OU Going to Miami

This is a preview of OU going to Miami for the BCS National Championship Game and the decision I faced in whether to go to Miami or not.

Nate Feken’s BCS Bowls Preview

BCS CHAMPIONSHIP – Miami, Fl / Jan. 8, 2009 / on FOX @ 7 p.m.

Breakdown:

This is one of most exciting matchups for the BCS Championship in the last couple of years.  This will be the first matchup ever between the Florida Gators and Oklahoma Sooners.  This game also features the past two years Heisman trophy winners in Florida’s Tim Tebow and Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford.

If you don’t think winning championships isn’t about turnovers than the stats say differently.  These two teams are at the top of the country when it comes to turnover margin.  Securing the ball and taking it away from their opponents has really paid off for these two teams.

Oklahoma comes into this contest after winning the Big 12 Championship due to BCS rankings, while Florida comes in after a 31-20 win over previous BCS number one Alabama.

Both teams have two of their star offensive players recovering from injuries.  Florida lost star athlete Percy Harvin during the Florida State game to a sprained ankle.  While he was not available for the team during the SEC championship, they will most likely have him for the National Championship.  Conversely, Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford tore ligaments in his non-throwing hand during the Bedlam game.  Bradford was able to play fine during the Big 12 Championship and had surgery the next day to completely repair the injury.  The Heisman trophy winner should be fine for the big game and missed about 10 days of work.

Bob Stoops’ squad will look to break Oklahoma’s recent trend of losing four straight BCS games.  Stoops will look to get his nickname of “Big Game Bob” back with the school’s eighth National Championship.  The Sooners have focused their season on finishing it out with a bowl game win and look to do so.  Sam Bradford has led the Sooner offense to a record breaking season.  They have scored 702 points this season, a modern day NCAA record.  OU set another NCAA record by scoring 60 or more points in their last five games.  Will Broyles Award winner Kevin Wilson keep the offense going against a top notch Gator defense?  Running back Demarco Murray will have season ending surgery due to a hamstring tear and miss the game.  Chris Brown and third string tailback Mossis Madu will have to have a big game to provide a solid rushing attack for Oklahoma.

Brent Venables’ Sooner defense has been suspect against spread teams this year, but has greatly improved over the course of the season.  They will have the huge task of slowing down the one of the fastest offenses in the country.  Despite loosing two starting middle linebackers this season, the Oklahoma linebackers have stepped big time down the stretch.

Florida will have an issue on offense, due to the fact that coordinator Dan Mullen has taken the Mississippi State job.  Mullen will coach and call the game for the Gators, but you can count that his mind will not be completely with Florida.  Although, Tim Tebow looks more committed than any other player I have ever seen to leading his team to another championship.

Charlie Srong’s Gator defense will look to stop Oklahoma’s nearly unstoppable offense.  His defense is no push over as they rank no worse than 19^th in all four major defensive categories.  The Gators will have the tough job of shutting down OU’s playmakers in the passing game.  While their secondary is very talented the group is very young, featuring three sophomores and a true freshman.

This should be a shootout and one great ball game.  This year’s National Championship will showcase SEC speed versus perhaps the Big 12’s fastest squad.  Both squads will field some of the best playmakers in the country and lots of NFL prospects.  Nobody has been able to stop the Oklahoma offense this year and I think this will be just too much for Tebow and the Gators to keep up with.  Florida’s speed and execution should keep them in it, but I don’t think they can do it for four quarters.  Look for OU to come out clicking early as they have all year and win the school’s eighth National Championship.

Advantage: Oklahoma

Players to Watch:

Oklahoma

QB #14, Sam Bradford: he will look to shake the Heisman jinks of losing in bowl games, he will also be recovering from surgery to his non-throwing hand, despite these issues he has played at an astonishing level, has 4464 yards passing/48 TDs (1^st NCAA) to only 6 INTs, has thrown for a deadly accurate 186.28 qb rating (1^st NCAA)

RB #17, Mossis Madu: the OU third string running back has mainly played mop-up duty, but he will have to step up big in the place of Demarco Murray, except for the Big 12 Championship where he had 15 carries for 144 yards/3 TDs, he has 463 yards/6 TDs on the year

CB # 15, Dominique Franks: has been a true ball hawk for OU’s defense, will need to come up big to slow down the Gator’s speed on the perimeter and force turnovers, has 39 tackles, 4 INTs for 52 return yards and a TD, 10 pass break ups, has a 39 yard fumble return for a TD too

Florida

ATH #1, Percy Harvin: after being out in their last game, will his ankle be 100%? will Florida have their best playmaker back for good? he is one of those players that people hold their breath every time he touches the ball, has 538 rushing yards/9 TDs/8.8 yard per carry, also has 595 receiving yards/7 TDs/ 17 yards per catch

CB #29, Janoris Jenkins: this true frosh has been very impressive this season as one of the Gators starting corners, but will he be able to handle the pressure of the season’s biggest game and probably being targeted quite a bit by Kevin Wilson, has 34 tackles, 3 INTs, 11 pass break ups

CB #5, Joe Haden: this other young corner for the Gators is a star in the making, will he be able to stop OU’s plethora of weapons, he will have a long night against the OU passing attack, can he pick off the unflappable Sam Bradford? has 77 tackles (2^nd on the team), 3 INTs for 136 yards, 10 pass break ups, a recovered fumble, and a blocked kick

FIESTA BOWL – Glendale, AZ / Jan. 5, 2009 / on FOX @ 7 p.m.

