Friday, January 10, 2014

2013 Season Recap




 2013-2014 BCS Recap



 

   Another college football season is behind us. Another National Champion has been crowned. Another off season begins..... But I think this off season will have a different buzz about it. I have plenty of time to talk about the off season, but now I am going to recap the final chapter of the BCS era.....
 
   The BCS, as screwed up as it appeared to be every season, got it right MOST of the time. Were there some bumps in the road? Yes, of course there were..... Will the Four-team Playoff fix it? Nobody can say it will for sure..... But the BCS was better than what we had before. So, for those who want to complain how screwed up the system was, the system worked well enough to generate matchups that will forever be remembered as some of the greatest bowl games in college football history..... Whether it be Vince Young's great game winning drive against USC in the Rose Bowl to win a Title for the Texas Longhorns, or Boise State's exciting plays against Oklahoma to win the game in overtime..... There were plenty of great games that we all will remember.
 
   "The bowls have no meaning anymore, it was time to move on..." Look, I will tell you why the bowls have no meaning anymore.... It's because there are TOO MANY BOWLS...... What made bowl games great were the fact that there were so few.... and it meant something when a team got to a bowl game. Now, it only means something to those teams that win 5 games a season and then have that magical 6th win to make them bowl eligible. The BCS gave the Bowls a little extra something. But now, the bowls are in need of something more, and it's because of what we have created. We are never satisfied..... And if we feel we are getting close to being satisfied, we have to change something..... The BCS made college football exciting in the month of November. Sure, the rivalries played in that month were exciting, but mix in the fact that your team was fighting for every tenth of a point in the BCS, and it made it something special. The suspense of wondering if your team could jump another team in the rankings and make it to the big game was HUGE! But that wasn't enough..... So now we think throwing four teams in the mix will solve the issue.... It took 16 years for the college football landscape decided to change to the playoff format.... I don't think it will take that long to change again. And yes, it will happen again.
 
    So, farewell to the BCS. You served us well, for the most part. You kept us on the edge of our seat. You made us mad a few times. You surprised us a few times. But most of all, you sent us out on a high note...... These 5 BCS games couldn't have been better. Every matchup was as good as they could have ever been. I certainly questioned some of the matchups, but in the end, they proved to be great games. The BCS couldn't have gone out on a better note. No question about it. And when we all get upset at the new playoff format, remember it was nothing personal..... we just wanted something different to make us mad.
 
   Many fans may forget that FSU played for FOUR BCS titles during the BCS era of 16 seasons. Now, FSU only won two of those, but it is still a pretty solid accomplishment. Florida State took the final BCS Championship. And I should emphasize the word took. Great game, Auburn.... But in the end, you said you wanted FSU in the 4th quarter. You got 'em. Florida State took the Championship right out of the hands of the SEC. The Noles were battered and beaten in the first half. Auburn was ready to start the 'SEC' chant, and so were all the other SEC homers. But for the first time ever in the BCS era, a team rose to the challenge and refused to stay down. A Heisman QB that struggled for two and half quarters found a way to win. You can play your best football all season long, but when you are struggling and things aren't going your way..... What will you do then? Jameis Winston added to his legacy at Florida State and took the Noles on their final drive and won the game. 6-7, 77 yards with a TD to win it all. That's what Heisman Trophy winners are supposed to do when their backs are against the wall. Good game, Auburn..... I have been under the weather the last few days, and I haven't had time to truly celebrate this victory..... So with that, GO NOLES!  SECond BEST!
 
    Thanks for the memories, BCS. Fans don't realize it now, but you will be missed. 

Monday, January 6, 2014

BCS CHAMPIONSHIP




BCS CHAMPIONSHIP

FLORIDA STATE VS AUBURN


 
 
  It has finally arrived..... January 6, 2014..... The final BCS Championship game. This bowl season has been one of the most entertaining bowl seasons in the last decade. Upsets, close games, you name it. And it has all led up to this.........
 
