Big East-South Florida
I like a few teams in the Big East this year. I really do thou see the conference coming down to either WVA or South Florida. They of course play each other late in the season again this year. I will take the Skip Holtz coached SF Bulls to win the Big East
ACC-VA Tech vs Florida State
Champion- VA Tech
Make no mistake. Va Tech is good again. They have a young QB in Logan Thomas who could be a Cam Newton like talent at QB. I see Va Tech running the ACC table all the was thru Florida State in the ACC championship game.
Big 10(plus2) :-)
First Big 10 Title Game Nebraska vs Wisconsin
Winner Nebraska
Nebraska simply has the easier road to the First BIG 10 Title game. I also think they have the best D of anybody they may face in that championship game. Look for Nebraska to get that BCS birth from the BIG 10
BIG XII (minus 2)
BIG XII-Oklahoma
I think Oklahoma is going undefeated so this is the only logical pick to win this conference although I think Texas and Texas A&M will be big factors in the race.
PAC 12-Oregon vs UCLA
Champion-Oregon
I know I know...UCLA...how could I do such a thing. I think UCLA is one of the most improved teams in the country. When Kevin Prince has been healthy they have won games. I think since USC isn't eligible for post seasons games and Utah has some work to do to compete at his level every week that UCLA slips in the back door. It won't matter they will be running into a buzzsaw named Oregon and UCLA has no chance.
SEC
Georgia vs LSU
Champion: LSU
Gerogia may win the East by pure lack of anybody else that has enough talent or returning players to be good enough to do so. Mark Richt sure hopes this is his year to make a return to Atlanta because his job is on the line. LSU on the Other hand has had legal issues that will hurt the start of the season but they will be fine and that Defense I think is just as good as Alabama's. I will take LSU over Georgia in Atlanta
Rose Bowl
Nebraska (BIG 10) vs Texas (AT Large)
Winner: Texas
Fiesta Bowl
Notre Dame (ND EXCEPTION) vs Boise State (At Large)
Winner: ND
Sugar Bowl
South Florida (BIG EAST) vs LSU (SEC)
Winner: LSU
Orange Bowl
Va Tech (ACC) vs Alabama (At Large)
Winner: Alabama
National Title
Oklahoma (BIG12) vs Oregon (PAC 12)
Winner: Oklahoma
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Top 15 List
Week 1 AD Top 15
1. Oklahoma
2. Oregon
3. Alabama
4. Boise State
5. LSU
6. Nebraska
7. Florida State
8. Notre Dame
9. Texas A&M
10. Wisconsin
11. Arkansas
12. South Carolina
13. Oklahoma State
14. Georgia
15. Texas
1. Oklahoma
2. Oregon
3. Alabama
4. Boise State
5. LSU
6. Nebraska
7. Florida State
8. Notre Dame
9. Texas A&M
10. Wisconsin
11. Arkansas
12. South Carolina
13. Oklahoma State
14. Georgia
15. Texas
Thursday, August 4, 2011
AD Top 15........ # TWO
#2 THE OREGON DUCKS
WHO THEY ARE
COACHED BY CHIP KELLY OVERALL (22-4)
AT HOME UNDER KELLY (13-0)
AWAY UNDER KELLY (9-2)
VS TOP 10 UNDER KELLY (3-2)
VS PAC 12 UNDER KELLY (17-1)
PREVIOUS RECORD (12-1)
RETURNING STARTERS 12 SEVEN ON OFFENSE AND 5 ON DEFENSE
QB DARRON THOMAS 2881 YRDS PASS 30-9 TD TO INT 486 RUSH 5 TDS
RB LaMICHAEL JAMES 1731 RUSH 21 TDS
SB KENJON BARNER 551 RUSH 6 TDS
FS JOHN BOYETT 78 TKLS 5 INTS
WHO THEY PLAY
SEP.3 LSU (ARLINGTON)
SEP.10 (H) NEVADA
SEP.17 (H) MISSOURI STATE
SEP.24 @ ARIZONA
OCT.1 BYE
OCT.6 (H) CALIFORNIA (THURSDAY)
OCT.15 (H) ARIZONA STATE
OCT.22 @ COLORADO
OCT.29 (H) WASHINGTON STATE
NOV.5 @ WASHINGTON
NOV.12 @ STANFORD
NOV.19 (H) USC
NOV.26 (H) OREGON STATE
DEC.3 PAC 12 CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
WHY #2
