First and foremost this years BCS is nothing short of a total joke...mizzou beats kansas and then they're left out in the cold? Hawaii goes undefeated and yet they can't even play for the national championship? I could go on forever here but lets get on to the issue at hand.
LSU vs OSU -OSU shouldn't even be in this game and it will become evident early and often as LSU will once again prove OSU to be a fraud in another SEC stomping of the "Big" 10. Final 34-17 LSU
Va Tech vs Kansas -Interesting matchup with two talented yet flawed teams. Virginia Tech is led by one of the strongest defenses in the game and has faced a daunting schedule to get to where they are. That being said Kansas has proved themselves to be a legitimate top 10 team and should present tech with some problems. Experience, superior speed and an improved QB tandem of Tyrod Taylor and Sean Glennon will bring the Orange Bowl back to the ACC. Final 24-14 VT
WVU vs OU -The most evenly matched matchup of all the major bowls. WVU presents defenses with headaches but is also its own biggest enemy with costly turnovers. OU has steadily improved throughout the year and should be ready to avenge last years upset to Boise State. Final 31-21 OU
UGA vs Hawaii In what seems to be the new BCS trend Hawaii looks to play the role of David in hopes of slaying SEC giant Georgia. Georgia just might be the hottest team in the entire country and arguably should be playing for the national championship. Look for Hawaii to keep it close in the first half but Georgia is just too strong and will end the year with a statement victory. Final 34-17 UGA
USC vs Illinois
Certainly a questionable call by the BCS for the Illini to even be in this game to begin with but in the end it will the Illini who regret this decision the most. USC has come on very strong as of late and is cleary the class of the Pac 10 and is sure to deliver the Big 10 back home with another dissapointing bowl performance. Final 42-21 USC
Other notable predictions
Arkansas over Mizzou 28-14 Darren Mcfadden says the 15 minutes is up for Mizzou as he leaves college football in style and shows what a mediocre SEC team can do to a top Big 12 school.
Clemson over Auburn 31-24 Clemson makes it two in a row over SEC opponents and restores some much needed pride in the ACC.
Final thoughts of the 2007 season:
-Look for the SEC to quiet any naysayers and once again demonstrate that they are undoubtably the class of college football. With 5 top 25 teams, two of which are in the top 5 and an eventual national champion it is safe to say the best college football is being played down in Dixie. Any doubt to this will be put to rest with another Big 10 debacle and the clock turning to midnight on Big 12 cinderellas Kansas and Mizzou.
After a strong year last year and a promising start to the 2007 season the Big East has fallen back into mediocrity with only WVU proving to be worthy of any true NC consideration. Next year will be a critical year for the Big East to solidify their spot among elite conferences or accept their current role as lower tier BCS one.
The ACC seems to be stuck in a state of mediocrity. Although producing numerous top 25 teams and being located in the heart of a recruiters heaven the conference has struggled to produce a true legitimate contender. Look for coaches Butch Davis and Tom O Brian to turn the ACC upside down and eventually turn NC State and Carolina (the one and only) into top 25 teams. Infact bank on Carolina making a run for the ACC championship and eventually ending up in the Georgia Dome playing for in the Chickfila bowl. With the remergence of NC State and Carolina back into the football picture look for the ACC to return to football relevance. If the strong recruting classes of the Florida schools pays on field dividends the ACC may very well be ready to take on the SEC for the role of the nations best conference.
Heres to a good bowl season and prayers for a playoff system in the near future.
What a year. After 14 weeks of college football, we saw 12 different combinations of top 3 teams. Parity in college football? A lack of consistency by top-tier teams? A mess of a ranking system? I'm willing to listen to any argument right now to fix the NCAA's, but for now we'll have a 2 loss team battle a 1 loss team for a national championship while an undefeated team sits and watches.
LSU vs. Ohio State: The chances that Ohio State even keeps this one interesting are about the same chances you have of seeing me in Dixie-land waving my rebel flag. None. Chris Wells and company just won't have the fire power to hang with one of the tougher defenses in the nation. Les Miles could go coach NFL Europe and LSU would still take this one home. Prediction: LSU 34, OSU 14
Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma vs. WVU Maybe next year, West Virginia, maybe next year. While the game should have never been as close as it was, the injury to Pat White has robbed us of seeing WVU play in the national championship where they belong. The idea of White, Slaton, and Noel Divine all returning next year to this high powered offense makes them my favorite for the title next year. Oklahoma has a fast team, but are they fast enough? Not in my eyes. If Slaton can return to his early season form, and White is healthy enough to attack the secondary then it will be a nice way to end the year for WVU. Prediction: WVU 35, Okla. 28
Sugar Bowl: Georgia vs. Hawaii Georgia is far from deserving a shot at the national championship. If you would put your SEC bias' aside, you would see that they were a 2 loss team that didn't even win their own part of the SEC, let alone the conference championship. How could a team that doesn’t win its conference deserve to be playing for a Nat’l Championship? Colt Brennan has shown time and time again that he has an NFL arm and can make any throw, whether its inside or outside the pocket. He will attack the struggling Bulldogs secondary and should have no problem scoring points. They scored the most of any other team in the nation and their WR have the talent and speed to hang with anyone. The question for me is can the Hawaii defense, who has looked serviceable at best, stop the likes of Knowshon Moreno. With not having played a team that is as talented as Georgia all year, I think they struggle, while Brennan will still solidify himself as one of the top QB prospects deserving of a first day draft pick. Prediction: Georgia 42, Hawaii 31
