Preseason: Big East rankings

Ugh. The Big East: sucking the fun out of football for the past 10 years! Just kidding, just kidding. Mostly.
Okay, enough pestering. Prediction time. It should be a competitive race this year as I don’t see any team dominating.

1. Cincinnati
Key returners: QB Tony Pike, WR Marcus Gilyard, WR Dominic Goodman, DT John Hughes
Predicted record: 8-4
While I think UC ends up with a worse overall record than WVU, I think they take the conference, as long they can win the season finale at Pitt. Big losses on defense will hold the Bearcats down a bit early in the year, but Brian Kelly knows how to get his offenses to score points. Tony Pike is back at QB and Marcus Gilyard at WR. UC has a new defensive coordinator and is supposedly switching to a 3-4 look.

2. West Virginia
Key returners: QB Jarrett Brown, RB Noel Devine, RB Jock Sanders, OG Josh Jenkins, DT Scooter Berry, LB Pat Lazear
Predicted record: 9-3
While the ‘Eers wll miss Pat White, Jarrett Brown is a talented backup who might be a better fit in WVU’s post-Rodriguez offense. Noel Devine is a home run threat at running back, but should get a few more carries per game. Replacing four starters on the offensive line could hinder WVU’s offense. The defense has some experienced players back and should be solid. The book is still out on Bill Stewart, though.

3. Pitt
Key returners: QB Bill Stull, QB Pat Bostick, WR Jonathan Baldwin, OT Jason Pinkston, TE Nate Byham
Predicted record: 8-4
The Panthers could win the Big East, but not just yet. I know Pitt fans were celebrating the departure of OC Matt Cavanaugh back to the NFL, and for good reason, but the questions at quarterback are still there. With a good offensive line, good receivers and solid backs, there’s no reason Pitt’s offense shouldn’t excel regardless. But I’ve heard that before.

4. Rutgers
Key returners: OT Anthony Davis, LB Ryan D’Imperio, LB Damaso Munoz, RB Kordell Young
Predicted record: 7-5
Mike Teel is gone, leaving a big hole at quarterback that could be difficult to fill. That’s the bad news. The good news is eight players are back on offense including four starters on a good offensive line and RB Young. Rutgers also has a cake non-conference schedule with the exception of Maryland. I just don’t quite see the talent there for the Knights who are a year away from being back at the top of the league.

5. Connecticut
Key returners: RB Jordan Todman, DE Marcus Campbell, DE Lindsey Witten, LB Greg Lloyd
Predicted record: 7-5
Notre Dame transfer Zach Fraser was anointed the No. 1 quarterback in the spring, which unfortunately doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence for one of the worst passing offenses in college football last year. Donald Brown is also gone. Questions abound on offense and defense, but it’s tough to question Randy Edsall’s ability to at least get this team back to a bowl game.

6. South Florida
Key returners: QB Matt Grothe, WR A.J. Love, DE George Selvie
Predicted record: 5-7
Offseason coaching turmoil is rarely a good thing and Jim Leavitt brought plenty of that on himself with dissension among the assistants and a couple firings. The Bulls will once again start the year hot, but there is a tough non-conference schedule with FSU and Miami and too many trips north late in the year.

7. Syracuse
Key returners: QB Ryan Nassib, CB Dorian Graham, S Kevyn Scott
Predicted record: 4-8
Don’t get me wrong, the ‘Cuse is still bad. Despite the record, the ‘Cuse will tie Louisville for the bottom. New coach Doug Marrone isn’t a miracle worker. Rob Spence’s spread, short-passing offense could help the Orange be more efficient on offense. But this is another rebuilding year for Syracuse. Marrone might want to skip the games to recruit.

8. Louisville
Key returners: DE Greg Scruggs, WR Josh Chichester, RB Victor Anderson, S Richard Raglin
Predicted recorded: 3-9
I like Steve Kragthorpe. I think he’s a good football coach. But this whole Louisville thing has been a nightmare scenario from the start. It won’t get better this season, mostly due to the brutal early schedule. After opening with Indiana State, Louisville faces Kentucky, Utah, Pitt, Southern Miss and Connecticut. That’s a potential 1-5 start, a lame duck Kragthorpe and a serious bottoming out in the pizza place.

Bye, bye media guides

Who's next?

Earlier today and friend told me Ohio State and Michigan have both decided to postpone publishing media guides this fall. Then tonight I learn Wisconsin is following their lead. At the tune of $150,000 to $200,00 in savings I can understand the fiscal decision.

Not all of the Big Ten schools have made this move, but within two years I could see all D1 schools cutting this out of the budget as others do the same.

State schools with shrinking budgets have to make cuts somewhere, and with all this information readily available online this choice makes sense. This also forces sports information offices to become a bit more creative and utilize new media initiatives. Hell, they have a lot more time on their hands now.

But I can be old school sometimes. I've been pouring over media guides since the 1980s. I remember one with Bernie Kosar on the cover for the Miami Hurricanes with his Youngstown afro and goofy smile.

