Top 10 Most Anticipated College Football games

[Guest Agent of Oblivion]

Iowa is going to be a top five team by the end of the season. They've got an incredible defense that just beats the shit out of people and swarms like nobody's business, excellent coaching, and an offense that I don't see make too many mistakes. They remind me of the NCAA New England Patriots.

[Art Sandusky 0]

I say Iowa and Ohio State finish 1-2 in the Big 10 this year.

 

It'll be Iowa/(LSU/Tennessee) in the Sugar Bowl (is that where the Big 10 champ goes this year?) and Ohio State playing whichever team doesn't play Iowa in the Citrus. I refuse to call it the Capital One Bowl.

[Damaramu 0]

I think Texas may be taking a more talented team into tOSU. But then again it's tough to play in the horseshoe and we know how Mack coaches. Although I think they game is going to be a close one.

It seems that most OU fans I talk to are calling the Texas game a loss already but everyone else is saying "Well Texas needs to beat OU to prove something to me! And I don't think they can do it!"

They'll have the talent and experience edge this year but we have the mental edge. Especially if tOSU smacks them around.

[ANKLELOCK 0]

Tennessee is NOT overhyped, trust me.

 

USC vs Da Vols in the National Title Game.

 

Book it.

[USC Wuz Robbed! 0]

At least it seems we're all in the agreement that everyone's playing for a chance to face USC in the title game.

[Vern Gagne 0]

Fullmer's never won when he had any expectations. I don't trust Tennessee.

[therealworldschampion 0]

Like I said before, I don't think Tennessee's schedule is going to let them go without any losses. LSU is a much safer bet to come out of the SEC undefeated since most of their tough games (Florida, Tennessee, Auburn) are all in Baton Rouge along with the team being loaded as long as the QB play is good.

[teke184 0]

Like I said before, I don't think Tennessee's schedule is going to let them go without any losses. LSU is a much safer bet to come out of the SEC undefeated since most of their tough games (Florida, Tennessee, Auburn) are all in Baton Rouge along with the team being loaded as long as the QB play is good.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

True dat.

 

 

As an LSU fan, though, the caveat I have to give about this upcoming season is that no one's sure how everything will gel now that Les Miles is in and The Saban and almost all of his assistants are gone.

 

Miles' teams have reputations for putting up a lot of offense so, if he can pick a quarterback and make them produce, it'll probably work out. If there's a lot of instability under center, it could make for a very frustrating year.

[Guest Vitamin X]

At least it seems we're all in the agreement that everyone's playing for a chance to face USC in the title game.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Fine, I'll be the one to say it, since I know the least about college sports here anyways, and noone will take it seriously but I'll look cool if it comes true:

 

USC will be upset this year. And I could only hope it'd be by UCLA, although fat chance on that happening with Drew Olsen at QB. Almost happened last year, but the streak has GOT to end sometime soon.

 

I'm making more of an effort to get into the college game this year, as there's certain things about it that I like, that I can't get out of pro sports. I find it interesting how, even though there are a few impact players, most people seem to judge college programs by their history and tradition, and it's more of a "team" game than the NFL. Or at least, that's the way it seems to me from every college football discussion I've read. And besides, I'm happy to get an extra day or two of football during the season, especially since Green Bay will probably suck the fat one this year and nosedive to the bottom of the NFC North. So at least I have UCLA (ha!) and UMiami to cheer for. Yay.

[Bored 0]

Funny no one is really mentioning Miami yet. If they can beat Virginia Tech in Blacksburg in November they could definently go undfeated. Obviously that is a big if as if Ron Mexico's brother can avoid getting high school girls drunk this year Va Tech could make a push for the Rose Bowl.

[USC Wuz Robbed! 0]

I'm an USC fan, and honestly I don't think they'll be escaping this year unscathed. They WILL go down in one game or more.

[Guest Vitamin X]

Funny no one is really mentioning Miami yet. If they can beat Virginia Tech in Blacksburg in November they could definently go undfeated. Obviously that is a big if as if Ron Mexico's brother can avoid getting high school girls drunk this year Va Tech could make a push for the Rose Bowl.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Noone's mentioning Miami, because what is there to mention about them? They sucked dick changing conferences this year, and I haven't heard of any standout strengths on the team.

