LOCK IT UP - College Football - 2009 Season/2010 Off-Season

[ddot7]

Yeah, mostly because we play them in the next to last week in Winston-Salem and our bye is after week 3. Schedule kinda sucks (yeah, I know the ACC is weak) because we've gotta play at Auburn, at UNC, at BC (long travel), at FSU, at Wake.

Only good thing is the rest of our OOC schedule is weak: North Texas, Presbyterian, South Carolina...I think they're all 1-AA teams.

Losing CJ and Jacoby, I think it's gonna be a rough season. I'm way more confident in Dabo and our OC, Billy Napier, but it's gonna be way tougher without those dudes. We'll have to see if Kyle Parker gets drafted high in baseball and sticks around.

 

[ThaxbyChamblis]

Kyle Parker is gone bro, you know it, I know it, Dabo knows it and KP knows it. Clemson's run game is gonna be

bext year since w/ no KP they are going to run even more.

Wake will be interesting to watch because Grobe said they're not going to throw as much as they did w/ Riley Skinner. They're gonna go back to a heavy dose of the running game. More WR involvement in the run game like they did w/ Kenny Moore. Screens, short passing game, etc. None of the QB's threw well in the Spring game

 

[gunna get it]

Givens is gonna be an ANIMAL on them reverses and screens

 (SET UP IS SO FRESH)

 

[after h0urs]

Jalen Grimble to USC

 

[5am6oody72]

Originally Posted by GUNNA GET IT

any ACC fans worried about Wake Forest ?

Skylar is taking over the QB spot and he is a RGIII sprinter and it will be interesting to see his QB-ing skills cus hes got some nice WRs ...

I hope he puts on a show

at the ACC potentially fielding Jacory, Skylar, T-Mobile, Tahj, Ponder & Russell 

Swear to god, I am looking forward to those Noon ACC games

I'm not really worried about them but I wouldn't be shocked if we lost to them. That might change if they start out 3-3 or something though.

And yea, QB play in the ACC is gonna be top notch this year. I think Ponder is gonna be the best, with Tyrod, Jacory, and Wilson being right behind. From what I've seen this sprig Tyrod should have a great year throwing the ball.

 

[elpablo21]

Quarterback U.

 

[after h0urs]

Dillon Baxter's line @ spring scrimmage:
13-129, 1 TD

Allen Bradford and D.Bax rotation 

 

[juicy j 32]

Those matte black helmets Oregon has are nasty.

 

[wraith aka invincible]

Bleacherreports: 10 college football offenses that could bore you to tears

Spoiler

Spoiler

Spoiler [+]

Spoiler

Lsu Tigers

Quarterback Jordan Jefferson and the Bayou Bengals offense had a rough go of it last season. Now, a year older and with considerably more experience, there’s reason to believe that LSU could do better than ranking 99th overall in total offense as they were for most of ’09.

With more inexperience returning at running back, however, there’s almost as much reason to believe they’ll stay right where they are on the offensive side of the ball. Some question whether Jefferson is even capable of playing quarterback in the SEC.

Of course, some question whether Les Miles can coach there as well.

Iowa hawkeyes

Quarterback Ricky Stanzi doesn’t exactly inspire confidence, even in the Hawkeye faithful. And face it, there were times last season when you wondered how in the world this team could be undefeated. Then Stanzi went down, and Iowa lost.

With a full season from RB Adam Robinson, the Hawkeyes could be better, but Iowa has never been known to wow anyone on offense.

Plus, it’s the Big Ten. If you can grind it out on offense and play great defense, you can be the greatest team Kirk Herbstreit has ever seen.

Oklahoma state cowboys

No team loses their top three offensive skill players (WR Dez Bryant, QB Zac Robinson, and RB Keith Toston) and gets better on offense.

Compare what is left over on offense in Stillwater to the rest of the conference—Oklahoma, Texas, and Texas A&M—and you’ll see how ugly things could get for the Cowboys this season.

Maybe even uglier than Deion Sanders costing you a shot at a Heisman and your team a shot at a Big 12 title.

Nebraska cornhuskers

Zac Lee is on his last leg as Nebraska quarterback. Should a change take place soon, the ‘Huskers could make their way off this list. But even then, his replacement will have limited experience and there are no amazing running backs or wide receivers on this team.

Bo Pelini was given the task of returning the glory to Nebraska by starting with the Blackshirts on defense. If the ‘Huskers want to take the next step in becoming a power program again in 2010, the offense will have to get better quickly.

Of course when your program's claim to offensive fame is option football, "entertaining offense" becomes a relative term.

Ole miss rebels

Dexter McCluster and Shay Hodge are gone—long gone, as a matter of fact. Someone tricked that poor sap, QB Jevan Snead into entering the draft a year early as well.

