Oregon Defense stiffens, A new Dennis Dixon is born.

Last night Oregon squared off against Oklahoma State in the Holiday Bowl. With Oklahoma State the heavy favorite because of their high powered offense coming out of the Big-12, Oregon's best hope was to carry their momentum from their last game, winning 65-38 over rival Oregon State, to spur them on to a win against the Cowboys. Last night was a very slow start for the Ducks, only producing one offensive play, which was a Jeremiah Johnson 76 yard run for a Touch Down. The Cowboys however, produced many by scoring 17 points, and the Ducks were VERY lucky that they didn't score twice as much in the first quarter. The Second quarter looked to be very high powered and exciting, hopefully with a more even play by teams. But at the half, the score was the same, 17-7 Oklahoma State. Oregon hadn't been moving the ball all day, so I could see how Oregon didn't score. But with Oregon's defense stiffening up and holding the high-flying Oklahoma State offense to no points, It was a whole different ball game. If Oklahoma State couldn't score, then Oregon was bound to find a way with all their offensive talent.

At the start of the third quarter, Oregon started out by returning the opening kick-off 95 yards, all the way to the 1 yard line. Then quarterback Jeremiah Masoli ran in a 1 yard touchdown to cut the lead to only 3 points. Then on the next drive, Jeremiah Masoli ran for ANOTHER touchdown, this time with POWER. He didn't make a cut, or spin away from a defender. Actually, he could have ran the touchdown without even having contact with the defense, but he aimed right at it and ran right over the Oklahoma State defense. Next, Oregon's defense finally let up the first score since the first quarter. With Oklahoma State RB Kendall Hunter running 4 yards to take the lead by 3. But Oregon answered right back with a 17 yard touchdown by QB Jeremiah Masoli. With that one being his third, Oklahoma State was looking to keep on answering back as the third quarter came to a close. They did. QB Zac Robinson ran it in from 1 yard out to take the lead 31-28. But after that score, Oregon took over. Masoli threw a jump ball to the corner of the end-zone, which was caught by Jaison Williams, putting Oregon up by 35-31. Then with Oregon's defense holding Oregon State to a punt, they marched right down the field and capped it off with a very motivated 29 yard touchdown run by LeGarrette Blount. Now with Oregon's lead stretched to 11 points, their was no looking back. Oregon came out of this one with the W, 42-31. During this game, a new Oregon football era was born. With both RB LeGarrette Blount ,and QB Jeremiah Masoli coming back next year. Oregon's offense looks set. Look out Pac-10 defenses, USC, their may be some competition arising.

Notre DANG!!!

Last night, Notre Dame entered yet another bowl game while having not won any sin 9 years. Except this time, it was in Hawaii, v.s. Hawaii. Playing for their season, which hasn't been very impressive, Notre Dame came out to end their bowl game losing streak. This time, it was different. Notre Dame's QB Jimmy Clausen threw for 401 passing yards along with 5 touchdowns, both in which were Notre Dame bowl game records. Pretty impressive since he's playing for a school who's had many great quarterbacks including Joe Montana, Joe Theismann, and Brady Quinn. Notre Dame ultimately won 49-21, bringing hope to Irish fans.
My question to you is, where was this in the regular season? I heard the announcers RAVING about how good their young players are, and how many great plays that they're making for them. Ummmmmmmm.......... NEWS FLASH!!!!! When your 6-6, you don't have much to RAVE about. I mean it's understandable to enjoy the performance, and talk about their recruiting class and how good it's going to be. But if your team just had a lukewarm season at 6-6, and all of a sudden they blow out a WAC team, you can't go crazy! Just settle down and look at next years recruiting class, and next years schedule. Cause while you may have some great young talent, your ALWAYS losing some. And just one crack in an offensive scheme, could self destruct your entire game plan.

