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September 14, 2013
September 14, 2013 by Leave a Comment
The Hot Seat: Lane Kiffin & Mack Brown
September 14, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Lane Kiffin
Lane Kiffin threw some gasoline in the fire when the Trojans fell 10-7 against Washington State at home, in the Coliseum. Then ranked 25 USC were 15-point favorites over the Cougars and a win seemed obvious in their home opener. The Trojan loyal were shocked, disappointed, and pissed as a team that once dominated the PAC-10 fell to a team that had won 3 away games in five years. Two words echoed throughout the Coliseum as the clock wound down and the Trojans fled the field-“Fire Kiffin”. Pat Haden has shut out the sounds of Trojan fans calling for Kiffin’s job previously, but he can’t ignore 90,000 chanting for him to be gone.
This time last year, Kiffin was coaching the number 2 ranked team in the country. The Matt Barkley led offense teemed with potential and the Trojans seemed poised to return to their former glory. Then came a loss to Stanford, another to Arizona, then Oregon, UCLA, and Notre Dame. The season culminated in an humiliating loss to Georgia Tech in the Sun Bowl were the Trojan players looked undisciplined, uncaring, selfish, and embarrassed. The frustrated players even had a locker room fight post game during which Kiffin probably hid behind his dad. The 2012 Trojans became the first team to be ranked #1 in the preseason AP poll to fall out of the top 25 entirely by season’s end. Kiffin had lost both his season and his the confidence of his team. Despite making history, and losses to rivals UCLA and Notre Dame, Pat Haden said he was 100% behind Lane Kiffin at the start of the 2013 season.
Kiffin’s coaching failures began even before the season started. The guy couldn’t even name a starting quarterback until week 3 of the college football season. It’s not like Kiffin didn’t know that Matt Barkley was leaving and that a new quarterback would need to be ready come this season. Kiffin has had THREE YEARS to decide who will follow Barkley and it still wasn’t enough time. When USC enjoyed success under Pete Carroll, the next quarterback was always ready to take over. The transition was smooth from Carson Palmer, to Matt Leinhart, John David Booty, Mark Sanchez, and finally Matt Barkley. It’s also not a good idea to fail to name a starting quarterback when you have the best receiver in college football on your team. Marquis Lee wanted to be able to establish chemistry with his quarterback before the season started. When asked about the quarterback situation preseason, Lee said that “This is crazy. I am still waiting” and was hoping for it to be decided before the preparation for Hawaii began. Lee began the season as a Heisman candidate but only has 15 receptions for 131 yards and zero touchdowns through two games. Kiffin’s inability to name a starter early has hurt Lee’s campaign and one of the weakest offenses in Trojan history.
One highlight of this season has been the Trojan’s defense under new defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast. Pat Haden kicked one Kiffin to the curb and has seen immediate improvement, so why wouldn’t shouldn’t kicking another help? Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin was blamed for many of the 2012 problems and was replaced by Pendergast this season, and what a change it has been. USC ranks first in rushing defense (15 yards per game) and sacks (11), and 11th in total defense. The defense has allowed only one touchdown in the two games that they’ve played. Kiffin can put absolutely NO blame on his defense and its looking like it may not have been the main problem last year. The loss to Washington State came from Kiffin’s inability to call offensive plays and properly scheme. USC’s two quarterbacks threw for a combined 54 yards and the rushing game ended with 139 total yards. Boos filled the Coliseum with every bubble screen and the refusal to make plays downfield. The Trojan offense could only get one touchdown on a team that previously allowed 31 points to Auburn. Kiffin’s play calling was more conservative than Dick Cheney and lacked any creativity. The only way he could get the Trojan faithful cheering was when they shouted for him to be fired in unison. The loss to Washington State falls entirely on Lane Kiffin and his seat can’t get any hotter.
It came out today that USC had a players only meeting following the loss to WSU. Kiffin wasn’t told and Marquis Lee said that it was about “staying positive and moving forward.” He said that “Kiffin don’t know nothing about it” and that it was a meeting for the players to discuss the future. There seems to be a lot of things “Kiffin don’t know nothing about,” such as players meetings, coaching, and keeping his team motivated and disciplined. Unless there is a massive turnaround for the Trojans, Kiffin will be left behind as USC moves forward.
Mack Brown
Lane Kiffin isn’t the only big name coach moving towards the door. Mack Brown and Texas took a rough 40-21 loss to BYU this past weekend. BYU Quarterback Taysom Hill racked up 259 yards and embarrassed the 15 ranked Longhorns. Rather than take responsibility, Mack Brown deflected attention over to his defensive coordinator Manny Diaz. Diaz was fired earlier this week and replaced by Greg Robinson. After their performance against BYU, the new coordinator might want to put an emphasis on tackling. This basic fundamental of football seems absent in Texas right now. Anyway you look at it though, Mack Brown is running out of people to put the blame on and Texas is moving in the wrong direction.
Texas is in the recruiting hotbed of the football world and its head coaching position has long been considered the best in all of college football. Mack Brown seemed destined to remain the Longhorns coach after multiple national championship appearances and his ass had been kissed more by UT boosters than the Blarney Stone. Texas’ mediocre performance these past few seasons have changed all that. The University of Texas doesn’t tolerate mediocrity, they expect to be in the BCS picture every year. Even more damning to Brown and the Longhorns is that they are no longer considered the top dog in Texas.
Texas A&M had long been considered the little brother of UT and a second thought to Texas football. Johnny Football and Texas A&M’s surge in the college rankings have changed all that. Texas A&M even out-recruited Texas in 2013, snagging the #11 recruiting class compared to Texas’ #24 recruiting class according to Rivals rankings. If Texas continues to be outperformed by A&M, all of those talented Texas recruits may look towards becoming Aggies rather than Longhorns. A&M is clearly moving in the right direction while Texas continues to flounder. The University of Texas has a reputation of being the elite Texas college, but that reputation may very well be in jeopardy.
Mack Brown is one of the most respected coaches in all of college football, but no one is irreplaceable (except maybe Saban). Brown is slowly running out of excuses, and he needs to get his team to perform the rest of this season if he hopes to save his job. There’s a sense of desperation in Texas as the Longhorns are reaching for any reason to explain their recent downturn. Eventually, Mack Brown will run out of any excuse beside himself for Texas’ performance. Fans and boosters will start to look for a change at the top in order to regain the prestige UT is accustomed too. However, Brown and Kiffin can turn down the fire that’s warming up their chairs. College football fans have short-term memories-if you win, all is forgiven. Both coaches are playing with fire and the rest of this college football season will show who gets burnt.
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Tye Masters
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College Football or Johnny Football
September 4, 2013 by Leave a Comment
The college football season kicked off this weekend and the opening week did not disappoint. In the weekend’s biggest game, Tajh Boyd and Clemson outgunned Georgia in an early season showdown. Teddy Bridgewater showed why people are talking about Louisville this season. Alabama’s special teams and defense outscored its offense. Seven FBS schools that scheduled FCS opponents for easy wins were shocked in upsets. And the most polarizing figure in college football made sure he continued to be talked about. Even though it was the first week of college football, the entire week was more about Johnny Football. Let’s look at this week in the Manziel saga.
