In the wake of the first College Football Playoff Rankings, college football as a whole have a better idea on what the gods of the CFP committee are looking for, and it's not style points (sorry, Ohio State). With three SEC West teams in the top 4 and four in the top six, where the power is isn't a question either. What is the question is what games down the road will have playoff implications in them.
Oregon vs Arizona and Ole Miss vs Alabama. Oregon lost by a touchdown to Arizona at home in a game that was tied until 2:56 left in the 4th quarter. Alabama lost to Ole Miss in Oxford on the same weekend as the Oregon/Arizona game in which Alabama had a seven point lead for much of the game. Arizona, who lost to USC due to a 36-yard missed field goal is ranked 12th in the CFP Top 25, and Oregon is at 5. Ole Miss despite coming off a loss to LSU, are ranked two spots ahead of Alabama at 4. Does this look fair? I'm not arguing for Arizona to be in the top 4, but the head-head matchup versus Oregon should put them in the top 10. Arizona has flaws, yes, with a small point-margin and an easy SOS, but Alabama has had minimal competition as well. Currently their only win over a ranked team was West Virginia in a sloppy game in Atlanta.
Looking ahead, it is hard to see more than one team from arguably the two best conferences (Big 12 and SEC) come out into the playoff. Each conference has five or six teams at the top who are Playoff threats, plus the SEC has a championship game. Let's look at the three biggest match-ups from Week 10 on.
Week 10:
1. #3 Auburn @ #4 Ole Miss
2. #7 TCU @ #20 West Virginia
3. #2 Florida State @ #25 Louisville
This upcoming week, three of the top seven teams are playing on the road versus a ranked team. Auburn definitely has the hardest bill here, playing in Oxford. College Gameday is going to Morgantown, probably due to being sick of Mississippi. After disses on Florida State's remaining schedule, the CFP Committee has given them a boast putting perhaps a solid away win on their resume.
Week 11:
1. #9 Kansas State @ #7 TCU
2. #16 Ohio State @ #8 Michigan State
3. #6 Alabama @ #19 LSU
This was a tough week to rank with so many good match-ups. Exempt are Oregon/Utah, Notre Dame/Arizona State, Texas A&M/Auburn and Oklahoma/Baylor. KSU/TCU and OSU/MSU are games that could perhaps decide the Big 12 and Big 10, respectively. A one-loss champion from either conference would have a legitimate shot to make the playoff, which is much more likely in the Midwest, however. Alabama/LSU is always a good game, and LSU could maybe knock Alabama out of playoff contention in a game at night in Baton Rouge.
Week 12:
1. #1 Mississippi State @ #6 Alabama
2. #3 Auburn @ #11 Georgia
3. #15 Nebraska @ Wisconsin
The first game this week was obvious. Dak Prescott versus Blake Sims, Dan Mullen versus Nick Saban, powerhouse versus powerhouse. Georgia has a relatively easy schedule, for an SEC team, left, with Auburn the only ranked bump in the road. A win here and in the SEC Championship game should propel Georgia into the Playoff. Our final game of the week is Nebraska and Wisconsin, not exactly two super teams this year. However, this game should decide the Big 10 West and the winner will face either Michigan State or Ohio State in the Championship game, looking to knock them out of Playoff contention (and maybe put Nebraska in).
Week 13:
1. #9 Kansas State @ #20 West Virginia
2. #12 Arizona @ #17 Utah
3. Louisville @ #10 Notre Dame
One of the last games before Championship weekend and Bowl season, it kind of lacks the hype of the norm Week 13. With only two games between ranked teams, and almost all of the top 10 teams matching up against teams far more inferior teams. Kansas State continues on their horrid stretch of games away from home, with game number 2 of 3 coming in Morgantown. We think that GameDay will probably head to either South Bend or Los Angeles (USC/UCLA) as this week is sort of a pre-nup for a huge Week 14.
Week 14:
1. #1 Mississippi State @ #4 Ole Miss
2. #3 Auburn @ #6 Alabama
3. #10 Notre Dame @ USC
This week will be fun. The Egg Bowl and the Iron Bowl are some of the most prolific match-ups this year, and perhaps the most prolific in their histories. The Egg Bowl has been being hyped ever since Auburn and Alabama went down back in Week 6. Played in Oxford, you could give the advantage to Ole Miss, but coming off the loss to LSU, Ole Miss is not longer undefeated. Mississippi State is. Ole Miss has Auburn coming up and Mississippi State having Alabama, which could have the Iron Bowl winner going into the SEC Championship Game. Again. Outside of those two games, the games sort of drop-off. We put Notre Dame/USC next due to their prolific rivalry.
Week 15:
1. SEC Championship Game
2. Big Ten Championship Game
3. #9 Kansas State @ #13 Baylor
Our top two Championship games are the SEC and Big 10, leaving out the Pac 12 and ACC. Yes, arguable, but I would take Michigan State/Nebraska and (Fill in your SEC West team)/Georgia over Oregon/Utah and Florida State/Duke any day. Last year, the SEC and Big 10 had huge Championship implications, with the entire Auburn/Ohio State controversy. This year could be the same, but instead the argument of a two-loss SEC team versus a one-loss Big 10 championship team. Kansas State/Baylor is the best Big 12 game, so we put that at #3.
Playoff Prediction:
Sugar Bowl: #1 Florida State vs #4 Michigan State
Rose Bowl: #2 Ole Miss vs #3 Oregon
New Year's Six:
Orange Bowl: Clemson vs Auburn
Fiesta Bowl: Auburn vs Baylor
Peach Bowl: East Carolina vs Notre Dame
Cotton Bowl: TCU vs Alabama
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Week College Football Top 25
Week 9 wasn't exactly the type of drama we have been seeing this College Football season. Only two ranked teams lost, each of them to ranked teams (#3 Ole Miss to #24 LSU and #20 USC to #19 Utah). We started the day off with Kansas State shutting down Texas, and some pesky Big 10 skirmishes. Mid-College Football day saw Michigan State wrathfully beat up "big brother" Michigan, Mississippi State barely shaving off Kentucky, Jared Lorenzen (who had himself a day) and Patrick Towles. Finally, on the nightcap we saw LSU upset Ole Miss in death valley and South Carolina nearly beat Auburn in Jordan-Hare.
Ranking after the top three will be extremely hard now ten one-loss teams that all of strong cases. Florida State, Mississippi State and Alabama look solid so far, but we still have questions about Alabama. Let's get started.
1. Florida State 7-0 (BYE)
A week removed now from that controversial win versus Notre Dame and Mississippi State looking vulnerable further solidifies Florida State as the number team in the country.
2. Mississippi State 7-0 (Win 45-31 @ Kentucky)
Mississippi State resume got another boost after LSU beat Ole Miss, but the win at home versus Auburn is making their wins very comparable to Georgia.
3. Alabama 7-1 (Win 34-20 @ Tennessee)
Lane Kiffen lived and so did Alabama. However, with only one win versus a current ranked team (West Virginia) makes their upcoming schedule look very difficult.
4. Oregon 7-1 (Win 59-41 @ California)
Marcus Mariota is a beast and so is Oregon. Their next two games (vs kryptonite Stanford and at a strong Utah team) should define where they stand right now.
5. Auburn 6-1 (Win 45-38 vs South Carolina)
Despite an impossible schedule, this team still only has one loss. At Ole Miss next week will decide whether this team is the best team in the SEC.
6. Michigan State 7-1 (Win 35-11 vs Michigan)
Big brother went down hard and Michigan State now has 13 consecutive wins versus Big 10 foes. They could easily grab another one two weeks from now with JT Barrett potentially injured.
7. Georgia 6-1 (BYE)
Having not played a top ten team this year differs them from the rest of elite, but that South Carolina loss looks a lot better after how Auburn played against them at home.
8. Ole Miss 7-1 (Loss 10-7 @ LSU)
Yes, the Rebels fell five spots after losing in perhaps the toughest environment in the nation. They got lucky catching Alabama on their bad game. The game against Auburn is huge this weekend.
9. Notre Dame 6-1 (BYE)
0-1 versus currently ranked teams looks bad, but have a chance to turn that around with a big game against Arizona State coming up. Yes, I didn't talk about that game down in Florida that happened.
10. TCU 6-1 (Win 82-27 vs Texas Tech)
If Michigan fans are salty about Michigan State padding their comfortable lead, you must wonder how Texas Tech feels. West Virginia next week, my projected score is 98-92.
11. Kansas State 6-1 (Win 23-0 vs Texas)
12. Ohio State 6-1 (Win 31-24 @ Penn State)
13. Arizona State 6-1 (Win 24-10 @ Washington)
14. Baylor 6-1 (BYE)
15. Utah 6-1 (Win 24-21 vs USC)
16. LSU 7-2 (Win 10-7 vs Ole Miss
17. Arizona 6-1 (Win 59-37 @ Washington State)
18. Oklahoma 5-2 (BYE)
19. West Virginia 6-2 (Win 34-10 @ OKST)
20. Nebraska 7-1 (Win 42-24 vs Rutgers)
21. East Carolina 6-1 (Win 31-21 vs UConn)
22. Clemson 6-2 (Win 16-6 vs Syracuse)
23. Marshall 8-0 (Win 35-16 vs Florida Atlantic)
24. Duke 6-1 (BYE)
25. North Dakota State 8-0 (Win 47-7 @ South Dakota)
Don't get that wrong. FCS powerhouse North Dakota State has more wins versus Power 5 teams Wake Forest, Kansas, Vanderbilt, Tennessee and Colorado. They have outscored their opponents 274-75. That is an average score of 34.25 to 8.125. They should be invited into the MWC conference soon, as they could a dominant powerhouse in the FBS.
Ranking after the top three will be extremely hard now ten one-loss teams that all of strong cases. Florida State, Mississippi State and Alabama look solid so far, but we still have questions about Alabama. Let's get started.
1. Florida State 7-0 (BYE)
A week removed now from that controversial win versus Notre Dame and Mississippi State looking vulnerable further solidifies Florida State as the number team in the country.
2. Mississippi State 7-0 (Win 45-31 @ Kentucky)
Mississippi State resume got another boost after LSU beat Ole Miss, but the win at home versus Auburn is making their wins very comparable to Georgia.
3. Alabama 7-1 (Win 34-20 @ Tennessee)
Lane Kiffen lived and so did Alabama. However, with only one win versus a current ranked team (West Virginia) makes their upcoming schedule look very difficult.
4. Oregon 7-1 (Win 59-41 @ California)
Marcus Mariota is a beast and so is Oregon. Their next two games (vs kryptonite Stanford and at a strong Utah team) should define where they stand right now.
5. Auburn 6-1 (Win 45-38 vs South Carolina)
Despite an impossible schedule, this team still only has one loss. At Ole Miss next week will decide whether this team is the best team in the SEC.
6. Michigan State 7-1 (Win 35-11 vs Michigan)
Big brother went down hard and Michigan State now has 13 consecutive wins versus Big 10 foes. They could easily grab another one two weeks from now with JT Barrett potentially injured.
7. Georgia 6-1 (BYE)
Having not played a top ten team this year differs them from the rest of elite, but that South Carolina loss looks a lot better after how Auburn played against them at home.
8. Ole Miss 7-1 (Loss 10-7 @ LSU)
Yes, the Rebels fell five spots after losing in perhaps the toughest environment in the nation. They got lucky catching Alabama on their bad game. The game against Auburn is huge this weekend.
9. Notre Dame 6-1 (BYE)
0-1 versus currently ranked teams looks bad, but have a chance to turn that around with a big game against Arizona State coming up. Yes, I didn't talk about that game down in Florida that happened.
10. TCU 6-1 (Win 82-27 vs Texas Tech)
If Michigan fans are salty about Michigan State padding their comfortable lead, you must wonder how Texas Tech feels. West Virginia next week, my projected score is 98-92.
11. Kansas State 6-1 (Win 23-0 vs Texas)
12. Ohio State 6-1 (Win 31-24 @ Penn State)
13. Arizona State 6-1 (Win 24-10 @ Washington)
14. Baylor 6-1 (BYE)
15. Utah 6-1 (Win 24-21 vs USC)
16. LSU 7-2 (Win 10-7 vs Ole Miss
17. Arizona 6-1 (Win 59-37 @ Washington State)
18. Oklahoma 5-2 (BYE)
19. West Virginia 6-2 (Win 34-10 @ OKST)
20. Nebraska 7-1 (Win 42-24 vs Rutgers)
21. East Carolina 6-1 (Win 31-21 vs UConn)
22. Clemson 6-2 (Win 16-6 vs Syracuse)
23. Marshall 8-0 (Win 35-16 vs Florida Atlantic)
24. Duke 6-1 (BYE)
25. North Dakota State 8-0 (Win 47-7 @ South Dakota)
Don't get that wrong. FCS powerhouse North Dakota State has more wins versus Power 5 teams Wake Forest, Kansas, Vanderbilt, Tennessee and Colorado. They have outscored their opponents 274-75. That is an average score of 34.25 to 8.125. They should be invited into the MWC conference soon, as they could a dominant powerhouse in the FBS.
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Looking at Free Agents in the World Series
Two games into the World Series, we are nearing the off season. So far we have seen two bursting offensive performances and two teams trying to put their bullpens together. Surrounding the diamond however, are fans who are perhaps seeing their favorite players playing for the last time. Eight players on the world series rosters are set to be free agents next year.
The gist in football is if you win the Super Bowl, the next year you go downhill. All of your players leave for more money and you are stuck with a low draft pick. We haven't really seen that in baseball as the Cardinals, Giants and Tigers have made the CS each at least three times in the past five years, which is incredible.
We're going to take a look at which team will be missing more if all of their players leave, which team will be taking more of a hit. Let's see:
8. Jason Frasor
Fraser has been a stud this postseason, giving up no runs in four innings pitched and acquiring two wins. At 37, however, he will be lucky to sign for a million dollars. He should see some action in the postseason if Herrera, Davis or Holland falter, or if the Royals need to go into the pen in the 6th. The Royals have plenty of options behind him in the pecking order. Although he posted a .8 WAR and was phenomenal down the stretch for KC, he not really a necessity to this ball club.
Verdict: -.2 wins
7. Josh Willingham
Willingham has been a solid ballplayer for the past decade, but in his first postseason is seeing limited action. With only a single in four at-bats, Billy Butler is the clear DH on this team. Willingham is a good power option of the bench which the Royals could use however. In his career he is 14 for 65 with three homers as a pinch hitter, which is not bad. Currently being paid around 5.2 million, he should receive a pay cut at the end of the year. If a Royals player goes down, Willingham could be the guy to step in.
Verdict: -.8 wins
6. Ryan Vogelsong
Yes, one of the four starting pitchers on a world series team is down this low. Yes, Vogelsong has been vital this year in the playoffs and in 2012. Vogelsong was very mediocre this year and awful in 2013. It wasn't that Vogelsong didn't have any strikeouts. He averaged just under seven per nine innings. It wasn't he walked a bunch of guys. His WHIP was at 1.26 this year. It just seemed to be that Vogelsong gave up a bunch of runs. Not unearned runs, just earned runs. He gave up 86 runs in 184.2 innings, good for 4.00 ERA. As a starting pitcher, Vogelsong will still be missed.
