* As a College Football fan nothing is worse than seeing a BCS conference school playing games against teams from the FBS. Sure you may get the occasional Jacksonville State and Appy State glass slipper victories but there are so many more 28+ point victories that come of them. Yes the BCS has instituted that wins over Non-BCS schools do not count toward a teams Win total in the BCS computer systems but they still enhance a teams record. I realize that these games are cash cows for the FBS schools which is why the games will not go away but as a fan I would much rather see more early season conference games or a more enticing out of conference schedule to get the season started.
* Boise State has now been penciled into the title game by 80% of the sports writers in America. This could very well happen but the Broncos are going to need some brakes along the way. First and foremost Boise State must beat OSU at the Smurf in two weeks. This is the lone contest that remains on their schedule that wouldn't require a complete implosion or a some type of point spread scandal to lose. After that Virginia Tech must finish no worse than third in the ACC or have a record of 9 Wins or better. Oregon State must also have a successful season of around 7 to 8 wins. Also the Broncos have no margin for error in any of their conference contest not including Fresno State or Nevada. In the case of those two contest only one of them can a narrow victory be afforded. So let's say that all of these things go the Broncos way, they would still need for two of three from the following: the SEC Champ to lose more than one game, Big 10 Champ to have a loss or the Big 12 Champion to have a loss. If all of the above can be be accomplished then Boise State will have a spot in the Championship game.
* The debate on whether or not Boise State would belong in the title game has already begun. Those who support Boise will look at the win over VT and the possibility of a undefeated season. Those who are against will throw out the "if they played in the.........." argument. No doubt a Week after Week grind would take it's toll on the Broncos but you could counter that hypothetical scenario with the fact that it's highly likely that the talent level of a Boise who played in the SEC would be greater than it's current collection. Regardless the practice is a waste of time that fails to persuade either side. As for my opinion I feel that Boise State is a certain Top 10 team who could mathcup with anyone if given two weeks or more to prepare. If the aforementioned scenario were to happen I believe Boise State would certainly deserve a shot at the title.
* Other than Boise State the theme from Week 1 was some closer than expected outcomes by many of perceived powerhouses. Oklahoma who was predicted by many to win a National Championship only edged Utah State by 7 while Florida and Texas struggled against Miami, OH and Rice. All three schools are amongst the most talented in the country but all have had a major roster overhaul from last season. Texas schedule allows for a greater margin for error as Wyoming awaits. But the Sooners and Gators will be tested this week as FSU travels to Norman while South Florida comes into the Swamp.
* It will be a interesting matchup on Saturday as perhaps the two biggest question marks coming into the season square off when Michigan travels to Notre Dame. Both had impressive wins last week. The emergence of Robinson makes the Michigan offense a true Spread/Option attack that is Rodriguez's stable. While the Hurry-Up Spread attack was a contrast to Weis's "Pro-Style(Pass All the Time) attack. Last seasons contest was a classic and made a legend out of Tate Forcier (Legends don't always last) a year later Forcier doesn't have a job. Weis has been fired and Rich Rod is fighting for his job on a weekly basis.
* With Big East favorite, Pitt's, loss to the Utes on the road the Big East is without a doubt the worst of the Power Conferences. Last week the conference posted a 4-4 record with losses to UK, Utah, Michigan, and Fresno State. That's respectable competition but the Win's came against. Akron, Coastal Carolina, Norfolk State and Stony Broock. You call yourself a BCS conference the NCAA and BCS should step in and strip you of your automatic bid and give it to the MWC or just another at large until you can prove to the Nation that you are at the very least equal to the ACC.
* The two best performances from last week may very well have come from the Pac-10. Arizona handed Toledo a 41-2 home loss(yes I realize it's Toledo) and Oregon narrowly escaped the Lobos 72-0. Throw in Stanfords 50+ point output and USC's 49 plus 2011 could be just as wild and back and forth as the Pac-10 of last season.
* Since today marks the beginning of the NFL season I will give you my predictions on the upcoming season.
- Jay Cutler will be a All-Pro QB even with his 20 INT.
