Heisman Hopefuls

(My)2010 Heisman Trophy Hopefuls

A list of the possible heisman hopefuls in a similar manner to preseason watch lists. It is preliminary and players will fall off or be added as the season goes on.

QB Teerell Pryor, Ohio St.

QB Kellen Moore, Boise St.

QB Landry Jones, Oklahoma

QB Jake Locker, Washington

QB Jacory Harris, Miami

RB Jaquizz Rodgers, Oregon St

RB LaMichael James, Oregon

RB DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma

RB Jon Clay, Wisconsin

NCAA Football Conference Previews Part 7

-Big Ten Conference-

Predicted Finish

1.Ohio State

 Ranked #2 in the country, theBuckeyes are the favorite to win the Big Ten because of 16 returning starters, 10 on offense,including QB Terrell Pryor coming off a great Rose Bowl last season. We will see how good this team is early as Miami comes to Columbus the second week of the season.

2.Wisconsin

 Also returning 16 starters, 10 on offense, are the Wisconsin Badgers. Returning the entire offensive line and running back John Clay, this team should be ready to make a run in the conference. The only hurdles surrrounding the Badgers are replacing spots on the defensive line and the play of the Quarterback. If those hurdles are cleared, watch out.

3.Iowa

 Iowa should have another strong year behind great defensive play and solid contributions from the running back and quarterback positions. The only reason i have them here in 3rd place is because of concern on the offensive line which has to break in a center and two guards.

4.Penn State

 Penn State will not compete for the conference title this year but should have a decent season because of 15 returning starters including RB Evan Royster. Question is, who will play quarterback for the Nittany Lions?

5.Northwestern

 QB Mike Kafka is gone but replacing him is Dan Persa behind an experienced offensive line. The Wildcats should expect to be a middle of the pack team and make it to a bowl game behind a good passing game and decent defense.

6.Michigan State

 QB Kirk Cousins, an athletic secondary, decent d-line and all american LB Greg Jones will have this team looking acceptable.

7.Illinois

 Coming off a very (very!!) disappointing year, coach Ron Zook better have this team looking improved. An experience defense will have to be the key. Avoiding Iowa and Wisconsin should help.

8.Purdue

 I was excited to see this Purdue team on the field this year as it continues to improve but an ACL tear for RB Ralph Bolden will certainly slow that improvement. QB and Miami transer Robert Marve should be solid this year working receiver Keith Smith but the defense and finding a running game will take some time.

9.Michigan

 The conference is better when Michigan is a contender but it won't happen this year. Improving into a decent middle of the conference team is possible but for now i have them sitting at the bottom. Hard seeing them win more than 3 or 4 conference games.

10.Indiana

 This team may have the talent to surprise a few teams every once in awhile but not on a consistent basis.

11.Minnesota

 The lone bright spot will be QB Adam Weber. Other than that, the defense wont be very good and neither will this team.

-Player of the Year-

Jon Clay, RB, Wisconsin

Because i just cant believe the hype with Terrel Pryor yet. This guy will have a solid year for a contending team.

-Must See Games-

Ohio St @ Wisconsin, Oct 16th

Wisconsin @ Iowa, Oct 23rd

Ohio St @ Iowa, Nov 20th

Cheerleaders of the Day

The Baylor Bears Squad

NCAA Football Conference Previews Part 6

-Big 12 Conference-

Predicted Finish

 - North -

1.Nebraska

 The heavy favorite to win the North Division thanks in part to 17 returning starters, their strong finish in 2009 and an overall weak division. Bo Pelini has to replace Ndamukong Suh but the defense should be as fierce as ever as the offense hopes to finally show consistency throughout the season.

2.Missouri

 The Tigers also return 17 starters including QB Blaine Gabbert and should be a safe bet in the #2 spot in the north division. Although if they continue to play inconsistently, as they did last year, then they may be passed up.

3.Iowa State

 While only returning 4 defensive starters return from a 2009 team making a surprise bowl game, the return of 9 offensive starters including QB Austen Arnaud and back Alexander Robinson makes the outlook positive for this cyclones team.

