Archive | December, 2010

LaMichael James, 2011 Heisman Frontrunner

By on December 30, 2010 in Heisman Watch 2011

I assumed Oregon running back LaMichael James would go pro, but it looks like the All-American running back is returning for his redshirt junior season.

James, a sophomore running back and the nation’s leading rusher this season, had repeatedly suggested he would forgo an early entry to the NFL draft. Thursday’s announcement made it official.

“I came to the University of Oregon to get a quality education as well as to play football, and feel I have yet to complete that goal,” he said in a statement.

What does this mean for the 2011 Heisman race?  Well, it means we have a clear front runner now and that James is a sure bet to be tabbed as such by the media when next season rolls around.  James finished third in this year’s race and, assuming runner-up Andrew Luck heads to the NFL (again with the assumptions), it naturally falls that James would be next in line, especially considering Oregon is a safe bet to once again contend for a national title.  

Not that being the front runner or the preseason favorite means much anymore.  The past few years have seen Heisman winners come from out of nowhere. 

But it does give James a built-in advantage as it pertains to preseason hype and expectations.

Comments { 6 }

Bowl Games and the 2011 Heisman

By on December 27, 2010 in Heisman Watch 2011

Bowl games are often a dress rehearsal for the following year’s Heisman campaign.  Which players this year have the most to gain from a big bowl performance?  Which ones are the most ready to use their bowl game as a platform from which to dive into the 2011 Heisman race?  Read on:

Geno Smith, West Virginia–Smith can cap a very successful sophomore season with a win over NC State in the Champs Sports Bowl.

Robert Griffin, Baylor–The Texas Bowl vs. Illinois should be quite entertaining and give Griffin a good shot at showing off his considerable talents.

Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State–Assuming Justin Blackmon goes pro, Weeded should emerge as the Cowboys’ prime offensive star in 2011. But will the offense be the same without Blackmon, Kendall Hunter and offensive guru Dana Holgorsen?

Taylor Martinez, Nebraska–He got off to a blistering start and then tailed off due to injuries, but Martinez could get back on track against Washington in the Holiday Bowl and establish himself as a real Heisman contender in 2011.

Aaron Murray, Georgia–Murray takes on UCF in the Liberty Bowl. He had the best freshman year ever by an SEC quarterback, so if he can build on that in 2011, he’ll be one of the top Heisman candidates.

Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina–One of the few true workhorse backs around, he can pencil his name into the 2011 Heisman race with a productive effort against FSU in the Chik-Fil-A Bowl.

Trent Richardson, Alabama–We’re probably about to say goodbye to Mark Ingram, but now it’s time for Richardson to step to the forefront. He may not get enough carries to stand out, but if he plows for big yardage when he can against the Spartans in the Capital One Bowl, it could augur well for his production in 2011.

Denard Robinson, Michigan–With a month off to lick his wounds and get his legs fresh again, Robinson may remind us once again why he led the Heisman race for much of the first half of the season. And if he comes up big against Mississippi State in the Gator Bowl, he may establish himself as the guy to beat in 2011.

Landry Jones, Oklahoma–He won’t wow you with his ability, but Jones runs the Sooner offense well and puts up huge numbers. A big game against UConn in the Fiesta Bowl won’t gain him much respect for 2011, but it won’t hurt either.

Knile Davis, Arkansas–Few backs were as brilliant in the season’s final half as Davis. Yet few are aware of his considerable skills. That may change after playing Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl.

Michael Dyer, Auburn–While everyone is focusing on Cam Newton, it could be Dyer that explodes for Auburn against Oregon. He’s 50 yards short of 1,000 yards and looks on track to be the next great Auburn back.

Darron Thomas, Oregon–Let’s assume LaMichael James and Newton are heading to the pros. If that’s the case, it may be Thomas who grabs the spotlight next season. If he can lead the Ducks to the promised land, few quarterbacks will be as praiseworthy heading into 2011.

Comments { 1 }

Merry Christmas!

By on December 24, 2010 in General CFB

Hope everyone enjoys the holidays.  See you back here in a few.

Comments { 0 }

Picking the (Rest of the) Bowl Games

By on December 24, 2010 in Uncategorized

I finished the regular season 66-70-4 against the spread.  I almost forgot to do my bowl game picks, so I will do most of the remainders and hope to top .500 on the season.

Air Force (-2.5) vs. Georgia Tech–Tech misses Josh Nesbitt bad.  Falcons eke one out.

Air Force 24, GTU 21

West Virginia (-2.5) vs. NC State–The Wolfpack won’t be able to stop Geno Smith, while the Mountaineer defense will clamp down on Russell Wilson.

West Virginia 27, NC State 20

Missouri (-2.5) vs. Iowa–The Hawkeyes stumble to the gate as Blaine Gabbert plays well and the Tiger defense stifles Ricky Stanzi.

Missouri 28, Iowa 17

Maryland (-7.5) vs. East Carolina–The Terrapins rally behind Friedgin and win this one easily.

Maryland 31, East Carolina 14

Baylor (-1.5) vs. Illinois–This one should be a shootout, with Art Briles’ coaching–and Robert Griffin–being the difference in the end.

