Re: 2009 College Football Notebook
Barkely officially out first two weeks, left knee
Barkely officially out first two weeks, left knee
2009 College Football Notebook
- Thread starter Cloverleaf
- Start date
Cloverleaf
EOG Dedicated
Re: 2009 College Football Notebook
NAIA POLLS
The University of Sioux Falls is picked No. 1 in the NAIA football preseason coaches' poll. The Cougars are going for their third national title in four years. Sioux Falls got 17 of the 18 first place votes in the poll released this week finished with 418 points, 16 more than No. 2 ranked Carroll College of Montana. Lindenwood (Mo) is No. 3. Sioux Falls has been ranked either No. 1 or No. 2 in the 32 polls. Sioux Falls is moving from NAIA competition to NCAA Division II, but will remain a member of the Great Plains Athletic Conference through the 2010-11 season.
NORTH ALABAMA
UNA lands its 7th transfer from Florida State. Head coach Terry Bowden announced yesterday that former FSU quarterback Corey Eddinger will join the Lions. Eddinger a sophomore, will have three years of eligibility remaining. He did not see any game action at Florida State in 2008, but completed 7 of 11 passes for 118 yards and a touchdown in FSU's spring game. Eddinger and North Carolina State transfer Harrison Beck will battle for the starting job. North Alabama competes in the Gulf South Conference which includes: Delta State, Valdosta State, West Georgia, Southern Arkansas, Harding, Central Arkansas, Henderson State, Arkansas-Monticello and West Alabama.
TENNESSEE
UT coach Lane Kiffin said Wednesday evening that left offensive tackle Chris Scott has probably been the team's "most improved" player since spring practice and that junior defensive end Gerald Williams has been "unblockable" most of this week. Scott, despite starting 26 times in his 33-game career, hasn't lived up to the immense billing he received as a high school star in the Atlanta area. His run blocking has been steady, but the Kiffin and Phillip Fulmer coaching staffs have often considered his weight a pass blocking hindrance. The 6-foot-5 Scott's weight has fluctuated between 370 and 310 pounds, but he looks trimmer than his listed 346. "We were sittin in our meeting going over personnel, and the guy that continues to play well every single day, probably the most improved from spring, is Chris Scott," Kiffin said. "So we're very excited about what he's doing and the way he's playing."
AUBURN
The most pressing issue facing offensive line coach Jeff Grimes when preseason practice opened was finding depth beyond the starters. A week into practice, Grimes is no closer to finding someone ready to emerge from the pack. "There's not anybody at this point that I'm ready to single out and say that they are really this close to being ready to play," Grimes said. The starting five were well established even before spring practice ended. Lee Ziemba and Andrew McCain will start at the tackles, Byron Isom and Mike Berry at the guards and Ryan Pugh is the starting center. Beyond that, though, Grimes remains at a loss to figure out who the next man up will be. He has been impressed with freshmen John Sullen and Andre Harris, but said it's too soon to determine whether or not they're ready to play.
ALABAMA
Three more Alabama players found themselves in contention for two of the nation's highest honors. The Crimson Tide had two representatives among the 40 finalist for the Outland Trophy, which was announced Tuesday afternoon. Defensive lineman Terrence Cody and offensive lineman Mike Johnson were included in the group of 10 SEC players who made the list. The Outland Trophy has been awarded annually to the nation's best interior lineman since 1946, making it the third oldest college football honor in the nation. Alabama's Andre Smith won the award last season, joining Chris Samuels (1999) as the two Bama recipients of the honor. Julio Jones also made an award watch list. The sophomore found himself on the Biletnikoff Award list for the nation's best wide receiver. Texas Tech's Michael Crabtree was the 2008 winner.
NAIA POLLS
The University of Sioux Falls is picked No. 1 in the NAIA football preseason coaches' poll. The Cougars are going for their third national title in four years. Sioux Falls got 17 of the 18 first place votes in the poll released this week finished with 418 points, 16 more than No. 2 ranked Carroll College of Montana. Lindenwood (Mo) is No. 3. Sioux Falls has been ranked either No. 1 or No. 2 in the 32 polls. Sioux Falls is moving from NAIA competition to NCAA Division II, but will remain a member of the Great Plains Athletic Conference through the 2010-11 season.
NORTH ALABAMA
UNA lands its 7th transfer from Florida State. Head coach Terry Bowden announced yesterday that former FSU quarterback Corey Eddinger will join the Lions. Eddinger a sophomore, will have three years of eligibility remaining. He did not see any game action at Florida State in 2008, but completed 7 of 11 passes for 118 yards and a touchdown in FSU's spring game. Eddinger and North Carolina State transfer Harrison Beck will battle for the starting job. North Alabama competes in the Gulf South Conference which includes: Delta State, Valdosta State, West Georgia, Southern Arkansas, Harding, Central Arkansas, Henderson State, Arkansas-Monticello and West Alabama.
TENNESSEE
UT coach Lane Kiffin said Wednesday evening that left offensive tackle Chris Scott has probably been the team's "most improved" player since spring practice and that junior defensive end Gerald Williams has been "unblockable" most of this week. Scott, despite starting 26 times in his 33-game career, hasn't lived up to the immense billing he received as a high school star in the Atlanta area. His run blocking has been steady, but the Kiffin and Phillip Fulmer coaching staffs have often considered his weight a pass blocking hindrance. The 6-foot-5 Scott's weight has fluctuated between 370 and 310 pounds, but he looks trimmer than his listed 346. "We were sittin in our meeting going over personnel, and the guy that continues to play well every single day, probably the most improved from spring, is Chris Scott," Kiffin said. "So we're very excited about what he's doing and the way he's playing."
AUBURN
The most pressing issue facing offensive line coach Jeff Grimes when preseason practice opened was finding depth beyond the starters. A week into practice, Grimes is no closer to finding someone ready to emerge from the pack. "There's not anybody at this point that I'm ready to single out and say that they are really this close to being ready to play," Grimes said. The starting five were well established even before spring practice ended. Lee Ziemba and Andrew McCain will start at the tackles, Byron Isom and Mike Berry at the guards and Ryan Pugh is the starting center. Beyond that, though, Grimes remains at a loss to figure out who the next man up will be. He has been impressed with freshmen John Sullen and Andre Harris, but said it's too soon to determine whether or not they're ready to play.
ALABAMA
Three more Alabama players found themselves in contention for two of the nation's highest honors. The Crimson Tide had two representatives among the 40 finalist for the Outland Trophy, which was announced Tuesday afternoon. Defensive lineman Terrence Cody and offensive lineman Mike Johnson were included in the group of 10 SEC players who made the list. The Outland Trophy has been awarded annually to the nation's best interior lineman since 1946, making it the third oldest college football honor in the nation. Alabama's Andre Smith won the award last season, joining Chris Samuels (1999) as the two Bama recipients of the honor. Julio Jones also made an award watch list. The sophomore found himself on the Biletnikoff Award list for the nation's best wide receiver. Texas Tech's Michael Crabtree was the 2008 winner.
Re: 2009 College Football Notebook
Auburn has no depth. They can look from now until November, and they will not find any. This team was decemated last year, and despite having 14 starters returning, the talent just is not there. Coaches can only work withwhat they have, and for some reason, Auburn's recriuting went straight downhill in 2006 and 2007. 2008 was better, but still not real good.
Auburn has no depth. They can look from now until November, and they will not find any. This team was decemated last year, and despite having 14 starters returning, the talent just is not there. Coaches can only work withwhat they have, and for some reason, Auburn's recriuting went straight downhill in 2006 and 2007. 2008 was better, but still not real good.
Cloverleaf
EOG Dedicated
Re: 2009 College Football Notebook
AUBURN
After missing spring practice while recovering from shoulder surgery, senior Chris Todd needed to move quickly to contend for Auburn's starting quarterback job. As it turns out, he needed only nine days worth of August practices to win the job. Offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn named Todd the starter Thursday, putting an end to the three way battle that had been going on since practice started. Todd started five games for the Tigers last year after transferring from Hutchinson (Kansas) Community College. He struggled with his injured shoulder and the coaching staff shut him down for the season after the seventh game of the year. Todd at a glance.......
Texas Tech: Redshirted in 2005 before playing five games in 2006. Was 25 of 35 passing for 241 yards and one touchdown.
Junior College: In one season at Hutchinson Community College, he completed 104 of 212 passes for 968 yards with eight interceptions and six touchdowns.
Auburn: Enrolled in January 2008 and participated in spring drills. Played in seven games in 2008, starting five. Was 3-2 as a starter. Completed 55% of his passes with five TDs and 6 interceptions.
AUBURN
After missing spring practice while recovering from shoulder surgery, senior Chris Todd needed to move quickly to contend for Auburn's starting quarterback job. As it turns out, he needed only nine days worth of August practices to win the job. Offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn named Todd the starter Thursday, putting an end to the three way battle that had been going on since practice started. Todd started five games for the Tigers last year after transferring from Hutchinson (Kansas) Community College. He struggled with his injured shoulder and the coaching staff shut him down for the season after the seventh game of the year. Todd at a glance.......
Texas Tech: Redshirted in 2005 before playing five games in 2006. Was 25 of 35 passing for 241 yards and one touchdown.
Junior College: In one season at Hutchinson Community College, he completed 104 of 212 passes for 968 yards with eight interceptions and six touchdowns.
Auburn: Enrolled in January 2008 and participated in spring drills. Played in seven games in 2008, starting five. Was 3-2 as a starter. Completed 55% of his passes with five TDs and 6 interceptions.
Cloverleaf
EOG Dedicated
Re: 2009 College Football Notebook
FLORIDA
When Florida won its third national football title by beating Oklahoma last January, it became only the eight program in the past 50 years to win three or more national championships. Only Alabama (six), Miami and USC (five) and Notre Dame, Oklahoma and Nebraska (four) have more titles in that period than Florida and Texas (three each). If you look back at the past 25 years (1983-2008) only two schools: Miami and Florida, have won three or more national titles. Think about that. For all the perceived football "powers" out there, only the 'Canes and Gators have managed to win at least three national titles since Howard Schnellenberger's UM crew knocked off Nebraska, 31-30, in the 1984 Orange Bowl. With 2007 Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow back alone with six other starters to an offensive unit that was the highest scoring in SEC football history with 611 points. Three returnees, Tebow (673), Chris Rainey (652) and Jeff Demps (605) rushed for more than 600 yards last season and Emmanuel Moody added 417 yards. Rainey, Demps and Moody all averaged more than seven yards per carry last year. All of the defensive two deep return from last season, when the Gators led the nation in interceptions, ranked fourth in scoring defense (12.9 points per game), ninth in total defense (285.3 yards)and held Oklahoma's record setting offense to 14 points in the BCS title game. Still, as good as the Gators appear on paper, it's important to note that despite winning three national titles in the past 12 years, Florida has never had an undefeated season. Many think this could be the season.
TENNESSEE
Tennessee's offense seemed to take a step back in time during the Volunteers' second fall scrimmage Saturday. After shining in the first scrimmage the week before, the offense, which struggled last season and in spring practice, committed eight penalties, fumbled twice and dropped a number of passes. "The defense really got after the offense and played extremely physical, played extremely well mentally as well," Vols coach Lane Kiffin said. "Obviously we've got to do a much better job as a staff on offense, and we have to keep the consistency up on defense." Kiffin said there were hardly any changes made to the defensive scheme between the two scrimmages. Instead, it was a matter of better execution and more physical play, despite having seven defensive starters sit out the practice to rest. Jonathan
Crompton threw a 29 yard touchdown pass to Marsalis Teague. He completed 17 of 25 for 178 yards with the first team offense. Nick Stephens finished 11 for 23 for 120 yards and threw an 18 yard touchdown pass to Jeff Cottam and a 21 yard scoring strike to walk on Sam Edgmon.
VANDERBILT
As Vandy's preseason progresses, coaches and teammates are discovering plenty of promise in the Commodores' three freshman running backs. On Saturday, two of the three, Warren Norman and Zac Stacy, provided highlight reels as Dores head coach Bobby Johnson staged the team's first scrimmage of camp in Vanderbilt Stadium. Capitalizing on the running of Norman and Stacy, the Commodores' offense notched five touchdowns before the defense stiffened during the latter stages of the 75 play scrimmage. Norman scored the opening touchdown on an 18 yard run and later added an 8 yard scoring run. Stacy rushed 70 yards for a score. Johnson said he was very impressed with the freshmen's progress.
AUBURN
Two days after learning Chris Todd is the starting quarterback, Auburn's offense scored five touchdowns during Saturday's closed scrimmage at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Todd and the first team offense scored three of those touchdowns. The senior quarterback threw a touchdown pass to Montez Billings on a corner route that covered abgout 20 yards. Todd didn't have the only smooth transition Saturday. Kodi Burns, who lost the quarterback battle to Todd, scored a touchdown from the Wildcat formation. Receivers coach Trooper Taylor said Burns' run was about 50 yards. "He did good today. He scored a touchdown today and stiff armed a guy on the way in there," Taylor said. Tailback Ben Tate also chipped in with a rushing TD as the first team ran five series. The offense was able to run the ball to set up the pass and pass the ball to set up the run. Taylor said everything worked out great.
