall (B+)
Oregon has the offense to take them to the next level, but can their defense catch up in time?
7) Arizona Wildcats (#48)
Last Season Record: 6-6 (4-5) Postseason Result: DNQ
Impact Players
CB Antoine Cason [SR]
DE Louis Holmes [SR]
QB Willie Tuitama [JR]
Offense (B-)
Arizona's offense has a bunch of talent, but in reality they lack a lot of experience. Tuitama is a solid QB and has some good weapons to use, but his o-line protectors are ridiculously young (1 senior, next oldest is redshirt sophomore). Arizona might take some lumps this season, but if everyone returns they will be a force next year.
Defense (B)
On the other hand, Arizona's defense is very experienced and will be ready to overcome any offensive shortcoming. Cason is a shut-down corner just waiting to eat up opposing receivers, and Holmes leads an impressive d-line that could pressure opposing QBs into crucial mistakes.
Special Teams (B)
Congrats --- the worst unit in the conference belongs to 'Zona.
Overall (B-)
The Wildcats will need to play out of their minds to compete with the top Pac-10 squads, which they need to do to reach 6 wins again.
8) Washington State Cougars (#51)
Last Season Record: 6-6 (4-5) Postseason Result: DNQ
Offense (C)
Senior Alex Brink is a solid signal-caller and has a few top receivers like Bumpus to aim for, but where is his running game? Without that, the Cougars will suffer. Not helping is a subpar and inexperenced o-line.
Defense (C+)
WSU has a very average defense, which will get blasted in a conference like this. Trent and Pitoitua are solid but have no support anywhere.
Special Teams (C-)
A decent group of kickers.
Overall (C-)
Washington State is headed for the Pac-10 cellar.
9) Washington Huskies (#53)
Last Season Record: 5-7 (3-6) Postseason Result: DNQ
Impact Players
OLB Chris Stevens [JR]
RB Louis Rankin [SR]
QB Carl Bonnell [SR]
Offense (B)
Despite Bonnell being considered an "impact" player, he will give way to redshirt freshman Jake Locker. Locker is a future star and has some decent targets to hit, plus a speedy back in Rankin, but he must try to stay upright behind a porous o-line.
Defense (B-)
The defensive line, OLBs and parts of the secondary look great. The rest of the defense looks shaky and will probably get exploited. Still, some of their young depth looks solid.
Special Teams (A-)
Sophomore kicker Ryan Perkins could develop into a clutch guy.
Overall (B)
Locker has all the talent in the world, but can he stay healthy and off his back enough for Washington to reach .500? All preceding signs are pointing towards no.
10) Stanford Cardinal (#77)
Last Season Record: 1-11 (1-8) Postseason Result: DNQ
Impact Players
WR Mark Bradford [SR]
QB T.C. Ostrander [SR]
MLB Will Powers [SO]
Offense (B-)
Coach Jim Harbaugh suffered a 1-11 campaign last season, but his offense has taken some strides and may surprise a few teams this year. Ostrander is a solid vet for the Stanford offense, which will need him to be very efficient for them to climb out of the cellar. Junior RB Anthony Kimble and WR Bradford will provide the ability to score.
Defense (C+)
Harbaugh has done a great job recruiting since he arrived at Stanford, bringing some top-notch defensive talent. Most of his recruits are now sophomores and most are starting over a bunch of seniors, meaning the future is now for the Cardinal. Stanford will take some lumps with such a young group, but it should pay off next season and beyond.
Special Teams (B+)
Two seniors on tap here, with punter Jay Ottovegio the most impressive.
Overall (B-)
Stanford will be out of the cellar this season, but a bowl game will be out of the question until next year.
[Reply]
kblu54 01:39 AM 10-13-2009
Florida's BCS title defense begins in tough SEC East SEC News
The Florida Gators are coming off a surprising 41-14 domination of then-#1 Ohio State in the BCS National Championship, claiming their first national title in almost a decade and their 1st under coach Urban Meyer. The Gators lost a lot of seniors from last year's champions, but they still return an impressive squad that should put up a major fight on the road back to the BCS title game.
Florida will be looking for a the first repeat national championships since USC in 2003-2004, but they first will have to win in a tough SEC East Division. The Gators, who enter the season ranked #4, will have to fend off #15 Tennessee and #18 Georgia to win the SEC East.
Let's take a look at the 2007-08 SEC East Division squads, in order of predicted finish.
1) Florida Gators (#4)
Last Season Record: 13-1 (7-1 SEC) *SEC/National Champions* Postseason Result: Won 41-14 over Ohio State in BCS National Championship
Impact Players
DE Derrick Harvey [JR]
WR Percy Harvin [SO]
QB Tim Tebow [SO]
Offense (B)
The Gators lost a bunch of seniors from their national title team last year, but they not have a very young and talented squad that could compete for several more years. Headlining the offense is super sophomores Tebow and Harvin, who fit perfectly in Urban Meyer's unique spread attack. Tebow will benefit from his talented group of receivers and a experienced o-line in his first full year as a starter.
