College Football Preview 2010: 1.Boise State Broncos

Boise State Broncos, Number One Key Loss: CB Kyle Wilson
This is the season Boise State makes the BCS Championship. Kellen Moore, a Heisman hopeful is back and again will lead the mighty Broncos. Moore passed for 3,536 yards and touchdown passes in '09 through '10. Running back Jeremy Avery is talented also running for 1,150 yards and 6 touchdowns. The loss of skilled cornerback Kyle Wilson hurts but the Broncos defense can hold up and win the WAC easily.

Heisman Hopeful: Kellen Moore, QB,
Other Notable Players: Jeremy Avery, RB,
Key Games:
Virginia Tech, October 2 Quick Pick: This will prove Boise State as a true contender and Kellen Moore as a Heisman contender. Boise State wins.
Oregon State, September 25 Quick Pick: Jacquizz Rodgers is one of the most talented half backs in the nation and the Broncos will try to solve him. Boise State wins.

Better Draft Pick: Earl Thomas (Seahawks) or Derrick Morgan (Titans)?

On Thursday two defenders were taken in the middle of the first round: Earl Thomas from Texas at No. 14 to the Seahawks and Derrick Morgan from Georgia Tech at No. 16 to the Titans. But which one was the better draft pick? Morgan was I believe an absolute steal for the Titans. I had him as one of the better players in the draft. The Titans lost Kyle Vanden Bosch making their D-Line a whole lot worse than the dominant D that led the Titans to a 13-3 record that also included Albert Haynesworth. Morgan will help. Earl Thomas was a good pick but if I were the Seahawks I would have taken Jimmy Clausen at this spot. So overall Morgan was the btter draft pick.

NFL Round 2 Review

The second round still had loads of talent. Jimmy Clausen, an expected first rounder was picked 48 by the Carolina Panthers, Toby Gerhart went to the Vikings and Rodger Scaffold opened the second round being picked by the Rams. Some steals include Arrelious Benn at 39 to the Buccaners and Taylor Mays landed at 49 to the 49ers. Colt McCoy was still on the board at the end of the second round.

NFL Draft Round 2 Mock Draft

33. Rams- Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois
34. Vikings- Sergio Kindle, LB, Texas
35. Buccaners- Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame
36. Chiefs- Chris Cook, DB, Virginia
37. Eagles- Taylor Mays, S, USC
38. Browns- Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
39. Raiders- Brian Price, DT, UCLA
40. Dolphins- Daryl Washington, LB, TCU
41. Bills- Vladimir Duccasse, OT, UMass
42. Buccaners- Everson Griffin, DE, USC
43. Ravens- Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
44. Patriots- Rob Gronkowski, TE, Arizona
45. Broncos- Jon Asomoah, G, Illinois
46. Giants- Linval Joseph, DT, East Carolina
47. Patriots- Koa Misi, DE, Utah
48. Panthers- Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
49. 49ers- Nate Allen, S, South Florida
50. Chiefs- Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama
51. Texans- Ben Tate, RB, Auburn
52. Steelers- Brandon Ghee, CB, Wake Forest
53. Patriots- Austen Lane, DE, Murray State
54. Bengals- Lamarr Houston, DT, Texas
55. Eagles- Roger Stofford, OT, Indiana
56. Packers- Morgan Burnett, S, Georgia Tech
57. Ravens- Perrish Cox, CB, Oklahoma State
58. Cardinals- Charles Brown, OT, USC
59. Cowboys- Jared Veldheer, OT, Hillsdale
60. Seahawks- Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech
61. Jets- Alex Carrington, DE, Arkansas State
62. Vikings- Torrell Troup, DT, Central Florida
63. Colts- Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
64. Saints- Sean Lee, LB, Penn State

NFL Draft Round One Review

The NFL draft was very surprising last night. The top three was Sam Bradford(to the Rams), Ndamukong Suh(to the Lions) and Gerald McCoy(to the Buccaners) as expected. Trent Williams from Oklahoma notched in at No. 4. Jimmy Clausen and Dez Bryant slipped down, Bryant going at No. 24 with Dallas well Clausen is still waiting to get picked tonight. Some of the surprises include Tyson Alualu from Cal taken at No. 10 by the Jaguars and Jermaine Gresham taken by the Bengals at No. 21.

