The allourblogs College Football Preseason Rankings

First of all, I believe that the preseason rankings are pointless. How can you rank teams and not see them play a down against another team? I believe that is no fair. Plus, these rankings go into the final rankings for the BCS. There should be no preseason rankings. After week 1, there can be rankings. Don’t get me wrong, it still is fun to see if your team is predicted to win the national title and where others believe your team stands, but it isn’t fair to the other teams.

So let us get started, in descending order.

10. South Carolina Gamecocks
Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks have a lot to look forward to this year. If Alshon Jeffery (WR) and Marcus Lattimore (HB) are healthy and have a great year, this is one hell of a team. Last year they went to the SEC Championship game but got mulled against eventual champion Auburn. The strength in the gamecocks puts them at #10 in our rankings.

9. Boise State Broncos
Boise State is always in the fight for one of the top spots. Chris Peterson does a wonderful job with this squad. They have two huge games this year, at Georgia the first week and the game against TCU. If they get past both of these teams, look for this team to again be in the discussion for a national title game. What is even better about this team is that they can even run this year with Doug Martin who averaged 6.3 yards per carry.

8. Wisconsin Badgers
The power running attack of the Badgers is something else. With the new addition of Russell Wilson, watch this team open up the offense a little bit more. I was in love with John Clay, but Montee Ball and James White will do just fine this year with the offensive line that they have in Wisconsin. The predicted Big Ten champions will make a good run this season to the top teams this season.

7. Oklahoma State Cowboys
Justin Blackmon is the top WR in the Big 12, let alone in the country. Brandon Weeden (QB) will have a new offensive coordinator to help him call the shots. Their entire offensive line returns from last year. But their defense is rather questionable this season. But who really needs a defense in the Big 12 as long as you score more points.

6. Oregon Ducks
The Ducks return a good a backfield with LaMichael James (HB) and Darron Thomas (QB), so there is no question they will have firepower on offense this year. They lost their top CB due to suspension so look for them to also have a questionable defense next year.

5. Alabama Crimson Tide
The Tide this year lost some incredible players last year but still return Trent Richardson (HB). They have to replace Julio Jones. In the offseason, they picked up Duron Carter (WR) from Ohio State but was kicked off the team due to academics. Their defense lost a great defensive line but Alabama feels as though they made up for the new line that they will start this year. They don’t exactly have the same firepower they did last year with Mark Ingram and co. but still should have an incredible year with Nick Saban.

4. Florida State Seminoles
They are a team with incredible speed this year. Returning 16 starters from last year, they need to replace Christian Ponder. It looks as though E.J. Manuel will be calling the shots. And if he can keep the ball away from the other team, this squad will have an exceptional year. The defense on this team is devastating. DE Brandon Jenkins had 13.5 sacks last year which was 3rd last year.

3. LSU Tigers
If Jordan Jefferson produces this year and is consistent, this team is the one to beat. HB Spencer Ware is going to have a great season this year. Usually LSU hiccups at least once during the season so that is why they can’t be named #1 in this ranking.

2. Oklahoma Sooners
The Sooners have a gunslinger this year in Landry Jones. The only issue with this squad is a replacement for DeMarco Murray (HB). If they beat Florida State in the 2nd game of the season and Oklahoma State this year, this team is going all of the way to the title game. The consensus #1 in the polls ends up #2 in our poll.

And the #1 team is……..

1. Stanford Cardinal
With the best QB returning for his final season, it is hard to see Andrew Luck not doing well this season. This kid is as for real as it gets. Their team may not bring back many starters this season but, they bring back the important players. Stanford outrushed their opponents 2,779 to 1,571. This offense is just jaw-dropping. The defense is very good, only allowing 17.4 points per game. This is why they have the allourblogs #1 ranking for 2011.

Picture from http://en.wikipedia.org

Alex with sports

Big 10 Football Predictions

It’s one month away. Fans will pack the stadiums for the new and improved Big 10. With the Leaders and Legends, the Big 10 conference invites the Nebraska Cornhuskers from the Big 12. This year’s Big 10 has new coaches, new rivalries and, as always, new kids ready to play football.