   Keys for Florida State
 
   Everybody keeps saying the Noles need to stop the run..... I am here to say they don't need to stop the run.... They need to CONTAIN THE RUN. Nobody has stopped Auburn's run all season, even in their loss to LSU, Auburn still rushed for more than 200 yards. So my key is CONTAIN the run, and make Auburn get into passing situations. The defensive line will be tested with plenty of misdirection and counters. This isn't rocket science, though. If this offense was truly unstoppable (and I mean the scheme) then every team in the country would be running this offense..... It's assignment football. It's like Georgia Tech with the flexbone and wishbone sets.... A team that has only five days to prepare for that will struggle. Sure, they might get lucky a few times, but if you get your assignments right and you rep it..... Yeah, it's a different story. If FSU can play assignment football, I believe they have the ability to slow down Auburn enough.
 
   As far as offense goes? Don't get fancy. The Noles need to do what they have done all year. Run their offense and take what the defense gives them. Auburn has struggled all year on defense.... Hit the big plays when they are there, and take the underneath when the big plays aren't.
 
   Get Winston in a rhythm early. Let him make the mid-range throws. Hit some passes underneath the coverage.... Then turn him loose. Let Winston be the leader he has been all season long.
 
   Florida State's run game might be the underrated part of their game. Freeman, Wilder, and Williams? Yep, they all have their unique skill sets. The power and strength of Wilder to get tough yards. The shifty, but powerful, running style of Freeman. And then to top it off, Karlos Williams brings the best combination of speed and power. These three can create problems for Auburn if they are on their game tonight.
 
   The offensive line for Florida State will face a tough test in this game. They have been solid all season long. Consistency has been their strength. Fisher thinks this is the best offensive line he has had at FSU since his arrival. I don't know if it's the best that I've seen, in my opinion anyway. They have been consistent, yes..... But the best in that stretch? Either way, they have to set the tone early. If they can continue to be consistent with the way they have played all season, then they should be able to control the trenches. 
 
   Keys for Auburn
 
   The biggest and single most important key for Auburn has to be to establish their run game. No team has relied more on a certain aspect of their game than Auburn. Control the line of scrimmage and run the ball. Simple as that. 
 
   The defense has been labeled mediocre..... I think they are better then their stats show in some ways, but at the same time they have some problems that could create big play chances for Florida State. So the keys for the defense is to don't let FSU hit the big plays. Make them sustain a drive without the big plays. Control the line of scrimmage. As dangerous as FSU's passing game appears to be, their run game can be just as problematic for Auburn as well.
 
   Make Winston uncomfortable. Winston hasn't shown many signs of weaknesses. So what does Auburn need to do to fluster Winston? Blitz? No, I don't think that's the answer. That might play right into the hands of what FSU and Winston does so well. Winston is #1 in the country when going up against the blitz. So, my guess? Rush four and drop seven into coverage. Force Winston to be accurate. And in part, maybe the front four can outmatch FSU's O-Line. If they can pressure Winston with just their front four, and make him throw passes through tight windows, I think that will go a long way for Auburn. Of course this is just my opinion.... I don't think Auburn will sit back and not blitz.... It sounds crazy, but game film doesn't lie.... Winston has a little more trouble on plays when teams DON'T blitz.
 
   My Prediction
 
   This won't be like many of FSU's games this season. It won't be over by the end of the first half.... As much I as I would like it to be that way, I just don't see that happening. This will be an interesting game. Some think this game could turn into a high-scoring slugfest.... But we've seen this act too many times before. Two high power offenses come into this game and then it ends up being a tight low scoring game down to the wire. Will this game be the same? Or will one, or both, teams break through and make this a 42-35 type game?
 
   By now, you all know me. Those of you who have followed my blog know that I am a Florida State fan through and through. No question about it. And believe me I have heard all the trash talk in the world from those around me over the last month. All the SEC "Band-Wagon" fans.... Yeah I went there. All the Bama fans that turned into Oklahoma fans a few days ago.... Yeah, I went there too. I have been a Florida State fan through it all.... When they were dismantling teams in the 90's, I was a fan. When they fell into the hole of mediocre football, I was a fan. When Bobby Bowden was forced out, I was a fan. I don't jump from one team to another. I am a Nole. That all being understood....... I have never picked against my Noles this season. And I don't see anything in front of my Noles that tells me I should do otherwise in this game.
 
