Never too early... for College Football Rankings

Here's my EARLY College Football 2011 Top 5.  More to come later...

1. Oklahoma
OU could return the overwhelming majority of starters on both sides of the ball, plus plenty of backups with starting experience.  Landry Jones should be one of the best QB in the nation and a Heisman candidate.  It also doesn't hurt that WR Ryan Broyles has decided to come back.  RB DeMarco Murray is one of the few defections.

2. Alabama
Bama should return the majority of their starters as well.  They do lose QB Greg McElroy, DE Marcel Dareus, WR Julio Jones and RB Mark Ingram, but Trent Richardson is just as good.  4 OL starters, LB Dont'a Hightower and Mark Barron are good places to start.  QB seems to be one of the few question marks.

3. LSU
Les Miles decided to stay.  That should bode well for the Tigers, who have been the most consistent SEC team in the past decade.  18 starters are back.  There will plenty of QB competition to push Jordan Jefferson who played better down the stretch.

4. Oregon
The Ducks lose key starters on both sides of the ball.  Questions abound all over.  The defense will take a big it loses Casey Matthews, Brandon Bair and Talmadge Jackson III.  The offense is good enough to keep them in the top 5. QB Darron Thomas and RB LaMichael James return to lead another potent offense.

5. Oklahoma State
As of right now there won't be many great teams next season which should help the Cowboy.  The offense brings back 9 starters, including QB Brandon Weeden.  WR Justin Blackmon still could forgo the draft.  The defense loses the majority of it's players, but when has OSU ever had a defense?

Attack on Success

Cam Newton has been in the news lately.  Not only has he lead his Auburn Tigers to an undefeated record thus far this season, but he's also passed for 1980 yards, 19 TD and rushed for 1146 yards.  But that's not the only reason.  Newton has been accused of cheating while he was enrolled at Florida two seasons ago.  He's also been accused of discussing a pay-for-play plan with Mississippi State recruiters.

But why is this news just coming out now?  If Auburn was currently 5-5 or 6-4 would this be out right now?  I doubt it.  It just goes to show that when you succeed and doing well, stuff in your past can come out to haunt you.  And people will do just about anything to bring you down.  It's sad really.

I'm not saying Newton is innocent and this stuff didn't happen.  But everybody is just assuming that he's guilty.  What happened to innocent until proven guilty?

Even if he did cheat at Florida, who cares?  What does that have to do with Auburn right now?  Would cheating at Florida affect his eligibility at Auburn?  No.  And it shouldn't either.

The more important thing should be whether or not the pay-for-play plan is true.  I'm not saying it didn't happen.  But if it's true, it will eventually come out.  It may be true, I'm just willing to give Newton the benefit of the doubt for now.  It just goes to show, if you succeed at something, there will always be people out there to get you and bring you down.

2010 College Football Power Rankings: Week 4

Our first power rankings of the season.

1. Alabama
They deserve this spot until somebody knocks them off.  Big test this weekend @ Arkansas.  We'll see if they deserve this spot.

2. Ohio St.
Terrelle Pryor looks like a new man.  He has virtually been unstoppable and the defense has been unflappable.

3. Oregon
Best offense in the country.  This is a team that's being a little overlooked when it comes to the BCS National Title picture.

4. Boise St.
Another big test for them this weekend vs. Oregon State.  A win here and they will have a decent argument for a national title game berth.

5. Nebraska
This team looks that much better than last season.  The defense is still very stout and new QB Taylor Martinez has sparked the offense.

6. TCU
Defense looks good despite losing some big names.  Andy Dalton has the offense picking up where they left off in 2009.

7. Florida
Things looked a little bleak early but the offense is starting to click.  Now to stay healthy and keep their guys out of trouble.

8. Oklahoma
Schizophrenic team that can look dominant at times, other times far from that.

9. Texas
Defense still fairly good.  Gilbert looks to be continuing to improve.

10. Arkansas
I've said all along that this team was a big sleeper.  Ryan Mallet just may be the best QB in the country too.  They always seem to play number 1 teams tough.  Look out Bama.

11. Wisconsin
Looked a little iffy vs. Arizona St.  When running game is on they are tough.  We'll see how good they really are soon.

12. South Carolina
Is this the year Spurrier finishes top 2 in the SEC West?  Garcia has been solid at QB and the defense looks good as ever.

13. LSU
LSU is young and has speed.  They should continue to improve.

14. Arizona
Big win over Iowa puts them in this spot.

15. Iowa
Tough road loss to Zona.  They're still a very good team if they can overcome some injuries.

Not far from the pack:
Stanford, Miami, Michigan, Auburn, Utah

2010 College Football Preview: Big Ten

College Football is less than a week away, I'll do a quick preview of each conference.  Nothing to in-depth, but it's time to get back into the college football spirit.  Let's go!



