The Captain's Column

The 2012 season has arrived....

2011-09-02T10:56:00.000-07:00

And Russell Wilson has already made an impact of the Badger offense. He was 10 or 13 with for 255 yards through the air with another 62 yards on the ground with three touchdowns. Monty Ball also added another 130 all purpose yards and 4 TD's. Needless to say Wisconsin made jumping around into a big bowl game again this season.

Utah showed off its new offense with OC Norm Chow calling the plays. We'll see what happens when Chow takes his offensive power to his three former schools (BYU, USC, and UCLA).

Syracuse dodged a huge bullet last night by rallying to beat Wake Forest in overtime after being down 26-14 going into the fourth quarter.

Another good game coming your way tonight will be the TCU Horned Frogs against Rival, Baylor. Robert Griffin III who threw for over 3,000 yards last season, takes on a defense that brings back MWC Defensive Player of the Year Tank Carder and fellow LB Tanner Brock. TCU also breaks in new Quarterback Casey Pachall who will play against an underrated Baylor Defense. Expect this to be a close game.
TCU 20-Baylor 17

Matchups for your weekend
Utah St. @ Auburn (23) - Post Cam Newton era begins
(6am HI time)
Akron @ Ohio St (18) - Buckeyes begin a new era. Period.
(6am)
Appalachian St @Virginia Tech (13) - App St known to be a giant killer. VTech known to be that giant! (6:30)
South Florida @ Notre Dame (16) - Will touchdown Jesus be smiling on the Irish?
(9:30am)
Minnesota @ USC (25) - Defense had to be a major focus for the Trojans and Coach Kiffin in the offseason (9:30)
UCLA @ Houston - Case Keenum looking to have a big year for the Cougars as possible Heisman run
(not airing)
BYU @ Ole Miss - BYU has everything to prove going Independent and it starts in Oxford.
(10:45am)
Florida Atlantic @ Florida (22) Coach Muschamp brought in Charlie Wise as OC for the Gators. (1:00pm)
Tulsa @ Oklahoma (1) - Sooners looking to stay undefeated and head into the BCS championship game. They are the favorite this year. (2:00pm)
Rice @ Texas - The Horns had a shake up in the coaching staff, can it prove to be of help?
(2:00pm)
Oregon (3) vs LSU (4) - with all the players missing from the LSU sideline, hopefully this game isn't a dud and it delivers on the Hype. (2:00pm)
Boise St (5) vs Georgia (19) - The Broncos travel East once again in their season opener. Last years game against Vtech was intense. Will Georgia finally be school to stop the Dark Horse from the MWC? (2:00pm)
Colorado @ Hawaii - Buffs enter the Pac-12, Warriors still looking for a big conference to align with. Go Bows! (4:15)
Miami (Fl) @ Maryland - whats more entertaining...Miami on the verge of getting the death penalty or the 16 or so different Maryland uniform combos? (Monday 2:00pm)

National Signing Day...

2011-02-02T22:45:00.000-08:00

National Signing Day has come and gone and the rich get richer. Many surprises came out of signing day today and we're looking at the top schools with the best recruits.

Pac-12 - USC Trojans
For a school that is on probation from scholarships and bowl games USC still holds a strong monopoly on many top recruits coming out of California. George Farmer (WR, 5-star prospect) can become a really good compliment to an offense that is starting to click under QB Matt Barkley and WR Robert Wood. Lane Kiffin sure is making progress in SoCal by the announcement of 30 new players.
- Honorable Mention - Oregon and California

Big 12 - Texas Longhorns
Maybe its because I'm bias, but i still feel Mack Brown has a huge hand over the entire state of Texas. Accordingly, many of their recruits came through and signed including top running back Malcolm Brown. If Texas is serious about getting the run game going, they got a good physical runner in Brown, who many scouts are comparing to Adrian Petersen. The Longhorns got many players to fill both sides of the ball including former Longhorn star Jordan Shipley's younger brother, Jaxon.
- Oklahoma is a really close second (and for Sooner fans you guys have solid defenders coming)

Big Ten - Ohio St. Buckeyes
Jim Tressel still brings many players into Ohio, but then again not to many programs have had much success like the Buckeyes in recent years from the Big Ten, but that is changing with the likes of Nebraska coming, and programs such as Wisconsin emerging as real power houses. However, Tressel still brought in quality players especially on defense. Curtis Grant (ILB, 4-star) may become another star linebacker to put on a Buckeye jersey. He has great awareness and good run-stop ability.
- Nebraska has already made an impact on its new conference by bringing in hard-nose players.