Breakdown:

This game features yet another team that just missed out on the National Championship, in the Texas Longhorns.  Their opponent will be the Ohio State Buckeyes, a team that worked their way into the BCS with an at large bid.

Texas’ conference title hopes came down to a fifth tie breaker in the Big 12, which is determined by the BCS rankings.  Mack Brown’s horns missed going to their leagues title game by .0128 of a point in the BCS rankings to the Oklahoma Sooners.  After missing out on their conference and national championship hopes the Longhorns look to be pumped up to finish up an impressive season.

Ohio State comes into the BCS this year trying to break a trend of being embarrassed against top notch competition the past couple years.  The Buckeyes have been dismantled in the past two National Championship games by two SEC teams.  They have people believing that the Big Ten conference’s “inferior speed” is no longer able to matchup with the nation’s best.

Longhorn offensive coordinator Greg Davis brings in one of his most potent offenses during his tenure.  Colt McCoy has been deadly accurate this year to Jordan Shipley and Quan Cosby.  They will have to play against a star studded Buckeye defense that is in the top 10 in four defensive categories, including 11^th in pass defense.

Ohio State has put their offensive hopes on the shoulders of true freshman Terrelle Pryor this year.  He should remind Longhorn fans of former quarterback Vince Young.  For the most part Pryor has played like anything but a true frosh.  Will young Pryor and running back Chris “Beanie” Wells be able to run the ball against a Texas defense that ranks second in the country against the run?  Pryor will most likely spend the game making some of his impressive scrambles against Brian Orakpo and gang, who lead the nation in sacks.

These two teams actually played back in 2006, when the Buckeyes went in to Austin and beat the Longhorns 24-7 in Colt McCoy’s second start.  Colt and team should have a much different game this year as things are much different now.  UT’s offense has been too efficient this year and will be able to score and win against Tressel’s Buckeyes.  USC has already exposed the Buckeyes earlier this year and I feel Texas should do the same in this one.

Advantage: Texas

Players to Watch:
Texas

DE #98, Brian Orakpo: the man they call “Osackpo” and the Lombardi award winner for best lineman will give Pryor and co. nightmares all game long, will log a lot of time in the Buckeye backfield, has 40 tackles, 10.5 sacks (6^th NCAA), 18 tackles for a loss (11^th NCAA), and 4 forced fumbles (3^rd NCAA)

QB #12, Colt McCoy: the Heisman trophy runner up looks to continue to lead his offense and run it at an unworldly efficiency, he is not only the team’s passing leader but leads the team in rushing as well, has 576 rushing yards and 10 TDs, 3445 yards and 32 TDs to 7 INTs, leads team to 335.1 yards of total offense a game

RB #31, Cody Johnson: this 255 lb. running back has been a force in short yardage and goal line situations, he should come up big against a stingy Ohio State defense, he leads the team in rushing TDs with 12, has 376 rushing yards, but has lost ONLY three yards all year

Ohio State

QB #2, Terrelle Pryor: he must continue to NOT play like a true frosh in order to get his team into the end zone, UT has been susceptible to the pass this year and Pryor must not force any passes during this one, can easily make big play with his feet or arm, has 553 rushing yards/6 TDs, 1245 passing yards/12 TDs to 4 INTs

LB #33, James Laurinitis: where isn’t this guy on defense? after all his dad was the former professional wrestler the Animal, just look for this guy to be all over the field making plays, has 121 tackles (leads the team), 4 sacks, 2 INTs, and 4 pass break ups

CB #2, Malcolm Jenkins: the Thorpe winner for best defensive back in the nation, is one of the best corners in the country, look for him to shut down Shipley and Cosby, watch for the Longhorns to stay away from this guy’s side of the field, has 54 tackles, 3 INTs, 9 pass break ups, and 3.5 tackles for a loss

ORANGE BOWL – Miami, Fl / Jan. 1, 2009 / on FOX @ 7:30 p.m.

Breakdown:

The 2009 Orange Bowl features a veteran Virginia Tech team against the new age Cincinnati Bearcats.

This will be Cinci’s first New Years day bowl since 1951.  Virginia Tech on the other hand, is much more experienced in “major” bowls playing in five of them in their history.

The Hokies actually played in the Orange Bowl just last year but ended up losing 24-21 to Kansas.  Frank Beamer’s team also must buck a disturbing trend for the Atlantic Coastal Conference; as their league has lost its last eight BCS games.

Theses two teams do have a recent history together, which could make for an interesting matchup.  They played just two years ago in Blacksburg and Va. Tech won by a score of 29-13.

Due to both team’s stellar defenses I expect this to be a low scoring battle.  Bud Foster’s “lunch pail” defense is ranked seventh in total defense in the NCAA and is always be prepared for their opponent.  While Utah’s defense, which ranks 26^th in the NCAA will look to keep it close.  The Utes will match up against an anemic Hokie offense that ranks 105^th nationally.

