LAte-Round Senior QB gems:
By Zack Penn 4/9/14
Tom Savage, Pittsburgh: This tall gunslinger may have the strongest arm of any QB in the 2014 draft and has a beautiful throwing motion. However, Savage leans on his arm-strength a bit too much and tends to overpower short throws and stare down receivers. He has good awareness of blitz pickups and stands tall in the pocket even when the pressure is on. Savage is absolutely a QB project at this stage of his career and needs to learn the nuances of the game. An experienced mentor would be optimal.
Team Fits: New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers
David Fales, San Jose State: Savage and Fales are completely different. Fales is a perfect candidate for a West Coast offense with great timing, footwork and ball placement. However, his arm is limited and he struggles on deep passes. This deficiency will likely drop Fales to the 5th or 6th round, which is unfortunate because he has all the intangibles of a great quarterback. He is very coachable, selfless and tough and has an inkling of speed that helps him stretch broken plays into first downs. Fales may be limited in the NFL, but he could chisel himself a starting spot in the NFL with his pinpoint accuracy and footwork.
Team Fits: Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals
Connor Shaw, South Carolina: Shaw could really be the steal of the draft in my opinion. At just 6 feet, he does not have ideal height but Russell Wilson and Drew Brees have taught us that you can make up for that with exception vision, a quality that Shaw has. The South Carolina product is a very well rounded player. His recipe includes; fearlessness in the pocket, above average arm strength and accuracy, quickness, and incredible decision making. Shaw was electrifying in crunch time always and especially under the big stage. If this kid gets a fair shot in the NFL, he could be a pro bowler.
Team Fits: Minnesota Vikings, St. Louis Rams
Casey Pachall, TCU: Pachall may not even get drafted because of his struggles with substance abuse, but this kid will get a shot somewhere simply based on his talent. At 6'4" with a laser arm and absurdly quick release, Pachall has the talent of a first round quarterback. Teams are really going to do their homework on this kid and find out how far along he is in his substance abuse treatment and how injury prone he is before making a decision. Pachall compares to a more talented John Skelton.
Team Fits: Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers
Stephen Morris, Miami: What happened to this kid? Before the season started, Morris was being touted as a possible top 10 quarterback, now he is a projected 7th round pick. Some how, nobody talks about the perplexing player that is Stephen Morris anymore. Watching Morris on tape, he shows great pocket presence and admirable footwork on top of his great arm strength. He has the basic tools that you look for in a starting quarterback, but too often makes poor, late reads on coverage and blitzes that results in big plays the other way. If Morris improves on his anticipation, he could be a starting QB, but if not, he might not make it through his rookie contract.
Team Fits: Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars
Team Fits: New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers
David Fales, San Jose State: Savage and Fales are completely different. Fales is a perfect candidate for a West Coast offense with great timing, footwork and ball placement. However, his arm is limited and he struggles on deep passes. This deficiency will likely drop Fales to the 5th or 6th round, which is unfortunate because he has all the intangibles of a great quarterback. He is very coachable, selfless and tough and has an inkling of speed that helps him stretch broken plays into first downs. Fales may be limited in the NFL, but he could chisel himself a starting spot in the NFL with his pinpoint accuracy and footwork.
Team Fits: Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals
Connor Shaw, South Carolina: Shaw could really be the steal of the draft in my opinion. At just 6 feet, he does not have ideal height but Russell Wilson and Drew Brees have taught us that you can make up for that with exception vision, a quality that Shaw has. The South Carolina product is a very well rounded player. His recipe includes; fearlessness in the pocket, above average arm strength and accuracy, quickness, and incredible decision making. Shaw was electrifying in crunch time always and especially under the big stage. If this kid gets a fair shot in the NFL, he could be a pro bowler.
Team Fits: Minnesota Vikings, St. Louis Rams
Casey Pachall, TCU: Pachall may not even get drafted because of his struggles with substance abuse, but this kid will get a shot somewhere simply based on his talent. At 6'4" with a laser arm and absurdly quick release, Pachall has the talent of a first round quarterback. Teams are really going to do their homework on this kid and find out how far along he is in his substance abuse treatment and how injury prone he is before making a decision. Pachall compares to a more talented John Skelton.
Team Fits: Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers
Stephen Morris, Miami: What happened to this kid? Before the season started, Morris was being touted as a possible top 10 quarterback, now he is a projected 7th round pick. Some how, nobody talks about the perplexing player that is Stephen Morris anymore. Watching Morris on tape, he shows great pocket presence and admirable footwork on top of his great arm strength. He has the basic tools that you look for in a starting quarterback, but too often makes poor, late reads on coverage and blitzes that results in big plays the other way. If Morris improves on his anticipation, he could be a starting QB, but if not, he might not make it through his rookie contract.
Team Fits: Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars
Stock Watch (post NFL Combine)
By Zack Penn 2/28/14
Stock Rising?
QB, Connor Shaw (South Carolina): Shaw was arguably the best overall performer in the combine drills for any QB and showed teams his athleticism. Then in passing drills, he showcased some great deep passes that some coaches have questioned. Shaw has not been highly touted because of his 6'0" build, but teams looking for the next Russell Wilson should look in this guys direction. He is a smart vocal presence who, as the son of a coach, knows the ins and outs of the game. He is known as a gym rat and a "workaholic" and I think a team could take him in the third rounds after his stellar combine, competitive edge and pocket toughness. Shaw likely boosted his stock from 7th round pick to 3rd of 4th round.
OT, Taylor Lewan (Michigan): Lewan put an official stamp on his resume as a first round tackle with the most impressive performance of any tackle. With the fastest 40 yard dash and longest broad jump of any Offensive Linemen, Lewan showed how explosive he is and how much pop he has in his legs. Formerly considered a late first round selection, Lewan may now challenge Jake Matthews and Greg Robinson for the top spot.
WR, Donte Moncrief (Ole Miss): Moncrief is a prototypical sized 6'2", 221 pound WR who can absolutely fly. Not only can he fly and create good separation on deep routes, he can also leap up and make catches above corners. Moncrief did not have incredible production at Ole Miss and isn't a polished route runner, but his upside is that of a #1 or #2 receiver in a vertical offense. With the receiver position in demand, Moncrief's excellent combine performance likely bumped him up from 4th rounder to late 2nd rounder.
CB, Jason Verrett (TCU): The Bay Area kid was the most impressive corner at the combine, posting top 5 outputs in almost every category. Verrett is a smaller corner but he plays much bigger than he is and plays with a chip on his shoulder. If Verrett was 2 inches taller, there would be no question that he'd be the best defensive back in the draft with his combination of speed, athleticism and anticipation, but his diminutive status has NFL scouts doubting his ability to last a full NFL season. Verrett surely secured his place in the first round at the combine.
QB, Connor Shaw (South Carolina): Shaw was arguably the best overall performer in the combine drills for any QB and showed teams his athleticism. Then in passing drills, he showcased some great deep passes that some coaches have questioned. Shaw has not been highly touted because of his 6'0" build, but teams looking for the next Russell Wilson should look in this guys direction. He is a smart vocal presence who, as the son of a coach, knows the ins and outs of the game. He is known as a gym rat and a "workaholic" and I think a team could take him in the third rounds after his stellar combine, competitive edge and pocket toughness. Shaw likely boosted his stock from 7th round pick to 3rd of 4th round.
OT, Taylor Lewan (Michigan): Lewan put an official stamp on his resume as a first round tackle with the most impressive performance of any tackle. With the fastest 40 yard dash and longest broad jump of any Offensive Linemen, Lewan showed how explosive he is and how much pop he has in his legs. Formerly considered a late first round selection, Lewan may now challenge Jake Matthews and Greg Robinson for the top spot.
WR, Donte Moncrief (Ole Miss): Moncrief is a prototypical sized 6'2", 221 pound WR who can absolutely fly. Not only can he fly and create good separation on deep routes, he can also leap up and make catches above corners. Moncrief did not have incredible production at Ole Miss and isn't a polished route runner, but his upside is that of a #1 or #2 receiver in a vertical offense. With the receiver position in demand, Moncrief's excellent combine performance likely bumped him up from 4th rounder to late 2nd rounder.
CB, Jason Verrett (TCU): The Bay Area kid was the most impressive corner at the combine, posting top 5 outputs in almost every category. Verrett is a smaller corner but he plays much bigger than he is and plays with a chip on his shoulder. If Verrett was 2 inches taller, there would be no question that he'd be the best defensive back in the draft with his combination of speed, athleticism and anticipation, but his diminutive status has NFL scouts doubting his ability to last a full NFL season. Verrett surely secured his place in the first round at the combine.
Stock Falling?
WR, Jarvis Landry (LSU): Before the draft, many people couldn't tell much difference between the two LSU receivers. After the combine we have a clear picture. Odell Beckham Jr. is the fast one, and Jarvis Landry is sadly the slow one. As in slowest of any WR. He is also under 6 feet tall and a lean guy so making catches in traffic will not be easy. Its hard to find a place for a slow receiver who isn't a possession receiver. Landry is free falling to the end of the draft at this point.
CB, Loucheiz Purifoy (Florida): Purifoy was considered a fluid athlete who's athletic potential alone would merit a second round draft pick. After his abysmal combine showing where he looked slow and stiff in his hips, his stock is likely on the way down. He doesn't have great instincts and lacks tackling ability, so what can he do in the NFL? Purifoy might have fallen to the 4th or 5th round with his poor performance.