Orange Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. Kansas In my opinion, there are other non BCS bowl games I would rather watch than this battle of the “almosts.” Kansas was on a path to the national championship game before they were derailed by Missouri. Virginia Tech won a very weak ACC conference, something that wont change for a long time Kyle, so we can put the talks about the ACC becoming a top conference on hold for a while. Va. Tech seems to have become a more fluid offense since implementing the 2 QB system a la Florida’s Chris Leak and Tim Tebow last season. That being said, Kansas is fast, balanced, and high powered on offense. Scoring 44 points per game (2nd in the nation) and being lead by Reesing’s 32 TD’s to only 6 INT’s I think Kansas has a big enough chip on its shoulder to handle its business. The X-Factors of this game will be how freshman Tyrod Taylor handles himself in a big game, and whether Kansas can find ways to get the ball to their stud, Aqib Talib. Prediction: Kansas 27, Va. Tech 17
Rose Bowl: USC vs. Illinois Illinois? Seriously? This is a problem which the NCAA needs to address. If the Big 10 Champion happens to go to the National Championship game, why shouldn’t the Big 10 spot go to an at-large team? Wouldn't Missouri make this game leaps and bounds more interesting? Anyway, now Juice Williams and his crew have to run into one of, if not the hottest, teams in the country. USC has JDB back healthy, and this is the most important thing for a team that struggled without their QB. While Illinois will find a way to put up points with their spread offense, it wont be nearly enough. Prediction: USC 31, Illinois 20
Non BCS Quick Hitters:
Florida 35, Michigan 21 Tim Tebow is a freak of nature. Built like a TE, but runs like a HB. Michigan’s disaster of a season ends with the Gators winning this one on New Years Day.
Texas Tech 42, Virginia 20 Neither team can run the ball. The difference however, is that Texas Tech has the most prolific passing offense in all of college football. Look for their 2 biggest offensive players, QB Graham Harrell (45 TD’s) and WR Michael Crabtree (21 TD’s) to hook up early and often.
Very gutsy picks by Ins. It should be interesting to see what WVU can do on offense and whether or not they have enough defense to keep it close (shout out to LI's own Scooter Berry). Personally I don't see it happening but the Sooners have been known to drop the ball on big games lately so we'll have to wait and see.
As far as Georgia goes granted they didn't win their conference, they lost a tie breaker and were easily the best team in the SEC for 3/4 of the season. We have teams from the Big 10 regulary in big bowl games and they don't even have a title game to begin with. As much as I'm accused of SEC bias I will say I'm much more anti Big 10 than anything else and my SEC bias is there because the SEC is the truth.
The gutsiest pick of all is the Kansas over Tech pick. Kansas have proven to be "legitimate" in the sense that they aren't solely a product of their incredibly weak schedule but they still aren't a BCS bowl team IMO. For as weak as the ACC was this year I'd waiger that the Jayhawks wouldn't even be playing in this game if they played some of the teams that tech played (6 bowl teams) they wouldn't even be in this game to begin with. Name one win for Kansas that is as impressive as going into Death Valley and whooping up on Clemson, infact even the ACC championship win and the win over UVA is more impressive than anything Kansas has to offer. Kansas playing VT's schedule 10-3/9-4 (LSU,BC,Clemson..UVA)
It's ok that you don't see the return of the ACC..most people don't and that's what is going to make it all the more special. Any college football conference that is to be considered a top tier school needs a few teams in place that are consistently top 15 teams..and for that I give you Clemson and Virginia Tech. This year both Florida State and Miami are already involved in top 10 recruiting classes and have proven in the past to be capable of big time football success. Also last year 3 ACC teams were in the top 15 including the Tar Heels. If you choose to sleep on Carolina it will be at your own demise as Butch Davis is about to turn Carolina into a football powerhouse just like he did at Miami (you can thank Butch for our boy Shockey).Take a look at the rosters of some SEC powerhouses, chock full of NC players who left the state because there was no ther choise, Chris Leak, and practically 1/2 of UGA is from Independence High in Charlotte. Once we've established ourselves as a legitimate contender the borders are gonna be shut and those players will be heading to Chapel Hill. Just because you can't see a storm coming doesn't mean it ain't on its way. It won't be an overnight change but "best believe" it's coming. Remember this UNC in either the Orange Bowl or the Chick Fil A bowl next year, bank on it.
The Chik-Fil-A bowl? Watch out LSU, watch out USC, because UNC is going to be in the Chik-Fil-A bowl. I dont see how that would prove dominance of the ACC, and I agree that the whole east coast is a hot-bed for recruiting. But please dont tell me that the players from NC had no other choice but to go elsewhere. The decision, on where to go to school, is believe it or not the players choice. Crazy. Will UNC stay where they currently are at the bottom of the ACC forever? NO. Dont get me wrong on that. Will they become a "force" as you put it within the next 3-5 years. No. BC was #2 by default this year, and was arguably the worst team to hold that ranking all year. Also, in my opinion, Clemson is not a consistent top 15 quality team. VT is and has earned it. But look at other conferences and youll see that teams in the top 15 doesnt qualify them as "top tier" Is the big east top tier? They had 2 teams ranked at #2 this year, with others going in and out of the top 15. I like your SEC argument a whole lot better than your ACC one.