Tech’s defense and speed should be too much for the Bearcats to handle.  I feel the Hokie’s experience in Miami last year should prove valuable and help to reverse their Orange Bowl fate from a year ago.

Advantage: Virginia Tech

Players to Watch:

Virginia Tech

CB #1, Victor “Macho” Harris: will look to provide big plays against Brian Kelly’s spread passing attack and shut down the Bearcat’s playmaking receivers, has 6 INTs (5^th NCAA)/ 142 yards/2 TDs, 234 punt return yards, 44 tackles, 13 passes defended, and 2 forced fumbles

TE #8, Greg Boone: provides huge spark for Va. Tech’s offense, will need to make plays to keep his team’s offense going, he even has his own “wildcat” package which lets him take over the offense and it is often used in short yardage situations, has 19 catches for 237 yards/2 TDs, 57 rushing yards and a rushing TD

QB #5, Tyrod Taylor: has helped turn around Hokies season since taking over for Sean Glennon early in the season, has been susceptible to turnovers but must limit them to lead team to Orange Bowl victory, look for him to make plays with both his arm and legs, has 896 passing yards/57% completions/2TDs to 6 INTs, but has 691 yards rushing and 6 TDs

Cincinnati

WR #1, Mardy Gilyard: this guy is just a football player, I’ve seen this guy in person and he can break a game wide open in a heartbeat, ranks 18^th in all-purpose yards in NCAA, has 1118 receiving yards/10 TDs, 897 kick return yards/2 TDs including a 100 yarder/ has 28.03 yard average (9^th NCAA)

DB #6, DeAngelo Smith: one of the Bearcats preseason All-Americans with fellow DB Mike Mickens, will look to try and frustrate Tyrod Taylor and force some INTs, has 50 tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss, 2 INTs, 11 passes broken up, and a forced fumble

QB #15, Tony Pike: after the team went through several quarterbacks this year, Pike has given the Bearcats enough relief to not only win games but the Big East conference, the Cincinnati native must continue to run his offense and protect the ball against the Hokies, has 2168 passing yards/18 TDs to 7 INTs, throws for 197 yards a game

ROSE BOWL – Pasadena, Ca / Jan. 1, 2009 / on ABC @ 3:30 p.m.

Breakdown:

This game features two coaching icons from two different times in a battle for conference and national pride.

A resurgent Penn State program led by Joe Paterno comes into this game one made field goal away from the National Championship.  Pete Carroll’s Southern Cal squad had only one setback on the year as well, a tough 27-21 road loss to Oregon State.

Both coaches bring some of their better teams of recent years into this game, after experiencing two great seasons.

Penn State has installed their new spread HD offense that has helped bring Penn State back into the national spotlight.  Daryll Clark has done a fine job of leading the Nittany Lion offense to rank 15^th nationally in total offense.

USC has perhaps Pete Carroll’s best defense during his tenure and has absolutely dominated their competition this year.  This year’s Trojan defense ranks in the top five in the NCAA in five team defensive stats and is number one in scoring defense.

Team experience will be the deciding factor in this ball game.  Penn State is in their first Rose Bowl since 1995, and is in their first BCS game since beating Florida State 26-23 back in 2006.  On the other hand USC has played in the “Grandaddy of them all” in five of the last six years, winning in 2003, 2006, and 2007.

Playing SC in Los Angeles against one of the best defenses in the country will prove to be too much to handle for Penn State.  The Trojans just have too many playmakers and speed in all facets of the game for the Nittany Lions to hold back.  Look for SC to win their third straight Rose Bowl and make a big statement in the process.

Advantage: Southern Cal

Players to Watch:

Penn State

DE #59, Aaron Maybin: this 1^st team Walter Camp All-American, will try to put the heat on the Trojan’s “stable” of running backs and qb Mark Sanchez, has 45 tackles, 19 tackles for a loss for 92 yards, 12 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles

WR #2, Derrick Williams: a true all-purpose threat, has to make plays to help PSU move the ball, and help on special teams with field position, has 226 rushing yards/3 TDs, 451 receiving yards/3 TDs, 169 punt return yards/TD, 486 kick return yards/2 TDs

QB #17, Daryll Clark: this junior signal caller is a true leader of his squad, must keep control of the game against the Trojan’s speedy hard hitting defense, needs to get the ball to his playmaking WRs and RB Evan Royster, has led their offense to only 13 turnovers all year, can run the ball well too, has 265 rushing yards/9 TDs (2^nd on team), 2319 passing yards 17 TDs/4 INTs, 60% completions

Southern Cal

LB #58, Rey Mualuga: the Bednarik award winner, is an animal on defense, look for Rey to give the HD spread and Clark fits on offense, can change a ball game by himself, is 1^st on the team with 73 tackles, has 2 INTs with one taken back for a TD, has 2.5 tackles for a loss

DB #7, Cary Harris: look for this ball hawking db to disrupt the Nittany Lions passing attack and lock down their stellar receivers, has 33 tackles, 4 for a loss, 2 INTs, and 6 pass break ups

WR #1, Patrick Turner: gives Mark Sanchez a big reliable target at 6-5 220 lbs, could come up big against PSU’s pair of 5′10″ corners, huge in the red zone, second on team in scoring, has 45 catches for 667 yards/10 TDs, averages 14.8 yards per catch

SUGAR BOWL – New Orleans, La / Jan. 2, 2009 / on Fox @ 7 p.m.

