Friday, January 30, 2009

My Pre-Preseason Rankings In College Football

The season is finally over, which means a brand new one is on the horizon. It's time to decide who is the best coming into next year. Many of these top ten teams you may be able to guess, but some may be a surprise.

1. Florida- Their is no doubt in my mind that Florida should be ranked #1 coming into next season. Their entire defense is returning after a dominating national championship run last year, and they're simply just gonna get better. Tim Tebow, one of the greatest of all-time, is returning to play QB, and most other starters are coming back also. Lately, the pre-season ranked #1 hasn't won the big one, but Florida has an awfully good chance.

2. Texas- Texas was very good last season, and all longhorn fans had a gripe about the BCS when it was all over with, but they still have much room for improvement. They have many young defensive back starters that will only get better, and they have QB Colt McCoy coming back for his senior season. With Colt McCoy directing the longhorns on offense, and some slight pass defense improvements, look for the longhorns to be high in the rankings.

3. Oklahoma State- When you think of national title contenders, Oklahoma State doesn't pop up in most peoples heads. But most college football fans do not realize how great this football is. With their big brothers Texas and Oklahoma overshadowing them, not many fans got to see how great they really are. They have tremendous veteran talent coming back on the offensive side of the ball, including QB Zac Robinson, WR Dez Bryant, RB Kendell Hunter, and OT Russell Okung. They're also not looking bad on defense either, with six starters coming back.

4. LSU- LSU may surprise many people next year. They won the national title two years ago, but were easily forgotten with their embarrassing five loss season, and outstanding performances by Alabama, Georgia, Ole Miss, and Florida. LSU has the #1 recruiting class coming in, which can do wonders for a football team. Just look what it did to Alabama. They went from 8-5 to 11-2. LSU also has all of it's impact players returning, including WR Brandon LaFell, which may be one of LSU's best ever. If they can get their QB problem under control like they did in the Chick-fil-A bowl, then they will be a force to be reckoned with.

5. Ole Miss- Ole Miss surprised the nation last year with an amazing four loss season. Now...... wait a second. Four losses isn't amazing!!! Well in this case, some how it is. They were the only team to beat Florida, beat Arkansas, stuffed Auburn, squandered LSU, shut-out Mississippi, and showed Texas Tech who's boss. This team was a physical smash-mouth football team that improved during the season more than any other team in College Football. They have almost all of their starters coming back on both sides of the ball, and if some of their younger players can be a little bit more focussed, then they can be a threat to many SEC contenders next year.

6. Oregon- Usually USC is the top team in the Pac-10 year after year. But this year is going to be different. Sophomore QB Jeremiah Masoli is going to be a huge force for Oregon next year. With his powerful running game and poise in the pocket, It's gonna take one strong defense to tame him. Oregon also has motivated runner RB LeGarrette Blount, which will get more carries with former Oregon RB Jeremiah Johnson leaving. Oregon made a run at the title in 2006, but with QB Denis Dixon breaking his leg, the season went on a free-fall. The bottom line is that Oregon will be playing in the Rose Bowl one way or another.

7. Oklahoma- Oklahoma is virtually unstoppable at home. Better yet, they're unstoppable with Sam Bradford at home. Sam Bradford, along with most other offensive starters, are coming back for another season. Although the Sooners had an appearance in the national title last year, I don't think that they have the team to quite do the same this year. They simply have too many tough games on the road including Texas, Texas Tech, and Nebraska. I think that Oklahoma will be a great team, but Texas will end up grasping the Big 12.

8. USC- The reason I'm ranking USC lower than most people would, is because they lost 8 starters on defense. When You lose that many starters, no matter how good you are, it's hard to perform the same way. Losing Mark Sanchez won't be a problem though. USC is known for first year starters to be phenomenal. Their offense looks to be a little better than last years, but defensively, I don't think they can survive with only one loss.

9. Alabama- Although many fans were disappointed with their loss in the SEC championship game, the Tide have a good future in front of them. The #1 recruiting class was what sparked their great season last year, but I think it will do the same next year too. The players are only going to mature and improve their play, which results in Alabama being a considerable force the next couple of years.

