Next Lesson - Week 3, 2006

Next Lesson - Preview, Week 3 2006
by Joe Simpson

Somewhat of a down week here in college football, but there are some good ones out there. Let's take a look.

Game of the Week: #13 Penn State (1-0) at Pittsburgh (2-0). Pitt started out 7-0 last year, and one of their wins was a 29-28 shocker against the Nittany Lions. Penn State has vowed that would not happen again, as they blew a 21-0 lead against the Panthers. The Nittany Lions lost three games by nine points, two of them by one-point each. There are a lot in Happy Valley who feel that Pitt is responsible for their not making the playoffs last year (we'd point more fingers at PSU themselves, for losing to Illinois of all teams). This year, an absolute war should break out. The Nittany Lions have an offense that I don't think Pitt can stop. Sage Stith and Ray Neubert are simply too much for this Panther defense. But the Pitt offense can do some damage as well. Chon Kreider is an underrated junior QB, and Vince Kooistra was the Big East freshman of the year last year at RB. He's got all of the tools to beat Penn State; he's shifty, quick, and can change direction on a dime.

Joe Simpson's Prediction: In the end, I think Penn State's offense is way too much. This isn't last year, where Pitt had Boomer Lett, Eldon Hugo, and the like. There's nobody truly able to stop Penn State from throwing the ball down field, and Sage Stith should be able to keep the ship steady for the Nittany Lions. I think this will be close for awhile, but the Nittany Lions will pull away in the second half.

Pick: Penn State 31, Pittsburgh 20

Other Top Games

Oregon State (1-1) at #16 Missouri (1-0). Will there be letdown for Missouri, after knocking off LSU? Claudis Browning has gotten some Heisman momentum...will he be able to keep that up against the eighth-best defense in Division I? Jerald Duckworth and the Beaver defense have what it takes to stop the Tigers...for awhile. I think there's too much Browning for the Beavers, though. I think his ability to find secondary receivers will have OSU defenders befuddled, and as a result, Missouri will pull out a tough one. PICK: Missouri 24, Oregon State 21

#18 Minnesota (2-0) at Texas A&M (2-0): The Rematch. These two teams met a year ago, with Minnesota outlasting the Aggies 38-30, en route to the national championship game. This year, a lot of the key pieces to that game are gone. But Mason Archuleta, the best defender on that field a year ago, returns, ready to get payback on ending what was his best chance to win the national title. The Aggies are also #2 in the nation in run defense, giving up just 13 yards per game thus far. Can June Grant bust through for a big game? Maybe, but I don't see Minnesota leaving College Station with a second straight win over the Aggies. PICK: Texas A&M 23, Minnesota 20

#19 Notre Dame (2-0) at #22 Colorado (0-1): Notre Dame was shaky against Rutgers last week. Can traveling to Colorado, who will be fired up after being upset by Tulsa, hand them their first loss? Ty Sellers fell back to earth last week, rushing for 122 yards on 31 carries against the Scarlet Knights. Colorado has a much tougher defense than anything Notre Dame has seen...and they have a potent offense, behind Skeets Cannday and Jumbo Gilmore. They also have Wray Diedrick and La'Roi Tittle, two targets that require Notre Dame to have two Glenn Stanleys to cover. Add in the potential loss of starting QB Damian Bland for this game, and you have Colorado victory written all over it. PICK: Colorado 31, Notre Dame 27

Other Games (Home team in CAPS, Media Rankings Used)

#1 OHIO STATE 41, Wake Forest 10
#3 Florida State 51, TEMPLE 0
#5 Texas 34, TROY 6
#7 GEORGIA 27, North Carolina 13
#8 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 31, South Carolina 13
#10 MIAMI 34, Rice 7
#24 Arizona 38, INDIANA 14

Last Week: 15-2
Season: 15-2

Questions we hope to answer this week:

Is Artrell Pierson a Heisman candidate?
Is Vanderbilt (2-0) for real?
Are any Mid-Majors sneaking up on us for national contention?

Cup O' Joe - Week 2, 2006

Cup O' Joe
2006 Week 2 Recap
by Joe Simpson

We learned a few things here in the early season this week; we learned what a few teams are made of, and the depth of a few other teams. We also have the awards race just beginning to shape up. Let's take a look at the week that was.

Joe Simpson's Top Ten - Week 2

1. Ohio State (2-0, 1 LW)
2. Georgia (1-0, 2)
3. Florida State (2-0, 3)
4. Michigan (2-0, 4)
5. Oklahoma (2-0, 5)
6. Penn State (1-0, 6)
7. Notre Dame (2-0, 8)
8. Miami (2-0, NR)
9. Florida (2-0, NR)
10. Clemson (2-0, NR)
Out: Texas, Auburn, USC

Rising Stock: Clemson. The Tigers never trailed against Auburn, and never were in a bad spot. They opened the game with a 61-yard pick-and-run by Thornton Lipps, sending Auburn reeling immediately The closest Auburn got was 21-13 with :28 left. Clemson came right back on a Kimo Mercer return to the Auburn 45. One 14-yard play later, Noah Symonette booted a 49-yard field goal, stealing the momentum away from Auburn. Early in the third, Doak Dingle, in for the banged up Mobo Crumpler, threw a 17-yard touchdown pass to Kurt Vinson. That effectively ended it. The two teams really played pretty evenly; Clemson just made more of their opportunities, whereas Auburn played as though they had the wind taken out of their sails from the very beginning. The one thing a lot of people haven't noticed about this Clemson program is...Clemson has been doing this to a lot of teams over the past season+. Last year, everyone thought it was the Kurt Laird-and-Buford Bruer show. Now we see that it's a lot more than just a couple of stars...it's a program thing.

Stock Falling: The SEC West. Yes, the East is a combined 8-1. But the West...well...they're 3-8 combined, with LSU and Auburn starting off 0-2. Alabama lost to South Florida. The rest of the division has lost to tough opponents, but there is no way this grouping of teams should be a combined 3-8. The most amazing thing about this division is, either LSU or Auburn will make it to the SEC Championship Game.

Game Balls

Claudis Browning, QB, Missouri - 26-of-31, 390 yards, 5 TD, INT vs LSU. Browning, one of the more underrated quarterbacks in the nation, had his coming out party against the LSU Tigers, carving them up with precision passing and the best play-action fake in the nation. Browning would be wise to keep this game on tape for NFL scouts; any QB would have a hard time finding a better outing against any team, let alone one with national prominence like LSU (though that is sinking).

Kavika Romanik, QB, California - 18-of-24, 434 yards, 4 TD vs Central Florida. Another standout prospect, Romanik blasted Central Florida with an unbelievable day. His 434 yards was a career high, and the junior threw four TDs against a tough pass defense. Defenses in the Pac 10 better watch out; it appears this kid has gotten rid of his inconsistent play, and is ready to take Cal all the way.

Jimond Jensen, RB, Oklahoma State - 26 carries, 201 yards, 3 TD vs Navy. Jensen ran all over the Midshipmen, taking his second career 200-yard game. He's already run for five touchdowns this year, almost half of his output last year. If he can improve slightly on his numbers (1844 yards, 11 TD) from a year ago, he's a legit Heisman candidate.

Emlen Cassidy, WR, Oregon - 6 catches, 212 yards, 2 TD vs Southern Miss. Cassidy is a solid soph, giving excellent productivity each time out. He's had six catches in each of his first two games, and had 101 yards with those six catches against LSU. He failed to get into the end zone in that game, but doubled his pleasure this time around. He's already nearly equaled his numbers from a year ago (22 catches, 375 yards, 2 TD), and may be one of those players to have a major breakout season.

Barrett Spicer, ILB, Virginia - 11 tackles, 9 solo, 3 sacks, 1 stuff vs Temple. Granted, it was against Temple, but Spicer had a great all-around effort against the Owls. He found himself continually in the backfield, and was a tackling machine.

Mason Archuleta, FS, Texas A&M - 9 tackles, 3 INT vs Syracuse. Archuleta rang up two top quarterbacks for his three picks, staking his claim as the top defensive back in the nation. I don't think there's a better hitter in college football, to be honest. One of the hits he laid in on I.M. Dressel could have saved his season; Dressel was down for several moments, then got back up. A few plays later, he ripped up his knee...had he stayed down, he would not have been in. Archuleta strikes fear into opponents like few others in college football, and he showed it in this game.

Jerome Mialik, KR, Fresno State - 5 KR, 216 yards, 43.2 avg vs BYU. Very solid effort by Mialik, who will be counted on to keep doing this all season long.

Curley Moss, PR, New Mexico State - 8 PR, 173 yards, TD (95) vs La-Monroe. Interesting anecdote...as Moss came off the field for his touchdown, he was pulled aside by his coach, and berated for fielding the punt at the 5. Then his coach hugged him. "I wanted him to know that he screwed up, but made up for it," Clinton Goss said afterwards, laughing.

Dexter Bean, K, Ball State: GW FG (37 yards) with :10 vs Baylor. Bean made up for an earlier miss with a clutch kick for Ball State against the Bears. Baylor, hoping for a 1-0 start after a 1-10 season, was devastated, and it showed.

Lessons learned this week:

Ohio State/Texas...anything? To be honest, I don't think we learned much of anything from this game. Ohio State made the plays when they had to, and played well down the stretch. They never trailed against Texas, but at the same time, you had to feel that Texas was never out of the game. Ohio State's vaunted defense gave up 460 yards passing to Mack Gambrell (19-32, 460, 5 TD, INT), which doesn't bode well for the future. The team still has to face Marquand Groom and Sage Stith, both of whom are at least on par with Gambrell, and in the case of Stith, probably better than him. They also served up 136 yards of rushing to Torrin McClairen, who is really proving himself. I will go on record now...Ohio State is a lot more suspect than we thought. I think they'll still be one of the teams there at the end...but don't be surprised if they get picked off early in the Big Ten season. As far as Texas goes, they have a lot to build on. They actually played better than the score indicates. McClairen is proving my claim of being in the Heisman race true right now. The defense, however, has to step it up. They never stiffened against Ohio State, never turned them back...they did register three sacks against Clenton Hamlin, but he stood tall in the pocket all day. He killed them with the playaction, one of which set up a 50-yard TD pass to Delbert Wike. All in all, this was just a good game played by two very good teams who will likely be there in the playoffs. I, for one, hope for a rematch with more at stake.

Can Michigan live up to their own coach's hype? Michigan was taken to overtime by San Diego State on Saturday, begging this question. Their own coach, Craig Hayes, is quoted as saying Ohio State "can't hold (his own) jock", and that Penn State "is a bunch of Nittany pansies". Is he putting too much pressure on his own team to perform as a result? The Wolverines did, however, finally let Lional Semple loose. The stud sophomore responded with 134 yards on 19 carries. This can only mean good things for Rae Hendrickson (26 carries, 131 yards, TD) and Marquand Groom (18-24, 216 yards, 3 TD). Now, don't get me wrong here...I like Craig Hayes. He's always good for a good conversation, regardless of whether or not it's about football. And he's always good for a solid quote. But, I don't think any team is able to play up to his billing right now. Hopefully his assistants will work on him, and keep him from putting his team's psyche at jeopardy.

