The 2nd Year in a row, I decided too write this long article about College football. Any how here it is. I put some sleeper picks in there for All Americans and I wanted a suprise BCS Title game. One team you might not see picked this year. Last year I took the easy way out with Texas and USC, so this year I decided too take a risk. :P
Big 10 - Ohio State is my pick to take the Big Ten this season. Troy Smith and Ted Ginn give them a pair of Heisman caliber players. The big question is if Ginn can live up to the hype. We saw sparks last year but nothing to make me think he’s a legit WR. Right now I label him more of an athlete. The running game is the key to this teams success though. If Antonio Pittman can carry the load once again they should be alright. I also look for Erik Haw to get involved more. The defense lost a lot of talent but recruiting has been solid. Texas will be a big game but ultimately at home against Michigan will decide the Big Ten Champ for the 2006 Season.
Sleeper: Northwestern will be playing with heavy hearts this season as they’re Head Coach Randy Walker passed away before practice begun. I had this team pegged for 6 wins before then but now I believe if they play with the desire, 8 wins is possible. The other reason is Tyrell Sutton. Sutton should put up huge numbers and could possibly lead the Big Ten in rushing. I look for them to upset someone down the road. Key game is Ohio State at home.
Big 12 South - Last years National Champions still have most of that #1 recruiting class from 2002. Most importantly they have a lot of skill players that will do the work. Jamal Charles is the obvious one. A lot of people believe he’ll make a run for the Heisman trophy. While I think he has the talent too, I put him in a similar position that Adrian Peterson was a year ago and that’s without a QB. One thing the Longhorn’s QB won’t have too worry about is they’re go to guy. Limas Sweed is said to be looking good and could finally be poised to be that “Roy Williams” like WR. As always the key game is the Red River Shootout this year. Unlike last years Red River Blowout, this one should be close.
Sleeper: Oklahoma State should reclaim some respect this season. It’s Bobby Reid’s team and he could be the next Troy Smith if used proper. Key Game is home against Oklahoma. It’s a big rivalry and I think the Cowboys could be battling for a Bowl game.
Big 12 North - Nebraska will win this division by default. We will finally get too see Bill Callahan’s envision of the West Coast offense in Nebraska. We saw glimpses of it a year ago but this is the year I think it comes together. Zac Taylor in my opinion is primed for a solid season. Key game is home against Colorado. The winner will probably go to the Big 12 Title game and play Texas.
Sleeper: Iowa State always seems to be that team on the rise but every year they disappoint. Well part of the reason why they are always the team on the rise is because of QB, Bret Meyer. It’s now or never for Meyer. Meyer has been an underachiever but I think he breaks out and has a big year. I look for Iowa State to win 8 games and push Nebraska and Colorado for the Big 12 North title. Look for the Cyclones to be in a Bowl game this season. Key game is at Colorado late in the year.
Big 12 Champ - Texas in my opinion is more talented than anyone in this conference. Texas Tech and Oklahoma will challenge them but ultimately with Rhett Bomar off of Oklahoma, I think it’s Texas all the way.
Pac 10 - Those who expect USC not too win this conference because of the lost of talent will be very disappointed come December. USC will win the Pac 10 this year and will also win 10 games. Not since Miami in the 90’s have we seen a coach just dominate the recruiting class in a decade. This year Dwayne Jarrett will probably put up huge numbers as they’re isn’t a CB in the conference that can cover him on paper. Key Game is home against Notre Dame. That game is sure to have National Title implications on the line.
Sleeper: Oregon State returns they’re entire offensive line and might be ready for nice season. The foundation is there and Y’venson Bernard should have a big year. Key Game will be Oregon at home and this could be the game that Oregon State clinches a spot in a bowl game.
Big East - West Virginia not only is expected to take the Big East because of players like Steve Slayton and Pat White but they are expected to contend for a National Title. If there is one team that can possibly go undefeated this year it could be West Virginia. They have the best backfield in college football and an easy schedule. Key game is against Louisville and it will decide the Big East Champion.
Sleeper: Pittsburgh will rebound this year. Dave Wannstedt has 2 years with QB Tyler Palko and despite losing Greg Lee, I expect a big year out of him. If Pittsburgh suffers another bad season then Wannstedt will instantly be put on the Hot Seat. There are key games for Pittsburgh this season. They close out at home against West Virginia and then Louisville. Potentially they’re could be an upset there.
SEC East - Last year it was Florida’s defense that stepped up. This season Chris Leak will have a much better year. With Urban Meyer having 2 Springs under his belt, I expect Florida to be better on the offensive end and win the SEC East. Florida plays one of the hardest schedules in college football but in the end, I like guys like Chris Leak, Dallas Baker, ReyShawn Wynn, and Andre Caldwell too step up and form one of the most dynamic offenses in the conference. Key game is at Auburn. This game will be huge this year and could have National Title implications as Auburn is a favorite this year. If Florida wins that game which I think they can, then College Football will realize the Gators are back.
