College Football Talk

[Crazy Money]

Nobody cares anymore?

[Basser1]

Hi buyit,

Real nice to see another Trojan fan on here!!! FIGHT ON!!!!!
I'm heading to the big city to see the scrimmage today Whew that was good to see Sanchez up and cruising around, he looks like he is moving real well and says he has no pain. I do like Aaron Corp too though since he is just like having another running back at qb, this kid can scoot!!!!
Basser

[buyittradeit]

http://tinyurl.com/5l9wh2>






The only people in this world that don't want to be millionaires are billionaires.

[buyittradeit]

http://usctrojans.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/usc-m-footbl-body.html

[Basser1]

[HoosierHoagie]

Count me in, er I mean I'm counting too. <G>

[Basser1]

But then who is really counting? lol!!! I mean besides just you and me!!! lol!!!

Basser

[cajundb]

Sporting New's team previews: No. 16 Auburn

There's this fan-based theory floating around The Plains: New offensive coordinator Tony Franklin needed just two weeks to implement his spread offense last bowl season, and Auburn handled a formidable defense in a Peach Bowl win over Clemson.

How good can the Tigers' offense be after 15 spring practices and a month of fall camp?

"That sounds good," Franklin says. "But it's a lot more than that."

The system, which has principles of the Hal Mumme/Mike Leach pass-happy schemes, begins and ends with quarterbacks and receivers. And here's the strength of the Auburn offense: running backs.

Coach Tommy Tuberville recruited over the years for a power running game, so it's no surprise tailbacks Ben Tate and Brad Lester are the two best players on the offense. While the new scheme won't ignore the run, there will be fewer formations with lead blockers and more with multiple receivers spreading the defense and forcing opponents to cover laterally.

To pull that off, Auburn has to throw and catch the ball with accuracy and consistency. And that wasn't necessarily the case during the 15 practices this spring. Part of the problem was the tenuous situation at quarterback, and the fact the Tigers are inexperienced at receiver.

The starting quarterback job is between junior college transfer Chris Todd and Kodi Burns, who played well in spots in the win over Clemson.

Franklin's system relies on wideouts reading defenses as much as the quarterback. Many of the routes are option routes, and if there is no cohesion between the quarterback and wideouts, the passing game suffers.

Like in the Mumme/Leach systems, Franklin likes to work the middle of the field with his offense, and that means tight ends and slot receivers will be at a premium.

Mario Fannin moved to slotback, and the one-time heir to the tailback spot looks good in his new position. The fumble problems he had at tailback weren't an issue in the spring, and he was consistently getting open and showing athletic ability after the catch. Then there's Tommy Trott, who lost 20 pounds and now plays more like an H-back or slot receiver than a tight end.

Beyond the new offense, the Tigers could make it back to the SEC championship for the first time since their undefeated season of 2004 because of their stout interior lines.

The offensive linemen all lost weight to transition to Franklin's quick-paced offense, and although three sophomores (including rising star Lee Ziemba) had some rough moments last fall, the group is very aggressive and won't have to protect as long with five- and seven-step quarterback drops a thing of the past.

The defensive front, meanwhile, has two of the league's best players in tackle/end Sen'Derrick Marks and rush end Antonio Coleman. Marks will play inside in run situations, and likely shift outside in long down-and-distance passing situations. Coleman didn't start until midway through last season, and he didn't get nearly the attention of Marks. But by the end of the season, Coleman was as disruptive as any down lineman in the SEC.

The Tigers are strong at linebacker, with undersized but fast linebackers and physical defensive backs. Tray Blackmon is as good as any linebacker in the nation when he's properly motivated, but he takes too many plays off and has had too many problems off the field.

Paul Rhoads takes over for popular Will Muschamp as defensive coordinator, and also coaches the secondary. The group is talented but became a bit thinner after cornerback Aairon Savage was knocked out for the year earlier this week with a torn ACL.

Zac Etheridge and Mike McNeil took some lumps early as freshmen, then grew into the safety positions in the second half of the season. Rhoads likes to use his safeties much like the rest of the front seven--in various pressure packages depending on the offensive formations.

Two new coordinators, two new schemes. How quickly and successfully Auburn adjusts to them will go a long way in determining how far the Tigers go this season.

[cajundb]

I love preseason picks!! This should be a great season!! LOL

[cajundb]

Approximately 20 Days, 23 Hours 38 Minutes and 31 Seconds until life as we know it begins!! LOL

[HoosierHoagie]

Semper Fi back atcha, I myself am not a Marine but my Son is. If they would let me in at 51 I would give it a go though. <G>

[HoosierHoagie]

Hey I'm glad you are rid of that scumbag Rodriquez for a Coach and Sorry for all the Michigan fans. Looks like the replacement is a great guy and I hope he does well. You have some talent there at WV so don't think there isn't a chance.

[coaldollars]

Hey Marine. Semper Fi.
Didn't know we had such a board here.
Will become a paid member now.
Go T

[coaldollars]

Alrught...W VA of course but u guys are a contender.

[HoosierHoagie]

Pardon me but who is us. <G>

[coaldollars]

BTW...I see us udefeated this season and
a national Champ...putting me out on the limb here.

[coaldollars]

Got that right!!!

[coaldollars]

Hey guys ...Season almost here...Oh happy day

[Basser1]

At the end of last year there was a semi qb contreversy brewing between Mustain and Sanchez anyway. Mustain was 8 and 0 for Arkansas before transfering so he will be a good backup if Mark can't make it back. The third string kid is a redshirt freshman named Aaron Corp and he can run and throws a good looking ball. Barkley is a senior in high school but commited early. It seems like we have gone from Tailback U to QB U in the last few years.

GLTA and lets see that first snap!!!!

Basser

[cajundb]

He may be needed sooner than expected.

Southern Cal QB Sanchez injures knee

(Sporting News) Southern Cal quarterback Mark Sanchez dislocated his left kneecap in Friday's practice but could be healthy enough to play in the Trojans' Aug. 30 season opener at Virginia.

USC sports information director Tim Tessalone confirmed the diagnosis Friday night. He said Sanchez will keep the joint immobilized through the weekend and begin rehabilitation Monday.

Sanchez was injured as the Trojans went through routine stretching to prepare for the workout. Sanchez leaped to throw a pass to a teammate and crumpled to the ground when he landed awkwardly on the knee.

"We lucked out is what happened," Trojans coach Pete Carroll told reporters at practice.

Sanchez was helped to a trainer's table where he received ice treatment, and then left the field on a cart. He was taken to a hospital, where doctors took X-rays and an MRI before issuing a diagnosis.

"It was scary, frightening at first," Sanchez said. "The way they say these things happen, it could be a lot worse. ... I have heard about people who come back from this in a short period of time and others in a long period. I'm hoping mine is short."

