Friday's Friggin' Awesome Film

Blown Calls.










and the doozy

Week 1 Day 1

I won't be naked. Promise.

Wake Forest at Baylor
Battle of the Baptist


The matchup is intriguing to me for more than just the political affiliation. Wake Forrest overcame the small private school curse and became more than decent. Good almost, capped by Grobe winning the ACC two years ago and putting together a good year involving a bowl win over a surging UConn.

Baylor, on the other hand, hasn't had a decent win since they went for two against A&M in overtime back in 2004. Art Briles plans to change things in Waco. A lot of people think that this job is career suicide more than a jumping board. The sentiment is that Baylor just can't win consistently enough to become better. There's a reason that Duke, Stanford, Vanderbilt, Northwestern, and Wake don't have a great history of football.




(Interesting note is that my in-laws lived in a town just down the road from Briles in his high school days. Small world.)

Players We're Friggin' Excited About

Jeremy Maclin, Mizzou





The Clip isn't all him(look for #9), but he makes his fair share of highlights. The freshmen lit up defenses and special teams last year with some blazing speed and shifty moves. Expect Daniel and J-Mac to keep the magic going in Columbia.

Players We're Friggin' Excited About

Mike Goodson, Texas A&M

Goodson was expected to be a star out of the gate for the Aggies but had to share the field with Jorvorskie Lane and QB Stephen McGee.

Franchione opted (and "brilliantly" at that) to let his QB have the most rushing yards. The option didn't fit as well with Goodson's skillset. While he had his moments, Goodson never got to be the featured back.

Franchione was fired and Mike Sherman came in his place, bringing a pro-style offense that should fit Goodson perfectly

With Lane being moved to FB and McGee staying in the pocket more, expect Goodson to finally get his chance to shine in 2008





Just to get an idea of Goodson's speed... skip to the 4:10 mark.

You see him cut up and turn up field at 4:18 (Texas A&M 35 yd. line)

He crosses the goal line at 4:24.

65 yards in 6ish seconds.

Friday's Friggin' Awesome Film

Upset city...


Forgive the Chipmunks

Players We're Friggin' Excited About

Dan LeFevour

The Central Michigan QB has been lighting up the scoreboard for two years now and he has two more to go. He's thrown for more that 6000 yards and ran for 1600 more in 2 seasons. He's just the second player to do the 3k/1k combo in a year. He's also led the Chippewas to two consecutive MAC Titles. Seeing as how he's not your mainstream player it was tough to get some video on him but it is out there!

Pac 10 Schedule Sexiness

Finally, the last dang one. We'll compile the lists into your top games for each week sometime later, but w/out further adieu, the Pac-10:

Week 1
Michigan State at California - California drops the opening week toughie with Tennessee and picks up a decent foe from the Big Ten. Should be a good matchup, unless California returns to early season form from last year.
Washington at Oregon - Starting off the conference early, Washington has to start winning and winning now. In three years they've slipped to the bottom of the rung in the conference. Like... below Stamford.
USC at Virginia - USC has not shied away from a strong OOC schedule and this year is no different. While Virginia isn't a juggernaut they aren't a team to be taken lightly.
Oklahoma State vs. Washington State (Seattle) - Oklahoma State isn't a great team by any stretch, but their offense is just explosive enough to give the Cougs some fits. It probably won't be pretty for Wassu.
Tennessee at UCLA - Tennessee moves south in their opener this year. A good game to finish off Memorial Day weekend.

Week 2
Oregon Sate at Penn State - The Beavers head to Beaver Stadium to have a good test against the Nittany Lions. OSU hasn't been overly impressive the last few years and this is a good chance to start getting there quickly.
BYU at Washington - The Mormons continue their quest for perfection. No not that one. The perfect season one. BYU has racked up 22 wins in two years and this year they are looking for that BCS bid.