The Ducks have came a long way in the past 10 years. Thanks Phil Knight---just kidding. No Chip Kelly installed the fastest offensive pace I have ever seen last year. I expect fully for that pace to be the same if not faster this year. I also think that the 45.5 ppg average that we saw last year could really keep going. They might get to 50 ppg this year. Defense on the other hand will be not so good. Only 5 Returning starters from a defense that made some plays when it needed to but did allow big plays. The offense is so hard to contain. I see two major games on the road to a pac 12 championship the opener vs LSU and at Stanford nov. 12th. If the Ducks get by LSU I see 11-1 at the least. I just feel like it is super hard to repeat undefeated regular seasons because the attrition is a factor. ROSE BOWL at a Minimum but once again serious National Title implications live in Eugene
WHO THEY ARE
COACHED BY CHIP KELLY OVERALL (22-4)
AT HOME UNDER KELLY (13-0)
AWAY UNDER KELLY (9-2)
VS TOP 10 UNDER KELLY (3-2)
VS PAC 12 UNDER KELLY (17-1)
PREVIOUS RECORD (12-1)
RETURNING STARTERS 12 SEVEN ON OFFENSE AND 5 ON DEFENSE
QB DARRON THOMAS 2881 YRDS PASS 30-9 TD TO INT 486 RUSH 5 TDS
RB LaMICHAEL JAMES 1731 RUSH 21 TDS
SB KENJON BARNER 551 RUSH 6 TDS
FS JOHN BOYETT 78 TKLS 5 INTS
WHO THEY PLAY
SEP.3 LSU (ARLINGTON)
SEP.10 (H) NEVADA
SEP.17 (H) MISSOURI STATE
SEP.24 @ ARIZONA
OCT.1 BYE
OCT.6 (H) CALIFORNIA (THURSDAY)
OCT.15 (H) ARIZONA STATE
OCT.22 @ COLORADO
OCT.29 (H) WASHINGTON STATE
NOV.5 @ WASHINGTON
NOV.12 @ STANFORD
NOV.19 (H) USC
NOV.26 (H) OREGON STATE
DEC.3 PAC 12 CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
WHY #2
The Ducks have came a long way in the past 10 years. Thanks Phil Knight---just kidding. No Chip Kelly installed the fastest offensive pace I have ever seen last year. I expect fully for that pace to be the same if not faster this year. I also think that the 45.5 ppg average that we saw last year could really keep going. They might get to 50 ppg this year. Defense on the other hand will be not so good. Only 5 Returning starters from a defense that made some plays when it needed to but did allow big plays. The offense is so hard to contain. I see two major games on the road to a pac 12 championship the opener vs LSU and at Stanford nov. 12th. If the Ducks get by LSU I see 11-1 at the least. I just feel like it is super hard to repeat undefeated regular seasons because the attrition is a factor. ROSE BOWL at a Minimum but once again serious National Title implications live in Eugene
AD Top 15....... # THREE
#3 THE ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE
WHO THEY ARE
COACHED BY NICK SABAN OVERALL (134-53-1)
ALABAMA UNDER SABAN (43-11)
AT HOME UNDER SABAN (24-4)
AWAY UNDER SABAN (13-4)
VS TOP 10 UNDER SABAN (9-4)
VS SEC UNDER SABAN (26-8)
PREVIOUS RECORD (10-3)
RETURNING STARTERS 17 SEVEN ON OFFENSE AND TEN ON DEFENSE
QB AJ McCARRON NO TRUE EXPERIENCE
RB TRENT RICHARDSON 719 YARDS 6 TDS PLAYED BEHIND HT WINNER MARK INGRAM
WR MARQUIS MAZE 557 YARDS 3 TDS
SS MARK BARON 75 TKLS 2 SACKS 3 INTS
WHO THEY PLAY
SEP.3 (H) KENT STATE
SEP.10 @ PENN STATE
SEP.17 (H) NORTH TEXAS
SEP.24 (H) ARKANSAS
OCT.1 @ FLORIDA
OCT.8 (H) VANDERBILT
OCT.15 @ MISSISSIPPI
OCT.22 (H) TENNESSEE
OCT.29 BYE
NOV.5 (H) LSU
NOV.12 @ MISSISSIPPI STATE
NOV.19 (H) GEORGIA SOUTHERN
NOV.26 @ AUBURN
DEC.3 SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
WHY #3
