Wednesday Linkage is shocked to hear August is hot

Mid-week, mid-August. You want information from Penn State's preseason practices; but really, what is there to know? The team has been running around at half-speed for a mere two days, and we assume that's enough time and practice to evaluate how well Kevin Newsome handles that play-action end-around-fake. Tomorrow is the official media day, but that doesn't mean a whole lot, other than some nice quotes from Paterno and the staff, and the release of the official rosters and preseason depth charts.

Even the main-streamers are having a tough time producing anything but glorified gossip. But that's what we want, no? Other than injuries and suspensions, preseason practice doesn't make much of a difference until about ten days before the first game.

With that, here's some updates from the front lines.

• Jay Paterno was awfully chatty with BWI at yesterday's practice session. I'd probably be too, if I had two all-America candidates in my backfield.

But no one is concerned with Daryll Clark and Evan Royster. The wide receivers, they're the hot issue. But Jay throws some cold water on it, by taking us all back a few years.

"When we came into the 2005 season, we had three wideouts starting that had never played a down of college football in their life. So, we're a little bit ahead that way."

And what about Jay's old man being back on the field?

"I think when you look at the Rose Bowl, there's a real glaring example of where his presence could have changed the dynamic of that game. In that second quarter, I think he could have grabbed a couple of guys and kept it from getting where it got, and had we had that dynamic - and that's not a criticism of him or anybody else, that's just the reality of it."

• Who doesn't love the lead FOS used in their report from the first practice:

"It was pretty hot out there today," according to one observer.

Ok, so the point of that quote went on to say how the players actually did well in such heat. But I wouldn't have thought twice about it if FOS said "...according to Captain Obvious, who attended Tuesday's practice."

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Red meat Monday: Important vs. Interesting

Every web site, preseason magazine and talk show host is breaking out the war drums. But just what are they beating? Well, our heads in with outrageous and sensationalist predictions and analyses. I'm not going to spend the next 3,000 words trying to pick out every shallow pitch thrown by the college football punditry the past few weeks. You can bet there will be more of that to come, much more. So, to start off this week right, I picked out this one example of pure, shameless hit generation:

"Both the Big Ten and Big East figure to be in a season-long tussle for least relevant conference from a national title perspective." - NBC Sports' lead sentence on Penn State vs. Ohio State, part of the 'Top 20 important games' list for 2009.

I told you it was shallow and shameless. Oh yeah, and also outrageous and sensationalist.

If the two leagues have no place at the BCS Title table, then why is this game on the "most important list?" If the game doesn't matter, then it's not important.

I'm not so sure NBC followed its own story pitch. This is the next portion of the game analysis, after the lead I quoted above:

"Still, this matchup, always highly anticipated, gains extra heft as Terrelle Pryor’s Keystone State homecoming. The Buckeye sophomore grew up in Jeannette, Pa., a two-hour drive southwest from Happy Valley."

That's where NBC lost me. (turning to the invisible, unnamed NBC writers) Fellas, when a game has -- as you yourselves put it -- no relevance to the BCS Title Game, but an interesting storyline, that means the game belongs on the "most intriguing," or "most interesting," or even "the best" games of the season lists. Pick any one of those, but not "most important."

And how about this, for sh*ts and giggles... Ohio State vs. USC is No. 2 on the list. Penn State vs. Ohio State? No. 15.

Let me get that straight. A game that has no affect on either the Big Ten or Pac 10 title races is more important than what most rational people consider to be the Big Ten title game itself. Yeah, that makes sense.

Even Tennessee vs. Florida is way up on the list, and the best thing NBC could come up with was that Lane Kiffin is going to be on the sideline. Again, that's "interesting," not "important."

Logic doesn't always flow through college football writers' veins, but sometimes I wonder if it ever flows at all.

*I included the Mountain West in there because BYU has a very real chance to make the BCS Title Game

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Big Ten Bloggers Preseason Picks!

(Looking for the Big Ten Bloggers' 2009 Picks? Click HERE)

So, after berating the pre-season magazines for their lack of intelligent analysis and predictions, LTP took it upon himself to gather the fellow Big Ten Bloggers and tap into a collective voice of reason to hear from the true fans who know these teams inside and out.

So, without further ado, here are the inaugural picks with some calling out of certain bloggers votes to stir the collective pot:

(All commentary by LTP)

1 - Ohio State

The Buckeyes received the first place nod from every Big Ten Blogger with the exception of Maize & Blue Nation who opted for the Nittany Lions. About as much of a surprise as Ryan Field being out of hot dogs at halftime for the Big Ten home opener.

2 - Penn State

After Ohio State's 1-slot, it became a wild west of voting as there was as much disparity here as in different preseason magazines, but the Nittany Lions have this post to look forward to as a new "list" to concentrate on. Penn State received no vote lower than 5th place as Enlightened Spartan and Off the Tracks were the biggest Penn State pessimists.

3 - Wisconsin

The Badgers dropped to third by the skin of Bucky's fur - 1 vote separates Penn State and Wisconsin. Like Penn State, no voters had the Badgers any lower than 5th with MGoBlog being the culprit/non-believer.

4 - Illinois

Amazingly, the Illini's Rose Bowl halo effect continues, especially when you consider there is currently no Illini blogger on board as part of the BTBers. The Illini received six 7th place votes, yet still managed to emerge in the upper tier with MGoBlog trying to secure as many links as possible (as if he needs them!) from LTP for his controversial picks. MGoBlog has Illini back in BCS land with a projected second place finish in the Big Ten.