That should make Houston Nutt’s third season in Oxford a rather trying one, to say the least.

The Rebels weren’t awesome on offense by any stretch of the imagination in ’09 thanks to Snead’s lack of decision making ability. But McCluster was the spark plug that ignited the fire every time a flame was needed. Without him, things could get ugly, fast.

South carolina gamecocks

Gone are the days when the ole' ball coach ruled the SEC with an iron fist.

The Gamecocks faithful still expect Stephen Garcia to finally turn it around. The rest of the SEC faithful sit back and laugh at the notion. It’s not going to happen, folks.

Even Steve Spurrier realizes it. Now, the ‘Cocks have more potential around Garcia than most of these teams have, but given what they’ve shown the last four years, don’t count on big numbers from this squad.

North carolina tarheels

TJ Yates is about to be benched, finally...or is he? Depends on who you ask in Chapel Hill. The main man, head coach Butch Davis, says TJ is the ‘Heels quarterback. No one else is committed to that, however.

Lucky for UNC, their defense is going to be off the chain. But if Yates is allowed to undermine the offensive efforts on this team, that defense might have to try to be the best ever.

Minnesota Golden gophers

Head coach Tim Brewster may finally have worn out his welcome in Minnesota. If senior QB Adam Weber continues to build on his 42 career interceptions, expect Brewster's stay to be officially in jeopardy.
Maybe it's the fact that his top two RBs combined for only 743 yards in 2010 that will get him canned. Either way, Gopher fans, the process is going to bore the snot out of you, if the cold doesn't get you first

Ucla Bruins

Word has it the new "Pistol Formation" that worked so well at times for Alabama in '09 is being implemented into the Bruins' offense. Of course, reports are that it's being used for self-inflicted wounds rather than an offensive weapon at this point.

After enduring two sub-par offensive seasons at UCLA, the natives might get restless with another terrible showing on that side of the ball. Kevin Prince has to perform much better and stay healthier than he did in '09.

But the offensive line is where this team's make-or-break offense will be made or broken.

Tenn Volunteers

Speaking of offensive lines, Tennessee's might be the most precarious in the nation. Zero starters return from last year's unit, and among the projected 2010 starters are three career backups, a converted D-lineman, and a true freshman.

Not to mention the quarterback job is going to be won by either a true freshman or a juco transfer.

In the Vols' spring game there was a total of 23 points scored. The defense was in the offensive backfield all day long. I, along with 15,000 other fans, was bored enough with the lack of production that we left the game before the fourth quarter.

Derek Dooley's first year in Knoxville promises to be a trying one.

 

[gunna get it]

there is absolutely no way humanly possible that OKie States offense will be boring.

Did they really list Keith Toston as Okie St leading RB?

how bout Kendall Hunter 2 yrs removed from that knee surgery.

Brandon Weeden is a Chris Weinke 30 yr old QB mannnnn the Cowboys are going to be straight

 

[newbs24]

Dillon Baxter can go to hell

 

[brian cushing]

Mustain balled out yesterday at the scrimmage. 5 TDs.
Jurrell Casey was sent to the showers after laying a hit on Barkley

 

[gunna get it]

Originally Posted by Brian Cushing

Mustain balled out yesterday at the scrimmage. 5 TDs.
Jurrell Casey was sent to the showers after laying a hit on Barkley

I heard...

Barkley gonna be okay? heard he injured his throwing hand on the play.
  

 

[brian cushing]

Yeah I think he's gonna be fine. He threw a little after, but decided to ice it and sit out the rest of scrimmage. Just precautionary measures.

 

[Retroballer]

Originally Posted by Brian Cushing

Mustain balled out yesterday at the scrimmage. 5 TDs.

The movement continues

 

[scott frost]

The movement will be forever moving. Do it Mitch.............

 

[ThaxbyChamblis]

Originally Posted by Brian Cushing

Mustain balled out yesterday at the scrimmage. 5 TDs.
Jurrell Casey was sent to the showers after laying a hit on Barkley

 

[youngcfromthad]

Originally Posted by Newbs24

Dillon Baxter can go to hell

 

[zs05wc]

Originally Posted by YoungCFromThaD

Originally Posted by Newbs24

Dillon Baxter can go to hell

You guys didnt really think he was gonna come to UofM did you?  I was hoping we'd get Sean  Parker over him, esp now that it looks like Dorsey isn't going to qualify.

 

[ThaxbyChamblis]

[h1]Not saying that all these articles are good but...Meh, ain't %%!% else to talk about

[/h1][h1]Five College Football Teams That Could Surprise in 2010[/h1]

Spoiler

Spoiler

Spoiler [+]

Spoiler

[h1]Five College Football Teams That Could Surprise in 2010[/h1]
by
Jeffrey Fann
Written on May 02, 2010

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

I'mgoing to be putting together a little two-part series in the next fewdays starting with "What 5 teams could surprise you in 2010," and I'llfollow that with "What 5 teams could disappoint you in 2010." Inaddition, check out my post spring top 25  at my blog All About Sports which I also featured here at B/R.