SEC - Alabama Crimson Tide
Not to many coaches recruit as heavily as Nick Saban, and his signing class proves it. The Tide are stacked on defense with Safety Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix, LD Trey DePriest, and DE Xzavier Dickson. They also got a great running back in Demetrius Hart. All these guys were 5-4 star recruits and the top coming out of their respective states. Again coach Saban has out everyone else in getting the top players.
- Auburn and a surprising Georgia team came close to what Alabama is doing in SEC recruiting

ACC - Florida St. Seminoles
Probably the best signing day came to Jimbo Fisher and the Noles. Tallahassee has many new bloods including a dual of RB that can make an immediate impact. James Wilder and Devonta Freeman who can possibly become a smash and dash in their own sense. What Freeman lacks in height he makes up for raw power and intelligence with the ball. Wilder on the other hand has the body size and athleticism to play either side of the ball. With so many top prospects Florida St has a chance to become a power house once again.
- "The most exciting 25 seconds in college football" just got more exciting with Clemson taking second in the ACC.

Big East - Rutgers Scarlet Knights
With a lot of talent going to the other big five conferences the Big East is left with the scraps, but i believe that the Scarlet Knights have found that diamond in the rough. Savon Huggins (RB) is potentially the best thing to come to Rutgers since Ray Rice, and he's built like him, but faster. Huggins was the top pick-up for the Rutgers and the Big East altogether.
- Louisville is also making noise with Charlie Strong as Head Coach with a solid day out of Miami

With all the hype surrounding National Signing Day we all hope that these guys can come out, perform and make college football the reason we wait for September so impatiently.

One month to Madness...

2011-02-01T18:23:00.000-08:00

With only one month left until march and recently played NHL all-star game and the Pro-Bowl, the Column presents his college top performers. These guys have been chosen due to performance on the court, and how much they've helped their teams.

The Captains First Team:
G - Kemba Walker - UCONN Huskies (JR. 24 PPG, 4.3 APG, 5.3RPG)
G - Jimmer Fredette - BYU Cougars (SR. 28 PPG, 4.3 APG)
F - Jordan Hamilton - Texas Longhorns (SO. 19 PPG, 7.5 RPG)
F - Marcus Morris - Kansas Jayhawks (JR. 17 PPG, 7 RPG)
C - Jared Sullinger - Ohio St. Buckeyes (FR. 18 PPG, 10 R

The Captains Second Team:
G - Brad Wanamaker - Pittsburgh Panthers (SR. 12.5 PPG 5.3 APG, 5 RPG)
G - Nolan Smith - Duke Blue Devils (SR. 21 PPG, 5.6 APG, 4.7 RPG)
F - Terrence Jones - Kentucky Wildcats (FR 18 PPG, 9 RPG, 2 BPG)
F - Kawhi Leonard - San Diego St. (SO 15 PPG, 10 RPG)
C - JaJuan Johnson - Purdure Boilermakers (SR. 21 PPG, 8 RPG, 2 BPG)

Now some may have noticed a lot of these guys come from the blue blood schools, but they have helped their teams to become the most productive in the country. Look for there guys to continue to make noise throughout February, but lets hold off into March. We have a month until the brackets are out, and expect my bracket completed and loaded so all of you can see how well you do against the Captain!

Best/Worst Bowl Games...

