Maryland has started of the season with two tune-up games. Although, I wouldn't dare call them that in front of Coach Gary Williams. He hates the term. It makes the game seem insignificant, and the opponent inferior. As we saw Monday night with the Kentucky-Miami (OH), no game should be taken lightly.
Last Friday, Maryland took on Charleston Southern, a team picked to finish 9th in the Big South. Not exactly the ACC. The 89-51 win should come as no surprise. The terrible shooting night by Greivis Vasquez should come as no surprise, as he is a streaky shooter, but the way the rest of the team stepped up is something we rarely saw last year. Senior Forward Landon Milbourne was an underrated player last year but is primed to break out of Vasquez' shadow. He scored 16 points, 7 rebounds, 4 blocks and 2 steals. He played great on the defensive end covering up to 4 positions on defense. Sophomore Guard Sean Mosley also filled up the stat sheet with 15 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal.
Tonight, Maryland took on Fairfield, a team that was a step up from Charleston Southern. Their size provided a challenge for the Terps tonight. The freshmen big men were tested more tonight, and while they didn't put up the numbers they did against CSU, where they combined for 22 points, 17 boards and 2 blocks, tonight they held their own against better competition. They combined for 12 points and 12 boards, but you could see glimpses of potential tonight. Milbourne and Mosley both had solid games again. Shockingly Vasquez had another terrible shooting night. The team didn't shoot as well, as Anthony Johnson and Ryan Olander combined for 11 blocks.
Moving forward, Vasquez has been most efficient as a distributor. However, it will be a constant battle all season to keep him in this role. He isn't the only option this year, and he needs to realize that. He also needs to make himself aware, that one of the big knocks against him in the draft process was his inconsistency and that he needs to play under control. Milbourne and Mosley should see expanded roles as the season continues. Hayes is a steady ball-handler who is the most consistent 3-point shooter on the team. Cliff Tucker is a solid role player off the bench, he's an efficient shooter and can do little things to keep him in Gary's favor. If Tucker cuts down on the turnovers he should see his minutes increase.
Maryland should be undefeated headed into the later rounds of the Maui Invitational where a possible matchup with Gonzaga would be the first tough test of the season.
Category: NCAAB
The Service Academies
I have to be honest, my family has had season tickets to Navy Football for a while, so i may be a little biased here, but I love watching the service academies. The Triple Option is incredibly entertaining, even if Army refuses to fully adopt it. Unfortunately, they will have too, they just cannot compete using a pro-style offense with their limitations. Navy, and to a lesser degree Air Force, have learned to use the triple option as a way of evening the playing field. Navy's offense focuses on using deception to pound an opponent into submission. Navy rarely throws more than 8 times a game, and to some this is boring, I get that, but I love it. Whether they hand it off up the middle with the fullback, pull it out and the QB can pitch it to the running back or keep it himself, Navy is always near the top of rushing in the NCAA. While none of the guys you see in a service academy jersey will play on Sundays (except Kyle Eckel ), they will go onto a greater calling, defending our country.
We support our veterans, but support our current crop of men and women in the Academies. Watch the games, support our future troops. I guarantee you will enjoy them.
We support our veterans, but support our current crop of men and women in the Academies. Watch the games, support our future troops. I guarantee you will enjoy them.
Category: NCAAF
The BCS Standings and Heisman Contenders
The BCS Standings were released yesterday for the third week, and Florida is a near-unanimous #1 if not for one sneaky computer that is holding out for Iowa. Texas took over for Alabama at #2, but they are very close and there is a huge gap between Alabama and Iowa at #4. Iowa is still the computer's darling despite falling in the polls this week. Cincy, TCU and Boise round out the undefeated teams. Boise State seems to be getting no credit from the computers for their win against Oregon, seeing as Oregon is higher in the computer polls. Oregon is the king of the one-loss teams after dismantling USC this week. USC despite the loss is still ranked #12 in the standings.
Some oddities of the polls: Despite being ranked 13th in the Harris and 12th in the AP, Ohio State is ranked 21st by the computers, bringing them in at #16. Oklahoma is ranked 19th by Harris and 20th by the AP, but is only ranked in one computer (at #17) which is good for 28th in the computers. Wisconsin is sitting at 24/22 (harris/ap) but is 19th in the computers, thanks to two computers having them at #15. South Florida is the only unranked team in the BCS standings.
Heisman Rankings:
1. QB Jimmy Claussen, ND - 164.2 Passer Rating, 66.9% Comp, 2318 Passing Yds, 19 TD (1 Rush), 2 INT
2. QB Case Keenum, Houston - 159.3 Passer Rating, 71.6% Comp, 3293 Passing Yds, 28 TD (3 Rush), 5 INT
3. RB Mark Ingram, Alabama - 1004 Rush Yds, 8 TD's, 6.6 Yards Per Carry, 19 catches 186 yds 3 TD
4. QB Kellen Moore, Boise - 171 Passer Rating, 67.4% Comp, 1905 Passing Yds, 25 TD (1 Rush), 2 INT
5. QB Tim Tebow, Florida - 153.7 Passer Rating, 64.7% Comp, 1323 Passing Yds, 551 Rush Yds, 4 Yards per carry, 18 TD (8 Rush), 4 INT
I think Colt McCoy of Texas has been pedestrian this year, his Interceptions are up, his rushing totals are down, but he has some time to make up the defecit, and his last performance against Oklahoma State should be a good spot to turn things around. Jacquizz Rodgers of Oregon State is one guy I think deserves to be there, but ultimately may fall short due to his team. Case Keenum can't lose another game or else he may be finished. Granted the loss wasn't his fault (51-for-76 536 yds and 5 TD's in the loss to UTEP). In his 3 biggest games, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech and Mississippi State, he is 109-for-156, Completing 69.9% of his passes, racked up 1235 passing yds, 56 rushing yds, and has 10 TD (2 Rush) to 4 INT. All wins, by the way. Keenum is a great QB, with a terrible defense. Tebow hasn't been Superman , but his team is undefeated and he looked great against Georgia. If a defensive player were to ever get consideratio, DT Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska would be that guy. He eats offensive lineman for breakfast. He has 49 tackles, 13 for loss, 5 sacks, 2 blocked kicks, 1 Forced Fumble, 1 Interception, 7 Pass Breakups and 14 QB Hurries. This is while getting double and triple teamed. He'll have to settle for the Bednarik and Nagurski Awards.
Some oddities of the polls: Despite being ranked 13th in the Harris and 12th in the AP, Ohio State is ranked 21st by the computers, bringing them in at #16. Oklahoma is ranked 19th by Harris and 20th by the AP, but is only ranked in one computer (at #17) which is good for 28th in the computers. Wisconsin is sitting at 24/22 (harris/ap) but is 19th in the computers, thanks to two computers having them at #15. South Florida is the only unranked team in the BCS standings.
Heisman Rankings:
1. QB Jimmy Claussen, ND - 164.2 Passer Rating, 66.9% Comp, 2318 Passing Yds, 19 TD (1 Rush), 2 INT
2. QB Case Keenum, Houston - 159.3 Passer Rating, 71.6% Comp, 3293 Passing Yds, 28 TD (3 Rush), 5 INT
3. RB Mark Ingram, Alabama - 1004 Rush Yds, 8 TD's, 6.6 Yards Per Carry, 19 catches 186 yds 3 TD
4. QB Kellen Moore, Boise - 171 Passer Rating, 67.4% Comp, 1905 Passing Yds, 25 TD (1 Rush), 2 INT
5. QB Tim Tebow, Florida - 153.7 Passer Rating, 64.7% Comp, 1323 Passing Yds, 551 Rush Yds, 4 Yards per carry, 18 TD (8 Rush), 4 INT
I think Colt McCoy of Texas has been pedestrian this year, his Interceptions are up, his rushing totals are down, but he has some time to make up the defecit, and his last performance against Oklahoma State should be a good spot to turn things around. Jacquizz Rodgers of Oregon State is one guy I think deserves to be there, but ultimately may fall short due to his team. Case Keenum can't lose another game or else he may be finished. Granted the loss wasn't his fault (51-for-76 536 yds and 5 TD's in the loss to UTEP). In his 3 biggest games, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech and Mississippi State, he is 109-for-156, Completing 69.9% of his passes, racked up 1235 passing yds, 56 rushing yds, and has 10 TD (2 Rush) to 4 INT. All wins, by the way. Keenum is a great QB, with a terrible defense. Tebow hasn't been Superman , but his team is undefeated and he looked great against Georgia. If a defensive player were to ever get consideratio, DT Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska would be that guy. He eats offensive lineman for breakfast. He has 49 tackles, 13 for loss, 5 sacks, 2 blocked kicks, 1 Forced Fumble, 1 Interception, 7 Pass Breakups and 14 QB Hurries. This is while getting double and triple teamed. He'll have to settle for the Bednarik and Nagurski Awards.
Category: NCAAF
The State of the ACC
Let's get this outta the way first, Duke, yes Duke, is in 2nd place in the ACC. No, Steve Spurrier is not the coach. No, this is not the late 80's. No, this isn't basketball season. Now, Georgia Tech has yet to play Duke, and they play them in 2 weeks in Durham, if the Blue Devils somehow pull off a win, you could be looking at Duke in the ACC title game. Raise your hand if you thought that would happen. If you raise your hand, and aren't a Duke student, you are lying to yourself. Shame on you.
However, that's a tall task as Georgia Tech has proven they are the one team impervious to a let down. Georgia Tech has Wake at home and Duke on the road left in conference and Georgia at home the final week of the season. Tech should be looking at an 11-1 record and 7-1 in conference. They won't be playing for a national championship with that record, but they are a dangerous team come Orange Bowl time, and if Cincinnati stays undefeated we could be looking at a great matchup.
