This weekend something popped to my attention that I really hadn't considered before. Before I write this it must be prefaced by saying this most likely would not have come to my attention if I were not a Clemson fan, but I will do my best to stay objective.
Last week Clemson suffered a 49-37 loss in which Florida State proved they were the better football team. Coming into last weeks game Florida State was 14.5 point favorites against the Tigers. ESPN analysts on College Gameday predicted the Seminoles to roll the Tigers at home, because of their powerful defense and unstoppable offensive attack. Nobody gave Clemson a chance. I picked the Seminoles to win by 10 points and wasn't far off with my pick.
What is really irritating skin is how the media praises Florida State as National Championship contenders and talks of E.J. Manuel as a possible Heisman finalist, but drops Clemson 7 spots in the rankings. It is and was extremely harsh to drop the Tigers from 10 to 17. Anyone who watched that game knows it was a very well played games by both teams. Even the analysts will admit that Clemson played their heart out and had control of that game until late in the third. But 7 spots? Seems a but much.
What the media is portraying by dropping Clemson 7 spots is Florida, Texas, Southern Cal, Ohio State, TCU and Oklahoma are better than Clemson. And for the first 3 teams, I would agree. However, based on schedules up until that point, there is no reason the Tigers should have fallen behind Oklahoma, TCU or Ohio State. If the SEC is all it is chalked out to be, than Clemson has a pretty nice out of conference win against the Auburn Tigers. Not to mention, TCU and Oklahoma had not played anyone up to that point.
The media cannot continue to praise Florida State for their poise and talent in that game and drop the Tigers 7 spots in the polls. It is unjustifiable and inconsistent. If so, Florida State's loss means less now, because Clemson is a middle of the pack top 25 team.
Florida State is around the 6th or 7th best team in the country (In my opinion) and is better than Clemson this year. But if Florida State is going to receive praise for beating Clemson, then it is not valid to slam Clemson for competing with and coming close to beating the Seminoles.
Showing posts with label college football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label college football. Show all posts
Monday, October 1, 2012
Friday, September 28, 2012
College Football Weekend Preview
Week 5 of the college football season is upon us. It is already off to a blazing start with Washington pulling a top 10 upset on the Stanford Cardinal 17-13. Here are some games for this week to watch for and why.
#1. (17) Clemson @ Boston College.
Clemson comes into BC reeling after a painful loss to Florida State which puts them behind in the race for the ACC. Their two deep threats at WR, Sammy Watkins and Martavis Bryant, have been ruled out because of an abdominal virus and groin injury respectively. The Tigers offense should not have any trouble putting up points against Boston College. The only way Clemson loses is if they are not mentally in the game. They cannot let the Florida State loss "beat them twice." If Clemson walks into Boston with last week still fresh on their mind, Boston College will win. But Clemson has shown growth in leadership, especially from quarterback Tajh Boyd. They will be able to brush aside the loss and move forward. The defense still has its rough spots, which means Boston College will score some points. Clemson beats Boston College 41-23 and improves to 4-1.
#2 (6) South Carolina @ Kentucky
Kentucky is coming off a loss last week to Florida and a loss to Western Kentucky the week before. Needless to say, they are not very good. South Carolina is coming off an extremely impressive win against Missouri last week, where Connor Shaw shined, completing 20/21 of his passes for 249 yards and 2 touchdowns. Shaw finally showed his worth as a passer last week and has seized control of this offense and this team. Lattimore rushed for 85 yards and two touchdowns last week. Carolina has struggled in Kentucky at times, which is the only reason I give the WIldcats 17 points, but South Carolina wins decisively 34-17.