1. Ohio St.
Terrelle Pryor is back and looking to continue his late season success.  Pryor will be in New York for the Heisman presentation and has a great chance to even win it.  The Buckeyes return 17 starters coming off a big Rose Bowl win over Oregon.  Brandon Saine and DeVier Posey are also back to help Pryor win a national title.

2. Iowa
Iowa surprised many last season.  They had a very stingy defense and return the majority of it.  The secondary will be arguably the best in the country.  Ricky Stanzi returns at QB, along with Adrian Clayborn at DE.  Look for the Hawkeyes to get back to a BCS Bowl.

3. Wisconsin
Will UW finally live up to it's preseason hype?  I think so.  18 starters return in all.  RB John Clay is one of the best in the conference.  If the defense can hold it's own and fill some holes, they have a shot to win the Big Ten.

4. Penn St.
Penn St. returns a majority of it's players but they do lose QB Daryl Clark.  Evan Royster will be one of the best backs in the nation.  The defense should be decent again, but I don't think Joe Pa will get his 11 wins for the 4th time in the past 6 seasons.

5. Northwestern
A team that was a sleeper last season and should be again in 2010.  They return a good nucleus of players that should make them very competitive again.  They do lose some key players including QB Mike Kafka and DE Corey Wootton, but look for the Cats to get a big surprise win again and play in another bowl game.

6. Michigan
I really see Michigan improving quite a bit this year.  They're older and more experienced and it took a bit to adjust to Rich Rodriguez's system.  Michigan is a about a year away from competing for the Big Ten title again, but they have a favorable conference schedule to finish in the top half.

7.  Michigan St.
MSU once again returns the majority of it's team but they never seem to live up to the preseason hype.  They will let Spartan nation down once again.  Their Big Ten schedule is fairly tough despite Ohio St. being left off.  Greg Jones leads a tough defense but I just don't see Sparty living up to the hype.

8. Purdue
Look for the Boilermakers to climb up the Big Ten latter again this season lead by WR Keith Smith and Miami QB transfer Robert Marve.

9. Illinois
Illinois has some talent and Ron Zook always recruits well but he never seems to convert that into wins.

10. Minnesota
Gopher fans are starting to get frustrated with Tim Brewster.  He's recruited well the past few seasons, but look for Mini to have another miserable year.

11. Indiana
The Hoosiers have a very talented WR core but that's it.

Offensive Player of the Year: Terrelle Pryor, QB- OSU

Defensive Player of the Year: Greg Jones, LB- MSU

Coach of the Year: Rich Rodriguez- Michigan

The End of an Era

For those of you who don't know already, I am a huge Florida Gators football fan. When I heard the news yesterday of Urban Meyer stepping down as Florida's Head Coach, I was astonished. I couldn't believe it.

I knew that he was having a little health trouble but nothing that would lead to this. You know it has to be somewhat serious. Meyer loves his job and works harder at it then any other coach in the country. He never takes a day off. He works 365 days a year and that's what people need to understand when it comes to coaching college football; especially at a place like the University of Florida. Which is arguably the best job in all of College Football.

In the end, I think it's for the best. If he thinks it's best he step down then it's a good decision. If his health is going to affect his coaching then it is the right decision in the end. And I respect that.

As for who will replace him. To tell you the truth, I hope it's Dan Mullen from Mississippi State or Bob Stoops from Oklahoma and nobody else. They both make sense. Mullen was Urban's Offensive Coordinator for 4 years before moving on to become HC at MSU this season. Stoops was an assistant under Steve Spurrier and also the defensive coordinator before moving to Oklahoma in the late 90's.

As a Gator fan I don't want anybody else. I don't want a mid-major coach. Granted Urban came from Utah. I want somebody who is familiar with the program, can continue getting top notch athletes from the state of Florida and continue the tradition of Florida football. Mullen and Stoops can do that.

College Football All-Decade Team

Here's TSF's All-Decade Team for College Football!

Offense:

QB: Tim Tebow
Nearly 3 Heismans and won 2 National Titles

RB: Darren McFadden
Two-time Heisman runner up, 2nd all-time SEC rusher

RB: Adrian Peterson (OU)
NCAA frosh rushing record holder

WR: Larry Fitzgerald
Caught 161 passes for 2,677 yards and 34 TD in 2 seasons

WR: Calvin Johnson
3 solids years at Georgia Tech with 1,202 yards at 15 TD in his Jr. season

TE: Kellen Winslow
Set all of Miami's TE records. Won a national title and the Mackey Award

OL: Jake Long
Two-time All-American and two-time Big 10 OL of the Year

OL: Bryant McKinnie
Two-time All-American, Outland Winner and 8th in Heisman (01)

OL: Greg Eslinger
Started 4 years, Two-time All-American and Outland Winner

OL: Joe Thomas
Started 3 years after moving from TE, Outland Winner

OL: Steve Huchinson
Did not allow a sack in his last two seasons. Outland Winner

Defense:

DE: Terrell Suggs
NCAA Season Record holder with 24 sacks

DT: Ndamukong Suh
Lead his team in tackles this past season. 4th in Heisman (09)

