Is it me or when you watch a sporting event do you expect the announcers to be able to pronounce the names of the athletes and coaches? Now I know that there could be an exception for a player that barely plays or comes out of nowhere, but you would assume they would have time to learn the star players names? I mean that is their job right?
For example. I follow the Nebraska Cornhuskers. They have a defensive tackle who is one of the best players in college football this year. There are national stories done on him. He is a projected top 10 pick in the upcoming NFL draft. You would think that if you are going to do the announcing for the game you could atleast learn how to say his first name. Its actually not that hard. (N dom u kong). Maybe its just mean but I find it extremely annoying that for the three televised games so far this year they keep refering to him as Mr. Suh. What the heck is that? If you don't know how to pronounce it atleast call him just Suh.
Maybe I'm a alone, but its driving my nuts.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
NFL Mock Draft
1. Saint Louis Rams: Ndamukong Suh DT Nebraska
The Rams have spent high draft picks on two defensive lineman in the last three years. However they are not getting much return from either of them. In Steve Spagnolo's defense you need to have pressure from you defensive line. Suh is been unblockable this year. He has great footwork and has show very good athletic ability for somebody of his size. He can come in and provide a spark that is needed for this defense.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Carlos Dunlap DE Florida
The Buccaneers just shipped starting defensive end Gaines Adams to the Bears for a second round pick. They already had issues along the defensive line and this just adds to them. Here they can get an ultra athletic defensive end that can play in any scheme.
3. Tennessee Titans: Gerold McCoy DT Oklahoma
Well the Titans are not the same team that finished last year with the best regular season record. They probably could use a different quarterback, but there is nobody here worth that pick. They have also missed the presence of Albert Haynesworth who left in free agency. Here they have the chance to land another dominate defensive tackle that could follow in Haynesworth's foot steps.
4. Cleveland Browns: Eric Berry S Tennessee
Last year before the combine I believed that Malcolm Jenkins would be staying in state and playing for the Browns. But he put up poor 40 times and fell out of top 10 consideration. The Browns however never addressed the secondary in the draft even though they lost their starting safety Sean Jones to the Eagles in the off season. Berry would upgrade any secondary he joins. He was very good the past couple of years, but now he has the legendary Monte Kiffin teaching him the nuances of defense. Look for him to make an immediate impact in the NFL.
5. Kansas City Cheifs: Russell Okung OT Oklahoma State
The way Scott Pioli wants to build the Chiefs is through the offensive and defensive lines. Last year they drafted Tyson Jackson and Alex McGhee and even Glen Dorsey seems to be finding his stride. With all the attention to the defensive line they could focus more on the offensive side of the ball and find protection for their franchise quarterback Matt Cassell. Brandon Albert should be moved back to a more natural guard spot and here they can get the best tackle in the draft in Okung to play the left side.
6. Washington Redskins: Sam Bradford QB Oklahoma
The Redskins are a mess and Jason Campbell doesn't look to be the solution. They need a new signal caller and Bradford could be there guy. His shoulder is banged up, but he should be fully healed come combine time and can showcase his talents there.
7. Detroit Lions: Brandon Spikes LB Miami
The Lions are much improved team this year, but they still have many holes to fill on this team. Last year they went after best player available and came away with some very good players that will be the cornerstone to their franchise. Look for them to do the same here. In the off-season they brought in Julian Peterson and Larry Foote to help their linebackers, which have really helped. But as good as Foote has been, he is at the tail end of his career. Brandon Spikes is a very talented linebacker that would have been the first linebacker taken last year if he would have came out. He would give them a good set of young linebackers in DeAndre Levy and Ernie Sims.
8. Oakland Raiders: Sergio Kindle LB Texas
I've had the Raiders going with Taylor Mays for a while and still think in that direction, but since they invested a second round pick in Michael Mitchell I could see them looking a different way. Al Davis still loves his freakish athletes and Kindle is one of them. He will play linebacker for them and can even line up at defensive end in passing situations.
9. Buffalo Bills: Trent Williams OT Oklahoma
The Bills traded away disgruntled left tackle Jason Peters before the draft. The plan was to move Langston Walker from right tackle to left tackle. Well the experiment failed. Walker was awful and was eventually cut. In their first game against the Patriots Trent Edwards had little time to make throws. Help is needed. Williams played right tackle last year, but came back to show he can play the left side also. He has been the only bright side to a poor Sooner line. That versatility will help him get on the field immediately.
10. Seattle Seahawks: Jahvid Best RB California
Even though he has had two stinkers in the past two games he is still an elite running back prospect. The last time the Seahawks where contending for championships they had a successful running game. Sean Alexander was the MVP and the Seahawks were playing in the Super Bowl. Alexander reached the dreaded age of 30 and his production was gone. They brought in Julius Jones and TJ Duckett last year, but they couldn't do anything. This year they brought in Ederrin James who isn't the answer. Best is a beast with the ball in his hands. He can score from anywhere on the field and has shown that he can run with power too. He is very similar to Reggie Bush, but from what I've seen he is a more complete running back and will have a better career as a true running back than Bush.