#3. (12) Texas @ Oklahoma State
Texas comes into this game ranked 12th in the nation with their first chance to prove themselves against a very dangerous Oklahoma State football team. Texas and Oklahoma State are two of the highest powered offensive scoring machines in the nation. Texas is averaging 44 points per game, while Oklahoma State has the first ranked scoring offense and is averaging 62.3 points per game. oklahoma State will pull the upset, based on the fact that they are hosting Texas. Home field advantage is crucial in college football. Cowboys 34 Longhorns 31
#4 Baylor @(9) West Virginia
Baylor comes into West Virginia 3-0 fresh off a tight win against a viable Lousiana Monroe football team. West Virginia will be hosting and playing in its first ever Big 12 matchup. The Mountaineers are led by Heisman frontrunner Geno Smith who has an 81.4 completion percentage on the year, has thrown for 1,072 yards and 12 touchdowns. Smith is accompanied by lightning rods Tavon Austin and Shawne Alston. Austin has caught 34 passes for 345 yards and 5 touchdowns on the year, while Alston has run for 185 yards and 3 touchdowns on 30 carries. The Mountaineers defense is not a force, but it doesn't have to be. The West Virginia offense has outscored its opponents 142-67 this year and average 47.3 points per game, which ranks 10th in the nation. WVU should have no issues with Baylor, but will give up some late points. West Virginia 50 Baylor 24
#5 (14) Ohio State @ (20) Michigan State
College gameday heads to East Lansing for a showdown between the Buckeyes and the Spartans. This has been a down year so far for the Spartans and the league as a whole. The Spartans dropped a game against a tough Notre Dame team 2 weeks ago and almost lost last week to Eastern Michigan. Ohio State and Michigan are fairly even when it comes down to statistics, both teams blending in with the middle pack of the nation. Ohio State wins in an ugly, close matchup 17-13
#6 Wisconsin @ (22) Nebraska
Wisconsin is a team that is a prime example of the underachievement of the Big 10 this year. The Badgers are (3-1), but could easily be (0-4), squeaking out wins against Northern Iowa, Utah State and UTEP. WIsconsin ranks 102nd in scoring offense and 112th in total national offense. Nebraska will stand as too much of a challenge for the Badgers, especially at home. Nebraska wins 24-10
#1. (17) Clemson @ Boston College.
Clemson comes into BC reeling after a painful loss to Florida State which puts them behind in the race for the ACC. Their two deep threats at WR, Sammy Watkins and Martavis Bryant, have been ruled out because of an abdominal virus and groin injury respectively. The Tigers offense should not have any trouble putting up points against Boston College. The only way Clemson loses is if they are not mentally in the game. They cannot let the Florida State loss "beat them twice." If Clemson walks into Boston with last week still fresh on their mind, Boston College will win. But Clemson has shown growth in leadership, especially from quarterback Tajh Boyd. They will be able to brush aside the loss and move forward. The defense still has its rough spots, which means Boston College will score some points. Clemson beats Boston College 41-23 and improves to 4-1.
#2 (6) South Carolina @ Kentucky
Kentucky is coming off a loss last week to Florida and a loss to Western Kentucky the week before. Needless to say, they are not very good. South Carolina is coming off an extremely impressive win against Missouri last week, where Connor Shaw shined, completing 20/21 of his passes for 249 yards and 2 touchdowns. Shaw finally showed his worth as a passer last week and has seized control of this offense and this team. Lattimore rushed for 85 yards and two touchdowns last week. Carolina has struggled in Kentucky at times, which is the only reason I give the WIldcats 17 points, but South Carolina wins decisively 34-17.
