The night is still young as I write this, but I'll offer a few random thoughts before they evaporate into the ether:
Texas Tech is overrated. If a middle-of-the-pack Big Sky team can come to Lubbock and put 24 points on the board, the Red Raider defense is going to have a hard time keeping UT, OU and even SMU out of the end zone.
The Wolverines stink in August. Michigan apparently hasn't secured a Week One opponent yet for 2009. But since the Ann Arbor boys can't seem to get motivated for opening day, I'll place my bet right now that whoever comes to the Big House -- even the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers -- will walk away with a victory. I'll even spot you three points.
USC is the real deal. These guys could win the NFC West. At halftime of the massacre in Charlottesville, the sideline reporter asked Virginia coach Al Groh what his team could do to improve in the second half. Groh is no coaching slouch -- you may remember he used to coach the New York Jets. But he said that while his team had prepared meticulously and had seen all of SC's plays during film sessions, they simply could not stop the Trojans from exerting their will. That's how I felt last Thanksgiving at Sun Devil Stadium. SC's players are so talented and physical, it seems they cannot be stopped unless they self-destruct. Not to mention, they grow QBs on trees. Sanchez is a step up from Booty, which is kinda scary.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Shaky Start for SMU.
For all of you non-Dallas-based readers out there, SMU gets some special attention because two of our "Fans," Ian McCann and Jake Batsell, have direct ties. As someone who stands at arms length from the school, allow me an unvarnished take on the team following last night's 56-27 whuppin' at the hands of Rice.They are certainly not good. Not yet anyway. They made Rice, Rice, look like god's gift to football. Freshman QB Bo Levi Mitchell looked like a lost puppy at times, while the defense appeared to be playing some kind of a rugby-style, linebacker-less, 3-0-8 scheme. Needless to say, it didn't work.
All of that said, there was a lot to take hope from. Mitchell came out firing early and the offense moved the ball in the first quarter, a sign that the team was well prepared. That early execution also gives clues as to what a polished, more mature Pony team might do down the road. And, who knows, it's early in the season. Maybe Rice is some kind of spread formation, BCS-busting, Patriots-in-Disguise, juggernaut and the nation just doesn't know it yet (um, yeah, right).
It's clear that SMU is far from LSU. But this is the beginning, the foundation, Level One, for SMU under new coach June Jones. It only goes up from here.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Weighing in on SMU-Rice
Winding down on the Hilltop on a Friday afternoon, waiting to see if I can manage to snag some of the free BBQ they'll be serving in front of Dallas Hall for the outdoor game-watching party, I offer my completely uninformed prediction: SMU 38, Rice 28. Ian, where's the faith?
Ted Kim's SMU-Rice Prediction...
SMU 23, Rice 16. (SMU's potent scheme is neutralized by their lack of a QB, and Rice just, well, kind of sucks.)
Ted: Obama called. You hurt his feelings.
You were watching the likes of South Dakota State and Hofstra when you could have been watching this historical moment? Man, you're a taking college football fandom to new heights.
SMU vs. Rice: An offensive affair
Because I'm a little backward, I'm going to start with the bottom line on tonight's SMU-Rice game: My beloved Mustangs start the season 0-1. But it'll be a squeaker, much like last year's 43-42 loss to the Owls.
I was there at Ford Stadium last year, and it hurt to see Rice score 16 in the fourth quarter. And it felt worse to see SMU's offense allow two first-half touchdowns off interceptions.
Why am I violating the "Don't bet against your team" rule? Because, despite weeks (months?) of practice, the Mustangs are undoubtedly still getting used to their new Run and Shoot system. And they're a young team, possibly too young to be competitive this season. Thirteen true freshmen (including starting QB Bo Levi Mitchell) on the two-deep. I'm just hoping June has saved enough redshirts to let this recruiting class eventually shine.
We're not going to see all that much on the ground tonight. Combined with SMU's new offense, Rice brings a powerhouse passing-receiving matchup of Chase Clement and Jarett Dillard. Lots of fireworks there.
But the game will come down to defense. SMU's secondary has had some serious holes. We'll see them tested early and often. But they do have Will Bonilla and Bryan McCann returning at linebacker and defensive back. Those guys are good. Relatively speaking, anyway. But safety has been a problem in the past. Again, we'll just have to see.
SMU hasn't won at Rice Stadium since 1986. Going to have to wait until 2010 for that to happen again. Final score tonight: Rice 47, SMU 45.
I was there at Ford Stadium last year, and it hurt to see Rice score 16 in the fourth quarter. And it felt worse to see SMU's offense allow two first-half touchdowns off interceptions.
Why am I violating the "Don't bet against your team" rule? Because, despite weeks (months?) of practice, the Mustangs are undoubtedly still getting used to their new Run and Shoot system. And they're a young team, possibly too young to be competitive this season. Thirteen true freshmen (including starting QB Bo Levi Mitchell) on the two-deep. I'm just hoping June has saved enough redshirts to let this recruiting class eventually shine.
