College Football Haven continues its year end review by looking at the Pac-10.
Early in the year, the Pac-10 commanded a lot of respect as a league full of high powered offenses. By season’s end, only Oregon and Stanford were ranked in the top 25. Here is how the season turned out in comparison to the preseason predictions in the 5 Step Drop: Pac 10.
Showing posts with label Oregon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oregon. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Monday Musings: Any Changes to BCS Championship Game For Arizona Shootings?
If you want my Keys to the Game for the Auburn Tigers and the Oregon Ducks in the BCS Championship game tonight, they can be found here, on the Business Insider.
This week in college football was a mixed bag of sorts. The headlines were split between coaching changes and the final bowl games. It is the weekend's national headline, however, that hits home, and leads off this week's Monday Musings.
1. The Arizona Shootings. While there is never a good time for what happened in Arizona over the weekend with U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords, it couldn’t have happened at a worse time for college football. The BCS National Championship game will be played in Glendale, AZ tonight. How will this event impact the BCS national championship game? As of 10:53 A.M. Eastern time, the BCS has not made any announcement on its official website regarding the shootings and what might be done for security or otherwise. While the shootings were in Tucson (2 hours south of Glendale), it is 100% appropriate and in order for the pre-game program to be adjusted one or two minutes to offer condolences and hold a moment of silence for everyone who was affected.
2. 4-2. Teams from the BCS non-AQ conferences were 4-2 against teams from AQ conferences. Air Force beat Georgia Tech in the Independence Bowl, Central Florida beat Georgia in the Liberty Bowl, Nevada beat Boston College in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl, and TCU highlighted the non-AQ victories by beating Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl. Only Southern Mississippi (lost to Louisville in the St. Petersburg Bowl) and East Carolina (lost to Maryland in the Military Bowl) failed to beat their AQ conference opponents.
3. Who needs a coach? Michigan fired Rich Rodriguez last week, but they can’t seem to find anyone to replace him. Who would have thought the Michigan job would ever be so undesirable? Jim Harbaugh is not interested. Brady Hoke doesn’t seem to meet their standards. Les Miles? He is going to need some pretty big reasons to leave Louisiana State after he was …
4. Validated. Even with the national championship in 2007, Les Miles struggled to win over the LSU faithful. He struggled with an 8-5 and a 9-4 season the next two years. With the big win over Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl, Miles has an 11 win season with HIS players, and likely a top 10 finish. He also led LSU to its best start (7-0) since 1973 (9-0).
5. Hoping to get lucky. Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, in a bold move, decided to return for his senior season. Recent history shows that he will be lucky to maintain his projected number one pick status. Jake Locker has seen his draft stock drop significantly this year. Colt McCoy had the same thing happen to him. Sam Bradford suffered an injury and was extremely lucky to recover in time for the draft. Tim Tebow also had a scare with a concussion. Matt Leinart dropped from the number one pick to the 10th overall pick. Now with Jim Harbaugh leaving for the NFL, another set of risks and unknowns is thrown into the mix. Luck will be very lucky to keep his lofty draft position after playing one more year.
6. Suicide coaching hire. Incoming Florida Gators coach Will Muschamp proved one thing this week: he is a defensive genius. That is the only reason I can think of that would make him want to hire beleaguered former Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis as his offensive coordinator. Why anyone in the college ranks would trust their offense to Weis is a mystery to me. Weis belongs in the NFL. Hiring Weis could be suicide to Muschamps’ tenure at Florida, and it hasn’t even started.
7. Wake me up from this nightmare. Coaching the Maryland Terrapins might be some aspiring college coach’s dream job. That aspiring coach better be one who plays with a round, orange ball. For new Maryland coach Randy Edsall to call coaching the football team his dream job makes me think he is having a nightmare. What makes Maryland any different from UConn? He is going from one basketball school in a basketball conference to another. Hurry, somebody pinch that guy.
8. Exposed. Most of us learned our lesson back in September when Virginia Tech lost back-to-back games to Boise State and James Madison. The BCS had to learn the hard way. Stanford exposed Virginia Tech, the ACC automatic qualifying champion, with their 40-12 shellacking in the Orange Bowl last Monday night. Should have pitted the Hokies against UConn. Both the Orange and Fiesta bowls would have been better attended and more competitive.
9. Make the most of it. Knowing they would not get to play again until October next season, the infamous “tattoo 5” for Ohio State made the most of it. They were all key players in the Buckeye’s first bowl win ever against an SEC team--Arkansas, 31-26. Fortunately, those first five games next year will be played against much inferior competition.
10. Who needs a coach? Part 2. The Pittsburgh Panthers lost incumbent coach Dave Wannstedt when he was fired at the end of the season. They lost newly hired head coach Make Heywood literally days later when he was arrested. Going into the BBVA Compass Bowl they still didn’t have a coach. That didn’t seem to matter as the Panthers sent the Kentucky Wildcats back to the blue grass state with their tails between their legs, 27-10.
This week in college football was a mixed bag of sorts. The headlines were split between coaching changes and the final bowl games. It is the weekend's national headline, however, that hits home, and leads off this week's Monday Musings.
1. The Arizona Shootings. While there is never a good time for what happened in Arizona over the weekend with U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords, it couldn’t have happened at a worse time for college football. The BCS National Championship game will be played in Glendale, AZ tonight. How will this event impact the BCS national championship game? As of 10:53 A.M. Eastern time, the BCS has not made any announcement on its official website regarding the shootings and what might be done for security or otherwise. While the shootings were in Tucson (2 hours south of Glendale), it is 100% appropriate and in order for the pre-game program to be adjusted one or two minutes to offer condolences and hold a moment of silence for everyone who was affected.
2. 4-2. Teams from the BCS non-AQ conferences were 4-2 against teams from AQ conferences. Air Force beat Georgia Tech in the Independence Bowl, Central Florida beat Georgia in the Liberty Bowl, Nevada beat Boston College in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl, and TCU highlighted the non-AQ victories by beating Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl. Only Southern Mississippi (lost to Louisville in the St. Petersburg Bowl) and East Carolina (lost to Maryland in the Military Bowl) failed to beat their AQ conference opponents.
3. Who needs a coach? Michigan fired Rich Rodriguez last week, but they can’t seem to find anyone to replace him. Who would have thought the Michigan job would ever be so undesirable? Jim Harbaugh is not interested. Brady Hoke doesn’t seem to meet their standards. Les Miles? He is going to need some pretty big reasons to leave Louisiana State after he was …
4. Validated. Even with the national championship in 2007, Les Miles struggled to win over the LSU faithful. He struggled with an 8-5 and a 9-4 season the next two years. With the big win over Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl, Miles has an 11 win season with HIS players, and likely a top 10 finish. He also led LSU to its best start (7-0) since 1973 (9-0).
5. Hoping to get lucky. Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, in a bold move, decided to return for his senior season. Recent history shows that he will be lucky to maintain his projected number one pick status. Jake Locker has seen his draft stock drop significantly this year. Colt McCoy had the same thing happen to him. Sam Bradford suffered an injury and was extremely lucky to recover in time for the draft. Tim Tebow also had a scare with a concussion. Matt Leinart dropped from the number one pick to the 10th overall pick. Now with Jim Harbaugh leaving for the NFL, another set of risks and unknowns is thrown into the mix. Luck will be very lucky to keep his lofty draft position after playing one more year.
6. Suicide coaching hire. Incoming Florida Gators coach Will Muschamp proved one thing this week: he is a defensive genius. That is the only reason I can think of that would make him want to hire beleaguered former Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis as his offensive coordinator. Why anyone in the college ranks would trust their offense to Weis is a mystery to me. Weis belongs in the NFL. Hiring Weis could be suicide to Muschamps’ tenure at Florida, and it hasn’t even started.
7. Wake me up from this nightmare. Coaching the Maryland Terrapins might be some aspiring college coach’s dream job. That aspiring coach better be one who plays with a round, orange ball. For new Maryland coach Randy Edsall to call coaching the football team his dream job makes me think he is having a nightmare. What makes Maryland any different from UConn? He is going from one basketball school in a basketball conference to another. Hurry, somebody pinch that guy.
8. Exposed. Most of us learned our lesson back in September when Virginia Tech lost back-to-back games to Boise State and James Madison. The BCS had to learn the hard way. Stanford exposed Virginia Tech, the ACC automatic qualifying champion, with their 40-12 shellacking in the Orange Bowl last Monday night. Should have pitted the Hokies against UConn. Both the Orange and Fiesta bowls would have been better attended and more competitive.
9. Make the most of it. Knowing they would not get to play again until October next season, the infamous “tattoo 5” for Ohio State made the most of it. They were all key players in the Buckeye’s first bowl win ever against an SEC team--Arkansas, 31-26. Fortunately, those first five games next year will be played against much inferior competition.
10. Who needs a coach? Part 2. The Pittsburgh Panthers lost incumbent coach Dave Wannstedt when he was fired at the end of the season. They lost newly hired head coach Make Heywood literally days later when he was arrested. Going into the BBVA Compass Bowl they still didn’t have a coach. That didn’t seem to matter as the Panthers sent the Kentucky Wildcats back to the blue grass state with their tails between their legs, 27-10.
BCS National Championship: Keys To The Game
With the Auburn Tigers and Oregon Ducks facing off in the BCS National Championship game tonight, I was recently approached by SeatGeek.com about writing a guest post for them about the "keys to the game" for both Auburn and Oregon. The fine folks at SeatGeek liked my work enough, they took it to the next level, and had one of their partners' sites--Business Insider--publish this piece. Please take a minute and visit this link to read it.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Game Predictions: BCS Bowls
It is time to give my predictions for the BCS bowls. To view my non-BCS bowl predictions, click here.
January 1
Rose Bowl
TCU vs. Wisconsin, 28-21 TCU
Hawaii is the only non-AQ team to ever lose a BCS bowl game.
Fiesta Bowl
Oklahoma vs. UConn, 27-24 UConn
Until Oklahoma wins a BCS game that they should, I will keep picking the underdog.
January 3
Orange Bowl
Stanford vs. Virginia Tech, 35-21 Stanford
The Hokies have finally met their match.
January 4
Sugar Bowl
Arkansas vs. Ohio State, 28-24 Ohio State
The Buckeyes finally beat a SEC team, but was the controversy worth it?
January 10
BCS National Championship Game
Oregon vs. Auburn, 36-34 Oregon
A surprise 2 point conversion will be the difference.
January 1
Rose Bowl
TCU vs. Wisconsin, 28-21 TCU
Hawaii is the only non-AQ team to ever lose a BCS bowl game.
Fiesta Bowl
Oklahoma vs. UConn, 27-24 UConn
Until Oklahoma wins a BCS game that they should, I will keep picking the underdog.
January 3
Orange Bowl
Stanford vs. Virginia Tech, 35-21 Stanford
The Hokies have finally met their match.
January 4
Sugar Bowl
Arkansas vs. Ohio State, 28-24 Ohio State
The Buckeyes finally beat a SEC team, but was the controversy worth it?
January 10
BCS National Championship Game
Oregon vs. Auburn, 36-34 Oregon
A surprise 2 point conversion will be the difference.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Heisman Hopefuls: Bowl Games Will Impact The 2011 Race
It has barely been a week since the 2010 Heisman Trophy was awarded, but the 2011 race is already underway. The college football bowl season is the perfect opportunity for Heisman hopefuls to get a leg up on next year’s race. Bowl games are a bigger stage than many regular season games, and they leave a lasting impression in voters’ minds during the long offseason.