 

But hey, if someone cares to educate me on this, let me know.

[USC Wuz Robbed! 0]

I didn't think Vick was the starting QB for Virginia Tech. I thought he was just a highly-publicized backup QB brother of the most EXCITING NFL PLAYER EVER~!!!

[therealworldschampion 0]

USC will be upset this year. And I could only hope it'd be by UCLA, although fat chance on that happening with Drew Olsen at QB. Almost happened last year, but the streak has GOT to end sometime soon.

 

For some reason, I could see USC getting upset in South Bend in October. Think about it, of course it's a rivalry game for SC, but how pumped will they really be for it considering that they've blown out Notre Dame the past 3 years? I imagine that Charlie Weis will have the kinks worked out of the offense by then, and you know he and the Irish will put a lot of time into preparing for that game, since it's pretty much the game that Notre Dame wants to win and why they fired Willingham. Strange things also can happen to top teams when they visit South Bend as well...

 

Noone's mentioning Miami, because what is there to mention about them? They sucked dick changing conferences this year, and I haven't heard of any standout strengths on the team.

 

But hey, if someone cares to educate me on this, let me know.

 

The best thing I can say about Miami is that Brock Berlin is no longer there, and Kyle Wright should be better. They've also got a hell of a WR corps down there, and the talent there makes them an ACC contender. If they can win in Tallahassee in the opener, they'll probably get to Blacksburg undefeated.

[Damaramu 0]

Man the ACC is going to have 2 divisions this year aren't they? I wonder what that'll be like? The Coastal and Atlantic division. Isn't FSU in a division with literally nobody else to challenge them really?

 

I saw the Athlon Sports preview today and man it's all fucking screwy. It's Top 5 went like this:

1)USC

2) Tennessee

3) Iowa

4) OU

5) FSU

Now I'm a huge OU homer as you all know but I would not put them anywhere above 7.

And where's Texas in that top 5? Everything I've seen actually projects them as #2.

[AboveAverage484 0]

Watch out for Boise State, they are going to shock UGA in Athens.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

I totally agree with you on this Georgia has a ton of people suspended for the first game of the season, so Boise can beat them.

 

Another game I am looking forward to is the Washington-Notre Dame game. Look for Wilingham's revenge to beging on the Irish.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Hopefully, I fucking HATE Notre Dame more than any other team except Auburn and Tennessee.

[cabbageboy 0]

Where's the U of L love? Not that I'm predicting national title or anything, but in a bleh Big East this should be the Ville's first BCS appearance unless Brian Brohm chokes.

 

Now 2006? That is the time. Brohm will be a junior, Michael Bush a senior, and we've got Miami here.

[Crimson Platypus 0]

I didn't think Vick was the starting QB for Virginia Tech. I thought he was just a highly-publicized backup QB brother of the most EXCITING NFL PLAYER EVER~!!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

I seem to remember him getting suspended last year. Not positive on that though.

 

 

 

-edit- Yeah, this article says Tech suspended him for the season...

[Damaramu 0]

Yeah he was suspended last season but wasn't Brian Randall supposed to be better than Vick anyways?

[Agent_Bond34 0]

USC will be upset this year. And I could only hope it'd be by UCLA, although fat chance on that happening with Drew Olson at QB.

 

You could be seeing Ben Olson at QB.

 

Drew Olson ripped up his knee in the Las Vegas Bowl last year.

[Damaramu 0]

They gave a huge list of schools with QB controversies on ESPN the other day. It seems to be going around all over the country.

I think this may end up being one of the most interesting years in college football in quite some time.

For me it'll be weird b/c it'll be the first year in 6 years without my team in the national spotlight.....but I'm glad we're out of it. Now if we screw up everyone won't be talking about it.

[Guest Vitamin X]

USC will be upset this year. And I could only hope it'd be by UCLA, although fat chance on that happening with Drew Olson at QB.

 

You could be seeing Ben Olson at QB.

 

Drew Olson ripped up his knee in the Las Vegas Bowl last year.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

I know you're a Bruins fan, how's Ben Olson then if the other Olson doesn't play?

[Bored 0]

Drew Olsen was medically cleared to start practicing this past week so looks like he'll be ready for the opener.