Nick Saban has done wonderful job at Alabama. One National Title in 4 years. Top 5 recruiting classes over and over again. Heisman Trophy winner for the first time in Alabama history. The Program in Tuscaloosa Alabama is moving right along and really has been ripping up the SEC for the last 2 years. Alabama returns 10 starters on Defense. I don't know if I even need to say anything more. They are going to be force on that side of the ball. Nick is a seriously good Defensive coach and bring the 3-4 style to Alabama has given them a pro style defense with lots of future pros on that side of the ball. The major question mark I have with the crimson tide is QB. I know like a lot of people that McCarron is a heralded QB out of HS but HS vs the SEC is a gigantic difference. Look over the past few years teams don't win with rookie starters in this league. In this case he has bunches of talent around him. Two really good WR's one Stud RB a very good O line. I am not saying that he won't win games. You just don't have any idea what you have until that young QB plays in a big game for the first time and it is the most important position in football. He and Alabama will get that chance early in a trip to a sure to be white out at Happy Valley vs an Improved Penn State team on Sep.10. The rest of the work load much easier then last year. Still though it is the SEC. I think Alabama could run the table. I do think though Somebody will sneak up on the Tide and that Alabama will although win the West will do it with 1 loss along the way and play for the right to be SEC Champions in Atlanta. BCS bowl for sure. National Title could very well be in the picture. 12-1 for the Tide.
WHO THEY ARE
COACHED BY NICK SABAN OVERALL (134-53-1)
ALABAMA UNDER SABAN (43-11)
AT HOME UNDER SABAN (24-4)
AWAY UNDER SABAN (13-4)
VS TOP 10 UNDER SABAN (9-4)
VS SEC UNDER SABAN (26-8)
PREVIOUS RECORD (10-3)
RETURNING STARTERS 17 SEVEN ON OFFENSE AND TEN ON DEFENSE
QB AJ McCARRON NO TRUE EXPERIENCE
RB TRENT RICHARDSON 719 YARDS 6 TDS PLAYED BEHIND HT WINNER MARK INGRAM
WR MARQUIS MAZE 557 YARDS 3 TDS
SS MARK BARON 75 TKLS 2 SACKS 3 INTS
WHO THEY PLAY
SEP.3 (H) KENT STATE
SEP.10 @ PENN STATE
SEP.17 (H) NORTH TEXAS
SEP.24 (H) ARKANSAS
OCT.1 @ FLORIDA
OCT.8 (H) VANDERBILT
OCT.15 @ MISSISSIPPI
OCT.22 (H) TENNESSEE
OCT.29 BYE
NOV.5 (H) LSU
NOV.12 @ MISSISSIPPI STATE
NOV.19 (H) GEORGIA SOUTHERN
NOV.26 @ AUBURN
DEC.3 SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
WHY #3
Nick Saban has done wonderful job at Alabama. One National Title in 4 years. Top 5 recruiting classes over and over again. Heisman Trophy winner for the first time in Alabama history. The Program in Tuscaloosa Alabama is moving right along and really has been ripping up the SEC for the last 2 years. Alabama returns 10 starters on Defense. I don't know if I even need to say anything more. They are going to be force on that side of the ball. Nick is a seriously good Defensive coach and bring the 3-4 style to Alabama has given them a pro style defense with lots of future pros on that side of the ball. The major question mark I have with the crimson tide is QB. I know like a lot of people that McCarron is a heralded QB out of HS but HS vs the SEC is a gigantic difference. Look over the past few years teams don't win with rookie starters in this league. In this case he has bunches of talent around him. Two really good WR's one Stud RB a very good O line. I am not saying that he won't win games. You just don't have any idea what you have until that young QB plays in a big game for the first time and it is the most important position in football. He and Alabama will get that chance early in a trip to a sure to be white out at Happy Valley vs an Improved Penn State team on Sep.10. The rest of the work load much easier then last year. Still though it is the SEC. I think Alabama could run the table. I do think though Somebody will sneak up on the Tide and that Alabama will although win the West will do it with 1 loss along the way and play for the right to be SEC Champions in Atlanta. BCS bowl for sure. National Title could very well be in the picture. 12-1 for the Tide.