And just for the record if you want a game thats more impressive, than Kansas beating Texas A&M is more impressive than going into Clemson and beating them. Give me 1, just 1 quality Clemson win. Furman? Louisiana-Monroe? Duke? how about none. Kansas beating A&M is more impressive, because A&M finished with only 2 less losses than the Tigers, despite having a 4 week stretch at the end of the season where they played Kansas(#9), Oklahoma(#6), Missouri(#6), and a win against Texas(#13).
Corey,corey, corey. I don't even know where to begin. For starters I think we should all recognize that the Chickfila/Peach Bowl is usually one of the best, if not the best, non BCS bowl game there is. A sample of the last 6 teams (including this year) to play in it include LSU,Miami,Va Tech, Georgia,Clemson and Auburn all established football schools. So an invite to this bowl is a bit more meaningful than a fun-zone birthday party invitation.
As for players and the recruiting process I don't think you are recognizing how important it is for schools to keep their in-state prospects. A quick glance at every BCS team with the execption of USC (LA has more national appeal than Baton Rogue apparently) shows that each team relies HEAVILY on keep their instate players. The catch to this is that in order to keep your instate players you need to be relevant and Carolina has failed to be truly relevant since Mack Brown left for Texas, during his era Carolina was consistently a top 25 team and finished in the top 10 a few times as well. A basketball example of this would be St. Johns. During the 80's and 90's St. Johns was always a tournament team and one of the best in the Big East and they did this by keeping the best players from the city from leaving. After scandals and coaching changes they have since fallen off the face of the earth and they have seen the talent from NYC go elsewhere. Before I go any furtherI want to be 100% clear here, in 3-5 years Carolina WILL be a top 15 team year in year out, there is no question about it. As we speak we just signed a top running back out of Arizona.
As far as the ACC argument goes I still stick to the idea that the ACC has all it needs to be a top football conference and within the next few year it will be up there with the Big 12's/Pac 10's of the world.Even last year when the ACC was killed by the media it still produced the most top 25 teams of any conference. The difficulty of a conference is based more upon the amount of tough games the conference will present rather than say having one borderline "impossible" game (nighttime in Baton Rogue). The BC's, Marylands and NC States of the world are always going to be "good" teams that will present opponents with an occasional upset if overlooked.
As far as Kansas and Mizzou goes I think their two bowl games will be more than enough evidence one way or the other to what they really are. I am still not convinced that they are truly deserving of their ranking. And lets be honest here rankings are extremely flawed. Year in year out the Big 10 floods the top 25 with their overrated teams (wisconsin,penn state,OSU, Michigan etc) and yet whenever they play a non Big 10 team they get killed. The last time the Big 10 produced a legit team was the OSU team that beat Miami.
If you don't want to go out on a limb with the ACC that is fine and very understandable. But if you want to ignore a coach who has recruited and/or coached the likes of Shockey,Reed,Portis,Mcgahee,Taylor,Winslo and school with one of the best combinations of facilities, location and academic reputation then you are being naive and in for a mighty big surprise.
Dont tell me what I dont recognize about in-state recruiting. I understand and agree fully. When Rutgers got back to football prominance, they did so with many many NJ players. My argument was that there is a reason NC players haven't been going to the UNC's and sorts. Because they are no longer powerhouses in NCAA football. There is no way around it. How are the BCs, NC States, and Marylands any different than the Illinois, the Iowas, and the Penn States. Their not, and they are not consistently as good as any of these teams. Schools and conferences go through phases. Miami was a god damn powerhouse when they had the Mcgahees, Vilma, Shockey, Winslows, etc. But since then? The most media coverage they got was for fighting FIU and its undeniable that they are not a quarter of the dynasty they used to be. But you know what, maybe your right about UNC in the Chik-Fil-A bowl. And that works perfect for a Met fan. Now you could root for two teams who are good but will never be there in the end when it matters.
Well half the battle is actually having a team to root for and that much I do have. We both agree on why NC players left the state, because Carolina sucked and had no direction, now we have the very same coach who led a scandle ridden Miami team into a dynasty, recruits know this and their actions will soon follow.
"Miami was a god damn powerhouse when they had the Mcgahees, Vilma, Shockey, Winslows, etc. But since then?"---Since then Butch has taken himself to Chapel Hill and soon these types of players will follow him, actually they already have, two freshman all-americans on defense and one of the most talented young receiver corps in the land.
I'm being realistic Corey. If you want me to explode and say something "redunkulous" like Carolina 2008 National Champs then "fuhghedaboutit" but that doesn't mean taking steps in the right direction isn't something to be proud of. That being said if Butch doesn't get us a NC before he leaves I will consider it to be somewhat of a failure.If you expect such drastic change from Butch, Tom O Brian and Randy Shannon after one season than you better call anything short of a WS a dissapointment for Giradi. And unlike Giradi inherited bad teams and situations, not teams one move away from a World Series.
As for the Big 10, talk to me when the games are over lets see who wins more bowls..the ACC will have 1 BCS bowl and the Big 10 will go on to lose both of their BCS bowls (bowls they didn't even deserve to be in to begin with).
"Miami was a god damn powerhouse when they had the Mcgahees, Vilma, Shockey, Winslows, etc. But since then?"
You make my point for me. SINCE then until this very moment they have done nothing. Steps in the right direction and future recruits aside, to this point they haven't done a thing.
