Sunday, August 31, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Best Damn Predictions in the Land: Big East
Last, not certainly not least, the Big East, where West Virginia feast ...
1.
I feel it in my bones that Bill Stewart will end up being fired from WVU in the next 3 years, but the talent is too good for them to stink this year. The defensive losses could actually allow them to fall to #2, but even USF and Pitt would need help to do it. Pat White/Noel Devine is unfair, and don't forget Terrence Kerns was highly sought after. Who cares if they have unproven WRs, they return every single starting offensive linemen, which means - Pat White, Noel Devine, Jarrett Brown, kitchen sink, all of them running around in different directions. Will the Mountaineers hold anybody under 30 points, though?
2.
I love Pitt this year. They were 2nd in the Big East statistically, which shows they'll improve. They return 15 starters, including Scott McKillop, who James Laurinaitis has wet dreams about. Lesean McCoy, while a bit overrated, is going to reach that level of play this year. Bill Stull or Pat Bostick? Doesn't matter - just get it quickly to McCoy, or Stephens-Howling, or Kinder, or Turner. The offensive line is the big worry - losing Otah and McGlynn to the NFL would bring down any line. Defensively, the only big loss was Joe Clermond who had 10.5 sacks. Greg Romeus will shine, though. The linebackers are sick with McKillop, Murray, and Gunn. The DBs have 2 returning starters, and will need Jovani Chappel to live up to his billing. Overall, Pitt is on the upward trend, and with some bounces, will challenge WVU.
3.
The Bulls could win the Big East, in all reality. They return 10 starters from a potent offense, and I see no reason why they can't improve on their 34.7 points per game. On defense, there are some obvious worries. Ben Moffitt did everything - over 100 tackles, 12 tfl, 5 pbu, 4 INTs, and the mysterious "heart" everyone talks about. They also lose two NFL draft picks from CB in Jenkins and Williams. Buie and Selvie are frightening at DE, and the safeties are very good. If USF can find a stuffer at MLB and some adequate corners, they'll win the conference.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Whether you're a seething Connecticut fan right now, or an appreciative Panther fan, leave feedback.
1.
I feel it in my bones that Bill Stewart will end up being fired from WVU in the next 3 years, but the talent is too good for them to stink this year. The defensive losses could actually allow them to fall to #2, but even USF and Pitt would need help to do it. Pat White/Noel Devine is unfair, and don't forget Terrence Kerns was highly sought after. Who cares if they have unproven WRs, they return every single starting offensive linemen, which means - Pat White, Noel Devine, Jarrett Brown, kitchen sink, all of them running around in different directions. Will the Mountaineers hold anybody under 30 points, though?
2.
I love Pitt this year. They were 2nd in the Big East statistically, which shows they'll improve. They return 15 starters, including Scott McKillop, who James Laurinaitis has wet dreams about. Lesean McCoy, while a bit overrated, is going to reach that level of play this year. Bill Stull or Pat Bostick? Doesn't matter - just get it quickly to McCoy, or Stephens-Howling, or Kinder, or Turner. The offensive line is the big worry - losing Otah and McGlynn to the NFL would bring down any line. Defensively, the only big loss was Joe Clermond who had 10.5 sacks. Greg Romeus will shine, though. The linebackers are sick with McKillop, Murray, and Gunn. The DBs have 2 returning starters, and will need Jovani Chappel to live up to his billing. Overall, Pitt is on the upward trend, and with some bounces, will challenge WVU.
3.
The Bulls could win the Big East, in all reality. They return 10 starters from a potent offense, and I see no reason why they can't improve on their 34.7 points per game. On defense, there are some obvious worries. Ben Moffitt did everything - over 100 tackles, 12 tfl, 5 pbu, 4 INTs, and the mysterious "heart" everyone talks about. They also lose two NFL draft picks from CB in Jenkins and Williams. Buie and Selvie are frightening at DE, and the safeties are very good. If USF can find a stuffer at MLB and some adequate corners, they'll win the conference.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Whether you're a seething Connecticut fan right now, or an appreciative Panther fan, leave feedback.
Best Damn Predictions in the Land: ACC
The worst BCS conference maybe ever? I keed - but it's bad. Here are my predictions.