Interesting, though, is just a few years ago the big-time programs were fighting a media guide competition. If not for the NCAA regulating them the Michigan's, Ohio State's and Nebraska's would have been printing 800-page media guides that were four-color throughout. Instead of a couple hundred thousand in savings these programs would have been spending millions.

With athletic budgets creeping close to $100 million a few hundred thousand doesn't seem like much. But when academics are being cut all over campuses this at least sends a good message. It should be noted, though, that these decisions to cut media guides does have a negative impact on printers around the nation. Losing a $100,000 contract hurts.

Preseason: SEC rankings

As we have already mentioned, it is way too early for preseason predictions. But since we started here's our look at the SEC.

East
1. Florida
Key players: QB Tim Tebow, LB Brandon Spikes, DE Carlos Dunlap, CB Joe Haden, RB Jeffery Demps, S Dorian Munroe, OT Omar Hunter
Predicted record: 12-0
This is easy. The Gators are the most imposing team in the SEC, if not the nation. UF's defense is faster and more talented than last year's group that manhandled the offensive juggernaut Oklahoma in the national title game. Even the special teams look better. I don't see Florida losing any games during the regular season and then winning the SEC Championship. The only possible loss is a matchup with USC or Texas in the title game.

2. Georgia
Key players: WR A.J. Green, QB Joe Cox, OL Clint Boling, OT Trinton Sturdivant, LB Rennie Curran, DT Geno Atkins, DE Justin Houston
Predicted record: 9-3
When expectations are high in Athens it's best to pick against the Bulldogs. When expectations are down bet on UGA. Mark Richt has his work cut out for him, but this is when he's at his best. A.J. Green needs someone else to step up at receiver to help cut down on the double teams, and replacing first-round picks Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno is important. The offensive line should be able to open holes, though. A weakness last season, the line is a strength in 2009.

3. Tennessee
Key players: QB Jonathan Crompton, S Eric Berry, TB Bryce Brown, DT Montori Hughes, DL Chris Walker
Predicted record: 7-5
Tennessee wasn't as bad as their 5-7 record of last season. The defense should be stout again this fall, and if Jonathan Crompton can play within the system the Volunteers should win a few more close games than they did last year. If first-year coach Lane Kiffin can coach as well as he verbally spars UT could win 8 or 9.

4. Vanderbilt
Key players: CB Myron Lewis, WR Terence Jeffers, RB Jared Hawkins
Predicted record: 6-6
The Commodores were the talk of college football through six weeks last season. Vandy could be bowl eligible again this season and that would be a major accomplishment for coach Bobby Johnson. This is still a team of unknowns outside of Nashville, but they won't sneak up on any SEC team this year.

5. South Carolina
Key players: QB Stephen Garcia, CB Stephon Gilmore, OLB Eric Norwood, DT Ladi Ajiboye
Predicted record: 6-6
The Ol' Ball Coach didn't realize winning outside of Gainesville could be so tough. His South Carolina teams have been mediocre at best. The interesting thing is the Gamecocks have been great on defense during the Steve Spurrier years, and sluggish on offense. Spurrier has settled on Stephen Garcia at quarterback and that could pay dividends this season.

6. Kentucky
Key players: CB Trevard Lindley, LB Micah Johnson, DE Jeremy Jarmon, QB Mike Hartline, RB Moncell Allen
Predicted record: 3-9
I'm not as high on the Wildcats as others are around the nation. Some are saying Kentucky is a seven- or eight-win team. I don't see it. I like the Wildcats defense, but the offense could struggle to score all season. Mike Hartline had a nice spring and should provide stability.

West
1. Alabama
Key players: QB Greg McElroy, WR Julio Jones, LB Rolando McClain, NG Terrence Cody, CB Javier Arenas, LB Dont'a Hightower
Predicted record: 11-1
The Tide are loaded on defense and the unit is led by lineman Terrence Cody. This is why I think they'll edge out Ole Miss in the West. Plus I can't pick against Nick Saban. Greg McElroy may actually be an upgrade over John Parker Wilson at quarterback, but Alabama needs to find some offensive lineman to protect him.

2. Ole Miss
Key players: QB Jevan Snead, RB Dexter McCluster, OT John Jerry, DE Greg Hardy, DT Jerrell Powe, DE Marcus Tillman
Predicted record: 10-2
Jevan Snead may be the second-best quarterback in the conference and could lead the Rebels to the SEC championship game. Right now I see Ole Miss just missing that game. The Rebels real strength will be the defensive front, possibly the best in the SEC. Even if they don't make the SEC title game, a 10-win season is nothing to frown about in Oxford.

3. LSU
Key players: QB Jordan Jefferson, OT Ciron Black, RB Charles Scott, WR Brandon LaFell, S Chad Jones
Predicted record: 9-3
Uncharacteristically, the Tigers struggled on defense last year. That has to be a concern this season unless first-year coordinator John Chavis can turn this unit around. Count on it. LSU is also one of the more athletic teams in the SEC, maybe second to Florida. The West is stacked when you consider the Tigers could win this division.

