A Look Ahead to the 2010-11 College Football Season

[jmar]

Yes out of pure boredom, and some degree of disgust, I have been peering at what some various sites are predicting for the upcoming season. Most of the guessing leads to a top 5 of:

Alabama-odds on favorite to repeat.

Boise State-with 21 of 22 starters returning. Non-BCS

Ohio State-has Pryor returning with 8 others on offense and 6 on defense.

Oregon-losing only 1 starter on offense and 2 on defense.

Texas-losing McCoy & Shipley + 3 from OL and 3 on defense.


Before I could wade into the deep waters I took a peek at the SEC first. And while we all know that Nick Saban will enjoy god-like status in Alabama until he leaves or dies, I am under the opinion that Arkansas with Mallett at HOME can derail the Tide's hopes for a return to the NC game. I still think Florida wins the SEC East because they are simply too much for Georgia, even with it's entire OL returning. The Urban Meyer dramafest will play on like a continuous loop of "Rocky Top". Tennessee is still third best in the East and I pick our Auburn Tigers to finish third in the West with 3 losses. And I think by seasons end, Florida will have navigated through it's schedule enough to win the SEC Championship Game.

As for the top 5 above, I would link Boise as a 1b should they go undefeated.

I don't necessarily think Ohio St. will be the best in the Big-10/11. I like Iowa with Stanzi returning and 9 on defense, or even Wisconsin returning 10 on offense and 6 on defense.

Oregon does seem to be the best choice in the PAC-10 losing 1 on offense and 2 on defense.

Texas just doesn't do anything for me after watching Alabama push them around so badly in Pasadena. They had no running game, and though Gilbert settled down for a good showing, this team can't be much better than Tub's Texas Tech team or Nebraska, the two I think will be the class of the Big-12, especially with Oklahoma having so many defections.
 

So I have listed some others in no particular order that I think will make some noise and offer a small explanation.

Va. Tech is high on most lists but they lose 7 on defense.
Ga. Tech loses only 3 starters on offense and 1 on defense.
I predict FSU with Fisher and the entire OL puts together a Lil Bowdenlike season.
Cincy, Pitt, Miami and Stanford all return similar numbers.
Utah should be strong as will TCU.
USC is going downhill fast with Carroll leaving.
Oregon State might be the most unpredictable team of all. They can win at home.
And I don't think Penn St. or LSU will be any better than 4th or 5th in their conferences overall.
Navy should be the best of the service teams.

That's about all. I seldom get much of a chance to post and I hope that you will add your own opinions and comments to what would appear to be the murkiest year ever with parity leveling the playing field and these constant coaching changes every season.

[jmar]

You're a phuking idiot, and your face stinks! YEAH!

[Token]

You're a phuking idiot, and your face stinks! YEAH!

I must say, you're probably the strangest poster on this website.  And that's saying a lot.

[jmar]

Well now, maybe you live a better existence than I do.

[The Prowler]

You're a phuking idiot, and your face stinks! YEAH!

Did you just post to yourself.  I mean, I know a couple of people that talk to themselves...one actually argues with himself (I stay away from that guy as much as possible...he also stares a lot, kinda like that one guy at Waffle House that stares at everyone).  But, I've never seen someone post to them self before.

I've been to three World's Fair and a dog fistin', but that's the craziest thing that I've seen.

[jmar]

It's nothing personal, but I have an image on this site to uphold.

[AWK]

It's nothing personal, but I have an image on this site to uphold.

I like your style.

[Kaos]

You left off Iowa State. 

Program on the rise.  Mark it down.

[AuburnChopper 3.0]

You left off Iowa State. 

Program on the rise.  Mark it down.

I agree with you.  I'm curious as to why you think so though.  Do you think Chizik's groundwork over the last few years has anything to do with it?  Just asking?  Any credit? No?