2011-01-13T22:26:00.000-08:00

Best Offensive Performance - Andrew Luck (Standford - 302 Total yards, 4 touchdowns)
Andrew Luck looked NFL ready against Virgina Tech, but decided to stay for his senior season. Expect more big plays from this guy as he leads the Cardinal next year. I would have him atop my Heisman watch, but with a new coach I am a little tempted to hold him at second or third.
Honorable Mention - Ronnie Hillman (San Diego St.), Landry Jones (Oklahoma)

Best Defensive Performance - Tank Carder (TCU)
Who would not be intimidated play against someone named Tank. He helped contain that Wisconsin running game and made crucial play after crucial play, including the knocked down pass on the two point conversion try. He may not have had the best numbers (6 Tackles for loss, 1 sack), but he has made big plays all season, and will continue to make big plays.

Best Offense - Alabama Crimson Tide
Racked up 546 total yards, and possessed the ball over 32 minutes. They honestly looked like the Alabama of old who rolled over everyone last season.
Honorable Mention - Boise St.

Best Defense - Tulsa Golden Hurricane
Forced Hawaii to turn the ball over six times, taking 2 of them back for a score. Nuff Sed (translation: "Enough Said" for all those not from Hawaii)

Worst Offensive Performance - Michigan St. Spartans
Only 171 total yards and a grand total of -48 yards rushing. The magic found in Lancing was no were to be found the Capital One Bowl.

Worst Defensive Performance - Utah Utes
Allowing Boise to throw for 340 yards and another 200 on the ground, the Utes didn't have they're usual spring when it comes to bowl games.

Best Bowl Game - BCS National Championship Game
Although some may same the game was very sloppy, I felt like it lived up to its name. Having five weeks off will make programs rusty, but in my opinion it had to the best game of the season.
Honorable Mention - Rose Bowl - TCU over Wisconsin (very close second)
Little Caesars Bowl - FIU over Toledo (If you missed this game, find it)

Worst Bowl Game - Oklahoma over UCONN & Maryland over ECU
No one wants to see teams get blown out in a bowl game. These two games produced the blow outs of the bowl season.

Poinsettia Bowl...

2010-12-23T15:37:00.000-08:00

San Diego St plays in its first bowl game since 1998 against Navy. The big question is who has home field advantage? Navy comes into this game with another 10 win season under Ken Niumatalolo, and are masters at running the triple-option. Ricky Dobbs again will be the focal point of this offense which averages almost 290 yards on the ground on the year. The Aztec come into this game with some fire power as well. They run a pro style offense and Quarterback Ryan Lindley has aired it out for more than 3,000 yards and 26 touchdowns. He isn't the whole face of the offense, Freshman Running Back Ronnie Hillman is a threat to break open on this Navy defense. Navy proved it can work through adversity after losing its opener against Maryland, and the Aztec proved they are contenders with near misses against Utah and TCU. This is a great game that will not disappoint and features to great coaching styles in Niumatalolo and Brady Hoke.

San Diego St. 34 - Navy 28

Las Vegas Bowl...

2010-12-21T21:20:00.000-08:00

Boise St. has something to prove in this bowl game. After the heart breaking lose to Nevada the Broncos return to Nevada in hopes of a statement game against Utah. This is the first game between two ranked opponents but what Boise has that Utah doesn't is an experienced quarterback. Terrance Cain leads the #19 Utes against the #10 Broncos. Cain is filling in for starter Jordan Wynn who will undergo shoulder surgery. The Utes are no strangers to being underdogs, but this is a very different opponent. Boise comes into the game as second in points scored, and sixth in passing yards. The Broncos are not taking this game for granted as Kellen Moore continues to lead the boys from Boise in a very high powered offense. Utah continues to raise after two hard loses to TCU and Notre Dame, but finished the season with big wins over San Diego St. and BYU. Don't think the Boise defense hasn't provided help, ranking in 4th in the nation. Boise has only been held under 35 points twice this season, one coming to Nevada. This has to be one of the best non BCS bowl games on paper, but if Cain and the Utes aren't ready for the Broncos, expect this one to be done early.

Boise St. 45 - Utah 24

Bowl Update - I'm 2-2 so far in the bowl season. Missed out on a close upset today when Louisville rallied back from being down 14-0, and beating Southern Miss 31-28. Anyone think they'll get a better bowl recorded than me? Leave me a comment.

Louisville vs Southern Miss...