Les Miles bringing LSU a Bright future

Did you know that 48% of LSU's football team is made up of freshman? You probably didn't. You probably just thought that LSU was having what Michigan and Notre Dame fans would say, a "rebuilding year". Well actually, LSU lost almost half of their starters, including starting QB matt flynn, battering ram Jacob Hester, and DT Glenn Dorsey. This year, they started a couple of freshman, but left it up to most of their more experienced players to do the work. Something they unfortunately couldn't do at the QB position. All 3 of LSU's QB's are freshman, and are bound to make mistakes. But if you look at all of the players returning, and all of the players coming in, they're looking pretty good. They already have Top dual threat QB in the nation, Russell Shepard, committing early to LSU. Along with already committed prospects RB micheal Ford, DT Josh Downs, OT Stavion Lowe, DT Chris Davenport, CB Janzen Jackson, DT Joshua Downs, Athlete Drayton Calhoun, OLB Kevin Minter, RB Dexter Pratt, all of which are in the Top 150. They also have #6 recruit in the nation WR Rueban Randle, #2 recruit in the nation Dre Kirkpatrick, #9 recruit in the nation Saftey Craig Loston, #17 prospect in the nation WR Marlon Brown, and #18 in the nation RayRay Armstrong all on their board. And that's just the top 20. LSU not only has many great freshman, but a HUGE recruiting class. I'm guessing that they're going to have the best recruiting class in the nation. LSU fans are giong to be in for a ride next year. GEUAX TIGERS!
If you want more proof, go to http://insider.espn.go.com/ncf/recruiting/tracker/espnu150?&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fncf%2frecruiting%2ftracker%2fespnu150

Perfect Season v.s. Perfect Playing. Who wins the Sugar Bowl?

The Sugar Bowl, a BCS bowl, this year featuring a very intriguing match-up that may be predicted in any way that you want. Have you ever heard that opposites attract? Well they did in this years Sugar Bowl when Coach of the year Nick Saban leads rock-solid SEC power house Alabama to face Undefeated #7 BCS buster Utah. Both these teams are very very VERY different if you ask me. Alabama has that slow but steady approach with huge players on both sides of the ball that will run you over and hit you hard. But Utah comes from the Mountain West conference, a small conference that doesn't hold much of a challenge, but has tremendous QB play by their QB Brian Johnson throwing for 2,636 yards. With Alabama's solid play all around, and Utah's exciting big play capability, it's bound to be an unpredictable game. It'll come down to simply one thing; who comes to play. Here is a table of stats comparing the two teams.

Here's how Alabama's offense matches up to Utah's defense. Matchup Utes Defense Crimson Tide Offense Points/Game 17.3 (19) 31.2 (57) Rush Yards/Game 104.8 (33) 196.5 (42) Pass Yards/Game 191.1 (95) 170.7 (183) Total Yards/Game 295.9 (33) 367.2 (104) Third Down Pct. 30.3% (17) 42.4% (73) Fourth Down Pct. 40.0% (70) 80.0% (101) Sacks 23 (111) 17 (64) Sack Yards -144 (129) -125 (87) Rushing TDs 10 (27) 32 (20) Passing TDs 14 (74) 10 (203) Carries/Game 382 (44) 535 (27) Yards/Carry 3.3 (45) 4.8 (44) Completion Pct. 54.6% (128) 58.2% (111) Yards/Pass Attempt 6.1 (48) 7.3 (85) Pass Rating 108.7 (38) 125.8 (119) Avg. NCAA Football Ranking 41.4 60 Here's how Utah's offense matches up to Alabama's Defense Matchup Utes Offense Crimson Tide Defense Points/Game 37.4 (20) 13.0 (8) Rush Yards/Game 168.4 (79) 78.8 (8) Pass Yards/Game 236.8 (76) 178.1 (53) Total Yards/Game 405.3 (50) 256.9 (9) Third Down Pct. 45.5% (40) 27.0% (4) Fourth Down Pct. 66.7% (23) 50.0% (243) Sacks 21 (102) 24 (101) Sack Yards -171 (154) -179 (76) Rushing TDs 23 (69) 4 (2) Passing TDs 26 (33) 15 (87) Carries/Game 475 (66) 367 (26) Yards/Carry 4.3 (93) 2.8 (16) Completion Pct. 67.6% (50) 51.4% (17) Yards/Pass Attempt 7.6 (58) 5.4 (9) Pass Rating 149.7 (29) 101.6 (23) Avg. NCAA Football Ranking 42.8 31 My prediction is that Alabama will seek revenge from the SEC championship game loss, and come out victorious winning 34-24.

