SEC Still the Cream of the Crop:
There's a lot of uncertainty in college football this season. It's expected that one team from the South Eastern Conference will be represented in the National Championship game. Which team depends on a number of factors. Expect the Alabama Crimson Tide to be at the top of the league. Urban Meyer and Florida are always a threat to win the National Championship. It's going to be a different quarterback under center for the Gators. Gone is the hero of all Gainsville, Tim Tebow. John Brantley will look to continue the great tradition of Florida quarterbacks.
Brantley and Tebow have vastly different styles. Tebow was always a dual threat. Brantley is more of a prototypical pocket passer. It will be more of a traditional spread offense with Brantley running the show. Tebow didn't always throw the ball well, that shouldn't be a problem with Brantley. Brantley has spent the last three season backing up Tebow, so he knows the offense. WIll Brantley have the late game heroics that Gators fans expected from Tebow? Only game action can prove that. Brantley has Chris Rainey in the slot. Meyer expects Rainey to be the home run hitter that Percy Harvin used to be for Florida. Rainey has the skill and speed to take it to the end zone every time he touches the ball. That's why Meyer cannot wait to see Rainey play in the slot for the Gators this season. Full Story..
College Football Begins Tonight:
It's a great time to be a football fan. It's the last weekend of preseason games in the NFL. Even better, collegiate teams are beginning their quest towards bowl games. There are some quality teams showcased tonight. Lane Kiffin makes his debut as head coach at Southern Cal head to paradise to play the University of Hawaii Warriors. South Carolina hosts Southern Miss. Miami (FL), Pittsburgh and Ohio State all play their opening games tonight. There may be upsets, but the top teams are expected to breeze through the games. Pitt may have some trouble with Utah. The Panthers are starting a brand new quarterback. The Utes have the only victory in the series, a 35-7 win in the 2005 Fiesta Bowl.
A key for the number one team, Alabama will be missing for at least the first game. Defending Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram injured his knee in practice and will miss the game against San Jose State. It's uncertain if he's going to miss more time, but Ingram will be back sooner rather than later. Trent Richardson will be the featured back in the first game. One key match up during the opening weekend is the contest between North Carolina and Louisiana State. The Tar Heels will be without defensive tackle Marvin Austin. The defense is suppose to be one of the best in FBS. They're expected to have quite a few defensive players drafted in the top 15 in the 2011 NFL Draft. Les Miles is looking to get to the echelon it once enjoyed when Nick Saban was the coach. IT starts against the Tar Heels. Full Story..
Brian Kelly Looks for Sucess in South Bend:
Brian Kelly has had success every where he's gone to coach. He won two Division II national championships during his tenure at Grand Valley State. He won the MAC championship with Central Michigan in his 3rd season. He won 10 games in his first year at Cincinnati and followed that success with two consecutive Big East championships. He brings all this experience to South Bend, In. to resurrect the most storied college football program in Notre Dame.
Kelly is replacing a polar opposite in Charlie Weis. Weis was a proven offensive coordinator under Bill Belichick. He wasn't a proven head coach on any important level. Kelly brings a tremendous amount of success along with the ability to turn entire programs around very quickly. It's something the Irish faithful is hoping for after one bright season with Brady Quinn then undelivered promises. Notre Dame can return to national prominence with Kelly at the helm. He finds unpolished recruits and turns them into quality collegiate football players. Full Story...
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