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2011 SEC Non-Traditional Out of Conference Game Predictions

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 01:01:34 -0500

I'm an Auburn homer. I think they'll win every game. I refuse to think otherwise, so if that colors me slightly biased, I'm open about admitting it. I'll also admit that I'm probably not the most reliable go-to guy for betting information involving an Auburn team for the same reason. I picked Auburn to win every game last year. As it was, I just happened to be right, which really bolsters my confidence going into this year. I did miss five games in 2009 however, but I'm still right most of the time.

That being so, I'm still not usually one to make predictions involving Auburn until the very last minute when I'm forced to do it. However, with the other teams in the conference, I have no such reservations, and with the preseason Coaches Poll out last week soon to be followed by the AP poll, I figure why not cast out my predictions for the out-of-conference (OOC) games of interest that are not standing rivalry games?

Usually crucified for their OOC scheduling, the SEC in recent years has made a consistent effort to take on more BCS teams that we don't play that often--many from outside the south. Bolstered by the addition of one-and-done contests like the Chick Fil A Kickoff Game and the Cowboys Classic, college football itself is making it easier to lure together more attractive non-traditional opponents due to the high national exposure and payouts. Just this year, the SEC showcases three strong opening weekend games: LSU-Oregon in Dallas, Georgia-Boise State in Atlanta, and Ole Miss-BYU in Oxford.

While I said last year that Vanderbilt had the toughest OOC schedule, there's little doubt that LSU wears that crown this year with the opener against Oregon in Dallas and at West Virginia on September 24th. Vandy still has a tough slate with UConn, Army and Wake Forest. And while I generally almost always root for SEC teams in OOC games, I don't think we're going to win them all this year. Here's the Top 10 contests:

Sept 3rd: LSU and Oregon: How does it get better than this? The 3rd and 4th ranked teams in the pre-season, Oregon coming off the narrow national championship game loss and LSU from an 11-2 season and Cotton Bowl beat-down of Texas A&M. It's so hard to start the season without any tune-up contest and immediately play national-caliber competition. A win can propel a team on to great things like Alabama did in 2008 after clobbering Clemson in the Chick Fil A Kickoff Game, or for the reverse, see Clemson's fortunes that very same year. Oregon returns many of their starters as does LSU, but with the loss to Auburn still fresh on their minds and the Tiger's QB fortunes still unproven in my mind, I think Oregon edges this one out in yet another slow motion fashion for the Ducks, 17-14.

Sept 3rd: Georgia and Boise State: After playing with a major chip on their shoulders the last two seasons, going undefeated in 2009 and losing late to Nevada last year to see any hopes of BCS and national championship glory go down the drain, the Broncos come into the Georgia Dome once again looking for national respect--this time in an early season game against a BCS opponent rather than in a bowl game. None on this team were around the last time Boise played in the state of Georgia, a 48-13 drubbing by the very same Dogs in Athens in 2005, but we're sure it'll still be on their minds. Mark Richt and Georgia come into the season hungry to reestablish themselves as contenders in the SEC east and a solid victory over Boise will put them on the right path. Dogs win in a surprisingly hard-fought match, 28-24.

Sept 3rd: BYU at Ole Miss: The newly independent Cougars can have all the SEC scheduling they can handle now that they're leaving the Mountain West after arch-rival Utah got the invite to the PAC 12. BYU has only played SEC teams four previous times, winning only one game--in Provo against Mississippi State. While the Rebels are predicted to compete for last place in the SEC west along with Auburn by all the pundits, conference pride will be on the line. But BYU has much to prove in their new play em anywhere, anytime roll and comes away with a close win 31-27.

Sept 10th: Alabama at Penn State: Predicted to challenge for the national championship this year, The Tide probably circled this game first on their calendar as the necessary hurdle in the early season to clear for a run at the top. With JoPa suffering yet another major physical injury during practice this weekend, and being an empty suit on the sidelines for much of the past few years, you wonder how much fight the Nittany Lions will have in them when the Tide rolls in. There is a lot of respect in this rivalry going back to the great Sugar Bowl games of the 1970s but Alabama rolls big on the road 34-17.

Sept 10th: UConn at Vandy: Coming off their second Big East title in four seasons and subsequent punishing at the hands of Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl, the Huskies had many people questioning whether the Big East was truly a BCS conference at all anymore. But that was last year and we are talking Vandy. The Dores make a valiant effort but the basketball-traditional Huskies rebound and beat a SEC team at their house 38-13.

Sept 17th: Auburn at Clemson: If there ever was a team that wanted the Auburn monkey off their backs it's Clemson, who haven't beaten their ancient Tiger rivals in sixty years. While taking Auburn to the wire in overtime in 2010 in a game they should have won, many think the Tiger Paws will have their day in Death Valley this year. Not to be so, as Auburn extends their misery for yet another year, 34-28, as the two will meet for the third consecutive year in 2012 in the Chick Fil A Kickoff Game in Atlanta. See you in Hartwell.

Sept 17th: Navy at South Carolina: The Palmetto state will see two fine contests involving their two native sons on this weekend as Navy plays in Columbia. While nobody doubts that Navy will run the ball and have some success against the Gamecocks, there will probably be little the Midshipmen can do to stop the hungry chickens from crowing atop the yard-arm. SC rolls 42-17.

Sept 24th: LSU at West Virginia: After the off-season firing of HC Bill Stewart and the subsequent turmoil within the program that it produced, coupled with the fact that the Mountaineers only really field a high-caliber team about every twenty years or so, further coupled with a possible opening season loss by the Tigers to Oregon, I think the Purple Tigers roll through Morgantown in a fury, 38-13. Chance of couch burning: HIGH. Keep scheduling SEC teams, West Virginia. We might eye you one day in a future mega-conference power expansion grab. You've got too much pluck to be in the damn ACC.

Oct 1st: Texas A&M at Arkansas: You would think that the Aggies will be fired up for another shot at an SEC team after losing to both the Hawgs last year in College Station and to LSU in the Cotton Bowl, but Arky will be waiting as well for a shot at their old rivals and wins this big, 45-24. A&M should keep hedging their bets and scheduling SEC teams to keep their name fresh in our minds should you finally bolt from the remnants of the Big 12 to be drafted by us.

