September 11th will always be a day that we will never forget. However this year it could be really special if you’re a college football fan.
The second Saturday in the college football season is stuffed full of premier games. In-conference and out-of-conference matchups take place all day long, meaning fans will be able to watch great college football from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at night.
Below I have broken down what could be the best weekend of the season.
More after the jump..
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Is expansion over?
Conference alignment has plagued college football for the past week and a half. The Big 12, almost folded in the matter of a couple days, and other conferences took advantage. Then Texas decided to stay put and keep the Big 12 alive.
However, is conference alignment really done? Are more changes in the near future?
Let’s explore conference by conference, what could and should happen…
More after the jump…
However, is conference alignment really done? Are more changes in the near future?
Let’s explore conference by conference, what could and should happen…
More after the jump…
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
25. Navy
Andrew Ivins kicks off his 2010 preseason rankings today. Check back every weekday until he gets to number 1.
Navy enters the 2010 season under many people’s radars, but let me throw some numbers at you...
Head coach Ken Niumatalolo (18-10 in his career) returns seven starters to an offense that finished 4th in the nation in total rushing. A young defense returns six starters and its entire secondary, to a team that finished 34th last year in total defense.
Navy scored an average of 28 points last season, while only giving up 19 points a game, good enough for 19th in the nation. The reason to this might be because the opposing team hardly got the ball. The Midshipmen had the 2nd best time of possession and a plus 9 turnover margin.
Niumatalolo’s 2009 team finished with a 10-4 record and its seven straight bowl appearance, a 35-13 win over Missouri. Many parts are in place for another run to a post season bowl, but could Navy bust the BCS?
More after the jump..
Navy enters the 2010 season under many people’s radars, but let me throw some numbers at you...
Head coach Ken Niumatalolo (18-10 in his career) returns seven starters to an offense that finished 4th in the nation in total rushing. A young defense returns six starters and its entire secondary, to a team that finished 34th last year in total defense.
Navy scored an average of 28 points last season, while only giving up 19 points a game, good enough for 19th in the nation. The reason to this might be because the opposing team hardly got the ball. The Midshipmen had the 2nd best time of possession and a plus 9 turnover margin.
Niumatalolo’s 2009 team finished with a 10-4 record and its seven straight bowl appearance, a 35-13 win over Missouri. Many parts are in place for another run to a post season bowl, but could Navy bust the BCS?
More after the jump..
Texas to the South Western-16?
The PAC-10 wants to invite Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Colorado to the conference, raising the number of teams to sixteen.
Could this be the start of the mega conferences?
Just ask the University of Texas, they seem to be the ones in charge of the situation.
More after the jump..
Could this be the start of the mega conferences?
Just ask the University of Texas, they seem to be the ones in charge of the situation.
More after the jump..
Friday, June 4, 2010
Friday, and the start of Regional play..
So today I’m live at McKethan Stadium in Gainesville, Florida covering the 2010 NCAA Gainesville Regional.
You can check out my updates and post game coverage Here.
More after the jump.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
What should the Mountain West do?
Rumor has that Boise State will be officially invited to the Mountain West Conference in the next couple of days, and this couldn’t be better news for non-BCS supporters.
The Mountain West has decided to make itself a better conference, and in the process should be the first conference to add a university in years.
Boise State brings everything the Mountain West needs.
More after the Jump.
The Mountain West has decided to make itself a better conference, and in the process should be the first conference to add a university in years.
Boise State brings everything the Mountain West needs.
More after the Jump.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
How good is FIU's Garret Wittles?
A couple of weekends ago, I covered the Florida Atlantic-Florida International baseball series, and I saw history in the making.
FIU’s Garrett Wittels extended his hit streak to 48-games with a hit, good enough to move him to second on the all time list of college baseball hit streaks.
Wittles has had a hit in every game this season he has played in, and for one thing, there not little bloopers.
More after the jump.
FIU’s Garrett Wittels extended his hit streak to 48-games with a hit, good enough to move him to second on the all time list of college baseball hit streaks.
Wittles has had a hit in every game this season he has played in, and for one thing, there not little bloopers.
More after the jump.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Does Notre Dame's Schedule Help?
Last season Notre Dame took on lowly Washington State in San Antonio Texas. This upcoming season, the Irish are slated to play Navy in East Rutherford, New Jersey and Army in the Bronx, New York.
Along with these neutral site games, the Irish frequently travel across the nation to play games along the east and west coasts.
Many cite that these games are for recruiting purposes, but are they really?
Along with these neutral site games, the Irish frequently travel across the nation to play games along the east and west coasts.
Many cite that these games are for recruiting purposes, but are they really?
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Sun Belt Expansion?
Back from vacation and a break, so let’s dig right into what’s in the news.
Georgia Southern could be the option to join the Sun Belt, if the scenario is played out right.
Conference expansion and realignment could leave non-BCS conferences like the Sun Belt depleted, forcing a conference realignment of their own.
The answer to the Sun Belt could be a lot simpler than you think.
Most likely, the Sun Belt is going to lose some schools to other conferences like the Big East and Conference USA, leaving the conference undersized.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
College Football's Closest Thing to Mexico
In Honor of Cinco De Mayo, let’s explore the closet Division-1 Football program to Mexico, The University of Texas at El Paso.
UTEP is located 2.6 miles from the Mexican Border and is a quick 7 minute drive once off campus.
(continue reading after the jump)
UTEP is located 2.6 miles from the Mexican Border and is a quick 7 minute drive once off campus.
(continue reading after the jump)
2010 Preseason AA-Team (Defense)
Yesterday, 4th and Long introduced the AA (All-Arrest)-Team, today comes the defensive side of the ball.
After hours of research and checking criminal records, it appears there is a lot of talent on the defense.
Bert Reed (#83) already made the Preseason AA-Team, did Clemson's DeAndre McDaniel?
After hours of research and checking criminal records, it appears there is a lot of talent on the defense.
Monday, May 3, 2010
2010 Preseason AA-Team
LSU center T-Bob Herbert was the latest college football star to be arrested over the past couple of weeks, which has become a popular trend.
Just Google, “college football arrests” and over 20 different cases will come up involving a college football star running into trouble with the law.
In Herbert’s case, early Sunday morning he was driving in a parking lot and accidently hitting parked cars before officers pulled him over to discover he was under the influence.
Many athletes have had similar occurrences like this and the only answer is; college kids will be college kids.
Yes, you would think an 18-year old athlete would value a full ride scholarship to school over having fun, but surprisingly not. Just read through some of the blog posts on here and you discover that an arrest is almost as common as an injury or transfer.
Below 4th and Long has put together its 2010 Preseason AA (All-Arrest) Team.
Was Oregon's LaMichael James on the list?
Just Google, “college football arrests” and over 20 different cases will come up involving a college football star running into trouble with the law.
In Herbert’s case, early Sunday morning he was driving in a parking lot and accidently hitting parked cars before officers pulled him over to discover he was under the influence.
Many athletes have had similar occurrences like this and the only answer is; college kids will be college kids.
Yes, you would think an 18-year old athlete would value a full ride scholarship to school over having fun, but surprisingly not. Just read through some of the blog posts on here and you discover that an arrest is almost as common as an injury or transfer.
Below 4th and Long has put together its 2010 Preseason AA (All-Arrest) Team.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Ivins's Inbox 4-27
Do you think South Africa was a good choice for this year’s World Cup? Safety issues? Have they prepared enough?
-Austin (Orlando, FL)
For the first time in the 19-years of the FIFA World Cup will be played and hosted in an African country, and questions like the one above have been circulating.
Before questioning the location of the World Cup let’s look into the other choices that were presented.
Africa was chosen as the location for the tournament, because of FIFA’s policy wanting to rotate the tournament throughout the different confederations. (That policy was later dropped in 2007)
Egypt, Morocco and a Libya/Tunisia co-host combination, all proposed bids to FIFA officials for the World Cup tournament, but South Africa won the vote.
What FIFA had liked with South Africa over Morocco, who finished second, is that they had hosted large international sporting events before such as the 1995 Rugby World Cup and the 2003 Cricket World Cup. The thought would be that South Africa would be able to handle and prepare for the event.
On March 2, 2010, FIFA president Sepp Blatter remarked that at the 100-day mark before the World Cup, South Africa was an eight out of ten on the scale of being ready for the summer events.
However, Blatter did mention that by June 11th (the start of the games) that number should be a ten out-of ten.
Does this really mean that South Africa is ready? Yes and no.
South Africa hosted the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup last summer and that tournament went fine and as planned. Four stadiums hosted the 16 matches and will be used again for the World Cup.
The problem, which has sparked concern from fans, has been the completion of the stadiums for the World Cup. Initially two other stadiums were supposed to host matches for the Confederations Cup, but they had to withdraw their names after construction problems.
Delay’s in the construction process, have been related to strikes by worker unions that control almost 70,000 workers who work on the stadiums. Still, Blatter and the World Cup committees don’t feel as if this will be a problem, assuring the stadiums will be complete.
So, will the 10 locations be ready in time? Yes. You have to feel if it was that big of a problem changes would have already been made.
Another problem that could arise is the security concerns surrounding the nation, but that has already been taken into consideration.
No fly zones in host cities, increased security, and relocation of deprived citizens are all signs that South Africa is ready for this summer.
Could something go wrong?
Unlikely, as I feel South Africa has prepared enough for a great month of football and something truly special.
-A. Ivins
-Austin (Orlando, FL)
For the first time in the 19-years of the FIFA World Cup will be played and hosted in an African country, and questions like the one above have been circulating.
Before questioning the location of the World Cup let’s look into the other choices that were presented.
Africa was chosen as the location for the tournament, because of FIFA’s policy wanting to rotate the tournament throughout the different confederations. (That policy was later dropped in 2007)
Egypt, Morocco and a Libya/Tunisia co-host combination, all proposed bids to FIFA officials for the World Cup tournament, but South Africa won the vote.
What FIFA had liked with South Africa over Morocco, who finished second, is that they had hosted large international sporting events before such as the 1995 Rugby World Cup and the 2003 Cricket World Cup. The thought would be that South Africa would be able to handle and prepare for the event.
On March 2, 2010, FIFA president Sepp Blatter remarked that at the 100-day mark before the World Cup, South Africa was an eight out of ten on the scale of being ready for the summer events.
However, Blatter did mention that by June 11th (the start of the games) that number should be a ten out-of ten.
Does this really mean that South Africa is ready? Yes and no.
South Africa hosted the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup last summer and that tournament went fine and as planned. Four stadiums hosted the 16 matches and will be used again for the World Cup.
The problem, which has sparked concern from fans, has been the completion of the stadiums for the World Cup. Initially two other stadiums were supposed to host matches for the Confederations Cup, but they had to withdraw their names after construction problems.
Delay’s in the construction process, have been related to strikes by worker unions that control almost 70,000 workers who work on the stadiums. Still, Blatter and the World Cup committees don’t feel as if this will be a problem, assuring the stadiums will be complete.
So, will the 10 locations be ready in time? Yes. You have to feel if it was that big of a problem changes would have already been made.
Another problem that could arise is the security concerns surrounding the nation, but that has already been taken into consideration.
No fly zones in host cities, increased security, and relocation of deprived citizens are all signs that South Africa is ready for this summer.
Could something go wrong?
Unlikely, as I feel South Africa has prepared enough for a great month of football and something truly special.
-A. Ivins
Monday's Thoughts 4-26
(Sorry a delay, big rain storm in South Fla. knocked out my internet)
The NFL Draft is finally over after its 3-day trade and transaction inspired marathon on ESPN.
Last Thursday I put out my 2-round Mock Draft (See Below) and let’s just say I’m not an expert, but is anyone really?
Out of my 64 picks, 15 players (23%) actually landed with the teams I had picked them to go to. I nailed the first 3 picks (which was easy), but after that I had the works of Joe Haden to Cleveland, Demaryius Thomas to Denver, Ryan Mathews to San Diego, just to name a few.
But, I also had Anthony McCoy, Tony Pike and Myron Rolle in the 2nd, and each of them fell into the 6th round.
Taking all of this in, is the draft really just a crapshoot?
Going into the draft, I said no way Florida Atlantic QB Rusty Smith would be the first FAU player to ever be drafted, to my surprise Smith was taken early in the 6th round.
Jevan Snead, yes the kid Mel Kipper once said would be a top-5 draft pick, wasn’t even selected over the weekend. Many thought he would go in the 6th round at the worst.
Freddie Barnes the career NCAA leading receptionist wasn’t even considered a draft able prospect. However, Weber State receiver Tim Toone, a player few have heard of was selected over the weekend.
Then you have players like Jason Pierre-Paul who have had very limited production at the college level. Pierre-Paul played only one year of divison-1 football after transferring to USF from two different junior colleges. How can NFL scouts really project production from a player that saw so much limited high level football?
An almost comparable prospect from 2009’s draft could be the Oakland Raiders receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, who had raw talent (4.3 40-yard time), but was never a star in the ACC (in three years highest regard was 2nd-team ACC). Heyward-Bey the number 7-overall pick, caught 9 passes as a rookie, and has already been labeled as a flop.
Determining who will have success right away is easy when it comes to NFL teams and the draft, but usually it’s just a riverboat gamble.
