New Year's Day Bowl Bash: PHSports Preview

January 1st used to be home to more than a few bowls; however, with the (relatively) new BCS-format, it's changed up a bit.

Several bowls (Outback, Capital One, Gator) get their due; yet, several marquee names (Cotton, Sugar, & Fiesta) get their own days/nights.

Nevertheless, let's tackle the 5 games you'll have the opportunity to watch tomorrow, in order of course.

11:00 am - Outback Bowl [South Carolina vs. Iowa]
Ever since November 15th's 56-6 beatdown from his former Gators, I've had the odd feeling that the Gamecocks may be tired of waiting for Steve Spurrier to inspire/coach/prepare/transform them to the next level. While his team is playing on New Year's, that's hardly a compliment when you consider their 7-5 mark and yearly "fade to bowl season". Meanwhile, Iowa can hang it's hat on costing Penn State a BCS Title Game appearance and that the majority of its skill position players (primarily QB Ricky Stanzi and RB Shonn Greene) are all returning next season. I see no reason to believe the Gamecocks will "get up" for the Ole Ball Coach and deliver an inspired win. I'm taking Iowa to continue building towards next year, even if it's entertaingly-close.

Impact Players: Sophomore Iowa QB Ricky Stanzi may walk into next season challenging the far more well known Big Ten QBs for top honors. No better place to lay your claim than here.

Prediction: Iowa wins 27-23

1:00 pm - Gator Bowl [Nebraska vs. Clemson]
The two coaches on the sideline may command more media attention than the talent on the field. Bo Pelini would love 9-wins and a New Year's Day bowl game victory for his first season; meanwhile, Dabo Sweeney still has a lot of detractors-in-waiting after securing the job after being brought on in an interim basis for fired Tommy Bowden. While the game will ultimately come down to the talent on the field, I can't help but wonder how the major stories in each region's newspapers will be impacted by a win/loss due to the performance of these coaches (and not necessarily their teams).

Impact Players: Clemson RB tandem James David and CJ Spiller may have combined for 1300+ yards and 18 rushing TDs; nevertheless, they were both cataclysmic dissapointments - alongside their team - the majority of the season. Draft stock matters in bowl games, big time.

Prediction: Clemson wins 30-28

1:00 pm - Capital One Bowl [Georgia vs. Michigan State]
Most people expect this one to be a laugher in favor of the Bulldogs, yet I'm not so sure. In a season in which they started #1, this team isn't making a statement similar to that against Hawaii in the Sugar Bowl last season. Both teams are loaded with upperclassmen, which means the game will come down to execution and who can avoid giving up the big play late.

Players to Watch: Matthew Stafford has one last major chance to show why he's #1-overall talent; yet, it's Michigan State senior RB Javon Ringer that might be the most talented player on the field.

Prediction: Georgia wins 38-28

5:00 pm - Rose Bowl [Penn State vs. USC]
I could talk for days and days trying to break down this game, but I won't. Why? Because this game will come down to one simple question: can Penn State keep up with the athletes at USC? Well, can they?

Players to Watch: The three skill position players at Penn State better be ready to run-run-run. QB Daryll Clark must realize that ball security and long, time-consuming drives are his best friends. RB Evan Royster better be ready to bruise people up the middle, as well as along the edges. WR Deon Butler has got to open up lanes - perhaps through making an early catch or two downfield - in order to spread out a speedy (and underrated) Trojan defense.

Prediction: USC wins 41-17

8:00 pm - Orange Bowl [Cincinnati vs. Virginia Tech]

The BCS game most people don't claim to "care about", just might end up being one of the best, seriously. Tech has a lot of talent and much of it isn't juniors and seniors. Meanwhile, Cincinnati was an 11-2 team and outside of an embarassing loss in Stoors (not in basketball, mind you) they dominated Big East play. While I can honestly admit I didn't watch a single snap of the Bearcast season, Hokie fans know not to underestimate opponents; especially after Tech lost to Kansas last season - in absolutely horrid Miami weather - in the Orange Bowl.

Players to Watch: Any legit Hokie fan will tell you that Jason "All" Worlds is one of the reasons they're most excited about next season. His playmaking ability is astounding due to his size and speed around the corner. He'll pose more than a few problems for Cincy's backfield.

Prediction: Virginia Tech wins 21-20


While bowl games - especially with the writer's on this staff - might take priority #1; it'd be a mistake to miss out on 5 potentially entertaining New Year's Day bowl games.

InClement Weather: Mid-Week Musings

A few musings at 10:00pm on a cold Wednesday night...

If Eric Maynor is a lock to be a 1st-round pick...I'm going to NYC for the draft. All I wanna know is: who's coming with me? Who's coming with me man!?!?
Credit: USA Today.com

...College Basketball Season Quick Hits...
1) Can somebody explain to me how 3-time player of the year winner Ralph Sampson isn't in the (meaningless) college basketball hall of fame? No capital letters needed for a hall that won't recognize one of its greatest ever.
2) How many of Michigan's Fab 5 can you still name?
3) Who you taking: '08/'09 UNC or '90/'91 UNLV?
4) Stephen Curry and Blake Griffin need to meet again in the NCAA tournament.
5) I've been waiting way too long to see "that" Wayne Chism that showed up - and then some - against Marquette. I still think he's a Jason Maxiell-type in the NBA (impact-wise).

Gotta admit I was more than a little surprise to see an NFC Pro Bowl roster sans-Abraham.
Credit: ESPN.go.com

...Pro Bowl Selection Quick Hits...
1) I'm not crying for DeAngelo Williams or Brandon Jacobs as NFC RB "snubs".
2) I'm surprised the AFC didn't vote John Lynch in again, despite not playing a snap.
3) It's Pennington then Rivers then Cassell who should be in over Favre.
4) Assante Samuel didn't deserve that nod at all.
5) Lance Briggs was extremely deserving. Ditto for James Farrior.

Can anyone - besides Pay - name this former Heisman winner?
Credit: Google Image Search (Title of the website gives it away!)

