2009 NFL Mock Draft: Take-Two (Top 15 Edition)

It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to realize Armin is the brains of our NFL Draft operation here at PHSports. Ditto for Pay and the NBA’s version of the annual draft selection show.

Nevertheless, I just L-O- V-E interjecting my opinion and “expertise”. Shocker, right?
At least for the top 15 picks (this time).

Sure I wanted to do 10, but Pay warned me that “any Joe Six-Pack can do a Top Ten.”
You would’ve enjoyed my top 10 more I bet…
Credit: BostonHerald.com

So I’m going to play the ULTIMATE devil’s advocate (mock draft-wise, at least) with Armin’s well-researched, in-depth, much more realistic mock draft. Again, just the top 15.

Let’s venture a different route and see how things might shake up just a little differently.
While I’m not disagreeing just to disagree, I do enjoy being a pain in Armin’s Redskin-loving butt.

Missing in action: Jeremy Maclin. My explanation? Lunacy.
Credit: Photobucket

1st Round [Top 15 picks]

1. Detroit: Matt Stafford, QB - Georgia
It’s obvious that Armin is correct in declaring the tangible advantages and glaring needs for a stud offensive tackle in Detroit. 0-16 teams aren’t fixed by rookie quarterbacks typically. Then again, nobody has ever gone 0-16, so do we really know exactly where to start? Jim Schwartz is the latest “new man on the job” and often that means a new QB is coming to town as well. With Matt Cassell already being franchised and the QB market a real unknown right now, I’m going to try my best not to speculate too much on Lion plans at QB outside of the draft. There clearly isn’t a solution on the current roster and while Stafford would’ve potentially graded below Bradford and McCoy, a quarterback at #1 – even if it’s too early – is never an unsafe bet come draft day. By the way, with Millen gone, any Crabtree-related jokes should never even start. Seriously.
Armin’s Selection: Andre Smith, OT - Alabama

2. St. Louis: Andre Smith, OT - Alabama
Tit for tat, tackle for tackle. I know. Nevertheless, Andre Smith – despite the mess before the Sugar Bowl – consistently grades out as BOTH the top offensive linemen and the top player in this entire draft field. The recent successes of early 1st round picks in recent years on the O-Line (Joe Thomas, Jake Long, Ryan Clady, etc.) should only further solidify the Rams’ need to draft early for help on an aging (Orlando Pace) and still suspect (Alex Barron, I’m talkin’ about YOU) o-line. Don’t underestimate their desperate need for defensive playmakers though, despite recent 1st-round selections of Adam Carriker and Chris Long. All this potential leads to two words: trade down (especially if somewhat legitimately fears what KC might do).
Armin’s Selection: Eugene Monroe, OT - Virginia

3. Kansas City: Mark Sanchez, QB – USC
Call this the Jay Cutler-factor (who I know didn’t go top 5 and was the 3rd QB taken), but I think the “next-best, but definitely not top” QB is gonna go higher than anyone expected. Tyler Thigpen isn’t the future of this franchise. Problem is: who will be their coach? I’ve questioned Pioli in the past – mainly due to the Belichick’s greatness – but now hes’ got an early draft pick which should show the direction of this team rather swiftly.
Armin’s Selection: Matt Stafford, QB - Georgia

4. Seattle: Malcolm Jenkins, CB – Ohio State
The Crabtree-selection makes way too much sense. However, there is still a lot of money in that position already in Seattle and this team is teetering on rebuilding mode. Despite spending a recent early-round pick on Kelly Jennings, depth at the CB position in Seattle has been hot/cold at best; especially since the departure of the uber-talented punching-bag for Steve Smith known as Ken Lucas. Jenkins may be considered this year’s Terrance Newman - #1 overall potential at the corner position – with a good combine. Arizona has a few good wideouts you might want to cover, too.
Armin’s Selection: Michael Crabtree, WR - Texas Tech

5. Cleveland: Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB – Cleveland
I’m going pure cheeseball pairing up Brady Quinn with Buckeye and fellow Ohioan Chris “Beanie” Wells. Can we just decide if it’s Chris or Beanie? Jamal Lewis is on the wrong side of 30 and may not be on this team’s opening day roster (just wait and see). While the Browns still need to solidify depth in their secondary and offensive line, a playmaking back will excite the franchise and can be a workhorse for Eric Mangini and company. Again, Armin was wise to tap a LB with 3-4 potential, Mangini’s preferred defensive scheme.
Armin’s Selection: Aaron Curry, LB - Wake Forest

