You're probably asking, "Why're you making this blog now with Florida versus Tennessee and Florida State versus BYU tomorrow?" Sorry, but I had to wait for the Miami game to end in order to give my week 2 take. Quit crying...
I'll go ahead and start off with Miami and last night's cruising against Georgia Tech. I still think Miami's defense needs work. They played a classic Wing-T, triple option team that's known to eat up clock, confuse, and tire out opposing defenses with misdirection running plays. The 'Canes did an amazing job containing the option. Their front four looked disciplined and their linebackers were wrapping up. Exactly what needs to be done. But they weren't challenged vertically.
Like I said, this is a Yellow Jackets team that runs the ball 90% of the time. When they did throw, Tech had time and were effective for their style of ball. I still think UM's secondary needs help because they'll wear out against balanced teams like Virginia Tech.
I've got nothing bad to say about UM offensively. Jacory Harris is the real deal and tore up a very good Tech defense. The 'Canes' offensive line looks to be one of the best in the ACC, if not one of the best in the nation. Anyone can look like a superstar with that much time to throw.
Florida abused Troy, but only for three quarters. I know it was raining, but a National Title team doesn't play that sloppy early in games. Timmy was extremely sharp after the first quarter of play, but his wide outs were once again dropping balls and running awful routes. I mentioned the dropped balls in my last blog and I felt they would be fixed come Tennessee. I'm not so sure now. Dropped balls are contagious and if they're not fixed early can kill a team late in the season. What'll end up happening is Tebow will see an open Deonte Thompson, but will throw to a receiver in a tighter spot if he loses confidence in his speedy wide out.
Meyer is an excellent motivator and coach. It'll get corrected.
Florida's defense is ridiculously fast. It's got to scare teams to see first teamers walk off and second and third teamers step in with zero productivity dropped.
Florida State played a lesser talented Jacksonville State and had to win in the waning minutes. I've heard the excuses and I agree with some of them. I'm going to go ahead and contradict myself through this rant, so bare with me...
I agree that it's unfair for FSU to play two times in one week. Yes, Jacksonville is an inferior team, but, I don't care who you are or how much more talent you have, teams need time to rest and prepare. NCAA rules say that a team has to have the next day off from a football game. That means the 'Noles couldn't practice or watch film on Tuesday after the Labor Day loss to Miami. Now they're behind two days on practice and game planning.
With that said, Jimbo and company should've simplified things for the Seminoles. If you've ever played organized football, no matter what level, you had a set of 20 or so plays that you could recite in your sleep. It was the basic, base stuff. I thought that's what FSU should've gone with in this game. At times, they tried to get too cute with reverses and play fakes. Line up and ram it down their throats. Make the necessary halftime adjustments from there.
Ponder was once again brilliant. He no longer tucks it and runs after the first read is covered. He goes to his second and third receivers and check downs in the blink of an eye. There were too many dropped passes and the offensive line digressed some from the UM game.
The running game was terrible and was given up on way too easily. Sound familiar?
Defensively, the front four look better. They put pressure on Jacksonville's QB and kept him off balance at times. The linebackers are good in the running game, but terrible in the passing game. And the secondary is absolutely atrocious. That's Mickey's department too. Jacksonville State had men wide open across the middle and sidelines. Early in the game, they had a man free down the middle and Perriloux over threw him. There were 3 or 4 dropped interceptions too by FSU's secondary. And Missed tackles will hurt everybody.
Turnovers were among the many, many other problems for the 'Noles.
South Florida rolled, but I didn't get to see enough of the game to give a solid take. Sorry, Bull fans. I promise to have something better this week.
