BIG 12 Preview

(Sorry. I know you missed me. But this is a fresh batch of goodness right here.)

NORTH

1. Nebraska: 10-2

Bo Pelini’s team will strive this season after just one year under his system. Former Cornhusker Quarterback, Joe Ganz will need to be replaced, but the defense will be superior. This team is going to be explosive with their aggressiveness on the offensive line. (Note: Receiver Mike McNeill should have a huge year. The tight end had 442 last year, and I expect Pelini to acquire him into the offense more as a safety cushion for a young QB.)

2. Kansas: 9-3

One of the top five best coaches in the NCAA – Mike Mangino – is completely underrated. It was so hard for me to pick Pelini over Mangino, for the fact that unlike Nebraska, the Jayhawks return one of the most prolific college QB’s (Todd Reesing). They also return Dezmon Briscoe (who is a projected top five receiver in next year’s draft) and tailback Jake Sharp who rushed for over 860 yards last year as a back up. Here’s where the Jayhawks are weak: DEFENSE. Although it is the Big 12 Conference and that seven letter word seems irrelevant at times, you can’t lose your entire defensive line and expect to get pressure on quarterbacks. Another great year for Man”genius,” but he fails to get to a BCS Bowl game.

3. Colorado: 6-6

Besides Head Coach Dan Hawkins, there is nothing to like about these Buffaloes. (Note: That being said, I can’t wait to see how “Future NFL Star” Running Back, Darrell Scott plays – only a Sophomore.) The coach’s son, Cody Hawkins is now battling for the starting QB role. You know what I say about “family situations” in athletics – they screw up chemistry, and are greasier than a fast food apron. “Dem Buffaloes will struggle … yet again.”

4. Missouri: 5-7

Lets see … you lose Jeremy Maclin, your starting Quarterback (Chase Daniel), and a slew of defensive talent including Evander “Ziggy” Hood, your looking at a rough season Mr. Gary Pinkel. Enough said. Good luck scoring.

5. Kansas State: 5-7

Poor poor Bill Snyder. (Pause.) Not really. Good luck with revamping a program that relies solely on your skill to coach. New Quarterback, new head coach, new system equals an exhausting season.

6. Iowa State: 3-9

Eh. Should I just move on? Ok I will.

SOUTH

Talk about a 180-degree turn from the North. The Big 12 South is stacked with talent. Four of the six starting QB’s on these teams are NFL Locks. Lets just get started.

1. Texas: 11-1

(Note to Sam Bradford: My man. You do not know how shameful I am for doing this to you. I am obsessed with you because you ARE the next Peyton Manning.)

Before I move on, let me say one more thing. Although it hurts me for not putting Oklahoma on top, it’s sort of irrelevant due to Bob “Oops”-I-Can’t-Win-A-Big-Bowl-Game.

Mac Brown’s team is going to be solid. However, this Longhorn team goes as (Heisman Hopeful) Colt McCoy goes. He is the Prince to the team’s Charming. He is the Sour Cream on the team’s Bake Potatoes. He is the … ok I will stop because I am not good with that type of analogy. You get my point though. One other aspect that is underrated on this Longhorn team is their defense. Yes, they lose Brian Orakpo, but they return three Corner Backs (Curtis Brown, Cody Johnson, and Deon Beasly), plus they have the best Defensive Coordinator in the country – Will “I Spend 20 Hours A Day, So Take That Michigan Players Who Like To Rat Out Their Coach” Muschamp.

2. Oklahoma: 10-2

(Pause.) Sad face. Should I dedicate another note to Sam Bradford for my preview. Yes. Ok.

Dear Sam Bradford,

You are the most prolific, fantastic, and superb Quarterback in the nation. Although you lost A-Quarterbacks-Best-Friend (Center, Jon Cooper), and a fantastic wide outs – Juaqin Iglesias and Manuel Johnson – you still have a barn yard full of talent (RB Chris Brown – 1,220 yards, TE Jermaine Gresham – 950 yards, and Utility Demarco Murray.) You also have a treasure chest of talent coming back on defense to back you up. I know why you came back Sam. You came back because (somehow) Bob (I refuse to spell out the analogy again) “Oops” convinced you and you love college. I mean why would you want to leave a place where the girls come so easy, and you’re the starting Quarterback on a national powerhouse? Exactly. Good choice. Ok, I’m going to leave this shorter than anticipated. Good luck.

