College Football Preview (Part II)
15. University of Tennessee Volunteers
How in the world did I get stuck covering both Arkansas and UT? During my time at HU, I think I roomed exclusively with Arkansas and UT fans, so forgive me if I seem a bit slanted in covering these teams. Anyways, UT looks to have a good team with some key offensive players returning, but a murderous schedule. Let’s take a look.
Strengths: Their freshman class. The Vols will have at least two impact true freshman who will receive significant playing time this fall. RB Lennon Creer will get an early shot due to suspensions/injuries and CB Eric Berry could be a starter a few games into the season. The future definitely looks bright for the Volunteers.
Weaknesses: Where do I start. First, there is their coach, Elmer Fudd, err, I mean Philip Fulmer. He better produce a great season, or he will be looking over his shoulder at his eventual replacement, David Cutcliff, the offensive coordinator. The Vols are also facing many intangibles, ranging from the suspension of running back Lamarcus Coker, to the knee of quarterback Eric Ainge. Then there is the difficult schedule they will have to navigate through.
Game where they should roll: 11/03 at Louisiana Lafayette-This has to be a homecoming game.
Game they could lose: 9/01 at California-Tennessee rolled in this game last year in Knoxville. Will they be able to do it on the west coast?
Key Game: 9/15 versus Florida at the Swamp. If the Vols win they will be in the drivers seat for the SEC East title. If they lose, Fulmer will likely lose his job.
Nothing like a song about alcohol to celebrate college athletics. Is it just me, or was that version really slow? Must have been a “dirge” version they play before getting killed by Florida every year.
14. Auburn University Tigers
Auburn plays in the easier of the two SEC divisions (West), which helps. However, that division does contain national title contender LSU. Can Auburn parlay a fairly easy non-conference schedule into enough confidence to win the West—and maybe more?
Strength: As long as Tommy Tuberville is the head man on the Plains, the running game will be the strength. While personally I like Brandon Cox a lot more than many Auburn fans do, his main job is simply to move the ball enough so that the running game can continue to churn up yards. Auburn’s offensive line never gets enough credit for opening holes for good-to-great runners.
Weakness: Youth. Auburn has 57 freshmen on their team, compared with just 38 seniors.
Game They Might Lose: Auburn’s troubles will come in their tough games, because nearly all of them are on the road. I’m going with a cross-division battle, when the Tigers travel to Athens and play the Georgia Bulldogs (November 10). The next game for Auburn? Alabama. If the fightin’ Tuberville’s are looking ahead to the Iron Bowl, and if the SEC West is already LSU’s, they could lose this game and fall out of the BCS, and maybe past the Cotton Bowl, as well.
Game They Should Win Easily: While Auburn’s schedule isn’t a total joke, their non-conference games are all very winnable. I’m picking their November 3rd homecoming game against Tennessee Tech, but I could have gone with New Mexico State or, of course, in-conference “almost”-foe Mississippi State.
Key Game: If they play up to par, the LSU/Auburn game on October 20 should decide the West Division of the SEC. The key game, though, may be the week before, when Auburn travels to Fayetteville, Arkansas. That game is a must-win for the LSU showdown to have title game implications.
Okay, so it’s not the fight song (which is great, like the team or not), but this video was submitted to Auburn to be played on the Jumbotron before games this season.
13. University of Georgia Bulldogs
A perennial Top 25 team, it seems as though the Bulldogs have been on the cusp of becoming an elite college football program the past five years-except they never have really quite made that jump. Year in year out no team seems to disappoint more in the SEC than the Georgia Bulldogs. Will this finally be the year that they make the jump from an also ran Top 25 team to national contender?
Strengths: Home schedule. Aside from Tennessee on the road, their SEC home schedule is favorable, playing both Auburn (though the home team always seems to lose this game) and Florida both at home.
Weakness: This team lost a lot of players from last year. They will have to replace three guys on the offensive line as well as NFL draft picks Quintin Moses and Charles Johnson on defense.
Game where they should roll: 9/15 versus Western Carolina.
Game they could lose: Obviously their toughest road game on their SEC schedule, Tennessee at Neyland Stadium.
Key Game: 10/27 against Florida at home. As mentioned earlier, will this finally be the year that Georgia takes that step up to SEC elite?
As a young lady in my youth group once said: “They’re fight song is ‘Booster, Booster!'” When I said, “It’s ‘Glory, Glory,'” she actually got a dazed look and then yelled, “They’re the same tune! I’ve never noticed that!!!”
12. Ohio State University Buckeyes
Coming off an impressive season in 2006, Ohio State looks to beef up against what is, by far, the worst non-conference schedule of any BCS-conference team. Can they gain enough confidence in these walkovers to work their way up the Big 10 (11?) standings?
Strength: Scheduling. Not only is the schedule extremely easy, but the tough games that OSU does have are spread out well. Also, coach Jim Tressel, besides being savvy enough to wear a sweater-vest, is also very good at developing talent in winnable games. He’ll need to do that this year.