Defense (B+)
The Gators only have 4 seniors on their defense... and that makes them scary good. The reason why is because the juniors and sophomores joining them are just unreal and will make Florida one of the best defenses in the nation for the next 2 years. Harvey is a sack machine, but the real players to watch are the Gators' impressive trio of sophomore linebackers (OLBs Dustin Doe and Ryan Stamper, MLB Brandon Spikes). The secondary is awesome and has a bunch of young stars.
Special Teams (B+)
Freshman Chas Henry is pretty good.
Overall (B)
Florida has a very good squad but I'm not sure if they can reach the BCS title game again. They will have a rough road and their young stars are good, but I can see one or two slip-ups along the way. Watch out for next season though.
2) Tennessee Volunteers (#15)
Last Season Record: 9-4 (5-3) Postseason Result: Lost 20-10 to Penn State in Outback Bowl
Impact Players
FS Jonathan Hefney [SR]
QB Erik Ainge [SR]
RB LaMarcus Coker [SO]
Offense (B+)
The Tennessee offense has a bunch of good players, but I'm not sure where their strength will be. Ainge is a solid passer but has average receivers to throw to. The Volunteers have a bunch of top tailbacks, but who will get the bulk of the carries? Maybe the glue of the team will be their lineman, which has two senior tackles and talented sophomore interior guys.
Defense (B+)
The Tennessee defense is just jam-packed with seniors, with 7 of their 11 starters in their final seasons. They also have some great depth, with talented youngsters like freshmen FS Eric Berry and OLB Rico McCoy playing important roles. They should be solid this year and beyond.
Special Teams (A-)
Junior Britton Colquitt is near the top of the punter ranks on Mel Kiper, Jr.'s list.
Overall (B+)
Tennessee could seriously challenge the young Gators for East supremacy, but they need to find their identity on offense first.
3) Georgia Bulldogs (#18)
Last Season Record: 9-4 (4-4) Postseason Result: Won 31-24 over Virginia Tech in Chick-fil-A Bowl
Impact Players
WR Mohamed Massaquoi [JR]
RB Thomas Brown [SR]
SS Kelin Johnson [SR]
Offense (B+)
Sophomore QB Matthew Stafford will benefit from two senior tailbacks and a bunch of experienced receivers, but senior center Fernando Velasco needs to keep his freshmen teammates on the o-line focused so Stafford can stay off his back. The Bulldogs' offense should have a nice balance.
Defense (B)
Georgia only has 3 seniors on defense and a bunch of youngsters, including 2 freshman starters. Johnson needs to keep this above average defense on their assignments, because Georgia needs a strong effort from the defense to help out the developing offense.
Special Teams (A+)
Senior kicker Brandon Coutu is outstanding.
Overall (B+)
Georgia has a very solid team but the high amount of youth is a concern. If the senior leaders on both sides can keep everyone on task, the Bulldogs will be a serious threat.
4) South Carolina Gamecocks (#32)
Last Season Record: 8-5 (3-5) Postseason Result: Won 44-36 over Houston in Liberty Bowl
Offense (B+)
Coach Steve Spurrier has an above average offense, but is it really ready to compete in this tough division? The Gamecocks have several potential stars like Mitchell, Boyd and a pretty solid o-line, but I'm not sure if they're good enough to make a serious run. They could definately return to the bowl picture with this unit though.
Defense (B)
Just a solid defense all around. No weak spots at any position, including a very tough front seven. They don't have any major stars... yet. Brinkley and sophomore DE Eric Norwood are potential NFL stars and the secondary has a ton of depth.
Special Teams (A)
Junior kicker Ryan Succop needs a real pal --- his sophomore punter is just bad.
Overall (B)
A lot of talent, but seems to be not enough in this tough division. A second-straight 8-win season seems like a major possibility though.
5) Kentucky Wildcats (#39)
Last Season Record: 8-5 (4-4) Postseason Result: Won 28-20 over Clemson in Music City Bowl
Offense (B+)
The key to the offense is very obvious. Woodson is one of the nation's most accurate passers, and he has a bunch of targets to throw to. Burton and senior TE Jacob Tamme should get catches in bunches, while senior RB Rafael Little will keep defenses in check on the ground. The huge issue with this offense is the offensive line, which could hinder everyone's production.
Defense (B-)
The Kentucky defense has a handful of top-notch players but some glaring weak positions. Woodyard and a pretty solid linebacking corps will try to join forces with junior DT Myron Pryor and sophomore CB Trevard Lindley, but the rest of the defense looks too average to compete.
Special Teams (B)
One of the lower-tier units in the conference.
Overall (B)
The Kentucky offense should be solid, if their o-line can block someone. The defense has a lot of holes, so they will probably not contend for the title. A bowl game is definately in the works.
6) Vanderbilt Commodores (#62)
Last Season Record: 4-8 (1-7) Postseason Result: DNQ
Impact Players
WR Earl Bennett [JR]
MLB Jonathan Goff [SR]
SS Reshard Langford [JR]
Offense (B-)
Someone get Earl Bennett the ball! The junior WR needs to make a ton of plays and score in bunches for this offense to matter, but smart defenses in this conference will probably limit that. Senior OT Chris Williams is pretty solid though.