RB, Ka'Deem Carey (Arizona): With a chance to take control of the top RB spot in the draft, Carey's poor combine showing will likely drop him to at least the 3rd round. He ran a slower time than expected and is definitely not a power back. Carey did not look very explosive overall compared to other running backs like Lache Seastrunk and Bishop Sankey and took a step back in the draft process. His help in the passing game will still attract teams with a running back need.
DE, Michael Sam (Missouri): Michael Sam went from a feel good story to almost a tragic one after his horrible combine showing could knock him out of the draft entirely. With some scouts already looking for any reason to pass on the controversial player, his physical limits were already enough to keep him out of the early rounds. Now his athleticism and ability to even do what he does best, pass rush, is in question. Sam better wow teams with his impressive game tape and a better day at the Missouri Pro Day if he wants to be drafted.
WR, Jarvis Landry (LSU): Before the draft, many people couldn't tell much difference between the two LSU receivers. After the combine we have a clear picture. Odell Beckham Jr. is the fast one, and Jarvis Landry is sadly the slow one. As in slowest of any WR. He is also under 6 feet tall and a lean guy so making catches in traffic will not be easy. Its hard to find a place for a slow receiver who isn't a possession receiver. Landry is free falling to the end of the draft at this point.
CB, Loucheiz Purifoy (Florida): Purifoy was considered a fluid athlete who's athletic potential alone would merit a second round draft pick. After his abysmal combine showing where he looked slow and stiff in his hips, his stock is likely on the way down. He doesn't have great instincts and lacks tackling ability, so what can he do in the NFL? Purifoy might have fallen to the 4th or 5th round with his poor performance.
RB, Ka'Deem Carey (Arizona): With a chance to take control of the top RB spot in the draft, Carey's poor combine showing will likely drop him to at least the 3rd round. He ran a slower time than expected and is definitely not a power back. Carey did not look very explosive overall compared to other running backs like Lache Seastrunk and Bishop Sankey and took a step back in the draft process. His help in the passing game will still attract teams with a running back need.
DE, Michael Sam (Missouri): Michael Sam went from a feel good story to almost a tragic one after his horrible combine showing could knock him out of the draft entirely. With some scouts already looking for any reason to pass on the controversial player, his physical limits were already enough to keep him out of the early rounds. Now his athleticism and ability to even do what he does best, pass rush, is in question. Sam better wow teams with his impressive game tape and a better day at the Missouri Pro Day if he wants to be drafted.
2014 NFL Combine Storylines:
What running backs will step up?
This years running back class is deep and a bunch of solid guys are battling neck and neck for the top spot. The speedy Lache Seastrunk out of Baylor has reportedly clocked in the mid 4.3s, but will he be the fastest at the combine? His main competition for the top running back spot are Arizona legend Ka'Deem Carey, Bishop Sankey, and Carlos Hyde. Carey does all the little things right but he doesn't have the pure speed of Seastrunk or the physicality of Hyde. DeAnthony Thomas could boost his stock immensely by showing off good hands in the receiver drills and reminding scouts of his blazing speed as he looks to carve out a roll as a Darren Sproles/Dexter McCluster "joker" position. Remember big Andre Williams who rushed for 2,000 yards at Boston College this year and won the Doak Walker award? All the sudden his stock has fallen since he failed to show up in the bowl game against Arizona. The combine is the last chance for all these running backs to put a final stamp on their college careers before the draft.
This years running back class is deep and a bunch of solid guys are battling neck and neck for the top spot. The speedy Lache Seastrunk out of Baylor has reportedly clocked in the mid 4.3s, but will he be the fastest at the combine? His main competition for the top running back spot are Arizona legend Ka'Deem Carey, Bishop Sankey, and Carlos Hyde. Carey does all the little things right but he doesn't have the pure speed of Seastrunk or the physicality of Hyde. DeAnthony Thomas could boost his stock immensely by showing off good hands in the receiver drills and reminding scouts of his blazing speed as he looks to carve out a roll as a Darren Sproles/Dexter McCluster "joker" position. Remember big Andre Williams who rushed for 2,000 yards at Boston College this year and won the Doak Walker award? All the sudden his stock has fallen since he failed to show up in the bowl game against Arizona. The combine is the last chance for all these running backs to put a final stamp on their college careers before the draft.
Will Clowney live up to the combine hype?
Ever since Clowney signed with the Gamecocks as the #1 high school recruit, NFL coaches have been waiting for the show he will put on at the combine. In an interview, Clowney recently said, "The numbers I am going to put up are going to be amazing." If the 6'6" 250-pound ultra athlete at Defensive End can run a 4.4 40 yard dash (as he claims) he probably will be taken first overall in the draft. However, if he does not put on quite the show that everyone expects, his down year this year will look even worse and his draft stock may fall.
How will Teddy Bridgewater do?
At the beginning of the season, the big draft question was, "Who goes first, Clowney or Bridgewater?" Yes, Teddy B was the consensus number one quarterback for the 2014 draft since Louisville upset Florida in their Bowl game during in 2012. But then all of the sudden, reports have come out of teams having a second round grade on him and saying he is too frail to play quarterback in the NFL. Recent ESPN mock drafts have seen him fall as far as 8th overall to the Vikings. Though he is skinny, Bridgewater has shown a tremendous pocket presence and has better arm strength than Johnny Manziel in game film. The combine will be the place where Bridgewater can assert himself as the number 1 quarterback or where can fall back behind the likes of Blake Bortles or even Derek Carr. It all depends on what events he does and his throws stack up against other QBs in passing drills.
What small school prospects will step up?
Last year, Offensive Tackle prospect Terron Armstead of Arkansas Pine-Bluff dominated the combine and boosted his stock to a 3rd round selection by the Saints. Later in the season, he became their starting LT. This year, a ton of small school guys have something to prove. Big corners are in demand and Pierre Desir out of Lindenwood has a Seattle Seahawks shutdown look that is about to become really in demand. Quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo and Jeff Matthews out of Eastern Illinois and Cornell, respectively, dominated 1-AA football and a good day at the combine could take these guys into Joe Flacco-esque territory when he was selected 18th out of Delaware. Garoppolo picked apart teams with uncanny timing and anticipation to the tune of 51 touchdowns this year. Running back Isaiah Crowell looked like the next dominating Georgia back until off the field issues derailed his career. But the former phenom did pretty well for himself at Alabama State and I wouldn't be surprised to see a lot of people talking about him at the combine. A good day could allow him to at least be drafted. Crowell has enough talent to be a Pro-Bowl back in the NFL.
Ever since Clowney signed with the Gamecocks as the #1 high school recruit, NFL coaches have been waiting for the show he will put on at the combine. In an interview, Clowney recently said, "The numbers I am going to put up are going to be amazing." If the 6'6" 250-pound ultra athlete at Defensive End can run a 4.4 40 yard dash (as he claims) he probably will be taken first overall in the draft. However, if he does not put on quite the show that everyone expects, his down year this year will look even worse and his draft stock may fall.
How will Teddy Bridgewater do?
At the beginning of the season, the big draft question was, "Who goes first, Clowney or Bridgewater?" Yes, Teddy B was the consensus number one quarterback for the 2014 draft since Louisville upset Florida in their Bowl game during in 2012. But then all of the sudden, reports have come out of teams having a second round grade on him and saying he is too frail to play quarterback in the NFL. Recent ESPN mock drafts have seen him fall as far as 8th overall to the Vikings. Though he is skinny, Bridgewater has shown a tremendous pocket presence and has better arm strength than Johnny Manziel in game film. The combine will be the place where Bridgewater can assert himself as the number 1 quarterback or where can fall back behind the likes of Blake Bortles or even Derek Carr. It all depends on what events he does and his throws stack up against other QBs in passing drills.
What small school prospects will step up?
Last year, Offensive Tackle prospect Terron Armstead of Arkansas Pine-Bluff dominated the combine and boosted his stock to a 3rd round selection by the Saints. Later in the season, he became their starting LT. This year, a ton of small school guys have something to prove. Big corners are in demand and Pierre Desir out of Lindenwood has a Seattle Seahawks shutdown look that is about to become really in demand. Quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo and Jeff Matthews out of Eastern Illinois and Cornell, respectively, dominated 1-AA football and a good day at the combine could take these guys into Joe Flacco-esque territory when he was selected 18th out of Delaware. Garoppolo picked apart teams with uncanny timing and anticipation to the tune of 51 touchdowns this year. Running back Isaiah Crowell looked like the next dominating Georgia back until off the field issues derailed his career. But the former phenom did pretty well for himself at Alabama State and I wouldn't be surprised to see a lot of people talking about him at the combine. A good day could allow him to at least be drafted. Crowell has enough talent to be a Pro-Bowl back in the NFL.