Then there is the rest of the ACC. In the Atlantic no team is out of the division race. Sure 0-4 NC State and 1-3 Maryland look terrible, and they are, but if either wins out, they could win the division. I'm sure some people would like to argue this is the "strength" of the ACC shining through. A tough league where every week no team is safe. That's just simply false. The ACC Atlantic is so muddled, you can flip a coin to determine the winner every week. If they ACC gets 10 teams into bowl games again, it will be a travesty. Fortunately, they should only get 9 this year barring some major collapses down the stretch (i'm looking at you Jim Grobe).
I would say Boston College has the easier path in the ACC Atlantic, but the loss to Clemson means should they finish tied, Clemson would hold the advantage.
Meanwhile, Maryland's season is starting to spin out of control. Sitting at 2-6 (1-3) with FSU, VT and BC on the schedule is no easy task. Maryland could be looking at it's first ten-loss season in school history. Maryland has had some bad teams, but never has the team lost 10 games, and this could be the first. Not good. One more loss will mark the most losses since the Vanderlinden era (3-8 in 1998, 2-9 in 1997).
However, that's a tall task as Georgia Tech has proven they are the one team impervious to a let down. Georgia Tech has Wake at home and Duke on the road left in conference and Georgia at home the final week of the season. Tech should be looking at an 11-1 record and 7-1 in conference. They won't be playing for a national championship with that record, but they are a dangerous team come Orange Bowl time, and if Cincinnati stays undefeated we could be looking at a great matchup.
Then there is the rest of the ACC. In the Atlantic no team is out of the division race. Sure 0-4 NC State and 1-3 Maryland look terrible, and they are, but if either wins out, they could win the division. I'm sure some people would like to argue this is the "strength" of the ACC shining through. A tough league where every week no team is safe. That's just simply false. The ACC Atlantic is so muddled, you can flip a coin to determine the winner every week. If they ACC gets 10 teams into bowl games again, it will be a travesty. Fortunately, they should only get 9 this year barring some major collapses down the stretch (i'm looking at you Jim Grobe).
I would say Boston College has the easier path in the ACC Atlantic, but the loss to Clemson means should they finish tied, Clemson would hold the advantage.
Meanwhile, Maryland's season is starting to spin out of control. Sitting at 2-6 (1-3) with FSU, VT and BC on the schedule is no easy task. Maryland could be looking at it's first ten-loss season in school history. Maryland has had some bad teams, but never has the team lost 10 games, and this could be the first. Not good. One more loss will mark the most losses since the Vanderlinden era (3-8 in 1998, 2-9 in 1997).
Category: NCAAF
What Happened to the ACC?
Seriously, the ACC is maybe 7th in your conference power rankings right now. They just look pathetic week in and week out. Virginia Tech is the top team by default. Miami looks like they can be slowed down. Florida State is the perfect example of the ACC, they can defeat BYU on the road big, but nearly lose to Jacksonville State and then lose to South Florida without their star quarterback. Georgia Tech looks like their option has been figured out. Clemson is Clemson, Dabo Swinney or Bowden, it doesn't matter. UNC has no offense and can't seem to get Greg Little the ball enough. I don't know what to think of both Boston College and Wake Forest, neither are impressive. NC State has yet to play a road game, but are 3-1. I guess Russell Wilson is starting to play well, and South Carolina's defense shut down Ole Miss, so it is more impressive now. Then there is Duke, Maryland and UVA, and so far only Duke has a win against an FBS school.
This conference is mired in a stretch of mediocrity, and somehow Virginia Tech keeps rising to the top. You can't honestly say Virginia Tech has looked great in any of their games (i'm not including the Marshall beatdown), but they found ways to win, and I guess that's all that matters. The conference has had some ups and downs in recruiting since the season started. Maryland has lost a lot of local talent to the likes of Penn State, Pittsburgh and Rutgers recently, but Virginia Tech did just get a big commitment from the #6 S Nick Dew.
Early Weekend Preview:
Clemson at Maryland - Clemson comes to College Park, and should be the heavy favorite.
#6 Virginia Tech at Duke - Pretty brutal early schedule for the Hokies, Duke is a nice break.
Virginia at North Carolina - UVA will be 0-4, count on it.
Florida State at Boston College - Interesting to see if Boston College is for real this year.
NC State at Wake Forest - This features the #2 and 3 QB's in the ACC statistically, I'd take NCSU.
#25 Georgia Tech at Mississippi State - MSU has a great defense, not sure if it's ready for the Triple Option.
#8 Oklahoma at #17 Miami (Fl.) - Could be game of the week if Sam Bradford is back.
Heismna Watch:
1. QB Colt McCoy, Texas - 71% Comp. 1145 yds, 9 TD/5 INT, 61 rush yd 1 TD
2. QB Case Keenum, Houston - 69.4% Comp, 1160 yds, 8 TD/2 INT, 43 rush yd 3 TD
3. QB Tim Tebow, Florida - 64.7% Comp, 643 yds, 6 TD/1 INT, 271 rush yd 5 TD
4. QB Tony Pike, Cincinnati - 70.5% Comp, 1223 yds, 11 TD/2 INT, 38 rush yd 2 TD
5. QB Jimmy Claussen, Notre Dame - 65.8% Comp, 1122 yds, 10 TD/1 INT
Jahvid Best, RB Cal, fell off the face of the planet this week against Oregon as he was completely shut down. He still has to be in consideration, but he has some ground to make up. Kansas QB Todd Reesing is quitely putting up great stats again in Lawrence. Georgia WR A.J. Green has been impressive averaging 107 ypg and has 4 TD's so far. So long Jonathan Dwyer, Max Hall and Jacory Harris, you have a ton of work to do to get back in the race
This conference is mired in a stretch of mediocrity, and somehow Virginia Tech keeps rising to the top. You can't honestly say Virginia Tech has looked great in any of their games (i'm not including the Marshall beatdown), but they found ways to win, and I guess that's all that matters. The conference has had some ups and downs in recruiting since the season started. Maryland has lost a lot of local talent to the likes of Penn State, Pittsburgh and Rutgers recently, but Virginia Tech did just get a big commitment from the #6 S Nick Dew.
Early Weekend Preview:
Clemson at Maryland - Clemson comes to College Park, and should be the heavy favorite.
#6 Virginia Tech at Duke - Pretty brutal early schedule for the Hokies, Duke is a nice break.
Virginia at North Carolina - UVA will be 0-4, count on it.
Florida State at Boston College - Interesting to see if Boston College is for real this year.
NC State at Wake Forest - This features the #2 and 3 QB's in the ACC statistically, I'd take NCSU.
#25 Georgia Tech at Mississippi State - MSU has a great defense, not sure if it's ready for the Triple Option.
#8 Oklahoma at #17 Miami (Fl.) - Could be game of the week if Sam Bradford is back.
Heismna Watch:
1. QB Colt McCoy, Texas - 71% Comp. 1145 yds, 9 TD/5 INT, 61 rush yd 1 TD
2. QB Case Keenum, Houston - 69.4% Comp, 1160 yds, 8 TD/2 INT, 43 rush yd 3 TD
3. QB Tim Tebow, Florida - 64.7% Comp, 643 yds, 6 TD/1 INT, 271 rush yd 5 TD
4. QB Tony Pike, Cincinnati - 70.5% Comp, 1223 yds, 11 TD/2 INT, 38 rush yd 2 TD
5. QB Jimmy Claussen, Notre Dame - 65.8% Comp, 1122 yds, 10 TD/1 INT
Jahvid Best, RB Cal, fell off the face of the planet this week against Oregon as he was completely shut down. He still has to be in consideration, but he has some ground to make up. Kansas QB Todd Reesing is quitely putting up great stats again in Lawrence. Georgia WR A.J. Green has been impressive averaging 107 ypg and has 4 TD's so far. So long Jonathan Dwyer, Max Hall and Jacory Harris, you have a ton of work to do to get back in the race
Category: NCAAF
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Another Terrible weekend for the ACC. Clearly the ACC"s mediocrity was not exaggerated after week one, in fact, it might have been understated.
The Good - Ryan Williams. David Wilson. Torrey Smith. Anthony Allen. C.J. Spiller. Russell Wilson. The 1st Half for Georgia Tech. The 2nd half for Clemson. Scott Blair's 3 FG's and a TD Pass. Riley Skinner's 2nd half. NC State and VaTech bouncing back. Boston College being 2-0.
The Bad - The 4th quarter comebacks by Maryland (vs. JMU), FSU (vs. Jacksonville State), Duke (vs. Army), and UNC (vs. UConn). Boston College RB's taking a step back. Christian Ponder not getting in the endzone.
The Ugly - UNC losing two starters for 4 weeks. Nolan Carroll's broken leg. Duke being outgained by 150 yards. Any and all things UVA. The Maryland defense outside of Alex Wujciak and Adrian Moten. Dustin Hopkins kicking game (0/1 FG's and 1/3 on XP's).
Heisman Race (2009 Season Statistics) -
1. QB Colt McCoy, Texas - 67.1% Comp. % - 654 Yards - 5 TD/2 INT - 44 Rush Yards 1 TD
2. QB Tim Tebow, Florida - 64.1% Comp. % - 425 Yards - 5 TD - 72 Rush Yards 2 TD's
3. RB Jahvid Best, Cal - 27 Carries for 281 Yards 3 Td's - 4 Catches for 42 Yards 1 TD
4. QB Case Keenum, Houston - 72.4% Comp % - 725 Yards - 7 TD/1 INT - 16 Rush Yards 2 TD's
5. QB Max Hall, BYU - 71.4% Comp % - 638 Yards - 4 TD/3INT
Really, there are 2 candidates at the moment. The next two are outside shots and Hall is just riding high off the Oklahoma win two weeks ago.