Verdict: -2 wins
5. Sergio Romo
Sergio Romo is a fan favorite, the hero of the magical 2012 run. Although he lost his closers job, he is still a vital part to the Giants bullpen. He struggled earlier this year, blowing five saves and losing his job to Santiago Casilla, but he bounced back and pitched well down the stretch. He only gave up a total of four runs in the second half in 24 games. His ERA dropped 2.94 points, and opponent's OPS+ from 116 to 69. So far this postseason, he has pitched in seven games, or 4.2 innings, and only given up the walk-off homer to Kolten Wong. Romo is a key part of this team, and will likely be back next year.
Verdict: -2.5 wins
4. Michael Morse
Mike Morse had a great bounce back year. He hit .279 with an OPS of .811 and 16 homers in 131 games after a forgetful 2013 season. Morse showed signs of what he was in Washington until he got caught by the injury bug, and he missed almost all of September. He is back now, and with a crucial game-tying homer in the NLCS, looks to be back. He will likely not play in San Francisco, with his injured oblique keeping him from playing left field. The Giants would love to retain him, but he will likely hit the market costing San Fran.
Verdict: -2.8 wins
3. Jake Peavy
Acquired from Boston at the trade deadline, Peavy his enjoying his second straight world series run. While playing for San Francisco, Peavy has gone 6-4 with 2.17 ERA and a WHIP of 1.04. He hasn't been phenomenal in the postseason, the lackluster game last night, but is still a solid pitcher. Without Peavy, the Giants' threat of Petit and Lincecum coming out of the pen would be minimized, having to start one of them. At 33, Peavy should still get market attention this offseason and be looking at a three year deal with about 10-15 million dollars per year.
Verdict: -3 wins
2. Pablo Sandoval
The mighty Panda has been a solid rock at third base for the last four years. He is a cork in the Giants line-up protecting Buster Posey and setting up Hunter Pence and is clearly a fan favorite. One of the most memorable moments of his career was the three homer game against Justin Verlander and the Detroit Tigers in 2012, starting what would come to be a sweep. Pablo has consistently put up WAR numbers around 3, and has played stellar defense for a man of his size. At 28, Sandoval should get plenty attention from many teams, highlighting himself as a middle of the order guy who can protect your star.
Verdict: -4 wins
1. James Shields
In 2012, the Royals traded Wil Meyers, Jake Odorizzi and two minor leaguers to Tampa Bay for James Shields and Wade Davis. That trade was mocked, as the Royals traded maybe the best prospect in the game and a solid future 2-starter for a guy who had never been a true ace with two years left on his contract and a struggling starting pitcher. Since then, Shields has established himself as a bone-fide ace and Wade Davis as one of the best relievers in the game. Shields hits the market as the third best starting pitcher and looking for a deal around the vicinity that Adam Wainwright got. Shields hasn't been his dominant self this postseason, but still has Game 5 to turn that around.
Verdict: -5 wins
The Giants are obviously losing more players, but Kansas City is losing their ace. All in all, every player on the World Series rosters are vital and each team will do everything they can to keep each and every player.
Final Verdict: Giants -13.3 wins
Royals - -6 wins
The Royals are a franchise that is set for a long run with lots of young talent. As for the Giants, well we'll see them in 2016.
The gist in football is if you win the Super Bowl, the next year you go downhill. All of your players leave for more money and you are stuck with a low draft pick. We haven't really seen that in baseball as the Cardinals, Giants and Tigers have made the CS each at least three times in the past five years, which is incredible.
We're going to take a look at which team will be missing more if all of their players leave, which team will be taking more of a hit. Let's see:
8. Jason Frasor
Fraser has been a stud this postseason, giving up no runs in four innings pitched and acquiring two wins. At 37, however, he will be lucky to sign for a million dollars. He should see some action in the postseason if Herrera, Davis or Holland falter, or if the Royals need to go into the pen in the 6th. The Royals have plenty of options behind him in the pecking order. Although he posted a .8 WAR and was phenomenal down the stretch for KC, he not really a necessity to this ball club.
Verdict: -.2 wins
7. Josh Willingham
Willingham has been a solid ballplayer for the past decade, but in his first postseason is seeing limited action. With only a single in four at-bats, Billy Butler is the clear DH on this team. Willingham is a good power option of the bench which the Royals could use however. In his career he is 14 for 65 with three homers as a pinch hitter, which is not bad. Currently being paid around 5.2 million, he should receive a pay cut at the end of the year. If a Royals player goes down, Willingham could be the guy to step in.
Verdict: -.8 wins
6. Ryan Vogelsong
Yes, one of the four starting pitchers on a world series team is down this low. Yes, Vogelsong has been vital this year in the playoffs and in 2012. Vogelsong was very mediocre this year and awful in 2013. It wasn't that Vogelsong didn't have any strikeouts. He averaged just under seven per nine innings. It wasn't he walked a bunch of guys. His WHIP was at 1.26 this year. It just seemed to be that Vogelsong gave up a bunch of runs. Not unearned runs, just earned runs. He gave up 86 runs in 184.2 innings, good for 4.00 ERA. As a starting pitcher, Vogelsong will still be missed.
Verdict: -2 wins
5. Sergio Romo
Sergio Romo is a fan favorite, the hero of the magical 2012 run. Although he lost his closers job, he is still a vital part to the Giants bullpen. He struggled earlier this year, blowing five saves and losing his job to Santiago Casilla, but he bounced back and pitched well down the stretch. He only gave up a total of four runs in the second half in 24 games. His ERA dropped 2.94 points, and opponent's OPS+ from 116 to 69. So far this postseason, he has pitched in seven games, or 4.2 innings, and only given up the walk-off homer to Kolten Wong. Romo is a key part of this team, and will likely be back next year.
Verdict: -2.5 wins
4. Michael Morse
Mike Morse had a great bounce back year. He hit .279 with an OPS of .811 and 16 homers in 131 games after a forgetful 2013 season. Morse showed signs of what he was in Washington until he got caught by the injury bug, and he missed almost all of September. He is back now, and with a crucial game-tying homer in the NLCS, looks to be back. He will likely not play in San Francisco, with his injured oblique keeping him from playing left field. The Giants would love to retain him, but he will likely hit the market costing San Fran.
Verdict: -2.8 wins
3. Jake Peavy
Acquired from Boston at the trade deadline, Peavy his enjoying his second straight world series run. While playing for San Francisco, Peavy has gone 6-4 with 2.17 ERA and a WHIP of 1.04. He hasn't been phenomenal in the postseason, the lackluster game last night, but is still a solid pitcher. Without Peavy, the Giants' threat of Petit and Lincecum coming out of the pen would be minimized, having to start one of them. At 33, Peavy should still get market attention this offseason and be looking at a three year deal with about 10-15 million dollars per year.
Verdict: -3 wins
2. Pablo Sandoval
The mighty Panda has been a solid rock at third base for the last four years. He is a cork in the Giants line-up protecting Buster Posey and setting up Hunter Pence and is clearly a fan favorite. One of the most memorable moments of his career was the three homer game against Justin Verlander and the Detroit Tigers in 2012, starting what would come to be a sweep. Pablo has consistently put up WAR numbers around 3, and has played stellar defense for a man of his size. At 28, Sandoval should get plenty attention from many teams, highlighting himself as a middle of the order guy who can protect your star.
Verdict: -4 wins
1. James Shields
In 2012, the Royals traded Wil Meyers, Jake Odorizzi and two minor leaguers to Tampa Bay for James Shields and Wade Davis. That trade was mocked, as the Royals traded maybe the best prospect in the game and a solid future 2-starter for a guy who had never been a true ace with two years left on his contract and a struggling starting pitcher. Since then, Shields has established himself as a bone-fide ace and Wade Davis as one of the best relievers in the game. Shields hits the market as the third best starting pitcher and looking for a deal around the vicinity that Adam Wainwright got. Shields hasn't been his dominant self this postseason, but still has Game 5 to turn that around.
Verdict: -5 wins
The Giants are obviously losing more players, but Kansas City is losing their ace. All in all, every player on the World Series rosters are vital and each team will do everything they can to keep each and every player.
Final Verdict: Giants -13.3 wins
Royals - -6 wins
The Royals are a franchise that is set for a long run with lots of young talent. As for the Giants, well we'll see them in 2016.
Picking out the Class of each Conference
Eight games into the 2014 college football season, we are starting to get a good idea which teams are the class of each conference. With only three Power 5 teams left undefeated, the class of the entire FBS is uncertain though. Florida State, Mississippi State and Ole Miss have very legit cases for number one overall, and even teams like Alabama, Auburn and Oregon, one loss teams, could make small cases for it.
The SEC West and, well, the top half of the Big 12 seem to stack up to be the best divisions in college football right now. On the other hand, the Pac 12 North and ACC Coastal divisions definitely seem to be the weakest. Of course, it isn't as bad as some of the years the Big East put up, but isn't great. On the other hand, the SEC West seems to be one of the best divisions in history with four teams in the AP top 25.
Let's get it going. We are going to decide what teams from each conference have a chance to either a) get into the college playoff, b) win the conference, or c) get into a major bowl. Each team will be given a percent change of this happening, and a prediction. So here goes:
ACC:
Florida State: 85% of making playoff, 90% of winning division, 10% of making major bowl
Duke: 0% of making playoff, 4% of winning division, 20% of making major bowl
UVA: 0% of making playoff, 3% of winning division, 3% of making major bowl
Pittsburgh: 0% of making playoff, 3% of winning division, 3% of making major bowl
Clemson: 0% of making playoff, 0% of winning division, 35% of making major bowl
Louisville: 0% of making playoff, 0% of winning division, 15% of making major bowl
Georgia Tech: 0% of making playoff, 0% of winning division, 5% of making major bowl
Miami: 0% of making playoff, 0% of winning division, 2% of making major bowl
Virginia Tech: 0% of making playoff, 0% winning division, 2% of making major bowl
Really, there are only three scenarios here. Scenario 1: Florida State goes undefeated, wins conference, and random team gets into Orange Bowl. Scenario 2: Florida State loses a game or two, still wins conference, gets into Orange Bowl. The final scenario is Florida State loses in conference game, giving an auto-bid to Orange Bowl for non-Florida State team. Any way, this is probably the easiest division to pick.
Big 12:
TCU: 15% of making playoff, 40% of winning conference, 80% of making major bowl
Baylor: 10% of making playoff, 25% of winning conference, 60% of making major bowl
Kansas State: 10% of making playoff, 20% of winning conference, 30% of making major bowl
West Virginia: 0% of making playoff, 10% of winning conference, 10% of making major bowl
Oklahoma: 0% of making playoff, 5% of winning conference, 10% of making major bowl
If only this conference had a championship game. Tiebreakers are going to be the heart and soul of deciding who gets into perhaps the Cotton or Fiesta bowl. TCU probably has the best chance with Oklahoma and Baylor no longer on the schedule. Bryce Petty could easily lead Baylor to a one-loss season, which is however no likely. Kansas State is the final one of the powers, with only a loss to Auburn, but still has TCU and Baylor left on the schedule. Oklahoma drops significantly after two losses in three games. West Virginia is the wild card here, just jumping into the picture after a win versus Baylor. This is going to be a fun division.
Big 10:
MSU: 25% of making playoff, 60% of winning conference, 65% of making major bowl
Ohio State: 15% of making playoff, 36% of winning conference, 36% of making major bowl
Minnesota: 0% of making playoff, 2% of winning conference, 2% of making major bowl
Nebraska: 0% of making playoff, 2% of winning conference, 2% of making major bowl
Mark your calenders. November 8th at 8:00 PM in East Lansing, the Michigan State Spartans and the Ohio State Buckeyes take on each other for perhaps the Big Ten Championship, or even maybe a Playoff berth. There is a 99.99% chance that MSU or OSU will represent the East division. Out of the West, Minnesota and Nebraska are likely to come out, with Minnesota currently undefeated in conference play and Nebraska with only a loss to Michigan State will come out of the West. Either way, neither of those teams have much of a chance upsetting MSU or OSU.
Pac 12:
Oregon: 50% of making playoff, 60% of winning division, 45% of making major bowl
ASU: 5% of making playoff, 15% of winning division, 20% of making major bowl
Arizona: 5% of making playoff, 15% of winning division, 15% of making major bowl
USC: 0% of making playoff, 5% of winning division, 5% of making major bowl
Utah: 0% of making playoff, 5% of winning division, 5% of making major bowl
It is pretty clear here that Oregon is the class of the division. Gone are UCLA and Stanford from consideration, freeing up the path for Oregon to win the division. The Arizona's have a chance, with ASU getting a light advantage to make a major bowl game without winning the conference. Utah and USC both still have a chance, with USC still having Utah and Notre Dame left on the schedule. Right now, Oregon is looking like a playoff team, which would open up a spot in the Fiesta bowl for maybe Arizona State.
SEC:
Ole Miss: 65% of making playoff, 35% of winning division, 30% of making major bowl
Mississippi State: 45% of making playoff, 24% of winning division, 50% of making major bowl
Auburn: 25% of making playoff, 10% of winning division, 60% of major bowl
Alabama: 20% of making playoff, 11% of winning division, 65% of major bowl
Georgia: 15% of making playoff, 20% of winning division, 80% of major bowl
Oh my. It is very likely that four of these teams will make a major bowl. FOUR! Georgia probably should get in, being a one or two loss SEC team. Of Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Auburn and Alabama, one should get into the playoff and two get into a major bowl. One team will get left in the dust, and we right now have no idea which team that is going to be. Ole Miss and and Mississippi State should end up undefeated or with one loss, and that will be the team that gets into the playoff. There is a ton of football left, so this conference is still up in the air.
Independents/Group of 5:
Notre Dame: 10% of making playoff, 65% of making major bowl
Marshall: 0% of making playoff, 70% of making major bowl
East Carolina: 0% of making playoff, 30% of making major bowl
Looking here, we're pretty sure Notre Dame will make a major bowl, even if they lose one more game. With the necessity of a Group of Five team making a bowl, we have pretty much narrowed it down to Marshall and East Carolina, with Marshall the advantage here. However, if Marshall loses, East Carolina has the definite advantage with a much harder schedule.
If your team isn't one here, don't worry. We're only a bit over half way through this year. You never know; the currently one loss Duke Blue Devils could be playing on January 12th.
The SEC West and, well, the top half of the Big 12 seem to stack up to be the best divisions in college football right now. On the other hand, the Pac 12 North and ACC Coastal divisions definitely seem to be the weakest. Of course, it isn't as bad as some of the years the Big East put up, but isn't great. On the other hand, the SEC West seems to be one of the best divisions in history with four teams in the AP top 25.