Defense (C+)
Can Goff get some help? The senior MLB will be trying to do everything himself, since Vandy's front seven looks shoddy. The Commodores have some talented sophomores at the corners and Langford deep, but it won't be enough to stop these SEC offenses.
Special Teams (D-)
An underrated group.
Overall (D+)
A C+ team couldn't compete in the SEC, let alone this below average squad. Getting to 4 wins again might be a stretch.
[Reply]
kblu54 02:28 AM 10-13-2009
LSU looking to upend SEC West foes, win SEC title and possibly more SEC News
The LSU Tigers compiled an impressive 11-2 mark, but missed out on the SEC title game. Despite that, LSU still managed to sneak into a BCS bowl game, where they crushed Notre Dame 41-14 in the Sugar Bowl. This year, the Tigers bring back a talented and experienced squad looking for more than a shot at the SEC title.
LSU opens the year ranked #3 and wants the SEC title and possibly a shot at the national title, but first they must hold off defending SEC West champ Arkansas and a tough Auburn squad.
Let's take a look at the 2007-08 SEC West Division teams, in order of predicted finish.
1) LSU Tigers (#3)
Last Season Record: 11-2 (6-2 SEC) Postseason Result: Won 41-14 over Notre Dame in Sugar Bowl
Impact Players
DT Glenn Dorsey [SR]
OLB Ali Highsmith [SR]
WR Early Doucet [SR]
Offense (A-)
LSU has a very experienced and talented offense, and their balanced attack should keep defenses scrambling. Senior QB Matt Flynn will direct this group, aiming for top receivers like Doucet and handing off to two great sophomore backs (Keiland Williams and Charles Scott). The best asset to Flynn will be his protection, which is an outstanding group with 4 out of 5 starters being juniors or older.
Defense (A)
You want to see true SEC defense? Then LSU is the team for you. The Tigers have so many stars it's hard to keep track of them all. Dorsey and junior DE Tyson Jackson anchor a ferocious d-line, Highsmith represents some sick linebackers and 3 seniors lead arguably the best secondary in the nation. Anybody who plays LSU this year will have a tough time finding points.
Special Teams (A)
Junior kicker Colt David will be a very valuable asset in a tough conference like this.
Overall (A+)
That overall rating says it all. LSU is the team to beat in the SEC this year. Period.
2) Arkansas Razorbacks (#10)
Last Season Record: 10-4 (7-1) Postseason Result: Lost 17-14 to Wisconsin in Capital One Bowl
Impact Players
RB Darren McFadden [JR]
DT Marcus Harrison [SR]
WR Marcus Monk [JR]
Offense (B-)
You want to see a dominating backfield? Then watch as Heisman Trophy candidate McFadden and junior RB Felix Jones scamper all over defenses behind the blocking of senior FB Petyon Hillis. Arkansas should pound the ball in every game until someone stops them... but then they might be in trouble. Junior QB Casey Dick is very average and only has one good receiver (Monk) to aim for. Plus, the offensive line has a few weak spots.
Defense (B)
Arkansas' defense just seems to be missing something. They have some solid defenders like Harrison, senior FS Michael Grant and upcoming sophomore OLB Freddie Fairchild, but they have minimal depth. I'm afraid they won't be good enough as a full unit to capture the West again.
Special Teams (B)
Junior Jeremy Davis will perform both duties, mainly because the Razorbacks don't actually have a punter.
Overall (B)
The defending West champs seem to be missing too much to knock off the juggernaut Tigers. McFadden, of course, could change everything.
3) Auburn Tigers (#13)
Last Season Record: 11-2 (6-2) Postseason Result: Won 17-14 over Nebraska in AT&T Cotton Bowl
Offense (B+)
Does Auburn's offense have enough to make some noise in the SEC? First glance says no. A second glance shows us a pretty decent balance, with Cox passing to some good WRs and two capable tailbacks (junior Brad Lester, sophomore Ben Tate) to carry the load. The o-line needs a little work but Auburn could be pretty good.
Defense (B+)
Groves is a sackmaster. Blackmon is a rising star. Three seniors captain a great secondary. Senior DT Josh Thompson anchors the interior. Sounds like there should be no issues right? That is until you notice I only mentioned 6 out of 11 starters... for a reason. Good, but not good enough.
Special Teams (B+)
The Tigers have some younger guys for specialists.
Overall (B+)
B+ ratings across the board for Auburn, so that means a B+ season is expected. I'm thinking 10 wins.
4) Alabama Crimson Tide (#34)
Last Season Record: 6-7 (2-6) Postseason Result: Lost 34-31 to Oklahoma State in Independence Bowl
Impact Players
DE Wallace Gilberry [SR]
CB Simeon Castille [SR]
WR D.J. Hall [SR]
Offense (B+)
Alabama should have a pretty solid offense. Junior QB John Parker Wilson has a bunch of top receivers to throw to besides Hall, and he will be protected by an outstanding o-line. He will need some relief from the ground game, but sophomore Glen Coffee should do the job well.
