COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREDICTIONS IN '07
With just hours till the kickoff of the 2007 college football season, here are my predictions on what awaits us during the upcoming months…
Games the Irish will win this season? Eight, as Notre Dame shows their "Brut" force down the stretch beating Navy, Air Force, Duke and Stanford grabbing a Sun Bowl win too, the first bowl victory in the Charlie Weis era.
On the Palouse...
At Washington State: Head coach Bill Doba will get himself off the hot seat, following the footsteps of his predecessor Mike Price and have a successful year just as he's about to be sent packing. The Cougs will win eight games including the Armed Forces Bowl.
At Idaho: First-year coach Robb Akey will stick around for his second season at Idaho, marking the first time in a quarter-century that the Vandals will have continuity at the head coaching position.
Dan Hawkins will have his Colorado team playing Division I football this season NOT intramurals! But, redshirt freshman QB Cody Hawkins, the coach's son, and the rest of the Buffs are one year away from actually having an impact.
Bad karma is coming for Alabama and Arizona State. Head coach Nick Saban said he would never take the Alabama job, yet four million reasons a year later, Saban is in Tuscaloosa. The Tide will drop its two biggest games this year losing to LSU and Auburn. Entering last season, coach Dennis Erickson said he was taking a retirement job, ending his career where it all began at Idaho. Eight months later Erickson took another retirement job in the valley of the Sun (I suspect better weather). Expect Rudy Carpenter's sophomore slump to become a permanent slump as the Sun Devils hover around .500.
Hear them meow. The Clemson Tigers will do just enough to keep coach Tommy Bowden around AND on the hot seat. Bowden has won at least eight games in three of the past four seasons; expect four of five.
AP who? That's right Oklahoma fans will forget all about last year's AP (Adrian Peterson), as tailback Allen Patrick runs wild in the Big 12. Sooner Nation will celebrate another conference title.
Hang loose...the Heisman race will come down to a pair of high-octane quarterbacks, Louisville's Brian Brohm and Hawaii's Colt Brennan. Brohm will take home the hardware because of the Island curse of Timmy Chang. Not to mention, the voters won't stay up to watch Brennan play at 3 a.m. on the East coast.
Sophomore QB Tim Tebow, who has only attempted 33 career passes, and the Florida Gators will lose at least three games. There won’t be a repeat-repeat in Gainesville as the year of blue AND orange comes crashing to an end. [see April blog post “Feeling Blue (and Orange)” for more]
Ohio State won’t win the Big Ten title, but they will get close. The Buckeyes will continue to give Michigan fits, stealing a win from the Big House.
AND
USC will lose at least one game and not win the National Championship. I don't believe a quarterback named Booty can win it all. Can you imagine? Booty's self-esteem is probably still affected from grade school.
BCS BOWL PROJECTIONS
Jan.1
Rose Bowl -- USC (Pac-10 champ) over Wisconsin (Big 10 champ)
Sugar Bowl -- Michigan (at-large) over Texas (at-large)
Jan. 2
Fiesta Bowl -- Oklahoma (Big 12 champ) over Hawaii (at-large)
Jan. 3
Orange Bowl -- West Virginia (at-large) over Virginia Tech (ACC champ)
Jan. 7
BCS National Championship -- LSU (BCS No. 1) over Louisville (BCS No. 2)
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Three games in three days
A week ago, I was glowing and it wasn't just because of the California sun. I had completed a baseball pilgrimage attending three games in three days. It was an amazing experience. I watched the Padres, Dodgers and Angels all duel in their respective parks. Little did they know I was taking notes.
Game 1 – Saturday August 18, PETCO Park, San Diego, Calif.
It was a picture perfect day and San Diego was a great place to start.
The seats: Toyota Terrace level, in Section 204
The game: A sellout crowd of 44,272 watched the Houston Astros and their elite pitcher Roy Oswalt start. The game featured defense, defense and more defense. Padres’ outfielder Terrmel Sledge made SportsCenter’s Top 10 for his home run robbing catch in leftfield, but Houston won 3-2.
PETCO’s positives: The environment is a huge plus, there didn’t appear to be a bad seat in the house. The fans were ruckus at times trying to lift their Padres to victory and the fans appreciated the great defensive plays. Going into the bottom of the ninth the Mission Bells appeared, which was a unique symbol to rally behind.
