WEEK 4 PREVIEW

Another big week in college football ahead! My apologies for not making a new post last week but life kind of happened...Anyways, a few of the big matchup's we were looking for didn't really materialize the way we thought primarily with Alabama and Ole Miss. This was a game that some people figured Ole Miss would keep close, and looked that way when they scored 11 seconds into the game. However, they never came close to scoring again as the Tide dominated en route to a 64-7 win. I knew Alabama was good, but I did not know that they were beat Ole Miss 64-7 good. I said before the year started when it was clear Tua would be the starter, that you give Nick Saban a quarterback and magic would happen. Nick Saban truly has a guy who can go out and win any game for him without relying on the defense and running game. Now you hear whispers that this may be his best overall team. That is scary for the rest of the country, not just the SEC. Speaking of the SEC...

SEC Resurgence

I down the SEC more than most people because I usually think it's a very overrated league, but they look stronger this year. The West has several legitimate teams. We've already covered Alabama, but it looks like LSU is also back to it's winning ways with the upset over Auburn this past week. They finally have a decent quarterback who doesn't make major mistakes and combined with those athletes, its looking like a big year for Coach O. Despite the loss, Auburn is still an extremely talented team who will be there in the end. Mississippi State also looks special, with an impressive road win against Kansas State already on their schedule. Texas A&M and new head coach Jimbo Fisher ALMOST pulled the upset when Clemson came to town but fell short but if they did one thing, it was putting the world on notice that quarterback Kellen Mond has arrived. They'll get another test this week when they play Alabama. Despite the loss, Ole Miss is still very talented......on offense. That defense could not stop my hometown's high school team. Arkansas is still terrible, and even became a nationwide joke when they not only lost by almost 30 to North Texas, but got faked on a punt return that quickly went viral.

The SEC East isn't as strong as the West, but man does Georgia look good or what? I honestly think Georgia will beat everyone they play by 3 touchdowns. They have talent at every position. And not just one guy, they go deep. South Carolina is a respectable improving team, along with Missouri, however this division will never truly be back until Florida/and or Tennessee can return to national prominence and sadly I don't see that happening anytime soon. A lack of stability at both places have hurt recruiting which have shown clear results on the field. The legit teams in this conference as a whole however make up for what the East lacks. It will be interesting to watch how it all plays out. 

Coaching Mistakes?

I get it, I do. It's early. Not a ton to go off of, but a sample size is just that so that's all I can judge and so far I see a several newly hired coaches who need to turn things around in a hurry. I'll just focus on 2 for now.

Chad Morris - Arkansas Razorbacks

Look, I was against this hire before. I understand he had some success as a coordinator at Clemson but who doesn't have success as a coordinator at Clemson. That doesn't mean they will be an effective SEC head coach. Following a win against Eastern Illinois, Arkansas has lost to Colorado State and then were blown out and embarrassed against North Texas. I understand when Bret Beliema left, he didn't leave a ton of talent on the roster but the team doesn't even seem to compete at times. Morris has to do more. He has to play the right guys, and motivate his team to win because right now there's players on the sidelines too often who need to be on the field and anyone can see that. It is very possible that the Razorbacks don't win another game this season, and despite the patience with Bielema, I can see this being a 1 and done if things don't change.

Chip Kelly - UCLA

Another hire I was against. When Chip Kelly was considering comebacks, I was sure he would choose Florida. Big money, a program that will spend, and elite speed and athleticism. All things that Chip has won with before. I was stunned when he chose UCLA. They didn't have any of the things he has won with in the past and it's shown these first few games. Sitting at 0-3 and having none of those games be close, I'm sure he's regretting that decision. People may have expected a tough start but he didn't get a 24 million dollar contract for a tough start. He got that money to turn things around and turn things around now. He wasn't a great NFL coach, and maybe that's shaken his confidence but he has enough to have his players be competitive on the field. After an offseason and a few games he still doesn't look like he knows who he wants to play. A man who coached with such confidence in the past and now you see him and wonder if he may have just lost it...