Week 3 - (Great week in the Pac-10, you can't go wrong watching any game!)
California at Maryland - Maryland will be a nice test for the Golden Bears. A team with a bit of history, but not a monster.
Oregon at Purdue - Purdue's offense has been high flying as of late. It will be a good test for the Oregon D before conference play gets too hot and heavy.
Hawaii at Oregon State - Hawaii begins the June Jonesless era. Can the offense keep up with a mid-level team like Oregon State now?
Stanford at TCU - You have to think that Stanford took some steps forward last year, but is it enough to start beating some decent teams like TCU
BYU at UCLA - UCLA comes back for more of BYU after splitting their regular and a bowl games last year. More of a statement game for BYU than the Washington.
Ohio State at USC - Probably the season's best OOC game. Neither will be knocked out of the MNC picture because of this one, but it will cause some separation.
Oklahoma at Washington - The Huskies probably won't take out the Sooners, but Locker just might be able to cause some problems to the defense
Washington State at Baylor - Two struggling teams with new coaches can use a boost by winning here.

Week 4
Georgia at Arizona State - Dennis Erickson pulled on through an easy schedule last year. They didn't win against Oregon, USC, or Texas all top 50 teams. The question is whether or or not it was flash in a pan, or real talent.
Boise State at Oregon - Boise State had a good season last year, but took a tumble from where they want to be. Oregon should win this one based on talent alone, but don't expect an easy game.

Week 5
USC at Oregon State - Oregon State has won 19 games in two years and that's pretty dang impressive. They pulled off the upset here two years ago. They need to start moving up the pack if they want to start challenging for the conference title.
Stanford at Washington - Two teams that have been down recently need to start improving. Willingham can't afford a bowless season again.
Fresno State at UCLA - Fresno continues to show no fear in its scheduling practices. Wisconsin, Rutgers, and UCLA is a pretty rough schedule for a mid-major and Pat Hill will have that schedule every year. Kudos to them.
Week 6
Oregon State at Utah - The Utes haven't maintained the glory of their BCS season but they haven't faded into oblivion either. Expect Oregon State to have to fight for this one.
California at Arizona State - ASU showed some spunk last year when Cal started to falter. Second place in the conference is up for grabs and these two teams with Oregon can all challenge for the title.
Oregon at USC - A rematch of last year's game should be good. Likely a conference championship game.

Week 7
Arizona State at USC - Arizona State got exposed when they played Oregon and USC last season. Are they better?
UCLA at Oregon - UCLA took advantage of an ailing Duck quad last season. Dixon is gone.
Washington State at Oregon State - Washington State fired Bill Doba to start winning these games.

Week 8
Oregon State at Washington - Washington needs to start beating the middle of the pack teams if they want to get there themselves.
Stanford at UCLA - The two Cali teams are each looking to get over their current humps. Stanford doesn't have to win all of the games like this but they need to get some wind under them by staying in them.

Week 9
Oregon at Arizona State - The winner of this one last year should have been playing for the championship had Oregon not lost Dixon. Will both teams be as good this year?
UCLA at California - Both teams want to usurp USC as the top of the conference. The coaching is there. The talent is lacking. Both teams will probably be in the picture this late in the season.
Notre Dame at Washington - I personally pray to all that is Holy that Washington will wipe the floor with the Irish. Just for racisms sake. ( I got your back, Mark May. I got you.)

Week 10
Oregon at California - This game was huge last year. Cali won due to a last second Oregon gaffe on the goal line... and then proceeded to tank like the Poseidon.
Washington at USC - The Huskies have kept this close for the last two years, closer than USC should have let it. Can this be the year they finally knock them off?

Week 11
Arizona State at Washington - ASU got their fancy smancy new coach and got a Holiday Bowl in one year. Washington still hasn't been to a bowl since before Willingham got there.
California at USC - Cal hasn't been able to get past USC since they beat them in 2003. They've played it close, but just haven't gotten that W.

Week 12
Arizona at Oregon - When Dixon went down last year you knew things were going to get bad for the Ducks. Losing to Arizona was the low point of the season for them.
USC at Stanford - I'm not saying... but I'm just saying. Again... think A&M/OU 2002.