I also think that Paul Rhodes literally being "home" there (where he grew up from what I understand), and watching his passionate post bowl game speech speaks volumes.  The guy truly LOVES being there.  I think it's awesome for him, the school and the area.  They needed it... BAD.

[Kaos]

I agree with you.  I'm curious as to why you think so though.  Do you think Chizik's groundwork over the last few years has anything to do with it?  Just asking?  Any credit? No?

I also think that Paul Rhodes literally being "home" there (where he grew up from what I understand), and watching his passionate post bowl game speech speaks volumes.  The guy truly LOVES being there.  I think it's awesome for him, the school and the area.  They needed it... BAD.

I was mostly just being a smart ass. 

I have no idea what ISU has or doesn't have.  I didn't watch their bowl game (wasn't really aware they were in one) and have no idea how then ended up.  I quit caring about ISU about four games in when it was pretty clear they were better organized and disciplined and appeared to be much improved.

[AuburnChopper 3.0]

I was mostly just being a smart ass. 

I have no idea what ISU has or doesn't have.  I didn't watch their bowl game (wasn't really aware they were in one) and have no idea how then ended up.  I quit caring about ISU about four games in when it was pretty clear they were better organized and disciplined and appeared to be much improved.

I gotcha.   Believe it or not, they beat Minnesota 14 - 13 in the Insight Bowl.

The "post bowl" speech was actually his speech after Iowa St. beat Nebraska at home....  Here it is...

[Kaos]

Meh.  

Nobody can win there.  

And to answer your question?  No.  I give Chizik no credit for that at all.  He deserves none.  That program is a thousand times better off with Rhoads there than they were with Chizik. 

[Townhallsavoy]

2010 Storylines from THS:

1.  Alabama loses 7-9 starters from the defense.  The up and comers are talented but young.
2.  Teams will have more confidence in scoring points against Alabama, so defensively, they can load up on the run.  Opponents will force Bama to throw the ball to win ball games.  McElroy will be a vital part of the offense next year. 
3.  Auburn is filling holes with young prospects out of JUCO and high school.  If Chizik can't win 9 games, I think it will be very telling of his future at Auburn.
4.  Urban Meyer and Florida.  No matter what he decides, his health will always be an issue.  If he returns, people will question his focus and his stress level.  If he goes away, obviously people will say Florida is struggling without a true leader. 
5.  Les Miles is on the hot seat.  LSU fans will not tolerate playing second fiddle to Alabama after being the premier program of the SEC West for most of this decade.
6.  Georgia's defense.  If improved, Georgia will contend for the SEC East.  Cox has to step up.  AJ Greene will be competing for the top wide receiver pick in the draft.  Ealey and Caleb King will be a tough tandem to deal with.
7.  Arkansas's defense is a huge storyline because the offense will most likely be the best in the conference.  If they don't win or come very close to winning the West, then Petrino's defensive coaching ability will be in question. 
8.  Ole Miss may be the worst team in the SEC next year without an experienced quarterback and with the defense losing a lot. 

Nationally...

9.  Ohio St will have a great chance at competing for the BCSCG. 
10.  The Big 12 is wide open.  If Nebraska's offense doesn't improve then yes, Iowa St or Kansas St could sneak into the title game.  With Texas and Oklahoma being down next year, the Big 12 could have an unfamiliar representative in the BCS. 
11.  USC will fall dramatically.  Now isn't the time for the program to change coaches.  Barkley needs stability, and he could become one of the top quarterbacks in the nation.  The defense was struggling due to injuries and a coordinator change.  Now, the defense will go through more changes.  The offense loses two of its biggest threats (McKnight and Damien Williams). 
12.  Oregon has a good shot at going undefeated, and if no one else in nation matches their record, Masoli could win the Heisman Trophy.
13.  Boise St will finally have a legit argument to compete in the BCSCG.  These mid major teams have always put together ONE great season.  Then they rebuild.  Next year, Boise St returns 21/22, and if they get snubbed again, they will really start complaining.  Too bad Idaho hasn't discovered the internet yet. 
14.  GA Tech will win the ACC again, but will anyone care?  I don't think so.
15.  Rich Rodriguez has to have a great season to keep his job.  Will Les Miles throw his name into the hat?

