The first I heard about University of Florida's Head Coach Urban Meyer decided to resign due to health reason last night. I personally was shocked, surprised, and stunned that this was happening with one of the best coaches in all of football right now. The Florida split could be compared to a famous band breaking up (such as U2 or the Rolling Stones) with Tim Tebow leaving and then Meyer's choice to leave. There is a huge void at Florida now just like if Bono and the Edge left U2, they wouldn't be the same band or a band at all for that matter.
I thought that he had to have something truly wrong with him explaining why he would step down from a top five program he had built. People started to report that he had experienced chest pains and other stress-related issues. Not to mention making frequent trips to hospital after the SEC Championship, which would make a family man like Meyer is if it's really worth coaching football if I am endangering my health thus not being around for my children.
The other thing I question is with all these health problems and Tebow leaving... Was Meyer afraid to rebuild again and worried that it might not be the same at Florida ever again? This could go with his decision today as well but Meyer had to wonder what things with would be like post-Tebow.
Now, today we learned that Meyer changed his mind and he will just take a sabbatical from the sport then return to the program. He said his players convinced him to keep coaching, which leads me to believe two things, a.) Urban doesn't want to leave his players out to dry and worries about their lives after he leaves (goes back to the Tebow thing about having to start over, I think he didn't want to leave his team without their two leaders) b.) He woke up and thought about life after football realizing he just couldn't do it.
My roommate and converted Gator fan E believes that Meyer is holding the program hostage by taking this leave. Nobody really knows what this entails whether he isn't making the trips all over the country for the recruits, or Meyer might not be coaching as much during Spring Ball. Who knows really, but I agree with E completely. Florida is a top five program right now (USC, Texas, Oklahoma, Ohio State are the others) and with recruits not being able to trust the head coach is going to be a huge disadvantage for the program. In addition, other programs can use that to convince recruits to come to their school.
-Charlie.
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Showing posts with label Florida Gators. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Florida Gators. Show all posts
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Tebow's Tears, Texas/Cincy Catch Breaks, & Marc Ingram=Beast
Once again if you didn't see it on Twitter or Facebook, I would like to apologize for no posts this weekend. I do not have a computer right now therefore it makes it damn near impossible to get on a computer just to blog. The next couple days we will look at Wrap-up of Saturday/Sunday, Greg Oden, Jimmy Clausen, and the annual What-If BCS Playoffs.
Saturday supposed National Championship game didn't live up to the hype, rather saw a dominate Alabama team destroyed the Florida Gators and Tim Tebow. The Tide did things to the Florida defense that we haven't seen all year. Marc Ingram could be the best pure running back in college football since Adrian Peterson plus the scary thing is Ingram might be better at this point in his career. Greg McElroy also impressed me to the fullest; I watched Bama over Thanksgiving Break and didn't seem even close to Florida's level. If I picked this game, I would believe Florida wins by two scores but the opening drive where Bama marches to get just a field goal showed they were here to play. Then add to the fact, Tebow and company did nothing on their first drive set the pace for the rest of the game.
The one thing that troubles to me to understand is why everyone who doesn't like Florida or Tebow thoroughly enjoyed Tebow crying after the game? Some (like my roommate B-Squared) feel that crying isn't a part of sports and makes them look like a synonym for a house cat. Get a life, football or any other sport takes a very emotional toll on people more so than others. Their emotions get the best of them leading them to crying. Leave Tebow alone and the same with Adam Morrison in years past.
Now on to the next topic, how lucky did Cincinnati get this weekend? The Pitt-Cincy game was one I deemed over at 31-10 Pitt, E would remind me about how wrong I was about all of this. Notre Dame er... Cincinnati Head Coach Brian Kelly decided to keep in Tony Pike leading a huge comeback plus the missed extra point with less than two minutes left by the Panthers. Poor Pittsburgh sports team they have worst special teams then the Jersey Shore education. Dion Lewis will be a Heisman candidate next year too although forty-nine carries might be ridiculous.
Texas beat Nebraska barely 13-12 without the help of Colt McCoy who likely will not get the Heisman because of this game and Ingram's performance completely better. Texas could be in for a long night against Alabama because who have they really beat? Seriously answer me that question? The only one worth a damn is Oklahoma State but honestly, I do not believe they are not that good personally. Ndamukong Suh is the best NFL-ready player, he flustered McCoy the entire night and he is the scariest player I have seen in years past. He might be 24's Benjamin Umbaka son for all we know.
-Charlie.
Saturday supposed National Championship game didn't live up to the hype, rather saw a dominate Alabama team destroyed the Florida Gators and Tim Tebow. The Tide did things to the Florida defense that we haven't seen all year. Marc Ingram could be the best pure running back in college football since Adrian Peterson plus the scary thing is Ingram might be better at this point in his career. Greg McElroy also impressed me to the fullest; I watched Bama over Thanksgiving Break and didn't seem even close to Florida's level. If I picked this game, I would believe Florida wins by two scores but the opening drive where Bama marches to get just a field goal showed they were here to play. Then add to the fact, Tebow and company did nothing on their first drive set the pace for the rest of the game.
The one thing that troubles to me to understand is why everyone who doesn't like Florida or Tebow thoroughly enjoyed Tebow crying after the game? Some (like my roommate B-Squared) feel that crying isn't a part of sports and makes them look like a synonym for a house cat. Get a life, football or any other sport takes a very emotional toll on people more so than others. Their emotions get the best of them leading them to crying. Leave Tebow alone and the same with Adam Morrison in years past.