IM Dressel...we hardly knew thee: Syracuse QB I.M. Dressel's career all but ended this week, after he tore his ACL against Texas A&M. Dressel, a senior, was a Heisman candidate going into this season. Now, he has to wonder what will happen about his abilities in the pros. He was projected as the fifth or sixth-best senior QB in the draft, and a probable second-round pick...if not higher. Now, you have to wonder if he'll go anywhere before the sixth round. I think he'll get drafted...but after knee surgery, and the long road back...and a year of not getting hit...and having to adjust to pros hitting you...will he ever make it? In my mind, I think he'll end up on a roster...but he'll never have the potential he did going into this season. He was a possible starting quarterback for a NFL team...now, he's a backup and nothing more. If nothing else, the injury does mean we get to see Gordon Testaverde again. The nephew of Vinny, the junior was 13-of-15 for 134 (and an INT) against the Aggies. He's very capable of leading this team to the Big East title; some say he was the best quarterback not starting. Well now he is, and it's his ship for the rest of the year. Whether or not that's good for Orange fans...well, that remains to be seen.

Other questions posed last week:

Is Penn State's offense as good as the hype? Yes and no. I'd actually look at their surprisingly hostile defense as to why this team may win the Big Ten this season. Beating NC State 24-3, forcing two interceptions and six sacks...that was impressive.

Is Miami back? Stay tuned...the Hurricanes are going to be without star QB Yo Rizzo for a few weeks. Carlos Booty, a sophomore stud, rushed for only 79 yards...but he didn't carry it all that much. Expect this team to become unleashed soon.

Is Clemson among the elite in college football? See above...but to answer this, I would say yes. This program is going to be excellent, year in and year out.

Next Lesson - Week 2, 2006

Next Lesson: Preview, Week 2, 2006
by Joe Simpson

Several marquee games are on the schedule for this week, including one with major national implications. Let's take a look at the Week-To-Be:

Game of the Week: #2 Ohio State (1-0) at #3 Texas (1-0). The big question here is, which team breaks out? Both went through pedestrian performances against mediocre competition last week. Is it that both teams were looking ahead? That may very well be the case. Torrin McClairen showed he can live up to the hype he was given when he was placed in the Heisman Top Ten in the preseason. But can he score? He's going to need an even bigger performance than his 28-carry, 157-yard outing against UConn, if Texas is going to be successful in this game. Mack Gambrell was also impressive, throwing for 310 yards and a pair of TDs on 64.3% passing. He can do it against this defense, too; Ohio State's secondary is talented, but it is their weakness on this defense. Austin Leaverton is going to have to have a Butkus-like day against McClairen and this offensive line, if Ohio State is going to be able to do the things they want to do. Leaverton will be on McClairen coming out of the backfield in passing situations, and that may be the biggest matchup of the game.

Of course, the big question is...can Ohio State perform offensively? They managed six field goals against Akron. That...does not equate to solid offensive production. While we understand that they lost their entire backfield, including first-round pick JC Neumann and second-round pick Elmer Tennell, the leap from Akron to Texas is pretty darn big. Can Ohio State make that adjustment this year? Can Clenton Hamlin (21-for-28, 222, TD) and JC Motley (36 carries, 175 yards, 0 TD) find their way into the end zone against this rugged Longhorn defense? (More on that below.) That is going to be the key in this game...whichever team realizes they have a high-powered offense, and then uses it, is going to win. That may sound obvious, and to be honest, it is. But these teams are too good to have the games they had in the first week. And whichever one doesn't snap out of their early funk is going to be the one that comes out of here with the L.

Joe Simpson's Prediction: This is going to be a real dogfight. There's no question about that. In the end, I think it's going to be Ohio State's balance on offense that gets the best of Texas. Texas' defense is suspect at times, and their secondary is very spotty. I think Hamlin, Motley, and WR Andre Morey snap out of it, and start moving the ball on Texas in the second half. Texas needs balance if they're going to win, and turning this into a track meet, which I think the Buckeyes will do come the third quarter, is going to be the death knell for the Longhorns. Ohio State escapes with the victory, and validation that they are, right now, the best team in America.

Pick: Ohio State 31, Texas 24

Other Top Games:

#15 Auburn (0-1) at #16 Clemson (1-0): Auburn was much better against Michigan last week than many give them credit for. In spite of the 114th-ranked defense in the nation, Auburn held their own against the Wolverines until Michigan put the game away late. But Clemson is much better than people think. Auburn can't go 0-2, but traveling to Death Valley may be too much for the Tigers to handle. I think Clemson squeaks by behind Art Bedsole. PICK: Clemson 27, Auburn 23

#24 Nebraska (1-0) at #22 Iowa (0-1): Cliff Holleyman being banged up really hurts Iowa here. He has a cracked rib, and while the senior intends to play, one has to wonder how many hits he can take. He was sacked twice in the loss to Washington, and now here comes a Cornhusker defense that is leaps and bounds better than the Huskies. Add QB Dantonio Karras rearing to have a breakout game, and you have a team that's ready to roll over the Hawkeyes. PICK: Nebraska 34, Iowa 17

#14 Wisconsin (1-0) at #25 Tennessee (1-0): While the Vols are ranked, I'm still not sold on them. Melvin Landry is the real deal, of course. But DeJuan Franks...I'm not completely set on him as being the guy to lead this team. Of course, they don't have much of a choice. But Franks has been a bit of a bust for the Volunteers, a guy who has not completely fulfilled his potential in Knoxville. Wisconsin, on the other hand, is on the way up. Deveren Liske is every bit as good as Landry, and Shurron Millen is one of the best QBs nobody has heard of. But they are banged up...3/5 of their line may not start this week. So, it's a toss-up. I don't think UT has enough to beat Wisconsin on defense, even with the line for the Badgers hurting so much. Deveren Liske will earn the win for Wisconsin. PICK: Wisconsin 23, Tennessee 20

#19 Missouri (0-0) at #11 LSU (0-1): It's do-or-die time for LSU. Simple as that. Missouri is not as good as last year's surprise Big XII champs. But they are still quite good, and quite capable of coming to Baton Rouge and beating the Tigers. Claudis Browning is one of the best junior QBs in the nation, and he has two very good targets in Kiwaukee Ellis and Rufus Diehl, as well as a tough running back in Kline Jarvis. You would think that LSU has the edge over Mizzou, in that they've played a game. But who knows what's going on in that locker room, following the loss to Oregon. I guess we'll find out what this team is made of, and where this program is headed, following this game. PICK: LSU 28, Missouri 27

Other Games (HOME TEAM IN CAPS, Media rankings used)

#1 Michigan 44, SAN DIEGO STATE 10
#4 FLORIDA STATE 51, Tulsa 20
#7 PURDUE 38, Arizona 14
#8 OKLAHOMA 41, Mississippi State 24
#9 USC 45, Hawaii 28
#10 MIAMI 27, Utah 10
#12 PENN STATE 38, North Carolina State 21
#13 TEXAS TECH 56, Rice 13
#17 Notre Dame 34, RUTGERS 7
#18 MINNESOTA 24, West Virginia 20
#20 BOSTON COLLEGE 30, Louisiana Tech 16
IOWA STATE 27, #21 Washington 24

Top 25 Open: #5 Florida, #6 Georgia, #23 Colorado

Questions we hope to answer this week:

Is Ohio State the best team in the nation?
Is Penn State's offense as good as the hype?
Is Miami back?
Is Clemson have a place among the elite in college football?

Cup O' Joe - Week 1, 2006

Cup O' Joe
2006 Week 1 Recap
by Joe Simpson

We're one week into the new season, and already it's filled with surprise. The low-majors...Troy and Tulsa, namely...are already taking down some of the big guns of college football. Meanwhile, we have another Songin story, and lo and behold, it's not that far away from the first one. Let's take a look at the week that was:

Joe Simpson's Top Ten

1. Ohio State (1-0, 1 LW) - Buckeyes don't break sweat in tune-up for trip to Austin.
2. Georgia (1-0, 2) - Artrell Pierson (382 yards passing, 3 TD) showing he's the real deal.
3. Florida State (1-0, 3) - Defense looks superb, but three turnovers does not.
4. Michigan (1-0, 8) - Beware: Hendrickson rings up 140 yards, 80 on one carry.
5. Oklahoma (1-0, 6) - Sooners demolish UTEP, hold Ramon Shipp to 48 yards.
6. Penn State (0-0, 7) - Open up season vs NC State this week.
7. Texas (1-0, 9) - Longhorns insist their ready for Buckeyes this week.
8. Notre Dame (1-0, NR) - Surprisingly easy win over Trojans launches them into poll.
9. Auburn (0-1, 5) - They played Michigan tough, pulled to within 20-14 late in 4th.
10. USC (0-1, 4) - Spurrier getting injured (again) has to raise concern in Pasadena.

Rising stock: Notre Dame. They knocked off a USC team that has loads of talent, and they did it with ease. They do have Colorado, Purdue, and Michigan still on the schedule...but, when those coaches look at this tape, and see this kind of offensive attack...how will they gameplan for it? The Irish are back, ladies and gentlemen.

Stock falling: LSU. They were supposed to get back into the title picture. They were supposed to contend with Georgia, with Florida...and what happens? They lose to an Oregon team that isn't expected to do much of anything this year. And Oregon made it look easy. LSU managed just 70 yards rushing, and 242 yards total, while giving up 509 yards to the Ducks and QB Buck Allen. There are problems in Cajun Country, and they have to figure out the solution...fast.

Game Balls

Ty Sellers, RB, Notre Dame - 23 carries, 209 yards, 3 TD (1 receiving) vs USC. Sellers ran all over the Trojan defense, paving the way for freshman Bret Baniewicz to do the same (117 yards on 12 carries). If these two are going to do this all season (over nine yards a carry), nobody will stop them.

Hines Stingley, QB, Georgia Tech - 22-33, 416 yards, 6 TD, INT vs La Tech. Stingley isn't the answer at quarterback for the Yellow Jackets this year. But if he can play like this every week...heck, even 2/3 of this kind of productivity will be just fine for GT fans.

Dokie Gash, QB, Air Force - 28-36, 419 yards, 4 TD vs Army. Gash IS Air Force this year, and he proved his abilities in completing 77% of his passes against the Cadets. I normally don't give out two QB game balls, but he deserved it for this one.

Shayne Gabriel, RB, Texas Tech - 26 carries, 290 yards, 3 TD vs North Texas. Another case of duplicity, but Gabriel's efforts earned him a game ball. He rushed for 11.15 yards a carry against NoTx, which is impressive against ANY defense at this level.

Dameyune Tracey, WR, Miss State - 9 catches, 168 yards, TD vs Virginia. Solid effort against a team that, while is on its way down, can still hurt you.

Norris Barkum, ILB, San Jose State - 16 tackles (14 solo), 2 sacks, 3 stuffs vs VT. In spite of his team's inability to stop the Hokies (46-0), Barkum was superhuman, putting up great numbers against a very good team. He already matched his sack total of 2005 in this game.

Ode Biakabutuka, ILB, East Carolina - 17 tackles (12 solo), sack, stuff, hurry vs UGA. Ode is a guy who just overachieves. He has never been blessed with talent. But his motor is always going; he somehow managed nine sacks last season, and is already starting out of the gate this year, doing all he could to stop Georgia. The Bulldogs still scored 62 on the Pirates, but his efforts cannot be overlooked.