5 - Michigan State

Enlightened Spartan displayed some homerism with a "3" pick, but he was saved by Boiled Sports and Zombie Nation who seconded and thirded (sic) that emotion. Sparty received votes all over the map from 3 through 8. Enlightened Spartan also wins the award for most creative names for his submissions as LTP had to use the ES decoder to decipher entries like "yellow bellies" (Michigan).

6 - Michigan

The Wolverines emerge the inaugural predictions as the official wildcard team. The RichRods secured votes as high as 3, as low as 10 and every slot in between. MGoBlog went conservative (6), Maize & Blue Nation went homerific (3) and LTP went Lou Holtzian (3).

7 - Iowa

What's in the water in Happy Valley? Perhaps the recent Ferentz rumors/sightings combined with the kindred spirit of Fulmer Cup Overfloweth has bonded the Big Ten border state schools. Black Shoe Diaries and Zombie Nation went the highest with 4, while the Hawkeyes received a few double digit finishes, including one 11th place vote from rival Gopher Nation. Where the hell are the Cats? C'mon...I put this damn thing together and this is the love I get?

8 - Purdue

The Joe Tiller farewell tour didn't have many takers as no one picked the Boilermakers any higher than 5th. So much for QB experience eh?

9 - Northwestern

Thank you for nothing. Really?!!! Ninth? Ahhhh...thanks for the annual angst fuel as we'll be sure to revisit these in November. The Cats are the only team on the list to receive a vote in every slot from 4 through 11. Off the Tracks and MGoBlog are the best blogs ever, errr, voted the Cats at number 4, while Around The Oval (Ohio St) penciled us in at 11. Considering the last half century of results, I can't exactly blame them. LTP voted for NU in the 5 slot.

10 - Indiana

For the record, there was quite a bit of distance between Purdue, NU and the 10 slot Hoosiers. It was a nip and tuck race with Minnesota to avoid the cellar, but the fact that the Kellen Lewis question mark remains, I'm puzzled how Indiana didn't end up at 11. Enlightened Spartan knows something the rest of us don't as he picked them the highest at 8.

11 - Minnesota

I'm not sure how the Adam Weber-led, year 2 spread Gophers ended up behind Indiana, but they did - but not by much. I'm sure the BTBers picks will serve as inspirational stuff in the Metrodome lockerrrooms - that is if the Vikings don't tear down the shared space on Sundays. The Gophers only had two believers - Gopher Nation and Nittany White Out - both of whom voted the Gophers at number 8.

Reax

I was surprised at the wide disparity in voting. It isn't often teams get votes ranging 8 spots as a few did, including Northwestern. I was surprised by the Illini and Michigan State outcomes. I haven't bought in to the fact that Dufrene will keep "Ds" in check like Mendenhall for the Illini and also the on-field leadership of J. Leman is a bigger impact from a chemistry standpoint than I think non-Illini followers realize. For Sparty, I simply don't believe they have proven they know how to finish and while Ringer is legit, the loss of Devin Thomas removes an electrifying wrinkle that kept teams off-balance. That being said, my Michigan pick at 3 is completely irrational and goes against my better judgment. Perhaps I'm trying to hype them as I believe, truly believe, we will beat them in the Big House this year and who wants to win against Michigan and have it be a "down" year for them?

Zombie Nation's Official Ballot (Sorry, no witty commentary right now. Maybe later.):

Predicted order of finish:
1. Ohio State (t)
2. Penn State (t)
3. Michigan State
4. Wisconsin
5. Purdue
6. Iowa
7. Illinois
8. Northwestern
9. Indiana
10. Michigan
11. Minnesota

(If you're looking for the 2009 edition of Big Ten Bloggers Preseason Picks, click HERE!

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It's getting warmer outside

Spring, not the "football spring" but the real season when allergies run rampant, temperatures rise and college football previews start rolling off the fingertips. Not much real action is going on, so we're all faced with the ever daunting task of filling the next three months with fluff, fluff that's so entertaining, it's almost as good as the season itself. I love preview magazines.

I don't believe CFN gets its fair share of praise among college football outlets. Granted, I hate Fox, but CFN is the top dog when it comes to accuracy and thorough analysis of college football. They don't need a summer magazine because, as smart as it is, they string it out, each day releasing one or two new team previews. This morning, when the Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe previews were posted, I was like a kid on Christmas morning.

But recently around the Penn State world, the buzz is about Athlon's running preview of the top-25. Penn State came in at 23, which is total bull. Athlon is about as accurate as having my dog pick the top-25, so I'll let this go. Hey, at least Penn State was ranked. On almost a yearly basis, Athlon grossly underestimates the Nittany Lions... almost.

Heading over to Lindy's, I noticed their poll today asked which team would win the Big Ten. As if on cue, Penn State was left off as a real contender. Looks like the only people who think Penn State really has a shot at the conference title are the Nittany Lion fans. The last time Penn State was ranked this low during the preseason, the team went 11-1. We'll see.

And finally, I took a gander at College News today. It's written by students apparently, and has one of the more interesting preseason top-25's out there. Most conventional wisdom would put Georgia at No. 1. Nearly all of the mainstream media outlets were crowning them as soon as the Sugar Bowl was over--not at CN, my friends. They went with USC at the top spot, followed by (gasp!) Ohio State. Then comes the Bulldogs. Florida is No. 5, and LSU's at No. 7, with Auburn rounding out the top-10. I like that, giving the SEC no more respect than it deserves. Teams shouldn't be rewarded in the preseason rankings just because they play in the SEC.

*Be sure to check back tomorrow or Thursday, as I'll break down why Penn State's problems have nothing to do with recruiting, and why the star-rating system used in college football recruiting sucks, and should be taken with a huge grain of salt.