DT: Tommie Harris
Three-time All-American, Lombardi Winner

DE: David Pollack
Three-time All-American

LB: Patrick Willis
Two-time All-American and Butkus winner

LB: Brandon Spikes
Two National Titles and two-time All-American

LB: AJ Hawk
Two-time All-American and Lombardi Winner

S: Ed Reed
One of the most dominating players in CF history. Two-time All-American

S: Eric Berry
Soon to be three-time All-American

CB: Antonie Cason
Four-year starter. All-American in 2007

CB: Terence Newman
All-American in 2002 and Jim Thorpe winner

Special Teams

K: Mike Nugent (Ohio State)
P: Mike Dragosavich (North Dakota State)
KR: Brandon James (Florida)
PR: Wes Welker (Texas Tech)
Coach: Urban Meyer (Florida)

Look for Ohio State to turn some heads in '09

College Football starts this Thursday and boy I cannot wait. All we're hearing about thus far is Florida, Texas and Oklahoma, which makes me ponder which team will make a run with the rest of them that everybody is looking over?

Well, it's Ohio State.

I know they've sucked in big games the past few seasons. I know they lost 7 starters on offense, including Beanie Wells, Brian Robiskie, and studs James Laurinaitis and Malcolm Jenkins on defense. But Jim Tressel always has talent waiting in the wings.

This is the perfect time for them to quell the doubters from the past. They do not have too high of expectations this season and they lost some big time players.

But they do have Terrelle Pryor back. I am a big fan of this guy and I truly believe he will win a Heisman and even a national championship if he stays all 4 years at OSU. I really believe that. Pryor is going to have a great season this year and will make everybody on the field around him better.

Much of the O-Line returns so there's a good start. Dan Herron performed well when Beanie Wells was injured and Ray Small and DeVier Posey are capable pass catchers. Frosh Duron Carter and James Jackson could contribute significantly as well.

The defensive line returns 3 starters and a formidable Michigan transfer in Justin Boren joins the team, which is a very good start for the defense.

But in the end I do not expect the departures to be as big of a deal as they say. Jim Tressel is still one of the best coaches in the country and there is plenty of talent in the stable and the in-coming freshmen are ready to step up. With a proven QB back and one who has some of the best talent in the country, look for the Buckeyes to turn some heads and be a BCS Title contender by the end of the season.

All of that can start on September 12, when 4th ranked USC comes to town.

2009 College Football Preview: SEC

College Football is just around the corner! We will be doing our College Football Preview until the first game begins with conference predictions, all-conference teams, BCS Bowl predictions and more...

Projected Order of Finish

East

1. Florida
Well duh... The Gators are the overwhelming favorite in the East. Tim Tebow returns along with 6 other offensive starters. Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey are dynamic speedsters who can step right in for Percy Harvin. The defense also returns all 11 starters and the whole two-deep depth chart.

2. Georgia
The Dawgs lose some valuable players in Matt Stafford and Knowshon Moreno. Joe Cox is ready to take the helms under center. AJ Green may be the best WR in the conference (if not the country) and Caleb King should fill in well at RB. The defense had a lot of young talent last year. The defensive line should be tough with Geno Atkins back. Look for the defense to improve.

3. Tennessee
The Vols were awful last year, but I think they will be a lot better this season. This team had some talent but were inexperienced. The defense was one of the best in the conference but the offense just couldn't put points on the board. Eric Berry is arguably the best DB in the nation. Look for QB Jonathan Crompton to get the Vols O some more production.

4. South Carolina
The Gamecocks lose some big time players on both sides of the ball. Stephen Garcia will be the main QB this season and looks to help a struggling offense. The defense has always been there but they need more consistency on the other side. This will once again not be Steve Spurrier's year in South Carolina.

5. Vanderbilt
Vandy returns 19 starters from an improved 2008 season. They still lack that star that can get them over the top; the defense was good last season but they often relied on it too much. If they can get some more consistency from the offense and hold their own on defense, the Commodores could get over the hump.

6. Kentucky
Kentucky was same old Kentucky last year yet they still found themselves in a bowl game. The offense was abysmal but the QBs look promising and RB Alfonso Smith is a good back. The defense has a few play makers but look for the Cats to continue down the bottom of the SEC East.

West

1. Mississippi
The Rebels showed what they were made of in their bowl game drupping of Texas Tech. Jevan Snead might be one of the most underrated QB's in the nation. Plenty experience returns on both sides of the ball. The RB position is stacked with Brandon Bolden, Cordera Eason, and Dexter McCluster all capable ball carriers.

2. Alabama
The defense returns 9 starters and the offense returns RB Mark Ingram and one of the best WRs in the nation in Julio Jones. QB position is a big question mark now that John Parker Wilson is gone.

3. LSU
You really think Les Miles will have another down year? Think again... QB Jordan Jefferson is coming along well and veteran RB Charles Scott is a bruiser in the backfield. WR Brandon LaFell should help spread defenses too.