Week 4 Picks

Texas Tech VS (15) Oklahoma State

Texas Tech impressed me last week beating/outscoring Houston. Both quarterbacks threw for 5 touchdowns and if you love offense, this was your kind of game. Texas Tech has always been able to score but so has Oklahoma State. Neither team plays great defense so expect another shootout. These teams have combined to score no less than 75 points over the last 6 years. It's going to be about who gets the stops when they're need most. I think Oklahoma State will be that team but I wouldn't count out Red Raiders head coach Kliff Kingsbury as he could use another big win. 

Oklahoma State 51
Texas Tech 45

(17) TCU VS Texas

Texas bounced back from the seasoning loss against Maryland and have now won 2 straight including a DOMINATING win over USC. They will likely go into this game against TCU on a high but TCU is a much better team than USC was and will likely cause Texas way more problems. 3 or 4 plays can win or lose you a game and that's what happened to TCU against Ohio State last week. Take away about 3 HUGE plays/mistakes and TCU wins that game. Coming off a loss into a game they need I expect them to bounce back strong. This game is about more than the game on the field, but also about recruiting the state of Texas. 

TCU 38
Texas 20

(18) Wisconsin VS Iowa

Iowa is known for it's upsets and I can see one coming this week at home against Wisconsin. The Badgers come in off a loss to BYU and can't afford to start from behind in the BIG 10. Iowa has an elite defense that will no doubt be amped for this big home game. I expect a defensive battle with one team making some plays late to win it.

Iowa 23
Wisconsin 20

(22) Texas A&M VS (1) Alabama

Another chance for the Aggies to prove themselves. After almost knocking off Clemson, Jimbo Fisher travel to face the Tide and Nick Saban who Jimbo coached under Saban years ago. Clemson has an elite defense and Texas A&M was able to move the ball and make plays so they will likely come in thinking they can do the same this week. Not so fast...Alabama's defense is different. What they lack in talent (if anything), they make up for in a great scheme that's tough for even the best offensive coordinators to solve. The key to this game to me will be who can run the ball best. Both teams have guys who are capable but also quarterbacks who can make plays. Whichever teams gets to that 100 rushing yard mark first will be my pick to win. 

Alabama 37
Texas A&M 17

(20) Oregon VS (7) Stanford

The primetime game Saturday night is one I am excited for in a big way. I think some fans don't know how special Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert is. He's a big strong armed guy who can make every throw there is. He faces an elite defense with a shot to pick up his most impressive win of his career. He was injured most of last year and the team suffered tremendously without him. To win this game against a tough Stanford team however, Oregon will need to be explosive in the run game and make big plays on defense. Bryce Brown, who came into the year as a Heisman contender has started slow and will clearly be looking for a breakout game. The team that wins the turnover battle will win this game and I'm thinking Oregon's athleticism on the back end of that defense will do just that.

Oregon 31
Stanford 23


Another big weekend of college football ahead and I can't wait to sit back and watch it all unfold. Wouldn't it be crazy if Alabama lost?? Not gonna happen but I always look for those big and random upsets to happen! Oh, by the way, due to popular demand I will also be getting back to writing about all sports..NFL, and NBA that is. I don't know a thing about those other ones. Coming soon, and I will do best to deliver A-1 content as usual!

WEEK 1 REVIEW

Passing Thoughts

Alabama

Everyone in the world knew who Alabama’s starting quarterback should be and finally after the Crimson Tide’s beatdown of Louisville, Nick Saban acknowledged Tua Tagovailoa will start for Alabama. Well not before he was rude to a sideline reporter just doing her job. But nonetheless, we now know Tua will replace Jalen Hurts as Alabama’s starter. Hurts simply can’t pass well enough and despite his 26-2 record as a starter, he doesn’t have the “it” factor that Tua clearly possesses. He just brings a different energy when he’s on the field where you legitimately feel like Alabama can score at any time. This clearly makes the Tide more dangerous. It has been awhile since they have had a quarterback with this kind of big play ability. Couple that, with the still elite defense and it will be a long for the rest of the SEC.

