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***OFFICIAL*** - 2008-09 NCAA College Football Discussion Thread

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#1 ·


This is the OFFICIAL discussion thread for the upcoming 2008-09 NCAA College Football season! Discuss ANYTHING college football related! Rankings, games (big or small), UPSETS, elite players, controversy, officiating, basically.....whatever comes to mind!

Should be a great season!

HERE WE GO!


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24 Things: The season is knocking on the door -- loudly
By: Dennis Dodd
CBSSports.com Senior Writer


1. Epic Epidemic

It was called the superflu in Stephen King's masterwork The Stand. In the book, 99.4 percent of the human race kicks the bucket.

In college football, it seems that the only humans left are going to be those kicking the football. Everyone else is going down at an alarming rate.

• Both USC (Mark Sanchez) and UCLA (Ben Olson) have endured quarterback injuries. The last time Los Angeles didn't have a starting quarterback the Rams were in town.

• If you believe that a.) left tackle is the second-most important position on the field and b.) Georgia is No. 1, you have to believe that c.) the Bulldogs are in trouble with the knee injury to left tackle Trinton Sturdivant. The freshman All-American and rock of the Bulldogs' line is out for the season.

• That doesn't necessarily mean Florida is going to fill the void in the SEC. There have been so many ACL injuries in Gainesville, King is considering another novel. In other words, it's creepy. Five players will miss the season because of torn ACLs. The most significant losses are safety Dorian Munroe and tight end Cornelius Ingram.

• Not to be outdone, Illinois defensive tackle Sirod Williams blew out his knee last week (yes, it was an ACL) and will miss the season as well.

• Players from the Big 12's two best teams are out. Preseason Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Auston English continues to recover from having appendix removed. Missouri tight end Chase Coffman is missing time because of a broken pinky.

• Ole Miss' best defender, end Greg Hardy, will miss the opener while recovering from foot surgery.

The nation should be re-asking the obvious question ...


2. Who Is No. 1?

It's a fluid situation and I won't reveal my last, official, preseason top 25 until later this month.

Let's just say it's a bit surprising that, so far, that Georgia is getting so much No. 1 love. Even before Sturdivant's injury, I was shocked that so many had jumped on the Dawgs' bandwagon.


3. The Appalachian State Effect

It can't happen again, can it?

Four different No. 1s. Ten changes at the No. 2 spot in the polls. A two-loss team playing for the national championship.

Appalachian State kicked it all off last year with that shocking win at Michigan. History suggests the wildest season in the game's history won't repeat. The odds are against any team with two losses emerging to win a national championship. LSU got the benefit of the doubt last season largely because it played in the SEC. There will be enough one-loss and/or undefeated teams from which to chose in 2008.


4. Can LSU Defend?

Never mind the quarterback issue. Remember, the Tigers have won national titles with Matt Mauck and Matt Flynn under center. The rest of the lineup is actually pretty solid.

Defensive lineman Ricky Jean-Francois could be the best defender in the SEC. The offensive line and backs are solid. There is that usual LSU speed all over the field.


5. It's Not All About The Spread!

Paul Johnson is bringing the true triple option to a BCS conference for the first time in years.

Why not? Georgia Tech has been offensively challenged in recent years. Flat-out boring might be more like it. Johnson was able to annoy the biggies with the option while at Navy. Now he's going to have the advantage, in theory, each week because his is an offense that few defenses see.

The best part is Johnson being indignant about the criticism.

"Bob Stoops has done a great job but they haven't been near as successful as when Coach Switzer was running the option," Johnson said.

You've got us there, P.J. Switzer won three national championships. Stoops still has that measly one.


6. Hot Seats

(In order, these are the coaches at the most risk of being fired) Tyrone Willingham, Washington Greg Robinson, Syracuse Chuck Long, San Diego State Mike Stoops, Arizona


7. Honeymoons

(For now, these new coaches can do no wrong)

David Cutcliffe, Duke
Larry Fedora, Southern Miss
June Jones, SMU
Jerry Kill, Northern Illinois
Bo Pelini, Nebraska
Bill Stewart, West Virginia
Kevin Sumlin, Houston


8. Pray For......

Washington State coach Paul Wulff.

