Friday, August 28, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Jets Looking at Reggie Brown
From PFT:
After years of driving their fanbase crazy because of a lack of competent receivers, the Philadelphia Eagles may now have too many.
The Jets and Ravens are aware of this, and are reportedly "keeping a close eye" on the Eagles wideouts, according to Paul Domowitch of the Philadelhphia Daily News.
It's not clear what receivers the AFC teams are looking at, but Reggie Brown is the best guess. The 2005 second-round pick's career has slid the last two years, but he produced 1,596 yards with 12 scores between 2006-2007, so he's not without talent.
Well... I guess the Jets can't get any of the good wide outs on the market. What do Brandon Marshall, Dwayne Bowe and Braylon Edwards all have in common? All of them play for a team with a high-ranking person from the Belichick tree. And no one wants to upset Papa Bill.
Denver is coached by Josh McDaniels, Kansas City's GM is Scott Pioli, and the Browns are headed by our old friend Eric Mangini.
Before anyone says 'Hey, man! Mangini traded with the Jets so they could get Mark Sanchez!' I know... But the chances of another big trade between the two squads is very unlikely. Either way, the Jets would have to give up more than any other team if they put in bids for any of those three receivers.
Back to Reggie Brown: Dude's 28 and has had one OK season in Philly. If he couldn't breakout with the great Donovan McNabb passing to him, what makes anyone think that Mark Sanchez will put him in any better situations...?
--Max Caster
After years of driving their fanbase crazy because of a lack of competent receivers, the Philadelphia Eagles may now have too many.
The Jets and Ravens are aware of this, and are reportedly "keeping a close eye" on the Eagles wideouts, according to Paul Domowitch of the Philadelhphia Daily News.
It's not clear what receivers the AFC teams are looking at, but Reggie Brown is the best guess. The 2005 second-round pick's career has slid the last two years, but he produced 1,596 yards with 12 scores between 2006-2007, so he's not without talent.
Well... I guess the Jets can't get any of the good wide outs on the market. What do Brandon Marshall, Dwayne Bowe and Braylon Edwards all have in common? All of them play for a team with a high-ranking person from the Belichick tree. And no one wants to upset Papa Bill.
Denver is coached by Josh McDaniels, Kansas City's GM is Scott Pioli, and the Browns are headed by our old friend Eric Mangini.
Before anyone says 'Hey, man! Mangini traded with the Jets so they could get Mark Sanchez!' I know... But the chances of another big trade between the two squads is very unlikely. Either way, the Jets would have to give up more than any other team if they put in bids for any of those three receivers.
Back to Reggie Brown: Dude's 28 and has had one OK season in Philly. If he couldn't breakout with the great Donovan McNabb passing to him, what makes anyone think that Mark Sanchez will put him in any better situations...?
--Max Caster
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
College Football '09: Florida State Seminoles
Last Season: 9-4, 5-3, beat Wisconsin in the Champs Sports Bowl
AP Poll: 18
Coaches Poll: 19
Although the Florida State Seminoles may be on probation from the NCAA, don’t expect the program to roll over and enter the dark abyss of irrelevance. Head coach Bobby Bowden won’t let that happen. So while times for Florida State may be a bit harder these days, the culture of winning refuses to change. It is that gritty determination that has led Bowden to over 300 career victories.
The grit that defines Florida State was on full display last year. Despite loosing early in the year to Wake Forrest, the Seminoles found themselves in contention for an A.C.C into early November. Although those hopes died with a mid-November loss to Boston College, there is plenty of optimism in Tallahassee.
That optimism rests on the shoulders of quarterback Christian Ponder. As a sophomore, Ponder threw for over 2000 yards and 14 touchdowns. However, he will have to improve on his decision making and efficiency. Ponder finished sixth in the conference with a completion percentage that hovered a little over 55%. This number would not be awful if he had made better decisions with the football. But he didn’t. He threw 13 interceptions to go along with his fourteen touchdown passes. This number will no doubt need to go down if the Seminoles are to improve on a four loss 2008.
Ponder should have the time to make better decisions. Florida State returns an offensive line that is both strong and young. Not one of the big guys on the offensive line is a senior. While that doesn’t really affect the outlook this year, it further points out the depth that Florida State has on the line going forward.
The biggest hindrance to Ponder having a break out year may be the receiving core. Leading returning receiver Taiwan Easterling missed spring practice with a ruptured Achilles. Easterling caught 30 passes last season for 322 yards and only one touchdown. While he is reportedly good to go for the season opener, one can’t help but wonder if the injury will have any ill-effects early in the year.
Receiver Rod Owens has off the field issues after being suspended indefinitely because of a DUI charge earlier in the season. He is expected to only miss a game or two, but it’s still a bit of a question mark. Owens caught fifteen passes for 183 yards last season. Also look for Richard Goodman to return after missing 2008. Goodman, a senior, had twenty catches in 2007.
Combined with a quarterback that needs to improve and a shaky receiving core, the passing game will be something to watch closely in the first couple of games.
A running game that struggled last year will have to replace its leading man, Antone Smith. Last year, Smith averaged just over sixty yards a game last year. But loosing Smith may not necessarily be a bad thing. The young combo of Jermaine Thomas and Carlton Jones has excellent potential. Thomas ran for 482 yards on 69 carries last season, averaging seven yards per carry. Jones has explosive ability. While carrying the ball only four times in the bowl game, Jones gained 55 yards on four carries. A thunder and lightning type of attack can easily be seen with these two talents.
But the biggest job this season will be rebuilding a defense that ranked third in the ACC in total defense and fifth in scoring defense last season. Only three starters return from this shutdown group. Defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews is expecting a lot out of Kendrick Stewart, Jamie Robinson, and Patrick Robinson.
The losses of Everette Brown and Myron Rolle hurt this defense big time. Brown will be replaced by Markus White. White had 5.5 tackles for losses last season. As a former junior college player of the year recipient, White has the reputation, but needs to show that he can do it at a higher level.
The linebacking core will miss its two top tacklers. This means that they will be relying on Dekoda Washington.
The Seminoles are benefitted by the division they play in. Not one other A.C.C Atlantic team is ranked in the coach’s poll or the A.P top 25. Despite question marks on both sides of the ball, Florida State is still the class of the Atlantic. Once they get to the A.C.C championship game in November, they are probably toast, but a manageable schedule won’t keep them from at least playing for the title.
3 Games To Watch
September 7th- Miami (FL)- An inter-state rivalry to close out week one. Bobby Bowden used to talk about how much he hated this type of game to open the year. But even he can’t deny the major statement it would make. Miami is a program on the rise again and a win against them may look better on the bowl resume then it may have in years past.
October 31st- N.C State- Widely regarded as the Seminoles top competition in the A.C.C Coastal division, the Wolfpack boast one of the best quarterbacks in the country in Russell Wilson. He may be tough to contain if the defense doesn’t rebuild as smoothly as planned.
November 28th- @ Florida- This is an interesting game. It may not mean a thing for Florida State if the A.C.C Coastal is already clinched. But if it’s not completely, the Seminoles will be in the forever unenviable position of needing to beat the Gators. In November. On the road. OUCH!
Jordan Lauterbach
AP Poll: 18
Coaches Poll: 19
Although the Florida State Seminoles may be on probation from the NCAA, don’t expect the program to roll over and enter the dark abyss of irrelevance. Head coach Bobby Bowden won’t let that happen. So while times for Florida State may be a bit harder these days, the culture of winning refuses to change. It is that gritty determination that has led Bowden to over 300 career victories.
The grit that defines Florida State was on full display last year. Despite loosing early in the year to Wake Forrest, the Seminoles found themselves in contention for an A.C.C into early November. Although those hopes died with a mid-November loss to Boston College, there is plenty of optimism in Tallahassee.
That optimism rests on the shoulders of quarterback Christian Ponder. As a sophomore, Ponder threw for over 2000 yards and 14 touchdowns. However, he will have to improve on his decision making and efficiency. Ponder finished sixth in the conference with a completion percentage that hovered a little over 55%. This number would not be awful if he had made better decisions with the football. But he didn’t. He threw 13 interceptions to go along with his fourteen touchdown passes. This number will no doubt need to go down if the Seminoles are to improve on a four loss 2008.
Ponder should have the time to make better decisions. Florida State returns an offensive line that is both strong and young. Not one of the big guys on the offensive line is a senior. While that doesn’t really affect the outlook this year, it further points out the depth that Florida State has on the line going forward.
The biggest hindrance to Ponder having a break out year may be the receiving core. Leading returning receiver Taiwan Easterling missed spring practice with a ruptured Achilles. Easterling caught 30 passes last season for 322 yards and only one touchdown. While he is reportedly good to go for the season opener, one can’t help but wonder if the injury will have any ill-effects early in the year.
Receiver Rod Owens has off the field issues after being suspended indefinitely because of a DUI charge earlier in the season. He is expected to only miss a game or two, but it’s still a bit of a question mark. Owens caught fifteen passes for 183 yards last season. Also look for Richard Goodman to return after missing 2008. Goodman, a senior, had twenty catches in 2007.
Combined with a quarterback that needs to improve and a shaky receiving core, the passing game will be something to watch closely in the first couple of games.
A running game that struggled last year will have to replace its leading man, Antone Smith. Last year, Smith averaged just over sixty yards a game last year. But loosing Smith may not necessarily be a bad thing. The young combo of Jermaine Thomas and Carlton Jones has excellent potential. Thomas ran for 482 yards on 69 carries last season, averaging seven yards per carry. Jones has explosive ability. While carrying the ball only four times in the bowl game, Jones gained 55 yards on four carries. A thunder and lightning type of attack can easily be seen with these two talents.
But the biggest job this season will be rebuilding a defense that ranked third in the ACC in total defense and fifth in scoring defense last season. Only three starters return from this shutdown group. Defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews is expecting a lot out of Kendrick Stewart, Jamie Robinson, and Patrick Robinson.
The losses of Everette Brown and Myron Rolle hurt this defense big time. Brown will be replaced by Markus White. White had 5.5 tackles for losses last season. As a former junior college player of the year recipient, White has the reputation, but needs to show that he can do it at a higher level.
The linebacking core will miss its two top tacklers. This means that they will be relying on Dekoda Washington.
The Seminoles are benefitted by the division they play in. Not one other A.C.C Atlantic team is ranked in the coach’s poll or the A.P top 25. Despite question marks on both sides of the ball, Florida State is still the class of the Atlantic. Once they get to the A.C.C championship game in November, they are probably toast, but a manageable schedule won’t keep them from at least playing for the title.
3 Games To Watch
September 7th- Miami (FL)- An inter-state rivalry to close out week one. Bobby Bowden used to talk about how much he hated this type of game to open the year. But even he can’t deny the major statement it would make. Miami is a program on the rise again and a win against them may look better on the bowl resume then it may have in years past.
October 31st- N.C State- Widely regarded as the Seminoles top competition in the A.C.C Coastal division, the Wolfpack boast one of the best quarterbacks in the country in Russell Wilson. He may be tough to contain if the defense doesn’t rebuild as smoothly as planned.
November 28th- @ Florida- This is an interesting game. It may not mean a thing for Florida State if the A.C.C Coastal is already clinched. But if it’s not completely, the Seminoles will be in the forever unenviable position of needing to beat the Gators. In November. On the road. OUCH!
Jordan Lauterbach
College Football '09: Boise State Broncos
Last Season: 12-1, 8-0, lost to TCU in the Poinsettia Bowl
AP Rank: 14
Coaches Poll Rank: 16
After experiencing one of the worst overhauls of the last decade two off-seasons ago, Boise State responded with a campaign worthy of praise. Sure, they were a small school from the WAC starting a freshman at quarterback. Sure, schools like Boise State usually don’t whether turnover like large programs do. If the Broncos had a down year last year, it wouldn’t have been all that surprising. Heck, it would have fit right in with the typical ebb and flow of college football, especially for a non-BCS school.
But I guess the Broncos didn’t get the memo that a year of struggle might be upon them. Either that or they didn’t care. Behind freshman signal caller Kellen Moore, Boise State turned out a 12-1 season and finished 11th in the final A.P polls.
Like it always does, a rebuilding year (if you can even call it that) quickly morphs into a roster of experienced guys. Anyone wonder if Kellen Moore can be effective anymore? In his first year on the job, Moore threw for over 3,000 yards and 25 interceptions. This put him in the top 15 in passing in the entire nation.
Here’s a great Kellen Moore tidbit: his 3,486 yards were 7 more of number one draft pick, Matthew Stafford. He also threw the exact same amount of touchdown passes as Stafford did. That’s impressive. Based on the extremely reasonable assumption that Moore only gets better with experience, don’t be surprised if we are looking at a guy who will be a force in national college football for a few years to come. He is also on pace to potentially become an all-time Boise State great. Last season, his 69.4 completion percentage was the highest in school history. Sure, Bosie State isn’t Michigan or Notre Dame, but anytime you set a passing record in your freshman year, you’re on your way to being pretty special.
But don’t just assume that the stats for Moore will be exactly the same without a bat of an eye. He does have a major hurdle to jump over before he can guarantee himself another stellar year. Three out of Moore’s top four receivers are gone. Junior Austin Pettis quickly becomes the leader of the receiving core. Last season, Pettis had 49 catches for 567 yards and 9 touchdowns. While Pettis appears to have the ability to step into that number one role, the Broncos will need significant contributions from Titus Young and Tyler Shoemaker. Young is a good deep threat and showed as much in 2007. But because of a suspension, he missed ten games last season and is yet to log significant time with Moore.
While the receiving situation is something to look at, I don’t think its anything to be too concerned about. Kellen Moore showed last year that he could gel quickly with receivers. I would expect more of the same this season.
The running game will be one of intrigue early in the year. Perhaps the most recognizable Bronco, Ian Johnson, is gone. Now its up to Jeremy Avery and D.J Harper to fill the void. But have no fear. There is definite promise in both of these backs. Avery ran for 614 yards behind Johnson last year. The MVP of the 2007 Hawaii Bowl has amassed over 1000 carries in the last two seasons. As the number three option last season, D.J Harper ran for 265 yards. Not terrible for a number three.
The biggest question mark of the offense is the line. Because of a flurry of injuries, the Broncos used 11 starting line combos last season. This season, their were sixteen players vying for the starting gig. While an optimist would look at that as depth, one can also see mediocrity.
The defense should be very good again. A group that yielded just 17 touchdowns last season returns most of its starters. Watch out for junior end Ryan Winterswyk. Winterswyk had 11 and a half tackles and four and a half sacks last season.
The only spot on the defense that has a lot of holes in the linebacker position. The only returning starter is middle man Derrell Acrey
But a unit without holes is the secondary. This group should be fantastic again. Both Kyle Wilson and Brandyn Thompson return. They combined for nine picks and 16 pass breakups last year.
The questions for Bosie State are small. If a year with a lot of turnover produced a one loss year, imagine what a year with more experienced personnel with yield.
3 Games To Watch
September 3rd- Oregon- It’s not often when the biggest game on your schedule comes in week one. But for Bosie State this season, it does. Winning the WAC will not be a problem this year. I almost think that a WAC championship can be assumed at this point. I mean, who’s really going to challenge them? Nevada? Louisiana State? Don’t think so. The goal is a BCS bowl and that doesn’t come for a WAC team with a loss. The Ducks know how much Boise State needs this game and remember last year’s loss. So forget that it isn’t even Labor Day yet, this is the game of the year for the Broncos. What a way to start out.
October 24th- @ Hawaii- While the Broncos look to have the WAC in the bag, they do still have to win the game. It’s always tough to keep focused when you go to Hawaii and coach Chris Peterson will have to fill the Bronco’s players heads with thoughts of a trap game all week. Hawaii did win this matchup two years ago.
November 27th- Nevada- Most likely the final hurdle towards another WAC title. The Wolf Pack has a potentially dangerous offense and has been a factor in the WAC race the last few years.
Jordan Lauterbach
AP Rank: 14
Coaches Poll Rank: 16
After experiencing one of the worst overhauls of the last decade two off-seasons ago, Boise State responded with a campaign worthy of praise. Sure, they were a small school from the WAC starting a freshman at quarterback. Sure, schools like Boise State usually don’t whether turnover like large programs do. If the Broncos had a down year last year, it wouldn’t have been all that surprising. Heck, it would have fit right in with the typical ebb and flow of college football, especially for a non-BCS school.