PETCO’s negatives: The seventh inning stretch was a downer as they played a pre-recorded version with singers that drowned out the crowd. Also, the traditional ballpark hot dogs were just so-so. And too much butt rock was played. Maybe, the San Diego fans have a love affair with the 80s, but in my opinion “butt rock” and baseball don’t go together.
Game 2 – Sunday August 19, Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, Calif.
The seats: Infield Lodge Box, Section 140
The game: The division rival Colorado Rockies were in town for the hottest starting temperature of the season. The game felt sleepy, as the two battled for 14 innings the previous night. L.A. coughed up their lead in the top of eighth, only to retake it in the bottom half of the inning. L.A. closer Takashi Saito was the most impressive player, striking out the side with filthy stuff. Dodgers won 4-3.
Dodger Stadium’s positives: The location of the stadium is a huge draw. Dodger Stadium was easy to access and did not feel like it was in the city. The view of the tree-line Elysian hills behind it and San Gabriel Mountains beyond was striking. The fans were very passionate. The crowd of 48,734 was louder and more obnoxious than their San Diego counterparts.
Dodger Stadium’s negatives: The stadium is dated. It was built in 1962 and shows. The main scoreboard needs to be replaced, the seats are noticeably smaller and the men’s restroom had a giant trough. Not to mention the sound from the speakers was muffled. This place needs a facelift desperately.
Game 3 – Monday August 20, Angel Stadium, Anaheim, Calif.
The seats: Field MVP level, Section 125
The game: Another sellout crowd watched as the Angels took on their hated rival from New York, the Yankees. The seesaw game featured lots of offense, but had to be settled in extra innings. Catcher Ryan Budde’s second career hit in the 10th inning earned him his first career RBI as the Angels won 7-6.
Angel Stadium’s positives: The stadium appears to be one of the older parks in professional baseball, but the ten-year-old renovations on the inside are great. One of the nicest features of the stadium is the number of scoreboards, showing everything from pitch counts to out of town scores and player’s stats. The rally monkey commercials were also a bonus.
Angel Stadium’s negatives: The inside of Angel Stadium resembles the outside of a NASCAR racecar. Advertising is plastered everywhere and detracts from the overall experience. You couldn’t even escape the commercial messages between innings as the stadium did an AT&T phone poll giveaway and a Chevy SUV Race on the main scoreboard.
IMPRESSIONS
Again, I had a blast. Baseball is a game for the ages and I would repeat this experience in a heartbeat.
Best Game – This is an easy one, Angels-Yankees. Their rivalry in its current form goes back to the 2002 playoffs, where Anaheim became known as the “Yankee killers.” Watching a walk-off win for the home team is special. Padres-Astros were a close second.
Best Park – This one belongs to the Padres. PETCO Park is in a class of its own in Southern California. The newest baseball stadium in the region provides fans with an intimate experience and showcases the best views of downtown San Diego.
Best Hog Dog – I ate hot dogs at every stadium and surprisingly, the best hot dog I ate was at Angel Stadium. Touted by many as the best hot dog in baseball, the Dodger Dog didn’t live up to all its hype. What made the Angel’s hot dog the best, was the fresh bun.
Best Experience – Even though they sung “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” twice, my best experience was in Angel Stadium. Who doesn’t love extra baseball for free or watching a walk-off win? More importantly who doesn’t love it when the Yankees loose?
Blogger's Note: All photo's are For Pete's Sake originals taken by Pete.
Game 1 – Saturday August 18, PETCO Park, San Diego, Calif.
It was a picture perfect day and San Diego was a great place to start.
The seats: Toyota Terrace level, in Section 204
The game: A sellout crowd of 44,272 watched the Houston Astros and their elite pitcher Roy Oswalt start. The game featured defense, defense and more defense. Padres’ outfielder Terrmel Sledge made SportsCenter’s Top 10 for his home run robbing catch in leftfield, but Houston won 3-2.PETCO’s positives: The environment is a huge plus, there didn’t appear to be a bad seat in the house. The fans were ruckus at times trying to lift their Padres to victory and the fans appreciated the great defensive plays. Going into the bottom of the ninth the Mission Bells appeared, which was a unique symbol to rally behind.
PETCO’s negatives: The seventh inning stretch was a downer as they played a pre-recorded version with singers that drowned out the crowd. Also, the traditional ballpark hot dogs were just so-so. And too much butt rock was played. Maybe, the San Diego fans have a love affair with the 80s, but in my opinion “butt rock” and baseball don’t go together.
Game 2 – Sunday August 19, Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, Calif.
