I AM BETTING OPPOSITE OF WHATEVER I THINK IS RIGHT BCUZ I AM ALWAYS WRONG NO MATTER HOW HARD I TRY
Cotton Bowl:
Missouri, 45 Arkansas, 38
Arkansas +4, 68 O/U
Capital One Bowl:
Michigan, 27 Florida, 30
Michigan +11, 60 O/U
Gator Bowl:
Texas Tech, 44 Virgina, 39
Virginia +6, 59 O/U
Rose Bowl:
Illinois, 31 USC, 42
Illinois +14, O/U 50
Sugar Bowl:
Hawaii, 37 Georgia, 35
Hawaii +8, O/U 69
Monday, December 31, 2007
Sunday, December 30, 2007
2007 Outback Bowl
2007 Outback Bowl ($3.1 million payout)
#16 Tennessee, 9-4 vs. #18 Wisconson, 9-3
Tennessee seems primed for a big time collapse. Phil Fulmer is now reduced to 5th best coach in the SEC with the hiring of Bobby Petrino to the Razorbacks (Spurrier, Saban, Miles and Petrino). Their offensive coordinator, David Cutcliffe, just agreed to take the worst job in NCAA athletics as the Duke head coach (which had an online application for the position on their web site, seriously). Their recivers coach is interviewing for the offensive coordinator job at Baylor (because Robert Meachum, Kelly Washington and Stallworth have been so great in the NFL and they couldn't land Patrick Turner) and two of their assistants could move to college football's land of no return at Duke.
Wisconson plays great in bowl games, 9-3 since the Alvarez days, and usually plays great against SEC opponents. This is a typical Phil Fulmer team as of late. He recruits great talent, but they always seem to underachieve, especailly on the defensive side of the ball. They have great speed and athleticsim at the linebacker positions, but have given up an average of almost 160 on the ground a contest. They're defensive backs always seem to play their best before they become upper classmen (Jon Hefney) hopefully Eric Berry doesn't follow suit.
I think Wisconson gets an early lead, Tennesee mounts a comeback. But to avail as the Badgers put it away late.
Prediction:
#16 Tennessee, 27 # 18 Wisconson, 38
Wisconson +2, O/U 58.5
#16 Tennessee, 9-4 vs. #18 Wisconson, 9-3
Tennessee seems primed for a big time collapse. Phil Fulmer is now reduced to 5th best coach in the SEC with the hiring of Bobby Petrino to the Razorbacks (Spurrier, Saban, Miles and Petrino). Their offensive coordinator, David Cutcliffe, just agreed to take the worst job in NCAA athletics as the Duke head coach (which had an online application for the position on their web site, seriously). Their recivers coach is interviewing for the offensive coordinator job at Baylor (because Robert Meachum, Kelly Washington and Stallworth have been so great in the NFL and they couldn't land Patrick Turner) and two of their assistants could move to college football's land of no return at Duke.
Wisconson plays great in bowl games, 9-3 since the Alvarez days, and usually plays great against SEC opponents. This is a typical Phil Fulmer team as of late. He recruits great talent, but they always seem to underachieve, especailly on the defensive side of the ball. They have great speed and athleticsim at the linebacker positions, but have given up an average of almost 160 on the ground a contest. They're defensive backs always seem to play their best before they become upper classmen (Jon Hefney) hopefully Eric Berry doesn't follow suit.
I think Wisconson gets an early lead, Tennesee mounts a comeback. But to avail as the Badgers put it away late.
Prediction:
#16 Tennessee, 27 # 18 Wisconson, 38
Wisconson +2, O/U 58.5
2007 Chick Fil-A Bowl
2007 Chick Fil-A Bowl ($3.25million payout for Auburn, $2.4million for Clemson)
#15 Clemson, 9-3 vs. #22 Auburn, 8-4
Gotta love it when two teams with the same nickname matchup against each other. Who will be more Tiger?
Auburn did a solid job of sealing up Felix Jones and McFadden, it should have similar sucess facing C.J. Spiller and James Davis. I think this will be as close as Auburn's offense can make it. Brandon Cox has played alot better down the stretch, should have a decent game.
Prediction:
Auburn, 23 Clemson, 21
Auburn +2.5, O/U 46
#15 Clemson, 9-3 vs. #22 Auburn, 8-4
Gotta love it when two teams with the same nickname matchup against each other. Who will be more Tiger?
Auburn did a solid job of sealing up Felix Jones and McFadden, it should have similar sucess facing C.J. Spiller and James Davis. I think this will be as close as Auburn's offense can make it. Brandon Cox has played alot better down the stretch, should have a decent game.
Prediction:
Auburn, 23 Clemson, 21
Auburn +2.5, O/U 46
2007 Insight Bowl
2007 Insight Bowl ($1.2 million payout)
Oklahoma State, 6-6 vs. Indiana, 7-5
Indiana is the feel good story of the season. Coach Terry Hoeppner died of cancer before the start of the season, and the team carried his memory all the way to a last second bowl clenching game winning field goal against rival Purdue.
Kellen Lewis makes plays in the passing game, mostly to my favorite wide receiver in college football this year, 6-7 James Hardy. Although players always seem to shrink by a inch or so once they get drafted, so he's probably more like 6-6. But he's quick, runs great routes and catches everything with his hands. Doesn't let anything hit him in the pads and I've never seen drop a pass. A big game here could propel him into a first round pick.
Oklahoma State has been a sieve on defense this year, and a powerhouse on offense. Dontrell Savage and Adarius Bowman should shake loose for big games a few times, but the defense will have to step at they've been pitiful away from home, only wins against Baylor and Nebraska. The Cowboys are also 0-2 versus the Big-10 in bowl games.
Plus, the feel good stories always win this time of year.
Prediction:
Indiana, 44 Oklahoma State, 41
Oklahoma State, 6-6 vs. Indiana, 7-5
Indiana is the feel good story of the season. Coach Terry Hoeppner died of cancer before the start of the season, and the team carried his memory all the way to a last second bowl clenching game winning field goal against rival Purdue.
Kellen Lewis makes plays in the passing game, mostly to my favorite wide receiver in college football this year, 6-7 James Hardy. Although players always seem to shrink by a inch or so once they get drafted, so he's probably more like 6-6. But he's quick, runs great routes and catches everything with his hands. Doesn't let anything hit him in the pads and I've never seen drop a pass. A big game here could propel him into a first round pick.
Oklahoma State has been a sieve on defense this year, and a powerhouse on offense. Dontrell Savage and Adarius Bowman should shake loose for big games a few times, but the defense will have to step at they've been pitiful away from home, only wins against Baylor and Nebraska. The Cowboys are also 0-2 versus the Big-10 in bowl games.
Plus, the feel good stories always win this time of year.
Prediction:
Indiana, 44 Oklahoma State, 41
2007 Music City Bowl
2007 Music City Bowl ($1.6 million payout)
Florida State, 7-5 vs. Kentucky, 7-5
Everyone is making a huge deal about these 20 or suspensions that Florida State will have to deal with in this game. Look, it definatley hurts them, but doesn't cripple them. Their biggest lose was CB Patrick Robinson, he is a shutdown corner they could ill afford to be without. But as sad as this sounds, Drew Weatherford is a better QB than Xavier Lee (who won't play) and they still have playmakers like Geno Hayes and Andre Flullen on the defensive side.
Keenan Burton won't play for the Wildcats. He was their all everything reciever, but might not be missed as much as some think. Dicky Lyons Jr compares himself to Wes Welker and backs that claim up. Steve Johnson (Kentucky WR) has developed into one of the best deep threats in the SEC and TE Jacob Hamme has come on strong in the last few games and will improve his draft stock in this one.
Seminoles have been dominant against lesser competition, but have at least kept up with their more skilled opponents. Preston Parker should get the ball every way the Noles can draw it up, and it might be closer than most think. Kentucky's shaky defense may yeild some big plays if Weatherford is given time to find 6-6 WR Greg Carr down the field.
Prediction:
Kentucky, 33 Florida State, 28
Florida State +9, O/U 58
Florida State, 7-5 vs. Kentucky, 7-5
Everyone is making a huge deal about these 20 or suspensions that Florida State will have to deal with in this game. Look, it definatley hurts them, but doesn't cripple them. Their biggest lose was CB Patrick Robinson, he is a shutdown corner they could ill afford to be without. But as sad as this sounds, Drew Weatherford is a better QB than Xavier Lee (who won't play) and they still have playmakers like Geno Hayes and Andre Flullen on the defensive side.
Keenan Burton won't play for the Wildcats. He was their all everything reciever, but might not be missed as much as some think. Dicky Lyons Jr compares himself to Wes Welker and backs that claim up. Steve Johnson (Kentucky WR) has developed into one of the best deep threats in the SEC and TE Jacob Hamme has come on strong in the last few games and will improve his draft stock in this one.
Seminoles have been dominant against lesser competition, but have at least kept up with their more skilled opponents. Preston Parker should get the ball every way the Noles can draw it up, and it might be closer than most think. Kentucky's shaky defense may yeild some big plays if Weatherford is given time to find 6-6 WR Greg Carr down the field.
Prediction:
Kentucky, 33 Florida State, 28
Florida State +9, O/U 58
2007 Humanitarian Bowl
2007 Humanitarian Bowl ($750,000 payout)
Fresno State, 8-4 vs. Georgia Tech, 7-5
It will be interesting to see how Tech responds to defensive coordinator John Tenuata as interim coach for this game before offensive guru Paul Johnson takes over for next season. I always think that defensive coordinators do an excellent job as interim coaches. Sometimes they can outperform their predecessors, Jim Bates with the Miami Dolphins several years ago comes to mind. Coordinators are underrated and we've already seen DeWayne Walker prove that he was capable of making an UCLA team that underachieved all season, get together for one final go round.
The Fresno State rushing defense will be put to the test often by a Tashard Choice, who's primed to have a monster game. He's gained 1300+ yards and will lead the ACC in rushing for the second straight season despite missing a game and playing through multiple injuries all season. The Oklahoma transfer should run hard behind a great offensive line and FB Mike Cox, who might be the best lead blocker in college football. I love great throwback fullbacks like Cox.
Fresno State also will be without their two top threats. Running back Ryan Mathews is out with a torn pec and CB/KR A.J. Jefferson who averages an eye popping 34 yards a return, is suspended for violating curfew.
Fresno State should travel better, but Georgia Tech is arguably the most talented team in the ACC. They lost to Georgia for the 7th straight season, 6th under Gailey in their last contest. I think the only thing that keeps the Yellowjackets from winning by 10+ points is awful quarterback play. They might have 3 different QBs rotating in, so getting consistent pressure in the backfield early will help the Bulldogs immensely, but they have no true pass rush threat so that might not happen.
Prediction:
Fresno State, 13 Georgia Tech, 31
Fresno State +6, O/U 54
Fresno State, 8-4 vs. Georgia Tech, 7-5
It will be interesting to see how Tech responds to defensive coordinator John Tenuata as interim coach for this game before offensive guru Paul Johnson takes over for next season. I always think that defensive coordinators do an excellent job as interim coaches. Sometimes they can outperform their predecessors, Jim Bates with the Miami Dolphins several years ago comes to mind. Coordinators are underrated and we've already seen DeWayne Walker prove that he was capable of making an UCLA team that underachieved all season, get together for one final go round.
The Fresno State rushing defense will be put to the test often by a Tashard Choice, who's primed to have a monster game. He's gained 1300+ yards and will lead the ACC in rushing for the second straight season despite missing a game and playing through multiple injuries all season. The Oklahoma transfer should run hard behind a great offensive line and FB Mike Cox, who might be the best lead blocker in college football. I love great throwback fullbacks like Cox.
Fresno State also will be without their two top threats. Running back Ryan Mathews is out with a torn pec and CB/KR A.J. Jefferson who averages an eye popping 34 yards a return, is suspended for violating curfew.
Fresno State should travel better, but Georgia Tech is arguably the most talented team in the ACC. They lost to Georgia for the 7th straight season, 6th under Gailey in their last contest. I think the only thing that keeps the Yellowjackets from winning by 10+ points is awful quarterback play. They might have 3 different QBs rotating in, so getting consistent pressure in the backfield early will help the Bulldogs immensely, but they have no true pass rush threat so that might not happen.
Prediction:
Fresno State, 13 Georgia Tech, 31
Fresno State +6, O/U 54
Bowl Game Reviews for Saturday, Dec 29th
Meinke Car Care Bowl-
Prediction:
UConn, 23 Wake Forest, 17
Actual Score:
UConn, 10 Wake Forest, 24
Huskies offense never got going averaging only only 3.6 yards per play and totaling 213 yards while the Demon Deacons almost doubled them up with 412 yards of offense. UConn's lone touchdown was in the first quarter on a Larry Taylor punt return. Josh Adams looks a a great back for Wake going forward.
Liberty Bowl-
Prediction:
Central Florida, 20 Miss State, 24
Actual Score:
Central Florida, 3 Miss State, 10
It was one of those games that had 3 or 4 plays on defense or special teams for each side that could've changed the pace of the game. Only, poor quarterback play kept any momentum from ever being built. The Bulldogs had karma on their side with Sly Croom coaching on the 25th anniversary of his mentor's Bear Bryant's last game as a coach, the 1975 Liberty Bow.
Alamo Bowl-
Prediction:
Texas A&M, 20 Penn State, 31
Actual Score:
Texas A&M, 17 Penn State, 24
Evan Royster of all players sealed this game with a long td run late for Joe Pa. I think this was Rodney Kinlaw's coming out party. He looked great at times with some of the best footwork out of any back I've seen so far this season. He might have propelled himself into a first day pick with that performance.
For Bowl Season-
Straight Up: 10-4
Against the Spread: 5-8-1
Over/Under: 8-6
Prediction:
UConn, 23 Wake Forest, 17
Actual Score:
UConn, 10 Wake Forest, 24
Huskies offense never got going averaging only only 3.6 yards per play and totaling 213 yards while the Demon Deacons almost doubled them up with 412 yards of offense. UConn's lone touchdown was in the first quarter on a Larry Taylor punt return. Josh Adams looks a a great back for Wake going forward.
Liberty Bowl-
Prediction:
Central Florida, 20 Miss State, 24
Actual Score:
Central Florida, 3 Miss State, 10
It was one of those games that had 3 or 4 plays on defense or special teams for each side that could've changed the pace of the game. Only, poor quarterback play kept any momentum from ever being built. The Bulldogs had karma on their side with Sly Croom coaching on the 25th anniversary of his mentor's Bear Bryant's last game as a coach, the 1975 Liberty Bow.
Alamo Bowl-
Prediction:
Texas A&M, 20 Penn State, 31
Actual Score:
Texas A&M, 17 Penn State, 24
Evan Royster of all players sealed this game with a long td run late for Joe Pa. I think this was Rodney Kinlaw's coming out party. He looked great at times with some of the best footwork out of any back I've seen so far this season. He might have propelled himself into a first day pick with that performance.
For Bowl Season-
Straight Up: 10-4
Against the Spread: 5-8-1
Over/Under: 8-6
Saturday, December 29, 2007
2007 Sun Bowl
2007 Sun Bowl
Oregon, 8-4 vs. South Florida, 9-3
This marks the first and only time in the history of football that a team is hoping that a Leaf will be healthy enough to play quarterback. Brady Leaf is doubtful for the game and Matt Kempt will probably start.
I don't think Oregon's 5th string QB will be enough. They're in the game because of the Heisman quality performance of Dennis Dixon throughout the season and he's not going to be playing anytime soon.
This would be a nice way for the Bulls to cap off they're miracle season. I think they'll do it, but Oregon's defense is underrated and Mike Belloti is a great game day coach especially when given time to prepare. Oregon should have a short field to play on a few times, Grothe and the offensive can make costly mistakes. I just think that the Bulls have too much offense on the field in the end.
Prediction:
Oregon, 20 South Florida, 27
Oregon +6, O/U 52
Oregon, 8-4 vs. South Florida, 9-3
This marks the first and only time in the history of football that a team is hoping that a Leaf will be healthy enough to play quarterback. Brady Leaf is doubtful for the game and Matt Kempt will probably start.
I don't think Oregon's 5th string QB will be enough. They're in the game because of the Heisman quality performance of Dennis Dixon throughout the season and he's not going to be playing anytime soon.
This would be a nice way for the Bulls to cap off they're miracle season. I think they'll do it, but Oregon's defense is underrated and Mike Belloti is a great game day coach especially when given time to prepare. Oregon should have a short field to play on a few times, Grothe and the offensive can make costly mistakes. I just think that the Bulls have too much offense on the field in the end.
Prediction:
Oregon, 20 South Florida, 27
Oregon +6, O/U 52
2007 Independence Bowl
2007 Independence Bowl ($1.1 million payout)
Alabama, 6-6 vs. Colorado, 6-6 (Colorado +4)
Mike Shula was fired from Alabama in 2006 for going 6-6 and making the Independence bowl. Nick Saban went 6-6, losing their last 4 including to Louisiana-Monroe, and should be thankful that they made it to Shreveport for one of the traditionally worst bowl games of the year. Look for Bobby Petrino to have a similar effect, proabaly worse, next year at Arkansas (that makes Nick Saban, Steve Spurrier, Les Miles AND Bobby Petrino in the same conference. Phil Fulmer is suddenly a nobody as far as the SEC is concerned).
The Nate Longshore Theory comes into play in this one. John Parker-Wilson and Longshore could switch teams tomarrow and no one would notice. Parker-Wilson is more moblie, but not more effective. He makes bad throws at bad times. Something that is very hard for a quarteback to really fix at any point in their career.
Colorado hasn't traveled well in recent bowl seasons, and finished the season in a slump themselves going 1-4 in their last 5. Their only win coming by way of a 65-51 shootout against Nebraska. They pose no real threat in the passing game, as Cody Hawkins may not be as talented as Parker-Wilson or Longshore but seems to make as many big mistakes late in games.
That might be enough to be the difference in this game. If DJ Hall is able to make big plays downfield than Bama will have the advantage. And considering that Colorado's lockdown CB Terrence Wheatly is coming off a broken toe, he should be able to do just that.
I think this game will be alot higher scoring than most think, even though the Buff's D which got tired late in the season will be refreshed. This one is a coinflip at best, and when in doubt, take the points.
Prediction:
Alabama, 30 Colorado, 31
Alabama, 6-6 vs. Colorado, 6-6 (Colorado +4)
Mike Shula was fired from Alabama in 2006 for going 6-6 and making the Independence bowl. Nick Saban went 6-6, losing their last 4 including to Louisiana-Monroe, and should be thankful that they made it to Shreveport for one of the traditionally worst bowl games of the year. Look for Bobby Petrino to have a similar effect, proabaly worse, next year at Arkansas (that makes Nick Saban, Steve Spurrier, Les Miles AND Bobby Petrino in the same conference. Phil Fulmer is suddenly a nobody as far as the SEC is concerned).
The Nate Longshore Theory comes into play in this one. John Parker-Wilson and Longshore could switch teams tomarrow and no one would notice. Parker-Wilson is more moblie, but not more effective. He makes bad throws at bad times. Something that is very hard for a quarteback to really fix at any point in their career.
Colorado hasn't traveled well in recent bowl seasons, and finished the season in a slump themselves going 1-4 in their last 5. Their only win coming by way of a 65-51 shootout against Nebraska. They pose no real threat in the passing game, as Cody Hawkins may not be as talented as Parker-Wilson or Longshore but seems to make as many big mistakes late in games.
That might be enough to be the difference in this game. If DJ Hall is able to make big plays downfield than Bama will have the advantage. And considering that Colorado's lockdown CB Terrence Wheatly is coming off a broken toe, he should be able to do just that.
I think this game will be alot higher scoring than most think, even though the Buff's D which got tired late in the season will be refreshed. This one is a coinflip at best, and when in doubt, take the points.