11. San Fransico 49ers (From Carolina): Taylor Mays S USC
The 49ers are benefiting here from the lack of success of the Panthers. The 49ers have had some good success this season, but could use some help in the secondary. Mays is a safety in a linebackers body. He is very similar to Adrain Wilson from the Cardinals. He should be a good fit in the 49ers 3-4 defense where he can use his good tackling skills in run support and even blitz some.
12. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dez Bryant WR Oklahoma State
Mike Sims-Walker has come out of no where and had a great start in his second year. This has given quarterback David Garrard a go to receiver he has never enjoyed. However I'm anxious to see if Walker can keep this up. And even though he can they still lack playmakers to go with him. Williams is an elite route runner that has great hands. Having him on the same team as Tory Holt will only make him better.
13. Miami Dolphins: Damion Williams WR USC
The Dolphins offense has shown that it lacks consistent receiving threats. Ted Ginn Jr is the number one receiver and the go to guy, but that's by default. As you saw the other week when they needed a catch Ginn dropped a ball that was in his hands in coverage. That doesn't fit the type of receiver that he is. The Dolphins need a big body receiver that can win those jump balls. Williams is an elite route runner and is going to be a very good possession receiver in the NFL for years to come. He should complement Ginn very good and provide Henne a go to receiver.
14. Dallas Cowboys: Rolando McClain LB Alabama
The Cowboys have been looking to improve the middle of their 3-4 for a while now. They brought in Zach Thomas and that didn't work out. They brought in Keith Brooking and that hasn't been working out. McClain is a very good linebacker who has a lot of experience playing in the 3-4 and being coached by Nick Saban.
15. New York Jets: Aurther Jones DE/DT Syracuse
I've had the Jets taking a receiver here for a while, but with Braylon Edwards joining the team in a trade that thought goes out the window. Here they can look to add pieces to their defensive line and get a dynamic defensive tackle in Jones who can slide over and play in the 5 technique defensive end in their 3-4 defense. Jones is probably the best 3-4 defensive lineman in the draft and could rise up boards much like Tyson Jackson Last year.
16. Houston Texans: Trevard Lindley CB Kentucky
The Texans have done a good job of selecting good defensive players in the draft. But they lack playmakers in the secondary. Lindley has a good combination of size and athleticism that could help him develop into a shut down corner. If they are able to keep Duanta Robinson too, this would give them a very good duo.
17. Arizona Cardinals: Jerry Hughes DE/LB TCU
Arizona's offense should be set for a while, so they can look to find building blocks for their defense. Hughes is a former running back prospect that has been very explosive rushing the passer. He should translate well to the rush linebacker spot in the Cardinals 3-4 defense.
18. San Fransico 49ers: Terrence Cody NT Alabama
I've really been down on Cody for a while, but he is starting to impress me a lot. He seems to be in a lot better shape and is more motivated than he was last year. The 49ers could really use some help in the middle of their 3-4 defensive line. Plus Mike Singleterry would be the perfect coach to keep Cody motivated and ready to go.
19. San Diego Chargers: Ciron Black OT LSU
The Chargers offensive line has declined in the last couple of years. Marcus McNeil has a great rookie season, but has fallin off since. They could use help at right tackle too. Black is a versitle offensive lineman who has played both right and left tackle at LSU. He is a good run blocker who should be able to start day one somewhere on the line.
20. Green Bay Packers: Charles Brown OT USC
The Green Bay Packers have been awful at protecting Aaron Rogers. Chad Clifton has been alright, but he was hurt during the Vikings game and Jared Allen abused TJ Lang. The Packers have to address the position. Brown is a good athlete for the tackle position and can play either left tackle or even right.
21. Philidelphia Eagles: Eric Norwood LB South Carolina
The Eagles have very good starting linebackers, but injuries have exposed their lack of depth. Norwood has excelled since being moved to the linebacker spot and his skills that he has rushing the passer will help him in their blitz happy defense.
22. Baltimore Ravens: Brandon LaFell WR LSU
The Ravens do not have a lot of holes, but maybe receiver. When Derek Mason retired the Ravens where desperate for a wide receiver. They have looked at Terrell Owens, Anquon Boldin, and Brandon Marshall in the past.
23. Denver Broncos (From Chicago): Jimmy Clausen QB Notre Dame
Clausen has been working with Charlie Weis in South Bend for the last three years. Prior to being the coach at Notre Dame Weis was the offensive coordinator at New England. When he left New England quarterbacks coach Josh McDaniels was promoted to the offensive coordinator spot and now is the head coach for the Broncos. Clausen already knows the system, and should be a good fit for what McDaneils wants to do.
24. Cincinnati Bengals: Nate Allen S South Florida
The Bengals had a very good draft last year and added many pieces to their team that has allowed them to have such a good start to the season. Here they can add a safety that fits well into their system. Allen has good size, yet can match up one on one with wide receviers.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers: Syd'quan Thompson CB California
The defending Super Bowl champions lost starting cornerback Bryant McFadden in free agency to the Cardinals. Thompson isn't very big, but he is tough and a sure tackler which makes up for his height.