The seats: Infield Lodge Box, Section 140
The game: The division rival Colorado Rockies were in town for the hottest starting temperature of the season. The game felt sleepy, as the two battled for 14 innings the previous night. L.A. coughed up their lead in the top of eighth, only to retake it in the bottom half of the inning. L.A. closer Takashi Saito was the most impressive player, striking out the side with filthy stuff. Dodgers won 4-3.
Dodger Stadium’s positives: The location of the stadium is a huge draw. Dodger Stadium was easy to access and did not feel like it was in the city. The view of the tree-line Elysian hills behind it and San Gabriel Mountains beyond was striking. The fans were very passionate. The crowd of 48,734 was louder and more obnoxious than their San Diego counterparts.Dodger Stadium’s negatives: The stadium is dated. It was built in 1962 and shows. The main scoreboard needs to be replaced, the seats are noticeably smaller and the men’s restroom had a giant trough. Not to mention the sound from the speakers was muffled. This place needs a facelift desperately.
Game 3 – Monday August 20, Angel Stadium, Anaheim, Calif.
The seats: Field MVP level, Section 125
The game: Another sellout crowd watched as the Angels took on their hated rival from New York, the Yankees. The seesaw game featured lots of offense, but had to be settled in extra innings. Catcher Ryan Budde’s second career hit in the 10th inning earned him his first career RBI as the Angels won 7-6.
Angel Stadium’s positives: The stadium appears to be one of the older parks in professional baseball, but the ten-year-old renovations on the inside are great. One of the nicest features of the stadium is the number of scoreboards, showing everything from pitch counts to out of town scores and player’s stats. The rally monkey commercials were also a bonus.
Angel Stadium’s negatives: The inside of Angel Stadium resembles the outside of a NASCAR racecar. Advertising is plastered everywhere and detracts from the overall experience. You couldn’t even escape the commercial messages between innings as the stadium did an AT&T phone poll giveaway and a Chevy SUV Race on the main scoreboard.IMPRESSIONS
Again, I had a blast. Baseball is a game for the ages and I would repeat this experience in a heartbeat.
Best Game – This is an easy one, Angels-Yankees. Their rivalry in its current form goes back to the 2002 playoffs, where Anaheim became known as the “Yankee killers.” Watching a walk-off win for the home team is special. Padres-Astros were a close second.
Best Park – This one belongs to the Padres. PETCO Park is in a class of its own in Southern California. The newest baseball stadium in the region provides fans with an intimate experience and showcases the best views of downtown San Diego.Best Hog Dog – I ate hot dogs at every stadium and surprisingly, the best hot dog I ate was at Angel Stadium. Touted by many as the best hot dog in baseball, the Dodger Dog didn’t live up to all its hype. What made the Angel’s hot dog the best, was the fresh bun.
Best Experience – Even though they sung “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” twice, my best experience was in Angel Stadium. Who doesn’t love extra baseball for free or watching a walk-off win? More importantly who doesn’t love it when the Yankees loose?
Blogger's Note: All photo's are For Pete's Sake originals taken by Pete.
Monday, August 27, 2007
FPS College Football Preview (Part 5)
POTENTIAL CONFERENCE SPOILERS IN '07
ACC - None
It's hard to have a spoiler, when the ACC doesn't even have a clear favorite. The Tech school's (Virginia and Georgia) should finish toward the top of the standings. Aside from them it’s a cluster of mediocrity. One team that might surprise a few people is Maryland. The offensive line should be one of the best in league and the receiving corps might be the fastest in the ACC. The Terps D-line should be improved and they have a plethora of athletic linebackers to play in their 3-4 scheme. Fear the Turtle in ’07.
Big Ten - Purdue
No one in the Big Ten put up more yards than Purdue last season.
But, the Boilermakers struggled to put up points at times last season mustering only a combined 20 in losses to Iowa, Wisconsin and Penn State. Don't expect them to struggle again. The offense should be nearly unstoppable with all the skill players’ back including QB Curtis Painter, wide receivers Dorien Bryant and Greg Orton and RB Kory Sheets. Purdue's defense has to create pressure up front, but the return of all four players in the secondary should help the unit. The Boilermakers host Notre Dame, Ohio State and miss Wisconsin this year. Anything less than eight wins will be a major disappointment.
Big 12 - Oklahoma State
The Cowboys return a wealth of talent, including most of the skill players from an offense that averaged 35 points a game last season. QB Bobby Reid and WR Adarius Bowman are joined by a 1-2 rushing punch of Dantrell Savage (great name) and Keith Toston, who are among the fastest backs in the nation. The defense is lead by a solid group of linebackers and should be good enough to help the offense. Look out as the Horns travel to Stillwater in November.