Now on to the next topic, how lucky did Cincinnati get this weekend? The Pitt-Cincy game was one I deemed over at 31-10 Pitt, E would remind me about how wrong I was about all of this. Notre Dame er... Cincinnati Head Coach Brian Kelly decided to keep in Tony Pike leading a huge comeback plus the missed extra point with less than two minutes left by the Panthers. Poor Pittsburgh sports team they have worst special teams then the Jersey Shore education. Dion Lewis will be a Heisman candidate next year too although forty-nine carries might be ridiculous.
Texas beat Nebraska barely 13-12 without the help of Colt McCoy who likely will not get the Heisman because of this game and Ingram's performance completely better. Texas could be in for a long night against Alabama because who have they really beat? Seriously answer me that question? The only one worth a damn is Oklahoma State but honestly, I do not believe they are not that good personally. Ndamukong Suh is the best NFL-ready player, he flustered McCoy the entire night and he is the scariest player I have seen in years past. He might be 24's Benjamin Umbaka son for all we know.
-Charlie.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Carlos Dunlap is Sleepy
All the time, we talked about how athletes are selfish, do not really care about the team, and its a "me thing instead of a "we thing. Usually, it's about pro football, basketball, baseball not college. Except, this time it's all about the selfishness of Carlos Dunlap, the defensive end for the Florida Gators.
Dunlap, this morning was arrested and put in jail with a DUI. He fell asleep at the wheel at a green light. On a Monday night nonetheless, which when I played college football... Tuesday was our hardest day. Therefore explain to me why Dunlap spent the night drinking heavily? I do not want to preach not drinking because it is something that we all do at various nights but never endanger your team in the most important game of the year. I cannot believe someone would be as selfish as Dunlap last night. At least if you do drink no reason to take your car out for a joy ride. In addition, Mel Kiper Jr projected him the third pick in the NFL Draft right now, imagine if something serious would have happened to Dunlap last night.
I am not blaming Urban Meyer for this because you cannot expect him to be a babysitter for young adults. Things like this happen all the time with major programs, but never in a situation such as this one. Usually, DUI, drunk in public and fights happen on the weekends after a game or during the off-season. Coaches handle it accordingly by running the players or suspending them for the first game of the year if the incident happened close to the season.
If I am a fan of Florida, of course I do not want Dunlap suspended. Brandon Spikes, Florida's Middle Linebacker and Dunlap are the biggest keys to the Florida's front seven. Not to mention, going up against Heisman candidate Marc Ingram, big time rut roh. As an outsider looking in, Dunlap deserves to be suspended. He did something detrimental to his team, which most of the time warrants suspension. I have no idea what I would do if I am Urban Meyer, but knowing the guy I believe Meyer is, he will suspend Dunlap for the game.
-Charlie.
Dunlap, this morning was arrested and put in jail with a DUI. He fell asleep at the wheel at a green light. On a Monday night nonetheless, which when I played college football... Tuesday was our hardest day. Therefore explain to me why Dunlap spent the night drinking heavily? I do not want to preach not drinking because it is something that we all do at various nights but never endanger your team in the most important game of the year. I cannot believe someone would be as selfish as Dunlap last night. At least if you do drink no reason to take your car out for a joy ride. In addition, Mel Kiper Jr projected him the third pick in the NFL Draft right now, imagine if something serious would have happened to Dunlap last night.
I am not blaming Urban Meyer for this because you cannot expect him to be a babysitter for young adults. Things like this happen all the time with major programs, but never in a situation such as this one. Usually, DUI, drunk in public and fights happen on the weekends after a game or during the off-season. Coaches handle it accordingly by running the players or suspending them for the first game of the year if the incident happened close to the season.
If I am a fan of Florida, of course I do not want Dunlap suspended. Brandon Spikes, Florida's Middle Linebacker and Dunlap are the biggest keys to the Florida's front seven. Not to mention, going up against Heisman candidate Marc Ingram, big time rut roh. As an outsider looking in, Dunlap deserves to be suspended. He did something detrimental to his team, which most of the time warrants suspension. I have no idea what I would do if I am Urban Meyer, but knowing the guy I believe Meyer is, he will suspend Dunlap for the game.
-Charlie.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Brandon Spikes: WWE Wrestler or Middle Linebacker?
If you haven't been watching ESPN in the last couple of days, you probably haven't seen the Brandon Spikes eye gouge against Georgia. That led to the half-game suspension against Vanderbilt this weekend and it has drawn ire from the sports media. To me, that is completely ridiculous. I think the Captian Insano eye gouge is nothing to bat an eye at.
Why do people not realize that this happens all the effin time in football? If you do not think Ray Lewis, Patrick Willis, Taylor Mays, whoever other physical defenders play dirty? You are out of mind. Al Harris is known to be a dirty player and it's not a media topic for Skip Bayless to debate about. I believe the reason is because it's college football and it is suppose to be a pure sport. It has to be because I can find no other reason for media heads to be mad at Spikes for doing this. He has now said that he will sit out the entire game to avoid distraction... thanks again media.