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The Blue-White Roundtable :: Spring Practice 2008

ZN was kinda, sorta invited to participate (finally) in the BWR--I was sent an email by Nittany White Out about their RT, which was followed up by BDS's email that they were already going to do one this week. I was sent that email also. So whether it was intentional or now, here I am, with the special spring practice edition of the Blue-White Roundtable. Here is the list of bloggers taking part in the BWR.

Black Shoe Diaries
The Nittany Line
There Is No Name On My Jersey
William F. Yurasko
Tangled Up In White and Blue
The Big Eleventh
The Nittany Notebook
Run Up The Score
Nittany Whiteout


Let’s start with the ugly news. Chris Baker, Chris Bell, Phil Taylor, Knowledge Timmons, and Navorro Bowman are all sitting out the spring practice sessions. What impact will this have on the 2008 season?

-After Summer workouts begin, not much. Even with the guys who aren’t on the Spring roster, most of them will return and play. Remember what happened last season, when Quarless got nabbed and then played three games into 2008. Joe wants to win, and he’ll let these guys back. Luckily for the team, they’re all upperclassmen. It might work out for the best, giving the younger guys more time going against the first teams.

Would you move Sean Lee to middle linebacker like Paul Posluszny in 2006 and Dan Connor in 2007?

ZN: Never. I’m still not exactly sure why Poz made the move, but unlike Dan Connor—a MLB coming out of high school—Lee has always been a true OLB. With guys like Chris Colasanti ready to burst onto the scene, there’s no reason to take Lee away from his natural position.

If Lee stays on the outside, who would you start at the other outside linebacker assuming Bowman is out of the picture?

ZN: No one will like this, but Hull will make the start against Coastal Carolina. Watch out for Bani Gbadyu, though, as he really came on the last few games of 2007.

Which position on the field is our weakest link?

ZN: Right now, it’ll be the defensive line. But if all of the injuries heal up before June, and PSU gets back at least half the guys in trouble, this won’t be a problem. That being said, in the fall it will be the kick return coverage. The coaches have to start playing first-stringers on kickoffs and punts, or you’ll have more Illinoises and Purdues in 2008.

Who is your pony in the quarterback contro…uh, competition?

ZN: This is a cop-out, but I’m saying Joe breaks down and plays both, ala Florida 2006. Again, Joe wants to win, badly, and if he was willing to study Texas for Mike Robinson, he might just look at some of Urban Meyer’s tapes from the season he won it all.

Name three players that absolutely have to step up their performance this spring?

ZN: Andrew Quarless… This is his chance to put everything behind him. If he wants to even get a sniff at the draft, he needs to play like a man possessed. It’s been a long time since someone with his measurables has played for the Lions. Lydell Sargeant… He lost his job after the Ohio State game, and now has the chance to slide back into the starting job. That doesn’t mean he deserves it. If he can step in front of a few key passes (and actually catch them, unlike Justin King) he’ll earn the position. And finally, The Quarterbacks… I’m really selling out on this two-headed quarterback thing. I really think that if both Devlin and Clark play lights-out this Spring, Joe will be forced to get them on the field together.

Lightning Round

Who is your pick to win the Red Worrell award given to the offensive player that shows the most improvement during spring practice?

ZN: Gerald Cadogan.

Who is your pick for the Jim O’Hora award given to the defensive player that shows the most improvement?

ZN: Josh Gaines.

Your 2008 team captains are…?
ZN: Lee, Shipley, (definite) and Butler (not so definite, maybe Williams)

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Article of the day

I generally try to feature an article each day from another blog. Usually they're from Penn State or Big Ten blogs, sometimes from other sites. Please check out the author's Web site. I always supply the link in the introduction.

Yet again, Stewart Mandel has blessed us with his college football wisdom. He posted his very early 2008 top 25 power rankings. I'm not going to post the whole list here, as it's way to long. So, let's just say Penn State is about where it should be ranked.

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Article of the day

I generally try to feature an article each day from another Big Ten blog. Usually they're from Penn State blogs, sometimes from other sites. Please check out the author's Web site. I always supply the link in the introduction.

Holly crap in a box, the world is officially going to hell! CollegeFootballNews.com just released its first preseason rankings for 2008. And, to the surprise of almost everyone outside of the state between Pennsylvania and Indiana, Ohio State is ranked an early No. 1. Nearly as surprising, CFN has plopped Penn State in at a hefty No. 11--yes, that's one rank outside of the top 10--how scary. Many were pegging Penn State as a darkhorse MNC contender for 2007, but looking at the current situation, there's a better chance that could happen this season. Trouble is, those darn Buckeyes are really, really good again.

1. Ohio State 2007 Record: 11-2
SEC fans will go ballistic at the notion, and America might let out a collective groan at the thought of OSU in another national title game, but with all the returning talent, this really should be 2008's best team. Remember, 2007 was supposed to be a rebuilding year and a stepping-stone to this season. Getting to the national championship was unexpected gravy. Shock of shocks, most of the stars decided to come back for one more year with DE Vernon Gholston the only early defector.

The Buckeyes don't have the speed or athleticism of the top teams, right? The NFL certainly doesn't think so with at least 11 starters, not including both kickers, who'll be drafted with five, LB James Laurinaitis, LB Marcus Freeman, CB Malcolm Jenkins, RB Beanie Wells, and OT Alex Boone, who'd be starting on day one of the 2008 NFL season.

A national punching bag after two straight blowout losses in BCS Championships, the Buckeyes will be good enough to get another shot with almost everyone of note returning on offense including QB Todd Boeckman and top receivers Brian Hartline and Brian Robiskie. The defense might lose Gholston and LB Larry Grant, but nine starters are back. PK Ryan Pretorius and P A.J. Trapasso form one of the nation's best kicking duos.