26. Atlanta Falcons: Sean Weatherspoon LB Missouri
The Falcons let their two starting outside linebackers leave in free agency last year and only brought in Mike Peterson. While their defense has played well they could look at improving their linebacking core and moving Peterson to the back up spot.
27. New England Patriots: Vince Ogabaase DT/DE Duke
I don't think there was a single person that saw the Richard Seymor trade coming. But they did get one heck of a deal out of it, so all the power to them. However they do need to find a replacement for him. Vince Ogabaase is a very good defensive tackle and should make an easy transition to the 3-4 defensive end. He is a smart player which should help him fit well into the Patriots model.
28. New York Giants: Jermaine Gresham TE Oklahoma
Lets not forget about the talented tight end from Oklahoma. He is very talented and would be a top 15 pick, but his season ending knee injury has hurt his stock. The Giants would love to add another playmaker and safety valve for Eli. Gresham would also complement Kevin Boss very well.
29. Seattle Seahawks (From Denver): Jake Locker QB Washington
This could be an interesting pick for the Seahawks. Since they have two first round picks they can go for a luxury instead of a need. Well this fits both. They need a quality back up for Matthew Hasselbeck. Hasselbeck has shown he can no longer play a full season and is probably at the end of his career. Seneca Wallace is an ok quarterback, but he is a back up. Locker has come on strong since the hiring of Steve Sarkisian, but is still a little raw. Here he can stay in state and sit for a year and learn from a very smart and talented quarterback before taking over in year two or three.
30. Minnesota Vikings: Jason Pierre-Paul DE South Florida
Pierre-Paul is only in his first year in Division 1 football since coming from the Junior College ranks. But he has great size and athletic ability which has allowed him to have an unbeleive able season out shining fellow defensive end George Selvie. The Vikings could use somebody opposite of Jared Allen to provide more pass rush. Plus Pierre-Paul is still a little raw and could learn from the Vikings experienced line.
31. New Orleans Saints: Navarro Bowman LB Penn State
The Saints planned on drafting AJ Hawk before Reggie Bush fell into their lap. Last year Brian Cushing was a possibility for them. Here they have the opprotunity to get an athletic linebacker to pair up next to Jonathan Vilma.
32. Indianapolis Colts: Selvish Capers OT West Virgina
For the longest time I've had the Colts targeting a receiver with their first round pick, but with the emergence of Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie I doubt they go down that road anymore. They do need some help along the offensive line at the tackle position.
The Rams have spent high draft picks on two defensive lineman in the last three years. However they are not getting much return from either of them. In Steve Spagnolo's defense you need to have pressure from you defensive line. Suh is been unblockable this year. He has great footwork and has show very good athletic ability for somebody of his size. He can come in and provide a spark that is needed for this defense.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Carlos Dunlap DE Florida
The Buccaneers just shipped starting defensive end Gaines Adams to the Bears for a second round pick. They already had issues along the defensive line and this just adds to them. Here they can get an ultra athletic defensive end that can play in any scheme.
3. Tennessee Titans: Gerold McCoy DT Oklahoma
Well the Titans are not the same team that finished last year with the best regular season record. They probably could use a different quarterback, but there is nobody here worth that pick. They have also missed the presence of Albert Haynesworth who left in free agency. Here they have the chance to land another dominate defensive tackle that could follow in Haynesworth's foot steps.
4. Cleveland Browns: Eric Berry S Tennessee
Last year before the combine I believed that Malcolm Jenkins would be staying in state and playing for the Browns. But he put up poor 40 times and fell out of top 10 consideration. The Browns however never addressed the secondary in the draft even though they lost their starting safety Sean Jones to the Eagles in the off season. Berry would upgrade any secondary he joins. He was very good the past couple of years, but now he has the legendary Monte Kiffin teaching him the nuances of defense. Look for him to make an immediate impact in the NFL.
5. Kansas City Cheifs: Russell Okung OT Oklahoma State
The way Scott Pioli wants to build the Chiefs is through the offensive and defensive lines. Last year they drafted Tyson Jackson and Alex McGhee and even Glen Dorsey seems to be finding his stride. With all the attention to the defensive line they could focus more on the offensive side of the ball and find protection for their franchise quarterback Matt Cassell. Brandon Albert should be moved back to a more natural guard spot and here they can get the best tackle in the draft in Okung to play the left side.
6. Washington Redskins: Sam Bradford QB Oklahoma
The Redskins are a mess and Jason Campbell doesn't look to be the solution. They need a new signal caller and Bradford could be there guy. His shoulder is banged up, but he should be fully healed come combine time and can showcase his talents there.
7. Detroit Lions: Brandon Spikes LB Miami
The Lions are much improved team this year, but they still have many holes to fill on this team. Last year they went after best player available and came away with some very good players that will be the cornerstone to their franchise. Look for them to do the same here. In the off-season they brought in Julian Peterson and Larry Foote to help their linebackers, which have really helped. But as good as Foote has been, he is at the tail end of his career. Brandon Spikes is a very talented linebacker that would have been the first linebacker taken last year if he would have came out. He would give them a good set of young linebackers in DeAndre Levy and Ernie Sims.