Prediction:
Alabama, 30 Colorado, 31
2007 Armed Forces Bowl
2007 Armed Forces Bowl ($750,000 payout)
California, 6-6 vs. Air Force, 9-3
Cal -4
I'm looking at the skill level of the players on each team. Cal has 10-13 players who will most likely be playing on Sundays by the fall of 2010. Air Force has MAYBE one. And I think that Air Force is going to flat out win this game. And it's not because of heart or courage or any of those "Rudy" esque intangibles.
here's why
- cal gets no push from front 4, Tedford b4 season "we can get to the QB with our front 4"
- turnovers late in games
- middle of the road at everything
- 0-5 ATS in last 5
-Forsett had great year (1403y 13td)
-all on Longshore, only 5 sacks allowed (11ints in final 6 games, cal went 1-5)
-109th in tackles for loss, 5per, not good against option
-DeCoud hits hard
-LBs have great athleticsim and speed and size
-no Tom Schnider, kicking game might struggle
-ball hawk in CB Carson Bird, 6ints 3fum rec
-2nd in rushing to Navy
-less triple option, more zone blocking and scheming, a little more diversified with the pass this year, up 50 attempts
-first year coordinator changed to more blitzing on defense
-26 turnovers, play well in short yardage situations
-9-0 when someone runs for 100+
-26 seniors
Prediction:
Cal, 26 Air Force, 31
California, 6-6 vs. Air Force, 9-3
Cal -4
I'm looking at the skill level of the players on each team. Cal has 10-13 players who will most likely be playing on Sundays by the fall of 2010. Air Force has MAYBE one. And I think that Air Force is going to flat out win this game. And it's not because of heart or courage or any of those "Rudy" esque intangibles.
here's why
- cal gets no push from front 4, Tedford b4 season "we can get to the QB with our front 4"
- turnovers late in games
- middle of the road at everything
- 0-5 ATS in last 5
-Forsett had great year (1403y 13td)
-all on Longshore, only 5 sacks allowed (11ints in final 6 games, cal went 1-5)
-109th in tackles for loss, 5per, not good against option
-DeCoud hits hard
-LBs have great athleticsim and speed and size
-no Tom Schnider, kicking game might struggle
-ball hawk in CB Carson Bird, 6ints 3fum rec
-2nd in rushing to Navy
-less triple option, more zone blocking and scheming, a little more diversified with the pass this year, up 50 attempts
-first year coordinator changed to more blitzing on defense
-26 turnovers, play well in short yardage situations
-9-0 when someone runs for 100+
-26 seniors
Prediction:
Cal, 26 Air Force, 31
2007 Alamo Bowl
2007 Alamo Bowl ($2.25 million payout)
Penn State, 8-4 vs. Texas A&M, 7-5
Prediction:
Penn State, 31 Texas A&M, 20
PennState -5, 52 O/U
Penn State, 8-4 vs. Texas A&M, 7-5
Prediction:
Penn State, 31 Texas A&M, 20
PennState -5, 52 O/U
2007 Meinke Car Care Bowl
2007 Meinke Car Care Bowl ($750,000 payout)
Wake Forest, 8-4 vs. Connecticut, 9-3
Uconn had a share of the Big East Title this year. I think they're overlooked while the Demon Deacons had 10 non-offensive TDs. Deacons will need one of those to win this one.
Prediction-
Wake Forest, 17 Connecticut, 23
WF +3, Over/Under 47
Wake Forest, 8-4 vs. Connecticut, 9-3
Uconn had a share of the Big East Title this year. I think they're overlooked while the Demon Deacons had 10 non-offensive TDs. Deacons will need one of those to win this one.
Prediction-
Wake Forest, 17 Connecticut, 23
WF +3, Over/Under 47
Bowl Game Reviews, Friday, 29th 2007
Champs Sports Bowl-
Prediction:
Michigan State, 27 Boston College, 30
Actual Score:
Michigan State, 21 Boston College, 24
Texas Bowl-
Prediction:
Houston, 30 TCU, 24
Actual Score:
Houston, 13 TCU, 20
Emerald Bowl-
Prediction:
Maryland, 22 Oregon State, 31
Actual Score:
Maryland, 14 Oregon State, 21
For Bowl Season-
Straight Up: 8-3
Against the Spread: 3-7-1
Over/Under: 5-6
Prediction:
Michigan State, 27 Boston College, 30
Actual Score:
Michigan State, 21 Boston College, 24
Texas Bowl-
Prediction:
Houston, 30 TCU, 24
Actual Score:
Houston, 13 TCU, 20
Emerald Bowl-
Prediction:
Maryland, 22 Oregon State, 31
Actual Score:
Maryland, 14 Oregon State, 21
For Bowl Season-
Straight Up: 8-3
Against the Spread: 3-7-1
Over/Under: 5-6
Friday, December 28, 2007
2007 Emerald Bowl
2007 Emerald Bowl ( $750,000 payout for ACC, $850,000 payout for PAC-10 )
Maryland 6-6 vs. Oregon State 8-4
Oregon State has a fast defense, should be enough to handle the Terrapins.
Prediction-
Oregon State, 31 Maryland, 22
Odds:
Maryland +5.5
O/U 47
Maryland 6-6 vs. Oregon State 8-4
Oregon State has a fast defense, should be enough to handle the Terrapins.
Prediction-
Oregon State, 31 Maryland, 22
Odds:
Maryland +5.5
O/U 47
2007 Texas Bowl
2007 Texas Bowl ( $1.25 million payout )
TCU, 7-5 vs. Houston, 8-4
Houstan has the 2 best athletes on the offensive side. TCU end Tommy Blake should have a nice final game, but not enough. TCU hasn't showed up in the 2nd half of alot of big games.
Prediction-
TCU, 24 Houston, 30
ODDS:
Houstan +7
O/U 58
TCU, 7-5 vs. Houston, 8-4
Houstan has the 2 best athletes on the offensive side. TCU end Tommy Blake should have a nice final game, but not enough. TCU hasn't showed up in the 2nd half of alot of big games.
Prediction-
TCU, 24 Houston, 30
ODDS:
Houstan +7
O/U 58
Holiday Bowl Review
Rudy Carpenter looked awful. Dominating performance by the Longhorns. Sundevils only converted 5 first downs to Texas' 8 and turned the ball over 5 times to one as well.
Prediction-
Texas, 38 Arizona State, 44
Actual Score-
Texas, 52 Arizona State, 34
For the Season-
Staight Up: 6-2
Against the Spread: 2-6
Over/Under: 3-5
Prediction-
Texas, 38 Arizona State, 44
Actual Score-
Texas, 52 Arizona State, 34
For the Season-
Staight Up: 6-2
Against the Spread: 2-6
Over/Under: 3-5
Motor City Bowl Review
Both defenses sucked. 28 points to Cental Michigan in the 3rd quarter?
Prediction-
CMU, 27 Purdue, 38
Actual-
CMU, 48 Purdue, 51
For the Season-
Straight Up: 6-1
Against The Spread: 2-5
Over/Under: 2-5
Prediction-
CMU, 27 Purdue, 38
Actual-
CMU, 48 Purdue, 51
For the Season-
Straight Up: 6-1
Against The Spread: 2-5
Over/Under: 2-5
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Sackanomics 101
2007 Champs Sports Bowl ($2.25 million payout)
#14 Boston College 10-2 vs. Michigan State 7-5
BC +6, O/U 59
#14 Boston College 10-2 vs. Michigan State 7-5
BC +6, O/U 59
I never thought I'd ever looked through games and expeceted to see a team so dissapointed that they're not playing in the "Chik Fil' A Bowl. Did they really have to take the "Peach Bowl" part out of it? How many more $3.99chicken sandwiches are you really going to sell? It'a uneccassary. We've now offically crossed the line where now somewhat meaningful bowl games
Michigan State Defensive End Jonal Saint-Dic needed pass 6 whole credits worth of classes this semester. If he didn't, he would be declared academically ineligible for the Champs Sports Bowl. Hudson Valley Community College (the 13th grade for upstate New York high school seniors) transfer Saint Dic took 2 classes, one a sociology course worth 3 credits and another math class that was an ambitious 5 credits.
Here's a question that could've been put on his final: If he only passes one of these courses, and does not end up playing in this bowl game, what course did he pass?
So what if Jonal is not a numbers guy, but here's some that won't help the Spartans on Friday: 10.5 sacks and a Big-10 record 8 forced fumbles in 12 games this season. And alot of those forced fumbles were on strip sacks coming from the blind side. You think that won't have an impact on how effective Matt Ryan is? This gives All ACC OT and future lottery pick Godser Cherlius a huge adavantage, as he's struggled at times this season.
The type of plays that Saint-Dic makes have a huge impact on these type of games. They're momentum plays.
I look for Ryan to have a big day in his last game:
Michigan State, 27 Boston College, 30
Coach February meets the Wanderer
2007 Holiday Bowl ($2.125 million payout)
#19Texas Longhorns 9-3 vs. #12Arizona State Sundevils 10-2
Finally our first bowl contest between two teams that one their best day could legitimately beat anyone in the country. Arizona State currently sits as 2.5 point underdogs with the moneyline coming off at a cool +120 for the Sundevils and -140 for the Longhorns. Over, under is at 62. You'll see lots of players with NFL paychecks in their future when you tune in on Friday, not many superstars but some great athletes that could contribute at the next level. Texas, as always, has one of the most talented and deep teams in the country. Problem is they're stacked with potential at some spots and the positions that lack true talent (corner, strong safety and wide receiver) are what could cost them their 10th victory of the season.
How talented are the Texas Longhorns? They have 17 players ranked by NFLDraftscout.com as the top 10 at their position in their respective draft class. Problem is that talent isn't displaced evenly. 6 of those 17 won't start or likely even see the field in the Holiday Bowl. 3 of those 6 are Offensive Lineman (Freshman OT Tray Allen who'll be a stud by the end of next year, fellow frosh Aundrae McGaskey and sophomore C Chris Hall who is behind senior Dallas Griffin until next season) and 2 of the others are defensive lineman (Junior DT Roy Miller who should be worked in, and RS Freshman DE Eddie Jones) the other is backup full-back freshman Cody Johnson.
So basically the Longhorns are stacked at the line of scrimmage, but lack perimeter stars especially in the secondary. FS Marcus Griffin is awesome, but won't likely be cloned 3 times over before kickoff. I don't think that twenty-something practices and a month's worth of film study will help Texas suddenly figure out how to play effective man to man coverage without giving up too many long gains.
And that is a big problem when facing an Arizona State team that will spread the Texas secondary out with 3-4 receivers all game. Rudy Carpenter (ArzSt QB) surprisingly though, has only tossed for over 300 yards twice this season (Or & OrSt) as Dennis Erickson's squad can run the ball with Keegan Herring, who's been a remarkable story. He's played the entire season this year despite losing his mother, best friend, sister and aunt in a 4 month span.
Texas has been able to get 25 QB sacks this year, but Carpenter has quick delivery, and at least one of their 4 productive receivers (Rudy Burgess, Chris McGaha, Michael Jones and Kyle Williams) should find open separation from the Longhorn secondary. I look forward to seeing how All PAC-10 center (projected 2nd round pick) Mike Pollack handles Frank Okam and Derek Lokey (Texas' beastly defensive tackles). It'll be the toughest task of his career and he should be up for it.
No running back has been hotter than Jammal Charles during the last month of the season as Charles totaled a remarkable 630+ yards over his last 4 games rushing. But Arizona State's run defense is ranked 10th in the country and will be tougher to find yards against than any of his final four opponents. Texas' real advantage will be in exposing the Sundevils lack of speed and athleticism in the secondary, especially with FS Josh Barrett out. Texas' receiving core is actually more talented than Arizona State's, but they're not as consistant and neither is their quarterback. Colt McCoy has thrown 18 picks this years to Carpenter's 9 (Carpenter's only thrown 1 int over the last 4 games).
I think that in the end, this game will come down to intangibles and special teams. Texas has underachieved all season and seemed to lack discipline at crucial times and they could get burned by costly penalties in this one. The Sundevils will be looking at this bowl game as the culmination of they're great season, the programs best season in years. As long as their offensive line is able to keep pressure off Carpenter (school record 51 sacks allowed this season, that's a BIG if) they can stay in the game. Texas has just been awful against the spread this season, especially against teams that can pass. Their only real impressive cover was against TCU who can't throw at all, and that game was closer than the score indicated.
PREDICTIONS:
Under the Radar-
Texas: WR Nate Jones should break loose a few times and expose the Sun Devils lack of secondary speed. Pencil him in for 5 catches, 120 yards and a score.
Arizona State: Rudy Burgess is a converted running back who has a great feel for the game. He has great hands, ball skills, but his real strength is his ability to run after the catch. Carpenter would be smart to give him a few long handoffs, maybe even a screen or two early to get some pressure off his back. Look for 6 grabs, 100 yards and a touchdown. He could make a big play in the return game to change momentum as well.
Prediction-
Texas, 38 Arizona State 44
MVP-
The aforementioned Keegan Herring had been a great story this season. He should be plenty pumped for this one, and as long as Erickson and his staff do a good job of getting some early gains in the pass game to get 8 men out of the box, he should have a great bowl game. Look for an inspired 110 on the ground with a couple of scores, one of them coming late and sealing the game.
#19Texas Longhorns 9-3 vs. #12Arizona State Sundevils 10-2
Finally our first bowl contest between two teams that one their best day could legitimately beat anyone in the country. Arizona State currently sits as 2.5 point underdogs with the moneyline coming off at a cool +120 for the Sundevils and -140 for the Longhorns. Over, under is at 62. You'll see lots of players with NFL paychecks in their future when you tune in on Friday, not many superstars but some great athletes that could contribute at the next level. Texas, as always, has one of the most talented and deep teams in the country. Problem is they're stacked with potential at some spots and the positions that lack true talent (corner, strong safety and wide receiver) are what could cost them their 10th victory of the season.
How talented are the Texas Longhorns? They have 17 players ranked by NFLDraftscout.com as the top 10 at their position in their respective draft class. Problem is that talent isn't displaced evenly. 6 of those 17 won't start or likely even see the field in the Holiday Bowl. 3 of those 6 are Offensive Lineman (Freshman OT Tray Allen who'll be a stud by the end of next year, fellow frosh Aundrae McGaskey and sophomore C Chris Hall who is behind senior Dallas Griffin until next season) and 2 of the others are defensive lineman (Junior DT Roy Miller who should be worked in, and RS Freshman DE Eddie Jones) the other is backup full-back freshman Cody Johnson.
So basically the Longhorns are stacked at the line of scrimmage, but lack perimeter stars especially in the secondary. FS Marcus Griffin is awesome, but won't likely be cloned 3 times over before kickoff. I don't think that twenty-something practices and a month's worth of film study will help Texas suddenly figure out how to play effective man to man coverage without giving up too many long gains.
And that is a big problem when facing an Arizona State team that will spread the Texas secondary out with 3-4 receivers all game. Rudy Carpenter (ArzSt QB) surprisingly though, has only tossed for over 300 yards twice this season (Or & OrSt) as Dennis Erickson's squad can run the ball with Keegan Herring, who's been a remarkable story. He's played the entire season this year despite losing his mother, best friend, sister and aunt in a 4 month span.
Texas has been able to get 25 QB sacks this year, but Carpenter has quick delivery, and at least one of their 4 productive receivers (Rudy Burgess, Chris McGaha, Michael Jones and Kyle Williams) should find open separation from the Longhorn secondary. I look forward to seeing how All PAC-10 center (projected 2nd round pick) Mike Pollack handles Frank Okam and Derek Lokey (Texas' beastly defensive tackles). It'll be the toughest task of his career and he should be up for it.
No running back has been hotter than Jammal Charles during the last month of the season as Charles totaled a remarkable 630+ yards over his last 4 games rushing. But Arizona State's run defense is ranked 10th in the country and will be tougher to find yards against than any of his final four opponents. Texas' real advantage will be in exposing the Sundevils lack of speed and athleticism in the secondary, especially with FS Josh Barrett out. Texas' receiving core is actually more talented than Arizona State's, but they're not as consistant and neither is their quarterback. Colt McCoy has thrown 18 picks this years to Carpenter's 9 (Carpenter's only thrown 1 int over the last 4 games).
I think that in the end, this game will come down to intangibles and special teams. Texas has underachieved all season and seemed to lack discipline at crucial times and they could get burned by costly penalties in this one. The Sundevils will be looking at this bowl game as the culmination of they're great season, the programs best season in years. As long as their offensive line is able to keep pressure off Carpenter (school record 51 sacks allowed this season, that's a BIG if) they can stay in the game. Texas has just been awful against the spread this season, especially against teams that can pass. Their only real impressive cover was against TCU who can't throw at all, and that game was closer than the score indicated.
PREDICTIONS:
Under the Radar-
Texas: WR Nate Jones should break loose a few times and expose the Sun Devils lack of secondary speed. Pencil him in for 5 catches, 120 yards and a score.
Arizona State: Rudy Burgess is a converted running back who has a great feel for the game. He has great hands, ball skills, but his real strength is his ability to run after the catch. Carpenter would be smart to give him a few long handoffs, maybe even a screen or two early to get some pressure off his back. Look for 6 grabs, 100 yards and a touchdown. He could make a big play in the return game to change momentum as well.
Prediction-
Texas, 38 Arizona State 44
MVP-
The aforementioned Keegan Herring had been a great story this season. He should be plenty pumped for this one, and as long as Erickson and his staff do a good job of getting some early gains in the pass game to get 8 men out of the box, he should have a great bowl game. Look for an inspired 110 on the ground with a couple of scores, one of them coming late and sealing the game.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Detroit in Late December......Thanks?
2007 Motor City Bowl ($750,000 payout)
Cental Michigan 8-5 vs. Purdue 7-5
Purdue head coach Joe Tiller said that coming into this game his team is not practicing as much (only 20 versus the bowl standard 20 practices) to keep them fresh. Huh? Facing one of the top 10 best dual threat quarterbacks in the country in Dan LeFevour you would figure it would be to your teams benefit to get as many looks against him as possible in preparation. Tiller may be looking at this like, "well most of my key players are seniors and juniors, so they've been through some wars and are have been battle tested. Might as well rest up". Problem being the players might be looking at it like, "coach thinks we're too much for Central Mich, especially the second time around." Whether or not this hypothetical mixed message is being absorbed by the Tiller's squad might not be as important s the fact that their defense is not getting as many reps against a top flight running QB as possible. That's my concern.
Whomever is going to accept the ESPY for 'Most Unusual Rematch of the Year Award' next February is going to be the winning quarterback of Wednesday's contest. The spread is currently 8 points and the moneyline sits at -360 for the Boilermakers and +300 for the Chips (71 over/under yikes!). If I had someone that would actually take the moneyline on a game like this I wouldn't mind putting 50 bucks or so on it, nice $150 payout, could happen. But if I have to bet the spread heavy, it's hard to look past the Boilermakers athletic ability, but how bad is the aging Joe Tiller really?
That's how I feel about this one. We've already seen underdogs with less athleticism outplay their more talented opponents this bowl season, not to win but to do enough to make Vegas happy (Navy/Utah, SoMiss/Cincy) and I think that this COULD be another one of those situations, but Central Michigan's defense is dreadful, worse than Navy's.
They're ranked 106th in the nation this season and actually increased their ranking in the final 2 weeks when they HELD both perennial powerhouses Akron and Miami (Ohio) to 317 yards a game. The only way Central Michigan wins this game is by getting a +3 or better turnover margin or better. It could happen, Curtis Painter (Purdue QB) only has 9 picks but have lost an embarrassing 12 fumbles during their streaky season . The Chippewas have been outscored 167-43 vs BCS teams this season, including a 70-14 drubbing by Clemson.