UF rolls over the Vols and FSU loses big to BYU. Have a great weekend and enjoy some great football, y'all!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
What We Learned From Opening Weekend
Ahhh, college football. We all woke up Saturday morning with a giant grin on our faces. We set our breakfast up in front of the tube and watched College Game Day on ESPN. Herbstreit's caked on make-up and "expert" predictions were dead on as usual. I think he scored 50%. The Old Sunshine Scooter got the crowd hyped up with his catchy, "Not so fast, my friend." It never gets old. And Fowler, with his monotone voice and stoic demeanor, was more entertaining than the both of them. Oh, and don't forget about Desmond...
We marveled at the thousands of already intoxicated students hopping around with signs that read, "Julio For Jeisman." Super clever with the soft 'J' alliteration. You'd never guess it came from an Alabama student/fan.
Ahhh, yes, college football has returned. Even though it was 98 degrees in Tampa, I seriously felt the cool chill of Fall as a crunchy, brown leaf wafted past me. Wait, what was I doing outside?
So, what did we learn from the colleges I'm covering?
It's too soon to say we learned anything from UF and USF as they both beat up on vocational schools, but both teams need to sharpen up.
Florida had multiple dropped passes, which was something that bothered Meyer during summer camp. It's not the end of the world and it's easily correctable, but it's also something you don't want lingering. I expect it to be fixed by Tennessee weekend, but look for Meyer to start younger kids or guys with less experience if the starters don't shape up.
USF played well, but their run defense concerns me. Wofford ran the football at them with success. I know, I know, what am I talking about? Wofford averaged 3.5 a pop. Yeah, but their starting back, Eric Breitenstein, had over 9 yards a carry and 121 rushing. That's not going to get it done against teams that live by the run such as Pittsburgh and West Virginia.
Now, onto Florida State and Miami...
What an epic battle that was. That looked like some old-school FSU-UM slug fests.
Offensively, both teams look sharp. Ponder and Harris have definitely done their homework in the off-season and it shows. Neither team had much of a running game, but there were signs of life from the backs on occasion.
The defenses from both squads are awful. FSU was concerned all summer with their defensive backs and it showed. Mickey Andrews defense is dated and doesn't work the way it used to back in '93. The bump-and-run blitz package only works sporadically or with teams that have inferior offensive lines. You cannot constantly leave your corner on an island with no safety help. It'll be a 6 and 6 season for Bobby and his boys if they don't correct that problem.
Miami broke in a new defensive scheme, so they may get a pass. UM mixed man and zone, but not well enough. Zone only works if the front 4 produces pressure and Ponder kept clean, finding the open spaces. FSU's receivers were beating UM's corner's with double moves on man coverage. At least Miami's new D coordinator knew to leave a safety back at all times and that seriously might've saved UM during this game. Their D should gel better throughout the season. If not, they will have a losing record.
And, people, leave Forston alone. That young man played a hell of a ball game and doesn't deserve the criticism he's receiving. There are at least 20 more plays and/or reasons the 'Noles lost that game. Give the 'Canes credit too. Those kids played with a lot of heart.
There we have it. College football is back and I, for one, am going to enjoy every single game this season. I don't care if it's Youngstown versus Prairie View, I'm going to sit back and admire the emotion and purity of this extraordinary game. I hope you all do too.
We marveled at the thousands of already intoxicated students hopping around with signs that read, "Julio For Jeisman." Super clever with the soft 'J' alliteration. You'd never guess it came from an Alabama student/fan.
Ahhh, yes, college football has returned. Even though it was 98 degrees in Tampa, I seriously felt the cool chill of Fall as a crunchy, brown leaf wafted past me. Wait, what was I doing outside?
So, what did we learn from the colleges I'm covering?
It's too soon to say we learned anything from UF and USF as they both beat up on vocational schools, but both teams need to sharpen up.
Florida had multiple dropped passes, which was something that bothered Meyer during summer camp. It's not the end of the world and it's easily correctable, but it's also something you don't want lingering. I expect it to be fixed by Tennessee weekend, but look for Meyer to start younger kids or guys with less experience if the starters don't shape up.
