Who's In and Who's Not

We're in Ferbruary now and the season is beginning to wind down. With teams trying to make moves to get into the NCAA tournament I'll give you who's in and who's not:

New Mexico 16-7, 5th in Mountain West
The Mountain West is a tougher conference than given credit for and New Mexico has stayed in contention even without Roman Martinez. The Lobos have a decent record at 16-7 and have beat BYU this season notching an important. Led by Dairese Gray if New Mexico can gain an above conference record and a good record they could sneak in.
Maryland 15-8, 4th in ACC
The ACC has been the worst it's ever been in recent memory making four teams getting in an amazing feat. The odds are against the Terps but their mark is decent. They haven't got any major wins which may end up hurting them.
Missouri State 18-7, 2nd in Missouri Valley
It's been a surprising year for the Bears notching second in an okay MVC conference. The Missouri Valley is usually a conference that only puts in one team but even that might be okay for the Bears if they can make a run.
Michigan State 13-10, 5th in Big Ten
The Number 2 preseason squad? The team trying to make a three-peat in the Final Four? Yes, that team has a horrid 13-10 mark now. The Spartans had tough non-conference schedule but I expected them to come alive when Big Ten play happened. It didn't happen. If the Spartans can find something anything they have a chance. But it's sure not going to be easy.
UCLA 16-7, 2nd in Pac 10
The Bruins are very underrated. They have a fantastic shooter in Malcolm Lee and a good all-around player in Tyler Honeycutt. They're won 16 and the Pac 10 is a pretty high profile conference which helps them. A good end could mean a lot for UCLA.

New Rankings

1. Ohio State- I think it's time to start wondering if Jared Sullinger is Superman.
2. Kansas
3. Duke
4. Texas- Gets beat out by Duke because of their three losses. Oh, but they have beat Kansas. . .
5. Pittsburgh
6. San Diego State
7. BYU- Maybe the biggest win in program history(over SDSU) won't be followed by a hangover.
8. UConn- Kemba Walker is human after all meaning the Huskies need an Alex Oriakhi or other scorer to step up.
9. Villanova
10. Notre Dame
11. Kentucky
12. Purdue
13. Missouri- Speedy, quick and. . . vulnerable.
14. Georgetown
15. Louisville- The Big East isn't going to get any easier to win in. Luckily the Cardinals have explosive guard Peyton Siva.
16. Texas A&M
17. Syracuse- You have to get out of your slump sometime. Right?
18. Minnesota
19. Washington
20. Wisconsin
21. Utah State
22. Arizona
23. Florida- They are big- maybe even too big.
24. UNC
25. Xavier

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.

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

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

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

NCAA Football Top 25

1. Oregon
2. TCU
3. Auburn
4. Wisconsin
5. Stanford
6. Michigan State
7. Ohio State
8. Arkansas
9. Nebraska
10. Boise State
11. Oklahoma
12. LSU
13. Missouri
14. Nevada
15. Virginia Tech
16. Oklahoma State
17. Texas A&M
18. Utah
19. South Carolina
20. Alabama
21. Florida State
22. West Virginia
23. Northern Illinois
24. Mississippi State
25. Arizona

The BCS

Time too sack the BCS now with Boise State losing. I have always been in favor of a tournament. It works in Division II and in college basketball. Now, their is absolutely no chance that anybody but Oregon and Auburn make it in. TCU gets left out again and just because they lost to a good team in overtime Boise falls to probably a Poinsettia Bowl appearance. And, I still don't think Auburn is good enough to play with Oregon in the championship game. They've been in a number of close games including Alabama and LSU both I believe to be overrated. We all know if something happens to Cam Newton the Tigers wouldn't have close to the same record as they do now. Oregon has killed some teams but only comes alive in the second half. That doesn't necessarily hurt them, they're still winning. Arizona and Stanford top their undefeated records. TCU destroyed Utah and is still undefeated and just like Boise they are blowing out oppenents. Plus the Horned Frogs destroyed Baylor 45-10 who ended up beating Texas who beat Nebraska.