Up Next in the ACC:
Middle Tennessee State at Maryland - A revenge game for Maryland. "We owe them one" - Ralph Friedgen.
#19 Nebraska at #13 Virginia Tech - Virginia Tech needs a win to prove the ACC can compete with other power conferences.
Virginia at Southern Miss - Can UVA avoid starting 0-3? I think not.
The Good - Ryan Williams. David Wilson. Torrey Smith. Anthony Allen. C.J. Spiller. Russell Wilson. The 1st Half for Georgia Tech. The 2nd half for Clemson. Scott Blair's 3 FG's and a TD Pass. Riley Skinner's 2nd half. NC State and VaTech bouncing back. Boston College being 2-0.
The Bad - The 4th quarter comebacks by Maryland (vs. JMU), FSU (vs. Jacksonville State), Duke (vs. Army), and UNC (vs. UConn). Boston College RB's taking a step back. Christian Ponder not getting in the endzone.
The Ugly - UNC losing two starters for 4 weeks. Nolan Carroll's broken leg. Duke being outgained by 150 yards. Any and all things UVA. The Maryland defense outside of Alex Wujciak and Adrian Moten. Dustin Hopkins kicking game (0/1 FG's and 1/3 on XP's).
Heisman Race (2009 Season Statistics) -
1. QB Colt McCoy, Texas - 67.1% Comp. % - 654 Yards - 5 TD/2 INT - 44 Rush Yards 1 TD
2. QB Tim Tebow, Florida - 64.1% Comp. % - 425 Yards - 5 TD - 72 Rush Yards 2 TD's
3. RB Jahvid Best, Cal - 27 Carries for 281 Yards 3 Td's - 4 Catches for 42 Yards 1 TD
4. QB Case Keenum, Houston - 72.4% Comp % - 725 Yards - 7 TD/1 INT - 16 Rush Yards 2 TD's
5. QB Max Hall, BYU - 71.4% Comp % - 638 Yards - 4 TD/3INT
Really, there are 2 candidates at the moment. The next two are outside shots and Hall is just riding high off the Oklahoma win two weeks ago.
Up Next in the ACC:
Middle Tennessee State at Maryland - A revenge game for Maryland. "We owe them one" - Ralph Friedgen.
#19 Nebraska at #13 Virginia Tech - Virginia Tech needs a win to prove the ACC can compete with other power conferences.
Virginia at Southern Miss - Can UVA avoid starting 0-3? I think not.
Category: NCAAF
The Weekend That Was
So the first weekend of College Football has finally wrapped up and there were definitely some great games and performances. There were also some embarrassing moments, some head-scratchers and some unfortunate losses.
The ACC had a terrible weekend, but the Miami-FSU game was great. It didn ’t make up for the pitiful weekend the ACC suffered, but it was classic nonetheless. Both QB’s looked impressive, especially Jacory Harris from Miami.
The Good: Miami vs. Florida State was an instant classic. Randy Shannon made the right decision to stick with Jacory Harris over Robert Marve. Florida State’s young defense made some plays. Paul Johnson's Triple Option looks better in year 2. Demaryius Thomas is the best receiver no one has ever heard of. Boston College has 3 good running backs. Thaddeus Lewis the only bright spot from Duke, as was Ryan Williams for VT. CJ Spiller returning the opening kick-off for a TD.
The Bad: Middle Tennessee State was the biggest win of the weekend. North Carolina starting slow against the Citadel. Jacoby Ford dropping 2 passes. Spiller running for 12 yards.
The Ugly: Everything else. Maryland dominated by Cal. Don Brown's defense couldn't stop anyone. Virginia lost to William & Mary by 12 after being up at the half. Duke lost to Richmond, despite Lewis throwing for 350 yards. Richmond is the #1 team in the FCS , to be fair. Virginia Tech can't rely only on Tyrod Taylor. Riley Skinner, a senior, throwing 3 picks. NC State only totaling 133 yards of offense.
Heisman Race
1. QB Colt McCoy, Texas - 21/29 317 yds 2 TD's and 1 INT.
2. QB Tim Tebow , Florida - 10/15 188 yds 2 TD's (1 Rush).
3. RB Jahvid Best, Cal - 10 carries for 137 yds 2 TD's and 2 catches for 23 yds .
4. QB Jimmy Clausen , Notre Dame – 15/18 315 yds 4 TD’s
5. QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma – 10/14 96 yds 1 TD
Bradford will be out 2-4 weeks, but if he returns on the short end and can put up big stats upon returning, he’ll be right back on the board. The only two defensive players ever in the running Safties Taylor Mays (USC ) and Eric Berry (Tennessee) didn ’t play the whole game so they couldn ’t accumulate the stats. The player off the radar is QB Case Keenum from Houston. Keenum went 23/30 for 359 yards and 5 TD’s (1 rush).
The ACC had a terrible weekend, but the Miami-FSU game was great. It didn ’t make up for the pitiful weekend the ACC suffered, but it was classic nonetheless. Both QB’s looked impressive, especially Jacory Harris from Miami.
The Good: Miami vs. Florida State was an instant classic. Randy Shannon made the right decision to stick with Jacory Harris over Robert Marve. Florida State’s young defense made some plays. Paul Johnson's Triple Option looks better in year 2. Demaryius Thomas is the best receiver no one has ever heard of. Boston College has 3 good running backs. Thaddeus Lewis the only bright spot from Duke, as was Ryan Williams for VT. CJ Spiller returning the opening kick-off for a TD.
The Bad: Middle Tennessee State was the biggest win of the weekend. North Carolina starting slow against the Citadel. Jacoby Ford dropping 2 passes. Spiller running for 12 yards.
The Ugly: Everything else. Maryland dominated by Cal. Don Brown's defense couldn't stop anyone. Virginia lost to William & Mary by 12 after being up at the half. Duke lost to Richmond, despite Lewis throwing for 350 yards. Richmond is the #1 team in the FCS , to be fair. Virginia Tech can't rely only on Tyrod Taylor. Riley Skinner, a senior, throwing 3 picks. NC State only totaling 133 yards of offense.
Heisman Race
1. QB Colt McCoy, Texas - 21/29 317 yds 2 TD's and 1 INT.
2. QB Tim Tebow , Florida - 10/15 188 yds 2 TD's (1 Rush).
3. RB Jahvid Best, Cal - 10 carries for 137 yds 2 TD's and 2 catches for 23 yds .
4. QB Jimmy Clausen , Notre Dame – 15/18 315 yds 4 TD’s
5. QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma – 10/14 96 yds 1 TD
Bradford will be out 2-4 weeks, but if he returns on the short end and can put up big stats upon returning, he’ll be right back on the board. The only two defensive players ever in the running Safties Taylor Mays (USC ) and Eric Berry (Tennessee) didn ’t play the whole game so they couldn ’t accumulate the stats. The player off the radar is QB Case Keenum from Houston. Keenum went 23/30 for 359 yards and 5 TD’s (1 rush).
Weekend Preview
So it's about midnight on Wednesday night/Thursday Morning. I spent my night watching Leverage (an underrated show) and Top Chef: Las Vegas. As you can imagine, I'm ready for meaningful football. Thursday marks the kickoff of the 2009 season and the first weekend should be very entertaining with some rare early top-25 non-conference matchups .
Thursday:
The game that kicks them all off is South Carolina at NC State at 7pm. NC State was already without star linebacker Nate Irving, but will also be missing starting Cornerback DeAndre Morgan with an ankle injury. South Carolina will be led by Sophomore QB Stephen Garcia, who played in 8 games last year as a freshman. USC will be without starting defensive end Clifton Geathers due to injury and academic issues. Prediction: NC State 27, USC 24
The game of night, and possibly the weekend, is #16 Oregon at #14 Boise State on the smurf turf at 10:15 pm. Personally, If Boise State wins this, they are headed to a BCS bowl game because they will almost certainly be undefeated. Boise State is led by QB Kellen Moore and a solid, but reshuffled, O-Line. Oregon has a new coach and only returns 9 starters, but should be out looking for a 37-32 loss at Autzen Stadium last year. Boise State 41, Oregon 31
Other Games of Note: Troy at Bowling Green, North Texas at Ball State and Utah State at Utah.
Friday:
Only one 1-A/FBS game on tap for Friday with Tulsa visiting Tulane. Not a lot to say here. Tulsa had the #1 offense in the country last year, but lost a lot of starters, but return 4 of their top 6 receivers. Prediction: Tulsa 49, Tulane 13
Saturday:
Navy at #6 Ohio State at Noon kicks off the action on Saturday. Ricky Dobbs is one of the best passing Quarterbacks Navy has had in a while, but it will be tough for an undersized Navy defense to keep this game close for more than a quarter or two. QB Terrelle Pryor starts off what should be an excellent season. My only question is: Losing as much as Ohio State did on defense, could their possibly be a few mistakes in covering an offense most of the players haven't seen before. Prediction: OSU 35, Navy 21
Appalachian State at East Carolina, can the giant killers do it again? I know ECU isn't Michigan, and ASU will probably be without superstar QB Armanti Edwards, but they are a very, very talented team. ECU returns QB Patrick Pinkney and two of their top three rushers from last year. Prediction: ECU 24, ASU 17 *An Odd Note about ECU - They have 17 listed WR's , but only 1 Safety and 2 Defensive Ends
#13 Georgia at #9 Oklahoma State at 3:30 pm. This is another game i'm looking forward too, for obvious reasons. Georgia was one of the more overrated teams of last season and lost their starting QB, RB and Top WR . Meanwhile, Oklahoma State showed signs of breaking out last year, and returns their top players. It will be an interesting head-to-head matchup at WR as Dez Bryant is the top WR in the country for OSU , but Georgia has a stud in A.J. Green. Oklahoma State did get some bad news yesterday as they lost their starting TE Jamal Mosley (personal reasons) and Middle Linebacker Orie Lemon (Torn ACL ). Prediction: OSU 42, Georgia 30
Jackson State at Mississippi State at 3:30 pm. This game is interesting for one reason, and one reason only: It's the first time an SEC team is playing a SWAC team. In the history of both conferences, the nations best known conference and the best-known historically black college. Both are located in the southeast. Crazy. I'm sure MSU will win this game, but it means a lot to both conferences.