2. Georgia 2007 Record: 11-2
The expectations are off the charts after a seven-game winning streak ended 2007 and with almost all the top players coming back on both sides of the ball. The receiving corps could use an overall upgrade, and strong safety Kelin Johnson and end Marcus Howard will be missed, but that's nitpicking. The only other concern is the lack of a safety net behind Knowshon Moreno in the backfield, and Matthew Stafford has to become the NFL caliber quarterback he's expected to be, but this is a true national title contender from day one.

3. Oklahoma 2007 Record: 11-3
This is a national title-caliber team if the offensive line plays up to its talent-level. With OG Duke Robinson, OT Phil Loadholt and the rest of the starters back, this should be the nation's best front five to give QB Sam Bradford and RBs DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown time and room to work. WR Malcolm Kelly is gone, but Juaquin Iglesias was the team's best receiver over the course of 2007. Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Curtis Lofton and CB Reggie Smith left early, and some other big voids need to be filled in the secondary, but this should still be one of the league's best defenses.

4. Florida 2007 Record: 9-4
2006 might have been Urban Meyer coaching Ron Zook's team, 2007 might have been about restocking the shelves, and now 2008 will be all about Meyer's program getting back to a national title level. Top receiver Andre Caldwell is gone, two starters have to be replaced on the offensive line, and pass rushing star Derrick Harvey and strong safety Tony Joiner have to be replaced. That's about it. The running game will be better with USC transfer Emmanuel Moody expected to rock and roll right away, while Tim Tebow and Percy Harvin might just be the two best offensive players in America.

5. USC 2007 Record: 11-2
Because of the brand name and the way the 2007 season ended, the Trojans will be in everyone's top three, if not number one. However, there are issues. The jury is still out on a receiving corps that underperformed, Mark Sanchez and/or Mitch Mustain has to prove worthy of running the show, three starters have to be replaced on the O line, and a few key parts are gone off the killer defense. Of course, this is USC, it reloads, but this isn't nearly as good a team as the one going into last year.

6. LSU 2007 Record: 12-2
Alright Les, it's all your program now. With a national title and three years at the helm, Miles has to replace several key players on his "damn good football team" along with defensive coordinator Bo Pelini. Ricky Jean-Francois needs to be the new star on the D line and Tyson Jackson has to play up to his pro potential, while defensive back seven has to replace outside linebackers Ali Highsmith and Luke Sanders along with safety Craig Steltz and corner Chevis Jackson. The offense loses WR Early Doucet, steady QB Matt Flynn, and bruising RB Jacob Hester. Even though another national title will be a lot to ask for, the attack should keep rolling with Ryan Perrilloux at quarterback behind a great line.

7. Wisconsin 2007 Record: 9-4
If everyone can stay healthy, unlike 2007, the Badgers should be special. P.J. Hill, Lance Smith and Zach Brown form one of the nation's best trio of running backs working behind a loaded line with four starters returning. Former Kansas State transfer Allan Evridge has to establish himself at quarterback right away, but getting TE Travis Beckum back will help. CB Jack Ikegwuonu took off early for the NFL, but the D is loaded, especially at linebacker. The graduation of PK Taylor Mehlhaff and P Ken DeBauche will hurt.

8. Missouri 2007 Record: 12-2
The Tigers are loaded. TE Chase Coffman returning for his senior season was a big step to give Heisman finalist Chase Daniel a star security blanket to go to. Finding a running back to replace Tony Temple will be the biggest issue, but Derrick Washington is a big-time prospect and there are enough playmakers, and enough experience on the line, to expect another strong season. DT Lorenzo Williams is gone, but nine starters are back to go along with PK Jeff Wolfert.

9. West Virginia 2007 Record: 12-2
Call this a wait-and-see ranking considering the new coaching staff and some key losses. Bill Stewart loses Steve Slaton and Darius Reynaud early to the NFL, but that would've happened if Rich Rodriguez was still around. QB Pat White and WR/RB Noel Devine will be the stars of the attack working behind a fantastic O line with all five starters returning including OT Ryan Stanchek. The defense has to make some major replacements with Keilen Dykes and Johnny Dingle gone off the line along with four starters in the five man secondary, including SS Eric Wicks and FS Ryan Mundy.

10. Texas Tech 2007 Record: 9-4
Oh ... my ... goodness. Texas Tech had the nation's No. 1 passing offense and was No. 2 in total offense ,and now everyone is back but WR Danny Amendola. WR Michael Crabtree, QB Graham Harrell, all five starting offensive linemen, along with their backups ... everyone. LB Paul Williams and CB Chris Parker, who are all replaceable, are two of the three losses off the defense. The other, SS Joe Garcia, will hurt. The team's biggest hole loss, other than Amendola and Garcia, is clutch PK Alex Trlica.

11. Penn State 2007 Record: 9-4
The receiving corps should be fantastic with Derrick Williams, Deon Butler and Jordan Norwood back, but who's going to throw him the ball? Daryll Clark will have the inside track, adding more running to the mix, but Pat Devlin will get a shot. Everyone is back on the O line and nine starters return on defense losing LB Dan Connor along with CB Justin King, who left early for the NFL.

12. Tennessee 2007 Record: 10-4
Offensive David Cutcliffe to Duke is the biggest loss with QB Erik Ainge not far behind. Jonathan Crompton and Nick Stephens will battle for the starting quarterback gig with a loaded backfield and a nasty offensive line to work with. All five starters return up front, all the receivers are back, and the secondary, even without Jonathan Hefney, should be fine. The much-maligned defensive front will be the biggest problem losing three starters on the line along with linebackers Ryan Karl and Jerod Mayo.