My Early BCS Solution

It's been another crazy year. Their have been few teams that have stayed consistently at the top. Auburn is ranked number one because of their wins over Arkansas and LSU, both impressive. They play Alabama later this year, who is still in the title talks but must win this game. And I think they will which pushes the Tigers out. Whoever wins this weekend between TCU and Utah will help a little bit. But both don't have great resumes. If TCU does end up winning though they could sneak in. Oregon doesn't have alot to worry about to end the season except for Arizona which I think they can win. That probably puts them in. Don't count Boise State out. They beat Oregon State more impressively than TCU, beat Virginia Tech who is rolling and I think they can win over Hawaii and Nevada, their two biggest challenges to end the season. Nobody else looks like they can challenge. Utah maybe but Ohio State lost, same goes for Michigan State, and I just don't see Missouri or Oklahoma getting in. Basically I have Oregon playing Boise in the BCS Championship Game.

Tough Tests For Top Teams

5 Michigan State vs. 18 Iowa
How To Beat Iowa: When you shut down the run game they don't have a lot of other options to go to. Ricky Stanzi has been horrible this season. Run the ball away from Adrian Clayborn. It's hard to do-the explosive Clayborn can play the whole field-but the only other playmakers on the defense are in the secondary.
How To Beat Michigan State: Beat them in the trenches. They have been a run-hard-at-them team and pass the ball ocassionally team. Putting seven guys in the box could help. It's interesting but be ready on special teams. Notre Dame lost because of that game winning pass and Mark Dantanio could try it late in the game if his team is down.
Outlook: I don't see the Spartans swift rushing attack becoming too dominant and Kirk Cousins won't do too much either, with Clayborn in his face.
6 Missouri vs. 14 Nebraska
How To Beat Missouri: Blaine Gabbert is smart. If you don't confuse him blitz. It's when of the few ways too stop him. Drop two guys on end Aldon Smith. He always manages too get in the backfield and the run game is always key for Nebraska.
How To Beat Nebraska: Force Taylor Martinez too throw. He's much better of a scrambler than fellow Zac Lee but he's much less of a passer. Plus, other than Niles Paul they don't have enough in the passing game. Pass too your tight ends. Prince Amukamara usually gets your best receiver and can play all over the field. Little shots out to tight ends for 8 to 10 yards could rack up tons of yards.
Outlook: Gabbert might just be too much for the Nebraska secondary and the Missouri defense may just be too much for Martinez.
2 Oregon vs. USC
How To Beat Oregon: It's pretty hard. Darren Thomas isn't as good as a passer as Masoli so force him to throw. Jurrell Casey can be the perfect threat to rush right up the middle. Their defense isn't too good. Bring a balanced offense and you can beat them.
How To Beat USC: Wear the defense down. With the speed the Ducks have it shouldn't be too hard. If you get past the first line of defense their is few players that can stop you from six. Bring heat on Barkley. When he has time too throw, he can throw well. Make him get more mobile and feel unfomfortable ou tof the pocket.
Outlook: Oregon's offense should roll over the Trojans, and this game should turn out mysteriously like last year's blowout.

BCS Standings

1. Boise State
2. Oregon
3. TCU
4. Oklahoma
5. Auburn
6. Alabama
7. Ohio State
8. LSU
9. Michigan State
10. Utah
11. Iowa
12. Nebraska
13. Wisconsin
14. Stanford
15. Florida State
16. South Carolina
17. Arizona
18. Oklahoma State
19. Nevada
20. Arkansas
21. Missouri
22. Texas
23. West Virginia
24. Michigan
25. Northwestern

Weekly Report

Michigan State proved they were real when they beat down Wisconsin or did they? That close win over Arizona State didn't make me feel reassured about the Badgers. Nobody can stop 'Bama. They beat Arkansas and Florida, two of the teams who actually have a realistic to make a BCS bowl. Don't count Mark Ingram out for the Heisman again. When healthy he has been unstopaable including the wins over the Gators and Razorbacks. Boise State shouldn't have been as worried against Oregon State and Virginia Tech as they should be facing Nevada. With Colin Kaepernick and the pistol offenese the Wolfpack are tough to beat. Other than Oregon the Pac 10 is wide open. This weeks game Stanford vs. USC will help. And with Arizona stomping all over you have three teams who have a legit shot at the Pac 10 championship. Oregon State and Washington are also bubble teams. Bo Pelini has two quarterbacks Taylor Martinez and Zac Lee but that's not the only reason they will win the Big 12. Niles Paul has had a big season and will continue it.Kansas State is also a possible sleeper with explosive back Daniel Thomas.