Oct 22: Army at Vanderbilt: The Gold Dome Bowl. Don't squint while watching this one or you might not be able to figure out which team is which. I think Vandy should schedule at least one of the service academies each year just for the uniform confusion alone. The Commodores pull rank on the Cadets 24-16, making 2/3rds of the academies 0-2 against our conference this year.

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Chicago Bears Draft Pick Already Paying Dividends--Off the Field

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 14:55:49 -0500

And now comes regular reader Zac with his own contribution:

When WVU senior linebacker J T Thomas was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round, like many who'd come as far as he had, it was a dream come true. Sixth round status, however, is even farther from any guarantee that he'll make the Bears' roster, than had he been taken in the first round. After it sunk in, all he was thinking was how he was going to prove himself to his prospective new employer. Little did he know how much value he would be to the Bears organization from a public relations standpoint.

The real story begins with Thomas' little brother, Jared, who rode the same school bus with a fellow Chicago Bears fan, Joslyn Levell. Now that JT was at least in some way a part of the Bears, his little brother asked him if he would introduce himself to Ms Levell.

JT did just that. He boarded his brother's bus, after which he was introduced to his first official fan, and he hadn't even hit the practice field, let alone the gridiron. One thing, however, caught JT's attention right away, Joslyn Levell required the use of a wheel chair. She has Spina Bifida, a developmental congenital disorder caused by incomplete closure of the embryonic neural tube. In simpler language, she has a hole in the middle of her back, through which the spinal cord could protrude.

Naturally, Joslyn's condition came up in their conversation. What also came up was the eighth grade prom, an event to which Joslyn hadn't been asked. She even swallowed some pride and showed enough courage to ask some of the boys she knew…only to be turned down.

Taken with her story, as well as her personality in general, JT decided this wouldn't do. Joslyn Levell was going to the prom, and he was going to be her date.

Of course, most twenty-four year old guys don't just stroll up to the front door of a fourteen year old girl and ask them to a dance. Even those who have achieved a modicum of celebrity status don't get away with that. Thomas actually spoke to Joslyn's step-mom and got permission to take her out. With everything in place, it was time to pop the question; i.e. "Will you go to the dance with me?"

Now here's the funny part. For those fortunate enough to witness J T's heroics on the field, one would have to believe he fears no man. Yet, once on the phone, he was actually fearful that Joslyn Levell might turn him down; that the feisty and courageous fourteen year old might have found someone else willing to take her to the dance. As luck would have it, she was still free. Yes, she even accepted his invitation.

As a result of his gesture, not only does his brother Jared have a special appreciation of Ms Levell, but many a class mate who hadn't had time for her before have suddenly found time for her since. What with all that's been going on in college football of late, it's nice to see a story like this for a change of pace.

For those who are wondering, J T Thomas asked Joslyn Levell to her eighth grade prom because he felt it was the right thing to do. He did it because that's the kind of gentleman he is. In his eyes, she was a bright and attractive young lady worthy of being brought to such an event. Her short comings never entered into it; neither did the Chicago Bears, let alone how this would look to their organization. He wasn't doing it as a publicity stunt. After all, he hasn't even made the Bears' roster yet. When it comes time for him to try, however, you can best believe there'll be a few in the front office who'll appreciate his heart off the field, as well as on the field.

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Can Holgorsen Do at WVU What No Coach Has Ever Done?

Wed, 11 May 2011 15:51:14 -0500

Regular reader and contributor ZAC gives his insight into the current state of West Virginia football.

It was December 28, 2000. WVU Head Football Coach, Don Nehlan, in his final game had just led the WVU Mountaineers to victory over Ole Miss in the Music City Bowl. Despite having put WVU on the national map with two undefeated regular seasons (one in '88, the other in '93), including some impressive wins against stiff competition, that one win ended a record-setting 8 consecutive bowl losing streak; a record hewould just as soon forget. In his twenty-one years with WVU, Don Nehlan was also 0-2 in national championship games (1 certain, 1 arguable).

Enter Rich Rodriguez, a native West Virginian and ex-WVU defensive back, turned offensive prodigy, elevated to offensive guru. He was handpicked by Nehlan to be his predecessor. His fast-paced, spread offense was proven at both Tulane and Clemson before taking the reigns at WVU. He was later quoted as calling it his "…dream job."

In his first year with the Mountaineers his system dive-bombed, as the team fumbled through a 3 & 8 record. The following year he was voted Big East Coach-of-the-Year after his team posted 9 wins. Two years later he took an 11-1 team to the Sugar Bowl in Atlanta, GA, where his Mountaineers upset heavily favored and SEC Champion, Georgia. In the final regular season game of 2007, only one thing stood between his 10-1 Mountaineers and a chance to play Ohio St, for the National Championship: 4-7 Pitt.

The outcome was a nightmare to WVU fans. In the end Pitt did just enough to pull off the upset, and dash any hopes Rodriguez may have had toward a shot at earning WVU's first National Championship. The controversy which followed was even more heart wrenching to WVU fans. With one game left, a meeting with Big-12 Champion, Oklahoma, in the Fiesta Bowl, Rich Rodriguez was no longer a Mountaineer. Instead, he'd accepted (He was later quoted as calling it his "…once in a lifetime job.") the job as Head Coach for the Michigan Wolverines.

Enter Bill Stewart. Another native son of the "Mountain State," Coach Stew, as he would be known, found the means to rally his team, not around him, but around each other. In just a matter of weeks, he had them put Rodriguez behind them, enter the Fiesta Bowl with their heads held high, and convincingly beat the favored Sooners. WVU Athletic Director, Ed Pastilong, put an exclamation point on the victory by offering Coach Stew the HC job. It was an emotional hiring, but was it the right one?

Coach Stew hired "men of character," including Wake Forest's, Jim Mullen, as Offensive Coordinator. Together they managed to not only hold on to the last of Rich Rodriguez's recruiting classes, but put together at least one special recruiting class of their own, which included starting QB, Geno Smith. Unfortunately, the results didn't translate into the kind of success which had been observed by fans during the Rodriguez years. Despite respectable success (28-12) uncharacteristic losses to arguably lesser competition is what the fans remembered. With the retirement of AD and long time friend, Ed Pastilong, and the hiring of former WVU football great, Oliver Luck, no one remained to stand up for ole Coach Stew.

