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Thoughts from NCAA Bowl Season

Terrelle Pryor’s performance

Ohio State just might have found their quarterback. The former #1 high school recruit in the country played his best football game of the year in the Rose Bowl. Terrelle Pryor was more accurate and precise with his decisions then he has ever been, going 23 of 37 for 266 yards and 2 touchdowns while also running for 72 yards.

One look at the 6’5’’ Pryor with his arm strength and 4.5 speed and you realize this performance was a long time coming. His biggest weakness has always been his ability to make decisions and read defenses, which isn’t surprising given his true sophomore status, but he definitely made strides in that area, routinely moving to his secondary options while being very accurate downfield.

What people forget is how Vince Young struggled throwing the football his first year in Austin and up to this point in both of their careers, Young and Pryor have taken eerily similar paths. Young broke out in a Rose Bowl win over Michigan his sophomore year and then went on to lead Texas to a National Title the next season. Only time will tell if that is how Terrelle Pryor’s story will be written, but he sure took a big step on 1/1/10.

TCU/BOISE: Boise = college football’s Gonzaga

• Why isn’t Chris Peterson wanted more by big-time programs? His name doesn’t seem to come up when a Michigan or Notre Dame is looking for a head coach and you have to wonder why. Boise quarterback Kellen Moore’s only offer was from Peterson’s Broncos and he has been tremendous as a freshman and sophomore, throwing for 39 TDs and just 3 picks this season while going over 3,300 yards and completing over 60% of his passes his past 2 years.Peterson’s gutsy calls with the game on the line have become a Boise State staple and the man seems cool and calm on the sidelines, all traits needed for a big-time college coach.

Mountain West Conference worthy of BCS status?

Future BCS Conference?

• With TCU, Utah, BYU, and Nevada having consistent, quality seasons, the realization among the college football community is that maybe the Mountain West Conference is ready for BCS status. A playoff has been pushed extremely hard among FBS programs but to no avail. Maybe this can be a consolation prize for those programs that feel slighted by not being invited to the party. If Boise State were added to the Mountain West that would give them at least 4 schools capable of 10-11 win seasons. That seems to spell BCS.

Wild Outback Bowl – Northwestern vs. Auburn

• What a crazy game to start the new decade. Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka put up video game numbers (47/78, 532 yards 4 TDs 5 INTs) in the Outback Bowl, but it wasn’t enough as Northwestern would miss a field goal to win the game and then went for the win in overtime after their kicker was injured on the final play of regulation.The fake field goal reverse came up 3 yards short of a game-winning touchdown and Auburn won, 38-35. What stood out most to me was what the Big 10 has done in bowl games; Penn St. defeated LSU, Wisconsin took down Miami, Ohio State dismantled Oregon and now Northwestern almost beating Auburn.

  I’m a firm believer in bowl games not meaning too much other than a reward at the end of a solid-or-better season because Penn St. would have to beat LSU, Florida, Georgia, Auburn, Alabama, etc. week in and week out instead of Indiana, Purdue, Minnesota, Illinois, and this year Michigan. Nonetheless, the Big Ten definitely improved themselves in the eyes of spectators.

Tim Tebow’s farewell; What might have been with Carlos Dunlap

• Leave it to Superman to bid the college football world adieu with the best passing performance of his career (at least statistically). Tebow set Florida single game records for completions and yards in a game, going 31-35 for 482 yards and 3 scores. Those numbers surpassed even the Fun N’ Gun-era of Florida quarterbacks. Many people have said he has answered the NFL critics but I disagree.
  

  On to NFL stardom or clipboard DJ?

  Production doesn’t guarantee future success and Tebow’s problems are rooted mostly in his mechanics, which cause him to be a little later with the football. The windows for receivers in the NFL are that much smaller. If he improves his backswing and tightens up his release, he could have a future as an NFL quarterback but those are very tough flaws to correct.

  On a side note, Florida must wonder what might have been with Carlos Dunlap. Their stud defensive end tallied 2 sacks and was consistently in the Bearcat backfield. Maybe he makes a bigger difference against Alabama in the SEC title game than I originally thought, but that’s water over the bridge now.

Bobby Bowden’s last hurrah

Quick congrats to Bobby Bowden. Not many people can say they created a powerhouse and that is what Bowden did when he came to the once all-girls university in 1976. Arguably the team of the decade in the 90s, Bowden’s Seminoles had 14 consecutive Top-5 finishes.

His team has fallen a bit since a 2005 Orange Bowl loss but Florida State seems like they might be on their way back with one of the nation’s best quarterbacks going into next season, Christian Ponder, ready to lead the ’Noles back to prominence. A great ambassador for college football, Bowden will be missed.

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Champs Sports Bowl Preview: Wisconsin vs. Miami

In a return to a place where they were lambasted one year ago by another Florida school, the Wisconsin Badgers will play the Miami Hurricanes in the Champs Sports Bowl.

