Welcome to the return of the almost weekly perspective of college football. For those that don't remember, I write this column as if every player is a Heisman Trophy candidate. Why? Because it is ridiculously ludicrous that the networks, including the World Wide Leader, nay, especially the World Wide Leader, emphasize the Heisman Trophy race all season. Consider this my sarcastic homage to stupid reporting.
Heisman Watch
Quarterback Edition
Favorite - Dak Prescott - So long as Mississippi State keeps winning, Prescott is the odds on winner should the Heisman go to a quarterback (which as of now is not likely).
Rising - Connor Holliday - Washington State - He has thrown for 3,052 yards - tops in the FCS (second place has 2,165), and in a year in which the running backs are dominating, Holliday's statistics make him a worthwhile Heisman candidate.
Falling - Marcus Mariota - Oregon - Still a phenomenal player having a great season, but the loss at home to Arizona knocks him out of the favorite's seat, especially in a year with running backs like those below.
Running Back Edition
Favorite - Todd Gurley -Georgia - He is 6th in the FBS in rushing yards with 773 and 8 touchdowns, but no player in the NCAA is more important to his team than Gurley. For those that are watching the game, he is easily the best player in college.
Melvin Gordon - Wisconsin - Right now he will be second in the Heisman race if I had a vote. Third in the FBS with 871 yards (only 7 behind first place), and he is a difference maker on offense. Might have jumped Hurley this week if the Badgers didn't lose to Northwestern.
Ameer Abdullah - Nebraska - Leads the FBS in rushing yards with 878, but has not risen further than 3rd as he only gained 45 yards against a tough Michigan State defense in the Cornhuskers loss this weekend.
Sleeper - None - the top three are the top three. Period.
Wide Receiver Edition
Favorite - Amari Cooper - Alabama - Second in the FBS in yards and receptions, and even though Alabama fell to Ole Miss this week, he still caught 9 passes for 91 yards.
Kevin White - West Virginia - Fourth in receptions and first in yards in the FBS, and is about the only person who could challenge Amari Cooper for the Biletnikoff Award.
Sleeper - None. Most of the quality receivers have already established themselves.
Defensive Edition
3. Hau'oli Kikaha - LB - Washington - The senior linebacker has 7 sacks on the season and is really making a name for himself in an offense-laden conference.
2. Vic Beasley - DE - Clemson - He is finally starting to live up to his pre-season hype, and his sack strip and fumble recovery-return for a touchdown of Jacoby Brissett is the type of play that makes everyone take notice. His last two or three games have been outstanding.
1. Gerod Holliman - S - Louisville - The sophomore had another interception this week, giving him 7 for the season, in only 5 games! He has had at least one interception in every game that he has played.
Player to Watch
Nick Marshall - QB - Auburn - Suddenly it is the Auburn Tigers who look in control of the SEC West, which should assure them a run into the playoffs. Of course, this division is so tough the winner could escape with two losses, and none of the toughest teams in the country make the final playoffs.
My New Favorite Player
JoJo Kemp - RB - Kentucky - He rushed for 131 yards and 3 touchdowns on only 17 carries as the Kentucky Wildcats defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks. Despite the fact that the SEC East is hugely down this year, Mark Stoops is quietly building up a very good and athletic team in Lexington.
Players of the Week
This section will be more week specific as the season goes forward, but for the first week, it is hard to differentiate the players of the week from the players of the season, as the season has only lasted 1 week.
5. Melvin Gordon - RB - Wisconsin - He was at it again gaining 259 yards against Northwestern. Would likely be ranked higher if the Badgers were not upset.
4. Dax Prescott - QB - Mississippi State - So instrumental in the Bulldogs victory over the Aggies this week. He finished 20-26 for 268 yards and 2 Touchdowns passing, and 77 yards and 3 Touchdowns rushing.
3. Todd Gurley -RB - Georgia - He ran all over Vanderbilt gaining 163 yards and scoring 2 touchdowns in a 44-17 victory. His numbers would have been much higher if not for the fact that this game was over early.
2. Connor Holliday - QB - Washington State - He was 49-70 for 734 and 6 touchdowns. This was not a game for mere stat padding, however, as the Cougars needed every single one of those yards as they defeated Cal 60-59.
1. Mike Bercovici - QB - Arizona State - Although not as gaudy as Holliday's numbers, Becovici's 27-45 for 510 yards and 5 Touchdowns is more impressive given that the Sun Devils defeated the USC in Los Angeles.
Goat of the Week (Player Edition)
Treon Harris - QB - Florida - Leads the Gators on two scoring drives to win 10-0 by day, gets himself into a situation where a sexual assault is being investigated with him as the suspect, leading to his suspension pending the investigation by night. I don't know if he did anything criminal, or even wrong, but has he not been paying attention the past year?!
Goat of the Week (Coach Edition)
Brady Hoke - Michigan - Because they are awful, he gets the pick again this week.
Predicted Playoffs/Championship Match Ups
Auburn (1) v. (4)Baylor/Michigan State (3) v. (2)Florida State
Auburn (1) v. Florida State (2)
I hate predicting rematches, but we could be on the route. I know that Ole Miss and Mississippi State are ranked higher than other teams right now, but they play each other and Auburn, not to mention other tough games. I have said it since Michigan State lost to Oregon opening weekend, that they are going to end up in the playoff. Notre Dame is the wildcard, and I am not sold on them yet. I probably should have them in Baylor's spot right now, but might as well take some chances.
Final Unbeatens
We have 10 unbeaten teams remaining, which means that we lost 7 this past weekend alone. Here is where I rank them (in terms of how I think the team is, not how long they will remain unbeaten).
1. Auburn
2. Florida State
3. Mississippi State
4. Mississippi
5. TCU
6. Baylor
7. Notre Dame
8. Arizona
9. Georgia Tech
10. Marshall
Rant(s) of the Week
How on earth do we have game-ending and game-winning plays where the snap occurs after the play clock hits zero? For the second time this season, the Florida Gators take the lead on a field goal in which the play clock is clearly 0 at the time the ball is snapped. Now, admittedly, the snap occurs very quickly after the clock hits zero during normal speed, but in replay it is obvious.
The official word from the NCAA is that the back judge watches the play clock, and then when it hits 0, he looks to the play. If the ball is then in motion, no penalty. Why not just have a buzzer or some apparatus in the hand of the back judge that vibrates the instant the clock hits 0, so that the back judge only has to concentrate on the snap of the ball, and he can supplement the buzzer by paying attention to the clock when necessary?
Kentucky and Tennessee each lost games because of this - although Florida would have had another opportunity, just from 54+ yards (plus an addition (6:20) this week to beat Tennessee.