Weakness: A major loss of talent. The Buckeyes have just 32 seniors, and lost Troy Smith; Ted Ginn, Jr.; and the underrated Anthony Gonzalez. While Tressel-ball is focused on the run game, these losses will be very difficult to overcome in close games.
Game They Might Lose: While you could pick the Michigan game, this OSU senior class has never lost to the Wolverines. Because of the easy run in the schedule, I’m going with OSU’s October 27th showdown at Penn State. This, in just about every way, will be the Buckeye’s first test, and they will have to face Happy Valley at night. To point out the obvious, that is never easy.
Game They Should Win Easily: Okay, I know Ohio State
wants to prove that they are the kings of the state, but is it really necessary to play every “also ran” in the state to prove that point? Take your pick of these laughers: September 1st (Youngstown State); September 8th (Akron); October 13th (Kent State). Oh, and don’t even think the Buckeyes are traveling to any of these games. Oh, no. All three of these super-clubs are coming to Columbus.
Key Game: For rivalry, you’d have to pick Michigan. But, for us to see what OSU is made of, I’m going with the week after the Penn State game. Win or lose, OSU will still be in the hunt for the Big 10 (11?) title, and then Wisconsin comes to Columbus (November 3). Winning that game could eliminate the Badgers and set up an OSU-Michigan game for the Big 10 (11?) title.
11. University of Oklahoma Sooners
If you ever want to know more about the Oklahoma Sooners than anyone should ever know, ask Phil Sanders, minister at Concord Road Church of Christ. He knows a very unhealthy amount of football about his favorite team. I briefly considered letting him write this entry, but the entire internet doesn’t have enough bandwidth.
Strengths: Returning players. The Sooners return all their receivers, tight ends, and four of their five offensive linemen. The only players missing are Adrain Peterson and quarterback Paul Thompson. Somewhere Rhett Bomar is working at a car dealership.
Weaknesses: After losing Bomar last year and Paul Thompson, experience at the quarterback position could become an issue. Redshirt freshman Sam Bradford has been given the starting job.
Game where they should roll: 09/01 versus North Texas. North Texas has a better chance in this game if they don’t show up in Norman.
Game they could lose: 10/06 at Texas, more on this game below.
Key game: 10/06 Texas. I hate listing a game twice, but that is how important this game is. Formerly known as the Red River Blowout, when OU defeated Texas from 2000-2004, the winner of this game usually competes for the National Championship.
Anybody else need some Pepto?
10. University of California at Berkley Golden Bears
This team was a hot pick in 2006. Then they ran into the Tennessee Volunteers in week 1. After getting smoked in Knoxville, this team quietly was one of the best in the country. They get the Vols in Cali this year. Win that one, and Cal could run the table.
Strength: BCS quality scheduling. Because the Pac-10 plays a true round robin, teams only have 3 non-conference games. Congratulate the Bears on playing teams that will help their strength of schedule. These may not be all “Top 10” games, but there is no “joke” on the schedule, either. Cal plays Tennessee, Colorado State and Louisiana Tech. All winnable, with none hurting the “number.”
Weakness: As with many top programs, it’s youth. Fifty freshmen are on the roster, while there are a total of just 70 upperclassmen. The loss of Marshawn Lynch (RB) will be huge, but Cal always seems to find a way to move the ball.
Game They Might Lose: In a classic “look-ahead” game, Berkley’s October 13th game against Oregon State could be their downfall. The next week, Cal goes to UCLA, probably with a tie for first in the conference on the line. Can they keep their helmets on straight and take care of business against a Beaver team that always seems to pull a huge upset?
Game They Should Win Easily: While every game on the docket looks pretty dicey, I think Cal will find a way to hang some serious points on Colorado State. The Rams are an up-and-coming team, but Cal seems to beat up on teams like this every year.
Key Game: I’m picking the game against Tennessee. Sure, it’s the season opener, but it will tell us just about all we need to know about the Bears for 2007. Win it, and they are in the BCS race. Lose it, and they can start shooting for USC…9 games and 10 weeks down the road.
Everyone should pull for “Cal-i-for-neeeee-a.”
9. Virginia Tech Hokies
Not to sound mean-spirited, but I truly expect to be tired of hearing that Virginia Tech is this seasons Cinderella story or team of destiny by the fourth week of August. It will only get worse if they beat LSU in Week 2. Listen, I feel for the families and what they have gone through with the disaster that happened on this campus last spring. That being said, don’t be disrespectful to the families by tying this team’s success to that horrific incident that occurred last April.
Strengths: Defense, defense, defense. Could very well be the best in the country led by linebackers Xavier Adibi and Vince Hall.
Weaknesses: The schedule. Aside from LSU, the Hokies play a very lackluster ACC schedule.
Game where they should roll: Pick any ACC team on their schedule. The conference is that bad.