4. Auburn
Auburn missed their first bowl game since 1999. New head coach Gene Chizik is looking to get this Tiger team back to the top. The talent is there and 14 starters are back. The offense was off and on last season but the defense kept them in games. Look for DB Zac Etheridge to be one of the best in the conference.

5. Arkansas
They went from good in 2007 to bad in 2008. Don't expect things to be much different this season. Ryan Mallett should finally give them some stability at QB, something they've been missing the past several seasons. The defense gave up a lot of points and must get better if they want to move up the West standings at all.

6. Mississippi St.
Look for new head coach Dan Mullen to bring some creativity to the offense. The MSU faithful should be pretty excited with the former Florida OC calling the plays. Too many question marks at the QB position and on offense for them to get back to a bowl game though.

SEC Championshp:
Florida over Mississippi

All TSF SEC Team

Offense
QB Tim Tebow- Florida
RB Charles Scott- LSU
RB Michael Smith- Arkansas
WR AJ Green- Georgia
WR Julio Jones- Alabama
TE Aaron Hernandez- Florida
OL Maurkice Pouncey- Florida
OL Mike Pouncey- Florida
OL Ciron Black- LSU
OL John Jerry- Ole Miss
OL Mike Johnson- Alabama

Defense
DL Carlos Dunlap- Florida
DL Greg Hardy- Ole Miss
DL Terrence Cody- Alabama
DL Geno Atkins- Georgia
LB Rennie Curran- Georgia
LB Brandon Spikes- Florida
LB Rolando McClain- Alabama
DB Eric Berry- Tennessee
DB Joe Haden- Florida
DB Ahmad Black- Florida
DB Trevard Lindley- Kentucky

Offensive Player of the Year
Tim Tebow- Florida

Defensive Player of the Year
Eric Berry- Tennessee

Freshman of the Year
Andre Dubose- Florida

Coach of the Year
Houston Nutt- Ole Miss

Top 3 Games:
Florida at LSU- Oct. 10
Alabama at Ole Miss- Oct. 10
LSU at Alabama- Nov. 7

2009 College Football Preseason Rankings

Time to break out the early 2009 College Football Preseason Rankings!

1. Florida- The defending national champs return QB Tim Tebow, the Pouncey Twins on the line, and Jeff Demps, Emmanuel Moody, and Chris Rainey on the offensive end. The defense will be the best in the nation. The top 22 defensive players are ALL back, including LB Brandon Spikes and FS Major Wright.

2. Texas- The offense is virtually all back lead by QB Colt McCoy and WR Jordan Shipley. The defense has some holes, but that's what D-Coordinator Will Muschamp is for.

3. Oklahoma- Heisman winner Sam Bradford is back along with RB stud DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown. Look for the defense to be even better with 9 starters back.

4. Alabama- The defense returns 9 starters and the offense returns RB Mark Ingram and one of the best WRs in the nation in Julio Jones.

5. USC- USC returns a lot of talent. They will have 10 starters back on offense, but will need a QB to step up. The defense will need to reload, but they have backups that can step up.

6. Mississippi- They return loads of talent and depth. QB Jevan Snead has the potential to be one of the best in the country.

7. Virginia Tech- The Hokies looked impressive in their Orange Bowl win. They're ready to make another national title run with QB Tyrod Taylor, RB Darren Evans and 7 returning starters on defense.

8. Ohio St.- The Buckeyes should be the favorite in the Big Ten. QB Terrelle Pryor is really going to be something. He could have a huge break out year.

9. LSU- You really think Les Miles will have another down year? Think again... QB Jordan Jefferson is coming along well and veteran RB Charles Scott is a bruiser in the backfield.

10. Oklahoma State- The Pokes had one of the most potent offenses in the country last season and QB Zac Robinson, RB Kendall Hunter, and WR Dez Bryant remain intact. The defense will be more experienced.

Just missed the cut:
Utah, Oregon, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Boise St., Penn St., TCU, and Oregon St.

The Sports Flow on Sporting News

So I am a subscriber to Sporting News and after the BCS National Title Game I was meandering on the SN site and decided to give my take on who should be the number one college football team next year.

They said they would pick a few to be mentioned on the site and in Thursday's edition of Sporting News Magazine and they ended up choosing mine. I had a good feeling they would pick mine to display, I mean I am a Florida Gator football expert and plus they probably felt bad for a poor North Dakotan like me.

Here's the link: Sporting News article

Here's my take on why Florida is number one for 2009 and what I submitted.

"Florida is the top team for 2009. They could return 19 total starters, including at least 10 starters on the best defense in the nation. Tim Tebow, Percy Harvin and Brandon Spikes could return, and it is likely Tebow will.

Even if the others leave, they still have plenty of playmakers in Jeff Demps, Chris Rainey and Aaron Hernandez on offense and Carlos Dunlap, Ryan Stamper, Major Wright and Joe Haden on defense. Add in another valuable recruiting class to one of the top coaching staffs, and you have the making of college football's next dynasty."