Sincerely,

Jamie “Jay Mac” McCracken.

(Translation: I hope you kick the Longhorns @$$!)

3. Oklahoma State: 10-2

As much as I wanted to surprise all of you and take the Cowboys to win the Big 12 Conference, I just could not convince myself after staring at the computer screen with Zac Robinson and Dez Bryant staring in my face. Virtually, in any other conference, the Cowboys would be the favorite to win (excluding the SEC). Great running back in Kendell Hunter (1,555 yards), best receiver in the country in Dez Bryant, and a mobile yet steady (with a rocket arm) Quarterback in Zac Robinson. Ah. I have to stop before I copy and past this to paragraphs above. Not to mention they return a line-backing core that could rip down a house by their selves for “Extreme Home Make Over.”

4. Baylor: 9-3

Another team that could surprise people and end up slotted in the second place spot by the end of the season. If you want a guy that showed up his freshman year, look up Bears QB, Robert Griffin (2,091 passing yards). Not to mention he has one of his top receivers back from last year – Kendall Wright (649 yards last year). No question this team will be able to pound the football down teams’ throats, but the offensive line is unconvincing. Jason Smith went to the NFL and two others graduated. This Bears team can go anywhere from 6-6 to 10-2. I’ll settle in the middle.

5. Texas Tech: 8-4

No Graham Harrell, no Michael Crabtree, but the system undeniably works. New Quarterback, Junior Taylor Potts will take over for Harrell, and I expect Lubbok to will their new QB to at least an eight win season.

6. Texas A&M: 5-7

The only team with a losing record in the Big 12 South does not deserve a preview. Thank you and goodnight.

2009 Big East CFB Preview

1. Rutgers: 11-1

(Before I even begin to tell you WHY, take a look at "Cupcake City," "Creme Puff Row," "Cotton Saturdays," or whatever nickname you have for the Scarlet Knight's schedule. They play Howard, Florida International, Texas Southern, and Army the first half of the season. Get serious ... that's got "Kitty Pool" written all over IT!)

I can’t believe I just did that, but then again, I can. The Scarlet Knights have, easily, the most favorable schedule in all of the Big East Conference. (Note: I have debated this for two weeks.) I understand Greg Schiano’s team lost two -- NFL drafted -- receivers in Kenny Britt and Tiquan Underwood. Along with their starting Quarterback Mike Teel, but I like the team’s chances with all five starters back on the offensive line, including 325-pound NFL prospect Anthony Davis at left tackle.Not to mention both running backs are back for the Scarlet Knights too (Tim Brown will have a huge year). (Note to haters: They won seven in a row at the end of last season … don’t forget!) I expect the offensive line and Brown to take a load of pressure off the young QB. So there “ya” have it. The Scarlet Knights are going to their first BCS Bowl.

2. South Florida: 9-3

As strange as this sounds, sometime during USF's season opener, Bull's Quarterback Matt Grothe will pass West Virginia's Pat White as the all-time leader in total offense in Big East history. I love this Bulls team. Grothe will be the leader of the offense, while projected first-round draft pick, George Selvie will be the King Lear on the defensive side. IF South Florida is a legitimate contender, it will show in the September 26 game verse the Seminoles of Florida State in Tallahassee. Either way, this team will be interesting. (Note: Remember that people have rumored to say that South Florida could soon be the second best football school in the state of Florida … “In Jim Leavitt We Trust?”)

3. Pittsburgh: 8-4

(CAVEAT: Do not go crazy Pittsburgh “bafoons.” This prediction is solely based on a coach that has YET to prove himself on the college stage.)

It’s difficult not to put Dave Wannstedt’s team as the team to finish first in the Big East Conference. But they will have to prove to me (unlike most of the media, who has them the pre-season favorites) that they are the team to beat. Despite losing tailback LeSean McCoy, the Panthers ‘might’ have the most talent in the conference. Dion Lewis will (most likely) be the guy who carries the load for the Pitt Panthers this year. Also, linebacker Adam Gunn returns for a sixth year of eligibility after breaking his neck in the '08 season opener. Plus, end Greg Romeus is the leading returning sacker in the Big East (7.5). Coach Wannstedt has stockpiled talent with three consecutive top 25 recruiting classes. I expect a huge year from this team, but I never let “this” coaching staff fool me … they will have to PROVE IT first.

