2008 Conference Outlooks (April)
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The Ancient Enemy
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- Joined: October 30th, 2004, 2:47 pm
2008 Conference Outlooks (April)
It won't be long now until the season rolls around, and schools are having their annual spring games. There's already been a lot of news on the college football front.
Locally, Sean Lee, the top-rated linebacker in the nation, is done for the year with an ACL tear, leaving Penn State scrambling to adjust, and scrambling for leadership. At Pitt, former SMU head coach Phil Bennett looks to finally make Pitt's defense respectable, as they are loaded with many under-the-radar offensive weapons, and should not only win the Big East, but maybe even push for an undefeated season. New WVU head coach Bill Stewart has put together a great coaching staff, after almost all of the previous staff followed Rodriguez to Michigan. Stewart even lured Doc Holliday from Florida, a program that everyone would agree is much more prestigious. Stewart inherits a lot of talent, and is already compiling what should be an awesome recruiting class for the Mountaineers in 2009.
Here is what I have, today, April 15th, for the 2008 season.
Sexy Pick is who all the blowhards, meatheads, and jocks think will win the conference.
Who Really Wins is self explanatory.
Diffusers are teams who will do better than people think, and cause problems within the conference.
ACC:
============
Sexy Pick:
Clemson. How many times do you realize that your husband is cheating on you before you leave him? Folks, Tommy Bowden's Clemson Tigers are not going to win the ACC. I don't care if they have the best backfield, and for some reason, a lot of people seem to think Cullen Harper is way better than he really is. Listen: Clemson has a whole new offensive line. Even with Davis and Spiller, you have to block in order to be successful. True freshman DeQuan Bowers had 2 sacks in the spring game against this offense. 9 other sacks took place against them by other players in the game. Clemson is another one of the broken records that we hear about every season. This team loses many games every year, disappoint every year, and 2008 will be no exception. Don't ever belief the Clemson hype.
Who Really Wins:
Miami. Despite a watered-down depth-chart by Miami standards, Shannon made progress last season. This year, with one of the best recruiting classes in the nation, expect a lot of underclassmen to get starting nods and playing time. That's okay that they are young; the ACC sucks.
Diffuser:
North Carolina State. This team is way better than people want to believe. If anyone in the ACC has a chance to come out of nowhere, it is NC State. O'Brien is doing a nice job recruiting and a nice job making this team believe they can win games. Don't be surprised when NC State ends up something like 9-3 or 10-2.
Big East:
==============
Sexy Pick:
Haven't heard much, so I guess it is South Florida. Like Clemson, here is another program who can't make up their mind if they want to contend or not. USF has shown signs of absolute brilliance and absolute stupidity over the course of the past seasons. This year won't be any different. And if it is, chalk it up to the Big East being "down" this year.
Who Really Wins:
Pittsburgh. There's nobody in the conference that should give them match-up problems other than West Virginia. But, if Devine is in trouble (which seems likely) then it is anyone's game. Considering who WVU has already recruited for 2009, it appears the offensive strategy will remain the same in Morgantown with Stewart as it was with Rodriguez. But Pitt's defense was getting pretty solid by the end of 2007, and with the addition of new D-Coordinator Phil Bennett (former SMU head) they are only going to get better. Bennett will take that defense to a level Paul Rhodes never could. He can take them high enough, like dang Yankees. High enough that is to win the Big East. Offensively, they bring back a good QB in Bostick, some very underrated WR's, and the best RB in the country, LeSean McCoy. LeSean McCoy would win my Pre-Season Heisman if I awarded one. Okay, I just did, LeSean McCoy is my preseason Heisman winner.
Diffuser:
I don't really see anyone causing trouble for Louisville, WVU, Pitt, or USF. I guess maybe Rutgers, but don't hold your breath.