The ultimate crazy thing about this whole ordeal is the fact that the Georgia running back who got his eyes gouged as if he was Bret Hart in the late 80s said this isnt a big deal... this how Georgia-Florida football goes. My God, even that guy understands that a simple eye gouge is not the end of the world. Spikes only got the suspension because the heat of the media and Florida knowing their SEC fans not wearing blue/orange would complain of favoritism.
-Charlie.
Why do people not realize that this happens all the effin time in football? If you do not think Ray Lewis, Patrick Willis, Taylor Mays, whoever other physical defenders play dirty? You are out of mind. Al Harris is known to be a dirty player and it's not a media topic for Skip Bayless to debate about. I believe the reason is because it's college football and it is suppose to be a pure sport. It has to be because I can find no other reason for media heads to be mad at Spikes for doing this. He has now said that he will sit out the entire game to avoid distraction... thanks again media.
The ultimate crazy thing about this whole ordeal is the fact that the Georgia running back who got his eyes gouged as if he was Bret Hart in the late 80s said this isnt a big deal... this how Georgia-Florida football goes. My God, even that guy understands that a simple eye gouge is not the end of the world. Spikes only got the suspension because the heat of the media and Florida knowing their SEC fans not wearing blue/orange would complain of favoritism.
-Charlie.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Your College Football Preview
I wish I could give you a full rundown of each conference but thanks to my drinking habits I have not had time for it. This will have three key players, big games, and where they will end up. Also I will just the AP Top 25 just like last year until the BCS comes out. I will say this if I do not make my picks in time that the Fighting Mitch Pratts (Oregon Ducks) will beat Bosie State on the Smurf Turf Thursday Night. HERE WE GO!!!
1. Florida Gators: KEY PLAYERS: QB Tim Tebow (AKA God), ILB Brandon Spikes, S Major Wright KEY GAMES: vs. Tennessee (9/19), at #11 LSU (10/10), vs. Georgia (10/31), vs. #18 Florida State (11/28). OUTLOOK: Say hello to another National Championship for the Gators who face a pretty favorable SEC schedule avoiding Alabma and Ole Miss. They must get by Death Valley in Week Five. 12-0 Nat'l Champs.
2. Texas Longhorns: KEY PLAYERS: QB Colt McCoy, WR Jordan Shipley, WLB Roddrick Muckelroy. KEY GAMES: vs. Texas Tech (9/19), vs. 3. Oklahoma (10/17), at 9. Oklahoma State (10/31), at Texas A&M (11/26). OUTLOOK: I have a BCS bid for the Longhorns but I really do believe that OU will get it done in the Red River Shootout if not, a big game at Stillwater looms as well.
3. Oklahoma Sooners: KEY PLAYERS: QB Sam Bradford, TE Jermaine Greshman (hurt), RB DeMarco Murray. KEY GAMES: vs. #20 BYU (9/5), vs. 2. Texas (10/17), at 24. Nebraska (11/07), vs. #9. Oklahoma St. (11/28) OUTLOOK: I also have a BCS bid for the Sooners, it might be one of those years where a one loss team gets in. I have a tough time seeing Boomer Sooner going untouch in the Big 12.
4. USC Trojans: KEY PLAYERS: S Taylor Mays, RB Joe McKnight, WR Daimen Williams. KEY GAMES: at Ohio State (9/12), at #12 California (10/3), at #23 Notre Dame (10/17), at #16 Oregon (10/31) OUTLOOK: I trust that Pete Carroll knows what he is doing with quarterbacks but for the Trojans having four tough road games in a row... eh. I dont know if they can escaped that. They will lose one if not two this year .
5. Alabama Crimson Tide: KEY PLAYERS: DT Terrence Cody, WR Julio Jones, RB Mark Ingram. KEY GAMES: vs. #7 Virgina Tech (9/5), at #8 Mississippi (10/10), vs. #11 LSU (11/07) OUTLOOK: The Tide have a pretty favorable schedule and they could find themselves in a rematch with Florida in the SEC Championship game. Also Cody is a no doubt about it the best run stopper in the NCAA.
6. Ohio State Buckeyes: KEY PLAYERS: QB Terrelle Pryor, DE Thaddeus Gibson, CB Kurt Coleman KEY GAMES: vs. #4 USC (9/12), at #9 Penn State (11/07), vs. #22 Iowa (11/14), at Michigan (11/21). OUTLOOK: I honestly was ready to put the Buckeyes in the Nat'l Championship game but honestly their defense will need some time to get it together. Also the Nittany Lions/Hawkeyes back-to-back is tough.
7. Virginia Tech Hokies: KEY PLAYERS: QB Tyrod Tyler, RB Darren Evans, CB Stephan Virgil. KEY GAMES: vs. #5 Alabama (9/5), vs. #24 Nebraska (9/19), at 15. Georgia Tech (10/17), vs. #21 North Carolina (10/29). OUTLOOK: Easily the toughest non-conference schedule in the Top 25 and if they could power through that they could be in the top five. The ACC is one of the lesser divisions in the BCS too.
8. Mississippi Rebels: KEY PLAYERS: QB Jevan Snead, RB Dexter McCluster, DL Ted Laurent KEY GAMES: vs. #5 Alabama (10/10), vs. #11 LSU. OUTLOOK: They have a couple other road blocks that aren't top twenty-five but who knows they could get past these two teams both in Oxford setting a rematch with the Gators.