Big East - Pitt
Dave Wannstedt has produced quality-recruiting classes, enough that Pitt should be contending with other Big East heavyweights. However, they have done anything but contend the past two years. The Panthers suffered a setback losing top wide receiver Derek Kinder to a right ACL tear. The defense should be improved, after giving up 45 or more points in Pitt's final three games last season. If Wannstedt can get this wild-card group off to a 6-1 or 7-0 start, watch out.
Pac 10 - Oregon
Since 2002, Oregon has gone 8-14 after Oct. 31. But there's reason to hope again in Eugene. The last time Oregon lost six games in a season, they responded by going 10-2 the following year. Running back's Jonathan Stewart and Jeremiah Johnson will provide a formidable punch out of the backfield. QB Dennis Dixon must mature, but he's talented enough to lead this team to eight or nine wins. Plus the Ducks get Cal, USC and Arizona State in Autzen. It's hard to phantom they won't win at least one of those games.
SEC - Kentucky
The Wildcats were a surprise team last season, winning eight games and stealing the Music City Bowl from Clemson. QB Andre' Woodson had the skill set to go pro last season, but came back for his senior season. Kentucky's offense averaged 33 points a game last season, minus the three games against SEC elites, Florida, LSU and Tennessee where they put a combined 19 points. The Cats will host get to host those SEC elites this season, which means nine wins might not be out the of question.
Blogger's note: Top photo - Purdue QB Curtis Painter threw for 3,985 yards and 22 touchdowns last season. Painter, who begins the season on the Manning Award watch list, must limit his turnovers in 2007. Bottom photo - University of Oregon’s Autzen Stadium on game day, Autzen is one of the toughest places for visiting teams to play. Photos courtesy of athlonsports.com and uoregon.edu.
ACC - None
It's hard to have a spoiler, when the ACC doesn't even have a clear favorite. The Tech school's (Virginia and Georgia) should finish toward the top of the standings. Aside from them it’s a cluster of mediocrity. One team that might surprise a few people is Maryland. The offensive line should be one of the best in league and the receiving corps might be the fastest in the ACC. The Terps D-line should be improved and they have a plethora of athletic linebackers to play in their 3-4 scheme. Fear the Turtle in ’07.
Big Ten - Purdue
No one in the Big Ten put up more yards than Purdue last season.
But, the Boilermakers struggled to put up points at times last season mustering only a combined 20 in losses to Iowa, Wisconsin and Penn State. Don't expect them to struggle again. The offense should be nearly unstoppable with all the skill players’ back including QB Curtis Painter, wide receivers Dorien Bryant and Greg Orton and RB Kory Sheets. Purdue's defense has to create pressure up front, but the return of all four players in the secondary should help the unit. The Boilermakers host Notre Dame, Ohio State and miss Wisconsin this year. Anything less than eight wins will be a major disappointment. Big 12 - Oklahoma State
The Cowboys return a wealth of talent, including most of the skill players from an offense that averaged 35 points a game last season. QB Bobby Reid and WR Adarius Bowman are joined by a 1-2 rushing punch of Dantrell Savage (great name) and Keith Toston, who are among the fastest backs in the nation. The defense is lead by a solid group of linebackers and should be good enough to help the offense. Look out as the Horns travel to Stillwater in November.
Big East - Pitt
Dave Wannstedt has produced quality-recruiting classes, enough that Pitt should be contending with other Big East heavyweights. However, they have done anything but contend the past two years. The Panthers suffered a setback losing top wide receiver Derek Kinder to a right ACL tear. The defense should be improved, after giving up 45 or more points in Pitt's final three games last season. If Wannstedt can get this wild-card group off to a 6-1 or 7-0 start, watch out.
Pac 10 - Oregon
Since 2002, Oregon has gone 8-14 after Oct. 31. But there's reason to hope again in Eugene. The last time Oregon lost six games in a season, they responded by going 10-2 the following year. Running back's Jonathan Stewart and Jeremiah Johnson will provide a formidable punch out of the backfield. QB Dennis Dixon must mature, but he's talented enough to lead this team to eight or nine wins. Plus the Ducks get Cal, USC and Arizona State in Autzen. It's hard to phantom they won't win at least one of those games.SEC - Kentucky
The Wildcats were a surprise team last season, winning eight games and stealing the Music City Bowl from Clemson. QB Andre' Woodson had the skill set to go pro last season, but came back for his senior season. Kentucky's offense averaged 33 points a game last season, minus the three games against SEC elites, Florida, LSU and Tennessee where they put a combined 19 points. The Cats will host get to host those SEC elites this season, which means nine wins might not be out the of question.