[Token]

2010 Storylines from THS:

1.  Alabama loses 7-9 starters from the defense.  The up and comers are talented but young.
2.  Teams will have more confidence in scoring points against Alabama, so defensively, they can load up on the run.  Opponents will force Bama to throw the ball to win ball games.  McElroy will be a vital part of the offense next year. 
3.  Auburn is filling holes with young prospects out of JUCO and high school.  If Chizik can't win 9 games, I think it will be very telling of his future at Auburn.
4.  Urban Meyer and Florida.  No matter what he decides, his health will always be an issue.  If he returns, people will question his focus and his stress level.  If he goes away, obviously people will say Florida is struggling without a true leader. 
5.  Les Miles is on the hot seat.  LSU fans will not tolerate playing second fiddle to Alabama after being the premier program of the SEC West for most of this decade.
6.  Georgia's defense.  If improved, Georgia will contend for the SEC East.  Cox has to step up.  AJ Greene will be competing for the top wide receiver pick in the draft.  Ealey and Caleb King will be a tough tandem to deal with.
7.  Arkansas's defense is a huge storyline because the offense will most likely be the best in the conference.  If they don't win or come very close to winning the West, then Petrino's defensive coaching ability will be in question. 
8.  Ole Miss may be the worst team in the SEC next year without an experienced quarterback and with the defense losing a lot. 

1.  We are looking at different rosters, because I don't see 7-9 starters leaving.   
2.  Returning the bulk of the line and two great running backs, I don't see McElroy having to win a lot of games.  Even when teams do load up on the run.
3.  "9 games or bust" is a stretch.  Defense still lacking on quality and quantity.  I can see AU winning 9, but to say anything less is indicative of Chiz's coaching ability is just setting the man up for failure.
4.  I believe Urban goes away because he knows UF will struggle this year.  Then, in 2011, when the team is loaded up on experienced talent again, he'll ride in, rejuvenated and save the day.
5.  Les is more. More likely fired after this year.  Let's face it, he isn't a good coach.  I believe Kaos stated a few years ago that Les is the second coming of Mike Shula.  Did Lester not have the exact same look on his face in the final seconds of close ball games?  Kaos was damn near prophetic with that comparison.
6.  IF Kirby Smart goes to UGA, I predict they'll win the east.  They have the talent, they just need a solid coach.
7.   Yet again, Arky will be a pass happy, one dimensional team.  They'll utilize their backs with more screen passes, but they will still be easy to beat for anyone with good defensive backs and a decent pass rush.
8.  Normally, I'd agree 100%.  Snead's gone.  McCluster's gone.  Defense is depleted.  One thing, though.  Nutt has a knack for winning when he shouldn't(see 2008) and losing when he should(see 2009).  Against all odds, Nutt will have Ole Miss ready to win some games next year.  Probably not better than 3rd in the west, but definitely not worst in the SEC.

[jmar]

I return some hours after posting to which I am informed that there are actual storylines with some degree of undertones. And brother K even did a flyover.

But I am serious when I tell you that Nick Saban will do virtually anything to keep from throwing the ball, including passing up an obvious third down situation and opting for a fake punt instead. High school QBs that like to throw will be passing all right, game managers should be aplenty though.

It's anyones guess as to the time constraints on Chizik competing for titles.

Joe Cox has used up his one year of actual playing time and eligibility.

Les Miles is the worst coach at one of the best programs. Michigan got something right.

Bobby Petrino can coach.

Houston Nutt is exactly what Ole Miss needs to remain just above mediocre.