USF played well, but their run defense concerns me. Wofford ran the football at them with success. I know, I know, what am I talking about? Wofford averaged 3.5 a pop. Yeah, but their starting back, Eric Breitenstein, had over 9 yards a carry and 121 rushing. That's not going to get it done against teams that live by the run such as Pittsburgh and West Virginia.
Now, onto Florida State and Miami...
What an epic battle that was. That looked like some old-school FSU-UM slug fests.
Offensively, both teams look sharp. Ponder and Harris have definitely done their homework in the off-season and it shows. Neither team had much of a running game, but there were signs of life from the backs on occasion.
The defenses from both squads are awful. FSU was concerned all summer with their defensive backs and it showed. Mickey Andrews defense is dated and doesn't work the way it used to back in '93. The bump-and-run blitz package only works sporadically or with teams that have inferior offensive lines. You cannot constantly leave your corner on an island with no safety help. It'll be a 6 and 6 season for Bobby and his boys if they don't correct that problem.
Miami broke in a new defensive scheme, so they may get a pass. UM mixed man and zone, but not well enough. Zone only works if the front 4 produces pressure and Ponder kept clean, finding the open spaces. FSU's receivers were beating UM's corner's with double moves on man coverage. At least Miami's new D coordinator knew to leave a safety back at all times and that seriously might've saved UM during this game. Their D should gel better throughout the season. If not, they will have a losing record.
And, people, leave Forston alone. That young man played a hell of a ball game and doesn't deserve the criticism he's receiving. There are at least 20 more plays and/or reasons the 'Noles lost that game. Give the 'Canes credit too. Those kids played with a lot of heart.
There we have it. College football is back and I, for one, am going to enjoy every single game this season. I don't care if it's Youngstown versus Prairie View, I'm going to sit back and admire the emotion and purity of this extraordinary game. I hope you all do too.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
The Challenge
It's such a tried and tired argument that the SEC is by far the premier conference in college football, but last season brought up an interesting conundrum. The ACC, head-to-head with the mighty SEC, went 5 and 5...5 and 3 during the regular season. SEC fan tries to ignore this or spin this fact with ridiculous justifications.
I'm not disputing the SEC is the best conference, but why is it the best conference? They recruit the same kids the rest of college football recruits, they have their bottom-dwellers, they have their fair share of upsets, which is becoming more and more frequent, so why are they so much more prestigious than every other conference?
My favorite excuse from SEC elitist is, "Well, we beat up on each other, making us a better conference."
What?
What a stupid answer. So, the ACC and Pac-10 don't beat up on one another?
This is where the Challenge comes in. I'll be monitoring the three major conferences in the State of Florida and how they stack up against one another. SEC v ACC, ACC v Big East, and Big East v SEC.
My personal prediction? We'll find out the SEC isn't all it's cracked up to be against opponents outside their conference.
Hate on me all you want and I'll be more than happy to accept being incorrect if the SEC "dominates" the way SEC homer will certifiably forecast, but I know, as well as the rest of the country knows, SEC fan will never, and I mean NEVER admit to being wrong even if the numbers prove so.
The Challenge:
(I'll update scores as the season progresses...bowl games TBD)
SEC v ACC
September 3rd- South Carolina v North Carlina State
September 5th- Alabama v Virginia Tech
October 3rd- Georgia Tech v Mississippi State
October 31st- Georgia Tech v Vanderbilt
November 28th- Clemson v South Carolina
Georgia v Georgia Tech
Florida State v Florida
ACC v Big East
September 12th- North Carolina v Conneticut
September 26th- South Florida v Florida State
Rutgers v Maryland
Pittsburgh v North Carolina State
November 28th- Miami v South Florida
Big East v SEC
September 19th- Louisville v Kentucky
West Virginia v Auburn
I'm not disputing the SEC is the best conference, but why is it the best conference? They recruit the same kids the rest of college football recruits, they have their bottom-dwellers, they have their fair share of upsets, which is becoming more and more frequent, so why are they so much more prestigious than every other conference?