Clemson

Trevor Lawrence will eventually start for Clemson. It may not be next week, or the week after but Trevor Lawrence, the 5 star legendary high school quarterback from Georgia is clearly the better option for Dabo Swinney and the Tigers. Kelly Bryant is a good quarterback, and because of that amazing defense, particularly up front, the Tigers could easily make it back to the  College Football Playoff with him at QB. But, for Clemson to be special, Lawrence needs to be the guy. He’s mobile, and a much better passer than Bryant. Now, we’ll have to see if Dabo is bold enough to trust a true freshman with the keys.

Miami

Malik Rosier is still TERRIBLE! You know what I hate? When it’s the offseason and you read the reports saying “Rosier has really gotten better, he’s more accurate and much smarter than last season”. Then he comes out and does things to confirm that those reports were extremely false. He still can’t hit an open receiver, can’t read a defense to save his life. How do you not see when guys are clearly about to blitz you and be smart enough to check out of the play?? Mark RIcht has always shown a desire to stay loyal to his vets but if he wants to win and keep the hopes of Cane Nation high, then he needs to do the right thing and bench Rosier

Oklahoma

No Baker, No problem. Kyler Murray looked much improved from his Texas A&M days as he placed the ball anywhere he wanted against Lane Kiffin’s FAU team.  Oklahoma may have more offensively talented skill players than any team in the nation. Murray’s ability to run as well as pass accurately is exactly what Oklahoma needed to continue their chase for a championship. Alot of people questioned Lincoln RIley when Bob Stoops retired, myself included. But it’s clear OU knew what they were doing.

Michigan

Like I said in my last blog, this year is a make or break year for Harbaugh in my mind. The honeymoon is over and fans are no longer going to let you get by with mediocre play. Harbaugh and Michigan are 8-8 in their last 16 games. Harbaugh came back to college to win and win now. But the product he puts on the field shows they are still not there and who knows if they ever will get there. Harbaugh still can’t win big games and that was even more evident as they got embarrassed by Notre Dame.

Week 2 Picks

Clemson VS Texas A&M

Texas A&M under 1st year head coach Jimbo Fisher looked good in their opener, really good. But it wasn’t against a team with nearly the talent level of Clemson. Clemson also won their opener as they shuffled quarterbacks. The Aggies are confident and will be playing at home and quarterback Kellen Mond is very talented but he has struggled in his career against big and fast defenses which is exactly what Clemson will be bringing to the table. This is a game where Dabo should find out who his quarterback is and let them play. Clemson also features a strong running game which should be too much for A&M.

Clemson 37

Texas A&M 17

UCLA VS Oklahoma

Chip Kelly got a rude awakening back to college football in week 1 when his Bruins struggled offensively and lost to Cincinnati. It doesn’t get easier as they travel to Norman this week. Kyler Murray will give UCLA fits all game long and I don’t think this game has the potential to be close at all. I was shocked when Kelly gave the starting quarterback position to former Michigan quarterback Wilton Speight. He does not fit Chip’s style at all and it showed in week 1. Maybe it gets better but I doubt it. UCLA ‘s defense also will have plenty of issues trying to cover all of OU’s skill players.

Oklahoma 45

UCLA 17

Georgia VS South Carolina

Georgia will get an early test as they travel to South Carolina for an early SEC East battle. South Carolina. The Gamecocks are an improving team but they are about a year away from actually winning this game. Georgia has the advantage at almost every position group, especially up front. Jake Bentley, South Carolina’s quarterback is really talented but he’s facing a great defense. But when it comes to the best player on the field, that title goes to South Carolina’s Deebo Samuel who is already projected to be a lottery pick in next year’s NFL draft. He is sure to make plays on Saturday but it just won’t be enough.