Breakdown:

This will be quite the interesting matchup as it features two teams that are completely different.

Alabama is a blue collar defensive team that plays only one way, hard. On offense the Tide demoralizes opposing teams with a hard nosed ground game that features one of the nation’s top offensive lines.  Utah has also played great defense this year, but uses a spread offense that has scored 30 or more points in nine of their 12 games.

Despite not having in big game bowl experience coach Nick Saban has consistently been to them.  He should have his team prepared and ready to “finish” their season on a good note.  Utah will be making only their second major bowl appearance, but they won their last trip to the BCS in the 2005 Fiesta Bowl against Pittsburg.

I think the real storyline of this game will be if the Tide will be up for a game against a non-BCS conference foe; after being a quarter away from playing for the National Championship.

Utah should come into this game plenty hyped as they look to complete an undefeated season against a team that just a couple weeks ago was ranked first in the BCS.

Bama should have a huge advantage with having basically a home crowd to pack out the Super Dome.  In the end, Saban should have his team ready to take care of business and finish out a comeback season for the Tide on a high note.

Advantage: Alabama

Players to Watch:

Alabama

WR #8, Julio Jones: after having a HUGE game in the SEC championship (5 catches, 125 yards), will he be able to continue to be able to stretch defenses to help aid the Tide’s punishing run game? has 51 catches for 847 yards and 4 TDs, averages 16.6 yards per reception

NT #62, Terrance Cody: the man known as “Mount Cody” will be a definite key to the game, will help provide the push upfront that the Bama defense needs to disrupt the Ute’s spread, Cody has recently announced that he will be coming back to school to get his degree, has 23 tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss, 2 qb hits, and 2 recovered fumbles

OL #71, Andre Smith: the recent Outland Trophy winner anchors one of the best o-lines in the country, look for him and his line mates to push the Utah defense off the line and create holes for Glen Coffee and the other Bama backs, helps the Tide average 6 yards per play on offense, and he has allowed only ONE sack this year

Utah

QB #3, Brian Johnson: this proven team leader for the Utes looks to lead his undefeated squad against the third ranked team in total defense, will need to stay poised and keep his team in it to go out and beat Saban’s crew, has 2636 yards 24 TDs/ 9 INTs, averages 219.7 yards a game, and has 63.3% completion rate

RB #4, Matt Asiata: needs a huge game from the backfield to keep Alabama from teeing off on the Ute’s offense, very versatile playmaker, has 678 rush yards/ 11 TDs, 111 receiving yards/TD, and even 2 PASSING TDs

DE #11, Paul Kruger: is a beast on the line and will need to provide a valuable rush off the edge to help contain John Parker Wilson, Glen Coffee, and their fellow backfield members, has 56 tackles, with 15.5 for a loss, 7.5 sacks, one INT, and 7 pass break ups

OU, Florida to face off in BCS National Championship

(2) Florida at (1) Oklahoma

After OU dominated Missouri and Tim Tebow led Florida past Alabama, the inevitable match-up was set.  Oklahoma jumped to number 1 in the BCS standings, followed closely by Florida.  Texas finished third, with Alabama falling to fourth and USC in the fifth spot.

Despite the controversy surrounding the Big 12 South, the Sooners easily defeated Missouri, securing a spot in the championship game.  Texas received a bid to the Fiesta Bowl against Ohio State.

Florida vs. Alabama became an instant classic between Meyer and Saban.  The back and forth game was finally decided when Tebow led the Gators down the field with just minutes remaining to take an 11 point lead, securing the victory.

For complete bowl shedules, visit http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3444571.

Nate Feken’s Week 15 Preview

Big 12 Championship: Kansas City, Missouri on ABC @ 7 p.m.

 

 

Breakdown:

            This rematch of last year’s Big 12 title game could provide Oklahoma with a ticket to the National Championship game and should provide plenty of excitement for fans.

            However, Oklahoma didn’t make it to this game without a lot of controversy.  After OU finished in a three way tie with Texas and Texas Tech the conference needed to use a fifth tie breaker to determine a South division champion.  Ultimately it was the Sooner’s BCS rating of .9351 over the Longhorn’s mark of .9223 that gave them the slot for the South in the title game. 

            Bob Stoops will look to beat the Tigers for the fourth time in the past three years to claim his sixth conference crown in ten years.  The Sooners beat Missouri twice last year by scores of 41-31 and 38-17 to get to the Fiesta Bowl. 

            On the other hand, Gary Pinkel’s Tigers will look to bounce back from a heartbreaker last week to Kansas on a last second blocked field goal in the very same stadium.  They will have a distraction this week with the news that offensive coordinator Dave Christenson was named the head coach of Wyoming this week.

            Look for Oklahoma to win this ball game and head off to Miami for the national title game.  With the Sooners getting into this game in such exciting fashion, there will be extra distractions for the team this week.  However, OU should be able to handle the distractions.  After all, the Sooners have scored 60+ points in their last four games.  This OU offense has been unstoppable since their loss to Texas and will take the lead early and never let up on the gas.