4.Colorado

 This will be a make or break year for coach Dan Hawkins who hasn't really done much in Boulder and he will rely on QB Tyler Hansen, over his son Cody, and RB Scotty McKnight to help see another year at Colorado. The talent should be there by now to make a run at atleast the #2 and #3 spots but we will have to see if the Buffs can finally make progress.

5.Kansas

 A new coaching staff has the Jayhawks pointed in the right direction but actually moving may not happen right away. 2010 seems to be a rebuilding year as they try to replace a QB and to great Receivers but there is some talent there to maybe surprise a few people. The offensive line returns with more experience and there is good talent with the running backs. The key will be the quarterback and secondary play.

6.Kansas St

 Kansas St is still working it way up with the return of coach Bill Snyder and will rely heavily on running back Daniel Thomas. If QB Coffman can have a good year then K-State may be better than expected as well.

 - South -

1.Oklahoma

 This Sooners squad returns 14 starters, 9 of them on offense, and looks to have a big year. Returning is QB Landry Jones, RB DeMarco Murray, and WR Ryan Broyles, not to mention almost the entire offensive line. I thought i could look good by picking the Sooners first by surprise but it seems like a lot of people have taken notice of this team, thus explaining its top 10 preseason ranking.

2.Texas

 The play of QB Garret Gilbert in the title game last year seems to have people optimistic about replacing Colt McCoy but only returning a total of 13 starters may slow this team down just a bit. The running game needs to find a consistent back and the defense must replace NFL talent and that may be the small opening for Oklahoma to take this division back.

3.Texas A&M

 This is a team that has a lot of potential and that I am excited to see play this year. The offense was very productive again and it looks to do the same this year led by dual threat QB Jerrod Johnson. Surrounding Johnson is very good receivers, a solid backfield and a returning interior line. The defense will have to step up though, just enough to not ruin the good thing the offense will have going.

4.Texas Tech

  Helping new coach Tommy Tubberville have a decent year will be QB Taylor Potts, RB Baron Batch and the returning receivers. This team is quite ready to make a run at the likes of Oklahoma and Texas but it certainly shouldn't fall into the cellar of the Big 12 South.

5.Oklahoma St

 The Cowboys will have several holes to fill including the spots of QB Zac Robinson, WR Dez Bryant and 9 defensive starters. Back Kendall Hunter will be one of the few bright spots early on and the Cowboys hope to have new QB Brandon Weeden pregress throughout the season.

6.Baylor

 QB Robert Griffin is an exciting player to watch but without decent play from his supporting cast, the Bears won't have the year they're hoping for.

-Player of the Year-

Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

 This should be a huge year for Jones and this might not be the most prestigious award he's up for by season's end.

-Must See Games-

Oklahoma vs. Texas, Oct 2nd

Oklahoma @ Texas A&M, Nov 13th

Nebraska @ Texas A&m, Nov 2oth

Texas A&M @ Texas, Nov 25th

NCAA Football Conference Previews Part 5

-Atlantic Coast Conference-

Predicted Finish

 Atlantic Division

1.Florida State

  17 starters back along with QB Christian Ponder make the Seminoles a favorite to win the Atlantic Division.

2.Clemson

  QB Kyle Parker and a strong defensive line will be the key to this team's success

3.Boston College

4.Maryland

5.NC State

6.Wake Forest

Coastal Division

1.North Carolina

 Defense wins championships and North Carolina's stout D is returning 9 starters. The key will be the offense. Can returning quarterback T.J. Yates and the other 9 returning starter on offense finally be productive enough to win the division. I think so.

2.Virginia Tech

 QB Tyrod Taylor and backs Ryan Williams and Darren Evans should have this offense rolling but the defensive front 7 will be the only big question for the hokies. Doesnt help that they have to play at North Carolina and at Miami.

3.Miami

  The 3rd place i have Miami in here is a bit misleading as i fully believe they will tie for either a first place tie with 3 teams or tie for 2nd. Jacory Harris will finally have to step up and so do the other 15 returning starters around him do. Non conference game against Ohio St and Pittsburgh will tell us a lot about the Hurricanes.

4.Georgia Tech

  Fourth place doesnt look good but expect for the Yellow Jackets to have a good year in a deep Coastal Division. Losing key pieces will hurt the team but QB Josh Nesbitt and the difficulty to prepare for the triple option may keep Georgia Tech in the hunt for the Coastal division top spot.

