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50 National Questions 09
Will OU be in the NC game in 09 read below to find out
4.7.09
50 National Questions for 2009
50. What Coach has the most Pressure on him in 2009?
A. Randy Shannon- Sorry, but 12-13 isn't going to cut it at "The U". Shannon has not only struggled to win games, but he's struggled to keep it close in many games. Why is Miami losing by double digits to Georgia Tech and NC State? Why in the last game at the Orange Bowl did Shannon lose 48-0 to Virginia. The Miami program has fallen hard and actually had lower attendance figures than Central Florida and South Florida. Miami plays at both USF and UCF this year, it's possible the program that was once the best in the nation might become the 5th best in its state. Heck, maybe 6th if Howard and the boys at FAU continue to improve. Note to Shannon......Tuberville is waiting
49. What Player has the most pressure in 2009?
A. Mitch Mustain(QB Southern California)- Mustain followed his high school coach Gus Malzahn(current Auburn OC) to Arkansas in 2006. After the Hogs were whipped by(ironically) Southern Cal in week 1, Mustain took over the starting job and went 8-0 as a starter. The Parade National Player of the Year at times looked great and showed his potential as a big time QB at the NCAA level. After a 1st quarter INT against South Carolina in week 10, Mustain wasn't really heard from again in Arkansas. Those closely associated with Houston Nutt sent Mustain some threatening emails and after Malzahn left to take the Tulsa OC job, Mitch decided to transfer. After watching on the sidelines the past 2 seasons Mustain is ready to take over the highest profile job in the country. With the job comes plenty of pressure for a 1st year starter and if he doesn't perform there is plenty of talent behind him to take over. This is likely his last shot at glory in the NCAA.
48. Who's the nation's most underrated player?
A. Zac Robinson(QB Oklahoma State)- In a conference that last year had Sam Bradford, Colt McCoy, Graham Harrel, and Todd Reesing it was easy for Robinson to get overlooked by the national guys. Robinson ranked #5 nationally in passing efficiency(ahead of Harrell) and passed for 3,064 yards last season. Not only can he pass, but he can also run. Robinson finished last season with 562 yds rushing to bring his career total to 1,553. More importantly, the Pokes had their best season since Barry Sanders won the Heisman.
47. Who's the nation's most underrated coach?
A. Mike Riley Oregon State- Riley continues to win at a place that for years has struggled. In the last 3 seasons the Beavers have won 28 games and appeared in 3 straight bowl games for only the 2nd time in school history. Last season Riley pulled off one of the season's biggest upsets by beating Southern California in Corvallis.
46. What's the biggest game nationally in 2009?
A. Southern California at Ohio State on 9/12/09- The loser is out of the national championship race and the winner will be an early favorite to appear in the NC game. The game has already been set up as an 8:00 EST national television game. You can bet college gameday will be in Columbus, Ohio for this one.
45. What assistant coach is most ready to become a head coach?
A. A. Bud Foster Virginia Tech DC- This man has been ready to be a head coach for a decade now. 4 of Fosters last 5 teams have been ranked in the top three nationally in total defense. Foster has won the Broyles award and the AFCA's top defensive coordinator award. 6 times Foster has been the defensive coordinator for a conference champion(3 Big East and 3 ACC)
44. What BCS conference team has the toughest schedule in 2009?
A. Georgia- The Bulldogs have to travel to Stillwater OOC and Atlanta to play Georgia Tech. They also play a home game with Arizona State OOC. To make things worse the Bulldogs are in the nation's top conference and this happens to be a year where LSU appears on the schedule in the West Division rotation.
43. What BCS Conference team has the easiest schedule in 2009?
A. Penn State- This schedule is a joke and it could comeback and bite PSU if there are 3 undefeated teams at the end of 2009. Penn State has OOC games at home with Akron, Syracuse, Temple, and Eastern Illinois. The Big 10 at best is the nation's #3 conference and that schedule is easy as well. Iowa and Ohio State travel to Happy Valley and the 4 road teams Penn State plays in 09 had a combined record of only 26-24 last season.