North Carolina Tar Heels 

The Tar Heels went 8-5 lastseason. It was a roller coaster of a year for Butch Davis' bunch whowere good enough to beat Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, but bad enough tolose to Virginia at home. Davis isn't in any trouble, but Heel fans aregetting a little frustrated, as Virginia Tech keeps winning, GeorgiaTech is coming off an ACC Title, and Miami looks improved. It's timefor Heels to move forward or get out of the way.

Why they might surprise:

It's the defense, thedefense and more defense. All five North Carolina's All-ACC Juniorsdecided to return for their senior seasons. This is from a defense thatranked sixth in the country last year. DE Robert Quinn is a star in themaking. This should be a dominant unit. If they can get any kind ofconsistency from the offense, which was pretty bad last year, the Heelscan challenge the upper echelon of the ACC for a division title. Thekey will be QB T.J Yates or whomever ends up playing quarterback. TheHeels need better production from that position.

Georgia Bulldogs

Last season was considered adisappointment in Athens. The Dawgs finished the season 8-5, but neededlate season wins over Georgia Tech and Texas A&M to salvage eventhat. No one is calling for Coach Mark Richt's head. Like Butch Davisat UNC, Bulldog fans are getting a little restless. There are evenwhispers that the program is in decline.

Why they might surprise:

The schedule helps a lot this year.Mississippi State replaces LSU, and the non-conference games are IdahoState, Louisiana-Lafayette, Colorado instead of Oklahoma State,Tennessee Tech, and Arizona State. That's at least one more andprobably two more wins right there. Also, the defense should improvewith the hiring of Todd Grantham from the Dallas Cowboys. The offensiveline will be one of the SEC's best, and of course, playmaking WR A.J.Green is back. In addition, the SEC East doesn't look very daunting.Even Florida has question marks. There are quarterback issues to besorted out, but with a few breaks, this team can win 10 games andcontend for a SEC East title.

Iowa Hawkeyes

The Hawkeyes were one of the most physicalteams in the country last year; just ask Penn State and Georgia Tech.They started the year 9-0, and finished the season 11-2 and an OrangeBowl win.

Why they might surprise:

Iowa will probably open theseason in the top 10, so a good season is not unexpected. What might beis a national title game appearance and Big 10 title. Iowa is my earlysleeper pick to get there to the title game. The defense should againbe one of the best in the country. QB Ricky Stanzi is back, and theHawkeyes didn't lose a game he finished last year. All of Iowa'stoughest games are at home. Penn St., Ohio St, and Wisconsin all cometo Kinneck stadium. If Iowa finishes the season in the top 50 inoffense and scoring they are an 11-1 or 12-0 team.

Stanford Cardinal

Jim Harbaugh is buildingsomething special at Stanford. In 2009 the Cardinal went 8-5, includinga 55-21 massacre of the USC Trojans. That's two out of the last threeyears Stanford has beaten the mighty Trojans.

Why they might surprise:

Was the 8 win season afluke? I don't think so. Even with the loss of Toby Gerhart, theCardinal may be able to contend for a Pac-10 title. USC is intransition without Pete Carroll at the controls. Who knows what toexpect from new coach Lane Kiffin. Oregon has had a mess of off-seasonissues, and Oregon St. has to break in a new QB. Stanford returns QBAndrew Luck and plenty of offensive talent. Harbaugh has changed theattitude at Stanford and if the 90th ranked defense from last year canimprove, the Cardinal could have a special season.

Baylor Bears

2009 was supposed to be theyear the Bears broke through, and finally get to a bowl game. QB RobertGriffin got hurt and the season went south. A 3-1 start turned into a4-8 finish.

Why they might surprise:

First, Griffin may be themost exciting player in college football in 2010. He's as versatile aquarterback as there is in the nation. If he 100 percent healed fromlast year's ACL injury, the Baylor offense becomes very dangerous. Thedefense won't even be great, but we aren't talking about winning anational title. The Bears are just trying to get to a bowl game. Bayloropens up with Sam Houston St, Buffalo, at TCU, at Rice, then Kansas. A4-1 start would give the Bears that opportunity to get the six winsthey need. It's not out of the question, but Griffin has to be healthyfor this to happen.

[h1]Their Time Is Now: Ten New Starting Quarterbacks Ready For Success[/h1]

Spoiler

Spoiler

Spoiler [+]

Spoiler

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...n-new-starting-quarterbacks-ready-for-success

10. Kevin Newsome:

Penn State has enjoyed a recent history of success with athletic, mobile QBs.