So there it is, I've always wanted to have something of mine on a major sports media publication such as ESPN, Sports Illustrated, or Sporting News and it finally happened.

Gators Chomp Sooners

Oklahoma flapped their mouths. CB Dominique Franks said Tim Tebow was the 4th best QB they've faced all season and it didn't take as much preparation for him as the others.

Well, looks like you awoken a sleeping giant Sooners!

I think Tim Tebow resolidified himself as the best college football player last night. He was even better than Heisman winner Sam Bradford. Tebow took his team on his back and dominated the second half. He made the plays, completed 6 of 6 passes in the final drive. He threw two touchdown passes and carried the ball the final six plays to lead Florida to its 2nd national title in three years.

Tebow outplayed Bradford and showed why he's the best player in college football and why the Gators are the national champions.

The game was not out of Oklahoma's hands though. They had their chances, they were stopped twice inside the 5 yard line, including an interception after a dropped pass by the WR. True champions take advantage of these opportunities, which the Sooners did not.

The Florida defense stepped up when it needed to. They pressured Bradford at times, but although their run defense wasn't the best, they still made enough plays in the end to get it done. The plays on the goal line and the two costly interceptions by Major Wright and Ahmad Black I think clinched it in the end, along with Tebow's play.

Looking Ahead to 2009
It's never too early to look ahead to the 2009 College Football season, so here's my early top 5 teams for now:

1. Florida Gators
Tim Tebow, Percy Harvin, and Brandon Spikes could all leave, but it is likely Tebow will return. 19 starters could still be back in all and at least 10 will be back on defense. If Harvin is to leave, sophomore speedsters Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey will help fill the void. The defense will be strong as ever with Carlos Dunlap and Jermaine Cunningham up-front, Ryan Stamper and AJ Jones anchoring the middle, and the next big ball hawk safety in Major Wright and Joe Haden leading the way in the secondary.

2. Texas Longhorns
Colt McCoy is coming back and should lead another potent offensive attack. WR Jordan Shipley is back as well. It will be interesting to see how the defense responds after losing some key starters, but that's why they have d-coordinator Will Muschamp.

3. USC Trojans
USC returns a lot of talent. If QB Mark Sanchez returns they will have 11 starters back on offense. The defense will need to reload though, but they have backups that can step up.

4. Alabama Crimson Tide
It's scary to think what Nick Saban will do with this team. He will have them contending with the Gators for another SEC Championship and yet another national title. The defense returns 9 starters and the offense returns both RBs and one of the best WRs in the nation in Julio Jones.

5. Mississippi Rebels
Ole Miss looked incredible down the stretch. They manhandled a potent team in Texas Tech. They return load of talent and depth. QB Jevan Snead has the potential to be one of the best in the country.

BCS National Championship Preview: Florida vs. Oklahoma

3 Reasons why Florida will win:
1. Speed
Florida is easily the fastest team in the country. Oklahoma needs to account for everybody that Florida puts out on the field with the threat to take one all the way at anytime. That's Percy Harvin, Jeff Demps, Louis Murphy, Chris Rainey, Emmanuel Moody, and Brandon James.We know Urban Meyer will try to spread the field and use their speed to his advantage and also try to get his speedsters the ball in space.

2. Defense
Florida has one of the best defenses in the country. Oklahoma has faced some poor defenses all season long in the Big 12. Florida creates a ton of pressure up front and their LBs are among the best in the nation lead by Brandon Spikes. Don't count out the secondary, they have some speed as well and will fly around and smack you in the mouth.

3. Tim Tebow
Tebow's already won a Heisman and more importantly, a national title. It doesn't help that OU has been talking some trash, more specifically at Tebow. He's the guy you don't want to mess around with. Tebow will beat you with his legs and even his arm. He's a better QB than he's ever been and he can hurt you in so many ways.

3 Reasons why Oklahoma will win:
1. Offense
Oklahoma can spread you out as well. They have some big-time playmakers on their side and Sam Bradford can pick you apart all day. They can throw in front of you or even go long. Jermaine Gresham is arguably the best TE in the country and could pose some match-up problems for the Florida defense. The Sooners have some quality skill position players and will use it to their advantage.

2. The Trenches
Specifically on the offensive end, OU has one of the best lines in the country. Lead by All-American OT Duke Robinson and Big 12 1st-teamers C Jon Cooper and OT Phil Loadholt have dominated all season long. They've only given up 11 sacks all season. I give them a slight advantage over the Florida D-Line.

3. Senior Leadership
Florida only has two senior starters, both on offense and only two starters back from the 2006 BCS National Championship team (LT Phil Trautwein and Percy Harvin); plus, only a handful of players back whom actually played in that game. OU has 8 senior starters. Safety Nic Harris will start the 50th game of his career and the o-line has a combined 170 total starts. Experience is always a big key.