42. What game will be the highest scoring game in 2009?
A. Texas Tech at Houston 9/26/09- The 2 old Southwest Conference Rivals meet for the first time since 1995(UH leads 17-10-1). Texas Tech ranked #3 nationally in scoring offense last year with 43 ppg and Houston was #10 nationally at 40 ppg. If you love offense then tune in for this one
41. What team is making the smartest move in 2009?
A. Minnesota- Finally the Gophers have left the Metrodome. From 1924 to 1981 the Gophers played at an on campus stadium known as "The Brick House". This stadium was the home to 11 Big 10 titles and a few national championships. In 82 the Gophers moved the Metrodome and won 0 championships of any kind. The Metrodome many times would be half empty and even had an opposing team(Iowa) tear down the goal posts earlier this decade. The new stadium will not only be the newest in college football, but it will also give the Gophers a big homefield advantage in the late fall months. The new stadium will have a horseshoe design with a capacity of 50,00(expandable to 80,000). The total cost of this project is $288.5 million.
The Gophers New Home in 09
40. Who's the nation's top player
40. Who's the nation's top player
A. Tim Tebow (QB Florida)- Forget all the insane TD stats in his 3 year career. Its the leadership ability and toughness that makes Tebowl so special. Last season it was Tebow who took responsibility for the Gators loss to Ole Miss. He's a coach's dream and an opposing team's nightmare
39. Why is Texas traveling to Wyoming?
A. I don't know- The trip to Central Florida 2 seasons ago made sense as the Orlando, FL area is stacked with great recruits. This isn't the case in Wyoming. Not only is the area bare of big time recruits, but its also played in the highest altitude in the NCAA. Wyoming is also a team that over the years has shocked some BCS teams, and it doesn't matter how bad the Pokes have been. Ole Miss(twice), UCLA, Tennessee, and Virginia all have been upset by Wyoming since 2004. Texas is of course more talented than all 3 of these teams, but there is no advantage gained by Texas for playing this game. Doesn't help that a former Big XII OC Dave Christensen is now coaching in Laramie.
38. Dumbest coaching move in the offseason?
A. Boston College letting Jeff Jagodzinski go- The man goes 20-8, wins 2 divisional titles, and wants to interview for a NFL job so he's fired. Note to BC...... You have one of the worst traveling fan bases in college football(if BC had a game at Gillette Stadium only 5,000 BC fans would show up), you are at best #4 in popularity in your city, and you have never been an elite program. This isn't a bad job, but it isn't so good that you should fire guys for wanting to be a NFL coach. Heck, you should be honored that you had a coach that has the chance to interview for a NFL job.
37. Why does an 8 team playoff not make sense right now?
A. Travel for fans would be too tough in this economy- An 8 team playoff means fans would have to travel 3 weekends during the holiday season and that just isn't possible for most people. An 8 team playoff might be great for TV, but for those that love to travel and watch their team play this would be a traveling nightmare. Plus, there is no need for 8 teams. What #8 team at the end of the regular season has had a legit gripe about being #1? This is usually only a 3-4 team debate, never does it extend to an 7-8 team debate.
36. Then what's the solution for the BCS?
A. Have a 4 team playoff- It's all you need and traveling would at least by possible for fans. Have the #1 and #4 teams meet and the #2 and #3 teams meet at different sites during the 2nd to last weekend in December. Play it on a Saturday. It wouldn't take away exposure from the lesser bowls being played at this time, b/c those bowls would not be played on this Saturday. The winners of these games would be play 2 weeks later at another neutral site. 2 weeks gives fans plenty of planning time and it allows for the NYD bowl games to be played without any competition from the NC game. The host sites can be rotated between the Rose, Fiesta, Orange, Sugar, and Cotton(at the Dallas Cowboys new stadium)
35. What's the toughest place to play in the NCAA?
A. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium(The Swamp)- While the crowds at LSU are as rowdy and the Penn State white outs are a great site, it is hard to argue with The Swamp. Since 1990 8 SEC Championship teams have played in Gainesville and 3 national championship teams. The stands are very close to the field and due to its unique design, sound just doesn't escape the place. The humidity is always awful and you are to far inland to get any kind of a breeze from the coast. The Gator chomps, Go Gator cheers, 1 bit cheer, singing of "We Are the Boys from Old Florida", and an entrance video of a Gator killing its prey are just some of the things to witness while in America's new title town. Oh and don't speed on your way home through Waldo or Starke.