4. Auburn
Key players: DE Antonio Coleman,
Predicted record: 7-5
I'd feel much better about Gene Chizik's first season on the Plains if he had found a quarterback during the spring, especially when you're trying to run the spread (see Michigan 2008). However, the Tigers defense is solid and should get them a few more wins than they had in Tommy Tuberville's final campaign.

5. Arkansas
Key players: QB Ryan Mallett, WR Joe Adams, WR Jarius Wright, TE D.J. Williams, RB Michael Smith, DT Malcolm Sheppard
Predicted record: 6-6
The Razorbacks are a popular pick to really move up in the SEC this fall. They have offensive genious Bobby Petrino and Michigan transfer Ryan Mallett at quarterback. But it's tough to put the Hogs anywhere else because of their untested defense.

6. Mississippi State
Key players: RB Anthony Dixon, WR Chad Bumphis, DT Pernell McPhee, WR Brandon McRae
Predicted record: 3-9
Don't expect too much in the first season for coach Dan Mullen. The Bulldogs will be counting on plenty of newcomers to step up this season and that is just too much to survive in the SEC. Better luck in 2010.

Coaches poll farce

We have continuously defended the BCS and the bowl system. But this news doesn't help.

Any and all credibility that we would like to heave upon the coaches' USA Today Top 25 football poll has quickly vaporized. Starting in the 2010 season, the final regular-season ballots in the poll will no longer be made public.

The alleged voting by the coaches has been highly scrutinized in the past. Too often the coaches vote with their heart and not logically. And let's face it, how much does Urban Meyer really know about Oregon State? This also leads them to vote in favor of conference opponents, and not who is best.

This decision to hide the ballots and keep them from the public means all of the coaches who vote can be even more devious. Don't think for a second that Rich Rodriguez won't manipulate his ballot in a way that benefits him the most.

Why does all this matter? The coaches' poll is part of the BCS equation. So this adds fuel to the fire for all the BCS haters, and makes it harder for us to keep defending the system.

The Ol' Ball Coach gets it.

"I thought we would stay public on that last vote, I sort of think we ought to stay public, you know. It keeps everybody pretty honest so I don't know, that was surprising," said South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier.

Pomposity of Penn State

This video is just more proof of how overly inflated the egos are at Penn State and how utterly untalented the student body really is. However, I'm starting to see a correlation between the students and the football team. High self worth, but really overrated.

Preseason: Pac-10 rankings

Yes. Way too early, but what the hey. I really, really wanted to pick someone other than USC. But, in reality, I just can't.

1. USC
Key players: QB Aaron Corp, RB Joe McKnight, RB C.J. Gable, FS Taylor Mays, DE Everson Griffen, WR Ronald Johnson
Predicted Record: 10-2
Yeah, I said it. Two losses. At Ohio State and at Oregon. Wishful thinking? Probably. Trojans will still win the Pac-10 though. Too much depth, too much talent, too much everything. All they need is solid play out of Corp and the offensive line to hold up.

2. Oregon
Key players: RB LeGarrette Blount, QB Jeremiah Masoli
Predicted record: 9-3
Chip Kelly takes over and the Ducks will score lots of points and I think they'll knock off USC at home. But somewhere along the way they'll just be too inconsistent on defense.

3. California
Key players: RB Jahvid Best, CB Syd'Quan Thompson, DE Tyson Alualu, DE Cameron Jordan, LB Mike Mohamed.
Predicted Record: 8-4
The Bears may actually have a functional defense this season with a lot of returning talent. Best is a great RB, but questions will still persist at QB.

4. Oregon State
Key players: RB Jacquizz Rodgers, WR James Rodgers, QB Lyle Moevau, QB Sean Canfield.
Predicted Record: 8-4
The Beavers have a lot coming back on offense and with the healthy Rodgers brothers coming back, should be able to move the ball. Defensively, OSU loses a lot from last year, but is traditionally solid, if inconsistent.

5. Arizona
Key players:RB Nic Grigsby, RB Keola Antolin, QB Matt Foles, QB Nick Scott, DT Earl Mitchell, LB Xavier Kelly.
Predicted record: 7-5
An interesting year for the 'Cats as Mike Stoops finally reached a bowl game last year, now real expectations follow and there's a QB battle. But the defense should be solid and the running game improved.

6. Stanford
Key players: QB Andrew Luck, QB Tavita Pritchard, RB Toby Gerhart, S Bo McNally.
Predicted record: 6-6
It could be a big year for Jim Harbaugh and the Cardinal if they can stop somebody, anybody. With Gerhart, Stanford has a nice big back and the competition between the talented Luck and experienced Pritchard will be interesting. But Harbaugh seems to have Stanford headed in the right direction, they're just a year away from being a nine-win team.

7. Arizona State
Key players: QBs - any of them, LB Mike Nixon, DT Jonathan English, DE Zach Brown
Predicted record: 5-7
Nobody's sure what to make of the Sun Devils, who disappointed last season after an initial high ranking. The defense returns some very good players, but a huge hole at quarterback and on the offensive line might relegate ASU to another second-division finish.