ACC Atlantic
1.
It won't be close. Everybody wants to talk about Bowden's annual choke job, but this team is too good for him to screw it up. The offensive line is generally issue #1 when talking about Clemson, but they have some inexperienced talent. They return 2 starters, and Jamarcus Grant and Cory Lambert were talented prospects who could show up. Give the ball to Davis and Spiller, and throw smart playaction passes. It's simple! Defensively, nobody will throw on Clemson. They return all 4 starters from the backfield that allowed only 188 yards per game. The front 4 is also stout - Sapp is the pressure end, and the tackles (Jackson and Scott) are very good. The only issue on the defense is at LB - 1 starter returns. Deandre McDaniel played a good amount last year, though, so he should be fine. The schedule is as easy as pie, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Clemson run the table or lose only 1 game.
2.
The 2nd-4th spots in the division are all jumbled and any of the 3 could finish 2nd. I like FSU because their conference schedule is a little more manageable than Maryland's or Wake's. The new coaches from 2007 should start to make their presence known on the field this year. The skill positions are fine on offense, but the OL has 3 holes to fill. Defensively, the passing D needs to improve, whether through better coverage or more QB pressure from the line. I think with FSU's recruiting and 8 starters returning on D, we could see some vintage stout play from the unit. If FSU can steal a home game from VT or Clemson, they'll finish 2nd in the Atlantic.
3.
Maryland and Wake are dead even in my mind, and I like the Terps because they get Wake in College Park. The offense is going to be very very good, and while they'll have to outscore some folks, that's fine with them. They have talent at QB and RB to go along with their proven WR and OL. If they can cut back on the sacks allowed and increase the ypc, they'll be a potent offense. Defensively, they should improve against the rush with 4 of the front 7 returning. The DBs need work, but Friedgen's secondaries always come through.
4.
5.
6.
ACC Coastal
1.
While VT lost a boatload of players to the NFL draft and graduation, the Coastal division isn't ready to take the top spot from the Hokies. While the losses at WR and RB aren't good, the offensive line makes things a bit easier - they return 4 starters. The RB position is stocked with talent, albeit unproven. Sean Glennon will start at QB, with Taylor possibly redshirting. I absolutely hate that idea, though, as a dual QB system works when you have such polar opposite players. The defense returns only 4 starters, but do you really worry about a Bud Foster D? And let me go on record as being the biggest Macho Harris fan outside of Blacksburg. The game at North Carolina will be a real fun one to watch.
2.
I think the margin between the Canes and the Tarheels is paper thin, but UNC has to travel to Coral Gables, so I give Miami the #2 spot for that. Miami still has the talent on defense to be special, and Shannon will get them there. Offensively, they need to take advantage of returning a LT and a RT on the OL by using the speed of James and Cooper on outside runs. The C and Gs are new, so between the tackle rushing may be difficult. The talent is there for Miami to regain some of it's swagger, but they need to beat the Virginias and NC States. No excuses.
3.
The Tarheels were -3 in close games and also have 17 returning starters. Butch Davis has started bringing in great high school talent. While 2008 might still be a year away from contending, they should make a bowl game. The Miami game will decide who finishes 2nd. They return 10 starters on O, but need TJ Yates to improve. If he doesn't, watch for Paulus. The running game needs to take advantage of the talents from Little and Houston. The OL returns 4 guys, but they only paved the way for 3.0 ypc last year. The defense has to replace 3 very good players in Balmer, Taylor, and Mapp, but by sheer numbers, they should be okay.
4.
5.
6.
Duke fan? All 1 of you - leave feedback. Cutcliffe has his hands full, but watch what they do this year.
ACC Atlantic
1.
It won't be close. Everybody wants to talk about Bowden's annual choke job, but this team is too good for him to screw it up. The offensive line is generally issue #1 when talking about Clemson, but they have some inexperienced talent. They return 2 starters, and Jamarcus Grant and Cory Lambert were talented prospects who could show up. Give the ball to Davis and Spiller, and throw smart playaction passes. It's simple! Defensively, nobody will throw on Clemson. They return all 4 starters from the backfield that allowed only 188 yards per game. The front 4 is also stout - Sapp is the pressure end, and the tackles (Jackson and Scott) are very good. The only issue on the defense is at LB - 1 starter returns. Deandre McDaniel played a good amount last year, though, so he should be fine. The schedule is as easy as pie, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Clemson run the table or lose only 1 game.