I am going to analyze each team and try to determine who will be in the Big 10 Championship game.

Leaders

Illinois: They are the team to keep an eye on, but they are in need of some sort of power in their offense like they had in Leshore last year. Their defense is still nowhere near ready for them to be a contender in the Leaders. They will start off the Big 10 with a rough stetch but end nicely. Predicted record: 6-6

Indiana: Their quick offense keeps them interesting in the Leaders. However, they won’t cause too much havoc and won’t stand a chance overall. Luckily they have a good out-of-conference schedule. Predicted record: 4-8

Ohio State: It all depends on if they receive a bowl ban. If Ohio State receives a bowl ban, then they may end up 3rd in the Leaders. But if they don't get a bowl ban… the Buckeyes are coming. If Ohio State can show up against Wisconsin and shut them out, look for them to go undefeated. But keep in mind this is interim Coach Fickell’s first year as a head coach. Predicted record: 9-3

Penn State: Returning 17 starters from last year and their young quarterback, they stand a chance to win the Leaders side. If the Lions mature, look for them to win the Big 10 too. Their performance last year against Florida gave fans something positive to look forward to. Their schedule gets tougher right at the end of their season, however. They play Alabama, at Ohio State, Nebraska and at Wisconsin this season. If they gain enough momentum to end their season strong, look for them to win the Leaders. I really like this team this year. Predicted record: 8-4

Purdue: This team isn’t the hottest in the Big Ten but they have the potential to make a good team scared. Don't worry too much, they aren't that good. They have a rough mid-season run with games at Michigan, at Wisconsin, Ohio State, and Iowa. They need to work hard to get to a bowl. I believe they could do it. Predicted record: 6-6

Wisconsin: The team to beat. Montee Ball and James White behind that gigantic offensive line is the scariest combo in the Big 10. The emotional game between Ohio State and Wisconsin (the new created rivalry in the Big 10, along with Iowa and Nebraska) will make for a national thriller if both teams come in undefeated. Predicted record: 10-2

Legends

Iowa: This is a rebuilding year for Iowa. They still have their running back in the sophomore, Coker, but the team is young and inexperienced. Don't look for them to be the same Iowa team you usually see. With their new rivalry with Nebraska, Iowa is still going to show up for their final game. Predicted record: 7-5

Michigan: The Michigan man is in with Brady Hoke. People say this is a rebuilding year. He just says there isn't any rebuilding with Michigan. I’m afraid this is not the case. Hoke has a lot to prove. He is going to give it everything he’s got. Bringing back the most starters in the Big 10 with 20 and bringing back Denard Robinson, they will make a run for the championship. But they won’t do it this year. Maybe next year. Predicted record: 7-5

Michigan State: This team is bringing back a lot of their starters but their top player was their middle linebacker in Greg Jones, the key part in their defense. They are still a good team and will be one of the scariest teams in the Big 10. A lot of their offense returns with positives. Teams know they cannot mess around with Michigan State anymore. Predicted record: 8-4

Minnesota: Oh god… what do I even say… they need a lot of help. They have a new quarterback and a basically new offensive line. Their defense is terrible. There is not a lot going for them next year and well… they’re gonna stink. Predicted record: 3-9

Nebraska: They are on everyone’s radar as the team to beat. They have Taylor Martinez as one of the best dual threat quarterbacks in college football. They are going to be the winners of this side, no questions about it. I do have a feeling Iowa will upset them because Bo Pelini always has one poor game, and I feel as though that will be with their new rivals. Predicted record: 10-2

Northwestern: I believe this is the sleeper team in the Big 10. The one team everyone will overlook, Northwestern will give them a run for their money. I honestly can see Northwestern end 2nd in this division returning most of their high scoring offense. Predicted record: 8-4

The first ever big 10 championship game will be between:

The Wisconsin Badgers and the Nebraska Cornhuskers

The winner is...............

Photo from sportsapparelsuperstore.com

Alex with sports

Paul Menard wins the Brickyard 400

I have never really been a fan of NASCAR. I have always thought, “how interesting can it really be to watch cars only turn left?”

Actually to my surprise, very exciting.

