BCS Projections

My BCS Predictions thru 9 weeks of College Football

-BCS Title Game-
#1LSU vs. #2Oklahoma

-Rose Bowl-
Oregon vs. Nebraska

-Fiesta Bowl-
Stanford vs. Oklahoma State

-Orange Bowl-
Clemson vs. West Virginia

-Sugar Bowl-
Alabama vs. Boise State

Cheerleaders of the Day

Washington State Cheer Squad

NOVEMBER OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL

November is here and that means college football will only be crazier. Here is a little preview of the month.

Teams still in the hunt for a BCS Title game appearance:

#1LSU (8-0); win out and the Tigers will obviously be in the title game. A loss on the road to Alabama won't kill them either as a 1-loss SEC team always has a shot.

#2Alabama (8-0);same situation as LSU.

#3Oklahoma State (8-0);win out and the Cowboys will find themselves in the title game, likely against the winner of LSU-Alabama.

#4Stanford (8-0); even an undefeated Stanford team will need some help to end up in the top 2. They will certainly be rooting for Oklahoma State to lose and part of me thinks that they might even be passed up by a 1-loss LSU if that situation arises.

#5Boise St (7-0); the Broncos playing in the title game is a long shot, so much so that I want to say they have no shot. 1-loss Oklahoma and Oregon would likely leapfrog them.

#6Oklahoma (7-1);they'd have to beat Oklahoma State first and then hope that the voters don't want to see a 1-loss Oregon play another SEC team.

#7Arkansas (7-1); They'd have to beat an undefeated LSU team, win the SEC title game and hope Stanford and Oklahoma St loses.

#8Oregon (7-1);The Ducks will have to beat Stanford on the road, beat USC with style points and hope Oklahoma St. loses. Even then, they would need some help.

Games to Watch

LSU @ Alabama, Nov 5th
Oregon @ Stanford, Nov 12th
Nebraska @ Penn St, Nov 12th
Nebraska @ Michigan, Nov 19th
USC @ Oregon, Nov 19th
Arkansas @ LSU, Nov 25th
Notre Dame @ Stanford, Nov 25th
Alabama @ Auburn, Nov 25th
Oklahoma @ Oklahoma St, Dec 3rd

Heisman Front runners

RB Trent Richardson, Alabama
QB Andrew Luck, Stanford
QB Kellen Moore, Boise St.

College Football-BCS Standings thru week 9

BCS Standings

1.LSU (8-0)
2.Alabama (8-0)
3.Oklahoma St (8-0)
4.Stanford (8-0)
5.Boise St. (7-0)
6.Oklahoma (7-1)
7.Arkansas (7-1)
8.Oregon (7-1)
9.South Carolina (7-1)
10.Nebraska (7-1)
11.Clemson (8-1)
12.Virgnia Tech (8-1)
13.Houston (8-0)
14.Kansas St (7-1)
15.Michigan (7-1)

Back from the dead

I'm back to keep the blog up and running, right in time for the heart of football season and beginning of NCAA basketball

NCAA Football Picks Week 2

NCAAF Game Picks

-Friday Sept. 10th-

#19Missouri (1-0) @ #23Arizona State (1-0)
Both teams played inferior opponents last week and this will be the first real test for each. Missouri, however, has more trouble in their first game and will need to play much better to win on the road. I see ASU's defense being too much for Missouri's offense that looked out of sync last week. Big game for the PAC-12.
Missouri 19, Arizona State 27


-Saturday Sept. 10th-

#16Mississippi State (1-0) @ Auburn (1-0), 9:20am
Everyone will be picking Mississippi State after Auburn struggles at home against lowly Utah St. but I think this one will be closer than many think. Expect QB Chris Relf and back Vic Ballard to be the difference for the Bulldogs.
Mississippi State 31, Auburn 27

#2Alabama (1-0) @ #23Penn State (1-0), 12:30pm ABC
On paper, Penn State really has no business beating the Crimson Tide but maybe facing a young opposing Quarterback and home-field advantage will help the Nittany Lions keep it close for awhile.
Alabama 23, Penn St. 13

Nevada (0-0) @ #14Oregon (0-1), 12:30pm FX
The Ducks might start slow but don't expect this one to be a game in the 4th quarter.
Oregon 49, Nevada, 13

BYU (1-0) @ #24Texas (1-0), 4:30pm
BYU had a solid win on the road against an SEC team last week but I see them as just not having the athletes to win this game in Austin.
BYU 20, Texas 28

Utah (1-0) @ USC (1-0), 4:30pm
Neither of these teams looked particularly good last week so with little to go off in week 1, I have to pick USC. I expect both teams to play better but for USC to outlast one of the PAC-12's newest members.
Utah 24, USC 30

Notre Dame (0-1) @ Michigan (1-0), 5pm ABC
Notre Dame didn't look good last week but in all reality, they did not play terrible football. I think Notre Dame is too explosive to lose this game. The Fighting Irish start to point their season in the right direction.
Notre Dame 38, Michigan 24

