University of Southern California QB Aaron Corp will play a vital role in USC's offense in 2009. The 6-4 195 lb. sophomore is big for his position and his strong arm should really make some big plays happen. It will be Corp's first starting job during his short college career after playing behind Mark Sanchez in 2008.
With only two real areas of concern for SC, the front seven, and QB play; Corp just needs to come in and play solid. He doesn't need to be the next Matt Leinart or Carson Palmer right away, but needs to manage the games and give the Trojans a chance to win football games. Corp will have plenty of support with tailbacks, Stafon Johnson, C.J. Gable, and Joe McKnight who are all coming off stellar seasons.
First year starting Quarterbacks are always a point of concern, as well they should be. Nothing could be worse for Corp than what he has to do in week two, travel to the Horse Shoe to play Ohio State. If he can lead SC to victory over the Buckeyes, it will really say something about his mental edge. Corp needs to have a solid season and get the ball into the hands of his playmakers such as Johnson, Gable, McKnight, and WR Damian Williams to avoid a Quarterback controversy with freshman Matt Barkley who may or may not be ready to start for Troy. If he can do that, Tommy Trojan might be doing the Tomahawk Chop on New Years day in Pasadena.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Who could surprise in the SEC?
Which team could be a surprise this year in the SEC? I like Arkansas to make a good push to become a steady player in the always competittive SEC West. Bobby Petrino left the Atlanta Falcons in the middle of the night to become Arkansas' head coach last year and the season turned into somewhat of a transition phase for the Hogs.
Yes, Bobby Petrino was a disaster with the Falcons, and that may be in part thanks to the now-free Michael Vick; but Petrino should have just stayed in college. He went 41-9 during his tenure with Louisville and nearly got the Cardinals into the BCS championship game. Petrino is a great college coach, and there isn't any reason why he shouldn't have the Razorbacks contending this year.
Ole Miss is already the hot pick by all the experts to challenge Alabama for the title, everyone expects LSU to have a huge resergence year, Auburn and Mississippi State are in the middle of coaching changes, and everyone wants to see how the Crimson Tide will rebound from the devastating loss to Utah in the Sugar Bowl.
Meanwhile, Arkansas will be in it's second year under one of the best college coaches over the last 10 seasons. Led by senior DT Malcolm Sheppard, the Hogs have the potential to have a huge year if they catch some breaks. One break they didn't catch was the schedule. Arkansas plays some cupcakes at home (Eastern Michigan, Troy) but must go on the road to Alabama, Ole Miss, Florida, and LSU. Four potential top 15 teams.
Arkansas didn't have alot of scoring power last year, with all five of their wins coming by a total of 16 points but the offense should have a little bit more fire power this year. With senior Michael Smith at tailback, wide receivers Joe Adams and Lucas Miller and with a more mature offensive line, the Hogs should be able to produce some points.
Throwing the ball to those big receivers will be sophomore QB Ryan Mallett. The 6-7 QB was originally signed by Michigan and was one of college football's top recruits. However, things didn't work out in Ann Arbor and now the Hogs could have one of the most vertical passing games in school history. I look for Mallett to play a big role in coming out party of the Arkansas offense.
Even with the Hogs' huge upside on offense, the schedule might just be too tough. Don't make the Hogs your pick to win the SEC West, but they could definately make some noise and spoil a team's season; such as Alabama, LSU, Ole Miss, or Florida. The season will be a success if the Hogs can get to eight wins, the mark set by Houston Nutt in his last season at Arkansas. A couple of huge upsets could help them get to that eight-win mark.
Yes, Bobby Petrino was a disaster with the Falcons, and that may be in part thanks to the now-free Michael Vick; but Petrino should have just stayed in college. He went 41-9 during his tenure with Louisville and nearly got the Cardinals into the BCS championship game. Petrino is a great college coach, and there isn't any reason why he shouldn't have the Razorbacks contending this year.
Ole Miss is already the hot pick by all the experts to challenge Alabama for the title, everyone expects LSU to have a huge resergence year, Auburn and Mississippi State are in the middle of coaching changes, and everyone wants to see how the Crimson Tide will rebound from the devastating loss to Utah in the Sugar Bowl.