6. Cincinnati: Michael Crabtree, WR – Texas Tech
Ocho Cinco isn’t long for Cincy and TJ Houshamzzilli will need a new counterpart once Carson Palmer returns healthy. Cedric Benson clearly isn’t “the man”, but I feel the Bengals can address that need in free agency (Darren Sproles perhaps?). Crabtree seems like a classy kid – the exact opposite of Chad “Johnson” – and this team sure needs something exciting after their return to shame in recent seasons. Let’s just say I‘ve already written off Jerome Simpson, for better or worse. Sorry bro.
Armin’s Selection: Chris "Beanie" Wells, RB - Ohio State

7. Oakland: Eugene Monroe, OT – Virginia
I hate leaving such a talented tackle lingering this long, but it’s far from the end of the world. I like Monroe’s talent, but am not ready to declare him a top 5 lock just yet. Although if a team is sold on him and is rebuilding, he could go much earlier. MUCH earlier. As for the Raiders, JaMarcus Russell will continue to be this team’s QB and protecting him has got to become more of a priority. The Robert Gallery-debacle needs to end NOW with a mercy-killing. It’s nearly impossible to gauge who the Raiders will truly target though, not until Al Davis rewards 2 or 3 “Javon Walkers” with ridiculous free agent contracts.
Armin’s Selection: Malcolm Jenkins, CB - Ohio State

Wondering where Mr. Moreno is??? Look no further.

Credit: Sundaypaper.com

8. Jacksonville: Knowshon Moreno, RB - Georgia
Again, Maclin and the Jags seem a perfect fit. Solid work again, bastard. However, Fred Taylor is leaving and MJD can’t do it alone. True they can go fishing for a talented #2 in the later rounds, yet I feel that Moreno’s talent will be too much to pass up. Despite his lack of beef, Moreno’s pass catching skills downfield are underrated and a new 1-2 combo can be rejuvenating to a stale Jags offense. The wideout position is a MESS and the offensive line was gutted last year from injury; nevertheless, I think the skill position wins out with the most talented RB on the entire draft board going here. I also see the Jags signing a free agent or two on the line, instead of relying on a rookie.
Armin’s Selection: Jeremy Maclin, WR - Missouri

9. Green Bay: Michael Johnson, DE – Georgia Tech
This is where Armin, a few other experts, and I disagree. While I don’t consider him to be Mario Williams, I do prefer to label Johnson as a Gaines Adams-type. I think his freakish athleticism will be a site to see at the combine and for personal workouts. If the Giants were to get their hands on him, it’d be the coup of the draft. Instead, I have the Packers stocking up on a talented defensive end who will help their defensive put more direct pressure on the QB and force more turnovers. While Armin was correct to challenge his every-down ability, the Packers need talent on the other side of Kampman. Especially in the NFC North with the “risky” QB-play (at best).
Armin’s Selection: Brian Orakpo, DE - Texas

10. San Francisco: Rey Maualuga, LB - USC
Sanchez is going to be a really interesting pick in the 1st round; especially since Oakland won’t be in the mix (I think). A lot of teams before San Fran – save the top three – appear to have QBs for the realistic-future. Meanwhile, San Francisco isn’t likely to turn the franchise over to Shaun Hill. Alex Smith, on the other hand, is likely done in San Fran and that mess has been pushed into the shadows just enough to draft another quarterback in the first round. I can’t slot Freeman here (just yet); however, it’s a coin flip as I’ve allowed an extremely talented LB to slip out of the top 10 (Curry). With Willis a perennial Pro Bowler in the middle, Singletary will decide between linebackers from Wake Forest and USC. Guess which one wins out in San Fran?
Armin’s Selection: Mark Sanchez, QB - USC

11. Buffalo: Brian Orakpo, DE - Texas
While it’s almost criminal I keep allowing Curry to slip, Buffalo needs an edge rusher like it needs to avoid games in Toronto in December. Funny, right? Orakpo is a monster on the edge and should prove to be a solid almost-everydown player on a young defense. James Hardy's seleciton last season further plummets the stock of Maclain.
Armin’s Selection: Everette Brown, DE – Florida State

12. Denver: Aaron Curry, LB – Wake Forest
This would easily be the steal of the draft, so you know it’s not happening. Nevertheless, Denver needs an entire defensive makeover (outside of the CBs and D.J. Williams) and the scrap heap of LBs they picked up last season were almost as embarrassing as the roulette shuffle they had at the RB-position.
Armin’s Selection: B.J. Raji, DT – Boston College

Guess who Washington shouldn't be drafting??? Yep, Percy Harvin.