34. Will Notre Dame be back in the BCS in 2010?
A. Yes, but they will be whipped in their bowl game- The Hawaii bowl performance by Notre Dame has given many in the national media some hope for the Irish. Let's not get too carried away by that game though, it was against a mediocre 7-7 Hawaii team. This will be the first team at ND will all of Charlie's players and he has recruited well. The schedule is not difficult and outside of a home game with Southern Cal, the Irish's toughest game might be a road trip to Stanford. A 10-2 record should be expected and that is enough to earn ND a BCS spot
33. What is the newest trend in college football?
A. Big time Neutral site games- This has become a fun feature as of late. While these kind of games have always existed it seems as if the amount of games at NFL stadiums have increased recently. This season the Georgia Dome will host Bama vs Virginia Tech, The Cowboys new stadium will host Arkansas vs Texas A&M and Oklahoma vs BYU, San Antonio will host Notre Dame vs Washington State, St. Louis will host Missouri vs Illinois, and of course UGA will play Florida in Jacksonville, FL.......just to name a few.
32. What Non BCS team has the best shot to make it to a BCS bowl game?
A. TCU- The Horned Frogs have been the best Non BCS school this decade to not appear in a BCS bowl yet. A tough defense and a strong running game makes Patterson's group a legit threat in 09. After week 3 we may find out if this version of the Horned Frogs will make it to the BCS. The first 2 games are winnable road games against ACC teams Virginia and Clemson. The Frogs are better than Virginia and should win this game, but a road trip to Death Valley isn't easy for any team. Utah will go to Fort Worth and the toughest in conference game will likely be a road trip to play BYU. Boise State also has a shot, but if both teams are undefeated you have to pick TCU. The toughest road game for the Broncos will be at Tulsa.
Home to our pick as the Best Non BCS Team in 2009
Home to our pick as the Best Non BCS Team in 2009
31. How do the conferences rank this coming year?
A. #1 SEC, #2 Big XII, #3 Big 10, #4 ACC, #5 Pac 10, #6 Big East, #7 MWC, #8 Conference USA, #9 WAC, #10 MAC, #11 Sun Belt
30. Should the Mountain West get an automatic BCS Bid?
A. No, not unless they do the following- The MWC needs to expand to 12 teams. Since it doesn't appear the PAC 10 is willing to expand, then why can't the MWC. Add Boise State, Fresno State, and Nevada to the conference and you'd have a very solid football conference.
29. What team will be new to the BCS in 2009?
A. South Florida- The Bulls have put together some great recruiting classes the past couple seasons and with a great leader at QB, this will finally be the year USF breaks through. 2 seasons ago the Bulls got as high as #2 nationally, but folded. Leavitt's team will use that experience as a learning tool and win the first of many to come Big East Championships. Something that will be very interesting is how the Bulls play against instate schools FSU and Miami this season.
28. What team is certain to pull an upset in 2009?
A. Baylor- The Bears were certainly an improved team in 2008. Hiring Art Briles was one of the better coaching hires after the 2007 season. Last season Baylor nearly knocked off Missouri, UConn, and Texas Tech. QB Robert Griffith had one of the best freshmen seasons ever in the Big XII. He passing for 2,000+ yds, had over 800 yards rushing and only threw 3 ints. Briles is a great coach and this is only the start of great things to come for the Bears
27. What young defensive player is ready to become a star in the NCAA?
A. Travis Lewis LB Oklahoma- The 6'2 232 Sophomore was redshirted in 07, but made a huge impact in 08. Lewis was in the top 10 nationally in tackles, had 4 ints for 108 yds, and had 11.5 Tackles for a loss. He's been named Big XII player of the week and was the Big XII's defensive newcomer of the year. His 144 tackles broke Brian Bosworth's freshman record at OU.
26. What young offensive player is ready to become a star in the NCAA?
A. Darren Evans RB Virginia Tech- Last season as a freshman Evans rushed for 1265 yard and scored 11 rushing TDs, he also had 17 receptions. Evans helped lead the Hokies to the ACC Championship and the ACC's 1st BCS bowl victory in 9 years.
25.What true freshman on defense will have the biggest impact in 09?
A. Darius Winston DB Arkansas- The lack of defensive playmakers in the Hog's secondary will get Winston much more playing time than other highly rated DBs like Kilpatrick at Alabama and Loston at LSU. The 6'0 180 Winston had 8 ints as a senior and was rated as a 5 star DB by Rivals.com
24.What true freshman on offense will have the biggest impact in 09?