Game they could lose: LSU in Baton Rouge. The good news is they should win out their remaining games.
Key Game: 11/10 against Florida State. This is the only ACC game where they could potentially have any trouble. That being said, Bobby Bowden (or his assistants) aren’t the same coaches they were ten years ago.
Read those lyrics. I guess they don’t care about supporting the baseball, volleyball or track teams.
8. University of Louisville Cardinals
This program continues to move up the “respect” ladder, and some have the Cardinals in the BCS title game. Coach Petrino moved on to the Falcons (how’s that working out), but QB Brian Brohm is back to lead The ‘Ville in the Big East. Good showings in their biggest games, and he could be the Heisman Trophy winner.
Strength: Offense, offense, offense. While Louisville’s defense has been very underrated the past few years, “the O” continues to lead the way for this team. Brian Brohm is a legit #1 overall pick in the NFL in 2008, and the passing attack can find ways to come back, or score quickly, in close games.
Weakness: This is a “we’ll see” weakness. Coach Petrino was an offensive leader who built Louisville into a power by that offense. The running game lost Michael Bush, but he didn’t play last year, either (he got injured in the first game and still declared for the NFL draft). Can Louisville keep up its ability to be ahead of the game, offensively?
Game They Might Lose: Stepping out of conference, I’m going with the annual battle against Kentucky. Louisville opens with two super easy games, t
hen plays the ‘Cats. Kentucky should be much improved and will feature a more open offense. Also, it’s a rivalry game.
Game They Should Win Easily: Fans of The ‘Ville might want to bring a calculator set to “multiply by seven” for the season opener. The Cardinals, on August 30th play host to I-AA (excuse me, “Division I: Playoff Subdivision”) in-state team Murray State. Hope the Racers enjoy the paycheck…and the Papa John’s pizza.
Key Game: The Big East got it right, putting the key games at the end. Louisville’s final three are all key: West Virginia, South Florida and Rutgers. Those three could, in total, equal the race for the top 4 spots in the conference. The ‘Ville could, with three wins, play in the BCS title game or, with three loses, drop down to the Texas Bowl…or worse.
“Roll up the score”…you’ve got to love a fight song with those lyrics!
7. University of Wisconsin Badgers
Has any team ever become a perennial national title contender in football and even basketball as quietly as the Wisconsin Badgers? Seriously, their teams are always in the Top 10 and no one can ever name a player for any of their teams. Welcome to Wisconsin!
Strengths: Their running game. Sophomore bruiser back P.J. Hill ran for over 1,500 yards ands 15 touchdowns as a freshman last season. Who would want to tackle him or get in front of him, Hill weighs 240 pounds.
Weaknesses: Non-conference schedule includes heavyweights UNLV, The Citadel, and Northern Illinois.
Game where they should roll: Pick any of the three teams above.
Game they could lose: 10/06 at Penn State. Joe Pa will have that look on his face again if they beat Wisconsin.
Key Game: 11/10 versus Michigan. If Wisconsin gets past Ohio State the week before, both they and Michigan should be undefeated heading into this game.
“On Wisconsin” was my high school’s fight song. We represented the Badgers well…in Missouri. Seriously, why can’t high schools come up with their own fight songs?
6. University of Texas Longhorns
Honestly, has any team been more consistent over the last 5 years? Maybe USC, but it’s close. Coach Brown has the ‘Horns ready for another run at the Big XII title and beyond. These team has it all, and, in my mind, is the class of a conference that is quickly improving.
Strength: Playing in Austin. Outside Oklahoma (neutral site), Texas’ 3 toughest games are against Nebraska, TCU and Texas A&M. The only road game of those three is A&M, and the ‘Horns even get Texas Tech at home.
Weakness: Place kicking. I know, it’s a stretch for a weakness, but the Longhorns will play some close games. In 2006, the ‘Horns were great on extra points (58 out of 59), but went just 7 for 10 on field goals. Amazingly, Texas only attempted 4 field goals of 30 yards or longer, and went just 1 of 4. We’ve all seen bowl games come down to a kick. Coach Brown better find a solid place kicker if this team is going to win the Big XII…or more.
Game They Might Lose: On November 3, Texas plays Oklahoma State in between some tough games (week before against Nebraska; two games after against Texas Tech and Texas A&M). The Cowboys always seem to play Texas tough, and this “sandwich” between high-level games could be enough to bring down the Longhorns.
Game They Should Win Easily: While it might be fun to pick on Rice, seeing as how Texas beat them 52-7 a year ago, Texas opens the season with Arkansas…State. The Indians are decent in the Sun Belt, but won’t stand a chance against a fired-up ‘Horns team.
Key Game: If Texas can beat Oklahoma, the season finale against Texas A&M could very well be for the South Division title. That game could move one of the teams a step closer to the BCS, or could drop them to the Holiday Bowl (or lower, depending on the North division).