Let's get it going. We are going to decide what teams from each conference have a chance to either a) get into the college playoff, b) win the conference, or c) get into a major bowl. Each team will be given a percent change of this happening, and a prediction. So here goes:
ACC:
Florida State: 85% of making playoff, 90% of winning division, 10% of making major bowl
Duke: 0% of making playoff, 4% of winning division, 20% of making major bowl
UVA: 0% of making playoff, 3% of winning division, 3% of making major bowl
Pittsburgh: 0% of making playoff, 3% of winning division, 3% of making major bowl
Clemson: 0% of making playoff, 0% of winning division, 35% of making major bowl
Louisville: 0% of making playoff, 0% of winning division, 15% of making major bowl
Georgia Tech: 0% of making playoff, 0% of winning division, 5% of making major bowl
Miami: 0% of making playoff, 0% of winning division, 2% of making major bowl
Virginia Tech: 0% of making playoff, 0% winning division, 2% of making major bowl
Really, there are only three scenarios here. Scenario 1: Florida State goes undefeated, wins conference, and random team gets into Orange Bowl. Scenario 2: Florida State loses a game or two, still wins conference, gets into Orange Bowl. The final scenario is Florida State loses in conference game, giving an auto-bid to Orange Bowl for non-Florida State team. Any way, this is probably the easiest division to pick.
Big 12:
TCU: 15% of making playoff, 40% of winning conference, 80% of making major bowl
Baylor: 10% of making playoff, 25% of winning conference, 60% of making major bowl
Kansas State: 10% of making playoff, 20% of winning conference, 30% of making major bowl
West Virginia: 0% of making playoff, 10% of winning conference, 10% of making major bowl
Oklahoma: 0% of making playoff, 5% of winning conference, 10% of making major bowl
If only this conference had a championship game. Tiebreakers are going to be the heart and soul of deciding who gets into perhaps the Cotton or Fiesta bowl. TCU probably has the best chance with Oklahoma and Baylor no longer on the schedule. Bryce Petty could easily lead Baylor to a one-loss season, which is however no likely. Kansas State is the final one of the powers, with only a loss to Auburn, but still has TCU and Baylor left on the schedule. Oklahoma drops significantly after two losses in three games. West Virginia is the wild card here, just jumping into the picture after a win versus Baylor. This is going to be a fun division.
Big 10:
MSU: 25% of making playoff, 60% of winning conference, 65% of making major bowl
Ohio State: 15% of making playoff, 36% of winning conference, 36% of making major bowl
Minnesota: 0% of making playoff, 2% of winning conference, 2% of making major bowl
Nebraska: 0% of making playoff, 2% of winning conference, 2% of making major bowl
Mark your calenders. November 8th at 8:00 PM in East Lansing, the Michigan State Spartans and the Ohio State Buckeyes take on each other for perhaps the Big Ten Championship, or even maybe a Playoff berth. There is a 99.99% chance that MSU or OSU will represent the East division. Out of the West, Minnesota and Nebraska are likely to come out, with Minnesota currently undefeated in conference play and Nebraska with only a loss to Michigan State will come out of the West. Either way, neither of those teams have much of a chance upsetting MSU or OSU.
Pac 12:
Oregon: 50% of making playoff, 60% of winning division, 45% of making major bowl
ASU: 5% of making playoff, 15% of winning division, 20% of making major bowl
Arizona: 5% of making playoff, 15% of winning division, 15% of making major bowl
USC: 0% of making playoff, 5% of winning division, 5% of making major bowl
Utah: 0% of making playoff, 5% of winning division, 5% of making major bowl
It is pretty clear here that Oregon is the class of the division. Gone are UCLA and Stanford from consideration, freeing up the path for Oregon to win the division. The Arizona's have a chance, with ASU getting a light advantage to make a major bowl game without winning the conference. Utah and USC both still have a chance, with USC still having Utah and Notre Dame left on the schedule. Right now, Oregon is looking like a playoff team, which would open up a spot in the Fiesta bowl for maybe Arizona State.
SEC:
Ole Miss: 65% of making playoff, 35% of winning division, 30% of making major bowl
Mississippi State: 45% of making playoff, 24% of winning division, 50% of making major bowl
Auburn: 25% of making playoff, 10% of winning division, 60% of major bowl
Alabama: 20% of making playoff, 11% of winning division, 65% of major bowl
Georgia: 15% of making playoff, 20% of winning division, 80% of major bowl
Oh my. It is very likely that four of these teams will make a major bowl. FOUR! Georgia probably should get in, being a one or two loss SEC team. Of Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Auburn and Alabama, one should get into the playoff and two get into a major bowl. One team will get left in the dust, and we right now have no idea which team that is going to be. Ole Miss and and Mississippi State should end up undefeated or with one loss, and that will be the team that gets into the playoff. There is a ton of football left, so this conference is still up in the air.
Independents/Group of 5:
Notre Dame: 10% of making playoff, 65% of making major bowl
Marshall: 0% of making playoff, 70% of making major bowl
East Carolina: 0% of making playoff, 30% of making major bowl
Looking here, we're pretty sure Notre Dame will make a major bowl, even if they lose one more game. With the necessity of a Group of Five team making a bowl, we have pretty much narrowed it down to Marshall and East Carolina, with Marshall the advantage here. However, if Marshall loses, East Carolina has the definite advantage with a much harder schedule.
If your team isn't one here, don't worry. We're only a bit over half way through this year. You never know; the currently one loss Duke Blue Devils could be playing on January 12th.
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Week 8 Positional Rankings
Week 8 is here, and so are the positional rankings for this week. In parenthesis are where they were ranked in individual brackets (Jordi, Will G, Lucas, Will S). NR - not ranked. Here it goes:
Quarterback:
T1. Peyton Manning (1,2,2,5)
T1. Aaron Rodgers (2,1,5,2)
3. Russell Wilson (4,4,4,1)
4. Phillip Rivers (3,5,3,4)
5. Andrew Luck (5,3,1,7)
6. Drew Brees (6,7,9,6)
7. Joe Flacco (10,13,8,3)
8. Jay Cutler (11,6,11,8)
9. Tony Romo (8,14,6,10)
10. Tom Brady (7,8,14,NR)
11. Matt Ryan (12,9,10,9)
12. Cam Newton (13,11,13,13)
13. Matt Stafford (14,10,12,16)
14. Ryan Tannehill (12,16,12,NR)
15. Nick Foles (9,16,15,15)
16. Alex Smith (15,20,11,NR)
17. Ben Roethlisberger (15,NR,14,19)
T18. Teddy Bridgewater (17, NR,NR,NR)
T18. Ryan Fitzpatrick (17,NR,NR,NR)
T20. Austin Davis (19,17,NR,NR)
T20. Carson Palmer (18,NR,NR,NR)
22. Andy Dalton (19,18,18,NR)
23. Brian Hoyer (20,NR,NR,NR)
Running Backs:
1. Marshawn Lynch (3,1,3,1)
2. Matt Forte (1,5,2,2)
T3. Arian Foster (2,2,5,4)
T3. DeMarco Murray (4,3,1,5)
5. Le'Veon Bell (5,4,7,3)
6. Lamar Miller (7,8,9,6)
7. Giovani Bernard (8,10,4,10)
8. Eddie Lacy (11,6,6,11)
9. Andre Ellington (6,9,13,8)
10. Ahmad Bradshaw (9,7,14,9)
11. LeSean McCoy (10,12,8,NR)
12. Justin Forsett (16,13,11,7)
13. Jamaal Charles (12,11,12,14)
14. Antone Smith (13,NR,NR,NR)
15. Branden Oliver (15,20,10, NR)
T16. Shane Vereen (13,16,17,NR)
T16. Joique Bell (17,15,15,NR)
18. Chris Ivory (14,21,NR,15)
19. Alfred Morris (22,NR,NR,12)
20. Ben Tate (20,14,18,NR)
21. Mark Ingram (21,18,16,NR)
22. Jerick McKinnon (19,19,20,NR)
23. Trent Richardson (22,18,21,NR)
24. Darren McFadden (18,NR,24,NR)
25. Isaiah Crowell (22,NR,NR,NR)
T26. Khiry Robinson (23,29,23,NR)
T26. Reggie Bush (25,NR,NR,NR)
T28. Steven Jackson (25,NR,26,NR)
T28. Ronnie Hillman (23,NR,NR,28)
T30. Doug Martin (24,28,NR,NR)
T30. Jonathon Stewert (26,NR,NR,NR)
32. Tre Mason (24,NR,29,NR)
33. Bobby Rainey (27,NR,NR,NR)
34. Anthony Dixon (30,NR,27,NR)
35. Matt Asiata (30,NR,NR,NR)
Wide Receivers:
1. Jordy Nelson (1,1,3,1)
2. Demaryius Thomas (3,2,1,3)
3. Dez Bryant (2,3,9,8)
4. Antonio Brown (6,5,7,5)
T5. Jeremy Maclin (5,10,4,6)
T5. Julio Jones (8,4,3,10)
T7. Randall Cobb (7,8,10,2)
T7. Golden Tate (4,7,5,11)
9. Andre Johnson (NR,9,6,NR)
10. Mike Wallace (9,12,8,13)
11. Steve Smith (14,18,NR,4)
12. Doug Baldwin (NR,13,13,NR)
13. James Jones (NR,15,14,NR)
14. Mohammad Sanu (NR,NR,7,NR)
T15. Terrance Williams (15,NR,NR,NR)
T15. Emmanual Sanders (19,14,12,NR)
T17. Kelvin Benjamin (21,11,NR,14)
T17. Sammy Watkins (10,20,NR,16)
T19. DeAndre Hopkins (16,NR,NR,NR)
T19. Michael Floyd (13,19,NR,NR)
T21. AJ Green (24,6,21,NR)
T21. Julian Edelman (NR,17,17,NR)
T21. TY Hilton (12,30,NR,9)
24. Brandon Marshall (25,16,11,NR)
T25. Torrey Smith (22,21,16,NR)
T25. Larry Fitzgerald (NR,NR,18,NR)
27. DeSean Jackson (18,27,NR,15)
28. Eric Decker (NR,22,17,NR)
T29. Pierre Garcon (17,25,NR,NR)
T29. Dwayne Bowe (NR,26,16,NR)
31. Malcolm Floyd (20,23,NR,NR)
32. Alshon Jeffery (23,24,NR,NR)
33. Keenan Allen (NR,29,NR,NR)
Tight Ends:
1. Julius Thomas (2,1,1)
2. Greg Olson (1,3,7)
T3. Rob Gronkowski (3,4,5)
T3. Antonio Gates (4,6,2)
T3. Jimmy Graham (6,2,4)
6. Martellus Bennett (5,7,3)
7. Delanie Walker (11,5,6)
8. Dwayne Allen (8,11,8)
9. Jared Cook (NR,9,10)
10. Jordan Reed (NR,10,NR)
11. Owen Daniels (13,8,NR)
12. Travis Kelce (7,13,14)
13. Scott Chandler (NR,12,11)
14. Charles Clay (10,18,9)
15. Zach Ertz (12,15,12)
16. Jordan Cameron (14,14,13)
17. Jason Witten (9,19,15)
18. Gavin Escobar (15,NR,NR)
19. Heath Miller (NR,16,NR)
20. Coby Fleener (NR,17,NR)
21. Clay Harbor (NR,20,NR)
D/STs:
1. Dolphins (1,1,1)
2. Bills (2,2,2)
3. Patriots (3,3,3)
4. Lions (7,4,7)
T5. Vikings (4,10,5)
T5. Texans (5,8,6)
7. Eagles (9,6,NR)
T8. Colts (8,9,8)
T8. Chiefs (11,5,9)
10. Browns (14,NR,4)
11. Bucs (NR,NR,10)
12. Seahawks (6,15,NR)
T13. Ravens (10,12,NR)
T13. Packers (NR,11,NR)
15. Cowboys (12,13,NR)
16. Titans (13,NR,NR)
17. Bengals (NR,14,NR)
Kickers:
1. Stephen Gostkowski (1,1)
T2. Adam Vinatieri (2,5)
T2. Dan Bailey (5,2)
4. Chandler Catanzaro (4,4)
5. Blair Walsh (3,8)
6. Nick Novak (9,3)
7. Justin Tucker (6,7)
T8. Steven Hauschka (10,6)
T8. Cody Parkey (7,9)
10. Shaun Suisham (NR,10)
11. Randy Bullock (11,11)
12. Caleb Sturgis (8,15)
T13. Graham Gano (12,14)
T13. Dan Carpenter (13,13)
T13. Nick Folk (14,12)
16. Mason Crosby (15, NR)
Quarterback:
T1. Peyton Manning (1,2,2,5)
T1. Aaron Rodgers (2,1,5,2)
3. Russell Wilson (4,4,4,1)
4. Phillip Rivers (3,5,3,4)
5. Andrew Luck (5,3,1,7)
6. Drew Brees (6,7,9,6)
7. Joe Flacco (10,13,8,3)
8. Jay Cutler (11,6,11,8)
9. Tony Romo (8,14,6,10)
10. Tom Brady (7,8,14,NR)
11. Matt Ryan (12,9,10,9)
12. Cam Newton (13,11,13,13)
13. Matt Stafford (14,10,12,16)
14. Ryan Tannehill (12,16,12,NR)
15. Nick Foles (9,16,15,15)
16. Alex Smith (15,20,11,NR)
17. Ben Roethlisberger (15,NR,14,19)
T18. Teddy Bridgewater (17, NR,NR,NR)
T18. Ryan Fitzpatrick (17,NR,NR,NR)
T20. Austin Davis (19,17,NR,NR)
T20. Carson Palmer (18,NR,NR,NR)
22. Andy Dalton (19,18,18,NR)
23. Brian Hoyer (20,NR,NR,NR)
Running Backs:
1. Marshawn Lynch (3,1,3,1)
2. Matt Forte (1,5,2,2)
T3. Arian Foster (2,2,5,4)
T3. DeMarco Murray (4,3,1,5)
5. Le'Veon Bell (5,4,7,3)
6. Lamar Miller (7,8,9,6)
7. Giovani Bernard (8,10,4,10)
8. Eddie Lacy (11,6,6,11)
9. Andre Ellington (6,9,13,8)
10. Ahmad Bradshaw (9,7,14,9)
11. LeSean McCoy (10,12,8,NR)
12. Justin Forsett (16,13,11,7)
13. Jamaal Charles (12,11,12,14)
14. Antone Smith (13,NR,NR,NR)
15. Branden Oliver (15,20,10, NR)
T16. Shane Vereen (13,16,17,NR)
T16. Joique Bell (17,15,15,NR)
18. Chris Ivory (14,21,NR,15)
19. Alfred Morris (22,NR,NR,12)
20. Ben Tate (20,14,18,NR)
21. Mark Ingram (21,18,16,NR)
22. Jerick McKinnon (19,19,20,NR)
23. Trent Richardson (22,18,21,NR)
24. Darren McFadden (18,NR,24,NR)
25. Isaiah Crowell (22,NR,NR,NR)
T26. Khiry Robinson (23,29,23,NR)
T26. Reggie Bush (25,NR,NR,NR)
T28. Steven Jackson (25,NR,26,NR)
T28. Ronnie Hillman (23,NR,NR,28)
T30. Doug Martin (24,28,NR,NR)
T30. Jonathon Stewert (26,NR,NR,NR)
32. Tre Mason (24,NR,29,NR)
33. Bobby Rainey (27,NR,NR,NR)
34. Anthony Dixon (30,NR,27,NR)
35. Matt Asiata (30,NR,NR,NR)
Wide Receivers:
1. Jordy Nelson (1,1,3,1)
2. Demaryius Thomas (3,2,1,3)
3. Dez Bryant (2,3,9,8)
4. Antonio Brown (6,5,7,5)
T5. Jeremy Maclin (5,10,4,6)
T5. Julio Jones (8,4,3,10)
T7. Randall Cobb (7,8,10,2)
T7. Golden Tate (4,7,5,11)
9. Andre Johnson (NR,9,6,NR)
10. Mike Wallace (9,12,8,13)
11. Steve Smith (14,18,NR,4)
12. Doug Baldwin (NR,13,13,NR)
13. James Jones (NR,15,14,NR)
14. Mohammad Sanu (NR,NR,7,NR)
T15. Terrance Williams (15,NR,NR,NR)
T15. Emmanual Sanders (19,14,12,NR)
T17. Kelvin Benjamin (21,11,NR,14)
T17. Sammy Watkins (10,20,NR,16)
T19. DeAndre Hopkins (16,NR,NR,NR)
T19. Michael Floyd (13,19,NR,NR)
T21. AJ Green (24,6,21,NR)
T21. Julian Edelman (NR,17,17,NR)
T21. TY Hilton (12,30,NR,9)
24. Brandon Marshall (25,16,11,NR)
T25. Torrey Smith (22,21,16,NR)
T25. Larry Fitzgerald (NR,NR,18,NR)
27. DeSean Jackson (18,27,NR,15)
28. Eric Decker (NR,22,17,NR)
T29. Pierre Garcon (17,25,NR,NR)
T29. Dwayne Bowe (NR,26,16,NR)
31. Malcolm Floyd (20,23,NR,NR)
32. Alshon Jeffery (23,24,NR,NR)
33. Keenan Allen (NR,29,NR,NR)
Tight Ends:
1. Julius Thomas (2,1,1)
2. Greg Olson (1,3,7)
T3. Rob Gronkowski (3,4,5)
T3. Antonio Gates (4,6,2)
T3. Jimmy Graham (6,2,4)
6. Martellus Bennett (5,7,3)
7. Delanie Walker (11,5,6)
8. Dwayne Allen (8,11,8)
9. Jared Cook (NR,9,10)