8. UCLA
Key players: QB Kevin Prince, QB Kevin Craft, OL Micah Kia
Predicted record: 5-7
While Rick Neuheisel had a nice recruiting haul and seems to have people excited about UCLA again, the Bruins have major problems at QB and OL. Not a good combination. At QB Kevin Craft is back, but is untalented. Patrick Cowan is back and is slight less untalented. Kevin Prince has some talent but no experience. UCLA will be improved simply because they'll have better depth to keep some games close.

9. Washington
Key players: QB Jake Locker, CB Quinton Richardson, S Nate Williams
Predicted record: 3-9
Not sure if Steve Sarkisian was aware what he'd bitten off when he took the UDub job. The Huskies are in disarray with questionable commitment from the athletic department. Jake Locker's back, but that doesn't mean much. Three wins would be a nice showing this year.

10. Washington State
Key players: QB Whoever it is, any DBs, anybody really.
Predicted record: 2-10
Wazzu might have been the worst BCS team in history last year, unless it's this year's team. Two wins might be a stretch.

Hitting drill in Gainesville

There's nothing special about this clip, other than I enjoy watching it because it makes me feel football season isn't too far away. (Hat Tip: EveryDayShouldBeSaturday).

Quick reads

As I finish up lunch and wait for the next event to begin at a national track meet, here are some interesting reads I found that might interest you.

* Who has done the worst coaching job in the last decade? According to the Bleacher Report it is clearly Ty Willingham.

* Our Boy, Lane Kiffin, is in the news again. Seems he and the strength coach don't see eye to eye. Good thing for Lane, his AD still thinks he's the right man for the job.

* Pete Carroll is now using Twitter to bolster jersey sales at the USC bookstore.

* Mike Hlas from the Cedar Rapids Gazette presents two sides of the BCS argument. One of them being President Obama.

* Michael Rand of the Minneapolis Star Tribune documents the downfall of Ryan Leaf (how many times do we have to do this?).

* Shaq scores a big scoop by getting an interview with Syracuse quarterback Greg Paulus. Watch an interview of Shaq at Syracuse's Sportscaster U.

Preseason: ACC rankings

Continuing our way-too-early preseason conference predictions, it is time to look at ACC.

Atlantic Division
1. Florida State
Key players: QB Christian Ponder, DE Kevin McNeil, FB Marcus Sims, LB Kendall Smith.
Predicted record: 9-3
Maybe I'm reaching by having FSU reach the top of the division. There have been plenty of distractions for the Seminoles, starting with the NCAA trying to take away 14 victories from Coach Bowden. It doesn't help that the Noles had to suspend receiver Rod Owens and the NCAA didn't grant Corey Surrency another year of eligibility. FSU may also start three or four freshmen.

2. North Carolina State
Key players: TB Toney Baker, QB Russell Wilson, S Clem Johnson, LB Ray Michael.
Predicted record: 9-3
The Wolfpack are ready to make a move in year three under Tom O'Brien. N.C. State played an almost perfect game against rival North Carolina last year, so expect more of that this season. The Pack are deep at QB with Russell Wilson and Mike Glennon, who could be starting at a few other ACC programs.

3. Wake Forest
Key players: QB Riley Skinner, DT Boo Robinson, WR Jordan Williams, CB Brandon Ghee.
Predicted record: 7-5
This sounds odd to say, but the Demon Deacons were decimated by the NFL Draft, especially on defense (see Aaron Curry). Word out of Winston Salem is the defense isn't in as bad of shape as many may think. Expect a lot more for Riley Skinner this fall, and never underestimate the genius of Jim Grobe.

4. Maryland
Key players: QB Chris Turner, TB Da'Rel Scott, WR Torrey Smith, DB Terrell Skinner.
Predicted record: 7-5
Ralph Friedgen has dropped almost 100 pounds. That's not good news for the Denny's and Waffle House's around College Park. There is positive news about the Terps defense, which is is important in the ACC. Offensively Friedgen usually works miracles, but can he do it with quarterback Chris Turner?

5. Clemson
Key players: RB C.J. Spiller, QB Willy Korn, WR Jacoby Ford, LB Kavell Conner, DE Ricky Sapp.
Predicted record: 6-6
Dabo Swinney is the coach. I could probably stop here. But the first-year coach has a quarterback controversy as both Willy Korn and Kyle Parker are listed as starters for the upcoming season. Besides, this is Clemson. The Tigers will find a way to be mediocre again.

6. Boston College
Key players: DE Austin Giles, LB Mark Herzlich, QB Dominique Davis, RB Josh Haden.
Predicted record: 4-8
Let's not even get into the whole coaching fiasco this winter. Boston College has been one of the ACC's best teams the past two years. But there are too many question marks and the devastating news that ACC Defensive Player of the Year Mark Herzlich has cancer could mean a long season in Chestnut Hill.

Coastal Division
1. Virginia Tech
Key players: QB Tyrod Taylor, TB Darren Evans, S Dorian Porch, LB Cody Grimm.
Predicted record: 10-2
Tyrod Taylor is a unique talent, and if he stays healthy could lead the Hokies to a memorable season. Defensively, Virginia Tech could be the best in the ACC when all is said and done. Special teams remain a strength, but the Hokies may be weaker than normal at kicker.