The Chick-fil-A Bowl Prediction

This year in The Chick-fil-A Bowl are two teams that finished going in different directions. With LSU losing its last 3 out of 4 games, and Georgia Tech doing the opposite by winning its last 3 out 4 games. This game, in many ways, is set up to be a great game. Although LSU is coming in with 2 more losses than Georgia Tech, they still play in a lot tougher conference. But, Georgia Tech has the nearly unstoppable running game. I think that this game doesn't mean any more than getting prepared for next year for either side. LSU has only freshman QB's on their roster and are gonna try to play it conservative as far as the passing game goes. But Georgia Tech is going to take advantage of all their talent that will be leaving them next year. Georgia Tech is playing for the seniors, and LSU is playing for the future.
The game will be taking place at the Georgia Dome, giving Georgia Tech an obvious home field advantage. But LSU fans don't miss out on a chance to go to a game, so don't be surprised to see an even number of fans for both teams. Here are my keys to the game for both teams.

Georgia Tech:

1. Run the ball successfully- Georgia Tech has ran the ball with a sense of power and urgency for the last couple of weeks, and they're going to have to rely on the running game if they want to win. If they don't run the ball well, then they're not going to be looking good offensively.
2. Play physical up front- In order for them to stop LSU's running back Charles Scott, they need to play mean up front. Smash Mouth Football. If they don't do that, then they'll find LSU running the ball up the middle all day without hesitation. This is very essential for their defense.
3. Take care of the ball- With Georgia Techs great running ability, they should be able to produce long drives for scores. But that can't happen unless they hold on the football and avoid stupid throws. As long as they hold on to the ball producing steady drives, it will make winning almost certain.

LSU:

1. Stack the box- With the great running game that Georgia Tech has, LSU needs to stack the box with big, strong, fast lineman. If they can hold Georgia Tech to an unsuccessful running game, then it will force them to pass, which Georgia Tech is not good at, which will create opportunities for LSU on defense.
2. Play well in the Trenches- LSU's offensive and defensive line has really helped LSU win this year, and without it, they wouldn't be in this game. They really need to fight in the trenches to open up holes for RB Charles Scott, and stuff Georgia Techs offensive line from getting to the linebackers. If they do that, then they will surely win on New Years Eve.
3. Win the Turnover margin- LSU's passing game hasn't been very successful under the spotlight this season. As a young QB, Jarrett Lee has thrown 16 interceptions and hasn't helped LSU's turnover ratio very much. Les Miles can not call plays to where Jarrett Lee has to force a throw that isn't their, otherwise more interceptions will come. They can't drop easy interceptions on defesne, and they can't make stupid throws on offense if they want to win the turnover margin. If they do this, then they will be hard to beat on New Years Eve.

My prediction is that LSU will finally play that all around great game that they've been waiting for winning 31-24 by ending Georgia Techs last second drive on an interception.

College Football Award Winners

Here are a list of awards that were given out last night to honor College Football's best players. I hope you Enjoy.

Maxwell Award- Player of the Year- Tim Tebow- I think that Tim Tebow is one of the best college football players to ever play the game. Not just as a QB, but as a competitor, and a person. Tim Tebow speaks at foster homes, prisons, and other countries spreading the word of Jesus Christ. He's the best all around player that I've EVER seen.
Walter Camp Award-Player of the Year- Colt McCoy- This nomination does not surprise me. If your looking at the award of "Player of the Year" I think that he is the best overall QB in college football. I look forward to watching his career progress in the NFL.
Dick Butkus Award- Best Linebacker Award- Aaron Currey- Aaron made a very strong presents on Wake Forest's Defense this year and helped his defense to a solid year. He also holds the record for the most interception return yards at Wake Forest, and holds the record for most interceptions returned for a Touch Down by a Line Backer with 3.