Madre Hyatt, ILB, Northern Illinois - 13 tackles, stuff, 3 INT vs Hawaii. Another amazing effort in a losing cause. Hyatt did everything he could to keep his team afloat. But no offense led to a 28-3 loss. Nevertheless, Hyatt registered double-digit tackles and three interceptions.

Alge Fitzgerland, PR, Kansas - 3 returns, 158 yards, 2 TD vs Syracuse. Fitzgerland put up the first two touchdowns of the game, on back-to-back returns. He took one 90 yards with 4:33 left in the first, and again on a 69-yard return with 3:04 left in the opening quarter. Once Syracuse stopped him from taking it to the house, they had very little issues in a 37-23 victory over the Jayhawks.

Akbar Lachey, K, Ohio State - 6-6 FG, Long 58, 19 points vs Akron. His teammates scored one touchdown. He did all the rest, including launching one from 58 yards. That will be in the back of OSU coaches later this season, guaranteed.

(There will be fewer game balls given out in the future. I swear.)

Lessons learned:

Notre Dame can run the ball: Ty Sellers and Bret Baniewicz are going to be a force this year. Sellers pushed for 209 yards, and Baniewicz for 117, against a tough USC defense. Baniewicz, the younger brother of former Florida State star Wes, will be asked to do a lot for the Irish this year. We learned, last week, that he can handle about 1/3 of the carries, and be very productive. Damian Bland was also utilized very well, throwing only sixteen times, but completing ten for 129 yards and a pair of touchdowns. If this is how Notre Dame is going to play, there may not be a team out there that can stop them from doing it.

USC still needs work: Yes, I still think USC is going to win it all. They got off to a very bad start last year, then got hot. It's very tough to open up against Notre Dame, especially when you're still young and putting together some new pieces on defense. But the Trojans only got to Bland for one sack, and only hurried him once. They did get into the backfield for five stuffs, but nobody was consistent with it. They never even came close to forcing a turnover. The defense was generally passive against the Irish, seemingly trying to implement a bend-but-don't-break scheme. It didn't work. For Stacy Bond and company it's now back to the drawing board.

LSU...Loser State?: No, not quite. But 32-20 to Oregon? Oregon never traied in this game. They controlled it throughout, putting up 509 yards of offense, and holding the Tigers to 242 total yards. Ahman Meade's replacement, senior Neill Kaesviharn, rushed for only 52 yards on 19 carries against the Ducks. That isn't going to fly, and everyone in Baton Rouge knows it. The defense is also severely broken, though they did get four sacks against Oregon's line. But they never truly stopped Oregon from scoring, even field goals. They're going to have to force more than four punts against teams if they want to be more successful. The jury is still out on whether or not they're going to be a national player. After this game, it's easy to say "No way". But I think they can still contend for the SEC title, and possibly more. However, it's going to take more from the offense to do it, especially with high-octane teams like Georgia and Florida looming on their schedule.

Oregon...a contender?: I think this was an aberration, to be honest. I don't think Oregon's receivers can keep making their quarterbacks looking this good. Buck Allen and Rueben Lawson can't sustain this kind of play every week. They just can't. And sophomore RJ Vanover has to be better than his 22 carry, 68 yard performance against the Tigers. The defense didn't force any turnovers, and while they did force five sacks, a lot of LSU's issues were just chemistry. As much as I was underwhelmed by LSU, I was not overwhelmed by Oregon's performance. This is a team that, by midseason, may only have one loss (that being to USC). Beating LSU in Baton Rouge is a major accomplishment, and nothing should be taken away from them for that. They will probably be 4-0 going into the game against Southern Cal (Virginia is a toss-up, but that's a team that's on the way down). The USC game will be the biggest game in this program's recent history...it's a statement game. Yes, I'm looking that far ahead and making that claim; the reason is, this team just knocked off a SEC power, and they don't have much of a challenge between now and that game. But if they come out and lay an egg against the Trojans, their recruiting may suffer far more than the gain they got from this win. If they beat the Trojans, they're suddenly the favorite to win the Pac-10, regardless of Cal, Washington State, and Oregon State. Do I think that'll happen? It's too early to say, especially with the two teams coming out of Week 1 with two very different results. But I don't think Oregon is as good as 32-20 over LSU indicates.

Invasion of the Mid-Majors: Troy is good. We knew that. But good enough to beat Oregon State? In Corvallis? Troy was completely outplayed, offensively. But their defense forced three turnovers. Oregon State missed two field goals. Oregon State also couldn't get anything going in the return game, being held to just 80 yards on all of their returns. Troy really made a statement in this game. They controlled throughout, and closed out the Beavers late. They will turn around and lose their next game (Texas)...but this team is good enough to get a win in the playoffs. I believe in the Trojans of Troy.

As far as Tulsa knocking off Colorado, I'm not sure what ot think of that. I think Colorado just couldn't find their way into the end zone against the Golden Hurricane. That's credit to Tulsa more than it is discredit to the Buffaloes, as their defense did a solid job. They got an interception, sacked Skeets Cannady three times, and threw enough different looks at him to force a 17-for-27 day out of him. They did give up 177 yards to Jumbo Gilmore, but they kept him from making a game-breaking play. On offense, Tulsa QB Wilson Galbraith was 22-of-32 for 286 and 3 TD (and an INT). He threw to six different targets, and two different receivers--Raynoch Pitts and Ahman Tinoisamoa--had over 100 yards. If Tulsa can keep spreading the wealth, we may be looking at a dark horse in CUSA.

Granted, these were the only two mid-majors to score wins over big programs this week. But don't expect this trend to curb, no no...this may be the year of the Mid-Major. There are a few of them that can contend deep into the playoffs; notably, Fresno State comes to mind. But this week showed that even the smaller ones can go into big-time places and come out with the win. This may be the year that the mids level the playing field.

This Year's Marion Songin is...: It's too early to determine that. Yes, Shayne Gabriel of Texas Tech rushed for 290 yards on 26 carries. And he had a great year last year, rushing for 1253 yards and 10 touchdowns. But his Week 1 effort was against North Texas. That's not exactly top competition. Ty Sellers' effort against USC was far more impressive. Five running backs rushed for over 200 yards last week, and all of them are elite backs. Angelo Pagliei is a truck for Arizona State at 5'11, 232 pounds; Florida's Winslow Ferrario is the best junior back in the nation...and the other two backs were Deveren Liske and Sellers. Still, it's too early to proclaim any of these backs this year's Songin.

2006 National Preview

As we enter the 2006 season, we emphasize the following point:

Change.

That is, the more teams change, the more they stay the same. Ohio State, the top team in our preseason rankings, lost their entire backfield. But they have weapons replacing them that will more than replace Elmer Tennell and JC Neumann. Georgia lost all of their weapons from their national title run a year ago. That includes #1 overall pick, RB Jared Binagman. But behind top recruit Artrell Pierson, the Bulldogs have a great chance to repeat. Florida State lost Heisman Trophy winner, QB Ronde Samuels. But, with Bracy Tolhurst replacing him, things are looking up for the Seminoles in the Sunshine State. These are just a few of the storylines heading into this season, which should be a most interesting one from start to finish.

Five Questions with Joe Simpson

1. Which conference will be the most hotly contested? The Big Ten. Ohio State, Penn State, and Michigan are all neck and neck, I think, in terms of talent. Ohio State had to replace a lot of top players, but they did that...as well as bring back the best defensive player in the conference in linebacker Austin Leaverton. Penn State has the most explosive offense outside of Florida State, led by Heisman frontrunner, QB Sage Stith. The team got creative, converting Max Dixon to wide receiver and bringing in top RB prospect Raymont Neubert to lead the show. Their defense is one of the most underrated in the nation, led by Vinny Anderson and Ricky Taputu. Michigan has Rae Hendrickson, who in my view is good, but not quite on par with the top backs in the nation. They also have QB Marquand Groom, who should be better than last year's starter, Mick Zeno.

But they aren't the only ones who can win the Big Ten. Wisconsin, Purdue, and Minnesota all have great chances. Wisconsin had the a top-three recruiting class, and while they'll be young, Deverin Liske can lead them to the Promised Land. Purdue hopes to have QB Homer Piertosante for a full season; if they do, count on them to be in the thick of things for the entire trek. And Minnesota lost state hero Art Webb, but they return June Grant and a solid defense, one capable of shutting down any team on any day.

2. Can any team in the Big East contend for the national title? This conference got a bad rap last year, though Pittsburgh and Louisville demonstrated just how good they can be on a national level. This year, I think it's Syracuse's turn. The Orange are solid, have a star in QB IM Dressel, and are capable of beating anyone. Pittsburgh is also capable of playing some top notch football, but I don't think they have quite the defense needed to be a national title player.

3. Is USC going to walk away with the Pac 10? Yes. They are that good. They're still young, mind you...but nobody in the conference has the experience they have, on either side of the ball. Jamar McCloughan is a Heisman candidate at quarterback, and Lake Kotite is a Bednarik contender at DT, as is CB Jamel Prefontaine. They have the best special teams in the nation. I don't think anyone in the Pac 10 is capable of contending with Southern Cal. The best bets are Oregon State and Washington State. Oregon State needs Van Bunch to be LeRoy Keithley, and be him quickly...and the Cougars are too young, I think, to really contend with a team that's as good as USC. Cal has an outside chance, but I don't think they can get into a track meet with USC and win. I think that's what USC is capable of, and very few teams in the nation can run up and down the field with this outfit.

4. Will Josh Schaefer rebuild Notre Dame into a dynasty? The former Nebraska coach is off to a good start, with that recruiting class. If this is what Schaefer is able to bring to the table...bringing the nation's top recruiting class in with an already young team...he's got a great nucleus. Players like RB Brett Baniewicz, DE Rosey Gannon, and K Edward Orduna will make instant contributions to the Irish. If Schaefer and his staff can coach them up, and turn them into stars this year, he's going to turn Notre Dame into a dynasty. Mark my words. Kids are going to want to sign with Notre Dame early and often, for a chance to win national titles and do it with the best players in the nation. That's what Schaefer has started in South Bend, and I don't think it's going to stop anytime soon.

5. Who is this year's Minnesota? Who will ascend above anyone's expectations, and make it deep into the national title playoffs? I have ties to Central PA, so this may come off biased...but Penn State has all the weapons for a run deep into the playoffs. After that, I like Texas Tech. They have stars at QB and RB, and Shayne Gabriel is the kind of player who can go off like Marion Songin did a year ago. Miami is another team I really like. They have a solid defense, a star at QB in Yo Rizzo, and enough playmakers to win the ACC. Once they get into the playoffs, it's anyone's ballgame.

Bonus: Are there any mid-major teams that have the ability to get deep into the playoffs? Fresno State comes to mind, first and foremost. They are loaded with talent, have a very solid secondary, and can beat you throwing or running the ball. Colorado State is cut from the same ilk as the Bulldogs. They return Conference Player of the Year in Johnny McIlhenny, and the team has a two-headed monster at QB, with Jeno Saxon and junior backup Charley Ross. They have playmakers on D in LB Maugaula Martinez and Pat Davidson. I don't think anyone outside of these two has a real chance...but I *really* like these two teams. Their situations are ideal to make a lot of noise in the postseason, and I think they'll be quite loud when the time comes.