OTHER PICKS:
game pick
Hawaii @ Washington Washington
UNLV @ Wash St. Washington St.
#12South Carolina @ Georgia South Carolina
#25TCU @ Air Force TCU

NCAA Football Week 1 Game Predictions

Saturday September 3rd

South Florida @ #16Notre Dame, NBC 12:30pm
-This is expected to be a good game and some are picking the upset with USF. I'm just not ready to buy USF QB BJ Daniels and I've at least seen promise out of the Fighting Irish.
USF 20, Notre Dame 31

Minnesota @ #25 USC, ABC 12:30pm
-USC will win this game but the telling sign will be by how much. The defense needs to show it can dominate a weak Golden Gopher team. Look for Matt Barkley to chuck the ball around with success.
Minnesota 16, USC 38

UCLA @ Houston, 12:30pm
-UCLA beat this team at home last year but that was without Houston QB Case Keenum for most of the game. The key for UCLA will be to limit the big plays from Keenum and to slow the game down with their running attack. I see the Bruins playing well enough on the road to pull out the win.
UCLA 26, Houston 24

BYU @ Ole Miss, 1:45pm
-This one is an intriguing one as BYU probably has the better team but this will be in an SEC atmosphere and Ole Miss is sure to have some athletic bodies. I see the Rebels getting the home win as BYU makes too many errors.
BYU 30, Ole Miss 38

Fresno St @ Cal, 4pm
-This is technically a home game for Cal but it's being play away from campus and Fresno St. has sold twice as many tickets. This should be a close one.
Fresno St. 20, Cal 23

Tulsa @ #1Oklahoma, 5pm
-Oklahoma are big favorites but I think Tulsa will hang around longer than expected. Oklahoma should win at home but don't be shocked if Tulsa QB GJ Kinne can make some nice plays.
Tulsa 27, Oklahoma 41

#3Oregon vs. #4LSU, ABC 5pm
-This year the Cowboy Classic, played in Dallas, features two national title contenders as the Ducks and Tigers face off. This should be a close game as Oregon boasts a great offense while LSU's defense is one of the best in the country. LSU slows down the Ducks early but doesn't have enough offense to hold on.
Oregon 31, LSU 24

#5Boise St. @ #19Georgia, ESPN 5pm
-Boise St. comes in as slight favorites but many are picking Georgia. If I've learned anything by watching the Broncos, it's to not pick against them in big games. Boise St. overcomes losses at key positions and pulls one out late against the Bulldogs.
Boise St. 30, Georgia 24

2011 NCAA Conference Previews Part 11

-Pacific 12 Conference-

Predicted Finish

North

1.Oregon
-Oregon is the #3 ranked team in the country but still are not everyone's choice to win the conference. That can be attributed to the Ducks losing a lot of talent in the defensive front 7 and a few pieces on offense like WR Jeff Maehl as well as the hype surrounding Andrew Luck and Stanford. I am not doubting Oregon's ability to repeat however. The team brings back stars in QB Darron Thomas and Heisman candidate RB LaMichael James as well as 3 offensive lineman and receiving threats like Josh Huff, Lavasier Tuinei and David Paulson. Backup RB Kenjon Barner will make plays as will Freshman DeAnthony Thomas. On defense, the Secondary, led by Cliff Harris and John Boyett, will be the strength as the defensive line re-tools. The linebackers might be the biggest surprise to people this season as they are talented and deep at the position. Not only can this team beat LSU the opening weekend, but they are capable of winning the Pac-12 on the way to a 2nd straight trip to the National Championship game.
2.Washington
-I went back and forth with this one but I am going to slide Washington above Stanford. The Huskies finished the year strong last year and now return 8 starters on offense as well as 8 on defense. The offense will replace QB Jake Locker with Keith Price, who I think will do an adequate job, and he will be protected by 4 offensive lineman who started last season. They have a good running back in Chris Polk, he rushed for 1,400 yards last season, and a great receiving duo with Jermaine Kearse and Devin Aguilar. If coach Nick Holt can improve the defense further and QB Keith Price can keep the mistakes to a minimum, the Huskies will surprise a few people. We will see how good this team actually is early as they host Hawaii then travel to play @Nebraska in September.
3.Stanford
-This Stanford team comes into the 2011 season with a lot of buzz. The Cardinal are coming off a 12-1 season led by Heisman Candidate QB Andrew Luck and many expect this team to be a top-10 team all season. With Luck, they also return RB Stephan Taylor and top receiving threats with receiver Chris Owusu and tight end Toby Fleener. The defense brings back 6 starters and expects to have a strong secondary with both safeties returning. Having said that, I am not buying into the Stanford hype. The offensive line loses 3 starters and head coach Jim Harbaugh is now coaching in the NFL. I'm not sure if new coach David Shaw can bring the same intensity, and coaching for that matter, to keep this team overachieving like Harbaugh did. We will see how Stanford can hold up when it visits Arizona in September. The schedule is nice in that it gives the team home-field advantage to play Washington and Oregon.
4.Oregon State
-The Beavers look to bounce back after a disappointing 2010 season and having 9 offensive starters back helps. QB Ryan Katz is back and should be improved with the help of 4 O-lineman and top two receivers back. The problem may come on the defensive side though, as they must rebuild the front 7. This team will never have an easy week in conference and has a tough game @ Wisconsin in week 2.
5.California
-I just can't find too much to be excited about with this Cal Bears team. They lose running back Shane Vereen, need to find a quarterback and are playing their home games somewhere other than home as renovations take place on campus. The schedule isn't too friendly either as they have to go on the road to play Oregon, Washington, Arizona State and Stanford.
6.Washington St.
-I have the Cougars last in the North division but am eager to see how they look this year. Coach Paul Wulff has this team improving and they can no longer be penciled in as an easy win for opposing teams. Quarterback Jeff Tuel is progressing nicely and needs his O-Line to drastically improve so he can throw to his very underrated receivers. The defense also needs to get better this year as it brings back 8 starters.