But I guess the Broncos didn’t get the memo that a year of struggle might be upon them. Either that or they didn’t care. Behind freshman signal caller Kellen Moore, Boise State turned out a 12-1 season and finished 11th in the final A.P polls.
Like it always does, a rebuilding year (if you can even call it that) quickly morphs into a roster of experienced guys. Anyone wonder if Kellen Moore can be effective anymore? In his first year on the job, Moore threw for over 3,000 yards and 25 interceptions. This put him in the top 15 in passing in the entire nation.
Here’s a great Kellen Moore tidbit: his 3,486 yards were 7 more of number one draft pick, Matthew Stafford. He also threw the exact same amount of touchdown passes as Stafford did. That’s impressive. Based on the extremely reasonable assumption that Moore only gets better with experience, don’t be surprised if we are looking at a guy who will be a force in national college football for a few years to come. He is also on pace to potentially become an all-time Boise State great. Last season, his 69.4 completion percentage was the highest in school history. Sure, Bosie State isn’t Michigan or Notre Dame, but anytime you set a passing record in your freshman year, you’re on your way to being pretty special.
But don’t just assume that the stats for Moore will be exactly the same without a bat of an eye. He does have a major hurdle to jump over before he can guarantee himself another stellar year. Three out of Moore’s top four receivers are gone. Junior Austin Pettis quickly becomes the leader of the receiving core. Last season, Pettis had 49 catches for 567 yards and 9 touchdowns. While Pettis appears to have the ability to step into that number one role, the Broncos will need significant contributions from Titus Young and Tyler Shoemaker. Young is a good deep threat and showed as much in 2007. But because of a suspension, he missed ten games last season and is yet to log significant time with Moore.
While the receiving situation is something to look at, I don’t think its anything to be too concerned about. Kellen Moore showed last year that he could gel quickly with receivers. I would expect more of the same this season.
The running game will be one of intrigue early in the year. Perhaps the most recognizable Bronco, Ian Johnson, is gone. Now its up to Jeremy Avery and D.J Harper to fill the void. But have no fear. There is definite promise in both of these backs. Avery ran for 614 yards behind Johnson last year. The MVP of the 2007 Hawaii Bowl has amassed over 1000 carries in the last two seasons. As the number three option last season, D.J Harper ran for 265 yards. Not terrible for a number three.
The biggest question mark of the offense is the line. Because of a flurry of injuries, the Broncos used 11 starting line combos last season. This season, their were sixteen players vying for the starting gig. While an optimist would look at that as depth, one can also see mediocrity.
The defense should be very good again. A group that yielded just 17 touchdowns last season returns most of its starters. Watch out for junior end Ryan Winterswyk. Winterswyk had 11 and a half tackles and four and a half sacks last season.
The only spot on the defense that has a lot of holes in the linebacker position. The only returning starter is middle man Derrell Acrey
But a unit without holes is the secondary. This group should be fantastic again. Both Kyle Wilson and Brandyn Thompson return. They combined for nine picks and 16 pass breakups last year.
The questions for Bosie State are small. If a year with a lot of turnover produced a one loss year, imagine what a year with more experienced personnel with yield.
3 Games To Watch
September 3rd- Oregon- It’s not often when the biggest game on your schedule comes in week one. But for Bosie State this season, it does. Winning the WAC will not be a problem this year. I almost think that a WAC championship can be assumed at this point. I mean, who’s really going to challenge them? Nevada? Louisiana State? Don’t think so. The goal is a BCS bowl and that doesn’t come for a WAC team with a loss. The Ducks know how much Boise State needs this game and remember last year’s loss. So forget that it isn’t even Labor Day yet, this is the game of the year for the Broncos. What a way to start out.
October 24th- @ Hawaii- While the Broncos look to have the WAC in the bag, they do still have to win the game. It’s always tough to keep focused when you go to Hawaii and coach Chris Peterson will have to fill the Bronco’s players heads with thoughts of a trap game all week. Hawaii did win this matchup two years ago.
November 27th- Nevada- Most likely the final hurdle towards another WAC title. The Wolf Pack has a potentially dangerous offense and has been a factor in the WAC race the last few years.
Jordan Lauterbach
Sunday, August 23, 2009
College Football '09: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Last Season: 9-4, 5-3, lost to LSU in Chick-fil-A Bowl
Coaches and AP Poll: 15
There is no denying that the loss of Darren Evens at Virginia Tech opens up the A.C.C Coastal division. While I still believe that the Hokies are still the class of the conference, I have my questions about the offense without Evens.
One of the teams that could benefit from a Virginia Tech team that is a little less scary is Georgia Tech. Like the Hokies, the Yellow Jackets offense is defined by an outstanding running game. But unlike the Hokies, that running game is completely healthy.
Known as one of the best running backs in the country, Jonathan Dwyer returns as the defending A.C.C player of the year. Dwyer ran for 1395 yards last season and found the endzone 12 times. He finished twelfth in the country in rushing yards.
What’s scary about Dwyer is that he figures to be even better this season. The junior is ten pounds lighter this season. He expects that the drop in pounds will only improve his game, which boasts an incredible balance of power running and speed.
By Jonathan Dwyer is not the only aspect of this rushing attack that will scare opposing defenses. Dwyer’s counterpart in a running game that ranked fourth in the country last year is Roddy Jones. Last year, Jones ran for 690 yards and four touchdowns. Also keep an eye out for Louisville transfer Anthony Allen. Allen has racked up over 1000 yards in his last two years with the Cardinals.
But Georgia Tech’s running attack doesn’t end with Dwyer, Jones, and Allen. Quarterback Josh Nesbit is far more dangerous with his legs than with his arms. Despite missing two games with injury, Nesbit was second on the team with 693 yards. To give a sense of how important Nesbit is to the running game, consider that Jonathan Dwyer carried the football only 28 more times than Nesbit last season.
Two question marks exist on the offensive side of the ball. One is the offensive line. Georgia Tech, despite having an outstanding rushing game, did not have a fantastic offense line. Add in the loss of David Brown and Andrew Gardner and that could equal even more question marks for Tech. The offensive line will have to rely on new blood stepping in and playing effectively alongside Dan Voss and Cord Howard on the line.
The second question mark is not as big, but still warrants a look. The passing game. If the Chick-fil-A showed anything about the Yellow Jackets, its that the offense is fairly one dimensional. In a 38-3 loss to LSU, Georgia Tech’s offense was shut down. Although Jonathan Dwyer averaged over 6 yards a carry, but only touched the ball out of the backfield ten times. Both Josh Nesbit and Roddy Jones were stifled.
If the running game is shut down, the passing game doesn’t provide much relief. In the bowl loss, Nesbit completed only eight of twenty four passes and threw one interception. This stat line was not tremendously out of the ordinary for Nesbit either. Last season, the quarterback completed less than fifty percent of his passes and had a touchdown to interception ratio of 2-5. He was also sacked twelve times.
This gives some credence to the theory that last year’s offensive success isn’t necessarily set up to continue. Being only head coach Paul Johnson’s second season, these players were not recruited to play in this system. Some insiders wonder how much of last year was a fluke.
I don’t think an offense with a back as good as Jonathan Dwyer can ever be a fluke, but I do have my questions about how this team stacks up against good rush defenses.
Defensively, the Yellow Jackets boast one of the best secondaries in the A.C.C. All-American safety Morgan Burnett grabbed seven interceptions last season. Cornerback Rashaad Reid and Cooper Taylor also return. But perhaps the most intriguing player on Georgia Tech’s defense is Jerrard Tarrant. Tarrant was suspended last season and redshirted in 2007. He had a great spring and is poised for a big year.
While the defensive line lost three starters, it returns end Derrick Morgan who had seven sacks last year.
Georgia Tech’s running game is the best in the A.C.C coastal division. Assuming the Yellow Jackets regain that offensive production, the defense looks to be good enough to at least challenge Virginia Tech.
3 Games To Watch
September 26th- North Carolina- A tough defense strolls into Atlanta one week after what may be a tougher game then people think against Miami. A win here would show a lot in terms of the A.C.C coastal division race.
October 10th- @ Florida State- The toughest road game of the season. Florida State is predicted to be the class of the A.C.C Atlantic division. With the Va.Tech game looming, this would be an awful time to look ahead.
October 17th- Virginia Tech- This may be the battle for the division. Virginia Tech has a heck of a run defense and may cause a lot of problems for this offense.
Jordan Lauterbach
Coaches and AP Poll: 15
There is no denying that the loss of Darren Evens at Virginia Tech opens up the A.C.C Coastal division. While I still believe that the Hokies are still the class of the conference, I have my questions about the offense without Evens.
One of the teams that could benefit from a Virginia Tech team that is a little less scary is Georgia Tech. Like the Hokies, the Yellow Jackets offense is defined by an outstanding running game. But unlike the Hokies, that running game is completely healthy.
Known as one of the best running backs in the country, Jonathan Dwyer returns as the defending A.C.C player of the year. Dwyer ran for 1395 yards last season and found the endzone 12 times. He finished twelfth in the country in rushing yards.
What’s scary about Dwyer is that he figures to be even better this season. The junior is ten pounds lighter this season. He expects that the drop in pounds will only improve his game, which boasts an incredible balance of power running and speed.
By Jonathan Dwyer is not the only aspect of this rushing attack that will scare opposing defenses. Dwyer’s counterpart in a running game that ranked fourth in the country last year is Roddy Jones. Last year, Jones ran for 690 yards and four touchdowns. Also keep an eye out for Louisville transfer Anthony Allen. Allen has racked up over 1000 yards in his last two years with the Cardinals.
But Georgia Tech’s running attack doesn’t end with Dwyer, Jones, and Allen. Quarterback Josh Nesbit is far more dangerous with his legs than with his arms. Despite missing two games with injury, Nesbit was second on the team with 693 yards. To give a sense of how important Nesbit is to the running game, consider that Jonathan Dwyer carried the football only 28 more times than Nesbit last season.
Two question marks exist on the offensive side of the ball. One is the offensive line. Georgia Tech, despite having an outstanding rushing game, did not have a fantastic offense line. Add in the loss of David Brown and Andrew Gardner and that could equal even more question marks for Tech. The offensive line will have to rely on new blood stepping in and playing effectively alongside Dan Voss and Cord Howard on the line.
The second question mark is not as big, but still warrants a look. The passing game. If the Chick-fil-A showed anything about the Yellow Jackets, its that the offense is fairly one dimensional. In a 38-3 loss to LSU, Georgia Tech’s offense was shut down. Although Jonathan Dwyer averaged over 6 yards a carry, but only touched the ball out of the backfield ten times. Both Josh Nesbit and Roddy Jones were stifled.
If the running game is shut down, the passing game doesn’t provide much relief. In the bowl loss, Nesbit completed only eight of twenty four passes and threw one interception. This stat line was not tremendously out of the ordinary for Nesbit either. Last season, the quarterback completed less than fifty percent of his passes and had a touchdown to interception ratio of 2-5. He was also sacked twelve times.
This gives some credence to the theory that last year’s offensive success isn’t necessarily set up to continue. Being only head coach Paul Johnson’s second season, these players were not recruited to play in this system. Some insiders wonder how much of last year was a fluke.
I don’t think an offense with a back as good as Jonathan Dwyer can ever be a fluke, but I do have my questions about how this team stacks up against good rush defenses.
Defensively, the Yellow Jackets boast one of the best secondaries in the A.C.C. All-American safety Morgan Burnett grabbed seven interceptions last season. Cornerback Rashaad Reid and Cooper Taylor also return. But perhaps the most intriguing player on Georgia Tech’s defense is Jerrard Tarrant. Tarrant was suspended last season and redshirted in 2007. He had a great spring and is poised for a big year.
While the defensive line lost three starters, it returns end Derrick Morgan who had seven sacks last year.
Georgia Tech’s running game is the best in the A.C.C coastal division. Assuming the Yellow Jackets regain that offensive production, the defense looks to be good enough to at least challenge Virginia Tech.
3 Games To Watch
September 26th- North Carolina- A tough defense strolls into Atlanta one week after what may be a tougher game then people think against Miami. A win here would show a lot in terms of the A.C.C coastal division race.
October 10th- @ Florida State- The toughest road game of the season. Florida State is predicted to be the class of the A.C.C Atlantic division. With the Va.Tech game looming, this would be an awful time to look ahead.
October 17th- Virginia Tech- This may be the battle for the division. Virginia Tech has a heck of a run defense and may cause a lot of problems for this offense.
Jordan Lauterbach
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Rex: Sanchez will get Most Reps on Monday
From Bob Glauber's Twitter:
Jets coach Rex Ryan on Sanchez reps for Monday vs. Baltimore: "I could see Sanchez getting the majority of the reps in this one."
My schedule for Monday night is now officially cleared. All the Mark Sanchez I can handle... I'm pumped!
Oh, and I'll bet Sanchez's first two drives will be better than Brett Favre's. Any takers?
--Mark Sanchez mania is spreading. On eBay, there are a pair of Sanchez earrings. I might get my ears pierced just so I can rock these:
--Max Caster
College Football '09: Oregon Ducks
Last Season: 10-3, 7-2, lost to Oklahoma State in the Pacific Life Bowl
Coaches Poll: 14
On top of trying to patch up a defense that lost some key starters, the Oregon Ducks are in the process of learning the ins and outs of a new head coach. Sure, the face is familiar. After all, Chip Kelly was the offensive coordinator under the retired Mike Bellotti, but a coach always has a new aura about him when he finally gains full control. Just because you can coordinate an offense, doesn't mean you have the chops to run the whole show.
Chief among Kelly's concerns will be the defense he is charged with rebuilding. Granted, there is no grad Oregon defensive tradition to live up to. Last year, the Ducks allowed over 28 points and 389 yards per game. Theoretically, rebuilding to what the Ducks were will not be all that difficult. In fact, some would say that Kelly is charged with not only rebuilding the defense, but taking in to levels unseen in recent year.
Regardless, any time you loose most of the defensive core, their will be some sort of adjustment. The biggest losses come on the defensive line. Nick Green is gone. Green was a outstanding pass rusher and first team all league player. Either Kenny Rowe or junior college transfer Zac Clark will be filling Green's spot. But can Oregon count on either to be nearly as dominant as Nick Green? That’s a major question.
Zac Clark is not the only junior college player that the Oregon defense will be counting on this season. Terrence Montgomery will also have a big role at the tackle position.
No doubt this defensive line is the biggest issue for the Ducks. Will Tukuafu is the only starter returning from the defensive line.
The linebacker position is where the least amount of hurt is felt. Both Spencer Paysinger and Casey Matthews are returning.
In the secondary, corner Walter Thurmand and T.J Ward return. Thurmand is one of the better corners in the conference and must show it this year. Jairus Byrd and Patrick Chung are both huge losses for the secondary. Marvin Johnson is expected to replace Chung, but it would be hard to imagine his production being anything less than a major downgrade in his first season taking over for Chung.
Rebuilding the defense will be quite a task for Chip Kelly. A task that could potentially mean a missed opportunity in a Pac-10 that is as “wide open” (relative term) as it’s been in years.
One position where question marks are not a story is quarterback. Jeremiah Masoli, while not the most efficient passer in the country, is more then apt to run the spread. Masoli amassed just under sixty yards a game with his legs last year.
Despite loosing Terrance Scott, the receiving core has a chance to be solid. Jeff Maehl is the returning stat leader. Maehl caught 39 passes for 421 yards and five touchdowns. He is joined by Jamere Holland and two promising junior college transfers. One of those transfers, Tyrece Gaines was the number one junior college receiver last year. Don’t sleep on Holland either. The junior is a USC transfer with blazing speed. He once ran a 10.36 100-meter.
But the most exciting player on the Duck offense is running back LeGarrette Blount. Blount ran for just over 1000 yards last year and found the end zone 17 times. However, two interesting storyline surround Blount.
First, the loss of his rushing partner. How much will Jeremiah Johnson’s absence affect Blount? He will now be the main back.
Second, how will this offensive line hold up? It took a big hit after last season when Max Unger and Fenuki Tupou left town.
While I think Blount and the rest of this offense will be fine, the line is a question mark worth keeping an eye on.
3 Games To Watch
September 3rd- @ Boise State- A tough conference schedule doesn’t see any relief from this out of conference match up. Boise State topped the Ducks last season and will need every game to be serious BCS contenders again. I’m not sure that the Duck defense will be ready for the Bronco offense.