Big Game Predictions

Alabama vs. South Carolina- Can anyone stop the might Crimson Tide? Two straight wins over top ten SEC teams will be helped by another one. Marcell Dareus has big game for Tide.
Michigan State vs. Michigan- Yes Denard Robinson has been superhuman in the first five games for the Wolverines. But other than him Michigan lacks depth. Kirk Cousins is dangerous and the defense can stop Robinson.
Oregon State vs. Arizona- Few teams have been bigger disappointments than the Beavers. Obviously they have had a tough schedule and have absoultely no momentum going up against a very hot team. Tackle Marcus Washington needs to shut down speedy Jacquizz Rodgers.
LSU vs. Florida- LSU escaped over Tennessee and Florida was destroyed by 'Bama. This means that both these teams need wins on their resume. Both teams need their young starters, Brantley for Gators and Jefferson for Tigers to star.
Miami vs. Florida State
Tons of people are talking about this one. I don't know if the Seminoles defense can shut down Jacory Harris and the rest of the lethal 'Cane passing game. Christian Ponder isn't too bad either.
Stanford vs. USC- Both are suffering from two key Pac 10 losses. Andrew Luck and Matt Barkley are two of the best quarterbacks in the Pac 10, and both have power run games. Shayne Skov is underrated and should help the Cardinal regain momentum.
Pittsburgh vs. Notre Dame- This is the most underappreciated game of the week. Both have first year starters but have options. Dion Lewis hopes to be healthy and make plays to secure a win for the Panthers.

NCAA All American Team

QB Ryan Mallett, Arkansas QB Denard Robinson, Michigan
RB Mark Ingram, Alabama RB Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State
FB Owen Marecic, Stanford
WR Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma WR D.J. Woods, Cincinnati
WR Kealoha Pilares, Hawaii WR Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State
TE Kyle Rudolph TE Zach Pianalto, UNC
T Nate Potter, Boise State
G Rodney Hudson, Florida State
C Sean Beford, Georgia Tech
DE Robert Quinn, UNC DE Jake Bequette, Arkansas
DT Stephen Paea, Oregon State DT Marcell Dareus, Alabama
DT Jared Crick, Nebraska DT Marvin Austin, UNC
DE Jeremy Beal, Oklahoma DE Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue
LB Brian Duncan, Texas Tech
LB Greg Jones, Michigan State
LB Von Miller, Texas A&M
CB Patrick Peterson, LSU CB Ras I-Dowling, Virginia
CB Aaron Williams, Texas
S Rahim Moore, UCLA S DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson
S Tyler Sash, Iowa S Mark Barron, Alabama
K Kai Forbath, UCLA
P Kyle Brotzman,Boise State
Returner: Jeremy Kereley, TCU

Temporary Rankings

1. Alabama- Passes over Boise State- temporary of course- because of two top ten SEC wins.
2. Boise State
3. Oregon
4. Ohio State- Weak performance against Illionis didn't help.
5. TCU
6. Nebraska- Few teams have impressed me more, under the lead of Taylor Martinez.
7. Oklahoma
8. LSU
9. Arizona- Stanford and USC losing makes winning Pac 10 championship even more realistic.
10. Auburn
11. Arkansas
12. Iowa- Embarrassed Penn State, but is Ricky Stanzi ready to lead the Hawkeyes back to contention?
13. Miami
14. Florida- When one of the worst rankings the Gators have suffered under Urban Meyer, their is reason to hope with the running game.
15. Utah
16. Michigan State
17. Wisconsin- Special teams has been a surprise issue. A healthy John Clay and James White will keep them in it.
18. Stanford
19. Michigan- Denard Robinson is fantastic but who else doe the Wolverines present?
20. South Carolina
21. Washington- Yes I know at times they've looked weak and were beat by BYU but win over USC is turning point this season.
22. Nevada
23. Oklahoma State
24. Missouri
25. USC- Sneaks into spot because of a certain Allen Bradford, who rushed for over 200 yards in the loss to the Huskies.