13. Kansas 2007 Record: 12-1
Can Kansas really be a preseason top five team? Even after a 12-1 season with an Orange Bowl victory, it still seems strange to think of KU as elite, but the team should be the real deal with QB Todd Reesing leading a loaded offense, even with the loss of OT Anthony Collins, WR Marcus Henry and RB Brandon McAnderson. DT James McClinton is done and CB Aqib Talib left early, but the other nine starters are back. Both kickers need to be replaced.

14. Auburn 2007 Record: 9-4
Will the Tony Franklin offense be ready to fly right away? Is Kody Burns ready to be the spread quarterback to jump-start the attack? The running game should be tremendous with all five starters on the O line back along with top running backs, Brad Lester, Ben Tate and Mario Fannin. The defensive line needs three new starters to go around Sen'Derrick Marks, but six of the starters are back in the back seven.

15. Texas 2007 Record: 10-3
Was the Holiday Bowl the spark for a big 2008? QB Colt McCoy leads a strong offense that should be fine even with RB Jamaal Charles and TE Jermichael Finley bolting early. The O line was a big problem, but for good or bad, all the starters return. Defense is a big issue losing tackles Frank Okam and Derek Lokey along with five starters in the back seven. New coordinator Will Muschamp should change things in a big hurry.

16. Oregon 2007 Record: 9-4
The silver lining in the loss of Dennis Dixon late in the year was the experience Justin Roper got. He'll battle with Cody Kempt for the starting job with the winner getting a fantastic receiving corps to work with, led by Jaison Williams, but RB Jonathan Stewart is gone. C Max Unger leads a tremendous offensive line, while pass rushing terror Nick Reed should grow into a superstar. The defensive tackles are gone and there are some holes to fill at linebacker, but the defense should be better.

17. Virginia Tech 2007 Record: 11-3
The defending ACC champions should be take a step back unless the defensive line and receiving corps can reload. This is a running team and anyone who gets the ball will produce behind a good line with four starters returning. Will the offense continue with the two-headed quarterback attack of Sean Glennon and Tyrod Taylor, or will Taylor take over? Taylor and his running skills might be needed with Branden Ore gone early. Along with issues on the line, the D loses corner Brandon Flowers, and most painfully, the linebacking tandem of Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi.

18. Illinois 2007 Record: 9-4
The loss of Big Ten Player of the Year Rashard Mendenhall will set the running game back a bit, but the biggest issue is up the middle on defense with DT Chris Norwell, LB J Leman and safeties Kevin Mitchell and Justin Harrison gone. The top-shelf recruiting classes under Ron Zook should kick in full force on both sides of the ball and now the expectations will be there.

19. Boston College 2007 Record: 12-2
Don't expect a major drop-off even with the loss of three offensive linemen, QB Matt Ryan and RB Andre Callender and L.V. Whitworth. Why? Defense. Eight starters are back, and while losing FS Jamie Silva and DE Nick Larkin will be felt, this should still be one of the ACC's best Ds.

20. Clemson 2007 Record: 9-4
It's all up to the offensive line that only gets back one starter, C Thomas Austin. QB Cullen Harper is an ultra-accurate passer who gets top targets Aaron Kelly and Tyler Grisham back to light up the ACC, but the real star should be RB C.J. Spiller with James Davis jetting early for the NFL. It would've been nice if DE Phillip Merling returned for his senior year, but as is, eight starters return including everyone in the secondary.

21. Michigan 2007 Record: 9-4
Expect a step back to take a big leap forward, at least offensively. There could've been one of the nation's best passing games with Ryan Mallett throwing to Mario Manningham and Adrian Arrington, but they all took off. Who's the quarterback? Georgia Tech transfer Steven Threet? He's a passer, but Rich Rodriguez will want a dual-threat playmaker meaning Terrelle Pryor, the nation's top recruit, could be coming to Ann Arbor, or Carlos Brown could step in from the running back corps. The defense takes a big hit, but DT Terrance Taylor should be a strong anchor to build around.

22. BYU 2007 Record: 11-2
Looking for your early sleeper for an at-large BCS spot? BYU gets everyone back on offense but C Sete Aulai and WR Matt Allen. QB Max Hall and the running tandem of Harvey Unga and Fui Vakapuna will have to put up plenty of points early on with three starters gone out of the secondary along with three of the four starting linebackers, but pass rushing star Jan Jorgensen is back.

23. South Carolina 2007 Record: 6-6
The SEC East might be loaded, but anything less than being in the hunt for the division title until the end will be unacceptable. The time is now for Steve Spurrier to actually do something with the program. QB Chris Smelley, WR Kenny McKinley, and RB Mike Davis form a nice nucleus, four starters return to the offensive line, and outside of the Brinkley brothers, everyone is back on defense.

24. Alabama 2007 Record: 7-6
Nick Saban's first season was supposed to be about building towards the future, and now the future has to be now. The offensive line has the potential to be the best in the SEC, while all the top running backs, and QB John Parker Wilson, return in the backfield. The receiving corps has to replace D.J. Hall and Matt Caddell, while the defense has to find replacement for end Wallace Gilberry, two linebackers and top CB Simeon Castille.

25. Wake Forest 2007 Record: 9-4
Can Jim Grobe come up with a third straight strong season? Absolutely. QB Riley Skinner and RB Josh Adams are back to ease the loss of pass-catching machine Kenneth Moore, and only two starters are gone off the line. The defense gets back star CB Alphonso Smith and the linebacking tandem of Aaron Curry and Stanley Arnoux, but the line has to replace three starters. P/PK Sam Swank is back for what seems like his 19th year in a Demon Deacon uniform.