Let's take a step back for a moment. The WVU Mountaineers have been participating in college football since 1891. In 120 years WVU has accumulated a 691-454-45 record and 0.580 winning percentage. This ranks WVU 15th all-time in wins. Yet, they've never earned a National Championship. In fact, WVU has the most wins for any team which hasn't won a National Championship.

Enter Dana Holgorsen, OC & HC in waiting. Following the Mountaineer's loss to NC St in last year's Champ's Sports Bowl, WVU AD, Oliver Luck had seen enough. He made the decision to fire OC, Jim Mullen (along with most of his staff) and hire OC Dana Holgorsen from Oklahoma St. The Plan: Holgorsen would serve as Bill Stewart's OC for one season, after which Coach Stew would step down and Holgorsen would take over as HC. Why? Let's face it, fans; numbers don't lie, and in the past five seasons, Dana Holgorsen's offenses have put up some gaudy numbers.

Consider the 2009 Oklahoma St, Cowboys. They finished 9-4, and barely averaged 26 pts & 350 yards/game against Div-1 competition. (Sounds a lot like WVU's season last year.) Enter Dana Holgorsen: In 2010, the Cowboys finished 11-2, ranked 1st in total offense (537.6 yards), 2nd in passing yards (345.8), and 3rd in pts scored (44.2).

Consider the 2007 Houston Cougars. Finished 10-4 overall, CUSA Champs (included win over OK St), and averaged 32 pts & 443 yards/game against Div-1 competition. Who needs to improve, right? Enter Dana Holgorsen. Between the 2008 & 2009 seasons Houston averaged 42.2 & 563 yards/game (ranked 3rd in 2008 and #1 in 2009).

(Need we discuss Holgorsen's tenure at Texas Tech?)

The point is this: Dana Holgorsen was the OC at three different schools (two in the Big-12) and produced eye-popping results. In two cases, had there been even marginally better defenses backing his offenses, his teams would have gone much farther. But the question remains, can he do at WVU what thre Dana Holgorsen e other coaches couldn't? Can he even do at WVU what he did at Houston, Oklahoma St, and Texas Tech?

Consider the tools with which he has had to work vs. with whom he has to work now.

Brandon Weeden entered the 2010 season with OK St as a 3rd year QB, having patiently waited his turn as Zach Robinson's backup. To that point Weeden had completed 16 of 27 attempts for all of 256 yards, 4 TD's against 1 INT. Enter Dana Holgorsen. Last year Brandon Weeden mastered his position completing almost 67% of his passes for 4277 yards, 34 TD's against 13 INT's. Talk about from rags to riches.

Case Keenum hit the ground running for Houston as a freshman in 2007 completing 187 of 273 (68.5%) for 2259 yards, 14 TD's & 10 INT's. Enter Dana Holgorsen. In 2008, Keenum only completed 67.4% of his passes for 5020 yards, 44 TD's, against only 11 INT's. The following season Keenum completed over 70% of his passes for 5671 yards, 44 TD's & 15 INT's. Exit Dana Holgorsen. In 2010 Keenum's injury riddled season ended in obscurity as he completed less than 66% of his passes for 636 yards, and 5 TD's against 5 INT's.

OK, let's talk TX Tech.
Attempts
Year QB Completions Yards % TD's/INT's

2004 Sonny Cumbie 421/642 4742 65.6 32/18
2005 Cody Hodges 353/531 4238 66.5 31/12
2006 Graham Harrell 412/616 4555 66.9 38/11
2007 " " " 512/713 5705 71.8 48/14

Has anyone noticed the general upward trend in each category?

Now let's talk about what Holgorsen has to work with at WVU. Geno Smith came out of Miami's Miramar HS as a pure passer. As a freshman in 2009 his trials by fire, when subbing for starter, Jerrett Brown, weren't all that impressive. As a first year starter in 2010, however, he didn't do badly, as his 65 % completion rate for 2763 yards and 24 TD's, against only 7 INT's indicates; and 3 of those INT's came in one game.

The point is this: Given what Geno Smith did without Holgorsen last year, given what other QB's did without Holgorsen in previous years, what might Smith be able to do this year with Holgorsen as his mentor? To be honest, I don't expect Geno Smith to turn into a 5000 + yard passer, just because Dana Holgersen is now WVU's OC. However, eclipsing WVU great, Mark Bulger's 1998 numbers (274/419, 3607, 65.4%, 31 TD's/10 INT's) is not out of the question.

Consider the Receivers with which Dana Holgorsen has worked.

In 2009 Oklahoma St's, Justin Blackman, had 20 catches for 260 yards and 2 TD's. Josh Cooper almost matched Blackman's catches for 234 yards and another TD. Neither Bo Booling nor Joseph Randle even made the stat sheet. In 2010, under Dana Holgorsen, Blackman caught 111 passes for 1782 yards and 20 TD's. Josh Cooper snared 68 catches for 736 yards and 5 TD's, while Bo Booling and (then) Sr, Joseph Randle combined for 79 catches for 864 yards and a score.

In 2007 neither Tyron Carrier, Pat Edwards, nor James Cleveland were on Houston's stat sheet. In 2008 Carrier emerged as one of Holgorsen's go-to men snaring 80 catches for 1026 yards and 9 TD's, and got help from Mark Hafner who more than doubled his 2007 stats (40 catches, 445 yards, 3 TD's) by grabbing 86 catches for 907 yards and 11 TD's. In 2009 Pat Edwards (85 catches, 1021 yards, 7 TD's) and James Cleveland (104 catches, 1214 yards, 14 TD's) joined Carrier (91 catches, 1029 yards, 7 TD's) as Houston's top 3 receivers.

OK, OK, I won't even ask. Here are some Texas Tech stats. 2007 was only the 2nd year Dana Holgosen worked with Michael Crabtree, to the tune of 134 catches, 1962 yards and 22 TD's. Crabtree didn't even make the stat-sheet the year before. In fact, people were so hung up with Crabtree's 2007 stats, they overlooked Danny Amendola's mediocre performance (109 catches, 1245 yards, 6 TD's) which was more than in his previous 3 years combined (95, 1001, 9) while playing in Joel Filani's shadow.