Defense (B+)
Alabama's defense looks pretty solid, and a bunch of senior leaders will help. Two talented youngsters will start (true freshman MLB Rolando McClain, sophomore CB Javier Arenas), which should be exciting. They have plenty of depth, so even after the seniors leave they should be okay.
Special Teams (A+)
Sophomore Leigh Tiffin, a son of a former Tide kicker, is very talented.
Overall (A-)
Alabama is due for a good season and they should improve greatly from that brutal 6-7 campaign last year. They have enough tools to sneak up in the standings.
5) Mississippi State Bulldogs (#61)
Last Season Record: 3-9 (1-7) Postseason Result: DNQ
Impact Players
CB Derek Pegues [JR]
WR Tony Burks [SR]
RB Anthony Dixon [SO]
Offense (C+)
A true freshman QB and a sophomore RB behind an average offensive line? Uh-oh. QB Wesley Carroll will take his lumps, but Dixon has a ton of potential. Carroll does have a bunch of senior WRs and TEs to connect with, so his development could be smoother than expected.
Defense (C+)
Pegues is a top-notch corner and is only a junior. Can you get this guy some help? The Bulldogs have so many weaknesses that opposing offenses should have a field day picking them apart. Pegues will do his best to help, but QBs will probably avoid throwing to his side.
Special Teams (A-)
Junior punter Blake McAdams can help out their subpar defense.
Overall (C+)
The offense is down and starting youngsters at QB and RB, while Pegues is the only defender worth mentioning. The Bulldogs might struggle to reach 3 wins again.
6) Ole Miss Rebels (#64)
Last Season Record: 4-8 (2-6) Postseason Result: DNQ
Offense (B)
Ole Miss has a bunch of young playmakers and a solid offensive line, but their QB looks iffy. Adams will start, but he will make Rebel fans wish highly-touted Jevan Snead didn't have to sit out his transfer year. Still, the Rebels could pull some upsets along the way, which will set the tone for next season.
Defense (B-)
This Ole Miss defense is pretty young and just beginning to discover their potential. Sophomore DE Greg Hardy and junior DT Peria Jerry anchor a ferocious d-line, and Sanford patrols a pretty solid secondary. The linebackers are pretty young, but should improve during the season. Next season is looking promising.
Special Teams (A)
The Rebels have a nice group of specialists.
Overall (B)
Ole Miss should not be in the cellar long. This year they may take some hard shots, but next year they should have a year of experience in and be ready to challenge.
[Reply]
kblu54 06:29 PM 10-13-2009
Troy voted as favorite to win weak Sun Belt Sun Belt News
The good news for Troy is that they are picked to win the Sun Belt title in 2007-08. The bad news is that they are a triple-digit-ranked team and play in the worst conference in the FBS.
I guess Troy lucked out by being the highest ranked Sun Belt squad, checking in at #101. The Trojans are decent but they definately won't dominate this mediocre group. In reality, any of the 8 conference members could win the title this season.
Let's take a look at the 2007-08 Sun Belt programs, in order of predicted finish.
1) Troy Trojans (#101)
Last Season Record: 8-5 (6-1 Sun Belt) *Co-Sun Belt Champions* Postseason Result: Won 41-17 over Rice in New Orleans Bowl
Offense (C+)
Troy's solid backfield tandem of Haugabook and Cattouse could lift Troy to a 2nd-straight conference title. They run a spread attack that fits nicely with their personnel, but they need their o-line to be strong. In a conference like this, that probably won't be hard.
Defense (B-)
Troy's defense is pretty solid too, highlighted by Williams, senior CB Leodis McKelvin and a deep secondary. The defensive ends and OLBs aren't bad either, but the middle is a possible target for offenses. Still, the Trojans have enough playmakers to wreck havoc in this conference.
Special Teams (A-)
Two 5th-year seniors are the specialists.
Overall (B-)
Troy is the defending champs and have a good enough squad to back up this prediction.
2) Arkansas State Indians (#105)
Last Season Record: 6-6 (4-3) Postseason Result: DNQ
Impact Players
SS Tyrell Johnson [SR]
FS Khayyam Burns [SR]
RB Reggie Arnold [SO]
Offense (C)
The Indians have 6 solid starters on offense, which may be good enough for them to have success. Arnold is a beast and should be one of the conference's top rushers, especially in their run-based attack. Junior QB Travis Hewitt has two good targets to aim for but needs his offensive line to keep him safe.
Defense (C+)
You won't be able to throw deep against them. You won't be able to run on their d-line. But a subpar linebacking corps may be their downfall. Johnson and Burns are the Sun Belt's best safety duo, and teaming with senior CB Montis Harrison makes them tough. Senior DE Brandon Rollins and freshman DT Stanley Porter anchor a great d-line, but they will need their linebackers to improve.
Special Teams (B)
Sophomore Brian Sheffield will pull double duty.
Overall (C+)
A solid team with a bunch of stars, making them a legit threat to Troy.