...Bowl Season Quick Hits...
1) A realistic playoff system will never work, people. How do you expect a typical fan (ex: Trojan fan) to do a quarterfinal in the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, a semi-final in the Orange Bowl in Miami, and then a final in the Superdome in New Orleans??? You don't ask them to pick 1, 2, or even worse...try and afford all 3 games. It just won't work with 8 teams. Not in our economy or anyone's.
2) You got Paterno croaking on the field or in the press box? That isn't disrespectful either. Paterno obviously wants that to be the way he goes...in twenty years.
3) The Heisman is irrelevant. Good argument though for this year, more unmemorable: Phillies as World Series Champs or Sam Bradford as Heisman Trophy winner? One word: push.
4) The "southwest" should lose their ballots next year.
5) Turner Gill didn't automatically "deserve" the job at Auburn. He's 15-22 and I'm not sold Buffalo is becoming a major "mid-major" college football team. The hiring practices at Auburn weren't pretty though.

Were Harold Perrineau (above) and myself the only two people upset to find out Michael died in last year's season finale?
Credit: EW.com

...Pop Culture Quick Hits...
1) Wednesday nights seem a little lost without Lost. (Too bad it's moving to Thursdays)
2) Anybody else miss Perfect Strangers a little too much? TGIF?
3) Seriously, it's a toss-up between Dark Knight and Wall-E for my movie of the year.
4) Jennifer Anniston has still got it. And then some...
5) Is there a better all-time network foursome than HBO's Sopranos, The Wire, Oz, & Curb Your Enthusiasm. Chicks can sub in Sex and the City, while the new millennium might sub in Entourage.

Seriously. WATCH this show.



That's twenty thoughts that I think have passed the time.
Thoughts?

I didn't think so!

InClement Weather: MY BCS

I don't care what the contracts, computers, or Lee Corso has to say.

I am fixing the BCS. How?
Watch me!

Instead of Mark Sanchez, you might see a guy named Lyle at QB in the Rose Bowl. Good.
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

Scenario #1: Current 5 BCS Bowl Format
Assuming...chaos theory doesn't happen.
Texas Tech defeats Oklahoma (yes, in Norman) & Missouri. Undefeated.
Alabama defeats Florida. Yes, the Gators.
Oregon State wins out. Sorry, Trojans.
Somebody...anybody...wins the ACC & Big (L)East.
Utah wins out. Boise State wins out. Ball State wins out.

BCS Title Game
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders
Analysis: DUH!

Rose Bowl
Oregon State vs. Penn State
Analysis: There, Pac-10 vs. Big Ten. Eat up the pageantry!

Sugar Bowl
Florida vs. USC
Analysis: The game most of America will be dying for.

Orange Bowl
Boise State vs. Ball State
Analysis: The ACC is extremely competitive, but doesn't have a BCS-quality team. We all know about the Big (L)East. Yes, I'm gonna continue using that. Reward the undefeated teams. Why? Because nobody will schedule em from the majors!

Fiesta Bowl
Texas vs. Utah
Analysis: Offenses galore! Fine with me.

Scenario #2: Eight-Team Playoff (Obama-Style)

#1. Alabama vs. #8. Penn State
#2. Texas Tech vs. #7. Florida
#3. Texas vs. #6. Oklahoma
#4. USC vs. #5. Penn State

Note: I know the "computers" want conference champions...but it's my post and I want these 8!

Let's see YOU do better...

College Football Weekend: Top 10 & BCS Projections

And you thought we would just "hit it and quit it" after last weekend, didn't you? Didn't you?
Not a chance.
In fact, we're back and making scrambled eggs for breakfast.

Now remember…

-Any Division I-A team is eligible for at-large consideration. The BCS has never changed its automatic qualifiers -- the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the final standings; the champions of the Big East, Big Ten, Southeastern, Pac-10, Big 12 and Atlantic Coast Conferences; Notre Dame if it finishes in the top eight; and a non-BCS team that finishes in the top 12, or in the top 16 if they're ahead of a BCS champion.
-No more than two teams from any conference, no questions asked. (Sorry Big XII fans)
-No plus-one game either. However, with the addition of the “BCS Title Game”…we at least have 10 teams and not 8 invited to the party.
-With that being said, we know the BCS gets released sometime late this afternoon/early evening on FOX.
-I don’t particularly feel like “guessing” what that outcome will be. Instead, here’s the PHSports Top Ten, followed by our BCS Bowl Projections. Don’t worry; they’re based on real-life standings and not our Top Ten. You can breathe now.

PHSports Top Ten Rankings:
1) (10-0) Alabama Crimson Tide
2) (10-0) Texas Tech Red Raiders
3) (8-1) Florida Gators
4) (9-1) Texas Longhorns
5) (9-1) Oklahoma Sooners
6) (8-1) USC Trojans
7) (10-0) Utah Utes
8) (9-0) Boise State Broncos
9) (8-2) Oklahoma State Cowboys
10) (9-1) Penn State Nittany Lions

On the Cusp: Ohio State, Missouri, UNC, Georgia, & Michigan State

BCS Bowl Projected Conference Champions: (as of today)
…get ready for a laugh…

ACC -- Wake Forest
Big East -- West Virginia
Big Ten -- Michigan State
Big 12 -- Texas Tech
Pac-10 -- USC
SEC -- Alabama

Note: Wake Forest gets in b/c of its 4-2 ACC record and its tie-breaker over FSU. WVU gets the nod at 3-1 in the conference as it owns the only win between the two others at 3-1 (over Cincy, Pitt has played neither). Michigan State is tops in the Big Ten at 6-1 (Penn State, who plays the Spartans later this season, is 5-1).

Top At-Large Candidates:

Utah (highest non-BCS automatic qualifier)
Florida
Texas
Boise State (second highest non-BCS automatic qualifier)
BYU (third highest non-BCS automatic qualifier...over TCU)
Penn State (owns a win @ Columbus and controls own Big Ten destiny)

Stop me if you've heard this before...