Joe Tiller goes under heavy criticism about this time every year. He's lost 3 straight bowl games, 2002 was Tiller's only postseason win of the 21st century. At 65, Tiller's not getting any younger so this may be a case of an aging head coach on his final legs. Although he recruits well, and always seems to be producing NFL talent especially on the defensive side of the ball.
Anyone really know about Anthony Spencer before the Cowboys traded up with division rival Philly to get him in April? He's not having much impact as a rookie, but is an outstanding physical specimen with great upside and should easily supplant Greg Ellis in a few years once he decides to hang it up. Anyway, the point is that Tiller continually seems to churn out these 3-4 linebackers or rush ends that are athletic enough to at least get a legit shot at the NFL.
Here are some names: Roosevelt Colvin, Shaun Phillips, Akin Aydoele, Ray Edwards, Chike Okeafor, Landon Johnson, Niko Koutavides, and the aforementioned Spencer. (Don't forget Brees, Matt Light and Kyle Orton on the other side)
Purdue has actually 3 of these potential future slightly above average (with exceptions to Phillips) such players. Senior DE Shaun Avril had been solid enough to earn 2nd All Big-10 and should be a third round pick in 08', but at end in a 3-4, he's only weighs in at 250 max. Senior Stanford Keglar should be good enough to merit a late 2nd day pick. Junior, and former running back, Anthony Heygood could potentially come up this year and be a late 2nd early 3rd round pick because of his athletic ability and his playmaking ability.
But will Purdue's decade long tradition of mediocrity be enough to prevent them from blowing out the Chippewas? Purdue by the way is only has only 2 wins versus 1-A teams who finished with a winning record since 2004. And one of those teams was Central Michigan earlier this year (the other agaisnt a #20 Ohio State team in 2004). They've won 19 games against losing teams and lost 20 against teams with winning records in that span as well. Can the odds hold up to the spread?
UNDER THE RADAR-
Central Michigan: DE Frank Zombo has a team leading 7.5 sacks this year and will be called upon to wreak havoc in the backfield early on to, and a big factor if Painter hurries his reads/throws or not.
Purdue: WR Greg Orton is not related to Kyle, and better yet he has great hands. He is 6-4 and a great possession receiver and should step up and have a big game with the defense keyed up on WR Dorien Bryant and TE Dustin Keller and WR Selwyn Lymon kicked off the team after a drunk driving arrest. Look for 7 grabs, 70-80 yards and a score.
PREDCITION-
Central Michigan, 27 Purdue, 38 (under 71, Purdue covering -8pts)
MVP-
Curtis Painter has a big game as Central Michigan is unable to get a significant pass rush on him. The game is close, but Painter's receivers get open enough late in the game for him to make throws that put the game out of reach late. But don't be surprised if the final score is closer. Regardless of the outcome Painter should be good for 330 yards 4tds despite a pick in the first half.
Cental Michigan 8-5 vs. Purdue 7-5
Purdue head coach Joe Tiller said that coming into this game his team is not practicing as much (only 20 versus the bowl standard 20 practices) to keep them fresh. Huh? Facing one of the top 10 best dual threat quarterbacks in the country in Dan LeFevour you would figure it would be to your teams benefit to get as many looks against him as possible in preparation. Tiller may be looking at this like, "well most of my key players are seniors and juniors, so they've been through some wars and are have been battle tested. Might as well rest up". Problem being the players might be looking at it like, "coach thinks we're too much for Central Mich, especially the second time around." Whether or not this hypothetical mixed message is being absorbed by the Tiller's squad might not be as important s the fact that their defense is not getting as many reps against a top flight running QB as possible. That's my concern.
Whomever is going to accept the ESPY for 'Most Unusual Rematch of the Year Award' next February is going to be the winning quarterback of Wednesday's contest. The spread is currently 8 points and the moneyline sits at -360 for the Boilermakers and +300 for the Chips (71 over/under yikes!). If I had someone that would actually take the moneyline on a game like this I wouldn't mind putting 50 bucks or so on it, nice $150 payout, could happen. But if I have to bet the spread heavy, it's hard to look past the Boilermakers athletic ability, but how bad is the aging Joe Tiller really?
That's how I feel about this one. We've already seen underdogs with less athleticism outplay their more talented opponents this bowl season, not to win but to do enough to make Vegas happy (Navy/Utah, SoMiss/Cincy) and I think that this COULD be another one of those situations, but Central Michigan's defense is dreadful, worse than Navy's.
They're ranked 106th in the nation this season and actually increased their ranking in the final 2 weeks when they HELD both perennial powerhouses Akron and Miami (Ohio) to 317 yards a game. The only way Central Michigan wins this game is by getting a +3 or better turnover margin or better. It could happen, Curtis Painter (Purdue QB) only has 9 picks but have lost an embarrassing 12 fumbles during their streaky season . The Chippewas have been outscored 167-43 vs BCS teams this season, including a 70-14 drubbing by Clemson.
Joe Tiller goes under heavy criticism about this time every year. He's lost 3 straight bowl games, 2002 was Tiller's only postseason win of the 21st century. At 65, Tiller's not getting any younger so this may be a case of an aging head coach on his final legs. Although he recruits well, and always seems to be producing NFL talent especially on the defensive side of the ball.
Anyone really know about Anthony Spencer before the Cowboys traded up with division rival Philly to get him in April? He's not having much impact as a rookie, but is an outstanding physical specimen with great upside and should easily supplant Greg Ellis in a few years once he decides to hang it up. Anyway, the point is that Tiller continually seems to churn out these 3-4 linebackers or rush ends that are athletic enough to at least get a legit shot at the NFL.
Here are some names: Roosevelt Colvin, Shaun Phillips, Akin Aydoele, Ray Edwards, Chike Okeafor, Landon Johnson, Niko Koutavides, and the aforementioned Spencer. (Don't forget Brees, Matt Light and Kyle Orton on the other side)
Purdue has actually 3 of these potential future slightly above average (with exceptions to Phillips) such players. Senior DE Shaun Avril had been solid enough to earn 2nd All Big-10 and should be a third round pick in 08', but at end in a 3-4, he's only weighs in at 250 max. Senior Stanford Keglar should be good enough to merit a late 2nd day pick. Junior, and former running back, Anthony Heygood could potentially come up this year and be a late 2nd early 3rd round pick because of his athletic ability and his playmaking ability.
But will Purdue's decade long tradition of mediocrity be enough to prevent them from blowing out the Chippewas? Purdue by the way is only has only 2 wins versus 1-A teams who finished with a winning record since 2004. And one of those teams was Central Michigan earlier this year (the other agaisnt a #20 Ohio State team in 2004). They've won 19 games against losing teams and lost 20 against teams with winning records in that span as well. Can the odds hold up to the spread?
UNDER THE RADAR-
Central Michigan: DE Frank Zombo has a team leading 7.5 sacks this year and will be called upon to wreak havoc in the backfield early on to, and a big factor if Painter hurries his reads/throws or not.
Purdue: WR Greg Orton is not related to Kyle, and better yet he has great hands. He is 6-4 and a great possession receiver and should step up and have a big game with the defense keyed up on WR Dorien Bryant and TE Dustin Keller and WR Selwyn Lymon kicked off the team after a drunk driving arrest. Look for 7 grabs, 70-80 yards and a score.
PREDCITION-
Central Michigan, 27 Purdue, 38 (under 71, Purdue covering -8pts)
MVP-
Curtis Painter has a big game as Central Michigan is unable to get a significant pass rush on him. The game is close, but Painter's receivers get open enough late in the game for him to make throws that put the game out of reach late. But don't be surprised if the final score is closer. Regardless of the outcome Painter should be good for 330 yards 4tds despite a pick in the first half.
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl Review
What a great turnaround for Skip Holtz. He had his team very well prepared, they looked dominant from the opening quarter, especially at the line of scrimmage. Boise State had not seen a runner of Chris Johnson's caliber all season (not many teams in the WAC have), and he ripped off almost 200 in the first quarter.
Then again, most of their defense did play against Adrian Peterson in the Fiesta Bowl last year. Watching this game, you really wonder how this team beat Oklahoma last year. Jared Zabransky was better than Taylor Tharpe, but not THAT much better. Boise seemed like they didn't have the athletes to match up against the younger Holtz's (who looks NOTHING like his father) squad, especially in one on one matchups.
Cuddos to the Pirates. They've done a nice job recruiting and should be in the running for a Conference USA title the next few years, replacing Johnson will be a tall task though.
MY GRADES:
UNDER THE RADAR-
Freshman Dewayne Harris had a pretty meaningless game. A nice 22 yard catch in the 4th quarter was his lone grab, but he only ran the ball three times for 24 yards and only had 5 yards on 2 punt returns, one of which he should've fair caught and got decimated on.
I thought that Jeremy Avery have a better game than Ian Johnson, but not out carry him 10 to 6, wow. He's probably a better pro prospect as well. Is it me or does every team this year have a 6-0, 185 freshman KR/RB/WR that can bust one loose on every play? Avery made me look smart as he went for 69 yards on those 10 carries, had another 4 catches for 43 yards and a score that woke the Broncos up to go along with 2 kick returns for 41 yards. Thanks Jeremy.
B+
MVP-
Chris Johnson is going to be a factor on Sundays. Whether he's going to be a Leon Washington type more like Jerious Norwood I don't know. My guess is somewhere between the two. Even though he fumbled on a critical play that almost cost Carolina the game, it was his first of the season after over 300 touches. Whomever takes him in the second round (he'd fit great on a team like the Steelers, Cardinals or Tampa Bay) is gonna get excellent value. If he played in a BCS conference he'd be a late first round pick. He's got 4.3 speed, great hands, doesn't fumble and finishes runs. And did I mention he's from Florida? By the way he went for a BCS record 400+ total yards: 28 carries for 223 and a 68yrd score, another 3 catches for 32 yards and a 18yrd touchdown and 6 kick returns for 153yrds (25.4 average).
A- (he outperformed my expectations, my Kaepernick and Unga debacles scared me away)
FINAL SCORE-
Prediction: ECU, 34 Boise State, 31
Actual Score: ECU, 41 Boise State, 38 (what are the chances Chris Johnson has his only fumble of the season on potentially the last play of the game and it's return for a tying score, really?
A
OVERALL GRADE:
A-
FOR THE SEASON-
Straight Up: 5-1
Against the Spread: 2-4
Over/Under: 2-4
Then again, most of their defense did play against Adrian Peterson in the Fiesta Bowl last year. Watching this game, you really wonder how this team beat Oklahoma last year. Jared Zabransky was better than Taylor Tharpe, but not THAT much better. Boise seemed like they didn't have the athletes to match up against the younger Holtz's (who looks NOTHING like his father) squad, especially in one on one matchups.
Cuddos to the Pirates. They've done a nice job recruiting and should be in the running for a Conference USA title the next few years, replacing Johnson will be a tall task though.
MY GRADES:
UNDER THE RADAR-
Freshman Dewayne Harris had a pretty meaningless game. A nice 22 yard catch in the 4th quarter was his lone grab, but he only ran the ball three times for 24 yards and only had 5 yards on 2 punt returns, one of which he should've fair caught and got decimated on.
I thought that Jeremy Avery have a better game than Ian Johnson, but not out carry him 10 to 6, wow. He's probably a better pro prospect as well. Is it me or does every team this year have a 6-0, 185 freshman KR/RB/WR that can bust one loose on every play? Avery made me look smart as he went for 69 yards on those 10 carries, had another 4 catches for 43 yards and a score that woke the Broncos up to go along with 2 kick returns for 41 yards. Thanks Jeremy.
B+
MVP-
Chris Johnson is going to be a factor on Sundays. Whether he's going to be a Leon Washington type more like Jerious Norwood I don't know. My guess is somewhere between the two. Even though he fumbled on a critical play that almost cost Carolina the game, it was his first of the season after over 300 touches. Whomever takes him in the second round (he'd fit great on a team like the Steelers, Cardinals or Tampa Bay) is gonna get excellent value. If he played in a BCS conference he'd be a late first round pick. He's got 4.3 speed, great hands, doesn't fumble and finishes runs. And did I mention he's from Florida? By the way he went for a BCS record 400+ total yards: 28 carries for 223 and a 68yrd score, another 3 catches for 32 yards and a 18yrd touchdown and 6 kick returns for 153yrds (25.4 average).
A- (he outperformed my expectations, my Kaepernick and Unga debacles scared me away)
FINAL SCORE-
Prediction: ECU, 34 Boise State, 31
Actual Score: ECU, 41 Boise State, 38 (what are the chances Chris Johnson has his only fumble of the season on potentially the last play of the game and it's return for a tying score, really?
A
OVERALL GRADE:
A-
FOR THE SEASON-
Straight Up: 5-1
Against the Spread: 2-4
Over/Under: 2-4
Las Vegas Bowl Review
DeWayne Walker should be the next coach of UCLA. His team was well prepared for this bowl game and looked the best they have since they beat, well BYU earlier in the year. They held one the best freshman running backs in the country to less yards as he had carries (17rushes for 16yards), despite being without their top run stopper. Someone named McLeod Bethel-Thompson made his first start of the season and played well, making the right throws when given time, and the offensive line, which underachieved all season long, came together to give Chris Markey enough room to grind for 117 yards on 27 carries.
But unfortunately it most likely won't be enough. Even if BYU hadn't blocked the game winning field goal I don't think that UCLA will stick with Walker, which is too bad. That was his defense that held BYU to it's worst offensive output of the season. Too often athletic director's at prominent programs like UCLA want someone with either previous head coaching experience, or that at least looks like and sounds like the boosters that shell out millions to the program. Neither are in Walker's favor, and while the latter may sound ridiculous and somewhat racist, it's true. It really shouldn't matter what DeWayne Walker looks like, but the fact is UCLA would feel much better about having someone like Rick Neuhiesel run their team than a black defensive coordinator whose never served as a head coach.
It's sad and unfortunate, but more often than not these decisions have little to do with the x's and o's that actually win football games.
MY GRADES:
UNDER THE RADAR -
Dominque Johnson never caught a pass. Not good.
Manase Tonoga didn't fare much better, 3car 21y, 0catches. Not good.
F
MVP-
Unga had less yards than carries. Not good.
F
FINAL SCORE-
Prediction: UCLA, 16 BYU, 33
Final Score: UCLA, 16 BYU, 17
(at least we got one right)
C
OVERALL GRADE: D-
FOR THE SEASON-
Straight Up: 4-1
Against the Spread: 1-4
Over/Under: 3-2
But unfortunately it most likely won't be enough. Even if BYU hadn't blocked the game winning field goal I don't think that UCLA will stick with Walker, which is too bad. That was his defense that held BYU to it's worst offensive output of the season. Too often athletic director's at prominent programs like UCLA want someone with either previous head coaching experience, or that at least looks like and sounds like the boosters that shell out millions to the program. Neither are in Walker's favor, and while the latter may sound ridiculous and somewhat racist, it's true. It really shouldn't matter what DeWayne Walker looks like, but the fact is UCLA would feel much better about having someone like Rick Neuhiesel run their team than a black defensive coordinator whose never served as a head coach.
It's sad and unfortunate, but more often than not these decisions have little to do with the x's and o's that actually win football games.
MY GRADES:
UNDER THE RADAR -
Dominque Johnson never caught a pass. Not good.
Manase Tonoga didn't fare much better, 3car 21y, 0catches. Not good.
F
MVP-
Unga had less yards than carries. Not good.
F
FINAL SCORE-
Prediction: UCLA, 16 BYU, 33
Final Score: UCLA, 16 BYU, 17
(at least we got one right)
C
OVERALL GRADE: D-
FOR THE SEASON-
Straight Up: 4-1
Against the Spread: 1-4
Over/Under: 3-2
Sunday, December 23, 2007
New Mexico Bowl Review
Beware of the man crush.
Colin Kaepernick IS going to be a great college quarterback over the next 3 years. He's going to win more than he loses, but it was not meant to be last night. At all, whatsoever.....
New Mexico even recieved the blow of having their team MVP, leading rusher and 3rd leading reciever declared acacdemically ineligable right before the game. They're all one player, and Rodney Ferguson was not missed. I guess Rocky Long is the Mountain West version of Mike Shanahan, becasue it seems to be the system not the back recently. Paul Baker, like Ferguson and Dontrell Moore before him, stepped in and promtly ran for 167 yards and caught another 2 passes for 42 yards and although he never reached pay-dirt, he took alot of pressure off Donovan Porterie.
Nevada was simply overmatched. I should've saw that coming. They had no playmakers on defense especially in the secondary and the game could've eaily been by a forty point margin. The Nevada offensive line was perplexed by the mutiple looks and stunts thrown their way, and Kaepernick seemed flustered all night long, although he never turned the ball over to his credit.
MY GRADES:
UNDER THE RADAR-
The WAC (and whack) Wes Welker-Tim Dwight lovechild had no impact on the game, much like the rest of his teammates. 2 catches for 19 yards. No sir.
Porterie on the other hand had an outstanding game. He threw for 354yards, a couple of tds but only one pick. He never had to outshine Rodney Ferguson, as Ferguson didn't play. But he did make al the throws, albeit against a very poor showing by a Nevada secondary, and was the most productive passer in the game.
B-
MVP-
Kap had a bad game. Not terrible, but his defense and line didn't do him any favors. He didn't turn the ball over, but couldn't get it going on the ground either and overthrew the aforementioed McCoy on a wide open td in the 1st quarter that could've given Nevada some much needed momentum. Did it really matter in the end? No, New Mexico's defense gave Nevada fits from all angles.
F
FINAL SCORE-
Prediction: Nevada 37, New Mexico 34
Actual Score: Nevada 0, New Mexico, 23
F
OVERALL GRADE: D (worst game by far, congrats to the Lobos and Rocky Long)
For Bowl Season-
Straight Up: 3-1
Against the Spread: 1-3
Over/Under: 2-2
Colin Kaepernick IS going to be a great college quarterback over the next 3 years. He's going to win more than he loses, but it was not meant to be last night. At all, whatsoever.....
New Mexico even recieved the blow of having their team MVP, leading rusher and 3rd leading reciever declared acacdemically ineligable right before the game. They're all one player, and Rodney Ferguson was not missed. I guess Rocky Long is the Mountain West version of Mike Shanahan, becasue it seems to be the system not the back recently. Paul Baker, like Ferguson and Dontrell Moore before him, stepped in and promtly ran for 167 yards and caught another 2 passes for 42 yards and although he never reached pay-dirt, he took alot of pressure off Donovan Porterie.
Nevada was simply overmatched. I should've saw that coming. They had no playmakers on defense especially in the secondary and the game could've eaily been by a forty point margin. The Nevada offensive line was perplexed by the mutiple looks and stunts thrown their way, and Kaepernick seemed flustered all night long, although he never turned the ball over to his credit.
MY GRADES:
UNDER THE RADAR-
The WAC (and whack) Wes Welker-Tim Dwight lovechild had no impact on the game, much like the rest of his teammates. 2 catches for 19 yards. No sir.
Porterie on the other hand had an outstanding game. He threw for 354yards, a couple of tds but only one pick. He never had to outshine Rodney Ferguson, as Ferguson didn't play. But he did make al the throws, albeit against a very poor showing by a Nevada secondary, and was the most productive passer in the game.
B-
MVP-
Kap had a bad game. Not terrible, but his defense and line didn't do him any favors. He didn't turn the ball over, but couldn't get it going on the ground either and overthrew the aforementioed McCoy on a wide open td in the 1st quarter that could've given Nevada some much needed momentum. Did it really matter in the end? No, New Mexico's defense gave Nevada fits from all angles.