2.
The 2nd-4th spots in the division are all jumbled and any of the 3 could finish 2nd. I like FSU because their conference schedule is a little more manageable than Maryland's or Wake's. The new coaches from 2007 should start to make their presence known on the field this year. The skill positions are fine on offense, but the OL has 3 holes to fill. Defensively, the passing D needs to improve, whether through better coverage or more QB pressure from the line. I think with FSU's recruiting and 8 starters returning on D, we could see some vintage stout play from the unit. If FSU can steal a home game from VT or Clemson, they'll finish 2nd in the Atlantic.
3.
Maryland and Wake are dead even in my mind, and I like the Terps because they get Wake in College Park. The offense is going to be very very good, and while they'll have to outscore some folks, that's fine with them. They have talent at QB and RB to go along with their proven WR and OL. If they can cut back on the sacks allowed and increase the ypc, they'll be a potent offense. Defensively, they should improve against the rush with 4 of the front 7 returning. The DBs need work, but Friedgen's secondaries always come through.
4.
5.
6.
ACC Coastal
1.
While VT lost a boatload of players to the NFL draft and graduation, the Coastal division isn't ready to take the top spot from the Hokies. While the losses at WR and RB aren't good, the offensive line makes things a bit easier - they return 4 starters. The RB position is stocked with talent, albeit unproven. Sean Glennon will start at QB, with Taylor possibly redshirting. I absolutely hate that idea, though, as a dual QB system works when you have such polar opposite players. The defense returns only 4 starters, but do you really worry about a Bud Foster D? And let me go on record as being the biggest Macho Harris fan outside of Blacksburg. The game at North Carolina will be a real fun one to watch.
2.
I think the margin between the Canes and the Tarheels is paper thin, but UNC has to travel to Coral Gables, so I give Miami the #2 spot for that. Miami still has the talent on defense to be special, and Shannon will get them there. Offensively, they need to take advantage of returning a LT and a RT on the OL by using the speed of James and Cooper on outside runs. The C and Gs are new, so between the tackle rushing may be difficult. The talent is there for Miami to regain some of it's swagger, but they need to beat the Virginias and NC States. No excuses.
3.
The Tarheels were -3 in close games and also have 17 returning starters. Butch Davis has started bringing in great high school talent. While 2008 might still be a year away from contending, they should make a bowl game. The Miami game will decide who finishes 2nd. They return 10 starters on O, but need TJ Yates to improve. If he doesn't, watch for Paulus. The running game needs to take advantage of the talents from Little and Houston. The OL returns 4 guys, but they only paved the way for 3.0 ypc last year. The defense has to replace 3 very good players in Balmer, Taylor, and Mapp, but by sheer numbers, they should be okay.
4.
5.
6.
Duke fan? All 1 of you - leave feedback. Cutcliffe has his hands full, but watch what they do this year.
Best Damn Predictions in the Land: Pac 10
Last year, the Pac 10 was the 2nd best conference in America, but with graduation, they've become the 3rd this season (rebuilding, if you will).
Here are my predictions for the hardest conference to predict.
1.
The Trojans are always written down as #1, in ink no less, in the Pac 10. Sure, they had the biggest losses across the country to the draft, but who cares? They have raw talent in every direction, and it continues to come. The defense last year was incredible, and it could be better this year, even after losing Rivers, Ellis, and Jackson. They certainly won't be passed against. So, you're an opposing Pac 10 OC, and you have to run against them - have fun getting by Maualuga and Cushing. The offense, on the other hand, is worrisome. Sure, you expect WRs Hazelton and Turner to put it all together, and you have 72 running backs who were Parade All-Americans. But the two very serious concerns are quarterback, and more importantly, the offensive line. They return 1 starter, but have loads of talent waiting. Still, it takes time to adjust to playing every snap in serious college football. I think, in the end, they'll be fine, but growing pains will happen early. Not a pleasant thought when they go: v. Ohio State, BYE, @ Oregon State, v. Oregon, v. Arizona State. Yikes.