The timetable for Sanchez's return to practice would be hard to predict, Tessalone said.

"Some guys are back within 10 days," he said. "Some guys don't even take that long. Some guys, it's longer."

If Sanchez misses games, the Trojans would turn to Arkansas transfer Mitch Mustain and redshirt freshman Aaron Corp. Sanchez, a 6-3, 225-pound redshirt junior from Mission Viejo, Calif., beat out his two competitors for the starting job last spring.

Sanchez is the only of the three quarterbacks to play for the Trojans. Last year, he appeared in seven games and started against Arizona, Oregon and Notre Dame when starter John David Booty was injured. He was 69-of-114 passing for 695 yards in 2007, with seven touchdowns and five interceptions.

Mustain went 8-0 as a starter with Arkansas in 2006, and the Razorbacks won the Southeastern Conference West Division.

Serious injury to Sanchez would have devastated the Trojans, who enter the season ranked No. 3 in the nation by Sporting News. Sanchez and returning tailbacks Joe McKnight, C.J. Gable and Stafon Johnson are expected to help cover for an inconsistent receiving corps and an offensive line that lost four starters from last year's Rose Bowl champs.

Barring setback, Sanchez could be ready to play by month's end. And that should keep the Trojans a popular Pac-10 champion pick and in the Top 5 of most preseason national rankings.

[HoosierHoagie]

You are it Pops.<G> Sorry to hear about your QB.

[Basser1]

I watched this Barkley kid in an all star game last year and he is the real deal! As a junior he had a very good grade point average and ran a charity for Marine families from Camp Pendleton this is a very mature kid. I like to see kids that commit to schools early so they don't get hounded by the recruiters on a daily basis. I am also glad that he commited to USC by the way!! lol!!

Basser

[Basser1]

So let me guess that since you guys are all youngsters that would make me kind of board granddaddy at 58 right?



Go Trojans!! Always better safe than sorry I say!! lol!!

Basser

[Basser1]

I don't need to skydive for thrills, man all I need to get the heartrate way up is to ride with my son to the airport in the BMW!! Nothing like double the posted speed while sending e-mails on his phone to start the day out right. I wanted to kiss the ground at LAX when we got there!! lol!!

Basser

[HoosierHoagie]

Yes I know Texas Played Ohio St in 05 and 06.

[strongtower]

all talk and info has been moved here.

collegiate sports.
http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/board.aspx?board_id=1293

[strongtower]

that is the downfall of being in the SEC, they not only play each other but they go out and sign huge non conference teams to play. We play Ohio St in 2 years.

[cajundb]

One man's trash is another man's treasure??

Former LSU lineman transfers to Oklahoma

(SI.com) - NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -- Former LSU offensive lineman Jarvis Jones has transferred to Oklahoma.

Jones played seven games during the Tigers' national championship season last year but was dismissed after breaking team rules. The 6-foot-7, 294-pound Jones was at Sooners practice Thursday.

"Jarvis is a talented guy who we recruited when he was in high school," Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said. "We're excited that he has joined the team."

Jones played as a backup at left tackle and right guard as a freshman last season. He must sit out a year under NCAA transfer rules and will be eligible to play in 2009.

Oklahoma had a scholarship open last week when receiver Josh Jarboe was kicked off the team.

[cajundb]

Nobody's perfect: BCS contenders have flaws to fix

(Sporting news) - Every team has a weak spot, an Achilles' heel, a tragic flaw. And every team save one is going to fall short of the national title. Here's some likely causes for the top contenders to stumble:


1. Florida's secondary: When last you saw this unit, it was being flayed to ribbons by Michigan in the Capital One Bowl. Gators' DBs allowed a 60 percent completion rate last season and overall, Florida yielded 25.5 points per game last year. If they can't get that back closer to the 13.5 of their national championship season, another trip to Orlando -- and not Miami -- is likely.

2. Southern California's offensive line: The Trojans' line is one of the least experienced in the country. This could be ... an issue ... for a team that hasn't settled on a featured back yet and only has four starters back on offense.

3. West Virginia's coaching: Everybody loved Bill Stewart after he led the Mountaineers to a 48-28 victory over Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl. He seemed so genuinely appreciative of the opportunity. It was a feel-good story, but the reality is West Virginia hired a coach who would not have been a candidate for any other major college job in the country.

4. Oklahoma's cornerbacks and linebackers: After a front four that should be stout and violent, the Sooners are looking to break in two new linebackers and two new cornerbacks. Oklahoma's top four tacklers from last season are gone, and in a league filled with top passers, relying on inexperienced corners could be the Sooners' undoing.

5. Georgia's schedule: The Bulldogs visit South Carolina (almost always a tough nut for them to crack) and Arizona State in September. If they survive that, they'll have to take on Tennessee at home before closing the season with trips to LSU and Auburn, and, if all is still on track, the SEC title game -- most likely against a testy set of Tigers. By comparison, Hercules simply had to tidy up the stables, round up the critters and get the laundry.

6. Ohio State's recent, uh, performances in national title games: It's silly to suggest that Ohio State lacks some secret code to beat SEC teams in bowl games, even though it hasn't happened yet in nine tries. That said, with memories of the past two seasons' pratfalls fresh in their minds, BCS voters are unlikely to give the Buckeyes the benefit of the doubt if more than two candidates present a case for the title game.

[cajundb]

Washington, O'Neal will sit out first two games of season

(ESPN) - Ohio State defensive backs Donald Washington and Jamario O'Neal have been suspended for the first two games of the season, the players told reporters Thursday at media day.

Multiple news outlets reported Thursday night that the players confirmed their suspensions but did not elaborate on the reason for punishment. There has been no official announcement from the team.

Washington is a starting cornerback for the Buckeyes. O'Neal is a reserve at strong safety. The two will miss games against Youngstown State and Ohio before being allowed to return Sept. 13 at USC.

Both players were held out of portions of spring practice for undisclosed reasons. Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said only that they needed to "earn their car keys back."

The Buckeyes secondary is already without Eugene Clifford, who transferred shortly after an assault arrest, and James Scott, who is not participating in training camp.

Washington has made 22 career starts, including all 13 games last year. He has 80 career tackles and an interception. Sophomore Chimdi Chekwa, listed ahead of Washington on the preseason depth chart, likely will start in his place against Youngstown State and Ohio.

[cajundb]

High-scoring Tulsa eyeing perfect season, BCS run

(from CBS Sorts.com) TULSA, Okla. -- Tulsa coach Todd Graham is keeping no secrets when it comes to his lofty goals for this season. Anything less than perfection will be a disappointment.