2014 NFL Draft Sleepers: 1/21
Arthur Lynch, TE. Georgia: At 6'5" 260, Lynch was an all-around great TE at Georgia. Not only did he finish his career with an explosive 16.3 yards per catch, he also was a great blocker and gave Georgia running backs outside lanes consistently. Though he's not a burner he has above average speed at his position to go along with excellent hands and blocking skills. QB Aaron Murray went to Lynch for clutch plays and he didn't disappoint. Had Murray not gone down with an ACL tear, Lynch's numbers would likely look even better. The Patriots would love to pick this guy up because of his all around level of play. He would be a great #2 tight end for a team that uses multiple TE sets. Projected Round: 4
A.J. McCarron, QB. Alabama: A.J. McCarron is a winner, plain and simple. Being surrounded by talent at Alabama has made him underrated. If I were the GM of an NFL team, this is the guy I want to be the backup of my team. He is a very accurate passer with above average arm strength and great intangibles. With more starts and more prime time wins than any other player in this draft, McCarron comes into the league ready for playbook mastery. His ceiling is likely as a game manager and good locker room guy but that's exactly what you want out of a backup. I would trust McCarron to win a couple games when the starters go down and he is already a better quarterback than anybody on the Raiders roster. Projected Round: 3-4
Cody Hoffman, WR. BYU: Hoffman is a big, hyper athletic receiver who likely would have been drafter higher if he took off for the draft early. As a junior, Hoffman had 100 catches for 1,248 yards and 11 touchdowns and looked dominant in every game with spotty quarterback play. This year, a hamstring injury slowed him down for his lowest touchdown total ever (5) and his worst overall performance since his freshmen year. There is always a place in the NFL for big-bodied players and for good route runners, so expect to hear Hoffman's name in the future. The team that drafts Johnny Manziel would do right in picking up Hoffman later as he is similar to Manziels A&M target, Mike Evans. Projected Round: 6
Kapri Bibbs, RB. CSU: Bibbs could easily be the steal of the draft at the RB position. In his only starting season, Bibbs ran for 31 touchdowns and 1,714 yards. WOW. I don't know why more people aren't talking about this kid. He doesn't have any height issues (5'11") and is ideal weight to take on NFL contact (203 lbs). During this play, Bibbs shows his break away speed that will definitely be on display at the combine. Though pass protection is a concern as always, Bibbs looks to me like a back that could be a great tandem with somebody like LeGarratte Blount for a team next year. Im looking at you Browns and Giants! Projected Round: 7
Jordan Zumwalt, OLB. UCLA: Zumwalt is a stud. Plain and simple. With big names like Anthony Barr and Myles Jack on defense, Zumwalt was the guy who unfortunately was overlooked. He finished the Sun Bowl against VT with 10 tackles and a pick, solid numbers but not amazing. However, looking at the tape of that game it was clear that Zumwalt was the best player on the field. Every hit was an explosion of power and I started to feel bad for VT's running backs. I felt even worse for Logan Thomas on this play. He finished the year with 93 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, 3 forced fumbles and 2 picks. If Zumwalt can run a low 4.6 at the combine, his draft stock could rocket up. This guy would be a great fit in the Vikings 4-3 defense. Projected Round: 4-5
A.J. McCarron, QB. Alabama: A.J. McCarron is a winner, plain and simple. Being surrounded by talent at Alabama has made him underrated. If I were the GM of an NFL team, this is the guy I want to be the backup of my team. He is a very accurate passer with above average arm strength and great intangibles. With more starts and more prime time wins than any other player in this draft, McCarron comes into the league ready for playbook mastery. His ceiling is likely as a game manager and good locker room guy but that's exactly what you want out of a backup. I would trust McCarron to win a couple games when the starters go down and he is already a better quarterback than anybody on the Raiders roster. Projected Round: 3-4
Cody Hoffman, WR. BYU: Hoffman is a big, hyper athletic receiver who likely would have been drafter higher if he took off for the draft early. As a junior, Hoffman had 100 catches for 1,248 yards and 11 touchdowns and looked dominant in every game with spotty quarterback play. This year, a hamstring injury slowed him down for his lowest touchdown total ever (5) and his worst overall performance since his freshmen year. There is always a place in the NFL for big-bodied players and for good route runners, so expect to hear Hoffman's name in the future. The team that drafts Johnny Manziel would do right in picking up Hoffman later as he is similar to Manziels A&M target, Mike Evans. Projected Round: 6
Kapri Bibbs, RB. CSU: Bibbs could easily be the steal of the draft at the RB position. In his only starting season, Bibbs ran for 31 touchdowns and 1,714 yards. WOW. I don't know why more people aren't talking about this kid. He doesn't have any height issues (5'11") and is ideal weight to take on NFL contact (203 lbs). During this play, Bibbs shows his break away speed that will definitely be on display at the combine. Though pass protection is a concern as always, Bibbs looks to me like a back that could be a great tandem with somebody like LeGarratte Blount for a team next year. Im looking at you Browns and Giants! Projected Round: 7
Jordan Zumwalt, OLB. UCLA: Zumwalt is a stud. Plain and simple. With big names like Anthony Barr and Myles Jack on defense, Zumwalt was the guy who unfortunately was overlooked. He finished the Sun Bowl against VT with 10 tackles and a pick, solid numbers but not amazing. However, looking at the tape of that game it was clear that Zumwalt was the best player on the field. Every hit was an explosion of power and I started to feel bad for VT's running backs. I felt even worse for Logan Thomas on this play. He finished the year with 93 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, 3 forced fumbles and 2 picks. If Zumwalt can run a low 4.6 at the combine, his draft stock could rocket up. This guy would be a great fit in the Vikings 4-3 defense. Projected Round: 4-5
Pac-12 bowl hopefuls:
The Pac-12 is the deepest it has been in years and most of the teams in the Best Coast conference are still jostling for bowl position. Utah is 1-5 in conference and that win came against #4 Stanford. Washington was #15 in the nation earlier this season and now are only 3-4 in conference play. USC is playing inspired football too! Who could have predicted that Stanford would be #4 and favored to beat an unranked USC 5 years ago? The Pac-12 has been pretty awesome this year besides Cal's defense, Colorado's whole team, and the Lane Kiffin fiasco. Here's a look at the bowl prospects for Pac-12 teams.
Stanford 8-1 (6-1):
Bowl I see them in: Orange Bowl vs
Stanford has been the most physical team in college football this year and manhandled an Oregon squad that had BCS championship hopes. Ohio State will go for their second straight undefeated season in this one and Braxton Miller will face Shayne Skov in a battle that I see Stanford winning. Stanford needs to win in the Pac-12 Championship to make this one. Not an easy task, but I am confident in David Shaw's squad. When Ohio State played a similarly physical team earlier this year, Wisconsin, they had a tougher time than normal and pulled out a win 31-24. Stanford is much more talented than Wisconsin. This will be an awesome game.
Oregon 8-1 (5-1):
Bowl I see them in: Orange Bowl vs. Clemson
This will be a huge bowl game between two teams who will come in 2nd in their conferences. Mariota looked flustered all day against Stanford and Clemson will try to do something similar with Vic Beasley's pass rush. Tajh Boyd and and Sammy Watkins vs. Mariota and DeAnthony Thomas matches some of colleges brightest young stars And fireworks would surely fly. This game would likely be a barnburner, which is why I see Oregon prevailing. The Ducks wouldn't be entirely disappointed with their season if they managed a win.
UCLA 8-2 (5-2):
Bowl I see them in: Chik-Fil-A Bowl vs. Miami
UCLA has turned it around in the last few years and have only lost to Stanford and Oregon. These next two weeks, against ASU and USC, will define their season and the Pac-12 South as a whole. If UCLA can make it to the championship game and could upset Stanford, they would face Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. However, even if they lose in the Pac-12 championship, a bowl win vs. Miami and #2 in the Pac-12 would satisfy UCLA fans. What should satisfy everyone is Myles Jack, the freshmen linebacker turned runningback who had 4 touchdowns against Washington. Jack is electrifying college football and UCLA has a new, budding, superstar alongside Anthony Barr and Brett Hundley. UCLA would be the favorite against Miami.
ASU 7-2 (5-1):
Bowl I see them in: Alamo Bowl vs. Oklahoma
ASU is yet another team that could potentially make it to the Rose Bowl, but I don't think they can beat UCLA on the road. ASU is having one of their best years in a long time and are benefitting on the recruiting trail as well. A pair of El Cerrito players, OLB DJ Calhoun and WR Jaley Harvey highlight another strong recruiting class. ASU vs. Oklahoma would be a great matchup of two really good teams. Taylor Kelly has manufactured 31 touchdowns (24 pass 7 rush) leading Arizona State to average 44 points a game.
USC 7-3 (4-2):
Bowl I see them in: Fight Hunger Bowl vs. BYU
USC still gets to a bowl and probably finishes 9-5, despite the midseason Lane Kiffin firing and the idea that USC football is done as a national power for good. Their defense is elite, and they have good skill position players, it's really just the quarterback position that has held them back. For years USC quarterbacks have been doing great in college and pretty poorly in the pros, but now they aren't even doing well in college. You'd think Cody Kessler would have an easy time with weapons like Marquise Lee, Nelson Agholar and Silas Redd, but that hasn't been the case. USC's defense is good enough to stifle most offenses however and would probably devour BYU
Stanford 8-1 (6-1):
Bowl I see them in: Orange Bowl vs
Stanford has been the most physical team in college football this year and manhandled an Oregon squad that had BCS championship hopes. Ohio State will go for their second straight undefeated season in this one and Braxton Miller will face Shayne Skov in a battle that I see Stanford winning. Stanford needs to win in the Pac-12 Championship to make this one. Not an easy task, but I am confident in David Shaw's squad. When Ohio State played a similarly physical team earlier this year, Wisconsin, they had a tougher time than normal and pulled out a win 31-24. Stanford is much more talented than Wisconsin. This will be an awesome game.