    Florida State will find a way to win. Their offense can run and pass. Their defense is as good as any, if not better. Fisher has built a juggernaut. FSU has depth. They have playmakers all over the field. And while I am talking up FSU because they are my team, I need to clear something up.... I greatly respect what Auburn has done. Auburn deserves to be where they are right now. And as bad as I want to see a blowout..... I would rather see both teams play their BEST game and see who is left standing at the end. Okay, enough talk here, I know you just want to see my score prediction. My Pick: Florida State 34 Auburn 21.
 
  That's it, fans..... Enjoy the big game tonight.... I am sure going to try, anyway..... It has been an exciting season.
 
   Check us out of Facebook at www.facebook.com/collegefootball2day.
 
  See all of you on the other side.... GO NOLES!
 


Friday, January 3, 2014

BCS Reader Questions




BCS Reader Questions

 

    First..... I apologize to Oklahoma for doubting the Sooners. Secondly..... I am tired of hearing the same old excuses when Alabama loses a game. The "Oh, we weren't motivated" comments are terrible. If that is the case, I don't know why anybody wants Saban as a Head Coach. I mean, really...... If my team's coach can't get a team motivated for BCS Bowl games, then I don't want him. Are we supposed to just give a 'hall pass' to Alabama when they aren't playing for a National Title? No... Simple as that. Alabama was pushed around in the trenches for much of the game. Alabama is a great team, but I said three weeks into the season that they weren't the same Alabama team from the last four years. This teams has fallen a little bit, and I think it will show even more so in the 2014 season.
 
    Okay, enough about the Sugar Bowl. This week, I asked for your predictions for the BCS Title game between Florida State and Auburn..... And you didn't disappoint.... Lots of responses, so I will get right to them.....

 
 
   NOLES24/7 writes: Auburn is solid, but Florida State is a beast this season. I think FSU has the playmakers at every position and that will be the difference. FSU 41 Auburn 28. Thanks and I like the blog.
 
    I agree with you about the playmakers. I also think that preparation will be on Florida State's side as well. I like your score prediction too. Auburn doesn't strike me as having the defense to keep FSU under 40 points.
 
    James in Georgia writes: I like Florida State as a program, but I am a pretty big Georgia fan. As much as Florida State has dominated, I actually think Auburn will be too much. Their run game will dominate FSU up front. Good luck to your Noles. I like Auburn by 16 points.
 
    I'm glad I received some diverse predictions.... Since a lot of my readers are FSU fans, I was afraid I would get a flood of FSU predictions..... I will admit, if FSU has a weakness, I think it's their run defense. Boston College had a lot of success in the power run game.... however, that was very early in the season. Now, while I point out that it was early in the season, we still haven't seen FSU have to stop a tough running team SINCE BOSTON COLLEGE. So we don't know how much FSU has improved against the run..... not yet, anyway.
 
    Stephanie writes: Our Noles are going to win big! Jameis Winston loves the big stage. And he plays well under pressure. Bring on them Tigers. Noles 35 Auburn 14.
 
    I agree 100% about Winston. He seems to relish the big moments and he takes advantage of every opportunity he gets in the big games. I like the confidence.
 
    Stephen in Florida writes: Winston throws 4 TDs and rushes for another. Seminoles defense shuts down Auburn. FSU 35 Auburn 7.
 
     Wow, that's pretty straight forward. I LIKE IT!
 
GatorH8TER writes: This will be a slugfest. I think both teams will score a lot of points and it will be a close game. I like my Noles in the final minutes of the game. Noles 34 Auburn 31
GO NOLES!
 
   A different approach than most of the responses I have received.... I like it, though. After all, this isn't an ACC foe they are playing. What's the spread now? I saw earlier this week it was at about 8 points in favor of FSU..... Can't wait until Monday!
 
   CrimsonTIDE4LIFE writes: I waited to send my prediction in until after the Sugar Bowl because I thought my feeling might change if BAMA had won the Sugar Bowl..... Well we didn't.... So, I hate Auburn.... I blame them for our loss to the Sooners. I usually pull for the SEC, but in this case I hate the Tigers too much.... I hope your Noles destroy Auburn. FSU 45 Auburn 21.
 