F
FINAL SCORE-
Prediction: Nevada 37, New Mexico 34
Actual Score: Nevada 0, New Mexico, 23
F
OVERALL GRADE: D (worst game by far, congrats to the Lobos and Rocky Long)
For Bowl Season-
Straight Up: 3-1
Against the Spread: 1-3
Over/Under: 2-2
Papajohns.com Bowl Review
Southern Miss, 21 Cincinnati, 31
Missed this one by 2 points. And those 2 points hurt because, that was the difference between an 10 point game and a 12 point game when the spread was 11. Funny how that works.
Cinncinatti looked to have it going on on the first possession afer they quickly got to midfield, but then had 3 costly penalties and were forced to punt. Gotta admit I was surprised at the sucess that Fletcher had. Young made some nice throws early with a shortened field thanks to turnovers, but Fletcher broke off a few long gains that really kept Cinncinatti on there toes.
Despite all the emotion that the Eagles had in Bower's last game, Jeremy Young's three picks were too much to overcome. I thought that would happen, but I did not expect Fletcher to have the game that he did, very impressive against a highly regarded Cincinnatti front seven. Mauk really settled down and made alot of extra time for his recievers to get a step on the Southern Miss D by scrambling away from the pass rush and finding the open man.
The Golden Eagles offense had nothing left in the tank after they went 76 yards to score in to open the 4th quarter. They managed a total of 20 yards on 15 plays the rest of the way. Ben Mauk threw the ball 52 times, completed 30 of them for 334 yards and 4tds. Fletcher was all the Eagles had leading the team in recieving and rushing (155rush and 50rec)
Funny thing is, both quarterbacks threw 3 picks, but Young's hurt his team much more. Southern Miss couldn't manage any points of Mauk's picks while the Bearcats scored 10 off Young's picks. Sometimes thats all it comes down to.
MY GRADE:
UNDER THE RADAR- not so hot. Torris Magee finished with just three grabs for 18 yards, never broke loose like I thought. Corey Smith had a nice game, didn't force any turnovers, but wasn't a true difference maker in the game.
C-
MVP- Sometimes the easy pick is the right one. Mauk smoked Bower's defense after a cold start and completed 7 passes to three different receivers. Mauk also ran for 41 yards and used his elusivness to escape the pass rush numerous times.
A+
FINAL SCORE-
Prediction: Southern Miss, 19 Cincinnati, 31
Actual Score: Southern Miss, 21 Cincinnati, 31
(Jeahhh!)
A
OVERALL GRADE:
A-
Missed this one by 2 points. And those 2 points hurt because, that was the difference between an 10 point game and a 12 point game when the spread was 11. Funny how that works.
Cinncinatti looked to have it going on on the first possession afer they quickly got to midfield, but then had 3 costly penalties and were forced to punt. Gotta admit I was surprised at the sucess that Fletcher had. Young made some nice throws early with a shortened field thanks to turnovers, but Fletcher broke off a few long gains that really kept Cinncinatti on there toes.
Despite all the emotion that the Eagles had in Bower's last game, Jeremy Young's three picks were too much to overcome. I thought that would happen, but I did not expect Fletcher to have the game that he did, very impressive against a highly regarded Cincinnatti front seven. Mauk really settled down and made alot of extra time for his recievers to get a step on the Southern Miss D by scrambling away from the pass rush and finding the open man.
The Golden Eagles offense had nothing left in the tank after they went 76 yards to score in to open the 4th quarter. They managed a total of 20 yards on 15 plays the rest of the way. Ben Mauk threw the ball 52 times, completed 30 of them for 334 yards and 4tds. Fletcher was all the Eagles had leading the team in recieving and rushing (155rush and 50rec)
Funny thing is, both quarterbacks threw 3 picks, but Young's hurt his team much more. Southern Miss couldn't manage any points of Mauk's picks while the Bearcats scored 10 off Young's picks. Sometimes thats all it comes down to.
MY GRADE:
UNDER THE RADAR- not so hot. Torris Magee finished with just three grabs for 18 yards, never broke loose like I thought. Corey Smith had a nice game, didn't force any turnovers, but wasn't a true difference maker in the game.
C-
MVP- Sometimes the easy pick is the right one. Mauk smoked Bower's defense after a cold start and completed 7 passes to three different receivers. Mauk also ran for 41 yards and used his elusivness to escape the pass rush numerous times.
A+
FINAL SCORE-
Prediction: Southern Miss, 19 Cincinnati, 31
Actual Score: Southern Miss, 21 Cincinnati, 31
(Jeahhh!)
A
OVERALL GRADE:
A-
2day sucked
2007 Hawaii Bowl ($750,000 payout)
East Carolina Pirates, 7-5 vs. #24 Boise State Broncos, 10-2
On paper it looks like a route. Alot of the players on this Boise State team were part the greatest ending in the history of college football last season (2007 Fiesta Bowl). Boise has no real weakness, they defend the pass and run well (37th and 26th in the country respectivley) and can run (26th, althougth they haven't been completley consistant througout the season) and chuck it on the other side of the ball.
East Carolina I think is going to win, and of course since both of my fantasy teams lost in the finals and I've lost 7 of out of the nine bets I made this weekend and am down $490 and can't afford to wager on the game they're going to do it.
Under the Radar players:
ECU- DT Linval Joseph and WR/RB/KR Dewayne Harris
Boise- RB/KR Jeremy Avery
Prediction: ECU 34, Boise State 31
MVP- Chris Johnson, 142yards 2td, 5r 66yards, good returns too, maybe a td their
East Carolina Pirates, 7-5 vs. #24 Boise State Broncos, 10-2
On paper it looks like a route. Alot of the players on this Boise State team were part the greatest ending in the history of college football last season (2007 Fiesta Bowl). Boise has no real weakness, they defend the pass and run well (37th and 26th in the country respectivley) and can run (26th, althougth they haven't been completley consistant througout the season) and chuck it on the other side of the ball.
East Carolina I think is going to win, and of course since both of my fantasy teams lost in the finals and I've lost 7 of out of the nine bets I made this weekend and am down $490 and can't afford to wager on the game they're going to do it.
Under the Radar players:
ECU- DT Linval Joseph and WR/RB/KR Dewayne Harris
Boise- RB/KR Jeremy Avery
Prediction: ECU 34, Boise State 31
MVP- Chris Johnson, 142yards 2td, 5r 66yards, good returns too, maybe a td their
TEAM PROFILE: #24 Boise State Broncos
#24 Boise State 10-2
Key Players:
LT- Ryan Clady: great all aroung tackle and athlete, will be good if not great in NFL
6-6, 317 JR (Cal)- 1st WAC 07’, 1st WAC 06’
RB- Ian Johnson: very efficient college back, good receiver too
5-11, 195 JR (Cal)- 1st WAC 07’, 3rd ALL AMERICAN 06’, 1st WAC 06’
FS- Marty Tadman: good instincts, gets a lot of tackles, 2ints (one for td) vs Okl in 06
5-11, 185 SR (Cal)- 1st WAC 07’, 2nd WAC 06’, 2nd WAC 05’
WR- Jeremy Childs: only 1 game under 50yrds, 3 under 70, only 3 games +13per rec
6-0, 196 SO (Cal)- 1st WAC 07’
DE- Nick Schlekeway: good all around end, not best pass rusher, good strength and size
6-4, 262 SR (Id)- 1st WAC 07’
RG- Tad Miller: key cog for the line in the middle, good mix of speed and power
6-4, 296 SR (Id)- 2nd WAC 07’
QB- Taylor Tharp: had one of the best season at QB in school history, very accurate
6-2, 206 SR (Co)- 2nd WAC 07’
CB- Kyle Wilson: good all around athlete, good hitter with cover skills
5-10, 190 SO (NJ)- 2nd WAC 07’
K/P- Kyle Brotzman: great leg, better kicker than punter, Groza finalist
5-10, 175 FR (Id)- 2nd WAC 07’ (K)
MLB- Kyle Gingg: led team in tackles (86), 2nd in tackles for loss (7.5)
5-11, 220 JR (Arz)
C- Jeff Cavender: started 50 straight games, underrated, should’ve been 2nd team this year
6-2, 287 SR (Nev)- 2nd WAC 06’
OLB- Dallas Dobbs: athletic, led team in INTs with 3, 60 tackles, 6 for loss
6-2, 219 JR (Nev)
DE- Mike T. Williams: good pass rusher, not great, nice athleticism
6-4, 245 JR (Cal)
Watch Out For:
RB- Jeremy Avery: one of best frosh yrs at Boise, good hands, explosive, returns kicks
5-9, 173 FR (Cal)
Team Info:
Passing Off: 283.6 yrds/g, 29th in NCAA
-solid protection
-clutch part of team, great on 3rd downs
-effective distribution
Rushing Off: 193.1 yrds/g, 22nd in NCAA-underrated line, best in WAC
-Johnson a little overrated, Avery good back as well
-set up a lot of 2nd and 6s (or less)
BIGGEST STRENGTH
Passing Def: 211.6 yrds/g, 37th in NCAA
-not the best pass rush
-only real weakness on team, although still very good
BIGGEST WEAKNESS
Rushing Def: 117.2 yrds/g, 26th in NCAA
-LBs cover gaps well
-Tadman acts like extra backer
-DTs do good job filling lanes
Special Team:
Kicking- A ( 0+ 50, but 47long, 3-4 +40, 15-17 overall)
Punting- B-
Return Game- C+
Key Stats:
3rd Down Conv- 97/187 (52%) vs. 60/182 (33%)
Turnovers- 17 vs. 21 (+4)
Penalties- 88 for 778yrds (64.8per) vs. 60 for 468yrds (39.0per)
TOP- 31:19 vs. 28:41
Head Coach: Chris Peterson, 2nd year- 23-2, 15-1 in WAC, 1-0 bowls
-down to earth, great relationship with players
-should be coach here for a while
-aggressive but still uses strengths accordingly
*great on 3rd downs, always get out penalized
*team has no other glaring weakness than penalties
*great coaching
*4 bowl games since 2003 decided by total of 14 points (most by 6)
*6-2 in bowls, 1-2 since 04’
Key Players:
LT- Ryan Clady: great all aroung tackle and athlete, will be good if not great in NFL
6-6, 317 JR (Cal)- 1st WAC 07’, 1st WAC 06’
RB- Ian Johnson: very efficient college back, good receiver too
5-11, 195 JR (Cal)- 1st WAC 07’, 3rd ALL AMERICAN 06’, 1st WAC 06’
FS- Marty Tadman: good instincts, gets a lot of tackles, 2ints (one for td) vs Okl in 06
5-11, 185 SR (Cal)- 1st WAC 07’, 2nd WAC 06’, 2nd WAC 05’
WR- Jeremy Childs: only 1 game under 50yrds, 3 under 70, only 3 games +13per rec
6-0, 196 SO (Cal)- 1st WAC 07’
DE- Nick Schlekeway: good all around end, not best pass rusher, good strength and size
6-4, 262 SR (Id)- 1st WAC 07’
RG- Tad Miller: key cog for the line in the middle, good mix of speed and power
6-4, 296 SR (Id)- 2nd WAC 07’
QB- Taylor Tharp: had one of the best season at QB in school history, very accurate
6-2, 206 SR (Co)- 2nd WAC 07’
CB- Kyle Wilson: good all around athlete, good hitter with cover skills
5-10, 190 SO (NJ)- 2nd WAC 07’
K/P- Kyle Brotzman: great leg, better kicker than punter, Groza finalist
5-10, 175 FR (Id)- 2nd WAC 07’ (K)
MLB- Kyle Gingg: led team in tackles (86), 2nd in tackles for loss (7.5)
5-11, 220 JR (Arz)
C- Jeff Cavender: started 50 straight games, underrated, should’ve been 2nd team this year
6-2, 287 SR (Nev)- 2nd WAC 06’
OLB- Dallas Dobbs: athletic, led team in INTs with 3, 60 tackles, 6 for loss
6-2, 219 JR (Nev)
DE- Mike T. Williams: good pass rusher, not great, nice athleticism
6-4, 245 JR (Cal)
Watch Out For:
RB- Jeremy Avery: one of best frosh yrs at Boise, good hands, explosive, returns kicks
5-9, 173 FR (Cal)
Team Info:
Passing Off: 283.6 yrds/g, 29th in NCAA
-solid protection
-clutch part of team, great on 3rd downs
-effective distribution
Rushing Off: 193.1 yrds/g, 22nd in NCAA-underrated line, best in WAC
-Johnson a little overrated, Avery good back as well
-set up a lot of 2nd and 6s (or less)
BIGGEST STRENGTH
Passing Def: 211.6 yrds/g, 37th in NCAA
-not the best pass rush
-only real weakness on team, although still very good
BIGGEST WEAKNESS
Rushing Def: 117.2 yrds/g, 26th in NCAA
-LBs cover gaps well
-Tadman acts like extra backer
-DTs do good job filling lanes
Special Team:
Kicking- A ( 0+ 50, but 47long, 3-4 +40, 15-17 overall)
Punting- B-
Return Game- C+
Key Stats:
3rd Down Conv- 97/187 (52%) vs. 60/182 (33%)
Turnovers- 17 vs. 21 (+4)
Penalties- 88 for 778yrds (64.8per) vs. 60 for 468yrds (39.0per)
TOP- 31:19 vs. 28:41
Head Coach: Chris Peterson, 2nd year- 23-2, 15-1 in WAC, 1-0 bowls
-down to earth, great relationship with players
-should be coach here for a while
-aggressive but still uses strengths accordingly
*great on 3rd downs, always get out penalized
*team has no other glaring weakness than penalties
*great coaching
*4 bowl games since 2003 decided by total of 14 points (most by 6)
*6-2 in bowls, 1-2 since 04’
TEAM PROFILE: East Carolina Pirates
East Carolina Pirates 7-5
Key Players:
RB/KR- Chris Johnson: outstanding speed, will play in NFL somewhere, good hands
5-11, 195 SR (Fla)- 1st CUSA 07’ (KR), 2nd CUSA 07’ (RB), 1st CUSA 06’ (KR)
Newcomer of Year CUSA 04’, All-Frosh CUSA 04’
RT- Josh Coffman: added weight to frame, former TE, solid blocker
6-7, 292 SR (Fla)- 2nd CUSA 07’, 2nd CUSA 06’
FS- Van Eskridge: great tackler, can play LB, forces turnovers all over field
6-0, 198 SO (NC)- 2nd CUSA 07’, All-Frosh CUSA 06’, HM CUSA 06’
DE- C.J. Wilson: great attitude and personality, strong, quick and athletic
6-4, 269 SO (NC)- 2nd CUSA 07’
DE- Zack Slate: good pass rusher, works hard, quick and mobile, all around the feild
6-5, 222 JR (Fla)- 2nd CUSA 07’
LG- Matt Butler: battle tested, can play center, anchor along with Coffman
6-4, 300 SR (NC)- HM CUSA 07’
RG- Doug Palmer: former Dlineman, athletic and aggressive
6-3, 306 SO (NC)- HM CUSA 07’
WR- Jamar Bryant: good physical skills and body control, underused
6-2, 198 SO (NC)- HM CUSA 07’
DT- Jay Ross: good quickness for frame, strong
6-3, 300 SO (NC)- HM CUSA 07’
MLB- Fred Wilson: high intensity player, 78 tackles, underrated
6-2, 260 SR (SC)- HM CUSA 07’
DT- Linval Joseph: one of the best tackles out of Florida last year, 39 tackles as frosh
6-6, 344 FR (Fla)- All-Frosh CUSA 07’
OLB- Pierre Bell: 88 tackles, 2int, tough and athletic
6-2, 231 JR (NC)
Watch Out For:
RB/WR/KR- Dewayne Harris: speedy and explosive, underused last few games
6-0, 199 FR (Ga)
Team Info:
Passing Off: 206.6 yrds/g, 75th in NCAA
-QB shuffle is partly responsible
-get decent protection
-need to throw to Harris more often, no true #2
Rush Off: 171.3 yrds/g, 39th in NCAA
-Johnson doesn’t fumble often
-Pinkey is nice runner
-good interior running team for back of Johnson’s size
Pass Def: 290.2 yrds/g, 115th in NCAA
-force turnovers
-corners aren’t lock down by any means
-Eskridge is only playmaker
Rush Def: 146.3 yrds/g, 53rd in NCAA
-Joseph is a beast, underrated and undervalued
-Wilson underrated as well
-Eskridge is an extra LB essentially
Special Teams:
Kicking- C (good leg, inconsistent, 11-20, 52long, 4-10 from 30-29)
Punting- B+
Return Game- A
Key Stats:
3rd Down Conv- 65/167 (39%) vs. 75/189 (40%)
Turnovers- 13 vs. 27 (+12)
Penalties- 97 for 777yrds (64.8per) vs. 67 for 649yrds (54.1per)
TOP- 28:32 vs. 31:28
Head Coach: Skip Holtz, 3rd Season- 18-16, 14-8 in CUSA, 0-1 bowls
-offensive minded coach
-good with QBs
-not best coach ever, probably better offensive-coordinator
*all there top players are from Florida, that’s good, good recruiting
*get ball in hands of Johnson, Harris and Bryant as often as possible
Key Players:
RB/KR- Chris Johnson: outstanding speed, will play in NFL somewhere, good hands
5-11, 195 SR (Fla)- 1st CUSA 07’ (KR), 2nd CUSA 07’ (RB), 1st CUSA 06’ (KR)
Newcomer of Year CUSA 04’, All-Frosh CUSA 04’
RT- Josh Coffman: added weight to frame, former TE, solid blocker
6-7, 292 SR (Fla)- 2nd CUSA 07’, 2nd CUSA 06’
FS- Van Eskridge: great tackler, can play LB, forces turnovers all over field
6-0, 198 SO (NC)- 2nd CUSA 07’, All-Frosh CUSA 06’, HM CUSA 06’
DE- C.J. Wilson: great attitude and personality, strong, quick and athletic
6-4, 269 SO (NC)- 2nd CUSA 07’
DE- Zack Slate: good pass rusher, works hard, quick and mobile, all around the feild
6-5, 222 JR (Fla)- 2nd CUSA 07’
LG- Matt Butler: battle tested, can play center, anchor along with Coffman
6-4, 300 SR (NC)- HM CUSA 07’
RG- Doug Palmer: former Dlineman, athletic and aggressive
6-3, 306 SO (NC)- HM CUSA 07’
WR- Jamar Bryant: good physical skills and body control, underused
6-2, 198 SO (NC)- HM CUSA 07’
DT- Jay Ross: good quickness for frame, strong
6-3, 300 SO (NC)- HM CUSA 07’
MLB- Fred Wilson: high intensity player, 78 tackles, underrated
6-2, 260 SR (SC)- HM CUSA 07’
DT- Linval Joseph: one of the best tackles out of Florida last year, 39 tackles as frosh
6-6, 344 FR (Fla)- All-Frosh CUSA 07’
OLB- Pierre Bell: 88 tackles, 2int, tough and athletic
6-2, 231 JR (NC)
Watch Out For:
RB/WR/KR- Dewayne Harris: speedy and explosive, underused last few games
6-0, 199 FR (Ga)
Team Info:
Passing Off: 206.6 yrds/g, 75th in NCAA
-QB shuffle is partly responsible
-get decent protection
-need to throw to Harris more often, no true #2
Rush Off: 171.3 yrds/g, 39th in NCAA
-Johnson doesn’t fumble often
-Pinkey is nice runner
-good interior running team for back of Johnson’s size
Pass Def: 290.2 yrds/g, 115th in NCAA
-force turnovers
-corners aren’t lock down by any means
-Eskridge is only playmaker
Rush Def: 146.3 yrds/g, 53rd in NCAA
-Joseph is a beast, underrated and undervalued
-Wilson underrated as well
-Eskridge is an extra LB essentially
Special Teams:
Kicking- C (good leg, inconsistent, 11-20, 52long, 4-10 from 30-29)
Punting- B+
Return Game- A
Key Stats:
3rd Down Conv- 65/167 (39%) vs. 75/189 (40%)
Turnovers- 13 vs. 27 (+12)
Penalties- 97 for 777yrds (64.8per) vs. 67 for 649yrds (54.1per)
TOP- 28:32 vs. 31:28
Head Coach: Skip Holtz, 3rd Season- 18-16, 14-8 in CUSA, 0-1 bowls
-offensive minded coach
-good with QBs
-not best coach ever, probably better offensive-coordinator
*all there top players are from Florida, that’s good, good recruiting
*get ball in hands of Johnson, Harris and Bryant as often as possible
2007 Sheraton Hawaii Bowl Preview
2007 Hawaii Bowl
East Carolina Pirates vs. Boise State Broncos
7-5 10-2
@ #9 Virginia Tech, L 7-17 Weber State, W 56-7
North Carolina, W 34-31 @ Washington, L 10-24
Southern Miss, L 21-28 Wyoming, W 24-14
@ #5 West Virginia, L 7-48 Southern Miss, W 38-16
@ Houston, W 37-35 New Mexico State, W 58-0
UCF, W 52-38 Nevada, W 69-67
@ UTEP, W 45-42 @ Louisiana Tech, W 45-31
North Carolina State, L 20-34 @ Fresno State, W 34-21
UAB, W 41-6 San Jose State, W 42-7
@Memphis, W 56-40 @ Utah State, W 52-0
@Marshall, L 7-26 Idaho, W 58-14
Tulane, W 35-12 @ #14 Hawaii, L 27-39
ECU Passing Off vs. Boise State Pass Def: 1
Adv- Boise State
ECU Rushing Off vs. Boise State Rush Def: 3
Adv- ECU
Boise State Passing Off vs. ECU Pass Def: 4
Adv- Boise State
Boise State Rushing Off vs. ECU Rush Def: 2
Adv- Boise State
ECU Special Teams: 3
Boise State Special Teams: 2
3rd Down Conv- Boise State, 3
Turnovers- ECU, 3
Penalties- Boise State, 1
TOP- Boise State, 3
Coaching- Boise State, 2
Intangibles- ECU, 5
Size- Boise State, 1
Speed- ECU, 3
TOTALS:
East Carolina- 17
Boise State- 19
East Carolina Pirates vs. Boise State Broncos
7-5 10-2
@ #9 Virginia Tech, L 7-17 Weber State, W 56-7
North Carolina, W 34-31 @ Washington, L 10-24
Southern Miss, L 21-28 Wyoming, W 24-14
@ #5 West Virginia, L 7-48 Southern Miss, W 38-16
@ Houston, W 37-35 New Mexico State, W 58-0
UCF, W 52-38 Nevada, W 69-67
@ UTEP, W 45-42 @ Louisiana Tech, W 45-31
North Carolina State, L 20-34 @ Fresno State, W 34-21
UAB, W 41-6 San Jose State, W 42-7
@Memphis, W 56-40 @ Utah State, W 52-0
@Marshall, L 7-26 Idaho, W 58-14
Tulane, W 35-12 @ #14 Hawaii, L 27-39
ECU Passing Off vs. Boise State Pass Def: 1
Adv- Boise State
ECU Rushing Off vs. Boise State Rush Def: 3
Adv- ECU
Boise State Passing Off vs. ECU Pass Def: 4
Adv- Boise State
Boise State Rushing Off vs. ECU Rush Def: 2
Adv- Boise State
ECU Special Teams: 3
Boise State Special Teams: 2
3rd Down Conv- Boise State, 3
Turnovers- ECU, 3
Penalties- Boise State, 1
TOP- Boise State, 3
Coaching- Boise State, 2
Intangibles- ECU, 5
Size- Boise State, 1
Speed- ECU, 3
TOTALS:
East Carolina- 17
Boise State- 19
Friday, December 21, 2007
New Orleans Bowl Review
Gotta be happy with this one. Memphis actually took the lead like I thought they would, but their dreadful special teams caught up with them as they got a crucial punt blocked, followed by a Jason Harmon TD grab.