While both teams have had resurgent seasons, they get it done in different ways. Wisconsin wants to run the ball and use play action to get the ball to their tight-ends and young, developing wide receivers whereas the Hurricanes prefer to let their speed do the work and get athletes in space – depending on their quarterback to deliver the football accurately. Let’s take a look at the match-up:

WHEN WISCONSIN HAS THE BALL…

Wisconsin will try and pound the ball using the best running back in the Big 10 this season, John Clay-who has run for 16 touchdowns-to run right at another fast Miami defense. Running right at the Hurricanes will neutralize their speed advantage somewhat and focus on making linebackers take on bigger blockers while trying the tackle Clay and backup Montee Ball.

Badger quarterback Scott Tolzien has proven himself to be an accurate passer capable of using the play action game to hit emerging sophomore wide receiver Nick Toon-who caught 52 balls for over 700 yards-and tight ends Garrett Graham and Lance Kendricks downfield. He lacks arm strength but can be effective if used correctly. The Canes have been inconsistent at times stopping both the pass and the run this year. Miami corners have struggled limiting the big play and with the Badgers weapons at all three skilled positions, they seem likely to approach their points per game average of 32, although Wisconsin has struggled against the two top defenses they have seemed this year (Iowa and Ohio State), scoring just 26 points in those two games. They will need to run the ball effectively to win this game.

WHEN MIAMI HAS THE BALL…

The Canes quarterback Jacory Harris is their main weapon, showing a solid arm with good touch and athletic ability. Harris has proven to be accurate when given time but, like most quarterbacks, will rush throws and make poor decisions under duress. Even though they have a quality stable of running backs including Javarris James and Graig Cooper, the Miami offensive line has been inconsistent and has kept the talented backfield from being even more productive.

Wide receiver Leonard Hankerson has given Harris a threat to stretch the field with and has been what Nick Toon has meant to Scott Tolzien. The secondary is where the Badgers are the weakest and the Canes receiving core could have a big impact. Miami will try to isolate their athletes in space and on the edge, allowing them to go one-on-one in the open field, which is what they do best. Wisconsin’s defensive line is underrated with J.J. Watt and O’Brien Schofield having the ability to play at the next level. Whether or not the Miami offensive line can succeed against the Wisconsin front seven will be a key factor in determining the outcome of the game.

Positional Advantages:

UW     Pos     Miami
QB             √
√           RB
WR           √
√            OL
√            DL
LB            √
DB            √
SPECIAL       √

PREDICTION…Wisconsin 28, Miami 27
This seems like a classic speed vs. strength showdown but Wisconsin has playmakers on both sides of the ball that will help some against the big speed advantage for Miami. The keys to the game will be how the Wisconsin secondary can defend against the Miami passing attack and how well the Badgers will use the run and play action game. It should be a fairly close game, with Wisconsin’s d-line forcing Harris into a few turnovers to pull off the mild upset.

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Thoughts from a Crazy Conference Championship Weekend

Florida vs. Alabama Game:  Crimson Tide Dominates

• One of the best weekends in football just wrapped up and there are a lot of things that caught my eye. First though, I want to get to the most anticipated match-up in, well…a year, since the last time Alabama took on Florida in the SEC Championship game. For the second consecutive year, and only the fourth time ever that a #1 ranked team squared off against a #2 ranked team before a bowl game, Alabama showed that they would not be denied. Greg McElroy, a quarterback who has been overlooked his whole life, started as a back-up to Chase Daniel in high school and only got a scholarship offer from Alabama because Tim Tebow declined his.

  McElroy proved his worth to the Tide by being on-time and accurate all night, including a beautiful touch pass to his tight-end from 17 yards out. He also showed an unknown dimension, “gracefully” tight-rope walking the sideline for a key first down to set-up Bama’s first score.

  Demonstrating his toughness, he threw a block, and also scrambled to the three-yard line to set-up Mark Ingram for the third of his three touchdowns. But in spite of all this (including Ingram’s performance which I will touch on later), I was most surprised and disappointed in the play of the nation’s #1-ranked defense.

  The Gators surrendered the most yards ever under Urban Meyer and looked like they thought they could just throw their jock out on the field and waltz into Pasadena. Obviously not having a future first-round pick in defensive end Carlos Dunlap (suspended) on the field hurt the Gators, but it might not have mattered much had he played as poorly as Brandon Spikes and the rest of the Florida front seven played.The Gators’ defense was battered all night as Ingram had over 80 yards after contact and the Tide ran for 251 yards. And yes, Tim Tebow did play in this game. He was OK, totaling 310 yards and a touchdown pass, but for the first time I can remember, he could not will his team to a win. Nonetheless, Bama looked very impressive.

Is his NFL future at Tight End?

Where is Tim Tebow’s NFL Future?

• In the aftermath of the Florida-Alabama SEC Championship game, the question becomes (after the Sugar Bowl), what happens with Tim Tebow? I don’t believe he is an NFL quarterback, despite his legendary toughness and leadership qualities. He has solid arm strength but has an elongated motion, causing his throws to be late and defenders to hit his arm during its backswing.

  Tebow also has average accuracy. Even with those negatives, counting out one of the best college football players of all time will be tough. I think he has a chance to become a similar player to Dallas Clark of Indianapolis with his similar size, strength, and speed. Tight End is his most likely position in the pros. Nonetheless, he has been a great ambassador to college football.

