College Football 2008 Conference Preview: ACC

This may be a big down year for the ACC, the ACC Championship is wide open too.

Predicted Order of Finish:
Atlantic:
1. Clemson
The Tigers return a plethora of starters, 14 in all. The backfield should be incredible, QB Cullen Harper returns, along with one of the best RB tandems in the nation in James Davis and CJ Spiller. The offensive line could keep them from competing for a national title spot. They struggled a lot last season with not protecting Harper and they need to replace virtually that whole line. The defense should be solid as most of the key starters are in-tact.

2. Wake Forest
Wake struggled last season because of Riley Skinner's shoulder injury, but as long as he stays healthy, Wake should be a contender in the ACC. Josh Adams is a speedy runner at tailback, the WR department will have some unknowns as the returners only caught 47 passes total last season. The defensive front seven will be loaded led by DTs Boo Robinson and John Russell and LBs Aaron Curry and Stanley Arnoux. The secondary will be decent with 3 starters back, which includes All-ACC Alphonso Smith.

3. Florida St.
This could be Bobby Bowden's last season and he wants to end on a high note. QB Drew Weatherford returns after improving upon his turnovers from 2006. FSU will be pretty deep at RB with Antone Smith back, plus JC transfer Tavares Pressley and true frosh Jermaine Thomas. Off-season problems will hurt WR, top wide-out Preston Parker is out for the first two games. Sr. Greg Carr is back though. FSU will need their defense to step up if they want to rise back to the top of the ACC, they have plenty of holes which should keep them from playing in a New Years Day bowl game.

4. Maryland
Chris Turner will be the likely starter after starting in the final 6 games last season and defeated BC and Rutgers. Josh Portis, a transfer from Florida, should see some time as well. Da'Rel Scott and Morgan Green are capable backs but they need more depth. The WRs should be among the best in the ACC, led by Derrius Heyward-Bey. If the defense can find some depth up-front and in the secondary they can compete for reasonable bowl bid.

5. Boston College
BC does lose Matt Ryan, which could be a problem during the beginning of the season. RB James McCluskey is back as BC's leading rusher. The WR crew returns some decent pass catchers which should help the new QB. BJ Raji is the lone returning bright spot on the D-Line. The LB corps was struck hard with graduation after having a strong unit last season. Expect this to be more of a rebuilding season after losing in the ACC Championship.

6. NC State
The QB position is a huge question mark. RB could be the lone positive area of the team with some talent and depth there, led by Toney Baker and Andre Brown. The WR and O-Line need some players to step up. Look for the defense to struggle, especially early as they look for some play makers to step up and replace some loses.

Coastal:
1. Virginia Tech
V-Tech won't be as deep or talented as in recent years but they still have plenty of play makers and Frank Beamer and Bud Foster are terrific coaches. The QB position is deep, Sr. Sean Glennon recently won the starting job. Tyrod Taylor is a great back-up. The Hokies were hit hard after Branden Ore was kicked off the team. The Hokies need some WRs to step up as they lose their top 4 WRs, all seniors. The O-Line is a plus with it's experience. The defense will be down after big losses in Chris Ellis at DE, Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi at LB, and Brandon Flowers at CB; but there won't be a huge drop-off. There may not be much experience back, but look for DE Orion Martin and DB Victor (Macho) Harris to be some of the best in the ACC.

2. North Carolina
UNC returns 43 letter winners in all and is looking to improve and compete for an ACC Title. QB TJ Yates returns, so does RB Greg Little and top WR Hakeem Hicks. The O-Line has developed some depth. The defense should be better; the DT is loaded with talent and depth but they need someone to step up at end. The LB unit just needs more experience and the secondary returns all 4 starters, who look very promising.

3. Miami
Miami is well positioned for a bright future with plenty of young talent and good recruiting classes. But this year? Not so much. QB is deep but young. Robert Marve should be the opening day starter and he has loads of talent. Javarris James and Graig Cooper are a tremendous RB duo. Aldarius Johnson looks to lead a young WR unit. The D-Line could be one of the worst in the conference and that's saying a lot. LB has been hit with injuries and the secondary looks promising, they just need someone to replace Kenny Phillips.

4. Virginia
The Cavs do lose DE Chris Long, other key defensive players, important O-Linemen, and QB Jameel Sewell, but they should dwell on a surprising 2007 season that ended up in the Gator Bowl.