[Townhallsavoy]

1.  We are looking at different rosters, because I don't see 7-9 starters leaving.   
2.  Returning the bulk of the line and two great running backs, I don't see McElroy having to win a lot of games.  Even when teams do load up on the run.
3.  "9 games or bust" is a stretch.  Defense still lacking on quality and quantity.  I can see AU winning 9, but to say anything less is indicative of Chiz's coaching ability is just setting the man up for failure.
4.  I believe Urban goes away because he knows UF will struggle this year.  Then, in 2011, when the team is loaded up on experienced talent again, he'll ride in, rejuvenated and save the day.
5.  Les is more. More likely fired after this year.  Let's face it, he isn't a good coach.  I believe Kaos stated a few years ago that Les is the second coming of Mike Shula.  Did Lester not have the exact same look on his face in the final seconds of close ball games?  Kaos was damn near prophetic with that comparison.
6.  IF Kirby Smart goes to UGA, I predict they'll win the east.  They have the talent, they just need a solid coach.
7.   Yet again, Arky will be a pass happy, one dimensional team.  They'll utilize their backs with more screen passes, but they will still be easy to beat for anyone with good defensive backs and a decent pass rush.
8.  Normally, I'd agree 100%.  Snead's gone.  McCluster's gone.  Defense is depleted.  One thing, though.  Nutt has a knack for winning when he shouldn't(see 2008) and losing when he should(see 2009).  Against all odds, Nutt will have Ole Miss ready to win some games next year.  Probably not better than 3rd in the west, but definitely not worst in the SEC.

Senior starters:
Lorenzo Washington
Brandon Deaderick
Terrence Cody
Cory Reamer
Eryk Anders
Javier Arenas
Justin Woodall

Add in Marquis Johnson since he's the Nickel guy who plays a lot.

Possible juniors:

Rolando McClain
Kareem Jackson

http://alabama.rivals.com/cdepthtext.asp?teKey=2

[Token]

Senior starters:
Lorenzo Washington
Brandon Deaderick
Terrence Cody
Cory Reamer
Eryk Anders
Javier Arenas
Justin Woodall

Add in Marquis Johnson since he's the Nickel guy who plays a lot.

Possible juniors:

Rolando McClain
Kareem Jackson

http://alabama.rivals.com/cdepthtext.asp?teKey=2

See.  That's the problem.  You're using Rivals math.  Deaderick hasn't started since getting capped.  Marcel Dareus ring a bell? 

Returning starters w/o McClain or Jackson......

M. Dareus
D. Hightower
N. Johnson
C. Upshaw
M. Barron

Also, Robby Green played just as much as Justin Woodall, getting 3 starts on the year.  Josh Chapman probably logged more time at NT than Cody did(for obvious reasons that I won't address).  So adding those two to the 5 returning starters and most likely, Jackson returning for his senior season and the defense isn't nearly as bad off as losing 7-9 starters. 

[GH2001]

I agree with you.  I'm curious as to why you think so though.  Do you think Chizik's groundwork over the last few years has anything to do with it?  Just asking?  Any credit? No?

I also think that Paul Rhodes literally being "home" there (where he grew up from what I understand), and watching his passionate post bowl game speech speaks volumes.  The guy truly LOVES being there.  I think it's awesome for him, the school and the area.  They needed it... BAD.

I think you MAY have hit on something here Chop. With all Coach bashing aside, I think Rhodes REALLY wants to be there, as you said. I think from about month 3, that Chizik had grown uneasy at the difficulty of the job at ISU. I don't think he TRULY wanted to be there. He had not been used to losing and having 2nd tier players. It was a big change for him and I don't think he took it very well. He wasn't happy, thus the desperation attempts at gimmicks that didn't work. Hopefully, he is more in his element here and the change worked out best for both programs. I just really think its all about the fit. Rhodes is a GREAT fit at ISU.

[jmar]

Jesus, every post I start (which is rare) turns out to be a Bammer depth chart discussion or a Chizik bashing.

[Tiger Wench]

Jesus, every post I start (which is rare) turns out to be a Bammer depth chart discussion or a Chizik bashing.

Welcome to the X.