Oregon Beats Out Stanford, Red River Rivalry Goes to Oklahoma, Michigan State Wins Big Ten War

We knew that the West Coast war would be high scoring. You had ninth ranked Stanford and Andrew Luck going up against LaMichael James and fourth ranked Oregon. Stanford got up big early led by Andrew Luck, up 21-3 after two touchdowns, both by Luck, and a run by back Stepfan Taylor. Darren Thomas who started over Nate Costa showed fantastic composure and started leading the Ducks back. At half the momentum had changed to 31-24. The second half belonged to Oregon and LaMichael James. He finished off the day with 257 rushing yards and three touchdowns including a clinching 76 yard run in the 52-31 shootout.

Few are better rivalries than the Red River. Every year these teams show up one usually with BCS championship aspirations, in this case, Oklahoma. Things looked all Sooner early gaining 14-0 lead and the Longhorns offense looked nonexistent until a 60 yard run by D.J. Monroe. But Oklahoma's balanced offense prevailed, Landry Jones passing for 236 yards and 2 scores and back DeMarco Murray rushed for 115 yards.

Personally I thought Michigan State was overrated at 24. They proved me wrong beating up Wisconsin's defense scoring 34. After an early field goal the Badgers took over with a James White score. But a game changing punt return by wide receiver Keshawn Martin which went for 74 yards and gave the Spartans the lead. Kirk Cousins, who had 269 passing yards help finish off 11th ranked Wisconsin with a pass to B.J. Cunningham.
Other Scores:
1 Alabama 31 7 Florida 6 John Brantley(Gators): 202 passing yards, 2 interceptions, Mark Ingram(Crimson Tide):12 carries, 47 yards, 2 touchdowns
17 Iowa 24 22 Penn State 3 Adam Robinson(Hawkeyes): 28 carries, 95 yards, 1 touchdown, Robert Bolden(Nittany Lions) 212 passing yards, 1 interception
Washington 32 18 USC 31 Jake Locker(Huskies): 310 passing yards, 1 touchdown, Allen Bradford(Trojans) 21 carries, 223 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns

Big Games In Week Four

1 Alabama vs. 10 Arkansas With a healthy Mark Ingram the Tide look back. Ingram domianted in his first game back this season but of course that was against Duke. The key for Arkansas is their defense which didn't look great against Georgia. Another big question is how good Ryan Mallett can do against the unexperienced Crimson Tide secondary. Alabama 34 Arkansas 28.
12 South Carolina vs. 17 Auburn Another big SEC war features two scrambling quarterbacks. The Gamecocks have two-Christian Garcia and Conner Shaw- while the Tigers have Cameron Newton. Newton is young but he can make many plays. The big recruit for South Carolina- running back Marcus Lattimore- has been huge for the Gamecocks. Something to watch for- the Gamecocks without tight end Weslye Saunders who was dismissed from the team. South Carolina 21 Auburn 16.
3 Boise State vs. 24 Oregon State The Broncos need to win this one to have a chance at the BCS championship after Virginia Tech lost to James Madison. Kellen Moore also may need this one to have a shot at the Heisman. His options are spectacular- Titus Young and Austin Pettis both All WAC receivers. Tight end Tony Galarda- who made the one handed grab in the back of the end zone over the Hokies is an option in the red zone. The biggest problem for Moore will be ignoring the constant pressure tackle Stephen Paea puts on.
15 LSU vs. 22 West Virginia Electric gamebreaker Noel Devine will be key for the Monutaineers as Geno Smith has been just average in the first few games. Plus amazing cornerback Patrick Peterson wouldn't help at all. Jordan Jefferson can make play salong with wideout Terrance Toliver and QB, RB, WR Russell Sheppard.

Biggest Busts, Surprises In College Football

It's already been a crazy football season. Now I give you a list of my busts and surprises:

Busts: Cincinnati We thought that the Bearcats would be just fine without Tony Pike because they had Zach Collaros who won four games replacing the injured Pike last year. It hasn't worked that way. The Bearcats are 1-2 including losses against Fresno State and NC State. Iowa Already they look plain bad. After two straight cupcake wins they lost to 24 Arizona. Their offense looked weak and a good defense usually didn't look much better. Notre Dame We knew they weren't going to be top ten material but the win against Purdue showed promise. The loss to Michigan even if it was by just four showed they need improvement.