3) Florida Atlantic Owls (#107)
Last Season Record: 5-7 (4-3) Postseason Result: DNQ
Impact Players
FS Taheem Acevedo [SR]
RB Charles Pierre [JR]
TE Jason Harmon [JR]
Offense (C)
Sophomore QB Rusty Smith is a good QB on an average team, so his production might be a little low. He has a young group of WRs, an average senior TE (Harmon) and a very shaky o-line. Still, junior tailbacks Pierre and DiIvory Edgecomb should help out tremendously.
Defense (C)
Acevedo and senior SS Kris Bartels will have a tough time covering up the weak spots on this defense --- they're everywhere. The d-line looks average, the backers are worse and their corners don't look very helpful.
Special Teams (C)
Hold on, which team had the worst kicker? I think I made a mistake. The Owls' junior kicker really deserves that honor.
Overall (C-)
The offense has some hope for the future but the defense looks awful. Still, nothing is out of the question in the Sun Belt.
4) Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders (#108)
Last Season Record: 7-6 (6-1) *Co-Sun Belt Champions* Postseason Result: Lost 31-14 to Central Michigan in Motor City Bowl
Impact Players
DE Erik Walden [SR]
FS Damon Nickson [SR]
TE Clinton Corder [SR]
Offense (C+)
The Blue Raiders actually have a pretty solid offense, with a respectable pass game and a potentially dangerous run attack. Junior QB Joe Craddock should connect with junior WR Bobby Williams and two senior TEs early and often, while senior RB DeMarco McNair and speedy sophomore RB Desmond Gee will keep defenses guessing.
Defense (C)
The d-line and secondary is very experienced and very good, but their linebackers are just brutal. Walden and Nickson need their respective units to dominate for the Raiders to contend.
Special Teams (C+)
One of the worst units in the nation.
Overall (C)
The offense should be good this year and next, but the defense needs all their seniors to step up if they want a serious title run.
5) Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns (#110)
Last Season Record: 6-6 (3-4) Postseason Result: DNQ
Impact Players
SS Lamar Morgan [SR]
RB Tyrell Fenroy [JR]
WR Derrick Smith [JR]
Offense (C)
UL-Lafayette has an interesting offensive group. Fenroy and Smith are their best playmakers, but junior QB Michael Desormeaux is a concern. Their offensive line will start 4 seniors, but their best guy is their sophomore center. Hard to predict, but possible poor QB play could doom them.
Defense (C)
Morgan will need a lot of help. The front seven and other secondary members are just plain bad. Do not expect much of anything from this unit.
Special Teams (B-)
Not a very impressive unit, unless you're impressed at how bad they are.
Overall (C-)
Too few stars, too many issues. They will be middle of the pack... I guess? Will the Sun Belt even have a middle?
6) Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks (#111)
Last Season Record: 4-8 (3-4) Postseason Result: DNQ
Offense (C)
Dawson is arguably the most complete back in the conference. It's a shame he has to waste all that talent playing with this unit. The Warhawks have a subpar QB, no receivers and a below average line. It will be a rough year for scoring.
Defense (D)
Ding ding ding! And the winner for the nation's worst defense goes to --- UL-Monroe! Oh yeah, this group is that bad. It's not even worth mentioning anyone, because no one is a star here.
Special Teams (B)
Senior kicker Cole Wilson was voted the best returning kicker in the Sun Belt.
Overall (C-)
The funny thing is, despite how bad this Warhawks team is, they will probably not be the worst team in the conference. Hilarious, right?
7) North Texas Mean Green (#113)
Last Season Record: 3-9 (2-5) Postseason Result: DNQ
Impact Players
RB Jamario Thomas [SR]
SS Aaron Weathers [SR]
DE Jeremian Chapman [SR]
Offense (C)
Thomas will keep North Texas competitive on the ground, but the passing game will go through some growing pains. True freshman Giovanni Vizza will start, but doesn't seem to have much to throw to and the o-line will probably give up a bunch of sacks.
Defense (C)
The Mean Green defense is actually pretty experienced, so they could be a sound group. The talent is a little low, but there's something about that senior year that makes everyone step their game up a little.
Special Teams (C+)
Another brutal unit, which may turn out to be a common Sun Belt theme.
Overall (C-)
Strong defense and the development of Vizza will bring North Texas out of the cellar. A bowl game seems unlikely though.
8) Florida International Golden Panthers (#117)
Last Season Record: 0-12 (0-7) Postseason Result: DNQ
Offense (D+)
New head coach Mario Cristobal is inheriting a developing program in only their 5th year as a FBS team, coming off an winless season. Not helping will be their shoddy offense. Reams is a solid back, but the Panthers will start a redshirt freshman at QB and will provide him with no weapons. It might be a tough year for the FIU offense.
Defense (C-)
If it wasn't for FIU's solid corners (and UL-Monroe's joke of a unit), they could be a serious contender for the Sun Belt's worst D. The front seven is awful and the safeties deep could use a lot of work. Points galore for opposing offenses!
Special Teams (B)
Two sophomores on board here, and they aren't that bad.
Overall (C-)
FIU is ready to take on all challengers. Who dares steal our spot at the bottom of the standings?