We're not going to see all that much on the ground tonight. Combined with SMU's new offense, Rice brings a powerhouse passing-receiving matchup of Chase Clement and Jarett Dillard. Lots of fireworks there.
But the game will come down to defense. SMU's secondary has had some serious holes. We'll see them tested early and often. But they do have Will Bonilla and Bryan McCann returning at linebacker and defensive back. Those guys are good. Relatively speaking, anyway. But safety has been a problem in the past. Again, we'll just have to see.
SMU hasn't won at Rice Stadium since 1986. Going to have to wait until 2010 for that to happen again. Final score tonight: Rice 47, SMU 45.
What's that Crystal Ball? Another App State upset?!?
No fewer than 24 major college football games are on national television and satellite Saturday.Here are some predictions:
USC crushes Virginia in an ugly one (another sign the ACC is just not up to par with the other power conferences).
Michigan doesn't necessarily beat Utah, but gives it a strong go.
QB Armani Edwards runs buck wild and Appalachian State makes it another close one at LSU. Will they win? I'm still undecided.
Florida Atlantic keeps it close against Texas.
Missouri beats Illinois with, get this, defense.
Alabama squeaks one out against Clemson.
Oregon beats Washington in Eugene, Ore., late at night when only me and Jake Batsell are watching.
Ted Kim keeps watching television and doesn't mow the lawn like he's supposed to.
What I learned from watching television...
Here's a summary of what we learned from the first night of college football:
1. You need a quarterback to be competitive. Did you see NC State and Baylor struggle to move the ball? (Heck, they struggled to snap the ball.) Without a quarterback, you, College Football Team X, are dead in the water.
2. Wake Forest is really good. They may not be Florida good, or even Clemson good. But this is a football team that is going to make some noise this year.
3. Baylor is bad. They may not be South Dakota State bad. But this is a football team that is going to get stepped on repeatedly in conference this year unless they show marked improvement.
4. South Carolina needs an offense. Yes, the box score looks impressive: 34-0 over NC State. But the game was 3-0 at the half and 13-0 into the fourth quarter. And all of those points were off of turnovers. If the 'Cocks want to be even remotely competitive in the SEC this year, they need to actually pass the ball to their own receivers and not their opponents, like they did four times.
5. Ted Kim gets a sick number of college football channels on satellite. Let me put it this way: At one point, I was switching between the South Dakota State/Iowa State and Hofstra/Connecticut games. Disgusting, I know.
6. Lou Holtz needs to lay off the make up, especially when he's on ESPN high def. It's a new era, Lou. We can see every dimple and mole. You can't powder your way out of age.
1. You need a quarterback to be competitive. Did you see NC State and Baylor struggle to move the ball? (Heck, they struggled to snap the ball.) Without a quarterback, you, College Football Team X, are dead in the water.
2. Wake Forest is really good. They may not be Florida good, or even Clemson good. But this is a football team that is going to make some noise this year.
3. Baylor is bad. They may not be South Dakota State bad. But this is a football team that is going to get stepped on repeatedly in conference this year unless they show marked improvement.
4. South Carolina needs an offense. Yes, the box score looks impressive: 34-0 over NC State. But the game was 3-0 at the half and 13-0 into the fourth quarter. And all of those points were off of turnovers. If the 'Cocks want to be even remotely competitive in the SEC this year, they need to actually pass the ball to their own receivers and not their opponents, like they did four times.
5. Ted Kim gets a sick number of college football channels on satellite. Let me put it this way: At one point, I was switching between the South Dakota State/Iowa State and Hofstra/Connecticut games. Disgusting, I know.
6. Lou Holtz needs to lay off the make up, especially when he's on ESPN high def. It's a new era, Lou. We can see every dimple and mole. You can't powder your way out of age.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
MACtastic
Checking out a pop-up-heavy but still fairly good site (especially for checking out future schedules), it hit me: Oh, yeah! The MAC!
These are the teams you watch when nothing else is on, or when they're being beaten up by their big-time neighbors: Toledo, Eastern Michigan, Ohio.
I've got nothing on 'em. Just figured they could use a shout-out.
These are the teams you watch when nothing else is on, or when they're being beaten up by their big-time neighbors: Toledo, Eastern Michigan, Ohio.
I've got nothing on 'em. Just figured they could use a shout-out.
The Year of (fill in the blank).
College football begins tonight with a strong-for-a-weekday slate of games, so I think it's appropriate that we discuss themes for the season. Last year, it was the "Year of the Random Team Being Ranked No. 2." The year before, it was a combination of "Cinderella Boise State" and "Ohio State is Overrated" (a theme we could pick just about every year).