Jimmy Clausen positioned himself just behind the “Big 3” in the 2009 Heisman Trophy race after the 2008 Hawaii bowl. Clausen was 22 of 26 for 401 yards, 5 touchdowns and zero interceptions in a 49-21 route.
Matt Leinart roasted Michigan in the Rose Bowl following the 2003 season. Leinart passed for 337 yards and 3 touchdowns with 23 completions on 34 attempts. He was the Rose Bowl MVP, and he even caught a touchdown pass. In 2004, Leinart beat out freshman upstart Adrian Peterson. No one knew who Peterson was until September 2004, but, nearly a year before, Leinart had already established himself as the best quarterback in college football.
Ty Detmer, the 1990 Heisman Trophy winner, overcame long odds to win the bronze statue largely in part because he passed for 576 yards against Penn State in the 1989 Holiday Bowl.
This list could go on and on. However, as fun as reminiscing is, the 2010 bowl season is upon us. We should be looking at who can establish themselves as 2011 Heisman Trophy candidates with strong bowl performances.
To avoid a list as long as many children’s Christmas wish list, I will leave off the obvious guys, like LaMichael James, Andrew Luck and Kellen Moore, who are already in the center of the radar and could sit out their respective bowl games and still be prime candidates when the 2011 season rolls around.
Jimmy Clausen positioned himself just behind the “Big 3” in the 2009 Heisman Trophy race after the 2008 Hawaii bowl. Clausen was 22 of 26 for 401 yards, 5 touchdowns and zero interceptions in a 49-21 route.
Matt Leinart roasted Michigan in the Rose Bowl following the 2003 season. Leinart passed for 337 yards and 3 touchdowns with 23 completions on 34 attempts. He was the Rose Bowl MVP, and he even caught a touchdown pass. In 2004, Leinart beat out freshman upstart Adrian Peterson. No one knew who Peterson was until September 2004, but, nearly a year before, Leinart had already established himself as the best quarterback in college football.
Ty Detmer, the 1990 Heisman Trophy winner, overcame long odds to win the bronze statue largely in part because he passed for 576 yards against Penn State in the 1989 Holiday Bowl.
This list could go on and on. However, as fun as reminiscing is, the 2010 bowl season is upon us. We should be looking at who can establish themselves as 2011 Heisman Trophy candidates with strong bowl performances.
To avoid a list as long as many children’s Christmas wish list, I will leave off the obvious guys, like LaMichael James, Andrew Luck and Kellen Moore, who are already in the center of the radar and could sit out their respective bowl games and still be prime candidates when the 2011 season rolls around.
- Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State, was a leading candidate coming into 2010, but fell completely off the radar despite having his best season to date. The junior quarterback didn’t even receive one vote. A big game in the Sugar Bowl against an “SEC defense” can put him back on everyone’s list.
- Taylor Martinez, Nebraska, entered the Heisman discussion this year with a big game at Washington. He trailed off at the end of the season due to injuries and Roy Helu getting more touches. Another monster game against the Huskies in the Holiday Bowl, and Martinez can enter the discussion for 2011, without Helu.
- Russell Wilson, North Carolina State, had a solid junior year guiding North Carolina State to their best season since the Phillip Rivers days. Wilson has passed for almost 3,300 yards and 26 touchdowns to date, and he had NC State on the cusp of playing in the ACC championship game. How he plays against 9-3 West Virginia in the Champs Sports Bowl could signal whether he is ready to take his game and the Wolfpack to the next level.
- Blaine Gabbert, Missouri, had a down statistical year, but he helped Missouri surpass most people’s expectations by quarterbacking the Tigers to 10 wins. A big game against the well respected Iowa Hawkeyes defense in the Insight Bowl could be the catalyst for Gabbert to bounce back in 2011 with a special year.
- Aaron Murray, Georgia, had a good season. He passes for 2,851 yards, has a 24 to 6 TD:Int. ratio, and a 162.7 pass efficiency rating. He put up these numbers despite A.J. Green missing the first four games of the season. Oh, and Murray is just a freshman. A big game in the Liberty Bowl against Central Florida and Murray will be poised to make a run at the Heisman in 2011.
- Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina, had flashes of greatness this year as a freshman. He faces ACC runner up Florida State in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. If he shows up the way he did against Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida, then he will be showing up on a lot of preseason Heisman Trophy lists.
- Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M, brought life back to the Aggies. He has guided them to a 6-0 finish to the season. He will face the best defense in the SEC in the Cotton Bowl. If he can get a win and look good doing it, voters will take notice.
- Darron Thomas, Oregon, unexpectedly took the Ducks to the next level this year. With Thomas being unknown and untested, LaMichael James got all the attention early in the year. The nation is slowly catching on to how important Thomas was in getting the Ducks where they are now. If Thomas can outplay Cam Newton the way Vince Young did Reggie Bush five years ago, Thomas will have a spot at the top of everyone’s list in 2011.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Heisman Hopefuls: Reaction to 2010 Results
As expected, Auburn Tigers quarterback Cameron Newton was awarded the Heisman Memorial Trophy last Saturday. He won by a land slide. Only five past winners have received more points than Newton’s 2,263 (O.J. Simpson-2,853, Tony Dorsett-2,357, Charlie Ward-2,310, Ricky Williams-2,355, Troy Smith-2,540). Congratulations Cam.
Following the announcement and the release of the voting, I have a few other thoughts before closing the book on Heisman Hopefuls 2010.
Following the announcement and the release of the voting, I have a few other thoughts before closing the book on Heisman Hopefuls 2010.
- Cam Newton received 729 first place votes and only 24 second and 28 third. With the controversy surrounding him, voters took an “all or nothing” approach to him. Either they were voting for him because he was clearly the most outstanding player, or they boycotted voting for him because of the possible pay-for-play.
- Andrew Luck should not have been second. I already explained why Luck should not have been a Heisman finalist. I am still dumbfounded about why Luck even got one first place vote, let alone enough votes to finish second. Especially since …
- Terrelle Pryor got no votes. Absolutely zero. He was one of the biggest preseason candidates, and he made huge strides this year. If Andy Dalton and Owen Marecic could get some votes, how did Pryor get none?
- Speaking of Owen Marecic, why did he get any votes? Because he plays two ways? Because he scored an offensive and defensive TD in the same game? A lot of players could play two ways. It’s just that nobody does. No one else can do what Newton, LaMichael James, and Justin Blackmon did. Marecic barely touched the ball on offense. The offensive and defensive TD feat was done just 4 years ago. Yeah, it is cool, but it’s not like it hasn’t happened since the leather helmet days.
- Ninety-one voters should lose their voting privileges. In addition to the 78 who voted Luck first, the six that voted Denard Robinson first, the four that voted Andy Dalton first, and the three that voted Owen Marecic first. I can understand local voters giving token votes to really good players in their region of the country, but putting them first on your ballot? No way.
- The token votes I was pleased to see were those for Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Statistically, he was on par with Newton (2,830 yards passing, 1,154 yards rushing, 20 TD rushing and 20 TD passing). He led the Wolf Pack to their first national ranking in ages. While his stats were not gaudy, he quarterbacked a 17 point second half comeback to dethrone Boise State.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Heisman Hopefuls: Cam Newton Will Win Auburn's Third Heisman
Auburn quarterback Cameron Newton has gone from junior college transfer to Heisman Trophy winner in one year. He will join Pat Sullivan (1971) and Bo Jackson (1985) as the third Auburn Tiger to win the award. He sealed the deal by leading the epic comeback against Alabama a week ago. This Saturday in the SEC Championship game, Newton put an exclamation mark on his campaign. His stat line: 17-28 (60.7%), 335 yards, 4 TD, plus 14 rushes, 73 yards, and 2 TD.
Since November started, only one player really had a shot at Newton. LaMichael James made a push, but Newton proved to be too much. James had 134 yards on 28 carries, and added 2 TDs, against Oregon State this week. Perhaps, James biggest setback in the Heisman race was teammate Kenjon Barner. Barner was right behind James with 133 yards rushing last Saturday. James split significant time with Barner the last two weeks. James could have pushed the 200 yard mark the last two games, which would have caught every voters' attention.
If I had a vote, here is how my ballot would look. Remember, all Heisman voters are supposed to vote for a first, second, and third place.
1. Cam Newton, Auburn, QB
STATS: 165-246 (67.1%), 2,589 yards, 28 TD, 6 Int., 188.2 Passer Rating
242 rushes, 1,409 yards (5.8 ypc), 20 TD
2 receptions, 42 yards, 1 TD
WHY: Newton has essentially duplicated Tim Tebow's Heisman season from 2007. He has joined the 20-20 club (20 TD passes, 20 TD rushes). Newton has roughly the same number of passing and rushing yards as Tebow did going into the Heisman ceremony (3,998 for Newton and 3,970 for Tebow). On top of that, Newton leads the nation in pass efficiency. At 188.2, that is over 7 points higher than Sam Bradford when he won the Heisman two years ago. Newton has been a dominating force. He takes over games. He has rallied his team back from enormous deficits, and he punishes the opposition to build a commanding lead. In one year, he has taken Auburn from an 8 win team to 13 wins and the number one ranking.
As far as the allegations about pay-for-play, the NCAA has made a ruling. Whether you like it or not, that decision has to be respected and upheld the same way a judge's ruling in the court of law would. The NCAA is the one entity with the authority to rule on this matter.
The integrity card? I don't think voters should play that card. The integrity issue this year has been cleared, as noted above. If you are going to reach back into the past, then we have to be fair and do it for all. I am sure we could pull up all kinds of dirt on most candidates. Besides, this award is for the "most outstanding player," in other words, play on the field should be the driving factor in who wins the award. Just as people are concerned that vacating a second Heisman Trophy winning in less than a decade will scar the award, so will withholding the award from a player who is heads and shoulders more outstanding than the rest.
2. LaMichael James, Oregon, RB
STATS: 281 rushes, 1,682 yards (6.0 ypc), 21 TD
13 receptions, 169 yards, 1 TD
WHY: James has more rushing yards this year than anyone else, even though he missed the first game of the season. He has more rushing yards and more rushing touchdowns than 2009 Heisman winner Mark Ingram did last season. James has been very reliable he has nine 100 yard rushing games (three of which were 200+), and he never rushed for less than 91 yards in a game. He scored at least one touchdown in every game but one.
3. Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State, WR
STATS: 102 receptions, 1,665 yards, 18 TD
4 rushes, 77 yards, 1 TD
WHY: Blackmon averages 151 yards receiving per game. That's better than Michael Crabtree in 2007. He never had less than 105 yards in a game, and he scored at least one touchdown in every game. His 18 touchdowns is the best in the nation. If he could have showcased his outstanding talents one last time against Nebraska in the Big XII Championship game, maybe he would have moved up to number 2.
No Andrew Luck
Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck has gotten a lot of support from media and fans for the number 2 spot. In fact, he even got enough voters to vote for him to be flown out to New York as a Heisman finalist. As you can see, he wouldn't even make my ballot. Luck has done nothing "outstanding" in my judgment. He does not have "outstanding" stats (245-349, 70.2%, 3,051 yards, 28 TD, 7 Int, 166.1 passer rating / 51 rushes, 438 yards, 3 TD). Four other quarterbacks have a higher completion percentage (as well as 2 in 2009, 3 in 2008, 4 in 2007). Quarterbacks have been passing for 3,000 yards for well over 30 years, including 20 others this year. A 166 passer rating is merely good, nowadays. The best stat Luck has going for him is the 4:1 TD to Int. ratio. Then again, at least 10 other quarterbacks had that same ratio or better, including Cam Newton. I know it is a nice story that Stanford is having its best season in a really long time, and Luck could be the number one pick in the NFL draft. Those two things, however, don't mean a quarterback with good stats should get a Heisman vote.