The Cougars' first-year coach lost his mother as a child. She disappeared one day and has never been found. The family suspected Wulff's father and a murder charge was filed. So was a wrongful death civil suit but nothing stuck. If Carl Wulff had a secret, he took it to his grave three years ago.

In 2002, Paul's wife Tammy died of brain cancer. He has since remarried and is taking over his alma mater this season. This is more than a job, it's a destiny to coach his beloved Cougars. Eighteen days after suffering an appendicitis, he played in the Apple Cup game against Washington in 1989. Wulff is tough and he is home.

If you root for one person this season, make it Paul Wulff.


9. A CRACK In The BCS?

The commissioners let us know loud and clear in April that the BCS was here to stay at least through the January 2014 bowls.

The ACC and SEC were in favor of a modest plus-one system but the five other major players (Big 12, Pac-10, Big Ten, Big East and Notre Dame) lined up against them in the spring BCS meetings. Not that it was a surprise. The BCS continues to be the most lucrative and, yes, compelling system in the sport's history.

Could the sport's postseason be better? Absolutely. Will it better? In time. Be advised that two of those commissioners are leaving after this academic year. The Pac-10's Tom Hansen and the Big East's Mike Tranghese are stepping down after long, glorious careers. Their replacements may sway the way those conferences' thinking about the BCS.


10. Michigan Man

He's one of apostles of the spread option. His strength and conditioning program is second to none. He's paid up -- or will be -- with West Virginia.

The Rich Rodriguez era begins with a weird opener against Utah. While at Utah, Urban Meyer studied Rodriguez' offense at West Virginia, then turned it around in 2004 to become the first non-BCS school to get to a BCS bowl.

Those same Utes come to The Big House in Michigan's toughest opener since ... oh yeah, last year.


11. Ohio State vs. USC

Buckeyes vs. Trojans on Sept. 13 is largely considered the game of the year. The game of September, maybe (see below).

Both teams can afford a loss in this game at the Coliseum because the loser can run the table in its conference and still get to the BCS championship game.


12. October 11th

You want to know how the season is really going to shake out? Start with this date that could feature at least five games involved top 25 teams:

Arizona State at USC LSU at Florida Tennessee at Georgia Oklahoma vs. Texas (in Dallas) Penn State at Wisconsin These aren't shabby either that day ... Arkansas at Auburn Boise State at Southern Miss Cincinnati at Rutgers Notre Dame at North Carolina Purdue at Ohio State Tulsa at SMU


13. UPSETS Of The Year

Utah over Michigan (Aug. 30): This one is too good to pass up. Utah comes to Ann Arbor with a veteran team (16 returning starters), a bulked up offensive line (averging 311 pounds), a physical tailback (Darrell Mack) and an Orange Bowl berth on the line. Last season, the Utes won at Louisville and TCU and put to rest Karl Dorrell's UCLA career.

Ohio State over USC (Sept. 13): One of the nation's most stout defenses goes up against an offense that is still finding itself. The USC quarterback situation is up in the air until Sanchez returns and Pete Carroll is still looking for a go-to receiver. Watch for Beanie Wells to pound it out and Terrelle Pryor to give the Trojans fits.

Fresno State over UCLA (Sept. 27): By this time, the Bulldogs will be either a.) stoked or b.) pissed because of a brutal early schedule. Fresno won't get past Rutgers, Wisconsin and Toledo unbeaten, but regardless, the quarterback-challenged Bruins better watch out.

Michigan State over Wisconsin (Nov. 1): Something has to break right for the Spartans, who lost all six of their games last season by a touchdown or less. That total includes a 37-34 heartbreaker at Wisconsin. Michigan State can score -- Wisconsin still needs an effective quarterback.