AD Top 15....... # FOUR
#4 THE BOISE STATE BRONCOS
WHO THEY ARE
COACHED BY CHRIS PETERSON OVERALL (61-5)
AT HOME UNDER PETERSON (32-0)
AWAY UNDER PETERSON (25-3)
VS TOP TEN UNDER PETERSON (3-0)
VS PREVIOUSLY WAC (38-2) FIRST YEAR IN MNT WEST
PREVIOUS RECORD (12-1)
RETURNING STARTERS 14 SEVEN ON BOTH SIDES
QB KELLEN MOORE 3845 YRDS 35-6 TD TO INT (HEISMAN CANDIDATE)
RB DOUG MARTIN 1260 YRDS 12 TD
WHO THEY PLAY
SEP.3 GEORGIA (ATLANTA)
SEP.10 BYE
SEP.17 @ TOLEDO
SEP.24 (H) TULSA
OCT.1 (H) NEVADA
OCT.7 @ FRESNO STATE (FRIDAY)
OCT.15 @ COLORADO STATE
OCT.22 (H) AIR FORCE
OCT.29 BYE
NOV.5 @ UNLV
NOV.12 (H) TCU
NOV.19 @ SAN DIEGO STATE
NOV.26 (H) WYOMING
DEC.3 (H) NEW MEXICO
WHY #4
They are the media's underdog. They will start out ranked high in the media polls and will finish high if they get past the bulldogs in week one. I don't know that I would ever be for Boise State playing for a National Title and not playing enough games vs BCS Conf teams. One Game vs Georgia in week one isn't enough for me to say that you are worthy of playing for and being national champion. I will say that now playing in the Mountain west gives the Broncos more to offer but just for this one season. Because after this season TCU is leaving for the Big East and getting replaced by Fresno state which will make this a stronger version of the old WAC. I do though feel as if Boise does have the Talent to win big games. I am ok with Boise going 13-0 and playing in a BCS bowl game at season end and trying to add another BCS game win under there belt. I feel as if Kellen Moore could be one the top 3 college QB's in the nation along side Landry Jones and Andrew Luck. I think Kellen will be in New York with a serious chance to win the Heisman. I think Boise has a real challenge to go to Atlanta in the heart of Bulldog county and win a game vs UGA. If they do the Broncos will go undefeated and play in likely the Fiesta bowl at seasons end.