Big Ten:
===============
Sexy Pick:
Ohio State. They don't rebuild, they reload. Say what you want about them not being able to beat the SEC, but it is undeniable that this school is an NFL factory that at any time has probably 20 NFL players on its roster. This year is no different. OSU brings back a ton of talent on both sides, and I sigh at the possibility of them playing for a third straight national title. Big Ten opponents pray for an OSU down year, but this staff recruits too well for that to happen anytime soon. They will probably contend for another BCS title, and even if they lose to USC early in the year, the game is early enough that they can make people forget about it. They won't lose to USC, though.
Who Really Wins:
Ohio State.
Diffuser:
Although many people will say that this answer is a cop-out, and that you can't ever consider a school this "big" to be a disrupter team, everyone is really dogging Michigan. No one thinks Michigan is doing anything substantial this season, and even more fuel for that fire was this past weekend when reports were everywhere that the Wolverines were nowhere near ready for competition. Well, it is April, and they have 4 more months to learn that system and get into better shape. This team is not terrible, folks. They have an enormous amount of returning starters on both sides of the ball, especially on defense. I am expecting a lot of Rodriguez's recruits to play early, and that recruiting class was marvelous. They have way more speed up there than what you probably think, and as we all know, speed is something Ohio State can't handle. Neither can anyone else in the Big Ten.
Big XII:
===============
Sexy Pick:
I think that if the media clowns had to actually place a bet, they'd take OU, but there is a lot of press for Kansas and Missouri. The Missouri Tigers, once again, another one of those teams that everyone seems to love for some reason, only to get disappointed time after time. Kansas had 1 decent season out of 400.
Who Really Wins:
Oklahoma. America loves a winner, and so does TAE. They'll steamroll the whole south, including UT. Sure, OU is tight-roping that same tag I gave Clemson and Missouri and USF, but OU generally takes care of business. They return too much for anyone to give anyone else serious consideration.
Diffuser:
Colorado and Oklahoma State. More-so Colorado, but oSu as well. Hawkins is putting CU back on the radar, and doing a nice job recruiting as well. Don't be surprised to see Colorado in the Big XII title game against OU. Also, keep an eye on Baylor. Did I really just say that? Yes, maam, I did. Art Briles came over from Houston and he has recruited a ton of speed and a 4-star QB to fit his system. They'll give someone a real test. I don't know if they can upset anyone in the south, because I think the Big XII south will be amazing this year, but they'll make strides.
C-USA:
==============
Sexy Pick:
Is anyone talking?
Who Really Wins:
Could be any of the following: UCF, Tulsa, Southern Miss, or East Carolina. I'd going to go with Southern Miss, because I am already all over the Larry Fedora bandwagon in Hattiesburg. USM had the best recruiting class in their history last season, which included a 4-star WR and a 5-star WR that had offers to every college in the solar system. Those kids will be on the field. Even with Easterling (maligned RB) leaving the program this week, I'm still taking USM.
Diffuser:
It has got to be SMU. There's some problems with the QB already, and that might set them back a few games, but if these kids can get this offense down-pat up on The Hill, watch out. There's plenty of room for mobility in this conference, and it is not out of the question for SMU to even contend for the title.
MAC
============
Sexy Pick:
A lot of people hyped about MAC rumors?
Who Really Wins:
Give me Miami Ohio, because my buddy Chris calls them MoHo.
Diffuser:
Frank Solich is an Armaugh, PA native and I'm a big supporter of Frank (and Armaugh) so give me the Ohio Bobcats.
Mountain West:
===================
Sexy Pick:
This is probably my favorite of all the Jackass Conferences. I have been known to enjoy a fine Mountain West battle in my day. The Sexy Pick has got to be BYU again, and for as good of a job coachin' and recruitin' them Mormons as Mendenhall is doing, how can you go against him? Plus, they have the nicest home uniforms in the country. I love BYU. Not real fond of the Mountain Meadows massacre, however. Look it up, it'll make you vote for everyone other than Mike Huckabee.
Who Really Wins:
BYU. Great coaching, stout recruiting, and they have a lot coming back.
Diffuser:
I'd say TCU is probably about due for another run. Air Force should be better than expected, as well.