Georgia 31

South Carolina 20

USC VS Stanford

In a huge rivalry game Saturday, USC brings their true freshman quarterback to Stanford. I don’t see it going to well for him. Stanford plays a very physical style of football on both sides of the ball, and running back Bryce Love will definitely be looking to bounce back from his subpar week 1 performance. While USC is very talented and well coached, they need more playmakers before they get back to the USC of old. Stanford will play mistake free physical football to take a home a win in an important game in the PAC 12.

Stanford 23

USC 17

LINE OF THE WEEK

Arkansas State +36.5 VS Alabama

Call me crazy. Call me a former Arkansas State student. Call me a Red Wolf graduate (class of 2011). BUT none of that has anything/much to do with me picking this game. Arkansas State is talented but they don’t stand a chance in winning this game, Do they have a chance to lose by less than 36.5? Yes. Yes they do. The difference in this game is the Red Wolves truly have nothing to lose. They will come out firing and attack what I feel is a shaky Alabama secondary. They will attach enough to put up some points, but not enough to match what Tua and the Tide will be able to produce. However, with a veteran starter at quarterback and a few talented skill guys around him, I trust in Justice Hansen and the Red Wolves to make me look very smart this week.

We are still in that weird part of the year where we don’t know too much about who’s who and what’s what. Hell, the coaches don’t even know what they have at this point. But this is when it’s exciting from a player’s standpoint. Starting jobs are still open and available in some major programs. With several big time games this week, I look forward to seeing who steps up to claim those spots. No sports slowly reveals themselves like college football and that’s one of the reasons we love it so much.

Also keep an eye on the Western Michigan VS Michigan game because if Michigan struggles or takes an L, all of Ann Arbor will be on his doorstep by midnight!

The Return of College Football

College Football, O how we've missed you!

Fall has always been my favorite time of the year...the weather starts to get cooler, my wardrobe gets better, and most importantly, college football returns. I say this year every year but this time I really mean it. It feels like FOREVER since I woke up to College Football on a Saturday morning and watched Herbstreit and the crew prepare me for the day with all their analysis and bad picks.It’s something about watching Corso put that crazy headgear on that just brings a smile to my face. College Football is the true essence of sports where passion always reigns supreme. It makes it easier when it feels like we have an amazing year to look ahead to. And on the eve of the season we still have quarterback situations at 2 of the prominent powerhouses in Clemson and Alabama that we still don’t know how they will shake out. But I can guess how things will go…

Conference Outlook

ACC

I am going to do everything in my power not to be biased right now and say MIami will win the league. Clemson is the best team overall in this conference. They have what some people say may be the best defensive line in college football history, and I won’t say all that but it might be true. Clelin Ferrell, Christian Wilkins, Dexter Lawrence, Austin Bryant could all easily be 1st round picks next April. They are almost unblockable and if you’re an offense constantly in 3rd and long, it will be a long day for you. On offense, they return quarterback Kelly Bryant but also one of the best high school recruits in awhile in Trevor Lawrence. Some think he will take that job before seasons end, but Bryant has shown he can lead Clemson to big wins. Miami is another contender who starts their season off with a bang against LSU. Miami has a pretty great defense themselves and tons of speed that may lead to back to back division championships after not winning one in a decade. As a MIami fan, I am taking a wait and see approach as long as Maliik Rosier is still the quarterback. He was the definition of Jekyll and Hyde last year. Throwing a game winning touchdown pass against Florida State, and then not being able to move the ball against Pittsburgh. Reports say he’s gotten better but it’s different when those bright lights are on. Miami does have skill guys and lots of talent so I expect them to continue to rise in the ACC. After finishing 6th in their division last year, Florida State comes in with a new coach in Willie Taggart who was only at Oregon for a season. They also return Deondre Francois who was the quarterback in 2016 before being hurt and missing almost all of last year. This team is deep at the running back position and I expect them to excel with team speed on both sides of the ball. They definitely won’t be 6th this year.

So with that being said, what do I expect to happen in this year’s ACC?