Of course, it’s borderline crazy to predict "insert ACC team" in the ACC. However, the truth is that conference is only getting one team into the BCS. Ditto for the Big (L)East (same as last week). As for the SEC, LSU is done and Georgia really doesn't have any realistic path anymore. Bama and the Gators are on a collision course, both locked into the SEC Title game. The real interesting scenario is how a 2-loss Florida team would stack up in the projection-mess. Of course, I won't simply dismiss FSU giving the Gators a good game either. Nevertheless, the winner of the SEC Championship Game - assuming both win out - seems a lock to be in the national championship game. Key word: seems.

You also have to remember the “two per conference” rules with the stacked Big 12. Texas Tech still needs to overcome a trip to Norman against the Sooners, after winning two in a row after beating Texas & Oklahoma State (impressively, might I add) in Lubbock. Of course, that doesn't even cover the possibility of the Big XII Title game, which seems more and more likely to have Missouri and Chase Daniels representing the maligned Big XII North division.

As for the non-BCS schools…

It’s not too unlikely that Boise State goes undefeated and returns to the BCS. Utah passed its toughest test on Thursday nigth against TCU; however, they do host BYU later this month. If the Utes lose and the Broncos win out, they'll be the "outsider" getting in.

Both Utah and Boise State could end up in the top 7 or 8 of the BCS; however, the rules state that only one of these teams has to be chosen. Another one could be chosen for one of the "at-large" bids, yet does that seem likely? Boise State fans or Ohio State fans? Let me think.

How about this “BCS lineup”: ...sans MEGA-POWERHOUSE Oklahoma (for now) might I add...

Orange Bowl:
Wake Forest Deamon Deacons vs. West Virginia Mountaineers

Sugar Bowl:
Texas Longhorns vs. Florida Gators

Fiesta Bowl:
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Utah Utes

Note: Wouldn't it be all too ironic if the Fiesta - home to Boise State acclaim - actually did what was "right" and took Utah vs. Boise State. The ratings might be in the toilet...but I'd love it.

Rose Bowl:
USC Trojans vs. Michigan State Spartans

Note: Now the Rose Bowl gets its traditional Pac 10/Big 10 rivalry. The network is hoping my projections falter when Penn State defeats Michigan State at the end of their respective regular seasons.

BCS National Championship Game:
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders

Note: Remember, these aren't projections in the sense that I'm playing out every game. That's too easy and too risky. Instead, I'm trying to lay out the picture - as best as I can - as of today. If you don't like it...you don't like it.

There’s much more on the radar; however, that’s all I’m giving out today.
Hope you enjoyed the second-go-round.

InClement Weather

I can't take credit for the title; however, I can get right to my two points for today.

Something tells me he's gonna win a "few more" of these...
Credit: DoubleNation

Point #1: It's OKAY that Texas Tech leapfrogged Penn State in the AP Poll.

Texas Tech is undefeated. They play in a tougher conference. They have a more impressive win(@home vs. Texas beats out @Columbus against the Buckeyes). Penn State might end up being this year's "Auburn" if Texas Tech defies the odds and goes undefeated throughout Big 12 play (ditto for Bama in the SEC). We'll worry about that later. You can blame the system, not the polls, for that "issue". The BCS is likely to work out for an undefeated Penn State still, but then again...who knows with computers being involved.

In the end, it's cut and dry for me. Texas Tech has more checks next to it when compared directly to Penn State.

Mark these words: if anyone goes undefeated in a BCS-conference (i.e. the MAJORS), they're playing in the BCS Title Game. I said it. I meant it.

Point #2: It's NOT OKAY that Oklahoma is ranked higher than Texas in the USA Today/Coaches Poll.

If you think that there is honestly any logic behind ranking Oklahoma in front of Texas: shut up. Yeah, I said shut up. Honestly, college football polls are beyond ludicrous. (Yet, I’m here complaining about something I find irrelevant. Brilliant!) They are designed to do nothing more than sell games on national television and tick off blog writers (hello!). Like I give a damn what Georgia and Florida's rankings are. Sadly - as evident in my first point - we have to react to them and we have to worry about their seemingly countless flaws.

As for the former "World Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party", when both teams have one loss and the SEC East is for the taking, I don't need single-digits next to each team's name to get excited. To top it all off, we have these ridiculous pre-season polls which overinflate big-name programs and - even worse - prop up that year's trendy pick (i.e. Clemson). Stupid and lame are my responses to that mess.

As for the heart of this gripe, this past weekend #1 Texas traveled to #6 Texas Tech for the Longhorns' fourth top-12 showdown in four weeks. While computers may not take it into account, Texas went into hostile Lubbock - fell down 19-0 - and scored the potential game-winning touchdown with the now-infamous 1:29 left. We know the rest. We saw the drive, the dropped tipped ball, the catch, the broken tackle, and the bedlam that ensued. What the coaches (i.e. pollsters) should've seen whenever they were given their ranking's sheet is one glaring result: Saturday, October 11th in Dallas, Texas defeats Oklahoma 45-35. By 10 points on a neutral field, people. I don't care what they were ranked at the time, Texas won. By 10!

Meanwhile, one idiotic coach gives a 1-loss Oklahoma team a first-place vote? Based on what? I don't care if you think they're "better" than the teams above them. Look at their records and look at their wins and losses. If your idiotic logic reigned supreme, Georgia would've played USC for the National Championship last year. We wouldn't have witnessed the turd that was LSU/Ohio State. Despite that logic not working against me, logic damn well better win out. The Coaches poll is fraudulent for this very example.

The AP poll shouldn't take solace either. They've proven countless times how trivial they are as well. (Florida with a first-place vote is a relevant response TODAY!) Oklahoma has NO business - at least this week - being ranked before Texas. Blaming it on "when they lost" is beyond inexcusable. Not to mention, my last point, is look at their losses. Oklahoma lost to Texas, ranked below them, on a neutral field.

Is that worse than Texas losing to Texas Tech (ranked higher than BOTH Oklahoma and Texas by EVERYONE involved) on the road! No no no no no NO!