NFL Draft Coverage: Who's Better, Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy

Last season Ndamukong Suh ruled the Big 12 college football world. His dominant performance in the Big 12 championship game against Texas was amazing considering he was facing Colt McCoy. Gerald McCoy formally of Oklahoma has had a great offseason. But one question? Who is better? My answer is Suh. Both are enormous and can shred any offensive line. McCoy is good but their are a few questions I have about his durability. Likely the Rams will take Suh well McCoy fall's either second or in another top five slot.

Next Year Team Peek: Alabma Crimson Tide

Alabama Crimson Tide, No. 1 in my preseason poll.
Last year was a dream for Alabama. Once more they defied many expectations and rode themselves deep into the BCS clinching a birth into the Championship game after taking down Florida. In that title game we saw Heisman winner Mark Ingram dominate and saw signs Greg McElroy is ready to break out. Of course both Ingram and McElroy return but the defense has to coop with losing leader and linebacker Rolando McClain.Big Terrence Cody will go to the NFL also. But the the bottom line is the offense will keep Alabama in games in '10-'11.

NFL Mock Draft

1. Rams- Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
2. Lions- Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
3. Buccaners- Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
4. Redskins- Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
5. Chiefs- Joe Haden, CB, Florida
6. Seahawks- Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
7. Browns- Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
8. Raiders- Brian Price, DT, UCLA
9. Bills- Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
10. Jaguars- Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
11. Broncos- Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama
12. Dolphins- Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida
13. 49ers- Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
14. Seahawks- C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
15. Giants- Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
16. Titans- Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame
17. 49ers- Everson Griffin, DE, USC
18. Steelers- Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois
19. Falcons- Brandon Grahm, OLB-DE, Michigan
20. Texans- Taylor Mays, S, USC
21. Bengals- Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho
22. Patriots- Jahvid Best, RB, Cal
23. Packers- Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
24. Eagles- Earl Thomas, S, Texas
25. Ravens- Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas
26. Cardinals- Bruce Campbell, OT,Maryland
27. Cowboys- Maurice Pouncey, OG, Florida
28. Chargers- Ryan Matthews, RB, Fresno State
29. Jets- Kevin McCourty, CB, Rutgers
30. Vikings- Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
31. Colts- Sean Witherspoon, LB, Missouri
32. Saints- Jerry Hughes, OLB, TCU

College Basketball Final Rankings

1. Duke
2. West Virginia
3. Butler
4. Kentcuky
5. Michigan State
6. Kansas State
7. Baylor
8. Syracuse
9. Tennessee
10. Kansas
11. Ohio State
12. Northern Iowa
13. Purdue
14. Xavier
15. Villanova
16. New Mexico
17. Saint Mary's
18. Cornell
19. Maryland
20. Washington
21. Pitt
22. BYU
23. Wisconsin
24. Gonzaga
25. Texas A&M