Prediction:
Florida 34 Oklahoma 20

Oklahoma hasn't seen a defense as good as Florida's all season long. Florida's speed could offset just about everything else in this game. Florida is ready and Tim Tebow is furious after losing the Heisman to Bradford and the comments coming from the Oklahoma players. Florida has an advantage just about everywhere in this game. They have better depth, coaching, speed, special teams, defense, and even offense. Plus, RB DeMarco Murray and DT DeMarcus Granger are both out.

The Big XII is overrated, as has shown this bowl season. Texas squeaked by Ohio St., Texas Tech got pounded by Ole Miss and Oklahoma St. was upset by Oregon, while the SEC is sitting 5-1 in their bowl games. The SEC has definitely shown they are the best conference once again and they haven't lost in the BCS National title game with a 3-0 record. Look for that trend to continue after Thursday night.

Playoffs?

It seems like everywhere I turn, on the Internet, in the sports world, it's "we need a playoff system"! "The BCS needs a major overhaul!"

Well, I don't buy it.

The BCS has its flaws, yes some teams have gotten screwed over the years and a 16 or 8 team playoff seems to make more sense, but it really doesn't.

The BCS is an okay system for major College Football, it's way better than the Bowl-Alliance that we had all through out the 1990's, where we had 3 co-champs and the Big Ten and Pac 10 weren't even part of it.

But yes, the BCS needs some tweaks. A four team playoff format or plus-one, makes the most sense.

But first, an 8 or 16 team playoff would not work and would only create more problems.

Whether you take the top 8 teams or the 6 power conference champs and 2 at-large bids, it won't work. You will still have arguments for the 9th, 10th, and 11th teams who don't get in. The power conferences will want their champs to be rewarded somehow with the playoff and some years you will have 3 or 4 teams in one conference that would deserve it over another conference (like this year I feel OU, Texas, and even TT would deserve it over the Big East or ACC Champs).

If we had an 8 team playoff this year, Cincy would be in it and say Oklahoma loses to Mizzou. Wouldn't OU deserve to be in over Cincy because they beat them earlier in the season and are better than Cincy? It just makes another big mess...

As for the 16 team playoff, it may sound great, but it will never become reality. College Football has such a rich tradition in bowl games. It's what makes College Football so great.

Not many people would want to take away from that. A 16 team playoff would diminish the regular season and you would have to shorten it somehow.

A 16 team or more playoff is not gonna happen unless you decrease some regular season games and more importantly conference games. All in all, not gonna happen. Most coaches and university presidents already hate teams that play 12-13 games as it is. Plus, it's more than just football, it will interfere with finals.

Which comes down to a 4 team playoff. In my mind, this makes the most sense. Most years, it usually comes down to 3-4 teams anyways and there is a bigger difference between the 4-5th best teams than the 8-9th best teams.

You wouldn't have to cut any regular season games, you can keep the bowl tradition and it's just one extra game for two teams; and I don't think any college coach or president will argue over one extra game, especially when it's the national championship.

But we have to remember, no system is perfect. But I'd rather have the BCS than an 8 team and above playoff.

All in all, the Bowl tradition is what makes College Football so great. A huge playoff format simply would create more havoc and ruin what makes this sport so great.

A Big Mess is Brewing in the Big 12 South

The Big 12 South champion could be determined by a poll of faceless, strangers who are often bias and live far from the area of concern. And only a sport with such a profound lack of leadership, in this case Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe, is capable of deciding a champion like this.

"The Big 12 failed to come up with enough of its own criteria for breaking a three-way tie at the top of the standings, as Oklahoma, Texas, and Texas Tech could produce. Instead it was willing to punt to the computers and voters who determine the BCS rankings. Whatever team is ranked highest wins the division." How positively retarded is that?

Problems I see here: Few of the coaches who vote in the coaches’ poll have seen anything but highlights of play from the Big 12 South. They are no better than the 114 politically connected folks of with little qualifications who make up the Harris Poll. Combined, the two polls count for two-thirds of the rankings. Each voter has personal biases, and self-interests.

Since the BCS has no set standards for ranking teams, just about anything can be taken into consideration. Should Texas get the nod because it beat Oklahoma? Should it be Oklahoma because it put together the most impressive performance of the season in blasting Tech 65-21? Should Tech be considered because they beat Texas in dramatic fashion? How about strength of schedule? Or margin of victory? Coolest mascot? Color scheme? Does it matter who’s played the most recent TV game? What if a voter missed one team’s impressive performance because he went out drinking?

Obviously a voter’s alma mater has been known to come into play. And doesn’t he owe the conference that got him a vote in the first place? What about the coach who’s still bitter about losing a recruit to a certain school?It could be any of the above. No one knows.
Seriously, that’s the system: no one knows.

That is how the champion of the Big 12 South is going to be decided. I don't know about you but I find that to be mind-numbingly retarded. Now, Texas did have the lead previously but with a win like we saw Saturday night I'd say that Oklahoma has to be charging quickly, while for the moment Tech is definitely out of the national championship picture.

