Special Edition: Super Bowl Preview

It's back to the Super Bowl for two of the most famous franchises in the NFL. The Packers have left the memories of old number four behind and are getting rebirth with Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers has had troubles with injuries this year but when healthy he has been the brightest QB in the NFC. And it's not just Rodgers who is charging Green Bay to a possible win. They get production from unknowns back James Starks, nose tackle B.J. Raji and Sam Shields. They they're are the old greats Greg Jennings and Donald Driver. The Steelers destroyed both the Ravens and the Jets by playing hard nosed defense. James Harrison is a playoff gamebreaker who always gets into the backfield. Rodgers will constantly have to avoid the huge number 92. They also have defensive tackle Casey Hampton who is a huge run stuffer. And don't count only James Farrior, LaMarr Woodley, Chris Hoke, Brett Keisel, Ike Tayor and Troy Polamulu. Just to name a few. On offense the Steelers aren't too bad eiter. Big Ben has options- explosive Mike Wallace and vet Hines Ward- and has played in two Super Bowls (both wins) compared to Rodgers zero. The run includes Rashard Mendenhall while the inconsistent O-Line must clear the way. It definitely will be close, but it's the time of the year when the Steelers own.
Steelers, 28 Packers, 23

Ohio State Escapes, Villanova Drains 'Cuse, Kansas Suffers First Loss to Texas

1 Ohio State 73, 22 Illinois 68
Top Peformer: (OSU) Jared Sullinger 27 points, 16 rebounds, 3 blocks
Recap: The mighty Buckeyes survived a scare on the road against a tough Illinois(14-6, 4-3 in Big 10) team. Jared Sullinger, the killer freshman had another dominant performance putting up 27 points and taking down 16 boards. Guard Jon Diebler also had 15 points. The Fighting Illini kept close with the Buckeyes the whole game lead by a strong bench(28 points off bench) which was headed by Jereme Richmond who had 18 points. For the Buckeyes they are 20-0, 7-0 in Big Ten with the 5-point win.

7 Villanova 83, 3 Syracuse 72
Top Peformer: (NOVA) Maalik Waynes 21 points, 2 assists, 2 steals
Recap: Syracuse didn't want to play Villanova who has had great success at the Carrier Dome. Perimeter play was the reason why the 'Cats beat the Orange as Maalik Waynes drained 3 threes, Corey Stokes had four and Corey Fisher had three. Looks like Jay Wright's heavy recruiting of guards has finally paid off. Kris Joseph scored 23 but late in the game the Orange weren't looking for him. Now Villanova is 17-2 and 5-1 in the Big East while Syracuse is now 18-2 and 5-2 in the Big East.

11 Texas 74, 2 Kansas 63
Top Performer: (KU) Marcus Morris 16 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists
Previously undefeated Kansas was hoping to handle Texas(16-3, 4-0 in Big 12) and continue their dominant win streak at home. It didn't quite go the way they planned. The Longhorns used spread out scoring with J'Covan Brown(23 points), Jordan Hamilton(17) and Tristian Thompson (12). Kansas had a few bright spots with Marcus Morris and Tyrel Reed who had 17 points and 6 boards. But, mostly the 'Horns pushed them down the door. Kansas is now 18-1 and 3-1 in the Big 12.

New College Basketball Rankings

1. Ohio State
2. Kansas
3. Duke
4. Pittsburgh
5. San Diego State
6. Villanova
7. Syracuse
8. UConn
9. Texas A&M
10. BYU
11. Missouri
12. Kentucky
13. Purdue
14. Texas
15. Minnesota
16. Louisville
17. Michigan State
18. Notre Dame
19. Washington
20. Wisconsin
21. Georgetown
22. Illinois
23. UCF
24. Saint Mary's
25. Kansas State