South

1.Arizona St
-The question will be whether or not the Sun Devils can live up to the hype and their potential this year. The team brings back 10 starters on offense and 8 more starters on defense. The entire O-Line is back and they will have the task of blocking for RB Cameron Marshall and QB Brock Osweiller. Marshall had over 1,000 total yards last year and Osweiller passed for over 600 yards and 5 Touchdowns once he was the go-to QB the last two games of the season. The defense should be good as it is once again led by star linebacker Vontaze Burfict. ASU avoids games with both Stanford and Washington and gets USC at home. The non-conference slate will give a good look at this team as they play Missouri at home and @Illinois in September.
2.USC
-Entering the final year in which they are barred from postseason play, the Trojans will again play for pride and bragging rights. Junior QB Matt Barkley is the undisputed leader on this team and is one of the few big name players. If this team can find a good rotation at O-Line and someone to carry the ball, then Barkley and WR Robert Woods can take care of the passing game. Somewhat shockingly, the USC defense is full of what are pretty much no-name guys but that's not an excuse for them to be as awful as they have been these past two years. Coaches Ed Orgeron and Monte Kiffin will do their best and if they can make this defense look better, USC will approach the 10-win mark this season.They travel to ASU and Oregon but get Utah, Stanford and Washington at home.
3.Utah
-The Utes come into their first season in a BCS conference itching to prove they belong. They return 7 offensive starters, including QB Jordan Wynn and 3 O-linemen, but lose their entire secondary and all but 1 D-lineman. This won't be the best Utah team they've had the last few years but they are blessed with an easier schedule than other PAC-12 teams. Both Stanford and Oregon are not on the schedule and they play Washington and ASU at home.
4.UCLA
-We've all been waiting for UCLA to improve under coach Rick Neheuisel and this might be the year he makes larger strides or is shown the door. UCLA brings back the backfield and receivers from last year along with 3 D-lineman, 2 linebackers and both starting corners. The offensive line will have to replace 4 starters and will hope to figure things out early as the Bruins face Houston and Texas in the seasons' first month. This team can squeak out a bowl appearance and maybe play spoiler in the conference.
5.Arizona
-This won't be the same Arizona team we've seen the last two seasons and it wont be going in the right direction. Only 10 starters come back and the entire offensive line has to be replaced. There are some nice parts with QB Nick Foles, RB Keola Antolin and WR Juron Criner but it simply won't be enough for this team to be successful.
6.Colorado
-Colorado's first season in the PAC-12 looks like it will be a tough one. There are some promising spots with 1,000 yard rusher Rodney Stewart running behind 4 O-linemen from last year but there just isn't enough talent on the rest of the team to make this transition into a new conference a smooth one. The Buffs will have to play all the big boys with homes games against USC and Oregon and road trips to Stanford, Washington and Arizona State.

-Player of the Year-
RB LaMichael James, Oregon

-Best Conference Games-
USC @ Arizona St, Sept 24th
Washington @ Stanford, Oct 22nd
Oregon @ Stanford, Nov 12th
USC @ Oregon, Nov 19th