Under Performance of the Week
Wisconsin - There is no way that the Badgers should have lost to Northwestern. Melvin Gordon had a great game, but the rest of the offense was nonexistent, as the team had 138 passing yards total for the game.
Last Week's Trivia Answer
The two colleges that each have three players start at quarterback this year in the NFL are:
North Carolina State: Mike Glennon, Phillip Rivers and Russell Wilson (as both NC State and Wisconsin claim him); and
Michigan State: Kirk Cousins, Brian Hoyer and Drew Stanton
Trivia Question of the Week
Clemson defensive end Vic Beasley, with his sack/strip/fumble recovery/touchdown this week has tied the Clemson career sack record with 28 sacks. With whom is he tied?
Match up(s) to Watch
Honorable Mention - West Virginia v. Texas Tech - Not because this is that important of a game, but because 145 points could conceivably be scored in this game!
4. Oregon v. UCLA - Two teams that in just one week went from playoff contenders to hoping to enter the Pac-12 Conference championship game. Both are offensive-minded, so a lot of points could be scored in this game. Which team rebounds the best?
3. Ole Miss v. Texas A and M - The second straight huge game for both of these teams against division rivals. The Aggies cannot afford their second conference loss, meanwhile the Rebels can continue their fantastic start to the season.
2. TCU v. Baylor - One of two top 10 match ups of unbeaten teams. TCU is a lot better than anybody really knows, and Baylor can score against anyone.
1. Auburn v. Mississippi State - The second straight big game at home for the Bulldogs. No doubt exists that this is the Game of the Week.
Showing posts with label Gurley-Man. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gurley-Man. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
The Ole College Try
Welcome to the return of the almost weekly perspective of college football. For those that don't remember, I write this column as if every player is a Heisman Trophy candidate. Why? Because it is ridiculously ludicrous that the networks, including the World Wide Leader, nay, especially the World Wide Leader, emphasize the Heisman Trophy race all season. Consider this my sarcastic homage to stupid reporting.
Heisman Watch
Quarterback Edition
Favorite - Marcus Mariota - Oregon - Did nothing to bother his Heisman chances during the bye week. Still the best odds to win, out of the running backs.
Kenny Hill - Texas A and M - Still second until the voters decide to start giving Jameis Winston another look.
Dark Horse - Bryce Petty - Baylor - He has over 1,700 yards and 17 touchdowns for a very explosive offense. If, by chance, Baylor gets through the Big-12 unscathed and ends up in the playoffs, he is going to be the primary reason why.
Falling - Jameis Winston - Florida State University - Team fell behind again, and although he orchestrated a great comeback against a good opponent, some voters still might not like him.
Running Back Edition
Favorite - Todd Gurley -Georgia - He is 8th in the FBS in rushing yards, and nobody controls a game like Gurley does.
Melvin Gordon - Wisconsin - Gurley and he are likely 1-2 right now in the Heisman voting, with Abdullah likely third, of fourth at the lowest. Gordon is a home run threat every time he touches the ball.
Rising - Ameer Abdullah - Nebraska - Leads the FBS in rushing yards iwth 833, and is more than on pace to eclipse the coveted 2,000 yard mark.
Sleeper -David Cobb - Minnesota - Third in the FBS in rushing yards, and people most likely realize who he is now that the Gophers defeated Michigan in the big house.
Wide Receiver Edition
Favorite - Amari Cooper - Alabama - Second in the FBS in yards and third in receptions, but only because Alabama was on a bye. Still easily the best receiver in college.
Kevin White - West Virginia - Also on a bye, but still really the second best wide receiver in college, without question.
Rising - Rashad Greene - Florida State - Really taking the reins as the offensive leader and playmaker for Florida State. He is 10th in receptions and 5th in yards in the FBS.
Defensive Edition
3. Jeff Luc - LB - Cincinnati - The senior leads the FBS with an average of 16 tackles per game.
2. Gerod Holliman - S - Louisville - After giving him praise last week, all he did was step up and have another interception this week!
1. Shane Ray - DE - Missouri - 8 sacks, and is trying to follow in the footsteps of former teammate Michael Sam in winning SEC Defensive Player of the Year.
Although, truth be told, I am still waiting for a defender to really put his individual mark on this season.
Player to Watch
Nelson Spruce - WR - Colorado - He had 19 receptions for 176 yards and 3 Touchdowns in the Buffaloes 59-56 loss to California.
My New Favorite Player
Jacoby Brissett - QB - North Carolina State - He was no Jameis Winston, but he sure as heck scared the Seminoles into thinking he was, at least for the first half of the game. Brissett finished with 350 yards and 3 touchdowns - with no interceptions - against the top-ranked Seminoles. Brissett, the transfer from the University of Florida out of national high school power Dwyer in Jupiter, Florida, was the show for the day.
Players of the Week
This section will be more week specific as the season goes forward, but for the first week, it is hard to differentiate the players of the week from the players of the season, as the season has only lasted 1 week.
5. Russell Hansbrough - RB - Missouri - The Junior made the most of his 10 carries, scoring 2 touchdowns late in the fourth quarter to cap Missouri's come-from-behind win at South Carolina.
4. Nelson Spruce - Colorado - His 19 catches for 179 yards would normally rank higher, except for the fact that they came in a 56-59 loss.
3. Melvin Gordon - Wisconsin - Rushed for 181 yards and 2 touchdowns in a 27-10 win versus South Florida. Would also normally rank higher, except it was South Florida.
2. David Cobb - Minnesota - Scored zero touchdowns, but his 183 yards rushing and 50 reception yards allowed Minnesota to control the ball in their upset at Michigan.
1. Todd Gurley -Georgia - Finished the day with 208 yards and 2 touchdowns in a tough fought victory over the Tennessee Volunteers, 35-32.
Goat of the Week (Player Edition)
Christian Hackenberg - QB - Penn State - The team was supposed to have turned the corner, and the reason why is the steady hand of the sophomore quarterback. He finished the game 22 of 45 for 216 yards and a QBR of 12.7 in the shellacking the Nittany Lions took at the hands of the (not even close to being a) juggernaut that is the Northwestern Wildcats.
Goat of the Week (Coach Edition)
Brady Hoke - Michigan - See the rant below.
Predicted Playoffs/Championship Match Ups
Oregon (1) v. Michigan State (4)/Alabama (3) v. Oklahoma (2)
Oregon (1) v. Oklahoma (2)
Last week I had Florida State slide out of the playoffs, and they rewarded me by letting a surprise North Carolina State team pass through their entire defense. When they play a team that can actually pass, like Miami, we might see historic numbers. Again, Michigan State bounces back into the Top 4 in a weak Big 10 after the SEC teams all start to cannibalize each other, beginning this week.