- The sheik Packers Super Bowl pick will be as succesful as last season sheik Super Bowl pick, the Packers.
- Brett Favre's 2011 won't be as magical but Peterson will carry them back into the NFC Championship.
- With Suh and Best on board the Thanksgiving Day Lions game will not make you lose the Turkey.
- Those who used a first round selection on Drew Brees will suffer the same fate as the Saints and will be on the outside looking in come playoff time.
- Michael Turner will lead the leauge in Rushing and the Falcons into the playoffs.
- Jimmy Clausen will take over for Moore by Week 6.
- Bucs battle Rams for worst team in NFC.
- In fear of what Alex Smith will do the 49ers may be the first team ever to routinely punt on anything longer than 3rd and 5. Despite this they will still make the playoffs.
- Pete Carrol's chances of a Postseason berth is slightly less than his former employers.
- News Break: With the Cardinals decision to go with Derrek Anderson expect some regression from last seasons playoff run.
- Bradford's development comes in 4th Quarters down by 20.
- Cowboys Super Bowl abscence ends this season.
- Giants 2009 will be a distant memory a return trip to the playoffs should be expected.
- After years of terrible WR's with the Eagles McNabb looks the repeat the situation.
- The city of Philadelphia and youth movement doesn't seem to mix.
- Steelers go 3-1 with Dixon and return to the playoffs.
- Cinco and Owens set NFL record marks for fines in a season as each week the must top one another.
- Ravens become a team lead by the offense in 2010.
- GM stint with Browns will only accelerate the erosion of Holmgren's resume.
- Their is a fine line between a perenial playoff team and a rebuilding franchise. The Chargers have crossed it.
- Romeo and Charles bring their past success to the Chiefs.
- The Raiders attempt to make a playoff push while Al Davis unintentionally sabotages the team on a daily basis.
- With Tebow in the fold the Broncos become the first Proffesional Sports team approved by God and all religous fractions associated with him.
- The Jaguars countdown to LA begins.
- Any decrease in production by Chris Johnson adds more pressure to Vince Young and a increase in Sports Psychologist in the Nashville area.
- Once again a sheik pick for a playoff spot, once again fall just short thanks to 0-2 mark against Colts.
- Colts once again threaten 14 Wins or more.
- Rex Ryan some how talks himself into the playoffs despite a 8-8 record.
- Brady and Co. can no longer outscore everyone and D isn't up for the challenge.
- Marshall catches 100 passes for 1400 yards and 14 TD's. Dolphins to the playoffs.
- CJ Spiller should be a good watch until the snow falls in Week 4.
AFC East- Dolphins, Patriots, Jets, Bills
AFC North- Ravens, Bengals, Steelers, Browns
AFC South- Colts, Texans, Titans, Jaguars
AFC West- Chiefs, Raiders, Chargers, Broncos
NFC East- Cowboys, Giants, Redskins, Eagles
NFC North- Vikings, Packers, Bears, Lions
NFC South- Falcons, Saints, Panthers, Bucs
NFC West- 49ers, Cardinals, Seahawks, Rams
AFC Playoffs- Dolphins, Ravens, Colts, Chiefs, Bengals, Steelers.
NFC Playoffs- Cowboys, Vikings, Falcons, 49ers, Packers, Giants.
Super Bowl- Colts over Cowboys
* Mark Prior signs a Minor League deal with the Texas Rangers. I hope things go well this time for Prior. Prior has been pitching in a Independent League and has had some success as a RP. So the competition may be a bunch of late 20 and early 30 Minor League outcast Prior still has managed 22K's in just 11 IP which is a solid K/9 for those of you scoring at home. Will Prior ever fulfill the potential he showed during his first three seasons? Not likely, but he could turn into a solid arm in the bullpen.
Ole 45 Trivia Question. Three Pitchers have 10 or more Saves in two leagues in the same season. Can you name them.
Last Weeks Trivia Question and Answer. Five active players have over 250 career HR's and 250 career SB's. Mike Cameron, Carlos Beltran, Alex Rodriguez, Bobby Abreu, Alfonso Soriano.
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