2011 NCAA Conference Previews Part 10

-Southeastern Conference-

Predicted Finish

-West-

1.Alabama
-Alabama, the #2 ranked team in the country, leads the pack in the tough West division of the SEC. Winning this conference means earning a spot in the national championship and I see the Crimson Tide doing just that. They will have to break in a new quarterback but this team isn't that different from the 2009 team that won the title. The defense returns 10 starters and the offense gets back Heisman hopeful running back Trent Richardson behind 4 O-line starters from last year. The schedule is not as bad as it could be as they get both Arkansas and LSU at home in Tuscaloosa.
2.LSU
-There is uncertainty around QB Jordan Jefferson and athlete Russell Shepherd but that is not enough to keep me from picking them to finish 2nd. While I don't think they have enough offense to beat Alabama, the defense should carry them in SEC play.
3.Arkansas
-If 2010 SEC rushing leader Knile Davis was around for this season, I would have this team in the #2 spot but his season ending inury in fall camp changes things. I don't think they can win this conference but they will be a very good team who can shake things up. QB Ryan Mallett is now in the NFL, but Tyler Wilson could be a rising star with receivers like Greg Childs, Jairus Wright, and Joe Adams to throw to. The return of 8 defenders is a positive sign for this years team as well.
4.Mississippi St.
-Mississippi St. is slotted in the 4th spot but that doesn't mean this team isnt about to be really good this year. The fact that the Bulldogs are the 2oth ranked team nationally,but still not ranked as high as Alabama, LSU or Arkansas, shows how tough the SEC west will be. The offense will be in good shape led by QB Chris Relf and RB Vic Ballard and 7 other returning starters on that side of the ball. The defense should be stout with 7 players back and the schedule brings LSU and Alabama to Mississippi St.
5.Auburn
-Auburn is ranked in the preseason Top 25 but do not expect them to stay there. The defending National Champions will have a hard time competing in the SEC without players like Heisman winning QB Cam Newton and D-End Nick Fairley. The running back corps has talent but replacing 4 starters on the offensive line doesn't help. The schedule doesn't do this team any favors either as the Tigers are sent on the road to play South Carolina, Arkansas, and LSU.
6.Ole Miss
-The offensive line and running backs will be the strength of this team but it won't matter much with a new QB and only 4 starters returning to a bad defense.

-East-

1.South Carolina
-The Steve Spurrier led Gamecocks should be the favorite in the SEC East thanks to a cast of good players returning. Veteran QB Stephen Garcia returns as does star WR Alshon Jeffrey and RB Marcus Lattimore, who is coming off a stellar freshman season. If the defense can be decent, this team will finish ahead of Georgia and Florida.
2.Georgia
-This slot for Georgia has just as much to do with the team as it does the schedule. While the Bulldogs don't have a ton of talent, they benefit from avoiding games against Alabama, Arkansas and LSU and getting South Carolina at home. If returning QB Aaron Murray can play well, this team can realistically finish in the top 2 of the SEC East.
3.Florida
-The reason Florida is not higher is not only are they breaking a new coaching staff but only 10 starters total return from last years team that wasn't all that great. It will be interesting to see the impact coordinator Charlie Weiss has on QB John Brantley, RB Chris Rainey and the rest of the offense. This team does not avoid Alabama as Georgia does and they will have to play LSU and South Carolina on the road.
4.Tennessee
-The young players that went through their growing pains last season will now have the advantage of game experience on their side. QB Tyler Bray and RB Tauren Poole will be good and so will an O-line who returns 4 starters. The Vols won't yet be as good as they can be with this young talent but they will take a step in the right direction.
5.Kentucky
-2nd year Head Coach Joker Phillips loses a lot of offensive talent but he will hope the 11 defensive starters that return can carry the team early and help the Wildcats make the postseason.
6.Vanderbilt
-19 starters come back from the 2010 team but don't expect this team to move from the bottom of the SEC. The Commodores will just hope for improvement.

-Player of the Year-
RB Trent Richardson, Alabama

-Best Conference Games-
South Carolina @ Georgia, Sept 10th
LSU @ Mississippi St, Sept 15th
LSU @ Alabama, Nov 5th
Alabama @ Mississippi St, Nov 12th
Arkansas @ LSU, Nov 25th

2011 NCAA Conference Previews Part 9

-Big East Conference-

Predicted Finish

1.West Virginia
-Head Coach Dana Holgorsen brings his spread offense from Oklahoma state and looks to be leading a favorite in the Big East. The Mountaineers bring back QB Geno Smith and experienced O-line to make the transition to a new offense easier. The defense has only 5 starters back but that includes sack specialist Bruce Irvin. This isn't a great team but it still looks better than the other teams in this conference.
2.South Florida
- Underachieving QB BJ Daniels returns to this Bulls team in Skip Holtz second season as head coach looking to improve and live up to his potential. The Bulls get the bulk of their defense back and add Colorado transfer Darell Scott at running back. While the O-line will need some work, I think this team will be able to challenge for the conference title.
3.Pittsburgh
-With 8 defensive starters back along with QB Tino Sunseri and RB Ray Graham, the Pit Panthers should field a good team this year. If Coach Graham can make this offense look anywhere close to his offenses at Tulsa, then the Big East will have to watch out.
4.Cincinnati
-I have Cincy in the 4th spot but that may be too low, especially with QB Zac Collaros and the entire defense returning.
5.Syracuse
6.Connecticut
7.Louisville
8.Rutgers