Final Unbeatens
We have 17 unbeaten teams remaining. Here is where I rank them (in terms of how I think the team is, not how long they will remain unbeaten as, for example, there are several meetings between unbeatens this week, one has to lose.
1. Oregon
2. Oklahoma
3. Alabama
4. Auburn
5. Florida State
6. Texas A and M
7. Mississippi State
8. Nebraska
9. Baylor
10. Mississippi
11. UCLA
12. Notre Dame
13. TCU
14. BYU
15. Georgia Tech
16. Arizona
17. Marshall
Rant(s) of the Week
My rant this week is about Brady Hoke leaving Shane Morris in the game after a horrific (illegal) hit that most likely gave Morris a concussion, and if it didn't, the hit definitely left him dazed and woozy. He knew it, Hoke knew it, the players knew it, the fans in the stadium knew it, the announcers knew it, and those watching at home knew it. A little set up ...
Shane Morris, the Michigan quarterback, dropped back to pass in last week's game against Minnesota. After the pass, Minnesota defensive end Thieren Cockran hit Morris late, up under the chin with at best, his shoulder pad, and at worse, his helmet. A late hit penalty was called and the Big Ten office is reviewing the play to see if targeting should have been called, which would result in a suspension for Cockran.
Morris was obviously dazed, at best, and even stumbled only to be caught by offensive lineman Ben Braden before falling to the ground. Morris is waiving off any medical staff and/or substitutes, but he is clearly woozy, Hoke, the coach for the University of Michigan left him in for a play before substituting in Devin Gardner, whose helmet came off during the subsequent play.
Because Gardner's helmet came off he must leave the game for at least one play according to NCAA rule 3-3-9, which reads: "a. If during the down a player’s helmet comes completely off, other than as the direct result of a foul by an opponent, the player must leave the game for the next down. The game clock will stop at the end of the down.".
What happens? Hoke sends Morris back into the game.
A few years ago nobody would have thought twice about this, but we have evolved, we are smarter and we know better. We have experienced Mike Webster, Dave Duerson, Andre Waters, Junior Seau and most recently, Jevon Belcher. What we know now is that hits to the head hurt, make it easier for subsequent hits to cause even further damage to the player, and can lead to long term problems. This doesn't even take into account that at the time of the hit the player isn't thinking straight and has the proverbial "cobwebs".
Anyway, so it is clear that Brady Hoke messed up by first not taking Morris out, second, by putting Morris back into the game, and third, by not acknowledging his mistake during any of the subsequent press conferences. The Athletic Director and President of the University have now acknowledged that the system has "failed" its student-athletes.
Given this last admission, I am going to go ahead and take it as a given that Hoke is at fault here. If he didn't see what Morris was going through, he is in charge of the coaching staff that are supposed to see such things. Even if he erred by leaving Morris in the game, it was even more egregious that he PUT HIM BACK IN!!! Hoke deserves to be fired. Full disclosure - I do not care about the University of Michigan, so I could care less about their won-loss record. I do realize it is the losses that are going to do more with his firing than anything else, but not from my standpoint.
So Hoke messed up, but he isn't the only one. The offensive coordinator should have known better, but if he was busy looking at his play chart trying to determine what play to call next, the quarterbacks coach, or someone else on the offensive staff should have seen Morris. Apparently they did not. The coaching staff failed.
How many times have you seen an injury occur on the field and then players start waiving or asking for the training staff? Let me answer that for you - countless. Sometimes you even see opponents asking for the staff. None of Michigan's players did that for their quarterback. Not even offensive lineman Braden - who had to catch Morris from falling down. Morris's teammates failed him.
I also put a bit of blame on the NCAA rule requiring a player to leave the field when their helmet comes off during a play. Without that asinine rule, Gardner would not have had to come out of the game and Morris would not have had to gone back into the game. NCAA, please revisit some of these stupid rules that make absolutely no sense.
Football is not going to be a great game soon if injuries - especially unnecessary preventable injuries - keep taking all of the players off the field, and keep the next generations of players from even starting to play the game.
Under Performance of the Week
Penn State - They were absolutely annihilated by a Northwestern squad that had already lost to California and Northern Illinois - and Penn State lost at home. Supposedly the Nittany Lions were on the verge of being back. They are not.
Last Week's Trivia Answer
Ameer Abdullah set the Nebraska total yardage record in the game against Miami, breaking the school record held by JOHNNY RODGERS.
Blake Sims of Alabama had 484 yards of total offense against Florida, breaking the record of 457 yards held by Scott Hunter.
Trivia Question of the Week
Two colleges have 3 quarterbacks that have started games in the NFL. Name the schools. Bonus points if you can name the players.
Match up(s) to Watch
4. Arizona v. Oregon - Oregon's first really big test, and it is a chance to show that Arizona belongs. Wait, this game starts at 10:30 EDT on Thursday, and it is competing with an NFL game? Never mind.
4. LSU v. Auburn - Would likely be number 1 if LSU had not be absolutely and thoroughly trounced by Mississippi State. Nevertheless, still a very important game. An LSU loss and they are out of the SEC West race. An Auburn win and they are very much in the national championship race.
3. Nebraska v. Michigan State - As you see from above, I have Michigan State in my playoff - projecting forward to the end of the season. That cannot happen unless they can find a way to slow down Ameer Abdullah. It is possible for Nebraska to vault their way into the national playoffs conversation with a win.
2. Texas A and M v. Mississippi State - Can Kenny Hill really play? Was Mississippi State's victory over LSU a fluke? Which team wants to stay in the division/conference/national title race?
1. Alabama v. Ole Miss - The biggest game for Ole Miss in forever, and ESPN is correct in sending GameDay down to this game. I am still not sold on Ole Miss, but they have an experienced quarterback and some good rushers on defense. If they can make this close, or even win, this could springboard the Rebels into a phenomenal season. Alabama is, well, Alabama.
Heisman Watch
Quarterback Edition
Favorite - Marcus Mariota - Oregon - Did nothing to bother his Heisman chances during the bye week. Still the best odds to win, out of the running backs.
Kenny Hill - Texas A and M - Still second until the voters decide to start giving Jameis Winston another look.
Dark Horse - Bryce Petty - Baylor - He has over 1,700 yards and 17 touchdowns for a very explosive offense. If, by chance, Baylor gets through the Big-12 unscathed and ends up in the playoffs, he is going to be the primary reason why.
Falling - Jameis Winston - Florida State University - Team fell behind again, and although he orchestrated a great comeback against a good opponent, some voters still might not like him.