2006 Preseason Top 25

1. Ohio State
2. Georgia
3. Florida State
4. USC
5. Auburn
6. Oklahoma
7. Penn State
8. Michigan
9. Texas
10. LSU
11. Florida
12. Syracuse
13. Clemson
14. Oregon State
15. Colorado
16. Boston College
17. Notre Dame
18. Pittsburgh
19. Wisconsin
20. Miami
21. Washington State
22. Colorado State
23. Fresno State
24. Maryland
25. Minnesota

2006 Preseason All-American Team

QB: Sage Stith, PSU
RB: Melvin Landry, Tennessee
FB: Sedrick Barton, Nebraska
WR: Kimo Setzer, Florida State
WR: Terrell Tolar, NC State
TE: London Standlee, Alabama
OT: KD Franklin, Florida
OT: Hason Hoard, Ohio State
OG: Omare English, Clemson
OG: Derwin Isenbarger, Oklahoma
C: Bhawoh Tillman, Minnesota (JR)

DE: Babe Broussard, North Carolina
DE: Brooks Lavelli, Minnesota (JR)
DT: Lake Kotite, Southern California (JR)
DT: Reuben Stransky, Colorado
ILB: Ruben Flemons, Kent State
ILB: Johndale McFarland, Virginia Tech
OLB: Cornelius Sayler, Nebraska
OLB: Glenn Voigt, Air Force
CB: Glenn Stanley, Notre Dame (JR)
CB: Jamel Prefontaine, Southern California
FS: LaVell Milan, NC State
SS: Philip Bly, Southern California

K: Wilber Trull, West Virginia
P: Clinton Burks, Kentucky

Top Ten Heisman Candidates

1. Sage Stith, QB, Penn State. He's the top returning quarterback in the nation. He has one of the top offenses in the nation at his disposal. If Max Dixon, who has moved to wide receiver this year, can make the transition (and stay eligible), there may not be a more potent offense. That, along with a down year for defenses in the Big Ten, and the fact that Penn State will be a national title contender, gives Stith the top billing here.

2. Melvin Landry, RB, Tennessee. Landry, the nation's top returning rusher from a year ago, will have perhaps a tougher time going for 2,000 yards. He'll be behind an All-American in tackle Dennis Wooten, yes. But the passing game, in spite of a pair of stud wideouts (Hubert Chandler and Dom Kanell), may lack behind a transition at quarterback. Teams will stack eight and nine in the box on Landry. And he'll be in the SEC, which proved its mettle last year and will be better this year. But Landry did it last year with an underachieving team around him. I think he can do it again this year, and make himself a viable candidate.

3. Artrell Pierson, QB, Georgia (Jr). The #1 recruit in the nation this year, Pierson is the centerpiece of a rebuilt offense that lost #1 pick Jared Bingaman along with QB Isaac Allen and WR Erik Hargett. Pierson is that rare speciman that can come in and be The Man, even on a defending national champion. He has that rare air about him, and he's one of two players (Raymont Neubert of PSU being the other) that will make an immediate impact on title contenders as JuCos this year. Pierson has a legit shot at winning the Heisman, if he leads Georgia back to the SEC championship. I don't know if UGA coaches want him doing THAT well, though; I'm not sure they want to replace starting quarterbacks in two consecutive offseasons.

4. Jarmar McCloughan, QB, USC (So). McCloughan being here is part his talent, and part his conference being weak on defense. Nobody in the conference is really capable of stopping USC's pass offense, which should make him the conference's Top Offensive player by default. Add in that he has the ability to tear up any defense, and you have a Heisman candidate. He's capable of throwing for 3,500 yards and 40 TD this season. If he cuts down on the interceptions (he threw nine in 11 games last year), he should be in this conversation late in the season.

5. Torrin McClairen, RB, Texas. Here's a guy that we expect to be the dark hourse candidate. He's filled with talent. Has a burst that nobody in the nation has. But he was stuck behind the nation's top senior, Kelvin Torgeson, last year. This year, it's his team, and I fully expect him to shred the Big XII for monster numbers. He will likely be the nation's top rusher this year, and 25 touchdowns isn't out of the question. He's the nation's best kept secret. The question is, how long will it be before he gets noticed?

6. Deveren Liske, RB, Wisconsin. He's a surprisingly big back (5'10, 227), and can move piles. He's durable, and his running skills are second to none in the nation. I expect him to improve on his numbers from a year ago (1453 yards, 10 TD). He's also going to lead a renaissance in Madison this year, as Wisconsin has built themselves a legit national title contender. The combination of the two forces will make Liske a top contender for the nation's top award.

7. I.M. Dressel, QB, Syracuse. Nobody has more to prove this year than Dressel, who got hurt and disappointed Orange fans with a spotty 2005 campaign. This year, Syracuse is the favorite to win the Big East, and Dressel is the frontrunner for Big East Player of the Year honors. He will also have opportunities against top competition. Syracuse plays at Texas A&M in Week 2, and at USC in Week 4. If Dressel can live up to the hype that was given to him last season, and lead the 'Cuse to the postseason, he's going to be considered. I don't know that he can overcome QBs like Stith, Pierson, or even FSU's Bracy Tolhurst...but I think, if the pieces fall right, he'll be there in the end.

8. Bracy Tolhurst, QB, Florida State (So). The youngest member on this list, Tolhurst has a lot of weapons around him. He has two All-American caliber wideouts, a bruising running back capable of 2,000 yards rushing, and an offensive line that can protect him. Tolhurst also learned behind 2005 Heisman winner Ronde Samuels. The sky is the limit for the young star. He still has some bad habits that can get him in trouble...but if he can correct them, and take his game up a notch, you're looking at moving this kid up more than a few notches on this list.

9. Terrell Tolar, WR, NC State. He's the only wideout on this list, and he's the only wideout capable of winning the award. He's 6'6 with great precision on his routes, and a burst that gets by even the fastest corner. He's aggressive, can outjump anyone in college...simply put, he's the best in college football. If Marshall Greisen can consistently get him the ball, he's very capable of putting up superhuman numbers. That's what it will take for a receiver to win the Heisman...but if any wideout can do it, it's Tolar.

10. Buck Coronado, RB, Boston College. He's the best running back in the ACC, and the leading rusher returning in the conference. He's got incredible soft hands, great speed, and can be a force in the passing game. He has instincts like no other, and his ability to cut back is unparalleled. He's this far down because BC does not figure to be a major player for the postseason, which will hurt his chances. But, on merit alone, he deserves to be higher...maybe even top five. He's not even a notch below the top running backs in the nation.

Honorable mention: Jimond Jensen, RB, OK State; June Grant, RB, Minnesota; Ray Jimoh, RB, Oklahoma; Raymont Neubert, RB, Penn State (Jr); Yo Rizzo, QB, Miami (Jr)

Top Ten Bednarik Candidates

While we see the top Heisman candidates, what about the other side of the ball? Who are the top defensive players in the nation?

1. LaVell Milan, S, NC State. The guy can do it all. He's all over the field, making plays. He's a hard hitter, can cover like a blanket, and can get to the quarterback. There's nothing he's not asked to do, and there's nothing he can't answer. He is the top defensive player in the nation, bar none.

2. Brennan Northcutt, LB, Florida. The premier linebacker in the nation, Northcutt is the top front seven player around. He can go sideline to sideline. He is excellent at getting to the QB, and will be asked to do more of that this year. He's a great thinking player; you never see him take a bad angle, or make a bad read. He's also lightning quick against the run.

3. Brooks Lavelli, DE, Minnesota. Lavelli should lead the nation in sacks, and that will get him in this discussion. He took on double teams last year, and still managed seven sacks for Minnesota's vaunted defense. He'll also get plenty of chances, as many teams on Minnesota's schedule figure to pass the ball plenty.

4. Jamel Prefontaine, CB, Southern California. The best shutdown corner in the nation, Prefontaine is in a league all his own. He's on an island in USC's scheme, and has had to cover some excellent wide receivers. He handcuffed Cal's Qadry Lemons last year in their only meeting. He allows Stacy Bond to pressure the QB an awful lot, and not be worried about offensives throwing over the top.

5. Lake Kotite, DT, Southern California. Here's the guy who's the beneficiary of all of that pressure the Trojans like to put on opposing QBs. Kotite is capable of fifteen sacks, despite being a tackle. He's great at splitting through an offensive line, and getting to the quarterback. He's expected to be a force, and we expect him to be on this list at the end of the year.

6. Ruben Flemons, LB, Kent State. He's all over the place, at all times. He's the most disruptive force in the MAC. I think he'll actually be in this discussion because his stats will be excellent. I'm not sure if he's quite the player that the ones above him are, or the ones a little below him (like Ohio State's Austin Leaverton, for example). But he's capable of putting up some big numbers in a solid conference.

7. Austin Leaverton, LB, Ohio State. He's as good as anyone, and he may be the best linebacker in the nation in pass coverage. His ability to pick up running backs and tight ends is unparalleled. He'll be the biggest name on a big-time defense, and that puts him here.

8. Mason Archuleta, S, Texas A&M. He made his name last season because of his ability to lay in a hit. He also picked up five interceptions. He is seemingly always around the football, and those kind of players are the ones who get on lists like these at the end of the season.

9. JohnDale McFarland, LB, Virginia Tech. He's gotten much better over the offseason, and is now considered one of the best linebackers in the nation. The biggest improvement in his game is his ability to get to the quarterback. He had no sacks a year ago. Now, he could be looking at 10-12 sacks. He is the most improved defensive player in the nation, and he's ready to make it show.

10. Glenn Stanley, CB, Notre Dame. Another shutdown corner in a nation lacking them. Stanley has ideal size (6'2, 203 pounds), runs a 4.38 40, and has incredible agility. He'll also be tested, namely against USC's Shaun Leo. He will have some of the greatest battles any corner will see all year. It will be a joy to watch him go.

Honorable mention: Vinny Anderson, LB, Penn State; Philip Bly, S, USC; Reno Gillespie, S, FSU; Glenn Voigt, LB, Aire Force

Conference Top Three

ACC
Offensive Player of the Year: Bracy Tolhurst, QB, FSU
Defensive Player of the Year: LaVell Milan, FS, NC State
Rookie of the Year: Roberto Naeloe, CB, Virginia Tech
Rising: Miami
Falling: Virginia
Biggest shoes to fill: Kurt Laird, QB, Clemson
Most Underrated: Calvin Torrey, QB, Virginia
Most Overrated: Raonall Gibbons, RB, NC State
Best player you've never heard of: Jacques Bird, LB, North Carolina
Top Pro Prospect: Terrell Tolar, WR, NC State

1. Florida State: More weapons than anyone else.
2. Clemson: Life after Laird isn't so bad.
3. Miami: Yo! Rizzo, Canes get back on track.

Atlantic Division Winner: Florida State
Coastal Division Winner: Miami
ACC Champion: Florida State

Big East
Offensive Player of the Year: IM Dressel, QB, Syracuse
Defensive Player of the Year: Abdul-Salam Faneca, FS, Syracuse
Rookie of the Year: D'Wayne Flowers, SS, West Virginia
Rising: UConn
Falling: Louisville
Biggest shoes to fill: Donovin Pospisil, QB, West Virginia
Most Underrated: Kenyon Kadela, LB, Syracuse
Most Overrated: Eddie Scifres, RB, Louisville
Best player you've never heard of: Chon Kreider, QB, Pittsburgh
Top Pro Prospect: IM Dressel, QB, Syracuse

1. Syracuse: Dressel is the key in the Carrier Dome.
2. Pittsburgh: Can their offense make up for their spotty D?
3. West Virginia: Dropoff after the top two is steep.