10. Penn State- I'm not expecting Penn State to be the same one loss team as they were last year, but with Daryll Clark returning for his 5th year, Penn State looks to have a steady offense. Also, with the ol ball coach coming back to lead the Lions for the 44th straight season, they'll have a disciplined defense as well. I'm saying that they might be headed to the Rose Bowl if they get a few breaks.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Mountain West Wants BCS Bid, But It's Not A Good Idea

The Mountain West has recently argued that they deserve a BCS bid, and that college football fans should want it too because it would add another factor to the BCS. Well at least they got one thing right, it would add another factor to the BCS. But not a good one. The BCS system is already confusing and complained about on a regular basis. We do not need to confuse it.
The Mountain West simply does not have enough quality teams in their conference to put up a quality opponent each and every year. Utah may have beaten Alabama, but I guarantee you that it will not happen again. Only two teams out of the Mountain West (made up of nine teams) beat a ranked opponent this year.
We already have enough lukewarm conferences in the BCS. And they happen to play each other!!! It's the ACC and the Big East. Although they had four losses, Virginia Tech represented the ACC this year in the Orange Bowl. That's weak. The best team in the ACC should have less than four losses.
Now to the Big East. Cincinnati may fool you at first with three losses on their resume, but they're really just a fluke. They haven't beaten a USA top 25 team all year!!! They lost to Oklahoma, Connecticut, and Virginia Tech.
Mountain West, Your just looking stupid by proposing an automatic bid. Usually the harder you try, they better you look. But this time it's the harder you try, the dumber you look. Cause your not gonna get a BCS bid for your conference, and so your gonna come out next year and try as hard as you can to prove us wrong; but it won't happen. Once the midpoint of the season comes along, everyone will agree that we made the right decision.

Their should be 2 things that decide whether or not a team plays in a BCS bowl game. 1) Their record, and 2) Their strength of schedule. Virginia Tech and Cincinnati both wouldn't have made it if the BCS relied on those two factors. Texas Tech, Ole Miss, Georgia, Oregon, Oregon State, and Missouri. Those are a list of teams that deserve to be in the Orange Bowl more than Virginia Tech and Cincinnati.
The bottom line is that the Mountain West is just not strong enough, and doesn't play a hard enough schedule to deserve to play in a BCS bowl. They can earn an At-Large bid like any other team in the nation. But they shouldn't get an automatic free pass to the BCS every year.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Brandon LaFell Decides To Stay With The Tigers

Starting receiver Brandon LaFell declared for the NFL draft on Friday. But every underclassmen has a 72 hour period after they declare to change their mind. LaFell waited until the last minute to change his mind and come back for one more season with the Tigers.

“We are extremely excited to have Brandon returning to the LSU football team for his senior season,” head coach Les Miles said on Sunday. “We were going to support him no matter what decision he made."

Brandon LaFell had one of the best season's in LSU history last year by racking up 63 receptions, 929 receiving yards, and 8 touchdowns. One of his more impressive performances when he accumulated for 12 receptions, 129 yards, and 1 touchdown in LSU's 28 point comeback v.s. Troy State.

“The news of Brandon coming back to school is big for our football team. His contributions to our football program have been very significant and I’m glad we are going to get another year with him," said head coach Les Miles.

When it's all said and done, Brandon LaFell will be one of the best receivers LSU has ever had. Brandon has a legitimate shot at breaking numerous receiving records at LSU. He will be a HUGE help to the Tigers next season, and it looks to me that he came back for the same reason Glenn Dorsey did; to win a national title.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Why Does Sanchez Get More Respect Than Stafford?

Their has been plenty of controversy going around the last couple of weeks about whether or not Matthew Stafford will be picked #1 overall in the NFL draft. Now of course nobody knows who the Lions will choose yet, but some sports fans are brave enough to testify that Stafford doesn't deserve to be the #1 pick, and that Mark Sanchez does! I couldn't believe my eyes when I read an article on how Matthew Stafford isn't worthy to go to the NFL. How come Mark Sanchez gets worshiped, and Matthew Stafford doesn't get any respect? This is a quarterback that stepped in and took control of his team during his freshman year, went up against some of the best defenses in the nation, and still put up decent numbers. But that wasn't it. The next year, he improved drastically by more than doubling his touchdown passes. He came into this year with very high expectations, ranked #1 in the country, and was expected to dominate. He came out throwing for two touchdowns and no interceptions in their win against Georgia Southern. USC did the same by beating unranked Virginia. But for some reason, despite both teams winning, USC hopped Georgia in the polls. And let the spiral begin. Georgia then lost a blow-out to rival Alabama 4 weeks later. Although none of the game could be blamed on Stafford as he put up 274 passing yards, along with two touchdowns and only one interception, he wasn't seeming to live up to expectations. Although many injuries to key players had stumped his team throughout the season, Stafford finished the year with only three losses on his resume. He ended up with 25 touchdown passes, 61.5% completion percentage, and only 10 interceptions; making himself one of the top QB's in the nation.

