ACC
BC
Aug 30 @Kent St. WIN
Sep 6 Georgia Tech WIN
Sep 20 UCF WIN
Sep 27 Rhode Island WIN
Oct 4 @N. Carolina St. WIN
Oct 18 Virginia Tech LOSS
Oct 25 @North Carolina LOSS
Nov 1 Clemson LOSS
Nov 8 Notre Dame WIN
Nov 15 @Florida St. LOSS
Nov 22 @Wake Forest WIN
Nov 29 Maryland LOSS
Clemson
Aug 30 Alabama WIN
Sep 6 The Citadel WIN
Sep 13 N. Carolina St. WIN
Sep 20 South Carolina State WIN
Sep 27 Maryland WIN
Oct 9 @Wake Forest WIN
Oct 18 Georgia Tech WIN
Nov 1 @Boston College WIN
Nov 8 @Florida St. WIN
Nov 15 Duke WIN
Nov 22 @Virginia WIN
Nov 29 South Carolina WIN
Florida State
Sep 6 Western Carolina WIN
Sep 13 Chattanooga WIN
Sep 20 Wake Forest WIN
Sep 27 Colorado WIN
Oct 4 @Miami (Fla.) LOSS
Oct 16 @N. Carolina St. WIN
Oct 25 Virginia Tech WIN
Nov 1 @Georgia Tech WIN
Nov 8 Clemson LOSS
Nov 15 Boston College WIN
Nov 22 @Maryland WIN
Nov 29 Florida LOSS
Maryland
Aug 30 Delaware WIN
Sep 6 @M. Tenn. St. WIN
Sep 13 California LOSS
Sep 20 E. Michigan WIN
Sep 27 @Clemson LOSS
Oct 4 @Virginia WIN
Oct 18 Wake Forest WIN
Oct 25 N. Carolina St. WIN
Nov 6 @Virginia Tech LOSS
Nov 15 North Carolina WIN
Nov 22 Florida St. LOSS
Nov 29 @Boston College WIN
North Carolina State
Aug 28 @South Carolina LOSS
Sep 6 William & Mary WIN
Sep 13 @Clemson LOSS
Sep 20 East Carolina LOSS
Sep 27 South Florida LOSS
Oct 4 Boston College LOSS
Oct 16 Florida St. 7:30pm LOSS
Oct 25 @Maryland LOSS
Nov 8 @Duke WIN
Nov 15 Wake Forest WIN
Nov 22 @North Carolina LOSS
Nov 29 Miami (Fla.) LOSS
Duke
Aug 30 James Madison WIN
Sep 6 Northwestern LOSS
Sep 13 Navy WIN
Sep 27 Virginia WIN
Oct 4 @Georgia Tech LOSS
Oct 18 Miami (Fla.) LOSS
Oct 25 @Vanderbilt LOSS
Nov 1 @Wake Forest LOSS
Nov 8 N. Carolina St. LOSS
Nov 15 @Clemson LOSS
Nov 22 @Virginia Tech LOSS
Nov 29 North Carolina LOSS
Georgia Tech
Aug 28 Jacksonville State WIN
Sep 6 @Boston College LOSS
Sep 13 @Virginia Tech LOSS
Sep 20 Mississippi St. WIN
Oct 4 Duke WIN
Oct 11 Gardner-Webb WIN
Oct 18 @Clemson LOSS
Oct 25 Virginia WIN
Nov 1 Florida St. LOSS
Nov 8 @North Carolina LOSS
Nov 20 Miami (Fla.) LOSS
Nov 29 @Georgia LOSS
Miami
Aug 28 Charleston Southern WIN
Sep 6 @Florida Lost LOSS
Sep 20 @Texas A&M WIN