September 19th- Utah- It’s hard to pick just three games off this schedule, but Utah could realistically see Oregon drop their second game of the season before they get to conference play. Uh-oh
September 26- California- I picked this as my third because the USC game may not matter all that much if Oregon drops a few early. They may need this game desperately to stay in contention for anything….and it’s not even October yet.
Jordan Lauterbach
Coaches Poll: 14
On top of trying to patch up a defense that lost some key starters, the Oregon Ducks are in the process of learning the ins and outs of a new head coach. Sure, the face is familiar. After all, Chip Kelly was the offensive coordinator under the retired Mike Bellotti, but a coach always has a new aura about him when he finally gains full control. Just because you can coordinate an offense, doesn't mean you have the chops to run the whole show.
Chief among Kelly's concerns will be the defense he is charged with rebuilding. Granted, there is no grad Oregon defensive tradition to live up to. Last year, the Ducks allowed over 28 points and 389 yards per game. Theoretically, rebuilding to what the Ducks were will not be all that difficult. In fact, some would say that Kelly is charged with not only rebuilding the defense, but taking in to levels unseen in recent year.
Regardless, any time you loose most of the defensive core, their will be some sort of adjustment. The biggest losses come on the defensive line. Nick Green is gone. Green was a outstanding pass rusher and first team all league player. Either Kenny Rowe or junior college transfer Zac Clark will be filling Green's spot. But can Oregon count on either to be nearly as dominant as Nick Green? That’s a major question.
Zac Clark is not the only junior college player that the Oregon defense will be counting on this season. Terrence Montgomery will also have a big role at the tackle position.
No doubt this defensive line is the biggest issue for the Ducks. Will Tukuafu is the only starter returning from the defensive line.
The linebacker position is where the least amount of hurt is felt. Both Spencer Paysinger and Casey Matthews are returning.
In the secondary, corner Walter Thurmand and T.J Ward return. Thurmand is one of the better corners in the conference and must show it this year. Jairus Byrd and Patrick Chung are both huge losses for the secondary. Marvin Johnson is expected to replace Chung, but it would be hard to imagine his production being anything less than a major downgrade in his first season taking over for Chung.
Rebuilding the defense will be quite a task for Chip Kelly. A task that could potentially mean a missed opportunity in a Pac-10 that is as “wide open” (relative term) as it’s been in years.
One position where question marks are not a story is quarterback. Jeremiah Masoli, while not the most efficient passer in the country, is more then apt to run the spread. Masoli amassed just under sixty yards a game with his legs last year.
Despite loosing Terrance Scott, the receiving core has a chance to be solid. Jeff Maehl is the returning stat leader. Maehl caught 39 passes for 421 yards and five touchdowns. He is joined by Jamere Holland and two promising junior college transfers. One of those transfers, Tyrece Gaines was the number one junior college receiver last year. Don’t sleep on Holland either. The junior is a USC transfer with blazing speed. He once ran a 10.36 100-meter.
But the most exciting player on the Duck offense is running back LeGarrette Blount. Blount ran for just over 1000 yards last year and found the end zone 17 times. However, two interesting storyline surround Blount.
First, the loss of his rushing partner. How much will Jeremiah Johnson’s absence affect Blount? He will now be the main back.
Second, how will this offensive line hold up? It took a big hit after last season when Max Unger and Fenuki Tupou left town.
While I think Blount and the rest of this offense will be fine, the line is a question mark worth keeping an eye on.
3 Games To Watch
September 3rd- @ Boise State- A tough conference schedule doesn’t see any relief from this out of conference match up. Boise State topped the Ducks last season and will need every game to be serious BCS contenders again. I’m not sure that the Duck defense will be ready for the Bronco offense.
September 19th- Utah- It’s hard to pick just three games off this schedule, but Utah could realistically see Oregon drop their second game of the season before they get to conference play. Uh-oh
September 26- California- I picked this as my third because the USC game may not matter all that much if Oregon drops a few early. They may need this game desperately to stay in contention for anything….and it’s not even October yet.
Jordan Lauterbach
Friday, August 21, 2009
Jim Rice Calls Out Jeter
From the Journal News:
According to the Associated Press, Red Sox Hall of Famer Jim Rice spoke to players at the Little League World Series today and said that today’s major leaguers are too focused on individual goals and getting big contracts.
“You see a Manny Ramirez, you see an A-Rod, you see Jeter … Guys that I played against and with, these guys you’re talking about cannot compare,” Rice said.
Derek Jeter? Really?
Reality to Jim Rice: Jeter was at the center of four World Series champions (four more than you were) and has never once been accused of being anything but a team player. You owe him an apology.
I get both sides. Derek Jeter is one of the greatest players of all-time and has never been accused of or caught using steroids. Now that A-Rod and Manny Ramirez have been outed as users, Jeter is the posterboy for clean baseball. Jim Rice was wrong for grouping Jeter in with those guys.
But come on... one must wonder if Derek Jeter did take something at some point. His prime was in the steroid era. Chances are he took some boli. Chances are Mariano Rivera, Albert Pujols and David Wright popped some of Manny's d--- pills.
That's why Peter Abraham's response was a bit much for me. Just chill, brah. Accept that most of the players in this era have been on performance-enhancers. That's why it's called the "Steroid Era".
So Peter Abraham...
--Max Caster
Mike Tyson has the best Twitter Page
Former Heavyweight Champ and star of this summer's blockbuster, "The Hangover", Mike Tyson opened a Twitter account and has easily become the funniest page since the fake Mike Dunleavy Sr. page (It has been taken down).
Some of Mike's best musings:
*** @THE_REAL_SHAQ how bout shaq vs tyson punk ill hit you so hard ill fix that lazy ass eye of yours praise be to allah
*** vick is an eagle but i cant get damn endorsement deal? the only dog i ever fought was andrew golota's ugly ass
*** ive f---ed up more teeth then a british dentist
*** Some people say black people dont tip,this a misconception we dont tip waiters. now strippers on the other hand gets about 90% from a brthr
*** f--- marley and me
And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Check out his back and forth with Gary Busey!
Follow Mike Tyson on Twitter. And while you're at it, follow WCWP Sports.
--Max Caster
Some of Mike's best musings:
*** @THE_REAL_SHAQ how bout shaq vs tyson punk ill hit you so hard ill fix that lazy ass eye of yours praise be to allah
*** vick is an eagle but i cant get damn endorsement deal? the only dog i ever fought was andrew golota's ugly ass
*** ive f---ed up more teeth then a british dentist
*** Some people say black people dont tip,this a misconception we dont tip waiters. now strippers on the other hand gets about 90% from a brthr
*** f--- marley and me
And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Check out his back and forth with Gary Busey!
Follow Mike Tyson on Twitter. And while you're at it, follow WCWP Sports.
--Max Caster
Pat Venditte on E:60
I'm so excited about this guy. He should at least be with the Trenton Thunder (AA) by now.
--Max Caster
--Max Caster
Thursday, August 20, 2009
I Voted for Angel Pagan!
The Hank Aaron Award ballot has come out for the 2009 season. This acknowledges the best offensive player in the Majors. Up for this year's award: Mark Teixeira, Prince Fielder, Joe Mauer and the man I voted for, Angel Pagan....
Yes, that's right! ANGEL PAGAN! I voted for Angel Pagan. You can say those lovely words too, by casting your vote for Mr. Pagan.
Here's proof that I voted for Angel Pagan:
You can join the cavalry. Vote for Angel Pagan now!
--Max Caster
Yes, that's right! ANGEL PAGAN! I voted for Angel Pagan. You can say those lovely words too, by casting your vote for Mr. Pagan.
Here's proof that I voted for Angel Pagan:
You can join the cavalry. Vote for Angel Pagan now!
--Max Caster
Usain Bolt is the Most Dominant Athlete Today
A 6'5", 190lbs, 22-year old sounds like the parameters for a wide receiver, a starting pitcher or a guard in basketball. But, that's the makeup of the most dominant athlete in individual sports today. This week, Usain Bolt broke his own world records in the 100 meter dash and the 200 meter dash. On Monday, one year to the day he ran the 100m in a record 9.69 seconds at the Beijing Olympics, Bolt shattered his time with a 9.58.
Today in Berlin, just 3 days later, he trounced himself in the 200m. Once again, exactly one year since setting the record in Beijing, Bolt ran a 19.19.
It's unfair to judge and compare Bolt to LeBron James or Adrian Peterson or Justin Verlander. So much of what those guys do is based on their teammates. But individual sports stars are subject to the comparisions, and none reach Bolt's level.
Tiger Woods, while still in the hunt for the FedEx Cup, hasn't been able to put it together in a major this year. His last major victory was last summer's incredible US Open. So he's only won 2 majors in the last 3 years.
Michael Phelps is dominant in swimming, but doesn't embarrass his competitors the same way Bolt does. Plus, Bolt has already shot down comparisons, referring to Phelps as "Michael Phillips" in the process.
Roger Federer has fallen off his staggering pace from a couple of years ago. Rafael Nadal is plauged with a knee injury.
The Williams sisters are closest to Bolt, in my opinion. But both have been known to break down in tournaments.
No athlete has the confidence & bravado and the ability to back it up on the playing field like Usain Bolt.
--Max Caster
Today in Berlin, just 3 days later, he trounced himself in the 200m. Once again, exactly one year since setting the record in Beijing, Bolt ran a 19.19.
It's unfair to judge and compare Bolt to LeBron James or Adrian Peterson or Justin Verlander. So much of what those guys do is based on their teammates. But individual sports stars are subject to the comparisions, and none reach Bolt's level.
Tiger Woods, while still in the hunt for the FedEx Cup, hasn't been able to put it together in a major this year. His last major victory was last summer's incredible US Open. So he's only won 2 majors in the last 3 years.
Michael Phelps is dominant in swimming, but doesn't embarrass his competitors the same way Bolt does. Plus, Bolt has already shot down comparisons, referring to Phelps as "Michael Phillips" in the process.
Roger Federer has fallen off his staggering pace from a couple of years ago. Rafael Nadal is plauged with a knee injury.
The Williams sisters are closest to Bolt, in my opinion. But both have been known to break down in tournaments.
No athlete has the confidence & bravado and the ability to back it up on the playing field like Usain Bolt.
--Max Caster
Mets Cut Livan Hernandez, Bring Up Wagner
From the Star-Ledger:The Mets released struggling pitcher Livan Hernandez on Thursday to make room for reliever Billy Wagner, who was activated from the disabled list.
Hernandez, 34, was 7-8 with a 5.47 ERA. He won the fifth spot in the rotation in spring training, but put himself in jeopardy with several bad outings recently.
Just over 11 months after undergoing Tommy John surgery, Wagner will be in uniform and available out of the bullpen Thursday night against the Braves.
I won't lie. I was shocked when I read this. Do the Mets realize that they still need people to make starts? Livan wasn't great like he was in the 1st half, but at least he was good to eat some innings.
So I'm guessing it'll be Figgy taking the spot in the rotation. After he gets DFA'ed, maybe a little Lance Broadway... Why not?
In all, it's a deal for the future. Billy Wagner was just put on waivers and he needs to get some burn so teams can see what they're trading for. Hopefully he pitches like the old Wagner and helps New York rebuild its farm a little bit.
UPDATE: Tim Redding is getting Livan's start. Yeah, that's an upgrade...
--Max Caster
Burress Pleads Guilty to Weapon Charges
Earlier this morning, in a New York City courthouse, former New York Giants wide receiver, Plaxico Burress, has pleaded guilty to a weapons-possession charge resulting from a November 2008 episode in which Burress accidentally shot himself in the leg in a nightclub. According to the NY Times:
"Plaxico Burress the former Giants receiver, will admit guilt...that will send him to prison for two years, according to a person with knowledge of the case. If the case were to go to trial and Mr. Burress were convicted of all charges-two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and one count of second-degree reckless endangerment-he could face 3 1/2 to 15 years in prison. The plea agreement still needs the approval of a State Supreme Court justice."
Well I always had this sneaky suspicion that Burress was somehow going to get off without doing any jail time but I could never figure out as to why. Guess I was wrong about this. Burress basically had no other choice but to accept a plea deal to lessen the sentence.
The question now is when Plax gets out by the age of 33 or so, how many teams will be lining up to take phone calls from agent Drew Rosenhaus? My guess, not that many...
-Matt Soldano
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Jets Looking Into Marshall, Bowe
The New York Jets are entering their second preseason game of the year with a nice group of young receivers who are trying to scrape their potential. With the likes of David Clowney, Chansi Stuckey, and Brad Smith, the Jets are looking for a number one who can pave the way and become a dominant threat for rookie Mark Sanchez in the passing game. Unfortunately, Jerricho Cotchery does not fit the bill as his skills are more prominent to that of a number two option.
With that being said, Rich Cimini of the Daily News writes: "Although he's not officially on the trading block, the biggest name on the Jets' radar is the Broncos' Brandon Marshall, who has issued a pay me-or-trade me demand...Another name to watch is the Chiefs' Dwayne Bowe, a former first round pick...He may have played his way out of the doghouse with five catches in the preseason opener, but the Chiefs are rebuilding and will move a player if he doesn't fit their long-term plans."
Both of these players have the age and past statistics that prove that they are a number one receiver. Marshall, just 25, caught 104 balls for 1265 yards and six touchdowns for the Broncos last season. Dwayne Bowe, a year younger than the troubled Denver receiver, totaled 86 receptions for 1,022 yards and 7 touchdowns in an offense much less potent than the Broncos.
In my opinion, Bowe is the better option for the Jets. Despite his training camp dilemmas with first year coach Todd Hailey, the baggage that Bowe carries along does not even compare to that of Marshall. Marshall has been caught in legal fire and is a guy who has been known to keep his distance from a team. Marshall, when he is on the field is a sure fire top 10 receiver but like we have seen in the past in the NFL, sometimes it is not worth to pay a price to bring in a guy with talent yet also will be a cancer. Bowe will come cheaper and be more willing to adapt to a new situation.
So Jets fans what do you think, who would you rather have on your team? Marshall? Bowe? Or would you rather stay as is at the receiver position? Let me know, leave a comment.
-Matt Soldano
College Football '09: Georgia Bulldogs
Last Season: 10-2, 6-2, beat Michigan State in Capitol One Bowl
Coaches Poll: 13
Things were different this time last year for the Georgia Bulldogs. They were the number one team in the nation, according to the polls. They had all the talent in the world, according to prognosticators. But people in the know didn’t think that Georgia was the team everyone thought it was in mid-July.
On a personal note, I remember a college football writer telling me in mid-August that the only reason Georgia was number one in the country was because the polls are voted on way before they were released. No way was Georgia the best team in the nation and no way would they be in contention for a national championship.
He was right. Maybe it was the injuries that were suffered along the way in preparation for week one. Or maybe it was the weight of unrealistic expectations on a bunch of 18 and 19 year old that kept them down. After all, it’s not an uncommon tale. Few teams in history go wire to wire to a national championship. Georgia was no different.
But things have changed this season. And if you believe that unusually high expectations hurt Georgia, maybe for the better. However, I don’t think that anyone can argue what has hurt the Bulldogs.
Two big losses.
The offense will look a lot different without quarterback Matthew Stafford handing off to running back Knowshon Moreno. Those two dominated Georgia last season. If nothing else, it will be more of a collective effort this year on offense.
Joe Cox is Stafford’s successor under center. Behind a great offensive line, Cox may not be the big play threat that Stafford was, but he will be able to manage a football game. If extremely limited action last season, Cox completed 73% of his passes.
It also doesn’t hurt Cox to have A.J Green to throw to. Green is regarded as one of the best, if not the best, receivers in the entire SEC. Last season, Green caught fifty six passes for 963 yards and eight touchdowns. He’ll need to have another star season for this offense to excel.
Green and Cox’s performance in the passing game take on even more importance because of the uncertainty at the running back position. In his collegiate career, Knowshon Moreno racked up over 2,700 yards and 30 touchdowns. This no doubt helped Stafford, Green, and the rest of the passing game. Now, with Knowshon gone to the pros, the Bulldog running back position is in a bit of flux.
Caleb King is the returning stat leader, but it is unsure whether he’ll be able to handle a feature back load. King racked up only 247 yards on 61 carries last season. That’s a measly four yards a carry clip. If King struggles early, look for Richard Samuel or Carlton Thomas to be further integrated into the running game.
If the run game struggles, no one is to blame but the backs themselves. The Georgia offensive line is excellent. The group returns all their starters and should be fine in that department.
Defensively, watch out for young corner Brandon Boykin. He will fill the hole left by Asher Allen in the secondary and should do it quite nicely. His 40 inch vertical leap will make him stick like glue to even the tallest of receivers.