SE: NL Central

1. St. Louis Cardinals 91-71 Key Additions: SP Brad Penny, SS Felipe Lopez
Two words: Albert Pujols. Pujols dominated last season and probably will not slow down this season. The Cardinals have a strong supporting cast with Matt Holliday and Yadier Molina. Brendan Ryan is a strong fielder. The pitching staff was great last season led by Adam Wainwright and Chris Carpenter, plus, the Cards added Brad Penny.
2. Chicago Cubs 83-78 Key Additions: RF Xavier Nady, SP Carlos Silva
Chicago has one of the better rosters in the National League but haven't really truly contended in the NL. Derek Lee, Alfonso Soriano and Aramis Ramirez make up the Cubs. The pitching staff added Carlos Silva from Seattle in a trade for Milton Bradley. Geovany Soto is someone to watch. He has lost alot of weight this offseason for the Cubs.
3. Milwaukee Brewers 80-82 Key Additions: CF Carlos Gomez, SP Randy Wolf
The Brewers made some interesting moves this off-season. They traded off J.J. Hardy for speedy Carlos Gomez and placed rookie Alcides Escobar at shortstop. They also brought in catchers Gregg Zaun and George Kottaras while they brought in pitchers Randy Wolf and Doug Davis. The big question: will the moves help Milwaukee?
4. Cincinnati Reds 78-84 Key Additions: SS Orlando Cabrera, IF Aaron Miles
If 2010 isn't the breakout year for the Reds then it's coming soon. They have power hitters Joey Votto and Jay Bruce while Brandon Phillips and Scott Rolen are great defenders. The pitching staff is decent led by Aaron Harang and Cuban star Aroldis Chapman.
5. Houston Astros 74-88 Key Additons: 3B Pedro Feliz, SP Brett Myers
Maybe Houston could be a contender this season. Thats a maybe. Houston is led by slugger Carlos Lee who hit 26 homers and 102 runs batted in and another power hitter Lance Berkman. Hunter Pence is young and showed he can hit (25 homers last season). The pitching staff is weak but Brett Myers will add more wins if he is healthy. The bullpen was remodeled by adding Brandon Lyon and Matt Lindstrom.
6. Pittsburgh Pirates 62-99 Key Additions: 2B Akinori Iwamura, OF Ryan Church
Pittsburgh is a most likely lock for the bottom of the NL Central because they need a star. Andrew McCutcheon is skilled but inconsistent. Garret Jones is a masher but isn't strong enought to lead Pittsburgh. Even the pitching staff is very unconsistent as their No. 1 is now Zach Duke.

Predicted Records: St. Louis, 88-74, Chicago, 82-80, Milwaukee, 79-83, Cincinnati, 78-84, Houston, 71-91, Pittsburgh, 66-96

Speacial Edition: NL East

1. Philedelphia Phillies 93-69 Key Additions: SP Roy Halladay, 3B Placido Polanco
After two seasons straight winning not just the NL East but the whole National League, the Phillies want to make it three straight. So they traded off Cliff Lee in order to grab former Blue Jay Roy Halladay. Plus, they added Placido Polanco to replace Pedro Feliz. With power hitters Ryan Howard and Chase Utley they could well score the most runs in the NL.
2. Atlanta Braves 86-76 Key Additions: 1B Troy Glaus, LF Melky Cabrera
Atlanta could win the NL East because of their interesting mix of veterans and young stars. The veteran side: 3B Chipper Jones and C Brian McCann. Young side: Jason Heyward and Tommy Hanson. The pitching staff is led by Derek Lowe and Tim Hudson, who are very experienced.
3. Florida Marlins 87-75 Key Additions: SP Nate Robertson, 3B Mike Lamb
It seems every season that the Marlins are predicted to finish near the bottom of the NL East and they defy expectations. Like last season. The reason the Marlins won 87 games was the play of Hanley Ramirez and Dan Uggla. Plus NL rookie of the year Chris Coghlan hit 321. last season. The Marlins might defy my prediction and climb even farther up the NL East.
4. New York Mets 70-92 Key Additions: LF Jason Bay, 0F Gary Matthews Jr.
The expectations were very high in New York last season. And it all went terribly wrong losing 92 games. Though, David Wright and Jose Reyes, two of the better Mets the past few years, are healthy. Plus they added former Pirate Jason Bay. The pitching staff is decent and the bullpen should be alot better this season if Francisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz hold up.
5. Washington Nationals 59-103 Key Additions: SP Steven Strasburg, SP Chien-Ming Wang
After losing 103 games last season the Nats look like a lock to finish last in the NL East. So they added to pitchers to a vulnerable pitching staff in Steven Strasburg and Chien-Ming Wang. The offense is pretty good. Adam Dunn has great power and Nyjer Morgan has potential. But the Nats are still too weak.