Running Back Edition
Favorite - Todd Gurley -Georgia - He is 8th in the FBS in rushing yards, and nobody controls a game like Gurley does.
Melvin Gordon - Wisconsin - Gurley and he are likely 1-2 right now in the Heisman voting, with Abdullah likely third, of fourth at the lowest. Gordon is a home run threat every time he touches the ball.
Rising - Ameer Abdullah - Nebraska - Leads the FBS in rushing yards iwth 833, and is more than on pace to eclipse the coveted 2,000 yard mark.
Sleeper -David Cobb - Minnesota - Third in the FBS in rushing yards, and people most likely realize who he is now that the Gophers defeated Michigan in the big house.
Wide Receiver Edition
Favorite - Amari Cooper - Alabama - Second in the FBS in yards and third in receptions, but only because Alabama was on a bye. Still easily the best receiver in college.
Kevin White - West Virginia - Also on a bye, but still really the second best wide receiver in college, without question.
Rising - Rashad Greene - Florida State - Really taking the reins as the offensive leader and playmaker for Florida State. He is 10th in receptions and 5th in yards in the FBS.
Defensive Edition
3. Jeff Luc - LB - Cincinnati - The senior leads the FBS with an average of 16 tackles per game.
2. Gerod Holliman - S - Louisville - After giving him praise last week, all he did was step up and have another interception this week!
1. Shane Ray - DE - Missouri - 8 sacks, and is trying to follow in the footsteps of former teammate Michael Sam in winning SEC Defensive Player of the Year.
Although, truth be told, I am still waiting for a defender to really put his individual mark on this season.
Player to Watch
Nelson Spruce - WR - Colorado - He had 19 receptions for 176 yards and 3 Touchdowns in the Buffaloes 59-56 loss to California.
My New Favorite Player
Jacoby Brissett - QB - North Carolina State - He was no Jameis Winston, but he sure as heck scared the Seminoles into thinking he was, at least for the first half of the game. Brissett finished with 350 yards and 3 touchdowns - with no interceptions - against the top-ranked Seminoles. Brissett, the transfer from the University of Florida out of national high school power Dwyer in Jupiter, Florida, was the show for the day.
Players of the Week
This section will be more week specific as the season goes forward, but for the first week, it is hard to differentiate the players of the week from the players of the season, as the season has only lasted 1 week.
5. Russell Hansbrough - RB - Missouri - The Junior made the most of his 10 carries, scoring 2 touchdowns late in the fourth quarter to cap Missouri's come-from-behind win at South Carolina.
4. Nelson Spruce - Colorado - His 19 catches for 179 yards would normally rank higher, except for the fact that they came in a 56-59 loss.
3. Melvin Gordon - Wisconsin - Rushed for 181 yards and 2 touchdowns in a 27-10 win versus South Florida. Would also normally rank higher, except it was South Florida.
2. David Cobb - Minnesota - Scored zero touchdowns, but his 183 yards rushing and 50 reception yards allowed Minnesota to control the ball in their upset at Michigan.
1. Todd Gurley -Georgia - Finished the day with 208 yards and 2 touchdowns in a tough fought victory over the Tennessee Volunteers, 35-32.
Goat of the Week (Player Edition)
Christian Hackenberg - QB - Penn State - The team was supposed to have turned the corner, and the reason why is the steady hand of the sophomore quarterback. He finished the game 22 of 45 for 216 yards and a QBR of 12.7 in the shellacking the Nittany Lions took at the hands of the (not even close to being a) juggernaut that is the Northwestern Wildcats.
Goat of the Week (Coach Edition)
Brady Hoke - Michigan - See the rant below.
Predicted Playoffs/Championship Match Ups
Oregon (1) v. Michigan State (4)/Alabama (3) v. Oklahoma (2)
Oregon (1) v. Oklahoma (2)
Last week I had Florida State slide out of the playoffs, and they rewarded me by letting a surprise North Carolina State team pass through their entire defense. When they play a team that can actually pass, like Miami, we might see historic numbers. Again, Michigan State bounces back into the Top 4 in a weak Big 10 after the SEC teams all start to cannibalize each other, beginning this week.
Final Unbeatens
We have 17 unbeaten teams remaining. Here is where I rank them (in terms of how I think the team is, not how long they will remain unbeaten as, for example, there are several meetings between unbeatens this week, one has to lose.
1. Oregon
2. Oklahoma
3. Alabama
4. Auburn
5. Florida State
6. Texas A and M
7. Mississippi State
8. Nebraska
9. Baylor
10. Mississippi
11. UCLA
12. Notre Dame
13. TCU
14. BYU
15. Georgia Tech
16. Arizona
17. Marshall
Rant(s) of the Week
My rant this week is about Brady Hoke leaving Shane Morris in the game after a horrific (illegal) hit that most likely gave Morris a concussion, and if it didn't, the hit definitely left him dazed and woozy. He knew it, Hoke knew it, the players knew it, the fans in the stadium knew it, the announcers knew it, and those watching at home knew it. A little set up ...
Shane Morris, the Michigan quarterback, dropped back to pass in last week's game against Minnesota. After the pass, Minnesota defensive end Thieren Cockran hit Morris late, up under the chin with at best, his shoulder pad, and at worse, his helmet. A late hit penalty was called and the Big Ten office is reviewing the play to see if targeting should have been called, which would result in a suspension for Cockran.
Morris was obviously dazed, at best, and even stumbled only to be caught by offensive lineman Ben Braden before falling to the ground. Morris is waiving off any medical staff and/or substitutes, but he is clearly woozy, Hoke, the coach for the University of Michigan left him in for a play before substituting in Devin Gardner, whose helmet came off during the subsequent play.
Because Gardner's helmet came off he must leave the game for at least one play according to NCAA rule 3-3-9, which reads: "a. If during the down a player’s helmet comes completely off, other than as the direct result of a foul by an opponent, the player must leave the game for the next down. The game clock will stop at the end of the down.".
What happens? Hoke sends Morris back into the game.
A few years ago nobody would have thought twice about this, but we have evolved, we are smarter and we know better. We have experienced Mike Webster, Dave Duerson, Andre Waters, Junior Seau and most recently, Jevon Belcher. What we know now is that hits to the head hurt, make it easier for subsequent hits to cause even further damage to the player, and can lead to long term problems. This doesn't even take into account that at the time of the hit the player isn't thinking straight and has the proverbial "cobwebs".
Anyway, so it is clear that Brady Hoke messed up by first not taking Morris out, second, by putting Morris back into the game, and third, by not acknowledging his mistake during any of the subsequent press conferences. The Athletic Director and President of the University have now acknowledged that the system has "failed" its student-athletes.