THE SUSPENSION:
Dez Bryant has lunch with Deion Sanders:
Suspended entire season
Terrelle Pryor and four other teammates sell rings, jerseys, and awards for tattoos:
Five players suspended for five games, Ohio State later receives bowl ban.
Reggie Bush and his family receive money from sports agents Lloyd Lake and Michael Michaels:
USC receives two-year bowl ban, reduction of 10 scholarships a year over three years, four years probation, has BCS title vacated, and Bush has his Heisman revoked.
Johnny Manziel allegedly sells autographed memorabilia to broker:
Half-game suspension against the Rice Owls.
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Manziel began his week by bending over the NCAA. When the news dropped about Johnny Football’s suspension, everyone was thinking the same thing: that the NCAA infractions committee is a hollow organization that operates under no standards absent a double-standard. Am I mad that Manziel only received a 30-minute ban despite pretty strong circumstantial evidence? No, I’m even in favor of college players being able to profit from their talents. I mean the NCAA, colleges and everyone else is profiting from them, so why shouldn’t they? Manziel is truly a once in a generation college football player. Not only can he make a joke out of opposing team defenses, he can make a joke out of college’s leading organization. Apparently, Manziel can show the weaknesses of the NCAA as easily as he shows the weakness in other defenses.
The first weakness of the NCAA is that the NCAA has the investigative prowess of Helen Keller. Texas A&M and Manziel gladly accepted the half game suspension, basically admitting that Manziel violated NCAA rules in some way. Why take a punishment if you did nothing wrong? You can’t drop the hammer on someone when you don’t even have a hammer. Everyone on the NCAA investigative committee must have been the worst hide-and-seek players of all time, because they are incapable of finding anybody. To avoid embarrassment, the NCAA had to hand down some sort of punishment after it became apparent that Manziel received money for his autograph. A&M danced at the idea of a 30-minute punishment, and the NCAA showed itself capable of slapping wrists despite a high-profile case. Once Manziel received his punishment, I’m sure he called Cam Newton and they had a good laugh about the investigative powers of the NCAA.
The next weakness is that college football marketability and profitability overrule NCAA ethics. The NCAA couldn’t afford to hand down a harsh punishment to Manziel. Texas A&M will be playing Alabama in two weeks and every fan of college football demands Manziel to be in that game. That marquee game becomes ignored if Johnny Football doesn’t play. Big time players just don’t miss big time games. Look at the case of Newton. Newton was ruled ineligible for an entire day before being reinstated prior to the SEC Championship game and continuing to the National Championship. Pryor and other would be suspended players were handed down their punishments prior to Ohio State’s appearance in the Sugar Bowl. The NCAA however ruled that the players’ suspensions wouldn’t begin until AFTER the big-time game. The supposed ethical standards that the NCAA pursues can take a backseat when money comes into the picture. But hey, what can you expect from an organization that had Paul Dee as its committee on infractions chairman. Yes, the same Paul Dee that was athletic director of Miami during the Nevin Shapiro scandal (in which Miami players received benefits such as cash, prostitutes, parties and even an abortion) was the chairman of the committee that handed USC its crippling suspension. I don’t know if any of these people should be preaching about ethical standards.
THE GAME:
Manziel began and ended the game against Rice in timeout. Manziel served his suspension in the first half of the game and entered the second half with his team up by a touchdown. Manziel did exactly what everyone expected him to do once in the game. Manziel completed 6 of 8 passes for 94 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also scrambled for 19 yards on 6 carries. You can’t find much to complain about when a guy scores three touchdowns in a quarter-and-a-half. This is Johnny Football we’re talking about though, there has to be something for people to argue about. Manziel didn’t disappoint as he proceeded to talk shit to a Rice player and then point to the scoreboard, earning himself an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in the process. He then proceeded to arrogantly walk by his coach and take a spot on the bench. Matt Joeckel went back in for the final series of the game but you can’t argue that this is Manziel’s team.
Manziel is one of the most talented quarterbacks in college football and he knows it. He’s arrogant, egotistical and young. At the same time he’s a great leader, team player and aggressive. This young quarterback has the entire nation forming an opinion about him. Manziel’s teammate best expressed why people love him after the Rice game. A&M tackle Cedric Ogbuehi said, “He’s a fiery guy; that’s what we love about him. He’s not quiet. He’s not shy. He’s going to be loud and aggressive, and that’s what makes him Johnny Football.” Manziel’s aggressive, loud and in-your-face personality has won him millions of fans. Johnny Football is living the dream of every college guy. He’s a top quarterback, a celebrity and does pretty much whatever he wants. If you told me I was the best player in college football at the age of 19, I’d probably make some poor decisions too.
The same antics that have won over millions, have condemned him in the minds of millions of other fans. They see him as a careless, selfish and pompous young kid given the Heisman too early. No matter your opinion, nobody can argue the fact that everyone is completely fascinated by Johnny Football. College football fans around the world will tune in to see what happens next in the Manziel saga and watch him play. Love him or hate him, you can’t escape him. He’s at the very center of the college football universe and there is no bigger story. It’s early in the season and all we need to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride that is Johnny Football. College football is Manziel’s world right now, the rest of us are just part of it.
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Tye Masters
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Good,Better,Best:The Heisman Race
August 29, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Every year, there’s a player that takes over college football and shines above the rest. It’s hard to predict who will be best player in college football this year. After all, Johnny Manziel, Robert Griffin III and Cam Newton weren’t even on the preseason radar in the years that each of them won. The Heisman Trophy is one of the most exclusive fraternities in sports, and if you are deemed to be the best college football player, your name will forever be followed by “Heisman Trophy winner” (unless you’re Reggie Bush).
One can’t help but notice though that eight of the last 10 winners in the past decade have been quarterbacks, with the other two being running backs. So, is the award really given to the best player in college football? You can’t dismiss the argument that the Heisman has turned into a popularity contest given to the player marketed best on the best team. There is no way that in the history of the Heisman Trophy that the best player in college football was not a pure defensive player. Hell, I remember how dominant Ndamukong Suh was in 2009. He won the AP Player of the Year, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, the Chuck Bednarik Award, the Lombardi Award and the Outland Trophy Award, but finished decisively fourth in Heisman voting. Now Mark Ingram, Toby Gerhart and Colt McCoy were all good and dominant players, but you can’t say that they were decisively better football players than Suh. This might be the year the bias against defensive players changes. If young Jadaveon Clowney can perform like he did last season and match the hype, we may have our first pure defensive player win the award.
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Jadaveon Clowney, South Carolina
Position: Defensive End
2012 Statistics: 54 total tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, 3 forced fumbles
I don’t know if there has been a pure defensive player ever more poised to snag the Heisman Trophy than Clowney, who should be considered the best college football player hands down. Clowney’s hit against Michigan’s Vincent Smith during the 2013 Outback Bowl has gone viral and served as a coming out party to the world. Only a sophomore last year, Clowney wrecked opposing offensive lines, having half of his tackles go for a loss and recording 13 sacks. Clowney blew through double teams and may have been the No. 1 overall pick if he was able to declare for the 2013 NFL Draft. Even more impressive is the fact that he is setting sights on Derrick Thomas’ 27-sack single-season record and no one is doubting that it’s within possibility. If Clowney can have another highlight like he did against Michigan, he very well may get the hype to overcome the bias towards offensive players.