Starting in the 15 spot, Paul Menard managed to maneuver his way to win his most important race of the year. He celebrates his first ever Sprint Cup series win. “I have been trying to win this race for 35 years,” he explains. “I can’t believe we won Indy.”

It was a very interesting experience watching the race. I always thought that it was a simple race, it’s only cars going around in the same circle a few hundred times. But it’s incredible to watch and listen to the crew and the driver. It is all planned out when to go to pit lane and how to drive their way to kiss the bricks. The race is all about fuel amounts, stickiness of tires, and keeping the engine primed and ready for your last push to the finish.

To get into watching a race, pick your favorite right off the bat and just watch him move his way to the front. I picked the young and new Trevor Bayne in the 21 car. After winning the Daytona 500, he has been a wild card to make the Sprint Cup Finals. He made his way to 5th place with 10 laps to go but unfortunately needed to make a pit stop with 7 laps to go to get more fuel and make his final surge for the finish. Unfortunately, it did not work out for him and really hurt him in the final standings, ending in 30th.

I can honestly say I am a new fan of NASCAR.

Pictures from:
http://worldcarpictures.com
http://rubbingsracing.com

Alex with sports

America and International Sports

America and International Sports

First I want to say that I have played American football, football, volleyball, and water polo throughout my life and I know the rules of the other world sports that I am going to reference. I’ve started off this way because what I have to say you may not agree with and I encourage people to watch these other sports, try them out, and talk with others before writing in disagreement.

In the United States, especially in the Mid-west men are told as young boys to concentrate on “American” sports. These are your basic American football in the fall, basketball in the winter, and baseball in the spring and summer. Although these sports are popular and difficult in their own respects, I have watched other sports throughout the world that don’t get as much face time in the United States and if there was more media attention on them I feel they would gain almost immediate popularity.

Today’s post is about the international sharing between countries of sports like Football (soccer), Rugby, and Water Polo. I’ve picked these sports because our viewers are from the UK, Australia, and EU countries. As these viewers know and most people are now aware football is the most popular sport in the world. Other than the Olympics, the FIFA World Cup is one of the world’s most popular spectator’s events. The best football, in this writer’s opinion, is played by EUFA’s Champions League teams. For those of who do not know, the Champions League is a league within itself that encapsulates the best clubs in the world. These clubs are from the English(Barclay’s) Premier League, Spain’s La Liga, the German Bundesliga, Italy’s Serie A, et cetera. Although football (soccer) in the United States is quickly gaining a large fan base, we need to start calling it by its’ name, football: because of its original name and rename American Football something more universal that refrains from stealing the name of other sports. As football is growing in the United States, American football is also gaining an international fan base as clubs are popping up in Europe. Also, Wembley Stadium wants to host an NFL Super Bowl in the next 10 years to expand the sport’s popularity and gain a foothold in the international community.

The second sport I would like to bring to light is Rugby. This year will be the first year in which an American TV broadcasting company, NBC, will broadcast the Rugby World Cup LIVE. This sport is one of the roughest games on the face of the planet. For those who have never seen a game, imagine it being like American football, without ANY PADS, and the only way to advance the ball forward, is by running and passing it back. Furthermore, each time you are downed, there is no huddle, you grab the ball from the ground and continue your charge to your opponents’ goal line then touch the ball down. This is actually where American Football gets the name of the phrase “touchdown”. My high school did not have a rugby team but my college does. It is a brutal sport that I think if the young men in the mid-west started playing it at a young age, it would catch on and we would be a top competitor on the world scale. As of now The Eagles, the American Rugby team, are certainly one of the best as they qualify for most of the World Cups, however; just like football (soccer) in America, to be great in these sports, children need to be exposed to them early, and honestly, I wish I was exposed to Rugby as a kid, I would have loved it.
Another sport that I would have loved even more than I do now is water polo. Although USA water polo is large in the world venue, inside the US boarders it’s only respected as a sport in California. Growing up in the mid-west I didn’t hear of water polo until my senior year of high school and that was when I found my true calling. The United States is a great power house in Water Polo especially in the women’s field. The USA men’s team hasn’t done poorly themselves, but when there are more people to choose from that enjoy the sport, there is a greater chance of winning. Water polo is huge in eastern European countries such as Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Lithuania, etc. These entire countries adopt this sport as a national icon, something to aspire to do every 2 years whether at the FINA world’s tournament or during the Summer Olympics, to win.