Kansas over Texas (Nov. 15): This one is far, far out but even from here, it's easy to see that Kansas will be a better team (at home) than Texas on this day. The nation is underselling the Jayhawks who continue to a sport a quarterback with a chip (Todd Reesing) and a stout defense.


14. The Heisman Thing

1. Tim Tebow, Florida: Until further notice, "The Surgeon" is the man to beat.
2. Chris Wells, Ohio State: It will be impossible for the new Eddie George not to run wild this season.
3. Knowshon Moreno, Georgia: The next Herschel Walker in Cadillac Williams' body.
4. Pat White, West Virginia: Is it possible to pass and run for 1,500 each?
5. Chase Daniel, Missouri: Along with White, the best spread option quarterback in the country.
6. Sam Bradford, Oklahoma: Everything you'd want in a candidate -- humble, clean cut and the nation's pass efficiency leader as a freshman.


15. Defensive Player Of The Year

James Laurinaitis, LB, Sr., Ohio State: He should be playing -- no, starting -- in the NFL but this hard-working senior came back to chase a title. You're probably sick of hearing his name considering Laurinaitis has won enough hardware in his first three seasons to start a treasury. Don't count him out for a trip to New York this season. Seriously.


16. The Stack

The spread option zone read offense is so far gone as the most dominant offense in college football since the wishbone, that it's time to figure out how to stop it.

The answer may come from a funky alignment called The Stack. Basically it's a 3-3-5 alignment that allows coordinators to keep the offense off balance with a herd of defensive backs/linebackers who may or may not blitz on any given play.

It has worked for several non-BCS schools (Akron, Nevada, New Mexico, Tulsa). West Virginia is one of the few BCS conference school running the scheme. Mountaineers' defensive coordinator Jeff Casteel used The Stack to help West Virginia finish in the top 10 in both scoring and total defense last season.


17. BCS Bowls

BCS Championship: Ohio State vs. Oklahoma
Sugar: Georgia vs. West Virginia
Fiesta: Missouri vs. Florida
Rose: Wisconsin vs. USC
Orange: BYU vs. Clemson


18. Timing Rules

The truth is, no one really knows how the latest NFLimization of the college game will turn out. We're basically being told to trust that the 40/25 play clock will not gouge out huge chunks of plays from the game. For now, I'll rely on the wisdom of Auburn offensive coordinator Tony Franklin.

"Every time you try something the NFL does, it's not good," Franklin said. "To me the NFL game is totally boring."

Amen.


19. Will Notre Dame Be Back?

Uh, no. A 7-5 might be doable but that's not "back" as far as Irish honks are concerned.

Three things bother me:

• Fifty-eight sacks given up last season. Notre Dame could improve that number by 15 and still be near the bottom of the national stats.

• Jimmy Clausen wasn't allowed much "leeway" to audible last season. That tells me that Charlie Weis didn't trust him. Clausen will get more freedom at the line. What will he do with it?

• One of ND's starting receivers is 5-foot-10, 177-pound David Grimes. It's nice to have a small, quick guy but Weis better hope to heaven that blue-chip receiver Michael Floyd (6-3, 215) develops -- fast.


20. Best Of The Worst

Will one of these moribund programs break through?

• Vanderbilt, no bowl since 1982
• Duke, 10 wins (total), four winless seasons since 2000.
• Idaho, 10 consecutive losses. Last winning season, 1999.
• Baylor, on its fifth coach entering 13th year in the Big 12.
• Minnesota, worst defense in the country.
• Syracuse, seven victories in three years under Greg Robinson.


21. The Freshman Impact

Consider these first-year players from the recruiting Class of 2008 who are expected to contribute right away:

Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson: Subtract Phillip Merling who left early for the NFL. Add one of the best recruiting "gets" in the country.

Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame: The nation's worst offense gets an immediate downfield threat.