Oregon 8-1 (5-1):
Bowl I see them in: Orange Bowl vs. Clemson
This will be a huge bowl game between two teams who will come in 2nd in their conferences. Mariota looked flustered all day against Stanford and Clemson will try to do something similar with Vic Beasley's pass rush. Tajh Boyd and and Sammy Watkins vs. Mariota and DeAnthony Thomas matches some of colleges brightest young stars And fireworks would surely fly. This game would likely be a barnburner, which is why I see Oregon prevailing. The Ducks wouldn't be entirely disappointed with their season if they managed a win.
UCLA 8-2 (5-2):
Bowl I see them in: Chik-Fil-A Bowl vs. Miami
UCLA has turned it around in the last few years and have only lost to Stanford and Oregon. These next two weeks, against ASU and USC, will define their season and the Pac-12 South as a whole. If UCLA can make it to the championship game and could upset Stanford, they would face Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. However, even if they lose in the Pac-12 championship, a bowl win vs. Miami and #2 in the Pac-12 would satisfy UCLA fans. What should satisfy everyone is Myles Jack, the freshmen linebacker turned runningback who had 4 touchdowns against Washington. Jack is electrifying college football and UCLA has a new, budding, superstar alongside Anthony Barr and Brett Hundley. UCLA would be the favorite against Miami.
ASU 7-2 (5-1):
Bowl I see them in: Alamo Bowl vs. Oklahoma
ASU is yet another team that could potentially make it to the Rose Bowl, but I don't think they can beat UCLA on the road. ASU is having one of their best years in a long time and are benefitting on the recruiting trail as well. A pair of El Cerrito players, OLB DJ Calhoun and WR Jaley Harvey highlight another strong recruiting class. ASU vs. Oklahoma would be a great matchup of two really good teams. Taylor Kelly has manufactured 31 touchdowns (24 pass 7 rush) leading Arizona State to average 44 points a game.
USC 7-3 (4-2):
Bowl I see them in: Fight Hunger Bowl vs. BYU
USC still gets to a bowl and probably finishes 9-5, despite the midseason Lane Kiffin firing and the idea that USC football is done as a national power for good. Their defense is elite, and they have good skill position players, it's really just the quarterback position that has held them back. For years USC quarterbacks have been doing great in college and pretty poorly in the pros, but now they aren't even doing well in college. You'd think Cody Kessler would have an easy time with weapons like Marquise Lee, Nelson Agholar and Silas Redd, but that hasn't been the case. USC's defense is good enough to stifle most offenses however and would probably devour BYU
One year later/NCS recruiting dilemma:
At this time last year, Cal's starting quarterback, true freshman Jared Goff, was at Marin Catholic high school getting ready for a run at a State title. Goff and MC eventually came up short in the D3 State championship with a loss to Madison high school, 38-35. Before they got there, Goff had to lead his team past rival private school, Cardinal Newman, in the NCS semi-finals. After an injury to Cardinal Newman star Scooby Wright, Goff rallied to a 28-point comeback and a 42-37 win. As the game ended and the MC crowed cheered, Scooby Wright walked up to Jared Goff and said "See you at the next level." Fast forward to this week and Scooby leads the Arizona Wildcats in tackles as the true freshmen prepares against his high school rival. This time Scooby's team is the favorite. The 5-2 Wildcats take on a 1-7 Cal team who has struggled on all sides of the ball. Expect B.J. Denker to run all over the undisciplined Cal D after rushing for 192 yards last week. Predicted score: AU 34 Cal 22
These two true freshmen starting and making a big impact on their teams shows how underrated players from Nor-Cal really are. Lately the area has been recruited better with Goff's heir to his QB throne committed to Oregon his rival QB Manny Wilkins of San Marin heading to ASU. But there are other athletes deserving of attention in the area. Sonoma Valley High QB Dan Deely is a perfect fit for a high-tempo spread offense like Oregon State or Washington State and is a better athlete than Wilkins in my opinion. Diano Pachote of Justin-Siena is a dynamic and powerful back who should have a bevy of offers and doesn't. 3rd year starter JaJuan Lawson of Casa Grande in Petaluma has his Gauchos playing their best football in a decade and has an offer from ASU, but should have Washington and USC knocking on his door. College coaches will catch wind of the impact that some Nor-Cal players have made and should hire more recruits for the area.
These two true freshmen starting and making a big impact on their teams shows how underrated players from Nor-Cal really are. Lately the area has been recruited better with Goff's heir to his QB throne committed to Oregon his rival QB Manny Wilkins of San Marin heading to ASU. But there are other athletes deserving of attention in the area. Sonoma Valley High QB Dan Deely is a perfect fit for a high-tempo spread offense like Oregon State or Washington State and is a better athlete than Wilkins in my opinion. Diano Pachote of Justin-Siena is a dynamic and powerful back who should have a bevy of offers and doesn't. 3rd year starter JaJuan Lawson of Casa Grande in Petaluma has his Gauchos playing their best football in a decade and has an offer from ASU, but should have Washington and USC knocking on his door. College coaches will catch wind of the impact that some Nor-Cal players have made and should hire more recruits for the area.
the top 10 shakeup:
This week, the top 10 was blown up and numbers 3, 6, 7, 8, and 9 all lost. Even the number 11 team, South Carolina, lost. That being said, its time to dissect the newcomers in the top ten in the first week of BCS rankings.
#1 Still Alabama 7-0 .9841: Besides the thriller against A&M, Bama's vaunted defense hasn't given up more than 10 points in a game. LSU's loss to Ole Miss suddenly makes Alabama's schedule a lot easier. I don't think that #11 Auburn will pose much of a threat either. Most every one who watches college football sees Nick Saban as the Darth Vader of the NCAA, leading his evil Dark Tide. But isn't Darth Vader the most badass Star Wars character when you think about it? Without him, Star Wars is nothing.
#2 Florida State 6-0 .9348: Nobody expected FSU to be this good after losing 7 starters on defense. Let alone trotting out a freshman as the starting QB after losing the only QB to be drafted in the first round. Somehow FSU is better than ever and just posted the biggest win of the year on a Clemson team that everyone thought was ready for the next step. Jameis Winston is gunning for the Heisman as a freshman and a National Championship bid against big bad 'Bama.
#3 Oregon 7-0 .9320: Oregon only slides back slightly because of how dominant the FSU win was. The Ducks approach the toughest three game stretch of the season, Vs. UCLA, At Stanford, Vs. Utah. If they handle their business in those games, they should be a shoe-in for a game with Alabama in the Championship, even if FSU goes undefeated. We need the four-team playoff this year more than ever before!
#4 Ohio State 7-0 .8553: Alabama vs Ohio State and Oregon vs Florida State! A four-team playoff. Any one of these four teams could be the best in college football, but how will we know which one is for sure? Ohio State could go undefeated and still end up 4th in the polls because of how strong the top 4 teams are. Ohio State should run the table with relative ease, and then what? How can you leave a team that has been undefeated two years in a row fourth in the Nation? Screw the BCS!
#5 Missouri 7-0 .8219: The biggest jump in the rankings comes from the other undefeated SEC team. Missouri showed that they are for real by trouncing an elite defense against Florida. The schedule doesn't let up very much and I don't know how the Tigers will handle it, but I predict at least one loss. Whether it be against, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ole Miss, and A&M, I don't think Missouri has enough to get through all of those teams. One loss would still book them for a showdown with Alabama in the SEC Championship game.
#6 Stanford 6-1 .7414: The highest one loss team in the rankings. They do deserve to be here. Utah is underrated and Stanford could put themselves in the top 4 with a win over Oregon in a few weeks. If there were a 4-team playoff they might even sneak in! There is a big drop in title contenders from #5 to #6, but Stanford is glad to still be around after losing a few weeks ago. Even if they lose to Oregon, the Cardinal could still end up in an awesome Rose Bowl showdown with Ohio State.
#7 Miami 6-0 .7200: Miami has Wake Forest up next, but they are probably peeking at the schedule to see that Florida State looms large afterwards. In another huge ACC top 10 showdown, Miami seems to be overmatched. Don't count the Hurricanes out however! Stephen Morris possibly had his worst game in college against North Carolina and Miami still won. Everyone is surprised that they are undefeated at this point, and its sad that it will probably end in a few weeks. But the arrow is pointing up for Miami this season.
#8 Baylor 6-0 .7120: The only team to score more points than Oregon this year just dominated again. 71-7 against an Iowa State team that lost to Texas by 1 and T-Tech by 7! They just have too many weapons and are starting to become everyone's pick to win the Big 12. What most people really overlook with Baylor is that they are pretty good on defense as well. They allow 16.2 points a game which is good for 7th in the Nation. All these video game numbers are hard to believe, especially when you realize that they take starters out after one half typically. Baylor needs to change the setting on their X-Box life from Rookie to All-American!
#9 Clemson 6-1 .6249: Clemson is the only top 10 team coming off a loss this last week and it was a doozy. After all the talk that this was Clemson's year and that Tajh Boyd was ready to lead this team to prime time, FSU comes to town to lay the smackdown. It wasn't even close, Jameis Winston had all day to throw and Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins never got going. Clemson can still make a run at a BCS bowl, but this is a sad week on campus for everyone.
#10 Texas Tech 7-0 .6220: The top 10 wild-card gets ready for its first big test of the year against Oklahoma. Good thing that the Sooners have looked abysmal in the last couple weeks. No one saw this team being 7-0 which is great for the Red Raiders and great for their recruiting process. If they can go 3-2 down the stretch, it will be a successful year. Especially with true freshmen starting and an extremely young core. Baylor and Texas-Tech look to lead the Big-12 into the future, non-BCS NCAA.