Check out the rest of the 119 teams by clicking on the article's link at the top of this page.

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Article of the day

I generally try to feature an article each day from another Big Ten blog. Usually they're from Penn State blogs, sometimes from other sites. Please check out the author's Web site. I always supply the link in the introduction.

Today: RUTS analyses The Sporting News' pre-season top 25.

Never Too Early For Preseason Polls, Right?

Although the validity of these things is somewhere between 2010 mock fantasy football drafts and the Magic 8-Ball, Matt Hayes took the time to compile an early(!) 2008 college football preseason poll.

(Is it a poll if only one guy writes it? No? Okay, be put together a top 25.)

Anyway, Hayes slots Penn State at #11, along with this delicious one-liner: “11. Penn State: Eighteen starters return and QB Anthony Morelli doesn’t. A nice combination.”

You’ll see a lot of this over the next six months. A writer will be forced by his editor to make a preseason top 25, he’ll look at Penn State’s returning starters, and say, “Well, crap! They must be good this season!” Since I can’t allow any optimism around here, let me remind everyone of Penn State’s rather beefy road schedule:

September 27 Illinois
October 4 at Purdue
October 11 at Wisconsin
October 18 Michigan
October 25 at Ohio State
November 8 at Iowa

If Penn State is remotely within striking range of the top ten by the end of the season, it will have been a tremendously successful season.

The other Big Ten teams in Hayes’ top 25, you ask?

7. Ohio State: If the Buckeyes go to USC in Week 3 and win on the road, they’re not that far away from winning the Big Ten and getting to the national title game again.

14. Wisconsin: QB Allen Evridge steps in, Wisky rolls to another 9- or 10-win season.

19. Illinois: The loss of TB Rashard Mendenhall will be big, but coach Ron Zook’s top recruiting classes are quickly developing.

24. Michigan State: Sparty coach Mark Dantonio is changing the culture; tough defense and gritty TB Javon Ringer good for eight wins.

As you can see, we’re also setting up for another edition of “If we can’t beat Michigan this year, it’s never gonna happen”. Which is fun.

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ZN's Waaayyy too early 2008 Preseason Top 25

Is the Big XII North back? Will the SEC use one good team again as the basis for their “we’re the best” argument? Can the Big Ten rebound from its bad luck? And what will USC do in 2008?

Let’s assume the players who have a good chance at leaving for the NFL do just that. McFadden, Rice, Arrington, Smith and other are near locks. Also, with Ryan Mallet transferring, and Michigan not sure if it’ll get Pryor, that ranking isn’t very solid across the board. So take into account those different possibilities and things like them, when going down the top 25.

Rank. Team (ZN Final Top 25 Rank, ‘07), Record ’07 – Short comment on each team.

1. Georgia (4), 11-2 – There’s not a more talented team in 2008, with this many returning starters.
2. Kansas (3), 12-1 – Smart football should result in another run for the BCS, or at least the Big XII.
3. West Virgina, 11-2 (2) – This could be a bit high, considering a new coach and all, but I have a feeling there’ll be no drop off in ’08.
4. Missouri (5), 12-2 – With a strong returning core, the Tigers will be the team to beat in the Big XII North.
5. Ohio State (6), 11-2 – Remember, ’07 was supposed to be the reloading year; now, the Bucks are even more experienced.
6. USC, 11-2 (7) – The loss of Booty will hurt, but ’07 was supposed to be USC’s year until injuries struck.
7. Oklahoma (13), 11-3 – The Sooners were healthy for the bowl, so there was no excuse for losing, except experience, which they’ll have in ’08.
8. Virginia Tech (10), 11-3 – I don’t have a good feeling about this one; but you never know what Frank Beamer will pull from his hat.
9. Texas, 10-3 (8) – This year’s Red River Shootout will be the best since Vince Young and Adrian Peterson.
10. Penn State, 9-4 (17) – NO, I’m not being biased. If you do your research, this Lions team loses only three starters.
11. Florida, 9-4 (20) – It could be a huge rebound year for the Gators, if Tebow stays healthy.
12. LSU (1), 12-2 – This was the best team, when healthy, in ’07; but it loses so many key starters.
13. Boston College, 11-3 (9) – Losing Matt Ryan is never a sign of improvement.
14. Tennessee, 10-4 (11) – Imagine if Ryan Mallet goes to the Vols? Another, “pretty good” season in ’08.
15. BYU, 11-2 (12) – This team was very close to a BCS bid in ’07; look for another run in ’08.
16. Auburn, 9-4 (19) – The Tigers have a lot a great young stars waiting in the wings, and showed some of their stuff in the bowl win.
17. Wisconsin, 9-4 (23) – I don’t know if losing Tyler Donovan is a good or bad thing.
18. Arizona State, 10-3 (25) – Dennis Erickson is an absolute genius; Rudy Carpenter will be a senior in ’08, scary stuff.
19. Texas Tech, 9-4 (NR) – The Raiders are one of those teams that always comes up with a big win or two, but never enough; Graham Harrell boosts the ranking.
20. Michigan, 9-4 (14) – This may even be to high, considering Manningham, Arrington and Mallet are as good as gone.
21. Oregon State, 9-4 (22) – The loss of Bernard will hurt, but there are very good players to fill in on what will be an underrated Beavers team.
22. UConn, 9-4 (NR) – Big East, Shmig East; this Huskies team will have some bite in ’08 with so many returning stars.
23. Pittsburgh, 5-7 (NR) – This will be the only team that had a losing record in ’07, that has a legitimate chance of entering ’08 ranked.
24. Mississippi State, 8-5 (NR) – Croom’s boys finally turned the corner, and should contend for the top 25 right way in ’08.
25. Illinois (16), 9-4 – While the BCS will be out of the question in ’08, the talent is there for another nice bowl game.