Credit: HarvinZone.com

13. Washington: Michael Oher, OT – Mississippi
I disagree about the third (and maybe second) most talented tackle in this draft with a lot of the experts. While Armin has Oher in the low teens (19, to be exact), I think the guy has legit top 10-talent. Of course, that doesn’t mean he’ll even go in the first round if his combine is lazy or his attitude doesn’t win people over. Either way, this team better not draft a skill position player. Even if Maclin is an enticing prospect.
Armin’s Selection: Jason Smith, OT - Baylor

14. New Orleans: William Moore, S – Missouri
Obviously, Armin has the right guy. However, I wouldn’t sleep on the middle of the field getting some attention as well. The ‘Aints need a field marshal and Moore clearly is the top talent at the safety position. Don’t be surprised – even after bringing in Vilma last season – if one of the talented middle linebackers goes here; especially if one slips one too many spots.
Armin’s Selection: Vontae Davis, CB - Illinois

15: Houston: BJ Raji, DT – Boston College
Houston has the talent on offense (duh), but clearly are devoid of overall team talent on the defensive-side. Okoye hasn’t made much noise in the past two seasons and “Super” Mario Williams and DeMeco Ryans deserve some legit help. While the cornerback position could always use a young playmaker, I feel that safety (see the above pick) or the interior line has the best shot. Raji fits well as a run stuffer, as the outside pass rush needs to be let loose as often as possible.
Armin’s Selection: Aaron Maybin, OLB – Penn State

While it’s far from perfect, it’s just a different thought or two. I do have to admit I hate agreeing with a lot of Kiper Jr.’s out there with Sanchez soaring to the #3 and Kansas City.

Although I still want to plug that last year, when most everyone else jumped off the bandwagon weeks before, I had DeSean Jackson as top 10 talent at this point. He would be drafted behind 6 other wideouts (including the aformentioned Jerome Simpson) and ended up being a MAJOR factor on a team playing in the NFC Championship game.

Let’s not talk about my “real” mistakes though.
Why you gotta go and do that?

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...

5 Things You Might Not See Coming for Ohio State/USC

You can go anywhere - maybe outside of the local beauty salon - to gather analysis, insights, a few too many predictions on the top 5 matchup pitting the Buckeyes against the Trojans.

Not that I’ve been hanging around any beauty salons or anything.

…

Nevertheless, the title of this particular post says it all. Let’s take a look at 5 “things” you might not have considered before; yet might be vital to the game’s outcome.

In case you haven't heard, Chris "Beanie" Wells has been ruled OUT of tonight's game. Dang.

Credit: LATimes.com

1) A 3-headed platoon isn’t better than having a SUPERSTAR RB
No more than 9 carries per back, 5+ yards a carry average for each, 200+ total yards, and plenty of contrasting styles for the three USC runners (Johnson, McKnight, & Gable) against the Wahoos two weekends ago. That’s all and good, but when the big carries come…I don’t want to depend on who’s the hottest or who seems the “best” that day against the opponent. A dynamic playmaking running back never has to platoon with two other guys. USC doesn’t have a SUPERSTAR back.

2) Backup QBs MATTER
Mark Sanchez looked Heisman-good two weeks ago against UVA. Enter dynamic CB Malcolm Jenkins and an impressive veteran Buckeye defense and things might not be as easy. Even more pressing is who the Trojan backup QB is (is it Corp or Mustain?). As for the Buckeyes, impact recruit Terrelle Pryor might need a Tebow-like impact as the #2 QB if the Buckeyes can pull off the upset.

3) The Return Game of Southern Cal
It should come as no surprise to learn the Buckeyes have an elite special teams unit, especially in the kicking game. As for the Trojans, McKnight has solid ability in the return game – but I see him as a tackle-breaker over a takle-avoider – and I still wonder if USC’s kicker (Buehler, Buehler, Buehler) has the stones to nail a game-winning kick.