Pac-10:
=============
Sexy Pick:
USC. Another massive NFL factory, this roster probably has 20 NFL players on it, 15 of which are running backs. They are not only a sexy pick in the conference, but also a sexy pick for the BCS title. One thing everyone is overlooking though, is the new offensive line that is taking over in 2008. And they are breaking in a new quarterback. And their receivers are inconsistent. And Joe McKnight is hurt. They'll win the Pac-10, but don't expect them to be in the title game.
Who Really Wins:
USC.
Diffuser:
I think a team flying under everyone's radar is Stanford. Harbaugh seems to be doing a nice job recruiting, and they seem to be making strides. I don't expect them to beat USC, UCLA, Cal, or ASU, though.
SEC:
==========
Sexy Pick:
The sexy pick is Georgia. For as much as I like this team, they are yet another of those annual disappointments. How many times have we heard how Georgia is going to contend for a national title? It's the same old song and dance, to quote Aerosmith. It is also Love in an Elevator, because the excitement will inherently end soon.
Who Really Wins:
LSU. Even with national titles, this program is still underrated. Probably because they had a white running-back, I don't know. Good theory, though. Florida is another team getting a lot of hype, but I do not think they are balanced enough to win the conference this year. Like usual, UF is having RB issues. This week already, the saving-grace transfer from USC, Emmanuel Moody, was having trouble with the offense. Like I said about Michigan, though... they still have 4 months. Everyone already knows how good Alabama will become with Saban, so I am not even going to mention that they have had 2 monsterous recruiting classes back to back. Get ready for the dynasty, folks, love him or hate him.
Diffuser:
People think South Carolina will do damage in 08, but if I had to pick one, give me Mississippi State. Why not?
WAC:
==========
Sexy Pick:
Boise State and Fresno. A lot of hype about Pat Hill's Bulldogs after a lull in the program.
Who Really Wins:
Boise State. They play on blue turf.
Diffuser:
Give me Idaho, no one ever mentions Idaho.
Sun Belt:
==============
Sexy Pick:
Troy seems to be the team everyone likes.
Who Really Wins:
I'll take North Texas, 2nd year into an offense that will give anyone trouble.
Diffuser:
It's your call: Arkansas State or UL Monroe?
Locally, Sean Lee, the top-rated linebacker in the nation, is done for the year with an ACL tear, leaving Penn State scrambling to adjust, and scrambling for leadership. At Pitt, former SMU head coach Phil Bennett looks to finally make Pitt's defense respectable, as they are loaded with many under-the-radar offensive weapons, and should not only win the Big East, but maybe even push for an undefeated season. New WVU head coach Bill Stewart has put together a great coaching staff, after almost all of the previous staff followed Rodriguez to Michigan. Stewart even lured Doc Holliday from Florida, a program that everyone would agree is much more prestigious. Stewart inherits a lot of talent, and is already compiling what should be an awesome recruiting class for the Mountaineers in 2009.
Here is what I have, today, April 15th, for the 2008 season.
Sexy Pick is who all the blowhards, meatheads, and jocks think will win the conference.
Who Really Wins is self explanatory.
Diffusers are teams who will do better than people think, and cause problems within the conference.
ACC:
============
Sexy Pick:
Clemson. How many times do you realize that your husband is cheating on you before you leave him? Folks, Tommy Bowden's Clemson Tigers are not going to win the ACC. I don't care if they have the best backfield, and for some reason, a lot of people seem to think Cullen Harper is way better than he really is. Listen: Clemson has a whole new offensive line. Even with Davis and Spiller, you have to block in order to be successful. True freshman DeQuan Bowers had 2 sacks in the spring game against this offense. 9 other sacks took place against them by other players in the game. Clemson is another one of the broken records that we hear about every season. This team loses many games every year, disappoint every year, and 2008 will be no exception. Don't ever belief the Clemson hype.
Who Really Wins:
Miami. Despite a watered-down depth-chart by Miami standards, Shannon made progress last season. This year, with one of the best recruiting classes in the nation, expect a lot of underclassmen to get starting nods and playing time. That's okay that they are young; the ACC sucks.