#1 Still Alabama 7-0 .9841: Besides the thriller against A&M, Bama's vaunted defense hasn't given up more than 10 points in a game. LSU's loss to Ole Miss suddenly makes Alabama's schedule a lot easier. I don't think that #11 Auburn will pose much of a threat either. Most every one who watches college football sees Nick Saban as the Darth Vader of the NCAA, leading his evil Dark Tide. But isn't Darth Vader the most badass Star Wars character when you think about it? Without him, Star Wars is nothing.
#2 Florida State 6-0 .9348: Nobody expected FSU to be this good after losing 7 starters on defense. Let alone trotting out a freshman as the starting QB after losing the only QB to be drafted in the first round. Somehow FSU is better than ever and just posted the biggest win of the year on a Clemson team that everyone thought was ready for the next step. Jameis Winston is gunning for the Heisman as a freshman and a National Championship bid against big bad 'Bama.
#3 Oregon 7-0 .9320: Oregon only slides back slightly because of how dominant the FSU win was. The Ducks approach the toughest three game stretch of the season, Vs. UCLA, At Stanford, Vs. Utah. If they handle their business in those games, they should be a shoe-in for a game with Alabama in the Championship, even if FSU goes undefeated. We need the four-team playoff this year more than ever before!
#4 Ohio State 7-0 .8553: Alabama vs Ohio State and Oregon vs Florida State! A four-team playoff. Any one of these four teams could be the best in college football, but how will we know which one is for sure? Ohio State could go undefeated and still end up 4th in the polls because of how strong the top 4 teams are. Ohio State should run the table with relative ease, and then what? How can you leave a team that has been undefeated two years in a row fourth in the Nation? Screw the BCS!
#5 Missouri 7-0 .8219: The biggest jump in the rankings comes from the other undefeated SEC team. Missouri showed that they are for real by trouncing an elite defense against Florida. The schedule doesn't let up very much and I don't know how the Tigers will handle it, but I predict at least one loss. Whether it be against, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ole Miss, and A&M, I don't think Missouri has enough to get through all of those teams. One loss would still book them for a showdown with Alabama in the SEC Championship game.
#6 Stanford 6-1 .7414: The highest one loss team in the rankings. They do deserve to be here. Utah is underrated and Stanford could put themselves in the top 4 with a win over Oregon in a few weeks. If there were a 4-team playoff they might even sneak in! There is a big drop in title contenders from #5 to #6, but Stanford is glad to still be around after losing a few weeks ago. Even if they lose to Oregon, the Cardinal could still end up in an awesome Rose Bowl showdown with Ohio State.
#7 Miami 6-0 .7200: Miami has Wake Forest up next, but they are probably peeking at the schedule to see that Florida State looms large afterwards. In another huge ACC top 10 showdown, Miami seems to be overmatched. Don't count the Hurricanes out however! Stephen Morris possibly had his worst game in college against North Carolina and Miami still won. Everyone is surprised that they are undefeated at this point, and its sad that it will probably end in a few weeks. But the arrow is pointing up for Miami this season.
#8 Baylor 6-0 .7120: The only team to score more points than Oregon this year just dominated again. 71-7 against an Iowa State team that lost to Texas by 1 and T-Tech by 7! They just have too many weapons and are starting to become everyone's pick to win the Big 12. What most people really overlook with Baylor is that they are pretty good on defense as well. They allow 16.2 points a game which is good for 7th in the Nation. All these video game numbers are hard to believe, especially when you realize that they take starters out after one half typically. Baylor needs to change the setting on their X-Box life from Rookie to All-American!
#9 Clemson 6-1 .6249: Clemson is the only top 10 team coming off a loss this last week and it was a doozy. After all the talk that this was Clemson's year and that Tajh Boyd was ready to lead this team to prime time, FSU comes to town to lay the smackdown. It wasn't even close, Jameis Winston had all day to throw and Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins never got going. Clemson can still make a run at a BCS bowl, but this is a sad week on campus for everyone.
#10 Texas Tech 7-0 .6220: The top 10 wild-card gets ready for its first big test of the year against Oklahoma. Good thing that the Sooners have looked abysmal in the last couple weeks. No one saw this team being 7-0 which is great for the Red Raiders and great for their recruiting process. If they can go 3-2 down the stretch, it will be a successful year. Especially with true freshmen starting and an extremely young core. Baylor and Texas-Tech look to lead the Big-12 into the future, non-BCS NCAA.
Predicting the SEC:
The week 8 rankings have been posted and the SEC has set a record with 8 teams in the top 25! With so much depth and confusion in the SEC, its hard to predict what will happen. Let's try!
#1 Alabama 6-0 (3-0): Roll Tide! 'Bama looks to solidify it's dynasty with another championship this year to close out the BCS era. For an SEC team, the schedule is not too daunting. The only remaining game that will really test Nick Saban's squad is #6 LSU. Alabama has proven that they can win in a multitude of ways, showcasing a high-powered offense in a 49-42 shootout with Johnny Football and a stout defense with a 25-0 shellacking of Ole Miss. T.J. Yeldon reminds me of Adrian Peterson as a speed back with tremendous power. We'll see if Alabama is good enough for the 3-peat.
Season Prediction: Undefeated season, Nat'l championship win over Oregon.
#6 LSU 6-1 (3-1): The #6 team in the country suffered a setback against Georgia in a 44-41 shootout, but still has title hopes. If Zach Mettenberger can lead the Tigers to victory November 9th against Alabama, the entire landscape of the SEC would change and LSU would be set up to play in the BCS championship. Unless they got knocked off by Texas A&M the next week? God the SEC could be a mess. In a 17-6 win over Florida, LSU showed that it still has a strong defense, unless Florida's offense is that bad (which may be true). If the defense keeps it up, they may knock off Alabama, but I doubt it.
Season Prediction: 9-3 (5-3) with a bowl win and future losses to Bama and A&M.
#7 Texas A&M 5-1 (2-1): Everyone knows Johnny Football and his heroics, but I look at Mike Evans and say, "Come On!" The 6'5" sophomore could enter the draft this year and would likely be a top 10 pick! NFL teams look to be craving his size and speed combination and college coaches can't stop him. With a 23 yard average per catch, Evans seems to make big plays all day and is still giving the Alabama secondary nightmares. A&M should be 9-1 when they head into a battle with LSU that could be one of the best games of the year. Manziel likely won't win the Heismen this year, but he is still the gamebreaker that he always was. Too bad A&M won't get another shot at Alabama this year. I believe those two are the best SEC teams until someone shows me otherwise.
Season Prediction: 11-1 (7-1), that Alabama loss hurts.
#11 South Carolina 5-1 (3-1): One of the toughest schedules in college football will plague South Carolina this year. Mizzou, Florida, and Clemson highlight their schedule through the rest of the year. Im not overreacting to Jadeveon Clowney's lack of production, but 1 tackle? Come on! I understand that you get double-teamed every play, but you're losing your grip on the #1 overall draft spot man! Other than that, the Gamecocks have performed well enough to be 5-1 even though they had close games with Vandy, UCF, and Kentucky in consecutive weeks. SC looked dominant against Arkansas in a 52-7 pounding. If they play with that tenacity the rest of the year, they could find themselves in a BCS bowl. I look forward to their matchup with Missouri, which could determine the SEC East.
Season Prediction: 9-3 (6-2) Future losses to Clemson and Florida.
#14 Missouri 6-0 (2-0): A 41-26 upset over battered and broken Georgia is only the beginning of the teeth of Missouri's NFL schedule. In a matchup against offensively challenged Florida without James Franklin, Missouri will need to pull out a victory by their skin and teeth. After that, it doesn't get easier with a big game against South Carolina. Mizzou already has more wins than last year and their WR combination of La'Damian Washington and Dorial Green-Beckham should be taken seriously. If the Tigers were still in the Big-12 I would predict them to walk away with a title, but sadly they aren't. If they can get past these next few weeks with wins, a big last game with Texas A&M would be set up and would be thrilling. Too bad they will probably disappoint.
Season Prediction: 10-2 (6-2) Future losses against SC and A&M.
#15 Georgia 4-2 (3-1): Its sad that Georgia's title hopes have been gashed. The injuries have taken their toll and the defense has looked anything but good. Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall were both top 5 backs in the SEC and they are both out. It will be hard to run the table for Georgia with a defense giving up 33.7 points a game, but at least the schedule lets up a little. Aaron Murray, who would likely be the leading Heismen candidate if Georgia was 6-0, should be furious at the defensive unit. Georgia should watch out for a trap game with sneaky good Auburn in mid November, but if they get past that I can see them running the table. Even if Gurley doesn't return for a while.
Season Prediction: 10-2 (7-1) SEC East winner.
#22 Florida 4-2 (3-1): Scoring 21.8 points a game and allowing 13, Florida plays the most old school football of anyone in the SEC. The SEC has had a lot of exciting games this year, none of which have been Florida games. Despite how poorly the offense has played, I think if Jeff Driskel was not injured they would be even worse. Although Troy Murphy doesn't have the most accurate arm, his legs have made up for it. Florida doesn't have elite talent out wide by SEC standards and it shows when they are shutdown against SEC competition. With nobody open, Murphy is forced to scramble and pick up yards, which Driskel couldn't do. Florida has 4 remaining games with top 15 teams and I see them dropping at least 2 of them.
Season Prediction: 8-4 (6-2) Future losses to Georgia and Florida State.