4) The “other” Buckeye RB named Wells
Sorry ESPN, Maurice Wells won’t be the guy to replace the now ruled out Chris “Beanie” Wells. Instead, the Buckeyes require a trio platoon of their own to perform (including the aforementioned Wells & Herron/Saine). While even Beanie wouldn’t run wild against an amazingly speedy Trojan defense, the Heisman-hopeful RB (at least three weeks ago he was) will be sorely missed for his ability to run in between the guard/tackle AND around the outside corner. Second-level speed is a MUST have for an opponent of the Trojans. Already limited with that at wideout, do the Buckeyes have the team speed to get outside or through the seems and outrun Trojan defenders downfield? I’m a little worried they don’t. Similar thoughts concerned the Buckeyes against the Gators and Tigers in the past two BCS title games.

5) Legacies
Everyone believes USC is the dominant program in the new millennium; however, the Buckeyes are within 2 total losses, 1 national championship, and a couple Heisman winners behind. Jim Tressel and his team are far from intimidated by anything the Trojans have to offer. Even playing in the Rose Bowl. That won't be the reason this game is won or lost. It's a little silly to think otherwise honestly.


MY prediction: USC wins 37-23
“If Beanie had Played”: USC wins 37-23


We’ll check back in here or there with some Saturday reactions, especially to this showdown of juggernauts. Even sans-Wells, perhaps we can have ourselves an epic-September matchup.

Until kickoff…

5 Games I’m Looking Forward to this Weekend

No need to banter, so let’s rant instead!
Just kidding…here they are.

…in all fairness there was a pretty stellar matchup on Friday night between Kansas & South Florida…

CHECK OUT the latest PHSports Top 10 Power Rankings HERE!!!

#2 Georgia @ South Carolina
Ole’ Ball Coach needs to pull off a memorable upset, especially after last week’s meltdown against the Commodores. Not likely to happen with Moreno more than rested and Stafford ready to light up a shaky Gamecock secondary.

#17 Penn State @ Syracuse
Seriously, Clement? You pick this game? It’s sad that a school who produced the likes of Ernie Davis, Jim Brown, Larry Csonka, Art Monk, Marvin Harrison, Donovan McNabb, and Dwight Freeney has fallen so low. Back-to-back losses to Northwestern & Akron (by a combined 34 points) prove we are the saddest BCS-team in the country (sorry Notre Dame). Such a shame.

Georgia Tech @ Virginia Tech
ACC supremacy isn’t what it used to be; however, Hokie fans might be looking for a ledge to walk off of if they lose their true home-opener (sorry Furman) against the Yellow Jackets.

#5 Ohio State @ #1 USC
What more can I say? Plenty. See you around 5pm right here!!!

#10 Wisconsin @ #21 Fresno State Sleeper game of the week. Wisconsin’s offense will need to effectively run AND pass the ball to keep up with an impressive offensive attack from the totally-under-the-radar Bulldogs.

Am I going chalk? You got it dude.
It’s college football, remember!

Credit: BrewCrewBall

See you this afternoon/evening for plenty of OSU/USC talk.

Until then…

PHSports College Football Top 10: 1st Week of September

Under the radar is the best way to describe the past weekend in college football. That is, unless you cheer for a certain team from Morgantown.

It should come as no surprise though that the past weekend was quiet, despite a majority of the top 25 playing, when you consider it was opening weekend for an upstart organization named the NFL.

After speaking with the “higher-ups” at PHSports, I’m glad to announce that our top 10 version of our “power rankings” will be out each and every Saturday morning.

I’m waiting for you to exhale now.

Let’s not forget it allows those oh-so-interesting Thursday night matchups to get the tiniest bit of reflection!

For example…UNC’s uniforms stunk. However, they spanked Rutgers from the second quarter on BIG TIME.

As for the rankings, let’s get to it!

..starting at the bottom...

10. Texas Longhorns
Colt McCoy is healthy, Texas is completely under the radar in a loaded Big XII, and yet they still have to travel to Oklahoma, Texas Tech, and Kansas. I’ll try not to look ahead too much though. Yeah, sure.
Next Up: (Tropical Storm) Ike has delayed a not-so-intriguing matchup with a highly underachieving Arkansas squad..

9. Wisconsin Badgers
Trailing early 14-0 to Marshall, I wondered if I’d be snake bitten by propping the Badgers up too early in the season? 51 unanswered points later and the Badgers showed they can air it out almost as well as they can run it. Against Marshall, at least.
Next Up: An interesting trip to Fresno State to take on (did you know they were ranked?) Bulldogs of the West Coast today.

8. Texas Tech Red Raiders
One of the reasons I have the Red Raiders in my top 10 is because Pay is correctly critical of their “defense”. However, I’m a little excited to see that the Red Raider D only gave up 19 points to a talented Wolfpack offense.
Next Up: Cupcakes continue for Harrell, Crabtree, and company with SMU in Lubbock today.