Since November started, only one player really had a shot at Newton. LaMichael James made a push, but Newton proved to be too much. James had 134 yards on 28 carries, and added 2 TDs, against Oregon State this week. Perhaps, James biggest setback in the Heisman race was teammate Kenjon Barner. Barner was right behind James with 133 yards rushing last Saturday. James split significant time with Barner the last two weeks. James could have pushed the 200 yard mark the last two games, which would have caught every voters' attention.
If I had a vote, here is how my ballot would look. Remember, all Heisman voters are supposed to vote for a first, second, and third place.
1. Cam Newton, Auburn, QB
STATS: 165-246 (67.1%), 2,589 yards, 28 TD, 6 Int., 188.2 Passer Rating
242 rushes, 1,409 yards (5.8 ypc), 20 TD
2 receptions, 42 yards, 1 TD
WHY: Newton has essentially duplicated Tim Tebow's Heisman season from 2007. He has joined the 20-20 club (20 TD passes, 20 TD rushes). Newton has roughly the same number of passing and rushing yards as Tebow did going into the Heisman ceremony (3,998 for Newton and 3,970 for Tebow). On top of that, Newton leads the nation in pass efficiency. At 188.2, that is over 7 points higher than Sam Bradford when he won the Heisman two years ago. Newton has been a dominating force. He takes over games. He has rallied his team back from enormous deficits, and he punishes the opposition to build a commanding lead. In one year, he has taken Auburn from an 8 win team to 13 wins and the number one ranking.
As far as the allegations about pay-for-play, the NCAA has made a ruling. Whether you like it or not, that decision has to be respected and upheld the same way a judge's ruling in the court of law would. The NCAA is the one entity with the authority to rule on this matter.
The integrity card? I don't think voters should play that card. The integrity issue this year has been cleared, as noted above. If you are going to reach back into the past, then we have to be fair and do it for all. I am sure we could pull up all kinds of dirt on most candidates. Besides, this award is for the "most outstanding player," in other words, play on the field should be the driving factor in who wins the award. Just as people are concerned that vacating a second Heisman Trophy winning in less than a decade will scar the award, so will withholding the award from a player who is heads and shoulders more outstanding than the rest.
2. LaMichael James, Oregon, RB
STATS: 281 rushes, 1,682 yards (6.0 ypc), 21 TD
13 receptions, 169 yards, 1 TD
WHY: James has more rushing yards this year than anyone else, even though he missed the first game of the season. He has more rushing yards and more rushing touchdowns than 2009 Heisman winner Mark Ingram did last season. James has been very reliable he has nine 100 yard rushing games (three of which were 200+), and he never rushed for less than 91 yards in a game. He scored at least one touchdown in every game but one.
3. Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State, WR
STATS: 102 receptions, 1,665 yards, 18 TD
4 rushes, 77 yards, 1 TD
WHY: Blackmon averages 151 yards receiving per game. That's better than Michael Crabtree in 2007. He never had less than 105 yards in a game, and he scored at least one touchdown in every game. His 18 touchdowns is the best in the nation. If he could have showcased his outstanding talents one last time against Nebraska in the Big XII Championship game, maybe he would have moved up to number 2.
No Andrew Luck
Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck has gotten a lot of support from media and fans for the number 2 spot. In fact, he even got enough voters to vote for him to be flown out to New York as a Heisman finalist. As you can see, he wouldn't even make my ballot. Luck has done nothing "outstanding" in my judgment. He does not have "outstanding" stats (245-349, 70.2%, 3,051 yards, 28 TD, 7 Int, 166.1 passer rating / 51 rushes, 438 yards, 3 TD). Four other quarterbacks have a higher completion percentage (as well as 2 in 2009, 3 in 2008, 4 in 2007). Quarterbacks have been passing for 3,000 yards for well over 30 years, including 20 others this year. A 166 passer rating is merely good, nowadays. The best stat Luck has going for him is the 4:1 TD to Int. ratio. Then again, at least 10 other quarterbacks had that same ratio or better, including Cam Newton. I know it is a nice story that Stanford is having its best season in a really long time, and Luck could be the number one pick in the NFL draft. Those two things, however, don't mean a quarterback with good stats should get a Heisman vote.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Monday Musings: Auburn Tigers' Hail Mary Says It All
The final weekend of College Football was a good one. Whether is was conference championship games, rivalries, conference championships (minus a predetermined "championship game"), or bowl positioning being played out on the field, there was enough of everything to keep us talking for two weeks until the bowl games start.
1. That says it all. After South Carolina scored a TD to close the gap with Auburn to 21-14 with seconds to go before halftime (South Carolina would get the ball to start the second half), Cam Newton throws a 51-yard hail mary touchdown. That play sums up everything you need to know about Newton and Auburn for Heisman and national championship talk. Newton’s play has been magical, and Auburn has gotten all the breaks.
2. First time for everything. TCU is going to the Rose Bowl. The Horned Frogs replace Oregon in the Rose since the Ducks are going to the National Championship game. Florida International University is going bowling (Little Caesars). The Golden Panthers were co-Sun Belt Champions. After years of struggling while playing very, very hard non-conference schedules, it pays off as FIU won six games in conference.
3. Worst BCS team ever? Connecticut at 8-4 is not in the BCS top 25. To the best of my knowledge, that is unprecedented. Florida State is the only other four loss team to play in BCS games. The Seminoles did it twice. In 2002, Florida State had a 9-4 record going into Bowl season. However, three of those losses were to Notre Dame (10-3), Miami (12-1), and North Carolina State (11-3). None of those losses were blowouts. In 2005, Florida State had to beat 10-1 Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship game to get to the BCS. They also beat a 9-2 Miami team. I can’t build any case for UConn, except that they won the Big East three-team tie breaker. Their best win out of conference is 2-10 Vanderbilt. Beating West Virginia (9-3) 16-13 in overtime is the Huskies’ best win. None of the teams that Connecticut lost to won more than 8 games—and that was Temple from the MAC.
4. More Ammo for Rich Rod Supporters. This is a discussion that will rage on all the way through January 1 when Michigan plays Mississippi State in the Gator Bowl. Michigan beat Connecticut in the season opener. That would be BCS Fiesta Bowl bound Connecticut. Can’t say that Michigan didn’t beat anybody this year. Of course, all this really means is that if Rich Rodriguez was still coaching in the Big East, his team would probably be Big East Champ.
5. MAC Attack. Northern Illinois was a juggernaut the last few weeks. The Huskies had scored 71, 59, and 65 points their last three games. That didn’t intimidate the Miami (OH) Redhawks. Miami came out the 26-21 winner for the MAC championship.
6. Overcome with nerves. Knowing that a national championship game appearance was at stake, Oregon played nervous. They turned over the ball twice in the first five minutes of the game. UConn was up by 10 points with 13 minutes to play. The Huskies blew the lead and needed a 52 yard field goal with 17 seconds to play to secure its first BCS berth.
7. Total Dominance. USC has had, by all accounts, a down year. The Trojans haven’t had a 5 loss season since 2001. UCLA couldn’t beat their cross-town rivals then, and they couldn’t do it now. The Trojans beat the Bruins 28-14 this year.
8. Block that Kick. The crowd loves to chant this phrase. The Arizona Sun Devils delivered. Twice. Correction, James Brooks delivered. The first block sent the game to overtime. Brooks' second blocked point-after-attempt gave the Sun Devils the win over rival Arizona.
9. Broncos Bounce Back. A week after seeing their hopes for a national championship and a BCS bowl shattered, Boise State rebounded with a 50-14 win over Utah State. Probably doesn’t do much to make them feel any better about the week before.
10. Dion does it, finally. To say this has been a disappointing year for Dion Lewis would be an understatement. He had 695 yards rushing on the season coming into the season finale against Cincinnati (he ran for 1,799 last year). He had only rushed for 100 yards in a game twice. He exploded for 261 yards and 4 TD on Saturday.
1. That says it all. After South Carolina scored a TD to close the gap with Auburn to 21-14 with seconds to go before halftime (South Carolina would get the ball to start the second half), Cam Newton throws a 51-yard hail mary touchdown. That play sums up everything you need to know about Newton and Auburn for Heisman and national championship talk. Newton’s play has been magical, and Auburn has gotten all the breaks.
2. First time for everything. TCU is going to the Rose Bowl. The Horned Frogs replace Oregon in the Rose since the Ducks are going to the National Championship game. Florida International University is going bowling (Little Caesars). The Golden Panthers were co-Sun Belt Champions. After years of struggling while playing very, very hard non-conference schedules, it pays off as FIU won six games in conference.
3. Worst BCS team ever? Connecticut at 8-4 is not in the BCS top 25. To the best of my knowledge, that is unprecedented. Florida State is the only other four loss team to play in BCS games. The Seminoles did it twice. In 2002, Florida State had a 9-4 record going into Bowl season. However, three of those losses were to Notre Dame (10-3), Miami (12-1), and North Carolina State (11-3). None of those losses were blowouts. In 2005, Florida State had to beat 10-1 Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship game to get to the BCS. They also beat a 9-2 Miami team. I can’t build any case for UConn, except that they won the Big East three-team tie breaker. Their best win out of conference is 2-10 Vanderbilt. Beating West Virginia (9-3) 16-13 in overtime is the Huskies’ best win. None of the teams that Connecticut lost to won more than 8 games—and that was Temple from the MAC.
4. More Ammo for Rich Rod Supporters. This is a discussion that will rage on all the way through January 1 when Michigan plays Mississippi State in the Gator Bowl. Michigan beat Connecticut in the season opener. That would be BCS Fiesta Bowl bound Connecticut. Can’t say that Michigan didn’t beat anybody this year. Of course, all this really means is that if Rich Rodriguez was still coaching in the Big East, his team would probably be Big East Champ.
5. MAC Attack. Northern Illinois was a juggernaut the last few weeks. The Huskies had scored 71, 59, and 65 points their last three games. That didn’t intimidate the Miami (OH) Redhawks. Miami came out the 26-21 winner for the MAC championship.
6. Overcome with nerves. Knowing that a national championship game appearance was at stake, Oregon played nervous. They turned over the ball twice in the first five minutes of the game. UConn was up by 10 points with 13 minutes to play. The Huskies blew the lead and needed a 52 yard field goal with 17 seconds to play to secure its first BCS berth.
7. Total Dominance. USC has had, by all accounts, a down year. The Trojans haven’t had a 5 loss season since 2001. UCLA couldn’t beat their cross-town rivals then, and they couldn’t do it now. The Trojans beat the Bruins 28-14 this year.
8. Block that Kick. The crowd loves to chant this phrase. The Arizona Sun Devils delivered. Twice. Correction, James Brooks delivered. The first block sent the game to overtime. Brooks' second blocked point-after-attempt gave the Sun Devils the win over rival Arizona.
9. Broncos Bounce Back. A week after seeing their hopes for a national championship and a BCS bowl shattered, Boise State rebounded with a 50-14 win over Utah State. Probably doesn’t do much to make them feel any better about the week before.