8. Oakland Raiders: Sergio Kindle LB Texas
I've had the Raiders going with Taylor Mays for a while and still think in that direction, but since they invested a second round pick in Michael Mitchell I could see them looking a different way. Al Davis still loves his freakish athletes and Kindle is one of them. He will play linebacker for them and can even line up at defensive end in passing situations.
9. Buffalo Bills: Trent Williams OT Oklahoma
The Bills traded away disgruntled left tackle Jason Peters before the draft. The plan was to move Langston Walker from right tackle to left tackle. Well the experiment failed. Walker was awful and was eventually cut. In their first game against the Patriots Trent Edwards had little time to make throws. Help is needed. Williams played right tackle last year, but came back to show he can play the left side also. He has been the only bright side to a poor Sooner line. That versatility will help him get on the field immediately.
10. Seattle Seahawks: Jahvid Best RB California
Even though he has had two stinkers in the past two games he is still an elite running back prospect. The last time the Seahawks where contending for championships they had a successful running game. Sean Alexander was the MVP and the Seahawks were playing in the Super Bowl. Alexander reached the dreaded age of 30 and his production was gone. They brought in Julius Jones and TJ Duckett last year, but they couldn't do anything. This year they brought in Ederrin James who isn't the answer. Best is a beast with the ball in his hands. He can score from anywhere on the field and has shown that he can run with power too. He is very similar to Reggie Bush, but from what I've seen he is a more complete running back and will have a better career as a true running back than Bush.
11. San Fransico 49ers (From Carolina): Taylor Mays S USC
The 49ers are benefiting here from the lack of success of the Panthers. The 49ers have had some good success this season, but could use some help in the secondary. Mays is a safety in a linebackers body. He is very similar to Adrain Wilson from the Cardinals. He should be a good fit in the 49ers 3-4 defense where he can use his good tackling skills in run support and even blitz some.
12. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dez Bryant WR Oklahoma State
Mike Sims-Walker has come out of no where and had a great start in his second year. This has given quarterback David Garrard a go to receiver he has never enjoyed. However I'm anxious to see if Walker can keep this up. And even though he can they still lack playmakers to go with him. Williams is an elite route runner that has great hands. Having him on the same team as Tory Holt will only make him better.
13. Miami Dolphins: Damion Williams WR USC
The Dolphins offense has shown that it lacks consistent receiving threats. Ted Ginn Jr is the number one receiver and the go to guy, but that's by default. As you saw the other week when they needed a catch Ginn dropped a ball that was in his hands in coverage. That doesn't fit the type of receiver that he is. The Dolphins need a big body receiver that can win those jump balls. Williams is an elite route runner and is going to be a very good possession receiver in the NFL for years to come. He should complement Ginn very good and provide Henne a go to receiver.
14. Dallas Cowboys: Rolando McClain LB Alabama
The Cowboys have been looking to improve the middle of their 3-4 for a while now. They brought in Zach Thomas and that didn't work out. They brought in Keith Brooking and that hasn't been working out. McClain is a very good linebacker who has a lot of experience playing in the 3-4 and being coached by Nick Saban.
15. New York Jets: Aurther Jones DE/DT Syracuse
I've had the Jets taking a receiver here for a while, but with Braylon Edwards joining the team in a trade that thought goes out the window. Here they can look to add pieces to their defensive line and get a dynamic defensive tackle in Jones who can slide over and play in the 5 technique defensive end in their 3-4 defense. Jones is probably the best 3-4 defensive lineman in the draft and could rise up boards much like Tyson Jackson Last year.
16. Houston Texans: Trevard Lindley CB Kentucky
The Texans have done a good job of selecting good defensive players in the draft. But they lack playmakers in the secondary. Lindley has a good combination of size and athleticism that could help him develop into a shut down corner. If they are able to keep Duanta Robinson too, this would give them a very good duo.
17. Arizona Cardinals: Jerry Hughes DE/LB TCU
Arizona's offense should be set for a while, so they can look to find building blocks for their defense. Hughes is a former running back prospect that has been very explosive rushing the passer. He should translate well to the rush linebacker spot in the Cardinals 3-4 defense.
18. San Fransico 49ers: Terrence Cody NT Alabama
I've really been down on Cody for a while, but he is starting to impress me a lot. He seems to be in a lot better shape and is more motivated than he was last year. The 49ers could really use some help in the middle of their 3-4 defensive line. Plus Mike Singleterry would be the perfect coach to keep Cody motivated and ready to go.
19. San Diego Chargers: Ciron Black OT LSU
The Chargers offensive line has declined in the last couple of years. Marcus McNeil has a great rookie season, but has fallin off since. They could use help at right tackle too. Black is a versitle offensive lineman who has played both right and left tackle at LSU. He is a good run blocker who should be able to start day one somewhere on the line.
20. Green Bay Packers: Charles Brown OT USC
The Green Bay Packers have been awful at protecting Aaron Rogers. Chad Clifton has been alright, but he was hurt during the Vikings game and Jared Allen abused TJ Lang. The Packers have to address the position. Brown is a good athlete for the tackle position and can play either left tackle or even right.