Don't wanna say I told you so, but I told you so.
Memphis never had a chance in this one once Hankins went down, Will Hudgins is awful. I don't know how he even beat Marshall.
MY GRADE:
UNDER THE RADAR- Not so hot here, Maurice Jones got hurt after his first and only catch of 5 yards and never came back, far underachieving my 100+ and a touch expectations.
Acevado had a decent game, but no picks and only a handful of tackles, mostly downfield and not in the box where it mattered.
D-
MVP- TE Jason Harmon had 7 catches for 97 yards and a touch. Not quite the 11r 140y 2td (26 fantasy points, receptions SHOULD count for at least .5 points as far as I'm concerned) week I predicted, but he did lead them in receiving yards like I thought. Smith did an excellent job spreading the ball around all night (especially early on, 3 of his first 4td passes were to backs) and defiantly earned MVP honors.
B
FINAL SCORE-
Prediction: Florida Atl 42, Memphis 38
Actual: Florida Atl, 44 Memphis 27
(Got the outcome right, Hankins injury hurt Memphis alot)
A-
OVERALL GRADE: B+ (extra credit for the blocked punt call)
FOR BOWL SEASON-
Straight Up: 2-0
Against the Spread: 1-1
Over/Under: 1-1
Don't wanna say I told you so, but I told you so.
Memphis never had a chance in this one once Hankins went down, Will Hudgins is awful. I don't know how he even beat Marshall.
MY GRADE:
UNDER THE RADAR- Not so hot here, Maurice Jones got hurt after his first and only catch of 5 yards and never came back, far underachieving my 100+ and a touch expectations.
Acevado had a decent game, but no picks and only a handful of tackles, mostly downfield and not in the box where it mattered.
D-
MVP- TE Jason Harmon had 7 catches for 97 yards and a touch. Not quite the 11r 140y 2td (26 fantasy points, receptions SHOULD count for at least .5 points as far as I'm concerned) week I predicted, but he did lead them in receiving yards like I thought. Smith did an excellent job spreading the ball around all night (especially early on, 3 of his first 4td passes were to backs) and defiantly earned MVP honors.
B
FINAL SCORE-
Prediction: Florida Atl 42, Memphis 38
Actual: Florida Atl, 44 Memphis 27
(Got the outcome right, Hankins injury hurt Memphis alot)
A-
OVERALL GRADE: B+ (extra credit for the blocked punt call)
FOR BOWL SEASON-
Straight Up: 2-0
Against the Spread: 1-1
Over/Under: 1-1
Win One For the Walker....or at Least TRY
2007 Las Vegas Bowl ($1 million payout)
UCLA, 6-6 vs. BYU, 10-2
UCLA is the worst team to make a bowl game in 2007.
Memphis with Martin Hankins on the field against Florida Atlantic seriously looked better than UCLA the last two months of the season. But will the firing of Karl Dorrell have the reverse effect on the Bruins? Will DeWayne Walker's burning desire to win inspire this group of mostly senior underachievers enough to go out and beat a team they already beat earlier in the season?
That sounds like a ridiculous question, but the answer is surprisingly no. These two teams have gone in completely different directions since that meeting. UCLA promptly got blown 3-44 the next week by an unranked Utah squad after being ranked 12th in the country. BYU suddenly discovered that Harvey Unga is one of the top runners in the country as their 3-4 defense discovered its groove. UCLA is currently 6 point dogs and the moneyline sits at -250 for BYU and +210 for UCLA.
Save your money for the post x-mas sales if your thinking about wagering on the Bruins. They should be pumped up, because Walker has a great reputation with his teammates, and alot of them want to see him named the next head coach. Problem is, aside form sophomore cornerback Alterraun Verner no impact players in this game will be wearing the sky blue and gold next year. UCLA has no passing game to begin with, and the two QBs they've been shuffling (Ben Olson and Pat Cowan) are BOTH listed as doubtful coming into the game. (By the way Ben Olson was the best recruit in the nation about 5 years ago, a sure thing can't miss. Signed with BYU, went on a Mormon mission, came back, transferred to UCLA and now has a completion percentage barley over 50% and only a handful of career victories. Ben Leard anyone?)
The Cougars are loaded on both sides of the ball, and will expose UCLA's injuries in the front seven (especially stout DT Kevin Brown) with the great Harvey Unga. He comes in a close second on my list of frosh man-crushes to Colin Kaepernick. He's got the total package and should showcase this against the Bruins D. BYU's passing game will set up the run, not vise-versa. Max Hall will be looking for deep crossing routes and posts to WR Austin Collie and TE Dennis Pitta. Should work, UCLA is ranked 70th against the pass, they get a solid rush with Bruce Davis, but their DBs look for the homerun (pick 6) too often and give up too many long pass plays in doing so.
UCLA's motivation to win for DeWayne Walker should be outmatched by BYU's sizeable chip on their shoulders to avenge for their loss against the Bruins in week 2. The only hope UCLA has is the same as any when a team is facing a high powered offense it can't run with: Ball Control. Control the clock, control the scoreboard. Keep your defense fresh and hope that the young BYU team (alot of sophomores and freshman at key positions) make mistakes. But the odds and ever mounting injuries are against them.
UNDER THE RADAR:
UCLA WR Dominque Johnson could give the Cougars secondary some headaches. Brandon Brazelle will command attention and Joe Cowan isn't Brian Poli-Dixon enough to make big plays. Johnson is 6-3, 209 and has great hands, speed and runs solid routes. Pencil him in for 6 grabs, 110 yards and MAYBE, a score.
BYU FB Manase Tonga is a beast around the goal line, he's only got 85 carries on the season and 8 have gone for scores. Add another 27 grabs for 248 on the season and Tonga seem set up have that classic under the radar game for a hard working versatile FB on a high powered offense. Pencil him in for maybe 9car 50 yards (1 big run down the goal line) and a with another 4 grabs for 35 yards and a score either way.
PREDICTION:
UCLA, 16 BYU, 33
MVP:
Gotta go with my man Unga. Look for him to get physical around the 4th quarter and ice this Las Vegas bowl. Oh yeah did I mention he doesn't fumble either. Pencil him in for 28 carries 140 yards and 2 scores. Oh yeah he can catch too, another 4 grabs for 40 yards. Don't be surprised if Unga goes over the 200 mark for total yardage in this one.
UCLA, 6-6 vs. BYU, 10-2
UCLA is the worst team to make a bowl game in 2007.
Memphis with Martin Hankins on the field against Florida Atlantic seriously looked better than UCLA the last two months of the season. But will the firing of Karl Dorrell have the reverse effect on the Bruins? Will DeWayne Walker's burning desire to win inspire this group of mostly senior underachievers enough to go out and beat a team they already beat earlier in the season?
That sounds like a ridiculous question, but the answer is surprisingly no. These two teams have gone in completely different directions since that meeting. UCLA promptly got blown 3-44 the next week by an unranked Utah squad after being ranked 12th in the country. BYU suddenly discovered that Harvey Unga is one of the top runners in the country as their 3-4 defense discovered its groove. UCLA is currently 6 point dogs and the moneyline sits at -250 for BYU and +210 for UCLA.
Save your money for the post x-mas sales if your thinking about wagering on the Bruins. They should be pumped up, because Walker has a great reputation with his teammates, and alot of them want to see him named the next head coach. Problem is, aside form sophomore cornerback Alterraun Verner no impact players in this game will be wearing the sky blue and gold next year. UCLA has no passing game to begin with, and the two QBs they've been shuffling (Ben Olson and Pat Cowan) are BOTH listed as doubtful coming into the game. (By the way Ben Olson was the best recruit in the nation about 5 years ago, a sure thing can't miss. Signed with BYU, went on a Mormon mission, came back, transferred to UCLA and now has a completion percentage barley over 50% and only a handful of career victories. Ben Leard anyone?)
The Cougars are loaded on both sides of the ball, and will expose UCLA's injuries in the front seven (especially stout DT Kevin Brown) with the great Harvey Unga. He comes in a close second on my list of frosh man-crushes to Colin Kaepernick. He's got the total package and should showcase this against the Bruins D. BYU's passing game will set up the run, not vise-versa. Max Hall will be looking for deep crossing routes and posts to WR Austin Collie and TE Dennis Pitta. Should work, UCLA is ranked 70th against the pass, they get a solid rush with Bruce Davis, but their DBs look for the homerun (pick 6) too often and give up too many long pass plays in doing so.
UCLA's motivation to win for DeWayne Walker should be outmatched by BYU's sizeable chip on their shoulders to avenge for their loss against the Bruins in week 2. The only hope UCLA has is the same as any when a team is facing a high powered offense it can't run with: Ball Control. Control the clock, control the scoreboard. Keep your defense fresh and hope that the young BYU team (alot of sophomores and freshman at key positions) make mistakes. But the odds and ever mounting injuries are against them.
UNDER THE RADAR:
UCLA WR Dominque Johnson could give the Cougars secondary some headaches. Brandon Brazelle will command attention and Joe Cowan isn't Brian Poli-Dixon enough to make big plays. Johnson is 6-3, 209 and has great hands, speed and runs solid routes. Pencil him in for 6 grabs, 110 yards and MAYBE, a score.
BYU FB Manase Tonga is a beast around the goal line, he's only got 85 carries on the season and 8 have gone for scores. Add another 27 grabs for 248 on the season and Tonga seem set up have that classic under the radar game for a hard working versatile FB on a high powered offense. Pencil him in for maybe 9car 50 yards (1 big run down the goal line) and a with another 4 grabs for 35 yards and a score either way.
PREDICTION:
UCLA, 16 BYU, 33
MVP:
Gotta go with my man Unga. Look for him to get physical around the 4th quarter and ice this Las Vegas bowl. Oh yeah did I mention he doesn't fumble either. Pencil him in for 28 carries 140 yards and 2 scores. Oh yeah he can catch too, another 4 grabs for 40 yards. Don't be surprised if Unga goes over the 200 mark for total yardage in this one.
2007 Las Vegas Bowl Preview
2007 Las Vegas Bowl
UCLA Bruins vs. BYU Cougars
6-6 10-2
@ Stanford, W 45-17 Arizona, W 20-7
BYU, W 27-17 @ #13 UCLA, L 17-27
@ Utah, L 6-44 @ Tulsa, L 47-55
Washington, W 44-31 Air Force, W 31-6
@ Oregon St, W 40-14 @ New Mexico, W 31-24
Notre Dame, L 6-20 @ UNLV, W 24-14
#10 Cal, W 30-21 Eastern Washington, W 42-7
@ Washington State, L 7-27 Colorado State, W 35-16
@ Arizona, L 27-34 TCU, W 27-22
#9 Arizona State, L 20-24 @ Wyoming, W 35-10
#9 Oregon, W 16-0 Utah, W 17-10
@ #8 USC, L 7-24 @ San Diego State, W 48-27
UCLA Rush Off vs. BYU Rush Def: 2
Adv- BYU
UCLA Pass Off vs. BYU Pass Def: 4
Adv- BYU
BYU Rush Off vs. UCLA Pass Def: 1
Adv- BYU
BYU Pass Off vs. UCLA Pass Def: 3
Adv- BYU
UCLA Special Teams: 5
BYU Special Teams: 2
3rd Down Conv- BYU, 5
Turnovers- BYU, 4
Penalties- UCLA, 2
TOP- BYU, 5
Coaching- BYU, 5
Intangibles- UCLA, 3
Size- UCLA, 1
Speed- BYU, 3
TOTALS:
UCLA- 11
BYU- 36
UCLA Bruins vs. BYU Cougars
6-6 10-2
@ Stanford, W 45-17 Arizona, W 20-7
BYU, W 27-17 @ #13 UCLA, L 17-27
@ Utah, L 6-44 @ Tulsa, L 47-55
Washington, W 44-31 Air Force, W 31-6
@ Oregon St, W 40-14 @ New Mexico, W 31-24
Notre Dame, L 6-20 @ UNLV, W 24-14
#10 Cal, W 30-21 Eastern Washington, W 42-7
@ Washington State, L 7-27 Colorado State, W 35-16
@ Arizona, L 27-34 TCU, W 27-22
#9 Arizona State, L 20-24 @ Wyoming, W 35-10
#9 Oregon, W 16-0 Utah, W 17-10
@ #8 USC, L 7-24 @ San Diego State, W 48-27
UCLA Rush Off vs. BYU Rush Def: 2
Adv- BYU
UCLA Pass Off vs. BYU Pass Def: 4
Adv- BYU
BYU Rush Off vs. UCLA Pass Def: 1
Adv- BYU
BYU Pass Off vs. UCLA Pass Def: 3
Adv- BYU
UCLA Special Teams: 5
BYU Special Teams: 2
3rd Down Conv- BYU, 5
Turnovers- BYU, 4
Penalties- UCLA, 2
TOP- BYU, 5
Coaching- BYU, 5
Intangibles- UCLA, 3
Size- UCLA, 1
Speed- BYU, 3
TOTALS:
UCLA- 11
BYU- 36
TEAM PROFILE: BYU Cougars
BYU Cougars 10-2
Key Players:
RB- Harvey Unga: good lower body strength, quick and athletic for size, doesn’t fumble
6-0, 221 FR (Ut)- 2nd MWest 07’, Frosh of Year MWest 07’
QB- Max Hall: nephew of Danny White, Arz St transfer, good arm, pocket mobility
6-1, 200 SO (Arz)- 1st MWest 07’
TE- Dennis Pitta: good athlete, good hands, fast, hard to match up against
6-5, 230 SO (Ca)- 1st MWest 07’
LG- Ray Feinga: anchor of o-line, 2nd year starter, powerful blocker
6-5, 322 JR (Ut)- 1st MWest 07’
LT- Dallas Reynolds: been key pass protector since he was a frosh, uses length well
6-5, 328 JR (Ut)- 1st MWest 07’
OLB- Bryan Kehl: smart, instinctive, great size and speed combo
6-3, 231 SR (Ut)- 1st MWest 07’
DE- Jan Jorgensen: solid tackler, doesn’t over-pursue, can get after QB as well
6-3, 260 SO (Ut)- 1st MWest 07’
WR- Austin Collie: big game or bust type, college version of Kevin Curtis, solid KR
6-2, 212 SO (Ca)- 2nd MWest 07’ (WR), HM MWest 07’ (KR)
HM MWest 04’, Frosh of Year MWest 04’
MLB- Kelly Poppinga: strong, powerful hitter, fills gaps, brothers both in NFL
6-2, 240 SR (Wy)- 2nd MWest 07’
Watch Out For:
FB- Manase Tonga: nose for the end zone and they use him accordingly, 8tds in 85car
6-0, 234 JR (Ca)
Team Info:
Passing Off: 304.0 yrds/g, 13th in NCAA
-Spread the ball aroung every effectively
-solid pass protection
Rushing Off: 156.1 yrds/g, 57th in NCAA
-mostly to left side
-set up by efficient pass game more than they set up the pass game
-Unga is an absolute beast, will play in NFL in 3 years, great skill set
-only 3 fumbles lost on season
KEY TO GAME
Passing Def: 215.1 yrds/g, 40th in NCAA
-lack true cover corners, both are seniors
-ends must get up-field quickly to get pressure off corners
-Gooch is a big loss, ties for team lead in picks with 3
BIGGEST WEAKNESS
Rushing Def: 93.9 yrds/g, 9th in NCAA
-excellent for a 3-4 def
-key is outstanding LB play
-no 100 yard RBs (Bell and Markey had about 70 each for UCLA)
BIGGEST STRENGTH
Special Teams:
Kicking- C+ (only 42 long but 9-13 for season)
Punting- B-
Return Game- B+
Key Stats:
3rd Down Conv- 83/181 (46%) vs. 64/180 (36%)
Turnovers- 24 vs. 18 (+6)
Penalties- 89 for 763yrds (63.6per) vs. 65 for 535yrds (44.6per)
TOP- 33:09 vs. 26:51
Head Coach: Bronco Mendenhall- 27-10, 21-3 in MWest, 1-1 bowls (both LVgs Bowls)
-spread offense with aggressive defense
-16-0 last 2 years in MWest
-was rumored to take UCLA job after season
-will be coach at BYU for a long, long time
-embraces the university and its values
*team is very talented and well coached
*Unga is the X-Factor
*lots of young players, can they produce in their 13th game of the year?