#20 BYU vs. #3 Oklahoma at 7 pm. This is a another great top-20 matchup , both teams are hoping for a BCS bowl this year. A loss here eliminates BYU from BCS bowl contention, but a win... look out. Both teams will show off potent offenses in this shootout, but Oklahoma has too much firepower. Returning Heisman winner QB Sam Bradford along with a 1-2 punch of Demarco Murray and Chris Brown at RB and the best TE in the country in Jermaine Gresham. LB's Travis Lewis and Ryan Reynolds are back and will look to keep RB Harvey Unga and TE Dennis Pitta in check. Prediction: Oklahoma 52, BYU 35.
#5 Alabama at #7 Virginia Tech at 8 pm in Atlanta, GA. This game has two great masterminds going head-to-head in Frank Beamer and Nick Saban . There are a lot of players to watch in this game and should be highly entertaining. Watching Alabama WR Julio Jones play on primetime TV should be mandatory. Matching up against Jones is Stephen Virgil, a talented CB in his own right, but gives up 5 inches to Jones. The Alabama defense has elite players at every level of defense. NT Terrence Cody, MLB Renaldo McClain and DB Javier Arenas. QB Tyrod Taylor will have a lot on his shoulders in this game after RB Darren Evans went down for the season. Even Special Teams should be incredibly intense as Beamer Ball will be in full effect. Arenas is one of the best return men in the country and it will be interesting to see how he does against the VTech coverage units. Prediction: Alabama 31, VT 27
Maryland at #12 Cal at 10 pm. Obviously this game has a lot of interest for it's local ties. But I think it's possible (assuming Maryland's offensive line can perform at a high level) that Maryland could pull the upset. Cal is a 21.5 point favorite, but they return a mediocre quarterback who is terribly inconsistent, and going up against a very good Maryland Secondary. RB Jahvid Best won't have to worry about Kevin Barnes, and should have a fantastic day. New Defensive Coordinator Don Brown will have a tough time keeping Best in check. Prediction: Cal 35, Maryland 21
#11 LSU at Washington at 10:30 pm. This is going to be a completely one-sided game, but it will give east coasters probably their only chance to watch Washington's Great QB Jake Locker. LSU has 3 great running backs in Charles Scott, Keiland Williams and Trindon Holliday . Scott and Williams can bruise while Holliday brings world-class speed to the Bayou Bengals attack. Prediction: LSU 31, Washington 7
Other Games of Note: Nevada at #23 Notre Dame, Missouri at Illinois, Florida Atlantic at #24 Nebraska (Upset Watch), Minnesota at Syracuse (Paulus ' Debut).
Sunday:
#8 Mississippi at Memphis at 3:30 pm. QB Jevan Snead, RB/WR Dexter McCluster and one of the nations best defenses head to Memphis to defend their lofty status at #8, and while Memphis won't put up much of a fight, It's a top 10 team playing on Sunday with no NFL to distract you. Prediction: Ole Miss 49, Memphis 7
Other Game of Note: Colorado State at Colorado
Monday:
Miami (Fl.) at #18 Florida State at 8 pm. This once great rivalry has been reduced to.... wait... they couldn't even sell out the game. Yikes. I know Dolphins Stadium is bigger, I know the economy is down, but still this is considered a marquee matchup and they can't even sell it out. Both teams are trying to regain their national credibility and a win here will go a long way for both teams. There have been rumblings that neither of these teams is the #2 team in the state behind Florida. Personally, I think USF (who they both happen to play) has passed them. Prediction: Miami 24, Florida State 17
Other Game of Note: Cincinnati at Rutgers (Big East Battle).
This should be a great weekend for College Football, including 4 games between top 20 teams. Check them out on a variety of networks this weekend, and enjoy. If you do take time away from the TV this weekend, join me in seeing the new Gerard Butler movie 'Gamer' .
Thursday:
The game that kicks them all off is South Carolina at NC State at 7pm. NC State was already without star linebacker Nate Irving, but will also be missing starting Cornerback DeAndre Morgan with an ankle injury. South Carolina will be led by Sophomore QB Stephen Garcia, who played in 8 games last year as a freshman. USC will be without starting defensive end Clifton Geathers due to injury and academic issues. Prediction: NC State 27, USC 24
The game of night, and possibly the weekend, is #16 Oregon at #14 Boise State on the smurf turf at 10:15 pm. Personally, If Boise State wins this, they are headed to a BCS bowl game because they will almost certainly be undefeated. Boise State is led by QB Kellen Moore and a solid, but reshuffled, O-Line. Oregon has a new coach and only returns 9 starters, but should be out looking for a 37-32 loss at Autzen Stadium last year. Boise State 41, Oregon 31
Other Games of Note: Troy at Bowling Green, North Texas at Ball State and Utah State at Utah.
Friday:
Only one 1-A/FBS game on tap for Friday with Tulsa visiting Tulane. Not a lot to say here. Tulsa had the #1 offense in the country last year, but lost a lot of starters, but return 4 of their top 6 receivers. Prediction: Tulsa 49, Tulane 13
Saturday:
Navy at #6 Ohio State at Noon kicks off the action on Saturday. Ricky Dobbs is one of the best passing Quarterbacks Navy has had in a while, but it will be tough for an undersized Navy defense to keep this game close for more than a quarter or two. QB Terrelle Pryor starts off what should be an excellent season. My only question is: Losing as much as Ohio State did on defense, could their possibly be a few mistakes in covering an offense most of the players haven't seen before. Prediction: OSU 35, Navy 21
Appalachian State at East Carolina, can the giant killers do it again? I know ECU isn't Michigan, and ASU will probably be without superstar QB Armanti Edwards, but they are a very, very talented team. ECU returns QB Patrick Pinkney and two of their top three rushers from last year. Prediction: ECU 24, ASU 17 *An Odd Note about ECU - They have 17 listed WR's , but only 1 Safety and 2 Defensive Ends
#13 Georgia at #9 Oklahoma State at 3:30 pm. This is another game i'm looking forward too, for obvious reasons. Georgia was one of the more overrated teams of last season and lost their starting QB, RB and Top WR . Meanwhile, Oklahoma State showed signs of breaking out last year, and returns their top players. It will be an interesting head-to-head matchup at WR as Dez Bryant is the top WR in the country for OSU , but Georgia has a stud in A.J. Green. Oklahoma State did get some bad news yesterday as they lost their starting TE Jamal Mosley (personal reasons) and Middle Linebacker Orie Lemon (Torn ACL ). Prediction: OSU 42, Georgia 30
Jackson State at Mississippi State at 3:30 pm. This game is interesting for one reason, and one reason only: It's the first time an SEC team is playing a SWAC team. In the history of both conferences, the nations best known conference and the best-known historically black college. Both are located in the southeast. Crazy. I'm sure MSU will win this game, but it means a lot to both conferences.
#20 BYU vs. #3 Oklahoma at 7 pm. This is a another great top-20 matchup , both teams are hoping for a BCS bowl this year. A loss here eliminates BYU from BCS bowl contention, but a win... look out. Both teams will show off potent offenses in this shootout, but Oklahoma has too much firepower. Returning Heisman winner QB Sam Bradford along with a 1-2 punch of Demarco Murray and Chris Brown at RB and the best TE in the country in Jermaine Gresham. LB's Travis Lewis and Ryan Reynolds are back and will look to keep RB Harvey Unga and TE Dennis Pitta in check. Prediction: Oklahoma 52, BYU 35.
#5 Alabama at #7 Virginia Tech at 8 pm in Atlanta, GA. This game has two great masterminds going head-to-head in Frank Beamer and Nick Saban . There are a lot of players to watch in this game and should be highly entertaining. Watching Alabama WR Julio Jones play on primetime TV should be mandatory. Matching up against Jones is Stephen Virgil, a talented CB in his own right, but gives up 5 inches to Jones. The Alabama defense has elite players at every level of defense. NT Terrence Cody, MLB Renaldo McClain and DB Javier Arenas. QB Tyrod Taylor will have a lot on his shoulders in this game after RB Darren Evans went down for the season. Even Special Teams should be incredibly intense as Beamer Ball will be in full effect. Arenas is one of the best return men in the country and it will be interesting to see how he does against the VTech coverage units. Prediction: Alabama 31, VT 27
Maryland at #12 Cal at 10 pm. Obviously this game has a lot of interest for it's local ties. But I think it's possible (assuming Maryland's offensive line can perform at a high level) that Maryland could pull the upset. Cal is a 21.5 point favorite, but they return a mediocre quarterback who is terribly inconsistent, and going up against a very good Maryland Secondary. RB Jahvid Best won't have to worry about Kevin Barnes, and should have a fantastic day. New Defensive Coordinator Don Brown will have a tough time keeping Best in check. Prediction: Cal 35, Maryland 21
#11 LSU at Washington at 10:30 pm. This is going to be a completely one-sided game, but it will give east coasters probably their only chance to watch Washington's Great QB Jake Locker. LSU has 3 great running backs in Charles Scott, Keiland Williams and Trindon Holliday . Scott and Williams can bruise while Holliday brings world-class speed to the Bayou Bengals attack. Prediction: LSU 31, Washington 7
Other Games of Note: Nevada at #23 Notre Dame, Missouri at Illinois, Florida Atlantic at #24 Nebraska (Upset Watch), Minnesota at Syracuse (Paulus ' Debut).