Both Michael Robinson and Daryll Clark where able to run PennState's "Spread HD" offense with ease and stacked up winning seasonafter winning season.

Now the duty is likely being handed over to the equally athletic Kevin Newsome.

The 6'2 sophomore was able to see action in eight games for theNittany Lions last season, but the few snaps he did see where mostlydesigned runs.

It's going to take some time for Newsome to get his feet under himin the passing game, but there is no reason he shouldn't experience thesame type of winning ways as his predecessors.

Having talented freshman Paul Jones waiting in the wings could causeKevin some worry , but he can take solace in the fact that CoachPaterno values experienced players.

9. Aaron Murray:

CoachMark Richt won't officially declare Aaron Murray the starting BulldogQB until the summer due to fears of Logan Gray transferring.

Regardless, it's safe to say that the redshirt freshman has a strong hold on the number one spot.

Even before the departure of Zach Mettenberger earlier this Spring, many assumed it was Murray's job to lose.

That's because the redshirt freshman came from Plant High School in Florida with great expectations placed on his shoulders.

He was one of the key gets in Georgia's 2009 Recruiting class as he was rated one of the top ten quarterbacks in the nation.

What he may lack in size (6'1, 210), he more than makes up for with his smart play, determination, and underrated arm.

With ten returning offensive starters, Aaron likely has the feeling of a man just handed the keys to a brand new Porsche.

It's now Murray's job to put his foot on the gas and get this offense revved up.

Bulldog fans won't tolerate another five loss season.

8. Robert Marve:

It'sbeen a long strange trip for Robert Marve, one that involveddecommiting from the University of Alabama, a suspension from Miami,and a transfer to Purdue.

It seems as though the Tampa native has finally found his cozy nookin West Lafayette and looks like he'll play out the rest of his careeras a Boilermaker.

It couldn't come at a more perfect time for both Marve and the Purdue program.

Danny Hope was looking for an exciting young quarterback to come inand lead his team and he was more than welcome to give Marve a new home.

As the young signal caller gets accustomed to the offense and hisnew teammates it is looking more and more like he could be just theplayer to lead Purdue up the Big Ten ladder.

At just six feet tall, Marve won't overwhelm people by his looks—butdon't underestimate him. He's been through enough adversity over thelast few years to shape him into someone who is bigger and strongerthan his physique would lead you to believe.

7. Geno Smith (

) :

Althoughthe starting quarterback job at West Virgina is basically Geno Smith'sby default, don't for a second think the young sophomore isn't worthy.

Smith came to Morgantown as one of the most decorated QB prospects in the program's history.

In his limited game action last season, he showed flashes that hecould be the next in line of talented dual threat Mountaineerquarterbacks.

He takes over an offense loaded at every position and will besurrounded with great playmakers like Noel Devine, Tavon Austin, andJock Sanders.

Add in Smith's high school buddies, receivers Stedman Bailey andIvan McCartney, to the mix, and he should feel right at home in theoffense.

Geno may have been limited in Spring drills due to a foot injury buthe should be completely healed up and ready to run this fall.

If he progresses enough in camp, the offense will be running smoothly right along with him.

6. Brock Osweiler:

Brock Osweiler has the cliche look of a tall, big armed, pocket passer you would expect from a Pac 10 quarterback.

It's Arizona State fans that are hoping those big looks can translate into big time results for the Sun Devils this coming fall.

Osweiler looks like he has the type of ability to pull this team out of the rut they have fallen into over the last two seasons.

There have been many ASU quarterbacks in recent years that were"supposed" to be coveted NFL prospects but for one reason or anothernever panned out—Andrew Walter and Sam Keller, I'm looking at you.

Osweiler looks like he may have what it takes to buck the trend andactually turn into something special. If he can put his 6'8 size togood use, it could mean the Sun Devils are on the cusp of returning totheir winning ways.

5. Cam Newton:

Cam Newton comes to Auburn hoping to salvage a career that was derailed at Florida.

After getting caught with a stolen laptop during his time as a Gator, Cam's career seemed to be in major jeopardy.

Now that he returns to the SEC, it looks as if he's ready to be theman to lead Gus Malzahn's unorthodox high powered spread offense.

There is no doubting he has what it takes physically to handle thejob. What remains to be seen is if he can handle the mental aspect thatcomes along with it.

It's a good sign that Head Coach Gene Chizik has praised his maturity and leadership thus far this Spring.

Cam Newton finally has his chance to be the man, now it's up to him to make the most of it.

4. Zach Collaros:

Iflast year's spot starting duties were any indication, the Big Eastconference could have a new star quarterback on it's hands.

No it's not the prototypical Tom Savage of Rutgers like many probably would have expected.