Who does Dana Holgorsen have to work with now? Howzabout Tavon Austin for starters? He only led all receivers with 787 yards on 58 catches & 8 TD's. Steadman Baily & Ivan McCartney figure to be in the mix. Holgorsen likes this pair. They were teammates of Geno Smith at Miami's Miramar HS and have the advantage of knowing some of Smith's nuances (and vice versa). McCartney, however, has to learn to come through in the clutch. He's dropped some very catchable balls this spring.

Bradley Starks only had 19 catches in 2010, but had the highest yards/catch (16.7). His absence this spring, due to a shoulder strain, has given other receivers much needed work. However, Starks did take advantage of enough opportunities early on and made a big impression on Holgorsen.

Tight End, Tyler Urban, didn't have much to show for last year, and didn't figure to fit into Holgorsen's offense. However, Holgorsen has been most pleased with Urban's work ethic, and impressed with his catching skills. Not to mention, at 6'5"/250 lbs, not only is he a big, tall target, but he can block. Besides, Holgorsen has made this promise: If you work hard, can run your routes, and catch the football, you'll play. Urban has been one of the most pleasant surprises this spring.

Willie Millhouse, Ryan Nehlan & Coley White have also emerged as pleasant surprises, not just in work ethic and play making, but in consistency as well. Even FB's Ryan Clark & Matt Lindamood have caught some balls, but it's been Vernard Roberts and Trey Johnson who've thus far proven to be the best runners…and receivers out of the backfield. AND, this doesn't include some of the class coming in this summer, which features highly regarded WR's Dante Campbell (6'4"/196lbs) and Ken Meyers (6'3", 182lbs).

There's no point in discussing running backs, as the Holgorsen system doesn't employ them. Right? Yeah, try telling that to Oklahoma St's, Kendall Hunter. He only rushed for 1548 yards and 16 TD's, at 5.7 yards/carry. Joseph Randal and Jeremy Smith added a combined 714 yards and 9 TD's, while averaging 5.3 yards/carry.

WVU's, Noel Devine, is gone. But, in 2010 he accounted for less than half of WVU's rushing yards and only one third of their rushing TD's. That means somebody had to be carrying the mail, not to mention crossing the goal line the other twelve times. Ryan Clark accounted for most of the TD's. Clark, Shawne Alston and Geno Smith accounted for seventy five percent of the difference in yardage. Tavon Austin, Brad Starks, and Matt Lindamood accounted for three of the other four TD's. All are returnee's. Add newcomers, Vernard Roberts and Trey Johnson to the mix, and Holgorsen's rushing schemes are expected to be as successful as the passing schemes. If spring practice has been any indication, all will contribute mightily this fall.

Not quite convinced? Here's arguably the best part of the equation: DEFENSE. WVU has one of the best active DC's in all of college football, Jeff Casteel. He's complemented by a staff which includes one of the industry's best D-Line coaches, Bill Kirelawich. Assistant HC, Steve Dunlap, knows defense, having once been a DC for WVU, Syracuse, NC St, and Marshall, before returning to WVU when Rodriguez left. Dunlap coaches the Safeties with assistance from David Lockwood (another veteran defensive coach - only 20 years of experience) who coaches the DB's.

Now replacing seven starters from last year's nationally ranked defense (ranked Top-5 in multiple categories) will not be easy. Yet, Casteel, isn't without quality returnee's. Not only will WVU's defense be a little smaller overall than last year's, it will also be much faster. DE, Julian Miller (6'4/270, 9 sacks in 2010) has been moved to DT. Bruce Irvin (6'3"/248) replaces Miller at DE. Irvin has bulked up some, without losing any speed, and his 14 sacks in 2010 not only ranked 2nd in the country, but was accomplished in part-time duty. George Wright (6'2"/283) moves over from DT to NG, replacing stalwart NG, Chris Nield. Wright will have help from Josh Taylor (6'1"/285) and JUCO transfer Shaq Rowell (6'3"/300).

The Linebacker corps was hit hardest with the graduation of Pat Lazear, Anthony Leonard, and recent draftee, JT Thomas. Once again, however, the cupboard is not bare. Last year's backup, Najee Goode, has stepped up into what should be his starting roll. Branko Busick and Jewone Snow have shown steady improvement, along with Tyler Anderson, Donovan Miles and Casey Vance. However, it's been the shear speed and explosive hitting of JUCO transfer, Joshua Francis, which has caught everyone's eye. Francis has proven to be as quick a learner as he is hard hitting. If he can shore down the fundamentals, he'll be lining up in one of the vacancies on either side of Goode in the fall.

Terrance Garvin distinguished himself last year in a backup roll to Safety, Robert Sands, another draftee. Travis Bell, another distinguished backup, looks to secure the other safety slot. Keith Tandy, who led the Big East in INT's with six last year, returns to lead a core of DB's which could be the most talented group the Mountaineers have seen at that position in some time. Brantwon Bowser, Nick Cadwell, Darwin Cook, Michael Dorsey, Brodrick Jenkins, Pat Miller and Eain Smith are all in the mix to play opposite of Tandy. However, true Freshman, Avery Williams, just might beat them all.

Field Goal kicking just may cost WVU a game or two this year, unless Tyler Bitencourt can find a way to return to that form he had two seasons ago. Otherwise, punting and kicking is expected to be average. On the other hand, the return game is looking to improve by leaps and bounds. What with Tavon Austin, Daquan Hargrett and Varnard Roberts back there receiving kicks and punts, the Mountaineers will be a threat to return them the length of the field every time.

The schedule: Let the Big East bashing begin.

WVU's schedule features a trip to Maryland and a visit from LSU. Both games are expected to be challenging, especially given LSU figures to be ranked in the Top-10 before their arrival. The opener with Marshal will be emotional, but shouldn't pose as great a challenge as last year. The Big East will be 50:50 this year with Cincinnati, Louisville and Syracuse on the rise, while UConn & Pitt go through coaching changes, and Rutgers tries to right the ship. Likely, however, the Big East Championship will be won at Raymond James stadium, where Skip Holtz and his Bulls will be laying in wait to close out the regular season, and where WVU hasn't won since 2005.