As Americans in a ‘super power nation’ we are taught at a young age to win. If we want to REALLY win, I think we should invest more time in sports that are in the global spotlight so that our wins are more impressive as we could be the best in the world, not just the best at a sport based upon others and accomplished with padding.

your international writer,

Matthew

Hope Solo to be in Pace Car for Brickyard 400

Tomorrow, the Brickyard 400 begins at 1:19 p.m. and it can be seen on ESPN. Something that you may not know about the race is Hope Solo, U.S. Women’s soccer goalie will be driving the Pace car for the race.

First of all, we need to take a step back and look at this. Hope Solo, the U.S. women’s soccer star is going to be represented in the Brickyard 400 for what she did in the World Cup. I think 2 big things can be raised.

1) Women’s sports: Women’s sports is up and running. People are beginning to watch Women’s sports. I went to a buddy’s house to just watch a women’s soccer game. It is rather crazy to think that I could have been watching the college world series but I decided to watch the women play.
2) Soccer aka football - “football”: An article that is going to be posted later today, Matt is going to explain to you about the rise of soccer in the United States. I couldn’t agree with him more.

I believe that Women’s basketball, softball, soccer, and many other sports will improve tremendously in its ratings. Because of the FIFA Women’s world cup, women’s sports is on the rise.

Photo courtesy of http://ussoccer.com

Alex with sports

Terrelle Pryor should be an NFL QB

As Alex has stated earlier, Terrelle Pryor is waiting to hear back from the NFL to enter the Supplemental Draft.  However, Terrelle Pryor in my opinion has the ability and talent to succeed in the NFL as a quarterback.  In the Rose Bowl game against Oregon Terrelle started to show glimpses of living up to the expectations everyone placed on him. He built on the momentum from the Oregon game and statically improved in his junior year. He completed 65% of his passes and while he matched his interception totals(11) from his sophomore season, he threw for 9 more touchdowns. Whose to say that if he had a senior season that his numbers wouldn't improve further. 


Pryor has shown that given time and the proper training he can improve as a quarterback. Terrelle would be best suited for a west coast offensive team like that of the Philadelphia Eagles, heck the Eagles should draft Pryor in the Supplemental Draft. Even though they just signed Vince Young and now have three quarterbacks on the roster, one more wouldn't hurt especially someone as talented as Pryor. Michael Vick in 2006 when he was with the Falcons had 53% completion percentage and nearly 2500 passing yards with 20 touchdowns and 13 interceptions with a quarterback rating of 76. Just last season Vick, had an MVP caliber season with a completion percentage of 63% and threw for 3000 yards with 21 touchdowns and just 6 interceptions and a quarterback rating of 100. Vick went from a decent passer and a deadly scrambler to a prolific passer and is still a deadly scrambler. Defenses actually hoped Vick would throw it on them, not anymore after last season. 


The Eagles took a chance with Vick when he was reinstated into the NFL and are taking a chance with Vince Young this year. Why not take another chance with Pryor who could be just as good as Vick if he plays to his potential. All Pryor needs is a chance and a good head coach and a good offensive coordinator. He would be given this said chance in Philadelphia where he would be learning from Andy Reid and Marty Mornhinweg. Also, he would be able to learn from both Michael Vick and Vince Young pertaining to issues both on and off the field.


Vick was able to go from being labeled as a scrambling quarterback who could hurt you more with his legs than his arm to a quarterback who can run. Vick can hurt you both ways now and has improved his decision making. The Eagles are hoping Vick can help Vince Young out and unlock his potential. Why not draft Pryor and allow both Vick and Young to help unlock Pryor's potential. In doing so the Eagles could get another great trade asset like that of Kevin Kolb. All Pryor needs is the right team and right situation to learn from and improve his skills. The Eagles offer that because they wouldn't be asking too much from Pryor and in the meantime Pryor can improve his abilities as a quarterback. The Eagles would be wise to draft Pryor and Pryor should want to go to the Eagles.