Mark Ingram:  Will Alabama Get its First Heisman?

• Even though no Alabama player has ever won the Heisman Trophy, that streak should end this week. Running back Mark Ingram had a big day with over 180 total yards and 3 TDs against Florida and has done it all year, totaling over 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns, both Alabama records.His toughness, vision, and ability to break tackles reminds me of another former #22 from an SEC school, Emmitt Smith. His talent and big-game performance, along with his consistent production all year (when healthy) should result in Bama’s first Heisman winner.
  

  Mark Ingram may be Alabama's first Heisman winner ever

C.J. Spiller:  Best NFL Prospect?

• Clemson finished 8-5 overall with a loss in the ACC Championship Game but C.J. Spiller continues to impress and could be the first running back taken in the NFL Draft next spring. His size, speed, and explosiveness make him a prototypical NFL back.He has had an inconsistent season (18 yards against South Carolina and then 230 against Georgia Tech), but his ability is not in question. Big games against Miami, TCU, and Georgia Tech show that he can get it done against the top teams.

Is Wisconsin football on its Way Back Up?

• Wisconsin football has struggled the past few years, but this season might prove to be the turnaround that the program needs. After a 51-10 whipping of Hawaii in which John Clay ran for 172 yards and 3 TDs, the Badgers are 9-3 and face a 9-3 Miami Hurricanes team in a return trip to the Champs Sports Bowl. The ‘Canes quietly had a good season this year. They won an impressive victory over the ACC winner Georgia Tech.Wisconsin does not have a signature win this season and with the majority of their starters returning, a victory over the ‘Canes could jumpstart them to a strong 2010 and maybe propel Clay to some 2010 Heisman consideration.

Ndamukong Suh May Actually Deserve the Heisman

• I believe Mark Ingram will win the Heisman, but Ndamukong Suh is the best defensive player in college football since the last defender to win the Heisman, Charles Woodson. This guy should be the #1 pick in the NFL draft. Suh turned in the most dominant defensive performance I’ve ever seen in a big game, totaling 12 tackles and 4.5 sacks as he shredded double teams with power and showed lateral quickness to bring down Texas runners. This guy seems like the real deal, an absolute beast at arguably the most important position on defense.
  

  Suh put in the most dominating defensive performance since....(still thinking)....

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Handicapping the Heisman: Top 5 Heisman Candidates

After current Packer and former Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson’s dominant performance against the Cowboys on Sunday, I began to wonder who would win College Football’s Most Recognizable Individual Award, otherwise known as the Heisman Trophy.

With dominant, former run-first programs such as Michigan and Nebraska switching to the spread offense, no defense is safe with quarterbacks slinging it around 50+ times a game. That has proved to be the case this decade as 8 out of the past 9 Heisman winners have been quarterbacks. That was a trend expected to continue this season as two former Heisman Trophy-winning QBs (Tim Tebow and Sam Bradford) returned, as well as the NCAA’s all-time leading winner, Colt McCoy of Texas.

However, the chances of a QB winning the Heisman are questionable as both Tebow and Bradford have battled injuries and McCoy has seen his numbers, while still good, slide a bit.

Alabama sophomore RB Mark Ingram and Houston QB Case Keenum have both carried their respective offenses while Stanford RB Toby Gerhart has led a very dangerous Cardinal offense. Clemson’s senior RB C.J. Spiller has had big games against some tough defenses, including over 100 yards against #4 TCU in a 14-10 loss.

It is clear that this season has become more about defense and the running game as the majority of the best teams in the country (Florida, Alabama, TCU, Georgia Tech, Pitt, OSU) have used this as a road to prominence in 2009.

Lets take a closer look at the top 5 candidates (in order 1-5) for this season’s award:

RB MARK INGRAM, ALABAMA – 194 car 1297 yds 6.7 ypc 10 td, 25 rec 225 yds 3 td
• carried offense with little passing game, SEC title game (FLA) looms large, 5th in rushing in NCAA

RB TOBY GERHART, STANFORD – 262 car 1395 yds 5.3 ypc 19 td, 8 rec 87 yds 0 td
• big bruising back, huge games against USC and Oregon, 3rd in nation in rush yds, 2nd in TDs

QB TIM TEBOW, FLORIDA - 128 comp 198 att 64.6 pct 1730 yds 12 td 4 int, 171 rush 604 yds 10 td
• became SEC all-time TD leader, everyone knows what he can do

QB COLT MCCOY, TEXAS – 254 comp 351 att 72.4 pct 2628 yds 19 td 9 int, 81 rush 164 yds 1 td
• most wins by QB in FBS (D-1A) history, run/pass threat, extremely accurate, leads NCAA #2 off

RB C.J. SPILLER, CLEMSON - 153 car 836 yds 5.5 ypc 6 td, 24 rec 382 yds 4 td
• versatile and explosive-big play guy, lacks consistency but has had big games for ACC leader

DARKHORSES: Kellen Moore, QB Boise St; Jordan Shipley, WR Texas; Case Keenum, QB Houston

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