This year's theme? Will it be "Rise of the Big 12 Passing Attack?" "The Year of Parity?" or even "Brady Quinn: We Miss You, Season Two?" Personally, I think a few things: The SEC will show parity as a conference. Everyone will bloody everyone because everyone is so darned good, including the Mississippi States and the Alabamas. I also think that several traditionally offensive minded teams will win games with defense, including USC and Missouri. Likewise, several traditional defensive powers will win with offense, including Oklahoma and Wisconsin. In addition, (and as much as I hate to say it) Notre Dame will be much better than people think. Oh, one more thing, Ohio State is overrated.
Predictions in key games tonight:
Wake Forest over Baylor.
South Carolina demolishes NC State.
This year's theme? Will it be "Rise of the Big 12 Passing Attack?" "The Year of Parity?" or even "Brady Quinn: We Miss You, Season Two?" Personally, I think a few things: The SEC will show parity as a conference. Everyone will bloody everyone because everyone is so darned good, including the Mississippi States and the Alabamas. I also think that several traditionally offensive minded teams will win games with defense, including USC and Missouri. Likewise, several traditional defensive powers will win with offense, including Oklahoma and Wisconsin. In addition, (and as much as I hate to say it) Notre Dame will be much better than people think. Oh, one more thing, Ohio State is overrated.
Predictions in key games tonight:
Wake Forest over Baylor.
South Carolina demolishes NC State.
Note to Yankees: Have a neat fall...
Baseball Thought:There may come a day when the New York Yankees are no longer fun to root against because they suck so badly. (As a Red Sox fan, I will probably never reach that threshhold. I'm talking general public.) But, I tell you what, with the way the Bronx Bombers are stinking up the fescue fields of the major leagues, some of the joy has been taken out of it all. Evil Empire? Beating the Yankees has pretty much become the equivalent of beating up your little sister or stepping on a gecko. Maybe the Yankees will go 25-5 down the stretch. Maybe A-Rod will hit one over the Monsta' late in the season and I'll be eating my words. More likely, the Bombers will sink a little lower and the joy of beating the mighty Yanks will lose just a little bit more of the juice it once had.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
One less Hokie in the backfield.
It looks like Virginia Tech has decided to go to a one quarterback system. The Hokies will redshirt Boston College nemesis Tyrod Taylor, allowing QB Sean Glennon to be the man. Unity Smunity. Personally, I am a fan of the two-quarterback system. Having running and passing quarterbacks gives defenses something extra to think about. Of course, given that to me the Hokies rank up there with smelly dead rats, I hope Mr. Glennon crashes and burns this season. PS --- Doesn't Glennon look like that anal checkout guy from the movie, Employee of the Month?
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Beige My Jing.
Non Football Thought:
A final word on the Beijing Olympics now that the games are at last over and I can actually sleep without feeling guilty about having missed a once-every-four-years women's volleyball game. Say what you want about China and their authoritarian, human-rights-violating ways. They sure can put on an Opening and Closing ceremony.
I view the games like I do James Cameron's Titanic. Sure, it cost a bazillion dollars and was created via slave labor techniques. But, boy, when that boat goes down, it sure is riveting. I sure hope those white-clad Chinese cheerleaders, who were dancing all through the Opening and Closing ceremonies, finally get to sit down for awhile.
A final word on the Beijing Olympics now that the games are at last over and I can actually sleep without feeling guilty about having missed a once-every-four-years women's volleyball game. Say what you want about China and their authoritarian, human-rights-violating ways. They sure can put on an Opening and Closing ceremony.
I view the games like I do James Cameron's Titanic. Sure, it cost a bazillion dollars and was created via slave labor techniques. But, boy, when that boat goes down, it sure is riveting. I sure hope those white-clad Chinese cheerleaders, who were dancing all through the Opening and Closing ceremonies, finally get to sit down for awhile.
College Football Week One. What are you watching?
A quick guide to college football on television this week:
For full details on each game, visit this excellent LSU fan site.
Games not to be missed: Illinois vs Missouri, Appalachian State at LSU
I'll watch a half: Wake Forest at Baylor (Thurs), Utah at Michigan, USC at Virginia, Alabama vs Clemson, Fresno State at Rutgers (Mon)
Part of my channel surfing rotation: Michigan State at California, North Carolina State at South Carolina (Thurs), Kentucky at Louisville (Sun), Tennessee at UCLA (Mon), SMU at Rice (Fri)
I'll check the box score: Washington at Oregon, Hawaii at Florida
Interesting only to me: Ohio at Wyoming, Boston College vs Kent State
Game that interests no one: South Dakota State (the Jackrabbits, in case you're wondering) at Iowa State (Thurs)
For full details on each game, visit this excellent LSU fan site.