Given this last admission, I am going to go ahead and take it as a given that Hoke is at fault here. If he didn't see what Morris was going through, he is in charge of the coaching staff that are supposed to see such things. Even if he erred by leaving Morris in the game, it was even more egregious that he PUT HIM BACK IN!!! Hoke deserves to be fired. Full disclosure - I do not care about the University of Michigan, so I could care less about their won-loss record. I do realize it is the losses that are going to do more with his firing than anything else, but not from my standpoint.
So Hoke messed up, but he isn't the only one. The offensive coordinator should have known better, but if he was busy looking at his play chart trying to determine what play to call next, the quarterbacks coach, or someone else on the offensive staff should have seen Morris. Apparently they did not. The coaching staff failed.
How many times have you seen an injury occur on the field and then players start waiving or asking for the training staff? Let me answer that for you - countless. Sometimes you even see opponents asking for the staff. None of Michigan's players did that for their quarterback. Not even offensive lineman Braden - who had to catch Morris from falling down. Morris's teammates failed him.
I also put a bit of blame on the NCAA rule requiring a player to leave the field when their helmet comes off during a play. Without that asinine rule, Gardner would not have had to come out of the game and Morris would not have had to gone back into the game. NCAA, please revisit some of these stupid rules that make absolutely no sense.
Football is not going to be a great game soon if injuries - especially unnecessary preventable injuries - keep taking all of the players off the field, and keep the next generations of players from even starting to play the game.
Under Performance of the Week
Penn State - They were absolutely annihilated by a Northwestern squad that had already lost to California and Northern Illinois - and Penn State lost at home. Supposedly the Nittany Lions were on the verge of being back. They are not.
Last Week's Trivia Answer
Ameer Abdullah set the Nebraska total yardage record in the game against Miami, breaking the school record held by JOHNNY RODGERS.
Blake Sims of Alabama had 484 yards of total offense against Florida, breaking the record of 457 yards held by Scott Hunter.
Trivia Question of the Week
Two colleges have 3 quarterbacks that have started games in the NFL. Name the schools. Bonus points if you can name the players.
Match up(s) to Watch
4. Arizona v. Oregon - Oregon's first really big test, and it is a chance to show that Arizona belongs. Wait, this game starts at 10:30 EDT on Thursday, and it is competing with an NFL game? Never mind.
4. LSU v. Auburn - Would likely be number 1 if LSU had not be absolutely and thoroughly trounced by Mississippi State. Nevertheless, still a very important game. An LSU loss and they are out of the SEC West race. An Auburn win and they are very much in the national championship race.
3. Nebraska v. Michigan State - As you see from above, I have Michigan State in my playoff - projecting forward to the end of the season. That cannot happen unless they can find a way to slow down Ameer Abdullah. It is possible for Nebraska to vault their way into the national playoffs conversation with a win.
2. Texas A and M v. Mississippi State - Can Kenny Hill really play? Was Mississippi State's victory over LSU a fluke? Which team wants to stay in the division/conference/national title race?
1. Alabama v. Ole Miss - The biggest game for Ole Miss in forever, and ESPN is correct in sending GameDay down to this game. I am still not sold on Ole Miss, but they have an experienced quarterback and some good rushers on defense. If they can make this close, or even win, this could springboard the Rebels into a phenomenal season. Alabama is, well, Alabama.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
The Ole College Try
Welcome to the return of the almost weekly perspective of college football. For those that don't remember, I write this column as if every player is a Heisman Trophy candidate. Why? Because it is ridiculously ludicrous that the networks, including the World Wide Leader, nay, especially the World Wide Leader, emphasize the Heisman Trophy race all season. Consider this my sarcastic homage to stupid reporting.
Heisman Watch
Quarterback Edition
Favorite - Marcus Mariota - Oregon - Added 329 yards passing with 5 touchdowns this week against Washington State, and the Ducks needed everyone of them. Also showed the capacity for the big play, throwing for 1 TD of 80 yards and another for 57. Did nothing to slide from the favorite position.
Kenny Hill - Texas A and M - In a blowout in which he did not have to play the entire game, he threw for 265 and added 57 yards rushing. Kenny Football anyone?.
Dark Horse - Connor Halliday - Washington State - Matched Mariota play for play throwing for 436 yards and 4 Touchdowns with no interceptions. He has 1901 yards for the season - which leads the FBS - and 16 TDs. Will not win because the team is so bad.
Falling - Jameis Winston - Florida State University - Team won a close game against a good opponent with him on the bench due to his much publicized suspension for saying "an obscene phrase".
Running Back Edition
Favorite - Todd Gurley -Georgia - A ho-hum game for Gurley because the Bulldogs blew out Troy 66-0. Still finished with 73 yards on only 6 carries, and he still has not had more than 20 carries in a game.
Rising - Ameer Abdullah - Nebraska - He had 229 yards and 2 touchdowns as Abdullah, and the Cornhusker offensive line, totally dominated their win against Miami. He has 625 yards rushing for the year - second in the FBS, despite being the only true offensive threat for Nebraska.
Sleeper -Tevin Coleman - Indiana - Third in the FBS in rushing yards having gained 569 yards, on 26 less carries than Abdullah and 44 less carries that Pittsburgh's James Conner (699 yards).
Wide Receiver Edition
Amari Cooper - Alabama - Leads the FBS in receptions (43) and yards (655) yards, including torching Florida and the supposedly All-American candidate Vernon Hargreaves III for 201 this past week. Easily the best wide receiver in the country.
Kevin White - West Virginia - .Second to Cooper with 42 receptions and 633 yards.
Nobody else is even worth mentioning.
Defensive Edition
3. Danny Shelton - DT - Washington - Leads the FBS in sacks with 7.
2. Gerod Holliman - S - Louisville - His FBS leading 5 interceptions mean that the Cardinals defense does not miss first round pick Calvin Pryor all that much..
1. Shane Ray - DE - Missouri - Tied for the FBS lead with the aforementioned Danny Shelton with 9 1/2 tackles for loss
Although, truth be told, I am still waiting for a defender to really put his individual mark on this season.
Player to Watch
Melvin Gordon - RB - Wisconsin - He had 253 yards rushing and 5 Touchdowns, on only 13 carries against an easily overmatched Bowling Green. Still, the Badgers are finally using Gordon when they need him, instead of overlooking him like they did in the fourth quarter of the LSU game.
My New Favorite Player
Dak Prescott - QB - Mississippi State - Prescott was absolutely outstanding in the Bulldogs victory AT LSU. He threw for for 268 yards with 2 TDs and 0 Interceptions, and also rushed for 105 yards a touchdown, putting the SEC West on notice for the rest of the season.