Early First Round Mock Draft

1. Carolina Panthers Nick Fairley, DL, Auburn
2. Denver Broncos Marcell Dareus, DL, Alabama
3. Buffalo Bills Patrick Peterson CB, LSU
4. Cincinnati Bengals Da'Quan Bowers DE, Clemson
5. Arizona Cardinals A.J. Green WR, Georgia
6. Cleveland Browns Aldon Smith DE, Missouri
7. San Francisco 49ers Prince Amukamara CB, Nebraska
8. Tennessee Titans Robert Quinn DE/OLB, UNC
9. Dallas Cowboys Cameron Jordan DL, California
10. Washington Redskins Jake Locker QB, Washington
11. Houston Texans Ryan Kerrigan DE, Purdue
12. Minnesota Vikings Blaine Gabbert QB, Missouri
13. Detriot Lions Von Miller DE/OLB, Texas A&M
14. St. Louis Rams Julio Jones WR, Alabama
15. Miami Dolphins Cam Newton QB, Auburn
16. Jacksonville Jaguars J.J. Watt DE, Wisconsin
17. New England Patriots Mark Ingram RB, Alabama
18. San Diego Chargers Akeem Ayers LB, UCLA
19. New York Giants Nate Solder OT, Colorado
20. Tampa Bay Buccaners Cameron Heyward DE, Ohio State
21. Kansas City Chiefs Justin Houston DE, Georgia
22. Indianoplis Colts Tyron Smith OT, USC
23. Philadelphia Eagles Derek Sherrod OT, Miss. State
24. New Orleans Saints Stephen Paea DT, Oregon State
25. Seattle Seahawks Brandon Harris CB, Miami(FL)
26. Baltimore Ravens Adrian Clayborn DE, Iowa
27. Atlanta Falcons Torrey Smith WR, Maryland
28. New England Patriots Allen Bailey DE/DT, Miami(FL)
29. Green Bay Packers+ Muhammed Wilkerson DL, Temple
30. New York Jets+ Corey Liuget DL, Illinois
31. Chicago Bears+ Gabe Carimi OL, Wisconsin
32. Pittsburgh Steelers+ Jonathan Baldwin WR, Pittsburgh
+=Draft position could change

Names To Watch For NFL Draft 2011

Nick Fairley, DL, Auburn
After becoming a huge defensive threat for the Auburn Tigers after declaring for the draft Fairley has flew to the top of the draft board. The Panthers will likely him their number one pick if they don't go with end Da'Quan Bowers.
A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
Green was an explosive target for Mark Richt's Bulldogs the last few years but few people know how good he actually was. Having less than great quarterbacks which included Joe Cox and Aaron Murray Green didn't post as good as numbers as he could. In the right system he could be the huge boom for a team.
Marcell Dareus, DL, Alabama
Yet another SEC prospect Dareus struggled through injuries most of his college career. At times he looked sluggish and slow but when healthy he is a younger Ndamukong Suh. He has NFL size and good awareness and could be picked by a Top 10 team looking for a pass rusher.
Jake Locker, QB, Washington
An consensus number one preseason draft candidate, Locker struggled in his senior year at Washington. Locker struggled with interception boasting a 17 to 9 touchdown to INT ratio. But with Andrew Luck staying he will likely be the number one QB off the board.
Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
Unlike in previous years the pickings at offensive line are pretty slim. Playing in an isolated Colorado Solder excelled due to his rich athleticism. Various teams could pick him up like the Cowboys or Falcons.
Muhammed Wilkerson, DE-DT, Temple
Wilkerson might not even go in the first round but he has a lot of talent. They're many ends and tackles that teams can go with but the Jets could make the move to pick Wilkerson due to the aging line. The Ravens could also pick up Wilkerson in the late first round.
Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
The former Heisman winner's draft stock has taken a beating due to inconsistency and injury. But, the amazing thing is, he still might be the first back taken. The Patriots could pick him later in the first round with aging Fred Taylor but he could even go higher like to the a team like the Jaguars at 16.
Stefen Wisniewski, G-C, Penn State
The one thing that is hurting Wisniewski is the fact that centers or guards are likely picked in the first round. But he could still be a first round pick because he is a true leader.
Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
It is likely that LSU cornerback Patrick Petersen will go higher than Amukamara but he will still likely be a Top 10 pick. The 49ers have an aging secondary and the Rams and Lions have never been great in the secondary.
Von Miller, DE/LB, Texas A&M
Miller is a pass rushing linebacker/end that I like. He is the smashmouth consistent player I like. The Texans could snap him up early due to a a lack on the line and an instate bias. The Jaguars and Lions could snap him up a little bit later.