21. Philidelphia Eagles: Eric Norwood LB South Carolina
The Eagles have very good starting linebackers, but injuries have exposed their lack of depth. Norwood has excelled since being moved to the linebacker spot and his skills that he has rushing the passer will help him in their blitz happy defense.
22. Baltimore Ravens: Brandon LaFell WR LSU
The Ravens do not have a lot of holes, but maybe receiver. When Derek Mason retired the Ravens where desperate for a wide receiver. They have looked at Terrell Owens, Anquon Boldin, and Brandon Marshall in the past.
23. Denver Broncos (From Chicago): Jimmy Clausen QB Notre Dame
Clausen has been working with Charlie Weis in South Bend for the last three years. Prior to being the coach at Notre Dame Weis was the offensive coordinator at New England. When he left New England quarterbacks coach Josh McDaniels was promoted to the offensive coordinator spot and now is the head coach for the Broncos. Clausen already knows the system, and should be a good fit for what McDaneils wants to do.
24. Cincinnati Bengals: Nate Allen S South Florida
The Bengals had a very good draft last year and added many pieces to their team that has allowed them to have such a good start to the season. Here they can add a safety that fits well into their system. Allen has good size, yet can match up one on one with wide receviers.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers: Syd'quan Thompson CB California
The defending Super Bowl champions lost starting cornerback Bryant McFadden in free agency to the Cardinals. Thompson isn't very big, but he is tough and a sure tackler which makes up for his height.
26. Atlanta Falcons: Sean Weatherspoon LB Missouri
The Falcons let their two starting outside linebackers leave in free agency last year and only brought in Mike Peterson. While their defense has played well they could look at improving their linebacking core and moving Peterson to the back up spot.
27. New England Patriots: Vince Ogabaase DT/DE Duke
I don't think there was a single person that saw the Richard Seymor trade coming. But they did get one heck of a deal out of it, so all the power to them. However they do need to find a replacement for him. Vince Ogabaase is a very good defensive tackle and should make an easy transition to the 3-4 defensive end. He is a smart player which should help him fit well into the Patriots model.
28. New York Giants: Jermaine Gresham TE Oklahoma
Lets not forget about the talented tight end from Oklahoma. He is very talented and would be a top 15 pick, but his season ending knee injury has hurt his stock. The Giants would love to add another playmaker and safety valve for Eli. Gresham would also complement Kevin Boss very well.
29. Seattle Seahawks (From Denver): Jake Locker QB Washington
This could be an interesting pick for the Seahawks. Since they have two first round picks they can go for a luxury instead of a need. Well this fits both. They need a quality back up for Matthew Hasselbeck. Hasselbeck has shown he can no longer play a full season and is probably at the end of his career. Seneca Wallace is an ok quarterback, but he is a back up. Locker has come on strong since the hiring of Steve Sarkisian, but is still a little raw. Here he can stay in state and sit for a year and learn from a very smart and talented quarterback before taking over in year two or three.
30. Minnesota Vikings: Jason Pierre-Paul DE South Florida
Pierre-Paul is only in his first year in Division 1 football since coming from the Junior College ranks. But he has great size and athletic ability which has allowed him to have an unbeleive able season out shining fellow defensive end George Selvie. The Vikings could use somebody opposite of Jared Allen to provide more pass rush. Plus Pierre-Paul is still a little raw and could learn from the Vikings experienced line.
31. New Orleans Saints: Navarro Bowman LB Penn State
The Saints planned on drafting AJ Hawk before Reggie Bush fell into their lap. Last year Brian Cushing was a possibility for them. Here they have the opprotunity to get an athletic linebacker to pair up next to Jonathan Vilma.
32. Indianapolis Colts: Selvish Capers OT West Virgina
For the longest time I've had the Colts targeting a receiver with their first round pick, but with the emergence of Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie I doubt they go down that road anymore. They do need some help along the offensive line at the tackle position.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
College Power Rankings
1. Florida Gators
It wasn't pretty, but they did beat a decent LSU team at night in Death Valley.
2. Alabama Crimson Tide
A serious challenger to knock off the Gators.
3. Texas Longhorns
Haven't looked great so far. But a win against rival Oklahoma would go a long way.
4. USC Trojans
If Matt Barkley plays against Washington do they lose that game?
5. Virgina Tech
They have beaten two good teams (Miami and Nebraska) and stood toe to toe with Alabama.
6. Cincinnati Bearcats
This weeks game against South Florida will be a test for the Bearcats.
7. Boise State Broncos
Their poor schedule down the stretch could hurt them.
8. Ohio State Buckeyes
Games against Penn State and Iowa coming up on the schedule will tell us how good they are.
9. Iowa Hawkeyes
It hasn't been pretty, but they are winning. They are also benefiting from a down Big 10.
10. Miami Hurricanes
The Hurricanes are on their way back and besides the Virgina Tech have looked very good.
11. TCU Horned Frogs
The Horned Frogs have looked alright, but their two toughest tests (BYU and Utah) are coming up.
12. LSU Tigers
LSU's defense has looked really good, but their offense has looked very pedestrian.
13. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Coach Bo Pelini has the Huskers on the road back and they are one long pass against Virgina Tech away from being a top five contender.
14. Oregon Ducks
The Ducks have improved significantly since the first game of the year against Boise State.