10. Jordan Reed (NR,10,NR)
11. Owen Daniels (13,8,NR)
12. Travis Kelce (7,13,14)
13. Scott Chandler (NR,12,11)
14. Charles Clay (10,18,9)
15. Zach Ertz (12,15,12)
16. Jordan Cameron (14,14,13)
17. Jason Witten (9,19,15)
18. Gavin Escobar (15,NR,NR)
19. Heath Miller (NR,16,NR)
20. Coby Fleener (NR,17,NR)
21. Clay Harbor (NR,20,NR)
D/STs:
1. Dolphins (1,1,1)
2. Bills (2,2,2)
3. Patriots (3,3,3)
4. Lions (7,4,7)
T5. Vikings (4,10,5)
T5. Texans (5,8,6)
7. Eagles (9,6,NR)
T8. Colts (8,9,8)
T8. Chiefs (11,5,9)
10. Browns (14,NR,4)
11. Bucs (NR,NR,10)
12. Seahawks (6,15,NR)
T13. Ravens (10,12,NR)
T13. Packers (NR,11,NR)
15. Cowboys (12,13,NR)
16. Titans (13,NR,NR)
17. Bengals (NR,14,NR)
Kickers:
1. Stephen Gostkowski (1,1)
T2. Adam Vinatieri (2,5)
T2. Dan Bailey (5,2)
4. Chandler Catanzaro (4,4)
5. Blair Walsh (3,8)
6. Nick Novak (9,3)
7. Justin Tucker (6,7)
T8. Steven Hauschka (10,6)
T8. Cody Parkey (7,9)
10. Shaun Suisham (NR,10)
11. Randy Bullock (11,11)
12. Caleb Sturgis (8,15)
T13. Graham Gano (12,14)
T13. Dan Carpenter (13,13)
T13. Nick Folk (14,12)
16. Mason Crosby (15, NR)
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Ranking The Best SEC National Championship Teams of The BCS Era
The SEC's dominance has showed very strongly in the past few years. In the BCS era, the SEC won 9 of 16* National Championships in the now extinct BCS era. This list is to commemorate that era and rank those 9 teams. RIP BCS
9. 2007 LSU Tigers
The 2007 LSU Tigers was the only team of the BCS era to lose two games and win the BCS national championship. While that is pretty impressive, it is also a reason to put them in this slot. For an SEC schedule, this one was moderate. I don't care if Kentucky is ranked, you have to beat them.
8. 2010 Auburn Tigers
The 2010 Auburn Tigers had a great team and probably one of the best athletes of all time in Cam Newton who has gone on to be a solid NFL quarterback. They managed to stop Chip Kelly's Oregon Ducks high speed run at the title. However, it did help that there despised nemesis Nick Saban's Alabama Crimson Tide were on an off year.
7. 2003 LSU Tigers
The 2003 LSU Tigers were coached by the infamous Nick Saban who would go on to dominate the BCS era with his simple, no nonsense coaching style which would win him three more BCS National Championship trophies with the Alabama Crimson Tide giving him a grand total of 4 BCS National Championship trophies the most by any coach in the BCS era, no contest. The Tigers went 13-1 that year and aside from a loss to Florida, it was a smooth roll to the championship where they would defeat Florida 21-14 with possibly the best Defensive Coordinator and Offensive Coordinator in Jimbo Fisher and Will Muschamp who would go on to get prestigious coaching jobs of their own at FSU for Jimbo and Florida for Muschamp.
6. 2008 Florida Gators
The 2008 Florida Gators went 13-1 and beat the Oklahoma Sooners led by the talented 2007 heisman winner Sam Bradford. However, the Gators had a heisman winner of their own, Tim Tebow, winning the trophy the year before with the Florida Gators being the first sophmore to win the Heisman. After losing to Ole Miss in The Swamp on a fourth quarter drive. Then Tim Tebow took his fame to a new level with a speech that would go down as one of the most legendary speeches in college football history "You will never see a team play harder than we will the rest of the season". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4VxVoYvqOw Inspired the team would go on to win the Title from #1 Oklahoma.
5. 2009 Alabama Crimson Tide
The Alabama Crimson Tide are one of the winningest college football teams in history and before 2009 had won 12 National Championships with the likes of Wallace Wade, Frank Thomas (5 titles between), Gene Stallings (1992) and the infamous Paul "Bear" Bryant (6 Titles). After Gene Stallings title in '92 The team went through a time of struggle. Then a man by the name of Nick Saban came along in 2007 leaving his NFL job to create a title in his third year controlling the Tide, bringing the first Heisman to Bama in Mark Ingram a solid running back and ended it's Championship dry spell with a win against Texas in the BCS National Championship which would re-spur a contender in the Crimson Tide.
4. 1998 Tennessee Volunteers
The 1998-99 season was the first season of the BCS era. After losing a Knoxville legend and now NFL superstar Peyton Manning due to graduation, the Volunteers were expected to have an off year in 98. After edging Florida and Arkansas, then defeating Ole Miss in the SEC Championship Game; The Vols were set to tussle with Bobby Bowden's Florida State Seminoles and their star receiver Peter Warrick. Tennessee held Peter Warrick to just one reception for seven yards while Vol's receiver Peerless Price had a 79 yard touchdown pass from Tee Martin to put the Vols up 20-9 and cruise to a 23-16 win over the Seminoles. This was the first SEC National Championship in the BCS era which was the beginning of an era dominated by the SEC.
3. 2012 Alabama Crimson Tide
I have never seen a more lopsided game than the 2012 BCS National Championship. The Undefeated Irish went into Miami on top But were rolled over by the tide in a 42-14 routing to lead the Tide safely to shore. Dominating the run game with Eddie Lacey and TJ Yeldon. This would also be the second consecutive title for Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron. Had they not lost to Johnny Football's Texas A&M Aggies, they might have been number one on this list.
2. 2011 Alabama Crimson Tide
It is amazing they even lost a game. With the likes of Trent Richardson and company. They rolled in to New Orleans and crushed LSU (the only team to beat them that year) 21-0. This would be sweet revenge after losing the "game of the century(AP 1 vs 2)" to Les Miles' LSU Tigers. They went into the game playing zero mistake football, and earning the BCS title with excellence.
1. 2006 Florida Gators
In only his second year as head coach, Urban Meyer led the Florida Gators to a 11-1 record with the hardest schedule in the nation that year to beat Arkansas in the SEC Championship Game which led them demolishing Ohio State, the #1 team in the country to win the BCS National Championship. With a 1-2 punch of Chris Leake and the future gator legend Tim Tebow at quarterback it was very hard to stop them from winning. While this team was not the most glamorous of the teams on this list, they were the first of a 7 year SEC BCS title retention until broken by the 2013 Florida State Seminoles who barely squeezed by Gus Malzahn's Auburn Tigers.
Note: * The 2004 BCS National Title was voided from the USC Trojans due to the NCAA requiring it removal due to the failed appeal of an investigation involving Reggie Bush a former USC running back.
9. 2007 LSU Tigers
The 2007 LSU Tigers was the only team of the BCS era to lose two games and win the BCS national championship. While that is pretty impressive, it is also a reason to put them in this slot. For an SEC schedule, this one was moderate. I don't care if Kentucky is ranked, you have to beat them.
8. 2010 Auburn Tigers
The 2010 Auburn Tigers had a great team and probably one of the best athletes of all time in Cam Newton who has gone on to be a solid NFL quarterback. They managed to stop Chip Kelly's Oregon Ducks high speed run at the title. However, it did help that there despised nemesis Nick Saban's Alabama Crimson Tide were on an off year.
7. 2003 LSU Tigers
The 2003 LSU Tigers were coached by the infamous Nick Saban who would go on to dominate the BCS era with his simple, no nonsense coaching style which would win him three more BCS National Championship trophies with the Alabama Crimson Tide giving him a grand total of 4 BCS National Championship trophies the most by any coach in the BCS era, no contest. The Tigers went 13-1 that year and aside from a loss to Florida, it was a smooth roll to the championship where they would defeat Florida 21-14 with possibly the best Defensive Coordinator and Offensive Coordinator in Jimbo Fisher and Will Muschamp who would go on to get prestigious coaching jobs of their own at FSU for Jimbo and Florida for Muschamp.
6. 2008 Florida Gators
The 2008 Florida Gators went 13-1 and beat the Oklahoma Sooners led by the talented 2007 heisman winner Sam Bradford. However, the Gators had a heisman winner of their own, Tim Tebow, winning the trophy the year before with the Florida Gators being the first sophmore to win the Heisman. After losing to Ole Miss in The Swamp on a fourth quarter drive. Then Tim Tebow took his fame to a new level with a speech that would go down as one of the most legendary speeches in college football history "You will never see a team play harder than we will the rest of the season". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4VxVoYvqOw Inspired the team would go on to win the Title from #1 Oklahoma.
5. 2009 Alabama Crimson Tide
The Alabama Crimson Tide are one of the winningest college football teams in history and before 2009 had won 12 National Championships with the likes of Wallace Wade, Frank Thomas (5 titles between), Gene Stallings (1992) and the infamous Paul "Bear" Bryant (6 Titles). After Gene Stallings title in '92 The team went through a time of struggle. Then a man by the name of Nick Saban came along in 2007 leaving his NFL job to create a title in his third year controlling the Tide, bringing the first Heisman to Bama in Mark Ingram a solid running back and ended it's Championship dry spell with a win against Texas in the BCS National Championship which would re-spur a contender in the Crimson Tide.
4. 1998 Tennessee Volunteers
The 1998-99 season was the first season of the BCS era. After losing a Knoxville legend and now NFL superstar Peyton Manning due to graduation, the Volunteers were expected to have an off year in 98. After edging Florida and Arkansas, then defeating Ole Miss in the SEC Championship Game; The Vols were set to tussle with Bobby Bowden's Florida State Seminoles and their star receiver Peter Warrick. Tennessee held Peter Warrick to just one reception for seven yards while Vol's receiver Peerless Price had a 79 yard touchdown pass from Tee Martin to put the Vols up 20-9 and cruise to a 23-16 win over the Seminoles. This was the first SEC National Championship in the BCS era which was the beginning of an era dominated by the SEC.
3. 2012 Alabama Crimson Tide
I have never seen a more lopsided game than the 2012 BCS National Championship. The Undefeated Irish went into Miami on top But were rolled over by the tide in a 42-14 routing to lead the Tide safely to shore. Dominating the run game with Eddie Lacey and TJ Yeldon. This would also be the second consecutive title for Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron. Had they not lost to Johnny Football's Texas A&M Aggies, they might have been number one on this list.
2. 2011 Alabama Crimson Tide
It is amazing they even lost a game. With the likes of Trent Richardson and company. They rolled in to New Orleans and crushed LSU (the only team to beat them that year) 21-0. This would be sweet revenge after losing the "game of the century(AP 1 vs 2)" to Les Miles' LSU Tigers. They went into the game playing zero mistake football, and earning the BCS title with excellence.
1. 2006 Florida Gators
In only his second year as head coach, Urban Meyer led the Florida Gators to a 11-1 record with the hardest schedule in the nation that year to beat Arkansas in the SEC Championship Game which led them demolishing Ohio State, the #1 team in the country to win the BCS National Championship. With a 1-2 punch of Chris Leake and the future gator legend Tim Tebow at quarterback it was very hard to stop them from winning. While this team was not the most glamorous of the teams on this list, they were the first of a 7 year SEC BCS title retention until broken by the 2013 Florida State Seminoles who barely squeezed by Gus Malzahn's Auburn Tigers.
Note: * The 2004 BCS National Title was voided from the USC Trojans due to the NCAA requiring it removal due to the failed appeal of an investigation involving Reggie Bush a former USC running back.
Monday, October 20, 2014
World Series Complete Preview
Coming into September, the Tigers, Mariners, A's, Royals, Pirates, Angels, Cardinals, Braves, Brewers, Giants, Dodgers and Marlins were all fighting for a spot in the playoffs, perhaps in the Wild Card. Besides the Nationals and the Orioles, those are all of the teams in baseball who could have been picked to win the World Series. People speculated that a Wild Card team would win it all.
The Wild Card games showed tons of promise. On Tuesday, the Royals and A's had an amazing game, both throwing their aces, James Shields and Jone Lester, respectively. The Royals came back from behind and forced the game into extras. They prevailed, and went on to face the Angels. On the other side of the circuit, the Giants asserted their dominance as a force, with their own ace Madison Bumgarner shutting down the Pirates and their offense exploding for eight runs.
We thought that was the end of the Giants and Royals. They were about to run into arguably the two best teams in baseball, the Nationals and the Angels. Somehow, they both took from Los Angeles and Washington in their own cities, and then were able to shut them down at home. Baltimore and St. Louis looked like roadblocks, but the hot Royals offense and the Giants' shut down pitching sent them into the World Series.