And after watching former WAC rivals Boise State and Hawaii reach the BCS the past two seasons, why shouldn't the Golden Hurricane dream of becoming the next team to crash the Bowl Championship Series party?

"Why wouldn't we have that goal? You look at what Boise State and Hawaii has done, that is definitely our goal," Graham said. "We haven't done anything to boast or brag or to be talked about in that manner. But on the same hand, if you ask me what our goals are, that's what they are."

Don't believe him? Well, neither did some of his players when the former defensive coordinator took over as head coach last season and set a goal of making Tulsa the nation's top offense.

Gus Malzahn unleashed the no-huddle scheme that he never got to use at Arkansas, and the Golden Hurricane averaged 544 yards as three relatively unknown receivers eclipsed 1,000 yards. The trigger man, Paul Smith, has moved on after a record-setting career but longtime understudy David Johnson and junior college transfer Jacob Bower are competing to replace him with every skill player back around them.

"I don't know how many people outside our locker room believe that we'll be in a BCS game but as long as the people inside the locker room do, we'll be fine," said Tarrion Adams, who ran for 1,225 yards last season.

A four-game midseason stretch will present the biggest hurdle for Tulsa. UTEP and defending Conference USA champion Central Florida come to town before a road game at Arkansas on Nov. 1. Two weeks later is a visit to 2006 C-USA champ Houston, where former Oklahoma receivers coach Kevin Sumlin has taken over for Art Briles.

And don't forget SMU, which could have life for the first time since its 1989 NCAA death penalty with the arrival of June Jones after he led Hawaii to the Sugar Bowl last season.

"It ain't easy. It don't make it any easier. You've got to be able to win them all," Graham said. "It's not easy for Oklahoma to win them all. It's pretty hard in college football to go undefeated."

The Golden Hurricane matched a school record with 10 wins last season, finishing in impressive fashion with a 63-7 GMAC Bowl victory against Bowling Green that went down as the biggest bowl blowout ever.

"We don't really feel like the underdogs this year. We feel like we have enough talent to match up with any team in the country," said receiver Brennan Marion, who caught 39 passes for 1,244 yards last season for an NCAA record 31.9 yards per reception. "We're just excited to play and get out there and shock the world."

[cajundb]

Mountaineers are new beasts of Big East

(from Sporting News) Since the Miami (Fla.) and Virginia Tech left the Big East, commissioner Mike Tranghese has pitched competitive balance as the league's selling point.

Apparently, West Virginia didn't get the memo from the league office.

The Mountaineers haven't quite reached Hurricanes-level dominance, but over the last three years, they've won 34 games and finished in the top-10 in nation three times, with league championships and BCS victories in 2005 and '07.

Favored to win the Big East again this season behind its Heisman Trophy contender quarterback, there's no doubting West Virginia is the conference's premiere program.

But can the Mountaineers stay on top with Coach Rod in Michigan and Coach Stew running the show in Morgantown?

"We like proving people wrong," senior tackle Ryan Stanchek said. "I think it's great for the football team. I think we do a lot better when we are the underdog. We do better when we have something to prove. So keep telling us that we don't have a coaching staff."

During the tumultuous time after Rich Rodriguez left West Virginia for Michigan, Bill Stewart, a West Virginia native like Rodriguez, directed the Mountaineers to a 48-28 victory against Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl.

Stewart, an affable longtime assistant, was rewarded with a promotion to permanent head coach, putting one of the most talented teams in the country in the hands of a man whose only head coaching experience was three lackluster seasons at VMI.

It seemed all of West Virginia loved coach Stew after the Fiesta Bowl, but that warm and fuzzy feeling won't last if the Mountaineers stumble this season -- and he knows it.

"I don't worry about that pressure," Stewart said during Big East media days in Rhode Island earlier this month. "Every game, they're all big. We're going to approach every game in a championship manner."

The mastermind behind West Virginia's spread offense is gone, but the guy who makes it go is back for his senior season. Pat White ran for 1,335 yards and 14 touchdowns and completed 69 percent of his throws.

White expects to throw it even more this season, but it's when he leaves the pocket that he becomes one of the most dangerous players in the country.

"He's very unique. He's slippery," Pittsburgh linebacker Scott McKillop, a third-team All-American and the league's leading tackler last season. "You've got to make sure you have him tackled because if you think you have him tackled he could be 60 yards downfield."

McKillop and the Panthers have yet to reach a bowl in three season under coach Dave Wannstedt, but last season's huge upset against West Virginia has Pitt a trendy pick for a breakout season.

South Florida was the feel good story in the Big East for the first half of last season, before a three-game losing streak knocked them out of championship contention. The Bulls have quarterback Matt Grothe and sackmaster George Selvie back, and own a two-game winning streak against the Mountaineers. They'll try to extend that in the season finale at Morgantown, a game already being talked about as a de facto conference championship.

A capsule look at the teams in predicted order of finish:

West Virginia Mountaineers
Key players: QB Pat White, Sr.; RB Noel Devine, Soph.; S Quinton Andrew, Jr.; LB Mortty Ivy, Sr. Returning starters, 8 offense, 4 defense.

Notes: Devine, who averaged 8.6 yards per carry as Steve Slaton's backup last season, is now White's primary running mate ... The offensive line returns intact and new offensive coordinator Dan Mullen, imported from Wake Forest, should provide some new wrinkles. ... The defense, which ranked in the top 10 in both yards and points allowed, needs reworking up front.

South Florida Bulls
Key Players: QB Matt Grothe, Jr.; RB Mike Ford, Soph.; DE George Selvie, Jr.; LB Tyrone McKenzie, Sr. Returning starters: 10 offense, 7 defense.

Notes: Grothe led the team in rushing with 872 yards, but coach Jim Leavitt would probably like to have Ford (645 yards and 12 TDs) take a bigger role ... Bulls have top three wide receivers (Carlton Mitchell, Jessie Hester, Taurus Johnson) and TE Cedric Hill back. ... Friday night home game against Kansas (Sept. 12) matches two of last season's surprise teams.

Pittsburgh Panthers
Key players: RB LeSean McCoy, Soph.; WR Derek Kinder, Sr.; DE Greg Romeus, Soph.; LB Scott McKillop, Sr. Returning starters: 8 offense, 7 defense.

Notes: Wannstedt is 16-19 in three seasons at his alma mater, but he's recruited well and those efforts should start paying off now. At least Pitt is banking on that, because Wannstedt received a three-year extension the day before he beat West Virginia. ... McCoy set a Big East freshman record with 1,328 yards rushing ... McKillop led the NCAA in tackles per games with 12.6.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Key players: QB Mike Teel, Sr.; WR Kenny Britt, Jr.; S Courtney Greene, Sr. Returning starters: 7 offense, 8 defense.