Outland Trophy- Outstanding Interior Lineman- Andre Smith- This pick was just one of the options for this award of many. He is a GREAT left tackle and is one of the best blockers in the nation, leading Alabama's ball control, steady offense to a 11-1 record.
Chuck Bednarik Award- Defensive Player of the Year- Ray Maualuga- This pick was probably the right one. Although the heavy favorite at the beginning of the year to win this award was James Laurinaitis, but Ray Maualuga came to play and ran away with this award. Although their are questions about the strength of the offenses USC faced this year, he is the clear cut winner.
Davey O'Brien Award- Sam Bradford- This award was a debate in my mind really....... Well only for a second. This year in college football featured many phenomenal Quarterbacks and their was more than one that stood out. I still think that Colt McCoy is the best QB in the nation, but I feel that it's only fair for Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford to win this award. He has a perfect arm, and leads the nation in scoring. I look forward to watching him in the BCS National Championship Game.
Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award- Outstanding Sr. QB- Graham Harrell- This pick doesn't really surprise me. Graham Harrell has an awesome arm and can squeeze the ball into tight spaces. He'll be a success in the NFL in the future.
Doak Walker Award- National Running back Award- Shaun Green- This award looked like it was going to be close in the beginning of the year with numerous backs around the country rushing for more than 100 yards every game. But as the season went on, one back emerged, and that was Shaun Green. Picking up 100+ yards rushing in each of his games this year, he is the clear selection for this award.
Fred Biletnikoff Award- Outstanding Wide Receiver- Micheal Crabtree- This award is a no-brainer really. Micheal Crabtree leads the nation in nearly every receiving category and comes up with big plays when needed including the last play miracle against Texas.
Jim Thorpe Award- Outstanding Defensive Back- Malcom Jenkings-This ffaward honors the best athlete in the history of the United States, Jim Thorpe. This year Malcom Jenkins won the award very controversially. I say that Eric Berry, Safety out of The University of Tennessee should have won the award, he had more interceptions, deflected passes and nearly as many tackles. But I congratulate the Senior.
John Mackey Award-Outstanding Tight End- Chase Coffman- Chase Coffman provided a huge target to Missouri QB Chase Daniel and helped out his team when they needed it the most. He definitely has the size at 6 foot 6 inches, 245 pounds, to be successful in the NFL. Chases receiving ability makes him the definite winner of this award.
Lou Groza Award- Collegiate Place kicker Award- Graham Gano- Graham had a magnificent season this year by kicking a field goal, not an extra point, a field goal, in every game he played this year. He also split 4 field goals through the uprights in his teams win v.s. NC state. He's been very consistent and obviously deserves this award.
Bronko Nagurski Award- Defensive Player of the Year-Brian Orakpo- This was probably the best selection for this award. Orakpo led this Texas defense to huge stops in very close games all year. He'll be leading Texas against Utah in the Tostito's Fiesta Bowl.

Ray Guy Award- Outstanding Punter- Matt Fodge- I don't know much about punters, but I just looked up his stats and they were outstanding! He punted no more than 40 times all year and STILL had a phenomenal season. My congrats go out to Matt.
Ted Hendricks Award- Defensive End of the Year Award Brian Orakpo- Well this award makes 2 and he definitely deserves it. I explained why in the Bronko Nagurski Award reasoning, and I'll say it again. He led Texas's defense to the Tostito's Fiesta Bowl by anchoring down that Texas Defensive Line. He deserves this award in addition to the Bronko Nagurski award.
Vince Lombardi/Rotary- Award Outstanding Lineman- Brian Orakpo- Well Brian Orakpo had quite a night, receiving 3 awards in the ceremony. Including the Bronko Nagurski award, the Ted Hendricks Award, and now the Vince Lombardi Award. He's quite the player and their's not much more to say about him. Congratulations Brian, on your accomplishments.

Rimington Trophy- Outstanding Center - A. Q. Shipley- Shipley led Penn State's offensive line to a near perfect season with only one stumble to arch rival Iowa. Giving snaps to junior Daryll Clark and blocking consistently throughout the season helped his team accomplish great things. He is definitely the right man for this award.

The Orange Bowl, A dissapointment?

All 4 of the BCS bowls were announced on last Sunday along with all the others, and their were many disappointments. Texas not getting to the title game, Texas Tech being left out of the BCS along with Boise State. But the biggest disappointment to me, is that 2 teams made it to the Orange bowl with 3 and 4 loss records in easy conferences. I'm talking about Virginia Tech and Cincinnati.
Virginia Tech finishing with a 8-4 record in the ACC, and Cincinnati having a 9-3 record in the Big East. Both easy conferences and both with non BCS worthy records. I would have rather seen Texas Tech and Boise State go at it rather than Cincinnati and Virginia Tech. Texas Tech v.s. Boise State would be GREAT. Texas Tech losing to Oklahoma big time in the 10th week of the season, and struggling to get the easy wins since despite the phenomenal talent they have on offense. And Boise State going undefeated and had beaten Oklahoma 2 years ago in the Fiesta Bowl. This would be a great match-up and would not just sell more, but also get more media and T.V. viewers. I think that the BCS followed its rules by taking the champions of the ACC and the Big East, but it's a horrible match-up. I don't think that this game proves anything, and I'm looking forward to the Texas Tech v.s. Ole Miss in their bowl game rather than the Orange Bowl. Keep on checking out my predictions for all the bowl games, including the BCS national championship game.