 

ADVANTAGE – OU 

Oklahoma 45 – Missouri 13

 

Players to Watch:

 

Oklahoma

            QB #14, Sam Bradford: After tearing ligaments in his non throwing hand, he will have his hand in a soft cast, will he be able to shake off the injury? or go under center?, but will find a way to get the job done for the team, set a NCAA record for TDs for first two seasons of a starting quarterback with 82. 

            RB #29, Chris Brown: will look to get the tough yards for the Sooners, helps to open team’s passing game, played well in two games against the Tigers last year with 138 yards and 5 TDs, has 8 TDs in last 3 games. 

            LB #10, Mike Balougan: will be the fourth person to play the middle linebacker position for the Sooners this year, will look to solidify middle against Mizzou’s high powered spread attack, filled in well on Oklahoma State’s last drive in last game, played junior college ball last year so he has some experience, has 6 tackles on the year, will be his first start.

 

Missouri

            QB #10, Chase Daniel: can he shake his 0-3 record against the Sooners and lead his team to a Big 12 title and BCS game? He must limit turnovers to get the win, in 3 games against OU he has 6 INTs v.s. 1 TD

            WR #9, Jeremy Maclin: had two big games against the Sooners last year, must have another for Mizzou to have a legitimate chance, went down with what looked like a hip injury during Kansas game, will he be 100%? had 201 and 189 all purpose yards for 2 TDs in two games with Sooners last year, also had a key INT and lost fumble that led to TD in first game

            LB #12, Sean Weatherspoon: will look to lead the Tiger’s defense, has been a turnover forcing machine for the team this year, will need to force a couple to slow down the Sooners high powered offense, has 126 tackles, 16 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 3 INTs with 100 return yards 2 went for TDs

 

 

 

SEC Championship, Atlanta, GA on CBS @ 3 p.m.

 

 

Breakdown:

            This year’s SEC Championship will feature the first matchup of two teams ranked in the top two spots of the AP poll.  More importantly this game is a ticket to the National Championship for the winner. 

            This is a very unique matchup of two complete opposite teams, who have won their respective divisions of the conference in very different ways.  Florida is a team that showcases Urban Meyer’s new look spread offense, while Alabama features a more conventional smash mouth run attack. 

            Florida comes in to this game as one of the hottest teams in the country.  The Gators have scored 40 or more points in each of their past seven games.  The Gators do have experience on their side, after winning 2006 conference title on their way to the National Championship. 

            But the major story line of this ball game will be whether or not Florida’s star athlete Percy Harvin will be able to play in this ball game.  Harvin is currently listed as questionable for this ball game after spraining his ankle in the Florida State game.  Will Urban Meyer and the Gators be able to replace Harvin’s big play capabilities and production in their running and passing game?

            Alabama will put their title hopes and perfect season on the shoulders of head coach Nick Saban, who has won two previous SEC titles in 2001 and 2003.   He has built a powerful Crimson Tide defense that has allowed nine points or less in four out of their last five games.  Will Saban be able to rally his troops to continue running the ball hard and play tough championship caliber defense again?

            In the end, I feel that Florida’s team speed on both sides of the ball will be to much for Alabama to handle in the long run.  Tim Tebow and the Gator running backs should be able to pick up for Harvin’s absence and lead their team to victory.   While defensive coordinator Charlie Strong will be able to get the Gator defense dialed up to shut down Bama’s rushing attack.

 

ADVANTAGE: Florida

Florida 31 – Alabama 7

 

 

Players to Watch:

 

Florida

            RBs #3 & 2, Chris Rainey & Jeff Demps: these running backs will look to replace Percy Harvin’s valuable place in the team’s ground, both are extremely fast and have big play potential, Rainey has 654 yards rushing/8 yards per carry/4 TDs, while Demps has 529 yards/ an INCREDIBLE 9.6 yard per carry/6 TDs, he also has a 9.4 yard per reception, so he basically is a first down every time he touches the ball.

            QB #15, Tim Tebow: will look to lead offense and probably run the ball more as well without Harvin, hasn’t thrown an INT in last 91 pass attempts has 507 rushing yards and a team leading 12 rushing TDs.

            DE #6, Carlos Dunlap: looking to slow down strong Bama rush, look for some big plays from him coming off his edge, provides great speed from DE position and has a nose for the ball, 12 tackles for a loss, 9 sacks for 63 yards lost, 4 qb hits, 1 fumble forced and recovered, and EVEN 2 blocked kicks.

Alabama

            DB #28, Javier Arenas: the cousin of NBA player Gilbert Arenas will try to help the Tide offense by providing valuable field position in his return duties, he is also a playmaker from his position on the defensive side of the ball, 557 punt return yards for 2 TDs with a 14.7 yard average, has 7 pass breakups, a 63 yard INT return for a TD, and 22.6 yard kick return average.

            LB #25, Rolando McClain: will be roaming the field for Bama against UF’s versatile spread attack, leads team in tackles with 82, 11 of which were for a loss, has an INT and 2 recovered fumbles.

            WR #8, Julio Jones: Jones is one of the better looking receivers to come into college football in a while, he provides a physical presence on the outside with his 6-4, 210 lb. frame, he will look to stretch UF’s defense to help open up the Tide’s run game, leads team in all receiving categories with 46 catches for 723 yards with 4 TDs and a 15.7 yard per reception average.