My favorite excuse from SEC elitist is, "Well, we beat up on each other, making us a better conference."
What?
What a stupid answer. So, the ACC and Pac-10 don't beat up on one another?
This is where the Challenge comes in. I'll be monitoring the three major conferences in the State of Florida and how they stack up against one another. SEC v ACC, ACC v Big East, and Big East v SEC.
My personal prediction? We'll find out the SEC isn't all it's cracked up to be against opponents outside their conference.
Hate on me all you want and I'll be more than happy to accept being incorrect if the SEC "dominates" the way SEC homer will certifiably forecast, but I know, as well as the rest of the country knows, SEC fan will never, and I mean NEVER admit to being wrong even if the numbers prove so.
The Challenge:
(I'll update scores as the season progresses...bowl games TBD)
SEC v ACC
September 3rd- South Carolina v North Carlina State
September 5th- Alabama v Virginia Tech
October 3rd- Georgia Tech v Mississippi State
October 31st- Georgia Tech v Vanderbilt
November 28th- Clemson v South Carolina
Georgia v Georgia Tech
Florida State v Florida
ACC v Big East
September 12th- North Carolina v Conneticut
September 26th- South Florida v Florida State
Rutgers v Maryland
Pittsburgh v North Carolina State
November 28th- Miami v South Florida
Big East v SEC
September 19th- Louisville v Kentucky
West Virginia v Auburn
Friday, August 21, 2009
Collegiate Pre Season Football Predictions- University of Florida
On paper, the Gators appear to be unbeatable. They return every starter from a defense a season ago that absolutely dominated down the stretch and held an explosive Oklahoma Sooner offense to a mere 14 points. Brandon Spikes was a sure 1st rounder in this past NFL draft, but elected to stay his senior season to lead this defense in establishing it's place in history.
The only chink I see in Florida's armor is the offense. They're starting three new offensive linemen from a year ago and the wide receivers are extremely talented, but untested. The key to a successful offense starts with the monsters up front. The Pouncey twins will help anchor and unify this line. Gilbert has much experience, but is being phased out due to how well Carl Johnson's playing as well as the emergence of sophomore left tackle Matt Patchan, who a season ago was playing defensive tackle for the Gators. This unit is big, strong, and very athletic. Look for them to be a cohesive unit come Kentucky.
Am I forgetting something, or rather, someone? The reason this team seems to aggravate the college football world?
Tim Tebow is a born winner with limitless intangibles. He has proven his critics wrong over and again. This young signal caller has only one thing left to prove, a perfect season. And he has his eyes set on it, which means I feel sorry for the rest of the SEC and Florida's opponents.
Florida will blaze through their 1st two games of the season giving back-up and future starter John Brantley some much needed reps. Then the fun begins.
Lane Kiffin and the Tennessee Volunteers enter the Swamp with a gigantic target on their backs due to Kiffin's brilliant mouthing. Clearly, this young coach has never seen what Tebow does to smack talkers. Don't be surprised if you see the Vols do well early and often throughout this game. After all, it is a major SEC rivalry game and Tennessee's defense is no slouch. They will be physical and ready to play. It's their offense that Florida will absolutely punish. I know Gator fans want a 60 point blow out, but this game will be much closer than the critics think. 1st three quarters will be a war, but Timmy and company take over in the 4th. Gators by 13.
Florida rolls over Kentucky on their way to Baton Rouge where this team, and pretty much the entire SEC, struggle. If there's one game I had to predict would be an L for the Gators, it'd be this one. LSU is very well coached and the crowd will give them all the help they need. By this point in the season, LSU's young QB, Jordan Jefferson, will either be running on all cylinders or will cause Les Miles to continue the revolving door from under center. For the Tiger's sake, they better hope it's the former. The Gators won't care. Their defense will roll and by this point in the season the offense will be clicking. Expect UF to win big in the Big Easy.