-Player of the Year-
RB Isiah Pead, Cincinnati

-Best Conference Games-
Cincinnati @ South Florida, Oct 22nd
Pittsburgh @ West Virginia, Nov 24th
West Virginia @ South Florida, Dec 1st

2011 NCAA Conference Previews Part 8

-Big Ten Conference-

Predicted Finish

Leaders Division

1.Wisconsin
-Wisconsin loses its starting QB and leading rusher from last year's Rose Bowl team but I still expect them to win the leaders divison. QB Russell Wilson, who transferred from NC State, will be a big boost and the running back corps will still be above average with Montee Ball and James White carrying the ball. There are a few holes but the Badgers will be big, strong and successful this season.
2.Ohio State
-Ohio State has to replace a hall of fame coach, a dual threat experienced QB and have to deal with the suspensions of 4 important players for the first half of the season. Yet, the Buckeyes will still be good. By the time conference play arrives this team should have figured enough questions out to go through the season and finish in the top two of the leaders division.
3.Illinois
4.Penn St
5.Purdue
6.Indiana

Legends Division

1.Nebraska
-Nebraska enter their first season in the Big 10 as one of the favorites to win the whole conference. Leading the offense is electric QB Taylor Martinez while DE Jared Crick leads on the defensive side. While not a slam dunk #1 pick, the Huskers should have a very successful year.
2.Michigan St
-Michigan St. doesn't have flashy guy like Taylor Martinez at QB , but Kirk Cousins is more than capable to lead to his team to a very successful season. The run game will be held down by back Edwin Baker and the defense will have some very solid players. The schedule, however, is a tough one.
3.Northwestern
4.Iowa
5.Michigan
6.Minnesota

-Player of the Year-
RB Edwin Baker, Michigan State

-Best Conference Games-
Nebraska @ Wisconsin, Oct 1st
Ohio St. @ Nebraska, Oct 8th
Wisconsin @ Ohio St, Oct 29th
Michigan St. @ Iowa, Nov 12th
Michigan ST. @ Northwestern Nov 26th

2011 NCAA Conference Previews Part 7

-Big 12 Conference-

Predicted Finish

1.Oklahoma
-The Sooners go into this season as the #1 ranked team in the country and so they are clearly the favorite in the Big 12. QB Landry Jones returns as an early Heisman candidate and he will have star WR Ryan Broyles and soon to be star receiver Kenny Stills to throw to. Four offensive lineman come back too and the defense looks solid, albeit not great though. While I don't think they will keep their #1 national ranking, I do expect this team to win the conference.
2.Texas A&M
-Placing someone in this #2 spot was tough as I do think both Oklahoma St. and Missouri are capable of being here but I decided to go with the Aggies. The defense should be in the upper half of the conference while the offense gets back QB Ryan Tannehill, explosive receiver Jeff Fuller and 1,000 yard rusher Cyrus Gray.
3.Oklahoma St
-The QB/WR combination of Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon have a lot of people very excited about this team this year and for good reason. Weeden put up big numbers last year and Blackmon is probably the best receiver in all of college football. The 5 returning O-Linemen help the expectations stay high but there are a few holes to fill. Not only does the team lose offensive coordiantor Dana Holgerson but only 2 starters are back from the defensive front 7. If the offense can improve rather than take a step back under new coaching and the defense can just be decent, then look out for this team.
4.Missouri
-Quarterback Blaine Gabbert is gone and so is defensive star Aldon Smith but this team still may be better than many think. The O-line stay in tact and all the receivers return while the defense should be decent. New QB James Franklin will be the x-factor as he has the potential to be above average.
5.Texas
6.Texas Tech
7.Kansas St.
8.Baylor
9.Iowa St
10.Kansas

-Player of the Year-
QB Landry Jones, Oklahoma

-Best Conference Games-
Oklahoma St. @ Texas A&M, Sept 24th
Missouri @ Texas A&M, Oct 29th
Oklahoma @ Oklahoma St, Dec 3rd

2011 NCAA Conference Previews Part 6

-Atlantic Coast Conference-

Predicted Finish

-Atlantic Division-

1.Florida State
-The Seminoles enter this year with high expectations with 17 returning starters and promising QB EJ Manuel taking over the offense. While I do like this team to win the Atlantic Division, I don't think they can live up to their top 10 ranking and be a contender on the national level.
2.Clemson
-Clemson is coming off a disappointing season under Coach Dabo Swinney but looks to improve with 16 starters coming back and former 5 star recruit Taj Boyd now starting at Quarterback. A nice schedule and good offensive weapons will help this team.
3.NC State
4.Boston College
5.Maryland
6.Wake Forest

-Coastal Division-

1.Virginia Tech
-The Hokies have to replace a lot of players but I think the 12 returners will be able to be enough to win the coastal division. Look for RB David Wilson to step into the starting role and make some electric plays.
2.North Carolina
- UNC fired their Coach right before fall camp and they lose a lot of players but I still like them better than Miami at this point. If there is an upside of all the suspensions to key Tar Heels players last year is that many young player got valuable experience. This team may be better than people think
3.Miami
4.Georgia Tech
5.Virginia
6.Duke