    I wondered if there were any SEC fans out there that might not be cheering for Auburn.... I think you are in a very small group. I never understood cheering a rival on just because they are in your conference..... If Miami was playing in the BCS Title game, I would be cheering against them.... I hate Miami.... Simple as that. Glad to see that there is some of the same kind of passion out there.

    Thank you all, for sending in your predictions... I will save my predictions for the BIG DAY.  Sorry everybody, I know I said I would put my prediction out there to settle in over the weekend..... But I want it fresh on your minds when the game starts.....

    Check out our friends over at www.fans25.com. Plenty of college football talk 24 hours a day.... Join the discussion today!
 
  
 
     

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Bowl Season




Final Stretch of Bowl Season

 
   Fans called me crazy for picking UCF..... How about now? Some even said I was crazy for picking Michigan State..... Again, how about now? New Years Day 2014 was a great day of football. There were games that came down to the wire and of course, the performance by UCF..... Which was shocking to some, but I knew all along that UCF was flying under the radar all season long. To think, UCF's only loss was to South Carolina, and even then it was a close game. Moving on, it has been a great Bowl Season thus far, and sadly it is coming to a close. Only six games remain...... and then it's "goodbye BCS" and "hello college football playoff."
 
    Here are the remaining five games leading up to the BCS Championship Game on Monday night.
 
Thursday
 
Sugar Bowl: Oklahoma vs Alabama
 
   How motivated is Alabama? Are they still haunted by their last game they played? It only takes a second for them to remember what happened in the Iron Bowl. Is this going to be like when Utah came in and upset Alabama a few years ago? From Oklahoma's side, is Bob Stoops ready to take on the mighty SEC?  Bob Stoops has been on record several times saying that the SEC isn't as strong as they look...... or even better, he calls it a "top heavy" league. So Coach Stoops, you get your wish..... you have your chance to back up your talk.
   
    So is this going to be the blowout that it appears to be on the surface? Will Bob Stoops and his Sooners rise to the challenge? Is Alabama motivated? Plenty of questions surround this game...... I think Saban will use all of Bob Stoops' comments as some bulletin board material. And it's AJ McCarron's last game at Alabama. It's the last time some of these guys will be together at Alabama..... I think the Crimson Tide will be plenty motivated. Oklahoma? No, no, no..... Oklahoma is more likely to be thanking Stoops for opening his mouth and talking trash about the SEC. 
My Pick: Alabama 35 Oklahoma 14.
 
Friday
 
Cotton Bowl: Oklahoma State vs Missouri
 
    Now here is a game that could turn into a high scoring slug fest..... Both teams are capable of putting up a lot of points. So the storyline will be the defenses..... Which defense will rise and get enough stops? It's still strange to look at this game and think it involves an SEC team...... although, they don't have your usual SEC type depth chart. Missouri has accomplished so much in a very short time in the SEC, and they have had a great season. Now they face an old foe from their past. Oklahoma State has been a solid team on the rise over the last five seasons. This is one game we don't have to question motivation. Both teams WANT to be here. Both teams can get some great momentum going into the off season. This is going to be a great battle, and it will come down to who makes the least amount of mistakes. My Pick: Oklahoma State 38 Missouri 34.
 
Orange Bowl: Clemson vs Ohio State
 
    It wasn't the matchup we all wanted to see, but it seems to be growing on everybody now..... Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins vs Braxton Miller and Carlos Hyde. Which team has the edge? Ohio State lost to a very talented Michigan State team. Clemson lost two games, one to Florida State and the other to South Carolina..... Fans have questioned both teams' strength of schedule..... Well, what better way to settle who is better than letting them square off in a BCS Bowl? Tajh Boyd's last game as a Tiger.... Can he bring a BCS Bowl win to Death Valley? What will Tajh Boyd be remembered for at Clemson? I can tell you one thing, the Clemson Tigers want to erase what happened the last time they went to the Orange Bowl...... Best way to do that is to come out and take care of Ohio State. And they won't face a tough defense in this game. The Buckeyes have struggled on defense against tougher opposition..... And that will be the difference in the game.
My Pick: Clemson 35 Ohio State 31
 