Arkansas is an intriguing match-up for the Gators. Bobby Petrino isn't without talent and is a very good coach. Why aren't more people talking about this game? I don't think Urban Meyer would allow his Gators to sleep on this one, but I have a funny feeling this game will turn out better than the Vegas odds will give it credit. UF wins, but Petrino will have them ready.
The Gators stomp through Mississippi State and their old offensive coordinator on their way to Jacksonville for the Earth's Biggest Open-Air Adult Beverage Consumption Fiesta (apparently, the SEC no longer wants people calling it the other way, but who're they kidding?). Don't kid yourself, Gator fans, this is a home game and although fate is on Georgia's side (they've beaten UF the season after UF wins a National Title both times) I don't see this game being close. Georgia's defense will keep them in it early, but you can't keep a defense on the field the whole game. Moreno and Stafford will be sorely missed. Richt is a good coach, but Meyer's still thinking of sticking it to him for the fiasco a couple of season's ago.
Vandy, @South Carolina, and Florida International will all be a breeze and will give Florida's back-ups reps for the upcoming future.
The hated Florida State Seminoles come into town to finish off the regular season. The Gators have beaten FSU five in a row and have a mental edge over the boys from Tallahassee. Expect the 'Noles to come off firing. Barring injury, they have too much talent to lay down. There's no way Tim Tebow loses his last game in Gainesville. Tebow will have the game of his career, giving the 200,000 fans (yes, somehow that many will get into Ben Hill to see Timmy's final game there) a show to put him down in history. Those tickets will sell for millions on Ebay and Gator fans will rejoice. UF by 20.
My upset prediction: This UF schedule is weak. They'll be favored in every game by 20 or more.
My team to potentially upset the Gators: LSU has the best shot over anyone.
Player to watch for: Junior Defensive End, Carlos Dunlap. This kid is a freak. Think Houston Texans' Mario Williams, but quicker.
Player who'll shock you: Freshman Linebacker, Jelani Jenkins. This young man can flat out fly, is very intelligent, and isn't afraid of contact. Don't be surprised if he's starting by years end.
Final Predictions:
Charleston Southern- W
Troy- W
Tennessee- W
@Kentucky- W
@Louisiana State- W
Arkansas- W
@Mississippi State- W
Georgia- W
Vanderbilt- W
@South Carolina- W
Florida International- W
Florida State- W
Tebow's dream comes true and this squad goes down as one of the best to play college football. They'll contend for the SEC and National Titles.
I'll do a quick one on Meeeeeeeechigan for my buddy Sean...
The only chink I see in Florida's armor is the offense. They're starting three new offensive linemen from a year ago and the wide receivers are extremely talented, but untested. The key to a successful offense starts with the monsters up front. The Pouncey twins will help anchor and unify this line. Gilbert has much experience, but is being phased out due to how well Carl Johnson's playing as well as the emergence of sophomore left tackle Matt Patchan, who a season ago was playing defensive tackle for the Gators. This unit is big, strong, and very athletic. Look for them to be a cohesive unit come Kentucky.
Am I forgetting something, or rather, someone? The reason this team seems to aggravate the college football world?
Tim Tebow is a born winner with limitless intangibles. He has proven his critics wrong over and again. This young signal caller has only one thing left to prove, a perfect season. And he has his eyes set on it, which means I feel sorry for the rest of the SEC and Florida's opponents.
Florida will blaze through their 1st two games of the season giving back-up and future starter John Brantley some much needed reps. Then the fun begins.
Lane Kiffin and the Tennessee Volunteers enter the Swamp with a gigantic target on their backs due to Kiffin's brilliant mouthing. Clearly, this young coach has never seen what Tebow does to smack talkers. Don't be surprised if you see the Vols do well early and often throughout this game. After all, it is a major SEC rivalry game and Tennessee's defense is no slouch. They will be physical and ready to play. It's their offense that Florida will absolutely punish. I know Gator fans want a 60 point blow out, but this game will be much closer than the critics think. 1st three quarters will be a war, but Timmy and company take over in the 4th. Gators by 13.