Meanwhile, Arkansas will be in it's second year under one of the best college coaches over the last 10 seasons. Led by senior DT Malcolm Sheppard, the Hogs have the potential to have a huge year if they catch some breaks. One break they didn't catch was the schedule. Arkansas plays some cupcakes at home (Eastern Michigan, Troy) but must go on the road to Alabama, Ole Miss, Florida, and LSU. Four potential top 15 teams.
Arkansas didn't have alot of scoring power last year, with all five of their wins coming by a total of 16 points but the offense should have a little bit more fire power this year. With senior Michael Smith at tailback, wide receivers Joe Adams and Lucas Miller and with a more mature offensive line, the Hogs should be able to produce some points.
Throwing the ball to those big receivers will be sophomore QB Ryan Mallett. The 6-7 QB was originally signed by Michigan and was one of college football's top recruits. However, things didn't work out in Ann Arbor and now the Hogs could have one of the most vertical passing games in school history. I look for Mallett to play a big role in coming out party of the Arkansas offense.
Even with the Hogs' huge upside on offense, the schedule might just be too tough. Don't make the Hogs your pick to win the SEC West, but they could definately make some noise and spoil a team's season; such as Alabama, LSU, Ole Miss, or Florida. The season will be a success if the Hogs can get to eight wins, the mark set by Houston Nutt in his last season at Arkansas. A couple of huge upsets could help them get to that eight-win mark.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Chandler-Okafor Trade
The Charlotte Bobcats and New Orleans Hornets are in trade talks that could potentially send Tyson Chandler to Charlotte for Emeka Okafor. The deal was nearly finished on Friday and could be completed by as early as Tuesday morning.
The Hornets dealt Chandler to Oklahoma City just days before the trading deadline in February but the trade was rescinded 24 hours later because of the Thunder's concern about Chandler's long-term toe injury.
The trade would save the Hornets just over $1 million next season and would cost them an extra $40-plus million over the last three years of Okafor's contract if he exercises his $14.6 million option for the 2013-14 season. Chandler has just one year left on his current contract for $12.6 million.
The deal is not expected to expand beyond the two centers and has been in the works since late last week. Okafor has been the only starting center in franchise history for the Bobcats.
The Hornets dealt Chandler to Oklahoma City just days before the trading deadline in February but the trade was rescinded 24 hours later because of the Thunder's concern about Chandler's long-term toe injury.
The trade would save the Hornets just over $1 million next season and would cost them an extra $40-plus million over the last three years of Okafor's contract if he exercises his $14.6 million option for the 2013-14 season. Chandler has just one year left on his current contract for $12.6 million.
The deal is not expected to expand beyond the two centers and has been in the works since late last week. Okafor has been the only starting center in franchise history for the Bobcats.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Who wins the SEC West?
The SEC West may end up being one of the most competitive divisions in college football in 2009. In the division there are three possible BCS teams with Ole Miss, LSU, and Alabama. The Eastern division is virtually a lock for Florida with Tennessee being in a rebuilding year, and Georgia having lost Matt Stafford and Knowshon Moreno to the NFL.
Ole Miss will play a factor, but I think it really comes down to LSU and Alabama. Whoever wins the November 7th showdown in Tuscaloosa is likely to win the division and face Florida on December 5th in the Georgia Dome for the SEC title.
Alabama pulled out a hard fought overtime victory in Death Valley in 2008 in what was the deciding factor as to who played Florida in the SEC Championship game. In what turned out to be one of the most exciting games of 2008, LSU QB Jarrett Lee went 13-34 and threw four interceptions. Even with the poor QB play, the Tigers were still able to block a last second Alabama field goal try to force the game into overtime; but were defeated when Alabama QB John Parker Wilson plunged in for a 1-yard touchdown run on the first possesion of overtime.
I don't see how LSU won't win this division this year. In a down 2008 year, the Tigers still amassed an 8-5 overall record and took the No. 1 team in the nation, Alabama, to overtime. Sophomore QB Jordan Jefferson has more athletic ability than Jarrett Lee and has the ability to take care of the ball better. Also, senior tailback Charles Scott should provide a boost for the LSU rushing attack and provide a more balanced attack. LSU also has 46 returning lettermen and senior Brandon LaFell is a sure bet at Wide Receiver.