Overall, the Bulldogs will be fine this season. I think that the efficiency of Joe Cox and the explosiveness of A.J Green will provide for a passing game that is above average for a team that just lost a star quarterback. The running game does concern you if you’re a Georgia fan, but even the most mediocre of backs can be efficient behind a strong offensive line. Georgia has that.
But that’s not saying that they will compete for anything significant.
I usually don’t like to predict win and loss record before the days leading up to week one, but I see nine or ten wins on this schedule. Three tough road games and a home contest against LSU will make it extremely difficult to win more than ten games.
3 Games To Watch
September 5th- @ Oklahoma State- One of the best games of the opening weekend. Oklahoma State has a really talented offense and a lot to prove. This is a really tough road game for Georgia and very well could send them home 0-1 to face Steve Spurrier in week 2.
October 3rd- LSU- An early must- win at home for Georgia. They’ll need this one to even think about staying in the SEC east race. Two losses before Florida is extremely possible.
October 31st- @ Florida- Granted, this one may not matter a whole lot if the Bulldogs already have two Ls on the season scorecard, but don’t count out the revenge factor. Last year, the Gators took care of Georgia 49-10. Players who were in Athens for that game still have nightmares about it. No doubt, they want revenge. Regardless of implications.
Jordan Lauterbach
Coaches Poll: 13
Things were different this time last year for the Georgia Bulldogs. They were the number one team in the nation, according to the polls. They had all the talent in the world, according to prognosticators. But people in the know didn’t think that Georgia was the team everyone thought it was in mid-July.
On a personal note, I remember a college football writer telling me in mid-August that the only reason Georgia was number one in the country was because the polls are voted on way before they were released. No way was Georgia the best team in the nation and no way would they be in contention for a national championship.
He was right. Maybe it was the injuries that were suffered along the way in preparation for week one. Or maybe it was the weight of unrealistic expectations on a bunch of 18 and 19 year old that kept them down. After all, it’s not an uncommon tale. Few teams in history go wire to wire to a national championship. Georgia was no different.
But things have changed this season. And if you believe that unusually high expectations hurt Georgia, maybe for the better. However, I don’t think that anyone can argue what has hurt the Bulldogs.
Two big losses.
The offense will look a lot different without quarterback Matthew Stafford handing off to running back Knowshon Moreno. Those two dominated Georgia last season. If nothing else, it will be more of a collective effort this year on offense.
Joe Cox is Stafford’s successor under center. Behind a great offensive line, Cox may not be the big play threat that Stafford was, but he will be able to manage a football game. If extremely limited action last season, Cox completed 73% of his passes.
It also doesn’t hurt Cox to have A.J Green to throw to. Green is regarded as one of the best, if not the best, receivers in the entire SEC. Last season, Green caught fifty six passes for 963 yards and eight touchdowns. He’ll need to have another star season for this offense to excel.
Green and Cox’s performance in the passing game take on even more importance because of the uncertainty at the running back position. In his collegiate career, Knowshon Moreno racked up over 2,700 yards and 30 touchdowns. This no doubt helped Stafford, Green, and the rest of the passing game. Now, with Knowshon gone to the pros, the Bulldog running back position is in a bit of flux.
Caleb King is the returning stat leader, but it is unsure whether he’ll be able to handle a feature back load. King racked up only 247 yards on 61 carries last season. That’s a measly four yards a carry clip. If King struggles early, look for Richard Samuel or Carlton Thomas to be further integrated into the running game.
If the run game struggles, no one is to blame but the backs themselves. The Georgia offensive line is excellent. The group returns all their starters and should be fine in that department.
Defensively, watch out for young corner Brandon Boykin. He will fill the hole left by Asher Allen in the secondary and should do it quite nicely. His 40 inch vertical leap will make him stick like glue to even the tallest of receivers.
Overall, the Bulldogs will be fine this season. I think that the efficiency of Joe Cox and the explosiveness of A.J Green will provide for a passing game that is above average for a team that just lost a star quarterback. The running game does concern you if you’re a Georgia fan, but even the most mediocre of backs can be efficient behind a strong offensive line. Georgia has that.
But that’s not saying that they will compete for anything significant.
I usually don’t like to predict win and loss record before the days leading up to week one, but I see nine or ten wins on this schedule. Three tough road games and a home contest against LSU will make it extremely difficult to win more than ten games.
3 Games To Watch
September 5th- @ Oklahoma State- One of the best games of the opening weekend. Oklahoma State has a really talented offense and a lot to prove. This is a really tough road game for Georgia and very well could send them home 0-1 to face Steve Spurrier in week 2.
October 3rd- LSU- An early must- win at home for Georgia. They’ll need this one to even think about staying in the SEC east race. Two losses before Florida is extremely possible.
October 31st- @ Florida- Granted, this one may not matter a whole lot if the Bulldogs already have two Ls on the season scorecard, but don’t count out the revenge factor. Last year, the Gators took care of Georgia 49-10. Players who were in Athens for that game still have nightmares about it. No doubt, they want revenge. Regardless of implications.
Jordan Lauterbach
Pioneers Moving Past Gwaltney
From Newsday:
The temperature was climbing toward 90 as the C.W. Post football team practiced Tuesday, but the heat has been turned off the program, especially coach Bryan Collins. The white hot light of scrutiny that came with the addition of Jason Gwaltney has dimmed.
Gwaltney is gone, off to Kean University (N.J.), leaving Collins with a team he terms ``nondescript.’’ That seems to be fine with him. Collins does not say it, but the strong sense is that he is relieved to start a new season without the constant theme of all Gwaltney all the time.
``We had the opportunity here to get a very good running back, arguably one of the best runningback's ever to come out of Long Island,’’ Collins said in his comfortably air conditioned office. It was nearly a year ago, around Labor Day, when the former North Babylon star made Post his latest stop on the college football map after two aborted stays at West Virginia and barely one practice at Nassau CC.
My broadcast colleague, Jordan Lauterbach, and I have had many conversations about this issue.
While he thinks the Pioneers will be better off without Jason Gwaltney, I wish he was still here in Brookville. Despite his poor conviction off the field and his propensity to get in trouble, Gwaltney was a the biggest positive difference maker last season, and would have been again this season.
He was fun to watch. He was dominant. He kept CW Post in the game. Now coming into the new season, it seems like the team will become the anemic squad it was last year without Gwaltney. Unless someone can step up and fill those massive shoes as a slam dunk playmaker, it's looking like another long season for the Pioneers.
--Max Caster
The temperature was climbing toward 90 as the C.W. Post football team practiced Tuesday, but the heat has been turned off the program, especially coach Bryan Collins. The white hot light of scrutiny that came with the addition of Jason Gwaltney has dimmed.
Gwaltney is gone, off to Kean University (N.J.), leaving Collins with a team he terms ``nondescript.’’ That seems to be fine with him. Collins does not say it, but the strong sense is that he is relieved to start a new season without the constant theme of all Gwaltney all the time.
``We had the opportunity here to get a very good running back, arguably one of the best runningback's ever to come out of Long Island,’’ Collins said in his comfortably air conditioned office. It was nearly a year ago, around Labor Day, when the former North Babylon star made Post his latest stop on the college football map after two aborted stays at West Virginia and barely one practice at Nassau CC.
My broadcast colleague, Jordan Lauterbach, and I have had many conversations about this issue.
While he thinks the Pioneers will be better off without Jason Gwaltney, I wish he was still here in Brookville. Despite his poor conviction off the field and his propensity to get in trouble, Gwaltney was a the biggest positive difference maker last season, and would have been again this season.
He was fun to watch. He was dominant. He kept CW Post in the game. Now coming into the new season, it seems like the team will become the anemic squad it was last year without Gwaltney. Unless someone can step up and fill those massive shoes as a slam dunk playmaker, it's looking like another long season for the Pioneers.
--Max Caster
Monday, August 17, 2009
Knicks' Pursuit of PG Becomes Even More Convoluted
From RealGM:With Minnesota Timberwolves' President David Kahn bound for Spain this week, some feel the trip isn't necessarily to bring Ricky Rubio back to Minnesota.
One insider tells RealGM's Alex Kennedy that Kahn could be working out a scenario where Rubio would be dealt to the New York Knicks.
"The Knicks have closed off negotiations with all free agent point guards until next week," says the source. "I think they're making a push for Rubio and if that fails, then they'll reopen talks with their other options.
My goodness... Will the Ricky Rubio to New York dream ever die?
The Wolves desperately need a guard after the Mike Miller/Randy Foye trade. And since they know the Knicks need a young point guard and are jocking Ricky extra hard, they can command a lot in return. I'm talking a gutting of the core. Toney Douglas, Wilson Chandler, David Lee and Jordan Hill.
My suggestion is to sign someone who is young and has already proven to be efficient in the NBA, and to not be a punk about it. How about Ramon Sessions?
Well, there lies the solution, as articulated in this report from Alan Hahn:
Seems Bucks have written off Sessions w/ today's deal for Delfino/Ukic. Roster/Budget packed. Knix will wait for Sessions to come to them.
Sessions has nowhere else to go. Milwaukee doesn't want him. LA already has 6 guards looking for minutes. He'll come to NY and the Knicks won't have to give anything up for him (except a little scrilla).
--Max Caster
PSU LB Mauti Out For Year
From ESPN:
Penn State linebacker Michael Mauti, a projected starter, tore his right anterior cruciate ligament in a Sunday scrimmage and will be out for the season, the school said in a release Monday.
Mauti will have surgery within the next three weeks.
While not a disastrous blow for Penn State, they will not only miss Mauti on defense, but also on special teams. Last season, Mauti made 26 tackles and forced one fumble.
What this does do, however, is put a little more pressure on Sean Lee. Ironically, Lee missed all of 2008 with the same injury.
Overall, the depth is there that this shouldn't be much of an issue for Penn State- just something to note.
Jordan Lauterbach
Penn State linebacker Michael Mauti, a projected starter, tore his right anterior cruciate ligament in a Sunday scrimmage and will be out for the season, the school said in a release Monday.
Mauti will have surgery within the next three weeks.
While not a disastrous blow for Penn State, they will not only miss Mauti on defense, but also on special teams. Last season, Mauti made 26 tackles and forced one fumble.
What this does do, however, is put a little more pressure on Sean Lee. Ironically, Lee missed all of 2008 with the same injury.
Overall, the depth is there that this shouldn't be much of an issue for Penn State- just something to note.
Jordan Lauterbach
College Football '09: California Golden Bears
Last Season: 9-4, 6-3, Beat Miami in the Champs Sports Bowl
Coaches Poll: 12
For as long as many of the California Golden Bears roster, USC has sat atop the Pac-10. Tired of playing second fiddle, the door finally looks to be at least half open in the conference. In a year where USC is looking to rebuild a dominant defense and break in a new quarterback simultaneously, CAL has one of the better shots in recent years to rise above them. Now, whether they have a chance to and whether they will finally slay the beast at the top are two separate issues.
It all starts with offensive consistency, specifically at the quarterback position. Last season, quarterback Kevin Riley completed just 50% of his passes, while throwing fourteen touchdowns and six interceptions. The 2008 season for Riley wasn't just about numbers, it was about looking over his shoulder. After accumulating solid numbers, but unspectacular numbers in the first four games of the year, Riley was yanked.
Although he played in all but one game, Riley never put up consistent numbers. With his chief competition at quarterback significantly less than in previous years, Riley figures to get the starting job. For Cal to have a realistic shot at the top of the conference, Riley will need to become a more accurate passer.
While Riley's receiving core is plentiful, it is widely unaccomplished. Leading the crew is Nylan Boateng. Boateng caught 29 passes for 439 yards and 5 touchdowns. Marvin Jones is also worth keeping an eye on. Jones, a sophomore, impressed the coaching staff immensely during spring practice.
But a conversation about the California offense can not be had without mentioning their biggest weapon. Running back Jahvid Best is one of the better backs in the country. He is the second leading returning rusher in the country, behind Ball State's MiQual Lewis. Last season, Best ran for over 1500 yards and found the end zone fifteen times. With an experienced offensive line and an inexperienced passing game, Best will need to have as good a season as he did in 2008 for the Golden Bears to remain a factor at the top.
With nine starters returning to action, the Bears are stout defensively. Last season, they ranked fourth in the Pac-10 in total defense, second in scoring defense, and first in takeaways. It is reasonable to assume that this trend will continue. Defensive end Cameron Jordan leads an outstanding line. Jordan, despite playing in only situation action last year, had 11 tackles in the backfield alone. Tyson Alualu is also extremely talented.
With a linebacking core as strong as the defensive line, it will be very difficult to move the ball against California.
While the defense will again be solid, I question if the passing game will gel quick enough to compete against teams that can contain the run game. While USC is the team everyone is chasing at the top, both Oregon and Oregon State are poised for strong seasons. If the offense struggles early, The Bears could be out of the Pac-10 race by Halloween
3 Games To Watch
September 26th- @ Oregon- The first big Pac-10 test for Cal comes both early and on the road. Oregon is also extremely talented. A suspect defensive line may mean a big day for Jahvid Best.
October 3rd- USC- Coming off a big game against Oregon, this USC will be the game that determines whether Cal is a pretender or contender in the Pac-10. A win here and Cal could be in the drivers seat. A loss and the Golden Bears might be looking at a long two months.
November 7th- Oregon State- Cal is no doubt benefited by having two of their three biggest games at home. If the Bears survive Oregon and USC, Oregon State will be the final hurdle towards a Pac-10 title. A rebuilding secondary may mean big things for the passing game.
Jordan Lauterbach
Coaches Poll: 12
For as long as many of the California Golden Bears roster, USC has sat atop the Pac-10. Tired of playing second fiddle, the door finally looks to be at least half open in the conference. In a year where USC is looking to rebuild a dominant defense and break in a new quarterback simultaneously, CAL has one of the better shots in recent years to rise above them. Now, whether they have a chance to and whether they will finally slay the beast at the top are two separate issues.
It all starts with offensive consistency, specifically at the quarterback position. Last season, quarterback Kevin Riley completed just 50% of his passes, while throwing fourteen touchdowns and six interceptions. The 2008 season for Riley wasn't just about numbers, it was about looking over his shoulder. After accumulating solid numbers, but unspectacular numbers in the first four games of the year, Riley was yanked.
Although he played in all but one game, Riley never put up consistent numbers. With his chief competition at quarterback significantly less than in previous years, Riley figures to get the starting job. For Cal to have a realistic shot at the top of the conference, Riley will need to become a more accurate passer.
While Riley's receiving core is plentiful, it is widely unaccomplished. Leading the crew is Nylan Boateng. Boateng caught 29 passes for 439 yards and 5 touchdowns. Marvin Jones is also worth keeping an eye on. Jones, a sophomore, impressed the coaching staff immensely during spring practice.
But a conversation about the California offense can not be had without mentioning their biggest weapon. Running back Jahvid Best is one of the better backs in the country. He is the second leading returning rusher in the country, behind Ball State's MiQual Lewis. Last season, Best ran for over 1500 yards and found the end zone fifteen times. With an experienced offensive line and an inexperienced passing game, Best will need to have as good a season as he did in 2008 for the Golden Bears to remain a factor at the top.
With nine starters returning to action, the Bears are stout defensively. Last season, they ranked fourth in the Pac-10 in total defense, second in scoring defense, and first in takeaways. It is reasonable to assume that this trend will continue. Defensive end Cameron Jordan leads an outstanding line. Jordan, despite playing in only situation action last year, had 11 tackles in the backfield alone. Tyson Alualu is also extremely talented.
With a linebacking core as strong as the defensive line, it will be very difficult to move the ball against California.
While the defense will again be solid, I question if the passing game will gel quick enough to compete against teams that can contain the run game. While USC is the team everyone is chasing at the top, both Oregon and Oregon State are poised for strong seasons. If the offense struggles early, The Bears could be out of the Pac-10 race by Halloween
3 Games To Watch
September 26th- @ Oregon- The first big Pac-10 test for Cal comes both early and on the road. Oregon is also extremely talented. A suspect defensive line may mean a big day for Jahvid Best.
October 3rd- USC- Coming off a big game against Oregon, this USC will be the game that determines whether Cal is a pretender or contender in the Pac-10. A win here and Cal could be in the drivers seat. A loss and the Golden Bears might be looking at a long two months.