Notes: Who replaces Ray Rice and his 2,012 yards rushing and 24 touchdowns? Sophomores Mason Robinson and Kordell Young, recovering from knee injury, are the top candidates. ... Britt (1,232 yards) and Tiquan Underwood (1,100) became the first 1,000-yard receiving duo in school history.

Louisville Cardinals
Key players: QB Hunter Cantwell, Sr.; C Eric Wood, Sr.; DT Earl Heyman, Sr. Returning starters: 6 offense, 6 defense.

Notes: Coach Steve Kragthorpe's first season was disappointing (6-6) and he spent this offseason cleaning up a roster with too many troublemakers. ... Cantwell backed up Brian Brohm for three seasons, flashing promise in a handful of starts. NFL scouts like his arm and size (6-foot-5, 236 pounds).

Connecticut Huskies
Key players: QB Tyler Lorenzen, Sr.; RB Andre Dixon, Jr.; LB Scott Lutrus, Soph. Returning starters: 9 offense, 8 defense.

Notes: Surprising UConn was the Big East co-champion last season with West Virginia, though that 66-21 loss to the Mountaineers makes it tough to take the championship banner seriously ... Coach Randy Edsall passed on chance to take over at Georgia Tech in offseason.

Cincinnati Bearcats
Key players: WR Marcus Barnett, Soph.; DT Terrill Byrd, Sr.; CB Mike Mickens, Sr. Returning starters: 6 offense, 6 defense.

Notes: There's still a chance Ben Mauk, who passed for 31 touchdowns and is appealing for a sixth year of eligibility, could be back. If not, senior Dustin Grutza, who has 24 starts, is the guy. ... The Bearcats were plus-16 in turnover, tying for the national lead with 42 takeaways in coach Brian Kelly's first season.

Syracuse Orange
Key players: LB Jake Flaherty, Sr.; QB Andrew Robinson, Jr. Returning starters: 7 offense, 7 defense.

Notes: Coach Greg Robinson must get the Orange to improve this season after going 7-28 in three years or he'll be gone. ... Ranked last in the league in total offense and total defense.

[cajundb]

Clemson in a new role -- favorite to win the ACC

(from Sporting News) Someday, Clemson coach Tommy Bowden says, the fortunes of the Atlantic Coast Conference are going to change.

Bowden is acutely aware of the perceptions about the ACC, a league whose members have lost their past eight appearances in Bowl Championship Series games, haven't boasted a national champion since Florida State in 1999 and tend to struggle against squads from power conferences.

And he doesn't let it bother him one bit.

"Things go in cycles. And this'll go in cycles. It's just a matter of time," Bowden said. "College football's too competitive and there's too many good coaches, I think, for one league or one team to be dominant."

His Tigers might be the ones to change that cycle.

For the first time since 1991, Clemson is the favorite to win the ACC title, even though there's no shortage of contenders.

Florida State and Miami, the perennial league benchmarks, are coming off struggles and might not be ready to reclaim past glory quite yet. Defending champion Virginia Tech is talented, yet has numerous holes to fill. Wake Forest has experience and skill, yet was no match for Clemson a year ago. Georgia Tech is installing new coach Paul Johnson's triple option attack and North Carolina hasn't occupied one of the ACC's top two spots since 1997.

So everything points to Clemson -- and the Tigers insist they're finally poised to break through.

"I think if we don't make it to the ACC championship, we let some people down," Clemson quarterback Cullen Harper said.

Thing is, with Clemson's penchant for failing to live up to advanced billing, expectations are high almost everywhere in the ACC. Miami believes this will be a bounce-back year, as does Florida State. North Carolina, with as much talent as perhaps any team in the league, could be on the cusp of a breakthrough.

And then there's defending champion Virginia Tech, which always finds a way to get into the title mix.

"I was surprised that we would be picked to be at the top of our division, to be quite honest with you," said Hokies coach Frank Beamer, who had eight players drafted off last year's team, which fell in the Orange Bowl to Kansas. "I think everybody on our side has a chance."

A capsule look at the teams in predicted order of finish:

Atlantic Division

Clemson Tigers
Key players: QB Cullen Harper, Sr.; RB C.J. Spiller, Jr.; RB James Davis, Sr.; S Michael Hamlin, Sr. Returning starters: 7 offense, 7 defense.

Notes: The consensus pick to win the ACC doesn't have to face Virginia Tech, North Carolina or Miami this season -- but visits Wake Forest on Oct. 9 in the game that could decide the Atlantic title. ... Much offensive talent returns, but everything hinges on the offensive line, which lost almost everyone from '07.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Key players: QB Riley Skinner, Jr.; RB Josh Adams, So.; LB Aaron Curry, Jr.; CB Alphonso Harris, Sr. Returning starters: 6 offense, 9 defense.

Notes: Skinner, Curry and the Demon Deacons won't surprise anyone this year, the way they did two years ago on their stirring run to the ACC title. ... Perhaps the most defensive depth in the ACC, and Sam Swank should be the best kicker in the conference.

Florida State Seminoles
Key players: QB Drew Weatherford, Sr.; RB Antone Smith, Sr.; DE Everette Brown, Jr.; S Myron Rolle, Jr. Returning starters: 6 offense, 7 defense.

Notes: Bobby Bowden's farewell season? Maybe so, especially if the Seminoles go 7-6 again. ... Early season suspensions will be tempered by soft schedule, but unless Weatherford plays consistently and Smith becomes the star he's long been touted to be, it could be another angst-filled year in Tallahassee.

Maryland Terrapins
Key players: WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, Jr.; LB Dave Philistin, Sr.; LB Moise Fokou, Sr. Returning starters: 9 offense, 5 defense.

Notes: Terps have best offensive line in the ACC and have most of the offensive starters back from '07, when inconsistency doomed chances. ... Maryland beat Rutgers and outscored Boston College in a shootout in '07, but losing TBs Lance Ball and Keon Lattimore (combined 25 TDs) could be tough to overcome.

Boston College Eagles
Key players: DT Ron Brace, Sr.; LB Brian Toal, Sr.; LB Mark Herzlich, Jr.; TE Ryan Purvis, Sr. Returning starters: 6 offense, 6 defense.

Notes: In the unenviable situation of trying to replace QB Matt Ryan, but the Eagles' defense gets a huge boost with Toal returning from injury. ... Defending Atlantic Division champions will be led by strong defense in '08, a unit that was the second-best nationally against the run in '07.

North Carolina State Wolfpack
Key players: TB Jamelle Eugene, Jr.; TE Anthony Hill, Jr.; DE Willie Young, Jr. Returning starters: 6 offense, 4 defense.