#3. (12) Texas @ Oklahoma State
Texas comes into this game ranked 12th in the nation with their first chance to prove themselves against a very dangerous Oklahoma State football team. Texas and Oklahoma State are two of the highest powered offensive scoring machines in the nation. Texas is averaging 44 points per game, while Oklahoma State has the first ranked scoring offense and is averaging 62.3 points per game. oklahoma State will pull the upset, based on the fact that they are hosting Texas. Home field advantage is crucial in college football. Cowboys 34 Longhorns 31
#4 Baylor @(9) West Virginia
Baylor comes into West Virginia 3-0 fresh off a tight win against a viable Lousiana Monroe football team. West Virginia will be hosting and playing in its first ever Big 12 matchup. The Mountaineers are led by Heisman frontrunner Geno Smith who has an 81.4 completion percentage on the year, has thrown for 1,072 yards and 12 touchdowns. Smith is accompanied by lightning rods Tavon Austin and Shawne Alston. Austin has caught 34 passes for 345 yards and 5 touchdowns on the year, while Alston has run for 185 yards and 3 touchdowns on 30 carries. The Mountaineers defense is not a force, but it doesn't have to be. The West Virginia offense has outscored its opponents 142-67 this year and average 47.3 points per game, which ranks 10th in the nation. WVU should have no issues with Baylor, but will give up some late points. West Virginia 50 Baylor 24
#5 (14) Ohio State @ (20) Michigan State
College gameday heads to East Lansing for a showdown between the Buckeyes and the Spartans. This has been a down year so far for the Spartans and the league as a whole. The Spartans dropped a game against a tough Notre Dame team 2 weeks ago and almost lost last week to Eastern Michigan. Ohio State and Michigan are fairly even when it comes down to statistics, both teams blending in with the middle pack of the nation. Ohio State wins in an ugly, close matchup 17-13
#6 Wisconsin @ (22) Nebraska
Wisconsin is a team that is a prime example of the underachievement of the Big 10 this year. The Badgers are (3-1), but could easily be (0-4), squeaking out wins against Northern Iowa, Utah State and UTEP. WIsconsin ranks 102nd in scoring offense and 112th in total national offense. Nebraska will stand as too much of a challenge for the Badgers, especially at home. Nebraska wins 24-10
K-FISH Heisman Watch
#1. Geno Smith-Ever since steamrolling the Clemson Tigers in the Orange Bowl last year the Mountaineers and their fearless leader Geno Smith have showed no signs of changing their ways. Geno Smith has completed 81.4% of his passes, has thrown for over 1,000 yards and for 12 touchdowns. he has also rushed for 67 yards and a touchdown. Folks, were only 4 games into the season. Watch out for a record breaking year from Smith and maybe even the Mountaineers as they eye a National Title.
#2 Collin Klein-Collin Klein is 3rd on the list. Klein is a dual threat quarterback whose physique and playing style resembles that of NFL QB Tim Tebow. Klein is a very good leader and showed that during the Kansas State WIldcats win at Oklahoma last week. Klein is almost as good on the ground statistically as he is in the air. Klein has completed 70% of his passes, thrown for 758 yards and 5 touchdowns, while rushing for 289 yards and 5 touchdowns. If Kansas State makes a run, Klein well definitely be the talk of the town. Collin Klein is on the rise.
#3 E.J. Manuel-Manuel cemented himself as a contender amongst Heisman candidates this week with his performance against Clemson. His poise, leadership and playmaking ability tore the Tigers apart in the second half. On the season, Manuel has completed 73.4% of his passes, thrown for 905 yards and 8 touchdowns. He also has 188 rushing yards and a touchdown
#4 De'Anthony Thomas-The most explosive player on the most dangerous offense in the nation. Thomas has 276 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns, while accumulating 165 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns.
#5 Aaron Murray-The Bulldogs are living up to expectations this year, and Aaron Murray is showing flashes of brilliance. The BUlldogs are 4-0 on the year, 2 of those being conference wins. Murray has completed 66.3% of his passes, thrown for 1,092 yards, and 10 touchdowns. Keep an eye out for Murray
Dark Horse: AJ McCareon
AJ is 51/81 for 819 yards and 10 touchdowns. If you think about it the Heisman winner more foten than not comes from the best team in the country and Alabama looks to be just that at the moment.
#3 E.J. Manuel-Manuel cemented himself as a contender amongst Heisman candidates this week with his performance against Clemson. His poise, leadership and playmaking ability tore the Tigers apart in the second half. On the season, Manuel has completed 73.4% of his passes, thrown for 905 yards and 8 touchdowns. He also has 188 rushing yards and a touchdown
#4 De'Anthony Thomas-The most explosive player on the most dangerous offense in the nation. Thomas has 276 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns, while accumulating 165 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns.