My 2011 Draft Big Board:
1. Greg Romeus DE Pittsburgh
2. Da’Quan Bowers DE Clemson
3. Jake Locker QB Washington
4. Anthony Castonozo OT Boston College
5. Julio Jones WR Alabama
6. A.J. Green WR Georgia
7. Greg Jones LB Michigan St.
8. Marvin Austin DT North Carolina
9. Ryan Mallett QB Arkansas
10. Deuanta Williams S North Carolina
-A. Ivins
The NFL Draft is finally over after its 3-day trade and transaction inspired marathon on ESPN.
Last Thursday I put out my 2-round Mock Draft (See Below) and let’s just say I’m not an expert, but is anyone really?
Out of my 64 picks, 15 players (23%) actually landed with the teams I had picked them to go to. I nailed the first 3 picks (which was easy), but after that I had the works of Joe Haden to Cleveland, Demaryius Thomas to Denver, Ryan Mathews to San Diego, just to name a few.
Demaryius Thomas will be catching passes from Tim Tebow
But, I also had Anthony McCoy, Tony Pike and Myron Rolle in the 2nd, and each of them fell into the 6th round.
Taking all of this in, is the draft really just a crapshoot?
Going into the draft, I said no way Florida Atlantic QB Rusty Smith would be the first FAU player to ever be drafted, to my surprise Smith was taken early in the 6th round.
Jevan Snead, yes the kid Mel Kipper once said would be a top-5 draft pick, wasn’t even selected over the weekend. Many thought he would go in the 6th round at the worst.
Freddie Barnes the career NCAA leading receptionist wasn’t even considered a draft able prospect. However, Weber State receiver Tim Toone, a player few have heard of was selected over the weekend.
Then you have players like Jason Pierre-Paul who have had very limited production at the college level. Pierre-Paul played only one year of divison-1 football after transferring to USF from two different junior colleges. How can NFL scouts really project production from a player that saw so much limited high level football?
An almost comparable prospect from 2009’s draft could be the Oakland Raiders receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, who had raw talent (4.3 40-yard time), but was never a star in the ACC (in three years highest regard was 2nd-team ACC). Heyward-Bey the number 7-overall pick, caught 9 passes as a rookie, and has already been labeled as a flop.
Determining who will have success right away is easy when it comes to NFL teams and the draft, but usually it’s just a riverboat gamble.
My 2011 Draft Big Board:
1. Greg Romeus DE Pittsburgh
2. Da’Quan Bowers DE Clemson
3. Jake Locker QB Washington
4. Anthony Castonozo OT Boston College
5. Julio Jones WR Alabama
6. A.J. Green WR Georgia
7. Greg Jones LB Michigan St.
8. Marvin Austin DT North Carolina
9. Ryan Mallett QB Arkansas
10. Deuanta Williams S North Carolina
-A. Ivins
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Mock Draft Round 2 (33-64)
1. (33) St. Louis- Dez Bryant WR Oklahoma St. - Dez better remember to bring his shoes to St. Louis. Could get a little interesting with him and Bradford in the same huddle.
3. (35) Tampa Bay- Arrelious Benn WR Illnoisey- Benn is a playmaker and deep threat, which is what the Bucs need; he also can double as a kick returner.
4. (36) Kansas City- Daryl Washington LB TCU- Kansas City needs linebackers, and no better time to grab one then now.
5. (37) Philadelphia- Mike Iupati G Idaho- A steal here. Single-handily was the reason Idaho won the Humanitarian Bowl.
6. (38) Cleveland- Montario Hardesty RB Tennessee- Underrated back, who luckily wasn’t ever in trouble while in Tennessee. Check out his highlight real here.
7. (39) San Francisco (via-Oak trade) - Patrick Robinson CB Florida State- A quality corner here who can fly.
8. (40) San Diego- Jarred Odrick DT Penn State- Odrick is regarded very high and can fit in well along the line.
9. (41) Buffalo- Charles Brown T USC- Big tackle on the line. The start of a big pool of Trojans to get drafted.
10. (42) Tampa Bay- Devin McCourtey CB Tampa Bay- Another defensive pick, and a good one. Played a great scheme at Rutgers and can contribute on special teams.
11. (43) Denver- Anthony McCoy TE USC-McCoy can catch the ball and block. Exactly what the Broncos need.
12. (44) New England- Rob Gronkowski TE Arizona- Just what the Pats need, a tightend who can catch the ball.
13. (45) Denver- Parrish Cox CB Oklahoma St- Cox is good for two things; first his last name, and second his ability to also be a kick returner.
14. (46) N.Y. Giants- Arthur Jones DT Syracuse – Jones is a bit underrated but has upside. Very athletic and could flourish along a very talented line.
15. (47) New England- Damian Williams WR USC- The Pats need more receiving targets. Wes Welker and Randy Moss are good, but Williams can develop and become a legit 3rd option.
16. (48) Carolina- Everson Griffin DE USC- Griffin gets to the quarterback, and that’s what Carolina needs with its first pick.
17. (49) San Francisco- Toby Gerhart RB Stanford- the Heisman runner up doesn’t have to go too far. Should work well complimenting Frank Gore.
18. (50) Kansas City- Chad Jones S LSU- Rumor has it Jones is also been working on a gig to be the set-up man for the Royals. Check back on this one. Baseball?
19. (51) Houston- Cam Thomas DT North Carolina- After taking an ACC running back, Houston takes an ACC defensive tackle. Impressive size could work well with Mario Williams.
20. (52) Pittsburgh-Jahvied Best RB California- Lightning and Lightning in the Steel City, I think so. Best and Mendenhall should be a speedy combo.
21. (53) New England- Myron Rolle S Oxford- Rolle will be thrilled with this team, he supposedly would like to be the team doctor, work on another masters at Harvard, and start in the secondary while curing cancer.
22. (54) Cincinnati- Carlos Dunlap DE Florida- Dunlap fits perfect in Cincinnati. Off field problems? Check. Dunlap who has a DUI on his record will be welcomed to the locker room with open arms.
23. (55) Philadelphia- Aaron Hernandez TE Florida- Last draft, Philly took Florida’s Cornelius Ingram, who blew out his knee in camp. Hopefully, this won’t happen to Hernandez, who has the best hands in the draft.
24. (56) Green Bay- Akwasi Owusu-Ansah CB Indiana University (Pennsylvania) - The usually random divison-2 corner that goes in the second round.
25. (57) Baltimore- Tyson Alualu, DE/DT California- Big guy joins a Ravens defense that’s always good.
26. (58) Arizona- Tony Pike QB Cincinnati- This could be interesting. Arizona might trade up, but if they don’t Pike could be the option.
27. (59) Dallas- Golden Tate WR Notre Shame- Golden Tate has value. He’s quick and can catch the ball.
28. (60) Seattle- Joe McKnight RB USC- Pete Carroll does what he knows best, brings in one of his 50 college running backs he had at USC. The bonus is this time he can give him money and not get in trouble.
29. (61) N.Y. Jets- Mike Williams WR Syracuse- There should actually be some cheers for this pick. Williams has all the upside and tools to be a great receiver. He is also a native of New York, the only problem is he isn’t too street smart (academic problems) but hey that stuff flies in New York. (ask Plaxico). Williams
30. (62) Minnesota- Vladimir Ducasse, OG/OT Massachusetts- Minnesota eventually needs someone to block for all of their offensive talents.
31. (63) Indianapolis- Jermaine Cunningham DE Florida- Cunningham has a motor (17 tackles one game against LSU) and that makes him good enough for the Colts.
32. (64) New Orleans- Morgan Burnett S Georgia Tech- Burnett was productive in college and should be in New Orleans.
*Bonus Pick*
Round 7. (251) Oakland- Mark Ingram RB Alabama- In a bizarre, almost Florida Panther type move, in which they drafted Alexander Oveckin the year before he was eligible. Al Davis pulls the trigger on this year’s Heisman winner who is still in school. Draft analyst’s scratch their heads.
-A. Ivins
Bradford to Bryant?
2. (34) Detroit- Nate Allen S USF- Another defensive selection, not much to say.3. (35) Tampa Bay- Arrelious Benn WR Illnoisey- Benn is a playmaker and deep threat, which is what the Bucs need; he also can double as a kick returner.
4. (36) Kansas City- Daryl Washington LB TCU- Kansas City needs linebackers, and no better time to grab one then now.
5. (37) Philadelphia- Mike Iupati G Idaho- A steal here. Single-handily was the reason Idaho won the Humanitarian Bowl.
6. (38) Cleveland- Montario Hardesty RB Tennessee- Underrated back, who luckily wasn’t ever in trouble while in Tennessee. Check out his highlight real here.
7. (39) San Francisco (via-Oak trade) - Patrick Robinson CB Florida State- A quality corner here who can fly.
8. (40) San Diego- Jarred Odrick DT Penn State- Odrick is regarded very high and can fit in well along the line.
9. (41) Buffalo- Charles Brown T USC- Big tackle on the line. The start of a big pool of Trojans to get drafted.
10. (42) Tampa Bay- Devin McCourtey CB Tampa Bay- Another defensive pick, and a good one. Played a great scheme at Rutgers and can contribute on special teams.
11. (43) Denver- Anthony McCoy TE USC-McCoy can catch the ball and block. Exactly what the Broncos need.
12. (44) New England- Rob Gronkowski TE Arizona- Just what the Pats need, a tightend who can catch the ball.
13. (45) Denver- Parrish Cox CB Oklahoma St- Cox is good for two things; first his last name, and second his ability to also be a kick returner.
14. (46) N.Y. Giants- Arthur Jones DT Syracuse – Jones is a bit underrated but has upside. Very athletic and could flourish along a very talented line.
15. (47) New England- Damian Williams WR USC- The Pats need more receiving targets. Wes Welker and Randy Moss are good, but Williams can develop and become a legit 3rd option.
16. (48) Carolina- Everson Griffin DE USC- Griffin gets to the quarterback, and that’s what Carolina needs with its first pick.
17. (49) San Francisco- Toby Gerhart RB Stanford- the Heisman runner up doesn’t have to go too far. Should work well complimenting Frank Gore.
18. (50) Kansas City- Chad Jones S LSU- Rumor has it Jones is also been working on a gig to be the set-up man for the Royals. Check back on this one. Baseball?
19. (51) Houston- Cam Thomas DT North Carolina- After taking an ACC running back, Houston takes an ACC defensive tackle. Impressive size could work well with Mario Williams.
20. (52) Pittsburgh-Jahvied Best RB California- Lightning and Lightning in the Steel City, I think so. Best and Mendenhall should be a speedy combo.
21. (53) New England- Myron Rolle S Oxford- Rolle will be thrilled with this team, he supposedly would like to be the team doctor, work on another masters at Harvard, and start in the secondary while curing cancer.
22. (54) Cincinnati- Carlos Dunlap DE Florida- Dunlap fits perfect in Cincinnati. Off field problems? Check. Dunlap who has a DUI on his record will be welcomed to the locker room with open arms.
23. (55) Philadelphia- Aaron Hernandez TE Florida- Last draft, Philly took Florida’s Cornelius Ingram, who blew out his knee in camp. Hopefully, this won’t happen to Hernandez, who has the best hands in the draft.
24. (56) Green Bay- Akwasi Owusu-Ansah CB Indiana University (Pennsylvania) - The usually random divison-2 corner that goes in the second round.
25. (57) Baltimore- Tyson Alualu, DE/DT California- Big guy joins a Ravens defense that’s always good.
26. (58) Arizona- Tony Pike QB Cincinnati- This could be interesting. Arizona might trade up, but if they don’t Pike could be the option.
27. (59) Dallas- Golden Tate WR Notre Shame- Golden Tate has value. He’s quick and can catch the ball.
28. (60) Seattle- Joe McKnight RB USC- Pete Carroll does what he knows best, brings in one of his 50 college running backs he had at USC. The bonus is this time he can give him money and not get in trouble.
29. (61) N.Y. Jets- Mike Williams WR Syracuse- There should actually be some cheers for this pick. Williams has all the upside and tools to be a great receiver. He is also a native of New York, the only problem is he isn’t too street smart (academic problems) but hey that stuff flies in New York. (ask Plaxico). Williams
30. (62) Minnesota- Vladimir Ducasse, OG/OT Massachusetts- Minnesota eventually needs someone to block for all of their offensive talents.
31. (63) Indianapolis- Jermaine Cunningham DE Florida- Cunningham has a motor (17 tackles one game against LSU) and that makes him good enough for the Colts.
32. (64) New Orleans- Morgan Burnett S Georgia Tech- Burnett was productive in college and should be in New Orleans.
*Bonus Pick*
Round 7. (251) Oakland- Mark Ingram RB Alabama- In a bizarre, almost Florida Panther type move, in which they drafted Alexander Oveckin the year before he was eligible. Al Davis pulls the trigger on this year’s Heisman winner who is still in school. Draft analyst’s scratch their heads.
-A. Ivins
Mock Draft Round 1 (18-32)
18. Pittsburgh- Mike Pouncey C Florida
No trades for Big Ben just yet, but the Steelers do add a center with great upside. The last Florida offensive lineman they drafted was Max Starks, and he was a success, they can’t go wrong with Pouncey. Plus, now they have to draft his twin brother next year. A possible hold out situation in the Steel City could occur, unless the Steelers guarantee to sign his brother next year.