2. Georgia Tech
Key players: QB Josh Nesbitt, TB Jonathan Dwyer, C Sean Bedford, LB Sedric Griffin, DE Robert Hall.
Predicted record: 9-3
The rest of the ACC will be a little more comfortable defending against Paul Johnson's triple-option. The Jackets are also more comfortable with the system, so GT could be the team to knock off Virginia Tech.

3. North Carolina
Key players: QB T.J. Yates, DE E.J. Wilson, TB Shaun Draughn, LB Bruce Carter.
Predicted record: 8-4
The Tar Heels are all about defense, which is a normal trait under Butch Davis. The offense should be solid, but finding experience at receiver is still a priority (especially trying to replace do-everything receiver Hakeem Nicks.

4. Miami (FL)
Key players: QB Jacory Harris, TB Graig Cooper, C A.J. Trump, DT Joe Joseph, CB Ryan Hill.
Predicted record: 6-6
I like that the U won't have any doubts at quarterback with Robert Marve off to Purdue and Jacory Harris taking all of the snaps now. However, Miami is still very young, has a tough schedule and must adjust to two new coordinators. The defense is extremely athletic.

5. Duke
Key players: QB Thaddeus Lewis, LB Vincent Rey, RB Re'quan Boyette.
Predicted record: 4-8
I want to believe the Blue Devils will make bigger strides under David Cutcliffe in his second year, but this is Duke. Thaddeus Lewis may have to carry this team on his shoulders for Duke to reach .500.

6. Virginia
Key players: WR Mikell Simpson, OG B.J. Cabbell, LB Steve Greer, QB Jameel Sewell, FB Rashawn Jackson.
Predicted record: 3-9
Al Groh is desperate this season. He fired his son last year and has turned the offense over to Gregg Brandon. Jameel Sewell returns at quarterback after missing last season with an injury. It's going to be a long season in Charlottesville.

Podcast: Episode 30

The ACC and Pac-10 seem like an odd pairing, but the two coastal conferences just may form a new College Football network that will show just their games. Finally, Greg Paulus made a decision for his one year of football action. Phil and Tom also look at rising and declining conferences as well as a faux pas by the Sports Information Office at Notre Dame. Also, Phil peppers Tom with three quick hitters that involve WVU. Tune in to hear what he has to say about the Mountaineers.

Nice video, weak schedule

I guess if you have this weak of a home slate you have to put together a video to promote it. I guess Iowa and clearly Ohio State are good games. But some of these other ones are embarrassing.

Don't stretch yourself too much to start the season ... Akron (Sept. 5), Syracuse (Sept. 12) and Temple (Sept. 19) Really Penn State. You can't fit Pitt into the schedule Pitt? It would be a much better match up and rebuild the rivalry.

Preseason: Big 10 rankings

Too early? Probably. But with about 3 1/2 months until the college football season gets underway it's time to make my Big 10 predictions (Phil's would probably look a little different).

1. Ohio State
Key players: QB Terrelle Pryor, DT Cameron Heyward, CB Chimdi Chekwa, S Kurt Coleman, S Anderson Russell, OG Justin Boren.
Predicted record: 10-2
The Buckeyes will finally get back to the Rose Bowl, and should have a good chance to win it since USC will probably be in the BCS Championship Game. Quarterback Terrelle Pryor is now a seasoned player, but he still needs to improve as a passer. Beanie Wells will be tough to replace, but Dan Herron looks like the favorite. Defense should be strong, but finding replacements at linebacker is the challenge.

2. Iowa Key players: QB Ricky Stanzi, OT Bryan Bulaga, C Rafael Eubanks, LB A.J. Edds, DE Adrian Clayborn, CB Amari Spievey.
Predicted record: 10-2
This may be a stretch for the Hawkeyes, but they played well last year and they have enough talent back to make a run for the Big Ten championship. The big loss is RB Shonn Greene, who seemed to will the Hawkeyes to victory in a few games last season. Jewel Hampton appears to be the favorite to replace Greene.

3. Penn State Key players: QB Daryll Clark, RB Evan Royster, TE Andrew Quarless, LB Sean Lee
Predicted record: 9-3
Penn State is talented on the offensive side, but defensively could be weak in the secondary. ey players back on offense, including quarterback Daryll Clark and running back Evan Royster. The home schedule also plays into the Nittany Lions hands and they could wind up on top in the weak Big Ten.

4. Michigan State Key players: LB Greg Jones, CB Chris Rucker, CB Ross Weaver
Predicted record: 9-3
Kirk Cousins and Keith Nichol are still battling to replace Brian Hoyer at quarterback, but the Spartans biggest need is trying to replace tailback Javon Ringer. Defense is what will keep MSU in games all season. The secondary is one of the best in the nation.

5. Minnesota
Key players: QB Adam Weber, LB Nathan Triplett, RB DeLeon Eskridge, WR Eric Decker
Predicted record: 8-4
Tim Brewster is working his tail off in Minnesota and the Gophers could pull an upset or two this fall. Offensive line remains a big question mark as well as a new offensive scheme. Minnesota is also not set in the secondary.