Saturday
 
Compass Bowl: Vanderbilt vs Houston
 
   I think some fans give this game to Vanderbilt because they are from the mighty SEC. Don't overlook Houston's offense..... They are more than capable of putting up a lot of points. Vandy, on the other hand, isn't as capable on offense. If Vandy gets behind by more than a couple scores, I wouldn't count on a comeback..... Tough game to pick, but I like Coach Franklin and what he has accomplished at Vanderbilt. My Pick: Vanderbilt 23 Houston 17
 
Sunday
 
Go Daddy Bowl: Arkansas State vs Ball State
 
   The final bowl game before the BCS Title game.... While it may not be the biggest matchup, it may still be an interesting game to watch.... Ball State has had a pretty solid season and they are looking to end on a high note. Arkansas State has been up and down and has experienced a few blowouts too..... Ball State can score points quickly and I think they can overwhelm Arkansas State's defense early. My Pick: Ball State 42 Arkansas State 21.
 
   That's it.... All that remains is the BCS Championship game. Don't forget that Collegefootball2day's Reader Questions segment  is Friday. You can still send in your predictions. Send to Jeremy.cf2d@yahoo.com. I will give my prediction for the BCS Title game tomorrow as well.....
 



Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Bowl Season



Bowl Predictions Part V

 

      Happy New Year! And wow, what a game for Duke last night! Oh wait, they blew it down the stretch.... but still, Duke played a great game. It was a solid day for my picks. I am 12-7 this bowl season. Since it's January 1, 2014, you know the bowl games are starting to get a little more interesting.... No more Little Caesars Bowl, or Royal Purple Bowl.....
 
     Plenty of games on tap for today, so let me get to my picks....
 
Gator Bowl: Nebraska vs Georgia
     There is no excuse why Nebraska shouldn't win this game. Georgia is banged up across their depth chart.... For some reason, though, I still have trouble picking Nebraska in this one. I think the difference in the game will be SEC talent. It may be an ugly game, but I have to give Georgia the benefit of the doubt. My Pick: Georgia 20 Nebraska 14.
 
Heart of Dallas Bowl: UNLV vs North Texas
     No reason to spend too much time on this game.... especially since it will be going on during the Gator Bowl, which is a much more interesting game.... My Pick: North Texas 24 UNLV 20.
 
Outback Bowl: Iowa vs LSU
    Just how motivated is LSU? More importantly, how banged up are they? It has been one strange season for the Tigers..... And what about Iowa? The Hawkeyes have played tough all season long. This game will be a good one..... And I think this is another game where the SEC depth will be a factor. My Pick: LSU 27 Iowa 17.
 
Capital One Bowl: Wisconsin vs South Carolina
     Whew, this is a tough game to pick. South Carolina is pretty dynamic when Connor Shaw is playing his best. Wisconsin as a team is no push over when they are on their game as well. And of course, we can't leave Clowney out of the conversation. Will he give 100% in this game? Or will he hold back and play soft? It's hard to tell with Clowney. On one hand I would think he would want to go out there and give one more HUGE performance to impress the NFL scouts..... and on the other, I think the NFL scouts know what he is capable of and he doesn't have to push himself. My Pick: South Carolina 27 Wisconsin 20
 
Rose Bowl: Stanford vs Michigan State
     Now we are talking.... This is a great matchup, and of course it's the start of the BCS Bowls.... These are two very strong teams up front. The Spartans have a solid defense, as we saw against Ohio State. Stanford has a nasty power run game..... These two teams are going to come out and just try to smash each other. And this is going to come down to the battle in the trenches.... We have under-estimated Michigan State all season long.... But not today...  My Pick: Michigan State 28 Stanford 21.
 
Fiesta Bowl: UCF vs Baylor.
   Get ready! Baylor has been flying high for most of the season, but when they have played some tougher opposition, they have buckled under the pressure. UCF is 11-1.... Crazy, right? Their one loss? It was against South Carolina.....and it was a very close game too. Don't overlook UCF here.... My Pick: UCF 31 Baylor 21.
 
    Whew! Those are just the games on New Years Day. There is plenty of football left leading up to the BCS Championship. Check back for more updates. Don't forget to send in your BCS Title Game predictions for this week's Reader Questions Segment. Send to Jeremy.cf2d@yahoo.com.