Now fix it!

College Football Weekend: Top 10 & BCS Projections

After taking a “few too many weeks” off, this writer is now in the last week of coaching middle school football (sadly, a record-breaking 6-0 season may be followed up with an 0-6 unmitigated disaster) and decided to return to college football speak.

Specifically, that of the BCS.
And to think…we might not need to drop the C this year.
Yeah, sure.

Now remember…
Any Division I-A team is eligible for at-large consideration. The BCS has never changed its automatic qualifiers -- the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the final standings; the champions of the Big East, Big Ten, Southeastern, Pac-10, Big 12 and Atlantic Coast Conferences; Notre Dame if it finishes in the top eight; and a non-BCS team that finishes in the top 12, or in the top 16 if they're ahead of a BCS champion.

Remember as well…
No more than two teams from any conference, no questions asked. (Sorry Big XII fans)
No plus-one game either. However, with the addition of the “BCS Title Game”…we at least have 10 teams and not 8 invited to the party.

With that being said, we know the BCS gets released sometime late this afternoon/early evening on FOX.

I don’t particularly feel like “guessing” what that outcome will be. Instead, here’s the PHSports Top Ten, followed by our BCS Bowl Projections. Don’t worry; they’re based on real-life standings and not our Top Ten. You can breathe now.

PHSports Top Ten Rankings:
1) (9-0) Alabama Crimson Tide
2) (9-0) Penn State Nittany Lions
3) (9-0) Texas Tech Red Raiders
4) (7-1) Florida Gators
5) (8-1) Texas Longhorns
6) (8-1) Oklahoma Sooners
7) (7-1) USC Trojans
8) (8-1) Oklahoma State Cowboys
9) (9-0) Utah Utes
10) (8-0) Boise State Broncos

On the Cusp: TCU, Ohio State, Missouri, Ball State, Georgia, & UNC

BCS Bowl Projected Conference Champions: (as of today)
…get ready for a laugh…

ACC -- Maryland
Big East -- West Virginia
Big Ten -- Penn State
Big 12 -- Texas Tech
Pac-10 -- USC
SEC -- Alabama

Top At-Large Candidates:

Utah (highest non-BCS automatic qualifier)
Florida
Texas
Boise State (second highest non-BCS automatic qualifier)
TCU (third highest non-BCS automatic qualifier)
Ohio State (top two-loss team beloved by the computers)

Shocking, right?

Of course, it’s borderline crazy to predict Maryland (3-1 in the ACC) in the ACC. However, the truth is that conference is only getting one team into the BCS. Ditto for the Big (L)East. As for the SEC, Georgia & LSU seem outsiders now – outside of an SEC Title Game upset – with Bama and the Gators on a collision course. You also have to remember the “two per conference” rules with the stacked Big 12. Texas Tech gets two ridiculous tests in a row after beating Texas in Lubbock (Ok. State & @Oklahoma) AND the rest of the conference still has several key showdowns. Meanwhile, Pac-10 supremacy is on the line with Cal vs. USC next weekend.

As for the non-BCS schools…

It’s not too unlikely that Boise State goes undefeated and returns to the BCS. Utah has a much tougher road, although they do host both TCU and BYU in the next month. The Utah/TCU matchup almost assures only one of them can get in; however, it’s not unlikely that BYU sneaks back into consideration with a strong stretch.

I can easily foresee a realistic scenario in which Boise State, BYU, and TCU are in the BCS top 12. Especially if a few favorites hold key and the “middle of the pack” can’t keep up.
Whether that’s a good or bad thing, remains to be seen.

How about this “BCS lineup”:

Orange Bowl:
Maryland Terrapins vs. West Virginia Mountaineers

Sugar Bowl:
Texas Longhorns vs. Florida Gators

Fiesta Bowl:
Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Utah Utes

Rose Bowl:
USC Trojans vs. Ohio State Buckeyes

Note: I’ve always found the Rose Bowl to be a mockery of “pageantry and tradition”. They’ll choke us with the all-too-typical Pac 10/Big 10 rivalry game; instead of USC/Boise State.

BCS National Championship Game:
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Penn State Nittany Lions

There’s much more on the radar; however, that’s all I’m giving out today.

LIVE PHSports Saturday College Football Top Ten Rankings

I know it's a jam-packed Saturday of sports (from Ryder Cup to pennant races to the second-t0-last game at Yankee Stadium to exciting WNBA action to ....), so thanks for being here!

After a freak-injury in practice on Friday (yes, I coach middle school football) and car issues today (I love being stuck with my girlfriend's '94 Ford Explorer!)...I'm trying to be there for you all.

Call it fortuitous timing or just an all-out advantage; however, knowing a few results already and having a few key games going out right now has only aided me giving you THE best top 10 possible.

As if you expected anything less?

...starting at the bottom...

10. Texas Longhorns
Their game against Arkansas postponed, the Longhorns remain hovering around most top 10 teams. They'll have their chance to make a statement on October 4th when the visit the Buffaloes in Colorado.

9. Wisconsin Badgers
After holding on 13-10 against a high-scoring Fresno State team (in California), the Badgers are off until the 28th when the visit the Big House. That October 4th meeting in Camp Randall against the Buckeyes will be HUGE for this team's Rose Bowl/National Title aspirations.

8. Texas Tech Red Raiders
UMASS in town this weekend should mean another 50-point outing. Respectability will be tested with unranked Big XII opponents Kansas State and Nebraska in the docket in the coming weeks.

7. Auburn Tigers
I can't help but love a team who wins a hard-fought SEC game 3-2. They get their first real shot at making national noise with LSU in town this weekend. Brutal, indeed.

6. LSU Tigers
Part of the aforementioned matchup with the Tigers of Auburn, the Bayou Bengals remain a relatively unknown entity...that is until this matchup goes final.

5. Florida Gators
Traveling to Knoxville, where I have to think another blowout might spell doom for national title-winning coach Phillip Fulmer, Urban Meyer's intensity and passion to stomp the Vols bleeds throughout his entire roster during this "rivalry" games. Somebody page Tee Martin to help the Vols out. At 17-0 with 3 minutes to go in the first quarter, those "experts" calling for a Vols-upset are sweating it out more than a little bit.