9. Penn State Nittany Lions: KEY PLAYERS: QB Daryll Clark, RB Evan Royster, LB Sean Lee. KEY GAMES: vs. #22 Iowa (9/26), vs. #6 Ohio State (11/07) OUTLOOK: I like the Nittany Lions schedule, they have a couple games that could result in an upset like last year but if they keep their head straight, they should head back to the BCS.
10. Oklahoma State Cowboys: KEY PLAYERS: QB Zac Robinson, WR Dez Bryant, RB Kendall Hunter KEY GAMES: vs. Georgia (9/5), vs. #2 Texas (10/31), at #3 Oklahoma (11/28) OUTLOOK: This year's Texas Tech? I think so, I will be watching intently to see how they do against Georgia tomorrow which will be the tell-tale sign of if the Cowboys are for real.
11. LSU Tigers: KEY PLAYERS: RB Charles Scott, WR Brandon LaFell, S Chad Jones: KEY GAMES: at #13 Georgia (10/03), vs. #1 Florida (10/10), at #5 Alabama (11/07), at #8 Mississippi (11/21) OUTLOOK: Pretty challenging schedule for the Tigers who really don't have a quarterback and I wouldn't be surprised if they are barely in the Top 25 by the end of the year.
12. California Golden Bears: KEY PLAYERS: RB Jahvid Best, DE Tyson Alualu, DE Cameron Jordan KEY GAMES: at #16 Oregon (9/26) vs. #4. USC (10/03) OUTLOOK: They could have a successful year with Best being the top running back in the nation and they have great D-Line as well. I see second in the Pac-10.
13. Georgia Bulldogs: KEY PLAYERS: WR A.J. Green, S Reshard Jones, LB Rennie Curren KEY GAMES: at #9 Oklahoma State (9/5) vs. #11 LSU (10/03) vs. #1 Florida (10/31) at #15 Georgia Tech (11/28) OUTLOOK: Who knows what in store for this team, Joe Cox has done some nice things when Stafford went down in years past and they have a some solid defense. Should be an interesting year.
14. Boise State Broncos: I wont give them the full run down because I think we saw last night that they are a very good team that should run the table in the WAC with a possible BCS birth at the end of the year. You never know which Bronco team you are going to get with Head Coach Chris Peterson's trickery.
15. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: KEY PLAYERS: RB Jonathan Dwyer, QB Josh Nesbit, S Morgan Burnett KEY GAMES: at #18 Florida State (10/10) vs. #7 Virgina Tech (10/17) vs #13 Georgia (11/28) OUTLOOK: Despite their old school offense, they could have a huge year but I am concerned about the back-to-back against FSU/VT though.
16. Oregon Ducks: Once again, no need to give them the full treatment because I think they might not be the team we expected. Also with their returning 1000 yd. rusher LaGarrete Blout may get kick off the team, not good news at all for the Fightin' Mitch Pratts.
17. TCU Horned Frogs: KEY PLAYERS: QB Andy Dalton, DE Jerry Hughes, WR Jimmy Young KEY GAMES:at #20 BYU (10/24) vs. #19 Utah (11/14) OUTLOOK: They have a couple tough games and a pretty young team, I doubt that TCU has the same success as last year.
18. Florida State Seminoles: KEY PLAYERS: QB Christian Ponder, LB Dekoda Watson, CB Patrick Robinson KEY GAMES: vs. Miami (9/7) at #20 BYU (9/19) vs #15 Georgia Tech (10/10) at #21 North Carolina (10/22) at #1 Florida (11/28) OUTLOOK: The Noles have a tough schedule with a lot of road games but if they could blow out the Cougars in two weeks that would be a big sign.
19. Utah Utes: Once again, they played on Thursday and now have a fifteen game winning streak. That will likely come to the end when dealing with Ducks, Colorado, TCU, and BYU all on the road this year doesnt look good for the Utes.
20. Brigham Young Cougars: KEY PLAYERS: QB Max Hall, TE Dennis Pitta, DE Jan Jorgenson KEY GAMES: at #3 Oklahoma (09/05), vs. #18 Florida State (09/19), vs.#17 TCU (10/24), vs. #19 Utah (11/28) OUTLOOK: Hall is a beast but the true question is can they win one of their two non-conference games? If that happens, the Cougars may be the real deal.
21. North Carolina Tar Heels: KEY PLAYERS: QB T.J. Yates, CB Kendric Burney, RB Shaun Draughan KEY GAMES: at #15 Georgia Tech (9/26) vs. #18 Florida State (10/22) at #7 Viriginia Tech (10/29) OUTLOOK: Butch Davis knows how to flat out win and Yates is the real deal. The Tar Heels could possibly win the ACC this year.
22. Iowa Hawkeyes: KEY PLAYERS: QB Ricky Stanzi, WR Derell Johnson-Koulianos, LB Pat Angerer KEY GAMES: at #9 Penn State (9/26), at #6 Ohio State (11/14) OUTLOOK: I would love to say for my buddy JS that they will be in the BCS but I just cant see them winning in Happy Valley and the Horseshoe. They will finish third in the Big Ten though.
23. Notre Dame Fightin' Irish: KEY PLAYERS: QB Jimmy Clausen, WR Golden Tate, RB Armando Allen KEY GAMES: vs. #4 USC (10/17) vs. Boston College (10/24) OUTLOOK: Probably the easiest schedule the Golden Domers have had in years and if they dont get to a New Years Day bowl then its bye bye to Charlie Weis.