Atlanta wants a speedy linebacker-type, and they get one in Weatherspoon, who was highly productive at Missouri. He showed up to the combine in white tights and yellow shows to look fast, so that should help, except neon-yellow won’t go too good with red and black.
20. Jacksonville (via Hou-trade)- Tim Tebow QB Florida
Expect some boo’s to be ringing from Music City Hall, but why? Tebow can cure cancer, walk on water, oh yeah and win. Jacksonville needs to sell tickets and Tebow is the answer. Expect to see a lot of orange and blue on Sundays in Jacksonville.
21. Cincinnati- Jeremiah Gresham TE Oklahoma-
Cinncy needs a tightend and Gresham looks to be the man. Only one problem, he hasn’t been arrested before…
22. New England- Jerry Hughes OLB/DE TCU-
Intriguing selection here. Hughes can move and make plays.
23. Green Bay- Bruce Campbell OT Maryland-
Last year Maryland product Demarius Heyward-Bay was selected in the first round, and he so far has been a bust. Hopefully not the same can be said about Campbell, who is an absolute beast of a human.
24. Philadelphia- Taylor Mays S USC-
Speed kills, and that’s what Mays brings. Philly still is searching for an answer for the departed Dawkins, and Mays is the answer.
25. Baltimore- Kyle Wilson CB Boise State-
Wilson locked down WAC receivers throughout his four-year career. Could be a little different in the AFC.
26. Arizona- Brian Price DT Tennessee-
Mel Kipper loves him, and it seems Arizona always is taking big uglys.
27. Dallas- Eric Berry S Tennessee-
Berry dropped like a fruit off a tree. Luckily Dallas overlooks his character and finds a home for the talented playmaker. Hey the ESPN guys could sound something like this in between picks 20-27.
28. San Diego- Ryan Mathews RB Fresno St. -
Remember that non-bcs back that played for San Diego, Ladainian Tomilson. Could Mathews be the second coming? Don’t think so.
29. N.Y. Jets- Donald Butler LB Washington-
J-e-t-s makes a reach pick here. Butler is a late bloomer and wasn’t invited to the combine initially. I can hear the boos now. Another one of these?
30. Minnesota- Kareem Jackson CB Alabama-
Minnesooota gets a solid corner from one of the top programs.
31. Indianapolis-Rodger Saffold T Indiana-
the Colts offense continues to reload nothing new here. Saffold is a humble guy and should fit in.
32. New Orleans- Brian Price DT UCLA-
the Saints win the Super Bowl and then make a “sexy pick” in Price, a 300 pound tackle.
-A. Ivins
No trades for Big Ben just yet, but the Steelers do add a center with great upside. The last Florida offensive lineman they drafted was Max Starks, and he was a success, they can’t go wrong with Pouncey. Plus, now they have to draft his twin brother next year. A possible hold out situation in the Steel City could occur, unless the Steelers guarantee to sign his brother next year.
The Pounceys
19. Atlanta- Sean Weatherspoon LB Missouri Atlanta wants a speedy linebacker-type, and they get one in Weatherspoon, who was highly productive at Missouri. He showed up to the combine in white tights and yellow shows to look fast, so that should help, except neon-yellow won’t go too good with red and black.
20. Jacksonville (via Hou-trade)- Tim Tebow QB Florida
Expect some boo’s to be ringing from Music City Hall, but why? Tebow can cure cancer, walk on water, oh yeah and win. Jacksonville needs to sell tickets and Tebow is the answer. Expect to see a lot of orange and blue on Sundays in Jacksonville.
21. Cincinnati- Jeremiah Gresham TE Oklahoma-
Cinncy needs a tightend and Gresham looks to be the man. Only one problem, he hasn’t been arrested before…
22. New England- Jerry Hughes OLB/DE TCU-
Intriguing selection here. Hughes can move and make plays.
23. Green Bay- Bruce Campbell OT Maryland-
Last year Maryland product Demarius Heyward-Bay was selected in the first round, and he so far has been a bust. Hopefully not the same can be said about Campbell, who is an absolute beast of a human.
24. Philadelphia- Taylor Mays S USC-
Speed kills, and that’s what Mays brings. Philly still is searching for an answer for the departed Dawkins, and Mays is the answer.
25. Baltimore- Kyle Wilson CB Boise State-
Wilson locked down WAC receivers throughout his four-year career. Could be a little different in the AFC.
26. Arizona- Brian Price DT Tennessee-
Mel Kipper loves him, and it seems Arizona always is taking big uglys.
27. Dallas- Eric Berry S Tennessee-
Berry dropped like a fruit off a tree. Luckily Dallas overlooks his character and finds a home for the talented playmaker. Hey the ESPN guys could sound something like this in between picks 20-27.
28. San Diego- Ryan Mathews RB Fresno St. -
Remember that non-bcs back that played for San Diego, Ladainian Tomilson. Could Mathews be the second coming? Don’t think so.
29. N.Y. Jets- Donald Butler LB Washington-
J-e-t-s makes a reach pick here. Butler is a late bloomer and wasn’t invited to the combine initially. I can hear the boos now. Another one of these?
30. Minnesota- Kareem Jackson CB Alabama-
Minnesooota gets a solid corner from one of the top programs.
31. Indianapolis-Rodger Saffold T Indiana-
the Colts offense continues to reload nothing new here. Saffold is a humble guy and should fit in.
32. New Orleans- Brian Price DT UCLA-
the Saints win the Super Bowl and then make a “sexy pick” in Price, a 300 pound tackle.
-A. Ivins
Mock Draft Round 1 (1-17)
Im not much of an NFL draft guru, but here is a shot at it...
1. St Louis- Sam Bradford QB Oklahoma-
I think they decided they would draft him a month ago, no surprise here. Bradford should have a Matthew Stafford type impact as a rookie, but the question will be if he can pull a Joe Flacco and Matt Ryan type playoff run. Hopefully there’s no holdout here because I’m sure A.J. Feely isn’t the answer for the Rams franchise.
2. Detroit- Ndamukong Suh DT Nebraska-
Suh is the next best guy on the board. Detroit needs to add some talent to the defense. Can’t go wrong with the 300-pound plus Suh who should play from day one.
3. Tampa Bay- Gerald McCoy DT Oklahoma-
McCoy is said to be better than Suh, so the Bucs get value here and build its team around defense.
4. Washington- Russel Okung OT Oklahoma St. –
Someone needs to protect the new guy Donovan McNabb
5. Kansas City- Earl Thomas S Texas-
All the rants and raves have been about how good Thomas is and how everyone wants him.
Wow the Big 12 just had the top-5 draft picks…
6. Seattle- Derrick Morgan DE Georgia Tech-
I once stood next to Morgan at a Tech practice and I have to say Morgan is a man-child. Pete Carroll gets defensive hear and selects the top pass rusher in the draft, who could start right away.
7. Cleveland- Joe Haden CB Florida-
Solid corner that has great ball skills and can make plays all over the field.
8. Oakland- Anthony Davis OT Rutgers-
I once saw Davis after a Rutgers practice being punished long after the team had left. There are obviously some characters issues here, but the big boy can play. Most of the draft analysts like Kiper and McShay think he’s too inconsistent. Hey, sounds like the perfect hit or miss for the infamous Al Davis.
9. Buffalo- Sergio Kindle LB Texas-
Help comes to the 3-4 defense. Kindle is athletic and will get things done
10. Jaxsonville
*Trade* Houston gets the 10th pick for the 20th pick and a 3rd round pick.
10. Houston- C.J. Spiller RB Clemson-
Houston wants and needs a running back, Spiller will have success in the league from Day-1, whether it is as a kick returner or a situational back. Jacksonville trades down for a surprise…
11. Denver- Demaryius Thomas WR Georgia Tech-
I’m in love with Thomas who shows flashes of Calvin Johnson. Thomas is a big athletic possession type receiver that will ultimately replace Brandon Marshall in Denver’s offense. The only problem will be, can Thomas lose the case of the drops? As seen Here
12. Miami- Brandon Graham DE Michigan-
Help comes to the pass rush in Graham who can play both LB and DE. Graham, a 4-year starter, literally can play all of the positions, in high school he was the linebacker, offensive guard, kicker and punter. It should be interesting to see if Tony Sparano can create any “wild cat” plays involving Graham’s talents.
13. San Francisco- Trent Williams OT Oklahoma-
San Fran will enjoy that Williams has dropped this far. I don’t know too much about San Fran, except Alcatraz is there.
14. Seattle- Brian Bulaga OT Iowa-
Bulaga is the next best tackle available and Pete Carroll should walk away happy with Bulaga. Brian “The White Buffalo” Bulaga should fit in very well out on the west coast.
15. N.Y. Giants- Ronaldo McClain LB Alabama-
Giants fans get what they want, a productive SEC-type linebacker. McClain should be productive in an already solid defense, and show the northern football fans what an SEC linebacker can do.
16. Tennessee- Jason Pierre-Paul DE USF-
Hopefully this back flipping athletic freak can flip over offensive lines and one day replace Jevon Kearse. Well at least that’s the plan. You can put the “risk” label on Pierre-Paul seeing as he has only played one year of divison-1 football.
17. San Franciso
*Trade* Oakland gets the 17th pick for the 39th overall pick, a 7th round pick and a 2nd rounder next year
17. Oakland- Jimmy Clausen QB Notre Shame-
Al Davis and the boys just can’t pass up on Clausen, who has all of the tools to be a great NFL quarterback. Who cares if JaMarcus Russell can sling the ball 80-yards, Clausen showed up to his pro day looking pretty stocky (Brady Quinn clone?) Plus, he showed up to national signing day in a limo, that just shows the potential he has right there.
- A. Ivins
1. St Louis- Sam Bradford QB Oklahoma-
I think they decided they would draft him a month ago, no surprise here. Bradford should have a Matthew Stafford type impact as a rookie, but the question will be if he can pull a Joe Flacco and Matt Ryan type playoff run. Hopefully there’s no holdout here because I’m sure A.J. Feely isn’t the answer for the Rams franchise.
2. Detroit- Ndamukong Suh DT Nebraska-
Suh is the next best guy on the board. Detroit needs to add some talent to the defense. Can’t go wrong with the 300-pound plus Suh who should play from day one.
3. Tampa Bay- Gerald McCoy DT Oklahoma-
McCoy is said to be better than Suh, so the Bucs get value here and build its team around defense.
4. Washington- Russel Okung OT Oklahoma St. –
Someone needs to protect the new guy Donovan McNabb
5. Kansas City- Earl Thomas S Texas-
All the rants and raves have been about how good Thomas is and how everyone wants him.
Wow the Big 12 just had the top-5 draft picks…
6. Seattle- Derrick Morgan DE Georgia Tech-
I once stood next to Morgan at a Tech practice and I have to say Morgan is a man-child. Pete Carroll gets defensive hear and selects the top pass rusher in the draft, who could start right away.
7. Cleveland- Joe Haden CB Florida-
Solid corner that has great ball skills and can make plays all over the field.
8. Oakland- Anthony Davis OT Rutgers-
I once saw Davis after a Rutgers practice being punished long after the team had left. There are obviously some characters issues here, but the big boy can play. Most of the draft analysts like Kiper and McShay think he’s too inconsistent. Hey, sounds like the perfect hit or miss for the infamous Al Davis.
9. Buffalo- Sergio Kindle LB Texas-
Help comes to the 3-4 defense. Kindle is athletic and will get things done
10. Jaxsonville
*Trade* Houston gets the 10th pick for the 20th pick and a 3rd round pick.
10. Houston- C.J. Spiller RB Clemson-
Houston wants and needs a running back, Spiller will have success in the league from Day-1, whether it is as a kick returner or a situational back. Jacksonville trades down for a surprise…
11. Denver- Demaryius Thomas WR Georgia Tech-
I’m in love with Thomas who shows flashes of Calvin Johnson. Thomas is a big athletic possession type receiver that will ultimately replace Brandon Marshall in Denver’s offense. The only problem will be, can Thomas lose the case of the drops? As seen Here
12. Miami- Brandon Graham DE Michigan-
Help comes to the pass rush in Graham who can play both LB and DE. Graham, a 4-year starter, literally can play all of the positions, in high school he was the linebacker, offensive guard, kicker and punter. It should be interesting to see if Tony Sparano can create any “wild cat” plays involving Graham’s talents.
13. San Francisco- Trent Williams OT Oklahoma-
San Fran will enjoy that Williams has dropped this far. I don’t know too much about San Fran, except Alcatraz is there.
14. Seattle- Brian Bulaga OT Iowa-
Bulaga is the next best tackle available and Pete Carroll should walk away happy with Bulaga. Brian “The White Buffalo” Bulaga should fit in very well out on the west coast.
15. N.Y. Giants- Ronaldo McClain LB Alabama-
Giants fans get what they want, a productive SEC-type linebacker. McClain should be productive in an already solid defense, and show the northern football fans what an SEC linebacker can do.
16. Tennessee- Jason Pierre-Paul DE USF-
Hopefully this back flipping athletic freak can flip over offensive lines and one day replace Jevon Kearse. Well at least that’s the plan. You can put the “risk” label on Pierre-Paul seeing as he has only played one year of divison-1 football.