10. Dion does it, finally. To say this has been a disappointing year for Dion Lewis would be an understatement. He had 695 yards rushing on the season coming into the season finale against Cincinnati (he ran for 1,799 last year). He had only rushed for 100 yards in a game twice. He exploded for 261 yards and 4 TD on Saturday.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Heisman Hopefuls: Cam Newton, Assume The Position
Only the NCAA can stop Cam Newton now. He has won the 2010 Heisman Memorial Trophy as the most outstanding player in the country. All that is left is formalities. Rallying Auburn from 24-0 to keep national championship hopes alive, and passing so well in the process, easily does the trick.
PLAYERS WHO STOOD OUT: Cameron Newton accounted for all four Auburn touchdowns. His passing was the tool Auburn used to shock everyone. His pass efficiency was 205.
LaMichael James has another strong workman like game. He has already surpassed his totals from last year, which was no small task.
PLAYERS DROPPED: Kendall Hunter. You have to give your team more than 55 yards in such an important game.
PLAYERS TOEING THE LINE: None.
PLAYERS ADDED: None.
LaMichael James, Oregon
2009: 230 rushes, 1,546 yards, 14 TD
2010: 256 rushes, 1,548 yards, 19 TD
Last: 28 rushes, 126 yards, 2 TD
Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State
2009: 20 receptions, 260 yards, 2 TD
2010: 102 receptions, 1,665 yards, 18 TD
Last: 8 receptions, 105 yards, 1 TD
Cameron Newton, Auburn
2009: Junior College
2010: 148-218 (67.9%), 2,254 yards, 24 TD, 6 Int / 228 rushes, 1,336 yards, 18 TD
Last: 13-20 (65%), 216 yards, 3 TD, 0 Int / 22 rushes, 39 yards, 1 TD
Other recent posts on COLLEGE FOOTBALL HAVEN:
Monday Musings: Ohio State Arrived Late And Left Early, But Still Got The Job Done
Poll Results: Who Will Win The Big XII?
College Football Haven Top 25, Week 13, 2010
Game Predictions, Week 13, 2010
Weekly Trivia: Texas A&M Aggies and Texas Longhorns Win-Loss Record
PLAYERS WHO STOOD OUT: Cameron Newton accounted for all four Auburn touchdowns. His passing was the tool Auburn used to shock everyone. His pass efficiency was 205.
LaMichael James has another strong workman like game. He has already surpassed his totals from last year, which was no small task.
PLAYERS DROPPED: Kendall Hunter. You have to give your team more than 55 yards in such an important game.
PLAYERS TOEING THE LINE: None.
PLAYERS ADDED: None.
LaMichael James, Oregon
2009: 230 rushes, 1,546 yards, 14 TD
2010: 256 rushes, 1,548 yards, 19 TD
Last: 28 rushes, 126 yards, 2 TD
Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State
2009: 20 receptions, 260 yards, 2 TD
2010: 102 receptions, 1,665 yards, 18 TD
Last: 8 receptions, 105 yards, 1 TD
Cameron Newton, Auburn
2009: Junior College
2010: 148-218 (67.9%), 2,254 yards, 24 TD, 6 Int / 228 rushes, 1,336 yards, 18 TD
Last: 13-20 (65%), 216 yards, 3 TD, 0 Int / 22 rushes, 39 yards, 1 TD
Other recent posts on COLLEGE FOOTBALL HAVEN:
Monday Musings: Ohio State Arrived Late And Left Early, But Still Got The Job Done
Poll Results: Who Will Win The Big XII?
College Football Haven Top 25, Week 13, 2010
Game Predictions, Week 13, 2010
Weekly Trivia: Texas A&M Aggies and Texas Longhorns Win-Loss Record
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Weekly Trivia: Texas A&M Aggies and Texas Longhorns Win-Loss Record
The answer to last week's trivia question, "Since Oregon started playing football in 1916, what is the Ducks’ best season record and in what year?" is 7-0-1 (0.938 winning percentage) in their inaugural 1916 season. The 2001 season is a close second with an 11-1 record and 0.917 winning percentage.
There are several big rivalry games this week, and you know what they say about rivalries: “You can throw the records out when these two teams meet.” Well, I am not going to do that with one rivalry this week: Texas and Texas A&M. The Aggies are 8-3 and the Longhorns are 5-6. This week's question is:
For more trivia questions, visit the Trivia page.
Other recent posts on COLLEGE FOOTBALL HAVEN:
Heisman Hopefuls: Oklahoma State Cowboys Justin Blackmon Is Added to the List
Michigan Wolverines Will Fire Rich Rodriguez Next Monday
Monday Musings: College Football Is America's New Pasttime
Poll Results: Which Team Was The Most Overrated?
College Football Haven Top 25, Week 12, 2010
Game of the Week: Virginia Tech Hokies at Miami Hurricanes
Game Predictions, Week 12, 2010
There are several big rivalry games this week, and you know what they say about rivalries: “You can throw the records out when these two teams meet.” Well, I am not going to do that with one rivalry this week: Texas and Texas A&M. The Aggies are 8-3 and the Longhorns are 5-6. This week's question is:
When was the last time that Texas A&M had a better win-loss record than Texas going into their annual game?Leave your answer in the comments section. The answer will be revealed next Wednesday when a new question is asked.
For more trivia questions, visit the Trivia page.
Other recent posts on COLLEGE FOOTBALL HAVEN:
Heisman Hopefuls: Oklahoma State Cowboys Justin Blackmon Is Added to the List
Michigan Wolverines Will Fire Rich Rodriguez Next Monday
Monday Musings: College Football Is America's New Pasttime
Poll Results: Which Team Was The Most Overrated?
College Football Haven Top 25, Week 12, 2010
Game of the Week: Virginia Tech Hokies at Miami Hurricanes
Game Predictions, Week 12, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Heisman Hopefuls: Oklahoma State Cowboys Justin Blackmon Is Added To The List
It was a quiet week on the Heisman Trophy front. Two of our four candidates had byes. No decision was reached by the NCAA, either.
PLAYERS WHO STOOD OUT: Kendall Hunter ran for over 100 yards, again, and now has more rushing yards than LaMichael James on the season. With James’ ankle injury, Hunter just might end the season on top. It was Hunter’s ninth 100 yard rushing game of the season.
PLAYERS DROPPED: Kellen Moore. To be cliché, Moore has been the model of efficiency, and that's not an exaggeration. His pass efficiency is way up in the stratosphere. His numbers aren’t that bad either. I am just not feeling it. I would probably vote for Denard Robinson before I voted for Moore. Moore has been phenomenal, but the Heisman is for the most outstanding player, and Moore doesn’t strike me as outstanding.
PLAYERS TOEING THE LINE: LaMichael James. You never want to see a guy lose the Heisman because of an injury, but the fact is if he can’t play these last two games, then he goes from a close second to an also ran.
PLAYERS ADDED: Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State. He is playing near the Michael Crabtree level. Whether he catches five passes or 13, he has had 125 yards or more receiving in all 10 games that he has played. If the Cowboys play in the Big 12 championship game, it isn't unrealistic that he finish the year with 2,000 yards receiving.
LaMichael James, Oregon
2009: 230 rushes, 1,546 yards, 14 TD
2010: 225 rushes, 1,422 yards, 17 TD
Last: Bye
Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State
2009: 89 rushes, 382 yards, 1 TD
2010: 248 rushes, 1,461 yards, 16 TD
Last: 22 rushes, 105 yards
Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State
2009: 20 receptions, 260 yards, 2 TD
2010: 94 receptions, 1,560 yards, 17 TD
Last: 10 receptions, 130 yards, 1 TD
Cameron Newton, Auburn
2009: Junior College
2010: 135-198 (68.2%), 2,038 yards, 21 TD, 6 Int / 206 rushes, 1,297 yards, 17 TD
Last: Bye
ON THE RADAR: Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State; Kellen Moore, Boise State, Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State, Andy Dalton, TCU.
Other recent posts on COLLEGE FOOTBALL HAVEN:
Michigan Wolverines Will Fire Rich Rodriguez Next Monday
Monday Musings: College Football Is America's New Pasttime
Poll Results: Which Team Was The Most Overrated?
College Football Haven Top 25, Week 12, 2010
Game of the Week: Virginia Tech Hokies at Miami Hurricanes
Game Predictions, Week 12, 2010
Weekly Trivia: Oregon Ducks' Best Season Record
PLAYERS WHO STOOD OUT: Kendall Hunter ran for over 100 yards, again, and now has more rushing yards than LaMichael James on the season. With James’ ankle injury, Hunter just might end the season on top. It was Hunter’s ninth 100 yard rushing game of the season.
PLAYERS DROPPED: Kellen Moore. To be cliché, Moore has been the model of efficiency, and that's not an exaggeration. His pass efficiency is way up in the stratosphere. His numbers aren’t that bad either. I am just not feeling it. I would probably vote for Denard Robinson before I voted for Moore. Moore has been phenomenal, but the Heisman is for the most outstanding player, and Moore doesn’t strike me as outstanding.
PLAYERS TOEING THE LINE: LaMichael James. You never want to see a guy lose the Heisman because of an injury, but the fact is if he can’t play these last two games, then he goes from a close second to an also ran.
PLAYERS ADDED: Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State. He is playing near the Michael Crabtree level. Whether he catches five passes or 13, he has had 125 yards or more receiving in all 10 games that he has played. If the Cowboys play in the Big 12 championship game, it isn't unrealistic that he finish the year with 2,000 yards receiving.
LaMichael James, Oregon
2009: 230 rushes, 1,546 yards, 14 TD
2010: 225 rushes, 1,422 yards, 17 TD
Last: Bye
Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State
2009: 89 rushes, 382 yards, 1 TD
2010: 248 rushes, 1,461 yards, 16 TD
Last: 22 rushes, 105 yards
Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State
2009: 20 receptions, 260 yards, 2 TD
2010: 94 receptions, 1,560 yards, 17 TD
Last: 10 receptions, 130 yards, 1 TD
Cameron Newton, Auburn
2009: Junior College
2010: 135-198 (68.2%), 2,038 yards, 21 TD, 6 Int / 206 rushes, 1,297 yards, 17 TD
Last: Bye
ON THE RADAR: Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State; Kellen Moore, Boise State, Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State, Andy Dalton, TCU.
Other recent posts on COLLEGE FOOTBALL HAVEN:
Michigan Wolverines Will Fire Rich Rodriguez Next Monday
Monday Musings: College Football Is America's New Pasttime
Poll Results: Which Team Was The Most Overrated?
College Football Haven Top 25, Week 12, 2010
Game of the Week: Virginia Tech Hokies at Miami Hurricanes
Game Predictions, Week 12, 2010
Weekly Trivia: Oregon Ducks' Best Season Record
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Weekly Trivia: Oregon Ducks' Best Season Record
The answer to last week's trivia question, "How many conference championships does UCF have since starting Division I-A play in 1996?" is 1 in 2007. The Golden Knights also made the Conference USA championship game in 2005.
Oregon survived the scare from Cal this week to keep its perfect record in tact. If Oregon wins their final two games (Arizona and Oregon State), plus the BCS national championship game, not only will it be Oregon’s first national championship, it will be the first time the Ducks have had a perfect record. This week's question is:
For more trivia questions, visit the Trivia page.
Other recent posts on COLLEGE FOOTBALL HAVEN:
Heisman Hopefuls: The Solution To The Cam Newton Cloud
Monday Musings: Wisconsin Badgers Leave Me Speechless
Poll Results: Will the NCAA rule regarding Cam Newton's eligibility fast enough to avoid a Heisman or BCS controversy?