Will Hill, DB, Florida: With Munroe out with a torn ACL, Hill is going to get a long look at strong safety.

Patrick Peterson, DB, LSU: Following in the great recent tradition of swift, hard-hitting Tigers d-backs.

Julio Jones, WR, Alabama: Jones' arrival is so anticipated that it seems like he's been around a couple of years. Hey, maybe Johnson will cover Jones when the teams meet on Nov. 8.

Terrelle Pryor, QB, Ohio State: Jim Tressel is being coy about his playing time but expect a Tim Tebow-like secret-weapon type season.

Darrell Scott, RB, Colorado: If the nation's No. 1 prep running back doesn't contribute right away, something is wrong.


22. Winning Streaks

BYU - 10 consecutive victories
Georgia - 7
USC - 5
Oregon State - 4
Florida Atlantic, TCU, Fresno State, Wake Forest, Louisiana-Monroe - 3


23. Losing Streaks

SMU, Minnesota, Idaho - 10 consecutive losses
Duke - 9
Baylor, UNLV - 8
Kent State - 7
Alabama-Birmingham, Army, UTEP - 6


24. In and Out

In: Unspecified team violations
Out: The truth

In: Florida Atlantic
Out: Florida State

In: Spread
Out: Tight I

In: BYU
Out: Hawaii

In: Beanie (Wells)
Out: Charlie (Weis)

In: Slick Rick
Out: Blacklisting

In: Louisiana-Monroe
Out: Alabama

In: Florida's speed
Out: The Space/Time Continuum

In: Terrelle Pryor at Ohio State
Out: Quarterback depth at Michigan

In: Contract extensions
Out: Buyouts


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I'll be posting rankings from BOTH polls (AP Top 25 & Coaches) when they're released, so be on the lookout for that!


Coaches Poll

1. Georgia 0-0
2. USC 0-0
3. Ohio State 0-0
4. Oklahoma 0-0
5. Florida 0-0
6. LSU 0-0
7. Missouri 0-0
8. West Virginia 0-0
9. Clemson 0-0
10. Texas 0-0
11. Auburn 0-0
12. Wisconsin 0-0
13. Kansas 0-0
14. Texas Tech 0-0
15. Virginia Tech 0-0
16. Arizona State 0-0
17. Brigham Young 0-0
18. Tennessee 0-0
19. Illinois 0-0
20. Oregon 0-0
21. South Florida 0-0
22. Penn State 0-0
23. Wake Forest 0-0
24. Michigan 0-0
25. Fresno State 0-0

Others Receiving Votes:

Alabama 83, South Carolina 64, Utah 60, Rutgers 53, Florida State 53, Boston College 47, California 41, Pittsburgh 34, Boise State 25, Oregon State 23, Nebraska 17, Cincinnati 13, Virginia 12, Connecticut 9, Michigan State 9, Mississippi State 6, Kentucky 5, Notre Dame 5, TCU 5, Maryland 4, Texas A&M 3, UCLA 3, North Carolina 3, Louisville 2, Georgia Tech 2, UCF 2, Tulsa 1, Oklahoma State 1, Arizona 1, Colorado 1
 
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#86 ·
Not trying to say LSU is scared or anything. All I'm saying is that they are going to be able to shut down their non conference opponents offense easier then USC because of the level of competition. And say what you want about the SEC being better then the PAC 10 which they are. Pac 10 offense are as good as any conference in the nation.
 
#87 ·
I agree...I think the Pac-10 is a legit conference. They have a great ability to take advantage of their home-field like no other conference out there.

Of course I agree about the schedule this year being tougher for USC, but outside of OSU it really isn't that bad. And the rivalry game between Notre Dame is just one of those games I look past and group into the conference schedule now that it is a yearly match-up. I didn't take anything you said about LSU's schedule being weak (though it is this year), but we tried for a lot of teams. Nobody wanted to set up a home-home series with us (includiing USC from a couple of quotes from Verge Ausberry, associate AD and in charge of scheduling football).