17. San Franciso
*Trade* Oakland gets the 17th pick for the 39th overall pick, a 7th round pick and a 2nd rounder next year
17. Oakland- Jimmy Clausen QB Notre Shame-
Al Davis and the boys just can’t pass up on Clausen, who has all of the tools to be a great NFL quarterback. Who cares if JaMarcus Russell can sling the ball 80-yards, Clausen showed up to his pro day looking pretty stocky (Brady Quinn clone?) Plus, he showed up to national signing day in a limo, that just shows the potential he has right there.
Clausen to Oakland?
- A. Ivins
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
4 Questions (Confrence Expansion)
1. Will Texas join the Big 10?
No. Texas makes enough money and revenue in the Big 12 already (highest total athletic department revenue in football at $120,288,370), and expansion and conference alignment is all about money. The one thing that the Big 10 would provide for Texas is an individual broadcasting network in the Big 10 Network. Rumor is though; Texas is leading the way for a Big 12 Network, or looking to create their own.
If and when the Big 10 expands, it will be in search of money and no better place would be the New York area. New York has seen some football in Rutgers, but brining big time college football to the largest city in the United States in New York screams big time money. That means Rutgers, Connecticut and Pittsburgh are all options.
No. Texas makes enough money and revenue in the Big 12 already (highest total athletic department revenue in football at $120,288,370), and expansion and conference alignment is all about money. The one thing that the Big 10 would provide for Texas is an individual broadcasting network in the Big 10 Network. Rumor is though; Texas is leading the way for a Big 12 Network, or looking to create their own.
If and when the Big 10 expands, it will be in search of money and no better place would be the New York area. New York has seen some football in Rutgers, but brining big time college football to the largest city in the United States in New York screams big time money. That means Rutgers, Connecticut and Pittsburgh are all options.
Pitt could be the answer for the Big 10
2. Could a Super-conference form?
No, not now. A 16-team plus conference would answer all the questions to the BCS and creating revenue for the money hunger industry, but it’s not an option just yet. The Big 12, Big 10 and Big East feel as if there content with the current situation on the BCS landscape and where there conferences are at, but facing the facts the SEC is separating themselves from everyone else (4 national championships in a row.) Expansions are on the horizon except look for it at a smaller level.
The real answer for programs like Boise State, Utah, BYU and TCU, would be the formation of their own super conference.
3. Who will be the most affected from the expansion?
Up front, almost everyone could benefit from expansions and re alignment, however the Big East will lose out. A conference already hampered from the ACC’s 2004 expansion in which they swayed Virginia Tech and Miami to the join a conference with a championship game, the Big East could lose out again to the Big 10. Rutgers, Connecticut and Pittsburgh could all leave, which would force the Big East to add schools. The top candidates would have to be Memphis and UCF, which would open up new markets in Orlando and Memphis, but the drop off in athletics would hurt.
4. What happens out West?
Utah joins the Pac-10. Pac-10 officials will have to play catch up just like everyone else, and the answer is Utah. Boise State seems to be the obvious choice, but Boise just isn’t ready. Not enough talent and prospects come from the state to support a Pac-10 program, plus Boise isn’t to strong in other sports. Utah brings in a Salt Lake City network that supports and follows a Utah program that has been consistent over the years. A media market such as Salt Lake is the perfect answer for the Pac-10; it brings in money and an up and coming athletic department.
Bonus: Does the SEC make any changes?
No. The SEC is sitting in prime position to keep making money. Eight of the conference’s twelve athletic departments all rank in the top-25 in revenue generated from athletics. The SEC has its own network in The SEC on ESPN, and is the model for every other conference. Don’t expect changes from The SEC anytime soon.
Consider this:
The last big conference expansion was the 2004 ACC expansion, in which Boston College, Miami and Virginia Tech was brought in. What people don’t know is Virginia Tech was almost Syracuse. Basketball fans would have loved the move, but it wouldn’t have translated too well on a football level. Virginia Tech has played for the ACC championship game three times since the expansion, where as Syracuse is 14-45 since 2005 and hasn’t made a bowl game. What a move by the ACC.
-A. Ivins
No, not now. A 16-team plus conference would answer all the questions to the BCS and creating revenue for the money hunger industry, but it’s not an option just yet. The Big 12, Big 10 and Big East feel as if there content with the current situation on the BCS landscape and where there conferences are at, but facing the facts the SEC is separating themselves from everyone else (4 national championships in a row.) Expansions are on the horizon except look for it at a smaller level.
The real answer for programs like Boise State, Utah, BYU and TCU, would be the formation of their own super conference.
3. Who will be the most affected from the expansion?
Up front, almost everyone could benefit from expansions and re alignment, however the Big East will lose out. A conference already hampered from the ACC’s 2004 expansion in which they swayed Virginia Tech and Miami to the join a conference with a championship game, the Big East could lose out again to the Big 10. Rutgers, Connecticut and Pittsburgh could all leave, which would force the Big East to add schools. The top candidates would have to be Memphis and UCF, which would open up new markets in Orlando and Memphis, but the drop off in athletics would hurt.
4. What happens out West?
Utah joins the Pac-10. Pac-10 officials will have to play catch up just like everyone else, and the answer is Utah. Boise State seems to be the obvious choice, but Boise just isn’t ready. Not enough talent and prospects come from the state to support a Pac-10 program, plus Boise isn’t to strong in other sports. Utah brings in a Salt Lake City network that supports and follows a Utah program that has been consistent over the years. A media market such as Salt Lake is the perfect answer for the Pac-10; it brings in money and an up and coming athletic department.
Bonus: Does the SEC make any changes?
No. The SEC is sitting in prime position to keep making money. Eight of the conference’s twelve athletic departments all rank in the top-25 in revenue generated from athletics. The SEC has its own network in The SEC on ESPN, and is the model for every other conference. Don’t expect changes from The SEC anytime soon.
Consider this:
The last big conference expansion was the 2004 ACC expansion, in which Boston College, Miami and Virginia Tech was brought in. What people don’t know is Virginia Tech was almost Syracuse. Basketball fans would have loved the move, but it wouldn’t have translated too well on a football level. Virginia Tech has played for the ACC championship game three times since the expansion, where as Syracuse is 14-45 since 2005 and hasn’t made a bowl game. What a move by the ACC.
-A. Ivins
Monday, April 19, 2010
Monday's Thoughts 4-19
Everyone says defense wins championships, but is that really true?
Alabama and Texas played for the national championship last season and both of them had a top defense. Alabama had the 2nd best total defense and Texas finished 3rd in total defense.
But looking outside of the title game, does a top defense always equal success? Here is a breakdown of the 2009 season and the top-25 total defenses.
- Of the 10 teams that participated in BCS bowl games, 7 teams had a top-25 defense. Oregon (35) Georgia Tech (53) and Cincinnati (67) didn’t.
- Out of the top-25 defenses, only two teams Army (16) and Arizona State (13) didn’t participate in bowl games.
- 8 teams won or played for their conference championship.
While having a top total defense doesn’t always mean that a team will contend for a championship, it shows however that the team will have a better chance of winning.
-Georgia appears to have eliminated one of their choices to start at quarterback this fall, in freshman Zach Mettenberger. Mettenberger was arrested over spring break in Georgia and was charged with possession of alcohol, underage alcohol consumption, and the possession of fake identification. Apparently that doesn’t fly under head coach Mark Richt and he has sent Mettenberger packing. Georgia is now stuck in a two quarterback dual between freshman Aaron Murray and senior Logan Gray.
-Speaking of off-field conduct, the bug seems to be flying around college football. Tennessee safety Darren Myles Jr. was charged with public intoxication, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest early Sunday morning at a local Knoxville bar. His status with the team is still pending.
-Ohio State signee Jamel Turner almost became the second football signee to die this offseason, as he was hit multiple times by gunfire outside his hometown of Youngstown, Ohio. Turner was found in a car with two handguns and a bag of marijuana. He almost joined Notre Dame signee Matt James as being the second signee to die a tragic death before actually arriving on the school’s campus. It makes you really wonder; how much are these kids valuing their lives and a free education?
-Former Florida State and Rhode scholar Myron Rolle, has to be a feel good story when it comes to education and athletics. Sure, Rolle hurt his draft status by studying abroad for a year, but you have to cheer for him this weekend in the NFL Draft. Rolle has found the median in being a true student athlete and needs to become the image of the NCAA and college athletics, not the current image of academic scandals and low standards around football.
- A. Ivins
Alabama and Texas played for the national championship last season and both of them had a top defense. Alabama had the 2nd best total defense and Texas finished 3rd in total defense.
But looking outside of the title game, does a top defense always equal success? Here is a breakdown of the 2009 season and the top-25 total defenses.
- Of the 10 teams that participated in BCS bowl games, 7 teams had a top-25 defense. Oregon (35) Georgia Tech (53) and Cincinnati (67) didn’t.
- Out of the top-25 defenses, only two teams Army (16) and Arizona State (13) didn’t participate in bowl games.
- 8 teams won or played for their conference championship.
While having a top total defense doesn’t always mean that a team will contend for a championship, it shows however that the team will have a better chance of winning.
-Alabama’s “A-Day” or spring scrimmage proved one thing, they have a great backfield. With Heisman winner Mark Ingram returning for his junior year along with sophomore stud Trent Richardson, Alabama’s rushing attack should be better than the one last year which won a national championship. Both Ingram and Richardson ran for 100+ plus yards in the scrimmage picking up where they had left off from in the title game against Texas. Richardson, who rushed for 749 yards last season as a freshman, could very easily be better than Ingram down the road.
-Speaking of off-field conduct, the bug seems to be flying around college football. Tennessee safety Darren Myles Jr. was charged with public intoxication, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest early Sunday morning at a local Knoxville bar. His status with the team is still pending.
-Ohio State signee Jamel Turner almost became the second football signee to die this offseason, as he was hit multiple times by gunfire outside his hometown of Youngstown, Ohio. Turner was found in a car with two handguns and a bag of marijuana. He almost joined Notre Dame signee Matt James as being the second signee to die a tragic death before actually arriving on the school’s campus. It makes you really wonder; how much are these kids valuing their lives and a free education?
-Former Florida State and Rhode scholar Myron Rolle, has to be a feel good story when it comes to education and athletics. Sure, Rolle hurt his draft status by studying abroad for a year, but you have to cheer for him this weekend in the NFL Draft. Rolle has found the median in being a true student athlete and needs to become the image of the NCAA and college athletics, not the current image of academic scandals and low standards around football.
- A. Ivins
Saturday, April 17, 2010
The Negative Side (Saturday's Column)
Tiger Woods, Ben Roethlisberger, Gilbert Arenas. Three of the top news stories over the past few weeks have all been on the negative side. What has sports come too?
Last week I hampered on the NCAA for wanting to explore the idea and expand the current NCAA men’s basketball tournament.
This week, the NCAA has come out with the “Tebow Rule.” Bye Bye custom eye black paint, no more “John 3:16” as worn by Tebow, no more “VCC” as worn by C.J. Spiller who was honoring his church back home, and no more “619s” as worn by Reggie Bush who had started it all.
Yes, instead of fixing instant replays or controversial calls that changed games last season, the NCAA has decided to ban simple 1x1 pieces of black tape worn on player’s faces.
Sure, Ohio State’s Terrell Pryor decided to sport “Mike Vick” on his face last season, in support of the quarterback who was facing jail time. But is this really the point?
It seems like every story that has came out recently has focused on the negative side of sports. People are not looking outside the box to truly see what sports bring to the table.
For example, Florida Tight End Aaron Hernandez’s draft stock has been hampered because of his "off-field" personality. The thing is, the three years Hernandez had been in Gainesville, his name had never surfaced with an arrest or police report.
Fans and the media consistently want to see sports figures fail.
Every draft analyst says that Tebow can’t make it in the pros, yet the NFL invites him to the draft.
Jerry Jones publically bashes Tebow saying that he will never work in the NFL, yet ESPN has a sportscenter special on Tebow and his throwing motion the same day.
Sports need something to turn them around in this dead period and find a positive side of it all.
Hey were only 138 days away from college football..
-A. Ivins
Last week I hampered on the NCAA for wanting to explore the idea and expand the current NCAA men’s basketball tournament.
This week, the NCAA has come out with the “Tebow Rule.” Bye Bye custom eye black paint, no more “John 3:16” as worn by Tebow, no more “VCC” as worn by C.J. Spiller who was honoring his church back home, and no more “619s” as worn by Reggie Bush who had started it all.
Yes, instead of fixing instant replays or controversial calls that changed games last season, the NCAA has decided to ban simple 1x1 pieces of black tape worn on player’s faces.
Sure, Ohio State’s Terrell Pryor decided to sport “Mike Vick” on his face last season, in support of the quarterback who was facing jail time. But is this really the point?
No more "Mike Vicks" for Terrell Pryor
It seems like every story that has came out recently has focused on the negative side of sports. People are not looking outside the box to truly see what sports bring to the table.
For example, Florida Tight End Aaron Hernandez’s draft stock has been hampered because of his "off-field" personality. The thing is, the three years Hernandez had been in Gainesville, his name had never surfaced with an arrest or police report.
