Pre Season Collegiate Football Predictions- Florida State University

The Seminoles domination in the late 80's and throughout the 90's is a distant memory. The swagger is no longer there. The Heisman hopefuls and overpowering All-Americans are no longer being coached to their fullest potential. Talented recruits as non-qualifiers have been detrimental to the program. I'm sure rumors of dissension within the coaching staff has been hindering the players from breaking out on the field. Arrests. Alleged cheating. Bowden's looming retirement. The list goes on and on as to why this program has fallen from grace.

Bowden is still the Head Coach and he needs to step up and take charge before it all crumbles away. Jimbo can have his say when it's his turn. In the meantime, it's Bowden's squad and that's a scary thought considering most feel the game has passed him by. With Defensive Coordinator, Mickey Andrews publicly stating that this very well may be his last season, Bobby may follow.

And Bowden may have to follow because Florida State's schedule is rough...

Florida State opens the season and rekindles a Labor Day rivalry game against the hated Hurricanes. This game is more of a measuring point for the 'Canes who're breaking in a new offense and defense. The Seminoles have the home field advantage and return a very talented and athletic offensive line that paved some huge holes for then senior Antone Smith and Jermaine Thomas in last season's match-up. The 'Noles will most likely want to establish the run and wear down Miami's physical defensive tackles. The Seminoles defensive front four are undersized and may get pushed around. I expect plenty of blitzing packages out of the defense to harass UM sophomore QB Jacory Harris, who'll be solidified as the Miami starter by September 7th. This game will be just as boring as the last 3, so I anticipate a low scoring, defensive slug fest. If the 'Canes establish the run and protect Harris, it'll be a long night for the 'Noles. Florida State has to get ballsy and try for the deep ball when the 'Canes stuff nine in the box. FSU wins a nail biter.

The 'Noles have to play a game five days later against Jacksonville State. FSU has struggled in these short week games after Labor Day in the past. They cannot come out flat and wake up in the 4th quarter. They need to smash them early and get back-ups precious playing time.

@BYU and South Florida are both intriguing match-ups. BYU will have the home field and will challenge FSU's suspect secondary early and often. The 'Noles love to rush the passer hard, so I fully expect some draw plays that'll be massive gainers. I don't like FSU in this one.

USF will be coming to Tallahassee fired-up to play some hard-nosed football against their in-state rival. It's the 1st time these two teams will meet and the 'Noles need to be careful. Remember what USF did to Auburn, in their house, a few years ago?

I think the 'Noles get by a Boston College team who's rebuilding. Florida State is 2 and 0 at BC. And FSU will be looking to get revenge on a Georgia Tech team that took college football by surprise a season ago. 'Nole fans remember the ending to last season's game very well and I promise you so will the players.

@North Carolina will be a giant game for FSU. It'll be a prime time, Thursday night game against 2 of the better teams in the ACC this season. FSU struggles on Thursday night's, but they have a bye week prior to this game, which will help them tremendously. The Tar Heels will come out strong and I think they have an excellent shot at upsetting the Seminoles. Butch Davis is familiar with FSU's defensive schemes and I'm sure he'll exploit them.

North Carolina State, @Clemson, @Wake Forest, and Maryland close out their ACC schedule. The 'Noles absolutely have to win all four of these games, but recently the boys in garnet and gold stumble with teams they're supposed to beat.

The Seminoles finish the season at Gainesville to play the Gators who have owned them in the past 5 meetings. Anything can happen in a rivalry, but Tebow won't lose his final game in Ben Hill. Expect the Seminoles to come out very hard and try their best to upset the Gators.

My upset prediction: Other than Florida, none of these should be upsets. The 'Noles will most likely be favored in everyone of these games.

My team to potentially upset the 'Noles: Take your pick. Miami, @UNC, @Wake, and @Clemson are all viable candidates.

Player to watch for: Jermaine Thomas. This young running back has speed and elusiveness. He quietly rushed for 7 yards a pop last season.

Player who'll shock you: S Jamie Robinson. This senior made the switch from corner to safety, but not without it's bumps. He played extremely well at the end of last season.