Heisman Make or Break Game:
Sept 27: South Carolina at Georgia
Clowney has a steep enough hill to climb by becoming the first ever purely defensive Heisman winner. If he stumbles out of the gate early against the No. 5 team in the country, that hill might just become impossible.
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Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M
Position: Quarterback
2012 Statistics: 3706 passing yards, 1410 rushing yards, 47 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, 155.5 QBR
Manziel may have had some off-season issues but don’t doubt that the guy will be able to play come September. Manziel led the Aggies to an 11-2 record and became the first freshman ever to win the Heisman trophy. Manziel has the Aggies carrying a No. 7 preseason ranking and in talks of a national title. So long as Manziel can avoid “Manziel disease” (a reference by other players such as Florida State QB Jameis Winston to the off-the-field issues) he could retain his Heisman belt. So long as Manziel can avoid taking pictures with money, getting drunk the night before he has to do something and getting filmed signing autographs while talking about cash, he should be fine.
Heisman Make or Break Game:
Johnny Manziel at the bar
Manziel’s biggest opponent this year is going to be himself and his off-the-field issues. If Manziel can keep his name in the headlines for his football performance rather than his off-field antics, he’ll have a chance at back-to-back Heismans.
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Braxton Miller, Ohio State
Position: Quarterback
2012 Statistics: 2039 passing yards, 1271 rushing yards, 28 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 140.5 QBR
In case you didn’t notice because of their bowl ban, the Buckeyes went undefeated last season. That record has given them the No. 2 preseason ranking. Miller may not have the greatest arm but he thrived under Urban Meyer’s system. If Meyer has shown us anything, it’s that he can make a Heisman Trophy winner out of a quarterback who can’t even throw. Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow still can’t throw but was one of the most dominant college football players of this generation. He may have turned Patriots preseason camp into a game of Survivor with everyone wondering when Bill Belichick will vote him off the island, but the guy could play college ball. If Meyer can have Miller lead Ohio State to back-to-back undefeated seasons, he’ll be a marquee name come Heisman time.
Heisman Make or Break Game:
November 30: Ohio State at Michigan
If Ohio State rolls into Michigan undefeated with Miller at the helm, this game will be enormous for his Heisman considerations. If Miller has a huge performance in prime-time, against a ranked Michigan team, in one of the most difficult places to play in college football, and with national championship implications, you can put his name on the Heisman.
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A.J. McCarron, Alabama
Position: Quarterback
2012 Statistics: 2933 passing yards, 30 passing touchdowns, 3 interceptions, 175.3 QBR
McCarron officially lives every man’s dream. He has a smoking hot girlfriend, two national championship rings and is quarterback for the No. 1 team. People may say Alabama’s running game and defense wins its championships, but McCarron has played well during his time at Alabama. If you look at the 30 touchdowns to 3 interceptions you cannot ignore his skill and success within the system he plays. If McCarron keeps the Tide rolling and gets his third national championship, no one will say that he isn’t integral to that team.
Heisman Make or Break Game:
September 14: Alabama at Texas A&M
Last year, Manziel made his Heisman highlight when he single-handedly manhandled Alabama in its own house. McCarron will need to establish himself early and return the favor to Manziel as the Crimson Tide head to A&M. If McCarron outguns Manziel, not only do the Tide knock off the No. 7 team in the nation, but McCarron knocks Johnny Football down in the Heisman standings early.
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Marqise Lee, University of Southern California
Position: Wide Receiver
2012 Statistics: 118 receptions, 1721 receiving yards, 856 kickoff return yards, 14 receiving touchdowns, 1 kickoff return touchdown
If one positive thing can be taken out of USC’s season last year, it’s the play of Lee. Lee emerged as one of the most dangerous players in all of college football, snagging the Biletnikoff Award as college’s best receiver. Lee has more potential to score than Ryan Gosling in a sorority house. Lee’s only disadvantage though is that he can’t get snapped the ball, and USC plans to play two quarterbacks in its opener against Hawaii. Lee can make a strong argument for being the best player in ALL of college football, and if he doesn’t win the award, it may be more the fault of his QB than his own.
Heisman Make or Break Game
November 16: USC vs. Stanford
USC gets to play Stanford in the Coliseum during mid-November. Stanford enters the season as the No. 4 team with plenty of talent on both sides of the ball. If Lee is high in the Heisman polls and can dominate against a stout Stanford defense, the voters will have to pay attention to the wide out. Stanford coach David Shaw will have his defense keyed on Lee as Shaw has referred to Lee as the best receiver he’s seen since scouting Randy Moss. The Trojans will get him the ball, it will be up to Lee to perform.
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Other Contenders: Teddy Bridgewater (Louisville), Marcus Mariota (Oregon), Tahj Boyd (Clemson), Aaron Murray (Georgia)
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College Football Top 25 Team Mottos
August 26, 2013 by Leave a Comment
We are officially a few days away from the kickoff of college football, meaning that my Saturdays will soon become incredibly unproductive. Coaches are planning, players are practicing and fans are buying gear and beer in preparation for the season. Every team is hoping for success, and success requires proper motivation. Coaches often come up with motivational sayings or quotes to inspire their team to victory. Here’s a look at what the mottos for the Associated Press’ Top 25 teams should be this year.
1. Alabama-“Roll ‘Bama roll”
Alabama enters the season as the early preseason favorite and for good reason. The powerhouse program has won three of the past four national championships and doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Head coach Nick Saban has the Crimson Tide rolling and you better ride the wave or get the hell out of the way.
2. Ohio State-“Win when it matters”
Ohio State couldn’t go to a bowl game last season, but Urban Meyer led them to an undefeated season. I would take that trade all day. Let’s see if the Buckeyes can repeat and get themselves into the national championship picture. Meyer began the string of seven consecutive championships for the SEC back in 2006, but his Ohio State team will need to win big if he hopes to end the SEC reign.
3. Oregon-“Win the day, especially when it’s in November”
Chip Kelly may be gone, but the Ducks still have high expectations for themselves. What has been the biggest downfall for the Ducks the past two years? How about losses in back-to-back years during mid-November. You don’t make the national championship game when you lose that late in the season.
4. Stanford-“Nerds do it better”
Just look in Sports Illustrated and see Stanford linebacker Shane Skov embrace his nerd-athletic freak combination. Not only can the Cardinal beat your football team, but they probably murdered your SAT score as well. David Shaw has run a hell of a program, keeping the Cardinal relevant through a coaching change and the loss of Andrew Luck. Stanford-Oregon will be one of the games of the year and just may be for a national championship berth.
5. Georgia-“Beware of Dawg”
The Bulldogs made it into the SEC Championship last year and very nearly knocked off Alabama. Georgia won games because of its offense and is bringing back 10 starters from that unit. Opposing teams’ defenses better be ready if they hope to stop the Bulldogs. Georgia will live or die though with its defense as eight new starters will have to face Clemson in their first game. If it makes it through the fire early, Georgia will emerge as a strong contender.