15. BYU Cougers
If BYU wouldn't have fallin to a bad Florida State team and gone undefeated they could have claim to play in the National Title game.
16. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
The Yellow Jackets started off the season slow, but are hitting on all cylinders and should give Virgina Tech a tough match up.
17. South Florida Bulls
The Bulls were not suppose to do much this year, expecially when Matt Grothe went down. Now they have a chance to control their fate in the Big East with a game against fellow unbeated Cincinnati this thursday.
18. Penn State Nittny Lions
Another team that has not looked good this year. Was suppose to be the team to beat in the Big 10 but will probably finish third.
19. Houston Cougers
A hot team that looking to be a BCS buster. However a very very bad loss against UTEP has really hurt their image.
20. Kansas Jayhawks
The Jayhaws are undefeated, but haven't played tough competition and haven't looked good doing it. Heck they where a dropped pass away from losing to Iowa State.
21. Oklahoma Sooners
Their offensive line has looked horrible and that has really hampered their offense. Two losses to BYU and Miami have hurt them and a loss to Texas would really put a damper on their season.
22. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Notre Dame has been winning a lot of close games to not very good competition, but for some reason everybody thinks that they are a top 10 worthy team. This weekends game against USC will tell us where they are.
23. Oklahoma State Cowboys
Things are looking bad in Stillwater, but they are not as bad as most people are thinking. They have only one loss and its not even a conference loss. They have played well with Bryant and Hunter out so when they come (or if with Bryant) they chould be on all cylinders.
24. South Carolina Gamecocks
South Carolina is another team that suffered an early loss that is trying to work their way up the latter.
25. Pittsburgh Panthers
The Panthers are another team looking to take the Big East lead away from Cincinnati
It wasn't pretty, but they did beat a decent LSU team at night in Death Valley.
2. Alabama Crimson Tide
A serious challenger to knock off the Gators.
3. Texas Longhorns
Haven't looked great so far. But a win against rival Oklahoma would go a long way.
4. USC Trojans
If Matt Barkley plays against Washington do they lose that game?
5. Virgina Tech
They have beaten two good teams (Miami and Nebraska) and stood toe to toe with Alabama.
6. Cincinnati Bearcats
This weeks game against South Florida will be a test for the Bearcats.
7. Boise State Broncos
Their poor schedule down the stretch could hurt them.
8. Ohio State Buckeyes
Games against Penn State and Iowa coming up on the schedule will tell us how good they are.
9. Iowa Hawkeyes
It hasn't been pretty, but they are winning. They are also benefiting from a down Big 10.
10. Miami Hurricanes
The Hurricanes are on their way back and besides the Virgina Tech have looked very good.
11. TCU Horned Frogs
The Horned Frogs have looked alright, but their two toughest tests (BYU and Utah) are coming up.
12. LSU Tigers
LSU's defense has looked really good, but their offense has looked very pedestrian.
13. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Coach Bo Pelini has the Huskers on the road back and they are one long pass against Virgina Tech away from being a top five contender.
14. Oregon Ducks
The Ducks have improved significantly since the first game of the year against Boise State.
15. BYU Cougers
If BYU wouldn't have fallin to a bad Florida State team and gone undefeated they could have claim to play in the National Title game.
16. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
The Yellow Jackets started off the season slow, but are hitting on all cylinders and should give Virgina Tech a tough match up.
17. South Florida Bulls
The Bulls were not suppose to do much this year, expecially when Matt Grothe went down. Now they have a chance to control their fate in the Big East with a game against fellow unbeated Cincinnati this thursday.
18. Penn State Nittny Lions
Another team that has not looked good this year. Was suppose to be the team to beat in the Big 10 but will probably finish third.
19. Houston Cougers
A hot team that looking to be a BCS buster. However a very very bad loss against UTEP has really hurt their image.
20. Kansas Jayhawks
The Jayhaws are undefeated, but haven't played tough competition and haven't looked good doing it. Heck they where a dropped pass away from losing to Iowa State.
21. Oklahoma Sooners
Their offensive line has looked horrible and that has really hampered their offense. Two losses to BYU and Miami have hurt them and a loss to Texas would really put a damper on their season.
22. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Notre Dame has been winning a lot of close games to not very good competition, but for some reason everybody thinks that they are a top 10 worthy team. This weekends game against USC will tell us where they are.
23. Oklahoma State Cowboys
Things are looking bad in Stillwater, but they are not as bad as most people are thinking. They have only one loss and its not even a conference loss. They have played well with Bryant and Hunter out so when they come (or if with Bryant) they chould be on all cylinders.
24. South Carolina Gamecocks
South Carolina is another team that suffered an early loss that is trying to work their way up the latter.
25. Pittsburgh Panthers
The Panthers are another team looking to take the Big East lead away from Cincinnati
Monday, October 12, 2009
The 4-3 Blitz
Ok I've come up with and idea for a column/blog/post/essay or whatever you want to call it where I give 4 observations from the weekend of football and 3 predictions or things that I see happening. So here we go.