Second Half Big Ten Preview

We're around halfway through the college basketball regular season and here is my prediction for how the Big Ten will finish:

1. Ohio State Buckeyes
They have been unstoppable so far led by freshman Jared Sullinger and David Lighty. Sullinger hasn't just been the best freshman so far, he's been the best all around player. Jon Diebler has range and Dallas Lauderdale is a consistent threat down low with Sullinger.
2. Michigan State Spartans
The Spartans are done with their tough non-conference schedule meaning they will meet high expectations. Whether it's Kalin Lucas, Draymond Green or Durrell Summers making the plays they will have a fantastic second half.
3. Minnesota Gophers
Devoe Joseph, the great guard is gone but the Gophers still have a lot of depth leading from sharpshooting Blake Horffarber and rebounding machine Trevor Mkabwe. In order to continue the strong season they're having they must get minutes to bench players like Al Nolen and Colton Iverson.
4. Purdue Boilermakers
The loss of Robbie Hummell earlier this season will hurt more at the end of the season than early on because of his experience. They do have center JaJuan Johnson and E'Tuwan Moore who will keep Purdue in the race.
5. Illinois Fighting Illini
The Fighting Illini are a quiet, under the radar powerhouse. They have guard DeMetri McCamey who can change games and can dish it easily inside to huge center Mike Tisdale who is good on defense and offense.
6. Wisconsin Badgers
Jon Leuer has had a good season but in order for the Badgers to have a chance at winning the Big Ten he needs to be great. Jordan Taylor is an explosive guard and experienced Rob Wilson will make plays.
7. Penn State Lions
Maybe a little high? No, because the Nittany Lions have all-star guard Talor Battle who if he played at a bigger basketball school would be a Player of the Year canidate.
8. Northwestern Wildcats
The Wildcats may not end their long tournament drought this season but they will contend thanks to Michael Thompson. John Shurma is experienced and when healthy is probably the most important player on the team.
9. Indiana Hoosiers
Tom Crean has done a good job turning around the Hoosiers basketball program but it still isn't good enough to win the Big Ten. Verdell Jones III is an assist machine and Maurice Creek is a big guard.
10. Michigan Wolverines
The Wolverines have no problem outside where they have Zak Novak and Darius Morris. But without DeShawn Sims Michigan has a very weak inside game where the only somehwhat of a threat is Jordan Morgan.
11. Iowa Hawkeyes
The Hawkeyes may end up being the only Big Ten team with a sub 500 record to end the season. But, they do have guard Matt Gatens and Bryce Cartwright.

Final College Football Rankings 2010-2011

1. Auburn
2. TCU
3. Stanford
4. Oregon
5. Ohio State
6. Oklahoma
7. Boise State
8. Wisconsin
9. Oklahoma State
10. Virginia Tech
11. LSU
12. Nevada
13. Alabama
14. Michigan State
15. Arkansas
16. Missouri
17. Utah
18. UCF
19. Tulsa
20. Northern Illinois
21. Nebraska
22. Florida State
23. Miss. State
24. South Carolina
25. NC State
Other Contender:
Miami(Ohio)
Texas A&M
UConn
Hawaii
San Diego State

New College Basketball Rankings

1. Ohio State
2. Kansas
3. Duke
4. Syracuse
5. Pittsburgh
6. San Diego State
7. Villanova
8. UConn
9. BYU
10. Purdue
11. Texas A&M
12. Notre Dame
13. Texas
14. Kentucky
15. Missouri
16. Illinois
17. Louisville
18. Kansas State
19. Michigan State
20. Washington
21. Temple
22. Wisconsin
23. Minnesota
24. UCF
25. Georgetown
Other Contenders: Cincinnati, Georgia, Baylor