2010-12-20T23:12:00.000-08:00

A classic case of Defense versus Offense. The Cardinals come into this game ranked as the 12th most productive defense in college football because of first year coach Charlie Strong. However, the Golden Eagles offense is just as productive ranking 15th overall. The Cardinals had a very good win in the middle of the season over UCONN and finished with a big win over Rutgers. The Golden Eagles offense is one of the most high octane in the country. With only four loses on the years, Southern Miss knows how to spread the ball around the field. Austin Davis leads the Golden Eagles with nearly 3,000 yards passing on the year, but look for the running game to be a big part of the game as well. Louisville still has no decision on who will start under center, but they do have a solid running back in Bilal Powell. This comes down to how long can the Cardinals defense stay off the field with that potent Golden Eagle Offense...
Southern Miss 35 - Louisville 28

Bowls go all week
Dec. 22 - Las Vegas Bowl (Utah vs Boise St.)
Dec. 23 - Poinsettia Bowl (San Diego St. vs Navy)
Dec. 24 - Hawaii Bowl (Hawaii vs Tulsa) - I'll be working this game, so expected pictures on my facebook.
Dec. 26 - Little Caesars Bowl (Florida International vs Toledo)

Lets get it on...

2010-12-17T22:06:00.000-08:00

the eve of bowl season...lets look at the match ups coming in tomorrow.

BYU vs. UTEP - New Mexico Bowl

Who has the momentum coming into this bowl? Without a doubt the Cougars winning their last four of five games do. The Miners started the season coming out firing with a win in the first five of six games, but have dropped four of the last five games. These two former WAC rivals renew their rivalry for the first time since 1998. It would be interesting to see how this game plays out due to the highs and lows of both their seasons. The Miners only have 14 sacks on the season, so look for Jake Heaps to air it out. The Cougars can also seal the game with the running game.

BYU 31 - UTEP 14

Fresno St. vs. NIU - Humanitarian Bowl

Fresno easily comes into this bowl game with momentum after NIU head coach Jerry Kill and his two coordinators dashed off to Minnesota. Personally I'm not the type of person that respects coaches that leave their teams before bowl games, although I can understand it for professional reasons. As for the game, the Huskies still have a shot with their running game and Chad Spann. If that Fresno defense can prove itself against the run, and can air it out under Ryan Colburn's arm, it will be the final blow to the season for NIU.

Fresno St. 35 - NIU 17

Troy vs. Ohio - New Orleans Bowl

The key to this game? Can Ohio get their running back Vince Davidson going. Troy has been suspect to the run letting an average of 171 yards go by them on the season. However, the Troy defense does have a double dose of disaster in Mario Addison and Jonathan Massaquoi. These two defensive ends combine for a total of 20 sacks on the season. Expect this one to be close, and good way to end the beginning of the bowl seasons.

Troy 24 - Ohio 21

Changes...

2010-12-08T19:21:00.000-08:00

So if must of you have been keeping up with the news lately, Urban Meyer of Florida is stepping down as head coach after the Outback Bowl on January 1. This comes to a surprise to many people (including me), but after he suffered from declining health it seems like the best thing to do for himself and his family. Many speculate that he will return after a few years, but who can be sure. Urban Meyer put together great teams where ever he coached. From Bowling Green, to Utah, to Florida he was very successful, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Many people may not like the Gators, but everyone has to respect what he did as a coach on and off the field. The question is...who will replace him? (I rank these guys as most likely)

Dan Mullen - Mississippi St...was formerly under Meyer as Offensive Coordinator and is my favorite to fill the spot.

Bobby Petrino - Arkansas...Took the Razorbacks from last in the SEC to a big time contender.

Chris Petersen - Boise St...Follows in the steps of Meyer. Put together a powerhouse team for a few years, maybe its time to change. Same team colors, Coach Petersen might have to get use to the green field though.

Kevin Sumlin - Houston...High powered offense? Might be what the Gators need

Only time will tell with so many vacancies...just in the state of Florida alone three new coaches at the big three schools in less than a year...

Another head coaching job opening as Dave Wannstedt of Pittsburgh is out after six seasons with the Panthers.