Players of the Week
This section will be more week specific as the season goes forward, but for the first week, it is hard to differentiate the players of the week from the players of the season, as the season has only lasted 1 week.
5. Anu Soloman - Arizona - The freshman quarterback threw for 520 yards with 5 TDs, albeit with 2 interceptions, in Arizona's 49-45 victory over Cal. Arizona quietly sits at 4-0, and although not likely to challenge for the conference title, could very well determine who does win by beating a favorite or two.
4. Samaje Perine - Oklahoma - The freshman rushed for 242 yards and 4 touchdowns on 34 carries in the Sooners victory over West Virginia. His career total before this game was 32 carries and 1 touchdown.
3. Melvin Gordon - Wisconsin - Thoroughly dominated Bowling Green. Also see Abdullah, Ameer.
2. Amari Cooper - Alabama - It was as if the Florida secondary was standing still.
1. Dak Prescott - Mississippi State - Really good stats, but more importantly, played great in a tough game, against a great opponent, in one of the hardest stadiums in which to play.
Goat of the Week (Player Edition)
Ammon Lakip - K - Clemson - Missed two field goals that would have won the game for the Tigers in Tallahassee. One was from short range.
Goat of the Week (Coach Edition)
Will Muschamp - Florida - How this team manages to keep Jeff Driskel as the starting quarterback is absolutely astonishing to me.
Predicted Playoffs/Championship Match Ups
Oregon (1) v. Michigan State (4)/Alabama (3) v. Oklahoma (2)
Oregon (1) v. Oklahoma (2)
That is right - no Florida State. As some of the undefeateds fall - and they have to as a bunch of them play each other - Michigan State bounces back into the Top 4 in a weak Big 10.
Rant(s) of the Week
My real rant is going to be about Jameis Winston. Not ranting about him, but ranting about how the college suspending him was utterly ridiculous and more conceived out of a lack of understanding among generations and races. But that, right now, is bouncing around my head as a possible entire new column.
So for now, my rant of the week is as a fan, and not a columnist. How on earth can everyone in the entire stadium, and everyone in the entire television viewing audience know that all Nebraska is going to do is to give the ball to Abdullah (which they did 35 times), and yet the defensive coordinator and other coaches fail to see that and try to do something about it? The coaches can say that it wasn't the scheme, but guess what? IT WAS THE SCHEME!!!!
Under Performance of the Week
Missouri - Losing to Indiana at home 31-27 is never good, much less for an SEC that claims that top to bottom it is better than every other conference. It might be at the top, but the bottom of the SEC is not too spectacular this year.
Last Week's Trivia Answer
Clint Trickett threw for 511 yards in the game against Maryland. Which West Virginia QB holds the record for most passing yards in a game, and which Mountaineer Quarterback holds the record for career passing efficiency?
Yards - Geno Smith, 656 yards, against Baylor, 2012
Passing Efficiency - Pat White 150.08
Trivia Question of the Week
This week is a total two-for. (1) Ameer Abullah set the Nebraska total yardage record in the game against Miami. Whose record did he break? (2) Blake Sims of Alabama had 484 yards of total offense against Florida. Whose record did he break?
Match up(s) to Watch
4. UCLA v. Arizona State - It's time for both of these teams to show us if they are for real or not. But, this game is on at 10:00 EDT, and it is competing with an NFL game? Never mind.
4. Florida State v. North Carolina State - This is a very weak slate of games this week, so the fact that I want to see how the Seminoles respond to the return of Jameis Winston and playing an upstart NC State team. Remember, Florida State has historically had some trouble in Carter-Finley Stadium.
3. Cincinnati v. Ohio State - Cincinnati has not beaten the Buckeyes since 1897, and Tommy Tuberville might be their best chance since Tim Murphy. Ohio State is beatable, as we have seen, and the Bearcats have a lot going for them early this season.
2. Tennessee v. Georgia - Tennessee has recruited well the past few seasons, so they definitely have some athletes. Georgia needs to play with a desperation to avoid falling to 0-2 in conference play.
1. Stanford v. Washington - The Huskies host the Cardinal while sporting a 4-0 record. This is one of those games that could turn a major conference upside-down.
Heisman Watch
Quarterback Edition
Favorite - Marcus Mariota - Oregon - Added 329 yards passing with 5 touchdowns this week against Washington State, and the Ducks needed everyone of them. Also showed the capacity for the big play, throwing for 1 TD of 80 yards and another for 57. Did nothing to slide from the favorite position.
Kenny Hill - Texas A and M - In a blowout in which he did not have to play the entire game, he threw for 265 and added 57 yards rushing. Kenny Football anyone?.
Dark Horse - Connor Halliday - Washington State - Matched Mariota play for play throwing for 436 yards and 4 Touchdowns with no interceptions. He has 1901 yards for the season - which leads the FBS - and 16 TDs. Will not win because the team is so bad.
Falling - Jameis Winston - Florida State University - Team won a close game against a good opponent with him on the bench due to his much publicized suspension for saying "an obscene phrase".
Running Back Edition
Favorite - Todd Gurley -Georgia - A ho-hum game for Gurley because the Bulldogs blew out Troy 66-0. Still finished with 73 yards on only 6 carries, and he still has not had more than 20 carries in a game.
Rising - Ameer Abdullah - Nebraska - He had 229 yards and 2 touchdowns as Abdullah, and the Cornhusker offensive line, totally dominated their win against Miami. He has 625 yards rushing for the year - second in the FBS, despite being the only true offensive threat for Nebraska.
Sleeper -Tevin Coleman - Indiana - Third in the FBS in rushing yards having gained 569 yards, on 26 less carries than Abdullah and 44 less carries that Pittsburgh's James Conner (699 yards).
Wide Receiver Edition
Amari Cooper - Alabama - Leads the FBS in receptions (43) and yards (655) yards, including torching Florida and the supposedly All-American candidate Vernon Hargreaves III for 201 this past week. Easily the best wide receiver in the country.
Kevin White - West Virginia - .Second to Cooper with 42 receptions and 633 yards.
Nobody else is even worth mentioning.
Defensive Edition
3. Danny Shelton - DT - Washington - Leads the FBS in sacks with 7.
2. Gerod Holliman - S - Louisville - His FBS leading 5 interceptions mean that the Cardinals defense does not miss first round pick Calvin Pryor all that much..
1. Shane Ray - DE - Missouri - Tied for the FBS lead with the aforementioned Danny Shelton with 9 1/2 tackles for loss
Although, truth be told, I am still waiting for a defender to really put his individual mark on this season.