[Reply]
kblu54 01:14 AM 10-14-2009
Boise, Hawai'i to duke it out for WAC supremacy WAC News
It literally will be a two-horse race in the WAC this season, as Boise State and Hawai'i will battle each other all the way to the finish. It will definately be an exciting finish, as both programs will close out their conference schedules against each other, which will determine the conference champion.
The Broncos are the favorites, coming in as the defending champs and off a perfect 13-0 season, including one of the greatest bowl game upsets ever. Boise State used several trick plays down the stretch to upset Oklahoma 43-42 in overtime of the Fiesta Bowl.
Hawai'i will put up a major fight though, hoping to knock Boise State off and win the WAC title. The Warriors are paced by their all-out pass attack, which will have a bunch of weapons.
Let's take a look at the 2007-08 WAC teams, in order of predicted finish.
1) Boise State Broncos (#23)
Last Season Record: 13-0 (8-0) *WAC Champions* Postseason Result: Won 43-42 (OT) over Oklahoma in Fiesta Bowl
Impact Players
RB Ian Johnson [JR]
FS Marty Tadman [SR]
CB Orlando Scandrick [JR]
Offense (B)
Boise State has an offense built to run the ball, which is odd for a WAC member. Johnson is a bruising tailback and will have plenty of holes made from a dominating and experienced (3 seniors, 2 juniors) offensive line. The Broncos look weak in the passing game though, as senior QB Taylor Tharp has a very young and average receiving group at his disposal.
Defense (B-)
The secondary looks great. The front seven? Not so much. The Broncos will need to get a serious pass rush in this pass-happy conference, but I'm not sure if they can do it with this group. The secondary seems ready to take on all challengers, which provides hope.
Special Teams (B-)
Two average freshman are slotted for the kicking duties.
Overall (B-)
Boise State has a good squad, but can they really hold off the upstart Warriors? It will be an interesting road to a repeat.
2) Hawai'i Warriors (#26)
Last Season Record: 11-3 (7-1) Postseason Result: Won 41-24 over Arizona State in Hawai'i Bowl
Impact Players
QB Colt Brennan [SR]
WR Davone Bess [JR]
OLB Adam Leonard [JR]
Offense (B+)
Look out folks. Record-setting QB Brennan is looking to light up opposing defenses for tons of passing TDs this season. Brennan has plenty of weapons to utilize like WRs Bess, senior Jason Rivers and junior Ryan Grice-Mullens, and an excellent o-line to set up behind. Adding to this already explosive passing offense is true freshman RB Kealoha Pilares, who will be an underrated asset.
Defense (B-)
If you wanted to call any WAC defense great, this is the one you would refer to. The Warriors are very balanced and experienced on defense, with only 1 starter younger than a junior. The front seven looks solid and the secondary has the right stuff.
Special Teams (B)
Two juniors will kick... but will they even need them? Hawai'i will rack up TDs by the truckloads.
Overall (B)
If Boise State wasn't the defending champs, Hawai'i would be the clear favorites. They open the season just outside the Top 25, but they will change that quickly.
3) Nevada Wolfpack (#74)
Last Season Record: 8-5 (5-3) Postseason Result: Lost 21-20 to Miami in MPC Computers Bowl
Impact Players
OLB Ezra Butler [SR]
WR Marko Mitchell [JR]
DT Matt Hines [SR]
Offense (C)
A changing of the guard is happening at Nevada, where they will probably look to run more often with redshirt freshman dual-threat QB Colin Kaepernick running the show. Kaepernick gives Nevada a much-needed offensive threat, as they seem to be lacking a bunch. Mitchell and junior WR Mike McCoy look good, as does junior RB Luke Lippincott, but the o-line is a concern.
Defense (C)
Nevada seems to have one decent starter at each position, which creates a good balance. The worrisome part is that they don't have any stars and seem to be very average as a group. They might struggle in this high-flying conference... but just a little.
Special Teams (B)
There is nothing "special" about this group.
Overall (C)
Nevada has a very average squad overall. Not enough to contend, but enough to finish over .500.
4) San Jose State Spartans (#80)
Last Season Record: 9-4 (5-3) Postseason Result: Won 20-12 over New Mexico in New Mexico Bowl
Impact Players
OLB Matt Castelo [SR]
RB Yonus Davis [SR]
Qb Adam Tafralis [SR]
Offense (C)
Tafralis and Davis give the Spartans a great backfield tandem, but the rest of the offense is downright awful. The offensive line could hinder their chances severly.
Defense (C+)
You can usually cover up a poor offense with a solid defense, and San Jose State makes a respectable effort at that. Most of the front seven looks solid (minus MLB) and their cornerbacks are good. Senior CB Dwight Lowery is arguably the best defensive player in the conference, but he will need this deep safeties to really improve.
Special Teams (B)
Senior punter Waylon Prather (6'3, 220 lbs.) is built like a linebacker.
Overall (C)
Their offense will keep them down too much to overcome. Their defense might push them to at least 6 wins though.