Last word...When will we see Mike Leech on the sidelines again? Maybe he might be up at Miami?

College Basketball...

2010-12-07T16:51:00.000-08:00

Many good games on at the time. Right now I'm watching #4 Kansas Jayhawks take on a very young (but developing) #14 Memphis team. The Jay Hawks are up three after 12 minutes of play. Kansas still looks like a solid team after losing three players last year to the draft. They are physical and playing really well together, and look to play at the highest level.

The game of the night would have to go Tom Izzo (Michigan St) vs Jim Boeheim (Syracuse). These two teams are ranked 8 and 7 respectively and look to put on a show tonight. Syracuse has started the season 8-0 while Michigan has dropped some good games, one to the #1 Blue Devils during the Big 10/ACC challenge. Look for this game to be one of the best this season.

Football...Shake up in the Longhorns coaching staff. Greg Davis who has been the Offensive Coordinator for 13 seasons with Coach Mack Brown has resigned. Offensive and Defensive line coaches have also retired and will be missed. This is the first time in 21 years that Mack Brown has had a losing season and the first time since 1997 that Texas has had a losing season and not been to a bowl game. Word around is that Major Applewhite, former QB at Texas and now a on the coaching staff may take over as O.C. Coach Davis did a lot for Texas and the Offense by producing a Heisman Trophy Winner, two more finalist and two national championship appearances (2005, 2009).

During the bowl season be sure to tune into the column for games, stats, predictions, and more...

Lets go Bowling...

2010-12-05T20:27:00.000-08:00

Their was no surprise when the final BCS standings came out and who would play for the National Championship game. Cam Newton and the Tigers look to stop the very high octane offense of the Oregon Ducks. It should be a good championship game that would leave no doubt who the best team in the land really is.
I really love college football for the fact that we have so many games during the Christmas season, and am looking forward to many games that have a championship feel to it. Some of my favorite games happening during the bowl season are Wisconsin vs TCU, Standford vs Virgina Tech, Ohio St vs Arkansas, Utah vs Boise St, Penn St vs Florida, Alabama vs Michigan St, LSU vs Texas A&M. This is only some of the high caliber games that are being played during this bowl season. I favorite bowl game that I will be most anticipating is Wisconsin and TCU. Monty Ball, has come alive with injuries to starting running back John Clay, and the badgers look to jump around all over the Horned Frogs who come into this game as the only other undefeated besides the two playing for the National Title. This is going to be a great finish to a season that saw scandals, probing, a death of a student, and other unfortunate events that don't need to happen in college football.

In other news, Jerry Kill, Head coach of the Northern Illinois Huskies has accepted the Vacant job left at Minnesota. Minnesota fired Tim Brewster back in October after going 1-6 to start season. Interim Head Coach Jeff Horton finished the season over ranked Iowa Opponent. Kill, who led the Huskies to a 7-3 record, was the only MAC team to enter the top 25 this season. Kill will not coach the Huskies in the Humanitarian bowl vs Fresno. This game is scheduled for December 18 in Boise.

Game Day...

2010-12-04T12:35:00.000-08:00

We have conference championship games, and rivalry games today...
ACC, Big 12, Big East, and the always exciting SEC

Florida St - Virgina Tech...the ACC championship promises to be a big one with the Seminoles taking advantage of a NC State lose last week, and taking care of business against Florida. The Hokies started the season with two loses, but has come firing back under Beamer ball. Look for both Quarterbacks to stretch the field and the running game to be a big difference maker. Winner goes on to play in the Orange Bowl.
Florida St 28 - V Tech 24

Oklahoma - Nebraska...a big game and an old rivalry renewed. One of my games of the day between two teams that were expected to play in this championship game at seasons beginning. Oklahoma took down a very good Oklahoma St team which proves there defense can hold big players like Kendall Hunter and Justin Blackmon. Nebraska has shown it struggles through the season but has put together a good finish to their last season in the Big 12. If Taylor Martinez and Coach Bo Pelini are not on the same page expect the Sooners and Demarco Murray to run away with this game.
Oklahoma 35 - Nebraska 24