Ian with his take on sports 

Terrelle Pryor into the Supplemental Draft

Terrelle Pryor is awaiting to hear from the NFL to enter the Supplemental Draft. The draft will allow him to play this year in the NFL or otherwise he would just sit at home and wait a year before he can enter the real draft.

He should be allowed to enter the supplemental draft. He was banned by Ohio State to go back on campus for 5 years. So he needs a place to go. The NFL cannot refuse putting this guy in the supplemental draft.

But here is my issue. Pryor is in no way, shape, or form to be a NFL quarterback. He lacks accuracy and his throwing motions are just poor. Don't get me wrong, he was one of the best quarterbacks in college last year and the scariest 3rd down back last year, but that will not transition to the NFL.



Pryor is a wonderful athlete. Therefore, if I would to take him in the draft, I would move him to Tight End. Pryor, 6'6" and 223 pounds, would be a little small for tight end but would make for an incredible recieving tight end.

Honestly, if Pryor is given the chance to play in the NFL this year, he would fit with the New York Jets. Mark Sanchez needs recieving threats. We know the jets can run the ball and are one of the best defenses in the NFL, but you need an attack on offense. Pryor would make a good WR/TE for the Jets and allow for Sanchez more options down field.

Photo is from http://fantasyknuckleheads.com/

Alex with sports

North Carolina? Seriously?

If you haven't heard, North Carolina Coach, Butch Davis, was fired after an incident with a few players already signing agents while playing college football (Very illegal just for those who don't know). This happened earlier last year and the team played without the players who have caused themselves ineligible. They still ended the season 7-5 with a thrilling overtime win over Tennessee in the Motor City bowl.

Before Butch Davis, North Carolina was nobody. The only thing that mattered to North Carolina is "Did they beat Duke?". They were worthless and not good in the ACC. Just not a good team at all. But once Butch Davis came in, they did extremely well. Winning games, going to bowls, fighting for ACC Championship titles. I mean What was wrong with this guy.

A man was being interviewed on the news this morning and he said that it was a good thing that he was fired because it showed "integrity"... which is utter bullshit. If they were gonna fire Davis over the situation, they should have done that at the beginning of the year when this was all coming out. Even worse is that Davis came out with the information and gave it to the NCAA (unlike Ohio State). So he did the right thing, which shows integrity...

Davis may not bring the classiest men into North Carolina, but he sure does win games. And that is what matters. Davis's contract, which still has some years left on it, says if he is fired with no purpose, then he is awarded his guaranteed money, of $3,000,000. So North Carolina, cough up the money. There is no reason for him to be fired.

Alex with sports

Chad Ochocinco to the New England Patriots

First off I would like to say welcome to the start of my sports rant. I am very involved with sports, since practically the only thing I watch is ESPN. So I try my best to stay informed and make my own arguements.

Now to the big news, Chad has moved on and has made a deal with the New England Patriots for a 3 year deal. The Cincinnatti Bengals now get 2 draft picks in replacement for Ochocinco. Last year, Ochocinco caught 67 passes for 831 yards and 4 touchdowns.

That is rather unimpressive if you ask me. But I do feel this is a win win for both teams. The Patriots earlier last year traded away Randy Moss, their deep threat man. Without him, the Patriots had no reciever to reckon with in the deeper part of the field. So this deal to pick up Ochocinco, who has proven earlier in his career he can run, is going to be the Patriots deep threat man. Thus this pick up for the Patriots makes them one team to have on your radar to win the Superbowl, like every other.

Now to the Bengals, good old Ohio. I actually do like what they did here. I thought the combination of Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco was too much. Too much talk for one team to handle, hence why they fell apart throughout the season and late in games. By getting rid of Ochocinco, they opened up a spot for Jordan Shipley to step up and make a name for himself in the NFL. But Bruce Gradkowski has to get him the ball. By also getting 2 draft picks, they will maybe in the draft be able to find answers to their Offensive line and their poor defense, especially at stopping the run.

All in all: good trade for both teams.

Alex with sports