Two Spots, Three Teams

It's pretty simple and exciting what's going out West in the National League as well as in Atlanta, and to be honest the outcome is completely unpredictable. But I have all the answers about who will be in the National League playoffs so you won't have to miss the games.
There is so many ways you can arrange what you think is going to happen, but you have the student text book. I have the teachers edish.

Info: x (given) =
Padres and Giants are in a battle for the West Division. The big story about them is they close out the season with a three game set. The Padres are a game back of the Giants, and a half game behind in the Wild Card (Braves).

The Braves on the other hand have Tim Hudson on the hill tonight, and finish the season with three games against the Phils.

All Three Teams have three more games against mediocre teams.

Problem: If there are two playoff spots remaining, who will win the wild card and who will win the West Divison?

Answer:
No one is hot right now. The only team hot in this equation is the Phils, but at the same time they have a playoff spot clinched. So this makes the decision hard.

The Giants are in the playoffs as the division Champions. At the least they will win a playoff showdown with Tim Lincecum on the hill. Their advantage in their current series is with the pitching probables. With no-one hot, its hard to ignore this.

Braves are back in the playoffs. They have a big two games coming up, with Hudson and Lowe on the hill. Done deal. They will be up another game by the end of the series, and will split their last series while the Padres drop a couple to the Giants.

Remember: National League Playoffs
Phillies
Reds
Giants
Braves

We Are Not The BCS...

Nope, this is the PRS, Porter Ranking System. How did last week's results affect the REAL college football polls? Have a looksie...

1. Alabama
- Completely outplayed in the first half, left for dead. Then they woke up. The heart of a champion showed. Greg McElroy still hasn't lost a game since 8th grade and the Tide continue their long SEC regular season winning streak. Arkansas was a tough test because of what they do offensively, this week the test will come from the Florida Gator defense (the best in the nation in takeaways).
Next: vs. Florida 8:00 CBS

2. Oregon
-No change in our top two. The Ducks stumbled a little against a better-than-advertised Arizona State team, but still got the win. The defense is a little bit of a concern to me, and will get tested by maybe the best team they will play all year, Stanford. This is going to be a titanic matchup that could well decide the Pac-10 champ. Will Darron Thomas, LaMichael James, and Co. have enough to beat Harbaugh's boys?
Next: vs. Stanford 8:00 ABC

3. Ohio State
- The Buckeyes rolled up more than 70 points in a drubbing of Eastern Michigan. They did enough to be encouraged but also had enough defensive breakdowns to keep them humble. This week will be their first big ten test on the road in Champaigne, Illinois against the Zookers. Don't expect too much of a contest from the Illini as the Buckeyes are superior in every phase.
Next: @ Illinois 3:30 ABC

4. TCU
-TCU got pushed by SMU on friday night on a national stage. The Horned Frogs are the more complete team of the two "BCS busters" but you wonder if theres going to be enough on even TCU's resume to legitimately but them in a national title game over a 1-loss SEC, Pac 10, or Big Ten team. One thing is for sure, WR Jeremy Kerley is fun to watch.
Next: @ Colorado State 2:00

5. Stanford
- Stanford completely dominated Notre Dame in South Bend on Saturday. I've said it before, this team reminds me more of old Miami Hurricane teams than any other team in the nation. They never, ever, let up. Up by 19 in the fourth quarter, Harbaugh STILL went for two (and got it). It's not running up the score when you preach that your team play hard for 60 mins, and thats what the Cardinal do every week, what a showdown with Oregon this week.
Next: @ Oregon 8:00 ABC

6. Boise State
-The Broncos looked good beating Oregon State on Saturday (thanks ABC for the HD of the blue field--my head still hurts). In a one game situation these broncos could play with almost anyone in the country, but I stand behind the claim that if they played a big time conference schedule they could not hold up over the course of a long season. However, if enough breaks go their way they may very well get a chance.
Next: @ New Mexico St. 8:00