SEC schedules are never nice, and neither is this one, the schedule is the one flaw in LSU that I see, even though they can't help it. They get Florida at home, but must go on the road to Tuscaloosa for a showdown with Alabama, between the hedges at Georgia, and will face a much improved Ole Miss team on the road.
Alabama Meanwhile, lost QB John Parker Wilson and could face a possible first-week loss against the ACC Champion Virginia Tech Hokies. I just like the explosiveness of LSU on offense and their raw power on defense. Alabama lacks offensive explosion, lost tackle Andre Smith, and could have problems after losing 11 lettermen including defensive star Rashad Johnson.
I like for it to be closely contested but in the end, I think LSU will come out on top and play Florida for the SEC title in Atlanta
Ole Miss will play a factor, but I think it really comes down to LSU and Alabama. Whoever wins the November 7th showdown in Tuscaloosa is likely to win the division and face Florida on December 5th in the Georgia Dome for the SEC title.
Alabama pulled out a hard fought overtime victory in Death Valley in 2008 in what was the deciding factor as to who played Florida in the SEC Championship game. In what turned out to be one of the most exciting games of 2008, LSU QB Jarrett Lee went 13-34 and threw four interceptions. Even with the poor QB play, the Tigers were still able to block a last second Alabama field goal try to force the game into overtime; but were defeated when Alabama QB John Parker Wilson plunged in for a 1-yard touchdown run on the first possesion of overtime.
I don't see how LSU won't win this division this year. In a down 2008 year, the Tigers still amassed an 8-5 overall record and took the No. 1 team in the nation, Alabama, to overtime. Sophomore QB Jordan Jefferson has more athletic ability than Jarrett Lee and has the ability to take care of the ball better. Also, senior tailback Charles Scott should provide a boost for the LSU rushing attack and provide a more balanced attack. LSU also has 46 returning lettermen and senior Brandon LaFell is a sure bet at Wide Receiver.
SEC schedules are never nice, and neither is this one, the schedule is the one flaw in LSU that I see, even though they can't help it. They get Florida at home, but must go on the road to Tuscaloosa for a showdown with Alabama, between the hedges at Georgia, and will face a much improved Ole Miss team on the road.
Alabama Meanwhile, lost QB John Parker Wilson and could face a possible first-week loss against the ACC Champion Virginia Tech Hokies. I just like the explosiveness of LSU on offense and their raw power on defense. Alabama lacks offensive explosion, lost tackle Andre Smith, and could have problems after losing 11 lettermen including defensive star Rashad Johnson.
I like for it to be closely contested but in the end, I think LSU will come out on top and play Florida for the SEC title in Atlanta
Saturday, July 25, 2009
BCS Buster: 2009 Edition
Who will be the "BCS Buster" of 2009? Will it be the popular pick, Boise State? The Utah Utes of 2008? Or will it be a completely unexpected team? As it normally turns out to be. I like a strong TCU squad to be the team of 2009. The Horned Frogs lost 21 lettermen from last year but have 25 offensive and 18 defensive lettermen returning for 2009. Gary Patterson is in his 9th year as head man and has led the Horned Frogs to a 73-27 record over that span.
Had Utah not pulled off one of the most amazing touchdown drives in school history in 2007 to beat TCU, the Horned Frogs probably would have been the first non-BCS team ever to reach a BCS game with a loss to it's name. Only two teams scored more than 14 points on TCU that year, Oklahoma (35), and Boise State (16). TCU has had five double-digit win seasons during Patterson's tenure as head coach and has the seventh best record in college football over that span.
TCU will have as many as five running backs in the rotation, (they ran for 2,863 yards and 39 touchdowns in 2008). The running game is great, but the Horned Frogs need to improve the passing game and become more of a balanced offense. TCU had just 14 touchdowns passes in 2008 and only three of them came in the first seven games.