2.
The middle tier of the Pac 10 is probably the most intriguing aspect of college football for me each year. Last year, I told you Oregon and ASU would be much improved, and they were. This year, it's much more difficult to say. Oregon lost Dixon and Stewart, but return a star WR and a solid backup RB in Jeremiah Johnson. Plus, they have 3 good offensive linemen returning. However, the way they win this year is through defense. The front 4 produced last year and should be just as good this year. The defensive backfield is no doubt going to be one of the best in the conference, after a subpar 2007. They need MLB John Bacon to return to full form after his injury last year. They could easily finish 6th as they could finish 2nd.
3.
Again, they could finish 2nd-6th, but I like what the defense returns. They only generated 22 sacks last year, but they bring back 3 of their 4 starting DL with some talented backups. The linebackers are the 2nd best in the conference, but the defensive backs have to replace 2 starters, including Decoud, a draft pick. The offense will improve on Riley's mobility alone. Longshore was a statue with a slow release. They return 3 OL with a super super super fast back in Jahvid Best. Tedford will need to run more early while they break in 3 new starting receivers. I can't stress enough how volatile the 2nd tier of the Pac 10 is this year.
4.
I really wanted to put the Sun Devils at #2, but the signs for regression are too plentiful. They were +3 in close games, lost a bit to the draft, and were 5th in the conference statistically. However, defense wins in the Pac 10, and the Devils have some. It's going to take time for Erickson to infuse talent into the defense, but the guys on hand can get some things done. They need more QB pressure, and should get it with 3 of 4 DL returning. They return 2 starting LB, but the group lacks athleticism. The DBs must replace 2 draft picks, and they have to do it with little talent. Offensively, anytime you return a senior QB the level of Carpenter, you have to be happy. Still, Torain is a big loss, but Herring can handle the load. The receivers look fine, but the offensive line needs to replace 3 starters. The OL is another place where Erickson needs to find talent. ASU could be anywhere from 2nd-5th.
5.
This spot was between UCLA and Arizona, and it was a very difficult decision. Ultimately, I gave the decision to the better defensive team. UCLA, for all the offensive headaches, will have a stout defense (and defense wins in the P10). UCLA has a good front 7, which will hide some issues in the secondary. CB Alterraun Verner is a future player on Sundays, but the other CB spot and both safeties have new starters. On offense, they just need to feed the ball to Bell and Co. and pass from 3 step drops to talented receivers. The offensive line is so thin and bad, they can't consistently hold DLs for 5-7 step drops. I say run quick slants, quick hitches, and screens to get the ball out fast.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
It's weird - the 2nd-7th place teams could all be shuffled around, and the 8th-10th could be in any order. The Pac 10's year to year changes are insane.
Here are my predictions for the hardest conference to predict.
1.
The Trojans are always written down as #1, in ink no less, in the Pac 10. Sure, they had the biggest losses across the country to the draft, but who cares? They have raw talent in every direction, and it continues to come. The defense last year was incredible, and it could be better this year, even after losing Rivers, Ellis, and Jackson. They certainly won't be passed against. So, you're an opposing Pac 10 OC, and you have to run against them - have fun getting by Maualuga and Cushing. The offense, on the other hand, is worrisome. Sure, you expect WRs Hazelton and Turner to put it all together, and you have 72 running backs who were Parade All-Americans. But the two very serious concerns are quarterback, and more importantly, the offensive line. They return 1 starter, but have loads of talent waiting. Still, it takes time to adjust to playing every snap in serious college football. I think, in the end, they'll be fine, but growing pains will happen early. Not a pleasant thought when they go: v. Ohio State, BYE, @ Oregon State, v. Oregon, v. Arizona State. Yikes.
2.
The middle tier of the Pac 10 is probably the most intriguing aspect of college football for me each year. Last year, I told you Oregon and ASU would be much improved, and they were. This year, it's much more difficult to say. Oregon lost Dixon and Stewart, but return a star WR and a solid backup RB in Jeremiah Johnson. Plus, they have 3 good offensive linemen returning. However, the way they win this year is through defense. The front 4 produced last year and should be just as good this year. The defensive backfield is no doubt going to be one of the best in the conference, after a subpar 2007. They need MLB John Bacon to return to full form after his injury last year. They could easily finish 6th as they could finish 2nd.