6. South Carolina- “WWCD-What would Clowney do”
Unless you haven’t seen SportsCenter in the past year, odds are you’ve seen Jadeveon Clowney’s ridiculous hit, forced fumble and bear-paw fumble recovery against Michigan last year. The future NFL No. 1 pick sets the tone for South Carolina and every player should try to mimic his inhuman athleticism. Steve Spurrier should tell every player to think what Clowney would do on the play — make the hit, grab the ball, dodge some bullets and score a touchdown. Clowney is so feared that he is the only man that can scream “go Cocks” while cheering for his team and no one will laugh. The Gamecocks have talent and that talent could lead them to a title game.
7. Texas A & M-“The Twelfth Man isn’t the guy asking for autographs.
Apparently Johnny Manziel thought the Twelfth Man was the guy who pays you for your autographs. Texas A&M is sitting in some hot water over the recent autograph fiasco and even implemented a new policy against signing memorabilia. The Aggies need to shift the media away from Manziel and focus on winning the SEC.
8. Clemson-“Live up to the expectations.”
The Clemson Tigers won 11 games last year and have earned themselves a No. 8 preseason ranking. If the Tigers can make it past Georgia in week 1, they will make a statement and start to expect more than just an ACC Championship. Clemson’s goal should be to the first team that comes to mind when someone says “the Tigers did well this week.” You’re ranked higher than LSU right now, try to keep it that way.
9. Louisville-“Never make an insurance claim.”
Lousiville’s hopes rest on quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and his $10 million insurance policy against a career-ending injury. If the Cardinals hope to enter the BCS picture, they’ll have to make sure that insurance policy never gets claimed. If you insured your expensive house, you better have a good fence around it. There will be a lot of pressure on Louisville’s offensive line to keep its house protected and safe.
10. Florida-“It’s MusCHAMP, not MusChump”
Nobody expected the Gators to go on the tear they did last year and coach Will Muschamp seems to know what he’s doing. Muschamp went 7-6 his first year, 11-2 his second, and he’s looking for a championship in his third.
11. Florida State-“I’m gonna get some cheeseballs anyway”
Jameis Winston has the potential to be this year’s Johnny Manziel, not only because his athleticism, but because he too has a huge personality. For instance, when asked if he would give up a national championship for a lifetime supply of cheeseballs (Winston is known to LOVE cheeseballs) he replied, “I would not, BUT I’m gonna get some cheeseballs anyway.” So, here’s to Winston leading Florida State to a national championship and getting those cheeseballs while providing us with more ridiculous quotes.
12. LSU-“We got Les but we need more offense”
The Tigers lost their games because of their lack of offense. The LSU defense was top 10 in nearly every defensive category and was the reason that it won as many games as it did. LSU needs Zach Mettenberger to play well and Cam Cameron needs to redeem himself for almost preventing the Ravens from winning the Super Bowl. The Tigers are going to need a little more go from the offense if fans hope to be cheering Geaux Tigers this season. We’ll find out their offensive skill early as the Tigers take on TCU in week 1.
13. Oklahoma State-“The best defense is having a good offense”
Oklahoma State better hope this is true because there are some major questions surrounding its defense this year. Its saving grace may be its offense where Jeremy Smith looks to continue where Joseph Randle left off and OSU’s endless supply of talented receivers continues with Josh Stewart. The Cowboys will need to avoid having their defense hold them back again this season if they hope to make any noise.
14. Notre Dame-“Play like a champion today, even though you couldn’t against Alabama”
Between the Manti Te’o embarrassment and the spanking put on Notre Dame by Alabama during the national championship, it’s easy to forget the Irish had an undefeated season. While the Irish went from unranked to BCS berth last year, they will need to do some serious praying if they hope to end up back there. Tommy Rees is back in the saddle at the quarterback position with Everett Golson suspended. Rees will need to vastly improve to give Notre Dame a 10-win season.
15. Texas-“Don’t mess with Texas, please Oklahoma?”
Few rivalries go as deep as the Red River rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma. Texas fans are fine with not winning a championship, not winning 10 games and losing in a bowl game. However, they HATE losing to Oklahoma, and the Sooners have now crushed them two years in a row. If Mack Brown and the Longhorns don’t step it up against Oklahoma this year, expect some heads to roll.
16. Oklahoma-“Boomer! Let’s play Texas Sooner”
Oklahoma will aim to win the Big 12 and make it three in a row against Texas. Even more important is for the Sooners to get back in the BCS picture. The Sooners are now three years removed from their last BCS bowl. This Oklahoma team lacks the usual preseason hype. I don’t see it making too much noise in the BCS and think it’ll have its hands full against Texas this year. However, if it pummels Texas three years in a row, Bob Stoops will keep Sooner fans smiling.
17. Michigan-“Defend the Big House”
The schedulers looked kindly upon Michigan this year as they gave it Notre Dame, Nebraska and Ohio State all in Ann Arbor. If the Wolverines can manage to hold down the Big House, it’s easy to see them in the Big Ten championship and potentially the Rose Bowl. Expect the Michigan-Ohio State game to potentially shake up the BCS picture, and for the Big Ten championship to be a rematch of the two teams the next week.
18. Nebraska-“Pound the rock”
Not only is this a saying on the huge rock by the Cornhuskers locker room, but it should ring true this year. Nebraska’s offense looks to be the most dominant in the Big Ten and will put up points all year long. With Taylor Martinez, Ameer Abdullah and Kenny Bell returning, the Huskers offense can be scary. The Huskers will move the ball, but their defense’s inability to stop it could ruin their season.
19. Boise State-“We still hate the BCS system”
It’s entirely possible for Boise State to go undefeated this year and still not make it to the BCS Championship game. Boise State moved to the Mountain West conference but its two most difficult games this year will be out of conference teams BYU and Washington. If you’re a good team joining a new conference, make it an automatic qualifier next time.
20. TCU-“No longer tadpoles, fear the Frogs”
TCU had a little bit of a rough introduction in its first year of the Big 12. The Horned Frogs will have an opportunity to make some noise early when they open the season against LSU. If TCU can beat LSU, they’ll set the tone for the rest of their season and put some fear in the rest of the Big 12 teams.
21. UCLA-“We want Mora what happened last year”
Last year was an incredible success for new UCLA coach Jim Mora. Mora won the Pac-12 South and defeated USC. UCLA fans couldn’t ask for much more. Mora may have a more difficult time winning this year with away games against Nebraska, Oregon, Stanford, and USC. Can UCLA beat USC in the Coliseum and show that LA’s football monopoly is over? Or was last year just a fluke?
22. Northwestern-“More is always better”
Northwestern had one of its best seasons last year and will try to build off of it. Northwestern takes the idea that more is better to heart. Not only does it hope for more wins, but its success comes from utilizing as many players as possible. Why use only one quarterback when you can use two? Let’s throw in three running backs and seven different receivers. The strategy kept opposing teams unprepared and uncomfortable, and Northwestern is hoping for more of what happened last year.