6. Illinois
Key players: QB Juice Williams. WR Arrelious Benn, RB Jason Ford, RB Mikel LeShoure, S Donsay Hardeman
Predicted record: 8-4
I'd like to think the Illini are better than last year's sub-.500 record. But because of last year's slip under Ron Zook is why I put Illinois behind Minnesota. Juice Williams is the key to success. When he throws with some accuracy, the Illini can move the ball. Defense must improve also.

7. Northwestern
Key players: DE Corey Wootton, S Brad Phillips, QB Mike Kafka, RB Jeravin Matthews
Predicted record: 7-5
Northwestern has a nice team. The Wildcats are solid on defense, but need more consistency from Mike Kafka to move the ball better. The offensive line needs to keep improving like it did during the spring. Northwestern doesn't scare the top teams in the Big Ten.

8. Wisconsin
Key players: WR Nick Toon, HB Garrett Graham, QB Dustin Sherer, QB Curt Phillips
Predicted record: 6-6
The Badgers were a huge disappointment last season and things could be worse. The quarterback competition wasn't settled this spring so Dustin Sherer and Curt Phillips will keep going at it into the fall. Wisconsin also has concerns and depth issues at linebacker and in the secondary.

9. Michigan
Key players: QB Tate Forcier, TB Brandon Minor, S Steve Brown, LB Obi Ezeh
Predicted record: 5-7
I've heard about the Wolverines strong spring and the play of Tate Forcier, but this is still a very young team and Michigan will still lose a few more than it will win. Let's not forget how much this offensive line struggled last year and the defense should have been much better. Former Syracuse coach Greg Robinson must figure out a way to get that unit to play better in 2009.

10. Purdue
Key players: RB Ralph Bolden, QB Joey Elliott, DT Mike Neal
Predicted record: 3-9
Purdue is going to be hard-pressed to finish much higher than this in Danny Hope's first season as coach. Joey Elliott is trying to replace Justin Siller at QB and the defense is pretty porous. However, there were some bright spots in the spring.

11. Indiana
Key players: LB Matt Mayberry, DE Greg Middleton, DE Jammie Kirlew, QB Ben Chappell
Predicted record: 3-9
Losing quarterback Kellen Lewis after spring practice hurts this bottom of the conference team, but Ben Chappell should step right in at QB. The Hoosiers could be stronger on defense this season, which could help them get out of the basement in 2009.

Go vote

The Orlando Sentinel blog, College Gridiron 365, is excellent. I read it every day and the writing staff is always on top of the latest news in college football. What I love even more is their understanding that college football doesn't stop in the offseason.

Popped over there this evening and saw where they had a new poll for the top pot-stirring college football coaches.

The list is impressive:

Steve Spurrier, South Carolina
Lane Kiffin, Tennessee
Mark Richt, Georgia
Urban Meyer, Florida Gators
Pete Carroll, Southern Cal
Rich Rodriguez, Michigan
Mike Leach, Texas Tech
Mack Brown, Texas
Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State
Jim Leavitt, USF
Rick Neuheisel, UCLA

As much as I would like to encourage everyone to vote for RichRod or Leavitt, I think Leach, Kiffin and Spurrier are the top three choices. The Gridiron guys and gals gave their top agitators a few days ago and Spurrier topped the list, followed by Kiffin and Richt. Go vote and voice your opinion.

Grow up Rich

This video is all the proof you need ... Rich Rodriguez is one sleazy dude. (Watch John Beilein also in the foreground at the Washington, D.C., event). He looks amazingly disinterested in everything RichRod has to say).

Why does he keep attacking WVU fans? Most of them have let it go. For some reason he can't.

Paulus becomes BIG distraction for Cuse

Any PR is good PR? I'll give in to the old maxim. But ESPN's Brian Bennett says the buzz created by Duke point guard Greg Paulus choosing Syracuse to play one year of Division I football makes the Orange relevant again.

He's full of crap. I normally agree with Bennett, but he's off on this one. Paulus has been away from the game for four years and he may be lucky to beat out Ryan Nassib, who was named the starter for this season early in spring practice.

I understand Bennett's point. National media will follow this story all season. And if he finally plays or even starts it will lead ESPN's coverage. I'm sure they are already planning some big feature on Paulus for Game Day and Bennett will probably do daily or weekly updates on Paulus.

Also, Paulus may help draw more fans into the Carrier Dome, and give opposing fans plenty to get riled up about each week.

But this will be destracting for everyone else involved with Cuse football and won't have any long-lasting implications for future recruiting.

Now this could work out real well for first-year coach Doug Marrone. He gets a former top-rated prep prospect for one season as he tries to rebuild the Orange. But it's more likely to backfire and cause some dissension in the lockerroom.

I believe Nassib is a gutsy guy who'll relish the competition. But freshmen quarterbacks can also be a bit fragile. Openly courting Paulus may not sit well. Still, Syracuse was 3-9 last season and everything is free game.