The Mountaineer's offense has to perfect the Holgorsen system. If they falter, there could be as many as three losses right there. The Mountaineers have to replace seven starters from last year's nationally ranked defense. If they falter, there could be as many as three losses right there. WVU is neither Alabama nor Ohio St, both of which had to replace considerable losses on defense (bama last season; OSU five years ago). "ISports Web," Sports in Perspective, posted an article titled, "WVU's Top 3 Defense Looks to Reload." Recruiting has a lot to do with that, and WVU has only put together one decent recruiting class since Rodriguez left. You have to have depth to reload, and WVU doesn’t quite have the quality depth necessary to make that statement. The Good News: Dana Holgorsen will certainly help to attract better recruiting.

Does that mean WVU will do badly this year? I don't think so. While I'd like to see at least ten wins, I think another 9-4 season is likely.

Next year, on the other hand, Dana Holgorsen may well have put together (including in personnel) what WVU needs to contend for a National Championship. So, what's the answer to the question you've all been waiting for? "YES!" As Head Coach, Dana Holgorsen may just be able to do what three head coaches before him could not. Best of all, it will happen in our lifetime.

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Rich Rod Out at Michigan. Who's Got Next?

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 18:11:31 -0500

It's being reported that Michigan head coach Rich Rodriquez is out today, the drubbing by Mississippi State in the Gator Bowl being the final nail in his three -year tenure at the Big House. Once the hottest coaching commodity out there after almost landing West Virginia in the BCS title game in 2007, Rich Rod had teased Alabama after the 2006 season before spurning them and working himself a big raise with the Mountaineers. The next season he was lured away by Michigan to take over for the retired/fired Lloyd Carr and was mostly noted for the subsequent lawsuit by WVU over his bonuses as he hit the country roads of West Virginia for another place he belonged.

Under Rodriguez's helm, the Maize and Blue suffered their worst season ever (2008) and their worst bowl loss ever (2010), among other underwhelming accomplishments.

But early word is that Stanford's Jim Harbaugh, a Michigan alum and the hottest dual threat NFL/CFB coaching prospect in the land, is not interested in the job, which is probably a nice way of saying that he is clamoring for a NFL job. Could that leave fellow Ann Arbor alumnus Leslie Miles a candidate once again? Once bitten, twice shy, baby?

If you recall, Miles was a leading candidate in early 2008 after winning the BCS title at LSU and clearly considered answering the call to come home, but decided his fortunes were better down on the Bayou--either that or time expired on the clock before he could make up his mind.

I respected Miles for that decision as it showed him to be a consummate professional by sticking with a good thing, but it also didn't hurt that Baton Rouge threw a ton of cash at him and inked in a big buyout clause that is reportedly still huge--cue Fanblogs LSU-bureau reporter TE to fill in what that amount may be. TE?

This opening is certainly to be the biggest of the year and coaching voids this size always have major repercussions and aftermaths in the CFB world as other teams adjust or are forced to fill holes in their staff--that on top of the endless speculation.

And Auburn family, I think I'm pretty safe in going ahead and saying that Gus Malzahn IS NOT going to be on the short list of candidates for Michigan. Thank you.

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TCU accepts offer to join Big East

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 12:16:53 -0500

TCU has scheduled a press conference for this afternoon to announce that it has accepted an offer to join the Big East Conference.

As first reported on AOL Fanhouse, the Horned Frogs will leave the Mountain West to join the Big East in all sports, beginning July 1, 2012. The Frogs first season of Big East football would be the 2012-2013 season.

By some estimates, TCU will be located an average of 1,140 miles from the other Big East football league members.

The move comes amid estimates that the Mountain West will not gain automatic-qualification status in the BCS during the next evaluation window, due in large part to the departures of both BYU and Utah. According to BCS spokesman Bill Hancock, teams that leave a conference take their performance during the evaluation period with them to their new conferences.

In this decade, TCU has been a member of the WAC, Conference USA and MWC.

Additional reports indicate that the Big East has also extended an offer to Villanova to become the conference's tenth football member. The Dallas News reports that Villanova"seems to be dragging its feet about a decision", a move that would bring the school up from the FCS division to FBS. Villanovais currently a member of the Big East in nearly all other conference sports.

If Villanovadoes not join the Big East for football, then the University of Central Florida is expected to receive a formal invitation to join for the 2012-2013 season.

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Big East votes to expand to 10 football members

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 20:23:38 -0500

And the conference shuffle begins anew.

The sixteen Big East conference presidents agreeing unanimously to expand from eight football members to ten football members.

Yahoo's Matt Hinton breaks down the potential candidates, including TCU, Houston, Memphis, and Central Florida.

Invitations to new members could be extended before this year's season concludes.

My two cents? Expansion is a bold, yet necessary move for the viability of the conference. Is dipping into MWC territory (TCU) the best idea? Probably not, but the Frogs are one of the more attractive schools on the conference's radar, given the school's football legacy, recent success, and potential recruiting exposure. There's no question that TCU would be a positive addition, but I still question whether the geography makes the Frogs a viable option long-term.

It will be interesting to watch this round of musical chairs, particularly with the Big 12 currently with ten members for the 2011 season. Will the Big 12 move to block the Big East, taking TCU or Houston before the Big East can? Will the two conferences petition to permit a championship game for leagues with only ten members? Will there be any Big East casualties among the current membership in order to create a more reasonable geographic split? And what is the trickle down? Will the Big 10 or SEC move again to expand to 16 teams? What will further changes in the WAC/MWC/CUSA mean to bowl contracts/other conferences/FCS teams?

Grab a seat... the music is about to stop again.

Comment on Big East votes to expand to 10 football members...

2010 USA Today Coaches Preseason Poll

Sun, 08 Aug 2010 15:30:18 -0500

2010 2010 USA Today Coaches Preseason Poll

Rank Team (first-place votes) 2009 record Points Final 2009 rank

1. Alabama (55) 14-0 1,469 1
2. Ohio State (4) 11-2 1,392 5
3. Florida 13-1 1,245 3
4. Texas 13-1 1,240 2
5. Boise State 14-0 1,215 4
6. Virginia Tech 10-3 1,052 10
7. TCU 12-1 1,051 6
8. Oklahoma 8-5 1,035 NR
9. Nebraska 10-4 1,001 14
10. Iowa 11-2 952 7
11. Oregon 10-3 940 11
12. Wisconsin 10-3 778 16
13. Miami (Fla.) 9-4 728 19
14. Penn State 11-2 508 8
15. Pittsburgh 10-3 492 15
16. LSU 9-4 476 17
17. Georgia Tech 11-3 455 13
18. North Carolina 8-5 445 NR
19. Arkansas 8-5 438 NR
20. Florida State 7-6 374 NR
21. Georgia 8-5 312 NR
22. Oregon State 8-5 263 NR
23. Auburn 8-5 260 NR
24t. Utah 10-3 169 18
24t. West Virginia 9-4 169 22