*will youngsters momentum drop after almost a month off?
Key Players:
RB- Harvey Unga: good lower body strength, quick and athletic for size, doesn’t fumble
6-0, 221 FR (Ut)- 2nd MWest 07’, Frosh of Year MWest 07’
QB- Max Hall: nephew of Danny White, Arz St transfer, good arm, pocket mobility
6-1, 200 SO (Arz)- 1st MWest 07’
TE- Dennis Pitta: good athlete, good hands, fast, hard to match up against
6-5, 230 SO (Ca)- 1st MWest 07’
LG- Ray Feinga: anchor of o-line, 2nd year starter, powerful blocker
6-5, 322 JR (Ut)- 1st MWest 07’
LT- Dallas Reynolds: been key pass protector since he was a frosh, uses length well
6-5, 328 JR (Ut)- 1st MWest 07’
OLB- Bryan Kehl: smart, instinctive, great size and speed combo
6-3, 231 SR (Ut)- 1st MWest 07’
DE- Jan Jorgensen: solid tackler, doesn’t over-pursue, can get after QB as well
6-3, 260 SO (Ut)- 1st MWest 07’
WR- Austin Collie: big game or bust type, college version of Kevin Curtis, solid KR
6-2, 212 SO (Ca)- 2nd MWest 07’ (WR), HM MWest 07’ (KR)
HM MWest 04’, Frosh of Year MWest 04’
MLB- Kelly Poppinga: strong, powerful hitter, fills gaps, brothers both in NFL
6-2, 240 SR (Wy)- 2nd MWest 07’
Watch Out For:
FB- Manase Tonga: nose for the end zone and they use him accordingly, 8tds in 85car
6-0, 234 JR (Ca)
Team Info:
Passing Off: 304.0 yrds/g, 13th in NCAA
-Spread the ball aroung every effectively
-solid pass protection
Rushing Off: 156.1 yrds/g, 57th in NCAA
-mostly to left side
-set up by efficient pass game more than they set up the pass game
-Unga is an absolute beast, will play in NFL in 3 years, great skill set
-only 3 fumbles lost on season
KEY TO GAME
Passing Def: 215.1 yrds/g, 40th in NCAA
-lack true cover corners, both are seniors
-ends must get up-field quickly to get pressure off corners
-Gooch is a big loss, ties for team lead in picks with 3
BIGGEST WEAKNESS
Rushing Def: 93.9 yrds/g, 9th in NCAA
-excellent for a 3-4 def
-key is outstanding LB play
-no 100 yard RBs (Bell and Markey had about 70 each for UCLA)
BIGGEST STRENGTH
Special Teams:
Kicking- C+ (only 42 long but 9-13 for season)
Punting- B-
Return Game- B+
Key Stats:
3rd Down Conv- 83/181 (46%) vs. 64/180 (36%)
Turnovers- 24 vs. 18 (+6)
Penalties- 89 for 763yrds (63.6per) vs. 65 for 535yrds (44.6per)
TOP- 33:09 vs. 26:51
Head Coach: Bronco Mendenhall- 27-10, 21-3 in MWest, 1-1 bowls (both LVgs Bowls)
-spread offense with aggressive defense
-16-0 last 2 years in MWest
-was rumored to take UCLA job after season
-will be coach at BYU for a long, long time
-embraces the university and its values
*team is very talented and well coached
*Unga is the X-Factor
*lots of young players, can they produce in their 13th game of the year?
*will youngsters momentum drop after almost a month off?
TEAM PROFILE: UCLA Bruins
UCLA Bruins 6-6
Key Players
SS- Chris Horton: extremely hard hitter, plays like extra LB, rushes punter well
6-1, 216 SR (La)- 1st PAC-10 07’
KR- Matthew Slater: backup safety, 31 per return with 3tds, 100 long, gamebreaker
6-0, 198 SR (Ca)- 1st PAC-10 07’
DE- Bruce Davis: 12.5 sacks in 06, high intensity guy
6-3, 234 SR (Tx)- 2nd PAC-10 07’, PAC-10 06’
DT- Kevin Brown: good quickness, great playmaking ability, athletic, fluid
6-3, 294 SR (Ca)- HM PAC-10 07’
CB- Trey Brown: good cover skills, big play corner, tough
5-8, 189 SR (Kan)- HM PAC-10 07’
FS- Dennis Keyes: hard hitter, good coverage skills, sp teams demon
6-2, 199 SR (Cal)- HM PAC-10 07’
CB- Alterraun Verner: future of def for UCLA, great anticipation, good speed
5-11, 178 SO (Cal)- HM PAC-10 07’, Co-Frosh of Year PAC-10 06’
K- Kai Forbath: strong explosive leg, good height on ball, 3-3 50+ 54 long, 22-28 season
6-0, 192 FR (Ca)- HM PAC-10 07’
P- Aaron Perez: strong leg, improved technique, good at kickoffs
6-4, 223 JR (Ca)- HM PAC-10 07’
WR- Brandon Breazell: good hands, speed and run after catch, QB shuffle hurts #’s
6-0, 162 SR (Ca)
RB- Chris Markey: greatly underachieved this year, playmaker with good vision
5-10, 210 SR (La)- HM PAC-10 06’
Watch Out For:
WR- Dominique Johnson: good combo of speed and height, at best last 2 months
6-3, 209 SO (Ca)
Team Info:
Passing Off: 185.0 yrds/g, 100th in NCAA
-shuffled between Olson and Cowan all year, neither make enough plays
-lack of pass protection
-former + latter equals frustrated but talented receivers and RBs
BIGGEST WEAKNESS
Rushing Off: 150.1 yrds/g, 65th in NCAA
-Markey is very talented
-again they lack strength up front
KEY TO GAME
Passing Def: 233.1 yrds/g, 70th in NCAA
-have playmakers in secondary
-they either make big plays or give them up
-Davis needs make presence felt early, force quick throws
Rushing Def: 115.4 yrds/g, 25th NCAA
-if Brown is out this is a big loss
-Hurton is their best tackler in run support
BIGGEST STRENGTH (if Brown is playing)
Special Teams:
Kicking- A
Punting- B+
Return Game- A
Key Stats:
3rd Down Conv- 61/190 (32%) vs. 57/200 (28%)
Penalties- 90 for 761yrds (63.4per) vs. 76 for 637yrds (53.1per)
Turnovers- 29 vs. 25 (-4)
TOP- 28:36 vs. 31:24
Head Coach: DeWayne Walker, 0-0
Karl Dorrell fired on Dec 7th
-Dorrell was 35-27, 24-18 in PAC-10 and 1-3 in bowls
-not the best play-caller or motivator
-Utah loss killed him
Replaced by Def Coordinator DeWayne Walker
-Walker former secondary coach for Redskins
-defense improved in scoring and 3rd downs once he came in
*might be worst team to make a bowl game, would probably lose to Florida Atlantic
Key Players
SS- Chris Horton: extremely hard hitter, plays like extra LB, rushes punter well
6-1, 216 SR (La)- 1st PAC-10 07’
KR- Matthew Slater: backup safety, 31 per return with 3tds, 100 long, gamebreaker
6-0, 198 SR (Ca)- 1st PAC-10 07’
DE- Bruce Davis: 12.5 sacks in 06, high intensity guy
6-3, 234 SR (Tx)- 2nd PAC-10 07’, PAC-10 06’
DT- Kevin Brown: good quickness, great playmaking ability, athletic, fluid
6-3, 294 SR (Ca)- HM PAC-10 07’
CB- Trey Brown: good cover skills, big play corner, tough
5-8, 189 SR (Kan)- HM PAC-10 07’
FS- Dennis Keyes: hard hitter, good coverage skills, sp teams demon
6-2, 199 SR (Cal)- HM PAC-10 07’
CB- Alterraun Verner: future of def for UCLA, great anticipation, good speed
5-11, 178 SO (Cal)- HM PAC-10 07’, Co-Frosh of Year PAC-10 06’
K- Kai Forbath: strong explosive leg, good height on ball, 3-3 50+ 54 long, 22-28 season
6-0, 192 FR (Ca)- HM PAC-10 07’
P- Aaron Perez: strong leg, improved technique, good at kickoffs
6-4, 223 JR (Ca)- HM PAC-10 07’
WR- Brandon Breazell: good hands, speed and run after catch, QB shuffle hurts #’s
6-0, 162 SR (Ca)
RB- Chris Markey: greatly underachieved this year, playmaker with good vision
5-10, 210 SR (La)- HM PAC-10 06’
Watch Out For:
WR- Dominique Johnson: good combo of speed and height, at best last 2 months
6-3, 209 SO (Ca)
Team Info:
Passing Off: 185.0 yrds/g, 100th in NCAA
-shuffled between Olson and Cowan all year, neither make enough plays
-lack of pass protection
-former + latter equals frustrated but talented receivers and RBs
BIGGEST WEAKNESS
Rushing Off: 150.1 yrds/g, 65th in NCAA
-Markey is very talented
-again they lack strength up front
KEY TO GAME
Passing Def: 233.1 yrds/g, 70th in NCAA
-have playmakers in secondary
-they either make big plays or give them up
-Davis needs make presence felt early, force quick throws
Rushing Def: 115.4 yrds/g, 25th NCAA
-if Brown is out this is a big loss
-Hurton is their best tackler in run support
BIGGEST STRENGTH (if Brown is playing)
Special Teams:
Kicking- A
Punting- B+
Return Game- A
Key Stats:
3rd Down Conv- 61/190 (32%) vs. 57/200 (28%)
Penalties- 90 for 761yrds (63.4per) vs. 76 for 637yrds (53.1per)
Turnovers- 29 vs. 25 (-4)
TOP- 28:36 vs. 31:24
Head Coach: DeWayne Walker, 0-0
Karl Dorrell fired on Dec 7th
-Dorrell was 35-27, 24-18 in PAC-10 and 1-3 in bowls
-not the best play-caller or motivator
-Utah loss killed him
Replaced by Def Coordinator DeWayne Walker
-Walker former secondary coach for Redskins
-defense improved in scoring and 3rd downs once he came in
*might be worst team to make a bowl game, would probably lose to Florida Atlantic
Colin Kaepernick, Write it Down
2007 New Mexico Bowl ($750,000 payout)
Nevada Wolfpack 6-6 vs. New Mexico Lobos 8-4
Quick, one of these teams is in the Mountain West and one is in the WAC. Which one is which? You have no idea at all do you? I didn't either until I started researching this game. The answer is Nevada in the WAC, New Mexico in Mountain West. Aren't there more mountains Nevada? But I guess Reno is further west than Albuquerque so...........whatever. They might as well just combine both conferences, it really doesn't matter.
There's a football game going on here too. And it features my favorite college quarterback in the country you've never heard of, WAC (or is it Mountain West...) freshman of the year Nevada's Colin Kaepernick (that's pronounced Kay-per-nick so you can jump on the bandwagon with me before your boys do).
He's the WAC (not whack) version of Vince Young. He's 6-6, mobile and might even have a stronger arm than Vince. He's not better than Vince, just an incredibly talented freshman who stepped in for starter Nick Granziano when he got knocked out for the year with a foot injury.
If you watch ESPN2 you might remember Kaepernick from his first start against Boise State, where I first developed my man crush on him. Nevada was completely over matched, had no business being in that game and all Kaepernick did was run for 177 yards and 2 scores on a mere 14 carries and added another 243 and 2 scores passing. Nevada lost 67-69 in 4 overtimes.
Kaepernick will be the key to this home game for New Mexico, a team that is the opposite of the Wolfpack. New Mexico is above average on defense and below average on offense. They don't do anything great, they don't do anything terribly. Nevada is an above average offensive team (11th in rushing, but not in the traditonal up the gut in your face style, alot of it is Kaepernick on broken pass plays) and below average on defense. They don't do anything terrible and they don't do anyting great.
So if we look at this like a division problem, all factors would cancel each other out, and we need to look towards the next questions. Special teams, key situations, size/speed, coaching and intangibles. New Mexico has some of the best special teams in the nation and are basically playing a home game, but that could be negated by Kaepernick's legs on 3rd downs and the overall inconsistency of the Lobos. That inconsistency is a reflection of coach Rocky Long who did I mention has never won a bowl game (0-5).
UNDER THE RADAR:
Nevada WR Mike McCoy is the 3rd (or sometimes 4th) option in the Wolfpack attack, but should be open deep at least once. He's got nice speed and seems to find ways to get open. Think WAC (maybe whack as well) version of a Tim Dwight and Wes Welker lovechild. Pencil him in for 3or4 catches 85 yards and a key score in the 4th quarter.
New Mexico QB Donovan Porterie has been an effective come from behind signal caller himself. He's quietly amassed 2652 yards and 13 scores to 8 ints. Look for him to have a better game potentially than his star running back Rodney Ferguson (1177 yards and 13 scores) as Nevada should be prepared to scheme against Ferguson. The Lobos have great pass protection too, so pencil Porterie in for around 300 yards and 2 scores.
PREDICTION:
Nevada 37, New Mexico 34
MVP:
How can i go against my boy? I can't, this will be a breakout game for Colin Kaepernick as he shuts up the home crowd in a late thriller. Think 250 through the air with 2 tds (he tends to throw a around 50% completions with lots of deep balls so don't be surprised if you see 16-34) and another buck thirty five (that's 135 yards) and a score or two on the ground. KAP! KAP! KAP!
Nevada Wolfpack 6-6 vs. New Mexico Lobos 8-4
Quick, one of these teams is in the Mountain West and one is in the WAC. Which one is which? You have no idea at all do you? I didn't either until I started researching this game. The answer is Nevada in the WAC, New Mexico in Mountain West. Aren't there more mountains Nevada? But I guess Reno is further west than Albuquerque so...........whatever. They might as well just combine both conferences, it really doesn't matter.
There's a football game going on here too. And it features my favorite college quarterback in the country you've never heard of, WAC (or is it Mountain West...) freshman of the year Nevada's Colin Kaepernick (that's pronounced Kay-per-nick so you can jump on the bandwagon with me before your boys do).
He's the WAC (not whack) version of Vince Young. He's 6-6, mobile and might even have a stronger arm than Vince. He's not better than Vince, just an incredibly talented freshman who stepped in for starter Nick Granziano when he got knocked out for the year with a foot injury.
If you watch ESPN2 you might remember Kaepernick from his first start against Boise State, where I first developed my man crush on him. Nevada was completely over matched, had no business being in that game and all Kaepernick did was run for 177 yards and 2 scores on a mere 14 carries and added another 243 and 2 scores passing. Nevada lost 67-69 in 4 overtimes.
Kaepernick will be the key to this home game for New Mexico, a team that is the opposite of the Wolfpack. New Mexico is above average on defense and below average on offense. They don't do anything great, they don't do anything terribly. Nevada is an above average offensive team (11th in rushing, but not in the traditonal up the gut in your face style, alot of it is Kaepernick on broken pass plays) and below average on defense. They don't do anything terrible and they don't do anyting great.
So if we look at this like a division problem, all factors would cancel each other out, and we need to look towards the next questions. Special teams, key situations, size/speed, coaching and intangibles. New Mexico has some of the best special teams in the nation and are basically playing a home game, but that could be negated by Kaepernick's legs on 3rd downs and the overall inconsistency of the Lobos. That inconsistency is a reflection of coach Rocky Long who did I mention has never won a bowl game (0-5).
UNDER THE RADAR:
Nevada WR Mike McCoy is the 3rd (or sometimes 4th) option in the Wolfpack attack, but should be open deep at least once. He's got nice speed and seems to find ways to get open. Think WAC (maybe whack as well) version of a Tim Dwight and Wes Welker lovechild. Pencil him in for 3or4 catches 85 yards and a key score in the 4th quarter.
New Mexico QB Donovan Porterie has been an effective come from behind signal caller himself. He's quietly amassed 2652 yards and 13 scores to 8 ints. Look for him to have a better game potentially than his star running back Rodney Ferguson (1177 yards and 13 scores) as Nevada should be prepared to scheme against Ferguson. The Lobos have great pass protection too, so pencil Porterie in for around 300 yards and 2 scores.
PREDICTION:
Nevada 37, New Mexico 34
MVP:
How can i go against my boy? I can't, this will be a breakout game for Colin Kaepernick as he shuts up the home crowd in a late thriller. Think 250 through the air with 2 tds (he tends to throw a around 50% completions with lots of deep balls so don't be surprised if you see 16-34) and another buck thirty five (that's 135 yards) and a score or two on the ground. KAP! KAP! KAP!