A. Stephan Taylor RB Stanford-Jim Harbaugh continues to improve the Cardinals and he landed a big time prospect in Taylor. At 6'0 180, Taylor rushed for 5,500 yds in his final 3 seasons in Mansfield, TX. Not only is he a great athlete, but also a great student posting a 3.83 GPA. As soon as he steps on campus he will be the most talented RB for the Cardinals and should make an impact right away.
23. Who made the best offseason coaching hire?
A. Wyoming- The Cowboys got a steal when they landed their new coach. Dave Christensen was on our top 10 coordinators to watch list last summer and is given credit by most for Missouri's high profile offensive attack the past several seasons. Rarely did Missouri lose games due to offensive decisions under Christensen, who has been connected to many larger job openings the past 2 seasons.
22. Who made the worst offseason coaching hire?
A. Clemson- When you fire a coach for lack of production like Clemson did Tommy Bowden, you do not go out an hire an assistant off that staff. Dabo Swinney was a position coach that no other school in the country would've looked at for a head coaching position. Dabo sold himself very well to the Tiger fans by kissing a rock and leaping into Brad Scott's chubby arms, but did nothing special on the field. The teams he beat, he should've beaten while being interim head coach. Agent Jimmy Sexton stated Clemson was the hottest job open in college football last year and many good, proven head coaches wanted the job, but Terry Don Phillips went with a position coach. Bud Foster, the nation's top DC for a decade now, openly stated he wanted the job
He sure does love Howard's Rock
21. Who will be the most improved team in 2009?
A. Michigan- A 3 win season isn't likely to happen at Michigan again for maybe another 50 years. Anytime a team changes systems there will be some struggles in year 1. Rich Rodriguez is a good coach and should have the Wolverines back in a bowl game in year 2. No reason to believe this team couldn't improve by 5 games in 2009.
20. What team's win totals will drop the most in 09?
A. Tulsa- Last season the Golden Hurricane won 11 games and led the nation in total offense. The loss of offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn will hurt more than Todd Graham expects. For the last 2 seasons this team has won with its offense, not the defense. Todd Graham is a defensive guy. The schedule is tough with OOC games against Oklahoma and Boise State. Plus in CUSA Tulsa must play both Southern Miss and East Carolina from the Eastern Division.
19. What sleeping giant is about to awake?
A. UCLA- Rick Neuheisel was the perfect fit for this job when it came open at the end of the 2007 season. His first 2 recruiting classes have finished #2 in the PAC 10 behind Southern Cal. Neuheisel has proven he can win big in the PAC 10 and will do the samething at UCLA. The good news for Bruin fans is that he's not leaving the place he once played QB at. Stability at the coaching position+a historic facility+a huge recruiting base= competition for Southern Cal.
18. What sleeping giant is in a coma?
A. Texas A&M- The Aggies should be a top 20 program every season. They have a great homefield, the best fans in CFB(along with Nebraska), tons of recruits to choose from, and plenty of money. But for whatever reason this program has been very mediocre recently. Mike Sherman was a shocking choice when selected as coach of the Aggies and isn't even the 3rd best coach in The State of Texas. Will A&M ever realize the potential power it can be?
17. Who has the biggest shoes to fill in 2009?
A. Jewel Hampton RB Iowa- Last season Iowa RB Shunn Green ran for 1850 yards and scored 20 TDs. He ended his Iowa career early electing for the NFL draft. Following in his footsteps will be the smaller, but quicker Jewel Hampton. Hampton ran for 463 yards last season and scored 7 TDs. Behind a physical offensive line, the Hawkeyes' running game should once again be very solid with Hampton.
16. Who is a darkhorse team to make it to the NC game in 09?
A. Ole Miss- 2 years ago this seemed unlikely, but few teams were as hot as the Rebs in 2008 at the end of the season. The Rebels play a very easy OOC schedule with the toughest game being against rival Memphis. In the SEC they play Bama and LSU at home and avoid Florida and UGA in the SEC East. If somehow they could pull off a huge upset in the SECCG against Florida, you could be looking at a legit NC team. Problem is that Houston Nutt has yet to prove he can win the big game and until he does question will surround his ability to win a conference title.