Big Ten
Offensive Player of the Year: Sage Stith, QB, Penn State
Defensive Player of the Year: Austin Leaverton, LB, Ohio State
Rookie of the Year: Raymont Neubert, RB, Penn State
Rising: Wisconsin
Falling: Minnesota
Biggest shoes to fill: Art Webb, QB, Minnesota
Most Underrated: Sammy Banducci, WR, Iowa
Most Overrated: Rae Hendrickson, RB, Michigan
Best player you've never heard of: Deveren Liske, RB, Wisconsin
Top Pro Prospect: Sage Stith, QB, Penn State

1. Ohio State: Ridiculously talented. Seriously.
2. Penn State: Watch out...this team is extremely dangerous, on both ends of the ball.
3. Michigan: Inexperienced secondary could really hurt this team.

Big XII
Offensive Player of the Year: Torrin McClairen, RB, Texas
Defensive Player of the Year: Mason Archuleta, FS, Texas A&M
Rookie of the Year: Gordon Rone, WR, Nebraska
Rising: Colorado
Falling: Texas A&M
Biggest shoes to fill: Marion Songin, RB, Texas A&M
Most Underrated: Cyril Ryan, DE, Texas Tech
Most Overrated: Wray Diedrick, WR, Colorado
Best player you've never heard of: Qadry Hines, WR, Kansas State
Top Pro Prospect: Jimond Jensen, RB, Oklahoma State

1. Oklahoma: Sooners want to rebound after upset in Big XII Championship.
2. Texas: Can all the new parts fit the puzzle?
3. Colorado: Buffs should own the North behind QB Cannady, RB Gilmore.

North Division Winner: Colorado
South Division Winner: Oklahoma
Big XII Champion: Oklahoma

C-USA
Offensive Player of the Year: Ramon Shipp, RB, UTEP
Defensive Player of the Year: Herkie Kilmer, LB, UTEP
Rookie of the Year: Woody DeLong, RB, Marshall
Rising: UTEP
Falling: Southern Miss
Biggest shoes to fill: Duke Parks, RB, Marshall
Most Underrated: Alan Stanley, LB, Marshall
Most Overrated: Reyna Pugh, QB, UAB
Best player you've never heard of: Y.A. Ford, WR, Southern Miss
Top Pro Prospect: Y.A. Ford, WR, Southern Miss

1. Marshall: If DeLamielleure is solid, Herd goes to the playoffs.
2. Central Florida: Not flashy, no stars...they just get the job done.
3. UTEP: Arguably the best defense in the conference.

East Division Winner: Marshall
West Division Winner: UTEP
C-USA Champion: Marshall

MAC
Offensive Player of the Year: Clay Teresa, RB, Toledo
Defensive Player of the Year: Ruben Flemons, LB, Kent State
Rookie of the Year: Quinton Diggs, WR, Northern Illinois
Rising: Kent State
Falling: Miami (OH)
Biggest shoes to fill: Curtis Gault, T, Miami (OH)
Most Underrated: MarTay Paple, CB, Buffalo
Most Overrated: Ki-Jana Gbaja-Biamilia, QB, Buffalo
Best player you've never heard of: Ruben Flemons, LB, Kent State
Top Pro Prospect: Ruben Flemons, LB, Kent State

1. Toledo: ...as long as RB Clay Teresa stays healthy (and eligible)...
2. Kent State: Can Ruben Flemons play offense, too? KSU fans will be asking...
3. Northern Illinois: Very likely ranked too low, though their offense is too inconsistent.

East Division Winner: Toledo
West Division WInner: Kent State
MAC Champion: Toledo

MWAC
Offensive Player of the Year: Jimond McIlhenny, RB, Colorado State
Defensive Player of the Year: Glenn Voigt, LB, Air Force
Rookie of the Year: Tron Tafoya, RB, UNLV
Rising: San Diego State
Falling: Air Force
Biggest shoes to fill: Dobie Sanderson, LB, New Mexico
Most Underrated: Dokie Gash, QB, Air Force
Most Overrated: Carey McCoy, RB, BYU
Best player you've never heard of: Arnie Turntine, QB, UNLV
Top Pro Prospect: Dokie Gash, QB, Air Force

1. Colorado State: Return the nucleus from last year's solid showing.
2. San Diego State: Call it a hunch, but I think they'll sneak up on people.
3. Air Force: Will be tougher to repeat, though Gash is a big asset.

Pac-10
Offensive Player of the Year: Jarmar McCloughan, QB, USC
Defensive Player of the Year: Jamel Prefontaine, CB, USC
Rookie of the Year: Cris Henley, WR, California
Rising: Washington State
Falling: Arizona
Biggest shoes to fill: LeRoy Keithley, RB, Oregon State
Most Underrated: Andrew Minardi, RB, California
Most Overrated: Tory Wheelwright, SS, Arizona State
Best player you've never heard of: Kavika Romanik, QB, California
Top Pro Prospect: Philip Bly, S, USC

1. Southern California: The young Trojans have experience, ready to rule the west.
2. Oregon State: Scott Wasner has to make the secondary work to contend.
3. Washington State: This year's USC...they're a year away.

SEC
Offensive Player of the Year: Artrell Pierson, QB, Georgia
Defensive Player of the Year: Brennan Northcutt, LB, Florida
Rookie of the Year: Artrell Pierson, QB, Georgia
Rising: LSU
Falling: Alabama
Biggest shoes to fill: Jared Bingaman, RB, Georgia
Most Underrated: Van Macklin, LB, Auburn
Most Overrated: Jammi Carruth, RB, Ole Miss
Best player you've never heard of: Winslow Ferrario, RB, Florida
Top Pro Prospect: London Standlee, TE, Alabama (he gets the nod because he's going to change the way pro football looks at tight ends)

1. Georgia: The Bulldogs, being Pierson, just reloaded for another title run.
2. Auburn: They are deep, they are talented, and they are ready for the big time.
3. LSU: The Tigers are ready to rebound from a lackluster '05.

Sun Belt
Offensive Player of the Year: MacArthur Aikman, WR, Troy
Defensive Player of the Year: Jay Means, CB, Florida International
Rookie of the Year: Kamil Metzelaars, OG, Mid TN State
Rising: Arkansas State
Falling: none
Biggest shoes to fill: Dimitrius LeJeune, LB, FAU
Most Underrated: Lenny Ditka, LB, Mid TN State
Most Overrated: Gibran Tomlinson, RB, Louisiana-Lafayette
Best player you've never heard of: MacArthur Aikman, WR, Troy
Top Pro Prospect: MacArthur Aikman, WR, Troy

1. Troy: Should get to playoffs again...if someone can throw to Aikman.
2. Arkansas State: Tough team with no standouts.
3. Middle Tennessee State: Not all that talented, but they somehow get the job done.

WAC
Offensive Player of the Year: Monsanto Westbrooks, QB, Fresno State
Defensive Player of the Year: Buck Cipa, FS, Utah State
Rookie of the Year: Yo Binn, OT, Hawaii
Rising: Fresno State
Falling: Nevada
Biggest shoes to fill: Deems Talley, OT, Boise State
Most Underrated: Will Freeman, CB, New Mexico State
Most Overrated: Orson Shehee, QB, Boise State
Best player you've never heard of: KJ Olszewski, FS, Fresno State
Top Pro Prospect: Monsanto Westbrooks, QB, Fresno State

1. Fresno State: The Bulldogs are geared up for more than just the conference title.
2. Boise State: Can the Broncos win without most of their offense?
3. Hawaii: QB Jashon Lemmerman will keep them competitive.

Independents
Offensive Player of the Year: Damian Bland, QB, Notre Dame
Defensive Player of the Year: Glenn Stanley, CB, Notre Dame
Rookie of the Year: Bret Baniewicz, RB, Notre Dame
Rising: Notre Dame
Falling: Army
Biggest shoes to fill: Simeon Hines, QB, Navy
Most Underrated: Isiah Paxton, DE, Navy
Most Overrated: Ty Sellers, RB, Notre Dame
Best player you've never heard of: Devon Aldridge, WR, Notre Dame
Top Pro Prospect: Glenn Stanley, CB, Notre Dame

1. Notre Dame: Should be a cakewalk this season.
2. Navy: They have somewhat of a defense.
3. Army: They aren't Temple.

Playoff Picks

So, here's what we have, in terms of the playoff picture

Florida State (ACC)
Syracuse (Big East)
Ohio State (Big Ten)
Oklahoma (Big XII)
Marshall (CUSA)
Toledo (MAC)
Colorado State (MWAC)
Southern California (Pac-10)
Georgia (SEC)
Troy (SUN)
Fresno State (WAC)

So, there's five spots left. Here are our picks for the final playoff spots:

1. Notre Dame (INDY)
2. Miami (ACC)
3. Penn State (Big Ten)
4. Texas (Big XII)
5. LSU (SEC)

When it's all said and done, here's my Final Four.

USC vs Penn State
Notre Dame vs Georgia

I think Georgia will get back to the title game, to be opposed by USC. Penn State and Notre Dame, I think, are the wild cards in the playoffs...they're both capable of mucking things up for Oklahoma, Ohio State, Texas, and Florida State. But, I think USC and Georgia are the cream of the crop, and they'll make it to the season's final game. In the end, I think Southern Cal, this time helped by a competitive conference, is too talented for the Bulldogs to match up with. Artrell Pierson is good enough to get Georgia back to the title game, but I don't think he's good enough to win it. Chalk it up to Jamar McCloughan, Shaun Leo, Lake Kotite, Jamel Prefontaine, Philip Bly, and the Trojan coaching staff. They began their ascent to this spot last year, when they rallied to win the Pac 10, then got to the semifinals. I think this is the start of a dynasty in Pasadena for the Men of Troy.

Your 2006 National Champion: Southern California

Joe Simpson's Preseason Top 25

Just so this is out there, here is my Preseason Top 25. I will go into this in a little more detail in the 2006 Preseason Special, to be released shortly.

2006 Preseason Top 25

1. Ohio State
2. Georgia
3. Florida State
4. USC
5. Auburn
6. Oklahoma
7. Penn State
8. Michigan
9. Texas
10. LSU
11. Florida
12. Syracuse
13. Clemson
14. Oregon State
15. Colorado
16. Boston College
17. Notre Dame
18. Pittsburgh
19. Wisconsin
20. Miami
21. Washington State
22. Colorado State
23. Fresno State
24. Maryland
25. Minnesota

Cup O' Joe - National Title Game Prediction

And so, here we are.

The National Championship Game.

The game pits the Georgia Bulldogs (15-0, SEC Champs), who were a preseason possibility to get this far...

...against the Minnesota Golden Gophers (13-1, #2 Big Ten), who were predicted to make waves in the Big Ten, but not on the national scene (this writer had them listed as the fourth place team in the Big Ten, behind Ohio State and Purdue).

For the record, my national championship game was Ohio State vs. Florida State. Shows how smart I am.

All signs point to a Georgia runaway victory. They have all their weapons, healthy and running on all cylinders. They have a defense very capable of giving Minnesota fits all day. And their coaching staff is second to none.

But...that's why they play the game.

Let's break it down, shall we?