Diffuser:
North Carolina State. This team is way better than people want to believe. If anyone in the ACC has a chance to come out of nowhere, it is NC State. O'Brien is doing a nice job recruiting and a nice job making this team believe they can win games. Don't be surprised when NC State ends up something like 9-3 or 10-2.
Big East:
==============
Sexy Pick:
Haven't heard much, so I guess it is South Florida. Like Clemson, here is another program who can't make up their mind if they want to contend or not. USF has shown signs of absolute brilliance and absolute stupidity over the course of the past seasons. This year won't be any different. And if it is, chalk it up to the Big East being "down" this year.
Who Really Wins:
Pittsburgh. There's nobody in the conference that should give them match-up problems other than West Virginia. But, if Devine is in trouble (which seems likely) then it is anyone's game. Considering who WVU has already recruited for 2009, it appears the offensive strategy will remain the same in Morgantown with Stewart as it was with Rodriguez. But Pitt's defense was getting pretty solid by the end of 2007, and with the addition of new D-Coordinator Phil Bennett (former SMU head) they are only going to get better. Bennett will take that defense to a level Paul Rhodes never could. He can take them high enough, like dang Yankees. High enough that is to win the Big East. Offensively, they bring back a good QB in Bostick, some very underrated WR's, and the best RB in the country, LeSean McCoy. LeSean McCoy would win my Pre-Season Heisman if I awarded one. Okay, I just did, LeSean McCoy is my preseason Heisman winner.
Diffuser:
I don't really see anyone causing trouble for Louisville, WVU, Pitt, or USF. I guess maybe Rutgers, but don't hold your breath.
Big Ten:
===============
Sexy Pick:
Ohio State. They don't rebuild, they reload. Say what you want about them not being able to beat the SEC, but it is undeniable that this school is an NFL factory that at any time has probably 20 NFL players on its roster. This year is no different. OSU brings back a ton of talent on both sides, and I sigh at the possibility of them playing for a third straight national title. Big Ten opponents pray for an OSU down year, but this staff recruits too well for that to happen anytime soon. They will probably contend for another BCS title, and even if they lose to USC early in the year, the game is early enough that they can make people forget about it. They won't lose to USC, though.
Who Really Wins:
Ohio State.
Diffuser:
Although many people will say that this answer is a cop-out, and that you can't ever consider a school this "big" to be a disrupter team, everyone is really dogging Michigan. No one thinks Michigan is doing anything substantial this season, and even more fuel for that fire was this past weekend when reports were everywhere that the Wolverines were nowhere near ready for competition. Well, it is April, and they have 4 more months to learn that system and get into better shape. This team is not terrible, folks. They have an enormous amount of returning starters on both sides of the ball, especially on defense. I am expecting a lot of Rodriguez's recruits to play early, and that recruiting class was marvelous. They have way more speed up there than what you probably think, and as we all know, speed is something Ohio State can't handle. Neither can anyone else in the Big Ten.
Big XII:
===============
Sexy Pick:
I think that if the media clowns had to actually place a bet, they'd take OU, but there is a lot of press for Kansas and Missouri. The Missouri Tigers, once again, another one of those teams that everyone seems to love for some reason, only to get disappointed time after time. Kansas had 1 decent season out of 400.
Who Really Wins:
Oklahoma. America loves a winner, and so does TAE. They'll steamroll the whole south, including UT. Sure, OU is tight-roping that same tag I gave Clemson and Missouri and USF, but OU generally takes care of business. They return too much for anyone to give anyone else serious consideration.
Diffuser:
Colorado and Oklahoma State. More-so Colorado, but oSu as well. Hawkins is putting CU back on the radar, and doing a nice job recruiting as well. Don't be surprised to see Colorado in the Big XII title game against OU. Also, keep an eye on Baylor. Did I really just say that? Yes, maam, I did. Art Briles came over from Houston and he has recruited a ton of speed and a 4-star QB to fit his system. They'll give someone a real test. I don't know if they can upset anyone in the south, because I think the Big XII south will be amazing this year, but they'll make strides.
C-USA:
==============
Sexy Pick:
Is anyone talking?