Now I agree they are headed in the right direction...but it takes more than 3 years to built a program into a perennial contender.
And for the record, go look at what Girardi did when he inherited the Marlins (maybe MLBs equivalent of a UNC in football. not quite there but on the road to recovery.) He won this little award called Manager of the Year.
Lastly, it's not my fault I have no school to root for up here and I don't think its a laughing matter.
I in no way shape or form portrayed the current Miami team as a contender so I don't see the point.My point regarding Miami is they have the capability of having such a team and that is not something all schools have. Also where did I discredit Girardi as a manager? What I said was that you place unrealistic expectations on some of these coaches when there is alot of things that have to be done to acheive the success we as fans are looking for.
I agree with most of what you are saying to an extent except for the "more than 3 years to rebuild" statement. In todays day and age if you haven't done anything in 3 years then you're very much on the hot seat, it might not be fair but regardless it is how it works.
Well how about Syracuse which proudly continues the curse of the Orange and Blue in New York sports.
Now lastly I'm wondering what your opinion is on this, not only is it controversial but it could also up a whole nother cap of worms and afterall it's up to me and you to carry the torch until baseball haha..... http://www.wyff4.com/news/14719634/detail.html
Welp, another college football season almost in the books and naturally there is another mess. Why the "big boys" can't have a playoff but every other division in college football can does not make sense. Finally i am here to clear up a few things. First, is it possible for UNC to play in the Peach Bowl nest year? Yep sure is not, just last year Wake Forest was the ACC Champions. However, right now being ACC champions means about as much coming out of the National League to play in the World Series. When you pay a coach $2.1 million a year (top 15 in the country give or take a few spots after contracts and agreements this year) you are not paying him to get to the Peach Bowl. Coach Davis even made the famous quote to the players saying "if they bought me hear to win the Peach Bowl they got the wrong man, i want National Championships." So a better assesment to the progress of not only ACC but UNC football is going to be in 4-5 years. By then the state of NC should be on lock down recurting, all the new staffs players will be redshirt seniors or true seniors. Can UNC become a powerhouse? YES. As evidenced by a 1996-1997 run where they were a combined 21-3 and finished the computer rankings #11('96) and #6 ('97) and i know in '97 finished 3rd in either the AP or Coaches poll (ill get that information later). How did they do it? Putting NC recurting on lockdown and gettign the Brian Simmons type players and hand picking VA for great players like Dre Bly. It's unfourtnate Mack Brown left so we can not see if he could had sustained it, but with his recuriting ablity it's hard to argue against it. Now i want to give my support to Kevin Smith of Central Flordia. How you can put up 2,448 rushing yards with 5.9 yards per a carry and 29 touchdowns and not even be a finalist for the Doak Walker award or the Hesiman Trophy is beyond me. Well, actually it sums up college football pretty well.....Now some predictions
LSU Vs. OSU -Not even close. LSU spreads Ohio State out with speedy quaterback Ryan Perrilloux, a rising star in college football, and marches up and down the field. While the LSU defense puts all the pressure on the OSU passing game with having a healthy Glenn Dorsey to drop the hammer on Beanie Wells and the OSU running game. LSU in a laugher. 42-10
Va. Tech vs. Kansas -One team got smashed by pretty much the only top team they had to play (Va Tech against LSU) and the other team shouldn't even be playing in the BCS (Kansas). Low scoring game with the Va Tech defense prevailing in a boring game. V-Tech 21-10
WVU vs. OU -Now for one of the teams that should be in the BCS title game (Oklahoma) and playing some of the best football in the country (not the best we will get there in a second) behind freshman Sam Bradford. WVU has to get past the PITT game and get ready to play or they will get steamrolled. OU 31-24
UGA vs. Hawaii -Interesting game with undefeated Hawaii making it's case for a piece of the National Title. UGA needs to drop their arguement about playing for the title.....win your own divison first in your conference THEN when your conference championship game. Going gutsy here... Hawaii 35-28
USC vs. Illinois -Now for USC, the team playing the best football in the country now, who nobody wants a piece of right now. Fighting Illini might now want to show up for your own good. Not enough Juice and Mendenhall to even come close. JDB and the boys in a massacre. USC 38-3
Couple of other games... Arkansas vs. Mizzou -RUN DMC going nuts in his last college game and going for 200+. Arkansas 24-21
UCF vs. Mississippi State -Kevin Smith showing everyone he can play with anyone and the MSU "D" having no answer. UCF 24-14
Well I in no way shape or form will be satisfied with a peach bowl, but I think going from 3-9 and then playing the next best team in the SEC in the Georgia Dome is very good evidence that your team is heading in the right direction. As stated before the previous two peach bowls has had 3 of the 4 teams to play in them be in a current BCS bowl. So the Peachbowl in my eyes is a a sign on the interstate and it is much closer to the promised land than playind Duke for last place in the ACC and racing into basketball season full speed ahead.
The Hawaii pick has to be the gutsiest pick thus far.
15 comments:
First and foremost this years BCS is nothing short of a total joke...mizzou beats kansas and then they're left out in the cold? Hawaii goes undefeated and yet they can't even play for the national
championship? I could go on forever here but lets get on to the issue at hand.
LSU vs OSU
-OSU shouldn't even be in this game and it will become evident early and often as LSU will once again prove OSU to be a fraud in another SEC stomping of the "Big" 10.