#5 Aaron Murray-The Bulldogs are living up to expectations this year, and Aaron Murray is showing flashes of brilliance. The BUlldogs are 4-0 on the year, 2 of those being conference wins. Murray has completed 66.3% of his passes, thrown for 1,092 yards, and 10 touchdowns. Keep an eye out for Murray
Dark Horse: AJ McCareon
AJ is 51/81 for 819 yards and 10 touchdowns. If you think about it the Heisman winner more foten than not comes from the best team in the country and Alabama looks to be just that at the moment.
Friday, September 14, 2012
College Football Preview 9-15-12
College Picks for this weekend
Tennessee 34 Florida 20
Georgia Tech 20 Virginia 16
UNC 30 Louisville 24 UPSET
Michigan State 30 Notre Dame 27
Penn State 24 Navy 13
USC 44 Stanford 20
Keep an eye on: Wake Forest v Florida State. Wake has beaten FSU in 4 of the last 6 meetings. In those last 4 losses, FSU has turned the ball over an average of 5 times a game. FSU should win, but still very interesting.
Tennessee 34 Florida 20
Georgia Tech 20 Virginia 16
UNC 30 Louisville 24 UPSET
Michigan State 30 Notre Dame 27
Penn State 24 Navy 13
USC 44 Stanford 20
Keep an eye on: Wake Forest v Florida State. Wake has beaten FSU in 4 of the last 6 meetings. In those last 4 losses, FSU has turned the ball over an average of 5 times a game. FSU should win, but still very interesting.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Auburn vs Clemson Recap
70-33. The numbers raced through the minds of all Clemson players, fans and coaches all offseason. Receiving the common joke such as, "Oh, West Virginia just scored again." or "Drove home yesterday, the speed limit was a high of 70 and a low of 33." If you are related to Clemson in any way there is an extremely high chance you've heard one of those jokes this summer, due to the beatdown given by West Virginia to Clemson in the Orange Bowl last year.
The offseason didn't bode well for the Tigers either. 5 star running back and rising Sophomore, Mike Bellamy, was dismissed from the team after being ruled academic for the Spring semester. Only a few months later All-American Wide Receiver Sammy Watkins was arrested for possession of marijuana and suspended two games.
For Clemson fans, the season couldn't have come any sooner. They had been living a nightmare for the past 7 or 8 months. Now came the actual football. A chance to set aside last year, the speculation of the coming year, and play some football.
The Tigers were ready to reestablish themselves to their early-season form of last year. After the humiliating loss in the Orange Bowl, Clemson fired defensive coordinator Kevin Steele. They then went and snatched defensive coordinator Brent Venables, who led the Oklahoma Sooners to the best defense in the Big 12 last year. (Which isnt saying much cause it's the Big 12, but hey its gotta ount for something). The Tigers returned most of their players, losing a few offensive and defensive linemen to the NFL. Andre Ellington was coming off a nagging foot injury that had bothered him for the past two years.
Early on both teams tried to establish their offensive rhythms, while the defenses tried to disrupt it. Auburn and Clemson both went 3 and out on their first two possessions. On the ensuing possession Clemson drove down and ended up settling for a field goal.
About 2 plays later Auburn QB Frazier went play action and launched a bomb down the center of the field to wide receiver Emory Blake, who had not a defensive back anywhere in his zip code. Yes. He was that wide open. That made it 7-3 Auburn. Slowly and surely it became a game of field goals.
Clemson running back Andre Ellington looked to be back in highest form, which was shown by an unbelievable run in the 2nd quarter. Ellington was headed to the sideline and seemed to be tackled, when he spun over on his defender, put his hand on the ground and propelled himself up and on his feet, without his knee ever touching the ground. The play went for 68 yards before Andre was forced out of bounds. Ellington finished the night with 231 yards on 26 carries. The drive was capped off by a 7 yard TD run by 3rd string running back Roderick McDowell (also known as "Hot Rod").
As a supporter of Clemson, it's so nice to know you have a kicker who is as consistent as Chandler "Catman" Catanzaro proved to be. He was 4/4 on field goals, making kicks from distances of 40, 24, 37 and 18.