Florida rolls over Kentucky on their way to Baton Rouge where this team, and pretty much the entire SEC, struggle. If there's one game I had to predict would be an L for the Gators, it'd be this one. LSU is very well coached and the crowd will give them all the help they need. By this point in the season, LSU's young QB, Jordan Jefferson, will either be running on all cylinders or will cause Les Miles to continue the revolving door from under center. For the Tiger's sake, they better hope it's the former. The Gators won't care. Their defense will roll and by this point in the season the offense will be clicking. Expect UF to win big in the Big Easy.
Arkansas is an intriguing match-up for the Gators. Bobby Petrino isn't without talent and is a very good coach. Why aren't more people talking about this game? I don't think Urban Meyer would allow his Gators to sleep on this one, but I have a funny feeling this game will turn out better than the Vegas odds will give it credit. UF wins, but Petrino will have them ready.
The Gators stomp through Mississippi State and their old offensive coordinator on their way to Jacksonville for the Earth's Biggest Open-Air Adult Beverage Consumption Fiesta (apparently, the SEC no longer wants people calling it the other way, but who're they kidding?). Don't kid yourself, Gator fans, this is a home game and although fate is on Georgia's side (they've beaten UF the season after UF wins a National Title both times) I don't see this game being close. Georgia's defense will keep them in it early, but you can't keep a defense on the field the whole game. Moreno and Stafford will be sorely missed. Richt is a good coach, but Meyer's still thinking of sticking it to him for the fiasco a couple of season's ago.
Vandy, @South Carolina, and Florida International will all be a breeze and will give Florida's back-ups reps for the upcoming future.
The hated Florida State Seminoles come into town to finish off the regular season. The Gators have beaten FSU five in a row and have a mental edge over the boys from Tallahassee. Expect the 'Noles to come off firing. Barring injury, they have too much talent to lay down. There's no way Tim Tebow loses his last game in Gainesville. Tebow will have the game of his career, giving the 200,000 fans (yes, somehow that many will get into Ben Hill to see Timmy's final game there) a show to put him down in history. Those tickets will sell for millions on Ebay and Gator fans will rejoice. UF by 20.
My upset prediction: This UF schedule is weak. They'll be favored in every game by 20 or more.
My team to potentially upset the Gators: LSU has the best shot over anyone.
Player to watch for: Junior Defensive End, Carlos Dunlap. This kid is a freak. Think Houston Texans' Mario Williams, but quicker.
Player who'll shock you: Freshman Linebacker, Jelani Jenkins. This young man can flat out fly, is very intelligent, and isn't afraid of contact. Don't be surprised if he's starting by years end.
Final Predictions:
Charleston Southern- W
Troy- W
Tennessee- W
@Kentucky- W
@Louisiana State- W
Arkansas- W
@Mississippi State- W
Georgia- W
Vanderbilt- W
@South Carolina- W
Florida International- W
Florida State- W
Tebow's dream comes true and this squad goes down as one of the best to play college football. They'll contend for the SEC and National Titles.
I'll do a quick one on Meeeeeeeechigan for my buddy Sean...
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Upton, Rays Lack Guts
Forget about BJ Upton's sophomoric, whiny comments for just a moment. Forget that he's probably a distraction in the clubhouse with his sunken shoulder's and sullen face whenever he comes up to bat. Lets pretend he isn't 3 for 27 since being pulled out of the lead-off spot and lets act like we didn't see him get three strike outs in one game.
Lets just forget about BJ Upton.
I have an extremely hard time giving up on a talented kid like him. He's arguably the best defensive center fielder in the league and we've seen flashes of brilliance during his rookie campaign as well as the Rays World Series run last season. His upside is limitless, but I honestly believe that part of the Rays' slump is due to his attitude on and off of the field.