November 7th- Oregon State- Cal is no doubt benefited by having two of their three biggest games at home. If the Bears survive Oregon and USC, Oregon State will be the final hurdle towards a Pac-10 title. A rebuilding secondary may mean big things for the passing game.
Jordan Lauterbach
Haywood: Marbury's Streams "like Gay Porn"
From Newsday's Alan Hahn:
In this interview with Hardcore Sports Radio, Haywood opines on several topics, including Marbury's infatuation with becoming the iCarly of basketball.
Here's what he had to say (thanks to sportsradiointerviews.com for the tip):
“At first it was cool, but after a while it just became disturbing. He’s on YouTube crying with no shirt on for no reason, sweating while his boy’s rubbing his shoulders. What’s that about? That’s like gay porn. I don’t understand it. He’s dancing to a song called ‘Barbie Doll’, doing like stripper moves. I have no idea what’s going on with the guy, it’s almost like he’s trying to end his own career. There’s not a GM out there that would touch Marbury right now… Have you seen the ‘Barbie Doll’ clip? Click on YouTube and go to Barbie Doll. There’s no way any other professional athletes would wanna get dressed around this guy, because you gotta think something is a little, he’s swinging from both sides of the fence.”
First off, Stephon Marbury wants to be the iCarly of basketball...?
Secondly, Brendan Haywood isn't on the right track. While what Steph is doing is a bit suggestive, I wouldn't say it's "gay". It's weird, disturbing, awkward, frightening, creepy, stomach-churning and revealing, but it's not really gay. He's not making out with his dudes. He's not getting intimate with them. I detect some anti-homosexual sentiment coming from Mr. Haywood.
Well if it's not gay, Max, how do you explain him having his shirt off and dancing with his other male friends?
Thanks anonymous question-asker. The reason he was doing those things is because he's high. On drugs.
That should explain it.
Haywood is right when he says that no GM would entertain signing Steph. That goes for the NBA and overseas.
By the way, iCarly is a pretty funny show.... What? It is!
--Max Caster
In this interview with Hardcore Sports Radio, Haywood opines on several topics, including Marbury's infatuation with becoming the iCarly of basketball.
Here's what he had to say (thanks to sportsradiointerviews.com for the tip):
“At first it was cool, but after a while it just became disturbing. He’s on YouTube crying with no shirt on for no reason, sweating while his boy’s rubbing his shoulders. What’s that about? That’s like gay porn. I don’t understand it. He’s dancing to a song called ‘Barbie Doll’, doing like stripper moves. I have no idea what’s going on with the guy, it’s almost like he’s trying to end his own career. There’s not a GM out there that would touch Marbury right now… Have you seen the ‘Barbie Doll’ clip? Click on YouTube and go to Barbie Doll. There’s no way any other professional athletes would wanna get dressed around this guy, because you gotta think something is a little, he’s swinging from both sides of the fence.”
First off, Stephon Marbury wants to be the iCarly of basketball...?
Secondly, Brendan Haywood isn't on the right track. While what Steph is doing is a bit suggestive, I wouldn't say it's "gay". It's weird, disturbing, awkward, frightening, creepy, stomach-churning and revealing, but it's not really gay. He's not making out with his dudes. He's not getting intimate with them. I detect some anti-homosexual sentiment coming from Mr. Haywood.
Well if it's not gay, Max, how do you explain him having his shirt off and dancing with his other male friends?
Thanks anonymous question-asker. The reason he was doing those things is because he's high. On drugs.
That should explain it.
Haywood is right when he says that no GM would entertain signing Steph. That goes for the NBA and overseas.
By the way, iCarly is a pretty funny show.... What? It is!
--Max Caster
Yang's All Good
It always seams to be that the unlikeliest of accomplishments in sports are done by the unlikeliest of competitors. If someone told you on Wednesday that Tiger Woods would be leading the fourth and final major of the year through 56 holes, only to be upset down the stretch, who would you assume the foe would be. Phil Mickelson? Padraig Harrington? Lee Westward? Steve Stricker?
How about Y.E Yang?
Before you broke out in laughter, you would probably ask one question. Who is Y.E Yang?
He’s only the 110th ranked player in the world. A guy who missed the cut at The Masters and didn’t even give it a go at the U.S or British Opens. After winning The Honda Classic in March, Yang didn’t see the top ten again until three weeks ago at the RBC Canadian Open.
Even on Thursday and Friday, Yang didn’t seam like anything more than an afterthought. It was only after a Saturday round of 67 did he appear to have a shot at the title. But even then, could you really see Y.E Yang doing something that no one has ever done before? Could you really see Y.E Yang knocking Tiger Woods out of the lead on Sunday of a major championship?
The shock on the front nine on Sunday wasn’t that Yang was playing so well, it was that he was hanging in with Tiger Woods. So many times, we have seen golfers succumb to the pressure of playing with Woods on Sunday. It is unbelievable intimidating to be standing next to one of the games greatest players, knowing that his goal over the next four hours is to beat you.
But it didn’t bother Yang. He matched Woods par for par, even creeping up on him with a birdie at four. A bogey at five was followed by eight consecutive pars. Often times for players of Yang’s stature, mistakes on a major Sunday can have a domino effect. One can lead to another and before you know it, you’re out of contention.
Not Yang. Unfazed by the one mistake, he kept chugging along.
Much like his round on Saturday, Woods stood even for most of the day. He bogeyed two holes on the front nine and pared the rest. But round number four for Woods had a definite feel of frustration. He was missing birdie putts left and right and mercifully leaving to door open to come catch him.
On Saturday, the round for Tiger had more of a ho-hum feeling. Fifteen pars felt like an invitation for someone to come out and play with him on Sunday. But when Woods wanted to stop playing games, his putter couldn’t close the door. A few made birdie putts and Woods could have made the turn comfortably, instead the round was spent waiting for the other shoe to drop.
On fourteen, Y.E Yang’s destiny began to sprint towards the door that Woods had left open. It was there where Yang hit the shot of the tournament when he chipped a shot for eagle. Suddenly Y.E Yang was leading the PGA Championship with four holes to play.
This looked to have awoken a Tiger who had been asleep all day. Woods’ birdie on 14 was only his second of the round and fourth of the weekend. But, surprisingly so, that was it for Tiger. Two pars and a last chance boggy on 17 made his final bogey on 18 a mere footnote. Yang had already won to tournament with a final hole birdie.
In many ways, Yang was fortunate. Fortunate that Woods didn’t take advantage of a boggy on 17, instead matching it. Fortunate that Tigers’ putter convinced itself that the tournament was in the bag no matter what. Fortunate that the others pursuing the top never really made a serious bid.
But with all Yang’s good fortune, immense credit is due. He showed that shooting the ball all over the course is not a prerequisite to playing with Tiger on a major Sunday. He showed that even the most unlikely of contenders can, every once in a while, shock any player on tour.
Even Tiger Woods.
Next Week: The Wyndham Classic- Not much of a field in this one as the tour revs up for the FedEx Cup playoffs in two weeks. U.S Open champion Lucas Glover headlines the group. Glover was in contention at the PGA before bogeying five of the final thirteen holes.
Jordan Lauterbach
How about Y.E Yang?
Before you broke out in laughter, you would probably ask one question. Who is Y.E Yang?
He’s only the 110th ranked player in the world. A guy who missed the cut at The Masters and didn’t even give it a go at the U.S or British Opens. After winning The Honda Classic in March, Yang didn’t see the top ten again until three weeks ago at the RBC Canadian Open.
Even on Thursday and Friday, Yang didn’t seam like anything more than an afterthought. It was only after a Saturday round of 67 did he appear to have a shot at the title. But even then, could you really see Y.E Yang doing something that no one has ever done before? Could you really see Y.E Yang knocking Tiger Woods out of the lead on Sunday of a major championship?
The shock on the front nine on Sunday wasn’t that Yang was playing so well, it was that he was hanging in with Tiger Woods. So many times, we have seen golfers succumb to the pressure of playing with Woods on Sunday. It is unbelievable intimidating to be standing next to one of the games greatest players, knowing that his goal over the next four hours is to beat you.
But it didn’t bother Yang. He matched Woods par for par, even creeping up on him with a birdie at four. A bogey at five was followed by eight consecutive pars. Often times for players of Yang’s stature, mistakes on a major Sunday can have a domino effect. One can lead to another and before you know it, you’re out of contention.
Not Yang. Unfazed by the one mistake, he kept chugging along.
Much like his round on Saturday, Woods stood even for most of the day. He bogeyed two holes on the front nine and pared the rest. But round number four for Woods had a definite feel of frustration. He was missing birdie putts left and right and mercifully leaving to door open to come catch him.
On Saturday, the round for Tiger had more of a ho-hum feeling. Fifteen pars felt like an invitation for someone to come out and play with him on Sunday. But when Woods wanted to stop playing games, his putter couldn’t close the door. A few made birdie putts and Woods could have made the turn comfortably, instead the round was spent waiting for the other shoe to drop.
On fourteen, Y.E Yang’s destiny began to sprint towards the door that Woods had left open. It was there where Yang hit the shot of the tournament when he chipped a shot for eagle. Suddenly Y.E Yang was leading the PGA Championship with four holes to play.
This looked to have awoken a Tiger who had been asleep all day. Woods’ birdie on 14 was only his second of the round and fourth of the weekend. But, surprisingly so, that was it for Tiger. Two pars and a last chance boggy on 17 made his final bogey on 18 a mere footnote. Yang had already won to tournament with a final hole birdie.
In many ways, Yang was fortunate. Fortunate that Woods didn’t take advantage of a boggy on 17, instead matching it. Fortunate that Tigers’ putter convinced itself that the tournament was in the bag no matter what. Fortunate that the others pursuing the top never really made a serious bid.
But with all Yang’s good fortune, immense credit is due. He showed that shooting the ball all over the course is not a prerequisite to playing with Tiger on a major Sunday. He showed that even the most unlikely of contenders can, every once in a while, shock any player on tour.
Even Tiger Woods.
Next Week: The Wyndham Classic- Not much of a field in this one as the tour revs up for the FedEx Cup playoffs in two weeks. U.S Open champion Lucas Glover headlines the group. Glover was in contention at the PGA before bogeying five of the final thirteen holes.
Jordan Lauterbach
Sunday, August 16, 2009
College Football '09: Oklahoma State Cowboys
Last Season: 9-5, 5-3, Lost to Oregon in the Holiday Bowl
Coaches Poll: 11
Mike Gundy wants to be remembered for something other than his age. The head coach of the Oklahoma State Cowboys biggest claim to fame does not have anything to do with results on the football field. It has nothing to do with X’s and O’s .
It has everything to do with reading and reacting. Or maybe, more aptly put, reading and over-reacting. We all remember Gundy’s “I’m 40” rant after getting angry at a opinion column in a local newspaper. The comical afternoon put the head coach on the highlight reel, but not for good reason. In fact, mainly for kicks.
But winning is the ultimate fix for a bad reputation and winning is something that the Cowboys hope to do a little bit more of in 2009. However, when you play in the Big 12 South, winning can sometime be extremely difficult.
No one can question the offensive fire power that Oklahoma State has. Quarterback Zac Robinson is the third piece to the trio of deadly Big 12 South signal callers (the others being Colt Mccoy and Sam Bradford, of course). Robinson threw for over 3000 yards last season and 25 touchdowns. Robinson also takes care of the football well, throwing only ten interceptions.
No doubt Robinson is glad to have Dez Bryant back as his top target. Bryant caught 87 passes for over 1400 yards and 19 touchdowns last year. The one concern with Bryant is his health. The receiver had to have knee surgery in the off season after hurting himself in the Holiday Bowl. The passing game was practically unrecognizable after the injury. Zac Robinson completed only 54% of his passes and threw two picks in the loss to Oregon.
If Bryant is not completely healthy, the Cowboys will struggle. Demarcus Connor is listed as Ok. States second receiver. Connor caught only three passes last season. I would worry about the passing game if Bryant shows any effects from the surgery. But assuming that the number one receiver is at full strength, the Cowboys should have no trouble throwing. It’s an air attack that makes opposing secondary coach’s shudder.
Kendrall Hunter is the third major offensive weapon for the Cowboys. Hunter ran for over 1,600 yards and 16 touchdowns last year. The benefit of Hunter is obvious. He keeps the defense honest. With a player like him, you have to be thinking run. With a receiver like Bryant, you have to guard against the pass. It’s extremely difficult to defend. Zac Robinson can also be considered a running threat. Robinson ran for over 1,500 yards during his career year.
Last year Oklahoma State’s offense scored 40.8 points a game, ranking ninth in the nation. With the losses and philosophy changes that some of the teams above them have experienced, I would expect this ranking to increase this year.
Assuming that the offense won’t miss a beat, Oklahoma State’s fortunes hinge on the defense.
New defensive coordinator Bill Young is charged with improving a defense that hasn’t ranked higher than 74th in the nation since 2001. But hopes are high because some immense talent exists on the defense. Linebacker Andre Sexton and cornerback Perrish Cox are both studs. Also keep an eye out for linebacker Donald Booker. Booker was named most improved at spring practice.
But the key to the defense is getting pressure on the quarterback. Last season, the Cowboys had only 15 total sacks. The ranked last in the nation. If Bill Young can figure out a way to improve the defense like he did at Kansas, The Cowboys will be very dangerous.
My biggest concern with Oklahoma State is the schedule. On top of playing both Oklahoma and Texas, they also play five others that were ranked in the top 16 in passing yards. If this defense doesn’t get right quickly, Oklahoma State could be looking towards 2010 by mid-october. No matter how good your offense is, if your defense struggles so will you. With very few exceptions. And as good as Zac Robinson and Dez Bryant are, they aren’t the 2008 Texas Tech Red Raider.
That defense needs to play well early for the Cowboys to have any shot.
3 Games to Watch
September 5th- Georgia- It’s an immediate test for the Cowboy offense. While Georgia may have taken a step back offensively with the loss of Matthew Staffortd, that defense is still tough. Despite being at home, this is a tough way to start an absolutely brutal schedule.
October 31st- Texas- Hey Cowboys, try and stop this Texas offense! The Cowboys better hope that Texas goes as the Northwestern Wildcats for Halloween or they could be in a lot of trouble.
November 28th- @ Oklahoma- I’d be shocked if the Cowboys are still in the race at this point for anything more than what Christmas week bowl they will play in, but if they are this one will be absolutely huge. If they still are playing for anything big, this defense will have already shown you that it can flat out play.
Jordan Lauterbach
Coaches Poll: 11
Mike Gundy wants to be remembered for something other than his age. The head coach of the Oklahoma State Cowboys biggest claim to fame does not have anything to do with results on the football field. It has nothing to do with X’s and O’s .
It has everything to do with reading and reacting. Or maybe, more aptly put, reading and over-reacting. We all remember Gundy’s “I’m 40” rant after getting angry at a opinion column in a local newspaper. The comical afternoon put the head coach on the highlight reel, but not for good reason. In fact, mainly for kicks.
But winning is the ultimate fix for a bad reputation and winning is something that the Cowboys hope to do a little bit more of in 2009. However, when you play in the Big 12 South, winning can sometime be extremely difficult.
No one can question the offensive fire power that Oklahoma State has. Quarterback Zac Robinson is the third piece to the trio of deadly Big 12 South signal callers (the others being Colt Mccoy and Sam Bradford, of course). Robinson threw for over 3000 yards last season and 25 touchdowns. Robinson also takes care of the football well, throwing only ten interceptions.
No doubt Robinson is glad to have Dez Bryant back as his top target. Bryant caught 87 passes for over 1400 yards and 19 touchdowns last year. The one concern with Bryant is his health. The receiver had to have knee surgery in the off season after hurting himself in the Holiday Bowl. The passing game was practically unrecognizable after the injury. Zac Robinson completed only 54% of his passes and threw two picks in the loss to Oregon.
If Bryant is not completely healthy, the Cowboys will struggle. Demarcus Connor is listed as Ok. States second receiver. Connor caught only three passes last season. I would worry about the passing game if Bryant shows any effects from the surgery. But assuming that the number one receiver is at full strength, the Cowboys should have no trouble throwing. It’s an air attack that makes opposing secondary coach’s shudder.
Kendrall Hunter is the third major offensive weapon for the Cowboys. Hunter ran for over 1,600 yards and 16 touchdowns last year. The benefit of Hunter is obvious. He keeps the defense honest. With a player like him, you have to be thinking run. With a receiver like Bryant, you have to guard against the pass. It’s extremely difficult to defend. Zac Robinson can also be considered a running threat. Robinson ran for over 1,500 yards during his career year.