7. Oklahoma
-Oklahoma again did not look sharp in playing a lesser opponent. Traditionally, the week before the Red Rivalry Shootout they seem a little lackidasical (at least they didn't lose to UCLA-LOL at Texas). This game, as usual should decide the Big 12 South, and I expect a balls to the wall Oklahoma team on Saturday playing with a chip on their shoulder. What Texas team will we see?
Next: vs. Texas 3:30 ABC (Neutral Site)

8. Nebraska
-Nebraska looked as good as any team in the country two weeks ago beating Washington and making Jake Locker look like he was in Davey Jones' locker. They soundly beat North Dakota State last week but seemed to sleepwalk through most of the game. If they show the same kind of performance this week they won't be so lucky against a tough Kansas State team led by star running back Daniel Thomas.
Next: @ Kansas State 7:30

9. Arkansas
-Arky had the champ on the ropes. Up 20-7 on defending national champion Alabama, but they couldn't knock em' out. Two body shots and two Ryan Mallett interceptions later it was over for the Hogs. Petrino had a terrific gameplan but don't blame just Mallett, his WRs dropped a TON of passes that really hurt them in the fourth quarter. I expect a let down next week vs. A&M.
Next: Idle
10. Arizona
-Arizona survived a scare against a good Cal team. A less mature team would have been too high after beating Iowa the previous week to come back and win a tough game. Credit the other Stoops and his staff as well as the Arizona players. This week they get a nice breather before heading into more Pac-10 play.
Next: Idle

Just missed the cut: Florida, Miami (FL), Wisconsin

Heisman Top 5
1. Denard Robinson QB Michigan
2. Kellen Moore QB Boise State
3. Terrelle Pryor QB Ohio State
4. Mark Ingram RB Alabama
5. Cameron Newton QB Auburn

Upset Alert:
Miami (FL)-- @ Clemson
USC--vs. Washington
NC State--vs. Virginia tech
North Carolina--vs. East Carolina

You Better Believe

I've been pretty non existant on this blog for a little while, kind of like the Sox. As of late we'e stepped it up with our replacement crew. Only thing missing is Keanu Reeves and the smokey cheerleader. Minus Keanu Reeves. We have a lineup consisting of prospects, and a guy they found waking up in the Kenmore T Station (Bill Hall).
Regardless of the line up, and the embarassing TV ratings that shows the the fair weather for alot of fans around here there needs to be a good level of believing. I don't know if you missed the whole lesson from Elf, but it was believe. Thats what we're looking for right now.
We have four games against the other Sox, and we need to win all of them and the Yanks to lose two. We'll be 3 games behind the Yanks at that point. Then the three game set against the Jankees. Then a one game playoff.
We're World Series Bound.

Week Three...

Last week we took a slight step back going 10-6, but still a solid 22-10 on the year, suck it all ESPN experts (note the records on bottom). Last week's slate of games was pretty weak, but this week looks much better, and here...we....go (joker voice).

Titans 21 @ 24 Giants     ....Even teams...so go with the home team.

Bengals 17 @  13 Panthers   ...Battle of kitty-kats, palmer > clausen

Steelers 16 @ 3 Buccaneers   ...Steelers defense is baaaaaack.

Bills 14 @ 31 Patriots    ....Brady and co. will get their anger out in this one.

New Browns 6 @ 20 Old Browns   ...That's the Ravens in case you're football dumb.

49ers 20 @  17 Chiefs     ...49ers are desperate, ride Gore to win.

Cowboys 28 @ 31 Fighting Ryan Killips'   ...Cowboys are desperate, but Texans are just better.

Lions 14 @ 24 Vikings     ....Jahvid Best--meet the Williams brothers (Pat and Kevin).

Falcons 27 @ 21 Saints    ....In an upset, the Falcons send a message to Nawlins.

Redskins 17 @ 20 Rams   ....Shanahan teams usually lay a stinker or two on the road.

Eagles 24 @ 17 Jaguars    ....Went back and forth on this, Jags offense just not scary enough.

Colts 37 @ 24 Broncos   ....Blue horsees beat the blue and orange horsees

Raiders 23 @ 17 Cardinals    ....Minor upset, McFadden looks to be coming alive.