4. Oklahoma Sooners
Leapfrogging the Bulldogs in most national polls, Boomer Sooner looks white-hot after straight up annihilating the Huskies of Washington. While it's not the immediate game, the Red River Shootout on October 11th against the Longhorns will be the early statement game for Oklahoma to convince everyone they are a step above the Bulldogs, Gators, and (my) Tigers.

3. Missouri Tigers
27-14 against Buffalo, unless it's the Bills maybe, isn't the prettiest site. Nevertheless, the Tigers are wading through the easier part of their schedule...that is until Nebraska on October 4th. The Huskers will have a few things to say about Big XII north supremacy. Remember, Mizzou doesn't have Oklahoma, Texas Tech, or Kansas on its schedule. Don't sleep on these Tigers.

2. Georgia Bulldogs
Their west-coast trip to take on Dennis Erickson's Sun Devils took a major blow when UNLV shocked ASU late last weekened. Nevertheless, the Bulldogs have plenty to prove - especially QB Stafford - with doubters piling up and an SEC-West STACKED matchup taking precedence this weekend. I still believe in you Mark Richt.

1. USC Trojans
September 25th against Oregon State. Look out Beavers.

Dropped Out: Ohio State (USC is that good, Ohio State isn't that bad though.)
Inserted: Auburn (Win 3-2 and jump up into the 7-spot? You betcha!)
On the Fringe: Alabama, South Florida, BYU, & Wake Forest)

No need for the "5 Games" this weekend...it's all out there for ya!

Until next rankings...

Saturday Night Live: 5 College Football & 5 Non-College Football Thoughts

Okay, so technically I'm staring at my computer's clock and it's 12:52am. I know that makes it Sunday morning and SNL (which I haven't watched since Kevin Nealon was doing the Weekend Update) is over anyways.

Nevertheless, I like to set up barriers just so I can knock them down!

I missed out on tonight's USC/OSU (live, at least) to play tennis with a bitter rival. A terrible start put me in a 6-3, 6-3 hole and throwing my racket two more times than anyone else at the 16-court park. My bad! However, I dug deep down after trailing 5-3 and ended up taking the next three sets successively 7-5, 6-4, and 7-5. Two words sum up my night: boo ya.

Boo no was watching USC/OSU on fast forward (x2) with my DVR.

One word there: OUCH!

Let's get into the meat and potatoes (boy would that be good now) of my late-night rambling...

...5 College Football "Quick Hit" Thoughts...

1) USC is good. Real good. Scary good. Insanely good. While OSU was down Beanie Wells and lacked a true offensive identity, the Trojans went up and down the field at will. Honestly, this team is so talented it deserves the #1 and #2 spot in the rankings next week.

2) Georgia won on the road in South Carolina...who cares if it wasn't pretty. Moreno's TD was still a work of art and Stafford made enough NFL-quality throws. It's good to have a defense that can hold a competent team to 7 points (on the road, no less) and anytime you win at an SEC opponent, you take it.

3) 3-2? Seriously? That was the score between Auburn and Mississippi State. I remember a spectacular NFC Title game that might've ended 6-5 if it wasn't for Bert Emanuel's "non-catch" and a guy named Ricky Proehl. What a score. Who cares about analyzing the game? That's National League baseball at its best!

4) Wisconsin has Fresno State 13-7 right now, but there is a TON of time left. If they can return to Camp Randall without an L, they may be in the driver's seat (for now) in the Big Ten. Especially when considering long-term health issues for the aformentioned Beanie Wells.

5) My Red Raiders and my Tigers (of Missouri) keep beating down opponents they should. While WVU choked on me early (good win btw for ECU @ Tulane), I'm sticking with my guns on two of the "shakiest" of Big XII title contenders. Watch out haters!

...and now for the rest...

...5 College Football "Quick Hit" Thoughts...

1) K-Rod breaks Bobby Thigpen's mark. Good for him. He's uber-talented and soon to become even richer this offseason. Will his arm be tired in October, does this mark really equal some of the greats, is he better than Rivera/Papelbon...that can all wait. Let him enjoy a record-smashing season.

2) UFC and MMA has dwarfed boxing. Please, don't be afraid of this high-octane, amazing sport. Kimbo Slice vs. Ken Shamrock actually has cache. More important, I'm on the lookout for two HUGE fights (Rashad Evans v. Forrest Griffin & BJ Penn vs. Georges St. Pierre). Come on Dana White...DO IT!

3) Ike delays Houston/Baltimore. How many fantasy owners will be reeling late tonight or early tomorrow? Biggest losers have to be AJ owners. Right behind them, McGahee owners. While there are others who COULD start (Schaub, Clayton, Heap, etc.) it's those two who might hurt the most. Bye weeks later will be softened, but I could see a loss or two (by me!) because of this cancellation.

4) Charlie Weis hurt on the sideline. I am not a huge fan of Weis, but I feel for his pain. As a coach, I'll have to protect my knees (already each has been surgically repaired) from plays that extend beyond the field. I don't want to be mean, but Weis's weight is a turnoff to the point where I won't watch "entertaining" Notre Dame games (when are those again?). As a bigger guy myself, even I realize that Weis needs to quit the quick-fix surgery route and get on a routine that is much more proven and less taxing on one's heart. He's a moment away by the looks of it.

5) Wild-Card race. Wake me up in two weeks. Maybe it's my Yankee-moaning or the fact that I can't get behind some of these teams. I just am not interested one bit right now. Sorry.

That's that. Two more words: Good Night!

Until tomorrow morning...

BCS Title Pre-Game Analysis: #1. Ohio State vs. #2. LSU

0-4 with my initial BCS picks? OUCH is definitely the word.

I haven't felt like such an airhead since...