Predicted Records: Philedelphia, 100-62, Atlanta, 93-69, Florida, 85-77, New York, 76-86, Washington, 61-91

National Championship Prediction: Butler vs. Duke

It has been a dream tournament for the Butler Bulldogs, a small school from from the Horizon League that has surprised the nation. The Bulldogs are led by inside Matt Howard and guard-forward Gordon Hayward. Zack Hahn is a valuable option off the bench that can shoot. Meanwhile, the Blue Devils have been led all season by the infamous big three Kyle Singler, Jon Scheyer and Nolan Smith. They have a pyshical inside game led by Brian Zoubek and the Plumlee brothers, Mason and Miles. And that inside game may be the key to winning the game. My prediction: Duke ends Butler's cindrella beating them 70-62.

Speacial Edition: AL West

1. Los Angles Angels 97-65 Key Additions: DH Hideki Matsui, RP Fernando Rodney
No team has dominated a division as much as the Angels have the last couple of years. But, the Angels have to regroup after losing Jon Lackey and Vladimir Guerrero, two of the keys to the Angles success. They still have experienced Torii Hunter and Bobby Abreu in the outfield though. But to keep the Mariners or Rangers from winning the AL West they need a true number one starter.
2. Texas Rangers 87-75 Key Additions: DH Vladimir Guerrero, SP Rich Harden
One of the best offensive teams in '08 the Rangers didn't quite match it in '09. So they added Vladimir Guerrero who now has become a fulltime DH. The Rangers also have Josh Hamilton, Michael Young and Ian Kinsler all offensive skilled players. They added Rich Harden to improve their okay pitching staff.
3. Seattle Mariners 85-77 Key Additions: SP Cliff Lee, 3B Chone Figgins
Expectations are high in Seattle after they added former Cy Young winner Cliff Lee and talented third basemen Chone Figgins. Also, they added Milton Bradley, after a misrable one year stint with the Cubs. With Lee, the Mariners also have Felix Hernandez too make the most effective 1-2 pitching punch in the American League. So, on paper the Mariners look like a playoff team but the Angels and Rangers are just too good.
4. Oakland Athletics 75-87 Key Additions: SP Ben Sheets, 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff
Oakland added Orlando Cabrera, Jason Giambi and Matt Holliday last season. Now, none of them are on the A's roster. But, the A's added Ben Sheets which makes them a little more experienced in the staff. Kevin Kouzmanoff arrives from San Diego and matches what the A's like: young and talented.

Predicted Records: Los Angeles, 90-72, Texas, 88-74, Seattle, 85-77, Oakland, 77-85

Butler Beats Michigan State In Final Four

In one of the most surprising Final Four matchups the Butler Bulldogs took on Michigan State. Butler's Gordon Hayward scored 19 points and had 9 rebounds as Butler beat the slight favorite Michigan State 52-50. Butler's Shelvin Mack also had 14 points. The Spartans were led by Durrell Summers who had 14 points and 10 rebounds but it still wasn't enough. Butler advances to their first national championship in school history.

Speacial Edition: AL Central

1. Minnesota Twins 87-76 Key Additions: 2B Orlando Hudson, DH Jim Thome
The last two seasons the Twins have had to play in a one-game playoff to decide the AL Central. This season, they look to make it a little easier for themselves. Second basemen Orlando Hudson played great in Los Angeles last season. And then their is Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau, two of the best players in the AL Central. Mauer will look to gain back to back AL MVP honors.
2. Detroit Tigers 86-77 Key Additions: LF Johny Damon, CF Austin Jackson
Bye bye Curtis Granderson. Bye bye Placido Polanco. Hello, Austin Jackson and Johny Damon. The Tigers traded Granderson to the Yankees in order to gain Jakcson, who has potential. Max Scherzer arrives from the D-Backs. He will help take some off the weight off Justin Verlander who went 19-9 last season and had 269 strikeouts.
3. Cleveland Indians 65-97 Key Additons: LF Austin Kearns, C Mike Redmond
Sure, the Indians finished tied for last place in the AL Central last season. And sure the Indians struggled to make a big addition. But hope is in the air in Cleveland. Grady Sizemore is healthy and will team up with underrated Shin-Soo Choo in the outfield. Matt LaPorta is the Indians young first basemen. The biggest problem for the Inidans is the weak pitching staff. Jake Westbrook is scheduled to be the Indians number one.
4. Chicago White Sox 79-83 Key Additions: LF Juan Pierre, 3B Mark Teahen
Chicago needs more Gordon Beckhams. Or maybe Alexei Ramirezs. Young but talented players that are the future of the White Sox. Last seasons addition of Jake Peavy will help the pitching staff alot but the only other relatively close to all-star pitcher on the Sox is Mark Buehrle. The Sox added versatile Mark Teahen and speedy left fielder Juan Pierre to help on defense and offense.
5. Kansas City Royals 65-97 Key Additions: CF Rick Ankiel, C Jason Kendall
The breakout of all the young stars in Kansas City is almost here. Last season we saw Zack Greinke dominate winning the AL Cy Young award. We also saw Billy Butler hit 21 homers and drive in 93 runs. This winter, the Royals signed veterans Jason Kendall, Rick Ankiel and Scott Podsednik to teach the young players. But the Royals will not get out of the cellar unless some sort of miracle.