24. Nebraska Cornhuskers: KEY PLAYERS: RB Roy Helu Jr. TE Mark McNeill, DT Ndamukong Sun KEY GAMES: at #7 Viriginia Tech (9/19), vs. #3 Oklahoma, at #25 Kansas (11/14) OUTLOOK: I think we will find out where the Cornhuskers stand after the Virigina Tech game and the Sooner game should be a big-time showdown.
25. Kansas Jayhawks: KEY PLAYERS: QB Todd Reesing, WR Dezmon Briscoe, S Darrell Stuckey KEY GAMES: vs #3. Oklahoma (10/24) vs. 24 Nebraska (11/14), at #2 Texas (11/21) OUTLOOK: I was amazed to see Reesing still playing and Briscoe is a hell of player too. Although they have too many tough games to be a contender in the Big 12 North.
Other teams to watch: Oregon State, Michigan State, Illinois, Texas Tech, and West Virigina
If I got something wrong here well its been a long week and now you get picks.
-Charlie.
1. Florida Gators: KEY PLAYERS: QB Tim Tebow (AKA God), ILB Brandon Spikes, S Major Wright KEY GAMES: vs. Tennessee (9/19), at #11 LSU (10/10), vs. Georgia (10/31), vs. #18 Florida State (11/28). OUTLOOK: Say hello to another National Championship for the Gators who face a pretty favorable SEC schedule avoiding Alabma and Ole Miss. They must get by Death Valley in Week Five. 12-0 Nat'l Champs.
2. Texas Longhorns: KEY PLAYERS: QB Colt McCoy, WR Jordan Shipley, WLB Roddrick Muckelroy. KEY GAMES: vs. Texas Tech (9/19), vs. 3. Oklahoma (10/17), at 9. Oklahoma State (10/31), at Texas A&M (11/26). OUTLOOK: I have a BCS bid for the Longhorns but I really do believe that OU will get it done in the Red River Shootout if not, a big game at Stillwater looms as well.
3. Oklahoma Sooners: KEY PLAYERS: QB Sam Bradford, TE Jermaine Greshman (hurt), RB DeMarco Murray. KEY GAMES: vs. #20 BYU (9/5), vs. 2. Texas (10/17), at 24. Nebraska (11/07), vs. #9. Oklahoma St. (11/28) OUTLOOK: I also have a BCS bid for the Sooners, it might be one of those years where a one loss team gets in. I have a tough time seeing Boomer Sooner going untouch in the Big 12.
4. USC Trojans: KEY PLAYERS: S Taylor Mays, RB Joe McKnight, WR Daimen Williams. KEY GAMES: at Ohio State (9/12), at #12 California (10/3), at #23 Notre Dame (10/17), at #16 Oregon (10/31) OUTLOOK: I trust that Pete Carroll knows what he is doing with quarterbacks but for the Trojans having four tough road games in a row... eh. I dont know if they can escaped that. They will lose one if not two this year .
5. Alabama Crimson Tide: KEY PLAYERS: DT Terrence Cody, WR Julio Jones, RB Mark Ingram. KEY GAMES: vs. #7 Virgina Tech (9/5), at #8 Mississippi (10/10), vs. #11 LSU (11/07) OUTLOOK: The Tide have a pretty favorable schedule and they could find themselves in a rematch with Florida in the SEC Championship game. Also Cody is a no doubt about it the best run stopper in the NCAA.
6. Ohio State Buckeyes: KEY PLAYERS: QB Terrelle Pryor, DE Thaddeus Gibson, CB Kurt Coleman KEY GAMES: vs. #4 USC (9/12), at #9 Penn State (11/07), vs. #22 Iowa (11/14), at Michigan (11/21). OUTLOOK: I honestly was ready to put the Buckeyes in the Nat'l Championship game but honestly their defense will need some time to get it together. Also the Nittany Lions/Hawkeyes back-to-back is tough.
7. Virginia Tech Hokies: KEY PLAYERS: QB Tyrod Tyler, RB Darren Evans, CB Stephan Virgil. KEY GAMES: vs. #5 Alabama (9/5), vs. #24 Nebraska (9/19), at 15. Georgia Tech (10/17), vs. #21 North Carolina (10/29). OUTLOOK: Easily the toughest non-conference schedule in the Top 25 and if they could power through that they could be in the top five. The ACC is one of the lesser divisions in the BCS too.
8. Mississippi Rebels: KEY PLAYERS: QB Jevan Snead, RB Dexter McCluster, DL Ted Laurent KEY GAMES: vs. #5 Alabama (10/10), vs. #11 LSU. OUTLOOK: They have a couple other road blocks that aren't top twenty-five but who knows they could get past these two teams both in Oxford setting a rematch with the Gators.
9. Penn State Nittany Lions: KEY PLAYERS: QB Daryll Clark, RB Evan Royster, LB Sean Lee. KEY GAMES: vs. #22 Iowa (9/26), vs. #6 Ohio State (11/07) OUTLOOK: I like the Nittany Lions schedule, they have a couple games that could result in an upset like last year but if they keep their head straight, they should head back to the BCS.