#24 Auburn 5-1 (2-1): With a couple quality wins, Auburn has turned their program around relative to last years dismal output. The upcoming week presents another challenge in Texas A&M. Auburn may limit Johnny Football's effectiveness with a strong running game and a defense allowing 18.8 points, but I can't see Auburn containing Manziel's legs or the deep threat of Mike Evans. The third team named the Tigers in the SEC has their hands full with their SEC league schedule, but I can see them making a solid bowl game and beating up on a team that doesn't know what's coming. This team could win the Big 10 legends division if they played in it!
Season Prediction: 7-5 (3-5) Future losses to A&M, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama.
#1 Alabama 6-0 (3-0): Roll Tide! 'Bama looks to solidify it's dynasty with another championship this year to close out the BCS era. For an SEC team, the schedule is not too daunting. The only remaining game that will really test Nick Saban's squad is #6 LSU. Alabama has proven that they can win in a multitude of ways, showcasing a high-powered offense in a 49-42 shootout with Johnny Football and a stout defense with a 25-0 shellacking of Ole Miss. T.J. Yeldon reminds me of Adrian Peterson as a speed back with tremendous power. We'll see if Alabama is good enough for the 3-peat.
Season Prediction: Undefeated season, Nat'l championship win over Oregon.
#6 LSU 6-1 (3-1): The #6 team in the country suffered a setback against Georgia in a 44-41 shootout, but still has title hopes. If Zach Mettenberger can lead the Tigers to victory November 9th against Alabama, the entire landscape of the SEC would change and LSU would be set up to play in the BCS championship. Unless they got knocked off by Texas A&M the next week? God the SEC could be a mess. In a 17-6 win over Florida, LSU showed that it still has a strong defense, unless Florida's offense is that bad (which may be true). If the defense keeps it up, they may knock off Alabama, but I doubt it.
Season Prediction: 9-3 (5-3) with a bowl win and future losses to Bama and A&M.
#7 Texas A&M 5-1 (2-1): Everyone knows Johnny Football and his heroics, but I look at Mike Evans and say, "Come On!" The 6'5" sophomore could enter the draft this year and would likely be a top 10 pick! NFL teams look to be craving his size and speed combination and college coaches can't stop him. With a 23 yard average per catch, Evans seems to make big plays all day and is still giving the Alabama secondary nightmares. A&M should be 9-1 when they head into a battle with LSU that could be one of the best games of the year. Manziel likely won't win the Heismen this year, but he is still the gamebreaker that he always was. Too bad A&M won't get another shot at Alabama this year. I believe those two are the best SEC teams until someone shows me otherwise.
Season Prediction: 11-1 (7-1), that Alabama loss hurts.
#11 South Carolina 5-1 (3-1): One of the toughest schedules in college football will plague South Carolina this year. Mizzou, Florida, and Clemson highlight their schedule through the rest of the year. Im not overreacting to Jadeveon Clowney's lack of production, but 1 tackle? Come on! I understand that you get double-teamed every play, but you're losing your grip on the #1 overall draft spot man! Other than that, the Gamecocks have performed well enough to be 5-1 even though they had close games with Vandy, UCF, and Kentucky in consecutive weeks. SC looked dominant against Arkansas in a 52-7 pounding. If they play with that tenacity the rest of the year, they could find themselves in a BCS bowl. I look forward to their matchup with Missouri, which could determine the SEC East.
Season Prediction: 9-3 (6-2) Future losses to Clemson and Florida.
#14 Missouri 6-0 (2-0): A 41-26 upset over battered and broken Georgia is only the beginning of the teeth of Missouri's NFL schedule. In a matchup against offensively challenged Florida without James Franklin, Missouri will need to pull out a victory by their skin and teeth. After that, it doesn't get easier with a big game against South Carolina. Mizzou already has more wins than last year and their WR combination of La'Damian Washington and Dorial Green-Beckham should be taken seriously. If the Tigers were still in the Big-12 I would predict them to walk away with a title, but sadly they aren't. If they can get past these next few weeks with wins, a big last game with Texas A&M would be set up and would be thrilling. Too bad they will probably disappoint.
Season Prediction: 10-2 (6-2) Future losses against SC and A&M.
#15 Georgia 4-2 (3-1): Its sad that Georgia's title hopes have been gashed. The injuries have taken their toll and the defense has looked anything but good. Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall were both top 5 backs in the SEC and they are both out. It will be hard to run the table for Georgia with a defense giving up 33.7 points a game, but at least the schedule lets up a little. Aaron Murray, who would likely be the leading Heismen candidate if Georgia was 6-0, should be furious at the defensive unit. Georgia should watch out for a trap game with sneaky good Auburn in mid November, but if they get past that I can see them running the table. Even if Gurley doesn't return for a while.
Season Prediction: 10-2 (7-1) SEC East winner.
#22 Florida 4-2 (3-1): Scoring 21.8 points a game and allowing 13, Florida plays the most old school football of anyone in the SEC. The SEC has had a lot of exciting games this year, none of which have been Florida games. Despite how poorly the offense has played, I think if Jeff Driskel was not injured they would be even worse. Although Troy Murphy doesn't have the most accurate arm, his legs have made up for it. Florida doesn't have elite talent out wide by SEC standards and it shows when they are shutdown against SEC competition. With nobody open, Murphy is forced to scramble and pick up yards, which Driskel couldn't do. Florida has 4 remaining games with top 15 teams and I see them dropping at least 2 of them.
Season Prediction: 8-4 (6-2) Future losses to Georgia and Florida State.
#24 Auburn 5-1 (2-1): With a couple quality wins, Auburn has turned their program around relative to last years dismal output. The upcoming week presents another challenge in Texas A&M. Auburn may limit Johnny Football's effectiveness with a strong running game and a defense allowing 18.8 points, but I can't see Auburn containing Manziel's legs or the deep threat of Mike Evans. The third team named the Tigers in the SEC has their hands full with their SEC league schedule, but I can see them making a solid bowl game and beating up on a team that doesn't know what's coming. This team could win the Big 10 legends division if they played in it!
Season Prediction: 7-5 (3-5) Future losses to A&M, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama.
Dissecting the Big-12 potential Champs:
Baylor Bears 4-0 (1-0): The Bears have put up 69 points at least in every game this year en-route to a 4-0 start and #15 ranking in the AP poll. There is no weakness for the Bears on offense. An explosive Lache Seastrunk who remains in the Heismen hopeful list teams with the powerful Glasco Martin, who had 15 touchdowns last year. When they aren't running the ball to the tune of 7 yards per carry, Bryce Petty is slinging it downfield to a couple 5'10" speedsters named Tevin Reese and Antwan Goodley. When Baylor has gotten up by 50, third string runningback Shock Linwood has averaged 7.6 yards a carry and has 5 scores as a freshman. Baylor should take care of business the next few weeks before a November showdown with Oklahoma. The game could feature the two best Big-12 teams.
Predicted score this week: 59-24 over Kansas State.
Texas Tech 5-0 (2-0): Baker Mayfield is a name that some have come to know as T-Tech has ascended to #20 after 5 solid performances. The walk-on true freshman has taken the reigns of the team and has them in position to compete in the Big-12. He opened the season with 4 touchdowns and 413 yards in a blowout over SMU and has been one of the feel-good stories in college football. Texas Tech is on my upset alert this weekend against Iowa State however after the Cyclones lost a heartbreaker to Texas. The thing that makes me think this is the Red Raiders utter lack of a running game. Even against inferior competition the ground game has been inconsistent at best and the line hasn't been paving much road for any of the young runners. Quinton White leads the team in rushing despite being the third string running back! I still think the Red Raiders can surprise a team like Baylor or Oklahoma with a good defensive day.
Predicted score this week: 37-28 over Iowa State.
Oklahoma 5-0 (2-0): Oklahoma, the preseason pick to be Big-12 Champs, have given us a reason to think that they are a little overrated. I like the quarterback switch to Blake Bell, who is more accurate than people give him credit for. This roster is loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, but they have looked inconsistent against the two fellow Big-12 players they've played. I mean seriously, who is West Virginia this year? They looked like a bowl bound team in a 16-7 tilt with Oklahoma and a win over OK state, but have been blown out by Maryland and Baylor. Oklahoma should have their hands full against Texas this week as they have had a while to prepare for Blake Bell's Belldozing, but Oklahoma remains the favorite.
Predicted score this week: 30-17 over Texas
Teams that are on the bubble as contenders: Texas 3-2 (2-0), Oklahoma State 4-1 (1-1), TCU 2-3 (0-2)
Predicted score this week: 59-24 over Kansas State.
Texas Tech 5-0 (2-0): Baker Mayfield is a name that some have come to know as T-Tech has ascended to #20 after 5 solid performances. The walk-on true freshman has taken the reigns of the team and has them in position to compete in the Big-12. He opened the season with 4 touchdowns and 413 yards in a blowout over SMU and has been one of the feel-good stories in college football. Texas Tech is on my upset alert this weekend against Iowa State however after the Cyclones lost a heartbreaker to Texas. The thing that makes me think this is the Red Raiders utter lack of a running game. Even against inferior competition the ground game has been inconsistent at best and the line hasn't been paving much road for any of the young runners. Quinton White leads the team in rushing despite being the third string running back! I still think the Red Raiders can surprise a team like Baylor or Oklahoma with a good defensive day.
Predicted score this week: 37-28 over Iowa State.