Surprises South Carolina They are a good football team. The combo of quarterbacks Christian Garcia and Conner Shaw has worked out fine and freshman Marcus Lattimore has been truly amazing riding the Game Cocks to high in the SEC. Arizona They didn't look great against Toledo but hey they beat Iowa. If Nick Foles can have the season he did last year-as a dark horse for the Heisman- the Wildcats could win the Pac 10. Michigan How about this? I doubted them against UConn and Notre Dame both but they won by a combined 24 points. They also survived against UMass. If Denard Robinson plays like he is playing they are a threat to beat Ohio State.

TCU Escapes, Michigan Routes UConn, Kelly Leads Notre Dame to a Win

6 TCU, 30 24 Oregon State, 21
Andy Dalton passed up Sammy Baugh as the all time winningest quarterback in TCU history last night in the Horned Frogs nine point escape. He deserved it, rushing for two touchdowns and threw for another as he routed a decent Beaver secondary. Ryan Katz, th young starter for Oregon State was the opposite equation. He did have 159 passing yards to Dalton's 175 but showed his strong arm passing for two touchdowns both over 30 yard scores to leading receiver last season James Rodgers(30 yards) and Jordan Bishop(34 yards). Many thought Oregon State was underrated in the polls and the Horned Frogs should be on upset alert. Dalton and back Ed Wesley(134 rushing yards) proved them wrong with a nice win to start off the season.
Michigan, 30 UConn, 10
A three quarterback race took place on Michigan's campus. Denard Robinson, a born scrambler (led Michigan in rushing with 29 carries for 197 yards) won the job and while obviously did pretty good. He also had 186 passing yards. Jordan Todman, the explosive Huskie back had a decent game and added another 100 yard game (105 yards). He also scored the Huskies only touchdown. Zach Frazier had a good game in terms of passing yards, he had 205, but he failed to complete enough passes 18 for 37 and failed to get the ball to receivers in the end zone. Rich Rodriguez is still on the hot seat but it was a good win but last season Michigan started strong and couldn't get a bowl berth.
Notre Dame, 23 Purdue, 12
In Brian Kelly's debut Notre Dame showed promise. The Purdue Boilermakers have a strong team with former Miami QB Robert Marve, wide receiver Keith Smith and defensive end Ryan Kerrigan. Dayne Christ in his first start replacing Jimmy Clausen. He passed for 205 yards and threw for a touchdown. He didn't need be fantastic as back Armando Allen looked good rushing for 93 yards on 18 carries and getting one touchdown. Strong recivers Michael Floyd and Kyle Rudolph obviously helped Christ. So it's far to say the Fighting Irish had a good game. Could this be the turning point of the Irish?

College Football Preview: The Best Of the Rest: Stanford Cardinal

Stanford Cardinal, Un Ranked, Key Loss: RB Toby Gerhart
Most of the time teams who loss Heisman runners ups to the NFL draft are left in a mess. Not Stanford. The Cardinal said good bye to Toby Gerhart because they knew they could switch to the passing game with sophomore Andrew Luck. Coach Jim Harbaugh raved about Luck for good reason as along with spectacular passing numbers Luck can bring down the ball and run. Replacing Gerhart as starter will most likely be Tyler Gaffney but Harbaugh will use a three running back style along with sophomore Stepfan Taylor and senior Jeremy Stewart. Full back Owen Marecic is a true talent who can also linebacker. The O-Line is decent with center Chase Beeler, an All Conference Selection. On defense, the line returns three starters in Thomas Keiser, Sione Fua and Chase Thomas. The linebacker core lost some of its luster but returns sophomore Shayne Skov, who was a five star 2009 recruit and played well including 15 tackles in the Sun Bowl vs. Oklahoma. If the secondary plays well the Cardinal will be just fine on defense.

Heisman Hopeful: Andrew Luck
Other Notable Player: Owen Marecic
Key Games: Oct. 9 vs. USC Quick Pick: Sophomores Matt Barkley and Andrew Luck go up against each other but Luck will have a better day. Stanford escapes.
Oct. 30 vs. Washington Quick Pick: Washington could be a surprise contender as the Cardinal defense looks to shut down Jake Locker. Washington wins.