3.
Again, they could finish 2nd-6th, but I like what the defense returns. They only generated 22 sacks last year, but they bring back 3 of their 4 starting DL with some talented backups. The linebackers are the 2nd best in the conference, but the defensive backs have to replace 2 starters, including Decoud, a draft pick. The offense will improve on Riley's mobility alone. Longshore was a statue with a slow release. They return 3 OL with a super super super fast back in Jahvid Best. Tedford will need to run more early while they break in 3 new starting receivers. I can't stress enough how volatile the 2nd tier of the Pac 10 is this year.
4.
I really wanted to put the Sun Devils at #2, but the signs for regression are too plentiful. They were +3 in close games, lost a bit to the draft, and were 5th in the conference statistically. However, defense wins in the Pac 10, and the Devils have some. It's going to take time for Erickson to infuse talent into the defense, but the guys on hand can get some things done. They need more QB pressure, and should get it with 3 of 4 DL returning. They return 2 starting LB, but the group lacks athleticism. The DBs must replace 2 draft picks, and they have to do it with little talent. Offensively, anytime you return a senior QB the level of Carpenter, you have to be happy. Still, Torain is a big loss, but Herring can handle the load. The receivers look fine, but the offensive line needs to replace 3 starters. The OL is another place where Erickson needs to find talent. ASU could be anywhere from 2nd-5th.
5.
This spot was between UCLA and Arizona, and it was a very difficult decision. Ultimately, I gave the decision to the better defensive team. UCLA, for all the offensive headaches, will have a stout defense (and defense wins in the P10). UCLA has a good front 7, which will hide some issues in the secondary. CB Alterraun Verner is a future player on Sundays, but the other CB spot and both safeties have new starters. On offense, they just need to feed the ball to Bell and Co. and pass from 3 step drops to talented receivers. The offensive line is so thin and bad, they can't consistently hold DLs for 5-7 step drops. I say run quick slants, quick hitches, and screens to get the ball out fast.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
It's weird - the 2nd-7th place teams could all be shuffled around, and the 8th-10th could be in any order. The Pac 10's year to year changes are insane.
Best Damn Predictions in the Land: Big 12
Keep rollin rollin rollin rollin rollin rollin.....
Here are my Big 12 (#2 conference in 2008) predictions for this season.
Big 12 South
1.
This Oklahoma team is stacked and has the schedule set up just right. There are worries at LB and DB for the Sooners, but the sick talent on the defensive line will allow the raw talent in the back 7 to make plays. The Sooner defense has VHTs (Steele TM) all over the place, so it's a matter of time before they explode. Offensively, they are just sick. Sam Bradford was the best QB in the nation last year, and he has playmakers everywhere ... again. Murray and Brown are both battle tested, plus Jermie Calhoun and Justin Johnson are super frosh. All of these things are going to be fine behind an entire returning offensive line where 3 of them made either 1st or 2nd Team All Big 12. Loadholt and Robinson are 1st round talents, and Walker, Cooper, and Braxton are draft picks, possibly 1st day ... and all are seniors. If they can win the annual showdown with Texas (they will) and stay focused on the road, they'll play for the national title.
2.
Did you know Tech actually ranked 2nd statistically in Big 12 play last year? Some people have pegged them as surprise B12 South champs, but they don't have the same talent as OU in the trenches. Everybody knows about the offense, and it returns 10 starters. The pass defense for Tech was good last year, mainly because everybody ran it down their throat. They only generated 25 sacks and were -5 in turnover margin. Normally, with 8 returning starters, you'd expect improvement. However, TT doesn't have a lot of raw talent on hand on defense. Yes, those players will be a little better, but enough to take over the South? I don't think so. They have to travel to Norman, and it could decide the division.
3.
With the addition of Will Muschamp, the Longhorns could jump above Tech for #2 this year. However, I'm still not sold on Colt McCoy, and I think his struggles will continue. The loss of Jamaal Charles will also be felt, but it's hard to ignore the masses of highly touted players they have on the roster. Same deal with the defense - only 4 returning starters, but VHTs (Steele TM) EVERYWHERE. I think Deon Beasley is a star in the making, but the defense will need another year before it's dominant. 2009 could be a very special season for the Horns, but be patient through a 9-3 (6-2) season.