23. Wisconsin-“Jump Around”
Not only is Jump Around a stadium tradition for fans, but the Badgers will need to do it to be successful. With Montee Ball leaving to the NFL, Melvin Gordon and James White will attempt to replace the former leading rusher. If the ball hopes to move, the entire offense will need to jump around opposing defenders and into the endzone.
24. USC-“Fight On! And out of the embarrassment”
If it wasn’t for Marquise Lee, last year would have been an entire embarrassment for the USC football program. As a USC alumnus and fan, I watched my team plummet from preseason No. 1 to completely out of the rankings. Throw that in with an abysmal bowl performance and loss to UCLA and you have a failure of a season. Lee is arguably the most talented football player in the country and will be looking to further improve his draft stock this season. USC hit rock bottom last year, let’s see if it can fight its way back into the college football’s elite.
25. Oregon State-“Beavers are best at building”
The Oregon State Beavers had a quiet 9-4 season last year and will be hoping to build off that success. Mike Riley will have to show that last year wasn’t a fluke and that two teams may soon be relevant in Oregon. With games against Stanford, Oregon and USC, the Beavers will have their hands full.
We’re Going Bowling! In Depth Analysis of 2012-13 College Bowl Season
January 5, 2013 by 4 Comments
We’re going bowling!
WHO DOESN’T LOVE COLLEGE FOOTBALL SEASON!?
We are fast approaching one of the most exciting times of the year as college football bowl series is set to begin.
The Cover 4 is giving our readers the ultimate guide to this years bowl games. Our very own Sports Activist Zack Kay has predicted every bowl game of the 2012 season. Each game is complete with analysis, spreads, over/under and an alternate name to each bowl game! You don’t want to miss this. PERIOD……….
*Based on LVH odds as of 12/9/12
Saturday, Dec. 15
New Mexico Bowl
At Albuquerque, 1 p.m. (ESPN)
201 Nevada (7-5) vs 202 Arizona (7-5) -9½
Over/Under 76½
Alternate Name: “Who won’t give up 40 Bowl?”
Breakdown: Despite both teams sitting at 7-5, they like to give up points as much as they like to score them. Each team is giving up a rough average of 40 points per loss, and I don’t see that changing. Zona has the better resume, and will win a shootout.
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Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
At Boise, Idaho, 4:30 p.m. (ESPN)
203 Toledo (9-3) vs 204 Utah State (10-2) -10
Over/Under 58½
Alternate Name: “Child’s Play, Seed of Chuckie Bowl”
Breakdown: Consider this game Chuckie Keeton and Utah State’s way of putting the college football world on notice, and planting their seed to bust the BCS next season. USU has been quietly obliterating teams, with their two closest wins coming by 7 points, and the rest by an average of nearly 28. Their only two losses came on the road at BYU and Wisconsin, by a combined 5 points. Toledo has played solid this season, including an upset of Cincinnati, but they’re going to end up on the business end of this game.
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Thursday, Dec. 20
Poinsettia Bowl
At San Diego, 8 p.m. (ESPN)
205 BYU (7-5) -2½ vs 206 San Diego State (9-3)
Over/Under 49
Alternate Name:”Mountain West Defector Bowl”
Breakdown: With both teams recently leaving the Mountain West Conference (SDSU on its way out), there will be some familiarity to this game. How can you not take the +2 ½ in this one? With what is essentially a home game, and the Aztecs playing their best ball late in the season, I don’t think BYU, whose been on cruise control since accepting their bid to this game earlier in the season, will be able to pull this one out.
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Friday, Dec. 21
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl
At St. Petersburg, Fla., 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
207 Ball State (9-3) vs 208 UCF (9-4) -7
Over/Under 61.5
Alternate Name: “10 Wins or Bust Bowl”
Breakdown: This is going to be a solid game, with two good mid-conference teams trying to get to that magic number of 10 wins. When stepping up in competition this season, UCF handled themselves better than the Cardinals did, keeping it close with Ohio State for 3 quarters, and losing by 2 points to Mizzou. Look for UCF to pull away late and the game to get over the total.
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Saturday, Dec. 22
New Orleans Bowl
At New Orleans, Noon (ESPN)
209 East Carolina (8-4) vs 210 Louisiana-Lafayette (7-4) -5½
Over/Under 65½
Alternate Name: “Bourbon Street Bowl”……because I assume that’s where most of the fans will be instead of in the stands for this one.
Breakdown: These teams are like mirror images as far as where they stand, with solid offenses, and consistently inconsistent defenses. Despite the home state advantage, I think playing inside favors the Pirates a little more, and while I’m tempted to take the Over, I think it’s going to hit right below the number.
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Las Vegas Bowl
At Las Vegas, 3:30 p.m. (ESPN)
211 Washington (7-5) vs 212 Boise State (10-2) -5
Over/Under 45
Alternate Name: “Foreshadow Bowl”
Breakdown: This will be a preview of each team’s first game of the 2013 season. Boise comes in much more consistent on both sides of the ball, and after the Huskies’ last showing against Wazzu, I wouldn’t back them even if they brought Jake Locker back for this game. I like the game to get over the number, and for Boise to control the line of scrimmage with each unit.
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Monday, Dec. 24
Hawaii Bowl
At Honolulu, 8 p.m. (ESPN)
213 SMU (6-6) vs 214 Fresno State (9-3) -11½
Over/Under 59
Alternate Name: “June’s Not So Joyous Return Bowl”
Breakdown: Anyone else think Fresno could hit the over by themselves? The Bulldogs are averaging almost 48/game when they win, with an average margin of victory around 27. I’m sure June Jones is hoping for a nice experience in his first time coaching in Aloha Stadium since his departure, but I look for Fresno to put it on the Mustangs. Hey, at least he’ll get leid while he’s there.
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Wednesday, Dec. 26
Little Caesars Pizza Bowl
At Detroit, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
215 Central Michigan (6-6) vs 216 Western Kentucky (7-5) -5½
Over/Under 60
Alternate Name: “No Willy, No Problem Bowl”
Breakdown: Despite the departure of Head Coach Willy Taggert to South Florida, Western Kentucky should cover the spread fairly comfortably. All but one of the Hilltoppers losses (35-0 to Alabama), have been competitive, and come down to the 4th quarter, and they have some very quality wins. Despite playing in their home state, CMU’s defense just gives up too many points to keep them in this one. Playing indoors is going to help them hit the over.
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Thursday, Dec. 27
Military Bowl
At Washington, 3 p.m. (ESPN)
217 Bowling Green (8-4) vs 218 San Jose State (10-2) -7
Over/Under 45½
Alternate Name: “Best Mid-Major Matchup Bowl”
Breakdown: This is good matchup, and going to be a great game. Bowling Green comes in the 9th ranked points against defense in the country, and San Jose State has been a sleeper all season, dropping a 3 point loss to Stanford, and losing to 10-2 Utah State. BGU’s 3 losses came on the road, in the first 4 weeks of the season to Florida, VT, and Toledo, but since then, have been stingy defensively. I’d feel more comfortable with -6 ½, but with BGU playing a very good team away from home, I’ll take SJSU.