So now, it is inevitable. We will see a Wild Card team win the World Series this year. Just the second time in ten years and the first time in the two Wild Card era. It shouldn't be a surprise though. The Royals were fighting for the AL Central title until the final day of the regular season, and the Giants held tough with the Dodgers all season long.
The Giants and the Royals also have two of the most complete rosters in baseball. If you were to look at the five key components of baseball, defense, offense, pitching, coaching and executive performance, these teams have been showing strengths at all of those components. Let's look and see where they stand compared to each other. *We will not look at Executive Performance in a series.
Offense
Line-ups:
Giants - CF Gregor Blanco, 2B Joe Panik, C Buster Posey, 3B Pablo Sandoval, RF Hunter Pence, 1B Brandon Belt, SS Brandon Crawford, LF Travis Ishikawa DH Mike Morse
Royals - SS Alcides Escobar, RF Norichika Aoki, CF Lorenzo Cain, 1B Eric Hosmer, LF Alex Gordon, C Salvador Perez, 2B Omar Infante, 3B Mike Moustakas, DH Billy Butler
This is perhaps a very tight competiton. Giants have more power in their line-up, but the Royals more speed. The Giants have a valid DH in Mike Morse, and the Royals' line-up can live without Billy Butler. Positionally, the Giants have 4 advantages (C, 2B, 3B, RF), the Royals have 3 (1B, LF, CF), and then two push positions (SS, DH). I would rather take the Giants line-up right now, with more potential stacked in their line-up. If Morse hits 6th, then 3 through 7 are all perennial power hitters. Giants get the advantage here.
Advantage - Giants
Defense
Look above for who is playing where, but this should be a landslide. Having one of the best outfield defenses in the league, not even Jason Heyward and the Braves would have the advantage of the Royals. At catcher, a slight advantage goes to Perez on pure defense but Posey has a better command over his pitchers. Eric Hosmer is one of the best first baseman in the league and despite missing over a month will still probably win the Gold Glove. SS and 2B are probably push, but Moustakas at 3rd has a clear advantage over Sandoval.
Advantage - Royals
Pitching
Rotations:
Giants - SP Madison Bumgarner, SP Jake Peavy, SP Tim Hudson, SP Ryan Vogelsong
Royals - SP James Shields, SP Yordano Ventura, SP Danny Duffy, SP Jason Vargas
Bullpens:
Giants - CL Santiago Casilla, RH Sergio Romo, RH Hunter Strickland, RH Yusmeiro Petit, RH Tim Lincecum, RH Jean Machi, LH Javier Lopez, LH Jeremy Affeldt
Royals - CL Greg Holland, RH Wade Davis, RH Jason Fraser, RH Kelvin Herrera, RH Jeremy Guthrie, LH Tim Collins, LH Brandon Finnegan
On paper, this is easily favored to Giants, rotation wise. Bumgarner is arguably a better ace than Shields, and then Peavy, Hudson and Vogelsong are equal to Ventura, Duffy, and Vargas skill wise but have tons more experience. The late inning advantage will probably go to the Royals, with their dominance of Herrera/Davis/Holland, probably the best in the league. Still, the Giants bullpen isn't bad, with Casilla, Romo, Affeldt and Strickland, so they still get the advantage here.
Advantage - Giants
Coaching
Ned Yost will probably win AL manager of the year. He took a team like the Royals, who had potential, and turned them into a playoff team. Lloyd McClendon started with more talent but still didn't get into October, and Bob Melvin's A's fell apart in the second half of the season. On the other hand is Bruce Bochy, who has won two Championships in the past four years, and has been coaching since 1995. He has been with the Giants for the past 8 years, and has asserted dominance as one of the best coaches in the league. It's not a landslide, but the Giants pull ahead in this one.
Advantage - Giants
Overall
Despite the Royals currently riding a nine game winning streak, the Giants and their experience will prevail and shut down the recently explosive bats of Kansas City. The Giants have been scrapping all postseason and should continue it for the upcoming week or so.
Prediction - Giants in 6
Schedule:
Game 1: Tuesday 8:07 @Kansas City (Shields vs Bumgarner) FOX
Game 2: Wednesday 8:07 @Kansas City (Ventura vs Peavy) FOX
Game 3: Friday 8:07 @San Francisco (TBA vs Hudson) FOX
Game 4: Saturday 8:07 @San Francisco (TBA vs Vogelsong) FOX
Game 5*: Sunday 8:07 @San Francisco (TBA vs TBA) FOX
Game 6*: Tuesday 8:07 @Kansas City (TBA vs TBA) FOX
Game 7*: Wednesday 8:07 @Kansas City (TBA vs TBA) FOX
* - If necessary
The Wild Card games showed tons of promise. On Tuesday, the Royals and A's had an amazing game, both throwing their aces, James Shields and Jone Lester, respectively. The Royals came back from behind and forced the game into extras. They prevailed, and went on to face the Angels. On the other side of the circuit, the Giants asserted their dominance as a force, with their own ace Madison Bumgarner shutting down the Pirates and their offense exploding for eight runs.
We thought that was the end of the Giants and Royals. They were about to run into arguably the two best teams in baseball, the Nationals and the Angels. Somehow, they both took from Los Angeles and Washington in their own cities, and then were able to shut them down at home. Baltimore and St. Louis looked like roadblocks, but the hot Royals offense and the Giants' shut down pitching sent them into the World Series.
So now, it is inevitable. We will see a Wild Card team win the World Series this year. Just the second time in ten years and the first time in the two Wild Card era. It shouldn't be a surprise though. The Royals were fighting for the AL Central title until the final day of the regular season, and the Giants held tough with the Dodgers all season long.
The Giants and the Royals also have two of the most complete rosters in baseball. If you were to look at the five key components of baseball, defense, offense, pitching, coaching and executive performance, these teams have been showing strengths at all of those components. Let's look and see where they stand compared to each other. *We will not look at Executive Performance in a series.
Offense
Line-ups:
Giants - CF Gregor Blanco, 2B Joe Panik, C Buster Posey, 3B Pablo Sandoval, RF Hunter Pence, 1B Brandon Belt, SS Brandon Crawford, LF Travis Ishikawa DH Mike Morse
Royals - SS Alcides Escobar, RF Norichika Aoki, CF Lorenzo Cain, 1B Eric Hosmer, LF Alex Gordon, C Salvador Perez, 2B Omar Infante, 3B Mike Moustakas, DH Billy Butler
This is perhaps a very tight competiton. Giants have more power in their line-up, but the Royals more speed. The Giants have a valid DH in Mike Morse, and the Royals' line-up can live without Billy Butler. Positionally, the Giants have 4 advantages (C, 2B, 3B, RF), the Royals have 3 (1B, LF, CF), and then two push positions (SS, DH). I would rather take the Giants line-up right now, with more potential stacked in their line-up. If Morse hits 6th, then 3 through 7 are all perennial power hitters. Giants get the advantage here.
Advantage - Giants
Defense
Look above for who is playing where, but this should be a landslide. Having one of the best outfield defenses in the league, not even Jason Heyward and the Braves would have the advantage of the Royals. At catcher, a slight advantage goes to Perez on pure defense but Posey has a better command over his pitchers. Eric Hosmer is one of the best first baseman in the league and despite missing over a month will still probably win the Gold Glove. SS and 2B are probably push, but Moustakas at 3rd has a clear advantage over Sandoval.
Advantage - Royals
Pitching
Rotations:
Giants - SP Madison Bumgarner, SP Jake Peavy, SP Tim Hudson, SP Ryan Vogelsong
Royals - SP James Shields, SP Yordano Ventura, SP Danny Duffy, SP Jason Vargas
Bullpens:
Giants - CL Santiago Casilla, RH Sergio Romo, RH Hunter Strickland, RH Yusmeiro Petit, RH Tim Lincecum, RH Jean Machi, LH Javier Lopez, LH Jeremy Affeldt
Royals - CL Greg Holland, RH Wade Davis, RH Jason Fraser, RH Kelvin Herrera, RH Jeremy Guthrie, LH Tim Collins, LH Brandon Finnegan
On paper, this is easily favored to Giants, rotation wise. Bumgarner is arguably a better ace than Shields, and then Peavy, Hudson and Vogelsong are equal to Ventura, Duffy, and Vargas skill wise but have tons more experience. The late inning advantage will probably go to the Royals, with their dominance of Herrera/Davis/Holland, probably the best in the league. Still, the Giants bullpen isn't bad, with Casilla, Romo, Affeldt and Strickland, so they still get the advantage here.
Advantage - Giants
Coaching
Ned Yost will probably win AL manager of the year. He took a team like the Royals, who had potential, and turned them into a playoff team. Lloyd McClendon started with more talent but still didn't get into October, and Bob Melvin's A's fell apart in the second half of the season. On the other hand is Bruce Bochy, who has won two Championships in the past four years, and has been coaching since 1995. He has been with the Giants for the past 8 years, and has asserted dominance as one of the best coaches in the league. It's not a landslide, but the Giants pull ahead in this one.
Advantage - Giants
Overall
Despite the Royals currently riding a nine game winning streak, the Giants and their experience will prevail and shut down the recently explosive bats of Kansas City. The Giants have been scrapping all postseason and should continue it for the upcoming week or so.
Prediction - Giants in 6
Schedule:
Game 1: Tuesday 8:07 @Kansas City (Shields vs Bumgarner) FOX
Game 2: Wednesday 8:07 @Kansas City (Ventura vs Peavy) FOX
Game 3: Friday 8:07 @San Francisco (TBA vs Hudson) FOX
Game 4: Saturday 8:07 @San Francisco (TBA vs Vogelsong) FOX
Game 5*: Sunday 8:07 @San Francisco (TBA vs TBA) FOX
Game 6*: Tuesday 8:07 @Kansas City (TBA vs TBA) FOX
Game 7*: Wednesday 8:07 @Kansas City (TBA vs TBA) FOX
* - If necessary
Friday, October 17, 2014
Orioles Offseason Preview
The Orioles could have been the team of the year. The could have had a magical run in October.
Could have.
Should have.
Would have.
But, yet, they met those pesky Royals in the ALCS, where they were swept off of their feet. There offense wasn't there, they pitching wasn't there and their bullpen isn't there. Having a chance to go win their first world series since 1983, they blew it. Big time.
All hope is not lost though. Signing J.J. Hardy to a contract extension earlier this month was huge, solidifying their shortstop position for three years. Hardy is an excellent defender and his offense should return to a respectable form.
But this really was Baltimore's chance. They had all the pieces, everything necessary to just even win the Pennant, now with perhaps three vital pieces leaving, they are left swimming in an endless pool trying to pick themselves up.
Nick Markakis, Andrew Miller, and Nelson Cruz could all walk into free agency after this year. Markakis has a 17.5 million dollar option, which will likely not be picked up, according to cbssports.com. Cruz's asking price might be a little too high and as a reliever, Miller's asking price would replicated Cruz's.
The Orioles will have limited funds this off season, having already dolled out 40 million to J.J. Hardy. Retaining Chris Davis and Matt Wieters should be one of their priorities, which could eat up around another 130 million. Let's look at some options for them:
Orioles trade Dylan Bundy, Jonathon Schoop, Miguel Gonzalez, Steve Pearce and Josh Hart
Nationals trade Jordan Zimmerman, Ian Desmond, Denard Span
This blockbuster would definitely help out the O's where they need it. J.J. Hardy would slide over to 2nd where he is comfortable and Span could play center or right if Markakis walks. If not, Jones could slide to left to create one of the best outfields in the game. Zimmerman helps out the Orioles further solidify a top notch rotation, and Davis would play first, rendering Pearce being not needing. This trade would definitely be in a win-now mode, as Desmond, Zimmerman and Span are all free agents after this year.
Orioles trade Steve Pearce and Darren O'Day
Braves trade Jason Heyward and Kris Medlen
Pearce, as mentioned before, is not needed for the O's to succeed, but getting a player to replace Markakis is. Heyward can lead off and is an amazing defender, offering some pop and tons of speed. The final part of the trade is bullpen for a starter, which would benefit both teams.
Orioles sign Melky Cabrera for a 3 year 36 million dollar contract
Having a park like Camden Yards can be very good to a player. Nelson Cruz hit 40 homers. The Orioles led the league in home runs. Melky Cabrera could see 20 homers at Camden. At a reasonable price, he would be a nice fit for left field and the two hole for the Orioles.
The Orioles are in a tough situation, coming off of a tough postseason. We will likely either see a team ready for change, aggressive, or a team content with what they have. Either way, don't expect the Orioles to go away very soon.
Could have.
Should have.
Would have.
But, yet, they met those pesky Royals in the ALCS, where they were swept off of their feet. There offense wasn't there, they pitching wasn't there and their bullpen isn't there. Having a chance to go win their first world series since 1983, they blew it. Big time.
All hope is not lost though. Signing J.J. Hardy to a contract extension earlier this month was huge, solidifying their shortstop position for three years. Hardy is an excellent defender and his offense should return to a respectable form.
But this really was Baltimore's chance. They had all the pieces, everything necessary to just even win the Pennant, now with perhaps three vital pieces leaving, they are left swimming in an endless pool trying to pick themselves up.
Nick Markakis, Andrew Miller, and Nelson Cruz could all walk into free agency after this year. Markakis has a 17.5 million dollar option, which will likely not be picked up, according to cbssports.com. Cruz's asking price might be a little too high and as a reliever, Miller's asking price would replicated Cruz's.
The Orioles will have limited funds this off season, having already dolled out 40 million to J.J. Hardy. Retaining Chris Davis and Matt Wieters should be one of their priorities, which could eat up around another 130 million. Let's look at some options for them:
Orioles trade Dylan Bundy, Jonathon Schoop, Miguel Gonzalez, Steve Pearce and Josh Hart
Nationals trade Jordan Zimmerman, Ian Desmond, Denard Span
This blockbuster would definitely help out the O's where they need it. J.J. Hardy would slide over to 2nd where he is comfortable and Span could play center or right if Markakis walks. If not, Jones could slide to left to create one of the best outfields in the game. Zimmerman helps out the Orioles further solidify a top notch rotation, and Davis would play first, rendering Pearce being not needing. This trade would definitely be in a win-now mode, as Desmond, Zimmerman and Span are all free agents after this year.
Orioles trade Steve Pearce and Darren O'Day
Braves trade Jason Heyward and Kris Medlen
Pearce, as mentioned before, is not needed for the O's to succeed, but getting a player to replace Markakis is. Heyward can lead off and is an amazing defender, offering some pop and tons of speed. The final part of the trade is bullpen for a starter, which would benefit both teams.
Orioles sign Melky Cabrera for a 3 year 36 million dollar contract
Having a park like Camden Yards can be very good to a player. Nelson Cruz hit 40 homers. The Orioles led the league in home runs. Melky Cabrera could see 20 homers at Camden. At a reasonable price, he would be a nice fit for left field and the two hole for the Orioles.
The Orioles are in a tough situation, coming off of a tough postseason. We will likely either see a team ready for change, aggressive, or a team content with what they have. Either way, don't expect the Orioles to go away very soon.