Notes: Finished strongly in Tom O'Brien's first season with Wolfpack and looking to carry that momentum over. ... Most of the offensive skill players are back, but the defense -- which lost seven starters -- will need an overhaul. ... Visits to South Carolina and Clemson in season's first three weeks will set the tone.

Coastal Division

Virginia Tech Hokies
Key players: QB Sean Glennon, Jr.; QB Tyrod Taylor, Soph.; DE Orion Martin, Sr.; CB Victor Harris, Sr. Returning starters: 6 offense, 4 defense.

Notes: QBs Glennon and Taylor both played huge roles last season, but Beamer isn't sold on a two-quarterback system, so one may have to emerge. ... Another trip to the title game is no lock, given this road schedule: The Hokies travel to North Carolina, Boston College, Florida State and Miami. They also play at Nebraska in a juicy nonconference game.

Miami Hurricanes
Key players: RB Graig Cooper, So.; LT Jason Fox, Jr.; LB Colin McCarthy, Jr.; DE Eric Moncur, Sr. Returning starters: 4 offense, 6 defense.

Notes: The Hurricanes have lacked go-to skill players in recent years, but with RBs Cooper and Javarris James both back and healthy, some pressure will be taken off whichever of Miami's three freshman QBs gets the call. ... Defensive line depth is a question.

North Carolina Tar Heels
Key players: QB T.J. Yates, So.; WR Hakeem Nicks, Jr.; S Trimane Goddard, Sr.; S Deunta Williams, So. Returning starters: 9 offense, 8 defense.

Notes: Maybe the biggest enigma in the ACC, with almost all of last season's key players back. As such, Heels are the ACC's most popular sleeper pick. ... Heels went 4-8 last season, losing six of those games by a TD or less. ... Biggest hole to fill? Might be kicker, where Connor Barth excelled for four years.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Key players: OT Andrew Gardner, Sr.; RB Jonathon Dwyer, So.; DT Vance Walker, Sr.; DT Darryl Richard, Sr. Returning starters: 4 offense, 4 defense.

Notes: Paul Johnson's triple-option almost always works, yet he'll likely need more than one offseason to get it integrated at Tech. ... Both lines are strong and rank among league's best, so there's hope. ... ACC slate opens at Chestnut Hill and Blacksburg.

Virginia Cavaliers
Key players: TB Cedric Peerman, Sr.; Mikell Simpson, Jr.; LB Clint Sintim, Sr.; LB Jon Copper, Sr. Returning starters: 6 offense, 5 defense.

Notes: Sintim and Copper lead one of league's best LB corps. ... Cavs coming off best season since 2002, and open against Southern California. ... Passing game the biggest question, so running backs will absolutely have to set the tone.

Duke Blue Devils
Key players: QB Thaddeus Lewis, Jr.; WR Eron Riley, Sr.; DT Vince Oghobaase, Jr. Returning starters: 7 offense, 10 defense.

Notes: New coach David Cutcliffe has 51 returnees, including Lewis, who has folks in Durham believing the best QB on campus isn't hoops point guard Greg Paulus -- a high school star in Syracuse. ... Riley is a big-play threat, but Cutcliffe will need more than one offseason to turn Duke around.

[cajundb]

Northwestern wants a bowl game

(from Sporting News) EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) -- Northwestern Football head coach Pat Fitzgerald heads into his third year leading the Wildcats with one goal in mind. Win a bowl game.

Northwestern, which hasn't won a bowl game since beating California in the 1948 Rose Bowl, is coming off a 6-6 season that had plenty of highs and lows.

The team opened 2007 with two straight wins before losing its next three. The Wildcats then won their next three before dropping three of four to close the year.

The midseason winning streak coincided with some spectacular play from then-junior quarterback C.J. Bacher. In a pair of overtime wins, Bacher threw for 990 yards and nine touchdowns with zero interceptions.

He set a Northwestern single-season record with 3,656 passing yards and threw for 19 touchdowns. But he also threw 19 interceptions, including 15 in the Wildcat's six losses.

"You think about six wins last year, (Bacher had) 15 touchdowns and four interceptions. That's an All-Big Ten year," said Fitzgerald at Northwestern's media day on Thursday. "In the other six games, obviously, the consistency is critical."

To help the fifth-year senior, the team brought in Mick McCall, formerly of Bowling Green, to be Northwestern's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. McCall coached two All-American quarterbacks, Josh Harris and Omar Jacobs, with the Falcons.

"The way that Mick goes about his daily teaching for our quarterbacks, I think he and C.J. have meshed really well," Fitzgerald said. "He's grown, he's really matured and I hope he takes the steps like the previous quarterbacks that we've had at the end of their careers."

Fitzgerald said he likes Bacher's gunslinger mind-set but hopes that the 6-foot-2, 210 pound passer will try to use a little more discretion.

"It's not always about having an 85 percent completion percentage," Fitzgerald said. "Sometimes the best throw is the one that ends up in the front row."

If Bacher and his teammates can perform more consistently this season, Fitzgerald believes the Wildcats will have a good shot at winning their first bowl game in six decades.

"What's in our control is to win a bowl game," he said. "That's something that hasn't happened here in a long, long time. We've changed the attitude and we've changed the expectations. Now it's time we take the next step and win a bowl game."

[cajundb]

Auburn's Savage out for season after surgery

(from Sporting News) AUBURN, Ala. (AP) -- Auburn cornerback Aairon Savage will miss the season after undergoing knee surgery.

Coach Tommy Tuberville said Wednesday's operation was a success.

Savage was a starting safety last season and finished with 26 tackles. He hurt the knee in Monday's practice.

Tuberville did not specify the extent or nature of the injury. Savage's brother told the Albany Herald in Georgia that the player had a dislocated knee cap, a torn ACL and a torn MCL.

Savage is eligible for a medical redshirt and could return in 2009 with two years remaining.

[cajundb]

Florida TE Ingram has a torn ACL

(from Sporting news) Florida senior tight end Cornelius Ingram confirmed to Sporting News on Thursday that he has a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Ingram hurt his left knee during a one-on-one drill in practice Tuesday and received the results of an MRI on Thursday afternoon. He confirmed the torn ACL through a text message.

Ingram, who considered entering last spring's NFL draft, likely will miss the 2008 season and is expected to undergo surgery to repair the injury. Since he redshirted in 2004, Ingram would need to apply for an NCAA waiver if he wanted to return to school for 2009. He could choose to enter the 2009 NFL draft.

Ingram started five of Florida's 13 games last year and ranked fourth on the team with 34 catches and 508 yards. Sophomore Aaron Hernandez and classmate Tate Casey will fill Ingram's place.