5. Georgia Tech
Look for Tech to underachieve again with plenty of question marks all over the field.

6. Duke
QB Thad Lewis is the lone bright spot for one of the worst FBS teams out there.

ACC Championship:
Clemson over Virginia Tech

Offensive Player of the Year:
James Davis, RB- Clemson

Defensive Player of the Year:
Michael Johnson, DE- Georgia Tech

Freshman of the Year:

Arthur Brown, LB- Miami

Coach of the Year:
Butch Davis- UNC

Top 3 Games:
Virginia Tech at North Carolina- Sept. 20

Clemson at Wake Forest- Oct. 9

Clemson at Florida St.- Nov. 8

College Football Weekend Preview

Time for some analysis and predictions.

Miami at Oklahoma
This game will be closer then one might think. Miami's Defense will keep them in the game. The difference maker will be how both of the QBs perform. OU's Sam Bradford was pretty impressive last week vs. N. Texas, but this week he will be facing one of the best defenses in the country. Bradford must make good decisions and keep his turnovers and mistakes to a minimum in order for OU to win. OU's Defense is pretty underrated and Miami's freshmen QB Kirby Freshmen needs to be almost perfect for Miami to win this one.

The Pick: Oklahoma

Nebraska at Wake Forest
Nebraska's offense looked pretty stagnant at times last week vs. Nevada. But towards the end of the game they finally got it together. Wake is still a team to be reckoned with, no one should take them lightly; they are very well coached, and have a lot of play makers. This should be a very good game. Wake's D gave up some big plays to BC last week and will need to step up in order to top Nebraska's offense.

The Pick: Nebraska

Oregon at Michigan
It will be interesting to see how Michigan bounces back after their embarrassing loss to Appalachian St. Oregon believes they can play right with Michigan and provide some problems for them. Michigan's Defense made way too many mistakes last week and they can't afford the same vs. Oregon. This is a must win for Lloyd Carr.

The Pick: Michigan

Notre Dame at Penn St.
Notre Dame looked horrible last week vs. Georgia Tech. Jimmy Clausen will get a chance to strut his stuff vs. a talented Nittany Lions team. Penn St. looked impressive last weekend, but then again they were playing Florida International, arguably the worst team in the the FBS (1-A).

The Pick: Penn St.

South Florida at Auburn
South Florida has a very good chance at knocking off Auburn. But last week they struggled vs. FCS - Elon. Auburn didn't impress me either vs. Kansas St., but KSU is a much improved team. I think Auburn is a little overrated this year. Should be a good close game.

The Pick: Auburn

BYU at UCLA
BYU is a good team with a tough defense. They took it to Pac 10 foe Arizona last week. UCLA has a lot of experience back but they didn't necessarily impress me last week vs. Stanford. This should be a defensive battle with not a lot of TDs, expect a FG to determine the outcome.

The Pick: UCLA

South Carolina at Georgia
The winner has an inside shot at winning the SEC East, this is a big game for both teams. Georgia looked pretty impressive vs. Oklahoma St. Matthew Stafford is a good QB and his WRs made some plays last Saturday. Oklahoma St. looked mediocre at best and I thought they would have given UGA a better fight. I guess we'll find out more about Georgia after this game.

The Pick: Georgia

Upset of the Week
TCU over Texas
Texas struggled against Arkansas St. and definitely didn't look like the number 4 team in the country according to the Associated Press. This will a good hard-fought game and whoevers defense performs better will win this game. I like TCU's Defense in this one.

D-1AA (FCS) Game of the Week
South Dakota St. vs. Youngstown St.
Both teams are coming off tough losses. SDSU has a very good defense but Youngstown St.'s Offense is very explosive. I still see this being a high scoring game.

The Pick: Youngstown St.

Game of the Week
Virginia Tech at LSU
V-Tech struggled last week vs. ECU, but LSU shouldn't view that game as a measuring stick. The Hokies are still just as talented as LSU. LSU's Defense was very impressive in the season opener last week and in my opinion is the best defense in the country. The offense was okay and didn't impress me at all, the reason they scored so much was because of their D and they also were playing Mississippi St. Expect this to be a relatively low scoring game with arguably the nations two best defenses clashing in Baton Rouge Saturday night.

The Pick: LSU

BCS Bowl Predictions

TSF's comprehensive 2007 NCAA Football Preview concludes with the BCS Bowl Predictions.

USC vs. West Virginia
USC should run the table even with a semi-tough schedule. WVA has a very good chance to finish undefeated even with games at Rutgers and South Florida, their offense will be too explosive.

Wisconsin vs. Florida
Wisconsin will be one of the best teams in the country and will finish 11-1 and and win the Big Ten. I see Florida finishing 10-3, but still earning a BCS Bowl bid with some impressive wins.