Sunday:
#8 Mississippi at Memphis at 3:30 pm. QB Jevan Snead, RB/WR Dexter McCluster and one of the nations best defenses head to Memphis to defend their lofty status at #8, and while Memphis won't put up much of a fight, It's a top 10 team playing on Sunday with no NFL to distract you. Prediction: Ole Miss 49, Memphis 7
Other Game of Note: Colorado State at Colorado
Monday:
Miami (Fl.) at #18 Florida State at 8 pm. This once great rivalry has been reduced to.... wait... they couldn't even sell out the game. Yikes. I know Dolphins Stadium is bigger, I know the economy is down, but still this is considered a marquee matchup and they can't even sell it out. Both teams are trying to regain their national credibility and a win here will go a long way for both teams. There have been rumblings that neither of these teams is the #2 team in the state behind Florida. Personally, I think USF (who they both happen to play) has passed them. Prediction: Miami 24, Florida State 17
Other Game of Note: Cincinnati at Rutgers (Big East Battle).
This should be a great weekend for College Football, including 4 games between top 20 teams. Check them out on a variety of networks this weekend, and enjoy. If you do take time away from the TV this weekend, join me in seeing the new Gerard Butler movie 'Gamer' .
Gary Does It Again, But Is That A Good Thing?
This week Gary Williams and the Maryland Terrapins (yes, it's never too early to talk college hoops) received their third commitment for the 2010 season. SG Mychal Parker (#62 by MaxPreps , #42 by Scouts, Inc and #53 by Rivals). Parker joins SF Terrence Ross (#30 by MaxPreps , #39 by Scouts, Inc and #43 by Rivals) and PG Terrell Stoglin (#43 by MaxPreps , #88 by Scouts, Inc and #122 by Rivals).
Maryland is also on the final top 5 lists of other highly touted prospects:
Tobias Harris - #3 ranked PF, #7 overall. 6'8" 210lbs. Considering - UConn , Louisville, Georgia Tech, Maryland and Tennessee
C.J. Leslie - #4 ranked PF, #9 overall. 6'8" 205lbs. Considering - Kentucky, UNC , Florida, Maryland and UConn
Roscoe Smith - #3 ranked SF, #16 overall. 6'8" 190lbs. Considering - Duke, UConn , Florida, Louisville and Maryland
DaMontre Harris - #5 ranked C, #62 overall. 6'9" 200lbs. Considering - South Carolina, Wake Forest, Maryland, VCU and Florida
Jonathan Graham - #21 ranked PF, #84 overall. 6'8 205lbs. Considering - Maryland and Florida State
Now, nothing is ever guaranteed until pen is put to paper, but as it appears now the Terps are in the running for all 5. However, in order to sign one or more of these guys they will have to have a transfer from the current roster. Considering a lot of the talent around the end of the bench, it may not be the worst thing in the world.
This is a far cry from the recruiting classes from 2006 and 2007. In 2006 the highest ranked recruit was Cliff Tucker (his best ranking was #97 by Rivals), now Tucker has turned in to a solid role player and should see an even bigger role in 2009-10 as the first or second player off the bench. Adrian Bowie was also in that class and he took over as the starting point guard last year and will be again this year. In 2008, Sean Mosley was the top ranked player (highest ranking was #40) and like Tucker, Mosley has seen his role grow larger over the past season. Mosley even saw some starts last year and will push for more playing time.
The last time Gary had this kind of recruiting class was after the 2002 National Championship. Granted, that recruiting class really did nothing for the University. The 2002 class consisted of F Nik Caner-Medley, F Travis Garrison, PG John Gilchrist, SG Chris McCray, PG Dominique Richmond, PF Jamar Smith. Caner-Medley is struggling to make an NBA roster with the Clippers. Garrison is currently playing for Dalaman A.S. Pamukkale Univ. in the Turkish 2nd division. Gilchrist just signed for the Adelaide 36ers in the Australian A-League . McCray plays for the Rimini Crabs in the Italian 2nd division and lost to Jamar Smith's team in the League Tournament.
Clearly the highly touted recruits of the 2002 class never lived up to the hype, hopefully the 2010 class, assuming there aren't any de-commitments , will.
Maryland is also on the final top 5 lists of other highly touted prospects:
Tobias Harris - #3 ranked PF, #7 overall. 6'8" 210lbs. Considering - UConn , Louisville, Georgia Tech, Maryland and Tennessee
C.J. Leslie - #4 ranked PF, #9 overall. 6'8" 205lbs. Considering - Kentucky, UNC , Florida, Maryland and UConn
Roscoe Smith - #3 ranked SF, #16 overall. 6'8" 190lbs. Considering - Duke, UConn , Florida, Louisville and Maryland
DaMontre Harris - #5 ranked C, #62 overall. 6'9" 200lbs. Considering - South Carolina, Wake Forest, Maryland, VCU and Florida
Jonathan Graham - #21 ranked PF, #84 overall. 6'8 205lbs. Considering - Maryland and Florida State
Now, nothing is ever guaranteed until pen is put to paper, but as it appears now the Terps are in the running for all 5. However, in order to sign one or more of these guys they will have to have a transfer from the current roster. Considering a lot of the talent around the end of the bench, it may not be the worst thing in the world.
This is a far cry from the recruiting classes from 2006 and 2007. In 2006 the highest ranked recruit was Cliff Tucker (his best ranking was #97 by Rivals), now Tucker has turned in to a solid role player and should see an even bigger role in 2009-10 as the first or second player off the bench. Adrian Bowie was also in that class and he took over as the starting point guard last year and will be again this year. In 2008, Sean Mosley was the top ranked player (highest ranking was #40) and like Tucker, Mosley has seen his role grow larger over the past season. Mosley even saw some starts last year and will push for more playing time.
The last time Gary had this kind of recruiting class was after the 2002 National Championship. Granted, that recruiting class really did nothing for the University. The 2002 class consisted of F Nik Caner-Medley, F Travis Garrison, PG John Gilchrist, SG Chris McCray, PG Dominique Richmond, PF Jamar Smith. Caner-Medley is struggling to make an NBA roster with the Clippers. Garrison is currently playing for Dalaman A.S. Pamukkale Univ. in the Turkish 2nd division. Gilchrist just signed for the Adelaide 36ers in the Australian A-League . McCray plays for the Rimini Crabs in the Italian 2nd division and lost to Jamar Smith's team in the League Tournament.
Clearly the highly touted recruits of the 2002 class never lived up to the hype, hopefully the 2010 class, assuming there aren't any de-commitments , will.
Starting DT Leaves Terps
Starting DT Dion Armstrong has decided to leave the team and will transfer. No decision on where he is headed has been made.
"He came in this morning and thanked me and said he was sorry he disappointed me and said he was going to transfer," coach Ralph Friedgen said. "I said, 'Fine. It's time to move on,' " Friedgen said. "I don't want to get into the whole thing and make a big deal. We have to worry about kids who want to be here. That's where I'm going with that."
This means the Terps have lost all four starting defensive lineman from last season. Redshirt Freshman A.J. Francis has been taking the 1st team snaps while Armstrong sat out while taking care of academic issues.
The defensive line was already considered the weakest unit on this team and losing Armstrong doesn't help at all. Thankfully, Maryland doesn't play Georgia Tech this year. Unfortunately, Virginia Tech and Florida State are at the end of the year. Virginia Tech will have time to get there three-headed attack figured out and Florida State will have time to replace Antone Smith. Clemson and C.J. Spiller are early in the season and the offensive line that was a problem last year, should be much improved. Let's not forget that Maryland has to face the nation's leading returning rusher in Cal's Jahvid Best. Too bad Kevin Barnes is now a Redskin, maybe some of you remember that hit that knocked Best out last season.
"He came in this morning and thanked me and said he was sorry he disappointed me and said he was going to transfer," coach Ralph Friedgen said. "I said, 'Fine. It's time to move on,' " Friedgen said. "I don't want to get into the whole thing and make a big deal. We have to worry about kids who want to be here. That's where I'm going with that."
This means the Terps have lost all four starting defensive lineman from last season. Redshirt Freshman A.J. Francis has been taking the 1st team snaps while Armstrong sat out while taking care of academic issues.
The defensive line was already considered the weakest unit on this team and losing Armstrong doesn't help at all. Thankfully, Maryland doesn't play Georgia Tech this year. Unfortunately, Virginia Tech and Florida State are at the end of the year. Virginia Tech will have time to get there three-headed attack figured out and Florida State will have time to replace Antone Smith. Clemson and C.J. Spiller are early in the season and the offensive line that was a problem last year, should be much improved. Let's not forget that Maryland has to face the nation's leading returning rusher in Cal's Jahvid Best. Too bad Kevin Barnes is now a Redskin, maybe some of you remember that hit that knocked Best out last season.
Category: NCAAF
Huge Loss for the Hokies
RB Darren Evans was asked yesterday what his status was, he responded "I have a strained knee". The team doctors disagreed saying it was sprain. Last night it came out that it was neither. Instead, Evans has a torn ACL and will miss the season. Evans set many freshman records last season during his 1,265 rushing season. He also added 11 touchdowns. His best performance came against Maryland when he went off for 253 yards and was virtually unstoppable.
"Darren Evans suffered a left knee ACL tear this afternoon," head athletic trainer Mike Goforth said in a prepared statement. "He was evaluated by Dr. Marc Siegel and Dr. Gunnar Brolinson and received an MRI at Montgomery Regional Hospital that showed the ACL tear. He will be re-evaluated later this week to see when the ACL reconstruction surgery will take place. Our hope is to be able to repair the knee prior to classes starting so that he can get started on his rehab and continue his course work."