5) Fresno State Bulldogs (#84)
Last Season Record: 4-8 (4-4) Postseason Result: DNQ
Impact Players
DE Tyler Clutts [SR]
DE Jason Roberts [JR]
QB Tom Brandstater [JR]
Offense (C+)
Fresno State has a solid QB (Brandstater), some young playmakers (sophomore RB Lonyae Miller) and a decent o-line (4 juniors, 1 senior). Where they go this season will really depend on their offensive production. They should be able to beat a bunch of conference squads and go easily finish 3rd.
Defense (C+)
Solid and experienced front seven. A semi-young secondary. The key for them is the leadership of senior CB Damon Jenkins, who must keep his sophomore d-back teammates focused against their pass-happy rivals.
Special Teams (A-)
The best unit in the conference, featuring Preseason all-conference senior kicker Clint Stitser.
Overall (B-)
Possibly the only other serious challenger for the WAC crown. They won't win it, but they'll surprise a few.
6) New Mexico State Aggies (#100)
Last Season Record: 4-8 (2-6) Postseason Result: DNQ
Offense (B-)
One of the top units in the conferences, thanks to their all-out passing attack. Holbrook is 2nd only to Hawai'i's Brennan in the WAC, and he also has receiver weapons like junior WR Chris Williams to deploy. Buries is a solid runner but will be more important catching passes out of the backfield.
Defense (C-)
Their offense will score a ton but the defense will allow opponents to do the same. Marton really is the only bright spot on this subpar unit.
Special Teams (B-)
A senior and a freshman on the roster, but neither of them are any good.
Overall (C)
The Aggies are destined for shootouts --- most of them they won't win.
7) Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (#112)
Last Season Record: 3-10 (1-7) Postseason Result: DNQ
Offense (C)
Champion will try to have the Bulldogs live up to his name, but he won't be able to do well behind a concerning o-line. Wheeler leads a decent group of receivers, but they have no run game.
Defense (C)
The Bulldogs actually have a few defenders on the Preseason all-conference team, but that's the only positives. Jackson will need to duplicate himself quickly for Louisiana Tech to be even close to a solid defense.
Special Teams (B-)
Really? Your senior kicker is that bad?
Overall (C-)
The Bulldogs have a lot of weak spots. How many wins did they get last year, 3? Yeah that seems about right.
8) Utah State Aggies (#114)
Last Season Record: 1-11 (1-7) Postseason Result: DNQ
Impact Players
WR Kevin Robinson [SR]
QB Leon Jackson III [SR]
MLB Jake Hutton [JR]
Offense (C)
Jackson is a fast dual-threat QB and Robinson has a lot of talent. Unfortunately, this Aggie offense doesn't have anything else.
Defense (C)
The front seven is bad, and the secondary is worse. The good news is they only have 3 senior starters, so next year could be better.
Special Teams (B)
Below average sophomores.
Overall (C-)
Utah State is definately better than 1 win. They are good enough for 2.
9) Idaho Vandals (#116)
Last Season Record: 4-8 (3-5) Postseason Result: DNQ
Impact Players
OLB David Vobora [SR]
RB Brian Flowers [SR]
CB Stanley Franks [SR]
Offense (C)
Flowers better plan on making all the plays, because it appears he's the only one capable of making any. One young player to watch is OG Mike Iupati.
Defense (C-)
A pretty senior-laden defense, but beyond that is rough. Vobora and Franks are pretty good though.
Special Teams (C)
Probably the worst combined unit in the conference.
Overall (D+)
Most teams just have that championship "look". Idaho's look doesn't look anything like that.
[Reply]
kblu54 01:32 AM 10-14-2009
Week 1 --- Top 25 Schedule
(Note: Gold = Game of the Week, Bold = National Broadcast)
(Note: All times EST)
Tennesse, Cal open year with SEC/Pac-10 ranked showdown NCAA News
The SEC and Pac-10 are two of the best conferences in the nation coming into this season, and each conference will be represented well by a ranked squad in a highly-anticipated season-opening matchup. Sixteenth-ranked California will welcome #15 Tennessee to Berkeley for some early-season bragging rights.
Winning this game will be a great jump start for either squad and could be a precursor to the season ahead. The teams are evenly matched, but the key to the game will be the Volunteers' ability to stop or slow down this high-powered Cal attack.
The Golden Bears have a bunch of playmakers on offense, like the ever-dangerous WR DeSean Jackson and a bruising tailback in RB Justin Forsett. All of this is of course led by junior QB Nate Longshore, who kicks everything into motion.
Tennessee will need to limit the Bears with their excellent defense for them to score a tough road victory. In the end though, I can see Cal's offense just thriving in front of their home crowd.
TennesseeRatingsCalifornia
B+ ---Overall--- A-
B+ ---Offense--- A
B+ ---Defense--- B-
#16 Cal holds off rallying #15 Tennessee NCAA News
The 16th-ranked California Golden Bears built up an early 28-7 lead, but still had to rally late in the 4th quarter to score a 45-38 upset over #15 Tennessee in a tough SEC/Pac-10 battle.
California jumped out to a 21-0 lead right away and led 28-7 early in the 2nd quarter, but Tennessee would not go away quietly. The Volunteers cut into the lead and only trailed 28-21 at the half.