10. Oklahoma State Cowboys: KEY PLAYERS: QB Zac Robinson, WR Dez Bryant, RB Kendall Hunter KEY GAMES: vs. Georgia (9/5), vs. #2 Texas (10/31), at #3 Oklahoma (11/28) OUTLOOK: This year's Texas Tech? I think so, I will be watching intently to see how they do against Georgia tomorrow which will be the tell-tale sign of if the Cowboys are for real.
11. LSU Tigers: KEY PLAYERS: RB Charles Scott, WR Brandon LaFell, S Chad Jones: KEY GAMES: at #13 Georgia (10/03), vs. #1 Florida (10/10), at #5 Alabama (11/07), at #8 Mississippi (11/21) OUTLOOK: Pretty challenging schedule for the Tigers who really don't have a quarterback and I wouldn't be surprised if they are barely in the Top 25 by the end of the year.
12. California Golden Bears: KEY PLAYERS: RB Jahvid Best, DE Tyson Alualu, DE Cameron Jordan KEY GAMES: at #16 Oregon (9/26) vs. #4. USC (10/03) OUTLOOK: They could have a successful year with Best being the top running back in the nation and they have great D-Line as well. I see second in the Pac-10.
13. Georgia Bulldogs: KEY PLAYERS: WR A.J. Green, S Reshard Jones, LB Rennie Curren KEY GAMES: at #9 Oklahoma State (9/5) vs. #11 LSU (10/03) vs. #1 Florida (10/31) at #15 Georgia Tech (11/28) OUTLOOK: Who knows what in store for this team, Joe Cox has done some nice things when Stafford went down in years past and they have a some solid defense. Should be an interesting year.
14. Boise State Broncos: I wont give them the full run down because I think we saw last night that they are a very good team that should run the table in the WAC with a possible BCS birth at the end of the year. You never know which Bronco team you are going to get with Head Coach Chris Peterson's trickery.
15. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: KEY PLAYERS: RB Jonathan Dwyer, QB Josh Nesbit, S Morgan Burnett KEY GAMES: at #18 Florida State (10/10) vs. #7 Virgina Tech (10/17) vs #13 Georgia (11/28) OUTLOOK: Despite their old school offense, they could have a huge year but I am concerned about the back-to-back against FSU/VT though.
16. Oregon Ducks: Once again, no need to give them the full treatment because I think they might not be the team we expected. Also with their returning 1000 yd. rusher LaGarrete Blout may get kick off the team, not good news at all for the Fightin' Mitch Pratts.
17. TCU Horned Frogs: KEY PLAYERS: QB Andy Dalton, DE Jerry Hughes, WR Jimmy Young KEY GAMES:at #20 BYU (10/24) vs. #19 Utah (11/14) OUTLOOK: They have a couple tough games and a pretty young team, I doubt that TCU has the same success as last year.
18. Florida State Seminoles: KEY PLAYERS: QB Christian Ponder, LB Dekoda Watson, CB Patrick Robinson KEY GAMES: vs. Miami (9/7) at #20 BYU (9/19) vs #15 Georgia Tech (10/10) at #21 North Carolina (10/22) at #1 Florida (11/28) OUTLOOK: The Noles have a tough schedule with a lot of road games but if they could blow out the Cougars in two weeks that would be a big sign.
19. Utah Utes: Once again, they played on Thursday and now have a fifteen game winning streak. That will likely come to the end when dealing with Ducks, Colorado, TCU, and BYU all on the road this year doesnt look good for the Utes.
20. Brigham Young Cougars: KEY PLAYERS: QB Max Hall, TE Dennis Pitta, DE Jan Jorgenson KEY GAMES: at #3 Oklahoma (09/05), vs. #18 Florida State (09/19), vs.#17 TCU (10/24), vs. #19 Utah (11/28) OUTLOOK: Hall is a beast but the true question is can they win one of their two non-conference games? If that happens, the Cougars may be the real deal.
21. North Carolina Tar Heels: KEY PLAYERS: QB T.J. Yates, CB Kendric Burney, RB Shaun Draughan KEY GAMES: at #15 Georgia Tech (9/26) vs. #18 Florida State (10/22) at #7 Viriginia Tech (10/29) OUTLOOK: Butch Davis knows how to flat out win and Yates is the real deal. The Tar Heels could possibly win the ACC this year.
22. Iowa Hawkeyes: KEY PLAYERS: QB Ricky Stanzi, WR Derell Johnson-Koulianos, LB Pat Angerer KEY GAMES: at #9 Penn State (9/26), at #6 Ohio State (11/14) OUTLOOK: I would love to say for my buddy JS that they will be in the BCS but I just cant see them winning in Happy Valley and the Horseshoe. They will finish third in the Big Ten though.
23. Notre Dame Fightin' Irish: KEY PLAYERS: QB Jimmy Clausen, WR Golden Tate, RB Armando Allen KEY GAMES: vs. #4 USC (10/17) vs. Boston College (10/24) OUTLOOK: Probably the easiest schedule the Golden Domers have had in years and if they dont get to a New Years Day bowl then its bye bye to Charlie Weis.
24. Nebraska Cornhuskers: KEY PLAYERS: RB Roy Helu Jr. TE Mark McNeill, DT Ndamukong Sun KEY GAMES: at #7 Viriginia Tech (9/19), vs. #3 Oklahoma, at #25 Kansas (11/14) OUTLOOK: I think we will find out where the Cornhuskers stand after the Virigina Tech game and the Sooner game should be a big-time showdown.