I know the starting pitching has been awful, the bats are inconsistent, and Maddon keeps making horrible decisions such as putting Willy at 2nd base (seriously, Willy...pick up your cement-block feet!), but it was long overdue for a change in the line-up.
I'd like to ask BJ a question: Why isn't it a "kick in the face" that Pena got moved from clean-up to 6th? Pena's taking his demotion with class and has been hitting the ball much better since the move. Why wasn't it a "kick in the face" that Bartlett was batting 9th, batting much better than you, yet never said a peep?
This team lacks the sand and leadership to get into the post-season. A guy like Cliff Floyd is definitely missed. Someone to straighten this young team out. Crawford, who, to me, is this season's MVP, is too quiet to be a strong voice in the clubhouse. Burrell's a veteran, but this isn't his team and he doesn't get a say because he's the new guy and he's playing poorly himself.
Playoff teams don't lose series. They don't lose to teams they should beat. Playoff teams are consistent and find ways to win. This team finds ways to lose.
This squad is full of quiet leaders. Leaders who go by the mantra that actions speak louder than words. Sometimes that just isn't enough.
Like I said, I hate to give up on Upton. I know, and every true Tampa fan knows about the "Tampa Curse." It's happened to us ad naseum. Upton will get traded or released and become a superstar elsewhere. If you know what I'm talking about, you know the list is long.
That shouldn't be enough to keep a sulker on the team. Sometimes it's just better to get a fresh start elsewhere.
I'm not saying that all of the Rays woe's are due to Upton, but he is just another unwarranted diversion.
For a team full of guys that want their play to do the talking, BJ sure lets his body language show his delicate side. Hopefully he, and the rest of this talented squad, can make a run and prove this blogger wrong.
Lets just forget about BJ Upton.
I have an extremely hard time giving up on a talented kid like him. He's arguably the best defensive center fielder in the league and we've seen flashes of brilliance during his rookie campaign as well as the Rays World Series run last season. His upside is limitless, but I honestly believe that part of the Rays' slump is due to his attitude on and off of the field.
I know the starting pitching has been awful, the bats are inconsistent, and Maddon keeps making horrible decisions such as putting Willy at 2nd base (seriously, Willy...pick up your cement-block feet!), but it was long overdue for a change in the line-up.
I'd like to ask BJ a question: Why isn't it a "kick in the face" that Pena got moved from clean-up to 6th? Pena's taking his demotion with class and has been hitting the ball much better since the move. Why wasn't it a "kick in the face" that Bartlett was batting 9th, batting much better than you, yet never said a peep?
This team lacks the sand and leadership to get into the post-season. A guy like Cliff Floyd is definitely missed. Someone to straighten this young team out. Crawford, who, to me, is this season's MVP, is too quiet to be a strong voice in the clubhouse. Burrell's a veteran, but this isn't his team and he doesn't get a say because he's the new guy and he's playing poorly himself.
Playoff teams don't lose series. They don't lose to teams they should beat. Playoff teams are consistent and find ways to win. This team finds ways to lose.
This squad is full of quiet leaders. Leaders who go by the mantra that actions speak louder than words. Sometimes that just isn't enough.
Like I said, I hate to give up on Upton. I know, and every true Tampa fan knows about the "Tampa Curse." It's happened to us ad naseum. Upton will get traded or released and become a superstar elsewhere. If you know what I'm talking about, you know the list is long.
That shouldn't be enough to keep a sulker on the team. Sometimes it's just better to get a fresh start elsewhere.
I'm not saying that all of the Rays woe's are due to Upton, but he is just another unwarranted diversion.
For a team full of guys that want their play to do the talking, BJ sure lets his body language show his delicate side. Hopefully he, and the rest of this talented squad, can make a run and prove this blogger wrong.
Monday, August 10, 2009
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)...
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)...
Friday, August 7, 2009
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.
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.
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