Oklahoma 5-0 (2-0): Oklahoma, the preseason pick to be Big-12 Champs, have given us a reason to think that they are a little overrated. I like the quarterback switch to Blake Bell, who is more accurate than people give him credit for. This roster is loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, but they have looked inconsistent against the two fellow Big-12 players they've played. I mean seriously, who is West Virginia this year? They looked like a bowl bound team in a 16-7 tilt with Oklahoma and a win over OK state, but have been blown out by Maryland and Baylor. Oklahoma should have their hands full against Texas this week as they have had a while to prepare for Blake Bell's Belldozing, but Oklahoma remains the favorite.
Predicted score this week: 30-17 over Texas
Teams that are on the bubble as contenders: Texas 3-2 (2-0), Oklahoma State 4-1 (1-1), TCU 2-3 (0-2)
PAC - 12 South OVERVIEW FOR WEEK 5:
South:
Arizona 3-0, (0-0): After a one game suspension to kick off 2013 following his 1,929 yard rushing season, Ka'Deem Carey appears ready for Pac-12 play against Washington this week. Carey has amassed 299 yards on a 7 yard per carry average through two games and is the most complete Back in the Pac-12. The fleet-footed QB, B.J. Denker, has probably opened some holes for Carey with the added running dimension. Arizona's offense looks faster overall than most years which figures to help them out against teams like UCLA in contention for a Pac-12 South Championship. 2 star recruit, true freshmen Scooby Wright looks like a leader on defense already and has been called a future Pac-12 All-American by every AU coach. Currently rated #32 on the AP Poll, a win against #16 Washington would pay huge dividends for the hopeful contenders and would like the catapult them to the Top 25.
UCLA 3-0, (0-0): Currently the favorite in the South, UCLA has been a slow starting team who fires out of a cannon afterwards. The Bruins are a team with a compelling story behind them as well. Only a few days after the death of UCLA walk on Nick Pasquale, the Bruins found themselves down against a #21 Nebraska team 21-3 at the end of the first quarter. A blowout seemed to be in sight for a UCLA team in dismay. However, behind a speech from Jim Mora and a great leader in Brett Hundley, the Bruins scored 38 straight points to destroy the Huskers 41-21. Hundley looks like the real deal and should be drafted early this year to continue the trend of fast, accurate, powerful NFL QBs The Bruins have a bye week this week and follow with a game against Utah. The schedule seems manageable besides the back to back games with Stanford and Oregon. UCLA could drop both and still win the South, however.
Colorado 2-0, (0-0): After already doubling their win total from last year, the Buffs are finally on to bigger things. The Buffs have been off for two weeks after a postponed game with Fresno State and a bye week. That could be good or bad for Colorado, who has had plenty of time to prepare for upcoming foe, Oregon State. But it also could make Colorado rusty from lack of in game play. Oregon State has struggled to kick off this year which could bode well for Colorado, but probably won't compensate for the abysmal 2.7 yard per carry average that the Buff's running backs take into the game. Paul Richardson has been the only reliable offensive weapon through two games but he has looked like a Pac-12 All American. Right now they are tied for first place in the Pac-12, but that likely won't last. I hope they can find a way to win a game in conference play. On a side note, Cal QB Jared Goff's high school Left Tackle, Gunnar Graham is the backup tackle for Colorado. At 6'6", 305 pounds, the kid may make a big impact for Colorado eventually, literally.
USC 3-1, (0-1): USC has looked like anything but a #1 team since they were #1 to open the 2012 season. A horrendous 10-7 loss against WSU and a narrow escape against Utah State 17-14 has Trojan fans calling for Lane Kiffin's head. USC can not seem to find any kind of steady Quarterback play despite having arguably the best Receiver in college football in Marquise Lee. The team has hardly played like a group of 5 star recruits and fans are starting to wonder why. I would not be surprised to see Arizona State lay the smack down on USC this week if the Trojans don't show up to play. Fans of USC thought that the Dallas Cowboys had inherited their problem in Monte Kiffin's outdated Tampa 2 defense, (and self) but it looks like even with a slightly improved defense, the offense isn't good enough to win them games. With the talent on USC's depth chart, they should have rolled through their first four games. They can still contend for the Pac-12 crown however, and all hope is not lost.
Utah 3-1, (0-1): Utah has looked overmatched and slightly out of place since leaving the Mountain West. They went from
non-BCS powerhouse to shitty Pac-12 team, which shows you that Boise State should never be a top 10 team. Utah surprised me with a 20-13 win over a solid BYU team this week, which made those who watched it reminisce over a time when Utah went undefeated and dominated Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. Ahh the good ole' days of Utah football when just reaching a bowl game wasn't considered an awesome year. This may be that awesome year, however! Sophomore Travis Wilson has looked superb. The dominant 6'6" speedster has 250 yards and 5 touchdowns on 32 carries at 240 pounds! His arm isn't bad either! He may be one of the most underrated players in the Pac-12 right now and if Utah pulls off against UCLA next Thursday night, he might get the recognition that he deserves.
Arizona State 2-1, (0-1): ASU manages to compete in the Pac-12 every year, but never really beats anybody good. After their first winning season since 2007 last year, the notion has floated around that they win against the crap teams and lose against the good ones. This year they hope to break that trend. The Sun Devils have already notched a big win over a solid Wisconsin team, but followed it up by getting blown out at Stanford. They are #8 in passing yards in the NCAA at this point in the season and Junior Taylor Kelly has already thrown for 1,000 yards. He leads their up-tempo, spread attack with precision passing and quick feet in and out of the pocket. After a 12 catch, 168 yard game last week against Stanford, Jaelen Strong looks to continue his quest to be the top receiver on the team after transferring from Pierce Community College. The tilt with USC on saturday is a big one for ASU football and will show whether or not they are ready for the big time in the Pac-12.
Arizona 3-0, (0-0): After a one game suspension to kick off 2013 following his 1,929 yard rushing season, Ka'Deem Carey appears ready for Pac-12 play against Washington this week. Carey has amassed 299 yards on a 7 yard per carry average through two games and is the most complete Back in the Pac-12. The fleet-footed QB, B.J. Denker, has probably opened some holes for Carey with the added running dimension. Arizona's offense looks faster overall than most years which figures to help them out against teams like UCLA in contention for a Pac-12 South Championship. 2 star recruit, true freshmen Scooby Wright looks like a leader on defense already and has been called a future Pac-12 All-American by every AU coach. Currently rated #32 on the AP Poll, a win against #16 Washington would pay huge dividends for the hopeful contenders and would like the catapult them to the Top 25.
UCLA 3-0, (0-0): Currently the favorite in the South, UCLA has been a slow starting team who fires out of a cannon afterwards. The Bruins are a team with a compelling story behind them as well. Only a few days after the death of UCLA walk on Nick Pasquale, the Bruins found themselves down against a #21 Nebraska team 21-3 at the end of the first quarter. A blowout seemed to be in sight for a UCLA team in dismay. However, behind a speech from Jim Mora and a great leader in Brett Hundley, the Bruins scored 38 straight points to destroy the Huskers 41-21. Hundley looks like the real deal and should be drafted early this year to continue the trend of fast, accurate, powerful NFL QBs The Bruins have a bye week this week and follow with a game against Utah. The schedule seems manageable besides the back to back games with Stanford and Oregon. UCLA could drop both and still win the South, however.
Colorado 2-0, (0-0): After already doubling their win total from last year, the Buffs are finally on to bigger things. The Buffs have been off for two weeks after a postponed game with Fresno State and a bye week. That could be good or bad for Colorado, who has had plenty of time to prepare for upcoming foe, Oregon State. But it also could make Colorado rusty from lack of in game play. Oregon State has struggled to kick off this year which could bode well for Colorado, but probably won't compensate for the abysmal 2.7 yard per carry average that the Buff's running backs take into the game. Paul Richardson has been the only reliable offensive weapon through two games but he has looked like a Pac-12 All American. Right now they are tied for first place in the Pac-12, but that likely won't last. I hope they can find a way to win a game in conference play. On a side note, Cal QB Jared Goff's high school Left Tackle, Gunnar Graham is the backup tackle for Colorado. At 6'6", 305 pounds, the kid may make a big impact for Colorado eventually, literally.
USC 3-1, (0-1): USC has looked like anything but a #1 team since they were #1 to open the 2012 season. A horrendous 10-7 loss against WSU and a narrow escape against Utah State 17-14 has Trojan fans calling for Lane Kiffin's head. USC can not seem to find any kind of steady Quarterback play despite having arguably the best Receiver in college football in Marquise Lee. The team has hardly played like a group of 5 star recruits and fans are starting to wonder why. I would not be surprised to see Arizona State lay the smack down on USC this week if the Trojans don't show up to play. Fans of USC thought that the Dallas Cowboys had inherited their problem in Monte Kiffin's outdated Tampa 2 defense, (and self) but it looks like even with a slightly improved defense, the offense isn't good enough to win them games. With the talent on USC's depth chart, they should have rolled through their first four games. They can still contend for the Pac-12 crown however, and all hope is not lost.
Utah 3-1, (0-1): Utah has looked overmatched and slightly out of place since leaving the Mountain West. They went from
non-BCS powerhouse to shitty Pac-12 team, which shows you that Boise State should never be a top 10 team. Utah surprised me with a 20-13 win over a solid BYU team this week, which made those who watched it reminisce over a time when Utah went undefeated and dominated Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. Ahh the good ole' days of Utah football when just reaching a bowl game wasn't considered an awesome year. This may be that awesome year, however! Sophomore Travis Wilson has looked superb. The dominant 6'6" speedster has 250 yards and 5 touchdowns on 32 carries at 240 pounds! His arm isn't bad either! He may be one of the most underrated players in the Pac-12 right now and if Utah pulls off against UCLA next Thursday night, he might get the recognition that he deserves.