Minnesota offense vs Georgia defense: Minnesota is still without starting halfback June Grant. But they have been without him for awhile, so you would think that Po Olander would have a firm grip on the running game. He only rushed for 72 yards last week against an overmatched USC defense that has been ravaged with injuries. Therefore, the onus falls solely on the shoulders, and the arm, of Art Webb. And that's no easy task. Eight different Bulldogs intercepted passes this year, led by undersized but feisty corner Gerry Vinatieri. The cousin of kicker Adam Vinatieri, Gerry stands but just 5'9. But he is a lockdown corner, not afraid of getting dirty, and can hit. He had four INT, one for a TD, and led the team in passes defensed. The team also possesses a linebacker, Luke LoVetere, who has the capabilities of a corner. Webb has not faced a defense like this this season, and the complex schemes of Defensive Coordinator Pierson Trufant may give him more than he can handle. But Webb is sneaky, and Minnesota gave USC some looks they didn't see on film. It is possible that they will have something up their sleeve for Georgia. But, as it is, Georgia gets the nod.
Advantage: GEORGIA

Georgia offense vs. Minnesota defense: Minnesota's defense is well known. Harry Diamond. Brooks Lavelli. Wes Coia. Dorsett Gibron. While the media has stopped short of calling them The Four Horsemen, this quartet has wreaked havoc on opposing offenses all year. The question is, can they do it against Georgia? To be honest, I'm not sure they can. Looking at the offenses Minnesota faced, they played only one offense that's in the same realm as Georgia's multi-faceted attack, that being Penn State. Penn State's offense was ranked in the top five at the time, but was playing without starting wideout Sean Robertson. But that didn't stop the Nits from rolling up 445 yards and 28 first downs on the Gophers' vaunted defense. Minnesota won that game because Penn State could not stop big plays from Art Webb, as they were also without their starting corner, Kimo Tice. The Gophers did hold Sage Stith to 251 yards, but they gave up almost 200 yards rushing. Enter Jared Bingaman, the likely #1 pick in the NFL Draft in April. Bingaman is the most complete back in the nation, and he has a solid aerial passing attack behind him. So Minnesota will be forced to pick their poison. Do they lay back on the pass and let Bingaman run all over them? Or do they try and shut Bingaman down, and let Isaac Allen throw bombs to Erik Hargett and Wilber Womack (third-team All-SEC)? I'm not sure Minnesota has the secondary that can stop Allen's pinpoint passing attack. So they may have to roll the dice and see if the front four can stop Bingaman on their own. That is quite possibly too tall an order for this Gopher defensive front that has shown bouts of fatigue over the past three weeks. I don't think Georgia will be able to name their gain...but I don't think Minnesota will be able to consistently stop them.
Advantage: GEORGIA

Special Teams: Both teams are solid in their abilities here. Gern Claxton and Woody Cronin are as solid a specialist as you'll ever get for Georgia. Though, you do have to be concerned with Claxton's extra points percentage. Missing four of them isn't something you want out of your kicker. Cronin has learned, as the season has gone on, how to pin the ball deep. He was getting a lot of touchbacks early on, but has converted many of those to pins inside the 20. Vinatieri averaged 27.2 yards a kickoff return, which ranked 11th in the nation. Minnesota has relied on a true freshman, a 17-year-old in Hub Klever. Scouts rank him as being a 1 out of a possible 7 on a scale of 1-10 (with the 7 being his potential as a college kicker). But he has been solid in the eight games he's been in, going 16-of-21 on field goals, never missing a field goal, and having booming kickoffs. MC Scukanec is more a placement punter, but he averaged 41.2 yards a punt this year. His 35.3 NET is no slouch, either. Wes Coia was reputable on returns, averaging 23.6 on kickoffs and over 10 on punts. I think this area is a push, though having a freshman kicker is not really good for Minnesota, especially if it comes down to a late field goal. He was 4-of-7 on field goals 40 yards or more. So, I'll give the edge to Georgia. But it's a slight edge.
Advantage: GEORGIA (slight)

X-Factors:

Georgia: Peppi Bynum, WR. The redshirt sophomore tends to get lost in this offense. He's a starter, but Wilber Womack, the slot wideout, gets thrown to more. Womack earned All-SEC Third Team honors, which is unbelievable for a guy who does not start. If Bynum can get on track, and force the Gopher defense to pay attention to him, I think this game is over early. You can't give Isaac Allen three superb targets to throw to, and expect Minnesota to be able to shut down Jared Bingaman. I think it's imperative for Georgia to get their other wideouts active early, to keep the Gophers from shading Erik Hargett or stacking the line on Bingaman. Bynum is very capable of having solid numbers. He had over 100 receiving yards in five games this year, including seven catches for 138 yards against Florida.

Minnesota: Po Olander, RB. He's their key. If Minnesota can get solid gains out of him, it's going to prevent Georgia from going after Art Webb, or sitting back in coverage. Olander has had bouts of inconsistency as the starting back, but he is more than able to have a stellar game.

Keys to Victory:

Georgia
1. Use all of your weapons offensively. Minnesota has a great team defense, but Georgia has better personnel. In short, Georgia is an awful matchup for the Gophers' defense, if they use all of the weapons they have. There's no way Minnesota can beat this team if they're forced to stay in nickel defense for most of the game.
2. Go right after Art Webb. You have to rattle him early. He can't get confidence; if he does, he will hurt the Georgia defense. This was evident in the USC game, as well the Texas A&M game, where he threw for over 400 yards and 5 TD in what should have been an Aggie rout. Get after him, and don't let up.
3. Don't get overconfident. I don't expect this to be an issue with this Georgia team. They have an unbelievable focus, and an incredible team-first makeup. But they are the team that was expected to be here. They've had it put in their heads all week: they are favored, and Minnesota shouldn't be able to stay within three touchdowns of them. Georgia is by far the more talented team. But if they believe the hype, it may be their undoing.

Minnesota
1. Protect Art Webb. He's your key to victory. Olander gaining yards is key, but Webb's arm is going to dictate where this team goes in this game. So you have to protect him. Minnesota can run a lot of screens to offset the Georgia rush. If they're successful, it's going to take heat off of Webb. A lot of draws should also help. Webb is not a running QB, meaning he's going to be a sitting duck back there if he's forced to wait.
2. Make Georgia one-dimensional. Ideally, you want to take away the rushing attack, because Georgia can play ball control with Bingaman if Minnesota tries to shut down the passing game. Minnesota will have to time their rushes right, but shutting down Bingaman, and forcing Allen to beat them is very important. If they are able to hold Bingaman down, they can then go after Allen with their rushing attack, which is the best in the nation.
3. Don't panic. The Gophers are notorious slow starters. They have never rushed out of the gate and run off a ton of points. In half of their games, they did not score first. If they get behind early, they must remember that the game is sixty minutes long, and not to force the issue. If Minnesota becomes one-dimensional because they want to make this a track meet, it's over. There's no way they can get into a points battle with the Bulldogs.

Prediction: Of course, the game will be played on the field, and not on paper. And Minnesota is very, very capable of pulling off this win. But I don't see it happening. I think the matchups, the individual matchups, are very one-sided. Georgia has more weapons than the Gophers can handle, and there's not enough depth in the running attack to keep Georgia from disregarding it. I think Minnesota will keep it close on pure moxie by Art Webb. He's remarkably crafty, tough, and won't go down without a fight. But, in the end, Georgia's on my mind.

Too much Bingaman, too much Allen, too much Hargett. Georgia takes it.

Pick: Georgia 37, Minnesota 27
Player of the Game: Isaac Allen, Georgia QB

Cup O' Joe - Semifinal Previews, Other Bowl Predictions

Here are some news and notes out of our semifinal games, along with some other bowls:

USC at Minnesota: In the Trojans' rout of Louisville, the biggest piece of encouragement was the emergence of junior running back Dallas Hickey. He had rushed for over six yards a carry this season, but never had more than 11 carries in a game. Nobody was quite sure how he'd hold up to being the lead back for an entire 60 minutes. After his 28 carry, 126 yard performance against Louisville, doubts were eased. "I knew I could do it," said Hickey. "I have had fresh legs all year. A lot of these linebackers, defensive tackles, they've been going all year. I've been kept fresh. I like my chances against them." Head Coach Vai Laird backed up that theory. "Every time we put him in to spell Jasen (Spurrier), it was like the game was at a different pace. He's a much bigger back than Jasen, and he's able to bowl over these tired defenders." That much is true. Hickey is 6'1, 227 pounds; Spurrier, at 5'11, 195, is more a shifty back. Hickey will run into the lines, and push them forward. It gives USC a different dimension on offense, which may give the Minnesota front line fits.

One area of Minnesota's offense that poses a problem for USC is the emergence of a pass-happy offense. The Trojan secondary is a weak spot of the team, and it certainly does not bode well that Art Webb torched the Texas A&M defense for 407 yards and five touchdowns. Junior wideout Gil Hynoski had a career game, catching five balls for 178 yards and a pair of touchdowns. His second catch, an 85-yard streak, gave Minnesota its first lead. Texas A&M, which led 21-7 at the end of one quarter, was stunned, and never became a factor in the fourth quarter. "Of course, that's when we shine." said star linebacker Harry Diamond. The Aggies scored only one first down in the quarter, and Marion Songin rushed four times for -6 yards in the final fifteen minutes. With Art Webb using his passing game as ball control, the Gophers suddenly have a weapon to cope with the loss of June Grant. Po Olander has been spotty at best, though he did rush for 72 yards on 18 carries against the Aggies defense. "Po was mo' effective," said Olander.

"No mo' problems with Po."

Georgia vs Florida State: Many people thought this would be the National Championship Game. Alas, a late season loss to Florida cost the Seminoles their perfect record, #1 ranking, and a spot opposite the bracket of the Bulldogs. Instead, they get the SEC champs now, in the semifinals. And they're doing it with renewed focus.

"We were on cruise control until the Florida game," said FSU head coach Dom Curtin. "We got through the Clemson game, and a lot of our players thought we were out of the clear. Then comes Florida, and bam...we have to work a lot harder just to get to this spot.

"Now...we're ready for anything."

The 'Noles do have Heisman Trophy winner Ronde Samuels clicking on all cylinders. In their 30-29 win over Florida, Samuels was 20-of-28 for 387 yards, 2 TD, and an INT. The downfall of this was that Florida controlled the clock, holding it for 36 minutes. But it was FSU who moved on to face the Bulldogs, using quick-hitters...including the 52-yard bomb down the seams, from Samuels to Hewritt McCutcheon, that broke Florida's back.

"He just put it right there," said McCutcheon, who caught the ball in between two Florida defenders, in what may be the pass of the year. "I thought it was picked, and I was getting picked again...and then, there it was."

"That was a heck of a throw," said Curtin.

Now, Samuels, running back Wes Baniewicz, and their talented defense...are headed to what many people think is the real championship game.

Meanwhile, in Georgia, the #1 Bulldogs don't mind not having the spotlight.

"Let it stay in Tallahassee," said QB Isaac Allen, of the media circus that has developed on FSU's campus. "We're working hard here. We don't mind having the focus on the game, rather than giving soundbites."

Georgia has been overshadowed nearly all year. Florida was the team early in the year, before the focus shifted to Ohio State. Then Michigan. Then Minnesota and Penn State. Then Clemson, Florida State, Texas A&M, Texas, and Oklahoma.

In the meantime, Georgia has continued to win. And win. And win.