Chargers 24 @ 20 Seahawks  ...Tough place to play, but Bolts got their mojo back.

Jets 10 @ 20 Dolphins     ....I don't care who wins, just get out of my football stadium.

Packers 31 @ 27 Da Bears    ....Great game, but Cutler will make just enough mistakes.


Week 9-7 (still good enough to win NFC West)            Season: 31-17 (65%)
The answer for last week's pic was Leroy Butler. Making Ryan Killips the winner...yay. Now if we could only get more participation...This week's player is a former Eagle, Bill, Redskin, and Dolphin who was one of the top player reps for the NFLPA during his career. Multiple Pro Bowls, he is...?

New Polls...

Week two of the people's top ten...

1. Alabama
- Mark Ingram sure looked rusty against Duke (more than 100 yrds in 1st Quarter!) and the offense rolled up 28 points before Nick Saban could blink. Saban called Duke a huge test because of how well they threw the ball, but it was clearly just coach speak--the game was over as soon as Bama walked off the bus. They get their first real test this Saturday.
Next: @ Arkansas 3:30 CBS

2. Oregon
- For the second time in three games you wondered if Oregon was going to score 100. They rolled up more than 50 points in the first half vs. Portland State on Saturday, the second time they have done so on the young season. And ho hum, LaMichael James ran for another 200+ yards on the ground. They will face maybe their toughest game so far this coming Saturday.
Next: @ Arizona State 10:30

3. TCU
- No change here in the top 3. TCU embarrassed Big 12 foe Baylor by a score of 45-10. The Bears defense had not given up a single touchdown all season (albeit against lesser competition) and they gave up 35 first half points to the Horned Frogs. QB Andy Dalton threw just 2 incompletions and the defense did a nice job holding down Baylor's dual threat star Robert Griffin.
Next: @ SMU Fri 8 PM ESPN

4. Ohio State
- The most fight the other state university from Ohio put up was in the pregame when the Bobcat mascot actually tackled Brutus. The mascot has since been removed from his role. The Buckeyes were never stopped by Ohio and Terrelle Pryor was efficient in dismantling the defense. Also, the Buckeye defense continued it's strong start allowing just a garbage time touchdown.
Next: vs. Eastern Michigan 3:30 ABC

5. Arkansas
- The Hogs did something on Saturday they have never done with Mallett at quarterback...win an SEC road game. Despite attempting to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory by blowing a late 14 pt. fourth quarter lead, Mallett proved his mettle and raised his heisman status by leading the Hogs on a game-winning drive in the waining seconds to push them past Georgia. If he can do it again this week, he may raise to the top.
Next: vs. Alabama 3:30 CBS

6. Stanford
- The Cardinal keep rising and rising up the boards. They are the team that remind me most of an old school  Hurricanes team...except they players are all geeks! Stanford scored 68 points against Wake Forest Saturday Night and took no prisoners. With the game well in hand, and 4 minutes left in the game, coach Jim Harbaugh still decided it was worth it to challenge a call on the field. This team does not let up ever and has looked like a machine so far.
Next: @ Notre Dame 3:30 NBC

7. Boise State
- The Broncos took care of business in anihalating Wyoming on Saturday. Kellen Moore was his usual self, although he did throw one pick and the defense was stout. Next week against Oregon State not only does Boise need to win, but win big to win some supporters in front of a national audience.
Next: vs. Oregon State 8:00 ABC

8. Nebraska
- I was slow in believing this team was a legit contender but fear no more. They made Jake Locker look like Chris Rix on Saturday and Freshman Quarterback Taylor Martinez is looking like a stud. For the 3rd straight game he ran for over 100 yards and a long score in addition to being smart and efficient throwing the ball. His 80-yard scamper could be considered a "heisman type play" if the Huskers keep winning. Winning at Washington is not a very easy thing to do (ask USC last year) and the Huskers completely blew their doors off.
Next: vs. South Dakota State 7:00