Fans and the media consistently want to see sports figures fail.
Every draft analyst says that Tebow can’t make it in the pros, yet the NFL invites him to the draft.
Jerry Jones publically bashes Tebow saying that he will never work in the NFL, yet ESPN has a sportscenter special on Tebow and his throwing motion the same day.
Sports need something to turn them around in this dead period and find a positive side of it all.
Hey were only 138 days away from college football..
-A. Ivins
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
4 Questions (Big East Edition)
Is USF's B.J. Daniels the best of the Big East?
1. Who is the conference favorite next season?
Cincinnati has won the Big East two years in a row, but head coach Brian Kelly has left the school to take over at Notre Dame. Pittsburgh returns behind the running of sophomore sensation Dion Lewis, and Connecticut returns 16-starters on a team that looked promising last season. However, a team that looks to be very talented is Rutgers. Rutgers defense finished 18th nationally in total defense last year and had the best turnover margin in the Big East; a staple to head coach Greg Schiano’s commitment of having a strong defense. While the defense loses some players to graduation and the NFL, enough talent returns to compliment an up and coming offense. QB Tom Savage has the makings to be the top quarterback in the league and can get the ball to future star wideout Mohammed Sanu. Throw in a conference schedule that includes Uconn at home and trips to West Virginia and Pittsburgh; Rutgers could very well end up playing after New Year’s. 2.Can Charlie Strong take Louisville to a bowl game in 2010?
Charlie Strong finally found the right fit for him to start his head coaching career at Louisville, and the Cardinals couldn’t be happier. Strong finds himself with a team that has some talent and an environment that wants to make it to the next level. RB Victor Anderson is looking to bounce back after a drop of last season in which he rushed for under 500 yards. QB Adam Forman struggled last year and will be essential to the success of the offense. Strong should take care of the defense and make it respectable after a poor showing in 2009, finishing second to last in the conference. Making a bowl could be very difficult provided the schedule ahead for the Cardinals. Trips to Rutgers, Pittsburgh, and Oregon State mixed with home contests with Uconn, West Virginia and Kentucky provide a lot of games in which the cardinals could be underdogs. Look for a 5-7 type season, and Strong missing out on a bowl for now.
3. How good can B.J. Daniels be?
USF’s B.J. Daniels started off last season behind 4-years starter Matt Grothe. Grothe got hurt the third game of the season and the freshman Daniels stepped right in and the Bulls never looked back. Daniels went on to lead a win at Florida State, accounting for 341 yards of total offense, and become an adequate dual threat quarterback running for 772 yards and throwing for another 1,983 yards. After the teams bowl game, USF decided to part ways with Jim Levitt and bring in East Carolina coach Skip Holtz. Holtz’s offense is still a spread attack focusing on a dual-treat quarterback; similar to the one USF ran last season. Along with Holtz comes in quarterback coach Peter Vaas, who at one time coached Brady Quinn at Notre Dame. All of this has to be good news for Daniels, who has the potential to be the top dual-threat quarterback in the nation. Strong coaching and a talented offensive set have Daniels looking ready for a solid sophomore year. A week two matchup at Florida, could give Daniels a household name status, if he somehow knocked of another big time state school.
4. Will Pittsburgh be able to survive its Out-of-Conference Schedule?
At Notre Dame, at Utah and a Thursday night home contest against national powerhouse Miami, has Pittsburgh looking at a daunting schedule for the upcoming year. Pittsburgh has entered 2010 understanding that the Big East isn’t the strongest conference of them all, so instead has beefed up it’s out of conference play in hopes of having the opportunity to receive a higher BCS standing. The opening week contest at Utah shouldn’t be too difficult of a game for the Panthers, as they return an offensive attack focusing on the running of RB Dion Lewis. The other games against Notre Dame and Miami should provide more of a contest. A home win against Miami looks more plausible as Pittsburgh’s defense should be able to slow down the Miami offense. However the game at Notre Dame should be interesting as October trips to South Bend can always be entertaning.
Please feel free to submit questions to andrewrivins@gmail.com for a new weekly section "Ivins's Inbox"
-A. Ivins
Monday, April 12, 2010
Monday's Thoughts 4-12
Four-years ago a freshman quarterback played his first game ever in the swamp, running left and right and up the middle, the kid and his awkward throwing motion excited the Gator Nation.
Four-years later, this past Saturday, a freshman quarterback, ran all over the field racking up 178 yards rushing and recording a spring game record 78 yard TD run.
That man four-years ago was Tim Tebow, arguably the greatest college football player ever.
Over the weekend that was freshman quarterback Trey Burton.
After committing to play for the Gators two years ago, the lifelong gator fan was ready to finally play in the swamp, and he reminded many of #15.
Burton looked like a raw version of Tim Tebow, more of the 2006 era type. Taking the snap and plowing straight forward, running over defenders in the way, just as Tebow had done his first year on campus.
Reminding many of that 2006 season even more, was the presence of former QB Chris Leak, who had been invited by Burton to coach him up in his orange and blue debut.
And Leak, did just that. Burton looked poised, and despite his long awkward throwing release (think Tebow here), he did just fine, enough to give him a shot at playing time.
Urban Meyer wants to use two quarterbacks. Face it, Meyer simply refuses to change his offense that on most third and short opportunities, lines up in a power shotgun set and has the QB dive up the middle. It is what made Tim Tebow, Tim Tebow.
This upcoming season a version of Leak is taking over the Gators in QB John Brantley, and this looks to be a good sign for the Gators, as Brantley can move and distribute the ball.
The question is however, who will be 2010’s Tim Tebow?
Trey Burton looks to be the man…
- FAU looks to be set a tight end as in this past Saturday’s scrimmage, both TE Rob Housler and TE Darrin Williams caught touchdown passes. After graduating two all- Sun Belt tight ends in Jammari Grant and Jason Harmon, many would think there would be a drop off production wise. But, Williams and Housler look ready to make plays in the offense that relies heavily on tight end involvement.
- After watching North Carolina’s spring game, it is clear that the defense is one of the best in the ACC. LB Quan Sturdivant and DT Marvin Austin are future top-20 draft picks and anchor the athletic Butch Davis defense. If Davis could find a quarterback, North Carolina could very easily be thinking ACC championship game. Keep in mind, Alabama QB Greg McElroy was good, not great, until the championship games, and they still won with him.
- Last season Rutgers was 97th in the nation in total offense with the 89th best passing attack. That could change this season as Rutgers welcomes back sophomore QB Tom Savage. Savage took over last season after an opening blowout loss to Cincinnati, and was the man after that. Throwing for 2200 plus yards and 14 TDs, Savage showed poise and looked older than his freshman tagging. Throw in fellow sophomore WR Mohammed Sanu who finished with 8 TD’s and the emerging TE D.C. Jefferson, Rutgers passing attack looks ready to flourish.
Closing thought:
Alabama went 13-0 and won the National Championship in 1992 after beating Florida 28-21 in the SEC Championship Game. In 2009 Alabama went 14-0 and won the National Championship after beating down on Florida 32-13 in Atlanta.
After the 92’ season Alabama returned to the SEC Championship game against Florida but this time they lost 28-13.
Is a repeat in store for 2010?
- A. Ivins
Four-years later, this past Saturday, a freshman quarterback, ran all over the field racking up 178 yards rushing and recording a spring game record 78 yard TD run.
That man four-years ago was Tim Tebow, arguably the greatest college football player ever.
Over the weekend that was freshman quarterback Trey Burton.
After committing to play for the Gators two years ago, the lifelong gator fan was ready to finally play in the swamp, and he reminded many of #15.
Burton looked like a raw version of Tim Tebow, more of the 2006 era type. Taking the snap and plowing straight forward, running over defenders in the way, just as Tebow had done his first year on campus.
Reminding many of that 2006 season even more, was the presence of former QB Chris Leak, who had been invited by Burton to coach him up in his orange and blue debut.
And Leak, did just that. Burton looked poised, and despite his long awkward throwing release (think Tebow here), he did just fine, enough to give him a shot at playing time.
Urban Meyer wants to use two quarterbacks. Face it, Meyer simply refuses to change his offense that on most third and short opportunities, lines up in a power shotgun set and has the QB dive up the middle. It is what made Tim Tebow, Tim Tebow.
This upcoming season a version of Leak is taking over the Gators in QB John Brantley, and this looks to be a good sign for the Gators, as Brantley can move and distribute the ball.
The question is however, who will be 2010’s Tim Tebow?
Trey Burton looks to be the man…
- FAU looks to be set a tight end as in this past Saturday’s scrimmage, both TE Rob Housler and TE Darrin Williams caught touchdown passes. After graduating two all- Sun Belt tight ends in Jammari Grant and Jason Harmon, many would think there would be a drop off production wise. But, Williams and Housler look ready to make plays in the offense that relies heavily on tight end involvement.
- After watching North Carolina’s spring game, it is clear that the defense is one of the best in the ACC. LB Quan Sturdivant and DT Marvin Austin are future top-20 draft picks and anchor the athletic Butch Davis defense. If Davis could find a quarterback, North Carolina could very easily be thinking ACC championship game. Keep in mind, Alabama QB Greg McElroy was good, not great, until the championship games, and they still won with him.
- Last season Rutgers was 97th in the nation in total offense with the 89th best passing attack. That could change this season as Rutgers welcomes back sophomore QB Tom Savage. Savage took over last season after an opening blowout loss to Cincinnati, and was the man after that. Throwing for 2200 plus yards and 14 TDs, Savage showed poise and looked older than his freshman tagging. Throw in fellow sophomore WR Mohammed Sanu who finished with 8 TD’s and the emerging TE D.C. Jefferson, Rutgers passing attack looks ready to flourish.
Closing thought:
Alabama went 13-0 and won the National Championship in 1992 after beating Florida 28-21 in the SEC Championship Game. In 2009 Alabama went 14-0 and won the National Championship after beating down on Florida 32-13 in Atlanta.
After the 92’ season Alabama returned to the SEC Championship game against Florida but this time they lost 28-13.
Is a repeat in store for 2010?
- A. Ivins
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Dear NCAA.. (Saturdays Column)
Butler guard Gordan Hayward grabbed the rebound with less than 4-seconds left, dribbled up the court and launched a half court shot which appeared dead on...
For that moment the 70,000 fans in Lucas Oil Stadium as well as the millions watching the television broadcast all thought that David could have just knocked off Goliath. Butler, a small college from the Horizon league could have shocked the 1-seeded ACC powerhouse Duke.
As the buzzer went off Hayward’s shot hit the rim and went out; the game was over. Duke was crowned the national champions in a 61-59 thriller.
Butler for that two hour game had its most fans ever, people packed into bars and cheered for the underdog small school playing only six miles from its Indianapolis campus.
All of this, came because of what some claim is the greatest playoff system in sports, The NCAA College Basketball 65- Team Tournament.
If this were football’s BCS version, Kansas and Kentucky would have been squaring off in the championship game, not a small 4,000 student liberal arts college named Butler.
The NCAA tournament stands for what college athletics should be. All 347 men’s Divison-1 basketball teams have an equal opportunity to win the tournament and be crowned number one in the land.
That is why every small school Monday night was cheering and pulling for Butler.
Butler provided the vision everyone wanted to see; a Goliath winning it all.
Dear NCAA please keep the tournament at 65 teams, it is truly one of the greatest events.
-A. Ivins
For that moment the 70,000 fans in Lucas Oil Stadium as well as the millions watching the television broadcast all thought that David could have just knocked off Goliath. Butler, a small college from the Horizon league could have shocked the 1-seeded ACC powerhouse Duke.
As the buzzer went off Hayward’s shot hit the rim and went out; the game was over. Duke was crowned the national champions in a 61-59 thriller.
Butler for that two hour game had its most fans ever, people packed into bars and cheered for the underdog small school playing only six miles from its Indianapolis campus.
All of this, came because of what some claim is the greatest playoff system in sports, The NCAA College Basketball 65- Team Tournament.
If this were football’s BCS version, Kansas and Kentucky would have been squaring off in the championship game, not a small 4,000 student liberal arts college named Butler.
The NCAA tournament stands for what college athletics should be. All 347 men’s Divison-1 basketball teams have an equal opportunity to win the tournament and be crowned number one in the land.
That is why every small school Monday night was cheering and pulling for Butler.
Butler provided the vision everyone wanted to see; a Goliath winning it all.
Dear NCAA please keep the tournament at 65 teams, it is truly one of the greatest events.
-A. Ivins
Thursday, April 8, 2010
WR Visitng Practice
Spring football is usually the time when many prospects flood the practice fields to catch Florida Atlantic’s practices.
Yesterday, 2011 prospect WR Xavier Youngblood was out watching practice with his father.
“FAU has offered me, so I decided to come down” explained Youngblood when asked about the interest FAU has shown in him.
The 6’3” 185 pound prospect hails from Lake Brantley High School in Altamonte Springs, FL. The problem for Youngblood however is his high school’s offense.
“We don’t really throw the ball” Youngblood said. “Its run, run, run, sometimes they throw it to me.”
Lake Brantley’s triple option offense has been there for years and is run much similar to Georgia Tech’s.
Current FAU offensive lineman Jared Pizzuti comes from the Lake Brantley program, but Youngblood didn’t know too much about him.