BCS Championship Game Prediction

1 Auburn vs. 2 Oregon
QB Comparison:
Oregon's Darron Thomas 2,518 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, 7 interceptions
Auburn's Cam Newton 2,589 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, 6 interceptions
RB Comparison
Oregon's LaMichael James 1,682 rushing yards, 21 touchdowns
Auburn's Michael Dyer 950 rushing yards, 5 touchdowns
Defensive Comparison: Both of these teams have explosive and high-scoring offenses so it shouldn't come down to a defensive struggle. Though both defenses are better than given credit for. Auburn has huge defensive tackle Nick Fairley who will have to contain both Thomas and James. Josh Bynes, a linebacker in the middle can shut down opposing teams with his constant rushing ability and tackling in the open field. Oregon has play maker Kenny Rowe on the line and Casey Matthews in the middle. Casey is a hard-hitter and is brother to Clay Matthews. Just like Auburn the Ducks don't have a lot of difference makers in the secondary other than John Boyett.

Overlook: It will be a shootout for number one. Led by Cam Newton who also had over 1,000 yards running can beat you with his arm or legs. Freshman Michael Dyer is a decent runner who is also a force on special teams. Emory Blake and Travis Zachary are Newton's main options. For Oregon they have a high-powered offense led by quarterback Darron Thomas and Nate Costa(75.8 completion percentage in 33 throws). LaMichael James is a speedy runner who can also shed tackles. Jeff Maehl is a downfield option for Thomas. The problem for Oregon will be tackling Cam Newton. Last season, the same defense was destroyed by Terrelle Pryor in the Rose Bowl.
Auburn, 41 Oregon, 38

Sugar Bowl Predicition

6 Ohio State vs. 8 Arkansas
QB Comparison:
Ohio State's Terrelle Pryor 2,551 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, 11 interceptions
Arkansas's Ryan Mallett 3,592 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, 11 interceptions
RB Comparison
Ohio State's Daniel Herron 1,068 rushing yards, 15 touchdowns
Arkansas's Knile Davis 1,183 rushing yards, 13 touchdowns

Defensive Comparison:Ohio State has a lethal line starting from the line up. Cameron Heyward and Soloman Thomas will bring pressure from the sides and hard-working linebackers Brian Rolle and Ross Homan will make plays. Arkansas is a better offensive team but still has playmakers on defense including end Jake Bequette. Jerry Franlin is also a domiant presence in the middle. These two must contain Pryor or the defense will get dominated by the spectacular playmaking ability of Pryor.

Overlook: This game is one of the best quarterback wars this year, between Terrelle Pryor and Ryan Mallett. Amazingly, they have two different styles. Pryor can make plays with his feet just as often as he passes while Mallett is a flame throwing yard-gainer. The Buckeyes got a big relief when the five players that were suspended the first six games of next season were cleared to play. This includes Pryor and Herron. This means that the balanced Buckeyes offense and defense will thrive over the hot Razorbacks.
Ohio State, 34 Arkansas, 28

Orange Bowl Prediction

4 Stanford vs. 13 Virginia Tech
QB Comparison:
Stanford's Andrew Luck 3,051 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, 7 interceptions
Virginia Tech's Tyrod Taylor 2,521 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, 4 interceptions
RB Comparison
Stanford's Stepfan Taylor 1,023 rushing yards, 15 touchdowns
Virginia Tech's Darren Evans 817 rushing yards, 11 touchdowns

Defensive Comparison: Virginia Tech has had one of the most dominant defenses the past few years but the team doesn't have much experience in the unit anymore. Steven Friday is the team's best pass rusher and Rashad Carmichael is a hard hitter and can force turnovers in the secondary. Stanford also isn't very strong on defense but does have sophomore Shayne Skov. Skov had a big game last year against Oklahoma in the Sun Bowl and hopes to repeat that performance. FB-LB Owen Marecic isn't any every play tackler but he will make plays.

Overlook: After a 0-2 start to the season Virginia Tech has won 11 straight including the ACC championship game. They have momentum but so does Stanford who is also rolling as of late. This one is widely thought as a possible aerial war but it may turn into a ground war. Both team's have a number of options at back that can make catches out of the backfield. This could be a high scoring war with both defenses not unvailing a lot of talent on defense.
Stanford, 38 Virginia Tech, 33