15. Who's a young coach that few are talking about right now that has a bright future?
A. Derek Dooley Louisiana Tech- In 2 seasons in Ruston Dooley has improved the Bulldogs from a 3 win team in 06 to an 8 win team in 08. Dooley is the son of legendary Georgia coach/AD Vince Dooley and the nephew of another good coach in Bill Dooley. Derek is a former recruiting coordinator for Nick saban while at LSU and was a position coach for the Miami Dolphins. He is a Virginia grad, so Al Groh might want to be careful this coming season.
14. What 2 coaches not coaching now will be in 2010?
A. Tommy Tuberville and Tommy Bowden- Both of these coaches are still too young to stay retired from football and neither has hinted that's what they will do. Tuberville will be the hottest free agent next year and will land a big name job somewhere in the southeast or the southwest. Bowden won't be as big of a hire, but his recruiting abilities will put him somewhere decent
13. Who ends the season with more wins, Paterno or Bowden?
A. Paterno- Both will have great seasons, but Paterno will finish the season 1 or 2 victories ahead of Bowden
12. Is the trend of electing assistant coaches as "Head Coach in waiting" a positive thing?
A. No. We've seen both FSU, Kentucky, Oregon, and Texas pull this trick to keep big name assistants in their program the last couple years. What happens if one of these programs fall on really hard times in the next season or 2? Fans are going to want the coach in waiting to take over. Plus, this kind of hiring practice isn't going to please anyone within the BCA as there will be no interview of other coaches(Yes, I know Joker Phillips is black). Another thing to consider is that the popular assistant taking over for the legendary coach has failed many times in college football history.
11. Why is the number 120 significant to CFB this season?
A. Because Western Kentucky is officially a D-1 member. The past few seasons the Hilltoppers have been a transition member of 1-A, but now they are available for bowl games and will compete in the SBC officially for the 1st time. South Alabama is also starting its first football season this year with a limited schedule. The Jaguars will eventually move into 1-A as well
10. What 1-AA program should move into 1-A
A. Montana- The Grizzlies last season had a higher average attendance than 24 Division 1-A teams. Tulsa, who won 11 games last season, only averaged 400 more fans a game than Montana. Washington-Grizzly Stadium is a very nice facility and is always packed. If the Grizzlies were in 1-A attendance would go up and you'd have to think either the MWC or WAC would love to add a new market to their conference. Montana is a tradition rich program with 3 NCs since 95 and 5 NC game appearances and with the support they get within the state they would be a successful team in 1-A. They also have one of the best logos in all sports
Home of the 1-AA Montana Grizzlies
9. Who is the best NFL prospect in the NCAA?
A. Bryan Bulaga LT Iowa- The Left tackle position has become one of the most sought after in the NFL. Traditionally Iowa has put out some good offensive linemen and this 6'6 305 athlete has been starting since he was a true freshman
8. With all the QBs this year likely to get the hype is there a RB that could challenge for the Heisman?
A. It's possible, but not likely- The hype with Tebow, Bradford, and McCoy might be too much for a RB to overcome. The powerful RB Jonathan Dwyer at Georgia Tech has pro scouts drooling and could put up some big numbers in Paul Johnson's offense, but he hasn't been on the map of most Heisman voters long enough. C.J. Spiller at Clemson has the flashiness to become a legit candidate, but his career has been so inconsistant at times. Joe McKnight might have the best shot as Southern Cal will be breaking in a new QB and McKnight will be depended on to carry much of the load
7. Is there a WR that could win the heisman?
A. Not this year, but don't be shocked if one does in 2010- The SEC has 2 fantastic WRs in A.J. Green of Georgia and Julio Jones of Alabama, but as sophomores neither will get consideration this year. Damian Williams of Southern California might be the best elgible pro prospect for 2010, but he has no chance of winning the Heisman this year
6. Who's the most explosive player in college football?
A. Noel Devine RB West Virginia- A native of Fort Myers, FL, Devine showed flashes of greatness in 2007, but it was last year where he broke loose. Last year he had 1289 yards rushing and caught 35 passes out of the backfield. Devine has a career YPC average of 7.4!!!
5. What does college football need to rid itself of?
A. About 10 bowl games- Last season there were 34 bowl games. Over half of CFB teams are getting into bowl games and that's just too much. Finishing 6-6 in the MAC or Sun Belt should not earn you a bowl bid.