All Clemson fans can breathe a sigh of relief with me. He's only a Sophomore and doesn't look to be going anywhere but up.
The star of the game was DeAndre "Nuk" Hopkins (Why he is called Nuke. http://clemson.greenvilleonline.com/content/story/7425/deandre-hopkins/). DeAndre set the Clemson record for most receptions and one game catching 13 passes for 119 yards and an incredible over the shoulder catch on a fade route to give Clemson the go ahead touchdown. Hopkins was a very adequate filler in the absence of Sammy Watkins.
With one final gasp down 26-19 in the fourth quarter Auburn lined up and QB Kiehl Frasier was sacked by DE Vic Beasley.
Game Over.
By winning this Clemson has erased an entire offseason of abysmal memories. Clemson fans have a new team, new players, a new hope.
They still have a long ways to go, but I'm looking forward to watching them grow the rest of the season.
Clemson should look to improve in their defense under Brent Venables. Improvement was obvious as the game progressed but there were still many instances where linebackers were nonexistent and defensive backs were burned. The offensive line also has room for concern. THey came out extremely passive early, but toughened up as the game wore on.
Biggest stat of the night: Clemson had one 3 and out.
Next week Clemson hosts Ball St.
Oh, and just as a reminder. Watkins watch=1 week
Early on both teams tried to establish their offensive rhythms, while the defenses tried to disrupt it. Auburn and Clemson both went 3 and out on their first two possessions. On the ensuing possession Clemson drove down and ended up settling for a field goal.
About 2 plays later Auburn QB Frazier went play action and launched a bomb down the center of the field to wide receiver Emory Blake, who had not a defensive back anywhere in his zip code. Yes. He was that wide open. That made it 7-3 Auburn. Slowly and surely it became a game of field goals.
Clemson running back Andre Ellington looked to be back in highest form, which was shown by an unbelievable run in the 2nd quarter. Ellington was headed to the sideline and seemed to be tackled, when he spun over on his defender, put his hand on the ground and propelled himself up and on his feet, without his knee ever touching the ground. The play went for 68 yards before Andre was forced out of bounds. Ellington finished the night with 231 yards on 26 carries. The drive was capped off by a 7 yard TD run by 3rd string running back Roderick McDowell (also known as "Hot Rod").
As a supporter of Clemson, it's so nice to know you have a kicker who is as consistent as Chandler "Catman" Catanzaro proved to be. He was 4/4 on field goals, making kicks from distances of 40, 24, 37 and 18.
All Clemson fans can breathe a sigh of relief with me. He's only a Sophomore and doesn't look to be going anywhere but up.
The star of the game was DeAndre "Nuk" Hopkins (Why he is called Nuke. http://clemson.greenvilleonline.com/content/story/7425/deandre-hopkins/). DeAndre set the Clemson record for most receptions and one game catching 13 passes for 119 yards and an incredible over the shoulder catch on a fade route to give Clemson the go ahead touchdown. Hopkins was a very adequate filler in the absence of Sammy Watkins.
With one final gasp down 26-19 in the fourth quarter Auburn lined up and QB Kiehl Frasier was sacked by DE Vic Beasley.
Game Over.
By winning this Clemson has erased an entire offseason of abysmal memories. Clemson fans have a new team, new players, a new hope.
They still have a long ways to go, but I'm looking forward to watching them grow the rest of the season.
Clemson should look to improve in their defense under Brent Venables. Improvement was obvious as the game progressed but there were still many instances where linebackers were nonexistent and defensive backs were burned. The offensive line also has room for concern. THey came out extremely passive early, but toughened up as the game wore on.
Biggest stat of the night: Clemson had one 3 and out.
Next week Clemson hosts Ball St.
Oh, and just as a reminder. Watkins watch=1 week
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Carolina vs. Vanderbilt preview.
This morning I woke up, took a deep breath in, and smiled. It was finally here. College football is finally here. The season gets off to an excellent start tonight as the South Carolina Gamecocks are taking their talents up to Nashville TN to battle against the Vanderbilt Commodores.