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Belk Bowl
At Charlotte, N.C., 6:30 p.m. (ESPN)
219 Cincinnati (9-3) -7½ vs 220 Duke (6-6)
Over/Under 60½
Alternate Name: “Rather See This Basketball Game Bowl”
Breakdown: 1995……That’s the last time Duke went to the post season in football, on a campus where basketball is king, relevance is something the Blue Devil football team has been searching for, for quite some time. Both of these teams have had their ups and downs this year, and while Cincinnati has played very good defense this season, Duke will come into this game with two things that have stayed consistent throughout the season, their coach, and their quarterback. The Bearcats come in with Butch Jones having high tailed it to Tennessee, and an inconsistent showing at the quarterback position. Not only do the Blue Devils want this more, they need this more, and will be playing in their home state. That’s why I feel comfortable with them covering the +7½.
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Holiday Bowl
At San Diego, 9:45 p.m. (ESPN)
221 Baylor (7-5) vs 222 UCLA (9-4) -1
Over/Under 80
Alternate Name: “Oxygen Bowl”……as in, what both defenses will be huffing on most of the game.
Breakdown: Both these teams can fill it up, and in San Diego, the weather should be permitting. I have to take the Under, simply because 80 points is a ton, but feel confident in saying that this could easily go over. This is going to be a fun game to watch, and while I think Jonathan Franklin will run for about 160, I believe Baylor is going to find a way to squeak this one out in pretty exciting fashion.
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Friday, Dec. 28
Independence Bowl
At Shreveport, La., 2 p.m. (ESPN)
223 Ohio (8-4) vs 224 Louisiana-Monroe (8-4) -7
Over/Under 61
Alternate Name: “What was La Tech Thinking Bowl?”
Breakdown: Ohio jumps into this bowl game by default, after the bonehead move Louisiana Tech made, in turning down the committee, and thus their 9-3 team missing a bowl all together. ULM has played some good ball this year against top talent competition, and their defense will be the difference in this one (Sorry James Kaikis).
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Russell Athletic Bowl
At Orlando, Fla., 5:30 p.m. (ESPN)
225 Rutgers (9-3) vs 226 Virginia Tech (6-6) -2
Over/Under 40½
Alternate Name: “The Hard to Watch Bowl”
Breakdown: VT was probably this season’s biggest disappointment, and even in the 6 games they won, were hard to watch some times. Rutgers started out at 7-0, but have dropped 3 of their last 5, and could’ve ended up in the Sugar Bowl if it weren’t for a string of bonehead decisions in their game against Louisville to cap the season. The Hokies should have this one in had by the final whistle, but don’t expect much scoring.
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Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas
At Houston, 9 p.m. (ESPN)
227 Minnesota (6-6) vs 228 Texas Tech (7-5) -13
Over/Under 56
Alternate Name: “Guns Up, Gophers Down, Bowl”
Breakdown: “Tubberville or not, the Red Raiders are going to ROLL in this one. TTU can score, and the Gophers, to put it lightly, can’t. I’m looking for a 3 score deficit in this game, with the Texas Tech offense moving up and down the field on Minnesota, but will take the under, looking at a final score of around 38-17. This might also be a great game to lay the points in the first half as well, especially if you can get 6½.
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Saturday, Dec. 29
Armed Forces Bowl
At Fort Worth, Texas, 11:45 a.m. (ESPN)
229 Air Force (6-6) vs 230 Rice (6-6) even
Over/Under 60
Alternate Name: “Run and Fun Bowl”
Breakdown: Both of these teams come into this game with dominate rushing attacks (AF 328 yd/gm and Rice 201 yd/gm), and I’m assuming they’ll stick with what they know. On paper it’s as close as they come, and I anticipate a turnover deciding the game. That’s why I’ll take the fly boys in this one, as military teams tend to be more disciplined with the football.
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Fight Hunger Bowl
At San Francisco, 3:15 p.m. (ESPN2)
231 Arizona State (7-5) -14½ vs 232 Navy (7-4)
Over/Under 56
Alternate Name: “Just Another Bowl Game”
Breakdown: There’s nothing to special about this one. ASU has had problems stepping up in competition this year, and the Midshipmen have as well. If you’re interested in seeing two promising young quarterbacks battle, with two drastically contrasting styles, then this one should strike your interest. ASU will pull out the game, but Navy will cover the number.
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Pinstripe Bowl
At New York, 3:15 p.m. (ESPN)
233 West Virginia (7-5) -4 vs 234 Syracuse (7-5)
Over/Under 74
Alternate Name: “Big East Basketball Championship Bowl”
Breakdown: If I told you that one of these teams has beaten the other,2 straight years, would you believe me if I said it was Syracuse? Well believe it. The Orangemen have won two straight over the Mountaineers (both fairly handily), and will be looking to do it again. There is going to be ton’s of talent on the field at wide receiver in this one, and the looks fairly appetizing, as West Virginia can’t stop a thing. Still, I think they find a way to win by a touchdown since those upstate New York kids are used to playing in their cushy dome in the winter.
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Alamo Bowl
At San Antonio, 6:45 p.m. (ESPN)
235 Oregon State (9-3) -2 vs 236 Texas (8-4)
Over/Under 57
Alternate Name: “Quarterback Carousel Bowl”
Breakdown: Sean Mannion, Cody Vaz, David Ash, Case McCoy. Who knows who’ll be under center for either team when game time hits, although the Beavers seem to be more set than their counterparts. This is a tough game to pick, and while it’s hard picking against Texas in their home state, I think OSU’s defense will be enough to scratch out a field goal win.
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Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl
At Tempe, Ariz., 10:15 p.m. (ESPN)
237 TCU (7-5) -2½ vs 238 Michigan State (6-6)
Over/Under 40½
Alternate Name: “Lost Potential Bowl”
Breakdown: With TCU entering their first season in the Big 12, and Michigan State competing in a Big 10 with an ineligible Ohio State and Penn State, both of these teams looked like they were in position to make waves. That all changed with the departure of Casey Pachall, and Michigan State’s inability to find the endzone without Kirk Cousins. This one is going to come down to field goal kickers I believe, but should be a good game.
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Monday, Dec. 31
Music City Bowl
At Nashville, Tenn., Noon (ESPN)
239 N.C. State (7-5) vs 240 Vanderbilt (8-4) -6½
Over/Under 51
Alternate Name: “Even Kiel Bowl”
Breakdown: Both of these teams (while Vandy is improving) seem to be unable to break past this grey area in their conferences, where they’re always just middle of the pack. The ACC has had a TERRIBLE time with SEC teams this year, but despite that, I believe NC State, if not win, can cover the 6½ here, with Sean Glennon heading to the Senior Bowl with one last win under his belt.