9. Arizona
- Another surprise this weekend was the Wildcats taking care of Iowa on Saturday night. Quarterback Nick Foles was electric (as was the crowd) and made it hard for Iowa to get comfortable. The 100+ degree heat may have had something to do with that as well--and they just held on for the win 34-27. Nevertheless, beating my dark horse national title contender earns you a spot in the top ten.
Next: vs. Cal 10:00

10. Oklahoma/Texas
- I can't distinguish here. Both Big 12 teams have been jeckly and hyde. Texas does just enough to win every week, and Oklahoma murders the strong teams but stumbles through Utah State and a solid Air Force team. Both have young quarterbacks and both have been pretty consistent in not making mistakes.
OU: @ Cincinnati 6:00 ESPN   Tex: vs. UCLA 3:30 ABC

Best wishes to Michigan State Head Coach Mark Dantonio on a speedy recovery from his heart attack. Saturday night's call for a fake field goal took big ones and most wouldn't ever dare to try.

Week Two Forecast

After a solid 12-4 opening week, a win in fantasy (thanks wes welker) we look to keep the streak goin. Here's how I see week two...

Bills 9 @ Packers 31   ...You won't like Aaron angry.


Dolphins 24 @ Vikings 20  ...Upset city...

Chiefs 17 @ Browns 13   ...Would have to pay me to watch.

Bears 17 @ Cowgirls 20   ...Dallas bounces back...kinda

Cardinals 10 @ Falcons 31  ...Lock of the Week

Buccaneers 10 @ Panthers 20   ...Kitty Kats beat the Pirates

Eagles 27 @ Lions 17   ...Vick > Shaun Hill

Ravens 21 @ Bengals 17   ...Ravens are road warriors.

Steelers 24 @ Titans 21    ...Titans don't stomp on the towel this time.

Seahawks 24 @ Broncos 17   ...Denver at home? Nahmally good.

Rams 7 @ Raidahs 20    ...Bradford and black hole? Yikes.

Fighting Ryan Killips’ 24 @ Redskins 20   ...The "Arian" nation grows.

Patrots 20 @ Jets 10    ...Fire Rex Ryan chants begin.

Jaguars 21 @ Super Chokers 31   ...Jags are average. Chargers are average but at home.

Lil Bro 28 @ Big Bro 34    ...Peyton wins another shootout

Saints 16 @ 49ers 21     ...9ers bounce back with a HUGE win.

Result: 10-6   Season: 22-10

Last week's pic was James Jett former Oakland Raider WR. I'll do it again this week and if no one even tries then the hell with it.
 
Above Pic: Former Green Bay Packers Safety #36--played in both Super Bowls--pretty solid trash talker--went to multiple Pro Bowls.
 
Fantasy Studs:
QB-Philip Rivers
RB- DeAngelo Williams
WR- Pierre Garcon
TE- Antonio Gates
DEF- Raiders

Heisman Talk

Here are the heisman candidates so far...

1. Denard Robinson QB Soph. Michigan
- All Shoelaces has done is run and throw for more than 400 yards each (not bad for a guy the Big 3 in Florida wanted as a DB). The Sophomore can't be taking all the hits he's been taking and expect to survive the whole season--but at this pace he's going to set some serious records. He single-handedly willed the Wolverines to a tough road win in South Bend and the schedule has some cupcakes for him to improve his statistics. But for now, he's the leader.

2. Trent Richardson RB Sophomore Alabama
-Richardson by most pro scouts is considered to be the better back between him and Ingram. Yeah, better than last year's Heisman Trophy winner. He's bigger and faster than Ingram and his 210 rushing yards lead the team and he did well against a tough Penn State defense. Richardson may not have the same opportunities the rest of the season--but if he's good enough he'll steal enough carries to share the spotlight.

3. Landry Jones QB Sophomore Oklahoma
- Yet another Sophomore. In leading the Sooners to a 30-pt win over FSU he threw for almost 400 yards and 4 TDs. If the defense stacks the box trying to stop Murray they have to deal with Jones and his cast of weapons (including Ryan Broyles)--there really is no way to defend them. The only hope for teams will be to get into the young Quarterback's face because if he has time he will tear your defense apart.