4.
5.
6.
Big 12 North
1.
Normally when a team comes out of nowhere (I predicted it last year though), they regress the next year. Not Missouri, though. They were the #1 team statistically in the Big 12 and lost little to the draft. A couple points of concern are the +13 in turnovers (signals a regression) and +2 in close games (signals a regression). However, at worst they'll lose 2 games in a mediocre North division. Tony Temple was better than people thought, and Franklin and Rucker were very good targets for Daniel. They return 10 of their top 11 tacklers, so the defense will improve, too. However, they generated only 30 sacks last year, and lose 6.5 with the graduation of Lorenzo Williams. William Moore is a stud at safety, but for the secondary's sake, the pass rush needs to get there.
2.
I really wanted to put Kansas at #3, but I couldn't. Just know this: they are going to lose at least 4 games overall, and probably 3 in conference. Their schedule is exponentially more difficult than a year ago: @ Oklahoma, @ Nebraska, v. Missouri, v. Texas, v. Texas Tech. They MIGHT lose 4 conference games. But I have to give them the benefit of the doubt. They return 6 starters from a potent offense, but they lose two 2-year starters from the line and a productive RB in McAnderson. Reesing will certainly regress, too. The defense returns 9 starters and 8 of their top 10 tacklers. Still, their +21 in turnovers and +3 in close games are two red flags.
3.
I originally had the Huskers pegged for #2, but that defense still scares the crap out of me. It will take more than 1 season for Bo Pelini to fix it. The offense should remain very good, and with a bit more rushing offense, it can keep the defense off the field. The biggest thing for the Huskers is to improve on the awful 13 sacks it produced on defense last year. You could have Champ Bailey, Deangelo Hall, Bob Sanders, and Adrian Wilson in the backfield and still get torched when you don't get pressure on the QB. Luckily, the Huskers return all 4 starting defensive linemen, and they're talented. Pelini can generate a pass rush with these guys. Still, 3-5/4-4 is probably the end result.
4.
5.
6.
If you're a Colorado fan, you'll probably leave feedback.
Here are my Big 12 (#2 conference in 2008) predictions for this season.
Big 12 South
1.
This Oklahoma team is stacked and has the schedule set up just right. There are worries at LB and DB for the Sooners, but the sick talent on the defensive line will allow the raw talent in the back 7 to make plays. The Sooner defense has VHTs (Steele TM) all over the place, so it's a matter of time before they explode. Offensively, they are just sick. Sam Bradford was the best QB in the nation last year, and he has playmakers everywhere ... again. Murray and Brown are both battle tested, plus Jermie Calhoun and Justin Johnson are super frosh. All of these things are going to be fine behind an entire returning offensive line where 3 of them made either 1st or 2nd Team All Big 12. Loadholt and Robinson are 1st round talents, and Walker, Cooper, and Braxton are draft picks, possibly 1st day ... and all are seniors. If they can win the annual showdown with Texas (they will) and stay focused on the road, they'll play for the national title.
2.
Did you know Tech actually ranked 2nd statistically in Big 12 play last year? Some people have pegged them as surprise B12 South champs, but they don't have the same talent as OU in the trenches. Everybody knows about the offense, and it returns 10 starters. The pass defense for Tech was good last year, mainly because everybody ran it down their throat. They only generated 25 sacks and were -5 in turnover margin. Normally, with 8 returning starters, you'd expect improvement. However, TT doesn't have a lot of raw talent on hand on defense. Yes, those players will be a little better, but enough to take over the South? I don't think so. They have to travel to Norman, and it could decide the division.
3.
With the addition of Will Muschamp, the Longhorns could jump above Tech for #2 this year. However, I'm still not sold on Colt McCoy, and I think his struggles will continue. The loss of Jamaal Charles will also be felt, but it's hard to ignore the masses of highly touted players they have on the roster. Same deal with the defense - only 4 returning starters, but VHTs (Steele TM) EVERYWHERE. I think Deon Beasley is a star in the making, but the defense will need another year before it's dominant. 2009 could be a very special season for the Horns, but be patient through a 9-3 (6-2) season.