College Football Haven Top 25, Week 11, 2010
Game of the Week: South Carolina Gamecocks at Florida Gators
Game Predictions, Week 11, 2010
Oregon survived the scare from Cal this week to keep its perfect record in tact. If Oregon wins their final two games (Arizona and Oregon State), plus the BCS national championship game, not only will it be Oregon’s first national championship, it will be the first time the Ducks have had a perfect record. This week's question is:
Since Oregon started playing football in 1916, what is the Ducks’ best season record and in what year?Leave your answer in the comments section. The answer will be revealed next Wednesday when a new question is asked.
For more trivia questions, visit the Trivia page.
Other recent posts on COLLEGE FOOTBALL HAVEN:
Heisman Hopefuls: The Solution To The Cam Newton Cloud
Monday Musings: Wisconsin Badgers Leave Me Speechless
Poll Results: Will the NCAA rule regarding Cam Newton's eligibility fast enough to avoid a Heisman or BCS controversy?
College Football Haven Top 25, Week 11, 2010
Game of the Week: South Carolina Gamecocks at Florida Gators
Game Predictions, Week 11, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Heisman Hopefuls: The Solution To The Cam Newton Cloud
The Heisman Trophy race, unfortunately, still has a cloud hanging over it. This cloud can quickly go away, and the NCAA isn’t the only ones that can blow that cloud away. The simple solution to the Cam Newton issue is for the Heisman Trust to provide a second ballot to Heisman voters and have them cast two votes. One ballot will be the standard ballot. The second will have the caveat to vote under the pretense that the NCAA concludes that Cam Newton accepted improper benefits and is declared ineligible for the 2010 season.
Certainly, no one wants to see another Reggie Bush situation five years from now. We have the technology now to make this happen and for there to be no future controversy or to have a second vacated Heisman Trophy. The Heisman Trust can get this done in a day.
PLAYERS WHO STOOD OUT: Cam Newton had 148 yards passing and 151 yards rushing to get Auburn a guaranteed spot in the SEC Championship game. He accounted for four touchdowns.
Kendall Hunter ran for over 100 yards and two touchdowns as Oklahoma State beat Texas for the first time in 12 years.
PLAYERS DROPPED: Denard Robinson. His rushing output has become pedestrian the last two weeks. His TD to Int ratio is 14:9, barely over 1.5:1. If he is able to guide Michigan to upset wins over Wisconsin and Ohio State, I will gladly welcome Robinson back on the list, but he has fizzled off down the stretch when other players are stepping it up.
PLAYERS TOEING THE LINE: None. I think these four will last to the finish.
PLAYERS ADDED: No players were added this week.
LaMichael James, Oregon
2009: 230 rushes, 1,546 yards, 14 TD
2010: 225 rushes, 1,422 yards, 17 TD
Last: 29 rushes, 91 yards, 0 TD
Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State
2009: 89 rushes, 382 yards, 1 TD
2010: 226 rushes, 1,356 yards, 16 TD
Last: 23 rushes, 116 yards, 2 TD
Kellen Moore, Boise State
2009: 277-431 (64.3%), 3,536 yards, 39 TD, 3 INT
2010: 174-242 (71.9%), 2,588 yards, 24 TD, 4 Int.
Last: 19-26 (73.1%), 216 yards, 3 TD, 0 Int.
Cameron Newton, Auburn
2009: Junior College
2010: 135-198 (68.2%), 2,038 yards, 21 TD, 6 Int / 206 rushes, 1,297 yards, 17 TD
Last: 12-15 (80.0%), 148 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int / 30 rush, 151 yards, 2 TD
ON THE RADAR: Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State; Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State, Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State, Andy Dalton, TCU.
Other recent posts on COLLEGE FOOTBALL HAVEN:
Monday Musings: Wisconsin Badgers Leave Me Speechless
Poll Results: Will the NCAA rule regarding Cam Newton's eligibility fast enough to avoid a Heisman or BCS controversy?
College Football Haven Top 25, Week 11, 2010
Game of the Week: South Carolina Gamecocks at Florida Gators
Game Predictions, Week 11, 2010
Weekly Trivia: Conference Championships for UCF Golden Knights
Boise State Broncos Got The BCS Blues
Certainly, no one wants to see another Reggie Bush situation five years from now. We have the technology now to make this happen and for there to be no future controversy or to have a second vacated Heisman Trophy. The Heisman Trust can get this done in a day.
PLAYERS WHO STOOD OUT: Cam Newton had 148 yards passing and 151 yards rushing to get Auburn a guaranteed spot in the SEC Championship game. He accounted for four touchdowns.
Kendall Hunter ran for over 100 yards and two touchdowns as Oklahoma State beat Texas for the first time in 12 years.
PLAYERS DROPPED: Denard Robinson. His rushing output has become pedestrian the last two weeks. His TD to Int ratio is 14:9, barely over 1.5:1. If he is able to guide Michigan to upset wins over Wisconsin and Ohio State, I will gladly welcome Robinson back on the list, but he has fizzled off down the stretch when other players are stepping it up.
PLAYERS TOEING THE LINE: None. I think these four will last to the finish.
PLAYERS ADDED: No players were added this week.
LaMichael James, Oregon
2009: 230 rushes, 1,546 yards, 14 TD
2010: 225 rushes, 1,422 yards, 17 TD
Last: 29 rushes, 91 yards, 0 TD
Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State
2009: 89 rushes, 382 yards, 1 TD
2010: 226 rushes, 1,356 yards, 16 TD
Last: 23 rushes, 116 yards, 2 TD
Kellen Moore, Boise State
2009: 277-431 (64.3%), 3,536 yards, 39 TD, 3 INT
2010: 174-242 (71.9%), 2,588 yards, 24 TD, 4 Int.
Last: 19-26 (73.1%), 216 yards, 3 TD, 0 Int.
Cameron Newton, Auburn
2009: Junior College
2010: 135-198 (68.2%), 2,038 yards, 21 TD, 6 Int / 206 rushes, 1,297 yards, 17 TD
Last: 12-15 (80.0%), 148 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int / 30 rush, 151 yards, 2 TD
ON THE RADAR: Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State; Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State, Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State, Andy Dalton, TCU.
Other recent posts on COLLEGE FOOTBALL HAVEN:
Monday Musings: Wisconsin Badgers Leave Me Speechless
Poll Results: Will the NCAA rule regarding Cam Newton's eligibility fast enough to avoid a Heisman or BCS controversy?
College Football Haven Top 25, Week 11, 2010
Game of the Week: South Carolina Gamecocks at Florida Gators
Game Predictions, Week 11, 2010
Weekly Trivia: Conference Championships for UCF Golden Knights
Boise State Broncos Got The BCS Blues
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Boise State Broncos Got The BCS Blues
The Boise State Broncos have the nations longest win streak (22 games). They have won 34 of their last 35 games. Boise State has won two BCS bowl games in the last four years. Some one in Boise must be wondering why are the Broncos falling each week in the BCS standings? Especially to when the teams they are losing ground to are Oregon, TCU, and Auburn.
TCU
First, let’s look at TCU. What we are witnessing this year is a repeat of 2009. Going into 2009 everyone knew that TCU was going to be pretty good, and the odds of the Horned Frogs going undefeated were pretty good.
TCU had a fairly unimpressive start to the season, but they were winning each week. They outscored their first five opponents by an average of 31.8-15.2 (throw out a 56-21 win over Texas State and that differential drops to 25.75-13.75). Not bad, but not world beaters either.
After game five, TCU shifted to a new gear. They won their next seven games by an average score of 47-10.4. We heard the jokes, “Texas is the second best team in the state,” and many credible individuals in the media thought TCU deserved to be in the BCS national championship game. They landed in the Fiesta Bowl, instead, against Boise State. We all remember the result. Boise State shut down the vaunted TCU offense. They intercepted Andy Dalton three times on their way to a 17-10 win.
After that game, TCU lost Jerry Hughes and Daryl Washington to the NFL and a handful of other starters to graduation. All Boise State lost was Kyle Wilson.
The 2010 season has gone much the same way. TCU won their first four games by an average score of 44.5-15.5 (throw out a 62-7 win over Tennessee Tech, and that average score drops to 38.7-18.3). From game four through game 10, TCU has outscored opponents by an average of 39.3-3.8.
TCU was ranked below Boise State for the first several weeks of the season. A sign of the fact that Boise State did beat TCU at the end of 2009 and that Boise State returned more players from last year’s team. Now, TCU has moved ahead of Boise State in the human polls and the BCS standings. WAKE UP EVERYONE! Didn’t you learn your lesson last year? Why are you all discounting Boise State? What has changed?
TCU has the same resume this year as last year. In 2009, they beat a good, ranked BYU team, and a good, ranked Utah team, plus ACC contender Clemson. In 2010, they beat a good, ranked Oregon State team (the good part is debatable at this point), they beat a good, ranked Utah team, plus Big XII contender Baylor. No one doubted that TCU would win head-to-head against Boise State, in 2009. Surprise! We were all wrong. Again I ask, what has changed? Nothing.
There is no reason why TCU should be ahead of Boise State.
Oregon
Second, the Oregon Ducks have been very impressive this year, there is no denying that. In fact, the Ducks were quite impressive in 2009 and 2008, with back-to-back 10 win seasons, a win in Big Ten country, and it was Oregon that dethroned USC in the Pac-10. All the success up there in Eugene has helped the Ducks mask the one glaring negative of the past two years: back-to-back losses to Boise State.
The Broncos went into hostile Autzen Stadium in 2008 with a freshman quarterback. After three quarters of play, Boise State held a commanding 37-13 lead. Boise State won that game, and the game played the next year. For those who don’t remember, in that 2009 game, Oregon had 14 yards total offense in the first half, zero first downs, and zero points. The Ducks managed 152 total yards for the game, 6 first downs, and 1-10 on third down conversions. Boise State dominated the time of possession as well, 42:32 to 17:28.
This takes us to a catch 22 situation. The Duck and anti-Boise State contingents are sure to be shaking their heads saying, “but that was last year.” You are right. We are not supposed to penalize any team this year for what happened last year. If Michigan was 9-0 at this point, they would be in the top 5 as well, even though they finished 2009 losing seven of their last eight games. However, there is no denying that history does play a factor in the human and computer rankings. Why is the SEC considered the best conference in the land? History says so. Why are certain conferences AQ conferences and other conferences are not? History. Why are the same teams predicted to win their conferences every year? Historically they win the conference most of the time.
With the system that we have now, we must lean on history to split hairs. How do we not give Boise State the benefit of the doubt in comparison to Oregon? Boise State is 2-0 against the Ducks the last two years. I could understand if these two games were 10 or even five years ago, but we are talking about the immediate past. Oregon even had revenge to motivate them against Boise State last year. Plus, Oregon hasn’t shown that they are that invincible. Oregon lost the Rose Bowl last year to an Ohio State team that was perceived to be inferior and was strongly criticized most of the year. This year the Duck defense is suspect.
Auburn
Third, the Auburn Tigers and Boise State Broncos don’t have any history together. What we do know is that the defense needs help. Just last week, Chattanooga scored 24. Arkansas State put up 26 in week one. That's not really a sign of progress on D. Who can forget the 43 points allowed to Arkansas? The Tigers were pushed by Kentucky because the defense couldn’t stop the Wildcats.
The case for Boise State
In any argument, it is always easy to poke holes in the opponent’s claims, but if you expect to win, you need some substance of your own. Boise State has it.