But then their's the conflict. How come Mark Sanchez gets so much respect? Is it cause he's from USC? The answer is yes. When it comes to football, USC is the most spoiled rotten team in all of college football. How come it's that every time USC wins one game, all of California celebrates like they just prevented the Holocaust? USC blows out winless Washington and Washington State, and the next day everybody's talking about how their defense is the best in the history of college football. It's the PAC-10! The PAC-10 can't play football. That's why everybody go's to USC! Cause it's in California were their's sparkling beaches, great weather, and when it comes to football they play a bunch of Po-dunk high-school teams, so every year you hear about how they're going to the Rose Bowl! AGAIN! Doesn't it ever occur to everybody that USC is in the Rose Bowl EVERY YEAR, and then you think I wonder how they got so good? Well if you want your favorite college football team to be The Team of the Ages and be respected for the rest of eternity, then write a letter to the head of your school persuading him to join the PAC-10. Their is no reason that Mark Sanchez should be ranked ahead of Matthew Stafford. The biggest challenge for him came when he played Arizona State! That's the game in which he threw one touchdown and three interceptions! Matthew Stafford played some of the best passing defenses in the nation including Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, and Ole Miss. Now for my last point. If your a quarterback, you want the ball as many times as possible so you can make more plays. Obvious, right? Well it's A LOT easier to get the ball when your team has the best defense in the nation. And if you said that they were playing crappy offenses, it would be an overstatement. Georgia doesn't play passover offenses. They played a very tough schedule when it comes to the opponents offense. They played Florida, Alabama, Georgia Tech, Michigan State, and Central Michigan. All of which could score 20+ on USC's defense. If Stafford doesn't get the ball, then he can't make the plays. Don't take my word for it, just look at where Matt Leinart ended up.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Tim Tebow Keeps Florida Fans On Their Heels

Your gonna have to pause the music on the right side of the screen, and turn up the volume if you wanna watch this one.

Friday, January 16, 2009

Things Just Keep Gettin Better And Better

The latest in on LSU recruiting, SS Josh Johns has just committed to LSU and will add on to the tremendous recruiting class that LSU is racking up this year. Lets look at the progress they've made so far. We'll start with LSU commits ranked in the "ESPN TOP 150".

Russell Shepard- Rated #1 dual threat QB in the nation. Very explosive. When he breaks into the open field, no one can catch him. Clocks in at a 4.4 second forty yard dash. Puts a great amount of touch on deep balls, and shows tremendous accuracy in his throws. Can squeeze the ball into tight spaces, change direction, accelerate through cuts, and juke around defenders better than any other QB in this recruiting class.

Craig Loston- Craig Loston is a huge, physical, hitting machine that has great versatility. He can play WR, but mostly plays SS and returns kicks. Has good pass coverage, and some of the best hops in the nation. He stops the run better than any other Defensive back in this recruiting class. Puts the play first, his body second. Makes plays on both sides of the ball.

Joshua Downs- On the smaller side of DT's weighing in at 6 foot 2 inches, but is a very quick lineman. Runs with his shoulders low, and with loads of power. Can finish traps and stunts as good as any defensive lineman in this recruiting class. Keeps his feet moving after contact, and will take on anyone. Also plays a pretty good game at offensive lineman. Could play either one.

Chris Davenport- Weighing in at 318 pounds and measuring 6 foot 4 inches, Chris is a monster. Has a huge arm span and can fill up a gap in an instant. All it takes is one handful of jersey and he's bringing you down. Shows exceptional form in a three point stance. But he pushes off blocks while pass rushing and can collapse the pocket at ease.