Connecticut - South Florida...The Big East has had its own struggles threw the year, but the best offenses take the field today in this championship game. UCONN comes in with a four game win streak on the line after struggling in the opening weeks of the season. Jordan Todman looks like a man against usual Big East Defenses but the Bulls bring a defense in ranked the top 25 in the nation. UCONN controls its own destiny, however, putting the pressure on them.
UCONN 24 - USF 17

Auburn - South Carolina...Gene Chizik was booed when he came into Auburn, but now is being praised for taking the Tigers to an undefeated season and a chance to play for a national title. Cam Newton is the front runner to win the Heisman this year, and with a big game over South Carolina it will only solidify his campaign. Steve Spurrier, however, had the Tigers number in September, but due to a late turn over could not complete the win. Stephen Garcia needs to be flawless, and Marcus Lattimore needs more touches. Its a super game in the Super Dome.
Auburn 27 - South Carolina 24

Oregon - Oregon St...In recent years the Civil War has meant more to these teams then in the past. This year the Beavers can be the "Giant Killers" that has been embroidered on the inside of their jerseys in memory of the 1960 team. The Ducks come into Corvallis with their video game offense. The question is can the Beaver's defense hold the Duck's offense? Beavers have been known to upset many teams, but I don't see it here. The Ducks should win big and go to play in their first national championship game.
Oregon 45 - Oregon st. 17

USC - UCLA...Fight on Trojans!!! (Sorry Bruin fans you guys took down my Longhorns this year...but than again, who hasn't?)

BTW...Butler up on Duke 9-5...in a rematch from last years NCAA basketball championship.

College Sports...

2010-12-03T00:32:00.000-08:00

I figured instead of writing about so many sports, i just focus on writing about college football and college basketball...summer time will be dedicated to rugby...mainly southern hemisphere rugby union. Anyway...on to sports...

The fight for the Territorial Cup turned out to be a good one going into double OT with the Sun Devils coming out on top by one 30-29...I guess those PAT's really mean something. Not taking anything away from ASU or ASU fans but Arizona just played really sloppy, only converting 5-17 third down tries. Good win for ASU who take the cup and instate bragging rights back to Tempe.

Tomorrow look for NIU and Miami (OH) to square off in the MAC championship...NIU is ranked for the first time in seven years and coming off massive wins in the last three games with a total of 195 points scored. Look for a shootout with the Huskies coming off the victor...
NIU 45 - Miami (OH) 21

Also Fresno and Illinois tomorrow as well...

2010-12-02T13:29:00.000-08:00

Its a big day in the NBA with the return of the King to Cleveland..

NCAA FOOTBALL - But if you're a college sports fan (which i am) we have the battle for the Territorial Cup which feature the Wildcats of Arizona as they take on Coach Dennis Erickson and the Arizona St. Sundevils @ 3 (HI time)
Arizona 21-Arizona st. 17

Although many may not see this as a big game...any rivalry game is important to the Captain because rivalry games is what makes college football college football. This week also features Conference Championship games, rivalry games, and a game that has Fresno St playing Illinois. Now if you guys remember that last year Fresno spoiled the seasons for Illinois with a converted two point conversion at the end of the game that got deflected into the hands of Fresno lineman Devan Cunningham...this season the captain predicts a similar outcome for the Bulldogs only it will a more comfortable win...Fresno 31-Illinois 24

NFL - Houston Texans take on Vick and the Eagles in Thursday's featured NFL game

Stay tuned for predictions on other games happening this week...including NCAA BB, NFL, and NBA

A New Beginning...

2010-12-01T23:35:00.000-08:00

Alright everybody welcome welcome...
Although its the middle of the season (and almost the end for others) we're starting this blog in order to bring current news on college football, college basketball, NFL, NBA, and Rugby Union. Lets get started with some big news around the sporting world...

Congrats to the Big Ten for taking care of business against the ACC in the annual Big10/ACC Challenge winning 6-5...(Duke taking a good win against Michigan St.)

December 2 (Thursday) LeBron James heads back to the city that wants his head as his Miami Heat take on the Cavaliers of Cleveland.

As we get more use to blogging expect more from the captain and his crew...