[Agent_Bond34 0]

I know you're a Bruins fan, how's Ben Olson then if the other Olson doesn't play?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

From what I heard, he's supposed to be one of the most prized QB recruits.... and then I also heard he found himself struggling to pick up the Bruins offense in the spring practices.

 

In fact, you can read on the Bruins spring recap here.

 

2004 overall record:

6-6

Conference record:

4-4

 

Returning starters

Offense: 7, Defense: 8, Kicker/punter: 1

 

2004 statistical leaders (* returners)

Rushing: Maurice Drew* (1,069 yds)

Passing: Drew Olson* (2,565 yds)

Receiving: Craig Bragg (483 yds)

Tackles: Spencer Havner* (125)

Sacks: Kevin Brown* (5)

Interceptions: Jarrad Page* and Matthew Clark (3 each)

 

Spring Answers: Wide receiver depth was addressed with the emergence of sophomores Marcus Everett and Brandon Breazell, who will flank the outside along with Junior Taylor. Opponents also need to watch senior TE Marcedes Lewis constantly. ... For those wondering about the team's missing linebacking trio, don't waste your time. Havner, Justin London and Wesley Walker will be fine by fall, out to prove why many consider the group one of the best in the country. In fact, Walker is in a battle just to keep his starting spot. Redshirt sophomore Bruce Davis starred after his move from defensive end, and might even force Walker to the middle. ... The Bruins don't seem to miss C.J. Niusulu, a malcontent who was booted off the team in the offseason. Junior Kevin Brown was absolutely dominant inside and sophomore end Brigham Harwell moved inside to tackle and looked more than adequate. The defensive line should be much improved.

 

Fall Questions: Incumbent QB Drew Olson insists he will return in time for fall drills after surgery on his ACL and MCL. It was thought the much-talked-about Ben Olson, who signed with the Bruins after a two-year Mormon mission, would offer a serious challenge, but he struggled to pick up the West Coast offense this spring and found himself in a fierce battle with senior David Koral and especially redshirt freshman Patrick Cowan. Coach Karl Dorrell said it's Drew Olson's job if he can play, but that doesn't mean he has a free pass. ... What about the status of Page? At one point, the standout strong safety was expected to be selected in June's MLB draft, but he is struggling mightily at the plate this season. Even if he's back on the football field in the fall, the Bruins still have to figure out the other safety spot. When Chris Horton returns from an injury in August, he'll likely battle Dennis Keyes. At cornerback, sophomores Trey Brown, Rodney Van and Michael Norris are competing for two spots. ... The punting situation is not the most pleasant one for UCLA. Redshirt freshman Aaron Perez didn't exactly take the job and run with it. If he doesn't get any better in August, the Bruins might consider giving kicker Justin Medlock double-duty.

 

I have yet to see Ben play, so I can't really comment on him, but the stuff I've told you, is stuff I've heard in previous months.

 

And I stand corrected by what Bored posted regarding Drew's clearance to play. I thought he would have been out for the year.

[Edwin MacPhisto 0]

Man the ACC is going to have 2 divisions this year aren't they? I wonder what that'll be like? The Coastal and Atlantic division. Isn't FSU in a division with literally nobody else to challenge them really?

The divisions are pretty unbalanced at the moment if you go on last year. FSU's biggest challenger in the Atlantic this year will probably be Boston College, but I don't think Maryland's going to have another sub-.500 year.

 

The Coastal, on the other hand, is loaded. Virginia Tech is most people's choice for favorite, but replacing Randall with Vick is going to be a much bigger struggle than most people seem to think. Randall wasn't a token MVP last year. Still, they're bringing back almost all the starters. Miami is always dangerous based on sheer talent. My Cavaliers probably can't contend for the title this year since the weak defensive backs aren't going to be much better than last year, but I think they should still make 7 or 8 wins easily. Georgia Tech is on everyone's hype list, and though I'm not that impressed, they do have some of the best skill players (especially Calvin Johnson) and a pretty good defense. North Carolina will get a couple surprise wins. Duke is really the only walkover in the Coastal.

[BruiserKC 0]

Iowa has a real shot at a national title game this year...Michigan at home...Ohio State on the road early in the schedule...only other tough one will be on the road at Wisconsin.