4. Who is college football's best coach
A. Urban Meyer- Hard to argue with a man that has won 2 NCs, 3 BCS bowl games, and has had 10+ win seasons with 3 different schools this decade.
3. Who wins each conference?
SBC- Florida Atlantic
MAC- Buffalo
WAC- Boise State
CUSA-Southern Mississippi
MWC- TCU
Big East- South Florida
PAC 10- Southern California
ACC- Florida State
Big 10- Penn State
Big XII- Oklahoma
SEC- Florida
2. What 10 teams make the BCS?
LSU, Florida, Oklahoma, Texas, Penn State, Florida State, Notre Dame, Southern Cal, South Florida, TCU
1. Who plays in and wins the national championship game
A. Florida will play Oklahoma again- The Gators will again be heavy favorites to repeat as national champs. These 2 teams both have great leadership at QB, great coaches, good defenses, and solid running games. Penn State could be undefeated as well, but due to their pitiful schedule they will be left out of the mix. Florida will defeat Oklahoma and its senior class will rank up with some of the best in college football
A. South Florida- The Bulls have put together some great recruiting classes the past couple seasons and with a great leader at QB, this will finally be the year USF breaks through. 2 seasons ago the Bulls got as high as #2 nationally, but folded. Leavitt's team will use that experience as a learning tool and win the first of many to come Big East Championships. Something that will be very interesting is how the Bulls play against instate schools FSU and Miami this season.
28. What team is certain to pull an upset in 2009?
A. Baylor- The Bears were certainly an improved team in 2008. Hiring Art Briles was one of the better coaching hires after the 2007 season. Last season Baylor nearly knocked off Missouri, UConn, and Texas Tech. QB Robert Griffith had one of the best freshmen seasons ever in the Big XII. He passing for 2,000+ yds, had over 800 yards rushing and only threw 3 ints. Briles is a great coach and this is only the start of great things to come for the Bears
27. What young defensive player is ready to become a star in the NCAA?
A. Travis Lewis LB Oklahoma- The 6'2 232 Sophomore was redshirted in 07, but made a huge impact in 08. Lewis was in the top 10 nationally in tackles, had 4 ints for 108 yds, and had 11.5 Tackles for a loss. He's been named Big XII player of the week and was the Big XII's defensive newcomer of the year. His 144 tackles broke Brian Bosworth's freshman record at OU.
26. What young offensive player is ready to become a star in the NCAA?
A. Darren Evans RB Virginia Tech- Last season as a freshman Evans rushed for 1265 yard and scored 11 rushing TDs, he also had 17 receptions. Evans helped lead the Hokies to the ACC Championship and the ACC's 1st BCS bowl victory in 9 years.
25.What true freshman on defense will have the biggest impact in 09?
A. Darius Winston DB Arkansas- The lack of defensive playmakers in the Hog's secondary will get Winston much more playing time than other highly rated DBs like Kilpatrick at Alabama and Loston at LSU. The 6'0 180 Winston had 8 ints as a senior and was rated as a 5 star DB by Rivals.com
24.What true freshman on offense will have the biggest impact in 09?
A. Stephan Taylor RB Stanford-Jim Harbaugh continues to improve the Cardinals and he landed a big time prospect in Taylor. At 6'0 180, Taylor rushed for 5,500 yds in his final 3 seasons in Mansfield, TX. Not only is he a great athlete, but also a great student posting a 3.83 GPA. As soon as he steps on campus he will be the most talented RB for the Cardinals and should make an impact right away.
23. Who made the best offseason coaching hire?
A. Wyoming- The Cowboys got a steal when they landed their new coach. Dave Christensen was on our top 10 coordinators to watch list last summer and is given credit by most for Missouri's high profile offensive attack the past several seasons. Rarely did Missouri lose games due to offensive decisions under Christensen, who has been connected to many larger job openings the past 2 seasons.