5.Duke

6.Virginia

-Player of the Year-

Tyrod Taylor, QB, Virginia Tech

-Must See Games-

Florida St @ Miami, Oct 9th

North Carolina @ Miami, Oct 23rd

Virginia Tech @ North Carolina, Nov 13th

Virginia Tech @ Miami, Nov 20th

Cheerleaders of the Day

The Georgia Bulldogs Squad

Figured they deserved two pictures today

Oregon chooses Thomas as quarterback

The competition between Darron Thomas and Nate Costa for the chance to quarterback the 11th ranked Oregon Ducks has seemingly ended.

Here's the link:

http://www2.registerguard.com/cms/index.php/duck-football/comments/thomas-named-oregons-starting-quarterback/

NCAA Football Conference Previews Part 4

-Big East Conference-

Predicted Finish

1.Connecticut

 Uconn and Randy Edsall finished up strong last year and bring back good talent and that is why im picking them to win the Big East. Not viewed as the favorite to win it this year, i believe the Huskies could surprise the Big East. QB Zach Frazer and RB Jordan Todman should keep this offense moving and the defense will rely on talented but inexperienced youth.

2.West Virginia

 The Mountaineers bring back nine defensive starters, four offensvie lineman and ofcourse electric running back Noel Devine. I can see this team easily flip flopping with Uconn to win the Big East and that could depend on how well QB Geno Smith plays. If this team plays up to potential they should be representing the Big East in the Orange Bowl.

3.Pittsburgh

 The Panthers come into 2010 as being the favorite to win the conference this year behind RB Dion Lewis and WR Jonathan Baldwin. However, i believe they will fall short of expectations. Breaking in a brand new quarterback, three offensive lineman, and a few defensive positions will ultimately be the downfall of this team. Throw in a tough schedule including games on the road at Uconn, USF, and Cincinatti and the conference championship may be out of reach.

4.Cincinnati

 Was flirting with the idea of putting Rutgers in this spot but stuck with the Bearcats instead. Coach Brian Kelly has departed and the team loses QB Tony Pike, WR Marty Gilyard, and six defensive starters. However, dual-threat QB Zach Collaros and deep receiver corp can help this team overcome its losses.

5.Rutgers

 Talented quarteback Tom Savage and receiver Mohammed Sanu along with back Joe Martinek and a defense coached up by Greg Schiano keep me from forgetting about the Scarlet Knights.

6.South Florida

 Incoming coach Skip Holtz takes over a team with some bright spots, including QB B.J. Daniels, but a team that has lost NFL talent defensive players and has a history of finishing poorly down the stretch. 

7.Louisville

 New coach Charlie Strong will begin to take this team in the right direction but the Cardinals won't be great overnight.

8.Syracuse

 Too many holes and the suspension of back Delonte Carter have this team sitting in the cellar of the Big East.

-Player of the Year-

Noel Devine, RB, West Virginia

Will put up huge numbers as expected as he will have to carry the offense atleast early in the season.

-Must See Games-

West Virginia @ Uconn, Oct 29th

Pittsburgh @ Uconn, Nov 11th

West Virginia @ Pittsburgh, Nov 26th

Cheerleaders of the Day

The Boise St Squad

NCAA Football Conference Previews Part 3

-Mountain West Conference-

Predicted Finish

1.TCU

  Andy Dalton along with a solid defense, who will have to fill some holes,  should make the horned frogs conference champs. 

2.Utah

  Relying on the run game will be key for the Utes to finish in the top two. The backfield includes veteran RB Matt Asiata and RB Eddie Wide and the QB position should be solid with either Jordan Wynn or Terrance Cain running the show.

3.BYU

  Offense loses alot of weapons at key positions but i don't see them falling any lower than 3rd in this conference. The defense will have to carry this team early on.

4.San Diego St

  Should be interesting to see the progression of the Aztecs going into Brady Hoke's second year in San Diego. QB Ryan Lindley should put up big numbers as he throws to Vincent Brown. Having said that, the running game needs to step up to help this team take a step in the right direction, as does the defensive secondary.