In the 2nd half, Tennessee continued to work the suddenly-spooked California defense. With 12:25 to go in the 4th quarter, the Volunteers took their 1st lead of the day on RB LaMarcus Coker's 2nd TD run at 35-31.
It was then California's turn to rally, as they got two TD passes from junior QB Nate Longshore with under 7 minutes left to boost Cal ahead for good at 45-35. Tennessee kicked a late field goal with only 31 seconds left to account for the final score.
Longshore had an excellent day for the Cal offense, which racked up 412 yards. The junior QB threw for 267 yards and accounted for 5 TDs, four through the air. RB Justin Forsett caught 2 TDs, and WR Lavelle Hawkins' 27-yard TD catch in the 4th quarter put Cal up 38-35. Junior WR DeSean Jackson was shut down until the final frame, turning his only catch of the day into an 11-yard TD. Freshman RB Jahvid Best led all rushers with 123 yards.
Tennessee out up quite a comeback and outgained Cal with 442 yards, but their defense fell apart at the worst time. It was the Volunteer rushing attack that did the most damage, with Coker and RB Arian Foster each scoring 2 TDs on the ground. Senior QB Erik Ainge threw for 191 yards and a TD before leaving the game due to a minor injury, but backup sophomore Jonathan Crompton filled in nicely. Crompton completed 12-of-16 passes for 101 yards. Junior WR Lucas Taylor led all receivers with 134 yards and scored on an 83-yard bomb.
1st Quarter
(12:25) CAL --- Forsett 6 pass from Longshore (Schneider kick) --- CAL 7-0
(9:46) CAL --- Montgomery 1 run (Schneider kick) --- CAL 14-0
(4:03) CAL --- Longshore 3 run (Schneider kick) --- CAL 21-0
(2:47) TENN --- Foster 77 run (Lincoln kick) --- CAL 21-7
2nd Quarter
(14:05) CAL --- Forsett 19 pass from Longshore (Schneider kick) --- CAL 28-7
(4:25) TENN --- Taylor 83 pass from Ainge (Lincoln kick) --- CAL 28-14
(1:47) TENN --- Foster 1 run (Lincoln kick) --- CAL 28-21
3rd Quarter
(9:16) CAL --- Schneider 28 FG --- CAL 31-21
(4:16) TENN --- Coker 1 run (Lincoln kick) --- CAL 31-28
4th Quarter
(12:25) TENN --- Coker 7 run (Lincoln kick) --- TENN 35-31
(6:55) CAL --- Hawkins 27 pass from Longshore (Schneider kick) --- CAL 38-35
(4:12) CAL --- Jackson 11 pass from Longshore (Schneider kick) --- CAL 45-35
(0:31) TENN --- Lincoln 18 FG --- CAL 45-38
Team Stats
1st Downs: TENN --- 16 ... CAL --- 20 Total Offense: TENN --- 442 ... CAL --- 412 Rushes-Yards: TENN --- 26-150 ... CAL --- 25-145 Passing (C-A-I): TENN --- 23-38-1 ... CAL --- 24-40-0 Passing Yards: TENN --- 292 ... CAL --- 267 Times Sacked: TENN --- 3 ... CAL --- 3 3rd Down Conversions: TENN --- 6-12 ... CAL --- 6-12 Turnovers: TENN --- 3 ... CAL --- 1 Penalties-Yards: TENN --- 5-31 ... CAL --- 8-50 Time of Possession: TENN --- 28:50 ... CAL --- 31:10
Individual Stats
TENNESSEE
Erik Ainge, QB --- 11 - 22 - 191 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Jonathan Crompton, QB --- 12 - 16 - 101 yds
Arizona State MLB Robert James --- Out 3 weeks (high ankle sprain)
Bowling Green OC Kory Lichtensteiger --- Out 6 weeks (broken ribs)
BYU WR Matt Allen --- Out for season (severe concussion)
Clemson OT Barry Richardson --- Out 3 weeks (broken ribs)
Clemson RB C.J. Spiller --- Out 2 weeks (hip pointer)
Florida State OT Shannon Boatman --- Out 3 weeks (strained knee)
Florida State QB Drew Weatherford --- Out 3 weeks (hip pointer)
Illinois OLB J Leman --- Out 3 weeks (bruised shoulder)
Kent State CB Jack Williams --- Out 3 weeks (MCL sprain)
Miami QB Kyle Wright --- Out 4 weeks (broken ribs)
Troy CB Leodis McKelvin --- Out 5 weeks (torn hamstring)
USC OT Sam Baker --- Out 4 weeks (strained back)
[Reply]
kblu54 12:48 PM 10-14-2009
ACC Week 1 Results
#9 Virginia Tech 31, ECU 14
Georgia Tech 31, Notre Dame 14
#21 Florida State 31, Clemson 17
Miami 41, Marshall 10
Duke 27, Connecticut 25
#25 Boston College 31, Wake Forest 7
North Carolina 34, James Madison 13
UCF 35, N.C. State 10
Virginia 31, Wyoming 24
Maryland 73, Villanova 0
LinkBack URL
About LinkBacks