4. Kellen Moore QB Junior Boise State
-Never has a Bronco player had enough hype to warrant heisman consideration but Moore is the exception. Last season, throwing for 39 TDs and just 3!!!!!! INTs put him on most people's radar combined with a strong performance including a dramatic late TD pass to Austin Pettis to beat Virginia Tech vaulted him even higher. However, one wonders if he will get enough national exposure and respect to win the award.

5. Terrelle Pryor QB Junior Ohio State
- Pryor hasn't exactly evolved into the proto-typical passer, but his running ability makes him a defensive coordinator's nightmare. If his passing continues to improve as the season goes along and he avoids mistakes that cost him the game at Purdue last season the Buckeyes could be very difficult to beat, making Pryor a prime candidate for some serious national pub and maybe a nice bronze trophy.

Poll Talk

This is the first of weekly (or every other week) installment of the Heisman and Poll Talk. I will be representing a real opinion not based on preseason polls or media hype. Without further ado...

The REAL Top Ten
1. Alabama
- This, much like preseason polls has been absolutely correct. In fact, they may be (gulp) better than last year. They have not missed Mark Ingram one bit as Trent Richardson has emerged as a possible heisman candidate. The defense has been solid but is yet to really be tested.
Next:  @ Duke 3:30 ABC

2. Oregon
- The Quack Attack is back. After losing the Rose Bowl last year to Ohio State they have bounced back this season in a flurry. No Jeremiah Masoli? No problem. Darron Thomas has been solid at the QB position and LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner are a dynamic duo at running back. The defense is still a question mark that hasn't really been tested yet, but at this time no team is without questions.
Next: vs. Portland State

3. TCU
- The Horned Frogs have looked like a well-oiled machine in their first two games which included a strong non-conference win over Oregon State. The loss of Jerry Hughes and Daryl Washington hasn't slowed down the always tough defense and the offense has weapons all over the field. If they can survive tough games vs. BYU and @ Utah they will again be headed to a BCS game and this time maybe the national championship.
Next: vs. Baylor

4. Ohio State
- The Buckeyes looked every bit a top five team in beating Miami last week. The defense was fast, aggressive, and opportunistic and if Pryor can avoid mistakes this team could be deadly. DeVier Posey is a big play threat on the outside and Saine/Herron can be a good combo running the ball. But if the special teams don't improve (3 TDs allowed already) it could cost them a shot at the title.
Next: vs. Ohio

5. Iowa
- The Hawkeyes made easy work of Eastern Illinois and Iowa State in their first two games and now get their first real test at Pac-10 foe Arizona this week. The defense has allowed a combined 14 points and the offense has been efficient led by running back Adam Robinson. The Big Ten (and maybe a national title appearence) could come down to the meeting between Ohio State and Iowa in November.
Next: @ Arizona 10:30 ESPN

6. Oklahoma
-Oklahoma erased all doubts about how good they were in a 47-17 dismantling of Florida State. Quarterback Landry Jones established himself as a legitimate heisman trophy candidate and the defense shaking off losing a few draftees made the powerful FSU offense look confused and lost all afternoon. The Sooners have the longest home winning streak currently in college football and look to extend that next week.
Next: vs. Air Force

7. Arkansas
-The Hogs are for real. Quarterback Ryan Mallett has shredded subpar defenses so far (701 yrds 6 TDs) but will get his stiffest test this week between the hedges at Georgia. The running game has been a struggle so far but the receiving weapons are plentiful. The defense will also get it's first test to prove whether these Razorbacks are legit SEC contenders.
Next: @ Georgia 12:00 ESPN

8. Boise State
- Well, there goes any shot at Boise playing for the national title. With Virginia Tech's loss to lowly James Madison--Boise's big out of conference win isn't so big anymore. They do get a shot at Oregon State on the smurf turf and have a tough Nevada team to play but nothing that should elicit an "ooo or ahhh" from the pollsters. Kellen Moore is as good a Quarterback in the country and Chris Petersen as good of a head coach as any, however there just won't be enough to warrant a shot at the title.
Next: @ Wyoming