Player to Watch
Melvin Gordon - RB - Wisconsin - He had 253 yards rushing and 5 Touchdowns, on only 13 carries against an easily overmatched Bowling Green. Still, the Badgers are finally using Gordon when they need him, instead of overlooking him like they did in the fourth quarter of the LSU game.
My New Favorite Player
Dak Prescott - QB - Mississippi State - Prescott was absolutely outstanding in the Bulldogs victory AT LSU. He threw for for 268 yards with 2 TDs and 0 Interceptions, and also rushed for 105 yards a touchdown, putting the SEC West on notice for the rest of the season.
Players of the Week
This section will be more week specific as the season goes forward, but for the first week, it is hard to differentiate the players of the week from the players of the season, as the season has only lasted 1 week.
5. Anu Soloman - Arizona - The freshman quarterback threw for 520 yards with 5 TDs, albeit with 2 interceptions, in Arizona's 49-45 victory over Cal. Arizona quietly sits at 4-0, and although not likely to challenge for the conference title, could very well determine who does win by beating a favorite or two.
4. Samaje Perine - Oklahoma - The freshman rushed for 242 yards and 4 touchdowns on 34 carries in the Sooners victory over West Virginia. His career total before this game was 32 carries and 1 touchdown.
3. Melvin Gordon - Wisconsin - Thoroughly dominated Bowling Green. Also see Abdullah, Ameer.
2. Amari Cooper - Alabama - It was as if the Florida secondary was standing still.
1. Dak Prescott - Mississippi State - Really good stats, but more importantly, played great in a tough game, against a great opponent, in one of the hardest stadiums in which to play.
Goat of the Week (Player Edition)
Ammon Lakip - K - Clemson - Missed two field goals that would have won the game for the Tigers in Tallahassee. One was from short range.
Goat of the Week (Coach Edition)
Will Muschamp - Florida - How this team manages to keep Jeff Driskel as the starting quarterback is absolutely astonishing to me.
Predicted Playoffs/Championship Match Ups
Oregon (1) v. Michigan State (4)/Alabama (3) v. Oklahoma (2)
Oregon (1) v. Oklahoma (2)
That is right - no Florida State. As some of the undefeateds fall - and they have to as a bunch of them play each other - Michigan State bounces back into the Top 4 in a weak Big 10.
Rant(s) of the Week
My real rant is going to be about Jameis Winston. Not ranting about him, but ranting about how the college suspending him was utterly ridiculous and more conceived out of a lack of understanding among generations and races. But that, right now, is bouncing around my head as a possible entire new column.
So for now, my rant of the week is as a fan, and not a columnist. How on earth can everyone in the entire stadium, and everyone in the entire television viewing audience know that all Nebraska is going to do is to give the ball to Abdullah (which they did 35 times), and yet the defensive coordinator and other coaches fail to see that and try to do something about it? The coaches can say that it wasn't the scheme, but guess what? IT WAS THE SCHEME!!!!
Under Performance of the Week
Missouri - Losing to Indiana at home 31-27 is never good, much less for an SEC that claims that top to bottom it is better than every other conference. It might be at the top, but the bottom of the SEC is not too spectacular this year.
Last Week's Trivia Answer
Clint Trickett threw for 511 yards in the game against Maryland. Which West Virginia QB holds the record for most passing yards in a game, and which Mountaineer Quarterback holds the record for career passing efficiency?
Yards - Geno Smith, 656 yards, against Baylor, 2012
Passing Efficiency - Pat White 150.08
Trivia Question of the Week
This week is a total two-for. (1) Ameer Abullah set the Nebraska total yardage record in the game against Miami. Whose record did he break? (2) Blake Sims of Alabama had 484 yards of total offense against Florida. Whose record did he break?
Match up(s) to Watch
4. UCLA v. Arizona State - It's time for both of these teams to show us if they are for real or not. But, this game is on at 10:00 EDT, and it is competing with an NFL game? Never mind.
4. Florida State v. North Carolina State - This is a very weak slate of games this week, so the fact that I want to see how the Seminoles respond to the return of Jameis Winston and playing an upstart NC State team. Remember, Florida State has historically had some trouble in Carter-Finley Stadium.
3. Cincinnati v. Ohio State - Cincinnati has not beaten the Buckeyes since 1897, and Tommy Tuberville might be their best chance since Tim Murphy. Ohio State is beatable, as we have seen, and the Bearcats have a lot going for them early this season.
2. Tennessee v. Georgia - Tennessee has recruited well the past few seasons, so they definitely have some athletes. Georgia needs to play with a desperation to avoid falling to 0-2 in conference play.
1. Stanford v. Washington - The Huskies host the Cardinal while sporting a 4-0 record. This is one of those games that could turn a major conference upside-down.
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Ready for Some Football
It is that time of the year again, time for the start of college football. Well, OK, we are two weeks in, but still, we are basically at the beginning. What would the start of college football be without a preseason All-American list? Once again, I am here to give you my preseason All-Americans. As usual, there will be more than 11 a side, to account for the different types of formations (spread, three receiver set, 4-3, 3-4, etc). I explain some of my picks, while others I do not. Why? Because I can. (Starters in capitals).
Offense
QB - MARCUS MARIOTA, Oregon; Jameis Winston, Florida State; Brett Hundley, UCLA - I was right leaving Johnny Manziell off last year's pre-season list despite coming off a Heisman trophy campaign, and I will ultimately be right for not having Winston starting this year. Mariota runs the most dangerous offense in the NCCA, sorry Bryce Petty. Hundley's UCLA could sneak into the playoff at the end of the season.
RB - TODD GURLEY, Georgia; MELVIN GORDON, Wisconsin; Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska; Duke Johnson, Miami - Possibly the easiest position to select multiple starters. Gurley and Gordon are the best in the county hands down. Abdullah showed last week just how he can affect, and turn around, a game. Duke Johnson might be the most exciting player in the country, as he is a threat every time he touches the ball - running, receiving and returning.
WR - AMARI COOPER, Alabama; ANTWAN GOODLEY, Baylor; Tyler Lockett, Kansas State; Rashad Greene, Florida State; Stefon Diggs, Maryland - Cooper is a no-brainer, and Goodley could end with close to a million yards receiving this year. Lockett and Greene are selected over Nelson Agholor of USC because of Lockett's experience being the primary, and only, weapon and Greene's numbers should skyrocket with the loss of all of Florida State's weapons to the NFL. Diggs makes the team for his return capabilities.
TE - NICK O'LEARY, Florida State; O.J. Howard, Alabama - Probably the weakest spot on the team with Eric Ebron, Jace Amaro and Austin Sefarian-Jenkins all going to the NFL, but these two are the best of the lot, and are solid all-around tight ends.