-Player of the Year-
RB David Wilson, Virginia Tech

-Best Conference Games-
Florida St. @ Clemson, Sept 24th
Miami @ North Carolina, Oct 15th
North Carolina @ Virginia Tech, Nov 17th

2011 NCAA Conference Previews Part 5

-Mountain West Conference-

Predicted Finish

1.Boise State
-Sure the Broncos lose their top two receivers to the NFL and are now playing in a more competitive conference but they will still be able to end up on top. They return star QB Kellen Moore, talented RB Doug Martin and will start 7 seniors in the front 7 of the defense. Add the 3 returning Offensive lineman and this team will be in for another good season.
2.TCU
-I think TCU is a bit overrated coming into this year but i just can't put them any lower than #2 in this conference. They only return 8 total starters but RB Ed Wesley and new QB Casey Pahcall may be able to carry this team along with defenders Tank Carder and Tanner Brock.
3.San Diego State
-I really like this Aztecs team and might have them above TCU if it werent for Coach Brady Hoke bolting for the Michigan job and the team having to replace their top two receivers and 6 defenders. Having said that, they do return 4 offensive lineman who will have the task of blocking for a great duo of QB Ryan Lindley and Freshman All-American RB Ronnie Hillman. SDSU has the advantage of playing both Boise St. and TCU at home this year and I would not be shocked to see them win atleast one of those games and make some noise in this conference.
4.Air Force
-Air Force will again put up massive rushing numbers with their option attack behind 3 veteran O-lineman and QB Tim Jefferson running the show and the defense, returning 8 starters, should be decent.
5.Wyoming
6.Colorado State
7.UNLV
8.New Mexico

-Player of the Year-
QB Kellen Moore, Boise State

-Best Conference Games-
TCU @ SDSU, Oct 8th
TCU @ Boise St, Nov 12th
Boise St @ SDSU, Nov 19th
Air Force @ Colorado St, Nov 26th

2011 NCAA Conference Previews Part 4

-Western Athletic Conference-

Predicted Finish

1.Hawaii
-Hawaii loses its top RB from last year, its top 3 receivers and all but 1 offensive lineman but I am still picking them to win the conference. QB Bryan Moniz is back and will help the offense progress and the defense that was pretty good last year will have to carry this team early with the entire front 7 returning.
2.Nevada
-Nevada had a magical year last season but after losing now NFL QB Colin Kapernick and RB Vai Tau, it will be much harder to replicate that success. The schedule does look favorable and the defensive back 7 looks decent enough to keep this team from slipping too far.
3.Fresno State
-Coach Pat Hill is still here and that alone is a good sign. If RB Robbie Rouse and incoming QB Derek Carr can be productive, this team should be decent.
4.Idaho
-This team loses some important pieces from last year but this team may be a bit of a surprise. Eight defensive starters return, the O-line includes two senior tackles and the team now has RB Ryan Bass who transferred from Arizona State.
5.Louisiana Tech
6.San Jose St
7.New Mexico St
8.Utah St

-Player of the Year-
QB Bryan Moniz, Hawaii

-Best Conference Games-
Fresno St. @ Idaho, Sept 24th
Hawaii @ Nevada, Nov 12th

2011 NCAA Conference Previews Part 3

-Conference USA-

Predicted Finish
EAST

1.Central Florida
-UCF ended last year on a great note and i think that momentum along with the return of QB Jeff Goddfrey and RB Latavius Murray will help them win the East division.
2.Southern Mississippi
-I think Southern Miss has the potential to make some noise in this division and that has a lot to do with dual threat Quarterback Austin Davis. If the defense can improve, watch out for this team.
3.East Carolina
4.Marshall
5.UAB
6.Memphis

WEST

1.Tulsa
-I think this West division is full of good teams but i expect Tulsa to be the team to come out on top. This team returns QB GJ Kinne behind the entire offensive line from last year as well as All-American receiver Damaris Johnson. If the defense plays better than Houston's defense then this team will celebrating a conference title.
2.Houston
-It is not easy to pick against QB Case Keenum, a guy who puts up Heisman type numbers, but the departure of 3 offensive lineman and a defense that gives up too many big plays is the reason i have them at #2. Having said that, with good receivers and a star back in Bryce Beall, this Houston Cougars is more than capable of taking this conference.
3.SMU
4.Rice
5.Tulane
6.Utep

-Player of the Year-
QB Case Keenum, Houston

-Best Conference Games-
Tulsa @ UCF, November 5th
Houston @ Tulsa, November 26th

2011 NCAA Conference Previews Part 2

-Sun Belt Conference-

Predicted Finish

1.Florida International
-FIU returns all their offensive stars including Sun Belt Player of the Year WR TY Hilton and i expect that to make this team the favorite. It also helps that they face Troy at home this year
2.Troy
-I have this team finishing second but it is a squad that is more than capable to win the conference. Their starting QB returns and so do 8 defensive starters.
3.Louisiana Monroe
4.Arkansas State
5.Florida Atlantic
6.North Texas
7.Middle Tennessee State
8.Western Kentucky
9.Louisiana Lafayette