Blogger's note: Top photo - Purdue QB Curtis Painter threw for 3,985 yards and 22 touchdowns last season. Painter, who begins the season on the Manning Award watch list, must limit his turnovers in 2007. Bottom photo - University of Oregon’s Autzen Stadium on game day, Autzen is one of the toughest places for visiting teams to play. Photos courtesy of athlonsports.com and uoregon.edu.
Friday, August 24, 2007
FPS College Football Preview (Part 4)
POTENTIAL BCS CRASHERS IN '07
THESE ARE TEAMS FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF UTAH AND BOISE, AWAITING THEIR CHANCE TO SLAY COLLEGE FOOTBALL’S GIANTS.
TCU -- Had the current BCS rules been in place from the start, TCU would have already made two appearances in 2000 and 2005. However, the Horned Frogs have the team to do it this year.
TCU's defense last year can be summed up with two words, total dominance. TCU was second nationally in total defense (they allowed 12.3 points and 235 yards per game), second in rush defense, third in scoring defense and 15th in sacks. Nine starters are returning including defensive end's Tommy Blake and Chase Ortiz. The two should cause offensive lines and quarterbacks all sorts of problems.
Two year's ago the Horned Frogs made a splash by upsetting Oklahoma. They have the speed, athleticism and depth on defense to make even a bigger splash. If TCU goes 11-1, with an early loss at Texas, they still could crash the party.
Key games: Sept. 8 at Texas, Nov. 8 at BYU
Hawaii -- Quarterback Colt Brennan leads a high-octane offense that will score in droves. Hawaii must find a replacement in the backfield at running back to help Brennan. Defensively, the Warriors are reportedly going back to a 4-3 base, but will continue to be aggressive and try to force big plays. With seven starters returning, the D should be more productive than last year.
With that in mind, Hawaii has as good a chance as any to undefeated this season. Yet talk is already beginning that Hawaii's schedule will hold them out of a BCS game. Hang on; if Hawaii goes 12-0 they deserve to go to a BCS bowl here's why...
Last year's party crasher, Boise State, made it to a BCS game with an underwhelming schedule.
The Broncos hosted Sacramento State, a I-AA team, who finished with a 4-7 record and then hosted the Beavers of Oregon State (Pac-10). But, the Oregon State game was deceptively hard.
The Beavs finished 3rd in a tough conference. However, they started slowly, 2-3 in their first five games. The two wins came over I-AA Eastern Washington and perennial punching bag Idaho. Their losses came at Boise and then they dropped two games at home, a 28-point shellacking by Cal and seven-point loss to Washington State. Boise State played a very different Oregon State team.
The Broncos also visited two Mountain West schools; Wyoming who finished the year 6-6 and Utah finished 7-5 and went on to win in its bowl appearance.
Going back to Hawaii, the WAC should be a better conference top to bottom this year. New Mexico State's offense is for real and San Jose State is improving. Hawaii potentially finishes with four quality opponents in Fresno State, Nevada, Boise State and Washington. People know this is a tough Hawaii squad so don't count out the fact they may not have been able to schedule bigger-name opponents.
The Warriors are for real and hopefully will be given a chance to showcase their talent in a BCS Bowl, if they earn the honors.
Key games: Nov. 16 at Nevada, Nov. 23 vs. Boise State
Blogger's note: Tommy Blake celebrates after sacking Lobo quarterback Donovan Porterie last season. Blake begins the 2007 season on several award watch lists including Walter Camp, Lombardi and Bednarik. Photo courtesy of The Albuquerque Tribune.
THESE ARE TEAMS FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF UTAH AND BOISE, AWAITING THEIR CHANCE TO SLAY COLLEGE FOOTBALL’S GIANTS.
TCU -- Had the current BCS rules been in place from the start, TCU would have already made two appearances in 2000 and 2005. However, the Horned Frogs have the team to do it this year.
TCU's defense last year can be summed up with two words, total dominance. TCU was second nationally in total defense (they allowed 12.3 points and 235 yards per game), second in rush defense, third in scoring defense and 15th in sacks. Nine starters are returning including defensive end's Tommy Blake and Chase Ortiz. The two should cause offensive lines and quarterbacks all sorts of problems. Two year's ago the Horned Frogs made a splash by upsetting Oklahoma. They have the speed, athleticism and depth on defense to make even a bigger splash. If TCU goes 11-1, with an early loss at Texas, they still could crash the party.