I just attacked the Auburn defense, well Boise State has defense. The Bronco’s just throttled the potent Hawaii attack. Hawaii quarterback Bryant Moniz only passed for 127 yards. Moniz leads the nation in passing yards, in spite of this low output, by 400 yards. Just two weeks ago, Hawaii rolled up 614 yards total offense. Boise State limited them to 154. This was a 7-2 Hawaii team. We aren’t talking about San Jose State. The Warriors gave USC trouble, and they are the only team to beat Nevada. The Boise State defense in legit.
On second thought, let’s talk about San Jose State. The Spartans took to the road to start the year to play the Alabama Crimson Tide. To no one’s surprise, Alabama proceeded to thump San Jose State 48-3. Fast forward six weeks when the Spartans welcomed Boise State to town. The Broncos won that contest 48-0.
Up until Alabama lost to LSU this weekend, the expert consensus was that even with one loss Alabama controlled it own destiny. If the Crimson Tide would win the rest of their games they would play for the national championship. For all that superior SEC speed, strength, and talent, shouldn’t Alabama have beaten San Jose State by a wider margin at home than Boise State did on the road? Boise State's win over San Jose State trumps Alabama's.
I know we are talking about a 45 point win versus a 48 point win where the only difference in score was a field goal by the other team, but again, with this system that we have in place, these are the questions we have to ask, and the best measuring stick that we have to use.
While we are comparing wins, Nebraska beat Idaho 38-17 at home. Boise State goes to Idaho this Friday. No one would have any qualms about a 12-1 Nebraska team in the national championship game if Oregon and Auburn lose. What are the odds that Boise State wins by more than 21? Holds Idaho to less than 17?
As for offense, the Broncos can gallop as fast as the Ducks can fly. Oregon averages the most yards per game (567.2) and Boise State averages the fourth most (543.5). Oregon is first in points per game (54.7) and Boise State is third (46.3).
The Boise State win that means the most is still the opening day win against Virginia Tech in the Hokies’ backyard. Sure we all wrote off VT after they lost to James Madison, but Virginia Tech is now 7-2, and ranked number 20 in the BCS standings. What if Virginia Tech wins out and is 11-2, wins the ACC, and plays in a BCS bowl of their own? They will be ranked somewhere between 10 and 15 at that point. More importantly, what other team in a BCS bowl will be able to say they beat the conference champion from an AQ conference? None.
Auburn, Oregon, and TCU are all very good football teams, but they don’t have a stronger case to play in the BCS national championship game than Boise State. Which is why instead of seeing BC$ green, Boise State has the BCS blues.
Other recent posts on COLLEGE FOOTBALL HAVEN:
Heisman Hopefuls: Auburn QB Cam Newton Controls the Race in More Ways Than One
Monday Musings: Air Force Wins the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy
Poll Results: Will Michgian win 6 games to be bowl eligible?
College Football Haven Top 25, Week 10, 2010
Game of the Week: TCU Horned Frogs at Utah Utes
Game Predictions, Week 10, 2010
Weekly Trivia: Georgia Bulldogs Starting 4-5
TCU
First, let’s look at TCU. What we are witnessing this year is a repeat of 2009. Going into 2009 everyone knew that TCU was going to be pretty good, and the odds of the Horned Frogs going undefeated were pretty good.
TCU had a fairly unimpressive start to the season, but they were winning each week. They outscored their first five opponents by an average of 31.8-15.2 (throw out a 56-21 win over Texas State and that differential drops to 25.75-13.75). Not bad, but not world beaters either.
After game five, TCU shifted to a new gear. They won their next seven games by an average score of 47-10.4. We heard the jokes, “Texas is the second best team in the state,” and many credible individuals in the media thought TCU deserved to be in the BCS national championship game. They landed in the Fiesta Bowl, instead, against Boise State. We all remember the result. Boise State shut down the vaunted TCU offense. They intercepted Andy Dalton three times on their way to a 17-10 win.
After that game, TCU lost Jerry Hughes and Daryl Washington to the NFL and a handful of other starters to graduation. All Boise State lost was Kyle Wilson.
The 2010 season has gone much the same way. TCU won their first four games by an average score of 44.5-15.5 (throw out a 62-7 win over Tennessee Tech, and that average score drops to 38.7-18.3). From game four through game 10, TCU has outscored opponents by an average of 39.3-3.8.
TCU was ranked below Boise State for the first several weeks of the season. A sign of the fact that Boise State did beat TCU at the end of 2009 and that Boise State returned more players from last year’s team. Now, TCU has moved ahead of Boise State in the human polls and the BCS standings. WAKE UP EVERYONE! Didn’t you learn your lesson last year? Why are you all discounting Boise State? What has changed?
TCU has the same resume this year as last year. In 2009, they beat a good, ranked BYU team, and a good, ranked Utah team, plus ACC contender Clemson. In 2010, they beat a good, ranked Oregon State team (the good part is debatable at this point), they beat a good, ranked Utah team, plus Big XII contender Baylor. No one doubted that TCU would win head-to-head against Boise State, in 2009. Surprise! We were all wrong. Again I ask, what has changed? Nothing.
There is no reason why TCU should be ahead of Boise State.
Oregon
Second, the Oregon Ducks have been very impressive this year, there is no denying that. In fact, the Ducks were quite impressive in 2009 and 2008, with back-to-back 10 win seasons, a win in Big Ten country, and it was Oregon that dethroned USC in the Pac-10. All the success up there in Eugene has helped the Ducks mask the one glaring negative of the past two years: back-to-back losses to Boise State.
The Broncos went into hostile Autzen Stadium in 2008 with a freshman quarterback. After three quarters of play, Boise State held a commanding 37-13 lead. Boise State won that game, and the game played the next year. For those who don’t remember, in that 2009 game, Oregon had 14 yards total offense in the first half, zero first downs, and zero points. The Ducks managed 152 total yards for the game, 6 first downs, and 1-10 on third down conversions. Boise State dominated the time of possession as well, 42:32 to 17:28.
This takes us to a catch 22 situation. The Duck and anti-Boise State contingents are sure to be shaking their heads saying, “but that was last year.” You are right. We are not supposed to penalize any team this year for what happened last year. If Michigan was 9-0 at this point, they would be in the top 5 as well, even though they finished 2009 losing seven of their last eight games. However, there is no denying that history does play a factor in the human and computer rankings. Why is the SEC considered the best conference in the land? History says so. Why are certain conferences AQ conferences and other conferences are not? History. Why are the same teams predicted to win their conferences every year? Historically they win the conference most of the time.
With the system that we have now, we must lean on history to split hairs. How do we not give Boise State the benefit of the doubt in comparison to Oregon? Boise State is 2-0 against the Ducks the last two years. I could understand if these two games were 10 or even five years ago, but we are talking about the immediate past. Oregon even had revenge to motivate them against Boise State last year. Plus, Oregon hasn’t shown that they are that invincible. Oregon lost the Rose Bowl last year to an Ohio State team that was perceived to be inferior and was strongly criticized most of the year. This year the Duck defense is suspect.
Auburn
Third, the Auburn Tigers and Boise State Broncos don’t have any history together. What we do know is that the defense needs help. Just last week, Chattanooga scored 24. Arkansas State put up 26 in week one. That's not really a sign of progress on D. Who can forget the 43 points allowed to Arkansas? The Tigers were pushed by Kentucky because the defense couldn’t stop the Wildcats.
The case for Boise State
In any argument, it is always easy to poke holes in the opponent’s claims, but if you expect to win, you need some substance of your own. Boise State has it.
I just attacked the Auburn defense, well Boise State has defense. The Bronco’s just throttled the potent Hawaii attack. Hawaii quarterback Bryant Moniz only passed for 127 yards. Moniz leads the nation in passing yards, in spite of this low output, by 400 yards. Just two weeks ago, Hawaii rolled up 614 yards total offense. Boise State limited them to 154. This was a 7-2 Hawaii team. We aren’t talking about San Jose State. The Warriors gave USC trouble, and they are the only team to beat Nevada. The Boise State defense in legit.
On second thought, let’s talk about San Jose State. The Spartans took to the road to start the year to play the Alabama Crimson Tide. To no one’s surprise, Alabama proceeded to thump San Jose State 48-3. Fast forward six weeks when the Spartans welcomed Boise State to town. The Broncos won that contest 48-0.
Up until Alabama lost to LSU this weekend, the expert consensus was that even with one loss Alabama controlled it own destiny. If the Crimson Tide would win the rest of their games they would play for the national championship. For all that superior SEC speed, strength, and talent, shouldn’t Alabama have beaten San Jose State by a wider margin at home than Boise State did on the road? Boise State's win over San Jose State trumps Alabama's.
I know we are talking about a 45 point win versus a 48 point win where the only difference in score was a field goal by the other team, but again, with this system that we have in place, these are the questions we have to ask, and the best measuring stick that we have to use.
While we are comparing wins, Nebraska beat Idaho 38-17 at home. Boise State goes to Idaho this Friday. No one would have any qualms about a 12-1 Nebraska team in the national championship game if Oregon and Auburn lose. What are the odds that Boise State wins by more than 21? Holds Idaho to less than 17?
As for offense, the Broncos can gallop as fast as the Ducks can fly. Oregon averages the most yards per game (567.2) and Boise State averages the fourth most (543.5). Oregon is first in points per game (54.7) and Boise State is third (46.3).
The Boise State win that means the most is still the opening day win against Virginia Tech in the Hokies’ backyard. Sure we all wrote off VT after they lost to James Madison, but Virginia Tech is now 7-2, and ranked number 20 in the BCS standings. What if Virginia Tech wins out and is 11-2, wins the ACC, and plays in a BCS bowl of their own? They will be ranked somewhere between 10 and 15 at that point. More importantly, what other team in a BCS bowl will be able to say they beat the conference champion from an AQ conference? None.
Auburn, Oregon, and TCU are all very good football teams, but they don’t have a stronger case to play in the BCS national championship game than Boise State. Which is why instead of seeing BC$ green, Boise State has the BCS blues.
Other recent posts on COLLEGE FOOTBALL HAVEN:
Heisman Hopefuls: Auburn QB Cam Newton Controls the Race in More Ways Than One
Monday Musings: Air Force Wins the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy
Poll Results: Will Michgian win 6 games to be bowl eligible?
College Football Haven Top 25, Week 10, 2010
Game of the Week: TCU Horned Frogs at Utah Utes
Game Predictions, Week 10, 2010
Weekly Trivia: Georgia Bulldogs Starting 4-5
Heisman Hopefuls: Auburn QB Cam Newton Controls The Race In More Ways Than One
While there is still a lot of football to play, the Heisman Hopefuls are starting to become clear cut. I have kept several players On the Radar, but the only one that might eventually make it up is Justin Blackmon. As for the rest, two players were eliminated, and one is hanging on by a thread. The most interesting twist this week was the news about Cam Newton being shopped for $200,000 out of Blinn Junior College. It would be a tragedy if this report is true.
PLAYERS WHO STOOD OUT: Cam Newton had a great passing day. His pass efficiency rating was over 261. Granted it was just Chattanooga. I have gotten so used to the big games in both passing and rushing that I didn't think that Newton had a stand out performance. He is, after all, a quarterback, so if he only tears it up through the air it should still count as a stand out game.
Kellen Moore exploded for 507 yards. He is the only quarterback on this list to throw for 500 yards this year. He completed over 80 percent of his passes.