Final 34-17 LSU
Va Tech vs Kansas
-Interesting matchup with two talented yet flawed teams. Virginia Tech is led by one of the strongest defenses in the game and has faced a daunting schedule to get to where they are. That being said Kansas has proved themselves to be a legitimate top 10 team and should present tech with some problems. Experience, superior speed and an improved QB tandem of Tyrod Taylor and Sean Glennon will bring the Orange Bowl back to the ACC.
Final 24-14 VT
WVU vs OU
-The most evenly matched matchup of all the major bowls. WVU presents defenses with headaches but is also its own biggest enemy with costly turnovers. OU has steadily improved throughout the year and should be ready to avenge last years upset to Boise State.
Final 31-21 OU
UGA vs Hawaii
In what seems to be the new BCS trend Hawaii looks to play the role of David in hopes of slaying SEC giant Georgia. Georgia just might be the hottest team in the entire country and arguably should be playing for the national championship. Look for Hawaii to keep it close in the first half but Georgia is just too strong and will end the year with a statement victory.
Final 34-17 UGA
USC vs Illinois
Certainly a questionable call by the BCS for the Illini to even be in this game to begin with but in the end it will the Illini who regret this decision the most. USC has come on very strong as of late and is cleary the class of the Pac 10 and is sure to deliver the Big 10 back home with another dissapointing bowl performance.
Final 42-21 USC
Other notable predictions
Arkansas over Mizzou 28-14
Darren Mcfadden says the 15 minutes is up for Mizzou as he leaves college football in style and shows what a mediocre SEC team can do to a top Big 12 school.
Clemson over Auburn 31-24
Clemson makes it two in a row over SEC opponents and restores some much needed pride in the ACC.
Final thoughts of the 2007 season:
-Look for the SEC to quiet any naysayers and once again demonstrate that they are undoubtably the class of college football. With 5 top 25 teams, two of which are in the top 5 and an eventual national champion it is safe to say the best college football is being played down in Dixie. Any doubt to this will be put to rest with another Big 10 debacle and the clock turning to midnight on Big 12 cinderellas Kansas and Mizzou.
After a strong year last year and a promising start to the 2007 season the Big East has fallen back into mediocrity with only WVU proving to be worthy of any true NC consideration. Next year will be a critical year for the Big East to solidify their spot among elite conferences or accept their current role as lower tier BCS one.
The ACC seems to be stuck in a state of mediocrity. Although producing numerous top 25 teams and being located in the heart of a recruiters heaven the conference has struggled to produce a true legitimate contender. Look for coaches Butch Davis and Tom O Brian to turn the ACC upside down and eventually turn NC State and Carolina (the one and only) into top 25 teams. Infact bank on Carolina making a run for the ACC championship and eventually ending up in the Georgia Dome playing for in the Chickfila bowl. With the remergence of NC State and Carolina back into the football picture look for the ACC to return to football relevance. If the strong recruting classes of the Florida schools pays on field dividends the ACC may very well be ready to take on the SEC for the role of the nations best conference.
Heres to a good bowl season and prayers for a playoff system in the near future.
Kyle
What a year. After 14 weeks of college football, we saw 12 different combinations of top 3 teams. Parity in college football? A lack of consistency by top-tier teams? A mess of a ranking system? I'm willing to listen to any argument right now to fix the NCAA's, but for now we'll have a 2 loss team battle a 1 loss team for a national championship while an undefeated team sits and watches.
LSU vs. Ohio State:
The chances that Ohio State even keeps this one interesting are about the same chances you have of seeing me in Dixie-land waving my rebel flag. None. Chris Wells and company just won't have the fire power to hang with one of the tougher defenses in the nation. Les Miles could go coach NFL Europe and LSU would still take this one home.
Prediction: LSU 34, OSU 14
Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma vs. WVU
Maybe next year, West Virginia, maybe next year. While the game should have never been as close as it was, the injury to Pat White has robbed us of seeing WVU play in the national championship where they belong. The idea of White, Slaton, and Noel Divine all returning next year to this high powered offense makes them my favorite for the title next year. Oklahoma has a fast team, but are they fast enough? Not in my eyes. If Slaton can return to his early season form, and White is healthy enough to attack the secondary then it will be a nice way to end the year for WVU.
Prediction: WVU 35, Okla. 28
Sugar Bowl: Georgia vs. Hawaii
Georgia is far from deserving a shot at the national championship. If you would put your SEC bias' aside, you would see that they were a 2 loss team that didn't even win their own part of the SEC, let alone the conference championship. How could a team that doesn’t win its conference deserve to be playing for a Nat’l Championship? Colt Brennan has shown time and time again that he has an NFL arm and can make any throw, whether its inside or outside the pocket. He will attack the struggling Bulldogs secondary and should have no problem scoring points. They scored the most of any other team in the nation and their WR have the talent and speed to hang with anyone. The question for me is can the Hawaii defense, who has looked serviceable at best, stop the likes of Knowshon Moreno. With not having played a team that is as talented as Georgia all year, I think they struggle, while Brennan will still solidify himself as one of the top QB prospects deserving of a first day draft pick.