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Sun Bowl
At El Paso, Texas, 2 p.m. (CBS)
241 Georgia Tech (6-7) vs 242 USC (7-5) -10
Over/Under 63½
Alternate Name: “The Disappointment Bowl”
Breakdown: With USC preseason #1, and Georgia Tech poised to be a contender in the ACC (they played in the championship game, but only because Miami put itself on probation, and the Coastal Division was abysmal), both teams crapped the bed, a la Virginia Tech this season, with USC losing 5 games, and GT having to petition to even play in a bowl. Now they’re in El Paso, and let’s be honest, the people that live in El Paso, don’t even want to be there. This game will mean more to the Yellow Jackets, and they’ll play inspired, but it won’t be enough, and I think they’re secondary will get toasted in this one.
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Liberty Bowl
At Memphis, Tenn., 3:30 p.m. (ESPN)
243 Iowa State (6-6) even vs 244 Tulsa (10-3)
Over/Under 50
Alternate Name: “Déjà vu Bowl”
Breakdown: This game is a rematch of each team’s season opener, where the Cyclones put up a 15 point home victory over the Hurricanes. After seeing both teams play, I think the outcome will be close to the same. Tulsa has two very good running backs, and can churn out yards on the ground, but I don’t think their quarterback has the ability to win games for them if it comes down to that.
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Chick-fil-A Bowl
At Atlanta, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
245 Clemson (10-2) vs 246 LSU (10-2) -4
Over/Under 59½
Alternate Name: “Battle for Death Valley Bowl”
Breakdown: Ok, so my blood runs orange and I can’t help but be a little impartial in this one. Both teams are coming in off of great seasons, with Clemson coming off a not so great performance against South Carolina, and LSU having only lost to the number 2 and 3 teams in the country. LSU has been synonymous with “BCS,” and might be a little disappointed to be in this game which is why I believe Clemson can cover this 4 points, and might be able to squeak out the win. One thing is for sure though, and that is that this will be a very fun game to watch, with a tremendous amount of speed and talent on the field at all times.
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Tuesday, Jan. 1
Heart of Dallas Bowl
At Dallas, Noon (ESPNU)
247 Purdue (6-6) vs 248 Oklahoma State (7-5) -17
Over/Under 70½
Alternate Name: “Mom, Look Away. This Could get UGLY Bowl”
Breakdown: Take out FCS opponent Eastern Kentucky, and the Boilermakers haven’t beaten a .500 team this season, much less one with a winning record. The Cowboys come into this matchup with all of their losses coming to bowl bound teams, and three of those ranked in the top 15. At 2nd in the nation in both passing and scoring, I don’t see where Purdue will be able to find enough points with their mediocre offense to keep it close. The Boilermakers will need to run the ball effectively for four quarters to have a shot at keeping this one close. The first half might also be a good bet in this one.
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Gator Bowl
At Jacksonville, Fla., Noon (ESPN2)
249 Northwestern (9-3) vs 250 Mississippi State (8-4) -2
Over/Under 53
Alternate Name: “Sneaky Good Bowl”
Breakdown: This is going to be a good game against two scrappy teams. The Bulldogs started the season 7-0, but dropped 4 of their last 5, and even though 3 of them were to the top tier of the SEC, a loss to Ole Miss in their final game doesn’t have me very high on them. Northwestern is just fun to watch, and they have taken another small step forward this year, winning some good games, and nearly knocking off both Michigan and Nebraska. I like the Wildcats in this one, while Miss St is still trying to figure out what going on.
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Capital One Bowl
At Orlando, Fla., 1 p.m. (TBA)
253 Nebraska (10-3) vs 254 Georgia (11-2) -10
Over/Under 58½
Alternate Game: “Sea of Red Bowl”
Breakdown: If there is one thing that Championship Week showed us, it’s that Georgia is for real, and Nebraska is probably still picking turn out of their butts from getting molly whopped by Wisconsin. The Bulldogs edge out the Huskers in all phases of the game, and Taylor Martinez can expect to be looking up at the Florida sun from his back most of the game, with the help of Jarvis Jones. Nebraska will score enough to help with the Over, but not nearly enough to make the Bulldogs sweat the final in this one.
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Outback Bowl
At Tampa, Fla., 1 p.m. (ESPN)
251 Michigan (8-4) vs 252 South Carolina (10-2) -5½
Over/Under 47
Alternate Name: “Best Bet Bowl”
Breakdown: THIS IS MY BEST BET OF THE BOWL SEASON! This spread is just off, and I think it should be closer to 10-12 points. Michigan has not faced a defense like this since week 1 against Alabama, and we all know how that one ended, or when it ended…….1st quarter. Despite what he’s done in four years at Michigan, Denard Robinson will not like how his final game turns out, especially with the already diminished role he is playing in the offense.
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Rose Bowl
At Pasadena, Calif., 5 p.m. (ESPN)
255 Wisconsin (8-5) vs 256 Stanford (11-2) -6½
Over/Under 46
Alternate Name: “Snot Bubble Bowl”
Breakdown: This one is going to be brutal in the trenches, and I anticipate that both teams will combine for at least 65-70 carries with their backs. Both teams are impressively balanced, but the Badgers haven’t scored more than 24 points against anyone that has a defense with a pulse. Stanford has been impressive all season, and they are an inexplicable loss on the road to Washington, and a controversial call against Notre Dame away from being in an even bigger bowl game. The Cardinal do what they do, and wear Wisconsin down by the end of the 3rd quarter, and the brief return of Barry Alvarez (who they’re paying $118,000 for this game) will be for nothing.
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Orange Bowl
At Miami, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)
257 Northern Illinois (12-1) vs 258 Florida State (11-2) -13½
Over/Under 57½
Alternate Name: “For the Sake of the ACC Bowl”
Breakdown: For the sake of the ACC, not only does FSU need to win this game, but it needs to be decisive, and it needs to be violent, the type of violence that the 4th ranked defense in the nation is suppose to impose in all their games. If you don’t know the name Jordan Lynch, then you are not a true college football fan. Lynch is Jonny Football-esque statistically, and the only shot the Huskies have in this one. Despite how good Lynch is, and the type of magic he can produce on the field, he’s going to have to be David Copperfield to pull this one off. The Noles should, and will roll, and I believe the total should be covered as well.
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Wednesday, Jan. 2
Sugar Bowl
At New Orleans, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)
259 Louisville (10-2) vs 260 Florida (11-1) -14
Over/Under 45
Alternate Name: “Gator Bait Bowl”
Breakdown: Louisville played its best ball in the first half and middle of the season, but has somewhat struggled as of late with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater dealing with injuries. The Gators on the other hand, nearly ended up in the National Championship game, and are playing some of the best defense they’ve seen in Gainesville in quite a while. With a more consistent offense, Florida could be the best team in the country, and will most definitely be looking to improve that facet of their game in the practice time for this bowl. After watching both these teams throughout the season, I just don’t know where Louisville can find the ability to keep this one close.
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Thursday, Jan. 3
Fiesta Bowl
At Glendale, Ariz., 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)
261 Kansas State (11-1) vs 262 Oregon (11-1) -8
Over/Under 75
Alternate Name: “Chip’s Farewell Tour Bowl”
Breakdown: This has the potential to be one of the best bowl games of the entire season, if not for anything else, the fact that these boys are going to light it up. Optimus Klein is coming off his 3rd place Heisman Trophy finish, and will be looking to leave Kansas St in style. The Ducks have once again posted a one loss season to narrowly miss the National Championship, but seem to be back to firing on all cylinders, and will look to continue that as I predict Chip Kelly will be coaching in the NFL next season. Oregon is more used to these big games by now, and I think they’ll pull away late and probably cover the spread by a field goal or so.