LSU vs. Michigan
LSU has a very good chance at finishing undefeated but something tells me they will lose to either V-Tech or Alabama, which will keep them out of the title game. Michigan will finish 2nd in the Big Ten and winds up in the Sugar Bowl with no fit in any of the others.

Virginia Tech vs. Louisville
Something tells me that V-Tech may just be playing in the BCS Title Game, but I can't make up my mind about their game at LSU. As of right now I see them finishing 12-1 with winning the ACC. Louisville has to play at WVA and S. FLA and should falter at least in one of those games.

Texas vs. Hawaii
I see Texas winning the Big 12 and Hawaii finishing undefeated with one of the easiest schedules in the country.

What are your BCS Bowl Predictions?

TSF College Football Pre-season Top 20 Poll

As we continue TSF's comprehensive College Football preview, here is our pre-season Top 20 Poll.

1. USC- opens Sept. 1 vs. Idaho
Toughest game- Nov. 10 at California

2. West Virginia- opens Sept. 1 vs. W. Michigan
Toughest game- Oct. 27 at Rutgers

3. LSU- opens Aug. 30 at Mississippi St.
Toughest game- Sept. 8 vs. V-Tech

4. Virginia Tech- opens Sept. 1 vs. East Carolina
Toughest game- Sept. 8 at LSU

5. Florida- opens Sept. 1 vs. W. Kentucky
Toughest game- Oct. 6 at LSU

6. Wisconsin- opens Sept. 1 vs. Washington St.
Toughest game- Nov. 10 vs. Michigan

7. Michigan- opens Sept. 1 vs. Appalachian St.
Toughest game- Nov. 10 at Wisconsin

8. Louisville- opens Aug. 30 vs. Murray St.
Toughest game- Nov. 8 vs. Louisville

9. Texas- opens Sept. 1 vs. Arkansas St.
Toughest game- Oct. 6 vs. Oklahoma

10. Oklahoma- opens Sept. 1 vs. North Texas
Toughest game- Oct. 6 at Texas

11. California- opens Sept. 1 vs. Tennessee
Toughest game- Nov. 10 vs. USC

12. Arkansas- opens Sept. 1 vs. Troy
Toughest game- Nov. 23 at LSU

13. UCLA- opens Sept. 1 at Stanford
Toughest game- Dec. 1 at USC

14. Ohio St.- opens Sept 1. vs. Youngstown St.
Toughest game- Nov. 17 at Michigan

15. Rutgers- opens Aug. 30 vs. Buffalo
Toughest game- Oct. 27 vs. West Virginia

16. Penn St.- opens Sept. 1 vs. Florida International
Toughest game- Sept. 22 at Michigan

17. Tennessee- opens Sept. 1 at California
Toughest game- Sept. 15 at Florida

18. Nebraska- opens Sept. 1 vs. Nevada
Toughest game- Sept. 15 vs. USC

19. Auburn- opens Sept. 1 vs. Kansas St.
Toughest game- Oct. 20 at LSU

20. TCU- opens Sept. 1 vs. Baylor
Toughest game- Sept. 8 at Texas

College Football 2007 Conference Preview: ACC

The ACC has been nothing special within the last few season. With so many average and mediocre teams, this conference will be one of the toughest to pick.

Predicted Order of Finish
Atlantic
1. Boston College
BC returns 16 starters including one of the best QBs in the conference in Matt Ryan. Two RBs return as well with plenty of experience, L.V. Whitworth and Andre Callender will be sharing the ball-carrying duties. They did lose some key players at WR but they do return some good steady talent there. The defense will be loaded with all 4 d-linemen back along with 4 other letter winners. LB will be it's strongest unit of the defense returning all 3 starters there as well, which includes Sr's Jolonn Dunbar, Tyrone Pruitt, and Brian Toal. The secondary should be good too with one of the top DB's in DeJuan Tribble and hard-hitting FS Jamie Silva back.

2. Florida St.
FSU struggled last year finishing 7-6. Bobby Bowden completely transformed his offensive coaching staff hiring 4 new assistants. They still need to figure out the QB situation between Drew Weatherford and Xavier Lee. From my stand point, it looks like it will be Weatherford. The offense has plenty of talent to improve from '06. They return RB Antone Smith, who was injured last season, but should make a big impact. Stud WR Greg Carr returns as well.

3. Wake Forest
The Demon Deacons came out of nowhere last year to win the conference title. The offense will be pretty good again which is led by QB Riley Skinner along with a deep and very experienced o-line. The defense is where the Deacons have a lot of question marks and holes to fill. Only 5 starters are back on that side of the ball.