9. Stanford
- Quarterback Andrew Luck got better and better last year as a redshirt frosh. This season looks like much of the same. Harbaugh's Cardinal team has the look of a team that could make a BCS bowl behind not just Luck but a defense that shut out UCLA last weekend at the Rose Bowl. The upcoming weeks will tell us all we need to know (vs. Wake, @ Notre Dame, @ Oregon, vs. USC) about Stanford.
Next: vs. Wake Forest 11:15 ESPN 2

10. Texas
-Garrett Gilbert came into this season with a lot of hype for someone who threw four picks in his "breakout performance". And so far the results have not equaled the hype. The Horns' have built it more so around the running game with Tre' Newton, Foswhitt Whitaker, and Cody Johnson and less about the arm of Gilbert. The defense is up to usual texas standards, but if the offense doesn't start to heat up you wonder if they can hold up over the course of a long season.

Next: @ Texas Tech 8:00 ABC/ESPN 2

Week One Forecast

Lets not talk about the depressing weekend of college football and move onto my forecast for week one of the NFL. Now that I have no allegiance to an NFL team (thanks to McDaniels and Voldemort) I am a completely unbiased opinion that should be respected. I will attempt to track my record throughout the year. Also why is there a pic of an NFL player I don't recognize? Head down to the bottom and find out...

Vikings 9 @ Saints 14 ....what?

Browns 2 @ Bucs 3   .....really who cares.

Dolphins 17 @ Bills 23   ...no one circles the wagons like...

Bengals 20 @ Patriots 28   ....ocho cinco can still shoot one of the muskets.

Colts 27 @ Fighting Ryan Killips' 30   ....heyoooo.

Broncos 17 @ Jaguars 27   ...more people there for Tebow than the Jags.

Raiders 23 @ Titans 20      ...heyoooo.

Panthers 13 @ Giants  26   ....my fantasy special (running backs for me).

Falcons 17 @ Steelers 20  ....steelers don't lose on opening week.

Lions 24 @ Bears 27    ....oh my.

Cardinals 14 @ Rams 20   ...cardinals are baddd.

Packers 31 @ Eagles 24   ...i would have aaron rodger's babies...just sayin'...

49ers 17 @ Seahawks 20  ...seahawks are pretty apocraphyl

Cowboys 17 @ Redskins 24   ...upset special!

Ravens 17 @ Fat Rex 16  ...hard hitting game--ray ray is pissed.

Bolts 30 @ Chiefs 20   ...should be a decent game actually.

Results: 12-4  WOOOOOOO!!!

Fantasy Studs of the Week

QB: Aaron Rodgers (who else?)
RB: Arian Foster (thinkin' outside the box)
WR: Randy Moss
TE: Chris Cooley
Def- San Francisco

Also, a special game...if you can name the random NFL player in the picture you win. So head on up to the top and take a guess...(FYI that's an Oakland Raider #82 no longer in the NFL).

2010 NFL Playoff/Award Predictions

AFC Divisional Winners:
East- New England
North- Baltimore
South- Indianapolis
West- San Diego

Wild Cards:
Miami
Cincinnati

NFC Divisional Winners:
East- Dallas
North- Green Bay
South- New Orleans
West- San Francisco

Wild Cards:
NY Giants
Atlanta

AFC Championship: Indianapolis over New England
NFC Championship: Green Bay over Dallas

Super Bowl: Green Bay over Indianapolis
Super Bowl MVP: Aaron Rodgers

NFL MVP: Aaron Rodgers QB Green Bay

Off. Player of the Year: Aaron Rodgers QB Green Bay

Def. Player of the Year: DeMarcus Ware OLB Dallas

Coach of the Year: Mike Singletary San Francisco


Off. Rookie of the Year: Ryan Mathews RB San Diego

Def. Rookie of the Year: Kyle Wilson CB NY Jets

Comeback Player of the Year: Clinton Portis RB Washington

First Coach Fired: Eric Mangini Browns

Breakout Off. Player: Ahmad Bradshaw RB NY Giants

Breakout Def. Player: Clay Matthews OLB Green Bay

Most INTs (QB)- Jay Cutler QB Chicgo

Most INTs (Def)- Mike Jenkins CB Dallas

Most Improved Team: Washington Redskins

Most Dissapointing Team: NY Jets

Best Name: Michael Hoomanawanui TE Rams

America's Favorite/Least Favorite Fullback Playing Quarterback: Tim Tebow

Rest of 2010 NFL Divsional Picks

I'm lazy and don't feel like breaking down the rest of the divisions as in depth. And since no one else (dennis or eric) are writing for the blog lately, my half-assed critique is what you will get.