I could ramble on with endless speculation but it's fruitless. Basically we need to all tune in next week and see if all 3 teams win their games (Texas vs. Texas A&M, Baylor vs. Texas Tech, and Oklahoma @ OK St.) If all 3 teams win their games, which I am assuming they will. Then it will be a mess. It's the Big 12's fault for not coming up with a better tiebreaker but I consider this just one more reason why the BCS has gotta go.

College Football Power Poll

Here's my top five teams in College Football.

1. Texas Tech Red Raiders

The Red Raiders have been amazing lately. A big win over Texas is very impressive and their offense just keeps on putting up point after point. Who can stop these guys? Big games coming up vs. Oklahoma and rival Texas A&M, plus possibly a Big XII Title match-up, it will be interesting to see how they fare.

2. Florida Gators

The Gators are a different team since their loss to Ole Miss and I think that loss may help them in the end. This is a young Florida team and now they know what it takes to get it done. Tim Tebow is better than he was last season (even after winning the Heisman). Florida has so many weapons and so much speed. Plus, the defense has improved dramatically from last season.

3. Alabama Crimson Tide
The Tide have two big road wins over Georgia and LSU. They haven't been too impressive since their big win over Georgia, but they're still getting the job done. Everybody is coming through for the Crimson. Julio Jones is one of the best young WRs out there. Tough games still coming up against arch-rival Auburn and Florida in the SEC Championship.

4. Texas Longhorns

Texas is still one of the top teams in the country despite their loss to Texas Tech. Tech just happened to have the ball last and scored. Colt McCoy may be the Heisman front runner right now, if not he's up there. The Longhorns need OU to beat Tech.

5. Oklahoma

The Big 12 is so solid this season and I feel OU is still a top team as well. They've been very impressive after their loss to Texas and a win over Texas Tech would be huge to help their cause for a BCS Bowl berth.

College Football Weekend Preview

We have a big weekend of College Football coming up with some huge games on the line.

Oklahoma St. at Missouri

We have a big game here between two pass happy teams. QB Chase Daniel is putting up Heisman-like numbers with 1665 yard and 15 TD. Jeremy Maclin has been one of the top WR out there. Oklahoma St. meanwhile has been putting points at will too. The Cowboys have put up 50+ points in 4 of their 5 games this season. Expect a shootout in this one. We may have a case where the last offense on the field will win this game.

The Pick: Missouri

Penn St. at Wisconsin

This should be the Nittany Lions' first true test this season and Madison is a tough place to play. The Badgers played Ohio St. tough at home, we should have another great game on our hands. PSU QB Daryl Clark is a tough Michael Robinson like QB and their WRs are among the best in the nation. The Nittany Lions' offense can put up some points and move the chains, Wisconsin needs their defense to step up if they want to come away with a tough home win; they're very capable of doing just that.

The Pick: Penn St.

LSU at Florida

This is a must win for the Gators if they want any part of a national title shot. Florida's dynamic offense will take on LSU's stellar defense. Florida must stop the Tigers' dominant front four if they want any part of LSU. LSU meanwhile has had QB troubles thus far, but expect this to be another down to the wire battle as it's been in the past.

The Pick: Florida

Upset of the Week:
Mississippi St. over Vanderbilt

MSU is a different team at home. They've lost some tough games this season. Vanderbilt has been impressive thus far, but only at home. Their only road wins have been at Miami (Oh) and a close one at Mississippi. This should be a close game and look for the Bulldogs to hang tough and upend the Commodores at home.

D-1AA (FCS) Game of the Week
James Madison at Richmond

The #1 team in the FCS, JMU, has a tough road game here against the Richmond Spiders. Both teams are usually among the top in the country. JMU has been impressive thus far with some big wins. They upset then number 1 Appalachian St., plus had an impressive win over UMass. This may be a do or die game for the Spiders if they want a part of the CAA Title.

The Pick: James Madison

Game of the Week

Texas vs. Oklahoma

This is definitely the game of the week. Texas lost last season to OU but has won 2 of the past 3 games vs. the Sooners. Expect this to be a close game both ways. QB Sam Bradford has been one of the best in the country and OU's defensive front is phenomenal. Meanwhile, Texas's QB Colt McCoy has put up some impressive stats as well and is arguably the Heisman front-runner right now. Texas' depleted secondary may hold the Horns back on this one.

The Pick: Oklahoma

On the Ball

After years of being a Division 1-A bottom dweller, Ball St. is now turning heads.

Auburn, Wake Forest, North Carolina, Michigan State, Pittsburgh, Ball State.

Which team does not belong?

These teams are the 20-25th ranked teams in this weeks AP Top 25 Poll.

After a surprising 6-0 start and wins over Navy and Indiana, Ball State is ranked in the Top 25 for the first time ever.

Who would've thought? Who would've guessed that Ball St. would be undefeated and ranked 25th at this point in the season? Most people don't know where Ball St. even is located (Indiana so you know).