Baylor 42, Illinois 35

Oklahoma State (-5) vs. Arizona–Too much firepower for Arizona to slow down, but the Wildcats will keep this one close.

Oklahoma State 38, Arizona 31

Kansas State (+1) vs. Syracuse–Syracuse hasn’t seen a back like Daniel Thomas, who should pound the Orange for big yardage.

Kansas State 27, Syracuse 23

Tennessee (+1.5) vs. North Carolina–Tyler Bray continues his hot streak against a North Carolina defense with one foot in the NFL.

Tennessee 28, North Carolina 24

Nebraska (-14) vs. Washington–This second go-around won’t go any better for Washington.  Taylor Martinez will shake off the rust and put in another fine game.

Nebraska 35, Washington 14

Notre Dame (+3) vs. Miami–This should be an ugly game with the Irish squeaking it out behind the exploits of Michael Floyd.

Notre Dame 20, Miami 17

Georgia (-6.5) vs. UCF–Aaron Murray caps the best season ever by a freshman SEC quarterback and the Bulldogs win this one easily.

Georgia 38, UCF 17

South Carolina (-3) vs. Florida State–The Seminoles aren’t quite ready for prime time.  The Gamecocks look to a big 2011 with a solid win here.

South Carolina 28, Florida State 16

Penn State (+7) vs. Florida–The Nittany Lions take advantage of numerous Florida turnovers to squeak out the win for JoPa.

Penn State 21, Florida 20

Michigan State (+10) vs. Alabama–The Tide weren’t looking to be in this bowl.  Michigan State is hungry to prove it belongs.  The Tide sleepwalk a bit, but pull it out.

Alabama 24, Michigan State 17

Michigan (+4.5) vs. Mississippi State–Denard Robinson should have fresh legs and an unbruised body, which means he’ll be in full force against the Bulldogs.  I like for the outright win for the Wolverines.

Michigan 34, Mississippi State 31

TCU (-3) vs. Wisconsin–If any team can slow down the ground game of Wisconsin, it is TCU.  I like for the Horned Frogs to stifle the Badgers and grind out an impressive win.

TCU 23, Wisconsin 14

Oklahoma (-17) vs. UConn–The most unanticipated bowl game of the season should prove to be no contest.  OU flexes its muscles early and often and wins going away.

Oklahoma 45, UConn 21

Stanford (-3.5) vs. Virginia Tech–Stanford, the best one-loss team, goes against the best two-loss team in Va. Tech.  The Hokie will have no answer for Andrew Luck.

Stanford 38, Virginia Tech 24

Arkansas (+3) vs. Ohio State–I liked the Hogs even before the NCAA issues with OSU.  The Buckeyes should be even more distracted now.

Arkansas 31, Ohio State 27

Oregon (+3) vs. Auburn–This game should be really fun to watch.  It wouldn’t surprise me if either team won.  I think the Oregon corners on the Auburn receivers is the key matchup.  If Oregon can get Newton off-kilter in the passing game, it should win.  Oregon just has too many weapons for Auburn to attend to, while Oregon mainly has to attend to Newton–no small feat!   Oregon edges Auburn in a classic offensive battle.

Oregon 42, Auburn 37

Comments { 12 }

2010 HP All-American Team: Defense

By on December 24, 2010 in HP All-Americans

We did the offense last week, now for the defense:

Defensive End

1st Team: Da’Quan Bowers, Clemson; Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue

2nd Team: Brandon Jenkins, FSU; Dontay Moch, Nevada

3rd Team: J.J. Watt, Wisconsin;  Jonathan Massaquoi, Troy

Honorable Mention
Bruce Irvin, West Virginia
Vinny Curry, Marshall
Wayne Daniels, TCU
Tyrone Crawford, Boise State
Sam Acho, Texas
 
Defensive Tackle

1st Team: Nick Fairley, Auburn; Jared Crick, Nebraska

2nd Team: Jurell Casey, USC; Drake Nevis, LSU

3rd Team: Stephen Paea, Oregon State; Logan Harrell, Fresno State

Honorable Mention
Kawann Short, Purdue
Brandon Bair, Oregon
J.R. Sweezy, NC State
Damik Scafe, Boston College
Mike Daniels, Iowa

Outside Linebacker

1st Team: Lavonte David, Nebraska; Justin Houston, Georgia

2nd Team: Mason Foster, Washington; Von Miller, Texas A&M

3rd Team: Sean Spence, Miami; Travis Lewis, Oklahoma

Honorable Mention
Danny Trevathan, Kentucky
Tanner Brock, TCU
Akeem Ayers, UCLA
Colin McCarthy, Miami
Nigel Bradham, FSU

Middle Linebacker

1st Team: Nate Irving, NC State

2nd Team: Luke Kuechly, Boston College

3rd Team: Lawrence Wilson, Connecticut

Honorable Mention
Bruce Taylor, Virginia Tech
Manti Te’o, Notre Dame
Shayne Skov, Stanford
Brian Rolle, Ohio State
Greg Jones, Michigan State