Last year Oklahoma State’s offense scored 40.8 points a game, ranking ninth in the nation. With the losses and philosophy changes that some of the teams above them have experienced, I would expect this ranking to increase this year.
Assuming that the offense won’t miss a beat, Oklahoma State’s fortunes hinge on the defense.
New defensive coordinator Bill Young is charged with improving a defense that hasn’t ranked higher than 74th in the nation since 2001. But hopes are high because some immense talent exists on the defense. Linebacker Andre Sexton and cornerback Perrish Cox are both studs. Also keep an eye out for linebacker Donald Booker. Booker was named most improved at spring practice.
But the key to the defense is getting pressure on the quarterback. Last season, the Cowboys had only 15 total sacks. The ranked last in the nation. If Bill Young can figure out a way to improve the defense like he did at Kansas, The Cowboys will be very dangerous.
My biggest concern with Oklahoma State is the schedule. On top of playing both Oklahoma and Texas, they also play five others that were ranked in the top 16 in passing yards. If this defense doesn’t get right quickly, Oklahoma State could be looking towards 2010 by mid-october. No matter how good your offense is, if your defense struggles so will you. With very few exceptions. And as good as Zac Robinson and Dez Bryant are, they aren’t the 2008 Texas Tech Red Raider.
That defense needs to play well early for the Cowboys to have any shot.
3 Games to Watch
September 5th- Georgia- It’s an immediate test for the Cowboy offense. While Georgia may have taken a step back offensively with the loss of Matthew Staffortd, that defense is still tough. Despite being at home, this is a tough way to start an absolutely brutal schedule.
October 31st- Texas- Hey Cowboys, try and stop this Texas offense! The Cowboys better hope that Texas goes as the Northwestern Wildcats for Halloween or they could be in a lot of trouble.
November 28th- @ Oklahoma- I’d be shocked if the Cowboys are still in the race at this point for anything more than what Christmas week bowl they will play in, but if they are this one will be absolutely huge. If they still are playing for anything big, this defense will have already shown you that it can flat out play.
Jordan Lauterbach
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Tiger Woods Lead Shrinks: Catch Him...If You Can
Winning a major is never an easy task, no matter how great you are. They are tournaments that bring out the absolute best in the absolute best. So maybe the talk of Tiger Woods running away with the 2009 PGA Championship with 36 holes left to play was a little premature. Maybe it was a case of the awestruck media (me included) looking for any reason at all to crown Woods king. The odds of Woods reigning on Sunday night are still high, but maybe not quite as high as they were when the day started on Saturday.
It wasn’t a case of Tiger playing poorly on Saturday, but rather, playing unspectacularly. He finished the day at one under par for the round and eight under par for the tournament. As if to keep himself amused on Sunday, Tiger pared the course for most of the day. He bogeyed only one hole and birdied two.
Sure, there was a bit of the usual drama from Woods. He made birdie at the 14th by chipping the ball in from the very edge of the green. A signature Tiger fist pump accentuated the moment, as if to say “come catch me”. His rounds ended with four straight pars.
Like any long and tedious hunt, the group pursuing Tiger has thinned out. But they were rewarded for their perseverance by an admittedly conservative leader. Surprise Y.E Yang and familiar foe Padraig Harrington both sit two shots back of the lead going into the final major’s final day.
Yang, who will play with Woods on Sunday, had the biggest move of the day. Not even thought of as a serious contender after 36 holes, he shot an impressive 5 under, 67 to bypass the falling contenders. After a bogey on 13, Yang birdied three of his final five holes. Six total birdies and only the one bogey made him one of the most unlikely contenders of the year.
But the unlikely nature of his contention comes from where he put himself after two days of golf, not because of a lack of success. Yang has had a surprisingly consistent year. The winner of this year’s Honda Classic, has three top ten finishes on his resume and has only missed four cuts in 19 starts.
Yang will be charged with trying to catch Tiger while playing right beside him and match an incredible Saturday round. It’s worth noting that Yang missed the cut in the two most important tournaments of his season, The Masters and The Players. This doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. I wouldn’t expect Yang to cause any sort of threat to Woods.
Tiger’s main competitor on Sunday will be Padraig Harrington.
What a surprise.
Harrington rebounded from a even par 72 on Friday with an impressive -3,69 on Saturday. Until a bogey on 18, Padraig was playing with a bogey-free round. Four birdies allowed him to creep into the second place tie with Yang.
After Tiger bested him last weekend, Harrington told Tiger that the two would meet again. While they may not be playing together tomorrow, it will still be a battle. Once Y.E Yang gets out of the way, it’ll be all Tiger V. Paddy. They tee off nine minutes apart, providing for what should be great major championship theater.
Of the group of Tiger hunters on Satuday, Vijay Singh had the biggest fall. Singh shot an unwatchable +3, 75 to drop all the way into an 18th place tie. Any trouble for Vijay looked to be avoidable after a fantastic chip in for eagle on seven erased a bogey on six.
But the back nine was unrelenting for Singh. He bogeyed three holes, double bogeyed another, and birdied only one of the disastrous back stretch. His problems were almost exclusively confined to the green. His putter completely gave out on him. By the end of the round, it looked to be mental more than anything else. Now, Singh’s first top three finish of the year and fourth top ten looks to be in major jeopardy.
Lucas Glover and Henrick Stenson are theoretically still in striking the distance. Glover and Stenson sit four shots off Woods’ lead entering Sunday. Stenson started the day off with a bogey and never looked back. He birdied his next two and ended the round with five total birds. The PLAYERS championship winner will have to have an even better round on Sunday if he wants to think about competing.
Like Singh, Glover’s putter was his biggest foe on Saturday. But he put himself in good position off the tee that his putting didn’t need to be great. Despite the occasional putting trouble, Glover birdied three holes and boggyed only two. While he missed a few opportunities, the U.S Open champ didn’t let it kill him like Vijay did. While he’ll probably need a miracle to contend on Sunday, a more confident putting stroke could inch him up towards the top.
But don’t kid yourself; Sunday will be about Padraig V Tiger. Woods V Harrington. Forget about Mickelson V Woods, this has quickly become the most exciting rivalry in golf. Last week, Harrington made too many pars and let Tiger pass him on the board. Then, he climbed back in it before collapsing late.
Now it’s Harrington’s turn to creep up on Tiger. If Woods doesn’t make a significant move early in the round, Harrington will catch up. I think Woods wins, but it comes down to the final three holes.
Sure, the fact that Woods has never lost a lead going into the final round has to be a daunting one for Harrington. But he can’t think like that. Knowing him, he won’t. After all, there’s always a first time.
And we thought the PGA was over…..
Jordan Lauterbach
It wasn’t a case of Tiger playing poorly on Saturday, but rather, playing unspectacularly. He finished the day at one under par for the round and eight under par for the tournament. As if to keep himself amused on Sunday, Tiger pared the course for most of the day. He bogeyed only one hole and birdied two.
Sure, there was a bit of the usual drama from Woods. He made birdie at the 14th by chipping the ball in from the very edge of the green. A signature Tiger fist pump accentuated the moment, as if to say “come catch me”. His rounds ended with four straight pars.
Like any long and tedious hunt, the group pursuing Tiger has thinned out. But they were rewarded for their perseverance by an admittedly conservative leader. Surprise Y.E Yang and familiar foe Padraig Harrington both sit two shots back of the lead going into the final major’s final day.
Yang, who will play with Woods on Sunday, had the biggest move of the day. Not even thought of as a serious contender after 36 holes, he shot an impressive 5 under, 67 to bypass the falling contenders. After a bogey on 13, Yang birdied three of his final five holes. Six total birdies and only the one bogey made him one of the most unlikely contenders of the year.
But the unlikely nature of his contention comes from where he put himself after two days of golf, not because of a lack of success. Yang has had a surprisingly consistent year. The winner of this year’s Honda Classic, has three top ten finishes on his resume and has only missed four cuts in 19 starts.
Yang will be charged with trying to catch Tiger while playing right beside him and match an incredible Saturday round. It’s worth noting that Yang missed the cut in the two most important tournaments of his season, The Masters and The Players. This doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. I wouldn’t expect Yang to cause any sort of threat to Woods.
Tiger’s main competitor on Sunday will be Padraig Harrington.
What a surprise.
Harrington rebounded from a even par 72 on Friday with an impressive -3,69 on Saturday. Until a bogey on 18, Padraig was playing with a bogey-free round. Four birdies allowed him to creep into the second place tie with Yang.
After Tiger bested him last weekend, Harrington told Tiger that the two would meet again. While they may not be playing together tomorrow, it will still be a battle. Once Y.E Yang gets out of the way, it’ll be all Tiger V. Paddy. They tee off nine minutes apart, providing for what should be great major championship theater.
Of the group of Tiger hunters on Satuday, Vijay Singh had the biggest fall. Singh shot an unwatchable +3, 75 to drop all the way into an 18th place tie. Any trouble for Vijay looked to be avoidable after a fantastic chip in for eagle on seven erased a bogey on six.
But the back nine was unrelenting for Singh. He bogeyed three holes, double bogeyed another, and birdied only one of the disastrous back stretch. His problems were almost exclusively confined to the green. His putter completely gave out on him. By the end of the round, it looked to be mental more than anything else. Now, Singh’s first top three finish of the year and fourth top ten looks to be in major jeopardy.
Lucas Glover and Henrick Stenson are theoretically still in striking the distance. Glover and Stenson sit four shots off Woods’ lead entering Sunday. Stenson started the day off with a bogey and never looked back. He birdied his next two and ended the round with five total birds. The PLAYERS championship winner will have to have an even better round on Sunday if he wants to think about competing.
Like Singh, Glover’s putter was his biggest foe on Saturday. But he put himself in good position off the tee that his putting didn’t need to be great. Despite the occasional putting trouble, Glover birdied three holes and boggyed only two. While he missed a few opportunities, the U.S Open champ didn’t let it kill him like Vijay did. While he’ll probably need a miracle to contend on Sunday, a more confident putting stroke could inch him up towards the top.
But don’t kid yourself; Sunday will be about Padraig V Tiger. Woods V Harrington. Forget about Mickelson V Woods, this has quickly become the most exciting rivalry in golf. Last week, Harrington made too many pars and let Tiger pass him on the board. Then, he climbed back in it before collapsing late.
Now it’s Harrington’s turn to creep up on Tiger. If Woods doesn’t make a significant move early in the round, Harrington will catch up. I think Woods wins, but it comes down to the final three holes.
Sure, the fact that Woods has never lost a lead going into the final round has to be a daunting one for Harrington. But he can’t think like that. Knowing him, he won’t. After all, there’s always a first time.
And we thought the PGA was over…..
Jordan Lauterbach
Tiger Hunt
If there was ever an opening to catch Tiger Woods Friday at the PGA Championship, it came in the first couple of holes. Woods started the second round at Hazeltine by doing something that he had not done at any point in round one.
Exceeding par.
But the first hole was more of an aberration than a rule as Woods took further command of a major that, going into Saturday, he seems destined to win. After following up the mistake on the first with four pars, he birdied six and seven to erase the mistake on one. Two more bogeys and three more birds left Tiger at 2 under par for the day and seven under par for the tournament. He sits four shots up on five players who are tied for second.
I’d like to sit here and write that the tournament still has multiple contenders and the battle on the weekend will be one we’ll be talking about for years to come. Only problem is, I don’t think that’s true. The idea of Tiger being on a mission at Hazeltine looks to be coming true. A four deficit against a player this good playing this well may be too much to ask from anyone of the five “contenders” left log-jammed behind Tiger.
Padraig Harrington did not have nearly the round yesterday that he needed to in order to keep up with Woods. Harrington shot a +1, 73 to drop into the second place tie. After a slip up on the third hole, Harrington looked to be chugging along with five pars and a birdie in the next six hole. Than he stepped into the tee box at 11 and his shot at keeping pace with Woods slipped away.
Three consecutive bogeys followed by another one at 18 made the final nine a very frustrating one. I still think he has as good a chance as anyone to compete, but will need to put together two phenomenal rounds. Again, whether or not he’ll be able to do that depends on whether or not you believe that Padraig has finally fixed his game.
Vijay Singh, who’s sixth place finish at the Crowne Plaza marked his best week of the year, will get the honor of playing with Tiger later today. Singh shot a second round 72 to finish at even par in round two. It was certainly not a great round, but coupled with his day one 69, it’ll do. Singh had three birdies and three bogeys.
Today’s round will say a lot about Singh. His ability to play well with Tiger threatening to break the week wide open should be a difficult task. But besides Harrington, Singh is the most apt to handle that kind of atmosphere.
The best day of anyone chasing Tiger belonged to Ross Fischer. The Englishman shot a -4, 68 to charge up the leaderboard. Fischer was impressive all day, notching six birdies and only two bogeys. What was scary about Fischer’s round was that it should have been even better. If not for bogeys on the last two holes, Fischer was looking at sole possession of the Tiger chasing position at a number that would have been a lot less daunting than four shots back.
If you want to go for the hot hand in tomorrow’s Tiger hunt, go with Fischer. No one else played as well as him yesterday. You know you played well when -4 doesn’t do the round justice.
U.S Open champ Lucas Glover and Brendan Jones had identical -2 scores to add themselves to the second place brigade. Glover had the same amount of birdies as he did in round one, but cut his bogey count by one to march up the board.
Jones had a very steady round. It was defined by a eagle on the par four fourteenth. Never heard of Jones? I don’t blame you. He is an Australian who plays mostly oversees. The PGA is only his second tournament of the season. His first one came in February when he finished 33rd in the WGC-Accenture match play championship.
Not exactly a house hold name. I wouldn’t expect him to stay in it.
It may not matter for any of these players today. If Tiger keeps playing like he is, I don’t think any of these five can put together a round to catch him. That would have to be one incredible round. But if anyone can do it, it will be Paddy Harrington. Despite the one over round yesterday, you can see that his game has turned a corner. His round was not spectacular, but he still managed to knock in a few incredible shots. After one such shot, Woods remarked to him that he would “pay money” to see him make it again.
However, while us observing may think we see the “writing on the wall”, those five all got up this morning thinking that they can win. All of them may not completely believe it, but they all have hope.
And when your play major championship golf against a player like Tiger, that’s what it’s about.
The thrill of the chase.
Jordan Lauterbach
Exceeding par.
But the first hole was more of an aberration than a rule as Woods took further command of a major that, going into Saturday, he seems destined to win. After following up the mistake on the first with four pars, he birdied six and seven to erase the mistake on one. Two more bogeys and three more birds left Tiger at 2 under par for the day and seven under par for the tournament. He sits four shots up on five players who are tied for second.
I’d like to sit here and write that the tournament still has multiple contenders and the battle on the weekend will be one we’ll be talking about for years to come. Only problem is, I don’t think that’s true. The idea of Tiger being on a mission at Hazeltine looks to be coming true. A four deficit against a player this good playing this well may be too much to ask from anyone of the five “contenders” left log-jammed behind Tiger.
Padraig Harrington did not have nearly the round yesterday that he needed to in order to keep up with Woods. Harrington shot a +1, 73 to drop into the second place tie. After a slip up on the third hole, Harrington looked to be chugging along with five pars and a birdie in the next six hole. Than he stepped into the tee box at 11 and his shot at keeping pace with Woods slipped away.
Three consecutive bogeys followed by another one at 18 made the final nine a very frustrating one. I still think he has as good a chance as anyone to compete, but will need to put together two phenomenal rounds. Again, whether or not he’ll be able to do that depends on whether or not you believe that Padraig has finally fixed his game.
Vijay Singh, who’s sixth place finish at the Crowne Plaza marked his best week of the year, will get the honor of playing with Tiger later today. Singh shot a second round 72 to finish at even par in round two. It was certainly not a great round, but coupled with his day one 69, it’ll do. Singh had three birdies and three bogeys.
Today’s round will say a lot about Singh. His ability to play well with Tiger threatening to break the week wide open should be a difficult task. But besides Harrington, Singh is the most apt to handle that kind of atmosphere.
The best day of anyone chasing Tiger belonged to Ross Fischer. The Englishman shot a -4, 68 to charge up the leaderboard. Fischer was impressive all day, notching six birdies and only two bogeys. What was scary about Fischer’s round was that it should have been even better. If not for bogeys on the last two holes, Fischer was looking at sole possession of the Tiger chasing position at a number that would have been a lot less daunting than four shots back.