Janzen Jackson- Janzen has the strength and size of a safety, and the quickness and awareness of a Corner. He is a shut down corner who shows outstanding closing speed, and can make the offense pay. He can jump routes, flatten receivers, break away from stalk blocks, and is a textbook tackler that shows rare force in his hits.

Micheal Ford- I really like this guy, he's different from most running backs. He's like the newer edition of Earl Campbell. Literally runs straight forward reaching his top speed in a flash, and never turns back. He has great explosion in cuts, can change direction very quickly, and can truck anyone in his way. He looks to be following the footsteps of former LSU backs such as Jacob Hester, Keiland Williams, and Charles Scott. He is all in all a very versatile back, and will make a huge impact on LSU.

Stavion Lowe- Has more athleticism than any guard that you will ever see. Has great size at 6 foot 6 inches, and 296 pounds. Is a powerful run blocker and will drive the defender into the ground. Always looks for more blocks down field after his initial block. Can help an offense produce big plays with his will and passion for the game.

Drayton Calhoun- Drayton is listed as an athlete and he defiantly is one. Has top speed, and can slip and slide through holes as well as defenders. Lacks upper body strength but can be a great all around player. He can run the ball, receive it, as well as return it. Has natural vision, and looks to develop nicely as a player for LSU.

Kevin Minter- Kevin has great size, speed, and strength for an Outside linebacker. Accelerates into the ball carrier with tremendous speed and is a sure tackler. Can blitz around the end as well as any other linebacker. Always takes the right first step and will blow up an offense with his instinct and acceleration. Overall, he has a great future ahead of him, being athletic enough to play on either side, as well as the middle.

Dexter Pratt- Dexter is the type of Running Back that can easily wear down a defense. Has a very thick build and can take as many shots as you give him. Has good quickness as well as speed, and will hurt you if you get in his way. Is similar to LSU recruit Micheal Ford in his type of play. Can bounce outside at will and has great vision, which will open up opportunities late in the game. Looks to be running along side Micheal Ford in the future, as Keiland Williams does with Charles Scott.

Those were summaries of every LSU commit that is ranked in the "ESPN TOP 150". Their are 13 other LSU commits that are not rated in the "ESPN TOP 150". A grand total of 23 commits. But their are other players in the "ESPN TOP 150" that are considering LSU. Here they are.
Rueben Randle, ranked #1 WR- He is expected to commit to LSU on national signing day. He is looking to stay in state and it will be a huge surprise if he doesn't commit to the Tigers.

Dre Kirkpatrick- ranked #1 CB- Dre is being assumed to commit to Alabama because of Alabama coach Nick Saban's ability to rack up state talent. But don't be surprised if he commits to Baton Rouge. Many surprises have occurred already.

Sam Montgomery- ranked #2 DE- LSU looks like Sam's favorite so far. No real competition has stepped in to recruit him. Michigan is the biggest threat to steal the powerful DE.

Frankie Telfort- ranked #3 OLB- This recruit will defiantly wait until national signing day to make his decision. Florida, Ohio State, and USC provide competition for LSU.

Xavier Su'a-Filo- ranked #3 OT- LSU has a 50-50 shot at signing Xavier. USC is their only true competition.

Darren Myles Jr.- ranked #5 Safety- Darren can play almost every position other than line. He primarily plays Safety, but he can play CB, QB, and WR. LSU currently leads his interest, we might land him.

Jarvis Jones- ranked #5 OLB- Jarvis is the most physical player in the entire draft class. ALOT of schools look to land him on their roster including Georgia, Florida, Texas, and USC. If LSU gets fortunate enough to get him, we will be blessed for years to come.

Kendall Kelly- ranked #7 WR- Has outstanding speed, and is a very tough receiver. Alabama, auburn, clemson, and Florida State also recruit him. LSU looks in good position to win his heart over.

Tana Patrick- ranked #9 OLB- Tana can play TE and OLB, will probably play OLB. Is recruited by 4 SEC teams and USC. Will be tough to grab, but looks like another opportunity for LSU.

Pat Patterson- ranked #14 WR- Pat is recruited by all SEC teams. A very large tough receiver that can punish DB's. LSU has a decent chance in snatching Pat.