One thing is for sure, FAU will need to reload in this next recruiting class as they loss senior WR’s Lestar Jean and Avery Holley. Youngblood’s father was aware of the situation and had a depth chart in hand looking at all of the receivers.
“I like FAU” remarked Youngblood “Maybe ill commit soon, maybe sometime this week.”
The prospect plans to make it out to FAU’s April 24th spring game.
- A. Ivins
Yesterday, 2011 prospect WR Xavier Youngblood was out watching practice with his father.
The 6’3” 185 pound prospect hails from Lake Brantley High School in Altamonte Springs, FL. The problem for Youngblood however is his high school’s offense.
“We don’t really throw the ball” Youngblood said. “Its run, run, run, sometimes they throw it to me.”
Lake Brantley’s triple option offense has been there for years and is run much similar to Georgia Tech’s.
Current FAU offensive lineman Jared Pizzuti comes from the Lake Brantley program, but Youngblood didn’t know too much about him.
One thing is for sure, FAU will need to reload in this next recruiting class as they loss senior WR’s Lestar Jean and Avery Holley. Youngblood’s father was aware of the situation and had a depth chart in hand looking at all of the receivers.
“I like FAU” remarked Youngblood “Maybe ill commit soon, maybe sometime this week.”
The prospect plans to make it out to FAU’s April 24th spring game.
- A. Ivins
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Practice Report Day 5
WRs Richardson (left) and Hankerson (right) lined up
New faces can be seen all over Florida Atlantic’s wide receiver corp. Former star’s Chris Bonner and Cortez Gent have both graduated which has left a window of opportunity for new players to step up.
Richardson, a redshirt freshman, has used his big frame to make some blocks and catches over the middle when needed and appears to be the teams number three receiver.
Walk-on Hankerson has proved he was worthy of making the squad and is fighting for some playing time with the second team offense. In today’s spring session Hankerson took a middle screen up the field for 30 yards bouncing off of defenders, which generated appraisal from the coaching staff.
New wide receivers coach Jarred Allen has a large selection pool of talent to choose from, but many receivers are missing practices due to injury or class. WRs Amos Wood and Grant Glover both were not on the field today, and starting receiver Avery Holley has been in and out with a sore hamstring.
One thing is set for sure in the passing attack and that is the play of the tightends. Senior TE Rob Housler, who has put on some weight, made catches all throughout the day. Junior Alex Fick also made some notable catches and has been working out with both the receivers and tightends.
Practice Notes:
-DE Jamere Johnson had the play of the day when he intercepted QB Jeff Van Camp’s screen pass in the backfield and took it in for a touchdown.
- CB Tavious Polo, who has been trying to play wide receiver, dropped multiple interceptions throughout the day when he was working with the first team defense.
- Redshirt freshman TE Nexon Dorvilus has put on some weight for this spring and has looked athletic running his routes. The coaches seem pleased with his effort.
- WR Avery Holley got the ball on a reverse and lost 15 yards as the defense swarmed him.
- CB Tarvoris Hill sat out 7-7 drills and team scrimmage but did workout in position drills. WR Grant Glover and WR Amos Woods were not at practice.
- P Mickey Groody is working out as the team’s fourth string quarterback.
- Initial reports are that Sophmore LB David Hinds has broke his leg.
FAU returns to the practice field Friday at 3:30.
-A. Ivins
Ivins's Inbox 4-7
How does FSU do in the upcoming season without Bowden? Can they make a BCS bowl and beat UF?
- David (Orlando, FL)
Bobby Bowden won't be on FSU's sideline for the first time since 1975, and FSU looks to be in a transitioning period as Jimbo Fisher takes over. Fisher steps in after waiting his turn behind Bowden.
Quarterback play will be essential next season if FSU looks to make a run at a BCS game. Senior QB Christian Ponder showed flashes of greatness last season before an injury, but returns with playmakers all around him. WRs Taiwan Easterling, Bert Reed and Jarmon Fortson all have big play ability and Ponder can get the ball to them.
A tough schedule lies ahead for Ponder and the Noles as they travel to Oklahoma and face BYU at home. A trap game lies in a Thursday night matchup at North Carolina State, as it seems FSU always struggles on the road there.
FSU gets Florida at home this year, and many feel this is the year they will end the streak. Florida has owned the Noles lately winning six in a row by a combined score of 202-71. Florida is also in a reloading period, replacing QB Tim Tebow and a defense chalk full of future NFL players. Taking all of this in to consideration, as long as Urban Meyer is in Gainesville you have to take the Gators. Florida just has too many premier athletes as opposed to FSU. Give Fisher another year and another recruiting class. Florida 28-27, still way to early to call.
Right now I see the Noles finishing 8-4 (6-2) with losses to Oklahoma, NC State, North Carolina and Florida. The Noles will get a shot in the ACC championship game, but I think the Costal division will be too strong. FSU finishes in the top 25 facing an SEC opponent in the Chick-fil-A Bowl game.
- A. Ivins
- David (Orlando, FL)
Bobby Bowden won't be on FSU's sideline for the first time since 1975, and FSU looks to be in a transitioning period as Jimbo Fisher takes over. Fisher steps in after waiting his turn behind Bowden.
Quarterback play will be essential next season if FSU looks to make a run at a BCS game. Senior QB Christian Ponder showed flashes of greatness last season before an injury, but returns with playmakers all around him. WRs Taiwan Easterling, Bert Reed and Jarmon Fortson all have big play ability and Ponder can get the ball to them.
Ponder (#7) is the key for FSU
A tough schedule lies ahead for Ponder and the Noles as they travel to Oklahoma and face BYU at home. A trap game lies in a Thursday night matchup at North Carolina State, as it seems FSU always struggles on the road there.
FSU gets Florida at home this year, and many feel this is the year they will end the streak. Florida has owned the Noles lately winning six in a row by a combined score of 202-71. Florida is also in a reloading period, replacing QB Tim Tebow and a defense chalk full of future NFL players. Taking all of this in to consideration, as long as Urban Meyer is in Gainesville you have to take the Gators. Florida just has too many premier athletes as opposed to FSU. Give Fisher another year and another recruiting class. Florida 28-27, still way to early to call.
Right now I see the Noles finishing 8-4 (6-2) with losses to Oklahoma, NC State, North Carolina and Florida. The Noles will get a shot in the ACC championship game, but I think the Costal division will be too strong. FSU finishes in the top 25 facing an SEC opponent in the Chick-fil-A Bowl game.
- A. Ivins
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
4 Questions (Sun Belt Edition)
1/4 of an inch. That’s how much off I was from picking last night’s Duke-Butler game.
You couldn’t have asked for a better overall game, ACC powerhouse Duke was neck and neck with Horizon league foe Butler all game.
It’s too bad Butler’s Gordan Hayward couldn’t connect on his desperation half court shot. Butler lost 61-59.
Now on to the football side of sports…
It is safe to say Urban Meyer will never change his offense. After publically stating that he will use a two-quarterback system because projected starting QB John Brantley is not mobile enough, it is clear Meyer will never change his offense. On 4th and 1, look for a quarterback run.
Todd Berry is new at Louisiana Monroe and finds himself in promising position to take the program to the next level. Louisiana Monroe finished last season at 6-6 and just missed out on as bowl game. However, Western Kentucky’s Willie Taggart could have the most immediate success. Western Kentucky has finished a combined 2-22 the past two seasons, but Taggart should change things. Taggart brings over a more run based pro-style offense like the one he coached under at Stanford, which is a rare form for a conference dominated by the spread. Enough talent returns for the Hilltoppers to find four to five wins this season.
2. Will North Texas finally get over the hump?
North Texas Head Coach Todd Dodge is sitting on a very hot seat. Dodge’s Mean Green is 5-31 the past three seasons, and needs to show improvement this season to keep his job. The answer looked to be Dodge’s son Riley Dodge who was the quarterback last season and showed signs of being a star quarterback. But, due to a shoulder injury Riley has moved to wide receiver. North Texas’s offense should improve as they return 1,300 yard running back Lamar Dunbar and a proven offensive coordinator in former USF coordinator Mike Canales. The defense could be the key to success and somehow Dodge will need to coach them to a five win season if he would like to keep his job.
3. Can Troy’s offense grow without offensive coordinator Neal Brown?
Neal Brown bolted to take the offensive coordinator position at Texas Tech and Troy could see some instant effects on the offensive side of the ball. Along with Brown, the Trojans lost another Brown in senior quarterback Levi Brown. Running a no huddle attack, Neal Brown’s offense finished first in the Sun Belt last season and was the most impressive spread offense in the conference. Without both Brown’s, Troy needs to find some answers. One of those answers could be RB Shawn Southward who ran for 600 yards last season in split duties. 2010 looks be a rebuilding year for the Trojans offense.
4. How much of an effect will the death of Kendall Berry have on FIU’s season?
Kendall Berry, the FIU running back who was stabbed on campus weeks ago, will never be forgotten in FIU’s locker room. Just like in the case of last season when UConn cornerback Jasper Howard was stabbed to death mid-season, the team rallied around the event. Ceremonies and sorrow will be high for FIU’s home opener against Rutgers, but look for the leaders of the team to dedicate the season to the young individual who tragically lost his life.
Please feel free to submit questions to andrewrivins@gmail.com for a new weekley section "Ivins's Inbox"
-A. Ivins
You couldn’t have asked for a better overall game, ACC powerhouse Duke was neck and neck with Horizon league foe Butler all game.
It’s too bad Butler’s Gordan Hayward couldn’t connect on his desperation half court shot. Butler lost 61-59.
Now on to the football side of sports…
It is safe to say Urban Meyer will never change his offense. After publically stating that he will use a two-quarterback system because projected starting QB John Brantley is not mobile enough, it is clear Meyer will never change his offense. On 4th and 1, look for a quarterback run.
1. Which head coaching change will lead to success faster?
Todd Berry is new at Louisiana Monroe and finds himself in promising position to take the program to the next level. Louisiana Monroe finished last season at 6-6 and just missed out on as bowl game. However, Western Kentucky’s Willie Taggart could have the most immediate success. Western Kentucky has finished a combined 2-22 the past two seasons, but Taggart should change things. Taggart brings over a more run based pro-style offense like the one he coached under at Stanford, which is a rare form for a conference dominated by the spread. Enough talent returns for the Hilltoppers to find four to five wins this season.
2. Will North Texas finally get over the hump?
North Texas Head Coach Todd Dodge is sitting on a very hot seat. Dodge’s Mean Green is 5-31 the past three seasons, and needs to show improvement this season to keep his job. The answer looked to be Dodge’s son Riley Dodge who was the quarterback last season and showed signs of being a star quarterback. But, due to a shoulder injury Riley has moved to wide receiver. North Texas’s offense should improve as they return 1,300 yard running back Lamar Dunbar and a proven offensive coordinator in former USF coordinator Mike Canales. The defense could be the key to success and somehow Dodge will need to coach them to a five win season if he would like to keep his job.
3. Can Troy’s offense grow without offensive coordinator Neal Brown?
Neal Brown bolted to take the offensive coordinator position at Texas Tech and Troy could see some instant effects on the offensive side of the ball. Along with Brown, the Trojans lost another Brown in senior quarterback Levi Brown. Running a no huddle attack, Neal Brown’s offense finished first in the Sun Belt last season and was the most impressive spread offense in the conference. Without both Brown’s, Troy needs to find some answers. One of those answers could be RB Shawn Southward who ran for 600 yards last season in split duties. 2010 looks be a rebuilding year for the Trojans offense.
4. How much of an effect will the death of Kendall Berry have on FIU’s season?
Kendall Berry, the FIU running back who was stabbed on campus weeks ago, will never be forgotten in FIU’s locker room. Just like in the case of last season when UConn cornerback Jasper Howard was stabbed to death mid-season, the team rallied around the event. Ceremonies and sorrow will be high for FIU’s home opener against Rutgers, but look for the leaders of the team to dedicate the season to the young individual who tragically lost his life.
Please feel free to submit questions to andrewrivins@gmail.com for a new weekley section "Ivins's Inbox"
-A. Ivins
Monday, April 5, 2010
Monday's Thoughts 4-5
- Alabama QB A.J. McCarron went 21-for-28 passing for 228 years throwing three touchdowns in Saturday’s spring intra-squad scrimmage, and that has got many buzzing about a potential quarterback competition between McCarron and current Tide QB Greg McElroy. McCarron a redshirt freshman has impressed over the first nine days of camp and looks like he could challenge the undefeated starting senior quarterback McElroy for time next season. However, the real man losing out in all of this is redshirt freshman QB Star Jackson. Jackson a highly regarded quarterback prospect out of Lake Worth, Fla. was thought to be the predecessor for McElroy, but now appears to have lost the job to McCarron. Expect a potential transfer from Jackson soon, as Alabama’s coaching staff keeps bringing in elite quarterbacks like early enrollee QB Phillip Sims.
- Florida HB Jeff Demps appears to be the fastest player in college football after running the 100-meter at 10.11 seconds. While Demps is setting track records, he is also missing out on Florida’s spring practices which could be trouble for Urban Meyer and the Gators. The Florida running back corp. hasn’t been steady since the 2005 days of Ciatrick Fayson and DeShawn Wynn. The latest setback is another injury to RB Emmanuel Moody. With Demps and Moody out for spring practices look for sophomore HB Mike Gillisee to have a big impact in the offense come this Fall.