Games not to be missed: Illinois vs Missouri, Appalachian State at LSU
I'll watch a half: Wake Forest at Baylor (Thurs), Utah at Michigan, USC at Virginia, Alabama vs Clemson, Fresno State at Rutgers (Mon)
Part of my channel surfing rotation: Michigan State at California, North Carolina State at South Carolina (Thurs), Kentucky at Louisville (Sun), Tennessee at UCLA (Mon), SMU at Rice (Fri)
I'll check the box score: Washington at Oregon, Hawaii at Florida
Interesting only to me: Ohio at Wyoming, Boston College vs Kent State
Game that interests no one: South Dakota State (the Jackrabbits, in case you're wondering) at Iowa State (Thurs)
Monday, August 25, 2008
They called down the thunder...
Non Football Thought: Let me, for a minute, discuss my utter revulsion with roof rats, also known as Rattus Rattus in the Latin text. I would rather be beated with sticks than have to put up with the constant battle that is Rattus Rattus. What's even worse than Mr. Rattus are so-called Norway Rats, which could probably eat a couple of Dakota Fannings in one sitting. We've been vying with some stubborn, persistent ones and, frankly, they remind me of hairy, crawling Rocky Balboas. If I remember my Rocky movies correctly, Apollo Creed (that would be me) ends up winning a split decision in the end. But not before engaging in an epic, bloody war in the ring. Here's hoping there's no sequel.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Predictions, in a nutshell...
With the college football season finally upon us, a few final predictions need to be made. Who will win each major conference? Here are my picks:
ACC
Who is being picked to win? Clemson
Who am I picking to win? Virginia Tech
Watch out for: Wake Forest, Miami
Biggest disappointment: Clemson
Big East
Who is being picked to win? West Virginia
Who am I picking to win? West Virginia
Watch out for: South Florida, Connecticut
Biggest disappointment: Pittsburgh
Big Ten
Who is being picked to win? Ohio State
Who am I picking to win? Ohio State
Watch out for: Michigan State
Biggest disappointment: Penn State
Big 12
Who is being picked to win? Missouri, Oklahoma
Who am I picking to win? Oklahoma
Watch out for: Colorado, Texas, Kansas State
Biggest disappointment: Kansas
Conference USA
Who is being picked to win? Central Florida
Who am I picking to win? Central Florida
Watch out for: East Carolina
Biggest disappointment: Houston
Mountain West
Who is being picked to win? BYU
Who am I picking to win? BYU
Watch out for: Utah, Air Force
Biggest disappointment: TCU
Pac 10
Who is being picked to win? USC
Who am I picking to win? USC
Watch out for: Oregon State
Biggest disappointment: UCLA
SEC
Who is being picked to win? Georgia
Who am I picking to win? Florida
Watch out for: Every team except Vandy.
Biggest disappointment: Georgia
WAC
Who is being picked to win? Fresno State
Who am I picking to win? Boise State
Watch out for: Nevada, San Jose State
Biggest disappointment: Fresno State
Heisman trophy
Who is being picked to win? Chase Daniel, Tim Tebow
Who am I picking to win? Chris Wells
Watch out for: Pat White, Michael Crabtree, Ian Johnson
Biggest disappointment: Chase Daniel (of course!)
ACC
Who is being picked to win? Clemson
Who am I picking to win? Virginia Tech
Watch out for: Wake Forest, Miami
Biggest disappointment: Clemson
Big East
Who is being picked to win? West Virginia
Who am I picking to win? West Virginia
Watch out for: South Florida, Connecticut
Biggest disappointment: Pittsburgh
Big Ten
Who is being picked to win? Ohio State
Who am I picking to win? Ohio State
Watch out for: Michigan State
Biggest disappointment: Penn State
Big 12
Who is being picked to win? Missouri, Oklahoma
Who am I picking to win? Oklahoma
Watch out for: Colorado, Texas, Kansas State
Biggest disappointment: Kansas
Conference USA
Who is being picked to win? Central Florida
Who am I picking to win? Central Florida
Watch out for: East Carolina
Biggest disappointment: Houston
Mountain West
Who is being picked to win? BYU
Who am I picking to win? BYU
Watch out for: Utah, Air Force
Biggest disappointment: TCU
Pac 10
Who is being picked to win? USC
Who am I picking to win? USC
Watch out for: Oregon State
Biggest disappointment: UCLA
SEC
Who is being picked to win? Georgia
Who am I picking to win? Florida
Watch out for: Every team except Vandy.
Biggest disappointment: Georgia
WAC
Who is being picked to win? Fresno State
Who am I picking to win? Boise State
Watch out for: Nevada, San Jose State
Biggest disappointment: Fresno State
Heisman trophy
Who is being picked to win? Chase Daniel, Tim Tebow
Who am I picking to win? Chris Wells
Watch out for: Pat White, Michael Crabtree, Ian Johnson
Biggest disappointment: Chase Daniel (of course!)
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