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Friday, Jan. 4
Cotton Bowl
At Arlington, Texas, 8 p.m. (FOX)
263 Texas A&M (10-2) -4½ vs 264 Oklahoma (10-2)
Over/Under 71.5
Alternate Name: “Like Old Times Bowl”
Breakdown: These two teams are familiar with each other, and it’s almost weird to see them matched up in a bowl game. Heisman winners are 5-7 since 2000 in their bowl games the year they won the award, with the last three all posting wins. I believe the Aggies can and will win this game, but I look for the Sooners to cover the number and lose by a field goal (38-35 sticks out in my mind). Johnny Heisman has been ridiculous this season, and with a month to prepare, I’m sure Oklahoma will come up with a few ways to keep him off balance, but won’t be able to effect him for an entire game. Landry Jones has rebounded this year from being notoriously bad away from home, and I think his solid performance just won’t be enough to overcome the growing legend that is Johnny Manziel.
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Saturday, Jan. 5
BBVA Compass Bowl
At Birmingham, Ala., 1 p.m. (ESPN)
265 Pittsburgh (6-6) vs 266 Mississippi (6-6) -3½
Over/Under 53½
Alternate Name: “Above .500 Bowl”
Breakdown: Both of these teams have shown flashes of potential this season, while some probably feel Pitt has underachieved, and Ole Miss has outperformed their expectations. The reason this is such a tough game to pick, is that you just don’t know which Pitt team is going to show up, because they play great in the heavy underdog roll, but incredibly mediocre when they are expected to compete. With all things considered, and adding on the fact that Ole Miss has underrated team speed, I think the Panthers are going to fall short in this one.
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Sunday, Jan. 6
GoDaddy.com Bowl
At Mobile, Ala., 9 p.m. (ESPN)
267 Arkansas State (9-3) -4½ vs 268 Kent State (11-2)
Over/Under 62
Alternate Name: “Who the Hell is Coaching Us Bowl?”
Breakdown: With Gus Malzhan headed back to Auburn, and Darrell Hazell the newest coach for the Boilermakers, both teams will come into this game without the men who have lead them all season. These are two of the best mid-majors in the country, and should be an exciting game. Kent State makes a living with their ground game, but I think Arkansas State’s balance will be the deciding outcome in this game. They are as equally good on the ground as through the air, and the will keep Kent States defense guessing for most of the game.
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Monday, Jan. 7
BCS National Championship
At Miami, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)
269 Alabama (12-1) -9½ vs 270 Notre Dame (12-0)
Over/Under 41½
Alternate Name: “Legends Never Die Bowl”
Breakdown: It’s fitting that one of, if not the best bowl game of the year, will be in the National Championship game against two of the most legendary programs in college football. From Bear Bryant, to Knute Rockney, and Touchdown Jesus to “Roll Tide,” these two teams are not only historic, but have some of the biggest fan bases in the country. During a time in college football where scoring 50 is normal, arguably the two best defenses in the country managed to separate themselves from the rest. Notre Dame comes into this game on a mission, and I believe they have the ability to cover this spread, without going as far to say that they’ll win outright. The Irish’s lucky number is 5, and no, it doesn’t stand for Manti T’eo’s jersey, it stands for how many goaline touchdowns they’ve allowed all season. The Crimson Tide have been here before, and while they will ride their defense, they are not going to win this game without something special from AJ McCarron. I’ll be counting the days until this one.
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Zack Kay
Sports Activist for The Cover 4
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Showtime on the Strip – The Runnin’ Rebels
November 13, 2012 by 1 Comment
For the first time in two decades, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus is buzzing- and I mean buzzing! Excitement lights up the beautiful Vegas skyline as the Runnin’ Rebels kick off the 2012-2013 college basketball season. Loaded with talent (and high expectations), the Rebels basketball team hasn’t had a preseason ranking like this since the 90s; the kids are calling it Atlanta or Bust (The final four will be played in Atlanta this year).
For many, this is just the start to an another roller coaster college basketball season but for Las Vegas, its something more. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas is a university searching for an identity. UNLV, home of nearly 28,000 students, is treated much like a gloried high school as the majority of the part-time population come and go to class without sniffing anything the campus has to offer outside the classroom. The university lacks a campus feel as less than 1,500 students live in the dorms annually and the football stadium is nearly 25 minutes away. The university is starving for campus culture and a true college environment.
A few years back a friend of mine started the Rebel Nation, the first true student section dedicated to the involvement of the student population at sporting events. Although Rebel Nation was successful, the sports teams never fully took off and the group didn’t grow to its full potential. But Rebel Nation did do something very important for UNLV as it set the foundation for true student involvement. The Rebel basketball team began to become more competitive under Coach Lon Kruger and attendance at the games grew. Just a few years later, Coach Kruger left the Rebels and the team was searching for an identity. Insert Coach Dave Rice, former Runnin’ Rebel and the reason the hype is back at UNLV. With Rice (and a handful of college transfers from Kruger), the Rebels brought back the RUN and unleashed a masterful style of basketball that college basketball fans crave. The new (yet old) Runnin’ Rebel style of play was an absolute hit (as Kruger offense was very methodical and boring to most fans). A second coming of the Rebel Nation grew and gained steam; the Rebellion was born and brought a swagger to the UNLV student section that most had never seen or experienced before.
The Thomas & Mack Center was rocking each and every week for the Rebel Games. The Rebels were upsetting top opponents (like North Carolina- I was at that game and rushed the court! It was unreal). Basketball tickets, once easy to come by, were being sold for three and four times the face value. Rivalries grew, hatred developed, fan involvement grew and a university culture was beginning to form. Rice and his outstanding staff signed the best Rebel recruiting class in 20 years which included one top 10 player and four top 150 prospects in addition to two of the nations top transfers. Freshman Anthony Bennett, Katin Reinhardt, Savon Goodman, Demetrius Morant, and DaQuan Cook join transfers Khem Birch and Roscoe Smith to give the Rebels a chance at becoming a National powerhouse.
The Runnin’ Rebels bring back a solid squad including star Mike Moser, senior leader Anthony Marshall, defensive standout Justin Hawkins, big man Carlos Lopez, top reserve Quintrell Thomas and, maybe the most exciting of the group, USC transfer Bryce Dejean- Jones.
The Rebels look poised to not only make some noise in the Mountain West but at the National level as well. As the 19th ranked preseason team, it won’t be surprising if the Rebels crack the top 10 after Birch arrives in mid-December (oh I can’t wait because is he going to THRIVE in this offense).
If this team can gain the national spotlight and bring UNLV back to the top of the college basketball standings, UNLV won’t be a university searching for its identity; it will be a basketball school with something to cheer for. Go Rebels.
James Kaikis
Chief Sports Activist for The Cover 4
http://www.facebook.com/thecover4
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