My comment about other schools being scared was just smacktalk, I understand there are tons of variables to take into consideration when scheduling games.
 
#88 ·
I'm sure LSU is trying to pick up a tough non conference game. And I'm sure not a lot of people want to play them.

I'm sure there is more to USC not playing a home and home though.

All I'm saying is that when looking at college football stats certain things have to be thought about and non conference schedules are one of them.
 
#89 ·
Back in the day LSU and Texas A&M played every year for awhile. Anyone remember the "Hurricane Bowl"?​

Their early season game was pushed back due to a huricane and A&M wasn't going to a bowl that year(I believe because of Cheatin' Jackie Sherrill) so they dubbed it the "Hurricane Bowl".​

Wake's a decent team and I'm excited to see Snead at Ole Miss so that's one I'll watch today. Will be watching Michigan and it probably won't be perfect but I believe they will get Rodriquez his first win there. Man the fans are already all over his ass after the Utah loss.​

I gots to wait until 9:15 for the Texas game so my head will be a like a booble head doll bouncing back and forth between the game and UFC 88. I really hope Texas blows them out early and since I'm DVRing both I'll watch the UT game fully after the fights.​


Here's my favorite Texas Tech vid:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFxwOLbImcU

:thumb02:

Crabtree is a freaking beast though and that bell will be rung hard and rung often.​
 
#90 ·
Crabtree is a beast and by far the best colle WR since Randy Moss. (I know they are completely different)

Yeah I remember the Hurricane Bowl. I was also suprised as hell when Sherrill got hired at MSU...now Croom is cathcing flak for cleaning up that mess. Damn Sherrill is a terrible coach. He even sucks at cheating. I also remember when we used to play A&M, but that was when they were relevant and we weren't nearly as good as we are now.

Anyone think La tech can pull off another upset this week against Kansas?
 
#92 ·
I didn't get to see any highlights from Kansas' first game- but they had better win this one if they want to have enough wins for their second straight bowl this year. That win probably probably got Mangino to put down his third helping of ice cream and get more tape on La Tech.

I really like Mangino as a coach but the dude looks like a walking tent on the sidelines and I'm seriously afraid he could have a heart attack during a game. He needs to lose some weight just for his health.​
 
#93 ·
Good win for Michigan. They defiantly have talent at the skill positions they just need a QB. Threet overthrows a lot of guys and Sheridan is a terrible QB.

However their defense is great has given up 3 field goals in the last 6 quarters and have been given a lot of short fields and short rests.

Sam Mcguffie looked great. This kid is fast and hard to wrap up he's going to be something special.
 
#96 ·
Good win for Michigan. They defiantly have talent at the skill positions they just need a QB. Threet overthrows a lot of guys and Sheridan is a terrible QB.
However their defense is great has given up 3 field goals in the last 6 quarters and have been given a lot of short fields and short rests.

Sam Mcguffie looked great. This kid is fast and hard to wrap up he's going to be something special.​

That's because McGuffie is a Texas boy. :thumb02:

Got to watch some of the Michigan game- their defense is definitely going to have to carry them until the offense gets some kind of rhythm hopefully sooner rather than later.​


I really hope Notre Dame loses to SDSU.

I'd LOVE to see Notre Dame lose. They're driving right now but looks like only a FG attempt. I can't stand ND and their arrogant fans(yes I l know Texas has arrogant fans too).​
 
#94 ·
I really hope Notre Dame loses to SDSU.
 
#95 ·
I hate Notre Dame so much. Honestly when Michigan loses a OSU or Notre Dame loss are the only things that make me feel better.

Man something about Norte Dame just drives me absolutly crazy.

They look pretty horrible against a really bad San Diego State team.
 
#97 ·
ND FG got blocked.

And yea Walker Michigan has a ton of Texas boys now. Mcguffie who's a beast, Terrence Robinson who when he heals up will be a monster, and Stonum will be the next Michigan reciever to wear the #1.