Dropped out from the final 2007 rankings:

Clemson, 9-4 (24) – Losses in the running game, and a penchant for being good but not great will hurt the Tigers again in ’08.
Virginia, 9-4 (21) – The Cavs will flirt with the top 25 all season in ’08.
Cincinnati, 10-3 (18) – Great story in ’07, but won’t have the same type of dream season in ’08.
Hawai’i (15), 12-1 – Watch for the Warriors to fall of the planet after the loss of Brennan and Jones.

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Straight from Stewart Mandel's cave: Pitt in the top-10?!

Yes, a new season is beginning, and SI.com's resident overlord of college football has bestowed his wisdom onto us once again. In his early preseason top-10, he is not that far off:

Georgia, Ohio State, Oklahoma, USC, Missouri, West Virginia, Florida, Kansas, LSU and Wisconsin.

They all have good chances to reach or remain in the top-10 come August. I have no beef with Mandel on that. But, then take a look at his teams on the cusp. Remember, this is the TOP-10 we're talking about:

Auburn, Clemson, Illinois, Texas Tech and Pittsburgh.

Yes, you read that correctly, PITTSBURGH. My oh my how the world changes. Not too long ago, Penn State was mired in the worst stretch of football in its history, while Pitt was playing in the Fiesta Bowl. Then the tables turned, with the Nittany Lions roaring towards an Orange Bowl victory, while Pitt was struggling to win five games. Now, things are finally evening out. Sure, Pitt is on the rise with guys like Pat Bostick and LeSean McCoy, but are they really a top-10 possibility? Are they, in the warped mind of Mandel, better than Penn State right now? Let's find out, shall we? (Try opening the stats in a new window for size's sake) Probably the most telling stat is the number of returning starters on both teams. Had there been fewer starters coming back, most of the statistics would have been useless; if a team is senior-laden, the following season is usually very different, statistically. But in this case, both squads return key players on both sides of the ball, which means each team should improve next season.

Penn State's defense was a bit of a worry going into 2007, but shaped up to be very, very good, especially on the young defensive line. 2008 should see increased quarterback sacks, which is scary enough. Most of the Lion's secondary will be seniors. The last time there were four seniors in the back field, Penn State went 11-1. On offense, all five offensive linemen return, and all three senior wide recievers.

Pittsburgh is the epitome of a young, talented team. Bursting with raw ability, the Panthers lack something many top-25 teams have, experience. While the defense will be stout once again, it wasn't all-world in 2007. Some of the losses on each level of the defense could adversely affect it's ability to clamp down on opponents in crunch time. On offense, there's possibly no more exciting freshman east of Ohio than LeSean McCoy. Ripping through defenses for almost 1,400 yards is no accident. But Bostick, as improved as he will be, could be this offense's Achilles' Heel.

Pittsburg is not close to a top-10 team, in 2008. Maybe in 2009, and definately in 2010, if McCoy stays. But not now. Penn State should start the season somewhere in the top-20. Granted, that's what this team deserves after choking away three games in 2007. But there is no way, when including teams like Pitt, Clemson and Texas Tech, that Penn State shouldn't be on the short list of possible top-10'ers. But this is the fun of the off season. The worst part, is that we have another seven and a half months to go until football kicks in again. I guess watching overpaid NFL babies complaining they don't get the ball enough, will have to sufice for now.

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The BCS: A Playoff in Disguise

Georgia could have played for the BCS title.

USC could have played for the BCS title.

If Oklahoma wins just as big, throw them in, too.

LSU and Ohio State are playing for the BCS title.

You know what, all of those teams are—or have just finished—playing for the BCS title. No, I haven’t officially lost it, even after suffering through two of the worst New Years Day games ever. In fact, I’ve just had a moment of clarity unlike any other. The 2007-08 BCS games are a playoff, a weird, demented playoff—for the 2008-09 BCS title that is.

In college basketball, tournament seeding is everything. If a team is seeded No. 1 or No. 2, they have a decided advantage over the lower-seeded teams. And while basketball actually allows teams to play their way to the title, each team’s position going into the tournament has everything to do with their chances of getting to the title game.

Now, look at the BCS. Georgia just blew out an undefeated Hawai’i team, and USC obliterated Illinois. If you want to take it one step further, Missouri pantsed Arkansas. And if Oklahoma tears apart West Virginia, they’ll be in this same boat. Sure, none of those teams moved closer to playing for this season’s title, but they vastly improved their chances for making it into next season’s. More likely than not, Georgia will roll into the 2008 preseason rankings somewhere in the top-5, along with USC and the winner of the LSU/OSU game—or both if it’s a close came. Missouri will round it out somewhere in the preseason top-10, and if Oklahoma wins, count them into the top-10 also, if not No. 1 or No. 2. Had Georgia, USC or Missou played poorly or lost, they wouldn’t get the preseason accolades they’re in line for right now. If the BCS title game turns into it’s 2007 predecessor—for either team—the loser will have a long climb up the polls, come the 2008 season.

However, this sounds a lot like the old poll system. Scary stuff, considering the BCS taunts itself as the be-all-end-all answer to college football’s age old question of “who’s number one.” Back then, if a team won it’s bowl game, they would have to wait and hope the pollsters chose them as worthy enough for the title. The only difference between then and now is that the decision is postponed until August, and the title is actually the following season.