5.Air Force

 The lack of any experience at offensive line really does not bode well for this team.

6.Wyoming

  I can easily see the Cowboys moving higher than the 6th position with a promising QB and Alvester Alexander leading the way at running back but for now until the defense can become better i will leave them here.

7. New Mexico

  Promising at the skill positions on offense that can produce depending on how the line performs. There are a few pieces on defense to work with but the secondary must get better.

8.Colorado St

9.Unlv

Player of the Year

Andy Dalton, QB, TCU

Really wanted to pick a Utah running back but Dalton should put up big numbers beating up on Mountain West opponents and his team will be a top 25 team all year.

Must see games

Oregon St vs. TCU, Sept 4th

San Diego St @ Wyoming, Oct 30th

TCU @ Utah, Nov 6th

Cheerleaders of the Day

The Oregon Ducks Squad

NCAA Football Conference Previews Part 2

-Conference USA-

Predicted Finish
East
1.Southern Mississippi
Defense and the return of QB Austin Davis can help the Golden Eagles win the East
2.East Carolina
New Coach Ruffin McNeil may be able to throw the ball enough to WR Dwayne Harris to be close to the top
3.Marshall
4.Central Florida
5.UAB
6.Memphis
West
1.Houston
Case Keenum makes Houston the unquestioned favorite in the West division
2.Tulsa
Maybe a surprise pick for #2 is credited to QB Kinne and the spread offense
3.SMU
4.Utep
5.Rice
6.Tulane

Player of the Year
Case Keenum, QB, Houston
Very easy pick for Player of the Year. Keenum will put up huge numbers

Must See Games
Houston @ UCLA, Sept 18th
East Carolina @ Souther Miss, Oct 9th
Tulsa @ SMU, Oct 9th


-Western Athletic Conference-

Predicted Finish
1.Boise St
Absolutely no question
2.Nevada
Colin Kaepernick and the running game will once again be very strong. The Wolfpack shouldnt fall out of the top two in this conference
3.Fresno St
4.Utah St
5.Hawaii
6.Louisiana Tech
7.Idaho
8.New Mexico St
9.San Jose St

Player of the Year
Kellen Moore, QB, Boise St
Forget being the best in the WAC, Moore will get Heisman consideration.

Must See Games
Boise St vs. Virginia Tech, Sept 5th
Hawaii @ Utah St, Oct 23rd
Boise st @ Nevada, Nov 27th

NCAA Football Conference Previews Part 1

-Sun Belt Conference-

Predicted Finish
1. Middle Tennesse
The Blue Raiders should be the favorite to win the Sun Belt because dual threat QB Dwight Dasher will be running the show.
2.Troy
Troy won the conference in 2009 but breaking in a new Quarterback will probably keep them from repeating.
3.Arkansas State
4.Florida Atlantic
5.Louisina Lafayette
6.Louisina Monroe
7.Florida International
8.North Texas
9.Western Kentucky


Player of the Year
Dwight Dasher, QB, Middle Tenn.
He ran and threw his way to almost 4,000 yards and 36 touchdowns in 2009 and should be just as good in 2010 on his way to conference player of the year


Must See Game
Troy @ Middle Tennessee, October 5th
Could end up deciding the conference


-Mid American Conference-

Predicted Finish
East
1.Temple
Coming off a season in which the Owls made it to their first bowl game in 30 years, Temple will be the favorite to win the East division
2.Ohio
May not have enough to challenge an improving Temple team
3.Kent St.
4.Bowling Green
5.Buffalo
6.Akron
7.Miami(OH)
West
1.Northern Illinois
Their run game and defense will carry them to the top of the West division
2.Central Michigan
The loss of QB Dan LeFevour and WR Antonio Brown will set the Chippewas back
3.Toledo
4.Western Michigan
5.Ball State
6.Eastern Michigan

Player of the Year
Bernard Pierce,RB, Temple
He rushed for 1,361 yards and 16 touchdowns last year and he was only a freshman. 2010 could be an even bigger year for the 6-foot back.

Must See Games
Temple @ Northern Illinois, Oct 9th
Ohio @ Temple, Nov 16th

College Football Right Around the Corner

Preview coming soon