Final Predictions:

Miami- W
Jacksonville State- W
@BYU- L
South Florida- W
@Boston College- W
Georgia Tech- W
@North Carolina- L
North Carolina State- W
@Clemson- L
@Wake Forest- W
Maryland- W
@Florida- L

8-4 and FSU will most likely represent the Atlantic Division in the ACC Championship Game. This team is still a ways away, but they're making progress.

The Gators will be my final prediction (I may do Michigan for my boy Sean)...

Vol Fan Beware

My buddy and I are having a cold brew, chatting up sports, when two young ladies approach us and introduce themselves as Tennessee Volunteer fans. We, being enormous college football fans, welcome the conversation and, to my amazement, were very knowledgeable even though they had some harsh and vulgar words towards the University of Florida, Steve Spurrier, UF players and fans. Glass houses. We've all said something horrible about our rivals at one point or another and you're full of it if you say you otherwise.

My friend and I politely excuse ourselves and we go our separate ways.

As we approach our destination, my pal says to me, "I wouldn't go to the Swamp if I were a Vol fan this season." I look at him inquisitively and he answers, "Because, Gator fans are going to take it out on Volunteer fans even though they have no control as to what Lane Kiffin says."

I've been on University Avenue in Gainesville and have seen Gator fans throw eggs at cars with Vol stickers and license plates during the annual showdown. I've seen first hand the mayhem that ensues before, during, and after this SEC East rivalry game.

My buddy brought up an interesting and true observation; the sheer pent up rage within Gator Nation due to Kiffin's idiocy will likely awaken hate out of the calmest of Gator fan and the already spiteful, drunken fan will turn to abhorrence and action.

The media has built this up. The fans talking about, "Oh, I can't wait for September 19th! Kiffin's going to get it!" around town have kept it alive. The dorks on the message boards are ready to take their Star Wars helmets off and reveal their true selves and throw down.

I honestly believe something terrible will happen to Vol fans if they show up to this game and it isn't even their fault. They'll be harassed when all they're trying to do is enjoy a beautiful day in Florida and watch a potentially great game. Harassment will turn to defense, which will undoubtedly turn to egregious hostility with mothers screaming, "This is ridiculous! I have my children with me," but her voice will fall on deaf ears because fans have to inflate their chests and aggravate one another because Kiffin and his detractors cannot shut up and watch football.

I don't care who starts it, please, I implore you, show some civility and lets enjoy a solid stomping on the football field and not on the streets. Thank you.

Where're the Rays Fans?

I've gone to see the Yankees, Red Sox, and Phillies this season at the Trop and I have to admit that I am embarrassed and disgusted with many of the Rays fans in the area.

My question is: Do you think if we went to any of the aforementioned team's stadium that we would see anywhere between 30 to 40% of Rays fans filling up their seats? I'll go ahead and answer for you. Absolutely not! Then, why is it okay that we allow our rivals to fill up our seats in our stadium?

The Rays are still a relatively new franchise and I understand not many people cared about them until last season when they shocked the baseball world by embarrassing Boston and New York to take the AL East and represented the AL in the World Series. The Rays are still a solid team that are once again knocking on the playoff door, even though the league is better prepared for these exciting young players. Yet we, as fans, allow our rivals to push through the gates and bully us in our own house. The nauseating chants of, "Lets go, Red Sox!" reverberating throughout the Trop is sacrilege, although, I love it when we drown them out with our "Boo's." If we tried something like that at Fenway, we'd be escorted out in gurneys.

Even the Buccaneers had to go through this same ordeal. Packer and Bears fans filling up the Old Sombrero made going to Bucs game unbearable. Well, that and they were absolutely awful, but once they started winning and making postseason appearances the Packer and Bears fans became less and less visible.

So, why is it now that the Rays are winning we still have to endure a sea of colors not associated with our great franchise?

"St. Pete is too far." This is my favorite excuse. Hop on 275 S from wherever you are in the Hillsborough area and it takes 20 to 30 minutes. I got on the interstate late for the game yesterday and dealt with minimal traffic. I still had time to have a bite and an adult beverage before I sat in my seats. Why do the Yankee fans make it?

