Saturday, July 17, 2010

College Football Preview: 13. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets



Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Number Thirteen, Key Loss:DE Derrick Morgan
The Jackets still have some sting left in them. They did loss stars Derrick Morgan, Jonathan Dwyer and Demaryius Thomas but the offense is still strong. Quarterback Josh Nesbitt is more running back than quarter but he still will throw 10 to 15 passes for coach Paul Johnson. Backs Anthony Allen and Roddy Jones can run effectively. The offensive line is pretty skilled with center Sean Beadford, a 2009 All Conference Selection. The defnese isn't completely bare with linebacker Brad Jefferson and tackles Logan Walls and Ben Anderson.

Heisman Hopeful: Josh Nesbitt
Other Notable Players: Brad Jefferson
Key Games: Nov. 27 vs. Georgia Quick Pick: A tough rivalry game will test the Yellow Jackets and their ground game. Georgia Tech wins.
TBA vs. Miami(Florida) Quick Pick: A battle of offneses in this one that will end up with the passing game being more effective. Miami wins.

College Football Preview: 12. Miami Hurricanes



Miami Hurricanes, Number Thirteen, Key Loss: OT Jason Fox
Few could be better than Jacory Harris at the start of last season for the Hurricanes as Harris busted up notable defenses including Oklahoma. This year he's back and he has a confident defense to help him. The 'Canes defense returns 9 starters including end Allen Bailey and cornerback Brandon Harris. The 'Canes have a strong defense but Jacory Harris as few options. In the backfield, Miami has returning starter Mike James, but he isn't good enough to take the pressure off Harris.

Heisman Hopeful: Jacory Harris
Other Notable Players: Allen Bailey
Key Games: Sept. 11 vs. Ohio State Quick Pick: Can Jacory play out Pryor? Two young quarterbacks face off and Pryor will win. Ohio State wins.
Sept. 25 vs. Pittsburgh Quick Pick: A week after the Buckeyes the 'Canes must face dnagerous Dion Lewis and the Panthers. Miami wins.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

College Football Preview: 11. Virginia Tech Hokies



Virginia Tech Hokies Number Eleven, Key Loss: DE Jason Worilds
One of the most consistent teams in college football the Hokies have excelled under Frank Beamer. At the skills position the Hokies are very talented. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor returns now in his fourth year as starter and did a great job declining on his interceptions in his junior season. The ground game is also loaded with Darren Evans, who was injured last season and Ryan Williams. Tyrod Taylor has options to pass to in wideout Jarrett Boykin. The defense is strong in the secondary with cornerback Rashad Carmichael well the linebackers are coming back with Lyndell Gibson and Jake Johnson.

Heisman Hopeful: Tyrod Taylor
Other Notable Players: Ryan Williams
Key Games: Oct. 2 vs. Boise State Quick Pick: Can Rashad Carmichael and the Hokies defense stop Kellen Moore and the Broncos? Boise State wins.
TBA vs. Miami(Florida) Quick Pick: Jacory Harris and Miami looks to avenge last year's loss. Miami wins.

Friday, July 9, 2010

College Football Preview: 10. USC Trojans



USC Trojans Number Ten, Key Loss: Taylor Mays
The key for the Trojans in 2010 and 2011? Forgetting last year. The Trojans fell completely out of the top 25 and didn't play a bowl game in January for the first time sine 2001. Matt Barkley is more experienced now though and even if he has health problems, new coach Lane Kiffin has a solid backup in Aaron Corp. The running game is still strong even with the loss of Joe McKnight. It is led by returning starter Stanley Havili and C.J. Gable. The defense is a little bit more interesting. The front seven is loaded, only losing Everson Griffin, though the secondary, who lost Taylor Mays might need some help, as they have no returning starters.

Heisman Hopeful: Matt Barkley
Other Notable Players: C.J. Gable
Key Games: October 30 vs. Oregon Quick Pick: Even though the Ducks have no Jeremiah Masoli the ground game is strong and will challenge the Trojans defense. USC wins.
November 27 vs. Notre Dame Quick Pick: Mark your calenders. Even though the Irish lost Jimmy Clausen and Golden Tate, new coach Brian Kelly will find a way for Notre Dame to win. Notre Dame wins.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

College Football Preview: 9. Wisconsin Badgers



Wisconsin Badgers Number Nine, Key Loss: None
Wisconsin's rise to the top of the Big Ten lies on the running game. Talented half back John Clay can bruise through defenses. The offensive line will help Clay as it has two All Conference selections in Gabe Carimi and John Moffitt. Both Carimi and Moffitt will help out quarterback Scott Tolzien. On defense the Badgers lost alot of their D-Line but they should be fine with retruning linebackers Chris Borland and Culmer St. Jean. Jay Valai is a beast in the secondary.