Predicted Records, Minnesota,89-73, Detroit, 82-80, Cleveland, 76-86, Chicago, 75-87, Kansas City, 66-96

SE: AL East

1. New York Yankees 103-59 Key Additions: CF Curtis Granderson, DH Nick Johnson
The former champs return most of the 2008-2009 team. Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter and Mark Teixeira return. The Yankees also added former Tiger Curtis Granderson, a speedy player that can also hit with some power (30 home runs last season). The pitching staff is led by the 1-2 punch of C.C Sabathia and A.J. Burnett. Mariano Rivera will close games.
2. Boston Red Sox 95-67 Key Additions: 3B Adrian Beltre, SP Jon Lackey
Boston signed vets Adrian Beltre and Jon Lackey showing that they want to win the AL and the World Series. Jacoby Ellsbury is young and talented along with Dustin Pedroia. The Sox need David Ortiz to return to form if they want to make a true run come October.
3. Tampa Bay Rays 84-78 Key Additions: RP Rafael Soriano
After a dream 2007-2008 season the Rays pulled out as an average AL team last season. The Rays said good bye to second basemen Akinori Iwamura and replaced him with rookie Sean Rodriguez replacing him. But, they still have young stars like Evan Longoria, B.J. Upton and Carlos Pena. Ben Zobrist played seven positions last season and made an all-star appearance. The bullpen was buffed up by the signing of Rafael Soriano.
4. Baltimore Orioles 64-98 Key Additions: 3B Miguel Tejada, 1B Garrett Atkins
Baltimore would like to forget last season's 98 losses. There is hope with talented catcher Matt Wieters, and an underrated outfield led by Nick Markakis and Adam Jones. The pitching staff got a lot skilled and experienced by the signing of Kevin Millwood.
5. Toronto Blue Jays 75-87 Key Additions: RP Kevin Gregg, C John Buck
The Blue Jays had one of the off seasons people will talk about for a while. They traded off all-star pitcher Roy Halladay to the Phillies and replaced him with untested Ricky Romero. After last season, in which the Jays moved Scott Rolen and Alex Rios away the team is left with Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista. Needless to say, the Jays only chance of winning the AL East is if all of the Yankees, Red Sox and Rays stars get injured. Yeah, that puts their chances in perceptive.
Predicted Records: New York, 99-63, Red Sox, 95-67, Tampa Bay, 90-72, Baltimore, 75-87, Toronto, 66-96.

Final Four Prediction: West Virginia vs. Duke

1 Duke vs. 2 West Virginia Da'Sean Butler will lead the Mountaineers.
This is a battle of two of the better teams in college basketball history. West Virginia played great basketball all season, staying alive in the Big East and have beat teams like a surprisingly strong Washington team and the 1 seed Kentucky. Devin Ebanks has played great all season notching point after point and rebound after rebound while Da'Sean Butler is great in the clutch. And, they might need him. The Blue Devils are always a Jon Scheyer or Nolan Smith or Kyle Singler team. But, late in the season big man Brian Zoubek has come on scoring off the bench or starting. My prediction: West Virginia beats the Blue Devils 75-72.