In fact they would have a RB, Slot, WR and QB all as Texas guys if Mallet didn't transfer.

And with Beaver a top recruit coming in they might have a Texas QB next year.
 
#98 ·
Walker, is Shipley staying healthy this year?

I see Kirkendoll scored last week.
 
#99 ·
MLS- yup so far so good with Jordan S. which has been rare for his career here so far. Both he and Kirkendoll scored TDs last week- Kirkendoll's I believe came in the 4th quarter.


bbjd7- Between Texas, Florida and California- those are the big 3 when it comes to nation-wide recruiting. Those players are spread out everywhere.​
 
#100 ·
They do but the Big Ten isn't known for getting players from Texas. However Michigan over the last few years have been taking top players from the state every year.

If Michigan keeps recruiting Texas the way they are the rest of the Big Ten will be in trouble.
 
#101 ·
Good to see both guys doing well, me and Kirkendoll go way back.
 
#102 ·
MLS- that's cool- I'll keep closer tabs on Kirkendoll. :thumbsup:​

bbjd7- football can get pretty crazy here in Texas. My best friend's son just started flag football(he just turned 5) and the coach had them practicing 3-4 times a week for 2 hours a pop. That's pretty nuts. Plus as they move up to pee-wee league and jr. high there are some districts that have those teams run the same base offense and defense packages that their area High school team does so that they are more ready when they get to High school. I was an assistant football coach for two years and it was awesome getting to call plays like it was my own personal video game. It was a blast. Though I did prefer coaching lacrosse.


EDIT: ND is still losing. :thumb02:​
 
#103 ·
Looks like ECU is looking for another upset.
 
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#104 ·
Wow ECU put a beating on West Virginia maybe they will miss good ole Rich Rod AHAH.

Honestly they might have the worst coach at any major program ATM.
 
#105 ·
Wow...talk about laying an egg. WVU loses to ECU a week after they upset Va Tech. That is next to the most embarassing loss ever.

I was close on that Wake vs Ole Miss prediciton. I can't believe they gave it away at the end. The OSU vs Penn State game was not one of my finest, but I didn't expect OSU to win. I thought they would make a game of it though.
 
#106 ·
Damn, another ugly game for Tech but another win.

Graham was only 19/46 for 295 yards and 1 td and 2 ints

Crabtree had a good game, 7 catches 158 yards 1 td

But and this is weird thing, we rushed for 125 yards.

Still need to cut down on penalties, 8/70 and 3rd down we weren't to hot, 6-14.
 
#107 ·
I'm going to have to re-watch the Texas game as I was flipping back and forth between the fights and the game. One thing was perfectly clear and write this name down boys: Fozzy Whitaker. He finally got to show his stuff last night- highly recruited but was coming a small injury so he didn't get to show his stuff against FAA but mark my words this kid is going to be great. Speedy, great moves, good instincts, runs with purpose and his name is "FOZZY". What is not to love?​

Colt had a good game, defense showed a little more of the Muschamp blizting and pressure schemes and Quan Cosby had a great game.​

I wanted to see SDSU upset ND and send the ND fans on suicide watch- oh well I still don't think they will have a good year.​
 
#109 ·
Colt did amazing yesterday and I'm excited that he's finally improving off his FRESHMAN year and not reverting back to his sophomore year. I've said many times, if Colt can play like he did his freshman year, UT will be a pretty big sleeper (as crazy as that might sound) to make it pretty deep. Even though it's against poop teams, I also remember watching Colt make horrible mistakes against poop teams last year too. So much better this time around.

And yeah, it was nice to see Whit get some carries, and actually the most on the team. Poor Ogbonnaya, seems like he's fallen off as far as rushing now.
 
#112 ·
Hett If the polls were being done properly East Carolina would be #1. I mean they beat a top 20 team and a top 10 team no one else has done that yet.

They have obviously had the best season so far.
 
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