Others receiving votes

Cincinnati (12-1) 135; Houston (10-4) 76; Brigham Young (11-2) 66; Arizona (8-5) 65; Mississippi (9-4) 48; Clemson (9-5) 44; Stanford (8-5) 41; Connecticut (8-5) 40; Notre Dame (6-6) 38; South Carolina (7-6) 38; Washington (5-7) 26; Missouri (8-5) 23; Navy (10-4) 12; Oklahoma State (9-4) 11; Boston College (8-5) 10; Michigan State (6-7) 10; Arizona State (4-8) 6; California (8-5) 6; Texas Tech (9-4) 5; South Florida (8-5) 4; Texas A&M (6-7) 3; Northwestern (8-5) 2; Temple (9-4) 2; Central Michigan (12-2) 1; Mississippi State (5-7) 1; Nevada (8-5) 1; Northern Illinois (7-6) 1; Southern Methodist (8-5) 1.

Alabama defends their national championship from last year by starting #1 this year, exactly like Florida did last year. The SEC has six teams in the preseason poll, the ACC has five, the Big 10 has four (not counting Nebraska yet) , the Big 12 has three, the Pac 10 two, and the Big East two.

Comment on 2010 USA Today Coaches Preseason Poll...

Fanblogs Open Thread: Realignment-ageddon Edition

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 12:23:46 -0500

With today's official announcement of Colorado to the Pac10 conference and the expected announcement of Nebraska to the Big10 conference (which officially makes it a Big12, don't you think?)... it would seem that the summer realignment-ageddon has officially begun.

Here's a quick what we know, what we can surmise....

- Colorado is officially joining the Pac10. It's unclear as to whether the Pac10 intends to hold at 11 teams, but we should expect the Pac10 to seek to add at least one additional member. For years the argument against expansion centered around the round-robin schedule format and - with 11 schools - that format is officially out the window for college football. Adding one more school would give the conference the option to conduct a CFB championship game in some of the largest television markets in the country. Does the Pac10 stop at 12 (Texas??) or expand further with Big12/MWC/WAC teams???

- The Big10 will have 12 teams with the addition of Nebraska. Will they stand pat at 12 teams or expand to 16 as had been rumored?

- The SEC has said that they will not sit idly by if the Big10 expands. Sports Illustrated has confirmed that the SEC has held discussions with Texas A&M. Is that prelude to further SEC expansion? Who, in addition to the Aggies, are on the SEC radar?

- The ACC & Big East seem to be awfully quiet. Are they targets or could a merger be on the table for the two conferences?

- The MWC will not offer membership to Boise State at this time, setting themselves up to be the home of any Big12 refugees. Is the MWC destined to become a BCS conference by default?

DISCUSS!!!

Comment on Fanblogs Open Thread: Realignment-ageddon Edition...

Big Ten offers membership Missouri, Nebraska, Rutgers, and Notre Dame?

Mon, 10 May 2010 19:50:47 -0500

Kansas City's Sports Radio 810 AM reported today that the Big Ten Conference extended a membership offer to Missouri, Nebraska, Rutgers, and Notre Dame.

The Big Ten Conference has extended initial offers to join the league to four universities including Missouri and Nebraska from the Big 12, according to multiple sources close to the negotiations.
While nothing can be approved until the Big Ten presidents and chancellors meet the first week of June in Chicago, the league has informed the two Big 12 schools, Notre Dame and Rutgers that it would like to have them join.

The report speculates that another team could be added if Notre Dame agrees to join the conference, taking the membership to sixteen teams.

BUT... both Missouri and Nebraska are saying, "Not so fast my friends."

Missouri has expressed an interest in joining the Big Ten, but the school said Monday:
"The University of Missouri is receiving numerous inquiries related to public speculation about conference membership. MU is a member of the Big 12 Conference and will not respond to speculation about conference realignment. Mizzou continues to be grateful for all the interest shown in and support for the university."

Nebraska also has expressed an interest in jumping to the Big Ten, but refuted the report with this statement:

"We recognize the intense speculation about conference realignment and the possible impact it may have on Nebraska. Both Chancellor Harvey Perlman and Athletic Director Tom Osborne have indicated that the university would consider any opportunity that would advance the interests of the university.

"The University of Nebraska has not been offered any opportunity to move from the Big 12. We remain committed to the success of the Big 12 Conference. Until the Big Ten Conference makes and announces its decision on expansion, the University of Nebraska will have no further comment and we do not intend to continue to respond further to questions or speculations on this subject."

For the record, I don't believe the 810 WHB report for one second. Everyone knows it's Col. Mustard with the candlestick in the library.

Comment on Big Ten offers membership Missouri, Nebraska, Rutgers, and Notre Dame?...

New bowl rules to open more doors to 6-6 teams

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:53:36 -0500

The NCAA committee that oversees rules changes has approved a measure brought forward by Big 12 Commissioner Dan Beebe allowing bowl committees to give equal consideration to teams with 6-6 records when evaluating at-large bids.

At first glance, it would seem to reward teams that played a tougher schedule rather than padding their record with cupcakes. The change would also give bowls more flexibility to create the most interesting matchup, potentially boosting revenues for struggling bowl committees.

Matt Sanderson, co-founder of Playoff PAC, told the San Diego Union Times that the rule could allow bowls with open slots for at-large teams to select power-conference teams with 6-6 records over smaller-conference teams with winning records.

Sanderson points to this season's GMAC Bowl, which took 9-3 Troy as an at-large team. Under the revised rules, the GMAC Bowl could have offered the at-large slot to 6-6 Notre Dame.

While the new provision still needs an OK by the greater NCAA, most rule revisions that make it out of committee are approved.

Suffice to say... no one wants to see a bad 6-6 team stink it up in a marquee bowl game. The reality is that - with new bowls coming on in Yankee Stadium and the Cotton Bowl - there are going to be 70 teams in bowl games this year. If a bowl needs to dig deep and get an at-large team, I would prefer them to create the most interesting game they can.

