Let's review a possible scenario.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
BIG TEN - NEW CONFERENCE DIVISIONS
Let's review a possible scenario.
Friday, August 20, 2010
PAC-12 CONFERENCE DIVISIONAL BREAKOUTS
The divisional breakouts for the Pac-12 could go a number of ways. Check out CF Daily's Pac-12 divisional breakouts.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
SO CLOSE YOU CAN ALMOST TASTE IT - PART II
There are only 2 College Football games on Friday, September 3rd. Let's jump in and break those games down.
(All times are listed in EST)
Villanova @ Temple
5:00 ESPN3.com
Led by Al Golden, Temple has been on the rise since the Head Coach took over back in 2006. During his first year the Temple Owls went 1-11, then followed up in his second year with 4-8 in 2007, then 5-7, and proceeded to have a really good year with a 9-4 record last year. So the win/loss ratio is on the rise. Others are noticing, and if Temple wins the MAC this year, Coach Golden could be on the short list for Head Coaches moving up the food chain. For Temple Football to finish 9-4 last year and post a 5-2 Conference record in the MAC, showcases how Coach Golden is continuing to make Temple Football relevant in Mid-American Conference. Villanova on the other hand in the Colonial went 14-1 last year with a 7-1 record in conference play, so their level of play is running pretty high. Albeit in a different conferece. Hopefully the Owls do not get caught looking ahead to the following week, as they have a monster game on Sept 11th against Central Michigan (The 2009 MAC Champions). Looking at last year's game Villanova won the opening season match up against Temple with the final being 27-24. So look for this one to be tight as well. I like Temple to return the favor this year. The game is in Philly this year, and Temple will be ready. Nova should be able to move the ball some and put up some points. But this one comes down to Temple winning 21-14.
Arizona @ Toledo
8:00 ESPN
Arizona Football in my opinion on the rise. They finished last year 8-5 (6-3 in the PAC-10). They did get slapped around in the Holiday Bowl in a 33-0 loss, but nobody wanted any part of Nebraska last year. Arizona did have some really good wins last year. Highlights that standout to me are W's at Oregon State, Southern Cal, and solid home victories over Stanford and UCLA. They had a heartbreak loss to Oregon which was a Double Overtime thriller, where Oregon was ranked #11 at the time. With that being said, the schedule shapes up nicely for them this year for some victories, and that starts with the season opener. Players for Zona to keep an eye should include Jr. cornerback, Trevin Wade, and rising star wide receiver Juron Criner. Wade should have a pick or 2, and Criner should have a touchdown or 2. Toledo, on the other hand was a bit of a mystery last year. They were 5-7 overall (finishing 3-5 in conference play). The did beat Colorado last year, but who didn't. They got shellacked by Ohio State, and that's understandable. But overall they were sporadic and should have won some more games last year. Keep an eye on Toledo's WR Eric Page and LB Archie Donald. Look for Arizona to win by 17.
(All times are listed in EST)
Villanova @ Temple
5:00 ESPN3.com
Led by Al Golden, Temple has been on the rise since the Head Coach took over back in 2006. During his first year the Temple Owls went 1-11, then followed up in his second year with 4-8 in 2007, then 5-7, and proceeded to have a really good year with a 9-4 record last year. So the win/loss ratio is on the rise. Others are noticing, and if Temple wins the MAC this year, Coach Golden could be on the short list for Head Coaches moving up the food chain. For Temple Football to finish 9-4 last year and post a 5-2 Conference record in the MAC, showcases how Coach Golden is continuing to make Temple Football relevant in Mid-American Conference. Villanova on the other hand in the Colonial went 14-1 last year with a 7-1 record in conference play, so their level of play is running pretty high. Albeit in a different conferece. Hopefully the Owls do not get caught looking ahead to the following week, as they have a monster game on Sept 11th against Central Michigan (The 2009 MAC Champions). Looking at last year's game Villanova won the opening season match up against Temple with the final being 27-24. So look for this one to be tight as well. I like Temple to return the favor this year. The game is in Philly this year, and Temple will be ready. Nova should be able to move the ball some and put up some points. But this one comes down to Temple winning 21-14.
Arizona @ Toledo
8:00 ESPN
Arizona Football in my opinion on the rise. They finished last year 8-5 (6-3 in the PAC-10). They did get slapped around in the Holiday Bowl in a 33-0 loss, but nobody wanted any part of Nebraska last year. Arizona did have some really good wins last year. Highlights that standout to me are W's at Oregon State, Southern Cal, and solid home victories over Stanford and UCLA. They had a heartbreak loss to Oregon which was a Double Overtime thriller, where Oregon was ranked #11 at the time. With that being said, the schedule shapes up nicely for them this year for some victories, and that starts with the season opener. Players for Zona to keep an eye should include Jr. cornerback, Trevin Wade, and rising star wide receiver Juron Criner. Wade should have a pick or 2, and Criner should have a touchdown or 2. Toledo, on the other hand was a bit of a mystery last year. They were 5-7 overall (finishing 3-5 in conference play). The did beat Colorado last year, but who didn't. They got shellacked by Ohio State, and that's understandable. But overall they were sporadic and should have won some more games last year. Keep an eye on Toledo's WR Eric Page and LB Archie Donald. Look for Arizona to win by 17.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
SO CLOSE YOU CAN ALMOST TASTE IT
With the opening kickoff of the College Football 2010 season just weeks away its time to start breaking down games.
Let's start with opening night, Thursday September 2nd.