 

Check out this site for an ESPNU preview of the SEC Championsip game: http://alabama.fandome.com/video/106437/SEC-Nuggets-SEC-Championship-Preview/

 

 

Did the BCS get it right?

  

                                                     

Oklahoma 65 – Texas Tech 21

Texas Tech 39 – Texas 33

Texas 45 – Oklahoma 35

With those scores in mind and the three-way tie the hot topic around college football, the question has been constantly asked, did the BCS get it right?

My opinion: no.

But not for the reasons every ESPN analyst is complaining about.

First off, take head to head wins out of the equation.  No matter how much someone argues for one team over another, the argument based on who won head to head doesn’t work.  That is the basis of a three-way tie!  In rock-paper-sissors, if one person throws rock, another paper, and the other sissors, who wins?  There are 5-year-olds that could figure this out, so why is it so hard for college football analysts to comprehend?

The basis of my argument is plain and simple: the system is flawed.  That’s it.  But what part of the system you might ask?

THE HUMAN POLLS!

It is obvious.  Every voter in the Harris and Coaches poll has a hidden agenda, despite what they say.  They all have bias, and they are all swayed by public opinion.

The computers do not.  The computers only look at the straight statistics and facts.  The computers use mathmatical equations to derive the top teams in college football.  They don’t look at margin of victory, or who is the hot team right now, just the facts.  The overall record, strength of schedule, etc.

Listen, I’m not arguing against a playoff.  It’s obvious college football NEEDS A PLAYOFF!  But don’t critisize the computer ranking system when it is obvious the true problem lies with the human polls.  Just because a writer watches college football doesn’t make them an unbiased “expert.”

So everyone please, calm down.  Stop critisizing the only impartial element to the BCS system, and fix what is truly wrong: the human polls.

College Gameday Breaks Down the BCS

Prior to the OU-OSU game, College Gameday broke down the BCS system.

OU jumps Texas in BCS, headed to Big 12 Championship

The top five of the BCS standings released Sunday:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

For Complete BCS standings, visit http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/rankingsindex.

The BCS decided the fate of the Big 12 South Sunday, and it favored OU, despite the Longhorns constant campaigning. 

The Sooners defeated Oklahoma State 61-41 Saturday, giving them the edge in the computer poll and the number 2 spot in the BCS behind Alabama.  Oklahoma has a .9351 BCS average. Texas’ BCS average is .9223. The Sooners were one point ahead of Texas in the USA Today coaches poll and 6 points behind the Longhorns in the Harris Interactive poll.  

The Sooners head to Kansas City to face off against Missouri in the Big 12 Championship.  If OU wins, they will go to the BCS Championship game against the SEC Champion, either Alabama or Florida.  If the Sooners lose, then it is likely Texas will go to the BCS Championship, without winning their conference championship.  

The Bedlam Debacle

Well, just when you thought Oklahoma State was on their way to legitimizing their football program, they go and do something completely absurd.

A new policy announced in January states that Bedlam tickets would only be made available to those who purchased season tickets.

THIS IS THE MOST RIDICULOUS THING I HAVE EVER HEARD!!!!

Is the athletic department that incompetent?  Inept?  Stupid?  The synonyms could go on and on! 

Mike Gundy

OSU finally renovates and vastly improves its stadium, only to pull an idiotic move like this!

Capacity for the stadium is about 60,000, but nearly 10,000 seats could be empty at game time.

This is just embarrassing, both for the University and the state of Oklahoma.

Tickets to Bedlam are the hottest ticket in the state. Heck, it’s probably the hottest ticket for the state of Oklahoma in almost a decade.  But the “geniuses” running the OSU athletic department have greater financial aspirations.

What!!!???

OSU wouldn’t even have a football program if it wasn’t for Boone Pickens, and even then, they still struggle to compete.  Now, OSU finally has a good team, and they continue to find ways to screw up!

Then the situation turned from bad to worse.  When the Tulsa Tribune encouraged OSU to give away the remaining tickets to needy children or Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans, a spokesperson for OSU said the school had no such plans.

What generosity Oklahoma State.  Way to go.

So, on behalf of all Oklahomans, I would like to say thank you Oklahoma State.  Thank you for setting back your program another 10 years.  Thank you for embarrassing our state on national television.  And thank you for legitimizing the country’s belief that Oklahomans are ignorant and “U-N-E-D-U-M-A-C-A-T-E-D.” 

College Football Week 13 Slideshow

I made this slideshow to give an in-depth look at the top ten teams that played in week 13.

Nate Feken’s Week 14 Preview

Saturday, (Nov. 29, 2008):

(1)Alabama vs. Auburn – 3:30 on CBS

Breakdown:           

In the 72nd playing of the Iron Bowl, the stakes will be very high for the Alabama Crimson Tide.  They look to complete their regular season without a loss against the dreaded Auburn Tigers. 

This feat will not be an easy one considering the recent history of the series.  Auburn has won the past six games, but all of these victories have been by 10 points or less. 

The last time the Tigers played a No. 1 team they beat Florida 23 to 20 in 2001. 