These Cardinals have thoroughly impressed me. They're doing all this without their best WR, Dante Love, who suffered a career ending spine injury vs. Indiana (My prayers go out to Love and I hope he recovers fast).

RB MiQuale Lewis has been one of the best in the nation, rushing for 802 yards and 12 touchdowns thus far. QB Nate Davis has been impressive as well, showing he's one of the best QB in all of the MAC.

With tough tests coming up at the end of the season vs. Central and Western Michigan, don't be surprised if Ball St. is 10-0 for the first time heading into November 19.

After several long seasons of being an abysmal team, only to be looked at as fresh meat ready to beat down upon, Ball St. is finally the real deal.

Take Your Pick: Big 12 vs. SEC

Just who is the best conference in College Football? Well, I'll tell ya...

This may be one of those rare years that another conference is better than the SEC.

Every once and awhile there's another major conference that comes about one season, to flex its muscles and show they're just as good or even better than that defensive-minded, top-heavy coaching, and talent rich conference in the southeast.

The Big XII may just be that conference this year. Currently, they have 4 teams in the AP Top 10 and 6 teams in the Top 25. The SEC meanwhile, has 3 teams in the top 10 and 6 overall as well.

The SEC usually has the best matchups year in and year out. We've already witnessed Florida-Tennessee, LSU-Auburn, and Alabama-Georgia, yet we still have Florida-LSU, Florida-Georgia, Alabama-LSU, and more to enjoy.

But the Big XII has great matchups as well, Texas-Oklahoma is this weekend, plus we get to look forward to Texas Tech-Texas, Texas Tech-Oklahoma, Missouri-Kansas, and Kansas-Texas.

Not to mention the Big 12 has all those stellar QBs; "The top five passers in the Big 12 have completed 73 percent of their passes for 306 yards a game, with a 6-to-1 TD-to-interception ratio (77 TDs, 13 interceptions) and a ridiculous 10.5 yards per pass attempt." According to Foxsports.com.

The SEC although has actually started it's conference games. I believe their conference showdowns have been in full-fledged for 3 weeks now and that is why the Big 12 has more in the top 10 and more higher ranked teams than the SEC.

Georgia's had to play South Carolina and Alabama, Florida's played Tennessee and Mississippi already, Tennessee took on Auburn, Vandy has topped South Carolina, Ole Miss, and Auburn. Auburn's played Mississippi St., LSU, and the others I've mentioned, LSU took on Mississippi St., and Alabama rolled Georgia. You get the point...

Need I say more. I must say every year, this conference completely beats each other up and yet you still see them have the most teams ranked out there.

The SEC has been beating each other up for 3 weeks now. This past Saturday was the first weekend of Big 12 conference matchups and yet they still don't have more ranked teams than the SEC.

It's the dominant defenses, best of the best coaches, top-heavy contenders, and the overall teams from top to bottom that wins it for the SEC. You can make it an argument that the top teams in the Big XII are just as good as the SEC, but the SECs bottom feeders easily take it over their counterparts.

Once we get more into the season you will see the SEC separate themselves from the Big XII.

And once again, you will see another SEC in the BCS National Championship game.

The Big XII this year has a lot to boast about, but sorry Big XII, the SEC still takes the cake.

Ole Miss stuns Gators

With my school's team idle today (NDSU Bison) I decided to get up and watch my 2nd favorite college football team play on ESPN 360 this morning.

Maybe that wasn't such a good idea.

Florida went into half-time with a 17-7 lead, not bad but I was expecting a little more than that. Florida couldn't have started the second half any worse than they did. In 4 offensive plays they fumbled twice, which they both lost. Mississippi scored on both of them.

Mississippi took a 31-24 lead in the 4th only for Florida to come back and score, but the Rebels then blocked the PAT.

The defense struggled as well, they couldn't tackle Mississippi RB Dexter McCluster; I was very impressed with McCluster, I've never watched him play before and he's a hard-nosed runner and Florida could not tackle him for their lives.

He ran all over the dismal Gators defense in the 2nd half, he ran for 60 yards on 11 attempts and I think that was almost all in the 3rd quarter. Florida could simply not tackle him.

As I looked up his profile on ESPN.com to find out more about this guy I happened to notice he is from Largo, Florida... seems pretty fitting.

I have to commend Houston Nutt for his play calling, he had the Gator defense on their toes and he used his effective "Wile Rebel" formation and it showed.

As for Florida, Tebow struggled at times, he did throw for 319 yards but still he made some questionable passes and decisions at times and he didn't seem himself. Percy Harvin was Florida's only bright spot as he rushed for 82 yards and a TD and had 186 receiving yards and a TD as well.

The Gators need to get back on track next week with a win over Arkansas, then they have a huge game with LSU, they need to win that game and after today, I don't know if they can.

Best catch ever? I think so

Did you see this catch by Morgan State WR Edwin Baptiste last Saturday? This has to be the best catch ever; I have no idea how he pulled it off. Check it out...