4.
5.
6.
Big 12 North
1.
Normally when a team comes out of nowhere (I predicted it last year though), they regress the next year. Not Missouri, though. They were the #1 team statistically in the Big 12 and lost little to the draft. A couple points of concern are the +13 in turnovers (signals a regression) and +2 in close games (signals a regression). However, at worst they'll lose 2 games in a mediocre North division. Tony Temple was better than people thought, and Franklin and Rucker were very good targets for Daniel. They return 10 of their top 11 tacklers, so the defense will improve, too. However, they generated only 30 sacks last year, and lose 6.5 with the graduation of Lorenzo Williams. William Moore is a stud at safety, but for the secondary's sake, the pass rush needs to get there.
2.
I really wanted to put Kansas at #3, but I couldn't. Just know this: they are going to lose at least 4 games overall, and probably 3 in conference. Their schedule is exponentially more difficult than a year ago: @ Oklahoma, @ Nebraska, v. Missouri, v. Texas, v. Texas Tech. They MIGHT lose 4 conference games. But I have to give them the benefit of the doubt. They return 6 starters from a potent offense, but they lose two 2-year starters from the line and a productive RB in McAnderson. Reesing will certainly regress, too. The defense returns 9 starters and 8 of their top 10 tacklers. Still, their +21 in turnovers and +3 in close games are two red flags.
3.
I originally had the Huskers pegged for #2, but that defense still scares the crap out of me. It will take more than 1 season for Bo Pelini to fix it. The offense should remain very good, and with a bit more rushing offense, it can keep the defense off the field. The biggest thing for the Huskers is to improve on the awful 13 sacks it produced on defense last year. You could have Champ Bailey, Deangelo Hall, Bob Sanders, and Adrian Wilson in the backfield and still get torched when you don't get pressure on the QB. Luckily, the Huskers return all 4 starting defensive linemen, and they're talented. Pelini can generate a pass rush with these guys. Still, 3-5/4-4 is probably the end result.
4.
5.
6.
If you're a Colorado fan, you'll probably leave feedback.
Best Damn Predictions in the Land: Big 10
We're speeding this up because the GAMES START TONIGHT! The wait is over for football season - thank the Lord.
Here are my predictions for the final Big 10 standings.
1.
I'm not sure anybody could make a case for a team not named Ohio State for #1. Fans across the South have mercilessly mentioned that they think Ohio State is a fraud, but I don't buy it. Ohio State will make a run for the national title this year because this team is very, very good. They may lose a game or two in the conference, but they'll win the Big 10 easily.
2.
Losing Anthony Morelli is addition by subtraction, and Pat Devlin gives them the mobile QB they need. The defensive line losses this summer make me a little worried about this prediction, but they had such amazing depth to begin with. The young stable of running backs should be electric while dynamic. It's time for the big 3 (Williams, Butler, Norwood) to live up to expectations. I think Penn State will run the table at home in conference, and lose 2 road games to Wisconsin and Ohio State. The games at Purdue and versus Illinois/Michigan State will determine where State finishes.
3.
The Spartans are my #1 surprise team of 2008. They return, in my opinion, the best running back in the country in Javon Ringer, an underrated QB in Brian Hoyer, and 3 offensive linemen. They have some questions at wide receiver, but Mark Dantonio offenses at Cincinnati always threw the ball well. The defense needs to improve against the pass, and I think they will with 3 returning starters in the back. The Spartans won't get 40 sacks again, especially after losing 18.5 from Baldwin and Saint-Dic. However, as with the offensive pass game, Dantonio can find defense. He's one of the most underrated coaches in the country, and will be a hot commodity in the next few. The schedule helps Sparty. They get Wisconsin and Ohio State at home (win 1!) and they can beat Michigan on the road. I see 2-3 conference losses for the Spartans.
4.