 

The two keys...running game stays healthy (Last year Iowa had to resort to walk-ons to run the football since everyone went down to injury) and the defensive line to help Greenway and Hodge.

[Bored 0]

I don't think this really warranted it's own thread but the replacement for the AP poll in the BCS formula has been announced.

BCS ANNOUNCES STANDINGS FORMULA

 

DALLAS – The conferences and institutions participating in the Bowl Championship Series announce that the standings formula for the 2005 season will consist of the USA Today Coaches Poll, a new Harris Interactive College Football Poll and an average of six computer rankings (Anderson & Hester, Richard Billingsley, Colley Matrix, Kenneth Massey, Jeff Sagarin and Peter Wolfe).

 

The BCS Standings will continue to be computed in the same manner as last year, with equal weight given to each of the three components.

 

“The addition of the Harris Interactive College Football Poll allows us to continue with the BCS formula as it existed in 2004,” said BCS Coordinator and Big 12 Commissioner Kevin Weiberg. “This consistency was desired by commissioners, administrators and coaches. Harris Interactive possesses a wealth of experience in the polling business. We are very comfortable with the approach Harris has taken in constructing this new poll.”

 

Gregory Novak, President and Acting CEO of Harris Interactive states, “We are very pleased that our more than 40 years of polling experience will add independence, objectivity and statistically valid sampling principles to the BCS formula.”

 

The Harris Interactive College Football Poll will rank the Top 25 teams on a weekly basis during the 2005 season, September 25 through December 4. The panel, comprised of former coaches, players, administrators and media (in approximately an 80 percent/20 percent split), with a goal of 114 participants, has been randomly drawn by Harris Interactive from among more than 300 nominations supplied by the conference offices and Notre Dame athletics director Kevin White, and is a statistically reliable representation of all 11 Division I-A conferences and independent institutions.

 

Harris Interactive assigned each nominee an identification number and randomly sent invitations. Each potential panelist received an overnight letter explaining the voting process and inquiring about their interest and commitment. Harris Interactive followed up with phone calls to determine willingness to participate. Panelist slots are being filled by conference, each represented equally, all randomly selected to be invited to participate from among its list of nominees. The names of all voters will be released prior to the start of the season.

 

Harris Interactive will post the poll results to its website each Sunday. For the December 4th poll, individual votes will be made public.

 

The first BCS Standings of the 2005 season will be released October 17th.

[Edwin MacPhisto 0]

Now that Wyatt Sexton is out for the whole year with Lyme disease, FSU has a bunch more questions. The lines are good as always, but they're going to have to put a redshirt freshman at quarterback, which is going to be trouble for at least a few games, especially the opener against Miami.

[Angel_Grace_Blue 0]

You mean God, Edwin. That should really be his new nickname. Wyatt "God" Sexton.

[Guest Ether]

Even if UGA didn't have people suspended, Boise would still win. This team has so much talent, is stuck in a small media market (if you can even call it small), and I truly think that they are a top 5 team

 

While I would like to see Boise State pull off the upset, let's see them beat a Top 25 team before we start calling them a Top 5 team.

 

QUOTE(Bored @ Jul 10 2005, 12:42 AM)

Funny no one is really mentioning Miami yet. If they can beat Virginia Tech in Blacksburg in November they could definently go undfeated. Obviously that is a big if as if Ron Mexico's brother can avoid getting high school girls drunk this year Va Tech could make a push for the Rose Bowl.

 

Noone's mentioning Miami, because what is there to mention about them? They sucked dick changing conferences this year, and I haven't heard of any standout strengths on the team.

 

But hey, if someone cares to educate me on this, let me know.

 

Miami's defense, as usual, will be very strong. Injuries had a lot to do with them disappointing (by their standards) last season.

 

Where's the U of L love? Not that I'm predicting national title or anything, but in a bleh Big East this should be the Ville's first BCS appearance unless Brian Brohm chokes.

 

Louisville's problem is that their defense is nowhere nearly as good as the offense. The only team with any sembalance of a offense that Louisville's D handled last year was North Carolina. Miami, Memphis, and Boise State all hung up 40+ points on them, and I believe quite a few people graduated. The Big East will provide far tougher competition than they had to face in C-USA.