TEAM PROFILE: New Mexico Lobos
New Mexico Lobos 8-4
Key Players:
WR- Marcus Smith: explosive, 355 bench, good KR too, improved routes and hands
6-2, 214 SR (Cal)- 1st MWest 07’, HM MWest 06’
OT- Devin Clark: great pass blocker, 405 bench, physical
6-4, 312 SR (Arz)- 1st MWest 07’
RB- Rodney Ferguson: punishing, delivers the blow, improved speed, born in Flint,Mich
6-0, 229 JR (NMex)- 1st MWest 07’, 1st MWest 06’
CB- DeAndre Wright: good KR, great cover man, 315 bench, best cover man in MWest
5-11, 193 JR (Md)- 1st MWest 07’, 2nd MWest 06’
DE- Tyler Donaldson: 1 of quickest DL in MWest, can play multiple postions on line
6-4, 226 SR (Ga)- 1st MWest 07’, 2nd MWest 06’
C- Vince Natali: understudy of Minn Viking Ryan Cook, 400 bench, qb of o-line
6-2, 308 SR (Ill)- 1st MWest 07’
K- John Sullivan: came back from torn ACL in plant leg, very determined, great will
5-10, 152 SR (Cal)- 3rd ALL AMERICAN 07’, 1st MWest 07’
DE- Michael Tuhoy: high motor, mean streak, 1 of the best pass rushers in NM history
6-2, 250 SR (Cal)- 2nd MWest 07’, MWest
CB- Glover Quin: sure tackler who likes to hit, 335 bench, good cover man
6-0, 203 JR (Miss)- HM MWest 07’
SS- O.J. Swift: hardest hitter on team, flys around the field, great in run support
5-9, 196 SR (Fla)- HM MWest 07’
P- Jordan Scott: eliminates returns with his placement punting
6-0, 195 SR (Ohio)- HM MWest 07’
Watch Out For:
QB- Donovan Porterie: smooth, quick delivery pocket passer, calm, 7-2 in start2finish games
6-3, 206 SO (Tex)
Team Info:
Passing Off: 222.2 yrds/g, 59th in NCAA
-don’t throw for too many TDs
-get great pass protection
-only have 2 real targets
Rushing Off: 136.9 yrds/g, 79th in NCAA
-much better rushing team than their rank indicates
-very physical
-if they have a lead in the 4th qtr, they will wear you out
Passing Def: 202.4 yrds/g, 23rd in NCAA
-lock down corners take away deep balls
-great pass rush from multiple angles
-hard hitters as well
BIGGEST STRENGTH
Rushing Def: 129.2 yrds/g, 34th in NCAA
-senior LBs must play big
-good support from Swift in secondary
KEY TO GAME
Special Teams:
Kicking- A+
Punting- A
Return Game- B+
Key Stats:
3rd Down Conv- 73/200 (36%) vs. 64/185 (35%)
Penalties- 82 for 653 (54.4per) vs. 69 for 575 (47.9per)
Turnovers- 23 vs. 24 (+1)
TOP- 30:07 vs. 29:53
Head Coach: Rocky Long, 10th season- 60-60, 0-5 Bowls
-former New Mexico QB and safety
-schools all-time winingest coach, although the definition of average
-teams just don’t seem prepared for bowls, although they played 3 PAC10 teams from 97-03, lost to San Jose St last year, navy year before
*how this team will perform is a giant question mark
*great pass protection
*defense takes advantage of speed and quickness with multiple stunts
*should have great special teams advantage
*2 loses by 65 pts combines in last 5 games (Utah and TCU)
Key Players:
WR- Marcus Smith: explosive, 355 bench, good KR too, improved routes and hands
6-2, 214 SR (Cal)- 1st MWest 07’, HM MWest 06’
OT- Devin Clark: great pass blocker, 405 bench, physical
6-4, 312 SR (Arz)- 1st MWest 07’
RB- Rodney Ferguson: punishing, delivers the blow, improved speed, born in Flint,Mich
6-0, 229 JR (NMex)- 1st MWest 07’, 1st MWest 06’
CB- DeAndre Wright: good KR, great cover man, 315 bench, best cover man in MWest
5-11, 193 JR (Md)- 1st MWest 07’, 2nd MWest 06’
DE- Tyler Donaldson: 1 of quickest DL in MWest, can play multiple postions on line
6-4, 226 SR (Ga)- 1st MWest 07’, 2nd MWest 06’
C- Vince Natali: understudy of Minn Viking Ryan Cook, 400 bench, qb of o-line
6-2, 308 SR (Ill)- 1st MWest 07’
K- John Sullivan: came back from torn ACL in plant leg, very determined, great will
5-10, 152 SR (Cal)- 3rd ALL AMERICAN 07’, 1st MWest 07’
DE- Michael Tuhoy: high motor, mean streak, 1 of the best pass rushers in NM history
6-2, 250 SR (Cal)- 2nd MWest 07’, MWest
CB- Glover Quin: sure tackler who likes to hit, 335 bench, good cover man
6-0, 203 JR (Miss)- HM MWest 07’
SS- O.J. Swift: hardest hitter on team, flys around the field, great in run support
5-9, 196 SR (Fla)- HM MWest 07’
P- Jordan Scott: eliminates returns with his placement punting
6-0, 195 SR (Ohio)- HM MWest 07’
Watch Out For:
QB- Donovan Porterie: smooth, quick delivery pocket passer, calm, 7-2 in start2finish games
6-3, 206 SO (Tex)
Team Info:
Passing Off: 222.2 yrds/g, 59th in NCAA
-don’t throw for too many TDs
-get great pass protection
-only have 2 real targets
Rushing Off: 136.9 yrds/g, 79th in NCAA
-much better rushing team than their rank indicates
-very physical
-if they have a lead in the 4th qtr, they will wear you out
Passing Def: 202.4 yrds/g, 23rd in NCAA
-lock down corners take away deep balls
-great pass rush from multiple angles
-hard hitters as well
BIGGEST STRENGTH
Rushing Def: 129.2 yrds/g, 34th in NCAA
-senior LBs must play big
-good support from Swift in secondary
KEY TO GAME
Special Teams:
Kicking- A+
Punting- A
Return Game- B+
Key Stats:
3rd Down Conv- 73/200 (36%) vs. 64/185 (35%)
Penalties- 82 for 653 (54.4per) vs. 69 for 575 (47.9per)
Turnovers- 23 vs. 24 (+1)
TOP- 30:07 vs. 29:53
Head Coach: Rocky Long, 10th season- 60-60, 0-5 Bowls
-former New Mexico QB and safety
-schools all-time winingest coach, although the definition of average
-teams just don’t seem prepared for bowls, although they played 3 PAC10 teams from 97-03, lost to San Jose St last year, navy year before
*how this team will perform is a giant question mark
*great pass protection
*defense takes advantage of speed and quickness with multiple stunts
*should have great special teams advantage
*2 loses by 65 pts combines in last 5 games (Utah and TCU)
TEAM PROFILE: Nevada Wolfpack
Nevada Wolfpack 6-6
Key Players:
QB- Colin Kaepernick: 1st start 67-69 loss vs. Boise St, great skill set, big arm, fast, size
6-6, 215 FR (Cal)- Frosh of Year WAC 07’
RB- Luke Lippincott: emerged late in 06, former safety, quick feet, 1 cut runner
6-2, 215 JR (Cal)- 1st WAC 07’
C- Dominic Green: versatile, started at tackle, guard and center in career
6-3, 295 JR (Cal)- 1st WAC 07’
DE/LB- Erza Butler: probably was better last year, still great intensity and leader, 3ints
6-2, 248 SR (Cal)- 2nd WAC 07’, 1st WAC 06’
TE- Adam Bishop: good hands, big target, solid blocker, key on sp teams as well
6-4, 245 SR (Cal)- 2nd WAC 07’
DT- Matt Hines: very stable, good run stopper
6-1, 285 SR (Cal)- 2nd WAC 07’, 2nd WAC 06’
WR- Marko Mitchell: very athletic, came on last 2 months, snub from all WAC
6-4, 200 JR (Ala)
WR- Kyle Sammons: JUCO transfer in 05’, 199yrds 2tds in last game vs. LaTech
5-11, 195 SR (Cal)
OG- Greg Hall: very strong, solid
6-3, 290 JR (Arz)
OG- Charles Manu: preseason all WAC, recovering from ankle surgery
6-5, 300 SR (Nev)
OLB- Jerome Johnson: hardest hitter on team, 66tack, 5 for loss
6-1, 235 JR (Cal)
OLB- Nick Fuhr: led team in sacks, good pass rusher, 425 bench in high school
6-3, 245 SR (Alaska)
K- Brett Jaekle: 16-21 76.2%, 4-6 from 40-49yrds, 50 long
6-4, 210 JR (Nev)
Watch Out For:
WR- Mike McCoy: big play receiver, will get open at least once deep
6-0, 190 JR (Cal)
Team Info:
Passing Off: 263.1 yrds/g, 36th in NCAA
-Kaepernick’s arm strength lets receivers tap into big play ability
-Mitchell is very underrated
-Kaepernick makes up for not so outstanding pass protection
Rushing Off: 226.8 yrds/g, 11th in NCAA
-Lippincott has nose for the end zone
-strength is up the middle, great guards and center
-Kaepernick makes lots of great plays out of broken ones
BIGGEST STRENGTH
KEY TO GAME
Passing Def: 231.3 yrds/g, 67th in NCAA
-no real playmakers in secondary
-don’t force too many picks
-sets up their lack of success in run def
BIGGEST WEAKNESS
Rush Def: 172.3 yrds/g, 76th in NCAA
-too many big plays, guys overpursuing
-not enough guys getting into the backfield initially
Special Teams:
Kicking- A
Punting- C
Return Game- C-
Key Stats:
3rd Down Conv- 70/169 (41%) vs. 71/179 (40%)
Penalties- 85 for 673yrds (56.1per) vs. 70 for 566yrds (47.2per)
Turnovers- 20 vs. 16 (-4)
TOP- 31:08 vs. 28:47
Head Coach: Chris Ault, 22nd season (3rd since 04)- 177-73-1, 2-2 bowls
-effective at making halftime adjustments, 25 career 2nd half comeback wins
-Athletic director until 04’
-one of 3 active coaches in the College Football Hall of Fame
*Nevada is 3-3 in bowl games, 2-3 since 92, 1-1 since 05’
*bowl games always close, 3 games by 1pt, 2 by 3 since 92’
*5 of 6 losses (except Nebraska week1) by total of 20pts
Key Players:
QB- Colin Kaepernick: 1st start 67-69 loss vs. Boise St, great skill set, big arm, fast, size
6-6, 215 FR (Cal)- Frosh of Year WAC 07’
RB- Luke Lippincott: emerged late in 06, former safety, quick feet, 1 cut runner
6-2, 215 JR (Cal)- 1st WAC 07’
C- Dominic Green: versatile, started at tackle, guard and center in career
6-3, 295 JR (Cal)- 1st WAC 07’
DE/LB- Erza Butler: probably was better last year, still great intensity and leader, 3ints
6-2, 248 SR (Cal)- 2nd WAC 07’, 1st WAC 06’
TE- Adam Bishop: good hands, big target, solid blocker, key on sp teams as well
6-4, 245 SR (Cal)- 2nd WAC 07’
DT- Matt Hines: very stable, good run stopper
6-1, 285 SR (Cal)- 2nd WAC 07’, 2nd WAC 06’
WR- Marko Mitchell: very athletic, came on last 2 months, snub from all WAC
6-4, 200 JR (Ala)
WR- Kyle Sammons: JUCO transfer in 05’, 199yrds 2tds in last game vs. LaTech
5-11, 195 SR (Cal)
OG- Greg Hall: very strong, solid
6-3, 290 JR (Arz)
OG- Charles Manu: preseason all WAC, recovering from ankle surgery
6-5, 300 SR (Nev)
OLB- Jerome Johnson: hardest hitter on team, 66tack, 5 for loss
6-1, 235 JR (Cal)
OLB- Nick Fuhr: led team in sacks, good pass rusher, 425 bench in high school
6-3, 245 SR (Alaska)
K- Brett Jaekle: 16-21 76.2%, 4-6 from 40-49yrds, 50 long
6-4, 210 JR (Nev)
Watch Out For:
WR- Mike McCoy: big play receiver, will get open at least once deep
6-0, 190 JR (Cal)
Team Info:
Passing Off: 263.1 yrds/g, 36th in NCAA
-Kaepernick’s arm strength lets receivers tap into big play ability
-Mitchell is very underrated
-Kaepernick makes up for not so outstanding pass protection
Rushing Off: 226.8 yrds/g, 11th in NCAA
-Lippincott has nose for the end zone
-strength is up the middle, great guards and center
-Kaepernick makes lots of great plays out of broken ones
BIGGEST STRENGTH
KEY TO GAME
Passing Def: 231.3 yrds/g, 67th in NCAA
-no real playmakers in secondary
-don’t force too many picks
-sets up their lack of success in run def
BIGGEST WEAKNESS
Rush Def: 172.3 yrds/g, 76th in NCAA
-too many big plays, guys overpursuing
-not enough guys getting into the backfield initially
Special Teams:
Kicking- A
Punting- C
Return Game- C-
Key Stats:
3rd Down Conv- 70/169 (41%) vs. 71/179 (40%)
Penalties- 85 for 673yrds (56.1per) vs. 70 for 566yrds (47.2per)
Turnovers- 20 vs. 16 (-4)
TOP- 31:08 vs. 28:47
Head Coach: Chris Ault, 22nd season (3rd since 04)- 177-73-1, 2-2 bowls
-effective at making halftime adjustments, 25 career 2nd half comeback wins
-Athletic director until 04’
-one of 3 active coaches in the College Football Hall of Fame
*Nevada is 3-3 in bowl games, 2-3 since 92, 1-1 since 05’
*bowl games always close, 3 games by 1pt, 2 by 3 since 92’
*5 of 6 losses (except Nebraska week1) by total of 20pts
2007 New Mexico Bowl Preview
2007 New Mexico Bowl
Nevada Wolfpack vs. New Mexico Lobos
6-6 8-4
@ #20 Nebraska, L 10-52 @UTEP, L 6-10
@ Northwestern, L 31-36 New Mexico State, W 44-34
Nicholls State, W 52-17 @ Arizona, W 29-27
UNLV, W 27-20 Sacramento State, W 58-0
Fresno State, L 41-49 Brigham Young, L 24-31
@Boise State, L 67-69 @ Wyoming, W 20-3
@Utah State, W 31-28 @ San Diego St., W 20-17
Idaho, W 37-21 Air Force, W 34-31
@New Mexico State, W 40-38 @ TCU, L 0-37
#13 Hawaii, L 26-28 Colorado State, W 26-23
@San Jose State, L 26-28 @ Utah, L 10-38
Louisiana Tech, W 49-10 UNLV W, 27-6
Nevada Rushing vs. New Mexico Rush Def: 3
Adv- Nevada
Nevada Passing vs. New Mexico Pass Def: 3
Adv- Nevada
New Mexico Rushing vs. Nevada Rush Def: 4
Adv- New Mexico
New Mexico Passing vs. Nevada Pass Def: 5
Adv-New Mexico
Nevada Special Teams: 2
New Mexico Special Teams: 5
3rd Down Conv- Nevada, 3
Penalties- New Mexico, 1
Turnovers- Nevada, 3
TOP- Nevada, 1
Coaching- Nevada, 2
Intangibles- Nevada, 3
Size- New Mexico, 2
Speed- Nevada, 3
TOTALS
Nevada- 23
New Mexico- 16
Nevada Wolfpack vs. New Mexico Lobos
6-6 8-4
@ #20 Nebraska, L 10-52 @UTEP, L 6-10
@ Northwestern, L 31-36 New Mexico State, W 44-34
Nicholls State, W 52-17 @ Arizona, W 29-27
UNLV, W 27-20 Sacramento State, W 58-0
Fresno State, L 41-49 Brigham Young, L 24-31
@Boise State, L 67-69 @ Wyoming, W 20-3
@Utah State, W 31-28 @ San Diego St., W 20-17
Idaho, W 37-21 Air Force, W 34-31
@New Mexico State, W 40-38 @ TCU, L 0-37
#13 Hawaii, L 26-28 Colorado State, W 26-23
@San Jose State, L 26-28 @ Utah, L 10-38
Louisiana Tech, W 49-10 UNLV W, 27-6
Nevada Rushing vs. New Mexico Rush Def: 3
Adv- Nevada
Nevada Passing vs. New Mexico Pass Def: 3
Adv- Nevada
New Mexico Rushing vs. Nevada Rush Def: 4
Adv- New Mexico
New Mexico Passing vs. Nevada Pass Def: 5
Adv-New Mexico
Nevada Special Teams: 2
New Mexico Special Teams: 5
3rd Down Conv- Nevada, 3
Penalties- New Mexico, 1
Turnovers- Nevada, 3
TOP- Nevada, 1
Coaching- Nevada, 2
Intangibles- Nevada, 3
Size- New Mexico, 2
Speed- Nevada, 3
TOTALS
Nevada- 23
New Mexico- 16
Bower's Last Stand
2007 Papajohns.com Bowl ( $300,000 payout)
Southern Miss Golden Eagles vs. #19 Cincinnati Bearcats
7-5 9-3
It looks like a severe mismatch on paper, but bowl season is all about the intangibles sometimes and the Golden Eagles should be plenty pumped for the last game in the career of the schools most successful coach Jeff Bower. Cincinnati is currently 11 point favorites with the money-line at a disrespectful -420 for Cincinnati and +330 for the Golden Eagles.
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH:
Southern Miss is a program that has been churning out NFL talent for the better part of a decade, pretty much only on the defensive side of the ball (Michael Boley, Adalius Thomas and Patrick Surtain the most successful). No real talents of that magnitude this time around, but they get after it. MLB Gerald McRath not only has the best name in the Conference, but plays the defense as well earning Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year honors as a sophomore. McRath will lead the way for the Golden Eagles defense as they SHOULD be pumped up for their legendary head coaches last game, but they have dissapeared in big games
The Bearcats have an exciting team led by their aggressive defense, a staple of head coach Brian Kelly. Free saftey Hakuri Nakamura is kinda like a poor man's Troy Polamalu, files around the field leading the defense and making plays, but not that special when it comes to preventing deep passes over the top. The Cats have an eye popping +17 turnover ratio. Quarterback Ben Mauk makes plays with his legs and his arm. He's got lots of targets to throw, led by 165 pound freshman Marcus Bennent (845yards and 13tds).
WHY SOUTHERN MISS WILL WIN:
I'm honestly pretty surprised at the 11 point spread. I know Bower has never had an elite team, but he is well liked, and molds young defensive talent expectionally well. I guess the fact that Southern Miss has gone flat in all there big games is a big reason why, but emotions are the ultimate equalizer in bowl games and Bower's last game after 17 years of coaching should have the seniors (watch out for DE/LB Robert Henderson) should be cranked up for at least the first part of the game.
Now as for reasons that have to due with football, it all starts with the running game for USM and Damion Fletcher may be the schools best running back ever (sorry Derrick Nix). He's small, but decisive and hits the hole hard and can break off runs into the secondary and more. Now, doing this against the nations 10th best rushing defense will be there tallest task. Southern Miss' offensive line is very skilled, but they must be prepared for the multiple schemes and stunts from Kelly's aggressive defense.
The passing game must be effective early on for the Eagles to have any chance. TE Shawn Nelson is very underused, he is a great talent but 30 catches on the season. GO DEEP TO HIM EARLY! Nakamura will be too busy looking to take somone's head off and he'll be open deep more than a few times. He's a great mismatch for the Eagles to expose, but they're play calling and the decision making of shaky QB Jeremy Young might prevent any of this from happening. Young also has some wheels, and if he can pull the ball down when no one's open and run for a first down when he can, this game will come down to the wire. Young is very talented, and wears the #10. But his decision making makes him a bootleg version of Vince Young at best. To his credit Young was GMAC bowl MVP last year.
Southern Miss' defense should be o.k., but they'll have to get to Mauk early to take pressure of their young defensive backs. Cincinnatti is gonna spread the ball around anf make the field seem alot bigger than it actually is with their speed, schemes and formations. It'll be tough for them to keep their heads on straight if they get behind 10-0, 14-0 early on in the 1st quarter.
WHY CINCINNATI WILL WIN:
Cincinnati was 7-0 coming into the Louisville game, lost and then never seemed to truly regain that all around game that got them to that point. The seven teams they beat weren't really good, Oregon State probably the best but there quarterback was over his head at this point. Their pass defense has been awful at stopping the big play, any team that gives up 400 yards passing to Syracuse is never a sure thing.
But this agressive defense should give Jeremy Young headaches all day. Young is not known for his shrewd decision making, so ATTACK! ATTACK! ATTACK! The Bearcats +17 turnover margin not only makes up for their 103rd ranked pass def, but 80+ penalty yards they give up a game. The only QB like Mauk the Eagles have seen was Chase Clement on Rice, who is a little bit better of a runner than Mauk, but not as good as a passer. Bower's heavily favored Golden Eagles lost that one 29-31.
WHO WILL WIN:
As much as I think that Southern Miss will be pumped to play this game and it might be a little bit of a let down game for the Bearcats, I can't see Bower's last game going out on a high note. Sorry Jeff. Too much pressure for Jeremy Young to handle. Don't me wrong this game will be closer than most think, but I don't trust Young's ability to find the open man with studs like Anthony Hoke running at him full speed.
PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR:
Freshman WR Torris Magee is fast, has great hands and led the Eagles in recieving in his first season. If the Eagles are to win he'll be making big plays out of the slot early and often. 5 catches 90 yards and maybe a td.
MLB Corey Smith is very overlooked on this Bearcats defense. He's always around the ball and it's easy to see the Golden Eagles focusing too much on guys like Hoke and Nakamura and Smith could wreak havoc. 8-10 tackles, maybe a sack and a turnover.
PREDICTON:
Southern Miss, 19 Cincinnati, 31
MVP: I'll take the easy way out of this one and pick QB Ben Mauk. Southern Miss hasn't seemed to have their head on straight for big games, and can be exploited by mobile quarterbcaks like Mauk. Look for 250 and a couple tds threw the air and another 60 yards and a td on the ground.
Southern Miss Golden Eagles vs. #19 Cincinnati Bearcats
7-5 9-3
It looks like a severe mismatch on paper, but bowl season is all about the intangibles sometimes and the Golden Eagles should be plenty pumped for the last game in the career of the schools most successful coach Jeff Bower. Cincinnati is currently 11 point favorites with the money-line at a disrespectful -420 for Cincinnati and +330 for the Golden Eagles.