Instead it's Zach Collaros of Cincinnati.

The lightly heralded Collaros stepped in and did a fantastic job when called upon for the injured Tony Pike last season.

He showed he could be both efficient and explosive and the offensedidn't seem to miss a beat when the freshman was taking snaps.

Brian Kelly may be gone, but don't expect the offense's success todisappear now that Kelly disciple, Butch Jones, is running the show.

With loads of talent returning at the skill positions, including bigplay threat Armon Binns, expect Collaros to have Cincinnati in the racefor a Big East Championship once again.

3. Sean Renfree:

For the first time in four years, Duke will have a new face at quarterback heading into the season.

The graduation of long time starter, Thaddeus Lewis, leaves the dooropen for redshirt sophomore Sean Renfree to make a name for himself.

Duke fans shouldn't be too worried—Renfree isn't just any old slouch picked up off the street.

He came to Durham as one of the most highly touted recruits theprogram has ever seen. The Arizona native could have made a name forhimself in the Pac-10 but instead opted for the strong academicfoundation Duke provided.

With QB guru David Cutcliffe teaching him the ropes, it seems like Renfree won't regret his decision any time soon.

Cutcliffe has Duke fans talking bowl game for the first time in ages.

If the QB can develop a good connection with fellow sophomore ConnorVernon, who lit up the ACC last season, they might turn those hopesinto a reality.

2. Garrett Gilbert:

Goingup against the scariest defense in college football during the NationalChampionship game probably isn't the most ideal situation for afreshman quarterback to make his full game debut.

Such was the case Garret Gilbert was presented with this past January.

While he may not have led his team to a miraculous victory, Gilbertshowed those big bad Bama defenders that no matter how many times theyhammered him, he was always going to get back up.

The National Championship game gave us a glimpse into GarretGilbert's toughness and resolve, and that's what you like to see ifyour a Texas fan.

Gilbert looks like he has the makeup to be just as good, if not better than departed Longhorn hero, Colt McCoy.

With a full season of preparation under his belt, it wouldn't beshocking to see Garrett on the same stage this upcoming season, onlythis time the outcome could be different.

1. John Brantley:

Itmay be impossible for Florida Gator fans to ever forget the greatnessof Tim Tebow. He's arguably the best player to ever don a jersey downat the Swamp.

John Brantley is determined to disprove the notion that you can't follow a legend.

Brantley steps in as Florida's new QB this season and has alreadybeen heaped with praise from teammates before even taking a regularseason snap as the starter.

He may not have Tebow's warrior like ability to put a team on hisback, but from a pure quarterbacking standpoint, Brantley probably hasthe edge.

It will be interesting to see how Urban Meyer will handle such a drastic change in styles at his offense's key position.

He may not have to change too much.

Brantley, like Tebow, is surrounded by speed, and if the Spring isany indication, he should have no trouble feeding the Gator playmakersthe ball.

Even though there was plenty of gushing that took place over Tebowduring his career, he not may be as missed as some would lead you tobelieve.

[h1]College Football 2010: Power Ranking the Nation's Best Kick Returners[/h1](It's a slideshow so I didn't feel like going through and copy/pasting the whole thing like I did w/ the QB list)

Spoiler

Spoiler

Spoiler [+]

Spoiler

If there is oneposition in football that is commonly overlooked, but can have adynamic impact on a game, it's that of kick returner.

Kick returners are the ones that set up an offense in good (or poor)position either to begin a half or to bounce back from giving up ascore. In an instant, these speedy returners can change a game.

However, the thing about kick returners, and punt returners for that matter, is that, like their feet, their fame is fleeting.

One year they can average 30 yards a return and be a threat to takeit all the way every time they touch the ball. The next year the holesjust don't seem to open, opposing teams key on them, and they average20 yards or less.

Remember the NFL's Dante Hall?

While with the Chiefs only six or seven years ago, Hall was the talkof the league. Ask yourself, when was the last time you heard DanteHall's name?

I'm willing to bet it wasn't recently.

Even in college, returners' success can change drastically year to year. Ask the Wisconsin Badgers' David Gilreath.

As a freshman, Gilreath was considered one of the brilliantreturners in the land. As a kick returner, his production has kept at aconstant pace, but as a punt returner, he averaged only 2.8 yards areturn last year compared to almost 10 yards as a freshman.

The fact is, returners usually have a few good seasons, but if theyaren't capable of stepping in at another position, history shows thattheir time is limited. Desmond Howard, Dante Hall, even Devin Hester(unless he proves to be a reliable wide receiver) have experienced thisphenomenon.

With that in mind, it should come as no surprise that predictingwhat kick returners will have exceptional years is somewhat of a crapshoot.