Week 13
Stanford at California - Stanford finally won this one last year after Cal took a serious downturn midseason. Don't expect for Tedford's teams to let it happen again.
Washington at Washington State - The battle for the Apple Cup.

Week 14
UCLA at Arizona State - Two teams who should be challenging USC this year finish up before they take on their in-state rivals
Oregon at Oregon State - Ditto
Notre Dame at USC - Notre Dame has made one game of this since Crew Cut showed up in South Bend. Other than that it hasn't been much of a contest.
Washington State at Hawaii - Wassu takes on what should still be a good Hawaii team.

Week 15
Arizona State at Arizona - Having a decent season is a must for Stoops. Beating ASU will help ease some of the bad years.
USC at UCLA - USC took care of business last year after the 2006 debacle. Slick Rick will bring some new fire to this rivalry.



Your Pac 10 Champ...

USC

I know it's easy to pick them... but let's be honest. Pete Carroll continues to pull in top classes. Kids will travel across the country to play for USC and be on the third string where they would be starting anywhere else. USC can lose two games and still be the conference champ every year.

Big Ten Schedule Sexiness

Week 1
Illinois vs. Missouri (St. Louis) - The Illini kept it close last year in a game that meant a lot more at the time than any of us knew. Both will start the year ranked and this game will be a big boost to the winner.
Utah at Michigan - Michigan steps down a bit in this years opener from last year. Utah is not team to turn your nose at though. The Utes have remained competitive since their BCS bowl and should be a good test.
Michigan State at California - One of the better opening day games. Both of these teams are tired of looking up at another in-state school. Both have underachieved expectations the last few years. If either wants to turn it around, here you go.

Week 2
Northwestern at Duke - Last years game was interesting in that Northwestern snapped Duke's bit for longest losing streak (a dubious record which Northwestern holds) Both teams should be better this year
Oregon State at Penn State - The Beavers are traveling cross country to play in Beaver Stadium. Oregon State has maintained some decent teams the last few year. JoePa is showing no signs of letting up in Happy Valley. Good game for both teams.

Week 3
Iowa State at Iowa - One of the less watched (and maybe known) in-state rivalries that cross
Michigan at Notre Dame - Since this rivalry has been renewed to be played till Armageddon, expect more and more each year out this one. There is a lot of new blood this time around
Ohio State at USC - Probably the top non-conference game this year in all of College Football. Both are top-notch teams year-in and year-out. Both could be in the MNC and nobody would complain much. Both only have one MNC in the 2000's. (You heard me right Trojan fans)
Penn State at Syracuse - Syracuse needs to find a groove and find it quick. The middle of the pack is rising in the Big East and leaving Syracuse and Robinson behind. Oregon at Purdue - Nice game for the Boilermakers. Getting the ducks at home
Wisconsin at Fresno State - Fresno State is no team to take lightly. They have taken several BCS schools to the max in the last few years, and they want nothing to do with Pat Hill and his Bulldogs. Wisconsin is taking on a good little battle here.

Week 4
Iowa at Pitt - Both teams need this win right here. Conference play is about to get hot and heavy for both teams and both coaches need to have winning seasons this year.
Notre Dame at Michigan State - Michigan State has made a good rivalry of this as of late.
Troy at Ohio State - Troy has the perfect little speedy offense to give the Buckeyes all sorts of fits.
Central Michigan at Purdue - CM has become a mainstay at the top of the MAC. Purdue barely pulled this one out in the Music City Bowl last year in a shoot-out that went for 99 points. If nothing else just watch for Dan Lefevour.

Week 5
Illinois at Penn State - Illinois was the surprise of the conference last year. Ron Zook finally has the team ready to go. The loss of last years RB will hurt. PSU is a great test to see if this team can keep last years magic alive.
Michigan State at Indiana - Two middle of the pack teams who got to bowls last year.
Wisconsin at Michigan - Wisconsin won last year in convincing fashion. Michigan will have a few tests before now, but to find out if RichRod's offense can compete in the Big Ten
Purdue at Notre Dame - Tiller's last shot at the Irish.