PLAYERS DROPPED: Initially, I planned to drop Denard Robinson. His durability is starting to become a hindrance to his team. He left the game early, again, and it could have cost Michigan the game. He only completed 50 percent of his passes. However, his pass efficiency was over 200, and his passing yardage was over 300. Robinson is still the nations leading rusher as well. While we all assume the Wolverines will lose to Wisconsin and Ohio State, Michigan might surprise all of us and win one or both of those games. That would help Robinson's case immensely. It will also help if Cam Newton is declared ineligible over this report that he was being shopped around to the highest bidding school last year. This is college football, and “anything can happen.”
Taylor Martinez missed this week due to injury. That put him farther behind Newton and Robinson. With Kansas, Texas A&M, and Colorado on the schedule, plus a Big XII Championship game, Martinez could post some huge numbers, but I don't think it is going to be enough. Don't forget that Roy Helu is becoming a bigger part of the Cornhusker offense.
Terrelle Pryor has been on the list all season, but the fact of the matter is he is not having any better of a season than Andy Dalton at TCU. Neither of them can match Denard Robinson and Cam Newton. I would even vote for LaMichael James over Pryor or Dalton at this point. I have both Pryor and Dalton on the radar, but some strange changes will have to happen for them to make it to New York.
PLAYERS TOEING THE LINE: Robinson is still toeing the line for the durability issues already noted.
PLAYERS ADDED: No players were added this week.
LaMichael James, Oregon
2009: 230 rushes, 1,546 yards, 14 TD
2010: 196 rushes, 1,331 yards, 17 TD
Last: 26 rushes, 121 yards, 3 TD
Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State
2009: 89 rushes, 382 yards, 1 TD
2010: 203 rushes, 1,240 yards, 14 TD
Last: 14 rushes, 66 yards, 2 TD
Denard Robinson, Michigan
2009: 14-31 (45.4%), 188 yards, 2 TD, 4 Int
2010: 118-186 (63.4%), 1,814 yards, 13 TD, 7 Int / 183 rushes, 1,349 yards, 12 TD
Last: 10-20 (50.0%), 305 yards, 3 TD, 2 Int / 19 rushes, 62 yards
Kellen Moore, Boise State
2009: 277-431 (64.3%), 3,536 yards, 39 TD, 3 INT
2010: 155-216 (71.8%), 2,372 yards, 21 TD, 4 Int.
Last: 30-37 (81.1%), 507 yards, 3 TD, 2 Int.
Cameron Newton, Auburn
2009: Junior College
2010: 123-183 (67.2%), 1,890 yards, 19 TD, 5 Int / 176 rushes, 1,146 yards, 15 TD
Last: 15-21 (71.4%), 317 yards, 4 TD, 0 Int / 8 rush, 24 yards, 1 TD
ON THE RADAR: Ricky Stanzi, Iowa; Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State; Robert Griffin III, Baylor, Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State, Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State, Andy Dalton, TCU.
Other recent posts on COLLEGE FOOTBALL HAVEN:
Monday Musings: Air Force Wins the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy
Poll Results: Will Michgian win 6 games to be bowl eligible?
College Football Haven Top 25, Week 10, 2010
Game of the Week: TCU Horned Frogs at Utah Utes
Game Predictions, Week 10, 2010
Weekly Trivia: Georgia Bulldogs Starting 4-5
PLAYERS WHO STOOD OUT: Cam Newton had a great passing day. His pass efficiency rating was over 261. Granted it was just Chattanooga. I have gotten so used to the big games in both passing and rushing that I didn't think that Newton had a stand out performance. He is, after all, a quarterback, so if he only tears it up through the air it should still count as a stand out game.
Kellen Moore exploded for 507 yards. He is the only quarterback on this list to throw for 500 yards this year. He completed over 80 percent of his passes.
PLAYERS DROPPED: Initially, I planned to drop Denard Robinson. His durability is starting to become a hindrance to his team. He left the game early, again, and it could have cost Michigan the game. He only completed 50 percent of his passes. However, his pass efficiency was over 200, and his passing yardage was over 300. Robinson is still the nations leading rusher as well. While we all assume the Wolverines will lose to Wisconsin and Ohio State, Michigan might surprise all of us and win one or both of those games. That would help Robinson's case immensely. It will also help if Cam Newton is declared ineligible over this report that he was being shopped around to the highest bidding school last year. This is college football, and “anything can happen.”
Taylor Martinez missed this week due to injury. That put him farther behind Newton and Robinson. With Kansas, Texas A&M, and Colorado on the schedule, plus a Big XII Championship game, Martinez could post some huge numbers, but I don't think it is going to be enough. Don't forget that Roy Helu is becoming a bigger part of the Cornhusker offense.
Terrelle Pryor has been on the list all season, but the fact of the matter is he is not having any better of a season than Andy Dalton at TCU. Neither of them can match Denard Robinson and Cam Newton. I would even vote for LaMichael James over Pryor or Dalton at this point. I have both Pryor and Dalton on the radar, but some strange changes will have to happen for them to make it to New York.
PLAYERS TOEING THE LINE: Robinson is still toeing the line for the durability issues already noted.
PLAYERS ADDED: No players were added this week.
LaMichael James, Oregon
2009: 230 rushes, 1,546 yards, 14 TD
2010: 196 rushes, 1,331 yards, 17 TD
Last: 26 rushes, 121 yards, 3 TD
Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State
2009: 89 rushes, 382 yards, 1 TD
2010: 203 rushes, 1,240 yards, 14 TD
Last: 14 rushes, 66 yards, 2 TD
Denard Robinson, Michigan
2009: 14-31 (45.4%), 188 yards, 2 TD, 4 Int
2010: 118-186 (63.4%), 1,814 yards, 13 TD, 7 Int / 183 rushes, 1,349 yards, 12 TD
Last: 10-20 (50.0%), 305 yards, 3 TD, 2 Int / 19 rushes, 62 yards
Kellen Moore, Boise State
2009: 277-431 (64.3%), 3,536 yards, 39 TD, 3 INT
2010: 155-216 (71.8%), 2,372 yards, 21 TD, 4 Int.
Last: 30-37 (81.1%), 507 yards, 3 TD, 2 Int.
Cameron Newton, Auburn
2009: Junior College
2010: 123-183 (67.2%), 1,890 yards, 19 TD, 5 Int / 176 rushes, 1,146 yards, 15 TD
Last: 15-21 (71.4%), 317 yards, 4 TD, 0 Int / 8 rush, 24 yards, 1 TD
ON THE RADAR: Ricky Stanzi, Iowa; Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State; Robert Griffin III, Baylor, Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State, Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State, Andy Dalton, TCU.
Other recent posts on COLLEGE FOOTBALL HAVEN:
Monday Musings: Air Force Wins the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy
Poll Results: Will Michgian win 6 games to be bowl eligible?
College Football Haven Top 25, Week 10, 2010
Game of the Week: TCU Horned Frogs at Utah Utes
Game Predictions, Week 10, 2010
Weekly Trivia: Georgia Bulldogs Starting 4-5
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Heisman Hopefuls: Andrew Luck and Matt Barkley Eliminated
The Heisman Hopefuls are shrinking. It is not so much as the lead pack pulling away, but players are playing their way out of the race.
PLAYERS WHO STOOD OUT: LaMichael James had a huge night in LA. He ran the ball 36 times for 239 yards and 3 more scores. James is the heart of the Oregon attack.
Denard Robinson almost came up with another 200/200 game. He also almost brought Michigan back from a 31-10 deficit. His sub-50% completions percentage didn't escape my eye either.
PLAYERS DROPPED: Matt Barkley needed to play better than a 96 pass efficiency rating against Oregon. True, USC was leading Oregon in the second half, which is better than any other team can say, but when USC needed Barkley the most, he couldn’t deliver.
Andrew Luck had his second straight game with less than 200 passing yards. That is not going to get you the bronze statue.
PLAYERS TOEING THE LINE: Taylor Martinez has 400 less passing yards and 300 less rushing yards than Cam Newton and Denard Robinson. Unless he can make up some ground, there is no way he finishes higher than fourth. While Nebraska wouldn’t trade him for either of these two, the Heisman doesn’t appear to be for Martinez this year.
Denard Robinson may be eliminated soon if he can’t deliver a W soon. Michigan is free falling and the stat that matters the most is wins.
PLAYERS ADDED: No players were added this week.
LaMichael James, Oregon
2009: 230 rushes, 1546 yards, 14 TD
2010: 170 rushes, 1,210 yards, 14 TD
Last: 36 rushes, 239 yards, 3 TD
Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State
2009: 89 rushes, 382 yards, 1 TD
2010: 189 rushes, 1,174 yards, 12 TD
Last: 28 rushes, 143 yards, 0 TD
Terrell Pryor, Ohio State
2009: 167-295 (56.6%), 2094 yards, 18 TD, 11 Int / 162 rushes, 779 yards, 7 TD
2010: 152-225 (67.6%), 1,997 yards, 20 TD, 7 INT / 84 rushes, 463 yards, 4 TD
Last: 18-22 (81.8%), 222 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT / 5 rushes, 55 yards, 1 TD
Denard Robinson, Michigan
2009: 14-31 (45.4%), 188 yards, 2 TD, 4 Int
2010: 108-166 (65.1%), 1509 yards, 10 TD, 5 Int / 164 rushes, 1287 yards, 12 TD
Last: 11-23 (47.8%), 190 yards, 1 TD, 0 Int / 27 rushes, 191 yards, 3 TD
Taylor Martinez, Nebraska
2009: N/A
2010: 72-120 (60.0%), 1,161 yards, 9 TD, 3 Int / 112 rushes, 886 yards, 12 TD
Last: 6-9 (66.7%), 115 yards, 1 TD, 0 Int / 12 rushes, 16 yards, 0 TD
Kellen Moore, Boise State
2009: 277-431 (64.3%), 3,536 yards, 39 TD, 3 INT
2010: 125-179 (69.8%), 1865 yards, 18 TD, 2 Int.
Last: 20-28 (71.4%), 298 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int.
Cameron Newton, Auburn
2009: Junior College
2010: 108-162 (66.7%), 1,573 yards, 15 TD, 5 Int / 168 rushes, 1,122 yards, 14 TD
Last: 18-24 (75.0%), 209 yards, 2 TD, 0 Int / 11 rush, 45 yards, 0 TD
ON THE RADAR: Ricky Stanzi, Iowa; Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State; Robert Griffen III, Baylor, Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State.
Other recent posts on COLLEGE FOOTBALL HAVEN:
Monday Musings: LaMichael James is the Oregon Ducks’ Secret to Success
College Football Haven Top 25, Week 9, 2010
Poll Results: Should Auburn be the BCS number 1?
Weekly Predictions/Game of the Week
The Michigan Wolverines Should Retain Rich Rodriguez In 2011
Weekly Trivia: 1,000 Yard Rushers
PLAYERS WHO STOOD OUT: LaMichael James had a huge night in LA. He ran the ball 36 times for 239 yards and 3 more scores. James is the heart of the Oregon attack.
Denard Robinson almost came up with another 200/200 game. He also almost brought Michigan back from a 31-10 deficit. His sub-50% completions percentage didn't escape my eye either.
PLAYERS DROPPED: Matt Barkley needed to play better than a 96 pass efficiency rating against Oregon. True, USC was leading Oregon in the second half, which is better than any other team can say, but when USC needed Barkley the most, he couldn’t deliver.
Andrew Luck had his second straight game with less than 200 passing yards. That is not going to get you the bronze statue.