[cajundb]

Hot spots for hot shots

(from Sporting News) California, Florida and Texas have been college football's elite recruiting states for several years. That won't change with the signing class of 2009, which is already full of players from those three states. The pecking order among them may change from year to year, but there is rarely a debate that this trio deserves to be on top together. This year's top recruiting states, with the five best players from each:

1. CALIFORNIA

1. Matt Barkley, Mater Dei (Santa Ana), QB, 6-3/226, Southern Cal
Barkley, the nation's consensus No. 1 player, has thrown for 3,560 yards the past two seasons, with 35 touchdowns. He's a pure dropback passer with a cannon for an arm.

2. Cierre Wood, Santa Clara (Oxnard), RB, 6-0/ 192, Notre Dame
3. Vontaze Burfict, Centennial (Corona), LB, 6-2/244, Southern Cal
4. Michael Philipp, Arroyo Valley (San Bernardino), OL, 6-3/320, uncommitted
Matt Barkley: future Trojans QB
5. Randall Carroll, Cathedral (Los Angeles), WR, 5-11/175, Southern Cal

2. TEXAS

1. Russell Shepard, Cypress Ridge (Houston), QB, 6-1/179, LSU
Not only is Shepard fleet of foot, but he also has spent much of his summer trying -- with success -- to persuade other recruits to join him at LSU.

2. Jamarkus McFarland, Lufkin, DL, 6-3/280, uncommitted
3. Garrett Gilbert, Lake Travis (Austin), QB, 6-4/205, Texas
4. Craig Loston, Eisenhower (Aldine), DB, 6-2/193, Clemson
5. Mason Walters, Frenship (Wolfforth), OL, 6-6/290, Texas

3. FLORIDA

1. Jacobbi McDaniel, Madison (Greenville), DL, 6-0/267, Florida State
2. Jaamal Berry, Palmetto (Miami), RB, 5-11/185, uncommitted

3. Andre Debose, Seminole (Sanford), WR, 6-0/170, uncommitted
Debose is one of three players from his high school listed among the nation's top 200. He caught passes, threw the ball and ran it last year on offense.

4. Aaron Murray, Plant (Tampa), QB, 6-1/198, Georgia
5. Nick Alajajian, Naples, OL, 6-4/280, Florida

4. OHIO

1. Melvin Fellows, Garfield Heights, DL, 6-5/245, Ohio State

2. Marcus Hall, Glenville Academic Campus (Cleveland), OL, 6-5/290, uncommitted
Hall has attended camps at several schools this summer and seems to like Michigan, Ohio State, Southern Cal and Illinois equally. He'll be a huge addition -- literally and figuratively -- to any line.

3. John Simon, Cardinal Mooney (Youngstown), DL, 6-3/274, Ohio State

4. Jamie Wood, Pickerington Central, DB, 6-2/190, Ohio State

5. C.J. Barnett, Northmont (Clayton), DB, 6-1/181, Ohio State

5. LOUISIANA

1. Rueben Randle, Bastrop, WR, 6-3/195, uncommitted
It's still early, and Randle, an impressive athlete, hasn't weeded out any of his pile of scholarship offers. There's no timetable for his final decision.

2. Chris Davenport, Mansfield, DL, 6-4/318, LSU
3. Janzen Jackson, Barbe (Lake Charles), DB, 6-0/174, LSU
4. Eddie Lacy, Dutchtown (Geismar), RB, 5-11/200, uncommitted
5. Michael Ford, Leesville, RB, 5-10/200 LSU

6. GEORGIA

1. Jarvis Jones, Carver (Columbus), LB, 6-3/226, uncommitted
A beast of a linebacker, Jones had 157 tackles last year. He's the ultimate playmaker: He had 17 tackles for loss, four sacks and two interceptions -- and it was his first year on defense.

2. Abry Jones, Northside (Warner Robins), DL, 6-3/250, Georgia
3. Branden Smith, Washington (Atlanta), DB, 5-11/171, uncommitted
4. Washaun Ealey, Emanuel County Institute (Twin City), RB, 5-11/205, Georgia
5. Darren Myles, Carver (Atlanta), DB, 6-1/175, uncommitted

7. PENNSYLVANIA

1. Dorian Bell, Gateway (Monroeville), LB, 6-0/226, Ohio State
Bell is by far Pennsylvania's top recruit this year, and he made his decision to leave his home state way back in April.

2. Eric Shrive, Scranton West, OL, 6-7/285, Penn State
3. Je'Ron Stokes, Northeast (Philadelphia), WR, 6-1/178, Tennessee
4. Corey Brown, Gateway (Monroeville), ATH, 6-1/180, Ohio State
5. Tom Savage, Cardinal O'Hara (Springfield), QB, 6-4/217, Rutgers

8. NORTH CAROLINA

1. Donte Moss, Northside (Jacksonville), DL, 6-4/235, North Carolina
2. Xavier Nixon, Jack Britt (Fayetteville), OL, 6-6/263, uncommitted
3. Justin Dixon, Smithfield-Selma, LB, 6-1/228, North Carolina

4. Jheranie Boyd, Ashbrook (Gastonia), WR, 6-2/184, uncommitted
Boyd plans to come up with a top 10 list pretty soon, with schools like Clemson and Florida leading the charge. He has entertained the thought of waiting until signing day to make his decision.

5. Desmond Scott, Hillside (Durham), RB, 5-9/185, Rutgers

9. ALABAMA

1. Dre Kirkpatrick, Gadsden City (Gadsden), DB, 6-2/180, uncommitted
A tall cover cornerback, Kirkpatrick is a college coach's dream. With 11 interceptions the past two seasons, he has proved he can be a playmaker.

2. Nico Johnson, Andalusia, LB, 6-3/226, uncommitted
3. Tana Patrick, North Jackson (Stevenson), LB, 6-3/215 uncommitted
4. Kendall Kelly, Gadsden City (Gadsden), WR, 6-4/210, uncommitted
5. AJ McCarron, St. Paul's (Mobile), QB, 6-4/189, Alabama

10. SOUTH CAROLINA

1. DeVonte Holloman, South Pointe (Rock Hill), DB, 6-2/214, Clemson
2. Malliciah Goodman, West Florence, DL, 6-4/255, Clemson

3. Sam Montgomery, Greenwood, DL, 6-4/ 230, Uncommitted
Montgomery, also a college basketball prospect, had 65 tackles last year, 20 for loss, and 15 sacks.

4. Damario Jeffery, Columbia, ATH, 6-3/215, uncommitted
5. Chris Bonds, Richland Northeast (Columbia), DL, 6-4/262, uncommitted

ATH -- athlete; no specific position yet

[cajundb]

Travel costs bogging down athletic budgets

(from Sporting News) The athletic administrators at Hawaii have spent decades figuring out how to travel cheap. Every trip is trans-Pacific for the Warriors, which makes getting to and from road games second only to recruiting as the school's top sports challenge.