4. West Virginia: 8-4

(CAVEAT: Booger-‘picken’, message board nerds stay away … I don’t want you to be upset.)

Where do I start? I mean I know I’m going to tick-off every single West Virginia fan when I write this … but oh well … too bad. Don’t be myopic and delusional because I’m being straightforward and non-bias. Three simple things to look at WHY the Mountaineers will be one of the most disappointing teams in the Big East this year: 1) The loss of Pat White. Without him, the Mountaineers will be more lost than Jodie Foster in “Taxi Driver.” 2) The prospects did NOT improve. In the future, I do not see this as a problem, but when you have a brand-new coaching staff in it’s second year, you can’t expect top-echelon national talent. 3) (Note in advance: This may be a little picky.) Kicking game. You cannot expect to have one of the best kicking games in the nation after you lose Pat McAfee. I predict a slow season for Bill Stewart’s Mountaineers, although I am one of the few to say that I like where the program is going in the near future. This team will rely on it’s interior defense.

(Bonus 4th reason: They lost three offensive linemen. So those of you that are saying, “But what about Noel Devine?” There is your answer. Although, I do have to say, I am expecting a fantastic season by the junior tailback.

4. Cincinnati: 8-4

Brian Kelly coached this team to a Big East title last year, ending in an Orange Bowl loss to Virginia Tech. Nevertheless, Kelly is moving up the coaching-ladder rapidly. This is my “Don’t Be Surprised If They Win The Big East (again)” team. With returning QB, Tony Pike, the Bearcats are a team with threats all over the field .One of those threats is a projected 2009 first-round NFL draft pick – Wide Receiver Mardy Gillyard – who was a key to the Bearcats success last season. However, there is one HUGE problem … Coach Kelly has to replace 10 defensive starters. I expect this team to do well, but Cinci is one of those teams who could win the Big East or fall flat on their faces.

5. Connecticut: 6-6

I expect a “Bowl Eligible Finish,” but not a true bowl eligible team in Hartford. Coach Randy Edsall has built a prominent, nationally recognized program in a short tenure, making him one of the easiest candidates to put on the “One Spectacular Coach” list. However, the 2009 season has a lot of holes with no Donald Brown, who led the nation in rushing last year. Not much to say here, but look for Coach Edsall to be rumored for higher coaching positions SOON.

6. Lousiville: 4-8

Talk about a program that has fallen off the map faster than Eddie George could remain on ESPN’s Broadcast Team. This is an absolute make-or-break season for Head Coach Steve Kragthorpe (and I’m leaning toward break.) This team ended the ’08 season with a five-game losing streak; I expect this to be a continuing trend unless tailback Victor Anderson can carry the load. Enough said. This will be another catastrophic season.

7. Syracuse: 3-9

As much as I wanted to put the Cuse above Louisville with four or five wins, I just could not resist and here’s why: I expect this to be the last year you see the Orange at the bottom for a long time. Doug Marrone has a work ethic of Robert Deniro in Hollywood, and he will get this program back on track FAST. Nonetheless, he walks into a trainwreck. At least he has Greg Paulus to blame everything on for year one right? (Note: That really hurt me to say that, especially being a Duke Basketball fan.) (Frowning.) Get ready for the basketball season Carrier Dome.

2009 Pac 10 CFB Preview

Okay so I could not go another week without NOT writing college football. I'm more excited than Richard Simmons getting ready to do one of his blistering workout videos.

Here is your 2009 CollegeFootball Previews. I will be doing this everyday this week previewing the major conferences, but you'll have to wait to see the SEC and Big 12 (later this week). Lets start out West where the babes are 'smoking' hot, Mercedes are driven like golf carts at your local golf club, and the weather is absolutely incredible.

1. California: 11-1

Unlike USC, the schedule favors the Bears this year. They get USC and Maryland (season opener at home), while their difficult road games will be against Oregon and UCLA (which they will have two weeks rest). The Bears have a well-rounded offense with a returning starting QB (Kevin Riley) and a projected first round running back, Jahvid Best, who rushed for well over 1,500 yards. This is a solid team who returns a tone of starters on offense, not to mention they are coming off a huge bowl victory over the “U.” I expect Best to carry the load (though the Golden Bears defense is their strength) and march the team to a Pac 10 title. Sorry Pete Carol, you’ll have to pass the torch for at leas tone year. (Note: Please do not find this shocking. Cal was number one in takeaways and second in scoring last season in the Pac 10 Conference.)