25. Kansas Jayhawks: KEY PLAYERS: QB Todd Reesing, WR Dezmon Briscoe, S Darrell Stuckey KEY GAMES: vs #3. Oklahoma (10/24) vs. 24 Nebraska (11/14), at #2 Texas (11/21) OUTLOOK: I was amazed to see Reesing still playing and Briscoe is a hell of player too. Although they have too many tough games to be a contender in the Big 12 North.
Other teams to watch: Oregon State, Michigan State, Illinois, Texas Tech, and West Virigina
If I got something wrong here well its been a long week and now you get picks.
-Charlie.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Nick Calathes is an Idiot
I think when we look back in the Billy Donovan's career in Florida I think what we will realize is that yes they did have one great squad of players that won two National Championships but other than that, he has had some real problems keeping kids at Florida. For example: Jason Williams (granted academic problems), Mike Miller, Anthony Robinson, Matt Walsh, and Walter Hodge just to name a few. The newest case of this is Nick Calathes.
He was a pretty solid player in the first two years at Florida and he had a great sophomore campaign so he decided to enter his name into the draft. The NBA people had said he might go late first round but was likely bound for the second round so Calathes atleast knew he probably was getting drafted. Not so fast my friend.
Calathes decides that it would be a good idea to sign with a pro team in Greece instead because he is a dual citizen with Greece/USA and his family is worried that he might not make the second round of the draft. I really question the excuse of his family wanted to be protected in case Calathes wasnt drafted, I mean the guy probably still gets a Euroleague deal if that happens around the same amount of money.
So whats the real reason? I think he is just settling playing in Greece because he is fimilar with how things work over there and would rather know he is playing every day for the Greek team Panathinaikos. I think the real shitty thing about this all is his agent is trying to snake Calathes' name into the draft even with this signed contract. In my opinion, you made up your mind now
live with the decision.
-Charlie.
He was a pretty solid player in the first two years at Florida and he had a great sophomore campaign so he decided to enter his name into the draft. The NBA people had said he might go late first round but was likely bound for the second round so Calathes atleast knew he probably was getting drafted. Not so fast my friend.
Calathes decides that it would be a good idea to sign with a pro team in Greece instead because he is a dual citizen with Greece/USA and his family is worried that he might not make the second round of the draft. I really question the excuse of his family wanted to be protected in case Calathes wasnt drafted, I mean the guy probably still gets a Euroleague deal if that happens around the same amount of money.
So whats the real reason? I think he is just settling playing in Greece because he is fimilar with how things work over there and would rather know he is playing every day for the Greek team Panathinaikos. I think the real shitty thing about this all is his agent is trying to snake Calathes' name into the draft even with this signed contract. In my opinion, you made up your mind now
live with the decision.
-Charlie.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
College Football Jesus Has Returned
Tim Tebow had the fans of Gainesville on the edge after the Florida Gators won the National Championship and they had a rally after the National Championship where Tebow announced that he was coming back for his senior year.
This move is a great decision by Tebow in an attempt to become the greatest college football player ever if he were to either win another Heisman, another National Championship, or both. Its a scary thought to all fans in of the other teams in the SEC and in the nation for that matter. The Gators are going to be either the number 1 or number 2 team in the nation to start the year. Only team who will be on that level is Texas with Colt McCoy coming back.
Now many people are speculating that big time middle linebacker Brandon Spikes and the most explosive player in college football Percy Harvin considering coming back for another year. That shows how much dedication these guys have to Tebow.
Its the right choice for him to come back because I really believe Tebow could be a late first round early second round pick for some teams if he shows to the pros that he can be more accurate. In my opinion, I believe that Tebow will be an NFL quarterback due to his unreal leadership in the locker room. He should be a quarterback but it would take time.
-Charlie.
This move is a great decision by Tebow in an attempt to become the greatest college football player ever if he were to either win another Heisman, another National Championship, or both. Its a scary thought to all fans in of the other teams in the SEC and in the nation for that matter. The Gators are going to be either the number 1 or number 2 team in the nation to start the year. Only team who will be on that level is Texas with Colt McCoy coming back.
Now many people are speculating that big time middle linebacker Brandon Spikes and the most explosive player in college football Percy Harvin considering coming back for another year. That shows how much dedication these guys have to Tebow.
Its the right choice for him to come back because I really believe Tebow could be a late first round early second round pick for some teams if he shows to the pros that he can be more accurate. In my opinion, I believe that Tebow will be an NFL quarterback due to his unreal leadership in the locker room. He should be a quarterback but it would take time.
-Charlie.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
The National Championship: Oklahoma vs. Florida
What we have all been waiting for. Oklahoma vs. Florida, Bradford vs. Tebow, Big 12 vs. SEC. A lot of people think that they might have to share their national championship with another team if the AP believes so.
The game itself will be a good one but I will pick the Florida Gators for many reasons.
The first reason is Tim Tebow. Say what you you will about Sam Bradford but Tebow will prove that he is the best quarterback on the field tonight. Tebow can do it at all and he is playing with a chip on his shoulder all game long. Tebow wants to show everyone why he was the Heisman last year. He also has Percy Harvin to throw too and he is 90% healthy which as one said "is better than most on the field." Harvin will have a huge game and wants this just as bad as anyone.