In these difficult economic times, travel has become even more of an issue. Recent jumps in fuel prices, teamed with local carrier Aloha Airlines' declaring bankruptcy in March, have wreaked havoc on Hawaii's budget. The school will spend close to $3.2 million on travel this coming school year, an increase of more than $450,000 over its non-Sugar Bowl expenses from last year.

"We're scrambling," says Carl Clapp, associate athletic director for administrative services. "It's getting very difficult for us because, like a lot of others, we're not in the best economy. And ours might be a little worse."

Hawaii isn't the only school that needs to juggle numbers to make all its trips this year. Bowling Green officials will spend about $183,000 just to show up for September football games at Boise State and Wyoming. Cincinnati's football and volleyball teams will make trips to Hawaii before New Year's Day. Fresno State will fly more than 2,300 miles (each way) twice to face Rutgers and Toledo.

In the short term, creative budgeting and more aggressive fundraising can counter the rising costs. But continued economic issues could shake up how some smaller Division I schools play sports. Bowling Green's Jim Elsasser, assistant athletic director for internal affairs, says his women's golf team plans to save dollars by slashing a tournament from its annual March trip to warmer weather. And WAC commissioner Karl Benson, whose nine-team league has the nation's largest geographic footprint even without Hawaii, says the higher costs might prompt his schools' presidents to look harder at expanding.
Recent jumps in fuel prices, teamed with local carrier Aloha Airlines' declaring bankruptcy, have wreaked havoc on Hawaii's budget.

"It's going to have to become a topic of conversation," he says. "If we go to a 10-team basketball league and pick the right school, we can have travel partners and eliminate some of those single-game trips from Louisiana Tech to, say, Boise."

The drastic moves remain speculation for most schools and conferences except Hawaii, which has seen travel cost increases take an extra 1 percent of its 2008-09 budget. To help cover expenses, the football team will reach road games by flying commercial from Honolulu to California, then pick up a charter to cover the mainland portion of the journey. UH last resorted to that tactic when it faced Alabama in the 2006 opener; it will happen six times this year, including for the season opener at Florida. (The rest of Hawaii's teams always fly commercial.)

But the new setup doesn't solve all the problems. A round-trip ticket to California, once valued between $450 and $485, now costs more than $700, Clapp says. Continued increases could lead the Warriors to further measures, such as reducing the size of travel parties or following Bowling Green's lead of cutting scheduled nonconference trips.

"We don't want to do anything to hurt our teams' abilities to compete and chances to win," Clapp says. "At the same time, we have to evaluate everything. It's all on the table."

The crunch, of course, has hit most handicapped schools outside the six BCS conferences. It's no sweat for Ohio State to pack its band, cheerleaders, administration and football team and ship them to California for a game against USC in September. But such a trip for neighbors Toledo and Bowling Green, which reap far less from college football's postseason payouts, puts a much bigger dent in the bottom line.

And that logic follows all around the country. LSU can overcome hurdles Louisiana Tech can't. Tennessee can make trips that would financially cripple Middle Tennessee State. And the more costs rise, the more stark those realities become.

"Our budgets don't grow at the same rate as those other schools', " Bowling Green's Elsasser says. "There's a widening gap between the BCS schools and everybody else, and it's going to continue to increase."

The travel costs hurt in other areas, too, from funding official visits to paying for coaches to visit high schools and camps to recruit. And it's not just flying that punishes wallets; coaches are turning in far more expensive rental car, meal and lodging receipts than they were five years ago.

Like in every other pocket of society, the hope is that things change soon and that college athletics travel becomes a bit more affordable. Until then, the small schools around the country will keep rolling their pennies, topping off their tanks and scrounging for more money to get to the stadium and back.

[HoosierHoagie]

Hmmmm somehow my crystal ball says there will be no Natl Championship for Tenn. this year. Now hows that for going out on a limb. On the other Hand if they can somehow win those games they will be in the drivers seat.

[strongtower]

wow first 5 games for UT
At UCLA
#5 Florida
#11 AT Auburn
#1 AT UGA

HOW FUN.lol

[cajundb]

Clemson's returnees lead to Heisman buzz

(from Sporting News) - CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) -- There's plenty of buzz about the Heisman Trophy around Clemson this summer, even if no one's sure which Tiger it's focused on.

Maybe it's senior quarterback Cullen Harper, who threw a record 27 touchdowns to just six interceptions last season and returns as the Atlantic Coast Conference favorite for player of the year. Or perhaps it's power runner James Davis, back for a senior season where he's poised to become Clemson's first rusher with three seasons of 1,000 yards or more. Then there's Davis' running mate, the electrifying C.J. Spiller whose playmaking skills remind many of former Heisman winner Reggie Bush.

And don't forget record-setting receiver Aaron Kelly, who caught 88 passes and 11 touchdowns as a junior.

Clemson coach Tommy Bowden wishes he could use more than one football this season with these talented Tigers.

"This is the best returning group that I've had," said Bowden, starting his 10th season.

Bowden and his staff have spent the past few seasons luring some of the country's best to the rural campus in the state's northwest corner. Now, the Tigers have a deep and experienced group which already has its names in Clemson's record book. Davis wears down defenses with his relentless style while Spiller can slip through the smallest hole and outrace defenders to the end zone any time he touches the ball. Kelly can catch passes over the middle or take a bubble screen behind the line of scrimmage for big yards. The poised Harper is there to make the whole thing go.

Sounds like a good recipe for strong season. But maybe not the best formula to come away with college football's top individual award next December.

"It'd probably be hard for one of us to win it because we won't put up a lot of the stats that a lot of guys put up," said Davis, the "Thunder" of Clemson's "Thunder and Lightning" backfield.

Of course, Clemson had the orginial Heisman winner -- John Heisman coached the Tigers to a 19-3-2 mark from 1900 to 1903. No Clemson player has won the trophy named for the college football innovator and ex-Tiger coach.

Woody Dantzler was the last Tiger to get a serious push as a Heisman contender when the school used a "No Knocks On Woody" campaign during the 2000 season as Clemson opened 8-0 and rose to No. 5 in the country. However, the Tigers lost three of their final four games and Dantzler fell from the running.

Dantzler got in the mix a year later as the Tigers started 4-1 and he was in the midst of a groundbreaking season where he became the NCAA's first to throw for more than 2,000 yards and rush for more than 1,000 in the same season. Clemson, though, finished 7-5 and Dantzler was not a factor in the race.

Harper laughs off talk of a Heisman-type season. It was only a summer ago that some Clemson fans didn't want the first-time starter under center, instead backing true freshman Willy Korn for quarterback. All Harper did was set nearly two dozen school records and help the Tigers to their first nine-win season in four years.