Sleeper: South Carolina will go to a Bowl game this year. Steve Spurrier might insist that this team will only win 5 or 6 games this year but I think 7 and a Bowl game is very possible. Sidney Rice should have a big year this year and could be a top 15 pick in Aprils Draft. Key game is Spurrier making his return to the Swamp. Florida vs. South Carolina should be must watch just because of that.
SEC West - LSU might not be a popular pick this year but I think they’re going too win the West. Les Miles took this team far last year and now after one year, most of the players will definitely have his respect. Part of what makes this a team that looks like it could contend this year is the recruiting classes. Nick Saban left Miles with a bunch of talent and it’s all starting to come together. The receivers are probably the fastest in the nation and Jamarcus Russell has had a good spring. Look for Xavier Carter to quietly have a nice year. Keg Game September 16 at Auburn. I think LSU wins this game and becomes a front runner for a National Title.
Sleeper: This is important too me. Last year I hit it right on with Alabama and gave them 9 wins. This year I’m going Alabama again. People expect a drop off in production but I expect Alabama to win 8 or 9 games and go to a Bowl game. It’s a 3 way race in the SEC West. No one else will come close to 7 wins this year. Key Game for Alabama is home against Auburn. Seems like there is a trend but Auburn is the team to beat this year (in the SEC) according to most experts so they’re the target.
SEC Champ: LSU is my pick for the 2nd straight year. I liked them last year and I like them more this year. I expect 11-1 this year and maybe a BCS Title birth.
ACC Atlantic - Florida State will be back in the ACC Title game this year. Drew Weatherford should be better and although Xavier Lee was the better QB in my opinion, Weatherford will still have a great future. Lorenzo Booker will have a big year and the defense is solid. Key Game is on the road in Miami this year. That’ll be a statement game for both teams.
Sleeper: Clemson is going to be good this year. We all know that but how good is the question. In my opinion, Clemson could be this years Alabama. I have them pegged for 9 wins this year and a Bowl game. Reggie Merriweather will carry this team. Key game is at Virginia Tech. I expect Clemson too make a statement and walk all over VT on the road, in their house.
ACC Coastal - Miami should win the Coastal this year. Kyle Wright will play much better in my opinion as he looked the part at times last year. I look for him to be solid this year. I expect Miami too win 10 games and look for Charlie Jones and Tyrone Moss too be one of the better duo’s in nation when it comes too running the ball. Ryan Moore should be solid and Baraka Atkins should have a monster year. Key game is the opener against FSU. I like FSU in that game due to the suspensions.
Sleeper: Georgia Tech was my sleeper last year and they didn’t do too bad. This year I expect more. Calvin Johnson is going too be a top 5 pick in the NFL Draft and will show you why this year. Reggie Ball should go out with a bang for his senior year. Georgia Tech in my opinion will win 8 games and finish 2nd in the Coastal.
ACC Champ: I like Miami over FSU in the ACC Championship though. Miami in my opinion has more talent and will be playing with a chip on their shoulder. Plus beating Miami 3 times in a row might be too much for FSU.
All Americans
QB Brady Quinn Notre Dame
RB Michael Bush Louisville
FB LeRon McClain Alabama
WR Calvin Johnson Georgia Tech
WR Dwayne Jarrett USC
TE Greg Olsen Miami
OT Joe Thomas Wisconsin
OT Levi Brown Penn State
OG Roman Fry Clemson
OG Justin Blaylock Texas
OC Kyle Young Fresno State
DE Baraka Atkins Miami
DE Gaines Adams Clemson
DT Quinn Pitcock Ohio State
LB Paul Posluszny Penn State
LB Patrick Willis Mississippi
LB H.B. Blades Pittsburgh
CB Antonie Cason Arizona
CB Marquice Cole Northwestern
FS LaRon Landry LSU
SS Michael Griffin Texas
K Mason Crosby Colorado
P Brandon Fields Michigan State
KR/
PR Ted Ginn Jr. Ohio State
Utility Ted Ginn Jr. Ohio State
Put in a couple sleepers for All Americans as this year seems too be a step lower than last years class.
Heisman Predictions
1. Brady Quinn QB Notre Dame
2. Adrian Peterson RB Oklahoma
3. Michael Bush RB Louisville
4. Troy Smith QB Ohio State
5. Kenny Irons RB Auburn
Brady Quinn is my pick to win the Heisman.
BCS Bowl Predictions
BCS National Championship Game
Ohio State vs. LSU
Fiesta Bowl
Notre Dame vs. Miami
Rose Bowl
USC vs. Michigan
Orange Bowl
Florida State vs. Auburn
Sugar Bowl
West Virginia vs. Texas
West Virginia over Texas
Auburn over Florida State
USC over Michigan
Notre Dame over Miami
Ohio State over LSU
LSU is my surprise team this year. I think it’s a wide open race but I expect LSU and Ohio State to get through the season 11-1 and I expect them to be the only 1 loss teams in the country at that time.
Final 06-07 Standings
1. Ohio State 11-1
2. Notre Dame 10-2
3. West Virginia 11-1
4. LSU 11-2
5. USC 10-2
6. Auburn 10-2
7. Louisville 10-2
8. Texas 10-2
9. Miami 10-3
10. Michigan 9-3
Porky's Season Predictions
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