NFC North
1. Green Bay
2. Minnesota
3. Chicago
4. Detroit

NFC South
1. New Orleans
2. Atlanta
3. Carolina
4. Tampa Bay

NFC West
1. San Francisco
2. Seattle
3. Arizona
4. St. Louis

The award predictions and playoff predictions are forth coming.


Go 'Canes.

College Football Kick-Off

It is officially my favorite time of the year--college football season! My 'Canes are poised to have a very nice season, and in my mind it's BCS or Bust. Here are my picks to win each conference...

ACC- Miami (FL) - The 100% unbiased pick is Miami. Most talent in the conference? Check. Loads of starters/playmakers coming back? Check. Newcomes that should add new juice? Check. The offense should be even better under coordinator Mark Whipple and the defense returns every player worth a damn and even gets the added bonus of defensive End Adawale Ojomo returning from injury. New defensive line coach Rick Petri should give the 'Canes the added push they need to reach the top of the ACC. Getting FSU, UNC, and Va Tech at home also helps.

Big Ten- Iowa- The popular pick is Ohio State, but the logical one is the Hawkeyes. Quarterback Ricky Stanzi returns to lead what should be an improved Iowa offense that does just enough to win games. The defense led by stud defensive end Adrian Clayborn is always good but could be dynamic this season. They are smart, fast, and well-coached by Kirk Ferentz. The Hawkeyes get Ohio State at home which should be an added bonus.

Big 12- Oklahoma- All the attention seems to be on Texas' replacement at QB Garrett Gilbert, but Landry Jones is the better of the two in my opinion. He got his feet wet last year as a redshirt frosh after Bradford went down and did well for a first-time starter. Jones also has a loaded cast around him with one of the best wide receivers in the country Ryan Broyles and all-purpose back DeMarco Murray who can score anytime they touch the ball. OU will be loaded on defense with studs like Jeremy Beal and Travis Lewis returning. It will all come down to the showdown at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas between Texas and Oklahoma.

Big East- Connecticut- UConn has steadily improved as a program over the last few years and even knocked off SEC foe South Carolina in the bowl game last season. The Quarterback position isn't the strongest with Notre Dame transfer Zach Fraser commanding the huddle, but running back Jordan Todman could be a dark horse heisman candidate--he's that good. The defense is led by an outstanding trio of linebackers (Lloyd Jr, Wilson, Lutrus) that could be getting some postseason accolades.

Pac 10- Stanford- Jim Harbaugh has slowly, yet noticeable turned around a once dormant program in Palo Alto. They also may have the best QB in the entire country and best that they have had since some guy named Elway in Sophomore Andrew Luck. Luck is already making pro scouts drool with his physical tools combined with game savvy. Harbaugh first got this team on the map with a win at USC in the Coliseum a few years ago and now he may very well have blown by USC as a program (for now anyway). This pick is accounting for the fact that USC is not eligible for bowl participation but I still think the Cardinal would have finished above Southern Cal.

SEC- Florida- Gah, can't believe I'm doing this but...it is what it is. The Gators have a new guy at QB in John Brantley who is going to be a premier passer. He has all the tools you look for in a QB, he just hasn't done it as the starter yet. Meyer's crew will lean more on the running game of Jeff Demps, Emmanuel Moody, and Chris Rainey and the deep threat with a guy like Brantley will be there to open it up. Most of the concern would be on the defense where the Gators lost a ton of proven playmakers to the NFL but there are some solid guys behind them ready to step in. I see Florida losing to Alabama in the regular season but then repaying them by beating them in Atlanta for the SEC Title.