He briefly considered leaving early for the NFL draft, but wanted one final try at an ACC crown Clemson last won in 1991.

"When people say stuff like that, when they talk about the Heisman, it's a great honor," Harper said. "But I definitely don't let it go to my head."

The national preseason Heisman talk starts with Florida junior Tim Tebow, who won the award last year. Others considered strong contenders include Missouri quarterback Chase Daniels, West Virginia quarterback Pat White, Ohio State running back Chris Wells and Georgia tailback Knowshon Moreno.

"To me it's a shame that Cullen's not in the top five preseason going into the Heisman," said Spiller, a junior at Clemson. "He had one of the best years a quarterback can have."

Harper threw for 2,991 yards, completing better than 65 percent of his passes. He led the ACC in passing efficiency and brought Clemson within a dropped pass of the ACC title game.

If Clemson achieves on the field, Harper says all the Tigers will attract attention.

"You can't really let that affect you," Harper said. "You've just got take it with a grain of salt. It's a great honor, but it definitely isn't the end all of awards."

[HoosierHoagie]

Here is the latest from USA Today.<G>

1. Georgia (22)

2. USC (14)

3. Ohio State (14)

4. Oklahoma (3)

5. Florida (5)

6. LSU (3)

7. Missouri

8. West Virginia

9. Clemson

10. Texas

11. Auburn

12. Wisconsin

13. Kansas

14. Texas Tech

15. Virginia Tech

16. Arizona State

17. Brigham Young

18. Tennessee

19. Illinois

20. Oregon

21. South Florida

22. Penn State

23. Wake Forest

24. Michigan

25. Fresno State

View complete poll
Fri Aug 1, 2008

[HoosierHoagie]

Amazing what people will do for their pets.<G> No wardrobe for my dogs, just their fur coat.

[cajundb]

Sporting New's team previews: No. 18 Michigan

(from Sporting News) Lloyd Carr is out. Rich Rodriguez is in. And the world is watching.

It's not just a coaching change in Ann Arbor. It's a cultural change, too. Rodriguez isn't a "Michigan man." He isn't a slave to Michigan traditions. He's even installing a spread-option offense that he used to turn West Virginia into a national power.

Will this seemingly odd marriage work?

A success-starved fan base may not have patience to wait long to find out. If Rodriguez does just one thing in his debut, he must beat Ohio State. The Buckeyes have won six of the last seven meetings — including the past four — and played in the last two BCS title games. But it won't be easy to ease the pain in Ann Arbor with a program in transition.

The cause of much the angst is the apparent absence of a capable quarterback to make Rodriguez's spread offense hum. Ryan Mallett has left for Arkansas following a promising debut as a true freshman. A lumbering dropback passer, Mallett wasn't a fit for this attack.

Steven Threet, Nick Sheridan and freshman Justin Feagin all appear ready to fight for the starting job.

Rodriguez said he might not choose a starter until game week.

But don't be shocked if Michigan, which lost out to — who else? — Ohio State in the derby for mega-recruit Terrelle Pryor, goes with Feagin. He's no Pryor, but Feagin is a stellar athlete with the tools to run this offense.

With Mario Manningham and Adrian Arrington both having left early for the NFL, there is no doubt Greg Mathews is Michigan's top veteran wideout. But how many passes will be thrown his way in this offense? Junior Hemingway, LaTerryal Savoy, Toney Clemons and Zion Babb will be in the mix with Mathews. And keep an eye on Darryl Stonum, a decorated incoming freshman who arrived in time for spring drills.

West Virginia tight ends caught no passes last year. But Rodriguez swears he'll use the considerable talents of Carson Butler, Martell Webb and Mike Massey in the slot and as H-backs.

Mike Hart's departure leaves a gaping hole at running back. The answer may be a tailback-by-committee. There is no shortage of candidates to employ in Rodriguez's spread, including Brandon Minor, Kevin Grady and Carlos Brown.

The bellwether up front was supposed to be Justin Boren, but he left the team in a huff in the spring because he felt the program lacked "family values." He figured to start at guard or center, as well as provide leadership for a line that already lost three key cogs, including stud tackle and No. 1 overall NFL draft pick Jake Long and star guard Adam Kraus.

That leaves tackle Steve Schilling as the lone veteran. There are many moving parts for a unit that figures to be in flux until late in fall camp. It's vital for David Molk to prove stable at center.

Michigan has the makings of a strong defense with the return of several key players along the line. Tackle Terrance Taylor is the stalwart. End Brandon Graham has the tools to be a force after showing flashes of greatness in his first year as a starter in 2007. Now is the time for end Tim Jamison to realize his potential.

There is work to do at linebacker. Obi Ezeh, the lone returning starter, showed the instincts and aggressiveness last season that had been missing earlier in his career. Even though he has the dimensions and skills better suited for the inside, John Thompson could be the guy on the strong side if Ezeh lands in the middle. Former safety Jonas Mouton is a dynamic combination of speed and size on the weak side.

Cornerback Morgan Trent is not only the top player on the defense — he also is the top player on the team. In 2007, he ranked second on the squad with 10 pass breakups and picked off two passes. Trent's goal this fall is to become a shutdown force and playmaker.

Michigan has a deadly weapon in punter Zoltan Mesko. He emerged last season, displaying consistency and a strong leg. Now, Mesko looks to solidify a spot as the Big Ten's best punter — and maybe the best in school history.

[strongtower]

UT football ranked No. 12 by SI
By BRYAN MULLEN • Staff Writer • August 6, 2008


KNOXVILLE – The Tennessee football team earned one of its highest national preseason rankings of the offseason on Wednesday when Sports Illustrated ranked the Volunteers at No. 12.

The USA Today/Coaches’ Poll has UT ranked No. 18. The AP Top 25 preseason poll has not been released.


Georgia is ranked No. 1 in the Sports Illustrated poll. Other SEC teams include Florida (No. 5) and Auburn (No. 7) and LSU (No. 9).

[strongtower]

yeah I know, their dog weighs I think 2 pounds and is a vicious dog if you get around her treats, what's pitiful is the dog has a bigger wardrobe then I do.lol

[HoosierHoagie]

I have two Chihuahua's and they are not the teacup versions.<G> We also have a Maltese. I tell you what though, if you put that Chihuahua temper and ferocity in a Rottweiler then you would have a dangerous dog. LOL

[strongtower]

LOLOLOL my mom has a teacup chihwhatever.lol it's like the size of my fist.


Trader's Cove-(NASDAQ)

[HoosierHoagie]

Thats great strong. I would end up carrying my Chihauhau if I tried that. <G>

[strongtower]

yep I take my dog for a jog everyday if possible, she loves jogging.lol