4. Clemson
It will be interesting to see how the Tigers perform this year. They lose some key important players but return some as well. The QB position is the main ingredient to where they will finish the season. Cullen Harper and freshman Willie Korn are battling for that QB spot, with Harper most likely getting the first look, but Korn has a lot of talent and could end up with the starting job as the season wears on. The Tigers return one of the nations best RB tandems in Jr. James Davis and So. C.J. Spiller. David accounted for 1,187 yards on the ground and 17 TDs, while Spiller gained 1,415 all-purpose yards and 12 TDs. The main WRs are gone but they have plenty of talent available. They have plenty of issues all over the defensive side which will also make a big impact on Clemson's fate this season.

5. Maryland
Maryland has 13 starters back after finishing 9-4 last season. They still need to find a QB but have three emerging stars battling for the position in Jordan Steffy, Josh Portis, and Chris Turner. One of them will need to get the ball to one of the top WRs in the nation in Darrius Heyward-Bey. The defense will experience some growing pains as the season wears on, but should get better game by game with a lot of young potential talent at just about every position.

6. NC St.
The Wolfpack struggled at the end of the season in '06 losing 7 straight games. They need to find a new QB which it looks like it will be Daniel Evans, who started some games last season. The offense should be alright with 8 returning, but the defense needs to improve drastically. They return 5 starters on that side of the ball and have major holes to fill, especially at LB.

Coastal
1. Virginia Tech
The Hokies are definitely the clear-cut favorite to win the ACC. They return 16 starters, 8 on offense and 8 on defense. QB Sean Glennon returns along with one of the best RBs in the country in Branden Ore. They will also have some of the best WRs in the country with speedster Eddie Royal, Josh Morgan, Justin Harper, and Josh Hyman, all seniors, returning. V-Tech also bolsters one of the top, if not the top defense, in the country. There's tremendous defensive talent and depth all over the field; the d-line is very solid with 3 starters back from that unit which includes DE Chris Ellis. They also have two of the best LBs in the country in Xavier Adibi and Vince Hall. The secondary will be very talented as well with one of the best CBs in the nation as well in Brandon Flowers. Also, Victor Harris returns at CB along with D.J. Parker at FS. If V-Tech didn't have to visit LSU on Sept. 8, they would be one of my picks to play in the BCS National Title Game. But my mind could change very quickly...

2. Georgia Tech
They did lose elusive QB Reggie Ball and big-time play maker WR Calvin Johnson, but the Yellow Jackets still have plenty of experience and depth returning. RB Tashard Choice is back and could be a darkhorse candidate for the Heisman Trophy. The offensive line will be strong with plenty of veterans back and the defense should be pretty decent with 8 returnees back on that side of the ball.

3. Miami
Randy Shannon will be the new head coach for the Hurricanes replacing Larry Coker. The offense needs to improve in order for the Canes to be successful this season. QB Kyle Wright hasn't panned out like we expected but 2007 is a new year. The RB position has some young talent in Javarris James and Graig Cooper. They do return leading pass-catcher Lance Leggett, but a lot of their young talent sat out of the spring with injuries still leaving the rest of the WR positions wide open. The defense should be great returning 8 starters and one of the top DBs in the nation in Kenny Phillips.

4. Virginia
The Cavs were mediocre last year but have a lot of potential with 7 starters back on defense and the whole offensive line back as well. QB Jameel Steele returns, but they need people to step up at RB and WR.

5. North Carolina
Butch Davis is the new coach at UNC and has plenty of positions to fill. He needs to find a new QB, RB depth, and new offensive linemen. The defense must improve in order for the Tar Heels to improve at all. They have talent in the secondary but must find some play makers at LB.

6. Duke
Duke does return 11 starters on offense, but QB Thaddeus Lewis cannot do everything by himself. The defense was one of the worst in the country and they only return 5 starters there. Expect The Blue Devils to continue their 20-game losing streak.

ACC Championship:
Virginia Tech over Boston College

Offensive Player of the Year:
Tashard Choice, RB- Georgia Tech

Defensive Player of the Year:
Xavier Adibi, LB- Virginia Tech

Freshman of the Year:
Graig Cooper, RB- Miami

Coach of the Year:
Frank Beamer- Virginia Tech

Games to Watch:
Boston College at Virginia Tech- Oct. 25

Florida St. at Boston College-Nov. 3

Florida St. at Clemson- Sept. 3

Florida St. at Virginia Tech- Nov. 10

Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech- Nov. 1

2007 College Football Games of the Year

The 2007 College Football season schedules officially came out earlier this week, so now we'll take a look at the best of the best of all the games.