2. USC: 10-2

After QB Aaron Coorp went down with a leg injury, Freshman QB Matt Barkley will start in the opening game verse San Jose State at the Coliseum in Pasadena. USC Coaches have praised Barkley since he arrived on campus in January. Barkley graduated early to get an early grasp on the playbook. With a first-year QB, I expect the Trojans to be in a lot of close games. Yes, we know that Pete Carol’s teams are deep at all positions, but when your star player is a defensive guy (Taylor Mays), then you know it’s a “somewhat” down year. Not to mention their rough schedule (@ Ohio State [[2nd week]], @ Cal, @ Notre Dame, and @ Oregon). This does not make USC a “bad” team, just a slow year for a premier program.

3. UCLA: 8-4

Rick Neuheisal will have a much better season than last year because he’s got a load of talent back. 17 returning starters equal a better record and a better year for the Bruins team. However, their one BIG problem … who will be their Quarterback? Redshirt Freshman Quarterback Kevin Prince will be relied on heavy. The Bruins return three All-Pac 10 players including DT Brian Price who is projected as a first round draft pick. Mark my words; UCLA will be the most improved team in the Pac 10. But first, they will have to travel to Knoxville in Week 2 and prove they are here for good.

3. Oregon: 8-4

The Ducks have some of the best athletes in the entire nation, but open with a game in Boise, Idaho that is the Broncos biggest game of the decade on the “smurf turf,” while it’s Oregon’s fourth biggest game of their season. They will score a ton of points, but the defense will be the key of the year. They have to replace two huge pieces in the secondary, CB Jairus Byd and SS Patrick Chung, who were the keys to last year’s defense. How they rebound from their Week 1 loss will determine the Ducks outcome early.

5. Oregon State: 8-4

Mike Riley is (by far) the most underrated coach in America for this past decade. In his tenure as the Beavers coach, he’s never lost a bowl game and has beaten Pete Carol’s Trojans twice now. Name me “even” one coach that has done that … hmmm. Obviously, Oregon State will rely heavily on their Offensive Player of the Year last year in Jacquizz Rodgers. But the schedule is a little bumpy for me with games at Arizona State, USC, California, and Oregon. They might have the toughest road schedule in the conference. Coach Riley is one of my favorites in the entire nation, but I have the Beavers struggling a bit this season. Another 8 or 9 win season and a bowl victory will only build Riley’s status up even more at a lower tier school (absolutely nothing wrong with that)!

6. Stanford: 7-5

One sentence should sum this Cardinal team up: One of the most improved teams in the entire nation. Head Coach Jim Harbaugh will make Quarterback Andrew Luck (in his second year) look like an upcoming NFL Drat pick this year. First of all, Harbaugh’s “specialty” position is QB and he will expose Luck unlike some coaches would do with a young Sophomore Quarterback. Nevertheless, the schedule favors the Cardinal. They virtually have their toughest opponents at home (UCLA, Oregon, Cal, and Notre Dame).

7. Arizona State: 6-6

Dennis Erickson is clearly not the answer in Sun Valley. I understand the Sun Devils do not come in with high expectations like last year, but Erickson’s could be fired after this season with no run game, no offensive line, a young defensive line, and a new Quarterback. Not much to say here besides a big GOODLUCK. They’ll have the support (rowdy fans and an inspirational recruiting class), but will they believe in themselves in the middle of the season when they play a gauntlet of talent (starting Oct 24. – @Stanford, Cal, USC, @Oregon, @UCLA, Arizona)?

8. Arizona: 5-7

Good luck Willie Tuitama, you’re their only hope this year after an 8-win season in 2008. The Wildcats will be the most disappointing teams in the Pac 10 Conference this year.

9. Washington: 3-9

Love new Head Coach Steve Sarkisian. He will be able to turn this program around – guarantee – sooner or later. Love the direction the program went. Put it this way, if Sarkisian had Jake Locker, who is one of the prominent QB’s in the nation, he would have been to a New Year’s Day (or better) Bowl by now.

10. Washington State: 1-11

(I think this is where I am supposed to be comical). Well … the record says it all I guess.