Preseason polls are too powerful, too influential in college football—a sport in which “each week is a playoff.” Those polls are the very life blood for most title runs. In 2004, Auburn was buried by the AP at No. 17. USC and Oklahoma both began the season ranked No. 1 and No. 2. In 2004, Auburn defeated No. 4 LSU, No. 8 Tennessee in Knoxville, No. 5 Georgia, No. 15 Tennessee in the SEC Championship Game, and then No. 10 Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl. Oklahoma defeated No. 5 Texas in Dallas, No. 20 Oklahoma State away, No. 22 Texas A&M in College Station, and got blown away by USC. USC defeated No. 7 California, No. 19 Arizona State, and blew away Oklahoma. The only reason Auburn was kept from playing for the 2004-05 national title was their low preseason ranking. The Tigers’ schedule was tougher, their wins more impressive and their performance more consistent, week in and week out.

Fast forward to August 2007, when USC was ranked No. 1, LSU No. 2, Oklahoma No. 8, Ohio State No. 11, Georgia No. 13, and Missouri receiving 128 votes in the AP poll, placing them just below No. 25 Texas A&M. You already know where I’m going with this one. The two teams playing for the 2007-08 BCS national title also happened to be the second and fourth highest ranked of those the teams claiming they’re deserving of this season’s title. USC lost to Stanford, which validates their exclusion outright and at Oregon. Oklahoma lost at Colorado and at Texas Tech. Georgia lost to South Carolina and Tennessee. Missouri lost to Oklahoma, twice. All of those teams lost twice, and Ohio State lost once, to Illinois. So Ohio State is essentially omitted from this argument. But if you look at LSU, which lost to mediocre Kentucky and Arkansas teams, and barely got by Tennessee in the SEC title game, the major factor propelling that team to the title game was its lofty preseason ranking.

The voters wanted LSU in the title game. They hated Missouri at No. 1, and despised South Florida and Boston College at No. 2. Even California and Oregon were sketchy at No. 2, in the pollsters’ minds. What about Kansas at No. 3? Forget about it, they found a reason to throw them back down after their single loss of the season.

So the next time someone tells you “In college football, every week is a playoff,” you tell them “Yeah, for next season’s title.”

I want to see a playoff, and I want to see the polls count for nothing until the first week of October. However, I also want to see Notre Dame join a conference, and FBS (D-1A) drop about 50 teams to FCS (D1-AA). But unless the SEC realizes it’s not “faster,” Charlie Weis loses about 200 pounds, or Penn State is rightfully given the 1994 National Championship, nothing will change any time soon.

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ZN's CFB Top 25 :: Preseason 2007

Here you go, the First Edition of the Zombie Nation Top 25 College Football Rankings:

Each week's rankings will be posted sometime Sundays.

1. USC - Is there anyone else who should absolutely be ranked ahead of them?
2. Oklahoma – Remember, it’s Bob Stoops
3. Louisville – Brohm is better than you think, scared?
4. LSU – Matt Flynn is overrated, but the rest of the Tigers aren’t
5. Wisconsin – O-Line, O-Line, O-Line, we eat you up
6. Florida St. – New coaches means no lil’Bowden, which means wins
7. West VA – I like Slaton and White. He can throw better than you think
8. Texas – I’m not sold on the ‘Horns, especially McCoy. Sweed’s overrated.
9. Michigan – I just can’t rank them higher. They’ll just blow it again
10. VA Tech – Emotions will carry the Hokies into the top-10
11. Florida – Tooooooo, much hype over Tebow
12. Ohio St. – Good team, not great. Offense won’t click. Tressel-ball time
13. UCLA – I like the Bruins, but they won’t beat USC again
14. Cal – Win a big game when it matters, then you’ll be higher
15. Penn State – I want them higher, Lions gotta work for it first
16. Nebraska – Big XII North champs, nothing more - again
17. Tennessee – Ten wins, no big whup. Ainge will go in the 1st round
18. Auburn – The lower the Tigers start, the better they do
19. Georgia – Matt Stafford it a year away yet
20. Rutgers – Again, another team that has to work for a higher ranking
21. Arkansas – No QB or WR to go to. RB’s will struggle. What?! Yes
22. Oregon – Shouldn’t have beaten Sooners, but did. Solid team
23. Texas A&M – Could flirt with top-10 this year. But won’t
24. Virginia – My left field pick. Just watch the Cav’s pull a big upset
25. Missouri – Lose tiebreaker to Huskers, then disappoint in bowl.

Others that could easily make the Top 25 by September:
Alabama - Hate Saban. Love the Tide. Run the ball well and you’re in
Ga. Tech – Offense will actually be better without CJ. Great defense
South Fla. – Remember the Louisville game two years ago
OK State – One of the best skill trios in the nation. Will scare Sooners
TCU – Will storm into the BCS by year’s end. Just not this early.

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Here We Go Already

There's something magical about the NBA finals. No, it's not the ora of greats like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird or Magic Johnson. It's not the mystique of witnessing the best athletes on the hardwood duking it out for the championship. It's not even the fact that tickets are like a gazzilion dollars.

The NBA finals means only one thing - Football season is only a few days away!

"But wait," you proclaim. "Football season doesn't start for two more months."

I beg to differ, drastically. You see football season starts the moment the final NBA whistle is blown. I know, we haven't even gotten to the finals yet. But there coming, and one must display patience.

So now, after a rather unbearably-long introduction, I give you the first truly impressive YouTube video for Penn State Football 2007. I was at Penn State (Blue Band all four years) for the unveiling of the first stadium video, the legendary "Gladiator" from 2003. So that one will always stay closest to my heart, but each year new ones come out from amateurs and the professionals in the Penn State football office. They always get the blood pumping and the adrenaline surging. Here you go:

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