Also, Paulus did say all the right things on ESPN radio and added that he couldn't pass up playing for Marrone and the academics of Syracuse as he works on a graduate degree in communications.

For the love of God, Urban, let it go...

Urban Meyer just coached the Florida Gators to their second national title during his tenure. He has the most praised player/QB/Messiah in the history of college football and...

he's mad cause some former players questioned some playcalling.

of course, once all this became ESPN-level news, Meyer and UF brought out the spin machine to downplay the whole thing, much like this homerrific piece from the Gainesville Sun.

Lovely story about how, gosh, the media and blogs are just making something out of nothing.
Really? If it was nothing, then why did Urban Meyer feel the need to contact Shane Matthews? If Shane Matthew felt it was "all overblown." then why in the hell is Shane Matthews bothering to GO ON ESPN to talk about how overblown it is.

A lot of times, in my life, when something's overblown, I ignore the living shit out of it and then pretend it didn't happen because, well, it was not meaningful in any way.

Lighten up, Francis. Errrggh, uh, Urban.

Herbstreit is one lucky dude

It's not enough that Kirk Herbstreit has a hot wife, adorable children and a great gig with ESPN. Now the Worldwide Leader is letting him go around the nation during the offseason and interview some of the best in college football.

Above is a good interview with Texas QB Colt McCoy. I thought McCoy was the best college quarterback last season and after watching this interview I love this guy's confidence and think he feels he has something to prove in 2009. Should be an interesting season.

Podcast: Episode 29

Who was supposed to babysit Joe Paterno this week? Whoever it was didn't do their job. The legendary coach was spouting off about expanding the Big Ten to 12 teams so they could have a championship game. One of his choices to join? Pitt, a school he won't schedule right now as a great non-conference matchup. We also evaluate the value of preseason College Football magazines like Athlon, Street & Smith and Phil Steele and the value of the Mock Drafts. Let's not forget, we also update our picks for the Fulmer Cup.

Say it ain't so Sam

Sam Keller must hate the world. I just read over at College Gridiron 365 that he is suing EA Sports and the NCAA, alleging that EA Sports wrongly uses the names and likenesses of college athletes in its products and that the NCAA sanctions the practice.

I'm not saying his suit doesn't have merit. We all know that QB No. 15 in the Florida Gators uniform is Tim Tebow. It's also nice that the graphic guys make him look a lot like Tebow also. He's also the same height and weight and his rated attributes seem to fit just nicely with the two-time national champ.

But why Sam Keller? Why now?

The former Arizona State and Nebraska quarterback hasn't played college football since 2007. Since he hasn't hooked up with any NFL teams and he was last cut by the in-remission Arena League, looks like Keller needed to find a way to make some cash.

He just may do it. I don't think he'll win in court, but EA and NCAA may just settle this mess out of court so they can both move forward with this huge money maker.

But this feels even more like sour grapes. Was he pissed how he was portrayed in the game? Does he think anyone really wanted him as their starting quarterback when they played the game?

Let this one go. Don't mess up the only video game I really like.

Bowl predictions in May ... Why?

Leave it to CollegeFootballNews.com to come out with its way to early 2009 bowl projections on Monday. Seriously, bowl predictions in way?

OK. They are interesting, but the so-called experts can't even get these predictions correct in December. Why should anyone care about this now? Well, because it stirs interest and pisses others off.

The positives for Phil and me ... both Ohio State and West Virginia claim the automatic BCS bids according to these predictions. The Buckeyes finally get to go to the Rose Bowl in the Jim Tressel era in an interesting matchup against Oklahoma. The Mountaineers would get another shot to embarrass the SEC against Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl. OSU and WVU are also considered possibilities in the Orange Bowl.

The BCS Championship game prediction is no real surprise: defending champ Florida against the typical end of the year favorite Southern Cal in Pasadena. Interesting note here. Ohio State and WVU are considered possibilities in this game also.

A Buckeyes-Mountaineers matchup would definitely heat things up at An 'Eye and an 'Eer.

WVU depth chart 2009

We try to talk about anything and everything related to College Football. However, once in awhile I like to stick with our basics -- Ohio State and WVU. So here's the Mountaineers depth charge following spring practice.

Interesting to note that the two highly touted freshman receivers--Tavon Austin and Logan Heastie--are both listed at No. 2, while Bradley Sparks, who didn't throw a pass all spring, is listed as the back-up at QB. Don't forget, Sparks played receiver all last season.