Front Four
1. I noticed that watching sportscenter that they reffered to Florida beating LSU and they stated that Florida destroyed LSU. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Florida only beat LSU by ten. 13-3. Yeah Florida shut down LSU's offense, but they only won by 10. I'm sorry, but when the game is that close....one team did not dominate the other.
2. Alabama is the number one team in the Nation. I understand that Florida is still then number one team in the polls because they are the defending National Champions and are undefeated. But when push comes to shove, Alabama will beat them.
3. Josh McDaneils is a better coach than I ever expected. Many (including myself) predicted the Broncos to finish as one of the worst teams in the NFL this year. But defensive coordinator Mike Nolan has the defense playing well and Orton is managing the offense.
4. The Bengals are for real. Defense is playing very good. Rey Maualuga has been a very good draft pick in the second round. Andre Caldwell was another good pick. Cedric Bensen is proving that he isn't done. Watch out. They should be undefeated and are going to make the playoffs.
Back 3
1. The Broncos are a great story, but they won't make the playoffs.
2. Percy Harvin looks great, but he will get injured soon.
3. Alabama will win the National Title.
Front Four
1. I noticed that watching sportscenter that they reffered to Florida beating LSU and they stated that Florida destroyed LSU. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Florida only beat LSU by ten. 13-3. Yeah Florida shut down LSU's offense, but they only won by 10. I'm sorry, but when the game is that close....one team did not dominate the other.
2. Alabama is the number one team in the Nation. I understand that Florida is still then number one team in the polls because they are the defending National Champions and are undefeated. But when push comes to shove, Alabama will beat them.
3. Josh McDaneils is a better coach than I ever expected. Many (including myself) predicted the Broncos to finish as one of the worst teams in the NFL this year. But defensive coordinator Mike Nolan has the defense playing well and Orton is managing the offense.
4. The Bengals are for real. Defense is playing very good. Rey Maualuga has been a very good draft pick in the second round. Andre Caldwell was another good pick. Cedric Bensen is proving that he isn't done. Watch out. They should be undefeated and are going to make the playoffs.
Back 3
1. The Broncos are a great story, but they won't make the playoffs.
2. Percy Harvin looks great, but he will get injured soon.
3. Alabama will win the National Title.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
The Year of the Quarterback.....maybe?
At the beginning of the year this was thought to be a year where we had a good crop of signal callers. It was lead by Sam Bradford, Jevon Snead, Colt McCoy, and even Tim Tebow. But we are almost four weeks through the season and production is not what everybody was thinking.
Sam Bradford and the Oklahoma defense were struggling against BYU and then Bradford gets sacked and hurts his throwing shoulder. He is expected to come back, shoulder injuries are never a good thing. Plus true freshman Landry Jones has come in and played well. So it raises the question. Was it Sam Bradford that put up the great numbers last year or was it the system?
Jevon Snead has not looked very good this season. Now that teams are focusing on the Rebels they have struggled. Snead has made some bad decisions and hasn't been as crisp.
Colt McCoy has probably done the best of the group, but he hasn't really stood out. Its taken a while for the Texas offense to get going and McCoy shares part of the blame.
Tim Tebow is not thought by many to be a high NFL pick, but the game against Tennessee was thought to be a good gauge of how he could do against a NFL type of defense. In the game he struggled making reads and even threw two interceptions.
There has been a group of quarterbacks that have stepped up to raise their draft stock.
Tony Pike from Cincinnati has looked very impressive. He is big, has a strong arm, and makes good decisions.
Case Keenum from Houston has been great orchestrating the Cougar defense to an undefeated season so far and knocking off Oklahoma State.
Jake Locker from Washington was an interesting player coming into this season. He is a strong runner who had a cannon for an arm but hadn't won many games for the Huskies. Steve Sarkiason was hired as the head coach and is a very good quarterback coach. Locker has looked very well this season with his accuracy. He played very well against LSU and led the Huskies in a win over USC.
So maybe this is a good year for the quarterbacks, but not the ones that we where thinking of.
Sam Bradford and the Oklahoma defense were struggling against BYU and then Bradford gets sacked and hurts his throwing shoulder. He is expected to come back, shoulder injuries are never a good thing. Plus true freshman Landry Jones has come in and played well. So it raises the question. Was it Sam Bradford that put up the great numbers last year or was it the system?
Jevon Snead has not looked very good this season. Now that teams are focusing on the Rebels they have struggled. Snead has made some bad decisions and hasn't been as crisp.
Colt McCoy has probably done the best of the group, but he hasn't really stood out. Its taken a while for the Texas offense to get going and McCoy shares part of the blame.
Tim Tebow is not thought by many to be a high NFL pick, but the game against Tennessee was thought to be a good gauge of how he could do against a NFL type of defense. In the game he struggled making reads and even threw two interceptions.
There has been a group of quarterbacks that have stepped up to raise their draft stock.
Tony Pike from Cincinnati has looked very impressive. He is big, has a strong arm, and makes good decisions.
Case Keenum from Houston has been great orchestrating the Cougar defense to an undefeated season so far and knocking off Oklahoma State.