Ohio State Do’s and Don’t’s:

Most PHSports writers tab Beanie Wells for a big night.
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

Do pound the ball early and often with Chris “Beanie” Wells (5.8 yds/rush). Even if the LSU defense roars early, Wells should have well over a dozen carries before halftime. It’s essential, especially when attempting to open up play-action passing downfield, that LSU being given a steady diet of the Buckeyes most talented offensive threat.

Do take advantage of turnovers. LSU has proven they’ll give the ball away and give up the big play on special teams. If Ohio State is given a short field, it must score points. We’re not talking field goals either.

Do open up some big play opportunities. While Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline won’t jump off of the stat pages, they’re solid possession wideouts. Don’t be afraid to air out the ball, especially on 2nd and short, and try to hit the home run against the Tigers D.

Do not give 2007’s BCS Title game a single thought. The game was a complete disaster from start to finish. Jim Tressel appeared outcoached 1 second after the Ted Ginn Jr. kickoff return for a TD. While Urban Meyer isn’t across the field, Les Myles is a savvy coach who isn’t afraid to make a gutsy call.

Do not leave Boeckman without extra protection in the pocket. While speed obviously favors LSU, size can help Ohio State. Keep extra tight ends and backs in the backfield whenever possible. We’ve seen in previous title games (USC/Oklahoma & Florida/OSU just how much size can succumb to raw speed).

Do not allow Vernon Gholston to remain on one side of the line for very long. Move this absolute beat of a pass rusher around. One or two hits to Matt Flynn and the Tigers will have to change the entire protection scheme. Gholston’s too talented a defender not to be flying all over the field.

LSU Do’s and Don’t’s:

More than just media attention must be paid to DT Glenn Dorsey.
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

Do isolate a few gadget plays from Trindon Holliday. It’s important that LSU doesn’t lose its identity. While the Tigers have won and loss seemingly countless games in the closing seconds, there’s no reason to become uber-conservative and not take advantage of a glaring speed and overall athletic-advantage numerous players on their roster offer them.

Do switch up defensive looks and keep Todd Boeckman guessing. Only his first-year as a starter, Boeckman has never seen a defense – out of the SEC too – like the Tigers. Glenn Dorsey may be next year’s number 1 pick, but there is a ton of talent on this roster. The secondary has issues, so be sure to disguise blitzes and zone schemes whenever possible to prevent giving up the big plays.

Do pound Jacob Hester on 3rd and short. He’s a solid short-yardage runner who grinds out tough yards. While that would appear to play into a Big Ten mentality, Hester’s nose for the redzone is too good to pass up.

Do not believe the numbers. Sure, Ohio State is 0-8 against the SEC in bowl games. Big deal. This isn’t about 2007 or any other year for that matter. The Tigers have a bad loss, at home, to an unranked Arkansas team to prove how beatable they can become. Simply showing up won’t equate to a second BCS title.

Do not lose big on the special teams battle. One area where Ohio State may have a decided advantage is special teams. If the game is close, don’t allow poor kickoff coverage or missed field goals be the difference. Avoid costly penalties and wrap-up at all costs.

Do not stop rotating QBs Matt Flynn and Ryan Perrilloux. It’s become more and more apparent than in the modern landscape of college football, variety is the ultimate benefit at the position. Balance using both QBs legs and redzone abilities as you have done all season thus far.

Key Matchup:

Jim Tressel vs. Les Miles
Tressel is in his third national title game (seeking his second win) and second consecutive. Miles may be in his first title hurrah, but was coveted my Michigan and is as flamboyant a sideline personality as you’re likely to find. LSU has lived and died in the closing minutes of the 4th quarter, while Ohio State has been rather quiet this year (only making headlines when losing at home to Illinois and then defeating Michigan). While Tressel no longer surprises anyone with his expertise and game-planning, it’d be a mistake to believe that LSU and Les Miles have won simply by showing up.

Intangible:

Homefield Advantage?
Don’t give it a second thought. Superdome or not. The Buckeyes travel as well as any team, the tickets are allotted reasonable well, and Hurricane Katrina has NOTHING to do with this game. Sorry, Chris Berman.

PHSports Final Score Predictions:
Clement: LSU wins 27-20
MVP: Jacob Hester

Armin: Ohio State wins 44-38
MVP: Chris Wells

Sum: LSU wins 31-23.
MVP: Glenn Dorsey

Pay: LSU wins 28-24.
MVP: Chris Wells

Until next season…

Christmas comes LATE…for the BCS

So you’ve spent up every last penny of your gift cards, gas cards, and Christmas cash, and the entire holiday season seems like a distant memory.

Not so fast.

Despite the NFL Playoffs being a crapshoot, there’s still one vice left…the Bowl Championship Series.

Five games with plenty to offer - even if it is not in the form of a playoff system.

So without any playoff scenarios or any continued whining about who is playing where (I wanted WVU vs. Va Tech!), let’s take a look at what’s left on our college football plates.

Why not trust a guy whose regular season finished something like…
NFL Picks: 32-15-2
NCAA Picks: 18-6

Tuesday, January 1^st:
The Rose Bowl
#13. Illinois vs. #6. USC [-14.5]


















Here's your sleeper 1st Round RB for the '08 Draft.
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

As disrespected as any team, Illinois finished the season strongly (including the noteworthy win in Columbus against a then-unbeaten Buckeyes team) and allowed the Rose Bowl to have its annual Big Ten/Pac-10 showdown. While last year’s USC/Michigan affair was a flop, don’t count out the talent of Juice Williams and company, especially RB Rashad Mendenhall, who is expected to be selected early on Day 1 of the NFL Draft if he decides to leave early. It’s also only fair to commend National Coach of the Year Ron Zook on rebuilding Illinois into a legit Big Ten contender again. Ditto can be said for Pete Carroll never losing his team despite being served a few more losses (okay, it was only 2) than they expected. While I like USC to win, the team lacks the true playmakers it had in years past. That’s why Illinois keeps it close enough to bust this pesky spread.

Should’ve Been: Illinois vs. USC. [Call me crazy, but I like this matchup.]