That was all of the prospects in the "ESPN TOP 150",considering LSU. Honestly, as an LSU fan, you can not ask for a better recruiting class than coach Les Miles has assembled. If LSU signs half of the recruits still left on their board, then Coach Miles will have so many players to choose from, he won't know what to do with himself......... and that's a good thing.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Final College Football Rankings

The final edition of the AP poll was released after the national championship on Thursday. With Florida beating Oklahoma, the #1 spot was already filled, but the rest remained unclear. Is Texas finally gonna hop Oklahoma, how high are the Ute's gonna be ranked after their win over Alabama, and how high is Ole Miss gonna be ranked after their win over Texas Tech? Here are the rankings......

1. Florida (48) 13-1 1,606
2. Utah (16) 13-0 1,519
3. USC (1) 12-1 1,481
4. Texas 12-1 1,478
5. Oklahoma 12-2 1,391
6. Alabama 12-2 1,264
7. TCU 11-2 1,193
8. Penn State 11-2 1,153
9. Ohio State 10-3 1,013
10. Oregon 10-3 997
11. Boise State 12-1 938
12. Texas Tech 11-2 916
13. Georgia 10-3 903
14. Mississippi 9-4 857
15. Virginia Tech 10-4 713
16. Oklahoma State 9-4 534
17. Cincinnati 11-3 506
18. Oregon State 9-4 467
19. Missouri 10-4 435
20. Iowa 9-4 317
21. Florida State 9-4 246
22. Georgia Tech 9-4 223
23. West Virginia 9-4 144
24. Michigan State 9-4 138
25. Brigham Young 10-3 137
Others Receiving Votes
California 128, Pittsburgh 106, LSU 95, Nebraska 64, Tulsa 61, Northwestern 53, Ball State 13, Boston College 11, Rutgers 11, Rice 8, Arizona 4, Kansas 2.
Dropped From Rankings
Pittsburgh 18, Northwestern 22, Ball State 23.

After looking at these rankings, you can immediately tell that Texas fans have mixed feelings. Texas finally hopped Oklahoma in the rankings, but they were also passed up by USC and Utah because of their dominating performance in bowl games. USC fans couldn't have asked for much more out of the rankings; they hopped up to the #3 ranking, behind Utah and Florida. Although their are still some hardcore Utah fans that still feel that they should be #1, their aren't many. Utah in my opinion got a very generous ranking. I don't think that they would be able to beat Texas, Oklahoma, USC, or Florida on a neutral field. I think that they got lucky because Alabama came out flat after their loss to Florida in the SEC championship game. Meanwhile, through all of this, TCU quietly moved up to #7 in the polls because of their 11-2 record, including their win over undefeated Boise State in the Poinsettia Bowl. TCU is probably the most unrecognized team in the top 25.
Texas Tech finished their season at an 11-2 record, grasping the #12 ranking even though they lost to Ole Miss in the Cotton Bowl. Ole Miss captured the #14 ranking, and they should have hopped Texas Tech because of all their impressive wins. They were the only team to beat Florida, they dominated LSU, they beat Arkansas, Auburn, and even shut out Mississippi state 45-0 in their last regular season game.
Think back for as long as you can remember watching college football. What is the lowest ranking that a BCS bowl winner has ever finished at? Top 10 right? Well not Virginia Tech. Virginia Tech beat Cincinnati in the Orange Bowl, and despite the Orange Bowl being a BCS bowl, they still were ranked #15 at the end of the season. This is proof that we need 1 of 2 things. Either a college football play-off (Which Obama has NO control over at all!!!), or a simpler solution in my opinion, a rule change. A rule that states that a 4 loss team is NOT allowed to play in a BCS bowl game. TCU, Oregon, Boise State, Texas Tech, and Georgia all deserved to be in the Orange Bowl more than Virginia Tech. They all have 3 losses or less, and play in tougher conferences.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Friday, January 9, 2009

Now tell me the SEC isn't the best conference!!!!