Key games: Sept. 8 at Texas, Nov. 8 at BYU
Hawaii -- Quarterback Colt Brennan leads a high-octane offense that will score in droves. Hawaii must find a replacement in the backfield at running back to help Brennan. Defensively, the Warriors are reportedly going back to a 4-3 base, but will continue to be aggressive and try to force big plays. With seven starters returning, the D should be more productive than last year.
With that in mind, Hawaii has as good a chance as any to undefeated this season. Yet talk is already beginning that Hawaii's schedule will hold them out of a BCS game. Hang on; if Hawaii goes 12-0 they deserve to go to a BCS bowl here's why...
Last year's party crasher, Boise State, made it to a BCS game with an underwhelming schedule.
The Broncos hosted Sacramento State, a I-AA team, who finished with a 4-7 record and then hosted the Beavers of Oregon State (Pac-10). But, the Oregon State game was deceptively hard.
The Beavs finished 3rd in a tough conference. However, they started slowly, 2-3 in their first five games. The two wins came over I-AA Eastern Washington and perennial punching bag Idaho. Their losses came at Boise and then they dropped two games at home, a 28-point shellacking by Cal and seven-point loss to Washington State. Boise State played a very different Oregon State team.
The Broncos also visited two Mountain West schools; Wyoming who finished the year 6-6 and Utah finished 7-5 and went on to win in its bowl appearance.
Going back to Hawaii, the WAC should be a better conference top to bottom this year. New Mexico State's offense is for real and San Jose State is improving. Hawaii potentially finishes with four quality opponents in Fresno State, Nevada, Boise State and Washington. People know this is a tough Hawaii squad so don't count out the fact they may not have been able to schedule bigger-name opponents.
The Warriors are for real and hopefully will be given a chance to showcase their talent in a BCS Bowl, if they earn the honors.
Key games: Nov. 16 at Nevada, Nov. 23 vs. Boise State
Blogger's note: Tommy Blake celebrates after sacking Lobo quarterback Donovan Porterie last season. Blake begins the 2007 season on several award watch lists including Walter Camp, Lombardi and Bednarik. Photo courtesy of The Albuquerque Tribune.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
FPS College Football Preview (Part 3)
TITLE SLEEPERS IN '07
LURKING IN THE SHADOWS OF THE FAVORITES, THESE ARE THE TEAMS POISED WITH AN UPSET TO BECOME THE FAVORITES.
Louisville/West Virginia -- The verdict is still out on the "new" Big East, even after the conference went 5-0 during bowl games last season. Between the two top teams there are three Heisman hopefuls in quarterbacks Brian Brohm (Louisville) and Pat White (WVU) and running back Steve Slaton (WVU). New Louisville head coach Steve Kragthorpe is a rising star in the coaching world and inherits a fast athletic defense along with a potent offense. West Virginia head coach Rich Rodriguez has built a program in Morgantown that is beginning to expect championships every year. The Mountaineers were the trendy pick to challenge for the national title in 2006. Expect the winner of this November showdown to challenge for the national title.Key game: Nov. 8 Louisville at West Virginia
Ohio State -- Just when people write off Jim Tressel and the Buckeyes, they suddenly surprise us. Well, don't be surprised anymore. The Buckeyes will be good again in 2007. All they have done the past five seasons is win 55 games, rack up four bowl victories and play for two national championships. Using what happened in Glendale as motivation, a 41-14 humiliation by Florida, the Buckeyes should be hungrier than ever. The defense is championship caliber and could very well position Ohio State for another title run.
Key games: Oct. 6 at Purdue, Oct. 27 at Penn State, Nov. 3 vs. Wisconsin, Nov. 17 at Michigan
UCLA -- The Bruins ecstasy after upsetting USC was followed up by devastation after a 44-27 thumping by Florida State in the Emerald Bowl. UCLA was scary at times but inconsistent during a mediocre 7-6 campaign in 2006. The 2007 Bruins return ten starters on a defense and 12 players with significant starting experience on offense. If QB Ben Olsen lives up to his pre-college hype, UCLA could turn a few heads on their way to big things.
Key games: Sept. 29 at Oregon State, Oct. 20 vs. Cal, Dec. 1 at USC
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