-Player of the year-
QB Troy Robinson, Troy

2011 NCAA Conference Preview Part 1

-Mid American Conference-

Predicted Finish
-East Division-

1.Temple
-The Temple Owls seem to be the leaders in a mediocre East division even after Coach Al Golden left for the Miami (FL) job. The Owls return 7 offensive starters and can rely on running backs Bernard Pierce and Matt Brown. Pierce alone has rushed for over 2,000 yards with 26 Tds over the last two seasons. They will go with a decent QB and the defense should be decent even after losing a few good players.
2.Miami (OH)
-The defending MAC Champs come into this season with a solid defense and some nice offensive pieces.
3.Ohio
4.Kent St.
5.Buffalo
6.Bowling Green
7.Akron

-West Division-

1.Toledo
-This Toledo team returns 9 starters on each the offense and defense, including offensive standout Eric Paige, and should be the favorite to win the West division.
2.Northern Illinois
-The biggest concern for this team will be the defense, which only returns two starters, but the Huskies might be able to overcome that if the offense comes through. Coming back is 2010 All-MAC QB Chandler Harnish protected by all 5 returning O-linemen, 3 of which were also All-MAC selections.
3.Western Michigan
4.Ball State
5.Central Michigan
6.Eastern Michigan


-Player of the Year-
WR/KR Eric Paige, Toledo

Official NCAA football preseason rankings

2011 NCAA Football Rankings - Preseason

-AP TOP 25-
RK	TEAM	RECORD	PTS
1	Oklahoma (36)	0-0	1464
2	Alabama (17)	0-0	1439
3	Oregon (4)	0-0	1330
4	LSU (1)	0-0	1286
5	Boise State (2)	0-0	1200
6	Florida State	0-0	1168
7	Stanford	0-0	1091
8	Texas A&M	0-0	965
9	Oklahoma State	0-0	955
10	Nebraska	0-0	910
11	Wisconsin	0-0	900
12	South Carolina	0-0	848
13	Virginia Tech	0-0	821
14	TCU	0-0	690
15	Arkansas	0-0	686
16	Notre Dame	0-0	530
17	Michigan State	0-0	519
18	Ohio State	0-0	443
19	Georgia	0-0	369
20	Mississippi State	0-0	361
21	Missouri	0-0	258
22	Florida	0-0	228
23	Auburn	0-0	219
24	West Virginia	0-0	207
25	USC	0-0	160

-USA Today Poll-
RK	TEAM	RECORD	PTS
1	Oklahoma (42)	0-0	1454
2	Alabama (13)	0-0	1414
3	Oregon (2)	0-0	1309
4	LSU (2)	0-0	1296
5	Florida State	0-0	1116
6	Stanford	0-0	1101
7	Boise State	0-0	1065
8	Oklahoma State	0-0	933
9	Texas A&M	0-0	885
10	Wisconsin	0-0	829
11	Nebraska	0-0	814
12	South Carolina	0-0	779
13	Virginia Tech	0-0	767
14	Arkansas	0-0	750
15	TCU	0-0	687
16	Ohio State	0-0	631
17	Michigan State	0-0	536
18	Notre Dame	0-0	440
19	Auburn	0-0	329
20	Mississippi State	0-0	301
21	Missouri	0-0	266
22	Georgia	0-0	260
23	Florida	0-0	240
24	Texas	0-0	162
25	Penn State	0-0	161

College Football is back and the blog is too!

With college football 6 days away and the NFL not too much longer than that, this blog will be back at 100%. Look for previews of NCAA and NFL football soon

NCAA Tournament Game Picks

Thursday March 17th

#13Clemson vs. #5West Virginia 9:15am
My Pick: Clemson
I'm gonna go with the underdogs on short rest for this game. West Virginia played in the tougher conference this season and will be well rested but i'm counting on Clemson having momentum to pull an upset to open the tournament.

#9Old Dominion vs. #8Butler 9:40am
My Pick: Old Dominion
The Butler Bulldogs were the darlings of the tournament last year, making it all the way to the title game, but i have them going out early this year. I see Old Dominion as not only good enough to beat Butler but to possibly advance further.

#13Morehead St vs. #4Louisville 10:40am
My Pick: Louisville
Some have Louisville on upset watch but i don't envision them having any problems in this one. I see Preston Knowles and Peyton Silva being able to lead this team far into the tournament.

#10Penn St vs. #7Temple 11:10am
My Pick: Temple
I want to pick Penn St. but i just cant see them being able to score enough points to stay with Temple.