WVU 2009 Depth Chart
Offense WR (X): Alric Arnett (r-Sr.), Logan Heastie (Fr.), Ryan Nehlen (R-Fr.)
SL (H): Wes Lyons (Sr), Carmen Connolly (Sr.), Jack Crow (r-Sr.), Deon Long (Fr.), Steadman Bailey (Fr.)
TE: Tyler Urban (So.), Will Johnson (Jr.), Scott Loving (r-Sr.)
LT: Don Barclay (r-So.), Matt Timmerman (r-Jr.), Levi Pardee (r-Fr.), Cole Bowers (Fr.)
LG: Josh Jenkins (So.), Chad Snodgrass (r-So.), Nick Kindler (Fr.)
C: Eric Jobe (r-Jr.), Joe Madsen (r-Fr.), Joe Rhein (r-So.), Jordan Weingart (Fr.)
RG: Jeff Braun (r-Fr.), John Bassler (r-Fr.), Ryan Spiker (Fr.)
RT: Selvish Capers (r-Sr.), Jon Walko (r-Sr.), Pat Eger (Fr.)
SL (S): Carmen Connolly (Sr.), Tavon Austin (Fr.)
WR (Z): Bradley Starks (r-So.), J.D. Woods (r-Fr.)
QB: Jarrett Brown (r-Sr.), Bradley Starks (r-So.), Coley White (r-Fr.), Ian Loy (r-Fr.), Eugene Smith (Fr.)
RB: Noel Devine (Jr.), Mark Rodgers (So.), Jordan Roberts (r-Fr.), Mike Poitier (r-Sr.), Daquan Hargett (Fr.), Shawne Alston (Fr.)
FB/TE: Ryan Clarke (r-Fr.), Rickey Kovatch (So.), Max Anderson (Sr.), Chris Snook (Fr.)

Defense
DT: Scooter Berry (r-Jr.), Chris Neild (r-Jr.), Larry Ford (Jr.), Jorge Wright (r-Fr.)
NT: Chris Neild (r-Jr.), Josh Taylor (r-So.), D.J. Shaw (Sr.)
DE: Julian Miller (r-So.), Larry Ford (Jr.), J.B. Lageman (r-Fr.)
SLB: Pat Lazear (Jr.), Zac Cooper (r-Sr.)
MLB: Reed Williams (r-Sr.), Anthony Leonard (r-Jr.)
WLB: J.T. Thomas (r-Jr.), Ovid Goulbourne (r-Sr.), Najee Goode (r-So.)
LCB: Brandon Hogan (Jr.), Kent Richardson (r-Sr.), Brantwon Bowser (r-So.), Lawrence Smith (r-Fr.), Pat Miller (Fr.)
SS: Sidney Glover (Jr.), Nate Sowers (r-Sr.), Trippe Hale (r-Jr.), Robert Sands (So.), Eain Smith (r-So.)
BS: Franchot Allen (Sr.), Nate Sowers (r-Sr.), Courtney Stuart (r-Jr.)
RCB: Keith Tandy (r-So.), Eddie Davis (r-Jr.), Guesly Dervil (Sr.), Brodrick Jenkins (Fr.), Benji Powers (r-So.)

Special Teams
PK: Tyler Bitancurt (r-Fr.), Josh Lider (Sr.), Cameron Starke (Fr.)
P: Scott Kozlowski (r-Sr.), Greg Pugnetti (r-Jr.)
KO: Scott Kozlowski (r-Sr.)
LSN: Cody Nutter (r-So.), Jeremy Kash (r-Jr.)
H: Jeremy Kash (r-Jr.), Carmen Connolly (Sr.)
KR: Brandon Hogan (Jr.), Eddie Davis (r-Jr.), Tavon Austin (Fr.)
PR: Brandon Hogan (Jr.), Eddie Davis (r-Jr.), Tavon Austin (Fr.)

Major's moment

Major Harris is a Hall of Famer.

I've known it for years, but now the College Football Hall of Fame is recognizing one of the game's greatest quarterbacks. He was ahead of his time. He was an option QB with an NFL arm. Unfortunately for him the NFL execs didn't respect his talent in 1990.

After leaving West Virginia University a year early, a decision he has admitted was a mistake, Major wasn't taken until the 12th round by the Raiders. He didn't stick and went to the CFL. He didn't do much there either.

If Major were playing today he'd be taken on Day 1 of the NFL Draft. If Major had stuck around for his senior year I believe the crowd at Mountaineer Field would still be giving him a standing ovation on Senior Day. We loved him that much.

Old Italian man whines to media

Joe Paterno's talking about stuff again. That means it's time for the national media to get in a tizzy and everyone else to roll their eyes. He's kind of like the Marge Schott of college football. The more he talks, the crazier you know it's going to get.

So, old Joe says it's time for the Big 10 to add a 12th team.

And preferably someone from the east, such as Rutgers, Syracuse or Pitt. Wow, Pitt fans must be scratching their heads since Paterno won't bother to schedule the Panthers at all, effectively destroying a once-great rivalry. Maybe Joe wants to run it up on poor ol Rutgers like the golden days.

But the best part of the story is this, as Paterno discusses the reaction of Big Ten higher-ups to his suggestions:

"You know, it's a conference that's dominated by a couple of people," Paterno said. "If I start talking, they're polite, but they snicker.

"They don't know I know they're snickering, but they're polite. ...I wish I were younger and going to be around [another] 20 years."

Nice paranoia there, Joe. This guy is treated like Jesus H. Christ incarnate and he thinks everyone is laughing at him. (Okay, well maybe I'm laughing.)

No, Joe, the Big 10 doesn't need a 12th team and it doesn't need a championship game. The only thing it needs is for you to retire and let Tom Bradley rightfully be the head coach at Penn State. You know, the job he's already doing.