22. Who made the worst offseason coaching hire?
A. Clemson- When you fire a coach for lack of production like Clemson did Tommy Bowden, you do not go out an hire an assistant off that staff. Dabo Swinney was a position coach that no other school in the country would've looked at for a head coaching position. Dabo sold himself very well to the Tiger fans by kissing a rock and leaping into Brad Scott's chubby arms, but did nothing special on the field. The teams he beat, he should've beaten while being interim head coach. Agent Jimmy Sexton stated Clemson was the hottest job open in college football last year and many good, proven head coaches wanted the job, but Terry Don Phillips went with a position coach. Bud Foster, the nation's top DC for a decade now, openly stated he wanted the job
He sure does love Howard's Rock
21. Who will be the most improved team in 2009?
A. Michigan- A 3 win season isn't likely to happen at Michigan again for maybe another 50 years. Anytime a team changes systems there will be some struggles in year 1. Rich Rodriguez is a good coach and should have the Wolverines back in a bowl game in year 2. No reason to believe this team couldn't improve by 5 games in 2009.
20. What team's win totals will drop the most in 09?
A. Tulsa- Last season the Golden Hurricane won 11 games and led the nation in total offense. The loss of offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn will hurt more than Todd Graham expects. For the last 2 seasons this team has won with its offense, not the defense. Todd Graham is a defensive guy. The schedule is tough with OOC games against Oklahoma and Boise State. Plus in CUSA Tulsa must play both Southern Miss and East Carolina from the Eastern Division.
19. What sleeping giant is about to awake?
A. UCLA- Rick Neuheisel was the perfect fit for this job when it came open at the end of the 2007 season. His first 2 recruiting classes have finished #2 in the PAC 10 behind Southern Cal. Neuheisel has proven he can win big in the PAC 10 and will do the samething at UCLA. The good news for Bruin fans is that he's not leaving the place he once played QB at. Stability at the coaching position+a historic facility+a huge recruiting base= competition for Southern Cal.
18. What sleeping giant is in a coma?
A. Texas A&M- The Aggies should be a top 20 program every season. They have a great homefield, the best fans in CFB(along with Nebraska), tons of recruits to choose from, and plenty of money. But for whatever reason this program has been very mediocre recently. Mike Sherman was a shocking choice when selected as coach of the Aggies and isn't even the 3rd best coach in The State of Texas. Will A&M ever realize the potential power it can be?
17. Who has the biggest shoes to fill in 2009?
A. Jewel Hampton RB Iowa- Last season Iowa RB Shunn Green ran for 1850 yards and scored 20 TDs. He ended his Iowa career early electing for the NFL draft. Following in his footsteps will be the smaller, but quicker Jewel Hampton. Hampton ran for 463 yards last season and scored 7 TDs. Behind a physical offensive line, the Hawkeyes' running game should once again be very solid with Hampton.
16. Who is a darkhorse team to make it to the NC game in 09?
A. Ole Miss- 2 years ago this seemed unlikely, but few teams were as hot as the Rebs in 2008 at the end of the season. The Rebels play a very easy OOC schedule with the toughest game being against rival Memphis. In the SEC they play Bama and LSU at home and avoid Florida and UGA in the SEC East. If somehow they could pull off a huge upset in the SECCG against Florida, you could be looking at a legit NC team. Problem is that Houston Nutt has yet to prove he can win the big game and until he does question will surround his ability to win a conference title.
15. Who's a young coach that few are talking about right now that has a bright future?
A. Derek Dooley Louisiana Tech- In 2 seasons in Ruston Dooley has improved the Bulldogs from a 3 win team in 06 to an 8 win team in 08. Dooley is the son of legendary Georgia coach/AD Vince Dooley and the nephew of another good coach in Bill Dooley. Derek is a former recruiting coordinator for Nick saban while at LSU and was a position coach for the Miami Dolphins. He is a Virginia grad, so Al Groh might want to be careful this coming season.
14. What 2 coaches not coaching now will be in 2010?
A. Tommy Tuberville and Tommy Bowden- Both of these coaches are still too young to stay retired from football and neither has hinted that's what they will do. Tuberville will be the hottest free agent next year and will land a big name job somewhere in the southeast or the southwest. Bowden won't be as big of a hire, but his recruiting abilities will put him somewhere decent
13. Who ends the season with more wins, Paterno or Bowden?
A. Paterno- Both will have great seasons, but Paterno will finish the season 1 or 2 victories ahead of Bowden
12. Is the trend of electing assistant coaches as "Head Coach in waiting" a positive thing?
A. No. We've seen both FSU, Kentucky, Oregon, and Texas pull this trick to keep big name assistants in their program the last couple years. What happens if one of these programs fall on really hard times in the next season or 2? Fans are going to want the coach in waiting to take over. Plus, this kind of hiring practice isn't going to please anyone within the BCA as there will be no interview of other coaches(Yes, I know Joker Phillips is black). Another thing to consider is that the popular assistant taking over for the legendary coach has failed many times in college football history.