No disrespect intended, but I would *much* rather see a hypothetical 6-6 Southern Cal as an at-large against Alabama, for example, over a 7-5 Louisiana Monroe.

Just sayin.

Comment on New bowl rules to open more doors to 6-6 teams...

NCAA looking into violations at West Virginia

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:19:32 -0500

NCAA officials confirmed today that they have spoken to West Virginia officials regarding possible violations.

School officials released a statement confirming the investigation and the university's commitment to NCAA compliance.

"West Virginia University and its Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is committed to operating its athletic program in conformance with the legislation and policy of the NCAA and the Big East conference," Fragale said. "No additional comments will be made regarding the matter at this time."

ESPN cites unnamed sources that say the investigation is tied to events occurring during Rich Rodriguez's tenure at WVU.

On one hand, the NCAA has already investigated Rodriguez at Michigan and found major violations. On the other hand, the NCAA has spent years & years attempting to get the full story from Reggie Bush, so....

Smoke? Fire? Hard to say at this point.

Comment on NCAA looking into violations at West Virginia...

Big 10 to expand and become Big 16?

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 10:07:57 -0500

Tony Barnhart is hearing whispers from conference commissioners indicating that the Big 10 is at least considering expanding to a superconference of 16 teams.

The Big Ten is looking at three plans: Stand pat with 11 teams, add one team (hopefully Notre Dame) or make a blockbuster move and go to 16.
"If they go to 16 and one of them is Notre Dame then we've got an entirely new ball game," a conference commissioner told me confidentially.

According to Barnhart, the Big 10 would potentially add Notre Dame and four other Big East teams. It's hard to distinguish if he has any leads on who those teams could be, but Barnhart theorizes that the target list may include Syracuse, Pitt, Rutgers, and UConn.

Of course this opens a whole host of other possibilities....

Where do the other Big East football schools go?

Would some mish-mash of Big East / Conference USA start a new conference?

Would the ACC expand to 16 as well by taking in the Big East leftovers?

Would the SEC expand to 16 to ensure that the conference doesn't lose its considerable negotiating advantage to the new Big 16? And, as Barnhart ponders, who would the SEC invite?

Does the SEC get aggressive and pick up the phone call Texas? That's the one school that would move the financial needle to improve the great deal the SEC already has. And if you take Texas, you have to take Texas A&M because of the politics. Does the SEC take another look at Florida State and Miami and see if those schools would be interested in leaving the ACC for a better financial deal?

It's hard to even imagine an SEC that adds the collective football prominence of Texas, Texas A&M, FSU and Miami. Not to mention its gains in Title IX sports and spring sports such as baseball, track, and golf.

A 16-team Big 10 would definitely be a behemoth, but the ripple effects... *that's* where superconference expansion would get interesting.

Comment on Big 10 to expand and become Big 16?...

2009-2010 College Football Bowl Game Television Schedule

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:09:51 -0500

Despite what you may hear from skeptics, there's no better season in all of sports than college football bowl season and the complete television schedule for the bowl games is right here on Fanblogs, brought to you by BangTheBook.com.

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Date/Time/TV	Bowl	Site	Matchup
Saturday Dec. 19 2 :30 pm ET ESPN	New Mexico Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Albuquerque, NM University Stadium	Wyoming vs. Fresno State
Saturday Dec. 19 8:00 pm ET ESPN	St. Petersburg Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	St. Petersburg, FL Tropicana Field	Rutgers vs. Central Florida
Sunday Dec. 20 8:00 pm ET ESPN	R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	New Orleans, LA Louisiana Superdome	Southern Miss vs. Middle Tenn St
Tuesday Dec. 22 8:00 pm ET ESPN	MAACO Bowl Las Vegas Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Las Vegas, NV Sam Boyd Stadium	BYU vs. Oregon State
Wednesday Dec. 23 8:00 pm ET ESPN	San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	San Diego, CA Qualcomm Stadium	Utah vs. Cal
Thursday Dec. 24 8:00 pm ET ESPN	Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Honolulu, HI Aloha Stadium	SMU vs. Nevada
Saturday Dec. 26 4:30 pm ET ESPN	Meineke Car Care Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Charlotte, NC Bank of America Stadium	North Carolina vs. Pitt
Saturday Dec. 26 5 :00 pm ET ESPN	Little Caesars Pizza Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Detroit, MI Ford Field	Ohio U vs. Marshall
Saturday Dec. 26 8:00 pm ET ESPN	Emerald Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	San Francisco, CA AT&T Park	Boston College vs. USC
Sunday Dec. 27 8:15 pm ET ESPN	Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Nashville, TN LP Field	Clemson vs. Kentucky
Monday Dec. 28 5:00 pm ET ESPN	AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Shreveport, LA Independence Stadium	Texas A&M vs. Georgia
Tuesday Dec. 29 4:30 pm ET ESPN	EagleBank Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Washington, DC RFK Stadium	Temple vs. UCLA
Tuesday Dec. 29 8:00 pm ET ESPN	Champs Sports Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Orlando, FL Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium	Miami vs. Wisconsin
Wednesday Dec. 30 4:30 pm ET ESPN	Roady's Humanitarian Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Boise, ID Bronco Stadium	Bowling Green vs. Idaho
Wednesday Dec. 30 8:00 pm ET ESPN	Pacific Life Holiday Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	San Diego, CA Qualcomm Stadium	Nebraska vs. Arizona
Thursday Dec. 31 2:00 pm ET NFL Network	Texas Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Houston, TX Reliant Stadium	Missouri vs. Navy
Thursday Dec. 31 Time TBA ESPN	Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Fort Worth, TX Amon G. Carter Stadium	Air Force vs. Houston
Thursday Dec. 31 12:00 pm ET CBS	Brut Sun Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	El Paso, TX Sun Bowl Stadium	Stanford vs. Oklahoma
Thursday Dec. 31 5:30 pm ET NFL Network	Insight Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Tempe, AZ Sun Devil Stadium	Minnesota vs. Iowa State
Thursday Dec. 31 7:30 pm ET ESPN	Chick-fil-A Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Atlanta, GA Georgia Dome	Virginia Tech vs. Tennessee
Friday Jan. 1 11:00 am ET ESPN	Outback Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Tampa, FL Raymond James Stadium	Auburn vs. Northwestern
Friday Jan. 1 1:00 pm ET CBS	Konica Minolta Gator Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Jacksonville, FL Jacksonville Municipal Stadium	FSU vs. West Virginia
Friday Jan. 1 1:00 pm ET ABC	Capital One Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Orlando, FL Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium	Penn State vs. LSU
Friday Jan. 1 5:00 pm ET ABC	Rose Bowl presented by Citi Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Pasadena, CA Rose Bowl	Ohio State vs. Oregon
Friday Jan. 1 8:30 pm ET FOX	Allstate Sugar Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	New Orleans, LA Superdome	Florida vs. Cincinnati
Saturday Jan. 2 12:00 pm ET ESPN2	International Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Toronto, Canada Rogers Centre	South Florida vs. Northern Illinois
Saturday Jan. 2 2 :00 pm ET ESPN	PapaJohns.com Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Birmingham, AL Legion Field	Connecticut vs. South Carolina
Saturday Jan. 2 2:00 pm ET FOX	AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Arlington, TX Cowboys Stadium	Oklahoma State vs. Ole Miss
Saturday Jan. 2 5:30 pm ET ESPN	AutoZone Liberty Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Memphis, TN Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium	East Carolina vs. Arkansas
Saturday Jan. 2 9 :00 pm ET ESPN	Valero Alamo Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	San Antonio, TX Alamodome	Michigan State vs. Texas Tech
Monday Jan. 4 8:00 pm ET FOX	Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Glendale, AZ University of Phoenix Stadium	TCU vs. Boise State
Tuesday Jan. 5 8:00 pm ET FOX	FedEx Orange Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Miami, FL Dolphin Stadium	Georgia Tech vs. Iowa
Wednesday Jan. 6 7 :00 pm ET ESPN	GMAC Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Mobile, AL Ladd Peebles Stadium	Troy vs. Central Michigan
Thursday Jan. 7 8:00 pm ET ABC	BCS National Championship Game Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Pasadena, CA Rose Bowl	Alabama vs. Texas