But anyways, despite all that, kick returners are still a crucial part of the game.

So, who are the top 10 in college football? Take a look.

Note: Rankings were based on a combination of number of returns,return yards, return yard average (based on ESPN's minimum attemptseligibility), and touchdowns from 2009. There were many players who hadvery similar numbers, so good kick returners were inevitably left offthis list. After all, there can only be 10.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...anking-the-nations-best-kick-returners#page/1

[h1]Living on a Prayer: 10 CFB Teams Poised for Destruction[/h1]

(It's a slideshow so I didn't feel like going through and copy/pasting the whole thing like I did w/ the QB list)

Spoiler

Spoiler

Spoiler [+]

Spoiler

"Victory at allcosts, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hardthe road may be; for without victory, there is no survival."
- Winston Churchill

One of the hardest things a program can suffer is losing seasons. Inthe nature of all things football, winning is survival as death ismeasured in field goals, two-point conversions, and clock-management.

It's how coaches and athletic directors get their walking papers. It's how players transfer, or just give up.

Any combination of these things finds you a program that is walkingon thin ice. The stronger teams find a way to make it across, whileothers fall through and sink into the cold murky depths hoping for alife-line.

These programs, listed randomly, find themselves experiencingtroubles of various sorts that could lead to their downfall. Thisseason could be the beginning of the end for these coaches and theironce great programs.

It's make it or break it time for these storied institutions.

Who will fall and who will rise from the ashes?

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/387345-living-on-a-prayer-10-cfs-teams-poised-for-destruction

[h1]
[/h1]

 

[bigmike23]

A source in St. Louis familiar with the situation told NewsCenter 16 Thursday afternoon that Missouri will leave the Big XII and soon join the Big 10. Other schools expected to follow the Tigers are Syracuse, Pitt, Rutgers and Nebraska.

Many have speculated that such an expansion would include Notre Dame but ND athletic director Jack Swarbrick told me today that the Irish prefer to stay independent in football and in the Big East for other sports. Swarbrick said maintaining football Independence is such a part of what Notre Dame is.

He went on to say the Big East is a great partner for the University in other sports.

"We do have to monitor what is going on," Swarbrick said. "There will be significant shifts. "Hopefully we can navigate them by keeping our football independent and keeping our Big East affiliation because that is what we care about."

The move of Syracuse, Pitt and Rutgers to the Big Ten from the Big East could categorically change the landscape of the Big East itself. Thus, what Swarbrick is referring to when stating the University must continue to monitor what is going on.

The interview with Swarbrick was done before the late afternoon announcement.

 

[ThaxbyChamblis]

[h1]Could an ACC Team Win a National Title in Football Anytime Soon?[/h1]

Spoiler

Spoiler

Spoiler [+]

Spoiler

The college basketball season is a month over, with Duke taking thenational crown from Butler by a two-point margin. ACC basketballnational championship total? 12.

But ACC football is a different story. Only two schools have won theBCS National Championship, and one of those, Miami, wasn't even in theACC when they won it (Miami joined three years later in 2004). 

Could this be the year that ACC football joins the powerhouse conferences such as the SEC and the Big 12?

Last season, Georgia Tech rose as high as number seven in the BCSpolls with an explosive triple-option offense lead by high-profileplayers such as Joshua Nesbitt and Jonathan Dwyer, and a passing attackthat all fell on the shoulders of Demaryius Thomas (a first-round draftpick).

The Georgia Tech offense has a lot of shoes to fill, but with theretention of quarterback Joshua Nesbitt, could the Yellow Jackets movebeyond the Orange Bowl and on to the national title?

Another team to watch out for is the resurgent Miami Hurricanes.

Victories over ACC rival Georgia Tech and (usual) Big 12 powerhouseOklahoma sparked a 9-4 season. Does Jacory Harris have what it takes totake the Hurricanes all the way?

Virginia Tech is another team of national prominence, year-in and year-out.

Last season's opening ACC/SEC matchup that pitted the Hokies againstAlabama resulted in a close game ultimately won by the Crimson Tide.After that game, however, it was five straight victories and a climball the way up to the No. 4 national ranking, with national title talksbeing thrown around.

A heartbreaking loss to Georgia Tech, however, ended those hopes.

What about Florida State?

Will the departure of the great Bobby Bowden spark a new era, one inwhich Jimbo Fisher can send the Seminoles back to national prominence?Beating Oklahoma early in the season will be a good determinant, andbeating in-state rival Florida will be a necessity. 

Clemson, however, might have fallen off the national title-hopefulcharts with the departure of running back C.J. Spiller and widereceiver Jacoby Ford. Look for them to put up good fights, but nothingcompared to their ACC title runner-up season a year ago.

Will the ACC ever win a national title in football again?