Prediction: Georgia 42, Hawaii 31
Orange Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. Kansas
In my opinion, there are other non BCS bowl games I would rather watch than this battle of the “almosts.” Kansas was on a path to the national championship game before they were derailed by Missouri. Virginia Tech won a very weak ACC conference, something that wont change for a long time Kyle, so we can put the talks about the ACC becoming a top conference on hold for a while. Va. Tech seems to have become a more fluid offense since implementing the 2 QB system a la Florida’s Chris Leak and Tim Tebow last season. That being said, Kansas is fast, balanced, and high powered on offense. Scoring 44 points per game (2nd in the nation) and being lead by Reesing’s 32 TD’s to only 6 INT’s I think Kansas has a big enough chip on its shoulder to handle its business. The X-Factors of this game will be how freshman Tyrod Taylor handles himself in a big game, and whether Kansas can find ways to get the ball to their stud, Aqib Talib.
Prediction: Kansas 27, Va. Tech 17
Rose Bowl: USC vs. Illinois
Illinois? Seriously? This is a problem which the NCAA needs to address. If the Big 10 Champion happens to go to the National Championship game, why shouldn’t the Big 10 spot go to an at-large team? Wouldn't Missouri make this game leaps and bounds more interesting? Anyway, now Juice Williams and his crew have to run into one of, if not the hottest, teams in the country. USC has JDB back healthy, and this is the most important thing for a team that struggled without their QB. While Illinois will find a way to put up points with their spread offense, it wont be nearly enough.
Prediction: USC 31, Illinois 20
Non BCS Quick Hitters:
Florida 35, Michigan 21
Tim Tebow is a freak of nature. Built like a TE, but runs like a HB. Michigan’s disaster of a season ends with the Gators winning this one on New Years Day.
Texas Tech 42, Virginia 20
Neither team can run the ball. The difference however, is that Texas Tech has the most prolific passing offense in all of college football. Look for their 2 biggest offensive players, QB Graham Harrell (45 TD’s) and WR Michael Crabtree (21 TD’s) to hook up early and often.
Very gutsy picks by Ins. It should be interesting to see what WVU can do on offense and whether or not they have enough defense to keep it close (shout out to LI's own Scooter Berry). Personally I don't see it happening but the Sooners have been known to drop the ball on big games lately so we'll have to wait and see.
As far as Georgia goes granted they didn't win their conference, they lost a tie breaker and were easily the best team in the SEC for 3/4 of the season. We have teams from the Big 10 regulary in big bowl games and they don't even have a title game to begin with. As much as I'm accused of SEC bias I will say I'm much more anti Big 10 than anything else and my SEC bias is there because the SEC is the truth.
The gutsiest pick of all is the Kansas over Tech pick. Kansas have proven to be "legitimate" in the sense that they aren't solely a product of their incredibly weak schedule but they still aren't a BCS bowl team IMO. For as weak as the ACC was this year I'd waiger that the Jayhawks wouldn't even be playing in this game if they played some of the teams that tech played (6 bowl teams) they wouldn't even be in this game to begin with. Name one win for Kansas that is as impressive as going into Death Valley and whooping up on Clemson, infact even the ACC championship win and the win over UVA is more impressive than anything Kansas has to offer.
Kansas playing VT's schedule 10-3/9-4 (LSU,BC,Clemson..UVA)
It's ok that you don't see the return of the ACC..most people don't and that's what is going to make it all the more special. Any college football conference that is to be considered a top tier school needs a few teams in place that are consistently top 15 teams..and for that I give you Clemson and Virginia Tech. This year both Florida State and Miami are already involved in top 10 recruiting classes and have proven in the past to be capable of big time football success. Also last year 3 ACC teams were in the top 15 including the Tar Heels. If you choose to sleep on Carolina it will be at your own demise as Butch Davis is about to turn Carolina into a football powerhouse just like he did at Miami (you can thank Butch for our boy Shockey).Take a look at the rosters of some SEC powerhouses, chock full of NC players who left the state because there was no ther choise, Chris Leak, and practically 1/2 of UGA is from Independence High in Charlotte. Once we've established ourselves as a legitimate contender the borders are gonna be shut and those players will be heading to Chapel Hill. Just because you can't see a storm coming doesn't mean it ain't on its way. It won't be an overnight change but "best believe" it's coming.
Remember this UNC in either the Orange Bowl or the Chick Fil A bowl next year, bank on it.
The Chik-Fil-A bowl? Watch out LSU, watch out USC, because UNC is going to be in the Chik-Fil-A bowl. I dont see how that would prove dominance of the ACC, and I agree that the whole east coast is a hot-bed for recruiting. But please dont tell me that the players from NC had no other choice but to go elsewhere. The decision, on where to go to school, is believe it or not the players choice. Crazy. Will UNC stay where they currently are at the bottom of the ACC forever? NO. Dont get me wrong on that. Will they become a "force" as you put it within the next 3-5 years. No. BC was #2 by default this year, and was arguably the worst team to hold that ranking all year. Also, in my opinion, Clemson is not a consistent top 15 quality team. VT is and has earned it. But look at other conferences and youll see that teams in the top 15 doesnt qualify them as "top tier" Is the big east top tier? They had 2 teams ranked at #2 this year, with others going in and out of the top 15. I like your SEC argument a whole lot better than your ACC one.
And just for the record if you want a game thats more impressive, than Kansas beating Texas A&M is more impressive than going into Clemson and beating them. Give me 1, just 1 quality Clemson win. Furman? Louisiana-Monroe? Duke? how about none. Kansas beating A&M is more impressive, because A&M finished with only 2 less losses than the Tigers, despite having a 4 week stretch at the end of the season where they played Kansas(#9), Oklahoma(#6), Missouri(#6), and a win against Texas(#13).