"It's too expensive." The Rays are considered the most affordable sports franchise in baseball. Philly fan seems to think it's cost friendly.

"The Bay area's a melting pot of people from across the U.S." Absolutely. That's why we have to teach our kids that're born here that you root for the home team. I have family and friends that represent other sports franchises because that's where they grew up and that's what they know, but one thing they all have in common is they teach their children to root for the team in the city in which they were born.

We have to quit making excuses for ourselves and we absolutely have to develop an identity. These teams who have been around for centuries all have fan bases with an identity because they're relics of a time when baseball was considered "America's Pastime." We need to step up and fire back, not physically with violence (and our fan base has to quit getting baited by these neanderthals into throwing fisticuffs. I'm not saying don't defend yourself, but don't enable it either), but by filling our stadium with our fans and truly representing the Rays with dignity and class.

I don't want to have to look down on this franchise in a hundred years and say, "Now we have a true fan base, and it only took us this long." We, and only we, have the power to complete this task. We're the only ones that can put a stop to these unholy invaders. We're the only ones that can make it happen.

Pre Season Collegiate Football Predictions- University of Miami

The Hurricanes were a dominating force earlier this decade racking up a National Title and going back to the big stage the following season only to fall short.

The 'Canes have never had trouble recruiting and tend to get elite talent, but don't get the most out of their players while at Miami.

The honeymoon is over for Randy Shannon and the excuses are getting tired. I honestly believe that if he doesn't come through with an ACC Championship game appearance the Shannon era is over. And with the schedule the 'Canes have to trudge through the University might as well start looking for his replacement.

How brutal is it that the 'Canes have to start off the season with 4 teams that finished the season in the top 25. I've heard people say how the Hurricanes can easily start the season 0 and 4 and I have to agree with them.

Miami travels to Tallahassee to renew their Labor Day bore fest against their bitter rivals, the Florida State Seminoles. This game is a classic when played in October, but is a snooze when it's the first game of the season. FSU will have experience on the offensive line, one that shredded the Miami defense a year earlier, but Miami's front 4 are big and athletic and I'm pretty sure they'll be looking for payback. Watch out for Miami's talented backfield. If they get heated up hitting 4, 5, and 6 yard gains consistently, it'll be a long night for the 'Noles.

The one downside to the 'Canes this game? It's the first game they'll be implementing their new offense AND defense. If you like defensive slug fests, this is your game. Seminoles win by a small margin due to their continuity on the o-line.

I think Georgia Tech blindsided teams last season and I don't expect the same to happen. I'll give Miami this win because they'll be better prepared after a weeks rest and it's at home.

Virginia Tech and Oklahoma win the next two. Va Tech is just a better coached team and I expect Tyrod Taylor to have a monster game against the 'Canes. Traditionally, Miami struggles against scrambling QB's.

Oklahoma is a beast. Too much talent. Too much firepower. Miami gets them at home, but will lose...badly.

FAMU and UCF are where the 'Canes can make some strides gelling on the offensive side of things. They'll wins these games, but watch out for the Knights. I wouldn't be shocked if they gave Miami a hard time.

Clemson, @Wake, Virginia, @North Carolina, and Duke seems like such a cake walk, but this isn't the late 90's and early 00's. I wouldn't call any of these teams legitimate contenders, but they'll pop you right in the mouth. These teams aren't scared of Miami anymore. They have to win 4 of these games if they want to contend for the Coastal Division and a bowl bid. Clemson in Miami and @UNC are losses. Spiller will want to go out on top of the 'Canes and Butch Davis will not want to lose at home to his former employer. I'm not trying to be funny here, but watch out for Duke.

The finale with South Florida is such a compelling match-up. The 'Canes will come in arrogant, as if they're teaching their Tampa buddies a lesson. USF at home, with it being Selvie and Grothe's last game, will come out strong and upset the 'Canes.

My upset prediction: Well, although I think the 'Noles win on Labor Day, Miami may upset them. You never know with these rivalry games.

My team to potentially upset the 'Canes: @USF on November 28th. Ray Jay will be rocking and no o-lineman can slow Selvie down.

Player to watch for: S Randy Phillips. This young man is NFL ready with speed and power.