#13Princeton vs. #4Kentucky 11:45am
My Pick: Kentucky
Many are writing Princeton off but i think this will be a hard fought game as Kentucky is pushed before pulling it off.

#16UNC-Asheville vs. #1Pittsburgh 12:10pm
My Pick: Pittsburgh
16 seeds have never won a tournament game. Enough said.

#12Richmond vs. #5Vanderbilt 1:10pm
My Pick: Richmond
I had no trouble picking the underdog in this one as i can see Richmond winning this game and possibly the next. This should be an exciting one.

#15N.Colorado vs. #2San Diego St 1:40pm
My Pick: San Diego St
Northern Colorado is looking for its first tournament win but so are the Aztecs of SDSU. State will be too athletic to lose this game, even if they dont play up to their potential.

#15UC Santa Barbara vs. #2Florida 3:50pm
My Pick: Florida
While i see Florida as overrated and over-seeded, I just can't see them losing to inconsistent UCSB in the first round.

#14Wofford vs. #3BYU 4:15pm
My Pick: BYU
A few are picking the upset but i have faith in the NCAA's leading scorer, BYU's Jimmer Fredette. Jimmer can hit from anywhere and if his teammates can play well, this team can make a run in this tournament.

#14Bucknell vs. #3UConn 4:20pm
My Pick: Uconn
Uconn is coming off 5 win in the Big East Tournament behind stellar play from guard Kemba Walker and i see them continuing there run here against Bucknell. If the game is close at the end, look for Walker to take over.

#13Belmont vs. #4Wisconsin 4:27pm
My Pick: Wisconsin
I am very tempted to pick Belmont in this game to pull the shocker but i will count on Wisconsin to control tempo and get a win in a good, close game.

#1oMichigan St vs. #7UCLA 6:20pm
My Pick: Michigan St
Michigan St has had an underachieving season but its tournament time and that's when they seem to play their best. This should be one of the day's better games.

#11Gonzaga vs. #6St.Johns 6:45pm
My Pick: St. Johns
I had a hard time picking this one as i can see how both teams could win. I decided to go with St.Johns, who have been battle tested in the Big East, over the Gonzaga Bulldogs, who seem to be playing there best ball right now.

11Missouri vs. #6Cincinatti 6:50pm
My Pick: Cincy
This game seems to be even all around so i just went with the team who played in the tougher conference.

12Utah St vs. #5Kansas St 6:57pm
My Pick: Kansas St
A lot of people are picking Utah St in this one but i'm gonna go with the team with better guard play and that's Kansas State behind Jacob Pullen

NCAA Tournament Field Is Set

A look at this years' NCAA Basketball Bracket

Here is the link: http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/tournament/bracket

NCAAB Conference Tournament Predictions

Conference Tournament Predictions

(rankings reflect seeding in conference tournaments)

-Atlantic Coast Conference-

Championship Game: (7)Virginia Tech over (2)North Carolina

Virginia Tech would have to pull the upset over (2)Duke just to get to this game but i can see it happening as the Hokies fight to get a spot in the NCAA tournament.

-Big 12 Conference-

Championship Game: (1)Kansas over (2)Texas
I see Kansas coasting through this tournament to find itself in the tournament championship, where the Morris brothers lift them to a tournament title and #1 seed in the big dance.

-Big East Conference-
Championship Game: (9)Connecticut over (2)Notre Dame
Uconn's Kemba Walker leads his team to the title game and comes up clutch against Big East player of the year Ben Hansborough and the Notre Dame Irish

-Big Ten Conference-
Championship Game: (4)Michigan over (2)Purdue
Michigan seems to be playing very well at the moment and if they can get past rival Ohio State, a conference tournament title is very possible.

-Mountain West Conference-
Championship Game: (2)SDSU over (5)New Mexico
New Mexico will have to get through tough Colorado State and probably BYU, a top 10 team, but they're playing at a high level at the most important time. If SDSU can't get past UNLV, then watch out for the runnin rebels playing on their home court.

-Pac 10 Conference-
Championship Game: (5)USC over (6)Washington St
These are two teams that are currently on the outside looking in when it comes to getting to the NCAA tournament. Just getting this far may help them get in, but they would much rather grab the automatic bid by winning the conference tournament.

-SEC Conference-
Championship Game: (1)Florida over (2)Kentucky
This conference just doesn't put the same level of competition on the court as it does on the football field but i see a good Florida team winning the tournament.

NCAA Tournament Automatic Bids So Far

Atlantic Sun Conference
Belmont (30-4)

Big South
UNC-Asheville (19-13)

Colonial
Old Dominion (27-6)

MAAC
St.Peters (20-13)

Missouri Valley
Indiana State (20-13)

Ohio Valley
Morehead State (24-9)

March Madness is here!

The Final Regular Season games have been played in the NCAA basketball season and the madness is among us


Here is a quick review of how teams are chosen for the NCAA tournament
http://www.ehow.com/how-does_5206723_ncaa-basketball-tournament-selection-process.html