Week 6
Illinois at Michigan - Michigan won last year, but Illinois got the last laugh, going to BCS bowl and taking out OSU, something Michigan hasn't done in a while.
Ohio State at Wisconsin - My personal pick for the conference championship game. Wisconsin has shown themselves to continuously be one of the better teams in the Big Ten. If they want to be the best they need to get over the whole OSU thing

Week 7
Penn State at Wisconsin - Penn State always has the talent and coaching to compete, but just hasn't been the top of the class lately. Beating Wisconsin is the first step.

Week 8
Indiana at Illinois - The two middle of the packers have finally stepped up to the plate and are playing some good ball. Now can Indiana take Illinois as the better of the two?
Michigan at Penn State - Penn State has had trouble getting over the Michigan thing, even in their best recent year of 2005. Usually a good match up.
Ohio State at Michigan State - Michigan State kept it close last year but couldn't get it done.

Week 9
Illinois at Wisconsin - Illinois probably won't have as special as a season as last year, but coming in and knocking off the current #2 team will prove that they are a true contender in the league.
Michigan State at Michigan - Sparty's best chance at taking this one will be this year while the spread is still being installed in Ann Arbor.
Penn State at Ohio State - Penn State is probably perturbed about Pryor's final decision. Not that that's any more reason for them to get up for this game, but you can bet the Nittany Lions want this one.

Week 10
Wisconsin at Michigan State - Sparty and Wiscy should have a good little game here.
Northwestern at Minnesota - Northwestern stepped out of the bottom of the barrel last year and put the Gophers there in their stead. If the Wildcats want to keep them there, a win here will help (even if it is late in the season)

Week 11
Michigan at Minnesota - The battle for the Little Brown Jug is one of the lesser known trophies, but definitely one of the better one.
Purdue at Michigan State - Two more teams aching to matter in top of the conference picture, but just haven't in a while.

Week 12
Ohio State at Illinois - Revenge, redemption, or revelation? Will OSU get some payback for last year or will the Illini pull off another stunner?
Minnesota at Wisconsin - Another of my favorite rivalries. It hasn't been as competitive as some years as the Gophers have struggled. Brewster's pulled in a great class and his team won't be down that long.

Week 13
Michigan at Ohio State - Arguably the biggest rivalry in the game. We finally see if RichRod is going to have some staying power with his new spread offense against a team that has historically struggled against it. Michigan State at Penn State - Battle of the States. PSU and MSU have had a decent little rivalry as OSU and Mich. tend to look to each other instead of to other conference rivals.




Big Televen Champ

OSU Buckeyes

Players We're Friggin' Excited About

It's been a busy day. Sorry.

I hate doing this, but...

Jimmy Clausen*

Jimmy just didn't have a chance this year. Like Troy Aikman's first year with the Cowboys, Jimmy is going to be feeling the 2007 year for a long time. He's too talented to suck for that long. While we don't like promoting Notre Dame, Clausen should have a better season this year.


FYI if you want to find a highlight real of Jimmy Clausen on youtube... it's not there

Players We're Friggin' Excited About

Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree

Obviously these two aren't one player like we normally do. But they are you see. Because of Graham Harrell's 5700 yards of passing, almost 2000 of that was from the bad mofo Michael Crabtree. For Crabtree to have 2000 yards of receiving, Harrell has to throw 2000 yards too him plus the slew of other able-handed receivers that the Pirate Mike Leach fields.

The make or break deal for these two will actually be sitting on the bench while Harrell and Crabtree are putting on the fireworks show. They both need a good defense to come in and finally stop the Texas, Oklahoma, Mizzous, and Oklahoma States of the Big XII from being able to score as much as they do. Ruffin McNeil improved the D last season, but they need even more strides as a team if they are going to finally challenge for the South.