WHO THEY ARE
COACHED BY CHRIS PETERSON OVERALL (61-5)
AT HOME UNDER PETERSON (32-0)
AWAY UNDER PETERSON (25-3)
VS TOP TEN UNDER PETERSON (3-0)
VS PREVIOUSLY WAC (38-2) FIRST YEAR IN MNT WEST
PREVIOUS RECORD (12-1)
RETURNING STARTERS 14 SEVEN ON BOTH SIDES
QB KELLEN MOORE 3845 YRDS 35-6 TD TO INT (HEISMAN CANDIDATE)
RB DOUG MARTIN 1260 YRDS 12 TD
WHO THEY PLAY
SEP.3 GEORGIA (ATLANTA)
SEP.10 BYE
SEP.17 @ TOLEDO
SEP.24 (H) TULSA
OCT.1 (H) NEVADA
OCT.7 @ FRESNO STATE (FRIDAY)
OCT.15 @ COLORADO STATE
OCT.22 (H) AIR FORCE
OCT.29 BYE
NOV.5 @ UNLV
NOV.12 (H) TCU
NOV.19 @ SAN DIEGO STATE
NOV.26 (H) WYOMING
DEC.3 (H) NEW MEXICO
WHY #4
They are the media's underdog. They will start out ranked high in the media polls and will finish high if they get past the bulldogs in week one. I don't know that I would ever be for Boise State playing for a National Title and not playing enough games vs BCS Conf teams. One Game vs Georgia in week one isn't enough for me to say that you are worthy of playing for and being national champion. I will say that now playing in the Mountain west gives the Broncos more to offer but just for this one season. Because after this season TCU is leaving for the Big East and getting replaced by Fresno state which will make this a stronger version of the old WAC. I do though feel as if Boise does have the Talent to win big games. I am ok with Boise going 13-0 and playing in a BCS bowl game at season end and trying to add another BCS game win under there belt. I feel as if Kellen Moore could be one the top 3 college QB's in the nation along side Landry Jones and Andrew Luck. I think Kellen will be in New York with a serious chance to win the Heisman. I think Boise has a real challenge to go to Atlanta in the heart of Bulldog county and win a game vs UGA. If they do the Broncos will go undefeated and play in likely the Fiesta bowl at seasons end.
AD Top 15........ # FIVE
#5 THE LSU TIGERS
WHO THEY ARE
COACHED BY LES MILES OVERALL RECORD (90-38)
LSU UNDER MILES (62-17)
AT HOME UNDER MILES (37-6)
AWAY UNDER MILES (18-9)
VS TOP 10 UNDER MILES (9-8)
VS SEC UNDER MILES (34-16)
RETURNING STARTERS 15 EIGHT ON OFFENSE AND SEVEN ON DEFENSE
QB JORDAN JEFFERSON 1411 YARDS 7-10 TD TO INT RATIO + 7 RUSH TD
WR RUSSELL SHEPARD 254 REC YRDS 253 RUSH YRDS 3 TOT TDS
LB RYAN BAKER 87 TKLS WITH 7 SACKS
WHO THEY PLAY
SEP.3 OREGON (ARLINGTON)
SEP.10 (H) NORTHWESTERN STATE
SEP.15 @ MISSISSIPPI STATE (THURSDAY)
SEP.24 @ WEST VIRGINIA
OCT.1 (H) KENTUCKY
OCT.8 (H) FLORIDA
OCT.15 @ TENNESSEE
OCT.22 (H) AUBURN
OCT.29 BYE
NOV.5 @ ALABAMA
NOV.12 (H) WESTERN KENTUCKY
NOV.19 @ MISSISSIPPI
NOV.25 (H) ARKANSAS (FRIDAY)
DEC.3 SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
WHY #5
The most difficult schedule in the entire SEC and I wonder to myself even why I believe that LSU has a chance to be one of the best teams in the county. It all comes down to talent. LSU over the years has collected the best talent in the country and in years that a majority of that talent has been returning they have been very successful. Two National titles in years such as those and this year is another year with a large percentage of an older team returning. Les Miles although perceived as lucky from time to time has done a real solid job in leading this team way beyond the Nick Saban era. If Jordan Jefferson can just double his TD numbers this year from 7 to 14 and just limit turnovers then that will give the tigers the best qb play they have had in the past 3 seasons and The explosive talent they have at WR will finally be noticed. On defense many people over the years have came to know and understand what you are getting from a John Chavis coached defense. They will bend and not break and will play lots of zone. With 7 returning starters and what I am sure are talented replacements at the other postions I am sure that John will have them being a force in the SEC once again. We finally take a look at the work load this year and it is going to be a challenge. They open against another Team in this list the Oregon Ducks. Both teams of which are in my top 5 and no matter who wins or loses I feel will end up in the final top 5. So that opening weekend LSU's National title hopes are on the line along with Oregon's. So you better be ready to play. They also go on the road to likely preseason favorite to win the Big East at West VA and of course have to play killer teams in the SEC such as Alabama and Arkansas. It will be a grind but, LSU has been doing this for a few years they play schedule like this often i feel as if the Oregon and Alabama games are the true road blocks on the list and I see 10-2 but I still see an At large bid to a BCS game and a Final ranking in the top 5 due to the nature of the tough schedule they will pick up some point from voters because of it.