Cardinals Offseason Preview
St. Louis lost last night, in historic fashion.
Pat Neshek came, who had been a shut down side-armer all year. Mike Morse took him yard in the 8th inning.
Michael Wacha, who had been a hurt starter all year, and hadn't pitched since the regular season, came into shut the door on Pablo Sandoval, Hunter Pence, and Brandon Belt. Out of no where, Travis Ishikawa goes long in walk-off fashion.
You could argue that the St. Louis Cardinals were a troubled team. They couldn't find much offense, and their pitching went down a steep hill after the all-star break. They battled through injuries from key players, namely Yadier Molina, but somehow persevered into a NL Central Title.
When looking at the Cardinals roster on paper, you find little holes. You see a stud catcher, a great hitting left fielder, a scrappy third baseman, and finally a shortstop who looks like the real deal. Consistently this team has a strong farm system. Oscar Tavares, Shelby Miller and Trevor Rosenthal are just some of the big league players to come out of it.
Looking at next year, you can see a team that could be perennial World Series favorites. The starting rotation is shaping as follows: Adam Wainwright, Lance Lynn, Michael Wacha, Shelby Miller and John Lackey. They will likely let Justin Masterson walk, giving room for Wacha back in the rotation. The bullpen looks solid, with an underrated Trevor Rosenthal holding down the closer spot.
One flaw for the Cards will be their offense however. Last year they finished 24th in the league in runs scored. One big problem was their power. They finished 23rd in slugging percentage, with four players top ten home runs. This offseason however, that could change drastically. Don't be surprised if they pull of a miracle trade for a top outfield performer. Here are some options:
Cardinals trade Oscar Taveras, Rob Kaminsky and Carlos Martinez
Marlins trade Giancarlo Stanton
This gives the Cardinals one of the best players in the game. Maybe even THE best player in the game. They would slide Stanton into RF and Jay into CF, and put Stanton in the 4 spot. Losing Kaminsky, a young lefty, and Carlos Martinez, a have-been, is necessary and not a death march.
Cardinals trade Stephen Piscotty and Peter Bourjos
Reds trade Jay Bruce
Bruce had an off year last year, but should return to 25 homers .250 average with stellar defense. Adding a left handed bat is crucial, and Bruce is a good fit. Piscotty is their current top prospect, but not one they should pine over.
Cardinals sign Nelson Cruz for 4 years 62 million
Adding onto their 4 year priced Biogenesis players, Cruz would fit nicely in right field. Signing with an NL team would be risky as a preferred DH, but signing with a winning team would be crucial. The last time Cruz missed the postseason was back in 2009, and I reckon he won't stop that streak this year.
The Cardinals will be looking to be one of the most well rounded teams next year, with power speed and defense highlighting their line-up and strikeouts their rotation and bullpen. This team is one of the best franchises of the past decade, and they should not be taken out of consideration for this playoff defeat.
Pat Neshek came, who had been a shut down side-armer all year. Mike Morse took him yard in the 8th inning.
Michael Wacha, who had been a hurt starter all year, and hadn't pitched since the regular season, came into shut the door on Pablo Sandoval, Hunter Pence, and Brandon Belt. Out of no where, Travis Ishikawa goes long in walk-off fashion.
You could argue that the St. Louis Cardinals were a troubled team. They couldn't find much offense, and their pitching went down a steep hill after the all-star break. They battled through injuries from key players, namely Yadier Molina, but somehow persevered into a NL Central Title.
When looking at the Cardinals roster on paper, you find little holes. You see a stud catcher, a great hitting left fielder, a scrappy third baseman, and finally a shortstop who looks like the real deal. Consistently this team has a strong farm system. Oscar Tavares, Shelby Miller and Trevor Rosenthal are just some of the big league players to come out of it.
Looking at next year, you can see a team that could be perennial World Series favorites. The starting rotation is shaping as follows: Adam Wainwright, Lance Lynn, Michael Wacha, Shelby Miller and John Lackey. They will likely let Justin Masterson walk, giving room for Wacha back in the rotation. The bullpen looks solid, with an underrated Trevor Rosenthal holding down the closer spot.
One flaw for the Cards will be their offense however. Last year they finished 24th in the league in runs scored. One big problem was their power. They finished 23rd in slugging percentage, with four players top ten home runs. This offseason however, that could change drastically. Don't be surprised if they pull of a miracle trade for a top outfield performer. Here are some options:
Cardinals trade Oscar Taveras, Rob Kaminsky and Carlos Martinez
Marlins trade Giancarlo Stanton
This gives the Cardinals one of the best players in the game. Maybe even THE best player in the game. They would slide Stanton into RF and Jay into CF, and put Stanton in the 4 spot. Losing Kaminsky, a young lefty, and Carlos Martinez, a have-been, is necessary and not a death march.
Cardinals trade Stephen Piscotty and Peter Bourjos
Reds trade Jay Bruce
Bruce had an off year last year, but should return to 25 homers .250 average with stellar defense. Adding a left handed bat is crucial, and Bruce is a good fit. Piscotty is their current top prospect, but not one they should pine over.
Cardinals sign Nelson Cruz for 4 years 62 million
Adding onto their 4 year priced Biogenesis players, Cruz would fit nicely in right field. Signing with an NL team would be risky as a preferred DH, but signing with a winning team would be crucial. The last time Cruz missed the postseason was back in 2009, and I reckon he won't stop that streak this year.
The Cardinals will be looking to be one of the most well rounded teams next year, with power speed and defense highlighting their line-up and strikeouts their rotation and bullpen. This team is one of the best franchises of the past decade, and they should not be taken out of consideration for this playoff defeat.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Week 7 Positional Rankings
Heading into Week 7, we're starting to get a good look at who's the best at each position. Let's see where they rank this week:
QBs RBs WRs
1. Aaron Rodgers DeMarco Murray Julio Jones
2. Peyton Manning Arian Foster Jordy Nelson
3. Andrew Luck Le'Veon Bell Demaryius Thomas
4. Phillip Rivers Matt Forte Antonio Brown
5. Jay Cutler Giovani Bernard Dez Bryant
6. Russell Wilson Jamaal Charles Brandon Marshall
7. Matt Ryan Marshawn Lynch Steve Smith
8. Matt Stafford Alfred Morris Randall Cobb
9. Cam Newton Fred Jackson Calvin Johnson
10. Drew Brees Eddie Lacy Mohammad Sanu
11. Tony Romo Justin Forsett James Jones
12. Tom Brady Ben Tate Michael Floyd
13. Colin Kaepernick Andre Ellington Andre Johnson
14. Joe Flacco Lamar Miller TY Hilton
15. Brian Hoyer Frank Gore Mike Wallace
16. Kirk Cousins Branden Oliver Julian Edelman
17. Carson Palmer Ahmad Bradshaw DeSean Jackson
18. Eli Manning Trent Richardson Kelvin Benjamen
19. Alex Smith Andre Williams Keenan Allen
20. Ben Roethlisberger Bishop Sankey Golden Tate
21. Ryan Tannehill Joique Bell Alshon Jeffery
22. Charlie Whitehurst Pierre Thomas Michael Crabtree
23. Austin Davis Shane Vereen Percy Harvin
24. Derek Carr Steven Jackson Brandon LaFell
25. Andy Dalton Storm Johnson Eric Decker
26. Teddy Bridgewater Chris Ivory Dwayne Bowe
27. Blake Bortles Jerrick McKinnon Sammy Watkins
28. Kyle Orton CJ Spiller Pierre Garcon
29. Ryan Fitzpatrick Zac Stacy Reggie Wayne
30. Geno Smith Bernard Pierce Emmanuel Sanders
TEs D/ST K
1. Julius Thomas Seahawks Stephen Gostikowski
2. Rob Gronkowski Bills Matt Prater
3. Delanie Walker Patriots Steven Hauschka
4. Martellus Bennett Browns Dan Bailey
5. Greg Olson Cardinals Adam Vinateri
6. Jordan Reed Bears Brandon McManus
7. Antonio Gates Cowboys Justin Tucker
8. Jordan Cameron Titans Chandler Catanzaro
9. Jared Cook Lions Phil Dawson
10. Travis Kelce Chargers Dan Carpenter
11. Larry Donnell Texans Graham Gano
12. Dwayne Allen Vikings Greg Zuerlein
13. Jermaine Gresham Saints Blair Walsh
14. Vernon Davis Steelers Nick Novak
15. Heath Miller Packers Matt Bryant
16. Jason Witten Jets Kai Forbath
17. Andrew Quarless Broncos Robbie Gould
18. Charles Clay 49ers Mike Nugent
19. Owen Daniels Dolphins Mason Crosby
20. Coby Fleener Redskins Nick Folk
21. Ladarius Green Ravens Shaun Suisham
22. Scott Chandler Bengals Randy Bullock
23. Mychal Rivera Colts Caleb Sturgis
24. Anthony Fasano Chiefs Josh Brown
25. Niles Paul Falcons Shayne Graham
26. Jacob Tamme Raiders Sebastian Janikowski
27. Clay Harbor Giants Cairo Santos
28. Lance Kendricks Panthers Josh Scobee
29. Josh Hill Jaguars Ryan Succop
30. Jace Amaro Rams Billy Cundiff
QBs RBs WRs
1. Aaron Rodgers DeMarco Murray Julio Jones
2. Peyton Manning Arian Foster Jordy Nelson
3. Andrew Luck Le'Veon Bell Demaryius Thomas
4. Phillip Rivers Matt Forte Antonio Brown
5. Jay Cutler Giovani Bernard Dez Bryant
6. Russell Wilson Jamaal Charles Brandon Marshall
7. Matt Ryan Marshawn Lynch Steve Smith
8. Matt Stafford Alfred Morris Randall Cobb
9. Cam Newton Fred Jackson Calvin Johnson
10. Drew Brees Eddie Lacy Mohammad Sanu
11. Tony Romo Justin Forsett James Jones
12. Tom Brady Ben Tate Michael Floyd
13. Colin Kaepernick Andre Ellington Andre Johnson
14. Joe Flacco Lamar Miller TY Hilton
15. Brian Hoyer Frank Gore Mike Wallace
16. Kirk Cousins Branden Oliver Julian Edelman
17. Carson Palmer Ahmad Bradshaw DeSean Jackson
18. Eli Manning Trent Richardson Kelvin Benjamen
19. Alex Smith Andre Williams Keenan Allen
20. Ben Roethlisberger Bishop Sankey Golden Tate
21. Ryan Tannehill Joique Bell Alshon Jeffery
22. Charlie Whitehurst Pierre Thomas Michael Crabtree
23. Austin Davis Shane Vereen Percy Harvin
24. Derek Carr Steven Jackson Brandon LaFell
25. Andy Dalton Storm Johnson Eric Decker
26. Teddy Bridgewater Chris Ivory Dwayne Bowe
27. Blake Bortles Jerrick McKinnon Sammy Watkins
28. Kyle Orton CJ Spiller Pierre Garcon
29. Ryan Fitzpatrick Zac Stacy Reggie Wayne
30. Geno Smith Bernard Pierce Emmanuel Sanders
TEs D/ST K
1. Julius Thomas Seahawks Stephen Gostikowski
2. Rob Gronkowski Bills Matt Prater
3. Delanie Walker Patriots Steven Hauschka
4. Martellus Bennett Browns Dan Bailey
5. Greg Olson Cardinals Adam Vinateri
6. Jordan Reed Bears Brandon McManus
7. Antonio Gates Cowboys Justin Tucker
8. Jordan Cameron Titans Chandler Catanzaro
9. Jared Cook Lions Phil Dawson
10. Travis Kelce Chargers Dan Carpenter
11. Larry Donnell Texans Graham Gano
12. Dwayne Allen Vikings Greg Zuerlein
13. Jermaine Gresham Saints Blair Walsh
14. Vernon Davis Steelers Nick Novak
15. Heath Miller Packers Matt Bryant
16. Jason Witten Jets Kai Forbath
17. Andrew Quarless Broncos Robbie Gould
18. Charles Clay 49ers Mike Nugent
19. Owen Daniels Dolphins Mason Crosby
20. Coby Fleener Redskins Nick Folk
21. Ladarius Green Ravens Shaun Suisham
22. Scott Chandler Bengals Randy Bullock
23. Mychal Rivera Colts Caleb Sturgis
24. Anthony Fasano Chiefs Josh Brown
25. Niles Paul Falcons Shayne Graham
26. Jacob Tamme Raiders Sebastian Janikowski
27. Clay Harbor Giants Cairo Santos
28. Lance Kendricks Panthers Josh Scobee
29. Josh Hill Jaguars Ryan Succop
30. Jace Amaro Rams Billy Cundiff
Monday, October 13, 2014
What if? - Looking Back at Potential College Football Playoff Scenarios
The BCS system dodged a bullet last year.
Ohio State was undefeated coming into the championship week. Auburn had one loss to LSU, one of the best teams in the country. Auburn had beaten four teams in the top 25 up to then, two of them in top 10. They were just coming off of a miracle win versus Alabama. Meanwhile, Ohio State benefited from playing lackluster opponents all year, and against stiff competition won unconvincingly. But Michigan State won the Big 10 championship and Auburn won the SEC, thus eliminating the controversy.
We're going to take a look at the past five years dating back to the 2009 season and act like the College Football Playoff existed. The bowl rotation will stay the same, with the Peach/Cotton coming in 2010 and 2013, the Orange/Fiesta in 2009 and 2012, and the Rose/Sugar in 2011. Let's go:
2009
Playoff #1 (Fiesta Bowl) - #1 Alabama vs #4 TCU
Playoff #2 (Orange Bowl) - #2 Texas vs #3 Cincinnati
Rose Bowl - #7 Oregon vs #8 Ohio State
Sugar Bowl - #5 Florida vs #19 Oklahoma State
Peach Bowl - #9 Georgia Tech vs #10 Iowa
Cotton Bowl - #6 Boise State vs #12 LSU
Explanation - A year with 5 undefeated teams, this was hard. TCU was selected over Florida and Boise State for a tougher schedule. Oklahoma State was selected despite having three losses because they are the second best team from Big 12. LSU was chosen over Penn State and Virginia Tech for the Cotton Bowl because of the SEC's association with the Cotton Bowl.
2010
Playoff #1 (Cotton Bowl) - #1 Auburn vs #5 Wisconsin
Playoff #2 (Peach Bowl) - #2 Oregon vs #3 TCU
Rose Bowl - #4 Stanford vs #6 Ohio State
Sugar Bowl - #7 Oklahoma vs #8 Arkansas
Orange Bowl - #13 Virginia Tech vs #9 Michigan State
Fiesta Bowl - #10 Boise State vs #11 LSU
Explination - Wisconsin gets the nod in the playoff over Stanford because of more wins versus ranked teams. LSU beats out Missouri and Oklahoma State because of their strength of schedule. Same goes for Michigan State beating out Missouri and LSU.