The most promising ACC team to contend next season would be GeorgiaTech, but could the Yellow Jackets defeat teams such as Alabama orTexas? Can they even beat UGA next season?

The determining factor as to whether or not the ACC will bring atitle home is whether or not they continue to beat up on each otherruining each other's chances. The ACC teams always beat the tough ACCrivals and lose to the teams that they are supposed to beat. 

Should this trend persist, the ACC will not even survive their ownconference, nevertheless the other conferences of college football.

What do you think? Can the ACC ever rise to prominence and be feared like the SEC?

[h1]UNC Defense: Three Burning Questions for Butch Davis' Bread-and-Butter[/h1]

Spoiler

Spoiler

Spoiler [+]

Spoiler

by
Justin Crawford
Written on May 02, 2010

 

Defense, defense, defense.

That is the talk of the town in Chapel Hill.

It is the old coach’s adage, “Defense wins championships.

 

[ThaxbyChamblis]

[h1]2010 NFL Draft: Why NFL Teams Love Iowa[/h1]
by
Kevin Trahan
Written on May 02, 2010

Doug Benc/Getty Images

[h5]Vote Now! - Author Poll[/h5]
What would you value if you were an NFL GM?

• Combine stats
• Character and work ethic

vote to see results

Duringhis press conference about second round pick Pat Angerer in the 2010NFL Draft, Colts President Bill Polian had to throw in that one littletidbit.

"The fact that he's a Hawkeye doesn't hurt."

Polian knows that territory well, as Angerer will join other formerHawkeyes Mitch King, Bob Sanders, and Dallas Clark in Indianapolis.Colts coach Jim Caldwell is also a former Iowa player and assistantcoach.

While Indianapolis has had an abundance of Hawkeyes for quite sometime, the rest of the league is starting to appreciate Kirk Ferentz'splayers, as five other teams drafted Iowa stars this year.

Iowa's six players drafted ties it for the fifth most out of anyschool in the draft and puts it right up there with traditionalpowerhouses such as USC, Texas, Oklahoma, and Alabama.

But why the sudden shift toward players from Iowa City? Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland put it best.

"We're in the business of developing football players. The fasterthey develop, the better a team we are. Character has a lot to do withthat."

While the fact that Iowa runs a pro-style offense and that many ofthe Hawkeyes in this year's draft were solid athletes may havesomething to do with it, intangibles are the biggest reason that somany former Iowans end up playing and succeeding in the NFL.

As off-field issues became more frequent in the NFL, many teamsstarted to look at the intangibles—character, work ethic, andleadership—more and more. It's the reason that captains with lessathletic talent than their counterparts are chosen over players withunlimited athletic potential who get in trouble off the field.

"It's something I evaluate pretty heavy," Ireland said. "They'reeasier to coach. You get more out of them. They develop faster than theguys that aren't good kids."

Ireland picked one of those "good kids" in Iowa linebacker AJ Edds during the fourth round of the draft.

Edds wasn't heavily recruited out of high school, but was developedby Kirk Ferentz into a solid player and proved to be a coachable guy.

He is a perfect example of why the NFL loves Iowa. Kirk Ferentzdevelops the players into leaders before the NFL level so coaches andGM's like Ireland don't have to.

Like the Dolphins, other teams have begun to value character and hard work as well.

The Lions picked up Iowa cornerback Amari Spievey in the draft'sthird round last weekend, giving them a tough, but "undersized" cornerwho knows the value of hard work.

Spievey was forced to leave Iowa after his freshman year dueto academics and went to Iowa Central Community College to get hisgrades back up. Once he finally got that aspect of his schoolingstraightened out, he faced an uphill climb in the Iowa depth chart.

"When I got dismissed, that kind of just shook me up and just wokeme up, like, 'Man, you better take advantage of this opportunity thatyou have here,' " Spievey said. "I knew that if I had a chance to comeback that it would be my last chance. After that, I would be out offootball. I made sure I wasn't going to mess it up."

That attitude helped him turn into a second team All-Big Tenselection and shut down Demaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech's star widereceiver, in the Orange Bowl.

"When he came back, he came back with a different attitude," saiddefensive coordinator Norm Parker. "He was much more into studying filmand that kind of stuff, the stuff you have to do to prepare to play agame, than he was before he left. All of a sudden, he believed a lotmore of what you said than he did in his first go-around. He justwasn't mature. I think it helped him mature."

Like the Dolphins and Colts, the Lions valued character in theirselection and go a mature, coachable player who will be concerned withfootball more than the luxuries of an NFL career.

"You won't ever see me out drinking," Spievey said. "I don't drink or smoke—ever. I like to be around family, people I know."

In today's NFL of DUI's and strip club assaults, that phrasecouldn't be more exciting for a GM or a coach to hear, and it will giveSpievey a leg up on "better sized" competition, who refuse to adhere tohigh moral standards.