BACKROUND INFO
For the last couple of years, the SEC has been the most dominate conference in college football. SEC fans were RAVING about the upcoming 2008-2009 football season. The season looked bright, and fans were ecstatic!! But this year, their was a clear competitor that looked to overtake the college football world. The Big-12. With a conference of high scoring points, and tremendous QB's, the Big-12 looked as if it would pass up the SEC this year. With the regular season ending, the Florida Gators, and the Oklahoma Sooners were set to play eachother for the national championship game in Miami. SEC v.s. Big 12. Many argued that 11-1 Texas should have went to the championship since they beat Oklahoma, which was the Sooners only loss. But it didn't matter anymore, because it was all said and done.

REALITY
The SEC posted up a 6-2 bowl record this season, as the Big-12 held a record of 3-3. Two of the Big-12's bowl game losses were to SEC teams. Texas Tech was the only team to beat Texas all year. With top receiver in the nation, Micheal Crabtree, and tremendous senior QB Grahm Harrell, looked unstoppable until their setback against Okahoma. Well this raiders team went on to face Ole Miss in the Cotton Bowl. Now remember what you all said, "Florida doesn't deserve to be in the national championship, they lost to Ole Miss. They suck!". Will that "Sucky" Ole Miss team just happens to be in the SEC, and just happened to beat Texas Tech 47-34. If Texas Tech, the only team who beat the "unfairly treated" Texas team, lost to Ole Miss. Then I'm pretty sure that this argument, argues its self. Now to Texas. Texas had a 11-1 record in the Big-12 south, and was set to play Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl. Ohio State had lost 2 national championships in a row, and had lost to Penn State earlier in the year, who got blown out by USC. So when you looked at the game, you pretty much knew that it was gonna be a Texas win. But when Texas took the field, it wasn't exactly like that. They struggled to score, and weren't quite playing so good. They squeezed it out in the end because of a stupid decision by OSU coach Jim Tressel, to score very fast, rather than wasting some time, and kicking a game winning field goal. Because of his hurry-up offense late in the fourth, he left Texas with enough time to drive down the field and win it for the longhorns. Although it was a win, it wasn't very impressive. Now we move on to the last one loss team in the Big-12 south, the Oklahoma Sooners. The Sooners played Florida in the national championship, and I'll give them one thing, they did a tremendous job of stopping Florida's offense in the first half, but the second half wasn't the same. Critics say that Oklahoma gave the game to Florida with two red-zone possessions that resulted in 0 points on the score board. I have one thing to say about that. Florida caused both of those stops. It wasn't Oklahoma, Florida was determined, and got it done. They blew threw the line and stuffed Oklahoma on fourth and goal, and they kept the play alive by tipping the ball in the air, and eventually picking it off. Tim Tebow was the hero again on the offensive side of the ball. After throwing as many interceptions in the first half, as he had thrown all year, Tim Tebow came out and led Florida down the field numerous times, including many 3rd down conversions. The result of the game being 24-14, Florida. That raps up all three powerhouses in the Big-12 south, Texas, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma. Two of which lost to SEC team fair and square. Texas, lucky to come away with a win against a BCS embarrassments.
Out of all of this, only one thing comes clear to me. THE SEC IS STILL AROUND; CLEARLY BETTER THAN THE BIG-12, AND THEY'RE NOT GOIN AWAY ANY TIME SOON!!!!! SEC!!!

Friday, January 2, 2009

The Rose Bowl is NOT "The Grand Daddy Of Them All"

BACKROUND INFORMATION
Every year their are four BCS bowl games and then the national championship. The national championship game rotates its location between Dolphins stadium, the Rose Bowl, the University of Phoenix Stadium, and the New Orleans Superdome. This year it's being played in Dolphins Stadium. USC has been to the Rose Bowl four straight years. Winning three of those four appearances, the only loss coming to Texas in the national Championship. The Rose Bowl is played in southern California, only 11 miles away from USC campus.