OLE MISS
Rebel quarterback Jevan Snead has never heard about the "Sports Illustrated" cover jinx. Turns out that's a good thing because the Rebels are on the magazine's cover this off-season, again. Ole Miss has gotten all kinds of love this summer, but few have been as enamored with the Rebels as "SI." Sports Illustraded writers rank the Rebels sixth in their poll. That's great. But there's Snead and center Daverin Geralds right there staring out from the magazine rack. Not so great maybe. When a reporter asks if Snead wants to know what the jinx is, Snead takes a hear-no-evil stance. "I prefer not to hear it." Snead said. With all the hype on Ole Miss, the Rebels might be a team to play against ATS.
FLORIDA
When Florida won its third national football title by beating Oklahoma last January, it became only the eight program in the past 50 years to win three or more national championships. Only Alabama (six), Miami and USC (five) and Notre Dame, Oklahoma and Nebraska (four) have more titles in that period than Florida and Texas (three each). If you look back at the past 25 years (1983-2008) only two schools: Miami and Florida, have won three or more national titles. Think about that. For all the perceived football "powers" out there, only the 'Canes and Gators have managed to win at least three national titles since Howard Schnellenberger's UM crew knocked off Nebraska, 31-30, in the 1984 Orange Bowl. With 2007 Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow back alone with six other starters to an offensive unit that was the highest scoring in SEC football history with 611 points. Three returnees, Tebow (673), Chris Rainey (652) and Jeff Demps (605) rushed for more than 600 yards last season and Emmanuel Moody added 417 yards. Rainey, Demps and Moody all averaged more than seven yards per carry last year. All of the defensive two deep return from last season, when the Gators led the nation in interceptions, ranked fourth in scoring defense (12.9 points per game), ninth in total defense (285.3 yards)and held Oklahoma's record setting offense to 14 points in the BCS title game. Still, as good as the Gators appear on paper, it's important to note that despite winning three national titles in the past 12 years, Florida has never had an undefeated season. Many think this could be the season.
TENNESSEE
Tennessee's offense seemed to take a step back in time during the Volunteers' second fall scrimmage Saturday. After shining in the first scrimmage the week before, the offense, which struggled last season and in spring practice, committed eight penalties, fumbled twice and dropped a number of passes. "The defense really got after the offense and played extremely physical, played extremely well mentally as well," Vols coach Lane Kiffin said. "Obviously we've got to do a much better job as a staff on offense, and we have to keep the consistency up on defense." Kiffin said there were hardly any changes made to the defensive scheme between the two scrimmages. Instead, it was a matter of better execution and more physical play, despite having seven defensive starters sit out the practice to rest. Jonathan
Crompton threw a 29 yard touchdown pass to Marsalis Teague. He completed 17 of 25 for 178 yards with the first team offense. Nick Stephens finished 11 for 23 for 120 yards and threw an 18 yard touchdown pass to Jeff Cottam and a 21 yard scoring strike to walk on Sam Edgmon.
VANDERBILT
As Vandy's preseason progresses, coaches and teammates are discovering plenty of promise in the Commodores' three freshman running backs. On Saturday, two of the three, Warren Norman and Zac Stacy, provided highlight reels as Dores head coach Bobby Johnson staged the team's first scrimmage of camp in Vanderbilt Stadium. Capitalizing on the running of Norman and Stacy, the Commodores' offense notched five touchdowns before the defense stiffened during the latter stages of the 75 play scrimmage. Norman scored the opening touchdown on an 18 yard run and later added an 8 yard scoring run. Stacy rushed 70 yards for a score. Johnson said he was very impressed with the freshmen's progress.
AUBURN
Two days after learning Chris Todd is the starting quarterback, Auburn's offense scored five touchdowns during Saturday's closed scrimmage at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Todd and the first team offense scored three of those touchdowns. The senior quarterback threw a touchdown pass to Montez Billings on a corner route that covered abgout 20 yards. Todd didn't have the only smooth transition Saturday. Kodi Burns, who lost the quarterback battle to Todd, scored a touchdown from the Wildcat formation. Receivers coach Trooper Taylor said Burns' run was about 50 yards. "He did good today. He scored a touchdown today and stiff armed a guy on the way in there," Taylor said. Tailback Ben Tate also chipped in with a rushing TD as the first team ran five series. The offense was able to run the ball to set up the pass and pass the ball to set up the run. Taylor said everything worked out great.
OLE MISS
Rebel quarterback Jevan Snead has never heard about the "Sports Illustrated" cover jinx. Turns out that's a good thing because the Rebels are on the magazine's cover this off-season, again. Ole Miss has gotten all kinds of love this summer, but few have been as enamored with the Rebels as "SI." Sports Illustraded writers rank the Rebels sixth in their poll. That's great. But there's Snead and center Daverin Geralds right there staring out from the magazine rack. Not so great maybe. When a reporter asks if Snead wants to know what the jinx is, Snead takes a hear-no-evil stance. "I prefer not to hear it." Snead said. With all the hype on Ole Miss, the Rebels might be a team to play against ATS.
Re: 2009 College Football Notebook
We think that Ole Miss is not nearly as good as advertised. This team lost 4 games last year, two of which were to South Carolina and Vandy at home. Aparently a lot of people agree, because the line movement in their opener at Memphis has been totally flat. It opened at 17 in Vegas, and has never moved either way. We also see a potential "trap" game at Vandy on 10/3, a week before their home game against Alabama. It will be their second away game in a row, and their ATS record against Vandy is 1-7. They have also lost 3 out of their last 4 games to Vandy, including the past two games, straight up.
We think that Ole Miss is not nearly as good as advertised. This team lost 4 games last year, two of which were to South Carolina and Vandy at home. Aparently a lot of people agree, because the line movement in their opener at Memphis has been totally flat. It opened at 17 in Vegas, and has never moved either way. We also see a potential "trap" game at Vandy on 10/3, a week before their home game against Alabama. It will be their second away game in a row, and their ATS record against Vandy is 1-7. They have also lost 3 out of their last 4 games to Vandy, including the past two games, straight up.
Cloverleaf
EOG Dedicated
Re: 2009 College Football Notebook
KENTUCKY
Three consecutive bowl wins, solid returning veterans and an infusion of talent, particularly at quarterback, has provided head coach Rich Brooks reasons for optimism. The first order of business will be to determine who will lead the Cats from the quarterback position. Randall Cobb and Mike Hartline are both back for another season. Both played quarterback at times and both were up and down. Harline completed 17 of 33 passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns in the spring game. Cobb's future appears to be at wide receiver, however, and Hartline faces talented challengers for the No. 1 spot. The Cats have two big talents coming in to compete for the quarterback spot. Morgan Newton chose Kentucky over such schools as Florida, Miami, South Carolina, Clemson and Illinois. Newton's size (6-4, 220) is a big plus, and he will be hard for Brooks to keep off the field, particularly if Hartline doesn't produce. The Cats also signed another hot prospect in Ryan Mossakowski from Texas. Whoever the QB, the top target will be the guy who shared the QB job last fall. Randall Cobb. Cobb may play exclusively at wide receiver this fall, except for taking an occasional shotgun snap in UK's "Wildcat" package. On defense, the Cats look to be fairly solid, with three standout juniors. Cornerback Trevard Lindley, defensive end Jeremy Jarmon and Middle linebacker Micah Johnson lead the group. All three passed on the NFL to return this season. The schedule has a reasonably light non-conference schedule. All of the non-conference games are at home. Only one game comes against particularly tough competition; a return engagement with Louisville. Additional non-conference games are with Miami of Ohio (2-8), Louisiana-Monroe (4-8) and another subdivision team, Eastern Kentucky (8-4). Five of their first seven SEC games are at home, which could benefit. The early games should provide Brooks the opportunity to look at some of his key players prior to the tough SEC schedule.
I've got jury duty this week so got to run.
KENTUCKY
Three consecutive bowl wins, solid returning veterans and an infusion of talent, particularly at quarterback, has provided head coach Rich Brooks reasons for optimism. The first order of business will be to determine who will lead the Cats from the quarterback position. Randall Cobb and Mike Hartline are both back for another season. Both played quarterback at times and both were up and down. Harline completed 17 of 33 passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns in the spring game. Cobb's future appears to be at wide receiver, however, and Hartline faces talented challengers for the No. 1 spot. The Cats have two big talents coming in to compete for the quarterback spot. Morgan Newton chose Kentucky over such schools as Florida, Miami, South Carolina, Clemson and Illinois. Newton's size (6-4, 220) is a big plus, and he will be hard for Brooks to keep off the field, particularly if Hartline doesn't produce. The Cats also signed another hot prospect in Ryan Mossakowski from Texas. Whoever the QB, the top target will be the guy who shared the QB job last fall. Randall Cobb. Cobb may play exclusively at wide receiver this fall, except for taking an occasional shotgun snap in UK's "Wildcat" package. On defense, the Cats look to be fairly solid, with three standout juniors. Cornerback Trevard Lindley, defensive end Jeremy Jarmon and Middle linebacker Micah Johnson lead the group. All three passed on the NFL to return this season. The schedule has a reasonably light non-conference schedule. All of the non-conference games are at home. Only one game comes against particularly tough competition; a return engagement with Louisville. Additional non-conference games are with Miami of Ohio (2-8), Louisiana-Monroe (4-8) and another subdivision team, Eastern Kentucky (8-4). Five of their first seven SEC games are at home, which could benefit. The early games should provide Brooks the opportunity to look at some of his key players prior to the tough SEC schedule.
I've got jury duty this week so got to run.
Re: 2009 College Football Notebook
Jury duty. The old "12 Neurotics in the Holy Box" as we used to call them. Bring plenty of reading material.
Jury duty. The old "12 Neurotics in the Holy Box" as we used to call them. Bring plenty of reading material.
Cloverleaf
EOG Dedicated
Re: 2009 College Football Notebook
TENNESSEE
Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin says the NCAA is investigating an eligibility issue with freshman tailback Bryce Brown. At issue is Brown's amateur status as a high school athlete, a person familiar with the investigation told The Associated Press. The NCAA is reviewing whether money was raised for Brown to visit colleges during his sophomore year. UT was not recruiting Brown then, according to the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity. He's spent significant time playing with the Vols' first team offense during fall camp, and Kiffin has repeatedly praised his progress.
OLE MISS
Turns out there's one thing that can dampen all the enthusiam around the Mississippi football team and that's the flu. Officials have canceled "Meet the Rebels Day" this year over fear of flu exposure. Athletic director Pete Boone said coach Houston Nutt and the team's trainer felt it was in the best interest of the team to cancel the annual event. With dozens of cases of flu in the local school district, officials exercised what was described as "an abundance of caution."
ALABAMA
Bama officially ended fall camp with yesterday's practice in full pads. Classes start today at Alabama, meaning daily practices will now begin an hour later at 3:30 p.m. leading up to the September 5th opener against Virginia Tech. The beginning of classes means the Crimson Tide can also welcome walk-ons and other players not on the 105 man preseason roster. Alabama coaches would like to top off at about 130 players.
AUBURN
The Tigers wrapped up its practice about 9:30 p.m. last night and are expected to go late tonight and Thursday. Head coach Gene Chizik said it's easier to have late practices during the first few days of school as players are still getting their class schedules worked out. Auburn is likely to scrimmage for a final time on Saturday, although Chizik said that wouldn't be decided until later in the week.
FLORIDA
Gators receiver Carl Moore and cornerback Jeremy Brown had undisclosed back procedures that team doctors believe will resolve their nagging injuries. Moore, a senior who caught 14 passes and a touchdown last season, was expected to start this fall. Brown missed all of his freshman year in 2008 because of back problems, but had been competing for a starting spot during practice.
TENNESSEE
Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin says the NCAA is investigating an eligibility issue with freshman tailback Bryce Brown. At issue is Brown's amateur status as a high school athlete, a person familiar with the investigation told The Associated Press. The NCAA is reviewing whether money was raised for Brown to visit colleges during his sophomore year. UT was not recruiting Brown then, according to the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity. He's spent significant time playing with the Vols' first team offense during fall camp, and Kiffin has repeatedly praised his progress.
OLE MISS
Turns out there's one thing that can dampen all the enthusiam around the Mississippi football team and that's the flu. Officials have canceled "Meet the Rebels Day" this year over fear of flu exposure. Athletic director Pete Boone said coach Houston Nutt and the team's trainer felt it was in the best interest of the team to cancel the annual event. With dozens of cases of flu in the local school district, officials exercised what was described as "an abundance of caution."