To take his place will be highly touted redshirt freshman Ryan Williams. He was the #4 running back in the 2008 class. He sat for a year and watched Evans take the place of injured starter Kenny Lewis Jr. and now it's his turn to take over for Evans. True Freshman David Wilson, another highly touted running back, will also see a major workload this year. Wilson was the #5 running back in the 2009 class and was tabbed as one of the most "college ready" backs in the '09 class. Lewis will be recovering from a torn achilles, but could be a contributor behind Williams and Wilson. Redshirt Sophomore Josh Ogeslby will also see some carries this year.
This is an absolutely huge loss for the Hokies, Evans was up for the Doak Walker Award for the Top Running Back in the Country. The loss puts a lot more emphasis on QB Tyrod Taylor on offense. Taylor will have to do more through the air, but as the second leading rusher last year he will also have to do more on the ground.
"Darren Evans suffered a left knee ACL tear this afternoon," head athletic trainer Mike Goforth said in a prepared statement. "He was evaluated by Dr. Marc Siegel and Dr. Gunnar Brolinson and received an MRI at Montgomery Regional Hospital that showed the ACL tear. He will be re-evaluated later this week to see when the ACL reconstruction surgery will take place. Our hope is to be able to repair the knee prior to classes starting so that he can get started on his rehab and continue his course work."
To take his place will be highly touted redshirt freshman Ryan Williams. He was the #4 running back in the 2008 class. He sat for a year and watched Evans take the place of injured starter Kenny Lewis Jr. and now it's his turn to take over for Evans. True Freshman David Wilson, another highly touted running back, will also see a major workload this year. Wilson was the #5 running back in the 2009 class and was tabbed as one of the most "college ready" backs in the '09 class. Lewis will be recovering from a torn achilles, but could be a contributor behind Williams and Wilson. Redshirt Sophomore Josh Ogeslby will also see some carries this year.
This is an absolutely huge loss for the Hokies, Evans was up for the Doak Walker Award for the Top Running Back in the Country. The loss puts a lot more emphasis on QB Tyrod Taylor on offense. Taylor will have to do more through the air, but as the second leading rusher last year he will also have to do more on the ground.
Category: NCAAF
Early ACC Thoughts
With Virginia Tech not releasing a summer depth chart (yet), the wait is on. Other sites have "predicted depth charts" but seeing as how they have conflicts with actual depth charts, I'll wait until it's official.
For Starters, let's look at the local players on the All-ACC Preseason Team.
* TE Greg Boone, Virginia Tech - One of the top returning TE's in the country. HS QB who will see time in a modified wildcat formation.
* OG Sergio Render, Virginia Tech - Was 2nd team All-ACC last season. 40 career starts headed into his senior season.
* DE Jason Worlids, Virginia Tech - Top returning sack leader from last season.
* LB Alex Wujciak, Maryland - ACC's second leading tackler last season.
* CB Ras-I Dowling, Virginia - One of the best players in the country at CB, needs to turn pass breakups into picks.
* S Kam Chancellor, Virginia Tech - Feared safety, can play in the box (2 Forced Fumbels) or out (2 INT's).
* P Travis Baltz, Maryland - Led ACC in Punting Average, one of the top punters in the country.
Local Players up for Post-season Awards:
Davey O'Brien Award (Nation's Top Quarterback)
* Tyrod Taylor, Virginia Tech
Doak Walker Award (Nation's Top Running Back)
* Darren Evans, Virginia Tech
* Da'Rel Scott, Maryland
John Mackey Award (Nation's Top Tight End)
* Greg Boone, Virginia Tech
Jim Thorpe Award (Nation's Top Defensive Back)
* Kam Chancellor, Virginia Tech
* Ras-I Dowling, Virginia
* Stephen Virgil, Virginia Tech
Ray Guy Award (Nation's Top Punter)
* Travis Baltz, Maryland
The Next Five National Awards will be announced this week. I would expect Sergio Render to possibly be nominated for the Outland Trophy (Best Interior Lineman). As for the Chuck Bednarik Award (Best Defensive Player) I think Alex Wujciak will be the lone local representive on the list. The Maxwell Award (Best All-Around Player) might have Tyrod Taylor on the list.
For Starters, let's look at the local players on the All-ACC Preseason Team.
* TE Greg Boone, Virginia Tech - One of the top returning TE's in the country. HS QB who will see time in a modified wildcat formation.
* OG Sergio Render, Virginia Tech - Was 2nd team All-ACC last season. 40 career starts headed into his senior season.
* DE Jason Worlids, Virginia Tech - Top returning sack leader from last season.
* LB Alex Wujciak, Maryland - ACC's second leading tackler last season.
* CB Ras-I Dowling, Virginia - One of the best players in the country at CB, needs to turn pass breakups into picks.
* S Kam Chancellor, Virginia Tech - Feared safety, can play in the box (2 Forced Fumbels) or out (2 INT's).
* P Travis Baltz, Maryland - Led ACC in Punting Average, one of the top punters in the country.
Local Players up for Post-season Awards:
Davey O'Brien Award (Nation's Top Quarterback)
* Tyrod Taylor, Virginia Tech
Doak Walker Award (Nation's Top Running Back)
* Darren Evans, Virginia Tech
* Da'Rel Scott, Maryland
John Mackey Award (Nation's Top Tight End)
* Greg Boone, Virginia Tech
Jim Thorpe Award (Nation's Top Defensive Back)
* Kam Chancellor, Virginia Tech
* Ras-I Dowling, Virginia
* Stephen Virgil, Virginia Tech
Ray Guy Award (Nation's Top Punter)
* Travis Baltz, Maryland
The Next Five National Awards will be announced this week. I would expect Sergio Render to possibly be nominated for the Outland Trophy (Best Interior Lineman). As for the Chuck Bednarik Award (Best Defensive Player) I think Alex Wujciak will be the lone local representive on the list. The Maxwell Award (Best All-Around Player) might have Tyrod Taylor on the list.
An Early Look at Maryland Football
I wanted to take an early look at the depth charts of the local colleges, so today we will do Maryland and tomorrow will be Virginia Tech. Some may argue it's too early, and if you believe that is true, enjoy watching the last place Nationals. So here goes a way too early look at Maryland with the depth chart released this past Monday, a new one should be out in the following weeks, but there shouldn't be too many changes barring injuries.
One way to describe the Maryland football team is consistently inconsistent. They had the opportunity to win their division with two games left and just had to win one. They ended up being blown out by Florida State at home (The "Blackout" never works at College Park, see here and here ) and then lost to Boston College on the road.
This year Maryland will have a lot of young guys stepping up into starting roles, especially on defense. Most of the offense is in tact, minus the #7 overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft (WR Darrius Heyward -Bey). The offensive and defensive line are the two weakest units on the team, and I believe that it could be a long year if they get dominated in the trenches. Maryland does have two preseason All-ACC selections in MLB Alex Wujciak and P Travis Baltz , both juniors. Maryland should have had a third in RB Da'Rel Scott, but everyone is too infatuated with C.J. Spiller of Clemson, and for good reason, but Scott was the one who made First Team All-ACC last season along side the 2008 Player of the Year Jonathan Dwyer of Georgia Tech.
Quarterback
This is Chris Turner's team. No competition with Jordan Steffy . No taking plays off so Josh Portis can run right, and run right some more. Steffy graduated and Portis transferred to a D-II school (California University of Pennsylvania). Turner needs to play every week like he's facing a top 25 team. He's 6-1 in his career against ranked opponents, but he's also had ugly losses to Virginia and Middle Tennessee State on his resume. His backup is Jamarr Robinson, a sophomore, who has never attempted a pass in college and is a virtual unknown. Robinson nearly switched to defense before Portis transferred as he thought he would never see playing time at Quarterback, hopefully he's right, at least for this season. After Robinson the depth chart gets even more dicey (officially no one is listed after Robinson), with local product C.J. Brown out of Seneca Valley (#35 QB in '09 recruiting class) and Danny O'Brien (#109 QB in '09 recruiting class).
Running Back
This is one of the positions of strength for the Terps as they return their top 3 rushers from last season. It all begins with Junior Da'Rel Scott. He's a very talented back with home-run ability, but can also take it between the tackles. He's also a good receiver out of the backfield. He had 1,304 total yards and averaged about 6 yards per touch. His two backups are pretty good with the ball in their hands as well, Sophomore Davin Meggett and Junior Morgan Green. Both are more than capable backups who combined for 570 yards on the ground and for over 5 yards a carry. If the Offensive Line can play well enough to let this trio loose it could be a great season for Maryland. Maryland is also blessed to have Fullback Cory Jackson back and healthy. Health will always be a concern for Jackson, but when he is in the game it's like an extra offensive lineman, who can make the occasional catch out of the backfield.
Wide Receiver
On one hand, this unit lost arguably the best player ever at the position (Hey-Bey). On the other, 9 guys were competing for the top spots in spring and the depth, and more importantly, the speed are encouraging. Sophomore Torrey Smith and Ronnie Tyler, barring injury should be the starters. Maryland is very odd with their depth chart, they claim to start 3 WR's , 2 TE's and a FB , add it up, it's not possible. With that in mind the leading candidate for the starting slot receiver is another Sophomore, Tony Logan. Junior Adrian Cannon is a speedster and should see action this year. Redshirt Freshman Kerry Boykins and Kevin Dorsey are also in line for some playing time as well. The dark horse here is Sophomore Quinton McCree who posted the third fastest 40-yard dash time in spring camp. One player who people might be familiar with is Junior Emani Lee-Odai , he's currently sitting third at X receiver, which is a big fall from a guy who was expected to be starting this year.
Tight End
Tight End has usually been a position of strength for the Terps with four guys (Jeff Dugan , Vernon Davis, Joey Haynos and Dan Gronkowski ) making rosters in the NFL. This year the competition is wide open with three guys competing for playing time. Senior Tommy Galt , Sophomore Lansford Watson and Redshirt Freshman Matt Furstenburg . Watson is the leading returning receiver of the group and should be considered the favorite to lead them again. Galt has primarily been used as a blocking tight end, but will see his role expanded this year. Furstenburg , and fellow Redshirt Freshman Devonte Campbell will have to wait another year to make an impact.