The 2009 college football season will be capped by exciting college football bowl games, including the 2009 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, the 2009 Fiesta Bowl in Phoenix, Arizona, the 2009 Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, Louisiana, the 2009 Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida and the 2009 BCS National Championship Game in Pasadena, CA.

The best college football teams from the major conferences, including the Big10 conference, Big 12 conference, Pac 10 conference, ACC conference, Big East conference, SEC conference, and Mountain West conference will face off in college football bowl games throughout December and into January.

If you're looking for updated matchups, odds, insights, betting lines and online wagering for the college football bowl games, please be sure to try BangTheBook.com.

Comment on 2009-2010 College Football Bowl Game Television Schedule...

Gator Bowl to match SEC vs Big Ten; more bowl shakeups ensue

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:43:42 -0500

After months of wrangling and having the ACC reject the bowl's latest proposal, the Gator Bowl is finalizing a four-year agreement that will pit an SEC team against a Big 10 team in the 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 seasons.

Officials from the SEC have already confirmed their participation to The Birmingham News. Under the terms, the Gator will get "at least" the sixth pick of bowl-eligible SEC teams. The pick position could vary on a year-to-year basis, but more details would be announced once the Big 10 announces its bowl agreements next week.

The Gator Bowl is also in final talks to become part of a broadcast deal with ESPN, leaving CBS, in a move that could signal the end of the exclusive broadcast window that has been previously negotiated for the Capital One Bowl.

With the Cotton Bowl moving to January 2nd, the result of the Gator Bowl agreement means that all three non-BCS games on New Years Day will feature SEC vs Big 10 matchups.

With the end of the ACC / Big East relationship in the Gator Bowl, the ACC and Big East have signed an agreement with the Champs Bowl which will essentially recreates the conferences past Gator relationship in Orlando.

Under the terms to begin with the 2010 season, the ACC will send its #3 selection to the Champs Bowl to face the Big East's #2 selection or Notre Dame. The Champs can select Notre Dame once over the four year agreement if the Irish have seven wins and are within two wins of the #2 Big East school.

With the Gator Bowl now aligned with SEC, the Independence Bowl finds itself as odd-man out in the SEC bowl mix after 15 years with the conference. Instead, the Independence Bowl will look to sign a new bowl matchup between the ACC and Mountain West.

Comment on Gator Bowl to match SEC vs Big Ten; more bowl shakeups ensue...

How good is Auburn?

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 08:01:59 -0500

Two weeks into the 2009 season and the Auburn hype machine is getting ready to move into full swing.

Say what you will about the Tigers strength of schedule so far -- which has featured two impressive home wins against Louisiana Tech (W 37-13) and Mississippi State (W 49-24) -- but no one can dispute that Auburn is seriously moving the football.

In two games, the Tigers have 1,145 yards of total offense under new head coach Gene Chizick. Yes, you read that right - one thousand one hundred forty five... in two games.

Where's all that offense coming from?

Quite simply, the big boys in the trenches are getting it done. The Tigers have rushed for 691 yards in two games. At school long known for outstanding running backs, Auburn set a new rushing mark this week with two running backs going over 100 yards each for two consecutive weeks. Against SEC West division competition this past weekend, the Tigers AVERAGED 6.6 yards per rushing attempt. Are you kidding me? That's sick. That's vulgar. That's just nasty. This O-line is seriously pushing and clearly believe in this offensive system.

The defense? Not great, but pretty salty. The Tigers are getting it done - creating some turnovers and putting their offense in a position to win... even when the offense isn't needing a lot of help. I'm not certain you can measure this defense against LaTech and the Bulldogs just yet, but.... there could be something happening here.

But the question remains... how good is Auburn? The honest answer is nobody knows.

Auburn plays host to West Virginia this weekend in a nationally televised game for ESPN. While WVU represents another BCS test for the Tigers, the early lines have Auburn at nearly a touchdown favorite, with that number expected to trend up. After WVU, Auburn gets an over-matched MAC conference opponent Ball State at home. In other words, it's quite likely that the Plainsmen will finish September at 4-0.

And what will all that mean? Expect Auburn to get a big boost in the polls by the first of October and the hype machine to be in full effect. Pundits will begin repeating the observation that the Tigers miss Florida in the SEC East rotation this season... ramping up expectations that could place Auburn in the SEC championship game.

But the million (or in the SEC's case, multi-million) dollar question remains.... how good is Auburn?

Comment on How good is Auburn?...