Player who'll shock you: WR Travis Benjamin. Tons of pure speed and extremely shifty.

Final Predictions:

@Florida State- L
Georgia Tech- W
@Virginia Tech- L
Oklahoma- L
FAMU- W
@UCF- W
Clemson- L
@Wake Forest- W
Virginia- W
@North Carolina- L
Duke- W
@South Florida- L

6-6 and no chance at an ACC Title bid. The "All 'Canes Conference" has never represented itself in a conference title game and it doesn't start now.

Next up: Florida State...

Violations About Money, Not Example

For years, it has been speculated that Bobby Bowden and his Seminoles have engaged in multiple violations over the years only never to be caught or to get a slap on the wrist by the NCAA.

By now, we all know about the Music Appreciation Class scandal where students and student-athletes from Florida State partook in the aforementioned class and allegedly received test answers from a tutor. The NCAA has conducted an investigation and their punishment is scholarships taken away from the teams with players that were involved with the cheating scandal. The football team, most notably Head Coach Bobby Bowden, did not take to their sanctions well. Bowden has to forfeit the games in which ineligible players were used, even though when officials at FSU got word of the cheating they acted accordingly by suspending players. My take in all of this: It’s all complete bull…

The NCAA claims they’re trying to make a statement and an example to all colleges and universities that no one is above the law and you will eventually get caught. I have a major problem with this.

You’re either completely naïve or stupid if you truly believe cheating doesn’t take place in all forms of higher education, especially with student-athletes. These charges have nothing to do with setting an “example” and everything to do with money. Florida State was making bank for the NCAA during the height of their program. We witnessed arrest after arrest in the 90’s and we all heard murmurs and rumors about academic misconduct within the school’s system for years. Why wasn’t there an investigation ten years ago? And if there was, do you honestly believe FSU was that good at covering up mishaps that the NCAA walked right past it?

“But what about the ‘Free Shoe U’ scandal?”

Well, it was so publicized that the NCAA was forced to act and they didn’t even hammer FSU as hard as they probably should have.

Florida State is no longer among the elite and isn’t making the NCAA, which runs similarly to the mob, as much revenue as it has in the past. The ‘Noles can’t even sell out their own stadium anymore. How are they to make money for the NCAA? Don’t believe my assessment? Check out what’s going on on the West Coast with Southern Cal. They’ve been in the spotlight this whole decade. Winning national titles. Being on television week after week. Accepting enormous accolades, such as Heisman winners, et cetera. We keep hearing about illegal activities taking place at USC, but there hasn’t been a single sanction given. OJ Mayo, Reggie Bush, and most recently an NFL consultant helped out some of the USC players, which is absolutely a violation, and nothing happens to them. Why? Because they are making the NCAA a boatload of cash.

And I’ve heard the excuse, “Well, speeding is illegal and people get away with that all of the time.”

Well, you’re an idiot for making such a ridiculous statement. So, I guess it’s okay to participate in illegal activities, as long as you don’t get caught, right? There’re so many things wrong with that, I’d have to write up a whole other article just to point out the stupidity.

I understand that Bobby is in charge and responsible for these children, but how in the world is he supposed to know everything that’s going on? If you truly believe Urban Meyer and Pete Carroll know everything going on in their players lives then lift your eyes one paragraph.

Love him or hate him, Bowden has been a staple in the college football world and is already a legend. Without him, there’s no such thing as Florida State football. If you truly want to punish the FSU program then I say do it. They got caught and there has to be repercussions. Pull scholies. Take them off of tv. Ban them from a bowl game.

But not at the expense of a man who has sacrificed himself for the game. He earned those victories. To take them away is a bigger crime than these ridiculous sanctions.

Pre Season Collegiate Football Predictions- University of South Florida

It's that time of year again where we're all getting geared up and prepped for college football. Is there a better feeling than waking up Saturday morning, cracking a cold brew while devouring some cereal, and watching those three morons errrrrrrr experts on ESPN? Oh, wait, there's four of them now, right?

It's so close and I, for one, am getting antsy yet excited.