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH:
Southern Miss is a program that has been churning out NFL talent for the better part of a decade, pretty much only on the defensive side of the ball (Michael Boley, Adalius Thomas and Patrick Surtain the most successful). No real talents of that magnitude this time around, but they get after it. MLB Gerald McRath not only has the best name in the Conference, but plays the defense as well earning Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year honors as a sophomore. McRath will lead the way for the Golden Eagles defense as they SHOULD be pumped up for their legendary head coaches last game, but they have dissapeared in big games
The Bearcats have an exciting team led by their aggressive defense, a staple of head coach Brian Kelly. Free saftey Hakuri Nakamura is kinda like a poor man's Troy Polamalu, files around the field leading the defense and making plays, but not that special when it comes to preventing deep passes over the top. The Cats have an eye popping +17 turnover ratio. Quarterback Ben Mauk makes plays with his legs and his arm. He's got lots of targets to throw, led by 165 pound freshman Marcus Bennent (845yards and 13tds).
WHY SOUTHERN MISS WILL WIN:
I'm honestly pretty surprised at the 11 point spread. I know Bower has never had an elite team, but he is well liked, and molds young defensive talent expectionally well. I guess the fact that Southern Miss has gone flat in all there big games is a big reason why, but emotions are the ultimate equalizer in bowl games and Bower's last game after 17 years of coaching should have the seniors (watch out for DE/LB Robert Henderson) should be cranked up for at least the first part of the game.
Now as for reasons that have to due with football, it all starts with the running game for USM and Damion Fletcher may be the schools best running back ever (sorry Derrick Nix). He's small, but decisive and hits the hole hard and can break off runs into the secondary and more. Now, doing this against the nations 10th best rushing defense will be there tallest task. Southern Miss' offensive line is very skilled, but they must be prepared for the multiple schemes and stunts from Kelly's aggressive defense.
The passing game must be effective early on for the Eagles to have any chance. TE Shawn Nelson is very underused, he is a great talent but 30 catches on the season. GO DEEP TO HIM EARLY! Nakamura will be too busy looking to take somone's head off and he'll be open deep more than a few times. He's a great mismatch for the Eagles to expose, but they're play calling and the decision making of shaky QB Jeremy Young might prevent any of this from happening. Young also has some wheels, and if he can pull the ball down when no one's open and run for a first down when he can, this game will come down to the wire. Young is very talented, and wears the #10. But his decision making makes him a bootleg version of Vince Young at best. To his credit Young was GMAC bowl MVP last year.
Southern Miss' defense should be o.k., but they'll have to get to Mauk early to take pressure of their young defensive backs. Cincinnatti is gonna spread the ball around anf make the field seem alot bigger than it actually is with their speed, schemes and formations. It'll be tough for them to keep their heads on straight if they get behind 10-0, 14-0 early on in the 1st quarter.
WHY CINCINNATI WILL WIN:
Cincinnati was 7-0 coming into the Louisville game, lost and then never seemed to truly regain that all around game that got them to that point. The seven teams they beat weren't really good, Oregon State probably the best but there quarterback was over his head at this point. Their pass defense has been awful at stopping the big play, any team that gives up 400 yards passing to Syracuse is never a sure thing.
But this agressive defense should give Jeremy Young headaches all day. Young is not known for his shrewd decision making, so ATTACK! ATTACK! ATTACK! The Bearcats +17 turnover margin not only makes up for their 103rd ranked pass def, but 80+ penalty yards they give up a game. The only QB like Mauk the Eagles have seen was Chase Clement on Rice, who is a little bit better of a runner than Mauk, but not as good as a passer. Bower's heavily favored Golden Eagles lost that one 29-31.
WHO WILL WIN:
As much as I think that Southern Miss will be pumped to play this game and it might be a little bit of a let down game for the Bearcats, I can't see Bower's last game going out on a high note. Sorry Jeff. Too much pressure for Jeremy Young to handle. Don't me wrong this game will be closer than most think, but I don't trust Young's ability to find the open man with studs like Anthony Hoke running at him full speed.
PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR:
Freshman WR Torris Magee is fast, has great hands and led the Eagles in recieving in his first season. If the Eagles are to win he'll be making big plays out of the slot early and often. 5 catches 90 yards and maybe a td.
MLB Corey Smith is very overlooked on this Bearcats defense. He's always around the ball and it's easy to see the Golden Eagles focusing too much on guys like Hoke and Nakamura and Smith could wreak havoc. 8-10 tackles, maybe a sack and a turnover.
PREDICTON:
Southern Miss, 19 Cincinnati, 31
MVP: I'll take the easy way out of this one and pick QB Ben Mauk. Southern Miss hasn't seemed to have their head on straight for big games, and can be exploited by mobile quarterbcaks like Mauk. Look for 250 and a couple tds threw the air and another 60 yards and a td on the ground.
TEAM PROFILE: #19 Cincinnati Bearcats
#19 Cincinnati Bearcats 9-3
Key Players:
DT- Terrill Byrd: good powerful first push, can get to QB, plays hurt
6-1, 290 JR (Ohio)- 2nd ALL AMERICA 07’, 1st Big East 07’, 1st Big East 06’
CB- Mike Mickens: great cover skills, athletic, could be preseason all America next yr
6-0, 190 JR (Ohio)- 1st Big East 07’, 2nd Big East 06’
FS- Hakuri Nakamura: emotional leader of secondary, 4.45, good athlete, returns punts
5-10, 190 SR (Ohio)- 1st Big East 07’
P- Kevin Huber: big time leg
6-1, 210 SR (Ohio)- 1st ALL AMERICA 07’, Big East Special Teams POY 07’
1st Big East 07’
QB- Ben Mauk: very mobile playmaker, accurate passer, efficent
6-1, 200 SR (Ohio)
WR- Marcus Barnett: great athlete, great leap
6-1, 165 FR (Md)- 2nd Big East 07’
OG- Trevor Canfield: key member of line and leader
6-5, 320 JR (Ohio)- 2nd Big East 07’, 2nd Big East 06’
DE- Anthony Hoke: gets after QB, good speed and keeps getting bigger
6-1, 255 SR (Ohio)- 2nd Big East 07’
CB- DeAngelo Smith: fast, big play corner
6-0, 185 JR (Ohio)- 2nd Big East 07’
WR- Dominick Goodman: was great KR in 06, explosive playmaker
6-1, 210 JR (Ohio)
TE- Connor Barwin: developed a lot from last year, solid blocker
6-4, 235 JR (Mich)
Watch Out For:
MLB- Corey Smith: fast, covers ground, 2.5 sacks, 2int
6-1, 225 JR (NJ)
Team Info:
Passing Off: 282.2 yrds/g, 23rd in NCAA
-Mauck better rolling out of the pocket than drop back passer
-skill positions very talented and underrated
Rushing Off: 157.4 yrds/g, 54th in NCAA
-must be able to get pressure off Mauk
-best between tackles
KEY TO GAME
Passing Def: 265.0 yrds/g, 103rd in NCAA
-very strange considering their skill players
-give up big plays, but force lots of turnovers to make up for it
-Hoke can create havoc for QBs
-worse as season progressed, 400+yrds to Syracuse
BIGGEST WEAKNESS
Rushing Def: 106.1 yrds/g, 13th in NCAA
-Bryd is a powerful anchor of this unit
-Nakamura a lot better against run than pass, poor mans Polamalu
BIGGEST STRENGTH
Special Teams:
Kicking- B- (55% for the year, 1-6 40-49, 1-1 50+ 55lng)
Punting- A+
Return Game- B-
Key Stats:
3rd Down Conversions- 64/164 (39%) vs. 62/179 (35%)
Penalties- 114 for 977yrds (81.4per) vs. 89 for 792yrds (66.0per)
Turnovers- 22 vs. 39 (+17)
TOP- 28:58 vs. 31:01
Head Coach: Brian Kelly, 2nd season- 10-3 (coached and won Intl Bowl) 1-0bowls
-former CMich coach, left in 06 and won Intl bowl last year
-53-11 at Grand Valley State
-aggressive def coach
*seem to eliminate big plays and penalties by forcing turnovers
*teams lives and dies by turnovers forced and efficiency of Mauk
Key Players:
DT- Terrill Byrd: good powerful first push, can get to QB, plays hurt
6-1, 290 JR (Ohio)- 2nd ALL AMERICA 07’, 1st Big East 07’, 1st Big East 06’
CB- Mike Mickens: great cover skills, athletic, could be preseason all America next yr
6-0, 190 JR (Ohio)- 1st Big East 07’, 2nd Big East 06’
FS- Hakuri Nakamura: emotional leader of secondary, 4.45, good athlete, returns punts
5-10, 190 SR (Ohio)- 1st Big East 07’
P- Kevin Huber: big time leg
6-1, 210 SR (Ohio)- 1st ALL AMERICA 07’, Big East Special Teams POY 07’
1st Big East 07’
QB- Ben Mauk: very mobile playmaker, accurate passer, efficent
6-1, 200 SR (Ohio)
WR- Marcus Barnett: great athlete, great leap
6-1, 165 FR (Md)- 2nd Big East 07’
OG- Trevor Canfield: key member of line and leader
6-5, 320 JR (Ohio)- 2nd Big East 07’, 2nd Big East 06’
DE- Anthony Hoke: gets after QB, good speed and keeps getting bigger
6-1, 255 SR (Ohio)- 2nd Big East 07’
CB- DeAngelo Smith: fast, big play corner
6-0, 185 JR (Ohio)- 2nd Big East 07’
WR- Dominick Goodman: was great KR in 06, explosive playmaker
6-1, 210 JR (Ohio)
TE- Connor Barwin: developed a lot from last year, solid blocker
6-4, 235 JR (Mich)
Watch Out For:
MLB- Corey Smith: fast, covers ground, 2.5 sacks, 2int
6-1, 225 JR (NJ)
Team Info:
Passing Off: 282.2 yrds/g, 23rd in NCAA
-Mauck better rolling out of the pocket than drop back passer
-skill positions very talented and underrated
Rushing Off: 157.4 yrds/g, 54th in NCAA
-must be able to get pressure off Mauk
-best between tackles
KEY TO GAME
Passing Def: 265.0 yrds/g, 103rd in NCAA
-very strange considering their skill players
-give up big plays, but force lots of turnovers to make up for it
-Hoke can create havoc for QBs
-worse as season progressed, 400+yrds to Syracuse
BIGGEST WEAKNESS
Rushing Def: 106.1 yrds/g, 13th in NCAA
-Bryd is a powerful anchor of this unit
-Nakamura a lot better against run than pass, poor mans Polamalu
BIGGEST STRENGTH
Special Teams:
Kicking- B- (55% for the year, 1-6 40-49, 1-1 50+ 55lng)
Punting- A+
Return Game- B-
Key Stats:
3rd Down Conversions- 64/164 (39%) vs. 62/179 (35%)
Penalties- 114 for 977yrds (81.4per) vs. 89 for 792yrds (66.0per)
Turnovers- 22 vs. 39 (+17)
TOP- 28:58 vs. 31:01
Head Coach: Brian Kelly, 2nd season- 10-3 (coached and won Intl Bowl) 1-0bowls
-former CMich coach, left in 06 and won Intl bowl last year
-53-11 at Grand Valley State
-aggressive def coach
*seem to eliminate big plays and penalties by forcing turnovers
*teams lives and dies by turnovers forced and efficiency of Mauk
TEAM PROFILE: Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles
Southrern Miss Golden Eagles 7-5
Key Players:
OT- Chris Clark: Anchor of line, 36 career starts
6-5, 290 SR (La)- 1st CUSA 07’
TE- Shawn Nelson: stretches the field, don’t throw to him enough
6-5, 240 JR (La)- 1st CUSA 07’
DE- Matthew Chatelain: teams top pass rusher, stable and steady, def leader
6-2, 247 SR (La)- 1st CUSA 07’
DT- Martavius Prince: very active, makes lots of tackles, big time run stuffer
6-3, 287 SR (Fla)- 1st CUSA 07’, 2nd CUSA 06’
MLB- Gerald McRath: on Bednarik Watch, 131tack 13th in NCAA, 10for loss, 4.5sk
6-3, 212 SO (Ga)- Def POY CUSA 07’ 1st CUSA 07’, 06’ 3rd CUSA,
All Frosh CUSA 06’
CB- Brandon Sumrall: great KR too, one of teams hardest hitters and fastest players
5-11, 195 SR (Miss)- 1st CUSA 07’, 3rd CUSA 06’, 2nd CUSA in 05’
RB- Damion Fletcher: quick feet, strong legs, one cut back, Warrick Dunn type
5-10, 175 SO (Miss)- 2nd CUSA 07’, 1st CUSA 06’, All Frosh CUSA 06’,
Off FOY CUSA 06’, All Frosh CUSA 06’
OG- Nick Dean: consistent, good improvement over last 2 years, played tackle
6-3, 284 SR (Miss)- 2nd CUSA 07’
OT- Ryan McKee: strong, consistent technique
6-6, 275 JR (Ala)- 2nd CUSA 07’
P- Britt Barefoot: outstanding at kickoffs as well, very strong leg
6-0, 181 JR (Miss)- 2nd CUSA 07’
QB- Jeremy Young: athleticism always greater than football IQ, 06 GMAC bowl MVP
6-3, 215 SR (Miss)- HM CUSA 07’
OT- Calvin Wilson: MissState transfer, good speed for his massive size, great run blocker
6-6, 352 JR (Miss)- HM CUSA 07’
DE- Robert Henderson: explosive, ‘bandit’ end
6-3, 283 SR (La)- HM CUSA 07, 3rd CUSA 06’
CB- C.J. Bailey: outstanding athlete, former QB, good cover skills
5-10, 182 FR (Miss)- All Frosh 07’ CUSA
FS- Chico Hunter: good performance in first year
6-0, 190 FR (Miss)- All Frosh 07’ CUSA
K- Justin Estes: good leg, maybe not from 45+ though, 15-22
5-9, 160 FR (Ohio)- HM CUSA 07’, All Frosh CUSA 07’
Watch Our For:
WR- Torris Magee: speedy slot receiver, great hands too, led team in receiving
6-2, 204 FR (Miss)- HM CUSA 07’
Team Info:
Passing Off: 193.6 yrds/g, 90th in NCAA
-ALL revolves around Jeremy Young, performed well in 1st bowl game
-need to be successful to get pressure off Fletcher and get guys out of the box
-have 2 talented receivers in Magee and Nelson
BIGGEST WEAKNESS
Rushing Off: 202.6 yrds/g, 20th NCAA
-Fletcher probably schools best back ever
-Young can convert 3rd and short with legs IF he plays with his head on straight
-great line
BIGGEST STRENGTH
Passing Def: 223.6 yrds/g, 52nd in NCAA
-young, but talented in secondary
-good pass rush is necessary to give Bailey and Hunter less time to cover rec
-senior DEs could have big game
Rushing Def: 140.4 yrds/g, 49th in NCAA
-McRath is a force
-can’t get too far up the field
-have to key up on Mauk
KEY TO THE GAME
Special Teams:
Kicking: B+ (43 lng, 4+40)
Punting: A-
Return Game: B+
Key Stats:
3rd Down Conversions- 83/181 (46%) vs.73/173 (42%)
Penalties- 63 for 620yrds (51.7per) vs. 82 for 658yrds (54.8)
Turnovers- 26 vs. 24 (-2)
TOP- 30:16 vs. 29:44
Head Coach: Jeff Bower will retire after this game after his 17th season at Southern Miss
-14 straight winning seasons
-team will be pumped up to play for him
Key Players:
OT- Chris Clark: Anchor of line, 36 career starts
6-5, 290 SR (La)- 1st CUSA 07’
TE- Shawn Nelson: stretches the field, don’t throw to him enough
6-5, 240 JR (La)- 1st CUSA 07’
DE- Matthew Chatelain: teams top pass rusher, stable and steady, def leader
6-2, 247 SR (La)- 1st CUSA 07’
DT- Martavius Prince: very active, makes lots of tackles, big time run stuffer
6-3, 287 SR (Fla)- 1st CUSA 07’, 2nd CUSA 06’
MLB- Gerald McRath: on Bednarik Watch, 131tack 13th in NCAA, 10for loss, 4.5sk
6-3, 212 SO (Ga)- Def POY CUSA 07’ 1st CUSA 07’, 06’ 3rd CUSA,
All Frosh CUSA 06’
CB- Brandon Sumrall: great KR too, one of teams hardest hitters and fastest players
5-11, 195 SR (Miss)- 1st CUSA 07’, 3rd CUSA 06’, 2nd CUSA in 05’
RB- Damion Fletcher: quick feet, strong legs, one cut back, Warrick Dunn type
5-10, 175 SO (Miss)- 2nd CUSA 07’, 1st CUSA 06’, All Frosh CUSA 06’,
Off FOY CUSA 06’, All Frosh CUSA 06’
OG- Nick Dean: consistent, good improvement over last 2 years, played tackle
6-3, 284 SR (Miss)- 2nd CUSA 07’
OT- Ryan McKee: strong, consistent technique
6-6, 275 JR (Ala)- 2nd CUSA 07’
P- Britt Barefoot: outstanding at kickoffs as well, very strong leg
6-0, 181 JR (Miss)- 2nd CUSA 07’
QB- Jeremy Young: athleticism always greater than football IQ, 06 GMAC bowl MVP
6-3, 215 SR (Miss)- HM CUSA 07’
OT- Calvin Wilson: MissState transfer, good speed for his massive size, great run blocker
6-6, 352 JR (Miss)- HM CUSA 07’
DE- Robert Henderson: explosive, ‘bandit’ end
6-3, 283 SR (La)- HM CUSA 07, 3rd CUSA 06’
CB- C.J. Bailey: outstanding athlete, former QB, good cover skills
5-10, 182 FR (Miss)- All Frosh 07’ CUSA
FS- Chico Hunter: good performance in first year
6-0, 190 FR (Miss)- All Frosh 07’ CUSA
K- Justin Estes: good leg, maybe not from 45+ though, 15-22
5-9, 160 FR (Ohio)- HM CUSA 07’, All Frosh CUSA 07’
Watch Our For:
WR- Torris Magee: speedy slot receiver, great hands too, led team in receiving
6-2, 204 FR (Miss)- HM CUSA 07’
Team Info:
Passing Off: 193.6 yrds/g, 90th in NCAA
-ALL revolves around Jeremy Young, performed well in 1st bowl game
-need to be successful to get pressure off Fletcher and get guys out of the box
-have 2 talented receivers in Magee and Nelson
BIGGEST WEAKNESS
Rushing Off: 202.6 yrds/g, 20th NCAA
-Fletcher probably schools best back ever
-Young can convert 3rd and short with legs IF he plays with his head on straight
-great line
BIGGEST STRENGTH
Passing Def: 223.6 yrds/g, 52nd in NCAA
-young, but talented in secondary
-good pass rush is necessary to give Bailey and Hunter less time to cover rec
-senior DEs could have big game
Rushing Def: 140.4 yrds/g, 49th in NCAA
-McRath is a force
-can’t get too far up the field
-have to key up on Mauk
KEY TO THE GAME
Special Teams:
Kicking: B+ (43 lng, 4+40)
Punting: A-
Return Game: B+
Key Stats:
3rd Down Conversions- 83/181 (46%) vs.73/173 (42%)
Penalties- 63 for 620yrds (51.7per) vs. 82 for 658yrds (54.8)
Turnovers- 26 vs. 24 (-2)
TOP- 30:16 vs. 29:44
Head Coach: Jeff Bower will retire after this game after his 17th season at Southern Miss
-14 straight winning seasons
-team will be pumped up to play for him
*good talent, seem to have underachieved greatly in big games this year
*Jeremy Young’s performance is especially crucial, has to not lose the game, not win it
*Being able to stop Mauk’s running will decide the game, he converts a lot of 3rd downs
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