Tuesday, January 1^st:
The Sugar Bowl
#10. Hawaii vs. #4. Georgia [-7.5]

















A UGA win may lead to a pre-season #1 ranking next year.
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

Much like last year’s Boise State team, Hawaii has a ton to prove with its BCS selection. While most of the nation knows of June Jones and is fascinated over the draft stock and prospects of Heisman-contender Colt Brennan, there is still a ton of talent on this Rainbow Warrior squad. The same has to be said for the red-hot Bulldogs, who were a Tennessee loss away from potentially playing LSU for a spot in the BCS Title game. Alas, freshman phenom RB Knowshown Mereno will try his best to dictate a power running game, thus keeping the ball out of the hands of Brennan for a Bulldog victory. However, I love rooting for the little guy. So while UGA will enjoy the win, Brennan will be the real star as he keeps it under one possession as the clock ticks to zero.

Should’ve Been: LSU vs. Missouri [The battle of the ‘almost’ teams.]

Wednesday, January 2nd:
The Fiesta Bowl
#11. West Virginia vs. #3. Oklahoma [-7.5]














Can QB Pat White stay healthy the entire game?
Credit: Yahoo Sports!

Still reeling from the loss at home during the Backyard Brawl and the loss of their head coach, what is most important for WVU’s chances are the health of junior QB Pat White and the number of carries they can give to forgotten stud RB Steve Slaton. Since neither seems likely to completely rebound against such a suffocating Sooners D, this game may turn ugly late thanks to precocious freshman QB Sam Bradford, a ferocious group of running backs and electric wide receiver Malcolm Kelly. Sorry Mountaineer fans, the off-season will only get tougher after this double-digit thumping.

Should’ve Been: Oklahoma vs. Georgia [Perhaps the nation’s two youngest elite teams.]

Thursday, January 3rd:
The Orange Bowl
#8. Kansas vs. #5. Virginia Tech [-3.5]

Which Va. Tech QB will see the majority of the snaps?
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

It’s time to stop pining for the Missouri Tigers and acknowledge an amazing season for the Jayhawks. Or is it? Tech is returning the majority of their talent, outside of key defensive playmakers (Brandon Flowers, Victor “Macho” Harris, etc.) and could use an Orange Bowl victory to propel them to a potential pre-season top-5 ranking next fall. What remains most interesting isn’t how the Hokies D mastermind Bud Foster handles the spread offense. Instead, it’s how the Hokies balance QBs Sean Glennon and Tyrod Taylor. I’ll take Beamerball’s experience in this game, which will be far more entertaining than many outside of Lawrence expect it to be.

Should’ve Been: West Virginia vs. Virginia Tech [Rekindling a lost rivalry.]

Monday, January 7th:
The BCS Championship Game













At least someone is waiting until Monday morning to make my prediction...
Credit: Yahoo! Sprots

Should’ve Been: [Wait and see…]

Wait, what this? No score? No teams? No analysis? No picks!?!?

While we all know it’ll be the Bayou Bengals (aka Tigers of LSU) and the Buckeyes (of “The Ohio State”), we won’t pick a winner until game day.

Check back on Monday, January 7^th for that goodie.

Until next time…

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Clement’s Weekly Picks and Prognostications…Week 14

In case you haven’t noticed, a few things have seemed to ring quite true in recent weeks of my picks:
-I never touch a Jets game.
-I far too often mention AFC South teams (particularly Tennessee)
-I love taking the road dogs
-I always really mess up a game every two or three weeks.
-I’ll mock some idiotic player, this week Randy Moss, for pretending to be all about the team and class when he’s only been doing it for the last couple weeks he’d been winning.

However, I’ve also been on an incredible streak picking collegiate games [18-6 after two perfect weekends of picks]. In fact, if I had two or three more picks a week (who else loved the Pitt Panthers getting almost 30 points in the ‘Backyard Brawl’), my record would be staggering. Especially considering it’s spreads I’m dealing with and not straight up.

NFL Picks: [24-15-1]
NY Giants @ Philadelphia [-3]











Credit: Yahoo! Sports

Call me crazy, but why are the Eagles consistently considered ‘favorites’? Their record at home is far from impressive and their quarterbacks fall along the same lines. While the Giants barely escaped Chicago with a 4th-quarter comeback victory, it was still a solid early December victory. Bury the Eagles alongside the Redskins in the NFC East cellar and take the Giants with the easy W.

Pittsburgh @ New England [10.5]













Credit: Yahoo! Sports

As soon at the Pats went down 10-3 to Baltimore on Monday night, you knew the light in Tom Brady’s head would go off. He’d march downfield however he needed to, make important 3rd down plays, and the Pats would draw penalties (real and perceived) on Ravens cornerbacks. In fact, it happened all night. While I HATE the Pats (especially Rodney Harrison’s taunt to Brian F. Billick), they’re THAT good. Though Pittsburgh swept divisional foe Cincy the night before, they’re not the ones to stop the Pats – especially in Foxboro – as Roethlisberger will continue his struggles versus the Pats as their disgusting march towards 19-0 sadly continues.

San Diego @ Tennessee [Pick’em]













Credit: Yahoo! Sports

With a much-needed victory at home against Houston, Tennessee clung to its wild-card hopes behind the arm of Vince Young and the return of a healthier Albert Haynesworth. Suddenly, at 7-5, the Super Chargers have seemed to seize control of the AFC West. While the chance at a playoff bye is all but lost, San Diego needs to get on a roll quickly. Although the Titans have the secondary to keep them in the game, the Chargers will make an extra play or two on defense and take the much-needed road victory.

3 Must Starts and Must Sits
START
…Last Week…
Donte Stallworth: He made enough plays in the first half to merit a 3rd-wideout start.
Chester Taylor: While he played second fiddle to A-Pete, he still got that much-deserved TD.
LJ Smith: I have to stop plugging in these “gut-shot” tight end starts.

…This Week…
Lee Evans: The Miami D is ready to be torched yet again.
Sidney Rice: Gotta love those iffy 3rd-wideout plays.
Reggie Bush: Don’t you dare sit the same guy you reached on way too high in your fantasy draft.