Undersized they may be, Amari Spievey, Pat Angerer, and AJ Edds allbeat the experts' odds in the 2010 NFL Draft. While they may not havethe body type that most NFL teams want, their work ethics and charactermake them, and other Hawkeyes, hot commodities in the NFL.

As ESPN pointed out on draft day, the teams that win (i.e. Colts,Patriots, Saints...) are the teams that value character over combines.And as the trend of choosing high-character players continues in theNFL Draft, expect more and more Iowa Hawkeyes to hear their namescalled on draft day.

....

[h1][/h1]

[h1]CFB: Watch Out For Washington; A Worst to First Team on The Rise[/h1]
by
Larry Burton
Written on May 02, 2010

[h5]Vote Now! - Author Poll[/h5]
Will Washington be a Pac Ten contender this year?

• a. YES
• b. NO

vote to see results

LarryBurton (Panama City Beach, Fla.) Being a sportswriter I'm often askedwho will be the next big "surprise" team this coming year. So far, myanswer has been, "Watch out for Washington."

Why Washington? Weren't they a zero-win team in 2008?

Yes, but they went from zeros to heroes last season when they upsetUSC to throw the Pac-10 wide open and while they still didn't make abowl, they sure made waves.

This year they return a league leading 20 out of 24 starters,(including the special team specialists) and have confidence that thiscould be the year they finally shed their losing ways once and for all.

The biggest reason? Coach Steve Sarkisian is doing what Lane Kiffindidn't do. He's taking the lessons learned of being a coordinator atSouthern Cal and taking that knowledge to task. Sarkisian's actuallyturning a down team around with focus on the team and not theirindividual selfs.

Kiffin made the Oakland Raiders a laughing stock both with on-fieldexecution and field to office fighting and name calling. Then he movedto Tennessee to become a media %%@#! and the butt of every joke theSouthern sportswriters could throw at him.

While Kiffin proved to be more mouth than mentor, Sarkisian on theother hand, simply went to work on players, not the press and builtconfidence and skills. This seems to have produced better results thananything Kiffin has done so far.

Also in Washington's favor is the unexpected return of quarterbackJake Locker, who many thought would jump pro at season's end. Hecertainly had the numbers to do it.

"We have a chance for a special year this year," Locker said earlierthis spring, "And I want to be here to complete the turnaround."

Besides Locker, they have two formidable backups fighting forplaying time, Keith Price and the son of Joe Montana, Nick Montana.Both showed flashes of greatness in the spring game.

Combine the play of a great quarterback to a returning 1,000-yardplus rusher in Chris Polk, three receivers that are as good as any inthe entire Pac-Ten and you have an offense that could put up some verygood numbers indeed.

Receivers Jermaine Kearse and Devin Aguilar, both juniors andsophomore James Johnson are about as good as it gets for a dangerousthreesome. And with injured players from last year expected to be 100percent by fall and depth shouldn't be an issue.

The offensive line is returning and younger players are showing theycan add depth, so look for the Huskies to start leading many offensivecategories in the Pac-Ten.

Last year, the defense gave up 30 or more points three times, and atthe start of the year, there was worry about depth, but all the injuredplayers from last year appear to be on track to be ready for fall.

Sarkisian is playing with moving senior defensive tackle CameronElisara at end to help with depth at that position while injured endsEverrette Thompson and Kalani Aldrich finish their recovery.

This spring, Talia Crichton, playing the other end, looked to be thepass rusher they'll need in the future and a group of young linemenproved they could step up to provide the depth coaches worried about.

The linebacking corps will be solid once they've all recovered, butone young freshman, Victor Burnett, had eight tackles in the springgame and showed that he is not only ready now, but will be a fixture atlinebacker for years to come.

There is much talent at defensive back. It is not clear yet who allthe starters will be other than strong safety senior Nate Williams.Also Desmond Trufant, who sat out most of spring after hernia surgery,could again be a starter in the fall if he's not overtaken by some ofthe younger talent.

Lastly, the coaches feel good about punting and special teams askicker Erik Folk returns. Last year he was 18 of 21 on field goals.

Sarkisian has a positive buzz going on about Washington and he isbringing in a great group of recruits to solidify the gains he's makingare not short lived.

These Huskies aren't lap dogs anymore, they can bite.

I'm still not a Jake Locker believer.

 

[juicy j 32]

That bleacher report article is a joke. There ain't no way in hell that Miami and UNC both go 12-1 and FSU goes 3-9.

 

[wraith aka invincible]

dre i be reading their %#*% sometimes too, aint %#*% else goin on

i don't think locker's gonna be playing like eric crouch next season. but he'll play ok 6-7 wins for the huskies