THIS YEARS ROSE BOWL
This years Rose Bowl featured to what looked like a good match-up to some, and a land slide to others. USC came into this game having the #1 defense in the nation and looked to stop Penn State right in their tracks. But Penn State, led by 83 year old coach Joe Patreno, was determined to annihilate USC's Rose Bowl hopes for good. The game started out as a close one, with both teams scoring a touchdown on their second drive. But it wasn't for long. Penn State's defense fell apart right in front of their own eye's as USC went jogging into the locker rooms winning 31-7. Penn State's defense would never relapse back to normal. USC came away winning their third straight Rose Bowl 38-24.
COMMENTS
Before this game even started, I knew that it was going to be one of two things. A USC blowout, or a close game that came down to the wire. If Penn State came out playing like winners, then it would be close. But if they out slow, then it would be another AMAZING USC team that should have been in the national title game. The reason they haven't been in the national championship game is because they lose in careless games and they can't make up for it because they don't play anybody worth talking about later in the season. That's why Oklahoma and Florida are preparing for the biggest game of their lives, and USC is sitting at home wondering why they couldn't be playing for a championship. Sure USC is a very competitive bunch of players, and they have produced many great athletes into the NFL. But it always seems that when USC is playing in the Rose Bowl, it's treated like the national championship. It's not! This year it's Florida v.s. Oklahoma. Not USC v.s. Penn State. Just because USC's playing, doesn't make the Rose Bowl "The Grand Daddy Of Them All". Last time I checked, the National Championship is "The Grand Daddy of Them All". If the Rose Bowl counted as the national championship, then USC would be 24 time champions. If the Rose Bowl were Texas v.s. Ohio State, then ESPN/ABC announcer Brent Musburger won't take the side of USC 30 seconds into the game, and defend USC all throughout the game. I turned the game on mute so I didn't have to listen to him talk about USC's talented offense. If they had "The most competitive, talented offense in the NCAA" Then Sam Bradford wouldn't have won the Heisman, Mark Sanchez would have. And with the defenses they face, USC should be ranked higher than #15 in the points per game category. The Rose Bowl may be prestigious, but it is NOT the grand daddy of them all, the championship is. Penn State really isn't that tested of a team to playing in the Rose Bowl, but they have to because they're the Big-10 champions. They lost to Iowa. Iowa is a one man show. It's just Shonn Greene running it everywhere. I though Penn State was "Linebacker U". Not really. I'd rather see the Rose Bowl feature the champions of the Pac-10 v.s. the champions of the SEC, or the Big-12. It would be A LOT harder for Pac-10 teams to come away with a Rose Bowl title. Even if the SEC or Big-12 champion was in the National Title game and an at-large team took its spot. It still would be a better game to watch then the regular ol USC v.s. fluke.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

BACK TO REALITY

RECAP

Last night LSU and Georgia Tech faced off in the Chick-fil-A bowl. Georgia Tech were heavy favorites with 75% of the nation voting them winners on New Years Eve. LSU received the ball to start the game; well not really. Georgia Tech kicked it out of bounds to avoid giving it to speedster Trinton Holiday. LSU started out at the 45 yard line, and exploded. Six plays later, halfback Charles Scott was celebrating in the end-zone. Georgia Tech answered back by scoring a 24 yard field goal to cut the lead to four. The second quarter started out with the same score, but not for long. LSU out-scored Georgia Tech 28-0 in the second quarter, leading 35-3 at the half. After that, it wasn't that exciting. LSU's defense held Georgia Tech's offense to no touchdowns on the night, and LSU's offense only scored one field goal the entire second half.

REALITY

Their is a fine line that separates the SEC from the ACC. That was it. LSU's offense was killer all day, something that was struggling against most SEC defenses, but when it came to Georgia Tech, it looked like they were playing a high-school team. Something else that is TOTALLY overlooked is that while LSU's defense may not match up to last years caliber, they still are ranked 17th in the NCAA in rush defense. Since Georgia Tech can't pass to save their life, it was an easy game for the LSU defense. So much for Georgia Tech's EXPLOSIVE offense. They had ME believing that it was going to be a close game, but once again, LSU prevails. LSU had fun out their, and it showed. Calling a fake punt in the fourth quarter that went for 21 yards had Georgia Tech fans BOOING. BOO YOUR OWN TEAM!!! You can't boo the opposing team for beating the snot out of yours. BOO YOUR OWN TEAM!!! They're the players that didn't show up to play. Matter of fact, they just showed up to eat!!! I read an article a couple of days before the game saying how Georgia Tech's football team beat LSU's football team in an EATING contest. What? How does eating have to do with football? I guess Georgia Tech was just in it for the meat. LSU was in it for the WIN.