Heisman Hopeful: John Clay
Other Notable Players: Scott Tolzien
Key Games: Oct. 16 vs. Ohio State Quick Pick: The Badger defense will try to stop versatile Terrelle Pryor well Ohio State does the same to John Clay. Ohio State wins.
October 23 vs. Iowa Quick Pick: Another tough Big Ten oppenent in the span of two weeks Ricky Stanzi and the Hawkeyes will attempt to wear the Badgers down even more.Iowa wins.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

SE: Netherlands Beats Down South America's Last Chance


Both with dramatic wins over opponents that were supposed to beat them the Netherlands took on the last South American team Uruguay. Early on the Netherlands struck with a goal in the 18th minute by Giovanni Van Bronckhorst. But Uruguay would not give up as their star Diego Forlan put in the equalizer in the 41st minute. Later the Dutch scored a controversial goal that could have been called offside. With it 2-1 Arjen Robben put in a header that made it look hopeless for Uruguay. But the comeback kids scored a late goal with Maxi Perreira in extra time. Later Uruguay had many chances as the ball was dangerously close to Netherlands's goal but to no avail as Netherlands advances to their third final appearance. It will be an all European final as the other semifinal matchup is between Germany and Spain.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Speacial Edition: World Cup Semis Preview


Uruguay vs. Netherlands
After knocking off the all-star of the soccer world in Brazil, Netherlands looks to continue their run against Uruguay. Uruguay have one two World Cups and they look for their third but they need super striker Diego Forlan to play like he did when they beat Ghana in the quarterfinals. The Dutch are led by midfielder Arjen Robben who is finally healthy and playing like it. Robin Van Persie is another option on offense. Both teams are playing great but the Netherlands has more momentum and more talent. Netherlands win, 1-0.
Spain vs. Germany
At the start of the World Cup I like many had Spain making the final only to lose to Brazil. Now that the Brazilians are done Spain looks like they are the favorite. But, the Germans are on fire. They shook out Wayne Rooney's England club, 4-1 and then smoked Lionel Messi and Argentina, 4-0. They have guys like Miroslav Klose (1 behind Ronaldo in goals scored in World Cup) and Boran Schwienstieger. They will miss Thomas Mueller though who had penalty problems. Spain is still loaded as David Villa has had a dream of a World Cup and they still have Fernando Torres. Teams tie at the end of regulation but Spain squeaks by in penalty kicks.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

College Football Preview: 8. Florida Gators



Florida Gators Number Eight, Key Loss: QB Tim Tebow
Few can replace Tim Tebow at quarterback. We watched number 15 lead the Gators to SEC greatness challenging Alabama two straight years for the SEC championship. Now we meet John Brantley, Tebow's replacement. Brantley wouldn't have to throw the ball that often though, fortunately the Gators have a solid backfield led by Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey. Guard Mike Pouncey(brother of draft pick Maurkice Pouncey) will lead the way for Demps. On defense, the Gators are trying to regroup after losing Joe Haden and Brandon Spikes. Threy still have guys like safeties Will Hill and Ahmad Black. Tackles Omar Hunter and Terron Sanders return an will constantly pressure QB's.

Heisman Hopeful: Jeff Demps
Other Notable Players: Mike Pouncey
Key Games: October 2 vs. Alabama Quick Pick: Could be the SEC championship as John Brantley tries to prove he can replace Tebow. Alabama wins.
September 18 vs. Tennessee Quick Pick: The Vols are declining but are still a challenge to the also declining Gators. Florida escapes.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

College Football Preview: 7.TCU Horned Frogs



TCU Horned Frogs Number Seven, Key Loss:DE-LB Jerry Hughes
TCU was oen of two major teams to crash the BCS party last year along with Boise State. This year it looks like much of the same. Andy Dalton returns to the TCU roster and gives the Horned Frogs probably the best quarterback in the Mountain West. He'll have options to through to in guys like Jimmy Young and Jeremy Kerley, both seniors. The defense lost some power when lethal threats Jerry Hughes and Daryll Washington left to the NFL. It is still pretty talented though on the defensive line with Cory Grant and Wayne Daniels. The cornerbacks are a cause for concern but free safety Tejay Johnson keeps the secondary in check.

Heisman Hopeful: Andy Dalton
Other Notable Players: Tejay Johnson
Key Games: September 4 vs. Oregon State Quick Pick: The TCU defense has to find a way to stop talented Jacquizz Rodgers in the backfield but Andy Dalton should do just fine. TCU wins.
November 6 vs. Utah Quick Pick: A big rivalry game TCU gets one of the final chances to face Utah before their move to the Pac 10. Utah wins.
Photo: Andy Dalton(left) and Tejay Johnson (right)

Friday, June 25, 2010

College Football Preview: 6.Nebraska Cornhuskers



Nebraska Cornhuskers Number Six, Key Loss: DT Ndamukong Suh
Losing probably the best all around defensive player on the planet isn't exactly fun but Nebraska will still be a power in the Big 12. The offense didn't lose much keeping quarterback Zac Lee and running back Roy Helu. Lee isn't the best quarterback in the Big 12 but he'll be good enough for the 'Huskers. On defense cornerback Prince Amukamara leads the secondary well Jared Crick is a strong player on the D-line. The 'Huskers could well go later but with Helu leading the team Nebraska challenges Texas for thr top of the Big 12.

Heisman Hopeful: Roy Helu
Other Notable Players: Prince Amukamara
Key Games: October 16 vs. Texas Quick Pick: The Texas offense will likely get it going by this game but the 'Huskers will still give them a challenge. Nebraska wins.
October 23 vs. Oklahoma State Quick Pick: The Cowboys lost their key players so the Cornhuskers will look dominant. Nebraska wins.
Photo: Roy Helu (10) and Prince Amukamara (21)