2011
Playoff #1 (Sugar Bowl) - #1 LSU vs #4 Stanford
Playoff #2 (Rose Bowl) - #2 Alabama vs #3 Oklahoma State
Orange Bowl - #6 Arkansas vs #11 Virginia Tech
Fiesta Bowl - #5 Oregon vs #7 Boise State
Cotton Bowl - #8 Kansas State vs #10 Wisconsin
Peach Bowl - #9 South Carolina vs #13 Michigan
Explination - Stanford gets the nod in the playoff over Oregon because they had less losses even though Oregon beat Stanford. Michigan gets in over Baylor because of their number of losses and reputation.
2012
Playoff #1 (Orange Bowl) - #1 Notre Dame vs #4 Oregon
Playoff #2 (Fiesta Bowl) - #2 Alabama vs #3 Florida
Rose Bowl - #6 Stanford vs Wisconsin
Sugar Bowl - #5 Kansas State vs #8 LSU
Cotton Bowl - #9 Texas A&M vs #11 Oklahoma
Peach Bowl - #7 Georgia vs #12 Florida State
Explination - Oregon jumps into the playoffs over Kansas State because of a tougher schedule and a better loss. Wisconsin is in by necessity of a Big Ten team (Ohio State and Penn State barred from contention) and they were the Big Ten champion, slotting them in the Rose bowl. LSU gets into the Sugar Bowl due to a stronger schedule then other SEC teams and South Carolina is omitted due to lack of SOS.
2013
Playoff #1 (Peach Bowl) - #1 Florida State vs #4 Michigan State
Playoff #2 (Cotton Bowl) - #2 Auburn vs #3 Alabama
Rose Bowl - #5 Stanford vs #7 Ohio State
Sugar Bowl - #6 Baylor vs #9 South Carolina
Orange Bowl - #8 Missouri vs #12 Clemson
Fiesta Bowl - #11 Oklahoma vs #15 UCF
Explination - Michigan State is in the Playoff over Stanford due to less losses, and above Baylor because of SOS. South Carolina is in the Sugar Bowl over Missouri due to head-to-head record. Oklahoma is in over Oregon due to SOS and better losses.
Ohio State was undefeated coming into the championship week. Auburn had one loss to LSU, one of the best teams in the country. Auburn had beaten four teams in the top 25 up to then, two of them in top 10. They were just coming off of a miracle win versus Alabama. Meanwhile, Ohio State benefited from playing lackluster opponents all year, and against stiff competition won unconvincingly. But Michigan State won the Big 10 championship and Auburn won the SEC, thus eliminating the controversy.
We're going to take a look at the past five years dating back to the 2009 season and act like the College Football Playoff existed. The bowl rotation will stay the same, with the Peach/Cotton coming in 2010 and 2013, the Orange/Fiesta in 2009 and 2012, and the Rose/Sugar in 2011. Let's go:
2009
Playoff #1 (Fiesta Bowl) - #1 Alabama vs #4 TCU
Playoff #2 (Orange Bowl) - #2 Texas vs #3 Cincinnati
Rose Bowl - #7 Oregon vs #8 Ohio State
Sugar Bowl - #5 Florida vs #19 Oklahoma State
Peach Bowl - #9 Georgia Tech vs #10 Iowa
Cotton Bowl - #6 Boise State vs #12 LSU
Explanation - A year with 5 undefeated teams, this was hard. TCU was selected over Florida and Boise State for a tougher schedule. Oklahoma State was selected despite having three losses because they are the second best team from Big 12. LSU was chosen over Penn State and Virginia Tech for the Cotton Bowl because of the SEC's association with the Cotton Bowl.
2010
Playoff #1 (Cotton Bowl) - #1 Auburn vs #5 Wisconsin
Playoff #2 (Peach Bowl) - #2 Oregon vs #3 TCU
Rose Bowl - #4 Stanford vs #6 Ohio State
Sugar Bowl - #7 Oklahoma vs #8 Arkansas
Orange Bowl - #13 Virginia Tech vs #9 Michigan State
Fiesta Bowl - #10 Boise State vs #11 LSU
Explination - Wisconsin gets the nod in the playoff over Stanford because of more wins versus ranked teams. LSU beats out Missouri and Oklahoma State because of their strength of schedule. Same goes for Michigan State beating out Missouri and LSU.
2011
Playoff #1 (Sugar Bowl) - #1 LSU vs #4 Stanford
Playoff #2 (Rose Bowl) - #2 Alabama vs #3 Oklahoma State
Orange Bowl - #6 Arkansas vs #11 Virginia Tech
Fiesta Bowl - #5 Oregon vs #7 Boise State
Cotton Bowl - #8 Kansas State vs #10 Wisconsin
Peach Bowl - #9 South Carolina vs #13 Michigan
Explination - Stanford gets the nod in the playoff over Oregon because they had less losses even though Oregon beat Stanford. Michigan gets in over Baylor because of their number of losses and reputation.
2012
Playoff #1 (Orange Bowl) - #1 Notre Dame vs #4 Oregon
Playoff #2 (Fiesta Bowl) - #2 Alabama vs #3 Florida
Rose Bowl - #6 Stanford vs Wisconsin
Sugar Bowl - #5 Kansas State vs #8 LSU
Cotton Bowl - #9 Texas A&M vs #11 Oklahoma
Peach Bowl - #7 Georgia vs #12 Florida State
Explination - Oregon jumps into the playoffs over Kansas State because of a tougher schedule and a better loss. Wisconsin is in by necessity of a Big Ten team (Ohio State and Penn State barred from contention) and they were the Big Ten champion, slotting them in the Rose bowl. LSU gets into the Sugar Bowl due to a stronger schedule then other SEC teams and South Carolina is omitted due to lack of SOS.
2013
Playoff #1 (Peach Bowl) - #1 Florida State vs #4 Michigan State
Playoff #2 (Cotton Bowl) - #2 Auburn vs #3 Alabama
Rose Bowl - #5 Stanford vs #7 Ohio State
Sugar Bowl - #6 Baylor vs #9 South Carolina
Orange Bowl - #8 Missouri vs #12 Clemson
Fiesta Bowl - #11 Oklahoma vs #15 UCF
Explination - Michigan State is in the Playoff over Stanford due to less losses, and above Baylor because of SOS. South Carolina is in the Sugar Bowl over Missouri due to head-to-head record. Oklahoma is in over Oregon due to SOS and better losses.
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Heisman Race Update
Let's take a look at the leading Heisman candidates through the first seven weeks.
1. Dak Prescott, QB, Mississippi St: 1478 Passing Yds, 14 Passing TDs, 4 INTs, 578 Rushing Yds, 8 Rushing TDs, 165.6 Passer Rating.
Prescott is the superstar QB leading the undefeated, most dominant team in the country while putting up video game numbers. If he keeps this up, there's no way he doesn't find himself in New York come December.
2. Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon: 1621 Passing Yds, 17 Passing TDs, 0 INTs, 290 Rushing Yds, 5 Rushing TDs, 193.7 Passer Rating.
Going into the season, many heralded Mariota as the best quarterback since Andrew Luck. Well, he sure seems like that and possibly more. He has continued to lead this dynamic offense while putting up crooked numbers. The one knock on him would be that loss to Arizona, but you can't discredit someone when they're getting absolutely no help from their offensive line, and with a bounce-back game this weekend, he clearly wasn't to shaken by his first defeat.
3. Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin: 1046 Rushing Yds, 13 Rushing TDs, 7.9 Yds per Carry, 27 Receiving Yds, 1 Receiving TD.
With a yard total better than some supposedly top-shelf quarterbacks, Melvin Gordon is making more of a difference with his legs than anyone else in the country. In a season highlighted by a 253 yard, 5 touchdown day against Bowling Green, he has put up consistently eye-popping stats. In fact, his second worst output of the year was a 140 yard, 1 touchdown performance on just 16 carries while facing a top-tier defense in LSU. All this plus the shocking suspension of Todd Gurley equals #1 running back status for the man they call MG3.
4. Bryce Petty, QB, Baylor: 1534 Passing Yds, 15 Passing TDs, 3 INTs, 109 Rushing Yds, 3 Rushing TDs, 153.6 Passer Rating.
Much like Prescott, Petty is the unquestioned leader of an undefeated top five team who is taking care of the ball and leading his team back from seemingly insurmountable deficits and blowout wins alike. He has steadily improved his draft slate over the course of the year and has put his team in position to run the table and find their way into the first annual college football playoff. However, he still has much to prove, with marquee match-ups left in Stillwater, and hosting Oklahoma St. and Kansas St.
5. Bo Wallace, QB, Ole Miss: 1700 Passing Yds, 15 Passing TDs, 6 INTs, 89 Rushing Yds, 2 TDs, 168.1 Passer Rating.
After consecutive statement wins, Bo Wallace is a trendy name in the college football world. While he didn't put up huge numbers against Alabama or Texas A&M, he did what he needed to do to lead his team to victory, as he has done practically on a weekly basis. His lone enormous game came against the University of Louisiana-Lafayette (whom I refuse to refer to solely as Louisiana), when he posted 316 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Still, as I've said time and again, the star QB of an undefeated power-five team will always, always be a top contender for this prestigious award (see Winston, Jameis).
Others in Contenion
Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
Rakeem Cato, QB, Marshall
Tevin Coleman, RB, Indiana
Ameer Abdullah, RB, Nebraska
Trevonne Boykin, QB, TCU
Week 8 Top 25
Before the AP Rankings come out, let's take a look a my top 25 rankings.
1 - Florida State 6-0 (Win 38-20 over Syracuse)
Staying at the top till they lose.
2 - Mississippi State 6-0 (Win 38-23 over Auburn)
Would be number one if Clemson had just beaten Florida State that September night.
3 - Ole Miss 6-0 (Win 35-20 over Texas A&M)
Mississippi is the new best state in college football.
4 - Baylor 6-0 (Win 61-58 over TCU)
No matter where or how convincingly, beating a top 10 team is impressive.
5- Notre Dame 6-0 (Win 50-43 over UNC)
Second real test comes Saturday.
6 - Auburn 5-1 (Lose 38-23 to Mississippi State)
Played an awful game in Oxford. Next up, South Carolina.
7 - Oregon 5-1 (Win 42-30 over UCLA)
If Michigan State keeps winning, so does Oregon
8 - Michigan State 5-1 (Win 45-31 over Purdue)
If Oregon keeps winning, so does Michigan State.
9 - Alabama 5-1 (Win 14-13 over Arkansas)
Ugly win over Arkansas. Still hasn't beaten a ranked team.
10 - Georgia 5-1 (Win 34-0 over Missouri)
Who needs Todd Gurley?
Here's the rest of the top 25
11. Oklahoma 5-1 (Win 31-26 over Texas)
12. TCU 5-1 (Lose 61-58 to Baylor
13. Oklahoma State 5-1 (Win 27-20 over Kansas)
14. Ohio State 4-1 (BYE)
15. Kansas State 4-1 (BYE)
16. Arizona 5-1 (Lose 28-26 to USC)
17. Nebraska 5-1 (BYE)
18. Texas A&M 5-2 (Lose 35-20 to Ole Miss)
19. USC 4-2 (Win 28-26 over Arizona)
20. Arizona State 4-1 (BYE)
21. East Carolina 5-1 (Win 28-17 over South Florida)
22. UCLA 4-2 (Lose 42-30 to Oregon)
23. Marshall 6-0 (Win 49-24 over Middle Tennessee)
24. Clemson 4-2 (Win 23-17 over Louisville)
25. Stanford 4-2 (Win 34-17 over Washington State)
1 - Florida State 6-0 (Win 38-20 over Syracuse)
Staying at the top till they lose.
2 - Mississippi State 6-0 (Win 38-23 over Auburn)
Would be number one if Clemson had just beaten Florida State that September night.
3 - Ole Miss 6-0 (Win 35-20 over Texas A&M)
Mississippi is the new best state in college football.
4 - Baylor 6-0 (Win 61-58 over TCU)
No matter where or how convincingly, beating a top 10 team is impressive.
5- Notre Dame 6-0 (Win 50-43 over UNC)
Second real test comes Saturday.
6 - Auburn 5-1 (Lose 38-23 to Mississippi State)
Played an awful game in Oxford. Next up, South Carolina.
7 - Oregon 5-1 (Win 42-30 over UCLA)
If Michigan State keeps winning, so does Oregon
8 - Michigan State 5-1 (Win 45-31 over Purdue)
If Oregon keeps winning, so does Michigan State.
9 - Alabama 5-1 (Win 14-13 over Arkansas)
Ugly win over Arkansas. Still hasn't beaten a ranked team.
10 - Georgia 5-1 (Win 34-0 over Missouri)
Who needs Todd Gurley?
Here's the rest of the top 25
11. Oklahoma 5-1 (Win 31-26 over Texas)
12. TCU 5-1 (Lose 61-58 to Baylor
13. Oklahoma State 5-1 (Win 27-20 over Kansas)
14. Ohio State 4-1 (BYE)
15. Kansas State 4-1 (BYE)
16. Arizona 5-1 (Lose 28-26 to USC)
17. Nebraska 5-1 (BYE)
18. Texas A&M 5-2 (Lose 35-20 to Ole Miss)
19. USC 4-2 (Win 28-26 over Arizona)
20. Arizona State 4-1 (BYE)
21. East Carolina 5-1 (Win 28-17 over South Florida)
22. UCLA 4-2 (Lose 42-30 to Oregon)
23. Marshall 6-0 (Win 49-24 over Middle Tennessee)
24. Clemson 4-2 (Win 23-17 over Louisville)
25. Stanford 4-2 (Win 34-17 over Washington State)
Saturday, October 11, 2014
Start/Sit for Week 6
This week one of the premier games is Seattle versus Dallas. Seattle, the reigning champions, up against Jerry Jones and America's Team, the Dallas Cowboys. When it comes to fantasy, these teams have a very prejudice thought against them. Seattle is the first of radical teams to pistol and play defense, while Dallas has been known for its top receivers, and, well, Tony Romo. This year however, it is a bit of a flip-flop of match-ups. DeMarco has scored more fantasy points than Marshawn Lynch, and by some miracle the Cowboys' D has 12 more points than the heralded Legion of Boom. Entering this week, many people are saying sit DeMarco Murray, sit Dez Bryant, because they are playing the Seahawks. Last week it was DeSean Jackson, whom everyone sat, who exploded for 21 points. The week before was the new upstart Broncos receiver Emmanual Sanders, who had 11 catches for 149 yards. See a theme here? In this week's start/sit, we are not going to be looking at who they are playing, but who they are. Let's take a look.
Sit - Matt Stafford
Yes, yes. In most leagues, Matt Stafford is a no-brainer. He's still sitting pretty with the 10th most points overall, or in other words, a starter. Yet this year he has had two games where he has eclipsed 20 points. Let's put that into context. Kirk Cousins, who has played all of three and a half games (two against those all-mighty defenses of Seattle and Philadelphia) has eclipsed 20 points three times. Detroit is also coming off of a tough game against Buffalo at home which hurt. Don't expect Stafford to put up gaudy numbers in Minnesota.
Start - Brandon Oliver
When I look at running back match-ups, I look at how awful the team they are playing is at football, no against the run. And the Oakland Raiders are awful. The Chargers are a pretty darn good team, and should run all over the Raiders pesky defense. Teams in the NFL don't necessarily throw the ball when they're up 20 points. Even if Oliver pulls a Doug Martin card and somehow manages only 2.5 yards per carry, he is still a good, solid start.