- The NCAA is flirting with the idea of a 96-team tournament, but that is flat wrong. North Carolina dosen't deserve to make one of the greatest sporting events after finishing an embarrising 16-16. Heck North Carolina shouldn't deserve to play in any post seaon play. The NIT and CBI Insider Tournament
are where teams that dont make the selection comitees cut should play. Looking outside of the box, a small program like Rhode Island or Drake should embrace in playing in the NIT as they are given more of a chance to win games on TV. If those programs where looking to take the next step, the NIT gives them the opportunity to take center stage on ESPN. Don't let the NCAA ruin a great event for "money."
- Georgia Tech could have made the best coaching change this off season, and many people still don’t know. Tech Head Coach Paul Johnson brought in former Virginia Head Coach Al Groh to become the Jackets Defensive Coordinator. Groh always had good defense’s during his nine seasons with Virginia, and will need to translate that success to Tech. Revamping a defense that lost the likes of S Morgan Burnett will be key to the Jackets success as the offense will be led by senior QB Josh Nesbitt again.
A. Ivins Likes:
Butler over Duke by 1. Everyone is going to take Duke here, but I like the Cinderella story. Butler will play off the emotions of a home crowd and win it at the end. Perhaps a last second buzzer beater?
Please feel free to submit questions to andrewrivins@gmail.com for a new weekley section "Ivins's Inbox"
-A. Ivins
- Florida HB Jeff Demps appears to be the fastest player in college football after running the 100-meter at 10.11 seconds. While Demps is setting track records, he is also missing out on Florida’s spring practices which could be trouble for Urban Meyer and the Gators. The Florida running back corp. hasn’t been steady since the 2005 days of Ciatrick Fayson and DeShawn Wynn. The latest setback is another injury to RB Emmanuel Moody. With Demps and Moody out for spring practices look for sophomore HB Mike Gillisee to have a big impact in the offense come this Fall.
- The NCAA is flirting with the idea of a 96-team tournament, but that is flat wrong. North Carolina dosen't deserve to make one of the greatest sporting events after finishing an embarrising 16-16. Heck North Carolina shouldn't deserve to play in any post seaon play. The NIT and CBI Insider Tournament
are where teams that dont make the selection comitees cut should play. Looking outside of the box, a small program like Rhode Island or Drake should embrace in playing in the NIT as they are given more of a chance to win games on TV. If those programs where looking to take the next step, the NIT gives them the opportunity to take center stage on ESPN. Don't let the NCAA ruin a great event for "money."
- Georgia Tech could have made the best coaching change this off season, and many people still don’t know. Tech Head Coach Paul Johnson brought in former Virginia Head Coach Al Groh to become the Jackets Defensive Coordinator. Groh always had good defense’s during his nine seasons with Virginia, and will need to translate that success to Tech. Revamping a defense that lost the likes of S Morgan Burnett will be key to the Jackets success as the offense will be led by senior QB Josh Nesbitt again.
A. Ivins Likes:
Please feel free to submit questions to andrewrivins@gmail.com for a new weekley section "Ivins's Inbox"
-A. Ivins
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Practice Report Day 1
FAU day 1 of practice. -A. ivins
Whistles and shouts could be heard all throughout the Tom Oxley practice fields this afternoon as Florida Atlantic kicked off spring practice.
New to the Florida Atlantic defense is a sense of tempo and anger. Coach Hopkins and newly appointed defensive coordinator Kirk Van Vulkenburgh could be heard all across the field as they shouted orders at players.
Many players who appeared to have had a “locked” starting position for next fall found themselves working out with the second teams. It appears that no position is secure this spring.
On the offensive side of the ball, senior QB Jeff Van Camp has seemed to pick up where he has left off from last season. Van Camp connected numerous times with wideout Lestar Jean.
Head coach Howard Schnellenburger called practice a bit early after Van Camp connected with Jean for a 40-yard TD pass. Listed below are some notable practice notes;
- Sophomore QB David Kooi worked with the second team offense but struggled throughout the day. In team drills he threw an interception and also fumbled numerous snaps. He didn’t appear comfortable with the offensive line.
- Senior WR Avery Holly who is the second returning leading receiver in receptions didn’t pratice, although he was dressed out. Senior WR Grant Glover started in his place.
- The 1st team linebackers included; Michael Lockley, Alex Pattee and Malik Eugene
- Redshirt freshman FB Chris Jackson got a lot of work out of the backfield. Numerous times he was the target of screens and check downs.
- QB David Kooi has switched his number to #7, WR DeAndre Richardson is #2 and, LB David Hinds is #11.
FAU continues practice Friday at 3:30
- A. Ivins
Could this Spring be a "Rebuilding" Spring?
At 3:30 today Florida Atlantic football players will take the practice field in preparation for next season looking for some answers.
After missing a bowl for the first time in three years, Florida Atlantic finds it’s self in a position where they are looking to rebound. The question is though, has too much been lost?
Gone is almost the entire offense which was very productive last season. The defense returns a group of players that finished 112th in total defense last season giving up a school record 651 yards in one contest.
Fortunately head coach Howard Schnellenburger doesn’t have a bare cupboard. Senior QB Jeff Van Camp and Sun Belt leading rusher RB Alfred Morris both return to an offense that finished second in the conference. A new defensive staff is in place with the hiring of defensive back coach Dick Hopkins, who brings 30-years of coaching experience to the staff.
On the offensive side of the ball, the biggest question will be how well the offensive line can perform. OT Troy Niblock is the only real player bringing experience to the line. Finding another receiver to compliment senior WR Lestar Jean will also be a priority which places pressure on senior wideout Avery Holly.
Defensively, there are questions everywhere. New defensive coordinator Kirk Van Valkenburgh has to find answers for a linebacking corp. that looked lost at times last season. Look for senior LB Michael Lockley and sophomore David Hinds to battle it out for a starting position.
Young players and senior leadership will need to step up for the Owls if they hope to receive a bowl berth next Fall and there is no better time than over the next month of spring practice.
Look for 4th and Long to bring you some spring football coverage over the next month starting today.
-A. Ivins
After missing a bowl for the first time in three years, Florida Atlantic finds it’s self in a position where they are looking to rebound. The question is though, has too much been lost?
Gone is almost the entire offense which was very productive last season. The defense returns a group of players that finished 112th in total defense last season giving up a school record 651 yards in one contest.
Fortunately head coach Howard Schnellenburger doesn’t have a bare cupboard. Senior QB Jeff Van Camp and Sun Belt leading rusher RB Alfred Morris both return to an offense that finished second in the conference. A new defensive staff is in place with the hiring of defensive back coach Dick Hopkins, who brings 30-years of coaching experience to the staff.
On the offensive side of the ball, the biggest question will be how well the offensive line can perform. OT Troy Niblock is the only real player bringing experience to the line. Finding another receiver to compliment senior WR Lestar Jean will also be a priority which places pressure on senior wideout Avery Holly.
Defensively, there are questions everywhere. New defensive coordinator Kirk Van Valkenburgh has to find answers for a linebacking corp. that looked lost at times last season. Look for senior LB Michael Lockley and sophomore David Hinds to battle it out for a starting position.
Young players and senior leadership will need to step up for the Owls if they hope to receive a bowl berth next Fall and there is no better time than over the next month of spring practice.
Look for 4th and Long to bring you some spring football coverage over the next month starting today.
-A. Ivins
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
4 Weekley Questions
Who is going to win the Final Four? West Virginia (See below). The Mountaineers have had an impressive run through the post season and are riding a 10-game win streak into their semifinal matchup with Duke. Duke, on the other hand comes in as the only number-1 seed to make the Final Four. Coach K's team likes to shoot the three, but should struggle against a tall athletic West Virginia defense that hampered Kentucky's shooting efforts last weekend. West Virginia over Butler.
What is the best week-1 College Football matchup? Many feel that the Monday night matchup of Boise State and Virginia Tech in Washington D.C. will take center stage the first week of Fall. But another game to watch out for is the North Carolina and LSU matchup that Saturday in Atlanta. Both LSU and North Carolina could make some noise in their respective conferences and both could be sleeper BCS game picks. LSU's offense welcome's back an experienced QB in Jordan Jefferson and a potential breakout athlete in Russell Sheppard. North Carolina brings in a loaded defense lead by monster DT Marvin Austin and LB Quan Sturdivant. Look for this game to make some prime time noise.
How competitive is women's College Basketball? Saturday night 1-seeded Stanford beat 5-seeded Georgia by 37 points in a Sweet 16 matchup. Sunday night 1-seeded Connecticut beat 4-seeded Iowa State by 38 points in a Sweet 17 matchup. Looking at these scores it begins to appear that there is a large gap between good and elite teams in women's basketball. Only a handful of teams can compete with each other at a high level, and that is hampering the sport. Still looking outside of the box fans need to understand that any college-level men's basketball program could win the women's tournament.
Who will have the best season as a QB in the SEC East? The only true starting quarterback returning to the SEC East is South Carolina QB Stephen Garcia, and he has plenty of questions. John Brantley takes over for Tim Tebow at Florida, Senior Logan Gray and Freshman Aaron Murray are in a race at Georgia, Larry Smith is suppose to be challenged by JUCO enrollee Jordan Rodgers at Vanderbilt, and Nick Stephens looks to be the front runner to win the job at Tennessee. At Kentucky, new head coach Joker Phillips welcomes a two-headed quarterback attack of sophomore Morgan Newton and athlete Randall Cobb, both combined could provide a versatile offense for the Wildcats. At of all of these quarterbacks, look for Stephen Garcia to have the best opportunity to have a great season. Garcia has started since he was a freshman but has played vey inconsistent since. With a loaded backfield and a talented offense around him, there should be no excuse for Garcia to struggle.
- A Ivins
What is the best week-1 College Football matchup? Many feel that the Monday night matchup of Boise State and Virginia Tech in Washington D.C. will take center stage the first week of Fall. But another game to watch out for is the North Carolina and LSU matchup that Saturday in Atlanta. Both LSU and North Carolina could make some noise in their respective conferences and both could be sleeper BCS game picks. LSU's offense welcome's back an experienced QB in Jordan Jefferson and a potential breakout athlete in Russell Sheppard. North Carolina brings in a loaded defense lead by monster DT Marvin Austin and LB Quan Sturdivant. Look for this game to make some prime time noise.
How competitive is women's College Basketball? Saturday night 1-seeded Stanford beat 5-seeded Georgia by 37 points in a Sweet 16 matchup. Sunday night 1-seeded Connecticut beat 4-seeded Iowa State by 38 points in a Sweet 17 matchup. Looking at these scores it begins to appear that there is a large gap between good and elite teams in women's basketball. Only a handful of teams can compete with each other at a high level, and that is hampering the sport. Still looking outside of the box fans need to understand that any college-level men's basketball program could win the women's tournament.
Who will have the best season as a QB in the SEC East? The only true starting quarterback returning to the SEC East is South Carolina QB Stephen Garcia, and he has plenty of questions. John Brantley takes over for Tim Tebow at Florida, Senior Logan Gray and Freshman Aaron Murray are in a race at Georgia, Larry Smith is suppose to be challenged by JUCO enrollee Jordan Rodgers at Vanderbilt, and Nick Stephens looks to be the front runner to win the job at Tennessee. At Kentucky, new head coach Joker Phillips welcomes a two-headed quarterback attack of sophomore Morgan Newton and athlete Randall Cobb, both combined could provide a versatile offense for the Wildcats. At of all of these quarterbacks, look for Stephen Garcia to have the best opportunity to have a great season. Garcia has started since he was a freshman but has played vey inconsistent since. With a loaded backfield and a talented offense around him, there should be no excuse for Garcia to struggle.
- A Ivins
Friday, March 19, 2010
Football Tidbit
-LSU appears to be using a new Nike football. The ball pictured above with LSU QB Jordan Jefferson debuted with the Tigers on there first day of spring practice. Although its just speculation, I believe it helps the receiver look in the ball.
-Many people including ESPN's Todd McShay have hampered on Tim Tebow's throwing motion and how it is to long and slow. However, Tebow might not have the slowest of them all. Spring practice kicked off for Florida two days ago, and freshman QB Trey Burton, had a throwing motion which almost looked like a shotput. This just goes to show that coach Urban Meyer isn't afraid to recruit an athlete and develop a system around him, much like he did with Tebow and former UF QB Chris Leak.
-Tennessee RB Bryce Brown, the one time uber recruit has decided to transfer from Tennessee. Brown came to the Vols in former head coach Lane Kiffin's first recruiting class instead of following his brother to Miami. Since then his brother, LB Arthur Brown, also a one time uber recruit, has decided to transfer to Kansas State. Look for Bryce Brown to end up at Kansas State or out at USC.
-A. Ivins
Thursday, March 18, 2010
West Virginia to Take it All
Kentucky has it all. They have Demarcus Cousins, Patrick Patterson and of course John Wall. Four players on the roster are listed as potential lottery picks in this summer's draft.
Kansas has been here before. They won a tittle two years ago and are coached by a legend in the making Bill Self. With a roster dominated of experienced upperclassmen many believe they will take another title.