Cornerback

1st Team: Patrick Peterson, LSU; Jayron Hosley, Virginia Tech

2nd Team: Prince Amukamara, Nebraska; Talmadge Jackson, Oregon

3rd Team: Casey Heyward, Vanderbilt; Jamell Fleming, Oklahoma

Honorable Mention
Janoris Jenkins, Florida
Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama
Omar Bolden, Arizona State
Johnny Patrick, Louisville
Keith Tandy, West Virginia

Safety

1st Team: Tejay Johnson, TCU; Mark Barron, Alabama

2nd Team: Jaiquan Jarrett, Temple; Robert Sands, West Virginia

3rd Team: Tyler Sash, Iowa; Ahmad Black, Florida

Honorable Mention
Rahim Moore, UCLA
Quinton Carter, Oklahoma
T.J. McDonald, USC
Robert Lester, Alabama
Chris Conte, California

Comments { 0 }

No Heisman for Pryor in 2011

By on December 23, 2010 in Heisman Watch 2011

We aren’t even in 2011 yet and we have our first Heisman casualty of next year.

Terrelle Pryor will miss his first five games for accepting improper benefits. 

This ruling effectively ends his chances of winning the 2011 Heisman Trophy.  Makes my preseason list that much easier…

Comments { 2 }

The 2010 HP All-American Team: Offense

By on December 16, 2010 in HP All-Americans

It’s time for the seventh annual edition of the very prestigious HP All-American team.  First, the offense:

Quarterback

1st team: Cameron Newton, Auburn

2nd team: Andrew Luck, Stanford

3rd team: Denard Robinson, Michigan

Honorable Mention:
Kellen Moore, Boise State
Ryan Mallett, Arkansas
Andy Dalton, TCU
Darron Thomas, Oregon
Tyrod Taylor, Va. Tech

Notes: Cam Newton is a no-brainer at the top spot.  I think Luck is a special talent who has to be recognized, while Robinson’s yardage was basically the same as Newton’s…he just had fewer touchdowns.

Running Back

1st team: LaMichael James, Oregon

2nd team: Daniel Thomas, Kansas State

3rd team: Mikel LeShoure, Illinois

Honorable Mention:
Jordan Todman, Connecticut
Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State
Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina
Knile Davis, Arkansas
Vai Taua, Nevada

Notes: James led the nation in rushing and when healthy is a really special player.  Thomas is the nation’s premier power back, while LeShoure might be the rising star of the bunch.

Fullback

1st team: Charles Clay, Tulsa

2nd team: Vince Murray, Navy

3rd team: Stanley Havili, USC

Honorable Mention
Owen Marecic, Stanford
Fred Munzenmaier, Georgia

Notes: Clay capped an outstanding career with another productive season.  Same goes with Murray and Havili.

Wide Receiver

1st team: Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State; Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina

2nd team: Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma; Greg Salas, Hawaii

3rd team: Juron Criner, Arizona; Kealoha Pilares, Hawaii

Honorable Mention:
Jordan White, Western Michigan
Aldrick Robinson, SMU
Leonard Hankerson, Miami
Torrey Smith, Maryland
Michael Floyd, Notre Dame

Notes: Some tough calls here, but with Blackmon being the no-brainer of the bunch, I had to go with Jeffery for the other spot.  I just see him as being more physically dominant than Broyles, who had an incredible year in his own right.  I’m not so sure that Pilares isn’t better than Salas, but I think they are both future NFL guys.  Criner was the clear standout receiver in the Pac-10.

Tight Ends

1st team: Michael Egnew, Missouri

2nd team: Lance Kendricks, Wisconsin

3rd team: Ladarius Green, Louisiana-Lafayette

Honorable Mention
D.J. Williams, Arkansas
Eric Lair, Minnesota
Ted Bolser, Indiana
Orson Charles, Georgia
Joe Halahuni, Oregon State

Notes: Seems like every year there is a Missouri or Wisconsin tight end on this list.  Both Egnew and Kendricks carried on the tradition quite well.  Green is often overlooked, but he had a great year.

Offensive Line Unit

Per HP tradition, we will not choose individual All-Americans on the offensive line.

We refuse to do so because, unlike other people who pick All-Americans, we admit that we have no idea who really are the best offensive linemen.

There are no individual stats to go by. Highlights rarely show what they do. We could go purely off of hearsay, but wouldn’t that be dishonest? What’s more, there are 600 starting offensive linemen in Division One. It’s almost impossible to have seen enough of them to know who is really the best.  So, while other All-American teams choose linemen based almost solely on reputation, we will not.  Instead, we look at a combination of factors, including sacks allowed, rushing offense, tackles for loss allowed, etc., to come up with our All-American unit.

1st team: Oregon 

2nd team: Stanford

3rd team: Boise State

Honorable Mention:
Auburn
Michigan
Utah
TCU
Oklahoma State

Notes: Oregon’s offense was dominant for much of the year and that was due, in large part, to the ability of its offensive line to execute Chip Kelly’s spread to perfection.  Stanford’s line was able to both protect the quarterback and run the ball effectively as well as any other unit.  The same can be said for Boise State.

Comments { 13 }
← Older posts