WHO THEY ARE
COACHED BY LES MILES OVERALL RECORD (90-38)
LSU UNDER MILES (62-17)
AT HOME UNDER MILES (37-6)
AWAY UNDER MILES (18-9)
VS TOP 10 UNDER MILES (9-8)
VS SEC UNDER MILES (34-16)
RETURNING STARTERS 15 EIGHT ON OFFENSE AND SEVEN ON DEFENSE
QB JORDAN JEFFERSON 1411 YARDS 7-10 TD TO INT RATIO + 7 RUSH TD
WR RUSSELL SHEPARD 254 REC YRDS 253 RUSH YRDS 3 TOT TDS
LB RYAN BAKER 87 TKLS WITH 7 SACKS
WHO THEY PLAY
SEP.3 OREGON (ARLINGTON)
SEP.10 (H) NORTHWESTERN STATE
SEP.15 @ MISSISSIPPI STATE (THURSDAY)
SEP.24 @ WEST VIRGINIA
OCT.1 (H) KENTUCKY
OCT.8 (H) FLORIDA
OCT.15 @ TENNESSEE
OCT.22 (H) AUBURN
OCT.29 BYE
NOV.5 @ ALABAMA
NOV.12 (H) WESTERN KENTUCKY
NOV.19 @ MISSISSIPPI
NOV.25 (H) ARKANSAS (FRIDAY)
DEC.3 SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
WHY #5
The most difficult schedule in the entire SEC and I wonder to myself even why I believe that LSU has a chance to be one of the best teams in the county. It all comes down to talent. LSU over the years has collected the best talent in the country and in years that a majority of that talent has been returning they have been very successful. Two National titles in years such as those and this year is another year with a large percentage of an older team returning. Les Miles although perceived as lucky from time to time has done a real solid job in leading this team way beyond the Nick Saban era. If Jordan Jefferson can just double his TD numbers this year from 7 to 14 and just limit turnovers then that will give the tigers the best qb play they have had in the past 3 seasons and The explosive talent they have at WR will finally be noticed. On defense many people over the years have came to know and understand what you are getting from a John Chavis coached defense. They will bend and not break and will play lots of zone. With 7 returning starters and what I am sure are talented replacements at the other postions I am sure that John will have them being a force in the SEC once again. We finally take a look at the work load this year and it is going to be a challenge. They open against another Team in this list the Oregon Ducks. Both teams of which are in my top 5 and no matter who wins or loses I feel will end up in the final top 5. So that opening weekend LSU's National title hopes are on the line along with Oregon's. So you better be ready to play. They also go on the road to likely preseason favorite to win the Big East at West VA and of course have to play killer teams in the SEC such as Alabama and Arkansas. It will be a grind but, LSU has been doing this for a few years they play schedule like this often i feel as if the Oregon and Alabama games are the true road blocks on the list and I see 10-2 but I still see an At large bid to a BCS game and a Final ranking in the top 5 due to the nature of the tough schedule they will pick up some point from voters because of it.
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