However, I'm not buying into it. Ever since West Virginia's opening win in the Big East Tournament i have liked them to make a run to the NCAA's Final Four. West Virgina has the ability to close out games, create match ups and play defense; all of which are essential in tournament play.
Led by Senior Forward Da'Sean Butler, West Virgina is 7-0 on neutral courts having won the 76 Anaheim Classic and the Big East Tournament. Bob Huggins knows how to prepare his team to play in a tournament type atmosphere which is key to winning post season games.
Another factor to like about West Virginia is they don't play a normal system like other schools. Many teams in college basketball are running 3 and 4 guard lineups where as Huggins line up consists of 4 forwards.
One of those forwards, Sophomore Devin Ebanks, has the most potential out of any forward in the tournament. Ebanks is not the focal point of the Mountaineers offense, but is athletic enough to make plays when needed. Along with his scoring potential Ebanks can run the floor, block shots and make steals.
As of now, West Virginia is one of the hottest teams in the land. By not landing a number-1 seed there should be plenty of motivation for a team who has knocked of the likes of Ohio State, Villanova and Georgetown this season.
Not receiving a number 1-seed for the Mountaineers, would be the equivalent to Alabama winning the SEC Championship in football and not being called one of the top-4 teams in the nation. Many bracket analysts have overlooked West Virgina, but I'm taking them to the championship game for the first time since 1959.
Ebanks could be key to a Final Four run
A. Ivins likes:
Florida over BYU, Old Dominion over Notre Shame in "wasn't the Irish a bubble team 3 weeks ago, now there a 6-seed?" Villanova over Robert Morris, Vandy over Murray State in a close "almost" upset special, Northern Iowa over UNLV, Kansas State over North Texas's Mean Green, Baylor big over Sam Houston State, Richmond Spiders over Saint Mary's in a good mid-major battle, UTEP over Butler in Upset Special 1, Washington over Marquette in Upset Special Dos, Georgetown destroying Ohio, Kentucky over ETSU in a game that UK could win with 4 players, Kansas over Lehigh, Tennessee over San Diego State, New Mexico over Montana and Texas over Wake Forest.
A. Ivins Final Four- Kansas, West Virginia, Baylor, SyracuseWednesday, March 17, 2010
A 12 seed over a 5 seed?
The most exciting two days of basketball are almost upon us, but most people are still filling out brackets (including myself).
Of course with march madness there is always luck. Hey this year St. Patty's day is the day before. Everyone knows there will be upsets when it comes to March and if you caught the NIT (Not In Tournament) last night you saw a 1-seeded host team lost to a 8 seed, which is the equivalent to Lehigh taking down Kentucky tomorrow night.
Everybody automatically likes to chose the 12 seeds upsetting the 5 seeds, but lets look at what has happened the past 3-years in the tournament.
Of course with march madness there is always luck. Hey this year St. Patty's day is the day before. Everyone knows there will be upsets when it comes to March and if you caught the NIT (Not In Tournament) last night you saw a 1-seeded host team lost to a 8 seed, which is the equivalent to Lehigh taking down Kentucky tomorrow night.
Everybody automatically likes to chose the 12 seeds upsetting the 5 seeds, but lets look at what has happened the past 3-years in the tournament.
- 7 12-seeds have upset 5-seeds
- 6 11-seeds have upset 6-seeds
- 4 13-seeds have upset 4 seeds
Taking these numbers into consideration, you should really have two 12-seeds upsetting 5-seeds, one to two 11-seeds upsetting 6-seeds and one 13 beating a 4-seed.
This morning on the radio, a cleaning lady had a Final-Four of; 10-seeded Florida, 14-seeded Ohio (yes Ohio not Ohio St.), 3-seeded Baylor and 10-seeded Missouri winning it all.
The problem with people picking upsets like mentioned above is that they get "upset" happy. Following these numbers hopefully you wont end up with a Final Four full of bubble teams who should have been playing last night.
Listed bellow is a break down of the potential "upsets"....
5. Michigan State vs 12. New Mexico State- 7:20 pm Spokane Fri.
New Mexico winners of the WAC tournament make it here with a 21-11 record with the best win against Utah State. However the Aggies have dropped games to, UCLA, New Mexico (2),Saint Mary's and UTEP. I don't really like the Aggies in this game and would suggest looking elsewhere for an upset. -A. Ivins likes Meatchicken State
5. Butler vs 12. UTEP- 4:45 San Jose Thur.
UTEP was ridding a 16-game winning streak before falling to Houston in the conference final. Butler has won 20-games in a row dominating there conference and conference tournament. However Butler has played three tournament teams at neutral sites and is 0-3 against them. -A. Ivins likes UTEP
5. Temple vs 12. Cornell- 12:20 Jacksonville Fri.
Cornell is the "sexy" pick for most. An IVY league school with a 27-4 record almost beating number 1-seeded Kansas, is appealing to most, but people don't realize what Temple has done. Temple comes out of the Atlantic-10, a very underrated conference, and has wins over 2-seeded Villanova, 6-seeded Xavier and a 1-point loss to 3-seeded Georgetown. - A. Ivins likes Temple. First off my boss is a Cornell grad, i don't like him, therefor i don't like Cornell. I see Temple as a Sweet 16 threat.
5. Texas A&M vs 12. Utah State- 4:45 Spokane Fri.
First off, i really like Texas A&M, but Utah State is a very solid team. Utah State is another 12-seeded WAC team who doesn't have a big "it" win but where ridding a 16-game win streak until being upset in the conference tournament final. -A. Ivins likes Utah State. Last year i was in Reno skiing and ran into tons of Utah State fans there for the conference tournament. They support this team and will be in force up in Spokane. Texas A&M appears to be just a year away.
In the other upsets: A. Ivins likes 11-seeded Washington over Marquette, 11-seeded Old Dominion over Notre Dame, and 13-seeded Sienna over Purdue
-A Ivins
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
FAU Spring Preview
Florida Atlantic enters the spring season coming off of a disappointing 5-7 record which has led to some changes that could have the Owls pointing in the right direction.
Gone is the most productive quarterback FAU has ever had in QB Rusty Smith, along with TE's Jason Harmon and Jamari Grant and FB Willie Rose. However the most interesting loss is the one of defensive coordinator Kirk Hoza.
Last season FAU's defense led by Hoza finished 7th in the Sun Belt giving up 453 yards per game. Along with that they gave up a school record 651 yards at Troy. A defensive scheme that wasn't putting pressure on quarterbacks, only 12 sacks and 5 interceptions, led Hoza to be the first coach Howard Schnellenberger has had to fire in over 40-years of coaching.
Linebackers coach Kurt Van Valkenburgh was named the new defensive coordinator and an expected shift in schemes is in the making. FAU also added defensive back coach Dick Hopkins who comes to FAU with over 30-years of coaching experience.
Listed below is a spring outlook for FAU.
Star Watch:
RB Alfred Morris- Last spring Morris was buried deep on the depth chart listed as a back-up fullback. 1-year later Morris returns as the Sun Belt leading rusher after gaining over 1,300 yards while being the workhorse of the offense. Morris, a redshirt junior could contend for almost 1,500 yards next season.
Strength:
Playmaking Ability- With the loss of the most productive quarterback in school history the next step usually would be a regression in offensive production, however FAU has the chance to strengthen its offense. Offensive Coordinator Darryl Jackson returns play makers in Morris, WR Lestar Jean, QB Jeff Van Camp, and TE Darian Williams, all of which saw extensive action last season accounting for 34 combined TDs.
Weakness:
Forcing Turnovers- Last season FAU had a turnover margin of +1. While plus one is in the positive, the defensive unit didn't generate enough "big play" turnovers down the stretch. Only 5 interceptions (1 returned for a TD) should not be good enough in a conference that is dominated by the spread offense. The key to creating these turnovers will need to come from the defensive line and creating pressure which is one of the elements Van Valkenburgh will be addressing.
Make or Break Player:
QB Jeff Van Camp- Jeff Van Camp took over last season for the injured Smith and lead the Owls to a 3-2 record as a starter. Experince isn't lacking for the redshirt senior who has played in games at hostile environments such as South Carolina, Florida, Texas, Oklahoma State, Nebraska and Minnesota. Van Camp will need to be able to manage games and understand that he doesn't have to win games, much like he did at the end of the season for the Owls. If he can limit turnovers and sacks while making the occasional big throw, the offense should be fine.
Players on the Spot to Watch:
1. Tavious Polo CB- Polo a senior started off his career by receiving all-freshman honors from multiple publications after picking off 7 passes and forcing a fumble. Since then Polo has recorded a total of 2 interceptions the past two seasons. Bringing speed and athletic ability, Polo has what it takes to become a "shut down" corner. Its now or never for the senior who could become a NFL prospect if he has a productive season.
2. Amos Wood WR- Woods a former 3-star prospect is a redshirt sophomore coming into spring ball and now is his time to make a statement. Last spring camp, many believed Wood was ready to play but was buried behind other productive players. Now Wood has a chance to find some time with only one starting wide receiver slot filled to WR Lestar Jean. Watch for Wood to provide some flash in the passing game and gain some playing time over the spring.
3. Jamere Johnson DT- Johnson a junior has seen some time on the defensive line the past two seasons and has recorded some production. Van Vulkenburgh is in need of a force up the middle to create pressure in the backfield and Johnson could be the man.
Season Outlook:
Right now i have the Owls at 6-6 missing out on a bowl, with Middle Tennessee State and Troy clamming the bowl spots again.
- A. Ivins
-Note: After taking a break from writing, some very inspirational things have been said to me by some admired figures so look for a LOT more content on this blog. Thanks
Gone is the most productive quarterback FAU has ever had in QB Rusty Smith, along with TE's Jason Harmon and Jamari Grant and FB Willie Rose. However the most interesting loss is the one of defensive coordinator Kirk Hoza.
Last season FAU's defense led by Hoza finished 7th in the Sun Belt giving up 453 yards per game. Along with that they gave up a school record 651 yards at Troy. A defensive scheme that wasn't putting pressure on quarterbacks, only 12 sacks and 5 interceptions, led Hoza to be the first coach Howard Schnellenberger has had to fire in over 40-years of coaching.
Linebackers coach Kurt Van Valkenburgh was named the new defensive coordinator and an expected shift in schemes is in the making. FAU also added defensive back coach Dick Hopkins who comes to FAU with over 30-years of coaching experience.
Listed below is a spring outlook for FAU.
Star Watch:
RB Alfred Morris- Last spring Morris was buried deep on the depth chart listed as a back-up fullback. 1-year later Morris returns as the Sun Belt leading rusher after gaining over 1,300 yards while being the workhorse of the offense. Morris, a redshirt junior could contend for almost 1,500 yards next season.
Strength:
Playmaking Ability- With the loss of the most productive quarterback in school history the next step usually would be a regression in offensive production, however FAU has the chance to strengthen its offense. Offensive Coordinator Darryl Jackson returns play makers in Morris, WR Lestar Jean, QB Jeff Van Camp, and TE Darian Williams, all of which saw extensive action last season accounting for 34 combined TDs.
Weakness:
Forcing Turnovers- Last season FAU had a turnover margin of +1. While plus one is in the positive, the defensive unit didn't generate enough "big play" turnovers down the stretch. Only 5 interceptions (1 returned for a TD) should not be good enough in a conference that is dominated by the spread offense. The key to creating these turnovers will need to come from the defensive line and creating pressure which is one of the elements Van Valkenburgh will be addressing.
Make or Break Player:
QB Jeff Van Camp- Jeff Van Camp took over last season for the injured Smith and lead the Owls to a 3-2 record as a starter. Experince isn't lacking for the redshirt senior who has played in games at hostile environments such as South Carolina, Florida, Texas, Oklahoma State, Nebraska and Minnesota. Van Camp will need to be able to manage games and understand that he doesn't have to win games, much like he did at the end of the season for the Owls. If he can limit turnovers and sacks while making the occasional big throw, the offense should be fine.
Players on the Spot to Watch:
1. Tavious Polo CB- Polo a senior started off his career by receiving all-freshman honors from multiple publications after picking off 7 passes and forcing a fumble. Since then Polo has recorded a total of 2 interceptions the past two seasons. Bringing speed and athletic ability, Polo has what it takes to become a "shut down" corner. Its now or never for the senior who could become a NFL prospect if he has a productive season.
2. Amos Wood WR- Woods a former 3-star prospect is a redshirt sophomore coming into spring ball and now is his time to make a statement. Last spring camp, many believed Wood was ready to play but was buried behind other productive players. Now Wood has a chance to find some time with only one starting wide receiver slot filled to WR Lestar Jean. Watch for Wood to provide some flash in the passing game and gain some playing time over the spring.
3. Jamere Johnson DT- Johnson a junior has seen some time on the defensive line the past two seasons and has recorded some production. Van Vulkenburgh is in need of a force up the middle to create pressure in the backfield and Johnson could be the man.
Season Outlook:
Right now i have the Owls at 6-6 missing out on a bowl, with Middle Tennessee State and Troy clamming the bowl spots again.
- A. Ivins
-Note: After taking a break from writing, some very inspirational things have been said to me by some admired figures so look for a LOT more content on this blog. Thanks
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