Auburn’s hard-nosed defense should keep this game close, but the inept Tiger offense won’t be able to find the end zone enough.  This will be a close game, especially since both teams had the week off to prepare for each other. 

Despite recent trends, Alabama’s great defense will force a couple turnovers and give QB John Parker Wilson and the Tide offense good field position and easy access to the end zone.

ADVANTAGE: Alabama

Final Score: Alabama 42 – Auburn 10

Star Watch:

Alabama

RB’s #38, 22, & 5: Glenn Coffee, Mark Ingram, & Roy Upchurch – the trio has combined for 2,043 yards and 21 TDs.  They should be able to continue to carry the Alabama offense between the three of them against the gritty Auburn defense

DB #49 Rashad Johnson – He will get another big turnover against a suspect Auburn offense, he leads the SEC in passes defended with 10, and has 5 INTs, with 125 return yards and 2 TDs

LB #25 Rolando McClain – the big mike backer will look to roam the field and shut down the Tiger’s rushing attack, he has 77 tackles, 10 for a loss, 3 sacks, and 1 INT

Auburn

DE’s #94 & 52 Sen’Derrick Marks & Antonio Coleman – Auburn has a pair of great defensive ends that will try to contain QB J.P. Wilson and the Bama backfield.  They have combined for: 15 QB hits, 72 tackles, 8 sacks, and 19.5 tackles for a loss.

QB #18 Kodi Burns – Burns is able to make some great plays with his feet, but must make better decisions when passing the ball and limit turnovers to help the Tigers pull off the upset.  He has 503 yards & 5 TDs on the ground and 937 yards, 2 TDs, and 7 INTs through the air.

RB’s #44, 1, & 27: Ben Tate, Brad Lester, & Mario Fannin – These playmakers must execute in order to throw off the Tide Defense.  Each back provides something different and must do their job.  They have combined for 1155 yards & 6 TDs rushing, and 286 yards & 3 TDs receiving.

 

 

 

Thursday, (Nov. 27, 2008):

(2)Texas vs. Texas A&M – 6 p.m. on ESPN

Breakdown:

This game has major BCS implications for Texas if they wish to keep their National Title hopes alive.

There are two contrasting goals for the teams involved. 

Texas looks to keep its Big 12 and National Championship aspirations alive with a victory.  Conversely, A&M looks to ruin a great season for their arch rivals and salvage a tough rebuilding year for first year coach Mike Sherman. 

If the Longhorns win, their focus shifts to staying ahead of Oklahoma in the BCS standings and locking up the Big 12 South.

A&M has won the previous two meetings in the Lone Star Showdown, but look for the Longhorn’s superior talent to help them pull away in this one.  The Longhorns will be well prepared for this one, after letting the Aggies sneak up on them the last two seasons. 

Aggie quarterback Stephen McGee has led the past two upset wins for A&M, however, he will be watching from the sideline with a sprained shoulder.  This places the Aggies chances squarely on the shoulders of sophomore QB Jerrod Johnson.  The Longhorns will roll in this one behind their running game and stout defense.

 

ADVANTAGE: Texas

Final Score: Texas 70 – Texas A&M 28

 

Players to Watch:

Texas

QB #12 Colt McCoy – played poorly in past two matchups between these teams, 34 for 60, 389 yards, 1 TD and 4 INTs

WR #8 Jordan Shipley – at least one receiving touchdown in all but one game, major kickoff return and receiving threat            

DE#98 Brian Orakpo – a beast coming off the edge, one of the best pass rushers in the nation, ranks second in the Big 12 with 8.5 sacks           

                  Texas A&M                

QB#1 Jerrod Johnson – very athletic QB with a big arm, leads 22^nd rated pass offense, his decision making will make and break the game, 20 TD/10 INTs

QB/WR#17 Ryan Tannehill – great athlete and team’s playmaker, 3^rd string QB as well as team’s leading receiver with 813 yards, 81.3 yards/game, 5 TDs

P#16 Justin Brantly – one of the best punters in the country, good field position from his punts could help keep the Aggies in the game, leads conference punting

 

 

 

Pistol Pete vs. Boomer and Sooner

 

(3) Oklahoma @ (12) Oklahoma State – 8 p.m. on ABC

Breakdown:

Oklahoma comes into another tough Bedlam game in Stillwater with Big 12 and National Championship invites on the line.  

Bob Stoop’s squad looks to make a statement against the Pokes to impress the BCS voters.  If the Sooners win this game and Texas and Texas Tech win their games, Oklahoma’s championship hopes will ride on the BCS ratings.  

So look for the Sooners to really come out hot early and not look back.  Oklahoma State’s offense should keep them in the game, with their multiple offensive weapons.  Kendall Hunter will try to lead the ground attack, while Dez Bryant will lead their aerial assault.  Eventually Oklahoma’s defense should step up and put the clamps on the Cowboy’s offense and put this one away for the Sooners.