ALABAMA
Bama officially ended fall camp with yesterday's practice in full pads. Classes start today at Alabama, meaning daily practices will now begin an hour later at 3:30 p.m. leading up to the September 5th opener against Virginia Tech. The beginning of classes means the Crimson Tide can also welcome walk-ons and other players not on the 105 man preseason roster. Alabama coaches would like to top off at about 130 players.
AUBURN
The Tigers wrapped up its practice about 9:30 p.m. last night and are expected to go late tonight and Thursday. Head coach Gene Chizik said it's easier to have late practices during the first few days of school as players are still getting their class schedules worked out. Auburn is likely to scrimmage for a final time on Saturday, although Chizik said that wouldn't be decided until later in the week.
FLORIDA
Gators receiver Carl Moore and cornerback Jeremy Brown had undisclosed back procedures that team doctors believe will resolve their nagging injuries. Moore, a senior who caught 14 passes and a touchdown last season, was expected to start this fall. Brown missed all of his freshman year in 2008 because of back problems, but had been competing for a starting spot during practice.
Cloverleaf
EOG Dedicated
Re: 2009 College Football Notebook
Would welcome information on other teams other than the SEC. If you have team
news from the ACC, Big10, Big12, Pac10 or any good football related news. You
are more than welcome to post it. Thanks
Would welcome information on other teams other than the SEC. If you have team
news from the ACC, Big10, Big12, Pac10 or any good football related news. You
are more than welcome to post it. Thanks
Re: 2009 College Football Notebook
Admit it. You?re a little tired of the endless articles and the magazines that feature this year?s Big 3 quarterbacks, Sam Bradford, Colt McCoy, and Tim Tebow; fantastic all-around college athletes and the poster boys for the 2009 season, but we may be reaching a saturation level of coverage even though the opener is still weeks away.
By this time next year, all three Heisman frontrunners are likely to be in NFL camps, so why not stay ahead of the curve and start investing a little time on those young, yet-to-be-tested hurlers likely to fill the void? Although their resumes can be written on a Post-it, their ceilings extend through the roof. So go ahead and feel free to start tossing around names, like Garrett Gilbert, Keith Nichol, and Shavodrick Beaver. Over the next year or so, plenty of these upstarts will repay your patronage by making you like an NCAA oracle.
30. B.J. Daniels, South Florida ? Once Matt Grothe concludes his fourth season as the starter, he?ll hands the reins over to Daniels, a 6-1, 212-pound redshirt freshman and one of the best all-around athletes on the team. Also a member of the Bull hoops team, he makes something out of nothing with his feet and has underrated arm strength. If he continues to learn and master the finer points of the position, he has a chance to be a special playmaker in Tampa.
29. Bryn Renner, North Carolina ? Butch Davis? recruiting engine has been well-oiled in recent years, except at the quarterback position. While T.J. Yates and Mike Paulus still have plenty of upside, neither has exploded into an all-star quite yet. Renner could wind up being the best of the three once he gets on campus and has a chance to start digesting the playbook. A 6-3, 195-pounder, he?ll fit the ball into tight windows and plays with the poise and intelligence of a coach?s son.
28. Larry Smith, Vanderbilt ? Following in the footsteps of former teammate Chris Nickson, Smith is another Alabama Prep Player of the Year to land in Nashville. After seeing action in the final two games of his redshirt freshman year, he has his sights fixed on winning the starting job this summer. A sturdy 6-2, 220-pounder, he can lower the boom outside the pocket, yet has shown enough development as a passer to be considered a true dual-threat.
27. Tom Savage, Rutgers ? Savage was plucked out of Pennsylvania this past February to be the starter by 2010...at the latest. A hard-throwing 6-5, 220-pounder, he has the highest ceiling on a roster littered with journeymen. He?s capable of pushing for playing time this fall if the transition isn?t too difficult or, at worst, redshirting and succeeding the two seniors, Domenic Natale and Jabu Lovelace, beginning next spring.
26. Nick Fanuzzi, Rice ? What do you get when combining an SEC talent with the high-octane Owl passing game? Gaudy numbers. It?s all there for the taking for Fanuzzi, a transfer from Alabama in a three-way tussle to replace Chase Clement this season. A nimble 6-3, 215-pounder, he?s flashed the agility and zip on his passes to make him an ideal fit for this fast-paced offense.
25. Shavodrick Beaver, Tulsa ? Winning the quarterback job at Tulsa means an instant opportunity for monster numbers and national notoriety. Just look at what Paul Smith and David Johnson did the last two years. Despite being a rookie, Beaver has the talent to be next in line to pilot the hurry-up, no-huddle offense. The 6-3, 190-pounder already took part in his first practices, turning heads in the spring game. A rangy kid, who?ll hurt defenses with his athletic ability and long stride, he de-committed from Michigan in order to play for Tulsa.
24. Brock Mansion, Cal ? It?s been a few years since Jeff Tedford molded a hurler into a pro-caliber performer. Mansion would like to be the coach?s next star pupil. A 6-5, 237-pound flamethrower, with an eye on Kevin Riley?s starting nod, he can make all of the throws and is surprisingly quick for such a super-sized quarterback. One of the nation?s top dropback recruits of 2007, he?ll be the frontrunner for the job in 2010, even if he?s the No. 2 guy this season.
23. Sean Renfree, Duke ? David Cutcliffe has a long track record of coaching up quarterbacks, which is the only reason he was able to get Renfree out of Arizona in 2008. While no threat to senior Thaddeus Lewis this fall, he does figure to get some reps in 2009 in order to make next season?s passing of the baton more seamless. At 6-3 and 210 pounds, he has the arm strength and the head to hit the ground running when his number eventually gets called.
22. Logan Gray, Georgia ? Fifth-year senior Joe Cox is the bridge from Matt Stafford to the future. Gray believes he?s the future at quarterback in Athens. A third-year sophomore, who only appeared in special teams in 2008, he?s the favorite to be the backup before challenging for the leading role in 2010. One of the nation?s top-rated dual-threats two years ago, the Dawgs went all the way to Missouri to land him. He?s going to get pushed by blue-chip freshman Aaron Murray, but has the electrifying speed and soft touch to stay ahead of the next wave of recruits in the pecking order.
21. Darron Thomas, Oregon ? The 6-3, 200-pound Thomas isn?t quite ready to take the controls, but then again, he won?t be asked to right away. The top contender to caddy for Jeremiah Masoli, he was forced into action last fall and nearly rallied the Ducks to a win over Boise State on pure physical instincts alone. At a school which covets strong-armed quarterbacks, who can break containment when the pocket collapses, he?s showing very early signs of being the second-coming of Dennis Dixon in Eugene.
20. MarQueis Gray, Minnesota ? How excited are the Gophers about Gray? They?re determined to take occasional reps from proven starter Adam Weber just to get him on the field. An exciting playmaker at 6-4 and 215 pounds, look for him to be employed in certain packages that make the most out of his ability to make connections and big plays on the move. Like a young Juice Williams, he?ll bird-dog some throws and is still raw as a passer, but his physical ability and considerable ceiling are indisputable.
19. Curt Phillips, Wisconsin ? Is Phillips ready to be Wisconsin?s answer to years of futility at quarterback? While only a second-year freshman, he?s shown enough in the offseason to get a long, hard look at the job currently occupied by senior Dustin Sherer. Experience aside, he?s got just about everything coaches are after, including a strong arm, outstanding mobility, and a quick release. The quarterback of the future in Madison might not have to wait until 2010 for pop the cork on that future. Don?t be surprised if No. 10 has a considerable role this fall.
18. Brock Osweiler, Arizona State ? Now that Rudy Carpenter has graduated, the Sun Devils need a hurler to build the offense around. Danny Sullivan is a senior and a one-year caretaker until the kids ripen. Osweiler, however, has considerable upside with the program. The 6-8, 237-pound true freshman turned heads in his first practices out of high school, flashing unexpected poise and maturity to go along with his obvious physical gifts. You might want to avoid any generalizations regarding his stature. Yes, he has a cannon, but he?s also a fine athlete, turning down basketball scholarships from the likes of Gonzaga before selecting ASU.
17. Eugene Smith, West Virginia ? Pat White is a Miami Dolphin. Jarrett Brown is a senior. Yup, there?s going to be a vacancy at quarterback in Morgantown real soon. Smith was signed this past February specifically to fill that opening. Although a broken foot in June will slow his development and keep him out until later in the month, he?ll be ready to compete for the top job in 2010. One of the top quarterbacks out of Florida last year, he gives the Mountaineers the arm strength and pocket presence to run a more pro-style offense.
16. Tyrik Rollison, Auburn ? If the new Gus Malzahn-inspired offense is going to eventually flourish on the Plains, Auburn will need the right quarterback to engineer it. Rollison, for instance. The true freshman, who plays like he?s channeling former Kansas State great Michael Bishop, is tremendously agile in the pocket and throws darts with the flick of his wrist. Given time to develop, he has all of the physical tools and the experience playing in the shotgun to blossom early in his career.
15. Mike Glennon, NC State ? If not for All-ACC teammate Russell Wilson, Glennon would be a sure-fire starter in Raleigh. For the time being, the can?t-miss redshirt freshman will have to settle for being a really gifted reserve with a really bright future. At 6-6 and 211 pounds, he can already make all of the throws and has the field vision to see above linemen and clearly spot his receiver. No matter what happens, he?ll get occasional opportunities to move the offense this fall.
14. Keith Nichol, Michigan State ? Realizing there wouldn?t be many reps as long as Sam Bradford was around, Nichol left Oklahoma and headed back home, where the Spartans were seeking a successor for Brian Hoyer. The sophomore is getting a battle from classmate Kirk Cousins, which could continue deep into the summer. While Nichol doesn?t have an otherworldly arm, he?s intelligent, mobile, and leads by example. You can win plenty of games with him on the hill.
13. Garrett Gilbert, Texas ? So who replaces Colt McCoy after the 2009 season? It could be Gilbert if he shows enough growth and maturity in his first year in Austin. One of the most prolific passers in Texas high school history, he shows incredible poise and intelligence for such a young player, which will serve him well when the job officially opens up next spring. Beyond soaking up as much as possible and getting stronger in the weight room, he won?t be asked to do too much, but the switch will get turned toward the end of next February.
12. Kevin Newsome, Penn State ? Is there any doubt Newsome is the quarterback of the future in State College? From the moment he stepped foot on campus, he was already installed as Darryl Clark?s backup. Of course, the transfer of Pat Devlin to Delaware was another factor that?ll force the rookie to undergo a trial by fire. At a muscular and athletic 6-2 and 225 pounds, he conjures up images of a young Michael Robinson, who was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year in 2005. He?ll treat this fall like a four-month class before taking over in 2010.
11. E.J. Manuel, Florida State ? It?ll be interesting following the career trajectory of Manuel, hand-picked by coordinator Jimbo Fisher and one of the elite quarterbacks of 2008. His physical ability is indisputable. At 6-4 and 223 pounds, he can stand tall in the pocket and pick defenses apart or break outside the tackles and run for a first down. You?ll hear Jamarcus Russell comparisons for a reason. However, with junior Christian Ponder entrenched as the starter, Manuel?s repertoire might not fully go on display until 2011.
10. Dayne Crist, Notre Dame ? With Jimmy Clausen commanding such a considerable spotlight, it?s easy to forget that Crist was one of the top two or three pocket passers coming out of high school in 2008. Whether it?s in 2010 or 2011, he has a bright future in South Bend. At 6-4 and 223 pounds, he has ideal size at any level and the arm strength and quick feet to excel as soon as his number gets called. For now, he?ll be the No. 2 guy, patiently waiting for some live reps.
9. Landry Jones, Oklahoma ? As the likely backup to Sam Bradford and a coveted recruit from the 2008 class, Jones is on the fast track to becoming the face of the Sooner offense as early as next season. A tall, lanky hurler from New Mexico, he shows excellent touch on his passes and throws a catchable deep ball. Plus, he moves unexpectedly well for a 6-5 player, avoiding the rush and improvising with his feet when the need arises. If, as expected, Bradford leaves for the NFL, Jones could be his successor in 2010.
8. Matt Scott, Arizona ? A drop-off in the Wildcat passing game now that Willie Tuitama has graduated? Scott is doing his part to make sure that doesn?t happen. One of the most athletic quarterbacks to ever play in Tucson, he provides a new twist to the offense, flashing great speed and quickness outside the pocket. As a passer, he has great mechanics and throws accurate darts, a package he hopes will hold off fellow sophomore Nick Foles, a mad bomber from Michigan State.