Corey,corey, corey. I don't even know where to begin.
For starters I think we should all recognize that the Chickfila/Peach Bowl is usually one of the best, if not the best, non BCS bowl game there is. A sample of the last 6 teams (including this year) to play in it include LSU,Miami,Va Tech, Georgia,Clemson and Auburn all established football schools. So an invite to this bowl is a bit more meaningful than a fun-zone birthday party invitation.
As for players and the recruiting process I don't think you are recognizing how important it is for schools to keep their in-state prospects. A quick glance at every BCS team with the execption of USC (LA has more national appeal than Baton Rogue apparently) shows that each team relies HEAVILY on keep their instate players. The catch to this is that in order to keep your instate players you need to be relevant and Carolina has failed to be truly relevant since Mack Brown left for Texas, during his era Carolina was consistently a top 25 team and finished in the top 10 a few times as well. A basketball example of this would be St. Johns. During the 80's and 90's St. Johns was always a tournament team and one of the best in the Big East and they did this by keeping the best players from the city from leaving. After scandals and coaching changes they have since fallen off the face of the earth and they have seen the talent from NYC go elsewhere.
Before I go any furtherI want to be 100% clear here, in 3-5 years Carolina WILL be a top 15 team year in year out, there is no question about it. As we speak we just signed a top running back out of Arizona.
As far as the ACC argument goes I still stick to the idea that the ACC has all it needs to be a top football conference and within the next few year it will be up there with the Big 12's/Pac 10's of the world.Even last year when the ACC was killed by the media it still produced the most top 25 teams of any conference. The difficulty of a conference is based more upon the amount of tough games the conference will present rather than say having one borderline "impossible" game (nighttime in Baton Rogue). The BC's, Marylands and NC States of the world are always going to be "good" teams that will present opponents with an occasional upset if overlooked.
As far as Kansas and Mizzou goes I think their two bowl games will be more than enough evidence one way or the other to what they really are. I am still not convinced that they are truly deserving of their ranking. And lets be honest here rankings are extremely flawed. Year in year out the Big 10 floods the top 25 with their overrated teams (wisconsin,penn state,OSU, Michigan etc) and yet whenever they play a non Big 10 team they get killed. The last time the Big 10 produced a legit team was the OSU team that beat Miami.
If you don't want to go out on a limb with the ACC that is fine and very understandable. But if you want to ignore a coach who has recruited and/or coached the likes of Shockey,Reed,Portis,Mcgahee,Taylor,Winslo and school with one of the best combinations of facilities, location and academic reputation then you are being naive and in for a mighty big surprise.
Ky Camp
Dont tell me what I dont recognize about in-state recruiting. I understand and agree fully. When Rutgers got back to football prominance, they did so with many many NJ players. My argument was that there is a reason NC players haven't been going to the UNC's and sorts. Because they are no longer powerhouses in NCAA football. There is no way around it. How are the BCs, NC States, and Marylands any different than the Illinois, the Iowas, and the Penn States. Their not, and they are not consistently as good as any of these teams. Schools and conferences go through phases. Miami was a god damn powerhouse when they had the Mcgahees, Vilma, Shockey, Winslows, etc. But since then? The most media coverage they got was for fighting FIU and its undeniable that they are not a quarter of the dynasty they used to be. But you know what, maybe your right about UNC in the Chik-Fil-A bowl. And that works perfect for a Met fan. Now you could root for two teams who are good but will never be there in the end when it matters.
Chik-Fil-A 2008. Lets Go.
Well half the battle is actually having a team to root for and that much I do have. We both agree on why NC players left the state, because Carolina sucked and had no direction, now we have the very same coach who led a scandle ridden Miami team into a dynasty, recruits know this and their actions will soon follow.
"Miami was a god damn powerhouse when they had the Mcgahees, Vilma, Shockey, Winslows, etc. But since then?"---Since then Butch has taken himself to Chapel Hill and soon these types of players will follow him, actually they already have, two freshman all-americans on defense and one of the most talented young receiver corps in the land.
I'm being realistic Corey. If you want me to explode and say something "redunkulous" like Carolina 2008 National Champs then "fuhghedaboutit" but that doesn't mean taking steps in the right direction isn't something to be proud of. That being said if Butch doesn't get us a NC before he leaves I will consider it to be somewhat of a failure.If you expect such drastic change from Butch, Tom O Brian and Randy Shannon after one season than you better call anything short of a WS a dissapointment for Giradi. And unlike Giradi inherited bad teams and situations, not teams one move away from a World Series.
As for the Big 10, talk to me when the games are over lets see who wins more bowls..the ACC will have 1 BCS bowl and the Big 10 will go on to lose both of their BCS bowls (bowls they didn't even deserve to be in to begin with).
For the record the Clemson point is well taken.
"Miami was a god damn powerhouse when they had the Mcgahees, Vilma, Shockey, Winslows, etc. But since then?"
You make my point for me. SINCE then until this very moment they have done nothing. Steps in the right direction and future recruits aside, to this point they haven't done a thing.
Now I agree they are headed in the right direction...but it takes more than 3 years to built a program into a perennial contender.
And for the record, go look at what Girardi did when he inherited the Marlins (maybe MLBs equivalent of a UNC in football. not quite there but on the road to recovery.) He won this little award called Manager of the Year.