The next reason is defense. The Oklahoma defense claims how tired they are of hearing about bad they are but they still have had trouble with teams like Texas, Oklahoma State, and others. Only the Texas Tech game did Oklahoma look like your national champion. Tebow has also seen four of the best twenty defenses in the nation already this year, he knows how to handle this defense. Florida's defense against Oklahoma's offensive line will be the biggest match up but the Sooners have not seen a defense quicker than the Florida's. Brandon Spikes will be all over the Sooner offense. Another big thing is they dont have Demarco Murray and they dont have a two-prong attack.
The final reason is Florida special teams is better than Oklahoma. Many things can be decided on special teams and if one thing can break this game for either teams this will be it. I dont believe we are in for a classic like Miami-Ohio St. or Texas-USC but I do expect a good game.
Florida 45 Oklahoma 35
The game itself will be a good one but I will pick the Florida Gators for many reasons.
The first reason is Tim Tebow. Say what you you will about Sam Bradford but Tebow will prove that he is the best quarterback on the field tonight. Tebow can do it at all and he is playing with a chip on his shoulder all game long. Tebow wants to show everyone why he was the Heisman last year. He also has Percy Harvin to throw too and he is 90% healthy which as one said "is better than most on the field." Harvin will have a huge game and wants this just as bad as anyone.
The next reason is defense. The Oklahoma defense claims how tired they are of hearing about bad they are but they still have had trouble with teams like Texas, Oklahoma State, and others. Only the Texas Tech game did Oklahoma look like your national champion. Tebow has also seen four of the best twenty defenses in the nation already this year, he knows how to handle this defense. Florida's defense against Oklahoma's offensive line will be the biggest match up but the Sooners have not seen a defense quicker than the Florida's. Brandon Spikes will be all over the Sooner offense. Another big thing is they dont have Demarco Murray and they dont have a two-prong attack.
The final reason is Florida special teams is better than Oklahoma. Many things can be decided on special teams and if one thing can break this game for either teams this will be it. I dont believe we are in for a classic like Miami-Ohio St. or Texas-USC but I do expect a good game.
Florida 45 Oklahoma 35
Sunday, November 23, 2008
BCS Gettin' Messy
The new BCS standings have came out today around seven and once again we have some controversy as they rank 1. Alabama, 2. Texas, 3. Oklahoma, 4. Florida, 5. USC.
Now there is a three-way tie for the Big 12 South title and if no one loses their last game then it will be based on the BCS Standings whoever is the highest. As you can see now, its Texas who beat the Sooners by 10 but lost to the Red Raiders. In my opinion, if one team (Oklahoma or Texas) wins by a big amount and the other struggles to win, then its obvious that the team who dominates deserves to play in the Big 12 Championship. Now if both teams win by 10+, I think the team that deserves to play in the Big 12 championship is Texas for the reason I stated above.
Brad Edwards of ESPN.com wrote a great article breaking down the possibilities of still seeing America's favorite Texas Tech Red Raiders in the championship which I had no idea was possible. All that really needs to happen is of course, the Red Raiders beat Baylor, then Oklahoma State beats Oklahoma in Stillwater which is completely possible after the beatdown the Sooners laid on the Red Raiders, a letdown is completely pausable. Also Texas Tech has to get by Missouri in the Big 12 championship game as well.
If this situation happens, I would lose complete hope in the BCS and maybe the United States if USC or Penn State make into the BCS Championship. Granted I like both of those teams but they dont deserve it as much as Texas Tech. I dont care if they got their asses kicked by a whopping forty-four points, they deserve to play if the aforementioned situation occurs.
Another scary situation: What if one of these three loses to Mizzou in the Big 12 Title game? Then does USC (lets remember if the Oregon State Beavers win on Saturday, they are the Pac-10 Champions) or Penn State get in? Or do you allowed the team that didnt play for the Big 12 championship into the mix?
The BCS back again.
-Charlie.
Now there is a three-way tie for the Big 12 South title and if no one loses their last game then it will be based on the BCS Standings whoever is the highest. As you can see now, its Texas who beat the Sooners by 10 but lost to the Red Raiders. In my opinion, if one team (Oklahoma or Texas) wins by a big amount and the other struggles to win, then its obvious that the team who dominates deserves to play in the Big 12 Championship. Now if both teams win by 10+, I think the team that deserves to play in the Big 12 championship is Texas for the reason I stated above.
Brad Edwards of ESPN.com wrote a great article breaking down the possibilities of still seeing America's favorite Texas Tech Red Raiders in the championship which I had no idea was possible. All that really needs to happen is of course, the Red Raiders beat Baylor, then Oklahoma State beats Oklahoma in Stillwater which is completely possible after the beatdown the Sooners laid on the Red Raiders, a letdown is completely pausable. Also Texas Tech has to get by Missouri in the Big 12 championship game as well.
If this situation happens, I would lose complete hope in the BCS and maybe the United States if USC or Penn State make into the BCS Championship. Granted I like both of those teams but they dont deserve it as much as Texas Tech. I dont care if they got their asses kicked by a whopping forty-four points, they deserve to play if the aforementioned situation occurs.
Another scary situation: What if one of these three loses to Mizzou in the Big 12 Title game? Then does USC (lets remember if the Oregon State Beavers win on Saturday, they are the Pac-10 Champions) or Penn State get in? Or do you allowed the team that didnt play for the Big 12 championship into the mix?
The BCS back again.
-Charlie.
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