Offensive Line
It's not the biggest weakness on the team, but it's the second biggest. The Offensive Line lost 5 of it's top 7 players from last year. The holdovers are Center Phil Costa, a senior, and Left Tackle Bruce Campbell, a junior (not to be confused with this guy , but if he ever said "This is my boom stick", I'd lose my mind.). Costa will be the rock that holds this line together and Campbell is a workout warrior who will take on whomever wants to come get some of Chris Turner. The rest of the line will be up for grabs once summer practices get under way. Left Guard is a dead-heat between Sophomores Lamar Young and Andrew Gonnella , I'd put my money on Young at the moment. Right Guard currently has Redshirt Freshman Justin Lewis at top spot, but I would look out for true Freshman Pete White (#22 OG in '09 recruiting class), a man-child at 6-5 340 lbs and he also happens to be from my Alma Mater, St. John's in DC. Right Tackle is a toss up between Junior Paul Pinegar and Redshirt Freshman R.J. Dill. Dill was on top coming out of spring, but heading in to summer Pinegar is on top.
Defensive Line
This is the weakest unit on the team, by far. The most experienced player on the unit is Defensive End Jared Harrell, a senior who saw his first action last fall. Harrell will be counted to lead this unit and try to get to the quarterback, something Maryland hasn't done well in the past. At the other end position is Derek Drummond , a sophomore and converted tight end. He's very fast and will be vying for time at the LEO (hybrid D-End/Linebacker) position. In the middle three guys will be vying for the two positions. Redshirt Freshman A.J. Francis has the advantage at Nose Tackle and Travis Ivey has the lead at D-Tackle. The other player competing for serious time is Zach Kerr (#31 DT in '08 recruiting class, spent a year at prep school), a true freshman from local Quince Orchard High School. The defensive line has a lot of youth, but there is definitely talent there. Whether or not they can put it all together is unclear. The three back up DE's /LEO's are all freshman as well: Redshirt Freshmen Massengo Kabongo and Carl Russell, and true freshman De'Onte Arnett (#53 DE in '09 recruiting class).
Linebacker
Penn State is known as Linebacker U, but maybe people should start looking at Maryland for top LB's . MLB Alex Wujciak is the next great LB to wear a Terps jersey. One of the OLB positions will be manned by Junior Adrian Moten . Moten was a Freshman All-American (Honorable Mention) in 2007 and after a wrist injury limited him last year, he looks to return to all-conference form. Redshirt Freshman Demetrius Hartsfield currently has the lead at the other outisde position, but can also play inside when the Terps go into a 3-4 defense. Darin Drakeford (#41 LB in '09 recruiting class), a true freshman, backs up Moten and could see significant playing time. The sleeper here is Sophomore Ben Pooler , the coaches love him, but he cannot stay healthy. He is big, physical and fast, but has suffered back-to-back season ending knee injuries. If he can stay healthy he could make an impact.
Secondary
This is, by far, the best unit on the team. There are 7 impact guys in the secondary, which is incredibly exciting to think about, but disappointing knowing at most 5 will be on the field most of the time. At Cornerback Seniors Nolan Carroll and Anthony Wiseman are back and should look to be All-ACC performers. Both Carroll and Wiseman are fast, shut down corners who are both great in run support. Carroll is going to be the leader of the defense and looks to be healthy heading into the summer. Wiseman is a local product from DeMatha High School, which is right down the road from College Park and looks to go out with a bang in his senior season. The Nickel Corner will be a talented, young Sophomore Cam Chism , another local product (Bishop McNamara HS). The Safties will be the strength of the secondary though. Senior Terrell Skinner is the starter at Free Safety and Senior Jamari McCullough is the starter at Strong Safety. Both are physical guys in the secondary, but as scary as it is their backups may be even better than they are. Antwine Perez, a transfer from USC , backs up Skinner and should see a lot of time this year. Sophomore sensation Kenny Tate was given the option to start at Wide Receiver this year, or backup at safety and chose to stay at Safety. He was the gem of the 2008 recruiting class and could eventually take over for McCullough at Strong Safety and put McCullough at Nickel Corner. McCullough can play both positions and his versatility is a huge asset. Tate could also see time at LB should injuries add up.
Special Teams
Kicking has been a problem since Nick Novak left College Park. This year won't change that. Right now the kickers job is up for grabs between two guys with no experience, and one guy who transferred from a D-II school. Sophomore walk-on Mike Barbour is currently leading the three-player race. Sophomore Transfer (from IUP ) Nick Wallace and True Freshman Nick Ferrera (#28 K in the '09 recruiting class) are also competing for the job. Ironically, Barbour and Ferrera graduated from the same high school. Ferrera is the player the fans will want to win the job since he was one of the top kickers coming out of high school last year. Punter is locked up by All-ACC Baltz . The return game is where things get extremely exciting, and record breaking. Torrey Smith set the ACC return record for kick-off returns last year and looks to improve on that number this year. Smith is backed up by Tony Logan, but Logan is the front-runner for punt return duty. Anthony Wiseman and Kenny Tate are also vying for time in the return game. All these guys are burners, regardless who of who is returning kicks, Maryland will have good field position.
Freshmen
Last year only four true freshmen saw playing time. Ferrera should win the kicking job. Drakeford is the backup at Linebacker and should see time immediately. Kerr should see time along the defensive line. Arnett and White could see time if injuries pop up on along the line.
And then there is the sleeper of all sleepers. Now Friedgen has never actually said this player will play, and actually isn't on the 3-deep depth chart, but he is a dynamic player and it will be hard to keep his speed off the field. RB Caleb Porzel of Good Counsel High School is fast. A headline for scout.com reads "Porzel is more than just speed". Yeah, but have you seen his times? He's been clocked at 4.21 and 4.29 in the 40 time, both were official. Meaning he'd be one of the fastest players in the NFL, let alone the NCAA. The fastest 40-yard dash time for a running back in this decade was Chris Johnson out of ECU at 4.24 seconds. This is Johnson's highlight tape which is a YouTube smash hit, most would argue it's because of the amazing clips, I say it's the great rap about ECU in the background. You decide. Regardless, Porzel is a little shorter, but just as fast as Johnson. Now if only he get's that man's bod to go with the speed.
This is a very young roster and they have the ability to surprise the pundits (predicted to finish 5th in the ACC Atlantic) and possibly improve on their 8-5 record from last year.
One way to describe the Maryland football team is consistently inconsistent. They had the opportunity to win their division with two games left and just had to win one. They ended up being blown out by Florida State at home (The "Blackout" never works at College Park, see here and here ) and then lost to Boston College on the road.
This year Maryland will have a lot of young guys stepping up into starting roles, especially on defense. Most of the offense is in tact, minus the #7 overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft (WR Darrius Heyward -Bey). The offensive and defensive line are the two weakest units on the team, and I believe that it could be a long year if they get dominated in the trenches. Maryland does have two preseason All-ACC selections in MLB Alex Wujciak and P Travis Baltz , both juniors. Maryland should have had a third in RB Da'Rel Scott, but everyone is too infatuated with C.J. Spiller of Clemson, and for good reason, but Scott was the one who made First Team All-ACC last season along side the 2008 Player of the Year Jonathan Dwyer of Georgia Tech.
Quarterback
This is Chris Turner's team. No competition with Jordan Steffy . No taking plays off so Josh Portis can run right, and run right some more. Steffy graduated and Portis transferred to a D-II school (California University of Pennsylvania). Turner needs to play every week like he's facing a top 25 team. He's 6-1 in his career against ranked opponents, but he's also had ugly losses to Virginia and Middle Tennessee State on his resume. His backup is Jamarr Robinson, a sophomore, who has never attempted a pass in college and is a virtual unknown. Robinson nearly switched to defense before Portis transferred as he thought he would never see playing time at Quarterback, hopefully he's right, at least for this season. After Robinson the depth chart gets even more dicey (officially no one is listed after Robinson), with local product C.J. Brown out of Seneca Valley (#35 QB in '09 recruiting class) and Danny O'Brien (#109 QB in '09 recruiting class).
Running Back
This is one of the positions of strength for the Terps as they return their top 3 rushers from last season. It all begins with Junior Da'Rel Scott. He's a very talented back with home-run ability, but can also take it between the tackles. He's also a good receiver out of the backfield. He had 1,304 total yards and averaged about 6 yards per touch. His two backups are pretty good with the ball in their hands as well, Sophomore Davin Meggett and Junior Morgan Green. Both are more than capable backups who combined for 570 yards on the ground and for over 5 yards a carry. If the Offensive Line can play well enough to let this trio loose it could be a great season for Maryland. Maryland is also blessed to have Fullback Cory Jackson back and healthy. Health will always be a concern for Jackson, but when he is in the game it's like an extra offensive lineman, who can make the occasional catch out of the backfield.
Wide Receiver
On one hand, this unit lost arguably the best player ever at the position (Hey-Bey). On the other, 9 guys were competing for the top spots in spring and the depth, and more importantly, the speed are encouraging. Sophomore Torrey Smith and Ronnie Tyler, barring injury should be the starters. Maryland is very odd with their depth chart, they claim to start 3 WR's , 2 TE's and a FB , add it up, it's not possible. With that in mind the leading candidate for the starting slot receiver is another Sophomore, Tony Logan. Junior Adrian Cannon is a speedster and should see action this year. Redshirt Freshman Kerry Boykins and Kevin Dorsey are also in line for some playing time as well. The dark horse here is Sophomore Quinton McCree who posted the third fastest 40-yard dash time in spring camp. One player who people might be familiar with is Junior Emani Lee-Odai , he's currently sitting third at X receiver, which is a big fall from a guy who was expected to be starting this year.