 

ADVANTAGE: Oklahoma

Final Score: Oklahoma 45 – Oklahoma State 35

Star Watch:

Oklahoma

            QB#14) Sam Bradford – he will look to run this high powered offense of the Sooners and lead them to a victory, leads the nation with 42 TDs and 2^nd in the country in pass effiecincy, looks to help his cause for the Heisman as well

            LB#28) Travis Lewis – this redshirt freshman has been huge this year for the Sooners and always seems to be around the ball, look for him to cause a turnover, 117 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 4 INTs

            RB#7) Demarco Murray – seems to have his surgically repaired knee back under him, and will find a way to score, probably OU’s most explosive player, 929 yards rushing, 379 receiving, and 548 kickoff yards, for a total of 17 TDs

Oklahoma State

            WR#1) Dez Bryant – maybe the best receiver in all of college football, look for him to go up and make a couple big play for the Pokes, 68 receptions, 1222 yards (3^rd highest), and 16 TDs

            RB#24) Kendall Hunter – the guy that stirs OSU’s drink, he keeps the Cowboys in it and provides a highly rated rushing attack, 1495 yards (5^th best), with 14 TDs, and a 6.8 yards per carry

            QB#11) Zac Robinson – will try and lead the Pokes offense against a very hot Sooner defense, look for him to make plays with his arm and legs, 2481 yards, 21 TDs/7 INTs, 3^rd most efficient qb in all of college footballFriday, (Nov. 28, 2008):

 

 

 

(4)Florida @ (20)FSU – 3:30 p.m. on ABC

Florida vs. Florida State

 

Breakdown:

Another Sunshine Showdown, another game that features both teams ranked in the top twenty-five and in the hunt for championships. 

Florida has locked up the SEC East division and looks to keep their National Championship hopes alive with a win.  Florida State can win the Atlantic Division of the ACC with a victory and a Boston College loss. 

Florida has won the past four games of this rivalry, by an average of 18.5 points. 

Florida’s plethora of offensive weapons will overtake the Seminole’s defense.  After all, the Gators have the third highest scoring offense in college football. 

Christian Ponder will lead the hit-and-miss Seminole offense.  The Noles are coming off their best performance of their season, but they must limit turnovers against the Gator’s ninth ranked total defense.

In the end, the Gators defense will force a few turnovers and their speed on offense will run circles around Florida State. 

 

ADVANTAGE: Florida

Final Score: Florida 52 – Florida State 13

Star Watch:

         Florida           

Tim Tebow

  

QB #15 Tim Tebow – look for Tebow to spread the ball around to his offensive playmakers, he is one of the most efficient rating qb’s in the nation with a rating of 175.2, he has thrown an amazing 22 TDs to 2 INTs, for 2114 yards

            WR/RB #1 Percy Harvin – he is one of the most exciting and explosive players in the country, he should find the end zone through the air or on the ground, averages 14.3 yards every time he touches the ball, has 1020 all purpose yards and 15 TDs

            LB #51 Brandon Spikes – defensive leader and playmaker, leads team with 74 tackles, and has 3 INTs and has returned 2 for TDs

Florida State

            LB #51 Derek Nicholson – looks to shut down the Gator’s playmakers and hold off their explosive offense, leads team with 70 tackles, 13 for a loss, fumble return for a TD

            RB #6 Antone Smith – tied with 60 points for team’s leading scorer, will try to put the             Seminole’s offense on his back, he has a real nose for the end zone has 14 TDs and 696 yards rushing

            QB #7 Christian Ponder – he will try and manage the Seminole offense to keep them in the game, must make better decisions to get team in the end zone, 12 TDs/11 INTs, can make plays with feet, 390 yards rushing and 4 TDs

 

 

 

(5) University of Southern California vs. Notre Dame – 8 p.m. on ESPN

Breakdown:

            Charlie Weis summed this match up best when he said, “We’re at different ends of the spectrum at this point.”  Notre Dame will be heavily over matched in this contest.  The Trojans just have too many athletes on both sides of the ball for the Irish to handle.  SC’s explosive running back stable should have a hay day against Notre Dame’s defense.  Jimmy Clausen has been far too inconsistent to do any damage against a USC defense that has several players headed to the NFL next year.  The Trojans should pull away in the first half and never look back.

 

"The Reggie Bush Push"

 

ADVANTAGE: USC

Final Score: USC 63 – Notre Dame 3

 

Star Watch:

Southern Cal

            LB#55) Rey Mualuga – a first round lock next year and the leader of a fast physical front seven for the Trojans, should be able to get to Clausen all day, has 66 tackles, 2 INTs and one for a TD

            RBs#25 & 13) C.J. Gable & Stafon Johnson – combined for 1173 yards and 7 TDs a piece, one of these two should break the game open for the Trojans against a suspect D

            DB#2) Taylor Mays – this oversized safety should be wreacking havoc on ND’s passing attack and come up to help on the run, 46 tackles, and 7 pass breakups

Notre Dame

            WRs#23 & 3) Golden Tate & Michael Floyd – the pair has been ND’s passing attack this year and has combined for 1590 yards, 96 catches, & 14 TDs

            QB#7) Jimmy Clausen – he will have to manage a near perfect game to keep the Irish in this one, must limit INTs thrown 20 TDs/15 INTs

            S#28) Kyle McCarthy – must be able to come inside the box and help out with the Trojan’s running back stable, leads team with 96 tackles and 3.5 tackles for a loss

 

 

For a preview of the entire top ten teams, visit http://bcsbreakdown.wordpress.com/nate-fekens-week-14-preview/.