7. Kyle Parker, Clemson ? This spot was supposed to be reserved for Willy Korn, who still has a shot to be a star with the Tigers. Parker, however, made things interesting in his second year on campus, authoring a head-turning spring and pulling into a dead heat in the race to replace Cullen Harper. Also an outfielder on the baseball team, the 6-0, 210-pound redshirt freshman has shown off a rifle for an arm, a great feel for the pocket, and tremendous intangibles. If he defeats Korn, the presumed franchise from the 2007 class, it?ll go down as one of the huge upsets of the offseason.
6. Jordan Jefferson, LSU ? After teasing the Tiger faithful in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, Jefferson plans to put it all together for an entire season. As a wide-eyed rookie, he helped abuse a very good Georgia Tech defense on the ground and through the air. A gifted all-around athlete, he spent much of the offseason fine-tuning the rough spots in his throwing motion and gaining the confidence of his teammates. Of course, if he plateaus, LSU can turn to Russell Shepard, another gem who?s unlikely to redshirt.
5. John Brantley, Florida ? Who succeeded QB Tim Tebow at Florida? You just know that?ll be a Trivial Pursuit question someday. The answer will be Brantley. The backup for a second straight year, he got some mop-up duty at the end of some blowouts last year and will get a bunch of similar snaps in 2009. While there?s no fool-proof blueprint for replacing a legend, the sophomore has the requisite passing skills and mechanics to carve out his own niche in Gainesville. He?ll have two years as the starter to keep the Gators rolling on offense.
4. Blaine Gabbert, Missouri ? While not as dramatic as replacing Tebow, Gabbert certainly has huge shoes to fill now that Chase Daniel has graduated. He?s not Daniel, but in time, that?ll be couched as a positive. At 6-5 and 235 pounds, he has the raw ingredients to someday become the most physically gifted quarterback to ever play at Mizzou. More of a pro-style passer than the last two Tigers to play the position, he has a predictably big arm, but also possesses surprising speed for such a big hurler. The ingredients are there for the Missouri passing attack to keep humming along in 2009.
3. Andrew Luck, Stanford ? After being plucked out of Texas by Jim Harbaugh in 2008, Luck might be ready to become the face of a rising program. He?ll have to beat out incumbent Tavita Pritchard first, but showed enough in the spring to make that come to fruition. At 6-4 and 225 pounds, he?s much thicker and stronger than when he arrived, and has the arm strength and touch to make all of the throws. A quarterback with his mental and physical ability has been missing from the Cardinal offense for years.
2. Ryan Mallett, Arkansas ? Originally slated to be the next big thing in a pro-style Michigan quarterback, Mallett bolted Ann Arbor when Rich Rodriguez came on board and changed the offensive philosophy. Instead, he?ll become the next pupil of Bobby Petrino to make NFL scouts sit up and pay attention. At 6-6 and 238 pounds, he makes quite a pocket presence and has the arm strength and RPMs to stretch defenses like few of his Hog predecessors.
1. Matt Barkley, USC ? Not only was Barkley the consensus top-rated quarterback in the 2009 class, but he performed in the spring as if he plans to win the job immediately. Now beating out Aaron Corp remains a tall order, but even the fact that it hasn?t been ruled out is a testament to his immense talent. By every possible measurement, he?s way ahead of the curve for an 18-year old, blending a rocket arm with the poise and natural feel for the position of a two-year starter. Although surrounded by a lot
Admit it. You?re a little tired of the endless articles and the magazines that feature this year?s Big 3 quarterbacks, Sam Bradford, Colt McCoy, and Tim Tebow; fantastic all-around college athletes and the poster boys for the 2009 season, but we may be reaching a saturation level of coverage even though the opener is still weeks away.
By this time next year, all three Heisman frontrunners are likely to be in NFL camps, so why not stay ahead of the curve and start investing a little time on those young, yet-to-be-tested hurlers likely to fill the void? Although their resumes can be written on a Post-it, their ceilings extend through the roof. So go ahead and feel free to start tossing around names, like Garrett Gilbert, Keith Nichol, and Shavodrick Beaver. Over the next year or so, plenty of these upstarts will repay your patronage by making you like an NCAA oracle.
30. B.J. Daniels, South Florida ? Once Matt Grothe concludes his fourth season as the starter, he?ll hands the reins over to Daniels, a 6-1, 212-pound redshirt freshman and one of the best all-around athletes on the team. Also a member of the Bull hoops team, he makes something out of nothing with his feet and has underrated arm strength. If he continues to learn and master the finer points of the position, he has a chance to be a special playmaker in Tampa.
29. Bryn Renner, North Carolina ? Butch Davis? recruiting engine has been well-oiled in recent years, except at the quarterback position. While T.J. Yates and Mike Paulus still have plenty of upside, neither has exploded into an all-star quite yet. Renner could wind up being the best of the three once he gets on campus and has a chance to start digesting the playbook. A 6-3, 195-pounder, he?ll fit the ball into tight windows and plays with the poise and intelligence of a coach?s son.
28. Larry Smith, Vanderbilt ? Following in the footsteps of former teammate Chris Nickson, Smith is another Alabama Prep Player of the Year to land in Nashville. After seeing action in the final two games of his redshirt freshman year, he has his sights fixed on winning the starting job this summer. A sturdy 6-2, 220-pounder, he can lower the boom outside the pocket, yet has shown enough development as a passer to be considered a true dual-threat.
27. Tom Savage, Rutgers ? Savage was plucked out of Pennsylvania this past February to be the starter by 2010...at the latest. A hard-throwing 6-5, 220-pounder, he has the highest ceiling on a roster littered with journeymen. He?s capable of pushing for playing time this fall if the transition isn?t too difficult or, at worst, redshirting and succeeding the two seniors, Domenic Natale and Jabu Lovelace, beginning next spring.
26. Nick Fanuzzi, Rice ? What do you get when combining an SEC talent with the high-octane Owl passing game? Gaudy numbers. It?s all there for the taking for Fanuzzi, a transfer from Alabama in a three-way tussle to replace Chase Clement this season. A nimble 6-3, 215-pounder, he?s flashed the agility and zip on his passes to make him an ideal fit for this fast-paced offense.
25. Shavodrick Beaver, Tulsa ? Winning the quarterback job at Tulsa means an instant opportunity for monster numbers and national notoriety. Just look at what Paul Smith and David Johnson did the last two years. Despite being a rookie, Beaver has the talent to be next in line to pilot the hurry-up, no-huddle offense. The 6-3, 190-pounder already took part in his first practices, turning heads in the spring game. A rangy kid, who?ll hurt defenses with his athletic ability and long stride, he de-committed from Michigan in order to play for Tulsa.
24. Brock Mansion, Cal ? It?s been a few years since Jeff Tedford molded a hurler into a pro-caliber performer. Mansion would like to be the coach?s next star pupil. A 6-5, 237-pound flamethrower, with an eye on Kevin Riley?s starting nod, he can make all of the throws and is surprisingly quick for such a super-sized quarterback. One of the nation?s top dropback recruits of 2007, he?ll be the frontrunner for the job in 2010, even if he?s the No. 2 guy this season.
23. Sean Renfree, Duke ? David Cutcliffe has a long track record of coaching up quarterbacks, which is the only reason he was able to get Renfree out of Arizona in 2008. While no threat to senior Thaddeus Lewis this fall, he does figure to get some reps in 2009 in order to make next season?s passing of the baton more seamless. At 6-3 and 210 pounds, he has the arm strength and the head to hit the ground running when his number eventually gets called.
22. Logan Gray, Georgia ? Fifth-year senior Joe Cox is the bridge from Matt Stafford to the future. Gray believes he?s the future at quarterback in Athens. A third-year sophomore, who only appeared in special teams in 2008, he?s the favorite to be the backup before challenging for the leading role in 2010. One of the nation?s top-rated dual-threats two years ago, the Dawgs went all the way to Missouri to land him. He?s going to get pushed by blue-chip freshman Aaron Murray, but has the electrifying speed and soft touch to stay ahead of the next wave of recruits in the pecking order.
21. Darron Thomas, Oregon ? The 6-3, 200-pound Thomas isn?t quite ready to take the controls, but then again, he won?t be asked to right away. The top contender to caddy for Jeremiah Masoli, he was forced into action last fall and nearly rallied the Ducks to a win over Boise State on pure physical instincts alone. At a school which covets strong-armed quarterbacks, who can break containment when the pocket collapses, he?s showing very early signs of being the second-coming of Dennis Dixon in Eugene.
20. MarQueis Gray, Minnesota ? How excited are the Gophers about Gray? They?re determined to take occasional reps from proven starter Adam Weber just to get him on the field. An exciting playmaker at 6-4 and 215 pounds, look for him to be employed in certain packages that make the most out of his ability to make connections and big plays on the move. Like a young Juice Williams, he?ll bird-dog some throws and is still raw as a passer, but his physical ability and considerable ceiling are indisputable.
19. Curt Phillips, Wisconsin ? Is Phillips ready to be Wisconsin?s answer to years of futility at quarterback? While only a second-year freshman, he?s shown enough in the offseason to get a long, hard look at the job currently occupied by senior Dustin Sherer. Experience aside, he?s got just about everything coaches are after, including a strong arm, outstanding mobility, and a quick release. The quarterback of the future in Madison might not have to wait until 2010 for pop the cork on that future. Don?t be surprised if No. 10 has a considerable role this fall.
18. Brock Osweiler, Arizona State ? Now that Rudy Carpenter has graduated, the Sun Devils need a hurler to build the offense around. Danny Sullivan is a senior and a one-year caretaker until the kids ripen. Osweiler, however, has considerable upside with the program. The 6-8, 237-pound true freshman turned heads in his first practices out of high school, flashing unexpected poise and maturity to go along with his obvious physical gifts. You might want to avoid any generalizations regarding his stature. Yes, he has a cannon, but he?s also a fine athlete, turning down basketball scholarships from the likes of Gonzaga before selecting ASU.
17. Eugene Smith, West Virginia ? Pat White is a Miami Dolphin. Jarrett Brown is a senior. Yup, there?s going to be a vacancy at quarterback in Morgantown real soon. Smith was signed this past February specifically to fill that opening. Although a broken foot in June will slow his development and keep him out until later in the month, he?ll be ready to compete for the top job in 2010. One of the top quarterbacks out of Florida last year, he gives the Mountaineers the arm strength and pocket presence to run a more pro-style offense.
16. Tyrik Rollison, Auburn ? If the new Gus Malzahn-inspired offense is going to eventually flourish on the Plains, Auburn will need the right quarterback to engineer it. Rollison, for instance. The true freshman, who plays like he?s channeling former Kansas State great Michael Bishop, is tremendously agile in the pocket and throws darts with the flick of his wrist. Given time to develop, he has all of the physical tools and the experience playing in the shotgun to blossom early in his career.
15. Mike Glennon, NC State ? If not for All-ACC teammate Russell Wilson, Glennon would be a sure-fire starter in Raleigh. For the time being, the can?t-miss redshirt freshman will have to settle for being a really gifted reserve with a really bright future. At 6-6 and 211 pounds, he can already make all of the throws and has the field vision to see above linemen and clearly spot his receiver. No matter what happens, he?ll get occasional opportunities to move the offense this fall.
14. Keith Nichol, Michigan State ? Realizing there wouldn?t be many reps as long as Sam Bradford was around, Nichol left Oklahoma and headed back home, where the Spartans were seeking a successor for Brian Hoyer. The sophomore is getting a battle from classmate Kirk Cousins, which could continue deep into the summer. While Nichol doesn?t have an otherworldly arm, he?s intelligent, mobile, and leads by example. You can win plenty of games with him on the hill.
13. Garrett Gilbert, Texas ? So who replaces Colt McCoy after the 2009 season? It could be Gilbert if he shows enough growth and maturity in his first year in Austin. One of the most prolific passers in Texas high school history, he shows incredible poise and intelligence for such a young player, which will serve him well when the job officially opens up next spring. Beyond soaking up as much as possible and getting stronger in the weight room, he won?t be asked to do too much, but the switch will get turned toward the end of next February.
12. Kevin Newsome, Penn State ? Is there any doubt Newsome is the quarterback of the future in State College? From the moment he stepped foot on campus, he was already installed as Darryl Clark?s backup. Of course, the transfer of Pat Devlin to Delaware was another factor that?ll force the rookie to undergo a trial by fire. At a muscular and athletic 6-2 and 225 pounds, he conjures up images of a young Michael Robinson, who was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year in 2005. He?ll treat this fall like a four-month class before taking over in 2010.
11. E.J. Manuel, Florida State ? It?ll be interesting following the career trajectory of Manuel, hand-picked by coordinator Jimbo Fisher and one of the elite quarterbacks of 2008. His physical ability is indisputable. At 6-4 and 223 pounds, he can stand tall in the pocket and pick defenses apart or break outside the tackles and run for a first down. You?ll hear Jamarcus Russell comparisons for a reason. However, with junior Christian Ponder entrenched as the starter, Manuel?s repertoire might not fully go on display until 2011.