(All times are listed in EST)
Southern Miss @ South Carolina
7:30 ESPN
Both teams finished last season with a loss to end the season, and both finished 7-6 in their respective campaigns. But considering the tone that needs to be set early for this season, especially considering the way USC finished last season (they were sloppy and man-handled by UCONN in the bowl game), South Carolina should roll. They will be getting tuned up for the always important early season showdown with Georgia (9/11). The most intriguing aspects for me in this game will be the Offensive Line for USC and how well they protect (Sr.) Stephen Garcia. I am also very interested in seeing the crown jewel of Coach Spurrier's most recent recruiting class, Marcus Lattimore. Is he the second coming? Will he be the starter? Is he THE player that ushers in the balance that Coach has lacked since arriving in Columbia? Look for Carolina to come out gunning for the end zone, and expect Carolina to win by 21.
Marshall @ Ohio State
7:30 Big Ten Network
Ohio state is coming off an 11-2 season last year capped off by an impressive Rose Bowl victory over a very good Oregon team. Marshall on the other hand is coming off a 7-6 season, which they posted just 2 conference wins. I will be keeping an eye on Terrelle Pryor's surgically repaired right knee. He could be wearing a knee brace, and it is going to be a long season. So he might be handing off and focusing on pocket passing for the opener with VERY little scrambling. But let's be honest, running is in his blood and if it's 3rd Down, and he sees daylight and no one open, then there is a really good chance he could bolt. I just hope the body holds up (reference Colt McCoy in the Bama game). Marshall's Defense will resemble swiss cheese and The Buckeyes will roll in front of the home crowd. The Defense will be stifling, and OSU should win by 28.
Pitt @ Utah
8:30 Versus
Huge road test for Pitt. This is without a doubt the best matchup of the night. Both teams finished the season with 10-3 records, but take note: Utah went undefeated in conference play while Pitt dropped 2 games in the conference last year. Of course this is a non-conference game, but those are interesting numbers regardless, especially considering teams without a doubt should be getting up for the conference matchups. Pitt will be working out the kinks with a new QB under center, but look for them to handoff all night and rely on the strong D they bring to the table in 2010. Utah should be tough, but ultimately not have the answers to stop Dion Lewis and Pitt's ground game. Look for Pitt by 10.
USC @ Hawaii
11:00 ESPN
Southern Cal is coming an unusually crazy ride of an off season, and in my opinion get used to it as you, USC, officially signed up for it with Lane Kiffin and the Merry Pranksters. And for USC the hits keep coming as star freshman tailback Dillon Baxter will not be playing in the season opener. Either way usher in the Kiffin Era with a win. USC finished last year 9-4 and Hawaii subpar 6-7 record. Monty is one of the best in the business and the Defense will be stout. USC by 21.
Let me know what you think. How do you see the opening Thursday night festivities panning out?
Let's start with opening night, Thursday September 2nd.
(All times are listed in EST)
Southern Miss @ South Carolina
7:30 ESPN
Both teams finished last season with a loss to end the season, and both finished 7-6 in their respective campaigns. But considering the tone that needs to be set early for this season, especially considering the way USC finished last season (they were sloppy and man-handled by UCONN in the bowl game), South Carolina should roll. They will be getting tuned up for the always important early season showdown with Georgia (9/11). The most intriguing aspects for me in this game will be the Offensive Line for USC and how well they protect (Sr.) Stephen Garcia. I am also very interested in seeing the crown jewel of Coach Spurrier's most recent recruiting class, Marcus Lattimore. Is he the second coming? Will he be the starter? Is he THE player that ushers in the balance that Coach has lacked since arriving in Columbia? Look for Carolina to come out gunning for the end zone, and expect Carolina to win by 21.
Marshall @ Ohio State
7:30 Big Ten Network
Ohio state is coming off an 11-2 season last year capped off by an impressive Rose Bowl victory over a very good Oregon team. Marshall on the other hand is coming off a 7-6 season, which they posted just 2 conference wins. I will be keeping an eye on Terrelle Pryor's surgically repaired right knee. He could be wearing a knee brace, and it is going to be a long season. So he might be handing off and focusing on pocket passing for the opener with VERY little scrambling. But let's be honest, running is in his blood and if it's 3rd Down, and he sees daylight and no one open, then there is a really good chance he could bolt. I just hope the body holds up (reference Colt McCoy in the Bama game). Marshall's Defense will resemble swiss cheese and The Buckeyes will roll in front of the home crowd. The Defense will be stifling, and OSU should win by 28.
Pitt @ Utah
8:30 Versus
Huge road test for Pitt. This is without a doubt the best matchup of the night. Both teams finished the season with 10-3 records, but take note: Utah went undefeated in conference play while Pitt dropped 2 games in the conference last year. Of course this is a non-conference game, but those are interesting numbers regardless, especially considering teams without a doubt should be getting up for the conference matchups. Pitt will be working out the kinks with a new QB under center, but look for them to handoff all night and rely on the strong D they bring to the table in 2010. Utah should be tough, but ultimately not have the answers to stop Dion Lewis and Pitt's ground game. Look for Pitt by 10.
USC @ Hawaii
11:00 ESPN
Southern Cal is coming an unusually crazy ride of an off season, and in my opinion get used to it as you, USC, officially signed up for it with Lane Kiffin and the Merry Pranksters. And for USC the hits keep coming as star freshman tailback Dillon Baxter will not be playing in the season opener. Either way usher in the Kiffin Era with a win. USC finished last year 9-4 and Hawaii subpar 6-7 record. Monty is one of the best in the business and the Defense will be stout. USC by 21.
Let me know what you think. How do you see the opening Thursday night festivities panning out?
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