So, I'm going to go ahead and give my predictions on the programs in the State of Florida. Well, not all of the programs. Just the important ones. And, no, I don't claim to be an "expert" or "guru," so shut your trap if one of my predictions doesn't happen to come true.

First up, the University of South Florida:

I hate to say this, but USF's schedule looks tough. Okay, okay, I know they play three ridiculously easy games, but after that it's no picnic.

They'll enter Doak 3 and 0 on September 26 to face their in-state rivals, the Florida State Seminoles. This is the first time these two teams will meet, so it should be interesting. If USF wants to be taken seriously they have to either win or give the 'Noles all they can handle. I don't see them pulling this off though. FSU has too many athletes and the extra incentive to not get beaten by the little school in Tampa. I think the Bulls start fast, but FSU's speed and depth wear them out.

The only sure fire winnable game I see after this is at Syracuse. Everything else really is a toss up.

Cincinnati, @Pitt, West Virginia, @Rutgers, Louisville, and @UConn is no simple task for the Bulls. @Pitt is intriguing and may not be too cold yet for the boys in Tampa, but @Rutgers and @UConn will be too much for the kids from a warm-weather state. Plus, I think USF will be too exhausted after taking on Miami the week before UConn.

Cincinnati seems to always give the Bulls fits and the Bulls tend to do the same for the Mountaineers. I see them winning both as the home field should benefit the Bulls.

My upset prediction: USF over the University of Miami on Novermber 28th. I think the Bulls will be jacked up for that game and Ray Jay will be rocking with Gold and Green. Plus, it'll be Selvie and Grothe's last game in Tampa.

My team to potentially upset the Bulls: Rutgers over USF on November 12th. Forget the cold; the Bulls will be working with a shortened week and they have to travel. Never an easy task.

Player to watch out for: DE George Selvie, of course. This kid could've been a 1st rounder, but came back to finish out his collegiate career.

Player to watch out for: MLB Kion Wilson. Big, thumping middle linebacker with good speed and awareness in coverage.

Final Predictions:

Wofford- W
@W. Kentucky- W
Charleston Southern- W
@Florida State- L
@Syracuse- W
Cincinnati- W
@Pittsburgh- L
West Virginia- W
@Rutgers- L
Louisville- W
Miami- W
@UConn- L

8-4 and a possible contention for the Big East Title, but unlikely.

I'll do the University of Miami next...

Spurrier Snubs Tim

I apologize for lack of indendations for every paragraph. I'm still trying to figure Blogger out.

You know it’s the off-season when the media’s hyping something so idiotic and minute as “The Old Ball Coach” not voting for Tim Tebow as the Preseason 1^st team All SEC quarterback. Seriously, when will football get here?

For those that don't know the story (and you call yourself a sports fan?) former University of Florida legend and current University of South Carolina Coach, Steve Spurrier, "accidentally" voted for Ole Miss quarterback Jevan Snead over University of Florida quarterback, and former Heisman winner, Tim Tebow for the SEC's top QB spot in the preseason polls.

It’s Spurrier’s prerogative whom he votes for. I was under the impression that this vote was anonymous. If Spurrier feels Timmy isn’t the best QB in the SEC then that’s his deal. The whole country knows Tebow is the best quarterback and possibly the best athlete in college football. Why does it have to be justified on paper?

We’ve all seen this young man’s body of work. Shouldn’t that be enough? Football is still played on the field and not in polls, right?

Now, Gator fans feel betrayed and upset that their most recognizable player in the history of their program isn’t the unanimous decision on paper due to their former beloved coach. Who cares?

Spurrier’s arrogance bit off more than it can chew by taking on the NFL and failing then believing he could turn a bad South Carolina team around. The game has passed him by and his credibility crumbled years ago. Yet, Florida fan is irate. Who has had more success over the last 3 seasons? ‘Nuff said.

Florida’s got more important things to worry about, namely an SEC and National Title defense. Oh, and embarrassing Lane Kiffin and his Vols.

I know Gator fan has to hear it over and over. They love the reaffirmation that they have the best team, best program, best players, et cetera. Leave it alone, people. Timmy’s the best and Steve-O was the man responsible for your initial rise to prominence. No vote necessary.