TCU starts the season a week after everyone else and two of the first three games are on the road at ACC schools. An opener at Virginia could be a challenge and the make-or-break moment of the season could come in a showdown with ACC power Clemson in Death Valley. On the conference side, a visit to BYU and Air Force could be a problem, but Utah coming to Fort Worth is a big bonus.
If TCU can get by the ACC schools early in the season, I'm picking them to be the Boise State of 2007, or the Utah Utes of 2008.
Had Utah not pulled off one of the most amazing touchdown drives in school history in 2007 to beat TCU, the Horned Frogs probably would have been the first non-BCS team ever to reach a BCS game with a loss to it's name. Only two teams scored more than 14 points on TCU that year, Oklahoma (35), and Boise State (16). TCU has had five double-digit win seasons during Patterson's tenure as head coach and has the seventh best record in college football over that span.
TCU will have as many as five running backs in the rotation, (they ran for 2,863 yards and 39 touchdowns in 2008). The running game is great, but the Horned Frogs need to improve the passing game and become more of a balanced offense. TCU had just 14 touchdowns passes in 2008 and only three of them came in the first seven games.
TCU starts the season a week after everyone else and two of the first three games are on the road at ACC schools. An opener at Virginia could be a challenge and the make-or-break moment of the season could come in a showdown with ACC power Clemson in Death Valley. On the conference side, a visit to BYU and Air Force could be a problem, but Utah coming to Fort Worth is a big bonus.
If TCU can get by the ACC schools early in the season, I'm picking them to be the Boise State of 2007, or the Utah Utes of 2008.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Kiffin Thinks Tebow is Legitimate Top 5 Pick
Tennessee head coach Lane Kiffin said in his SEC media day presser that he thinks Florida QB Tim Tebow is a legitimate top 5 NFL draft pick and he doesn't know why he wouldn't be. According to Kiffin, much of the same things were said about Tebow when he was coming out of high school that are being said now about his NFL game. Kiffin said that by being just a great competitor, Tebow's game can translate into the NFL. "The guy is a great competitor, he wins every game he plays, and he makes every throw", Kiffin said. "Is it always a perfect spiral? Is his motion perfect? No, but who cares, I think with all their great players and coaches, he'll probably win another Heisman and probably another national championship."
SEC Media Day Headlines
Steve Spurrier confirmed today that he was the only coach who didn't vote for Tim Tebow for the All-SEC first team. Spurrier said that he didn't actually fill out the ballot and meant to vote for Tebow instead of Ole Miss QB Jevan Snead. "We screwed it up pretty badly, I'm embarrassed about it", Spurrier said. He also noted that he thinks Tebow is the best player in the SEC and could go down as one of the best college players of all time along-side Danny Wuerffel.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
My Heisman Hopefuls
1. Florida QB Tim Tebow. Tebow should have won the Heisman last year but was outvoted by Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford. Look for Tebow to make it two Heismans in three years.
2. Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford. Bradford threw for 50 touchdowns in 2008 and helped the Sooners become the first team in history to score 60+ points in six consecutive games.
3. Texas QB Colt McCoy. McCoy thre for 3,859 yards and 34 touchdwons in 2008 and many still believe the Longhorns should have beaten Oklahoma out for a national championship game birth after the Longhorn's win in the "Red River Rivalry" game at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.
4. Tennessee SS Eric Berry. In 2008, Berry led the nation with 265 interception return yards and his seven interceptions tied for first in the nation. Also had two interception returns for touchdowns. Is only four yards shy of breaking the all-time interception return yardage record(501).
5.Mississippi QB Jevan Snead. Snead led the Rebels to a 9-4 record last year and will really thrive in Houston Nutt's "Runnin' Rebel" style offense. The Rebels were never defeated by more than seven points in 2008. Snead threw for 2,762 yards and 26 touchdowns and also ran for three touchdowns.
2. Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford. Bradford threw for 50 touchdowns in 2008 and helped the Sooners become the first team in history to score 60+ points in six consecutive games.
3. Texas QB Colt McCoy. McCoy thre for 3,859 yards and 34 touchdwons in 2008 and many still believe the Longhorns should have beaten Oklahoma out for a national championship game birth after the Longhorn's win in the "Red River Rivalry" game at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.