10. Dayne Crist, Notre Dame ? With Jimmy Clausen commanding such a considerable spotlight, it?s easy to forget that Crist was one of the top two or three pocket passers coming out of high school in 2008. Whether it?s in 2010 or 2011, he has a bright future in South Bend. At 6-4 and 223 pounds, he has ideal size at any level and the arm strength and quick feet to excel as soon as his number gets called. For now, he?ll be the No. 2 guy, patiently waiting for some live reps.
9. Landry Jones, Oklahoma ? As the likely backup to Sam Bradford and a coveted recruit from the 2008 class, Jones is on the fast track to becoming the face of the Sooner offense as early as next season. A tall, lanky hurler from New Mexico, he shows excellent touch on his passes and throws a catchable deep ball. Plus, he moves unexpectedly well for a 6-5 player, avoiding the rush and improvising with his feet when the need arises. If, as expected, Bradford leaves for the NFL, Jones could be his successor in 2010.
8. Matt Scott, Arizona ? A drop-off in the Wildcat passing game now that Willie Tuitama has graduated? Scott is doing his part to make sure that doesn?t happen. One of the most athletic quarterbacks to ever play in Tucson, he provides a new twist to the offense, flashing great speed and quickness outside the pocket. As a passer, he has great mechanics and throws accurate darts, a package he hopes will hold off fellow sophomore Nick Foles, a mad bomber from Michigan State.
7. Kyle Parker, Clemson ? This spot was supposed to be reserved for Willy Korn, who still has a shot to be a star with the Tigers. Parker, however, made things interesting in his second year on campus, authoring a head-turning spring and pulling into a dead heat in the race to replace Cullen Harper. Also an outfielder on the baseball team, the 6-0, 210-pound redshirt freshman has shown off a rifle for an arm, a great feel for the pocket, and tremendous intangibles. If he defeats Korn, the presumed franchise from the 2007 class, it?ll go down as one of the huge upsets of the offseason.
6. Jordan Jefferson, LSU ? After teasing the Tiger faithful in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, Jefferson plans to put it all together for an entire season. As a wide-eyed rookie, he helped abuse a very good Georgia Tech defense on the ground and through the air. A gifted all-around athlete, he spent much of the offseason fine-tuning the rough spots in his throwing motion and gaining the confidence of his teammates. Of course, if he plateaus, LSU can turn to Russell Shepard, another gem who?s unlikely to redshirt.
5. John Brantley, Florida ? Who succeeded QB Tim Tebow at Florida? You just know that?ll be a Trivial Pursuit question someday. The answer will be Brantley. The backup for a second straight year, he got some mop-up duty at the end of some blowouts last year and will get a bunch of similar snaps in 2009. While there?s no fool-proof blueprint for replacing a legend, the sophomore has the requisite passing skills and mechanics to carve out his own niche in Gainesville. He?ll have two years as the starter to keep the Gators rolling on offense.
4. Blaine Gabbert, Missouri ? While not as dramatic as replacing Tebow, Gabbert certainly has huge shoes to fill now that Chase Daniel has graduated. He?s not Daniel, but in time, that?ll be couched as a positive. At 6-5 and 235 pounds, he has the raw ingredients to someday become the most physically gifted quarterback to ever play at Mizzou. More of a pro-style passer than the last two Tigers to play the position, he has a predictably big arm, but also possesses surprising speed for such a big hurler. The ingredients are there for the Missouri passing attack to keep humming along in 2009.
3. Andrew Luck, Stanford ? After being plucked out of Texas by Jim Harbaugh in 2008, Luck might be ready to become the face of a rising program. He?ll have to beat out incumbent Tavita Pritchard first, but showed enough in the spring to make that come to fruition. At 6-4 and 225 pounds, he?s much thicker and stronger than when he arrived, and has the arm strength and touch to make all of the throws. A quarterback with his mental and physical ability has been missing from the Cardinal offense for years.
2. Ryan Mallett, Arkansas ? Originally slated to be the next big thing in a pro-style Michigan quarterback, Mallett bolted Ann Arbor when Rich Rodriguez came on board and changed the offensive philosophy. Instead, he?ll become the next pupil of Bobby Petrino to make NFL scouts sit up and pay attention. At 6-6 and 238 pounds, he makes quite a pocket presence and has the arm strength and RPMs to stretch defenses like few of his Hog predecessors.
1. Matt Barkley, USC ? Not only was Barkley the consensus top-rated quarterback in the 2009 class, but he performed in the spring as if he plans to win the job immediately. Now beating out Aaron Corp remains a tall order, but even the fact that it hasn?t been ruled out is a testament to his immense talent. By every possible measurement, he?s way ahead of the curve for an 18-year old, blending a rocket arm with the poise and natural feel for the position of a two-year starter. Although surrounded by a lot
Re: 2009 College Football Notebook
According to a press release sent out by the school, North Carolina has lost special teams ace and potential contributor at safety Matt Merletti to an ACL tear that will end his 2009 season.
Here's the release:
According to a press release sent out by the school, North Carolina has lost special teams ace and potential contributor at safety Matt Merletti to an ACL tear that will end his 2009 season.
Here's the release:
North Carolina junior defensive back Matt Merletti tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during Tuesday afternoon's practice and will miss the 2009 season. One of Carolina's top special teams players, Merletti was competing for playing time at safety this fall. In 2008, the Cleveland native was a co-captain on special teams, an honor bestowed on UNC's top special teams players based on a point system. Merletti had 11 tackles last year and recovered two fumbles, including a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown vs. Connecticut.
Re: 2009 College Football Notebook
That will hurt UNC's special teams, and their depth, but this is probably not a critical loss.
That will hurt UNC's special teams, and their depth, but this is probably not a critical loss.
Cloverleaf
EOG Dedicated
Re: 2009 College Football Notebook
SOUTH CAROLINA
Spurrier is heading into his fifth season at South Carolina this fall, and the Gamecocks will feature a young but talented team that hopes to bounce back after a poor finish to the 2008 season. Spurrier brought in six new assistant coaches to help get the program headed back in the right direction, and the team appeared to have more intensity and focus with fresh faces on the staff. While some questions still remain, the Gamecocks are coming off what is easily the most productive and sound off season of the Spurrier era. All eyes will be on redshirt sophomore quarterback Stephen Garcia duing the 2009 campaign, and he has made noticeable strides in his decision making and understanding of the offense. Spurrier feels Garcia could have a breakout year. The quarterback should receive more help this year from a previously league worst offensice line thanks to the addition of new line coach Eric Wolford. The former Illinois line coach immediately put his stamp on the program by getting back to the basics of tough, in your face football. The offense will feature more spread formations and zone read plays this season, and the Gamecocks will likely go from being a pass first team to a more run oriented offense this season. The team has a number of good young running backs, highlighted by freshman and January enrollee Jarvis Giles. Brian Maddox, Eric Baker and Kenny Miles are all competing for playing time. SC will try to pound the ball some early on this season. The defense will be anchored by All-America candidate Eric Norwood. He will lead a defense that lost six starters from a year ago. The line should be the strength of the defense and with Norwood heading the linebackers, with JUCO transfers Tony Straughter and Josh Dickerson, the front seven should be pretty good. The secondary should be solid but lacks depth especially at corner. Safeties Darian Stewart and Chris Culliver are proven veterans and could challenge for All-SEC honors. Placekicker is a concern with a walk-on expected to handle both punting and field goals. South Carolina opens up on Thursday night (Sept 3rd) on ESPN vs North Carolina State. Good test for the Gamecocks right off the bat.
2009 Schedule
9/3 North Carolina State (away)
9/12 Georgia (away)
9/19 Florida Atlantic (home)
9/26 Ole Miss (home) *
10/3 South Carolina State (home)
10/10 Kentucky (home)
10/17 Alabama (away)
10/24 Vanderbilt (home)
10/31 Tennessee (away)
11/7 Arkansas (away)
11/14 Florida (home)
11/28 Clemson (home)
*nice spot for upset
SOUTH CAROLINA
Spurrier is heading into his fifth season at South Carolina this fall, and the Gamecocks will feature a young but talented team that hopes to bounce back after a poor finish to the 2008 season. Spurrier brought in six new assistant coaches to help get the program headed back in the right direction, and the team appeared to have more intensity and focus with fresh faces on the staff. While some questions still remain, the Gamecocks are coming off what is easily the most productive and sound off season of the Spurrier era. All eyes will be on redshirt sophomore quarterback Stephen Garcia duing the 2009 campaign, and he has made noticeable strides in his decision making and understanding of the offense. Spurrier feels Garcia could have a breakout year. The quarterback should receive more help this year from a previously league worst offensice line thanks to the addition of new line coach Eric Wolford. The former Illinois line coach immediately put his stamp on the program by getting back to the basics of tough, in your face football. The offense will feature more spread formations and zone read plays this season, and the Gamecocks will likely go from being a pass first team to a more run oriented offense this season. The team has a number of good young running backs, highlighted by freshman and January enrollee Jarvis Giles. Brian Maddox, Eric Baker and Kenny Miles are all competing for playing time. SC will try to pound the ball some early on this season. The defense will be anchored by All-America candidate Eric Norwood. He will lead a defense that lost six starters from a year ago. The line should be the strength of the defense and with Norwood heading the linebackers, with JUCO transfers Tony Straughter and Josh Dickerson, the front seven should be pretty good. The secondary should be solid but lacks depth especially at corner. Safeties Darian Stewart and Chris Culliver are proven veterans and could challenge for All-SEC honors. Placekicker is a concern with a walk-on expected to handle both punting and field goals. South Carolina opens up on Thursday night (Sept 3rd) on ESPN vs North Carolina State. Good test for the Gamecocks right off the bat.
2009 Schedule
9/3 North Carolina State (away)
9/12 Georgia (away)
9/19 Florida Atlantic (home)
9/26 Ole Miss (home) *
10/3 South Carolina State (home)
10/10 Kentucky (home)
10/17 Alabama (away)
10/24 Vanderbilt (home)
10/31 Tennessee (away)
11/7 Arkansas (away)
11/14 Florida (home)
11/28 Clemson (home)
*nice spot for upset
Re: 2009 College Football Notebook
USC QB Aaron Corp will return to full practice on Monday. He will continue to throw, and compete in 7 on 7's for the rest of this week. The knee appears to be fine. The race is back on, especially since Mustain did so well with the 2nd string, and Barkley only completed 5 out of 18 with the first string on Monday or Tuesday. Also TE Anthony McCoy has been cleared to resume practice.
USC QB Aaron Corp will return to full practice on Monday. He will continue to throw, and compete in 7 on 7's for the rest of this week. The knee appears to be fine. The race is back on, especially since Mustain did so well with the 2nd string, and Barkley only completed 5 out of 18 with the first string on Monday or Tuesday. Also TE Anthony McCoy has been cleared to resume practice.
Cloverleaf
EOG Dedicated
Re: 2009 College Football Notebook
Thanks men for the input. I have been on a jury for a murder trial for the past five
days. We deliberated for over 9 hours and my ass in worn out. Glad and honored to
do my duty. Next time I hope it is parking tickets or something.
I'm ready to get back to football.....................
There will be several cold beverages tonight to get back to business. I appreciate you
guys who take an interest in the Notebook. Thanks!
Thanks men for the input. I have been on a jury for a murder trial for the past five
days. We deliberated for over 9 hours and my ass in worn out. Glad and honored to
do my duty. Next time I hope it is parking tickets or something.
I'm ready to get back to football.....................
There will be several cold beverages tonight to get back to business. I appreciate you
guys who take an interest in the Notebook. Thanks!
Re: 2009 College Football Notebook
I hope you hung him if you found him guilty. Back to football. Tennessee has lost another WR. Denarius Moore will be out for 3 games. Along with the loss of Ausitn rogers, the Tennessee passing attack has dwindled to just about nothing. No QB. Very few WR's and no depth at either position. Not hard to figure out Kiffin's offense this year.
I hope you hung him if you found him guilty. Back to football. Tennessee has lost another WR. Denarius Moore will be out for 3 games. Along with the loss of Ausitn rogers, the Tennessee passing attack has dwindled to just about nothing. No QB. Very few WR's and no depth at either position. Not hard to figure out Kiffin's offense this year.
Cloverleaf
EOG Dedicated
Re: 2009 College Football Notebook
Guilty.
Vols have some issues. Opening game soft with Western Kentucky but UCLA and Florida
wait. I don't give a damn how high the total is for the Gator game, I'm taking the over.
UCLA in my judgement will be a problem for Tennessee.
Vols will depend on Defense....and hope like hell a QB comes through.
Guilty.
Vols have some issues. Opening game soft with Western Kentucky but UCLA and Florida
wait. I don't give a damn how high the total is for the Gator game, I'm taking the over.
UCLA in my judgement will be a problem for Tennessee.