Jake Locker from Washington was an interesting player coming into this season. He is a strong runner who had a cannon for an arm but hadn't won many games for the Huskies. Steve Sarkiason was hired as the head coach and is a very good quarterback coach. Locker has looked very well this season with his accuracy. He played very well against LSU and led the Huskies in a win over USC.
So maybe this is a good year for the quarterbacks, but not the ones that we where thinking of.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Heartbreak in Blacksburg
It was saturday morning. The beloved Cornhuskers were about to face off with the top 15th ranked Virgina Tech Hokies. The Cornhuskers had a chance to finally beat a top 20 team on the road since 1997. And more importantly a Husker win would vault them back into the National landscape and get the program headed back in the right direction. The game started off on a shaky start. A long kick off retrun would turn into a Hokie touchdown and a early lead. Nebraska continued to put together solid drives, but for whatever reason struggled in the red zone. Luckily Alex Henrey was lights out and connected on all five field goal opprotunities. A hold call and two more penelties would resulted in a punt rather than a touchdown. Then with less than a minute to go Tyrod Taylor uncorkes a deep pass to a wide open receiver that goes down to the Husker 3 yeard line. I wonder if they would have just let him score if the Huskers could have had more time to go the length of the field and get into field goal range. Oh well. The Huskers defense was finally able to dominate a team. One loss will not end a season. Lets just hope that they can rebound and learn from this loss. Finishing is the key to this game and something that needs to be fixed come conference time.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Bears vs Packers
Well in the first game on the season the Bears lost to the rival Packers 21-15. It was an ugly game for the Bears, but here are a few of my observations.
Bears Offense: Did not look good. Receivers and Jay Cutler where not on the same page. Offensive line didn't open many holes for the running game and the Packers seem to get a lot of pressure on Cutler.
Jay Cutler: I know he is a gun slinger and will be aggressive, but in one drive he had three straight passes where two of them should have been picked off and the third one was. The interception by Jolly was a good play by the defender and a huge play. Sooner or later he'll bounce back and get things going, Bears fans hope its sooner rather than later.
Matt Forte: Didn't seem to run with much purpose. Was hesitant at times to hit the hole. Maybe it was the line not giving him much room.
Garrette Wolf: Looked good in limited carries and really hit the hole full speed. With Kevin Jones done for the season, he could get some carries and hopefully have a Darren Sproles like affect.
Johnny Knox: He has top flight speed which helps him on go routes. His catch against Charles Woodson was great. However he seemed lost on other routes. On one of Cutler's interceptions If he would have continued to run across the field like Cutler thought he was he would have another catch, but he turned up field when Cutler threw the ball.
Desmond Clark: Looked lost tonight.
Defensive Line: The addition of Rod Marinelli looks like it is paying off. The ends really looked explosive again.
Cornerbacks: Injuries to Bowman and Tillman caused them to split time and didn't allow them to spell Nathan Vasher which could have helped the defense some.
Al Afalava: Looks like a star in the making. Good in run support and had the first sack of the night.
Patrick Manelly: Snapped the ball to Wolf thinking there where 12 men on the field. Whether you saw that or now, up 2 in the fourth with the ball in Packer territory isn't a good decision.
Overall
I went into this game thinking the offense would look good and the defense would struggle. Boy was I wrong. If Urlacher can recover from the seperated wrist and the corners can get healthier the defense could be in line for a good season. Offense needs to get on the same page. A lot of problems could be solved if they can do that.
Bears Offense: Did not look good. Receivers and Jay Cutler where not on the same page. Offensive line didn't open many holes for the running game and the Packers seem to get a lot of pressure on Cutler.
Jay Cutler: I know he is a gun slinger and will be aggressive, but in one drive he had three straight passes where two of them should have been picked off and the third one was. The interception by Jolly was a good play by the defender and a huge play. Sooner or later he'll bounce back and get things going, Bears fans hope its sooner rather than later.
Matt Forte: Didn't seem to run with much purpose. Was hesitant at times to hit the hole. Maybe it was the line not giving him much room.
Garrette Wolf: Looked good in limited carries and really hit the hole full speed. With Kevin Jones done for the season, he could get some carries and hopefully have a Darren Sproles like affect.
Johnny Knox: He has top flight speed which helps him on go routes. His catch against Charles Woodson was great. However he seemed lost on other routes. On one of Cutler's interceptions If he would have continued to run across the field like Cutler thought he was he would have another catch, but he turned up field when Cutler threw the ball.
Desmond Clark: Looked lost tonight.
Defensive Line: The addition of Rod Marinelli looks like it is paying off. The ends really looked explosive again.
Cornerbacks: Injuries to Bowman and Tillman caused them to split time and didn't allow them to spell Nathan Vasher which could have helped the defense some.
Al Afalava: Looks like a star in the making. Good in run support and had the first sack of the night.
Patrick Manelly: Snapped the ball to Wolf thinking there where 12 men on the field. Whether you saw that or now, up 2 in the fourth with the ball in Packer territory isn't a good decision.
Overall
I went into this game thinking the offense would look good and the defense would struggle. Boy was I wrong. If Urlacher can recover from the seperated wrist and the corners can get healthier the defense could be in line for a good season. Offense needs to get on the same page. A lot of problems could be solved if they can do that.
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