7. Florida Gators
The Gators shut down the Cannes by 23 and I drop them two spots? Yep. While Urban Meyer’s crew didn’t do anything wrong, I wasn’t crazy about their first-half performance. I also have a lot of positive things to say about the two teams who leapfrogged the Gators.
Next Up: Tennessee hosts the Gators in a rivalry game that might deserve a few of these “”””” next weekend”.

6. LSU Tigers
Gustav caused a cancellation of their game against Troy; however, it looks like the matchup with North Texas this weekend is…on. Eyes have to be leering ahead to their matchup with Auburn (yes, another Tigers of the SEC) later this month. Can anyone say showdown?
Next Up: North Texas visits the Bayou in primetime tonight. Ouch.

5. Oklahoma Sooners
Props to Stoops and company for playing BCS-conference opponents early on, even if they are middle-of-the-pack squads (Cincy, Washington, & TCU). It will only help when the meat and potatoes of their (Big XII) schedule shows up.
Next Up: Washington and Ty Willingham host the Sooners on “Saturday the 13th”.

4. Ohio State Buckeyes
I won’t put any stock into last week’s game against the Bobcats. Why you ask? The team was missing a key ingredient (Beanie Wells), was obviously looking forward to USC (who can blame them), and was due for a letdown early in the year. That’s your one excuse for the year Buckeye fans. Enjoy it.
Next Up: Traveling to USC in the “Game of the Year” thus far. Ohio State could be an 11-1 team playing in the Rose Bowl again in January, unless they lost by 20-30+.

3. Missouri Tigers
Alright, I got axed for my WVU love. Nevertheless, I’m sticking by my Tigers. They put points on the board, have a QB full of moxy, and I love how they can score on all three sides of the ball.
Next Up: The aforementioned Wolfpack of Nevada tackles another top 10 team, traveling to Missouri this afternoon.

2. Georgia Bulldogs
They’re likely to stick at #2, depending on who winds up victorious in the USC/Ohio State matchup. Don’t pity the Bulldogs though as they’re likely to beat up on the Ole’ Ball Coach and the Gamecocks this weekend. This team is fired up and knows a trip to Arizona State and hosting the Crimson Tide awaits the next two weeks.
Next Up: Spurrier might need to do more than apologize after the Dawgs leave Saturday afternoon.

1. USC Trojans
They had the week off and they’re still amazing. The line against the Buckeyes is 10 ½ and might grow before the end of the week. What an amazing September showdown that should be.
Next Up: Please don’t make me repeat myself.


Dropped Out: West Virginia (ECU is good…but not that good.)
Inserted: Texas (It might be a mistake to underestimate a healthy Colt McCoy and the Longhorns.)
On the Fringe: Auburn, Kansas, Arizona State, Alabama, and BYU

Check out my “5 Games I’m Targeting” early Saturday morning(ish).

Until next rankings…

PHSports College Football Top 10: 1st Week of September

Psst. Looking for PHSports driven analysis of Skins/Giants? Check it out HERE!!!

...back to college football speak...


Quite an exciting opening weekend, right? While analysis galore has ensued all week, that doesn’t mean the rankings have to suffer!

While an exact post date (Monday mornings?) isn’t set in stone just yet…I’m working on it. Nevertheless, each and every week you’ll find the real top 10 of college football’s elite.

Let’s stop this incoherent babbling before it gets the best of me and get right to it!

..starting at the bottom...

10. Wisconsin Badgers
It should come as no surprise that their 38-17 whooping over Akron last weekend was dictated by 200+-yard rusher P.J. Hill. Another year, another fantastic RB in Madison. Suddenly, October 4th against Big Ten-favorite Ohio State may not only be a battle for a Rose Bowl birth, but also national title implications. Look out for a trap game this weekend though against the Herd.
Next Up: Hosting Marshall on September 6th

9. Texas Tech Red Raiders
Their next three matchups (@Nevada, SMU, & UMASS) better be ROUTES as this team will continue to fight for top 10 credibility. Nevertheless, sensational QB Harrell should have racked up 15+ TDs by that point…easy.
Next Up: Traveling to Nevada on September 6th.

8. LSU Tigers
It should come as no shock that the defending national champs completely overwhelmed Appalachian State, even at 11am (was that so bad?). This is a team scarily under the radar.
Next Up: Hosting Troy on September 6th…maybe. Gustav may unfortunately have a thing or two to say about that.