Who Really Wins:
Could be any of the following: UCF, Tulsa, Southern Miss, or East Carolina. I'd going to go with Southern Miss, because I am already all over the Larry Fedora bandwagon in Hattiesburg. USM had the best recruiting class in their history last season, which included a 4-star WR and a 5-star WR that had offers to every college in the solar system. Those kids will be on the field. Even with Easterling (maligned RB) leaving the program this week, I'm still taking USM.
Diffuser:
It has got to be SMU. There's some problems with the QB already, and that might set them back a few games, but if these kids can get this offense down-pat up on The Hill, watch out. There's plenty of room for mobility in this conference, and it is not out of the question for SMU to even contend for the title.
MAC
============
Sexy Pick:
A lot of people hyped about MAC rumors?
Who Really Wins:
Give me Miami Ohio, because my buddy Chris calls them MoHo.
Diffuser:
Frank Solich is an Armaugh, PA native and I'm a big supporter of Frank (and Armaugh) so give me the Ohio Bobcats.
Mountain West:
===================
Sexy Pick:
This is probably my favorite of all the Jackass Conferences. I have been known to enjoy a fine Mountain West battle in my day. The Sexy Pick has got to be BYU again, and for as good of a job coachin' and recruitin' them Mormons as Mendenhall is doing, how can you go against him? Plus, they have the nicest home uniforms in the country. I love BYU. Not real fond of the Mountain Meadows massacre, however. Look it up, it'll make you vote for everyone other than Mike Huckabee.
Who Really Wins:
BYU. Great coaching, stout recruiting, and they have a lot coming back.
Diffuser:
I'd say TCU is probably about due for another run. Air Force should be better than expected, as well.
Pac-10:
=============
Sexy Pick:
USC. Another massive NFL factory, this roster probably has 20 NFL players on it, 15 of which are running backs. They are not only a sexy pick in the conference, but also a sexy pick for the BCS title. One thing everyone is overlooking though, is the new offensive line that is taking over in 2008. And they are breaking in a new quarterback. And their receivers are inconsistent. And Joe McKnight is hurt. They'll win the Pac-10, but don't expect them to be in the title game.
Who Really Wins:
USC.
Diffuser:
I think a team flying under everyone's radar is Stanford. Harbaugh seems to be doing a nice job recruiting, and they seem to be making strides. I don't expect them to beat USC, UCLA, Cal, or ASU, though.
SEC:
==========
Sexy Pick:
The sexy pick is Georgia. For as much as I like this team, they are yet another of those annual disappointments. How many times have we heard how Georgia is going to contend for a national title? It's the same old song and dance, to quote Aerosmith. It is also Love in an Elevator, because the excitement will inherently end soon.
Who Really Wins:
LSU. Even with national titles, this program is still underrated. Probably because they had a white running-back, I don't know. Good theory, though. Florida is another team getting a lot of hype, but I do not think they are balanced enough to win the conference this year. Like usual, UF is having RB issues. This week already, the saving-grace transfer from USC, Emmanuel Moody, was having trouble with the offense. Like I said about Michigan, though... they still have 4 months. Everyone already knows how good Alabama will become with Saban, so I am not even going to mention that they have had 2 monsterous recruiting classes back to back. Get ready for the dynasty, folks, love him or hate him.
Diffuser:
People think South Carolina will do damage in 08, but if I had to pick one, give me Mississippi State. Why not?
WAC:
==========
Sexy Pick:
Boise State and Fresno. A lot of hype about Pat Hill's Bulldogs after a lull in the program.
Who Really Wins:
Boise State. They play on blue turf.
Diffuser:
Give me Idaho, no one ever mentions Idaho.
Sun Belt:
==============
Sexy Pick:
Troy seems to be the team everyone likes.
Who Really Wins:
I'll take North Texas, 2nd year into an offense that will give anyone trouble.
Diffuser:
It's your call: Arkansas State or UL Monroe?
Last edited by The Ancient Enemy on September 20th, 2011, 12:34 am, edited 1 time in total.