Crabtree embodies the term "jailhouse break"

Friday's Friggin' Awesome Film

This should never happen. If I'm a coach I'm telling my team to all just tackle the closest one to them and hold them down. 11 players of me tackling 11 players of them = no score. Probably wouldn't work. But it's better than running around like a chicken w/ my head cut off.


Regardless, I don't care if there were a million laterals and it took 10 minutes... it's still not as cool as this

Preseason Sexiness.

Nostradamus does not look kindly on failures

Despite the fact that spring practices are underway ... it's an incredibly slow month for college football.

Outside of FulmerCup activities all we really have going on is scheduling comments and random weird activities by coaches. Like this. Or Stadium changes.

Real news makers there.

We're offering our first sexy picks of the year instead of random driveby fill-in-the-blank news. This isn't just our picks for rankings but just picks on things that will happen this year.

1. Nobody in the SEC will go undefeated.

- I took the easy one first. It just ain't happening. In a league where you honest to God have to worry about Vanderbilt as much as you do about LSU or Florida it just can't happen. I'm not trying to jump on the "SEC is greatest single combination of teams ever and all deserve top 10 rankings" bandwagon. Over the last three years the SEC has won me over by a solid out-of-conference win/loss record as well as their presence in Bowl games. Their perennial bottom-dwellers could probably beat most other bottom-dwelling teams as well.

/cliche

2. Ohio State will probably end up towards the top of the pack again.

- Even after laying eggs on a national stage two years in a row, you can't keep OSU off your charts. They're just too good, too consistently to do it. Sweater-vest keeps good teams year in and year out and this year will be no different. Expect the Buckeyes to continue to struggle with the spread offense unless something changes dramatically. OSU has sent it's secondary coach to talk to USF defensive coordinator Wally Burnham about containing Rich Rodriguez's spread offense. The Big 10 isn't as bad as people want you to think and OSU is better than the last two MNCs imply.

3. Mike Leach's make or break year is here

- This will finally be the year that we find out if Mike Leach can be more than a coach that just passes a lot and knocks off the occasional conference rival or if they are a real title contender. The Pirates of the Plains have showed they can light up even the best defenses scoreboard when they have to, but Ruffin McNeil has to stop other teams from doing it to Tech. Texas Tech returns virtually every starter from last year. Notably, Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree will return to pick up right where they left off. If there was ever a year where Tech can rise out of the middle of the pack and grab the Big XII South title, this is the year.

4. One of these guys won't be here at years end

Kirk Ferentz
Tyrone Willingham
Greg Robinson
Mike Stoops
Ralph Friedgren

Sexier bolder Prediction: One of these two ain't back in '09.

JoePa
Big Daddy Bowden

Personally I pray to the football gods that the following scenario works out. I would forfeit all football watching for the next year if somehow it happened. OK, not really. But it would rule all things sacred to football.

Please God, let Bobby Bowden and JoePa pull into a tie for most wins at the end of the season and somehow have them play in a bowl game again. If you are truly gracious and merciful... let it be for the MNC.


4. Instant replay will epically screw somebody down the road. Again.

- Just consider it a promise. I give it 5 games maximum before we have some coach tearing the officiating crew a new one over a huge miss. No matter how much more sophisticated the technology gets... it's still a judgment call half the time and your opinion of that judgment is strongly based upon the color of your shirt that day.

5. Tebow won't repeat for the Heisman this year

- Florida's addition of RB Emanuel Moody (transfer from USC) will take away the need for Tebow to take a a beating in the running game this year. Tebow's a solid passer, but the reason why we loved him last year was his headfirst runs into linebackers and secondaries last year. Moody will take away the need for him to put his body on the line, thus taking away his gaudy statistics. He'll still be a force in the SEC (first team All-SEC surely), but take away his running last year and he's probably looking at D-Mac on stage from a chair last year. Don't worry, he's still a stud with whom we have a man crush on.