7. Oklahoma Sooners
Ever seen a 57-2 final? Probably not. Nevertheless, the Sooners remain legit national title contenders, mainly due to their loaded offense and plenty of veteran leadership on the defense. I remain a little skeptical of them not losing 2-3 games though. Am I crazy to think that?
Next Up: Cincinnati in an interesting afternoon matchup on September 6th.

6. Florida Gators
While eyes may glance over to their Sept. 20th matchup against the Vols (who had a bad loss for the SEC last Monday @UCLA), Heisman-winner Tebow and company should get back Percy Harvin (I think) against the Cannes this weekend. This matchup is obviously a real showcase opportunity for both Randy Shannon and Urban Meyer. Guess who I’m picking???
Next Up: Miami is in town on September 6th to renew their “rivalry”.

5. West Virginia Mountaineers
A lot of people are questioning me ranking the Mountaineers so highly; however, at least the Big East didn’t have as bad a weekend as the ACC. Pat White tossed 5 TDs last week (how many weeks did that take last year to equal?) and now head coach Bill Stewart gets to pick his team up for those pesky pirates of East Carolina, fresh off a big-time W over the Hokies in Charlotte.
Next Up: Traveling to ECU (not Charlotte) to take on the upset-minded Pirate on September 6th

4. Ohio State Buckeyes
Collective sigh of relief with the Beanie Wells situation? Not likely. What’s even scarier for the Buckeyes is the fact that USC (who was AMAZING against UVA) gets a week off before the Buckeyes come to the Rose Bowl. Two words: uh oh.
Next Up: The Bobcats of Ohio are in Columbus on September 6th. Do I smell a trap game???

3. Missouri Tigers
How scary was that second half against Juice “5 TD” Williams and the Illini this past Saturday night for Tiger fans? I was entertained throughout and honestly believe the Tigers have enough offense to contend with a LOADED Big XII. While they may not have the stoppers to keep this ranking for as long as I anticipated, I love this team and everything about them. Jeremy Maclain may be the best ticket in college football this season.
Next Up: SMS (that’s Southeast Missouri State) comes to Columbia September 6th.

2. Georgia Bulldogs
I go ahead and prop up the Dawgs as my pre-season #1 and then proceed to knock them down below the Trojans after one measily week. While this is obviously more an ode to the Trojans, you better believe me when I say that I’m not knocking the performance of Stafford and co. this past weekend. You have to love this stat line for Knowshon Moreno: 8 rushes, 59 yards, 3 TDs. Save him for the brunt of the schedule Mark Richt, please. The injury to DT Jeff Owens hurts…but won’t cost them any of their half-dozen marquee games.
Next Up: CMU is in Athens on September 6th.

1. USC Trojans
I really can’t add anything to Mark Sanchez’s awesome performance with Track Star U in Charlottesville except…I could’ve been there (fantasy drafts always take precendence). While UVA is far from dynamic, the Trojans didn’t flinch en route to an ugly beatdown of the Wahoos on their opposite coast. While the health of Beanie Wells will be a MAJOR issue in two weeks (or maybe just an excuse), I still can’t help but heavily favor the Trojans against the Buckeyes – in the Rose Bowl – in two weeks. What a matchup that "should" be. The Trojan secondary is my major focus that night.
Next Up: A likely showdown for the #1 spot in these rankings (and several others) in two weeks on September 13th in primetime against the Buckeyes.

Dropped Out: Clemson (annihilated by Alabama in Atlanta…SHOCKER)
Inserted: Wisconsin (RAN all over Akron at home)
On the Fringe: Auburn, Texas, Arizona State, Alabama, and BYU

5 Games I’m Targeting this Weekend
#2. Ohio State vs. Ohio
-Obviously the Beanie Wells situation makes the box score important. With him not in the lineup, I’m interested in checking out the depth at that position in Columbus.

#8 West Virginia vs. East Carolina
-Could the Pirates go 2-0 against ranked opponents? The weather is going to be a MAJOR factor as well.

#5. Florida vs. Miami (Fl)
-A real litmus test for everyone involved. How far are the Cannes away still? 21.5 points???

#12. Texas Tech vs. Nevada
-This game could easily surpass 100 points. Seriously.

#15. Arizona State vs. Stanford
-Rudy Carpenter fascinates me for some reason. Enough said.


Until next top 10…