September 1
Tennessee at California

This game should be at least better than last years game with the Vols drubbing the Golden Bears. Both teams are heavy contenders to win their own conferences and are legitimate contenders for a BCS Bowl game as well.

Early Prediction: California

September 3
Florida St. at Clemson

Bowden Bowl IX will take place on Labor Day Weekend. Tommy has handled his dad pretty well recently winning the last two and three of eight overall. This is a huge early game to get a jump start in the ACC and FSU cannot afford a loss here with their tough schedule as it is.
Early Prediction: Clemson

September 8
Virginia Tech at LSU

Two of the countries top defenses will meet at one of the most hostile environments on CBS. Both teams return a lot of talent; this should be a great game with players such as Matt Flynn, Jacob Hester, Early Doucet, Ali Highsmith of LSU and Sean Glennon, Branden Ore, Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi of V-Tech clashing on the field.

Early Prediction: LSU

September 15
Tennessee at Florida
This is definitely one of the greatest rivalries in College Football. It seems like the winner usually comes out as the SEC East Champ. I love the QB matchup here with Tim Tebow vs. Erik Ainge. The big thing for Florida is their inexperienced defense being able to handle the Vols' big WR's; the good thing for the Gators is that their playing in their backyard.
Early Prediction: Florida

USC at Nebraska
This will be a little closer game than last year, I believe Nebraska will win the Big 12 North again and have a decent shot at a BCS Bowl bid. The Cornhuskers will be improved but USC is the pre-season national champion favorite. USC returns a lot and will have one of the best defenses in the country.
Early Prediction: USC

October 6

Florida at LSU

This will be one of the biggest games of the year and definitely the biggest in the SEC. Look for these two teams to both be ranked in the top 5 coming into this game. LSU looks to get revenge after the Gators embarrassed them last season at the Swamp.
Early Prediction: LSU

Texas vs. Oklahoma

The Red River Shootout is always an intense and fierce game. Texas has won the last two over the Sooners; expect this to be one of the best of the last few seasons.
Early Prediction: Too close to call right now

October 20
USC at Notre Dame

Remember the Bush push two years ago? This game should be similar to last years game in So. Cal, USC scoring at will and ND sucking it up and looking overrated. With Jimmy Clausen at QB the experienced USC D will tear him up. Even if this is a blowout it is still one of the biggest games of the year.
Early Prediction: USC

October 25
Boston College at V-Tech
These two teams always have great games against one another and don't be surprised to see these two teams in the ACC Championship either on Dec. 1.

Early Prediction: V-Tech

October 27

Florida vs. Georgia

The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party should be a good one again. The two super sophomore QB's Tim Tebow and Matthew Stafford will be clashing again. Expect Florida to continue their dominance of this rivalry.

Early Prediction: Florida

November 3
Wisconsin at Ohio St.
Two early Big 10 favorites will meet at the Horseshoe as OSU tries to get back to the national title game. OSU won't be near the team they were last year but will be one of the top teams in the Big 10. In my opinion, Wisconsin is the Big 10 favorite and if both teams are undefeated come this date, this will be one of biggest games of the year.
Early Prediction: Ohio St.

November 8
Louisville at West Virginia
Both teams should be undefeated by this game and the winner could be in that BCS National Title Game. The best backfield in the nation will take on a very good L'Ville defense. I encourage you to mark this date on your calendar.

Early Prediction: West Virginia

November 10

Michigan at Wisconsin
From my stand point, these two will be the top two teams in the Big 10. This is no doubt the Big 10 Game of the Year. The winner will play in the Rose Bowl and possibly the BCS National Championship Game.
Early Prediction: Wisconsin

USC at California

Early Prediction: USC

November 17
Ohio St. at Michigan

Well, it won't be as big as last seasons game, but this is arguably the greatest rivalry in all of sports.

Early Prediction: Michigan

November 23
Arkansas at LSU
The winner of this game will be heading to the SEC Title Game.
Early Prediction: LSU

November 24
Rivalry Week
State rivalry day. Alabama vs. Auburn. Virginia vs. Virginia Tech. Georgia vs. Georgia Tech. Florida vs. Florida State. Washington vs. Washington State. Clemson vs. South Carolina.
Early Predictions: Auburn, V-Tech, Georgia, Florida, Washington St., and Clemson.

December 1
UCLA at USC
This game will be huge because of last years game; could we possibly have the same scenario as last season?
Early Prediction: USC

What games are you looking forward to? Any big games I missed?