"I can and will be hard anytime with or without my boyz!!!" - Hollywood
"Their jerseys make me want to run through the desert and tackle a terrorist." - nLions1
"Their jerseys make me want to run through the desert and tackle a terrorist." - nLions1
Re: 2008 Conference Outlooks (April)
Good stuff.....I'll take one major exception...in the Big XII, I'm definitely drinking the 'Show Me' Kool Aid...I think Mizzou got stiffed last yr. by the pollsters & will be ridiculously potent on offense in 08' as Chase Daniel wins the Heisman...BTW, in recent Tiger scrimmage Chase was: 8-9, 97 yds., 1 TD...good stuff!!!
Last edited by vman on September 20th, 2011, 12:34 am, edited 1 time in total.
I have to say thank you to me ..." for not being stupid enough to go to Penn State."
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deliverance
- Official BleacherCoach
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Re: 2008 Conference Outlooks (April)
Mizzou gets another test on their schedule this season, though. They have to play the Longhorns, which should make this season more interesting. Texas should be able to hold Daniel down some with a pretty stellar defense this season. However, on the offensive side of the ball, it is looking weak.
Last edited by deliverance on September 20th, 2011, 12:34 am, edited 1 time in total.
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The Ancient Enemy
- Official BleacherCoach
- Posts: 7549
- Joined: October 30th, 2004, 2:47 pm
Re: 2008 Conference Outlooks (April)
How are you screwed by pollsters when you don't win your conference, even when your conference plays a title game?
Last edited by The Ancient Enemy on September 20th, 2011, 12:34 am, edited 1 time in total.
"I can and will be hard anytime with or without my boyz!!!" - Hollywood
"Their jerseys make me want to run through the desert and tackle a terrorist." - nLions1
"Their jerseys make me want to run through the desert and tackle a terrorist." - nLions1
Re: 2008 Conference Outlooks (April)
Mizzou (12-2) was ranked No. 1 after beating Kansas in the regular season finale, then did in fact lose badly to Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game.
and the Jayhawks wound up with an at-large berth into the Orange Bowl ( BCS game) over Mizzou??? BTW, the tigers rocked Arkansas like 38-7 in the Cotton Bowl!
and the Jayhawks wound up with an at-large berth into the Orange Bowl ( BCS game) over Mizzou??? BTW, the tigers rocked Arkansas like 38-7 in the Cotton Bowl!
Last edited by vman on September 20th, 2011, 12:34 am, edited 1 time in total.
I have to say thank you to me ..." for not being stupid enough to go to Penn State."
-
The Ancient Enemy
- Official BleacherCoach
- Posts: 7549
- Joined: October 30th, 2004, 2:47 pm
Re: 2008 Conference Outlooks (April)
Oh, I'm not saying they shouldn't have been there ahead of Kansas. I misunderstood what you meant.
I'm still not on board with Kansas. Sorry, Jayhawk fans (there are thousands reading this no doubt), but you had one decent year and your recruiting didn't spike all that much. And they just let Bryce Brown and his brother (5-star players) leave for Miami. Sure, it's Coral Gables vs. Lawrence, but that KU football program is a mile away from ANY big school. I just don't see it. And I don't see them winning 9 games. They had a dream season like Wake Forest did.
I always look at the NEXT year's recruiting to see if a program is really advancing itself. Wake and KU had no spikes.
I'm still not on board with Kansas. Sorry, Jayhawk fans (there are thousands reading this no doubt), but you had one decent year and your recruiting didn't spike all that much. And they just let Bryce Brown and his brother (5-star players) leave for Miami. Sure, it's Coral Gables vs. Lawrence, but that KU football program is a mile away from ANY big school. I just don't see it. And I don't see them winning 9 games. They had a dream season like Wake Forest did.
I always look at the NEXT year's recruiting to see if a program is really advancing itself. Wake and KU had no spikes.
"I can and will be hard anytime with or without my boyz!!!" - Hollywood
"Their jerseys make me want to run through the desert and tackle a terrorist." - nLions1
"Their jerseys make me want to run through the desert and tackle a terrorist." - nLions1