Vols will depend on Defense....and hope like hell a QB comes through.
Re: 2009 College Football Notebook
A loss to UCLA,and Tennessee is in trouble. With 4 guaranteed losses (Florida, Alabama, Georgia and Ole Miss) they can ill aford to start the season 1-1. I think that they go 7-5, and get crushed in their Bowl Game. Next year, they have to play Alabama, Mississippi, and at LSU. Add that on to games at Georgia and at South Carolina, plus home games against Florida and Oregon, and 6 wins is highly unlikely. Kiffin and Tennessee is 2nd tier SEC team for the forseeable future.
A loss to UCLA,and Tennessee is in trouble. With 4 guaranteed losses (Florida, Alabama, Georgia and Ole Miss) they can ill aford to start the season 1-1. I think that they go 7-5, and get crushed in their Bowl Game. Next year, they have to play Alabama, Mississippi, and at LSU. Add that on to games at Georgia and at South Carolina, plus home games against Florida and Oregon, and 6 wins is highly unlikely. Kiffin and Tennessee is 2nd tier SEC team for the forseeable future.
Cloverleaf
EOG Dedicated
Re: 2009 College Football Notebook
BD, Kiffen lucks out with a schedule that is winnable. He did'nt luck out with big time
players at key positions on offense. DEFENSE is the key for any success for the Vols.
His QB's would only start for 'maybe' Mississippi State. The Dude has work to do but
Tennessee does have one hell of a coaching staff. They have their work cut out for
them but winning more than they lose may be a good job.
BD, Kiffen lucks out with a schedule that is winnable. He did'nt luck out with big time
players at key positions on offense. DEFENSE is the key for any success for the Vols.
His QB's would only start for 'maybe' Mississippi State. The Dude has work to do but
Tennessee does have one hell of a coaching staff. They have their work cut out for
them but winning more than they lose may be a good job.
Re: 2009 College Football Notebook
Possibly, but I think next year is when Kiffin faces his real test. If he has any team at all, this year is pretty cut and dry. Next year he faces a lot tougher competition.
Possibly, but I think next year is when Kiffin faces his real test. If he has any team at all, this year is pretty cut and dry. Next year he faces a lot tougher competition.
Cloverleaf
EOG Dedicated
Re: 2009 College Football Notebook
TENNESSEE
Word out of Knoxville is Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin hasn't picked a starting quarterback. Does it really matter? Tennessee has had some exceptionally good quarterbacks in the last 20 years, including Andy Kelly, Heath Shuler, Tee Martin, Casey Clausen, Erik Ainge and some guy named Peyton Manning. Now the Vols are down to senior Jonathan Crompton and junior Nick Stephens, who combined for an eye popping eight touchdown passes last year and eight interceptions. Give this team a decent quarterback, and maybe Tennessee might be able to back up some of the trash Kiffin has spouted this offseason. As it is, however, it might be a while before the Vols compete for an SEC championship.
FLORIDA
The Gators just received 58 of 60 first place votes by the Associated Press yesterday. Does that mean the Gators will automatically win the national title? Maybe and maybe not. Only four times has a team held the No. 1 spot in the AP poll all season, from start to finish. Nebraska managed it in 1971, Southern Cal in 1972 and 2004 and Florida State in 1999. The AP began its preseason poll in 1950, and only four times has a team stayed No. 1 the whole way. Just four times. Will Florida buck the trend? It doesn't mean a preseason No. 1 can't win the championship. In 1993, Florida State kept the top spot until losing late in the year to Notre Dame. The Irish lost the next week, and FSU claimed No. 1 for good in the following poll. This year, Florida has a favorable schedule, although nobody from a major conference is going to win a national title just because of a favorable schedule. Even if the Gators regular season slate isn't considered imposing, they still would have to get through a conference championship game and a national title game. Also, who knows what pothole is waiting for Florida? LSU, Georgia, South Carolina? Don't laugh....who would've figured Ole Miss would knock off the Gators last season? One thing for sure, this is going to be a team that will be fun to watch this season.
NEBRASKA
Running back Quentin Castille has been dismissed for the Nebraska football program for violating unspecified team rules. Coach Bo Pelini did not elaborate on the violations committed by the junior from La Porte, Texas. Pelini announced the dismissal following the No. 24 Cornhuskers' practice on Saturday, even though Castille has not practiced with the team for several days. The 6-1, 235 pound Castille was expected to be a key contributor for Nebraska this season. He'd been battling Roy Helu for the starting job.
ARKANSAS
Razorback wide receiver Lucas Miller had surgery Friday after breaking his collarbone at practice. The school says Miller will be out for four to six weeks. He was hurt Thursday when the Razorbacks were practicing indoors because of the weather. Miller has played in 33 games and made 10 career starts, including six last year. He finished the year with 30 receptions and two touchdowns.
TOP WINNING PERCENTAGES BY ACTIVE COACHES
COACH......................SCHOOL.................SEASONS......W-L-T........PCT.
Bob Stoops................Oklahoma...................10...........101-24-0.......80.8
Bobby Bowden............Florida State...............43...........382-123-4.....75.4
Joe Paterno................Penn State.................43...........383-127-3.....74.9
Steve Spurrier............South Carolina.............19...........170-62-2.......73.2
Nick Saban.................Alabama.....................13...........110-50-1.......68.6
Dennis Erickson...........Arizona State..............20...........163-75-1.......68.4
TENNESSEE
Word out of Knoxville is Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin hasn't picked a starting quarterback. Does it really matter? Tennessee has had some exceptionally good quarterbacks in the last 20 years, including Andy Kelly, Heath Shuler, Tee Martin, Casey Clausen, Erik Ainge and some guy named Peyton Manning. Now the Vols are down to senior Jonathan Crompton and junior Nick Stephens, who combined for an eye popping eight touchdown passes last year and eight interceptions. Give this team a decent quarterback, and maybe Tennessee might be able to back up some of the trash Kiffin has spouted this offseason. As it is, however, it might be a while before the Vols compete for an SEC championship.
FLORIDA
The Gators just received 58 of 60 first place votes by the Associated Press yesterday. Does that mean the Gators will automatically win the national title? Maybe and maybe not. Only four times has a team held the No. 1 spot in the AP poll all season, from start to finish. Nebraska managed it in 1971, Southern Cal in 1972 and 2004 and Florida State in 1999. The AP began its preseason poll in 1950, and only four times has a team stayed No. 1 the whole way. Just four times. Will Florida buck the trend? It doesn't mean a preseason No. 1 can't win the championship. In 1993, Florida State kept the top spot until losing late in the year to Notre Dame. The Irish lost the next week, and FSU claimed No. 1 for good in the following poll. This year, Florida has a favorable schedule, although nobody from a major conference is going to win a national title just because of a favorable schedule. Even if the Gators regular season slate isn't considered imposing, they still would have to get through a conference championship game and a national title game. Also, who knows what pothole is waiting for Florida? LSU, Georgia, South Carolina? Don't laugh....who would've figured Ole Miss would knock off the Gators last season? One thing for sure, this is going to be a team that will be fun to watch this season.
NEBRASKA
Running back Quentin Castille has been dismissed for the Nebraska football program for violating unspecified team rules. Coach Bo Pelini did not elaborate on the violations committed by the junior from La Porte, Texas. Pelini announced the dismissal following the No. 24 Cornhuskers' practice on Saturday, even though Castille has not practiced with the team for several days. The 6-1, 235 pound Castille was expected to be a key contributor for Nebraska this season. He'd been battling Roy Helu for the starting job.
ARKANSAS
Razorback wide receiver Lucas Miller had surgery Friday after breaking his collarbone at practice. The school says Miller will be out for four to six weeks. He was hurt Thursday when the Razorbacks were practicing indoors because of the weather. Miller has played in 33 games and made 10 career starts, including six last year. He finished the year with 30 receptions and two touchdowns.
TOP WINNING PERCENTAGES BY ACTIVE COACHES
COACH......................SCHOOL.................SEASONS......W-L-T........PCT.
Bob Stoops................Oklahoma...................10...........101-24-0.......80.8
Bobby Bowden............Florida State...............43...........382-123-4.....75.4
Joe Paterno................Penn State.................43...........383-127-3.....74.9
Steve Spurrier............South Carolina.............19...........170-62-2.......73.2
Nick Saban.................Alabama.....................13...........110-50-1.......68.6
Dennis Erickson...........Arizona State..............20...........163-75-1.......68.4
Re: 2009 College Football Notebook
Not close. Pete Carroll is the top winning coach by percentage. His 88-15 record translates to an 85.4 percent winning ratio. No one else is close. Mac Brown at 115-26 for a 81.6 percent is second. Jim Tressell at 83-19 which is an 81.4 rate is third.
Not close. Pete Carroll is the top winning coach by percentage. His 88-15 record translates to an 85.4 percent winning ratio. No one else is close. Mac Brown at 115-26 for a 81.6 percent is second. Jim Tressell at 83-19 which is an 81.4 rate is third.
Cloverleaf
EOG Dedicated
Re: 2009 College Football Notebook
BD, for some reason I left out a key qualifier for the above list.
(10 years of Division 1-A; record of four-year colleges only; bowl games included)
You are correct without the qualifier.
BD, for some reason I left out a key qualifier for the above list.
(10 years of Division 1-A; record of four-year colleges only; bowl games included)
You are correct without the qualifier.
Re: 2009 College Football Notebook
Got it. That would put Mack Brown on top of the list. He has 12 years of Division 1-A. He coached a couple of yers at UNC.
On Tuesday, Pete Carroll is expected to announce the starting QB for the San Jose State game. The key word being "expected". That gives Corp two days of full practice with the team. My guess is that Corp keeps his job.
Got it. That would put Mack Brown on top of the list. He has 12 years of Division 1-A. He coached a couple of yers at UNC.
On Tuesday, Pete Carroll is expected to announce the starting QB for the San Jose State game. The key word being "expected". That gives Corp two days of full practice with the team. My guess is that Corp keeps his job.
Cloverleaf
EOG Dedicated
Re: 2009 College Football Notebook
Mack Brown....24 yrs.....189-99-1......65.4
(Tulane-North Carolina-Texas)
ALABAMA
There is no competition for the starting quarterback at Alabama this fall. The backup job is another matter; however. Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban stopped short of offering full praise for the two returning quarterbacks behind starter Greg McElroy after Saturday's scrimmage in Bryant-Denny Stadium. "Well, I think Star Jackson and Thomas Darrah both have sort of shown their experience a little bit in the last two scrimmages and at practice," Saban said. "Thomas has probably done a little bit better job of executing in the passing game, but yet Star has done a good job of running the offense and making plays in other ways." Darrah, a sophomore walkon, completed 8 of his 19 passes for 121 yards. Jackson, who was the runner-up to McElroy for the starter's job in the spring, went 6 for 13 for 69 yards and two interceptions. If Bama played today, Darrah would be the second team QB.
SOUTHERN METHODIST (SMU)
It's going to be a long season at SMU (1-11, 3-6-2 ats), as if last year wasn't bad enough for Mustangs backers. SMU's only win of the season came at home to lowly Texas State, as the Mustangs didn't cash a single game SU in Conference USA. At least Southern Methodist can throw the ball down field, so it has something to lean on in tough times. Quarterback Bo Mitchell led a Mustangs offense that finished 17th in passing yards as a true freshman, and he should be better this year. With the passing game expected to improve in the second year under head coach June Jones' scheme, the running game could make inroads as a result. That would be welcome to a team that ran for only 41.4 yards per game, good for the last place in the country. Looking ahead to a shot at a bowl game in 2010, SMU should be able to take baby steps towards that goal this season. 41 rushing yards per game, amazing.
WYOMING
The Cowboys (4-8, 2-9 ats) were not a good team to wager on last season. Their offense was the worst scoring offense in the country. Wyoming put up only 12.7 points per game last season, even though the running game ranked 34th overall in yards per game (178). New head coach Dave Christensen has promised to turn things around, but one should only expect piecemeal improvements in his first season in Laramie. The schedule will make it hard for Wyoming to win on a weekly basis, with home dates against Texas, BYU, and TCU, and road games versus Air Force and Utah. If anything, the Cowboys have cashed the SU and ATS upset in their last two games against power conference opponents, with wins over Tennesse and Virginia. Let's hope for Wyoming fans sake the team can come up with the same type of effort in Mountain West Conference play this season.
NORTHWESTERN
Excitment is high at NW (9-4, 7-5 ats), and it should be after last season's finish. The Wildcats lost in the Alamo Bowl to Missouri, but they took the Tigers to overtime before bowing out. With the state of the Big Ten just a little shady after the likes of Ohio State and Penn State, Northwestern could play itself into the top of the second tier of teams along with Michigan State and Iowa. Sophomore Mike Kafka showed his mettle as a redshirt freshman in a win at Minnesota last season, and now he'll have the opportunity full time. The defense was solid last season, but the numbers don't tell the whole story. Northwestern was run over by the more physical teams in the conference for the better part of the last decade, so last year's improvement was much needed for Wildcats backers. If the unit can keep it up in the face of a slightly easier schedule, the Wildcats are looking at another opportunity for a bowl game.