Sep 27 North Carolina WIN
Oct 4 Florida St. WIN
Oct 11 UCF WIN
Oct 18 @Duke WIN
Oct 25 Wake Forest WIN
Nov 1 @Virginia WIN
Nov 13 Virginia Tech LOSS
Nov 20 @Georgia Tech WIN
Nov 29 @N. Carolina St. WIN
North Carolina
Aug 30 McNeese State WIN
Sep 11 @Rutgers LOSS
Sep 20 Virginia Tech LOSS
Sep 27 @Miami (Fla.) LOSS
Oct 4 Connecticut WIN
Oct 11 Notre Dame WIN
Oct 18 @Virginia WIN
Oct 25 Boston College WIN
Nov 8 Georgia Tech WIN
Nov 15 @Maryland LOSS
Nov 22 N. Carolina St. WIN
Nov 29 @Duke WIN
Virginia
Aug 30 Southern Cal. LOSS
Sep 6 Richmond WIN
Sep 13 @Connecticut LOSS
Sep 27 @Duke LOSS
Oct 4 Maryland WIN
Oct 11 East Carolina LOSS
Oct 18 North Carolina WIN
Oct 25 @Georgia Tech LOSS
Nov 1 Miami (Fla.) LOSS
Nov 8 @Wake Forest LOSS
Nov 22 Clemson LOSS
Nov 29 @Virginia Tech LOSS
Virginia Tech
Aug 30 @East Carolina WIN
Sep 6 Furman WIN
Sep 13 Georgia Tech WIN
Sep 20 @North Carolina WIN
Sep 27 @Nebraska LOSS
Oct 4 W. Kentucky WIN
Oct 18 @Boston College WIN
Oct 25 @Florida St. LOSS
Nov 6 Maryland WIN
Nov 13 @Miami (Fla.) WIN
Nov 22 Duke WIN
Nov 29 Virginia WIN
Conference USA
East Carolina
Aug 30 Virginia Tech LOSS
Sep 6 West Virginia LOSS
Sep 13 @Tulane WIN
Sep 20 @N. Carolina St. WIN
Sep 27 Houston WIN
Oct 11 @Virginia WIN
Oct 18 Memphis WIN
Nov 2 @UCF LOSS
Nov 8 Marshall WIN
Nov 15 @Southern Miss WIN
Nov 22 @UAB WIN
Nov 28 UTEP WIN
Memphis
Aug 30 @Mississippi LOSS
Sep 6 Rice Lost WIN
Sep 13 @Marshall LOSS
Sep 20 Nicholls StateWIN
Sep 27 Arkansas St. WIN
Oct 2 @UAB LOSS
Oct 10 Louisville LOSS
Oct 18 @East Carolina LOSS
Oct 25 Southern Miss WIN
Nov 8 @SMU LOSS
Nov 22 UCF LOSS
Nov 29 Tulane WIN
Marshall
Aug 30 Illinois State WIN
Sep 6 @Wisconsin LOSS
Sep 13 Memphis WIN
Sep 20 @Southern Miss LOSS
Sep 27 @West Virginia LOSS
Oct 3 Cincinnati LOSS
Oct 18 @UAB WIN
Oct 28 Houston WIN
Nov 8 @East Carolina LOSS
Nov 15 UCF WIN
Nov 22 @Rice WIN
Nov 29 Tulsa LOSS
UAB
Aug 30 Tulsa LOSS
Sep 6 @Fla. Atlantic LOSS
Sep 13 @Tennessee LOSS
Sep 20 Alabama State WIN
Sep 27 @South Carolina LOSS
Oct 2 Memphis WIN
Oct 9 @Houston LOSS
Oct 18 Marshall LOSS
Nov 1 @Southern Miss LOSS
Nov 15 @Tulane LOSS
Nov 22 East Carolina LOSS
Nov 29 @UCF LOSS
UCF
Aug 30 South Carolina State WIN