11. Why is the number 120 significant to CFB this season?
A. Because Western Kentucky is officially a D-1 member. The past few seasons the Hilltoppers have been a transition member of 1-A, but now they are available for bowl games and will compete in the SBC officially for the 1st time. South Alabama is also starting its first football season this year with a limited schedule. The Jaguars will eventually move into 1-A as well
10. What 1-AA program should move into 1-A
A. Montana- The Grizzlies last season had a higher average attendance than 24 Division 1-A teams. Tulsa, who won 11 games last season, only averaged 400 more fans a game than Montana. Washington-Grizzly Stadium is a very nice facility and is always packed. If the Grizzlies were in 1-A attendance would go up and you'd have to think either the MWC or WAC would love to add a new market to their conference. Montana is a tradition rich program with 3 NCs since 95 and 5 NC game appearances and with the support they get within the state they would be a successful team in 1-A. They also have one of the best logos in all sports
Home of the 1-AA Montana Grizzlies
9. Who is the best NFL prospect in the NCAA?
A. Bryan Bulaga LT Iowa- The Left tackle position has become one of the most sought after in the NFL. Traditionally Iowa has put out some good offensive linemen and this 6'6 305 athlete has been starting since he was a true freshman
8. With all the QBs this year likely to get the hype is there a RB that could challenge for the Heisman?
A. It's possible, but not likely- The hype with Tebow, Bradford, and McCoy might be too much for a RB to overcome. The powerful RB Jonathan Dwyer at Georgia Tech has pro scouts drooling and could put up some big numbers in Paul Johnson's offense, but he hasn't been on the map of most Heisman voters long enough. C.J. Spiller at Clemson has the flashiness to become a legit candidate, but his career has been so inconsistant at times. Joe McKnight might have the best shot as Southern Cal will be breaking in a new QB and McKnight will be depended on to carry much of the load
7. Is there a WR that could win the heisman?
A. Not this year, but don't be shocked if one does in 2010- The SEC has 2 fantastic WRs in A.J. Green of Georgia and Julio Jones of Alabama, but as sophomores neither will get consideration this year. Damian Williams of Southern California might be the best elgible pro prospect for 2010, but he has no chance of winning the Heisman this year
6. Who's the most explosive player in college football?
A. Noel Devine RB West Virginia- A native of Fort Myers, FL, Devine showed flashes of greatness in 2007, but it was last year where he broke loose. Last year he had 1289 yards rushing and caught 35 passes out of the backfield. Devine has a career YPC average of 7.4!!!
5. What does college football need to rid itself of?
A. About 10 bowl games- Last season there were 34 bowl games. Over half of CFB teams are getting into bowl games and that's just too much. Finishing 6-6 in the MAC or Sun Belt should not earn you a bowl bid.
4. Who is college football's best coach
A. Urban Meyer- Hard to argue with a man that has won 2 NCs, 3 BCS bowl games, and has had 10+ win seasons with 3 different schools this decade.
3. Who wins each conference?
SBC- Florida Atlantic
MAC- Buffalo
WAC- Boise State
CUSA-Southern Mississippi
MWC- TCU
Big East- South Florida
PAC 10- Southern California
ACC- Florida State
Big 10- Penn State
Big XII- Oklahoma
SEC- Florida
2. What 10 teams make the BCS?
LSU, Florida, Oklahoma, Texas, Penn State, Florida State, Notre Dame, Southern Cal, South Florida, TCU
1. Who plays in and wins the national championship game
A. Florida will play Oklahoma again- The Gators will again be heavy favorites to repeat as national champs. These 2 teams both have great leadership at QB, great coaches, good defenses, and solid running games. Penn State could be undefeated as well, but due to their pitiful schedule they will be left out of the mix. Florida will defeat Oklahoma and its senior class will rank up with some of the best in college football
Matt Barber
dixiefriedsports@gmail.com