If you want to go for the hot hand in tomorrow’s Tiger hunt, go with Fischer. No one else played as well as him yesterday. You know you played well when -4 doesn’t do the round justice.
U.S Open champ Lucas Glover and Brendan Jones had identical -2 scores to add themselves to the second place brigade. Glover had the same amount of birdies as he did in round one, but cut his bogey count by one to march up the board.
Jones had a very steady round. It was defined by a eagle on the par four fourteenth. Never heard of Jones? I don’t blame you. He is an Australian who plays mostly oversees. The PGA is only his second tournament of the season. His first one came in February when he finished 33rd in the WGC-Accenture match play championship.
Not exactly a house hold name. I wouldn’t expect him to stay in it.
It may not matter for any of these players today. If Tiger keeps playing like he is, I don’t think any of these five can put together a round to catch him. That would have to be one incredible round. But if anyone can do it, it will be Paddy Harrington. Despite the one over round yesterday, you can see that his game has turned a corner. His round was not spectacular, but he still managed to knock in a few incredible shots. After one such shot, Woods remarked to him that he would “pay money” to see him make it again.
However, while us observing may think we see the “writing on the wall”, those five all got up this morning thinking that they can win. All of them may not completely believe it, but they all have hope.
And when your play major championship golf against a player like Tiger, that’s what it’s about.
The thrill of the chase.
Jordan Lauterbach
Friday, August 14, 2009
Andre Brown Injured -- Out for Season
From the Star-Ledger:Giants running back Andre Brown's rookie season is already over.
The fourth-round pick, who was having an impressive training camp, suffered a ruptured left Achilles' tendon in practice on Friday evening. He will undergo surgery next week for what is a season-ending injury, according to the team's public-relations staff.
Brown went up for a pass with linebacker Gerris Wilkinson in coverage. He came down and immediately rolled over several times while writhing in pain. While trainers attended to Brown, starting running back Brandon Jacobs stood nearby with fullback Madison Hedgecock. Jacobs was shaking his head in frustration -- a clear sign the severity of Brown's injury was immediately apparent.
Well, that settles one training camp battle. Now that Andre Brown is out, it would seem like Danny Ware will get his druthers and become the running back to step in for Derrick Ward. It'll be interesting to see how he duplicates Ward's production without having a competition to worry about.
Clearly, Brown was drafted because he is thought to be a better option than Ware.
Tough break.
--Max Caster
First Impressions of the Mark Sanchez Era
The New york Jets lost their first game of the preseason 23-20 to the St. Louis Rams. But despite the loss in Rex Ryan's debut as Jets' HC, the biggest story has to be the performance of Rookie Quarterback Mark Sanchez.
Sanchez completed 3 out of his 4 passing attempts for 88 yards. The big play came on his first passing attempt when he connected on a 48 yard bomb to David Clowney from his own endzone.
Sanchez then threw two short passes to Dustin Keller -- who is going to emerge as an elite target -- and the 2nd-year tight end turned them into 14 and 26 yard gains.
The only pass that fell incomplete was a tough one to Brad Smith. Sanchez's only drive of the game led to a 1-yard touchdown by Thomas Jones.
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I said it on the air today. What I wanted to see from Sanchez was poise and confidence. And behind an offensive line that was missing 60% of its starters, I was a bit worried. But the line held up, and Mark Sanchez displayed what he could do when given time.
He was efficient against a 1st string NFL defense. That's about all I asked for, and I'm thrilled to have received it. I don't think any Jets fan is disappointed with Sanchez's 1st NFL action.
The only problem I have with tonight's game was the amount of playing time Sanchez got. A guy could look great in one drive, but I want to see how he follows it up. Remember, he's a rookie. He needs as much game experience as possible. The sample size was too small to officially name Mark Sanchez the Week 1 starter today.
With that, it seems like Kellen Clemens is moving closer to his familiar backup status. It's Sanchez's job and Rex Ryan knows it. It's just a matter of time.
--Max Caster
Sanchez completed 3 out of his 4 passing attempts for 88 yards. The big play came on his first passing attempt when he connected on a 48 yard bomb to David Clowney from his own endzone.
Sanchez then threw two short passes to Dustin Keller -- who is going to emerge as an elite target -- and the 2nd-year tight end turned them into 14 and 26 yard gains.
The only pass that fell incomplete was a tough one to Brad Smith. Sanchez's only drive of the game led to a 1-yard touchdown by Thomas Jones.
I said it on the air today. What I wanted to see from Sanchez was poise and confidence. And behind an offensive line that was missing 60% of its starters, I was a bit worried. But the line held up, and Mark Sanchez displayed what he could do when given time.
He was efficient against a 1st string NFL defense. That's about all I asked for, and I'm thrilled to have received it. I don't think any Jets fan is disappointed with Sanchez's 1st NFL action.
The only problem I have with tonight's game was the amount of playing time Sanchez got. A guy could look great in one drive, but I want to see how he follows it up. Remember, he's a rookie. He needs as much game experience as possible. The sample size was too small to officially name Mark Sanchez the Week 1 starter today.
With that, it seems like Kellen Clemens is moving closer to his familiar backup status. It's Sanchez's job and Rex Ryan knows it. It's just a matter of time.
--Max Caster
College Football '09: Ole Miss Rebels
Last Season: 8-4, 5-3
Coaches Poll: 10
It took a while, but Jevan Sneed has finally found a home.
While Sneed may be a household name this coming season, he is only a few years removed from not being able to find a home.
The quarterback started his college career with every intention of being a Gator. After committing to Florida , Sneed quickly realized that his chance of playing there were slim. Another recruit by the name of Tim Tebow had decided to head towards the swamp as well. Knowing full well that Tebow was one of the best recruits in the nation, Sneed quickly bagged that idea.
The next stop was the lone star state. Sneed spent the 2006 season at Texas , hoping to compete for the starting job. But he quickly realized that beating out Colt McCoy was almost surely an impossibility.
But its true what they say. The third time is a charm. He finally settled on Ole Miss and is thriving after some early struggles. Since his first season running the rebels, Sneed has learned how to manage a game better and not force throws into bad spots. Last season, Sneed only completed 56% of his passes. But he threw 26 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. While his accuracy needs to get better, I think that Sneed will have a breakout season as he further strengthens his NFL draft stock.
And for Ole Miss to have the kind of big success that they want, Sneed will have to be exceptional. His main target will be the versatile Dexter McCluster. McCluster is the kind of player that can do anything and everything. Last season, he led the Rebels in rushing with 665 yards and 6 touchdowns. He also led the team in receiving, raking in 44 passes for 625 yards and one touchdown. Because McCluster is one of only six returning starters, he will be relied upon heavily.
If defenses can contain Sneed and zero in on McCluster, Ole Miss might have some troubles offensively. But somehow, I don’t see that happening.
Defensively is where the improvement will have to come for Mississippi . Their trouble defensively existed primarily in the secondary. Ole Miss finished last in the SEC against the pass, allowing over 221 air yards per game. That obviously needs to improve, and I think it will.
For the Ole Miss fan looking for optimism regarding the defense, look no further than the last six games of last season. After falling just short of a magical comeback against Alabama , Ole Miss allowed just over 12 points per game for the rest of the year. The eight returning defensive starters should build on this and have a much better year in 2009.
Watch out for defensive end Greg Hardy to have a big year. Hardy, who had a nasty habit of taking plays off, has reportedly improved his work ethic and will be more consistent. With Kendrell Lockett, Ted Laurent, Lawson Scott, and Jerome Powe, this defense suddenly has depth.
Consistency will be the name of the game for Ole Miss this season. The team pulled off huge wins against Florida , LSU and Texas Tech, but struggled in bad losses to Vanderbilt and South Carolina . In the loss to Alabama , Ole Miss let up 24 first half points and lost 24-20.
I think Mississippi takes a step forward this year and is a serious contender in the SEC west. Alabama strikes me as very beatable. This will be the year of Ole Miss.
3 Games To Watch
October 10th- Alabama- After what will presumably be a big time revenge win against Vanderbilt on October 3rd, Alabama will be Ole Miss' first test in the SEC. Alabama has won five straight games between the two teams, including last years 24-20 'Bama win.
November 14th- Tennessee- The beginning of the hardest two week stretch on the schedule for Ole Miss. By this time, they should be fully entrenched in the SEC West race. They will need momentum going into the showdown with LSU.
November 21st- LSU- This game should be a winner take all showdown for the SEC West. The winner of this one gets the right to loose to Florida in the SEC Championship game.
Jordan Lauterbach
Coaches Poll: 10
It took a while, but Jevan Sneed has finally found a home.
While Sneed may be a household name this coming season, he is only a few years removed from not being able to find a home.
The quarterback started his college career with every intention of being a Gator. After committing to Florida , Sneed quickly realized that his chance of playing there were slim. Another recruit by the name of Tim Tebow had decided to head towards the swamp as well. Knowing full well that Tebow was one of the best recruits in the nation, Sneed quickly bagged that idea.
The next stop was the lone star state. Sneed spent the 2006 season at Texas , hoping to compete for the starting job. But he quickly realized that beating out Colt McCoy was almost surely an impossibility.
But its true what they say. The third time is a charm. He finally settled on Ole Miss and is thriving after some early struggles. Since his first season running the rebels, Sneed has learned how to manage a game better and not force throws into bad spots. Last season, Sneed only completed 56% of his passes. But he threw 26 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. While his accuracy needs to get better, I think that Sneed will have a breakout season as he further strengthens his NFL draft stock.
And for Ole Miss to have the kind of big success that they want, Sneed will have to be exceptional. His main target will be the versatile Dexter McCluster. McCluster is the kind of player that can do anything and everything. Last season, he led the Rebels in rushing with 665 yards and 6 touchdowns. He also led the team in receiving, raking in 44 passes for 625 yards and one touchdown. Because McCluster is one of only six returning starters, he will be relied upon heavily.
If defenses can contain Sneed and zero in on McCluster, Ole Miss might have some troubles offensively. But somehow, I don’t see that happening.
Defensively is where the improvement will have to come for Mississippi . Their trouble defensively existed primarily in the secondary. Ole Miss finished last in the SEC against the pass, allowing over 221 air yards per game. That obviously needs to improve, and I think it will.
For the Ole Miss fan looking for optimism regarding the defense, look no further than the last six games of last season. After falling just short of a magical comeback against Alabama , Ole Miss allowed just over 12 points per game for the rest of the year. The eight returning defensive starters should build on this and have a much better year in 2009.
Watch out for defensive end Greg Hardy to have a big year. Hardy, who had a nasty habit of taking plays off, has reportedly improved his work ethic and will be more consistent. With Kendrell Lockett, Ted Laurent, Lawson Scott, and Jerome Powe, this defense suddenly has depth.
Consistency will be the name of the game for Ole Miss this season. The team pulled off huge wins against Florida , LSU and Texas Tech, but struggled in bad losses to Vanderbilt and South Carolina . In the loss to Alabama , Ole Miss let up 24 first half points and lost 24-20.
I think Mississippi takes a step forward this year and is a serious contender in the SEC west. Alabama strikes me as very beatable. This will be the year of Ole Miss.
3 Games To Watch
October 10th- Alabama- After what will presumably be a big time revenge win against Vanderbilt on October 3rd, Alabama will be Ole Miss' first test in the SEC. Alabama has won five straight games between the two teams, including last years 24-20 'Bama win.
November 14th- Tennessee- The beginning of the hardest two week stretch on the schedule for Ole Miss. By this time, they should be fully entrenched in the SEC West race. They will need momentum going into the showdown with LSU.
November 21st- LSU- This game should be a winner take all showdown for the SEC West. The winner of this one gets the right to loose to Florida in the SEC Championship game.
Jordan Lauterbach
NJ Nets Selling Other Teams' Stars
The New Jersey Nets are running this strange promotion for the upcoming season. You get a Nets jersey with the opposing team's star player's jersey on the reverse side.I'd like to hear Anthony Sullivan pitch this to me. maybe then it'll sound like a good idea.
"Not only will you get Jarvis Hayes' jersey. Turn it around... and it's LeBron James! You can wipe your tears with the New Jersey side, and root for a winning team on the reverse side!
But that's not all!
We'll throw in an Adam Silver bobblehead at no extra cost. You just pay shipping and handling."
Not even the late, great Billy Mays could sell this to me. Well... maybe he could. But that's besides the point.
First of all, going to the IZOD Center is a chore in itself. Second, why would any New Jersey fans (and I stress 'New Jersey') want to come to any games? Forget about the team being bad. But with everything that the Nets' front office is doing to distance the team from the state of New Jersey and the IZOD Center makes to move to Brooklyn seem like a done deal.
First the words "New Jersey" are taken off the away uniforms. Then in the preseason schedule, the Nets don't play at the 'ZOD.
Honestly, I was going to report on something similar earlier this summer. The Nets, on their website, had been promoting "The Stars of the NBA", not their own stars. LeBron James and Kevin Garnett were featured in that ad, I believe. But lastly, it had the Nets' own superstar Devin Harris.
It's just shameful. But like I've said many times: what selling point does New Jersey have over anywhere else, geographically speaking? Forget about the poor front office moves or the dearth of serious talent. But New Jersey isn't a sexy place to go. What else can they do but advertise for LeBron and Kobe and Garnett?
This has to suck for true Nets fans.
--Max Caster
Tiger/Paddy Round 2 May Come Sooner Than Expected
Making rash predictions after one day of a major golf tournament can be dangerous. So much can happen in the last three days that often the board after day one looks like an absolute joke by Sunday night. However, I prey to the golf gods that this one stay the same. I prey to the golf gods that the 2009 PGA Championship at Hazeltine is about one battle and one battle only.
Tiger Woods Vs. Padraig Harrington
Here we go again. Second consecutive week, second consecutive battle between two competitors that have a budding rivalry that is only equal to the amount of respect that one has for the other. Sure, it could go down in flames. Paddy could light up today and by the time Saturday roles around he could be a forgotten competitor. Although significantly less likely, Tiger could fall down the board after the second 18 and we’re looking at another weekend comeback trail.
But let’s live in the moment. Lets hope that the one shot that separates Tiger and Harrington at the top of the leaderboard at the start of play today remains the story. As we stand, Woods leads the pack at -5.
Tiger’s 67 yesterday was his best opening round at a major this year. He was as sharp as sharp can be. Showing only the effects of two weeks worth of momentum, Tiger went bogey free through his first 18, racking up five birdies.
At the risk of sounding over-analytical, I think this was a round that Tiger needed. After his failures at majors this year, it was crucial for him to not start off the week on a down note. His first round at The British was hard to watch. His rain-interrupted round at Bethpage Black wasn’t much easier. But yesterday’s round was an absolute joy to behold. A clinic, if you will.
Obviously, what’s most impressive about the round is his lack of bogeys. Hazeltine is a dangerously long course. You thought Bethpage was long? Well, Hazeltine is longer. Although this benefits Tiger because of his excellent driving skills, I grew concerned about his play off the tee after the debacle at Turnbury and a so-so first round at the Buick. But he appears to be past all that. Maybe it’s the magic of Hank Haney. Maybe it’s a testament that even the best have a bad few weeks here and there.
Even though, I prefaced this column saying that rash predictions after round one often backfire, I don’t see how you can make a strong argument that Tiger won’t win this major. He’s got that look that we’ve all come to recognize. He’s got that swagger that is almost unparalleled in the game of golf. What aspect of yesterdays round worried you if you’re Tiger Woods. I didn’t see any. Yes, pin placement might become more of an issue as we get closer to Sunday, but isn’t that when Tiger thrives?
Maybe the only player that can hang with Tiger this week is Harrington. At -4, the Irishman is only one shot off the lead. If you were wondering whether last week’s performance at The Bridgestone was a fluke or Harrington turning the corner, choose the latter.
Paddy failed to bogey on the front nine and only had one on the back. He birdied five holes and looked as strong as ever doing so. The day had a sense of unfinished business for Harrington. Last weekend looks like it was only the start.
After the round ended last Sunday, Harrington walked up to Woods and said “We’ll do battle again soon.” At the time, it appeared to be just a sign of two men who respect each other a great deal. Who knew that by “soon” Harrington meant “next week.”
Maybe its pessimism, or maybe realism, but Harrington is the only player at the top who I can see going nose to nose with Tiger. Hunter Mahan, Vijay Singh, and David Toms are a few of the names that rest two shots back, but I question if anyone of that group has enough to go round for round with Woods. Or Harrington, for that matter.