Mack Brown....24 yrs.....189-99-1......65.4
(Tulane-North Carolina-Texas)
ALABAMA
There is no competition for the starting quarterback at Alabama this fall. The backup job is another matter; however. Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban stopped short of offering full praise for the two returning quarterbacks behind starter Greg McElroy after Saturday's scrimmage in Bryant-Denny Stadium. "Well, I think Star Jackson and Thomas Darrah both have sort of shown their experience a little bit in the last two scrimmages and at practice," Saban said. "Thomas has probably done a little bit better job of executing in the passing game, but yet Star has done a good job of running the offense and making plays in other ways." Darrah, a sophomore walkon, completed 8 of his 19 passes for 121 yards. Jackson, who was the runner-up to McElroy for the starter's job in the spring, went 6 for 13 for 69 yards and two interceptions. If Bama played today, Darrah would be the second team QB.
SOUTHERN METHODIST (SMU)
It's going to be a long season at SMU (1-11, 3-6-2 ats), as if last year wasn't bad enough for Mustangs backers. SMU's only win of the season came at home to lowly Texas State, as the Mustangs didn't cash a single game SU in Conference USA. At least Southern Methodist can throw the ball down field, so it has something to lean on in tough times. Quarterback Bo Mitchell led a Mustangs offense that finished 17th in passing yards as a true freshman, and he should be better this year. With the passing game expected to improve in the second year under head coach June Jones' scheme, the running game could make inroads as a result. That would be welcome to a team that ran for only 41.4 yards per game, good for the last place in the country. Looking ahead to a shot at a bowl game in 2010, SMU should be able to take baby steps towards that goal this season. 41 rushing yards per game, amazing.
WYOMING
The Cowboys (4-8, 2-9 ats) were not a good team to wager on last season. Their offense was the worst scoring offense in the country. Wyoming put up only 12.7 points per game last season, even though the running game ranked 34th overall in yards per game (178). New head coach Dave Christensen has promised to turn things around, but one should only expect piecemeal improvements in his first season in Laramie. The schedule will make it hard for Wyoming to win on a weekly basis, with home dates against Texas, BYU, and TCU, and road games versus Air Force and Utah. If anything, the Cowboys have cashed the SU and ATS upset in their last two games against power conference opponents, with wins over Tennesse and Virginia. Let's hope for Wyoming fans sake the team can come up with the same type of effort in Mountain West Conference play this season.
NORTHWESTERN
Excitment is high at NW (9-4, 7-5 ats), and it should be after last season's finish. The Wildcats lost in the Alamo Bowl to Missouri, but they took the Tigers to overtime before bowing out. With the state of the Big Ten just a little shady after the likes of Ohio State and Penn State, Northwestern could play itself into the top of the second tier of teams along with Michigan State and Iowa. Sophomore Mike Kafka showed his mettle as a redshirt freshman in a win at Minnesota last season, and now he'll have the opportunity full time. The defense was solid last season, but the numbers don't tell the whole story. Northwestern was run over by the more physical teams in the conference for the better part of the last decade, so last year's improvement was much needed for Wildcats backers. If the unit can keep it up in the face of a slightly easier schedule, the Wildcats are looking at another opportunity for a bowl game.
Re: 2009 College Football Notebook
Michigan coach Rich Rodreguez says that he will play all 3 of his QB's against Western Michigan. He also said that the QB that takes the first snap should not be considered the #1 QB on the team. Does RR have any clue as to what is going on at Michigan? He sounds totally lost. So everyone will play a lottle in the first game, and the guy who has a pass dropped or who has a RB stumble will be dumped to 3rd string. That sounds like a great way to build up confidence in a player. For the most part, QB by committee does not work, and it will not in this case.
Michigan coach Rich Rodreguez says that he will play all 3 of his QB's against Western Michigan. He also said that the QB that takes the first snap should not be considered the #1 QB on the team. Does RR have any clue as to what is going on at Michigan? He sounds totally lost. So everyone will play a lottle in the first game, and the guy who has a pass dropped or who has a RB stumble will be dumped to 3rd string. That sounds like a great way to build up confidence in a player. For the most part, QB by committee does not work, and it will not in this case.
Re: 2009 College Football Notebook
I do not understand it. The message I get from this is that all three QB's are pretty equal, and none of them are very good. Remember that RR was looking for yet another QB during the summer, when he entertained the idea of Greg Paulus coming to Michigan. I took Notre Daqe and gave 2 1/2 points as a future at Michigan. This is beginning to look better and better.
I do not understand it. The message I get from this is that all three QB's are pretty equal, and none of them are very good. Remember that RR was looking for yet another QB during the summer, when he entertained the idea of Greg Paulus coming to Michigan. I took Notre Daqe and gave 2 1/2 points as a future at Michigan. This is beginning to look better and better.
Re: 2009 College Football Notebook
why did you get banned at therx bdqh, was just looking over there in college foots section
check there every once in awhile
not starting anything, just curious
why did you get banned at therx bdqh, was just looking over there in college foots section
check there every once in awhile
not starting anything, just curious
Cloverleaf
EOG Dedicated
Re: 2009 College Football Notebook
GEORGIA (10-3, 4-7-1 ats)
Can you say touch schedule? A trip to Oklahoma State opens the season before the SEC opener in Athens against South Carolina. The Dawgs then travel west again, this time to face Arkansas. They return to Athens for two more difficult games, Arizona State and LSU, before hitting the usual difficult SEC season in October and beyond. The Bulldogs are not used to such a grinding September schedule, but it will likely be the most difficult stretch of the season. If there is an immediate area of concern for the Dawgs it is at the skill positions on offense. Joe cox will be the starter under center, and 2008 Freshman-of-the-Year A.J. Green will star at receiver, but the other playmakers are a little up in the air. There is no clear cut replacemant for Moreno at running back. Caleb King, Richard Samuel and Carlton Thomas could all see action. At receiver it is clear that Mike Moore has come along way to be the No. 2 receiver. Two freshmen, Marlon Brown and Rontavious Wooten, will also get an opportunity to play. Georgia's defensive and offensive lines will be the strength of the team. Several starters along both fronts who missed all of most of 2008 or spring 2009 practices have returned to the starting lineup. Jeff Owens, Trinton Sturdivant, Justin Anderson, Vince Vance, Josh Davis, Chris Davis and others will all return to the starting lineup or rotation. The return of so many players will unquestionably help the Dawgs this season. Georgia's linebackers, starring junior Rennie Curran, are deep and good. The group will be used heavily on special teams, which struggled as a result of so many injuries last season. Ther cornerbacks, with Prince Miller and newcomer Brandon Boykin, should be solid. Bryan Evans. who was at corner, found his home at safety and will be joined by future NFLer Reshad Jones at that spot. Georgia certainly has the capability to win 10 games this fall, but the challenge will be the schedule. A critical game with Florida in Jacksonville will likely decide the SEC East. If Georgia can get off to a good start it will have the chance to make some noise in the SEC. If it struggles out of the gate it could be one of the longest seasons of Mark Richt's tenure in Athens. I for one think they will win 9 or 10 games.
9/5 Oklahoma St (away)
9/12 South Carolina (home)
9/19 Arkansas (away)
9/26 Arizona St (home)
10/3 LSU (home)
10/10 Tennessee (away)
10/17 Vanderbilt (away)
10/31 Florida (away)
11/7 Tennessee Tech (home)
11/14 Auburn (home)
11/21 Kentucky (home)
11/28 Georgia Tech (away)
GEORGIA (10-3, 4-7-1 ats)
Can you say touch schedule? A trip to Oklahoma State opens the season before the SEC opener in Athens against South Carolina. The Dawgs then travel west again, this time to face Arkansas. They return to Athens for two more difficult games, Arizona State and LSU, before hitting the usual difficult SEC season in October and beyond. The Bulldogs are not used to such a grinding September schedule, but it will likely be the most difficult stretch of the season. If there is an immediate area of concern for the Dawgs it is at the skill positions on offense. Joe cox will be the starter under center, and 2008 Freshman-of-the-Year A.J. Green will star at receiver, but the other playmakers are a little up in the air. There is no clear cut replacemant for Moreno at running back. Caleb King, Richard Samuel and Carlton Thomas could all see action. At receiver it is clear that Mike Moore has come along way to be the No. 2 receiver. Two freshmen, Marlon Brown and Rontavious Wooten, will also get an opportunity to play. Georgia's defensive and offensive lines will be the strength of the team. Several starters along both fronts who missed all of most of 2008 or spring 2009 practices have returned to the starting lineup. Jeff Owens, Trinton Sturdivant, Justin Anderson, Vince Vance, Josh Davis, Chris Davis and others will all return to the starting lineup or rotation. The return of so many players will unquestionably help the Dawgs this season. Georgia's linebackers, starring junior Rennie Curran, are deep and good. The group will be used heavily on special teams, which struggled as a result of so many injuries last season. Ther cornerbacks, with Prince Miller and newcomer Brandon Boykin, should be solid. Bryan Evans. who was at corner, found his home at safety and will be joined by future NFLer Reshad Jones at that spot. Georgia certainly has the capability to win 10 games this fall, but the challenge will be the schedule. A critical game with Florida in Jacksonville will likely decide the SEC East. If Georgia can get off to a good start it will have the chance to make some noise in the SEC. If it struggles out of the gate it could be one of the longest seasons of Mark Richt's tenure in Athens. I for one think they will win 9 or 10 games.
9/5 Oklahoma St (away)
9/12 South Carolina (home)
9/19 Arkansas (away)
9/26 Arizona St (home)
10/3 LSU (home)
10/10 Tennessee (away)
10/17 Vanderbilt (away)
10/31 Florida (away)
11/7 Tennessee Tech (home)
11/14 Auburn (home)
11/21 Kentucky (home)
11/28 Georgia Tech (away)
Re: 2009 College Football Notebook
Was I banned? I haven't been there in 3 days. Thanks for telling me. To be honest, I do not have a clue, but I guess I should find out. Thanks for the heads up.
Add on: According to what they told me, I was banned for "agenda driven posting". Can anyone tell me what in the hell is "agenda driven posting?" I will send them an e-mailand try to find out more. Agenda driven posting. Funnier than hell.
Was I banned? I haven't been there in 3 days. Thanks for telling me. To be honest, I do not have a clue, but I guess I should find out. Thanks for the heads up.
Add on: According to what they told me, I was banned for "agenda driven posting". Can anyone tell me what in the hell is "agenda driven posting?" I will send them an e-mailand try to find out more. Agenda driven posting. Funnier than hell.
Cloverleaf
EOG Dedicated
Re: 2009 College Football Notebook
TENNESSEE
The Vols have named Jonathan Crompton as their starting quarterback. Crompton had been in a battle with junior Nick Stephens to see who opened up September 5th under center. Both made six starts in 2008, with Crompton averaging 111 yards passing a game and throwing four touchdowns and five interceptions. Stephens averaged 120 yards passing per game and threw four touchdowns and three interceptions.
Wide receiver Gerald Jones is expected to miss three to six weeks after suffering a high ankle sprain during the Volunteers' most recent scrimmage. He is the team's most experienced receiver.
Center Josh McNeil will undergo knee surgery and miss some playing time. McNiel has started 35 of his 38 games with the Vols.
NORTH CAROLINA STATE
Quarterback Russell Wilson would like to forget last year's game against South Carolina were he suffered a concussion. The game film has reminded Wilson how North Carolina State imploded after he was injured. Wilson yesterday called that injury against the Gamecocks last year "a freak accident" and says his maturity and understanding of the Wolfpack's offense should help him avoid injuries this time around. He was healthy when NC State won four straight games to reach the Papajohns Bowl.
GEORGIA
Tight end Bryce Ros is ending his football career due to a chronic foot condition. Georgia director of sports medicine Ron Courson says Ros, a redshirt freshman suffers from chronic degenerative changes in his right foot. Ros suffered the injury as a junior in High School. He had corrective surgery but has continued to have symptoms.
VANDERBILT
Head coach Bobby Johnson says defensive end Theron Kadri has left the team. Johnson said in a news release yesterday that Kadri told him he was leaving for personal reasons. The 6-4, 250 pound Kadri had played in 22 career games.
KENTUCKY
Cats wide receiver E.J. Fields will have surgery to repair a foot injury and is out indefinitely. Coach Rich Brooks says Fields has a torn ligament in his mid-foot and will have surgery Thursday. Fields, a redshirt freshman was expected to compete for playing time this season.