Winner - Miami (Sorry, I lied)

Sleeper - North Carolina State -Underrated quarterback who can make plays

Underachiever - Virginia Tech - I’m just not a believer yet, still has holes to fill.

BIG TEN

This year is playoff or bust for JIm Harbaugh at Michigan. He was brought back with so much fanfare and high level expectations that he has failed to reach. No matter how many celebrities he brings to the campus, the fanbase is not going to keep letting him slide. He brings in former Ole Miss quarterback in Shea Patterson who I think is overrated. It’s not like Ole Miss was just great when he was there either so Harbaugh is saying alot by basically attaching this important year to him. They return 17 starters however, so I honestly think they have a great shot to win the league. The defensive should be exceptional but with Michigan it’s always about how many points can they score? Urban Meyer issues aside, Ohio State is talented, very talented. But they lose OSU legend JT Barrett and have 2 unproven commodities to replace him. Dwayne Haskins showed signs that he could be really good last year but he will be pushed all year by true freshman Tate Martell. The defense should be elite again as Nick Bosa, a likely future 1st rounder just like his brother, returns to the edge. Wisconsin should have a really good team again led by defense and running back Jonathan Taylor who is a beast! Quarterback Alex Hornibrook was one of the worst I watched last year, especially when facing pressure. He needs to take a big step if Wisconsin expects to do the same.

Winner - Michigan - Playoffs or bust

Sleeper - Michigan State - Simple, I believe in Mark Dantonio and an improved offensive team

Underachiever - Wisconsin - Quarterback play will hold them back from where they want to be

BIG 12

Several new quarterbacks in this conference. No more Baker Mayfield in Oklahoma, Mason Rudolph in Oklahoma State and Kenny Hill in TCU just to name a few. I always like seeing new guys thrown into the fire and seeing as how the BIG 12 typically doesn’t have great defenses, the fire won’t be too hot. Will Grier at West Virginia is a returning quarterback who had a great year last year and has plenty of weapons. It’s no doubt the Mountaineers can score, but can their defense stop anyone? That’s what their hopes will rely on. I don’t get the Kyler Murray hype. I’ve seen this story before when he was at Texas A&M, and wasn’t that impressed honestly. So he delays his promising baseball career, comes back to school and wins the job. Their must have been some improvement right? I have to see it to believe. They don’t lack for weapons, thats for sure. But with a defensive that is questionable, I don’t see why so many are picking them to win the league. Oklahoma State returns maybe the best running back in the county in Justice Hill and highly skilled receivers, but can new quarterback Taylor Cornelius be the leader that Rudoph was?

Winner - TCU - Great defense, talented offense and a new quarterback who will make a name for himself

Sleeper - Iowa State - Great defense and a super smart and gifted quarterback in Kyle Kempt

Underachiever - Oklahoma State  - Teams will stack the box against Hill all season

PAC 12

I’m actually extremely excited to watch how this conference plays out. I expect Oregon to be really good. They have in my opinion, the best quarterback in the country returning in Justin Herbert. He is far and away the best to me and I have believed that since I saw him play as a freshman. There isn’t a throw he can’t make. The Ducks lose all world running back Royce Freeman to the NFL but return other talented skill guys. Defense may be a struggle but offense won’t. USC is going to be something to watch as they replace quarterback Sam Darnold with a guy who should still be in high school right now. Either way, it’s USC and they have talent, especially at running back and defensively they have the size to make plays against most teams in the league.Washington opens the year with a game in Atlanta against SEC power Auburn so we will immediately see what they’re about. They have a lot of offensive speed and a really good quarterback in Jake Browning and I expect them to compete on Saturday.