And now, the nation's only undefeated team is ready to show the nation just what they've been missing.

"Does the lack of recognition provide a chip on our shoulder?" asked coach Ulyssess Draft. "It does if we want it to. I'm not concerned that we've been overlooked all year. We're the top team in the nation, according to the polls. Obviously, someone has noticed us.

"But that's still doesn't matter. What matters is what we do on the field. I don't care if a piece of paper tells us we're #1. When we have a championship trophy that tells us that, well...that's a little more credible."

Georgia has a balanced attack, led by Allen and RB Jared Bingaman, who finished as a Heisman finalist after rushing for 2,018 yards and 16 touchdowns. Bingaman, like the rest of the Bulldogs, went through his year in someone else's shadow. In this case, it was Marion Songin, who finished second in the Heisman race after leading the nation in rushing.

"He's a great back. Incredible," said Bingaman. "He deserves the recognition. But we're still alive, playing for a chance in the title game. That's what matters to me."

Bingaman, like his teammates, have just one focus: Winning the title.

"We've overcome every test, hurdled every obstacle," said Allen. "We've faced every challenge and succeeded. We expect to do it. It's just the way things are."

Erik Hargett *did* get noticed. He won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top receiver. But even he has a simple, aw-shucks way of dealing with the hype.

"I just went out and did my job," he said of winning the award. "It's just a game. I love to play, and I love to win. That someone thought I did a good job, and decided to give me something for it...well, that's nice of them."

Where DID this team come from, exactly?

"They just love to play the game," said Draft. "It's amazing to be able to coach this group of young men.

"Now, if we can win this game, I'll get to coach them for one more game."

Predictions:

Last week: 3-1
Overall: 10-2

Minnesota vs Southern Cal: Minnesota got through Texas A&M and Marion Songin. USC's offense looks a lot simpler than A&M's, and the confidence gained in holding the nation's leading back when it counted--he actually lost six yards in the fourth quarter--may serve the Gophers well in this one. USC has had the emergence of Dallas Hickey, a bowling ball of sorts. But it'll be Jarmar McCloughan who makes the difference for Southern Cal. If he can be efficient, USC will have a wonderful shot. But if Minnesota's defense bears down on him, and forces decisions before he wants to make them, well...it will be a long day. And I think Minnesota will inevitably force the latter. Expect the Golden Gophers to control the line of scrimmage against the Trojans' offensive line, and expect Harry Diamond, Dorsett Gibron, and Bob Lavelli to get multiple shots at McCloughan. That, along with Art Webb's resurging passing attack, will be the difference. Minnesota, easily the best team in the Big Ten this year, gets to the National Championship game in a runaway.

Pick: Minnesota 30, USC 17

Georgia vs Florida State: And now, the real national championship game. Everyone wanted to see this matchup; just not in the semifinals. Well, that doesn't matter. We got it, and that's what really matters. This should be a slugfest. Georgia has the nation's best offense; FSU is next in line. Georgia has the nation's fourth-best defense; FSU is 26th, but vastly underrated. FSU has Ronde Samuels, the Heisman Trophy winner, Wes Baniewicz, and a pair of receivers that can do serious damage. Georgia has Isaac Allen, Jared Bingaman, and the nation's best wideout. Both have sluggers on defense. So...who wins? Expect this to go back and forth. It may come down to who has it last. In the end, I think Georgia has a little more, especially on the defensive end, to take this one. The Bulldogs have as many weapons as FSU, and while they don't have the best weapon (that is Samuels), they have enough complex schemes to confuse the 'Noles. As a result, I think Georgia moves on.

Pick: Georgia 35, FSU 34

Other bowl predictions:

Michigan 27, Tennessee 20 - Michigan is out to prove that they deserved an at-large bid. They should win this one going away behind Rae Hendrickson.

Texas 34, Alabama 16 - Kelvin Torgeson is the best player Alabama's seen all year. After one half, they'll have seen enough.

Penn State 31, LSU 30 - Penn State gets Sean Robertson back. That gives them one more weapon than the Tigers can handle. This should be one heck of a game.

Notre Dame 26, Georgia Tech 14 - The young Irish encounter a team that's as much an enigma as they were. I think Ty Sellers is enough to lead ND in this one.

2005 Award Winner Bios

2005 Gridiron Award Winners

Heisman Trophy - QB Ronde Samuels - Sr - Florida State Seminoles
There were several worthy candidates this season, but this one basically came down to a two horse race between Samuels and Texas A&M back Marion Songin. There was no wrong answer here, both had superb years. Songin began to "fizzle" at the end of the year, and that may have cost him the award. By fizzle I mean he only averaged about 180 yards a game down the stretch compared to the 230 he averaged earlier in the year. What a slump! Ronde Samuels led the Seminoles all year, completing an amazing 69.5% of his passes, passed for over 4000 yards, with 42 TD's against only 11 interceptions. He managed to throw for 300 yards 7 times and ended up with a passer rating of 176. His accolades don't end there, he also picked up the Davey O'Brien award, was named 1st Team All American, 1st Team ACC, and was the ACC Offensive player of the year.

Chuck Bednarik Award - DE Fred Chamblin - Sr - Auburn Tigers
There were several Linebackers who were very dominant all year who could have easily won the defensive player of the year, but this 300 Lb End grabbed the honor. With great speed and instincts he was a terror to offensive tackles throughout the SEC. Equally damaging against the run and pass he put up the interesting line of 15 sacks, 15 stuffs, and 15 hurries to go along with his 70 tackles. His finest hour came against conference foe LSU, when he picked up 5 sacks and 3 hurries. That'll give any QB nightmares. He also picked up the Outland Trophy as the nation's best defensive lineman and like Ronde Samuels cleaned up on 1st Team All American, 1st team SEC and SEC Defensive player of the Year. Both are projected as early first round draft picks, and we wish them well.


Davey O'Brien Award - QB Ronde Samuels - Sr - Florida State Seminoles

Doak Walker Award - RB Marion Songin - Sr - Texas A&M Aggies
If anyone else won this award as the nation's best back, there would have been a civil war. He clearly set the bar early in the season for everyone else. He massed an incredible 2558 yards rushing at 6.0 yards a clip, picking up 18 scores along the way. Another 34 catches for 309 receiving yards proved him to be a solid 3rd down back as well. That's nearly 3000 yards in total offense for one guy. Through his first nine weeks his lowest rushing total was an incredible 181 yards, and seven times he rushed for over 200, including a 300 yard performance against Baylor. Only twice all season did he rush for *under* 181 yards, and then it was 146 yards both times. His closest competitor was nearly 500 yards behind him. This man carried the Aggies to a surprise BCS playoff bid, and the numbers he put up this season will be hard for anyone to surpass. The sick part: he might not even be the best back on the club, his backup Grogan averaged 7.8 ypc.


Fred Biletnikoff Award - WR Erik Hargett - Jr- Georgia Bulldogs
When you go 12-0 like the Bulldogs did, you've probably got some good players on your team. Isaac Allen grabbed 2nd Tm SEC because he had Hargett to throw to. He tied Syracuses' Cid Conwell with 77 receptions on the year, and was second to him with 1189 yards and 12 TD's. He was an integral part in helping Georgia lead the nation in total offense at 523 yards a game. Along the way to this award he also picked up 1st Team All American and SEC as well. Its not a stretch to say Georgia sincerely hopes he comes back for his senior year!


John Mackey Award - TE Tarik Graff - Jr - Missouri Tigers
While the Aggies were the fan friendly story of the year in the Big-12, Missouri was the most solid team, winning the Big 12 championship with some stifling defense. Offensively they were a mediocre squad, but Tarik Graff stood out enough to pick up the award as the nation's best TE. 52 receptions and 659 yards, he was also a quality blocker as well.


Vince Lombardi Trophy - OT Wade Benson - Sr - Florida State Seminoles
One reason for Ronde Samuel's success this year was the quality play of their offensive line, and there was none finer on that squad then Benson. At the risk of seeming thin in my recognition, I need merely to point out four stats to show his greatness: 31 run blocks, 39 pancakes, 0 sacks allowed, and a resultant Heisman trophy winner in the backfield. Say no more.


Outland Trophy - DE Fred Chamblin - Sr- Auburn Tigers


Dick Butkus Award - ILB Alex Moriarty - Sr - Missouri Tigers
When you have as stifling a defense as Missouri had this year, it's usually backed up by a fantastic middle linebacker. There were a lot of high quality linebackers who had big seasons, and it will be a rich crop in the upcoming draft, but Moriarty separated himself with the sheer numbers he put up. 127 tackes, 94 solo, 11 sacks, 21 stuffs, 11 hurries, 2 force fumbles, 9 passes defended and 3 interceptions. He reached double figures in tackles 9 times in 12 games, was 5th in total tackles, and 1st in stuffs. Honorable mention I believe has to go to New Mexico's Dobie Sanderson, who led the nation with 144 tackles, including a league leading 113 solo tackles. Sometimes the smaller schools get overlooked in these awards, and Sanderson was well deserving of his 1st team selection as well.


Jim Thorpe Award - FS Maxie Samuels - Sr - Florida State Seminoles
Florida State cleaned up with the awards this season, and Samuels nabs this one as the nation's best defensive back. With 112 tackles and 4picks, his numbers were not necessarily breathtaking but his instinctive play separated him from the competition. With 14 tackles against North Carolina, it seemed he knew where the ball was headed before it was even snapped. Still, with 11 and 10 interceptions respectively, there was some debate that Tulsa's Antwan Briggs and Oklahoma State's Lomas Feacher should have won the Award instead.


Lou Groza Award - K Buck Robustelli -Jr- Florida State Seminoles
Surprise, another Seminole takes home a major award. Buck connected on all 57 extra points, though he was only 28 of 38 in field goal attempts. Khary Hazletine of Louisville should have won this award, he connected on 28 of 29 extra points but more impressive 32 of 36 field goals. Must have been a lot of Seminole Alumni voting for these awards, methinks.


Ray Guy Award - P Randall Fenderson - Jr - Texas Longhorns
Fenderson averaged 42 yards a kick, but was a league leader in kicks inside the twenty. There were oodles of punters more qualified to win this award, but then this is a punting award so who really cares about injustice here, except punters of course.


Mosi Tatupu Award - CB D'Wayne McCleskey -So- Missouri Tigers
When you average 25 yards a kickoff return, and no touchdowns like he did this year, nobody really gets excited. But when you average 20 yards a punt return, and return 4 for touchdowns people say put him in the hall of fame. The idea of average 20 yards per punt return is enough to make a punter just kick it into the stands.


All America First Team - Offense

QB Ronde Samuels - Florida State Heisman winners deserve to be first teamers, no surprise here.
RB Marion Songin - Texas A&M He set the bar so high for all other backs. Nearly approached deity status this year.
FB Luke Soward - Arkansas In the forgotten world of fullbacks, Luke was the man this year.
WR Erick Hargett - Georgia Some big numbers on an undefeated team.
WR Qadry Lemons - California 1000 yards, 11 touchdowns
TE London Standlee - Alabama Graf wins the John Mackey as nation's best TE, but Standlee makes first team.
OT Wade Benson - Florida State Big numbers, consensus All American
OT Curtis Gault - Miami (Oh) Nearly equal numbers to Benson, highly deserving.
OG Alyn Latin - Purdue The Big Ten gets some love for their linemen.
OG Martin Fontenot - Penn St. The Big Ten gets more love for their linemen.
C Forrest Germaine - Texas The "Black Forest" was impossible for pass rushers to get through.