For what it’s worth, my pick (Steve Stricker) is sitting in a tie for 69th at +2. Phil Mickelson also resides in that +2 group. Kenny Perry didn’t play much better.
So maybe the storylines will be few and far between this weekend. But as we saw with Tom Watson at The British, a major doesn’t need multiple captivating storylines.
One will do just fine.
Jordan Lauterbach
Tiger Woods Vs. Padraig Harrington
Here we go again. Second consecutive week, second consecutive battle between two competitors that have a budding rivalry that is only equal to the amount of respect that one has for the other. Sure, it could go down in flames. Paddy could light up today and by the time Saturday roles around he could be a forgotten competitor. Although significantly less likely, Tiger could fall down the board after the second 18 and we’re looking at another weekend comeback trail.
But let’s live in the moment. Lets hope that the one shot that separates Tiger and Harrington at the top of the leaderboard at the start of play today remains the story. As we stand, Woods leads the pack at -5.
Tiger’s 67 yesterday was his best opening round at a major this year. He was as sharp as sharp can be. Showing only the effects of two weeks worth of momentum, Tiger went bogey free through his first 18, racking up five birdies.
At the risk of sounding over-analytical, I think this was a round that Tiger needed. After his failures at majors this year, it was crucial for him to not start off the week on a down note. His first round at The British was hard to watch. His rain-interrupted round at Bethpage Black wasn’t much easier. But yesterday’s round was an absolute joy to behold. A clinic, if you will.
Obviously, what’s most impressive about the round is his lack of bogeys. Hazeltine is a dangerously long course. You thought Bethpage was long? Well, Hazeltine is longer. Although this benefits Tiger because of his excellent driving skills, I grew concerned about his play off the tee after the debacle at Turnbury and a so-so first round at the Buick. But he appears to be past all that. Maybe it’s the magic of Hank Haney. Maybe it’s a testament that even the best have a bad few weeks here and there.
Even though, I prefaced this column saying that rash predictions after round one often backfire, I don’t see how you can make a strong argument that Tiger won’t win this major. He’s got that look that we’ve all come to recognize. He’s got that swagger that is almost unparalleled in the game of golf. What aspect of yesterdays round worried you if you’re Tiger Woods. I didn’t see any. Yes, pin placement might become more of an issue as we get closer to Sunday, but isn’t that when Tiger thrives?
Maybe the only player that can hang with Tiger this week is Harrington. At -4, the Irishman is only one shot off the lead. If you were wondering whether last week’s performance at The Bridgestone was a fluke or Harrington turning the corner, choose the latter.
Paddy failed to bogey on the front nine and only had one on the back. He birdied five holes and looked as strong as ever doing so. The day had a sense of unfinished business for Harrington. Last weekend looks like it was only the start.
After the round ended last Sunday, Harrington walked up to Woods and said “We’ll do battle again soon.” At the time, it appeared to be just a sign of two men who respect each other a great deal. Who knew that by “soon” Harrington meant “next week.”
Maybe its pessimism, or maybe realism, but Harrington is the only player at the top who I can see going nose to nose with Tiger. Hunter Mahan, Vijay Singh, and David Toms are a few of the names that rest two shots back, but I question if anyone of that group has enough to go round for round with Woods. Or Harrington, for that matter.
For what it’s worth, my pick (Steve Stricker) is sitting in a tie for 69th at +2. Phil Mickelson also resides in that +2 group. Kenny Perry didn’t play much better.
So maybe the storylines will be few and far between this weekend. But as we saw with Tom Watson at The British, a major doesn’t need multiple captivating storylines.
One will do just fine.
Jordan Lauterbach
Count Wade out of NY-NJ in 2010
From Fred Kerber of the NY Post:The Nets, of course, have positioned themselves to be major players in the free agent hunt next summer. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh are the marquee names expected to be on the market. James has indicated he won't sign an extension beforehand. Wade said you never know.
And while admitting the Heat were still the favorites, for his services, he pretty much dashed any hope of the Nets or Knicks getting him. After saying firmly "The Heat" as the frontrunner, he was asked point blank if the Nets or Knicks had a chance.
"Not in my mind. I'm not thinking about the Knicks or the Nets. Only when we play them," Wade said.
Jumping back to the Heat, Wade said "We're talking about it. I haven't ruled it out yet. We're still talking. I owe the Heat that much to really consider it. And I'm a loyal person. And I'm with a loyal organization so I'm going to do my homework and make sure I'm making the right decision."
This is terrible for any Knicks or Nets fan. Without Dwyane Wade, the 2010 guard pool dwindles to Joe Johnson and LeBron James. Now the shot of either the Knicks or Nets landing a big-name guard is diminished by 33.3%. And that's not factoring in the pursuit by other teams.
Now with two guards left to grab, it's a 50-50 shot. Let's say 10 teams in total (it'll probably be more from what I'm hearing) are in the market for James and Johnson. That means New York and New Jersey would have a 5% chance to sign one of them.
My best guess is that Dwyane Wade will stay in Miami. The arrival of Carlos Boozer to the 'Sunshine State' has been imminent for a while. Boozer will be signed to a long-term contract and so will Wade soon thereafter.
The Heat will contend for a title when Carlos Boozer is added, and Wade knows that. That's why he's been saying such vague things when it comes to his contract situation. Until the Boozer deal happens, Wade won't make a move. So he can't say anything too concrete.
But the fact that he said outright that New York and New Jersey aren't great considerations is troubling. One staunch statement amidst the broad ones seems believable.
--Max Caster
Thursday, August 13, 2009
College Football '09: LSU Tigers
Last Season: 8-5, Beat Georgia Tech in Chick-fill-A bowl
Coaches Poll: 9
What was most surprising about LSU’s Chick-fill-A bowl victory was that they only allowed three points. The victory signaled the beginning of what was a major change on the defensive side of the ball in Baton Rouge. The ’08 Tigers were one of the worst defensive teams in recent school history. They allowed over 325 yards per game and surrendered at least 30 points five times.
At some points, opponents blasted that number.
Florida put up a 51 spot. Georgia a 52. Even Troy got into the high scoring act, notching 31 on LSU. And Troy was 6-5!
The main goal of the offseason was getting the defense back on the right track. While it may not be a top ten defense yet, LSU has begun the long road back to defensive respectability.
The unit returns six starters, but it appears to be the correct three. All three of its leading tacklers are back for another go. Harry Coleman led the team with 71 tackles. Kelvin Sheppard had 64. Chick- fill-A bowl MVP Perry Riley had 60. Expect a bigger year from Riley this year. His 11 tackles in the bowl game may be a sign of good things to come.
The case of Coleman is an interesting one. Last season he led the team in tackles at the strong safety position. This year he moves to linebacker. The LSU coaching staff is confident that he will thrive at linebacker. The secondary has enough depth that it is not expected to miss a beat. Whether Coleman makes a smooth transition will be key to whether this defense improves.
The move could be a slam dunk. Moving your best defensive player to a position that struggled last year sounds like a genius move. But it also has two potential backfiring scenarios. One, the transition could diminish Coleman’s productivity. Two, the secondary could struggle in coverage if Coleman has another assignment. LSU is banking that neither of these possibilities will become a reality. It’s a gamble, but one that they thought they had to take.
But it wasn’t only the tacking that caused defensive problems last year. LSU’s secondary was incredibly poor, grabbing only eight interceptions. From that group, safety Chad Jones is the most notable returnee. Also keep an eye out for Craig Loston.
A new defensive line coach leads a unit that should also have a better year. Brick Haley is a former NFL coach who brings a new attitude and energy to Batton Rouge.
In fact, that’s the bottom line with the entire defense. Will a “new attitude” and “tougher approach” translate into results? Sure, it looks good on paper. But you don’t give up 52 points of Georgia on paper.
Offensively, LSU is banking on quarterback Jordan Jefferson limiting the mistakes that Jarrett Lee was famous for last season. Jefferson was a late season replacement for Lee and preformed well. He engineered an offense explosion in the bowl game and looks to continue more of the same this year.
The one question mark with Jefferson is consistency. In the limited action he saw last year, Jefferson completed under 50% percent of his passes and threw four touchdowns and one interception. He obviously has tremendous potential, but so does everyone at this level. If he can harness that potential into consistency, then he’ll be in good shape. Consistency is what the Tigers have lacked since Jamarcus Russell left.
Jefferson certainly has weapons. Brandon LaFell returns for his senior season after a year in which he caught 63 passes and 8 touchdowns. Tight end Richard Dickerson (Why isn’t this guy calling himself Dick Dickerson? That would easily be the best name in sports) caught 31 balls for 324 yards and five touchdowns last year. Receiver Rueben Randle is also immensely talented.
This, and the return of the SEC’s leading rusher Charles Scott, makes the LSU offense dangerous. Jordan Jefferson won’t be asked to do anything radical. He’ll only be asked to keep the football away from the other team. If he does that, I think you’ll see significant improvement on that 3 conference win year in 2008.
3 Games To Watch
October 3- @ Georgia- This game starts a dangerous stretch that sees the Tigers play four SEC teams that figure to contend in seven weeks. A win here to start that stretch off well would be huge.
November 7th- @ Alabama- I think Alabama will be very beatable this year, but that doesn’t mean they will be push-overs. A loss here could put a disastrous crimp in any hopes to compete in the SEC down the stretch.
November 21st- @ Ole Miss- Besides playing Florida on October 10th, this is the Tigers toughest game. Ole Miss is going to be incredibly improved and will be this year’s Alabama.
Jordan Lauterbach
Coaches Poll: 9
What was most surprising about LSU’s Chick-fill-A bowl victory was that they only allowed three points. The victory signaled the beginning of what was a major change on the defensive side of the ball in Baton Rouge. The ’08 Tigers were one of the worst defensive teams in recent school history. They allowed over 325 yards per game and surrendered at least 30 points five times.
At some points, opponents blasted that number.
Florida put up a 51 spot. Georgia a 52. Even Troy got into the high scoring act, notching 31 on LSU. And Troy was 6-5!
The main goal of the offseason was getting the defense back on the right track. While it may not be a top ten defense yet, LSU has begun the long road back to defensive respectability.
The unit returns six starters, but it appears to be the correct three. All three of its leading tacklers are back for another go. Harry Coleman led the team with 71 tackles. Kelvin Sheppard had 64. Chick- fill-A bowl MVP Perry Riley had 60. Expect a bigger year from Riley this year. His 11 tackles in the bowl game may be a sign of good things to come.
The case of Coleman is an interesting one. Last season he led the team in tackles at the strong safety position. This year he moves to linebacker. The LSU coaching staff is confident that he will thrive at linebacker. The secondary has enough depth that it is not expected to miss a beat. Whether Coleman makes a smooth transition will be key to whether this defense improves.
The move could be a slam dunk. Moving your best defensive player to a position that struggled last year sounds like a genius move. But it also has two potential backfiring scenarios. One, the transition could diminish Coleman’s productivity. Two, the secondary could struggle in coverage if Coleman has another assignment. LSU is banking that neither of these possibilities will become a reality. It’s a gamble, but one that they thought they had to take.
But it wasn’t only the tacking that caused defensive problems last year. LSU’s secondary was incredibly poor, grabbing only eight interceptions. From that group, safety Chad Jones is the most notable returnee. Also keep an eye out for Craig Loston.
A new defensive line coach leads a unit that should also have a better year. Brick Haley is a former NFL coach who brings a new attitude and energy to Batton Rouge.
In fact, that’s the bottom line with the entire defense. Will a “new attitude” and “tougher approach” translate into results? Sure, it looks good on paper. But you don’t give up 52 points of Georgia on paper.
Offensively, LSU is banking on quarterback Jordan Jefferson limiting the mistakes that Jarrett Lee was famous for last season. Jefferson was a late season replacement for Lee and preformed well. He engineered an offense explosion in the bowl game and looks to continue more of the same this year.
The one question mark with Jefferson is consistency. In the limited action he saw last year, Jefferson completed under 50% percent of his passes and threw four touchdowns and one interception. He obviously has tremendous potential, but so does everyone at this level. If he can harness that potential into consistency, then he’ll be in good shape. Consistency is what the Tigers have lacked since Jamarcus Russell left.
Jefferson certainly has weapons. Brandon LaFell returns for his senior season after a year in which he caught 63 passes and 8 touchdowns. Tight end Richard Dickerson (Why isn’t this guy calling himself Dick Dickerson? That would easily be the best name in sports) caught 31 balls for 324 yards and five touchdowns last year. Receiver Rueben Randle is also immensely talented.
This, and the return of the SEC’s leading rusher Charles Scott, makes the LSU offense dangerous. Jordan Jefferson won’t be asked to do anything radical. He’ll only be asked to keep the football away from the other team. If he does that, I think you’ll see significant improvement on that 3 conference win year in 2008.
3 Games To Watch
October 3- @ Georgia- This game starts a dangerous stretch that sees the Tigers play four SEC teams that figure to contend in seven weeks. A win here to start that stretch off well would be huge.
November 7th- @ Alabama- I think Alabama will be very beatable this year, but that doesn’t mean they will be push-overs. A loss here could put a disastrous crimp in any hopes to compete in the SEC down the stretch.
November 21st- @ Ole Miss- Besides playing Florida on October 10th, this is the Tigers toughest game. Ole Miss is going to be incredibly improved and will be this year’s Alabama.
Jordan Lauterbach
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Va Tech's Darren Evans out for Season
From ESPN:
Darren Evans suffered a left knee ACL tear this afternoon," head athletic trainer Mike Goforth said in a prepared statement. "He was evaluated by Dr. Marc Siegel and Dr. Gunnar Brolinson and received an MRI at Montgomery Regional Hospital that showed the ACL tear. He will be re-evaluated later this week to see when the ACL reconstruction surgery will take place. Our hope is to be able to repair the knee prior to classes starting so that he can get started on his rehab and continue his course work.
This is absolutely huge for Va Tech. Evans led all freshman rushers last season with over 1,200 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns. The Orange Bowl MVP was a crucial piece to an offense that has to adjust to life without him quickly.
The Hokies will now need history to repeat itself. Ryan Williams will more carries than expected. Williams is a highly touted redshirt freshman.
Josh Oglesby will also be relied on heavily in the running game. Oglesby saw extremely limited action, only 38 touches, last season.
Now, with the running game in flux, it will be even more important for Tyrod Taylor to improve his passing skills. Taylor completed only 57 percent of him passes and threw seven picks. While he is dangerous with his legs, I wonder how much Taylor being the only offensive weapon will hurt VT.
Jordan Lauterbach
Darren Evans suffered a left knee ACL tear this afternoon," head athletic trainer Mike Goforth said in a prepared statement. "He was evaluated by Dr. Marc Siegel and Dr. Gunnar Brolinson and received an MRI at Montgomery Regional Hospital that showed the ACL tear. He will be re-evaluated later this week to see when the ACL reconstruction surgery will take place. Our hope is to be able to repair the knee prior to classes starting so that he can get started on his rehab and continue his course work.
This is absolutely huge for Va Tech. Evans led all freshman rushers last season with over 1,200 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns. The Orange Bowl MVP was a crucial piece to an offense that has to adjust to life without him quickly.
The Hokies will now need history to repeat itself. Ryan Williams will more carries than expected. Williams is a highly touted redshirt freshman.
Josh Oglesby will also be relied on heavily in the running game. Oglesby saw extremely limited action, only 38 touches, last season.
Now, with the running game in flux, it will be even more important for Tyrod Taylor to improve his passing skills. Taylor completed only 57 percent of him passes and threw seven picks. While he is dangerous with his legs, I wonder how much Taylor being the only offensive weapon will hurt VT.
Jordan Lauterbach
Jets Improve Offer to Washington
From the NY Daily News:
When the Jets made their initial contract proposal to RB Leon Washington, believed to be around $2 million per year, he found it so insulting that he skipped some of the offseason workouts.
They've increased their offer considerably. According to sources, the Jets have an offer on the table that averages $4.5 million a year. Washington is believed to be seeking $6 million per year. Thing is, if the Jets go higher than $5million, they'd be paying him more than Thomas Jones, the starting tailback.
Washington is due to make $535,000 this season. The two sides continue to talk, although nothing appears imminent.
No wonder Leon Washington couldn't come to terms. $2 million a year!? That's laughable! 4.5 mil suits him better.
Take that deal, Leon! They're not going to give you anymore than that. And I'm pretty sure you don't deserve more than Thomas Jones. He led the conference in rushing.
--Max Caster
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