Lastly, it's not my fault I have no school to root for up here and I don't think its a laughing matter.
I in no way shape or form portrayed the current Miami team as a contender so I don't see the point.My point regarding Miami is they have the capability of having such a team and that is not something all schools have.
Also where did I discredit Girardi as a manager? What I said was that you place unrealistic expectations on some of these coaches when there is alot of things that have to be done to acheive the success we as fans are looking for.
I agree with most of what you are saying to an extent except for the "more than 3 years to rebuild" statement. In todays day and age if you haven't done anything in 3 years then you're very much on the hot seat, it might not be fair but regardless it is how it works.
Well how about Syracuse which proudly continues the curse of the Orange and Blue in New York sports.
Now lastly I'm wondering what your opinion is on this, not only is it controversial but it could also up a whole nother cap of worms and afterall it's up to me and you to carry the torch until baseball haha..... http://www.wyff4.com/news/14719634/detail.html
I look forward to hearing what you have to say.
I can't read all this banter but I'll throw my picks out there
LSU vs. OSU
LSU
Va. Tech vs. Kansas
Kansas
WVU vs. OU
Oklahoma
UGA vs. Hawaii
UGA
it's too late for scores, i have to do some reading for class tomorrow.
Welp, another college football season almost in the books and naturally there is another mess. Why the "big boys" can't have a playoff but every other division in college football can does not make sense. Finally i am here to clear up a few things. First, is it possible for UNC to play in the Peach Bowl nest year? Yep sure is not, just last year Wake Forest was the ACC Champions. However, right now being ACC champions means about as much coming out of the National League to play in the World Series. When you pay a coach $2.1 million a year (top 15 in the country give or take a few spots after contracts and agreements this year) you are not paying him to get to the Peach Bowl. Coach Davis even made the famous quote to the players saying "if they bought me hear to win the Peach Bowl they got the wrong man, i want National Championships." So a better assesment to the progress of not only ACC but UNC football is going to be in 4-5 years. By then the state of NC should be on lock down recurting, all the new staffs players will be redshirt seniors or true seniors. Can UNC become a powerhouse? YES. As evidenced by a 1996-1997 run where they were a combined 21-3 and finished the computer rankings #11('96) and #6 ('97) and i know in '97 finished 3rd in either the AP or Coaches poll (ill get that information later). How did they do it? Putting NC recurting on lockdown and gettign the Brian Simmons type players and hand picking VA for great players like Dre Bly. It's unfourtnate Mack Brown left so we can not see if he could had sustained it, but with his recuriting ablity it's hard to argue against it. Now i want to give my support to Kevin Smith of Central Flordia. How you can put up 2,448 rushing yards with 5.9 yards per a carry and 29 touchdowns and not even be a finalist for the Doak Walker award or the Hesiman Trophy is beyond me. Well, actually it sums up college football pretty well.....Now some predictions
LSU Vs. OSU
-Not even close. LSU spreads Ohio State out with speedy quaterback Ryan Perrilloux, a rising star in college football, and marches up and down the field. While the LSU defense puts all the pressure on the OSU passing game with having a healthy Glenn Dorsey to drop the hammer on Beanie Wells and the OSU running game. LSU in a laugher.
42-10
Va. Tech vs. Kansas
-One team got smashed by pretty much the only top team they had to play (Va Tech against LSU) and the other team shouldn't even be playing in the BCS (Kansas). Low scoring game with the Va Tech defense prevailing in a boring game.
V-Tech 21-10
WVU vs. OU
-Now for one of the teams that should be in the BCS title game (Oklahoma) and playing some of the best football in the country (not the best we will get there in a second) behind freshman Sam Bradford. WVU has to get past the PITT game and get ready to play or they will get steamrolled.
OU 31-24
UGA vs. Hawaii
-Interesting game with undefeated Hawaii making it's case for a piece of the National Title. UGA needs to drop their arguement about playing for the title.....win your own divison first in your conference THEN when your conference championship game. Going gutsy here...
Hawaii 35-28
USC vs. Illinois
-Now for USC, the team playing the best football in the country now, who nobody wants a piece of right now. Fighting Illini might now want to show up for your own good. Not enough Juice and Mendenhall to even come close. JDB and the boys in a massacre.
USC 38-3
Couple of other games...
Arkansas vs. Mizzou
-RUN DMC going nuts in his last college game and going for 200+.
Arkansas 24-21
UCF vs. Mississippi State
-Kevin Smith showing everyone he can play with anyone and the MSU "D" having no answer.
UCF 24-14
Clearing up something......I typed to fast and meant Yep it sure is possible about the Peach Bowl and instead of nest i meant next...my bad
Well I in no way shape or form will be satisfied with a peach bowl, but I think going from 3-9 and then playing the next best team in the SEC in the Georgia Dome is very good evidence that your team is heading in the right direction. As stated before the previous two peach bowls has had 3 of the 4 teams to play in them be in a current BCS bowl. So the Peachbowl in my eyes is a a sign on the interstate and it is much closer to the promised land than playind Duke for last place in the ACC and racing into basketball season full speed ahead.
The Hawaii pick has to be the gutsiest pick thus far.
To clarify my last post-- I won't be satisfied with "just" a peach bowl in the future..I expect bigger and better as the years go bye.
forgot a game it looks like, USC to route Illinois in the Rose Bowl by atleast two scores, 35-17.
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