Going into this game there are many things I am looking forward to seeing.
Number 1: I am interested to see how comfortable Marcus Lattimore is playing on his previously injured knee. It is one thing to return physically and practice on it, but playing is an entirely different story. Secondly I want to see how he returns mentally onto the national scene. Being away from the game for so long not only can hurt you physically, but his mental toughness may have to be reinstalled. Im not saying he will or will not come out with a solid mental ferocity, but its something to watch for.
Number 2 and 3: I want to see Connor Shaw reestablish himself as the quarterback of this football team. Last year Shaw came in mid-season and performed excellently. This year he returns and begins the season as starter. However, unlike last year, he has no Alshon Jeffrey to spread the field. This leads me to point three. I am looking forward to seeing someone within the South Carolina receiving core establish themselves as a go to guy. In summary, Shaw and the receivers have to step up tonight.
Number 4: I want to see if Jordan Rodgers has taken steps forward in the offseason as a quarterback. Jordan (younger brother of NFL Super Bowl Champion Aaron) was named starter mid-season last year and kept the team in every game, winning some and losing some. Vanderbilt returns 4 starters on the offensive line, which will hopefully be able to slow down the pass rush of USC.
Keys to game for USC
1. Establish Lattmore early on
2. Create defensive pressure
Keys for Vanderbilt
1. Find ways to score and score early
2. Make Shaw uncomfortable
3. Keep game in sight
Analysis and Prediction
South Carolina returns most of its defense and replaces most of their holes very efficiently. If Vanderbilt is to pull the upset tonight they will need to find ways to put points on the board. Vanderbilt has experience, returning almost all of its starters from last year. In the end, I think Vanderbilt won't put up enough point to pull the upset, but it will be close. Don't be surprised if Vanderbilt pulls this out though. USC you are officially on Upset Alert
USC 24
Vanderbilt 21
Going into this game there are many things I am looking forward to seeing.
Number 1: I am interested to see how comfortable Marcus Lattimore is playing on his previously injured knee. It is one thing to return physically and practice on it, but playing is an entirely different story. Secondly I want to see how he returns mentally onto the national scene. Being away from the game for so long not only can hurt you physically, but his mental toughness may have to be reinstalled. Im not saying he will or will not come out with a solid mental ferocity, but its something to watch for.
Number 2 and 3: I want to see Connor Shaw reestablish himself as the quarterback of this football team. Last year Shaw came in mid-season and performed excellently. This year he returns and begins the season as starter. However, unlike last year, he has no Alshon Jeffrey to spread the field. This leads me to point three. I am looking forward to seeing someone within the South Carolina receiving core establish themselves as a go to guy. In summary, Shaw and the receivers have to step up tonight.
Number 4: I want to see if Jordan Rodgers has taken steps forward in the offseason as a quarterback. Jordan (younger brother of NFL Super Bowl Champion Aaron) was named starter mid-season last year and kept the team in every game, winning some and losing some. Vanderbilt returns 4 starters on the offensive line, which will hopefully be able to slow down the pass rush of USC.
Keys to game for USC
1. Establish Lattmore early on
2. Create defensive pressure
Keys for Vanderbilt
1. Find ways to score and score early
2. Make Shaw uncomfortable
3. Keep game in sight
Analysis and Prediction
South Carolina returns most of its defense and replaces most of their holes very efficiently. If Vanderbilt is to pull the upset tonight they will need to find ways to put points on the board. Vanderbilt has experience, returning almost all of its starters from last year. In the end, I think Vanderbilt won't put up enough point to pull the upset, but it will be close. Don't be surprised if Vanderbilt pulls this out though. USC you are officially on Upset Alert
USC 24
Vanderbilt 21
Thursday, August 2, 2012
USA today has released the first pre-season college football poll for the upcoming season. Let this article be prefaced with the statement that I care not for pre-season rankings because of their irrelevance to what will actually happen during the year. The importance of pre-season polls is nonexistent. However, it does provide a good platform to review how America has reviewed certain teams and how I view certain teams. Without further ado, USA todays preseason rankings.
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