Winner - Oregon - Best quarterback in the country

Sleeper - UCLA - Forget what he did in the NFL, but Chip Kelly can coach college football

Underachiever - USC - Young and talented but a year away

SEC

I expect the SEC to be really good this year. Unlike a few of the past years when I killed it, the teams should be alot better. Everyone from Alabama to Mississippi State has talent on their roster. Alabama is Alabama and will likely be there in the end, no matter who is at quarterback. The defense is going to be special and Nick Saban will do what he has to do to make everything else work. Auburn may have the best quarterback in the league in Jared Stidham but can Gus Malzahn finally get over the hump and be what so many fans think he is as a playcaller. Georgia is talented and loaded on offense. They have Jake Fromm returning at quarterback but also a major recruit in Justin Fields as well who will likely play this year as well. I can’t to see what Jimbo Fisher does in College Station. As much money as he got paid, he needs to justify is ASAP. I’m just not sure A&M has the talent to do it this season. If Stidham isn’t the best quarterback in the league, it might be Tyler Russell in Mississippi State. He is a quarterback who can really do it all from spreading the ball to his weapons, and also being mobile enough to make plays on the ground. So will the SEC justify my predictions of them being a great league or will it once again be top heavy with 3 good teams and a bunch of terrible ones that the media makes excuses for.

Winner - Georgia - Great talent on both sides of the ball, explosive playmakers

Sleeper - Ole Miss - Best receiver in the league and a balanced quarterback that can get it to him

Underachiever - South Carolina - 1 year away from being very good

WEEK 1 PICKS

Miami VS LSU

That’s how I like my team to start the season!!! A big game against a non conference high level opponent! This game will be in Dallas, almost a home game for LSU but Miami has a team that can play on the road. The defense will be hype this game. LSU will be ready but I don’t trust Ohio State transfer Joe Burrow to be ready for this type of atmosphere. Malik Rosier learned a lot last year and had some big games against big time teams. LSU has tons of speed and versaility but not enough. I see Miami making some plays through the air against a young LSU secondary and winning a close one.

Miami 26

LSU  17

Washington VS Auburn

Washington brings a high powered offense down south to Atlanta for a Saturday night showdown. 2 great college quarterbacks against 2 solid defenses. If there is one question mark on Auburn it’s their defense and they will surely be tested by Washington. Jake Browning will test the secondary with speedy receivers all night, and I think it will come down to which quarterback can make a play.

Auburn 31

Washington 30

Florida Atlantic VS Oklahoma

This game will be MUCH closer than the spread indicates! Lane Kiffin has taken over the FAU program and made them a top 25 type of ballclub. They have lots of talent on both sides of the ball and several former high major guys as well. These guys will be excited to compete in Noman. Like I said before, I think Kyler Murray is talented but I’m not sure if he’s a great quarterback so I’m looking forward to seeing how his 2018 season kicks off. Because of overall depth, I give OU the slight edge.

Oklahoma 37

FAU 30

Michigan VS Notre Dame

This should be a great opener and good test for both teams as they begin to start a very important season for both coaches. Michigan has a defense that should be top 5 by the end of the year while Notre Dame has an offense that could be really good, or really bad. We should also get a good idea of what Shea Patterson can bring after he left Ole Miss. Notre Dame has some good skills players offensively, but probably not enough.

Michigan 23

Notre Dame 13

Virginia Tech VS Florida State

The Willie Taggart era kicks off this weekend. He comes to Florida State known for turning programs around and not that FSU is terrible but after all the drama the program has endured over the last several years they need that stable coach to lead them back. Virginia Tech will have a long season ahead of themselves after losing several great players from last years defense. I think Josh Jackson takes another step this year but a lack of skill players will halt him from carrying Virginia Tech back to contention, while Deondre Francois will come in looking to make a huge impression after missing almost all of last year for FSU.

Florida State 30

Virginia Tech 17

LINE OF THE WEEK

Oregon State +38.5 VS Ohio State

Ohio State will be good this year, no question about that. But 39 points better than Oregon State in a season opener with new guys on offense and a new quarterback?? I don’t think so. While Oregon State is probably a year away from being 2 years away, they still have guys that can make plays on offense and a stable enough defense to at least not get completely embarrassed. Not having Urban Meyer on the sideline will have an effect on this team as well. If this was week 8 maybe, but I see Oregon State hanging in there for at least a half.