SIT
…Last Week…
Steve Smith: How does he not get one of the 2 Carolina TD receptions?
Donovan McNabb: DNP. Feeley was a bad start too.
Laurence Maroney: This is a fantasy DUD, plain and simple.

…This Week…
Reggie Williams: Nope, nope, nope.
Warrick Dunn: It’s about that time to shut down the “home-builder”.
Sage Rosenfels/Matt Schaub: Avoid whomever is playing the QB position in Houston.

I wish I could say more, but then you’d think I was rambling.

Until next time...

Pre-BCS Selection Show Banter

With the Bowl Championship Series set to unveil its selections around 7pm tonight, there’s still plenty of time for analysis, debate, banter and projections.

So let’s ditch the top 8 rankings and go straight into the top 5 games of the FBS postseason.

I’ll try and remove bias, ignore gloating about a 3-0 championship weekend of predictions and put together the best non-playoff lineup I can think up.

…Important notes to consider…
*Hawaii’s comeback victory over Washington pushes out a second Pac-10 team, Arizona State.
*Missouri is out due to being the 3^rd legit team from the Big XII to garner a potential BCS bid.
*Florida is out due to being the 3^rd/4^th legit team from the SEC to garner a potential BCS bid.

LSU vs. Georgia Debate Highlights:
*LSU lost @ Kentucky and at home to Arkansas.
*Georgia lost @ Tennessee and at home to a then-ranked South Carolina.
*LSU lost both games in triple overtime.
*Georgia was crushed by the Vols and narrowly lost to a then top-10 Gamecocks team.
*Georgia defeated Kentucky.
*LSU defeated South Carolina and Tennessee (in 1-touchdown games).
*Both teams defeated Florida.
*Georgia didn’t play Arkansas.
*Both teams were 6-2 in the SEC (Georgia the East & LSU the West).
*Out-of-conference for the Bulldogs were Oklahoma State, Western Carolina, and Troy.
*Out-of-conference for the Tigers were Virginia Tech, Middle Tennessee, and Tulane.
*LSU leapfrogged idle Georgia & Kansas in the AP/USA Today polls to become the #2 team (behind Ohio State). Georgia was #3.

So where will Georgia be dancing next?
BCS Title Game? Sugar? Fiesta? Rose? Orange?
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

BCS National Championship Game:
[BCS #1] Ohio State vs. [BCS #2] LSU

WHY?
Ohio State went 11-1 and is the easier selection with only 1 loss (at home to a BCS-bound Illinois team). As for LSU, despite having 2 losses (just like Georgia), they appear to have enough support in the polls (released around 2:30 pm today) to re-enter the national title game picture. However, in my humble opinion, Georgia is clearly the hottest team in the nation right now and deserves, even when not playing in the SEC Title game, the #2 spot. Frankly, I just don’t believe LSU is better right now. Any USC pundits need be reminded the loss to Stanford crippled their title hopes.

Orange Bowl:
Virginia Tech [ACC Champ.] vs. West Virginia [Big East Champ.]

WHY?
It’s the easiest selection, will sell a TON of tickets and matches up traditional conference representatives in their traditional bowl. Did I mention how many tickets, Pat White or not, this game WILL sell.

Fiesta Bowl:
Oklahoma [Big XII Champ.] vs. Kansas [At-large]

WHY?
Despite both teams being in the Big XII, this game could answer a lot of pundits’ questions. However, I personally hate the matchup. I’d much rather see LSU/Georgia shifted out here and Hawaii take on Kansas in the overachieving Sugar Bowl. However, LSU/Georgia in the Sugar is all but a lock (especially the Tigers). Arizona State probably lost out more than anyone with Hawaii’s comeback victory. Apologies to Dennis Erickson and company.

Rose Bowl:
USC [Pac-10 Champ.] vs. Illinois [At-large]

WHY?
Who could pass up a traditional Big Ten/Pac-10 matchup in the Rose Bowl? USC wins their half and is the best potential draw. While Illinois isn’t the best traveling squad, it’s an amazing story and they slide right past Michigan (despite losing to the Wolverines) and avoid the Capital One bowl.

Sugar Bowl:
Georgia [At-large] vs. Hawaii [At-large]

WHY?
LSU, not Oklahoma, seems the easiest bet to sneak past Georgia (they didn’t play) to secure the second spot in the BCS Title game. While Georgia could be snuck out west to Tempe to avoid an all-Big XII matchup, the Sugar will gladly take a regional SEC team who's been there recently (lost to WVU two years ago in a shootout). Hawaii is the weakest at-large, but should be ecstastic to see a BCS bowl game for the first time in school history. While I hate to see Missouri drop out of the BCS, Hawaii deserves this spot after going undefeated (WAC or not). Amazing how Missouri goes from #1 BCS all the way down to the Cotton Bowl.

Although wouldn’t this be nicer…
…taking in six-conference champs and two automatic bids (regardless of conference affiliation)…

#1. Ohio State [Big 10]
#2. LSU [SEC]
#3. Georgia [At-large]
#4. Oklahoma [Big XII]
#5. USC [Pac-10]
#6. Va. Tech [ACC]
#7. West Virginia [Big East]
#8. Hawaii [At-large]

Until next time…

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5 FBS Questions: Salvation Saturday Edition

Note: FBS is formerly known as Division 1-A of collegiate football.

Anybody want it?
Source: GeoCities

1) Will the QB tandem of junior Sean Glennon and freshman Tyrod Taylor propel Va. Tech to its first ACC title in only its third year in the conference?

2) How much havoc will the battered and bruised Glenn Dorsey be able to cause today when lining up against Tennessee QB Erik Ainge?

3) Will anyone make a move on the Heisman and enter the Downtown Athletic Club as a clear cut favorite?

4) Could Georgia vault its way into the national championship game without even playing in the SEC Title game?

5) Will Missouri be the next #1, and West Virginia the next #2 facing an unranked opponent at home, to lose this weekend?