The Badgers are getting a lot of preseason hype, and I can see why with 17 returning staters. They have 4 returning OL and 3 returning DL, so the trenches are well stocked. Honestly, I think Wisconsin could be anywhere from 1-4 in these predictions. I think they lose @ Michigan St, @ Michigan, and v. Ohio State. That would be 5-3 and a tie with Sparty. I'm fairly worried about their QB situation, but does it matter? Line up, give PJ Hill, John Clay, Zach Brown, and Lance Smith the ball, score. The end.
5.
I'm a big fan of the Illini. I was a Rashard Mendenhall fan in the summer of 07 and predicted a huge year for him. I was right. Illinois lived above expectations, though. They finished 3rd in the Big 10, but were 6th statistically. That's not a good sign. They lose THE reason they won so many games - Mendenhall. Juice Williams has potential, but he isn't the passer he needs to be. Benn and Co. at WR will be great, and they return 3 starters on the OL. If Dufrene can give them 1,000 yards, they should be formidable. Defensively, it's a mixed bag. They return Vontae Davis, superstar in the making, but lose J Leman and two other top tacklers. All told, they lose 5 of their top 7 tacklers, which never bodes well. The defensive line returns almost all their sacks, and Will Davis is a star. Illinois, with increased security from Juice and a solid year from Dufrene, could finish as high as #2 in the conference.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Leave feedback if you feel it's interesting.
Here are my predictions for the final Big 10 standings.
1.
I'm not sure anybody could make a case for a team not named Ohio State for #1. Fans across the South have mercilessly mentioned that they think Ohio State is a fraud, but I don't buy it. Ohio State will make a run for the national title this year because this team is very, very good. They may lose a game or two in the conference, but they'll win the Big 10 easily.
2.
Losing Anthony Morelli is addition by subtraction, and Pat Devlin gives them the mobile QB they need. The defensive line losses this summer make me a little worried about this prediction, but they had such amazing depth to begin with. The young stable of running backs should be electric while dynamic. It's time for the big 3 (Williams, Butler, Norwood) to live up to expectations. I think Penn State will run the table at home in conference, and lose 2 road games to Wisconsin and Ohio State. The games at Purdue and versus Illinois/Michigan State will determine where State finishes.
3.
The Spartans are my #1 surprise team of 2008. They return, in my opinion, the best running back in the country in Javon Ringer, an underrated QB in Brian Hoyer, and 3 offensive linemen. They have some questions at wide receiver, but Mark Dantonio offenses at Cincinnati always threw the ball well. The defense needs to improve against the pass, and I think they will with 3 returning starters in the back. The Spartans won't get 40 sacks again, especially after losing 18.5 from Baldwin and Saint-Dic. However, as with the offensive pass game, Dantonio can find defense. He's one of the most underrated coaches in the country, and will be a hot commodity in the next few. The schedule helps Sparty. They get Wisconsin and Ohio State at home (win 1!) and they can beat Michigan on the road. I see 2-3 conference losses for the Spartans.
4.
The Badgers are getting a lot of preseason hype, and I can see why with 17 returning staters. They have 4 returning OL and 3 returning DL, so the trenches are well stocked. Honestly, I think Wisconsin could be anywhere from 1-4 in these predictions. I think they lose @ Michigan St, @ Michigan, and v. Ohio State. That would be 5-3 and a tie with Sparty. I'm fairly worried about their QB situation, but does it matter? Line up, give PJ Hill, John Clay, Zach Brown, and Lance Smith the ball, score. The end.
5.
I'm a big fan of the Illini. I was a Rashard Mendenhall fan in the summer of 07 and predicted a huge year for him. I was right. Illinois lived above expectations, though. They finished 3rd in the Big 10, but were 6th statistically. That's not a good sign. They lose THE reason they won so many games - Mendenhall. Juice Williams has potential, but he isn't the passer he needs to be. Benn and Co. at WR will be great, and they return 3 starters on the OL. If Dufrene can give them 1,000 yards, they should be formidable. Defensively, it's a mixed bag. They return Vontae Davis, superstar in the making, but lose J Leman and two other top tacklers. All told, they lose 5 of their top 7 tacklers, which never bodes well. The defensive line returns almost all their sacks, and Will Davis is a star. Illinois, with increased security from Juice and a solid year from Dufrene, could finish as high as #2 in the conference.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Leave feedback if you feel it's interesting.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)