Sit - Alfred Morris
The Washington Redskins have dropped back to pass 209 times this season. On a total of 339 plays this season, that is good for 61.04% of the time, 11th in the league. The top two running backs in the league, Murray and Lynch, play on teams that rush the ball about half of the time. The coaching change in Washington seems to have taken the greatest hit on Morris, seeing the ball less and less as the Redskins transform into a passing team, and don't except their game plan to change against Arizona.
Start - Kelvin Benjamin
Kelvin Benjamin has been one of the biggest surprises in fantasy football thus far. Up until last week, he was averaging over 12 points a game. With the loss of Steve Smith, the Panthers have seemed to have turned Benjamin as their number one receiver. And with a quarterback with the skill set of Cam Newton, any number 1 receiver is a must start.
Sit - Brain Quick
The Rams receiver has been amazing thus far this year. With three touchdowns in his last two games, he would seem like a top red zone threat and stud for the Rams. Which is true. Two of those touchdowns have came in the red zone. Soon, though, the game plan might change. Jared Cook is a phenomenal red zone threat. Tavon Austin is the speedster and I still haven't given up hope on Zac Stacy. Without a quarterback like Austin Davis running the show, I'm not ready to jump on the Quick bandwagon.
Sit - Larry Donnell
Larry Donnell's time has come and passed. Eli Manning has a stingy relationship with tight ends, a marriage that seems to change twice a season. Last year it was Brandon Myers. Year before it was Martellus Bennett. You can never truly rely on tight ends (other than Julius Thomas, Jimmy Graham and a healthy Rob Gronkowski) and especially on that plays with Eli.
*Post comments below on thoughts and opinions
Sit - Matt Stafford
Yes, yes. In most leagues, Matt Stafford is a no-brainer. He's still sitting pretty with the 10th most points overall, or in other words, a starter. Yet this year he has had two games where he has eclipsed 20 points. Let's put that into context. Kirk Cousins, who has played all of three and a half games (two against those all-mighty defenses of Seattle and Philadelphia) has eclipsed 20 points three times. Detroit is also coming off of a tough game against Buffalo at home which hurt. Don't expect Stafford to put up gaudy numbers in Minnesota.
Start - Brandon Oliver
When I look at running back match-ups, I look at how awful the team they are playing is at football, no against the run. And the Oakland Raiders are awful. The Chargers are a pretty darn good team, and should run all over the Raiders pesky defense. Teams in the NFL don't necessarily throw the ball when they're up 20 points. Even if Oliver pulls a Doug Martin card and somehow manages only 2.5 yards per carry, he is still a good, solid start.
Sit - Alfred Morris
The Washington Redskins have dropped back to pass 209 times this season. On a total of 339 plays this season, that is good for 61.04% of the time, 11th in the league. The top two running backs in the league, Murray and Lynch, play on teams that rush the ball about half of the time. The coaching change in Washington seems to have taken the greatest hit on Morris, seeing the ball less and less as the Redskins transform into a passing team, and don't except their game plan to change against Arizona.
Start - Kelvin Benjamin
Kelvin Benjamin has been one of the biggest surprises in fantasy football thus far. Up until last week, he was averaging over 12 points a game. With the loss of Steve Smith, the Panthers have seemed to have turned Benjamin as their number one receiver. And with a quarterback with the skill set of Cam Newton, any number 1 receiver is a must start.
Sit - Brain Quick
The Rams receiver has been amazing thus far this year. With three touchdowns in his last two games, he would seem like a top red zone threat and stud for the Rams. Which is true. Two of those touchdowns have came in the red zone. Soon, though, the game plan might change. Jared Cook is a phenomenal red zone threat. Tavon Austin is the speedster and I still haven't given up hope on Zac Stacy. Without a quarterback like Austin Davis running the show, I'm not ready to jump on the Quick bandwagon.
Sit - Larry Donnell
Larry Donnell's time has come and passed. Eli Manning has a stingy relationship with tight ends, a marriage that seems to change twice a season. Last year it was Brandon Myers. Year before it was Martellus Bennett. You can never truly rely on tight ends (other than Julius Thomas, Jimmy Graham and a healthy Rob Gronkowski) and especially on that plays with Eli.
*Post comments below on thoughts and opinions
Friday, October 10, 2014
College Football Playoff Predictions
Throughout the season from now, we will be looking at who we think should be in the playoff right now, and who see at the end of the season. A couple of teams have asserted dominance this year, like Florida State and Auburn. A couple of teams have also been a consensus playoff candidate throughout the year until the crazy Week 6, like Oklahoma and Oregon. We will be discussing why teams should or shouldn't be included, and why. Lets getting going.
Playoff Team #1 Right Now - Florida State
Florida State was the preseason favorite and hasn't lost yet, so by default they should remain at #1. Yes, yes, they barely edged out their competition, but need I remind you they played a solid game in Arlington versus Oklahoma State, a very good team, and still beat Clemson and Vic Beasley without Jameis Winston. They have played bad games versus Citadel and NC State, but that is just trying to get Jameis Winston back in his role. Coach Jimbo Fisher has been here before, done that, but their season is really going to come down to that October 18 showdown versus Notre Dame in Talahassee.
Playoff Team #1 End of Year - Notre Dame
This pick is also a bit by default. We know that Auburn, Ole Miss and Mississippi State will not go undefeated in the SEC West. That eliminates three teams ahead of Notre Dame. Baylor still has games versus Kansas State, TCU and Oklahoma, the latter in Stillwater. Even more, the argument still stands for Baylor's lack of non-conference competition, which could propel Notre Dame past them even if they win out. And finally, if Notre Dame beats Florida State, they're in.
Playoff Team #2 Right Now - Auburn
Auburn is a tricky team. They are the reigning runner-ups, but they play in the SEC West. They are undefeated, but they play in the SEC West. They have a quality non-conference win, but they play in the SEC West. Do you see a common theme here? If, by some miracle, they end up with only one loss, you could easily see them at the #1 spot. Hear this. Currently, they have away games against #3 Ole Miss, #3 Mississippi State, #13 Georgia, and #7 Alabama. That is crazy. They easily have the hardest schedule left among all playoff contenders, but as of now they are undefeated and cruising.
Playoff Team #2 End of Year - Florida State
If you want an in depth report on why Florida State is in read their previous paragraph on how they get in by default, which is a common theme here. They do not have any other ranked opponents left on their schedule save for Notre Dame, which we have them losing to. They could face an undefeated or one-loss Georgia Tech team in the ACC Championship, which they should win. Louisville could be a challenge, but barring an upset, they should be a shoo-in as a one-loss team.
Playoff Team #3 Right Now - Mississippi State
Numbers three and four currently are very similar, teams riding upsets of top teams without a good non-conference team. We give the edge to Mississippi State because they have beaten LSU and Texas A&M. The LSU game was also in Death Valley, which can add to their bill over Ole Miss. Yes, Ole Miss has beaten Alabama, the King of all Kings, but everyone knows two is better than one, and we think Mississippi State gets the nod here.
Playoff Team #3 End of Year - Ole Miss
Currently, Alabama, Ole Miss, Auburn and Mississippi State can all finish 10-2. Saying Ole Miss loses to Auburn, Auburn loses to both Mississippi State and Alabama, and Mississippi State loses to Alabama and Alabama loses to LSU or Texas A&M, then Ole Miss comes away with the tiebreaker. They will likely face a one-loss Missouri or a two-loss Georgia, which won't be an easy win, but a highly plausible win. Ole Miss is looking like last year's Auburn, a two loss team that benefited from a hard schedule, but really, this spot is just reserved for whoever wins the SEC West.
Playoff Team #4 Right Now - Ole Miss
They are the latter of the Mississippi's to be in the top four. They edge Baylor because of the Alabama win versus, well, the Texas win, and edge Notre Dame because they played sloppy against Stanford and that can be arguably their only quality game so far. They also could have the easiest schedule left in the SEC West playing both Mississippi State and Auburn at home. If there is a lock for any SEC West team to make the Playoff, I believe it would be arguably unanimous them.
Playoff Team #4 End of Year - Michigan State
Right now, there are seven teams ranked ahead of MSU. Three of them have been said in this post so far. One of them is Baylor who everyone believes to overrated, rightfully so. The final two are Mississippi State and Alabama, who both play in the SEC West. And Alabama has one loss. And Oregon is better than West Virginia. If MSU wins out, they get in by default. No argument. Well never mind, there is always an argument. Other viable candidates are Oklahoma, Oregon, Alabama, TCU, Arizona, Mississippi State, and pretty much everytime in the FBS except for Michigan. Each team has its own argument, a pretty good one, but Michigan State had the luck of the Irish to lose early in the season and end up playing the Irish.
All in all this has a 2.3419% of working out. Give or take like 50 percentage points. College Football is unpredictable. A team like Georgia Tech could be the only undefeated team left by December 14th, and it could be just an average college football season. Welcome to the College Football Playoff, America.
Playoff Team #1 Right Now - Florida State
Florida State was the preseason favorite and hasn't lost yet, so by default they should remain at #1. Yes, yes, they barely edged out their competition, but need I remind you they played a solid game in Arlington versus Oklahoma State, a very good team, and still beat Clemson and Vic Beasley without Jameis Winston. They have played bad games versus Citadel and NC State, but that is just trying to get Jameis Winston back in his role. Coach Jimbo Fisher has been here before, done that, but their season is really going to come down to that October 18 showdown versus Notre Dame in Talahassee.
Playoff Team #1 End of Year - Notre Dame
This pick is also a bit by default. We know that Auburn, Ole Miss and Mississippi State will not go undefeated in the SEC West. That eliminates three teams ahead of Notre Dame. Baylor still has games versus Kansas State, TCU and Oklahoma, the latter in Stillwater. Even more, the argument still stands for Baylor's lack of non-conference competition, which could propel Notre Dame past them even if they win out. And finally, if Notre Dame beats Florida State, they're in.
Playoff Team #2 Right Now - Auburn
Auburn is a tricky team. They are the reigning runner-ups, but they play in the SEC West. They are undefeated, but they play in the SEC West. They have a quality non-conference win, but they play in the SEC West. Do you see a common theme here? If, by some miracle, they end up with only one loss, you could easily see them at the #1 spot. Hear this. Currently, they have away games against #3 Ole Miss, #3 Mississippi State, #13 Georgia, and #7 Alabama. That is crazy. They easily have the hardest schedule left among all playoff contenders, but as of now they are undefeated and cruising.
Playoff Team #2 End of Year - Florida State
If you want an in depth report on why Florida State is in read their previous paragraph on how they get in by default, which is a common theme here. They do not have any other ranked opponents left on their schedule save for Notre Dame, which we have them losing to. They could face an undefeated or one-loss Georgia Tech team in the ACC Championship, which they should win. Louisville could be a challenge, but barring an upset, they should be a shoo-in as a one-loss team.
Playoff Team #3 Right Now - Mississippi State
Numbers three and four currently are very similar, teams riding upsets of top teams without a good non-conference team. We give the edge to Mississippi State because they have beaten LSU and Texas A&M. The LSU game was also in Death Valley, which can add to their bill over Ole Miss. Yes, Ole Miss has beaten Alabama, the King of all Kings, but everyone knows two is better than one, and we think Mississippi State gets the nod here.
Playoff Team #3 End of Year - Ole Miss
Currently, Alabama, Ole Miss, Auburn and Mississippi State can all finish 10-2. Saying Ole Miss loses to Auburn, Auburn loses to both Mississippi State and Alabama, and Mississippi State loses to Alabama and Alabama loses to LSU or Texas A&M, then Ole Miss comes away with the tiebreaker. They will likely face a one-loss Missouri or a two-loss Georgia, which won't be an easy win, but a highly plausible win. Ole Miss is looking like last year's Auburn, a two loss team that benefited from a hard schedule, but really, this spot is just reserved for whoever wins the SEC West.
Playoff Team #4 Right Now - Ole Miss
They are the latter of the Mississippi's to be in the top four. They edge Baylor because of the Alabama win versus, well, the Texas win, and edge Notre Dame because they played sloppy against Stanford and that can be arguably their only quality game so far. They also could have the easiest schedule left in the SEC West playing both Mississippi State and Auburn at home. If there is a lock for any SEC West team to make the Playoff, I believe it would be arguably unanimous them.
Playoff Team #4 End of Year - Michigan State
Right now, there are seven teams ranked ahead of MSU. Three of them have been said in this post so far. One of them is Baylor who everyone believes to overrated, rightfully so. The final two are Mississippi State and Alabama, who both play in the SEC West. And Alabama has one loss. And Oregon is better than West Virginia. If MSU wins out, they get in by default. No argument. Well never mind, there is always an argument. Other viable candidates are Oklahoma, Oregon, Alabama, TCU, Arizona, Mississippi State, and pretty much everytime in the FBS except for Michigan. Each team has its own argument, a pretty good one, but Michigan State had the luck of the Irish to lose early in the season and end up playing the Irish.
All in all this has a 2.3419% of working out. Give or take like 50 percentage points. College Football is unpredictable. A team like Georgia Tech could be the only undefeated team left by December 14th, and it could be just an average college football season. Welcome to the College Football Playoff, America.
Thursday, October 9, 2014
#4 Recruit Henry Ellenson commits to Marquette
Henry Ellenson has verbally committed to Marquette, per ESPN. The #4 ranked recuit on ESPN verbally told ESPN that he had committed to Marquette, nullifying Michigan State and Kentucky from his potential suitors.
He will join his brother Wally who transferred from Minnesota to the Golden Eagles. Ellenson said, "I felt Marquette was a place where I could make an immediate impact. I feel that I will have an opportunity to play multiple positions and show my versatility. Also, I was the most comfortable with the coaching staff, and a chance to play with my brother was something that was always big to me."
This is Golden Eagles coach Steve Wojciechowski's fourth addition to his 2015 class, joining four-stars PG Nick Noskowaik, SG Haanif Cheatham and C Matt Heldt. He is showing an impressive knack for recuiting top prospect in year 1 of his tenure. He has shown dominance in the state of Wisconsin. Wojciechowski has one more spot in is 2015 class, which could perhaps be #2 recuit Jaylen Brown. 247sports' crystal ball currently has Brown favored to Kentucky.
He will join his brother Wally who transferred from Minnesota to the Golden Eagles. Ellenson said, "I felt Marquette was a place where I could make an immediate impact. I feel that I will have an opportunity to play multiple positions and show my versatility. Also, I was the most comfortable with the coaching staff, and a chance to play with my brother was something that was always big to me."
This is Golden Eagles coach Steve Wojciechowski's fourth addition to his 2015 class, joining four-stars PG Nick Noskowaik, SG Haanif Cheatham and C Matt Heldt. He is showing an impressive knack for recuiting top prospect in year 1 of his tenure. He has shown dominance in the state of Wisconsin. Wojciechowski has one more spot in is 2015 class, which could perhaps be #2 recuit Jaylen Brown. 247sports' crystal ball currently has Brown favored to Kentucky.
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