MIAMI
Canes backup quarterbacks Taylor Cook and Cannon Smith say they are leaving the Hurricanes. Both are trying to find new schools in time for the fall semester. Their decisions mean freshman A.J. Highsmith will likely enter the season as the backup to starter Jacory Harris. Extra team holder Matt Perrelli saw time at quarterback in one game in 2006. This ain't good folks!
OLE MISS (QB JEVON SNEAD)
The prep All-American was set to sign with the Florida Gators, then a player named Tim Tebow entered from the wings. His home state Texas Longhorns seemed like a better option. He enrolled at Texas early, but Colt McCoy had a head start and wouldn't step aside. Soon after the 2006 season, Snead packed his bags and headed for Mississippi. After sitting out 2007, Snead passed for 2,762 yards and 26 touchdowns with 12 interceptions as a sophomore. Looks like the kid made the right move. Tebow and McCoy are pretty tough competition.
ALABAMA
The quest for Terrence Cody to play more on passing downs is not complete. Saban said the nose tackle nicknamed "Mount Cody" had not hit the specific weight requirement he had set for him to play all three downs. That weight is 348 pounds, and while Saban didn't say exactly where Cody's weight stood, he said it wasn't below 348. At the beginning of practices August 6, Cody weight a little less than 360. "We call that team 'the rabbits'," Saban said. "So to qualify to be a rabbit, you hae to be down to 348."
TENNESSEE
The Vols have named Jonathan Crompton as their starting quarterback. Crompton had been in a battle with junior Nick Stephens to see who opened up September 5th under center. Both made six starts in 2008, with Crompton averaging 111 yards passing a game and throwing four touchdowns and five interceptions. Stephens averaged 120 yards passing per game and threw four touchdowns and three interceptions.
Wide receiver Gerald Jones is expected to miss three to six weeks after suffering a high ankle sprain during the Volunteers' most recent scrimmage. He is the team's most experienced receiver.
Center Josh McNeil will undergo knee surgery and miss some playing time. McNiel has started 35 of his 38 games with the Vols.
NORTH CAROLINA STATE
Quarterback Russell Wilson would like to forget last year's game against South Carolina were he suffered a concussion. The game film has reminded Wilson how North Carolina State imploded after he was injured. Wilson yesterday called that injury against the Gamecocks last year "a freak accident" and says his maturity and understanding of the Wolfpack's offense should help him avoid injuries this time around. He was healthy when NC State won four straight games to reach the Papajohns Bowl.
GEORGIA
Tight end Bryce Ros is ending his football career due to a chronic foot condition. Georgia director of sports medicine Ron Courson says Ros, a redshirt freshman suffers from chronic degenerative changes in his right foot. Ros suffered the injury as a junior in High School. He had corrective surgery but has continued to have symptoms.
VANDERBILT
Head coach Bobby Johnson says defensive end Theron Kadri has left the team. Johnson said in a news release yesterday that Kadri told him he was leaving for personal reasons. The 6-4, 250 pound Kadri had played in 22 career games.
KENTUCKY
Cats wide receiver E.J. Fields will have surgery to repair a foot injury and is out indefinitely. Coach Rich Brooks says Fields has a torn ligament in his mid-foot and will have surgery Thursday. Fields, a redshirt freshman was expected to compete for playing time this season.
MIAMI
Canes backup quarterbacks Taylor Cook and Cannon Smith say they are leaving the Hurricanes. Both are trying to find new schools in time for the fall semester. Their decisions mean freshman A.J. Highsmith will likely enter the season as the backup to starter Jacory Harris. Extra team holder Matt Perrelli saw time at quarterback in one game in 2006. This ain't good folks!
OLE MISS (QB JEVON SNEAD)
The prep All-American was set to sign with the Florida Gators, then a player named Tim Tebow entered from the wings. His home state Texas Longhorns seemed like a better option. He enrolled at Texas early, but Colt McCoy had a head start and wouldn't step aside. Soon after the 2006 season, Snead packed his bags and headed for Mississippi. After sitting out 2007, Snead passed for 2,762 yards and 26 touchdowns with 12 interceptions as a sophomore. Looks like the kid made the right move. Tebow and McCoy are pretty tough competition.
ALABAMA
The quest for Terrence Cody to play more on passing downs is not complete. Saban said the nose tackle nicknamed "Mount Cody" had not hit the specific weight requirement he had set for him to play all three downs. That weight is 348 pounds, and while Saban didn't say exactly where Cody's weight stood, he said it wasn't below 348. At the beginning of practices August 6, Cody weight a little less than 360. "We call that team 'the rabbits'," Saban said. "So to qualify to be a rabbit, you hae to be down to 348."
Re: 2009 College Football Notebook
Tennessee jsut keeps losing more and more offensive players. How is this team going to score? They obvioiusly have no passing game, and now aparently lose a major cog in their offensive line.
Miami is a mess. Losing both backup QB's shows just how little Shannon knows about his team. Miami is not desperately thin at the QB position. One injury, and this team is looking at a disaster this season. They will be lucky to get to a bowl game.
Tennessee jsut keeps losing more and more offensive players. How is this team going to score? They obvioiusly have no passing game, and now aparently lose a major cog in their offensive line.
Miami is a mess. Losing both backup QB's shows just how little Shannon knows about his team. Miami is not desperately thin at the QB position. One injury, and this team is looking at a disaster this season. They will be lucky to get to a bowl game.
Cloverleaf
EOG Dedicated
Re: 2009 College Football Notebook
BD, if Miami loses their QB to injury, they are in bigtime trouble. A freshman who is not
ready to play backed up by an extra point holder. Not a good situation for the Canes.
BD, if Miami loses their QB to injury, they are in bigtime trouble. A freshman who is not
ready to play backed up by an extra point holder. Not a good situation for the Canes.
Cloverleaf
EOG Dedicated
Re: 2009 College Football Notebook
PITT
Dave Wannstedt has named Bill Stull as his starting quarterback. Stull didn't play himself out of the job despite struggling during much of preseason camp, which ended yesterday. Wannstedt says the senior hasn't made any big strides but has performed well enough to remain the starter. Stull had several poor practices last week after Wannstedt first said he was the starter. Stull was competing with redshirt freshman Tino Sunseri and junior Pat Bostick, who has made nine career starts. Stull is scheduled to start his third consecutive opener September 5 against Youngstown State. He injured his right thumb in Pitt's 2007 opener and missed the rest of the season.
INDIANA
Indiana has agreed to move a home game against Penn State next season to FedExField, home of the Washington Redskins. The Hoosiers will receive $3 million in return for moving the game November 20, 2010. Hoosiers coach Bill Lynch called the change a win-win stiuation for the program, which has expressed interest in recruiting the Washington area. Indiana said it will look to and add another home game to the 2010 schedule. The Hoosiers still must sell 7,000 tickets for the game. The stadium seats more than 91,000. FedExField also will host a game between Boise State and Virginia Tech on October 2, 2010.
MICHIGAN
University officials say the school has commitments for 70 percent of the luxury suites the new look Big House will have in 2010. The rest of the boxes are expected to be filled next year. The Big House has undergone a $226 million renovation. For $55,000 to $85,000 per season and at least a three year commitment, well helled fans will have 16 comfortable seats in a 15 foot wide by 28 foot deep box that comes with two TV's, granite countertops and sapele wood cabinets. If Michigan plays like they did last year, there won't be a waiting list.
MISSISSIPPI STATE
Head coach Dan Mullen still hasn't named his starting quarterback. He said he probably won't name a starter until the first play of the first game. Either Tyson Lee or Chris Relf will open up September 5 against Jackson State. To Mullen, the question that consumes an awful lot of conversations with the season less than two weeks away is irrelevant. It's not the player that matters, it's the play when it comes to settling on a starter for the former Florida offensive coordinator. I wonder if he felt that way when Tim Tebow was his quarterback?
TENNESSEE
Highly touted freshman RB Bryce Brown will not be punished as the result of an NCAA investigation into his eligibility, coach Lane Kiffin said yesterday. The NCAA was reviewing whether money was improperly raised for Brown to visit colleges and collegiate football camps during his sophomore year of high school. Tennessee was not recruiting him at the time. Kiffin said the NCAA was considering a four game suspension and a hefty fine as punishment initially, but continued to review the case until deciding to drop it. This kid could be a player for the Vols.
ALABAMA
Improving special teams play was a point Saban has emphasized all off season and pre-season practice. With Virginia Tech and its reputation for excellent special teams on deck opening week, there won't be much time to work out the kinks. Saban said he has been encouraged by progress with a little more than a week left before the September opener. "We're very aware that the team we're going to open with has been a team that likes to put pressure on specialists, had a history that they've been able to block punts and it's going to be important that we do a great job in protection," Saban said yesterday. "I think that comes down to fundamentals, execution, footwork, good stance and start what you're doing and being disciplined and how to do it. But we have a pretty experienced group of guys and a punter that has made improvement each year." You can count on a big special team play by either VT or Bama in this one.
KENTUCKY
Rich Brooks said that junior Will Fidler has cemented his role as the backup quarterback behind Mike Hartline. Fidler had been battling freshmen Morgan Newton and Ryan Mossakowski for the position. Brooks expects that bigtime recruits Morgan or Newton will be redshirted, but he's not certain which on will sti out the season.
Football season is finally here. Let's all have some fun and help each other make a little cash. Good luck to everyone this season!
PITT
Dave Wannstedt has named Bill Stull as his starting quarterback. Stull didn't play himself out of the job despite struggling during much of preseason camp, which ended yesterday. Wannstedt says the senior hasn't made any big strides but has performed well enough to remain the starter. Stull had several poor practices last week after Wannstedt first said he was the starter. Stull was competing with redshirt freshman Tino Sunseri and junior Pat Bostick, who has made nine career starts. Stull is scheduled to start his third consecutive opener September 5 against Youngstown State. He injured his right thumb in Pitt's 2007 opener and missed the rest of the season.
INDIANA
Indiana has agreed to move a home game against Penn State next season to FedExField, home of the Washington Redskins. The Hoosiers will receive $3 million in return for moving the game November 20, 2010. Hoosiers coach Bill Lynch called the change a win-win stiuation for the program, which has expressed interest in recruiting the Washington area. Indiana said it will look to and add another home game to the 2010 schedule. The Hoosiers still must sell 7,000 tickets for the game. The stadium seats more than 91,000. FedExField also will host a game between Boise State and Virginia Tech on October 2, 2010.
MICHIGAN
University officials say the school has commitments for 70 percent of the luxury suites the new look Big House will have in 2010. The rest of the boxes are expected to be filled next year. The Big House has undergone a $226 million renovation. For $55,000 to $85,000 per season and at least a three year commitment, well helled fans will have 16 comfortable seats in a 15 foot wide by 28 foot deep box that comes with two TV's, granite countertops and sapele wood cabinets. If Michigan plays like they did last year, there won't be a waiting list.
MISSISSIPPI STATE
Head coach Dan Mullen still hasn't named his starting quarterback. He said he probably won't name a starter until the first play of the first game. Either Tyson Lee or Chris Relf will open up September 5 against Jackson State. To Mullen, the question that consumes an awful lot of conversations with the season less than two weeks away is irrelevant. It's not the player that matters, it's the play when it comes to settling on a starter for the former Florida offensive coordinator. I wonder if he felt that way when Tim Tebow was his quarterback?
TENNESSEE
Highly touted freshman RB Bryce Brown will not be punished as the result of an NCAA investigation into his eligibility, coach Lane Kiffin said yesterday. The NCAA was reviewing whether money was improperly raised for Brown to visit colleges and collegiate football camps during his sophomore year of high school. Tennessee was not recruiting him at the time. Kiffin said the NCAA was considering a four game suspension and a hefty fine as punishment initially, but continued to review the case until deciding to drop it. This kid could be a player for the Vols.
ALABAMA
Improving special teams play was a point Saban has emphasized all off season and pre-season practice. With Virginia Tech and its reputation for excellent special teams on deck opening week, there won't be much time to work out the kinks. Saban said he has been encouraged by progress with a little more than a week left before the September opener. "We're very aware that the team we're going to open with has been a team that likes to put pressure on specialists, had a history that they've been able to block punts and it's going to be important that we do a great job in protection," Saban said yesterday. "I think that comes down to fundamentals, execution, footwork, good stance and start what you're doing and being disciplined and how to do it. But we have a pretty experienced group of guys and a punter that has made improvement each year." You can count on a big special team play by either VT or Bama in this one.
KENTUCKY
Rich Brooks said that junior Will Fidler has cemented his role as the backup quarterback behind Mike Hartline. Fidler had been battling freshmen Morgan Newton and Ryan Mossakowski for the position. Brooks expects that bigtime recruits Morgan or Newton will be redshirted, but he's not certain which on will sti out the season.
Football season is finally here. Let's all have some fun and help each other make a little cash. Good luck to everyone this season!