What about Texas Tech?

The BCS bowls were announced Sunday night, and everybody knows that the championship match-up is Florida- Oklahoma. But what some people don't notice is the fact that 11-1 Texas Tech, the only team to beat the "Championship Worthy" Texas Longhorns, did not get an "At Large" bid to the BCS. Instead, Ohio State did. A team in a weaker conference than Texas Tech and a worse record than Texas Tech, but still got the bid. This is almost an outrage really. If I were a Texas Tech fan, then I would be raving about it, but since i'm not, I just don't think it's fair. Texas Techs only loss was to Oklahoma, now in the National Championship. I don't just think it's unfair, but it totally changes my opinion on the BCS. I don't know how the computers screwed up here, i'd rather see Texas Tech play Alabama than Utah play Alabama. Go ahead, kick the whiny BCS buster school out that never beat ANYONE! Why them? Almost as sorry as when Pete Carol was getting interviewed by ESPN on Sunday afternoon and said that his team had "a very tough schedule" with only one ranked on their schedule, and still losing, but some how getting to the Rose Bowl anyways, where Home Field advantage is King (Cough Cough, Rose Bowl, Cough Cough, is played in USC's stadium, Cough Cough). But either way, I still think that Texas Tech got the bad end of the deal when it comes to bowl games, they beat Texas, and this is what they get?

A Near Perfect Prediction

Some of you may have read my Preview for the SEC title game between #1 Alabama and #2 Florida. Well in my prediction, I said that Florida will pull away with it in the fourth quarter, with the score 31-23. Well the game unfolded just as I had predicted. With a rather fast start, but with the gators running away with it (literally running) with the final score of 31-20. My prediction was near perfection and I congratulate the Florida Gators on their magnificent season, capturing the SEC championship. They still have one game to go though, the BCS national championship. Stay tuned for my bowl game predictions, including the National Title. GO GATORS!

Every thing on the line. The SEC championship........ PREVIEW

THE GAME

The SEC championship game decides the champion of the SEC. One of, if not the most, prestigious conference in all of college football. With SEC teams winning the last two national championships in a row, the SEC championship decides a lot. With the south loaded with the best football players and fans in the world, it's more than just a game. The winner of this game almost always goes to the National Title game because of their strength of schedule and when they do reach the title game, they rarely lose. This game has all the intentions of the national championship game.

THE TEAMS

ALABAMA

Record: 12-0

Interesting Fact: Beat rival Auburn for the first time in 6 years. This year by a score of 36-0

Alabama is undefeated for the first time in a while and have every right to go to the national championship game if they win on Saturday. They're undefeated in the SEC conference and that's all that matters. They've had an outstanding defense, a productive offense, and a VERY solid team. They rarely commit penalties and rarely turn the ball over, which makes for a good football team. Alabama has no intentions at losing everything they've worked for all season, and don't expect them to go down easy this Saturday.

FLORIDA

Record: 11-1

Interesting Fact: Are 3rd in the nation in points per game and are 4th in the nation at points allowed per game.

In the Pre-season, Florida looked to be pretty good with former Heisman winner Tim Tebow returning to play QB, and speedster receiver Percy Harvin also coming back. But nobody thought that last years 7-5 Florida Gators to go 11-1 this season with their only stumble against in conference rival Ole Miss. But since that loss, Florida has been the hottest team in the country by blowing out LSU, Vanderbilt, Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida State(all ranked at the time). Florida looks to capture their 2nd BCS national title in the last 3 years and be the team with the most BCS national championships, along with LSU.

THE HYPE

Every college football fan across the nation is RAVING about this match-up between Alabama and Florida. Both are the top two on the list in SEC championships all-time and both have been college football powerhouses for a LONG time. With Alabama having THE BEST defense in the nation, and Florida riding on an offensive HOT STREAK, the game looks to be all it's wait.

THE PREDICTION

It took me a while to make up my on who's gonna be the SEC champ. But in the end, I finally came to a conclusion. With Florida having 12 players on their roster with a 4.4 forty time or better, a Heisman Quarter back, 4th in points allowed, I think that Alabama's defense will just be too slow to keep up with Florida's offense and will not have enough production on offense to score much on Florida's defense. In the end, I think it'll be a close one until the fourth quarter with Florida pulling away with it, 38- 23.