Coach of Year - JoJo Hayes - Air Force Undefeated season at a small school, well deserved.


All America First Team - Defense

DE Fred Chamblin - Auburn Big numbers across the board from him this year.
DE Leland Stanback - Oregon The Duck of Wrath put a hurting on ball carriers.
DT Andrew Moriarty - Louisville A key player in the Cardinals' Big East Championship
DT Blanche Jolley - Connecticut Played well above expectations, despite being on a mediocre club.
LB Dobie Sanderson - New Mexico Good enough to be a Butkus finalist and should have won.
LB Lomas Feacher - Oklahoma State Ditto. A very rich crop this year.
LB Dimitrius LeJeune - Florida Atlantic Lets hear it for the little guys! Awesome season.
CB Robaire Schifino - Colorado State 25 passes defended, 7 picked off. First teamer.
CB Aubrey Keating - San Jose State The smaller schools have some awesome corners!
FS Maxie Samuel - Florida State I busted on him for the Thorpe Award, but he's an excellent safety.
SS Saint Conerly - Central Florida Another small school first teamer, ain't that sweet?
P Vai Abraham - New Mexico State Another punter award, hooray!

Honorable mention
QB Kurt Laird - Clemson 4169 yards, 40 touchdowns, the key behind a great Clemson season.
RB J.R. Nuemann - Ohio State Came on strong late in the year, over 2000 yards, 20 TD's
RB Jared Bingaman - Georgia 2000 yards rushing and 20 scores will always get you on this list.
RB Melvin Landry - Tennessee 2000 yards and 6.75ypc, perhaps the second best back.
LB Aundra Hotchkiss - Oklahoma The best player on a stout Sooner defense.
LB Glen Voight - Air Force Undefeated regular season for the Falcons, thanks largely to Glen.
FS LaVell Milan - North Carolina St. Big stats from this tall underclassman.

Cup O' Joe - 2005 Quarterfinal Predictions

Cup O' Joe - Quarterfinal Predictions

Last Round Record: 7-1

Clemson vs Georgia: I expect the Bulldogs to run over Clemson in this one. Clemson's pass-happy offense will serve them well; however, you can't score if you don't have the ball. I think Isaac Allen, Jared Bingaman and company will hold onto the ball, and I also expect the blitzing of Georgia to be a key. Kurt Laird has proven to be off when he's forced to make decisions quickly; Georgia's front seven can get after Laird and force some decisions he doesn't want to make. This is the key to the victory, I believe. Statistically, these two teams are close. But if Allen is not forced to win the game for the Bulldogs through the air (he is capable, but Clemson's pass defense is fourth in the nation), I think Georgia takes this one.

Pick: Georgia 27, Clemson 20

Texas A&M vs Minnesota: This one just screams Marion Songin. Yes, Minnesota's run defense is incredible, at seventh in the nation. They're led by LB Harry Diamond, who plays like a maniac after the ball. But this is Marion Songin. He led the nation in rushing. Scored 18 touchdowns. Created his own runs when the play was busted. He averaged 213 yards a game. Something is going to give, and I'll tell you what...it won't be Songin. Nobody has stopped him this year, and I don't expect the Golden Gophers to be the first. Art Webb may have a great game to keep the Gophers in it, but I think this one is going to A&M.

Pick: Texas A&M 24, Minnesota 21

Louisville vs USC: USC's suddenly magical run continues. This team is peaking at the right time. Granted, Air Force was overmatched by their talent. Louisville will be better equipped to handle them. But USC is still the better team here, especially defensively (which, at one point this season, would have been ludicrious to say). Eddie Scifres will have some difficulty against this front seven, and while Boo Krutko had the game of his life against Ohio State (3 TD), he'll be hard-pressed to do it two games in a row. I expect Jarmar McCloughan and Jasen Spurrier to lead USC with balanced offense, much like they did in the Air Force game. This should be a Trojan victory, which will set up an unlikely showdown with Texas A&M in the national semifinals.

Pick: USC 31, Louisville 21

Florida State vs Florida: A rematch from a few weeks ago, won by Florida, this game should go entirely different than their first encounter. The Seminoles will be looking for blood, and Ronde Samuels will be their go-guy guy to get the job done. Samuels was held to just one touchdown pass in their first encounter. I don't expect that to happen again. Look for some gameplan adjustments by the 'Noles coaching staff to be the difference. I look for a lot of playaction, a lot of scrambling plays by Samuels, and a lot of different looks on defense by FSU. Then I look for a runaway victory by Florida State. The only way Florida wins this game is by ball control, in my view. I don't see Moe Levcik and Vyto Laing having the kind of game they had the first time, though. This one is all Florida State.

Pick: Florida State 38, Florida 24

Cup O' Joe - First Round Predictions

Cup O' Joe - First Round Predictions
by Joe Simpson

With the playoffs in full swing, let's take a look at the matchups, and who I think will win.

#1 Georgia (12-0, SEC Champs) vs #16 UTEP (6-6, CUSA Champs)

Georgia is the unquestioned top team in the nation, and they get a team that shocked Marshall in the Conference USA Championship Game. The Miners simply don't match up well with this group. Ramon Shipp rushed for nearly 1200 yards, but with only three TD. He hasn't faced a defense like Georgia's; meanwhile, Georgia hasn't faced a team as scatterbrained as UTEP. Ian Allen, Jared Bingaman, and Erik Hargett are better than anyone UTEP has. I think Georgia could field their second string and win by three touchdowns. UTEP pulled off a big upset to get here, but this one is way too much for them to handle.

Pick: Georgia 48, UTEP 10

#2 Minnesota (10-1, At Large) vs #15 Troy (8-3, Sun Belt Champs)

Another overmatched opponent. These playoffs, in the long run, are good for the game. I think the overall sport will be enhanced by these small schools making the playoffs, getting to play with the big boys...and, over time, those smaller schools, like Troy, UTEP, and Miami (OH) be able to compete with the best. But, for now, they're going to take their knocks. Minnesota has Art Webb, and an aggressive defense led by Harry Diamond. That is more than enough to overwhelm the Trojans, who had quite a great year. The Sun Belt champs will need a monster game from QB Jared Uwaezuoke just to be in the game. They're young everywhere else, and without much of a rushing attack, they're going to be forced to win the game through the air. Good luck with that.

Pick: Minnesota 38, Troy 6

#3 Ohio State (10-1, Big Ten Champs) vs #14 Louisville (10-2, Big East Champs)

Ohio State got a bad draw in this field. The Big Ten champs have to face the Big East champs, and while the Big East was down this year, Louisville can hang with the Buckeyes. This could go either way. I think Ohio State will wear down the Cardinals, who peaked in midseason, beating Pittsburgh and West Virginia to secure tiebreakers in the conference. They would need the tiebreaker on WVU, as Rutgers routed them in the Big East finale. The Cardinals stumbled to wins over Florida International and Kentucky, and have limped to this spot. But, despite all of that, they are dangerous. I expect the Buckeyes to stack nine in the box on Louisville RB Eddie Scifres (1,042 yards, 6 TD), and force senior QB Boo Krutko to beat them. The problem for Louisville is, Krutko only threw four TD passes this year. Louisville is going to have a hard time holding JR Neumann (2,087 yards, 15 TD) from breaking big runs. And if they try to stack the box on him, QB Elmer Tennell (2,573 yards, 22 TD, 170 RAT) is ready to throw over the top. Ohio State has balance Louisville hasn't seen, and that will be their downfall. Expect it to be real close, and an upset isn't out of the picture.

Pick: Ohio State 28, Louisville 27

#4 Florida State (12-1, ACC Champs) vs #13 Miami-OH (9-3, MAC Champs)

Florida State has Heisman Trophy winner Ronde Samuels and Wes Baniewicz on offense. They have Maxie Samuel on defense. Miami does not. Miami does have running back Dainon Simmonds (1412 yards, 8 TD). But that's not enough to ward off the ACC champs, who many consider to be the favorites to win the national title. Miami should, however, take solace in the fact that they were, far and away, the best Miami team in the nation this year.

Pick: FSU 34, Miami OH 13

#5 Florida (10-2, At Large) vs #12 Boise State (10-2, WAC Champs)

This is the toughest game, I think, out of all to predict. Boise State can flat out play. They have a solid offense, led by redshirt junior QB Orson Shehee (3129 yards, 24 TD, 10 INT) and senior RB Roy Dess (1583 yards, 9 TD). The defense, led by LB Lou Wheatley and DE JJ Bowen, is very underrated. They're scrappy. They somehow find a way to win. Florida has been susceptible to sloppy play at times this year. But then Moe Levcik (1696 yards, 10 TD), Vyto Laing (2791 yards, 24 TD, 7 INT), and company turn around and beat a team like Florida State. So the question is, which team will show up? If it's the team that beat Florida State, the Broncos don't stand a chance. I'm not sure Florida can duplicate that effort; but I also think they won't duplicate the 7-0 effort against Kentucky. In short, I think Florida has the upper hand, behind Levcik and their pair of stud wideouts, Laurie Swartz and Jim Hawkes. But, if they stumble, Boise State will make them pay, quite possibly, perhaps, with their tournament life.

Pick: Florida 33, Boise State 27 (OT)

#6 Air Force (11-0, MWC Champs) vs #11 USC (8-3, Pac 10 Champs)

Air Force got a bad draw after such a good year. USC is more talented than anyone Air Force has seen, and while they are inconsistent (especially on defense), they're going to pose matchup problems that the Falcons have not have had to gameplan against. I expect this to go down to the wire, but behind RB Jason Spurrier, I think the Trojans pull this out.

Pick: USC 23, Air Force 20

#7 Colorado (9-3, At Large) vs #10 Texas A&M (10-2, At Large)

Marion Songin, meet the Buffaloes. These two teams didn't meet in the regular season, but this is as much of a toss-up as you can get. Ethan Kiick is as talented as Songin, but his line isn't quite as strong, and he got less publicity as a result. He rushed for 1951 yards and 13 TD, and he will pose all sorts of headaches for the Aggies. Kynan Stamer should have a field day against an Aggies defense that will have to pick its poison, and try and stop one of them. On the other side, Samari Dennison will have to step up if the Aggies are going to win. It's not out of the question. He did throw for 2635 yards and 21 TD. But 13 INT came up with that, and he has had long stretches of inconsistency. That said, he could be up for this challenge. Colorado's pass defense is not that strong. I think this game will go back and forth, and it could come down to whoever has the ball last. Songin will do everything he can to ensure that this is not his swan song, and I think the Aggies will move on...by the skin of their teeth.

Pick: Texas A&M 30, Colorado 27

#8 Clemson (10-2, At Large) vs #9 Missouri (10-2, Big XII Champs)

Missouri peaked in the Big XII Championship Game upset of Oklahoma. Kurt Laird is ready to throw all over this team. I think this is going to be a shootout, one that screams "Clemson victory!" Missouri has The Monster (Cookie Overstreet) and Cannonball Neighbors at RB...but they don't have Laird, RB Art Bedsole, or CB Buford Bruer. All signs point to Clemson for a big victory, and a showdown with Georgia in the quarterfinals.

Pick: Clemson 41, Missouri 27