Tight End
Tight End has usually been a position of strength for the Terps with four guys (Jeff Dugan , Vernon Davis, Joey Haynos and Dan Gronkowski ) making rosters in the NFL. This year the competition is wide open with three guys competing for playing time. Senior Tommy Galt , Sophomore Lansford Watson and Redshirt Freshman Matt Furstenburg . Watson is the leading returning receiver of the group and should be considered the favorite to lead them again. Galt has primarily been used as a blocking tight end, but will see his role expanded this year. Furstenburg , and fellow Redshirt Freshman Devonte Campbell will have to wait another year to make an impact.
Offensive Line
It's not the biggest weakness on the team, but it's the second biggest. The Offensive Line lost 5 of it's top 7 players from last year. The holdovers are Center Phil Costa, a senior, and Left Tackle Bruce Campbell, a junior (not to be confused with this guy , but if he ever said "This is my boom stick", I'd lose my mind.). Costa will be the rock that holds this line together and Campbell is a workout warrior who will take on whomever wants to come get some of Chris Turner. The rest of the line will be up for grabs once summer practices get under way. Left Guard is a dead-heat between Sophomores Lamar Young and Andrew Gonnella , I'd put my money on Young at the moment. Right Guard currently has Redshirt Freshman Justin Lewis at top spot, but I would look out for true Freshman Pete White (#22 OG in '09 recruiting class), a man-child at 6-5 340 lbs and he also happens to be from my Alma Mater, St. John's in DC. Right Tackle is a toss up between Junior Paul Pinegar and Redshirt Freshman R.J. Dill. Dill was on top coming out of spring, but heading in to summer Pinegar is on top.
Defensive Line
This is the weakest unit on the team, by far. The most experienced player on the unit is Defensive End Jared Harrell, a senior who saw his first action last fall. Harrell will be counted to lead this unit and try to get to the quarterback, something Maryland hasn't done well in the past. At the other end position is Derek Drummond , a sophomore and converted tight end. He's very fast and will be vying for time at the LEO (hybrid D-End/Linebacker) position. In the middle three guys will be vying for the two positions. Redshirt Freshman A.J. Francis has the advantage at Nose Tackle and Travis Ivey has the lead at D-Tackle. The other player competing for serious time is Zach Kerr (#31 DT in '08 recruiting class, spent a year at prep school), a true freshman from local Quince Orchard High School. The defensive line has a lot of youth, but there is definitely talent there. Whether or not they can put it all together is unclear. The three back up DE's /LEO's are all freshman as well: Redshirt Freshmen Massengo Kabongo and Carl Russell, and true freshman De'Onte Arnett (#53 DE in '09 recruiting class).
Linebacker
Penn State is known as Linebacker U, but maybe people should start looking at Maryland for top LB's . MLB Alex Wujciak is the next great LB to wear a Terps jersey. One of the OLB positions will be manned by Junior Adrian Moten . Moten was a Freshman All-American (Honorable Mention) in 2007 and after a wrist injury limited him last year, he looks to return to all-conference form. Redshirt Freshman Demetrius Hartsfield currently has the lead at the other outisde position, but can also play inside when the Terps go into a 3-4 defense. Darin Drakeford (#41 LB in '09 recruiting class), a true freshman, backs up Moten and could see significant playing time. The sleeper here is Sophomore Ben Pooler , the coaches love him, but he cannot stay healthy. He is big, physical and fast, but has suffered back-to-back season ending knee injuries. If he can stay healthy he could make an impact.
Secondary
This is, by far, the best unit on the team. There are 7 impact guys in the secondary, which is incredibly exciting to think about, but disappointing knowing at most 5 will be on the field most of the time. At Cornerback Seniors Nolan Carroll and Anthony Wiseman are back and should look to be All-ACC performers. Both Carroll and Wiseman are fast, shut down corners who are both great in run support. Carroll is going to be the leader of the defense and looks to be healthy heading into the summer. Wiseman is a local product from DeMatha High School, which is right down the road from College Park and looks to go out with a bang in his senior season. The Nickel Corner will be a talented, young Sophomore Cam Chism , another local product (Bishop McNamara HS). The Safties will be the strength of the secondary though. Senior Terrell Skinner is the starter at Free Safety and Senior Jamari McCullough is the starter at Strong Safety. Both are physical guys in the secondary, but as scary as it is their backups may be even better than they are. Antwine Perez, a transfer from USC , backs up Skinner and should see a lot of time this year. Sophomore sensation Kenny Tate was given the option to start at Wide Receiver this year, or backup at safety and chose to stay at Safety. He was the gem of the 2008 recruiting class and could eventually take over for McCullough at Strong Safety and put McCullough at Nickel Corner. McCullough can play both positions and his versatility is a huge asset. Tate could also see time at LB should injuries add up.
Special Teams
Kicking has been a problem since Nick Novak left College Park. This year won't change that. Right now the kickers job is up for grabs between two guys with no experience, and one guy who transferred from a D-II school. Sophomore walk-on Mike Barbour is currently leading the three-player race. Sophomore Transfer (from IUP ) Nick Wallace and True Freshman Nick Ferrera (#28 K in the '09 recruiting class) are also competing for the job. Ironically, Barbour and Ferrera graduated from the same high school. Ferrera is the player the fans will want to win the job since he was one of the top kickers coming out of high school last year. Punter is locked up by All-ACC Baltz . The return game is where things get extremely exciting, and record breaking. Torrey Smith set the ACC return record for kick-off returns last year and looks to improve on that number this year. Smith is backed up by Tony Logan, but Logan is the front-runner for punt return duty. Anthony Wiseman and Kenny Tate are also vying for time in the return game. All these guys are burners, regardless who of who is returning kicks, Maryland will have good field position.
Freshmen
Last year only four true freshmen saw playing time. Ferrera should win the kicking job. Drakeford is the backup at Linebacker and should see time immediately. Kerr should see time along the defensive line. Arnett and White could see time if injuries pop up on along the line.
And then there is the sleeper of all sleepers. Now Friedgen has never actually said this player will play, and actually isn't on the 3-deep depth chart, but he is a dynamic player and it will be hard to keep his speed off the field. RB Caleb Porzel of Good Counsel High School is fast. A headline for scout.com reads "Porzel is more than just speed". Yeah, but have you seen his times? He's been clocked at 4.21 and 4.29 in the 40 time, both were official. Meaning he'd be one of the fastest players in the NFL, let alone the NCAA. The fastest 40-yard dash time for a running back in this decade was Chris Johnson out of ECU at 4.24 seconds. This is Johnson's highlight tape which is a YouTube smash hit, most would argue it's because of the amazing clips, I say it's the great rap about ECU in the background. You decide. Regardless, Porzel is a little shorter, but just as fast as Johnson. Now if only he get's that man's bod to go with the speed.
This is a very young roster and they have the ability to surprise the pundits (predicted to finish 5th in the ACC Atlantic) and possibly improve on their 8-5 record from last year.
Category: NCAAF
Back to School
You may recognize my name; I began as an intern for the Big O and Dukes Show and eventually became a part-time producer for the show on the old WJFK . I've have past experience covering local college sports, primarily Maryland. Covering college sports for the the new 106.7 The Fan is the perfect opportunity for me. My blog will cover mostly local college sports: Maryland, Virginia Tech, Georgetown and George Mason. You may see some Navy and Virginia coverage from time to time as well.
I'll give you a little background knowledge on me: I'm a Senior at Maryland and I've lived in DC my entire life, except a year spent in Bowling Green, Ohio for college, which is a terrible place. The Skins, Wizards and Capitals are the only teams I've ever rooted for. I jumped on the bandwagon once the Nationals came to town because I was tired of Angelos . I used to have season tickets to Navy Football and Maryland Football in the same season, and still support both teams, strongly. I'd rather watch the Triple Option than the Spread Offense. There is no better time of year than the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. I always root for the underdog, unless Maryland is the favorite. I couldn't give you one answer if you asked me who the greatest college football team of all-time is, but I could give you two. I think the BCS system is totally flawed. The coaches poll was the single worst idea adopted by college sports. The college basketball eligibility debate should be settled the same way football decided upon. I haven't owned Madden since 2004, but I've had every copy of NCAA Football. It must be nice being this guy .
I love action movies and comedies, so you should expect me to drop some quotes from my favorite movies. I'll let you, The Fan, figure out what they are. Speaking of you, The Fan, I'd love to get your input on what you'd like to see in this blog. I can only hope you enjoy reading this blog, as much as I enjoy writing it.
-BA
I'll give you a little background knowledge on me: I'm a Senior at Maryland and I've lived in DC my entire life, except a year spent in Bowling Green, Ohio for college, which is a terrible place. The Skins, Wizards and Capitals are the only teams I've ever rooted for. I jumped on the bandwagon once the Nationals came to town because I was tired of Angelos . I used to have season tickets to Navy Football and Maryland Football in the same season, and still support both teams, strongly. I'd rather watch the Triple Option than the Spread Offense. There is no better time of year than the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. I always root for the underdog, unless Maryland is the favorite. I couldn't give you one answer if you asked me who the greatest college football team of all-time is, but I could give you two. I think the BCS system is totally flawed. The coaches poll was the single worst idea adopted by college sports. The college basketball eligibility debate should be settled the same way football decided upon. I haven't owned Madden since 2004, but I've had every copy of NCAA Football. It must be nice being this guy .
I love action movies and comedies, so you should expect me to drop some quotes from my favorite movies. I'll let you, The Fan, figure out what they are. Speaking of you, The Fan, I'd love to get your input on what you'd like to see in this blog. I can only hope you enjoy reading this blog, as much as I enjoy writing it.
-BA