OL - CEDRICK OGBEHI, Texas A and M (T); ANDRUS PEAT, Stanford (T); A.J. CANN, South Carolina (G); TREY JACKSON, Florida State (G); HRONISS GRASU, Oregon (C); Reese Dismukes, Auburn; Brandon Scherff, Iowa - Ogbehi is the latest in a long line of Aggie Tackles, See Matthews, Jake; Joeckel, Luke. Peat makes it because he exhibits the prototypical Stanford toughness that we have come to expect. Grasu might be the hardest name to spell in this list.
Defense
DE - VIC BEASLEY, Clemson; SHILIQUE CALHOUN, Michigan State; Leonard Williams, USC; Robert Nkemdiche, Mississippi - Beasley is one of the easiest selections to this list, while Calhoun leads a particularly tough Spartan defense. Williams and Nkemdiche are both sophomores.
DT - MICHAEL BENNETT, Ohio State; CARL DAVIS, Iowa; Dante Fowler, Jr. Florida - Fowler is not a prototypical tackle, but Will Muschamp likes to line him up there for the speed advantage over interior lineman.
LB - RAMIK WILSON, Georgia; A.J. JOHNSON, Tennessee; DENZEL PERRYMAN, Miami; Myles Jack, UCLA; Eric Striker, Oklahoma; Trey DePriest, Alabama - Wilson led the SEC with 133 tackles (second place had 113), and is likely the leader of the best line backing corps in the country. Jonson and Perryman led their teams with tackles last year, with Johnson having 324 in his career. Jack might be the best two-way player in the country and DePriest is here because every team needs an Alabama linebacker.
CB - IFO EKPE-OLOMU, Oregon; VERNON HARGREAVES, III, Florida; Kendall Fuller, Virginia Tech; P.J. Williams, Florida State - Ekpe-Olomu was an easy pick, and Hargreaves not far behind him. Lots of interceptions would come from this backfield, if they could take the field together.
S - LANDON COLLINS, Alabama; CODY PREWITT, Mississippi; Derron Smith, Fresno State; Kurtis Drummond, Michigan State - The tight ends of the defense, in that this is probably the weakness of the team, and if that is the case, your team is pretty darned good.
Special Teams
K - ROBERTO AGUAYO, Florida State - Nobody else is even close.
P - DREW KASER, Texas A and M - Again, nobody is even really close.
KR/PR - RYAN SWITZER, North Carolina; TY MONTGOMERY, Stanford - With these two guys, along with Duke Johnson and Stefon Diggs on the roster, this team will be scary in the return game.
Offense
QB - MARCUS MARIOTA, Oregon; Jameis Winston, Florida State; Brett Hundley, UCLA - I was right leaving Johnny Manziell off last year's pre-season list despite coming off a Heisman trophy campaign, and I will ultimately be right for not having Winston starting this year. Mariota runs the most dangerous offense in the NCCA, sorry Bryce Petty. Hundley's UCLA could sneak into the playoff at the end of the season.
RB - TODD GURLEY, Georgia; MELVIN GORDON, Wisconsin; Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska; Duke Johnson, Miami - Possibly the easiest position to select multiple starters. Gurley and Gordon are the best in the county hands down. Abdullah showed last week just how he can affect, and turn around, a game. Duke Johnson might be the most exciting player in the country, as he is a threat every time he touches the ball - running, receiving and returning.
WR - AMARI COOPER, Alabama; ANTWAN GOODLEY, Baylor; Tyler Lockett, Kansas State; Rashad Greene, Florida State; Stefon Diggs, Maryland - Cooper is a no-brainer, and Goodley could end with close to a million yards receiving this year. Lockett and Greene are selected over Nelson Agholor of USC because of Lockett's experience being the primary, and only, weapon and Greene's numbers should skyrocket with the loss of all of Florida State's weapons to the NFL. Diggs makes the team for his return capabilities.
TE - NICK O'LEARY, Florida State; O.J. Howard, Alabama - Probably the weakest spot on the team with Eric Ebron, Jace Amaro and Austin Sefarian-Jenkins all going to the NFL, but these two are the best of the lot, and are solid all-around tight ends.
OL - CEDRICK OGBEHI, Texas A and M (T); ANDRUS PEAT, Stanford (T); A.J. CANN, South Carolina (G); TREY JACKSON, Florida State (G); HRONISS GRASU, Oregon (C); Reese Dismukes, Auburn; Brandon Scherff, Iowa - Ogbehi is the latest in a long line of Aggie Tackles, See Matthews, Jake; Joeckel, Luke. Peat makes it because he exhibits the prototypical Stanford toughness that we have come to expect. Grasu might be the hardest name to spell in this list.
Defense
DE - VIC BEASLEY, Clemson; SHILIQUE CALHOUN, Michigan State; Leonard Williams, USC; Robert Nkemdiche, Mississippi - Beasley is one of the easiest selections to this list, while Calhoun leads a particularly tough Spartan defense. Williams and Nkemdiche are both sophomores.
DT - MICHAEL BENNETT, Ohio State; CARL DAVIS, Iowa; Dante Fowler, Jr. Florida - Fowler is not a prototypical tackle, but Will Muschamp likes to line him up there for the speed advantage over interior lineman.
LB - RAMIK WILSON, Georgia; A.J. JOHNSON, Tennessee; DENZEL PERRYMAN, Miami; Myles Jack, UCLA; Eric Striker, Oklahoma; Trey DePriest, Alabama - Wilson led the SEC with 133 tackles (second place had 113), and is likely the leader of the best line backing corps in the country. Jonson and Perryman led their teams with tackles last year, with Johnson having 324 in his career. Jack might be the best two-way player in the country and DePriest is here because every team needs an Alabama linebacker.
CB - IFO EKPE-OLOMU, Oregon; VERNON HARGREAVES, III, Florida; Kendall Fuller, Virginia Tech; P.J. Williams, Florida State - Ekpe-Olomu was an easy pick, and Hargreaves not far behind him. Lots of interceptions would come from this backfield, if they could take the field together.
S - LANDON COLLINS, Alabama; CODY PREWITT, Mississippi; Derron Smith, Fresno State; Kurtis Drummond, Michigan State - The tight ends of the defense, in that this is probably the weakness of the team, and if that is the case, your team is pretty darned good.
Special Teams
K - ROBERTO AGUAYO, Florida State - Nobody else is even close.
P - DREW KASER, Texas A and M - Again, nobody is even really close.
KR/PR - RYAN SWITZER, North Carolina; TY MONTGOMERY, Stanford - With these two guys, along with Duke Johnson and Stefon Diggs on the roster, this team will be scary in the return game.
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