4. Tennessee SS Eric Berry. In 2008, Berry led the nation with 265 interception return yards and his seven interceptions tied for first in the nation. Also had two interception returns for touchdowns. Is only four yards shy of breaking the all-time interception return yardage record(501).
5.Mississippi QB Jevan Snead. Snead led the Rebels to a 9-4 record last year and will really thrive in Houston Nutt's "Runnin' Rebel" style offense. The Rebels were never defeated by more than seven points in 2008. Snead threw for 2,762 yards and 26 touchdowns and also ran for three touchdowns.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Joe Cox
Georgia senior QB Joe Cox will finally get his chance. The 6-1 208 lb. QB was supposed to get the starting job two years ago but was outshined by star QB and No. 1 NFL draft selection Matthew Stafford. Over three years, Cox has seen limited playing time and has only completed 33 of 58 passes for 430 yards and five touchdowns in 12 career games. As a senior at Independence High School in Charlotte in 2004, Cox completed 240 of 363 passes for 4,509 yards, 66 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. When signed by Georgia, Rivals.com had Cox ranked as the seventh best QB coming out of high school and he looked to be in solid position for the starting job but was outworked by Stafford. With sophomore Caleb King at tailback and sophomore A.J. Green at wide out, the Dawgs look to be a top contender for an SEC titel in 2009.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
College Player Watch: Dez Bryant
Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant has the potential to be one of the dominant players in college football in 2009. The 6-2 210 lb. junior out of Lufkin High School had a breakout year in 2008 and received partial consideration for the Heisman. In 2007 Bryant caught 43 passes for 622 yards and 6 touchdowns. In 2008, Bryant made considerable improvements to his game, leading the team with 87 passes caught for 1,480 yards and 19 touchdowns. Bryant is big and physical and not only presents a threat across the middle but can also play the deep ball. Bryant and junior QB Zac Robinson led the Cowboys to a 9-3 regular season record and a birth in the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl. With a more mature Bryant and senior QB Robinson, the Cowboys should be one of the "it" teams coming into 2009 and might be able to challenge Oklahoma and Texas for a BIG XII title.
Monday, July 20, 2009
San Diego Chargers
As I ponder the upcoming NFL season, I keep wondering what San Diego Charger team will show up. Will it be the 8-8 team of last year that made it to the divisional round of the playoffs? Or will it be the 11-5 team of 2007 that made it to the conference championship against New England? I'm thinking the Chargers should make hay in what could be one of the easiest divisions in football. The Chiefs are in the rebuilding process, the Raiders are run by AL Davis, and Denver has Kyle Orton leading the way at QB, a first year coach, and an unhappy Brandon Marshall. The Chargers look to be the clear favorite to run away with the west. With an offense that ranked 2nd in regular season scoring and 7th in passing yards, the Chargers are looking to compliment their offense with a hardnosed defense. They devoted 4 draft picks to defensive players and should have a healthy Shawn Merriman back for the duration of the season. They also have a strength of schedule that ranks 17th easiest in the league and don't have to play many tough road games. I look for the Chargers to be 10-6 at worst if they play up to their potential.
Ballpark to host Notre Dame-Army game
Rumor has it that Army and Notre Dame will play the first football game at the new Yankee Stadium in the 2010 season. Army issued a statement Friday saying that they had a "major football announcement" Monday at the stadium. The game would be a home game for Notre Dame if played. Army will also play games in Yankee Stadium in 2011,2012, and 2013.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Vols need to pound the rock
Tennessee needs to try and play the power running card and play solid defense in the upcoming season. With senior WR Austin Rogers already out for the season, Tennessee's best deep threat, Denarius Moore will be sidelined for 8-12 weeks with a broken bone in his left foot. Big Orange also has questions at the QB position. Will it be Jonathan Crompton who showed very little promise last year, or will it be Nick Stephens, who shared playing time with Crompton in 2008. The Vols need to keep it on the ground with incoming freshman Bryce Brown, the 8th best recruit in the nation, and junior Lennon Creer. Monte Kiffin's Tampa Two cover scheme should help an already stout Tennessee defense improve it's position among the SEC's best.
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