Arizona State 2-1, (0-1): ASU manages to compete in the Pac-12 every year, but never really beats anybody good. After their first winning season since 2007 last year, the notion has floated around that they win against the crap teams and lose against the good ones. This year they hope to break that trend. The Sun Devils have already notched a big win over a solid Wisconsin team, but followed it up by getting blown out at Stanford. They are #8 in passing yards in the NCAA at this point in the season and Junior Taylor Kelly has already thrown for 1,000 yards. He leads their up-tempo, spread attack with precision passing and quick feet in and out of the pocket. After a 12 catch, 168 yard game last week against Stanford, Jaelen Strong looks to continue his quest to be the top receiver on the team after transferring from Pierce Community College. The tilt with USC on saturday is a big one for ASU football and will show whether or not they are ready for the big time in the Pac-12.
Pac - 12 North overview for week 5:
North:
Oregon 3-0, (0-0): Oregon hasn't scored less than 59 this year through 3 games and don't expect that to change this week against Cal. The Ducks are as explosive as ever and the questions about how they would handle losing Chip Kelly have started to fade. The Ducks have made games against Virginia and Tennessee look like tune up games against an FBS opponent while blowing them off the field. People always talk about Colt Lyerla's ability at tight end but true freshmen Johnny Mundt out of Central Catholic High in Modesto came through with a 5 catch, 2 touchdown, 124 yard game spelling the ill Lyerla. I expect big things out of Mundt, who i watched destroy in the Division 5 California State Championship. Up next for the Ducks is a Cal team who forgot how to tackle. Prepare for some DeAnthony Thomas highlights.
Stanford 3-0, (1-0): The Cardinal look like a top 5 team and may be the best in a strong group of Pac-12 teams. A big win against ASU showed who Stanford is to the Pac-12, a physical bully. When I look at the Cardinal, I see hard-nosed football that is almost a poor man's Alabama. Stanford dominates the line of scrimmage and tempo which played a huge role last year when they upset #2 Oregon 17-14. I can see Tyler Gaffney ending up with 18 touchdowns and 1,400 yards rushing by the end of the year. Up next for the Cardinal is throw-heavy Washington State who has surprised this year with a 3-1 record despite ranking 119th in rushing.
Washington 3-0, (0-0): A pleasant surprise to start the season, Washington opened with domination of a solid Boise State team 38-6. Keith Price looks to bounce back from an average season by completing 77% of his passes with a 7-1 touchdown to interception ratio and 10 yards per attempt. He has connected on passes to 12 different receivers and all 7 touchdown throws have been to different guys. The Huskies play the Wildcats of AU this Saturday before a potential top 15 clash against Stanford. It might be time to get on the Washington bandwagon.
Oregon State 3-1, (1-0): The Beavers were the Pac-12 story of the year last year until UCLA upset USC for the South crown, but this year things haven't been looking so good. They kicked off the 2012 season with a 10-7 dismantling of Wisconsin and Montee Ball which showed the whole country that they were a force to be reckoned with. This year, the opposite was true as they dropped a high scoring affair to Big Sky team, Eastern Washington 49-46. Since then they have soundly beaten Hawaii and narrowly escaped from Utah and San Diego State, looking hardly impressive. I predict the Beavers to win this weekend at Colorado, but after that, I wouldn't be surprised to see them drop the rest of their games and eventually finish with a 4-8 record.
Washington State 3-1, (1-0): The Cougars have been so bad over the past few years that a 3-1 record must feel amazing to head coach Mike Leach. After a close loss to an underrated Auburn team, The Coug's took out USC 10-7 with a mixture of terrible USC quarterbacking and a stout WSU defense. Although they are 3-1, WSU doesn't seem like a squad that can keep up their record. The 3.3 yards per carry and 119th ranked rushing unit in college football are all you need to know that this team is not balanced. Gabe Marks has been most of the offense with 31 catches so far (17 being the next closest number). This worries me in the upcoming game against Stanford who knows how to take away a teams top receiver. I doubt that WSU will put up much of a fight this week but I would love to see them make a game out of it. If the running game improves, WSU may find themselves in a bowl game this year.
California 1-2, (0-0): I can't seem to stop raving about Cal's offensive potential. Jared Goff came into Sonny Dykes' Cal team having ran the exact same offense in high school at Marin Catholic and is on pace for 5,200 yards! No joke, this kid is the truth. Those numbers are a little bit inflated due to the fact that he has had to throw a million passes so far (58 per game to be exact) because of a lack of tackling on defense. There are a lot of things to be excited about at CAL however, like the fact that Goff has two explosive sophomore studs out wide named Bryce Treggs and Chris Harper. The pair has been dynamite has produced against quality teams like Northwestern and Ohio State. In a few years, Goff and these two may have an offense that rivals Oregon's. Cal would be 2-1 with a closer loss to OSU if their defense wasn't absolutely god awful. The abundance of missed tackles made Portland State look pretty good and they are really not. The potent passing and scheme of Sonny Dykes will keep Cal hanging around in some games, but a bowl game might not be a realistic goal at this point. Wait a couple years and this team could be in the Pac-12 Championship.
Oregon 3-0, (0-0): Oregon hasn't scored less than 59 this year through 3 games and don't expect that to change this week against Cal. The Ducks are as explosive as ever and the questions about how they would handle losing Chip Kelly have started to fade. The Ducks have made games against Virginia and Tennessee look like tune up games against an FBS opponent while blowing them off the field. People always talk about Colt Lyerla's ability at tight end but true freshmen Johnny Mundt out of Central Catholic High in Modesto came through with a 5 catch, 2 touchdown, 124 yard game spelling the ill Lyerla. I expect big things out of Mundt, who i watched destroy in the Division 5 California State Championship. Up next for the Ducks is a Cal team who forgot how to tackle. Prepare for some DeAnthony Thomas highlights.
Stanford 3-0, (1-0): The Cardinal look like a top 5 team and may be the best in a strong group of Pac-12 teams. A big win against ASU showed who Stanford is to the Pac-12, a physical bully. When I look at the Cardinal, I see hard-nosed football that is almost a poor man's Alabama. Stanford dominates the line of scrimmage and tempo which played a huge role last year when they upset #2 Oregon 17-14. I can see Tyler Gaffney ending up with 18 touchdowns and 1,400 yards rushing by the end of the year. Up next for the Cardinal is throw-heavy Washington State who has surprised this year with a 3-1 record despite ranking 119th in rushing.
Washington 3-0, (0-0): A pleasant surprise to start the season, Washington opened with domination of a solid Boise State team 38-6. Keith Price looks to bounce back from an average season by completing 77% of his passes with a 7-1 touchdown to interception ratio and 10 yards per attempt. He has connected on passes to 12 different receivers and all 7 touchdown throws have been to different guys. The Huskies play the Wildcats of AU this Saturday before a potential top 15 clash against Stanford. It might be time to get on the Washington bandwagon.
Oregon State 3-1, (1-0): The Beavers were the Pac-12 story of the year last year until UCLA upset USC for the South crown, but this year things haven't been looking so good. They kicked off the 2012 season with a 10-7 dismantling of Wisconsin and Montee Ball which showed the whole country that they were a force to be reckoned with. This year, the opposite was true as they dropped a high scoring affair to Big Sky team, Eastern Washington 49-46. Since then they have soundly beaten Hawaii and narrowly escaped from Utah and San Diego State, looking hardly impressive. I predict the Beavers to win this weekend at Colorado, but after that, I wouldn't be surprised to see them drop the rest of their games and eventually finish with a 4-8 record.
Washington State 3-1, (1-0): The Cougars have been so bad over the past few years that a 3-1 record must feel amazing to head coach Mike Leach. After a close loss to an underrated Auburn team, The Coug's took out USC 10-7 with a mixture of terrible USC quarterbacking and a stout WSU defense. Although they are 3-1, WSU doesn't seem like a squad that can keep up their record. The 3.3 yards per carry and 119th ranked rushing unit in college football are all you need to know that this team is not balanced. Gabe Marks has been most of the offense with 31 catches so far (17 being the next closest number). This worries me in the upcoming game against Stanford who knows how to take away a teams top receiver. I doubt that WSU will put up much of a fight this week but I would love to see them make a game out of it. If the running game improves, WSU may find themselves in a bowl game this year.
California 1-2, (0-0): I can't seem to stop raving about Cal's offensive potential. Jared Goff came into Sonny Dykes' Cal team having ran the exact same offense in high school at Marin Catholic and is on pace for 5,200 yards! No joke, this kid is the truth. Those numbers are a little bit inflated due to the fact that he has had to throw a million passes so far (58 per game to be exact) because of a lack of tackling on defense. There are a lot of things to be excited about at CAL however, like the fact that Goff has two explosive sophomore studs out wide named Bryce Treggs and Chris Harper. The pair has been dynamite has produced against quality teams like Northwestern and Ohio State. In a few years, Goff and these two may have an offense that rivals Oregon's. Cal would be 2-1 with a closer loss to OSU if their defense wasn't absolutely god awful. The abundance of missed tackles made Portland State look pretty good and they are really not. The potent passing and scheme of Sonny Dykes will keep Cal hanging around in some games, but a bowl game might not be a realistic goal at this point. Wait a couple years and this team could be in the Pac-12 Championship.