PLAYERS TOEING THE LINE: Taylor Martinez has 400 less passing yards and 300 less rushing yards than Cam Newton and Denard Robinson. Unless he can make up some ground, there is no way he finishes higher than fourth. While Nebraska wouldn’t trade him for either of these two, the Heisman doesn’t appear to be for Martinez this year.
Denard Robinson may be eliminated soon if he can’t deliver a W soon. Michigan is free falling and the stat that matters the most is wins.
PLAYERS ADDED: No players were added this week.
LaMichael James, Oregon
2009: 230 rushes, 1546 yards, 14 TD
2010: 170 rushes, 1,210 yards, 14 TD
Last: 36 rushes, 239 yards, 3 TD
Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State
2009: 89 rushes, 382 yards, 1 TD
2010: 189 rushes, 1,174 yards, 12 TD
Last: 28 rushes, 143 yards, 0 TD
Terrell Pryor, Ohio State
2009: 167-295 (56.6%), 2094 yards, 18 TD, 11 Int / 162 rushes, 779 yards, 7 TD
2010: 152-225 (67.6%), 1,997 yards, 20 TD, 7 INT / 84 rushes, 463 yards, 4 TD
Last: 18-22 (81.8%), 222 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT / 5 rushes, 55 yards, 1 TD
Denard Robinson, Michigan
2009: 14-31 (45.4%), 188 yards, 2 TD, 4 Int
2010: 108-166 (65.1%), 1509 yards, 10 TD, 5 Int / 164 rushes, 1287 yards, 12 TD
Last: 11-23 (47.8%), 190 yards, 1 TD, 0 Int / 27 rushes, 191 yards, 3 TD
Taylor Martinez, Nebraska
2009: N/A
2010: 72-120 (60.0%), 1,161 yards, 9 TD, 3 Int / 112 rushes, 886 yards, 12 TD
Last: 6-9 (66.7%), 115 yards, 1 TD, 0 Int / 12 rushes, 16 yards, 0 TD
Kellen Moore, Boise State
2009: 277-431 (64.3%), 3,536 yards, 39 TD, 3 INT
2010: 125-179 (69.8%), 1865 yards, 18 TD, 2 Int.
Last: 20-28 (71.4%), 298 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int.
Cameron Newton, Auburn
2009: Junior College
2010: 108-162 (66.7%), 1,573 yards, 15 TD, 5 Int / 168 rushes, 1,122 yards, 14 TD
Last: 18-24 (75.0%), 209 yards, 2 TD, 0 Int / 11 rush, 45 yards, 0 TD
ON THE RADAR: Ricky Stanzi, Iowa; Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State; Robert Griffen III, Baylor, Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State.
Other recent posts on COLLEGE FOOTBALL HAVEN:
Monday Musings: LaMichael James is the Oregon Ducks’ Secret to Success
College Football Haven Top 25, Week 9, 2010
Poll Results: Should Auburn be the BCS number 1?
Weekly Predictions/Game of the Week
The Michigan Wolverines Should Retain Rich Rodriguez In 2011
Weekly Trivia: 1,000 Yard Rushers
Monday Musings: LaMichael James is the Oregon Ducks’ Secret to Success
Well, it's not Monday anymore, but these are my musings after last weekend.
1. Play of the year. Forget Michigan State’s fake field goal to beat Notre Dame in overtime. Iowa defensive back Tyler Sash picked off Kirk Cousins at the end of the first quarter. Even though he was in front of the receiver, Sash made the decision to pitch the ball back to Micah Hyde. During the exchange the Michigan State player fell to the turf and Hyde was able to run across the field and down the opposite sideline for a 66-yard touchdown. That made the game 17-0. The route was on. This one play summed up everything that had happened up to that point in the game, and what would happen the rest of the way. This was Iowa’s day.
2. Secret to Success. Anyone else watch Oregon play and wonder how they have so many guys running all alone 15-20 yards down field? The answer is LaMichael James. James commands respect. He averages seven yards per carry. If you want to stop Oregon, you have to stop LaMichael James. When Oregon either hands the ball to James or fakes a hand off to him nearly every play, all 11 guys on defense are watching number 21. By the time the defense realizes James doesn’t have the ball, Oregon’s receivers are 5-10 yards past them.
3. One and done. Even though the BCS number 1 didn’t lose, there is a new team a top the BCS standings. No team has held the number one spot for more than one week. Number one Oregon plays Washington and number two Auburn plays Chattanooga this week. Those teams won’t exactly help your computer ranking. Number 3 TCU, however, plays number 5 Utah. With a win, will TCU become our fifth BCS number one in as many weeks?
4. Hello Helu. Roy Helu, Jr., Nebraska’s “forgotten” back reintroduced himself to the college football world and the Missouri secondary. Playing in the shadow of Taylor Martinez this year, Helu carried the load rushing 28 times for 307 yards and 3 TDs on Saturday. Those touchdowns were for 66, 73, and 53 yards.
5. Could not ask for more. Marcus Lattimore carried the Gamecocks to a victory against Tennessee. The Vols were staging a late comeback, but Lattimore took over and diffused the upset attempt. He ran for 40 and 19 yards on back-to-back carries to get South Carolina to the one yard line where Stephan Garcia snuck in to put the game away. Lattimore ended the day with 29 carries for 184 yards and 1 TD.
6. 42 points in 30 minutes and you still lose. Utah State scored 42 second half points but still came up short against Nevada. That’s because the Aggies were unable to score at all in the first half, while Nevada built a 35-0 lead. Nevada added 21 more in the second half.
7. U are done. Miami quarterback Jacory Harris left the game early with a concussion and is now questionable for this week. At 5-3, Miami’s season is over if Harris misses this week’s game against Maryland (6-2). With Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech and South Florida waiting down the line, Miami might not make it to a bowl if Harris can’t come back.
8. One win away. Joe Paterno has reached 399 wins. His next win will get him to 400. Could happen as early as this Saturday against Northwestern, but should not be any later than November 20 against Indiana.
9. Forfeit your AQ spot. With no team in the top 25, this year, the Big East champion does not deserve to be in a BCS bowl. Pittsburgh (5-3) leads the conference and holds the tie breaker over Syracuse (6-2) and Rutgers (4-3). That means Pitt must lose two of its final four games to lose that AQ spot. No three loss team deserves to play in a BCS bowl.
10. Still on top. Michigan might be falling to the bottom of the Big Ten standings, but Denard Robinson is still on top of the rushing list. His 1,287 yards is 77 more than number two LaMichael James. Four more games to go for Robinson to make history.
1. Play of the year. Forget Michigan State’s fake field goal to beat Notre Dame in overtime. Iowa defensive back Tyler Sash picked off Kirk Cousins at the end of the first quarter. Even though he was in front of the receiver, Sash made the decision to pitch the ball back to Micah Hyde. During the exchange the Michigan State player fell to the turf and Hyde was able to run across the field and down the opposite sideline for a 66-yard touchdown. That made the game 17-0. The route was on. This one play summed up everything that had happened up to that point in the game, and what would happen the rest of the way. This was Iowa’s day.
2. Secret to Success. Anyone else watch Oregon play and wonder how they have so many guys running all alone 15-20 yards down field? The answer is LaMichael James. James commands respect. He averages seven yards per carry. If you want to stop Oregon, you have to stop LaMichael James. When Oregon either hands the ball to James or fakes a hand off to him nearly every play, all 11 guys on defense are watching number 21. By the time the defense realizes James doesn’t have the ball, Oregon’s receivers are 5-10 yards past them.
3. One and done. Even though the BCS number 1 didn’t lose, there is a new team a top the BCS standings. No team has held the number one spot for more than one week. Number one Oregon plays Washington and number two Auburn plays Chattanooga this week. Those teams won’t exactly help your computer ranking. Number 3 TCU, however, plays number 5 Utah. With a win, will TCU become our fifth BCS number one in as many weeks?
4. Hello Helu. Roy Helu, Jr., Nebraska’s “forgotten” back reintroduced himself to the college football world and the Missouri secondary. Playing in the shadow of Taylor Martinez this year, Helu carried the load rushing 28 times for 307 yards and 3 TDs on Saturday. Those touchdowns were for 66, 73, and 53 yards.
5. Could not ask for more. Marcus Lattimore carried the Gamecocks to a victory against Tennessee. The Vols were staging a late comeback, but Lattimore took over and diffused the upset attempt. He ran for 40 and 19 yards on back-to-back carries to get South Carolina to the one yard line where Stephan Garcia snuck in to put the game away. Lattimore ended the day with 29 carries for 184 yards and 1 TD.
6. 42 points in 30 minutes and you still lose. Utah State scored 42 second half points but still came up short against Nevada. That’s because the Aggies were unable to score at all in the first half, while Nevada built a 35-0 lead. Nevada added 21 more in the second half.
7. U are done. Miami quarterback Jacory Harris left the game early with a concussion and is now questionable for this week. At 5-3, Miami’s season is over if Harris misses this week’s game against Maryland (6-2). With Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech and South Florida waiting down the line, Miami might not make it to a bowl if Harris can’t come back.
8. One win away. Joe Paterno has reached 399 wins. His next win will get him to 400. Could happen as early as this Saturday against Northwestern, but should not be any later than November 20 against Indiana.
9. Forfeit your AQ spot. With no team in the top 25, this year, the Big East champion does not deserve to be in a BCS bowl. Pittsburgh (5-3) leads the conference and holds the tie breaker over Syracuse (6-2) and Rutgers (4-3). That means Pitt must lose two of its final four games to lose that AQ spot. No three loss team deserves to play in a BCS bowl.
10. Still on top. Michigan might be falling to the bottom of the Big Ten standings, but Denard Robinson is still on top of the rushing list. His 1,287 yards is 77 more than number two LaMichael James. Four more games to go for Robinson to make history.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Poll Results: Should Auburn be the BCS number 1?
The influence of this site and its visitors keeps growing. When asked the question, "Should Auburn be the BCS number 1?" 42% of you responded, "No, Oregon should" be number 1. The BCS powers that be took notice, and have moved the Ducks have risen to the top. The Auburn supporters accounted for 33% of the votes, and "No, some other team should be" received 25%.
Thank you to all who voted. Don't forget to vote in this week's poll, "Will Michigan win 6 games to be bowl eligible?
Thank you to all who voted. Don't forget to vote in this week's poll, "Will Michigan win 6 games to be bowl eligible?
Monday, October 25, 2010
Poll Results: Will either #1 Oklahoma or #2 Oregon play in the BCS National Championship Game?
The poll results ended in a tie. Forty percent voted that neither Oklahoma nor Oregon would play in the BCS championship game. Forty percent also voted that Oregon would play in the BCS championship game. The other twenty percent voted that only Oklahoma would. No voters voted that both teams would make it to the championship game.
Thank you to all who voted. We will stick with a BCS theme in the new poll question: "Should Auburn be the BCS number 1?"
Thank you to all who voted. We will stick with a BCS theme in the new poll question: "Should Auburn be the BCS number 1?"
Monday, October 11, 2010
Poll Results: Which team had the biggest win this weekend (Week 5)?
Oregon's win over Stanford (42%) was the biggest victory of week 5. Washington's win over USC was second with 33%, and Michigan State over Wisconsin received the final 25% of the votes. Oklahoma's win over Texas received no votes.
Thank you to everyone who voted. Don't forget to vote in the new poll: "Is Denard Robinson still the Heisman Trophy front runner?"
Thank you to everyone who voted. Don't forget to vote in the new poll: "Is Denard Robinson still the Heisman Trophy front runner?"
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