Sep 6 South Florida LOSS
Sep 20 @Boston College LOSS
Sep 27 @UTEP LOSS
Oct 4 SMU WIN
Oct 11 @Miami (Fla.) LOSS
Oct 26 @Tulsa LOSS
Nov 2 East Carolina WIN
Nov 8 Southern Miss WIN
Nov 15 @Marshall LOSS
Nov 22 @Memphis WIN
Nov 29 UAB 3:30pm WIN
Southern Mississippi
Aug 30 La.-Lafayette WIN
Sep 6 @Auburn Lost LOSS
Sep 13 @Arkansas St. WIN
Sep 20 Marshall WIN
Oct 4 UTEP WIN
Oct 11 Boise St. LOSS
Oct 18 @Rice LOSS
Oct 25 @Memphis LOSS
Nov 1 UAB WIN
Nov 8 @UCF LOSS
Nov 15 East Carolina LOSS
Nov 29 @SMU LOSS
Houston
Aug 30 Southern WIN
Sep 6 @Oklahoma St. LOSS
Sep 13 Air Force WIN
Sep 20 @Colorado St. WIN
Sep 27 @East Carolina LOSS
Oct 9 UAB WIN
Oct 18 @SMU LOSS
Oct 28 @Marshall LOSS
Nov 8 Tulane WIN
Nov 15 Tulsa LOSS
Nov 22 UTEP WIN
Nov 29 @Rice WIN
Rice
Aug 29 SMU WIN
Sep 6 @Memphis LOSS
Sep 13 @Vanderbilt LOSS
Sep 20 @Texas WIN
Sep 27 North Texas WIN
Oct 4 @Tulsa LOSS
Oct 18 Southern Miss WIN
Oct 25 @Tulane LOSS
Nov 1 @UTEP LOSS
Nov 8 Army WIN
Nov 22 Marshall LOSS
Nov 29 Houston LOSS
Southern Methodist
Aug 29 @Rice LOSS
Sep 6 Texas State-San Marcos WIN
Sep 13 @Texas Tech LOSS
Sep 20 TCU LOSS
Sep 25 @Tulane WIN
Oct 4 @UCF LOSS
Oct 11 Tulsa LOSS
Oct 18 Houston WIN
Oct 25 @Navy LOSS
Nov 8 Memphis WIN
Nov 15 @UTEP LOSS
Nov 29 Southern Miss WIN
Tulane
Sep 6 @Alabama LOSS
Sep 13 East Carolina LOSS
Sep 20 La.-Monroe WIN
Sep 25 SMU LOSS
Oct 4 Army WIN
Oct 11 @UTEP LOSS
Oct 25 Rice WIN
Nov 1 @LSU LOSS
Nov 8 @Houston LOSS
Nov 15 UAB WIN
Nov 22 @Tulsa LOSS
Nov 29 @Memphis LOSS
Tulsa
Aug 30 @UAB WIN
Sep 6 @North Texas WIN
Sep 20 New Mexico WIN
Sep 27 Central Arkansas WIN
Oct 4 Rice WIN
Oct 11 @SMU WIN
Oct 18 UTEP WIN
Oct 26 UCF WIN
Nov 1 @Arkansas LOSS
Nov 15 @Houston LOSS
Nov 22 Tulane WIN
Nov 29 @Marshall WIN
UTEP
Aug 28 @Buffalo WIN
Sep 6 Texas LOSS
Sep 20 New Mexico St. WIN
Sep 27 UCF WIN
Oct 4 @Southern Miss LOSS
Oct 11 Tulane WIN
Oct 18 @Tulsa LOSS
Nov 1 Rice WIN
Nov 8 @La.-Lafayette WIN
Nov 15 SMU WIN
Nov 22 @Houston LOSS
Nov 28 @East Carolina LOSS
Big East
Cincinnati
28 Eastern Kentucky WIN
Sep 6 @Oklahoma LOSS
Sep 20 Miami (Ohio) WIN
Sep 27 @Akron WIN
Oct 3 @Marshall WIN
Oct 11 Rutgers LOSS
Oct 25 @Connecticut LOSS
Oct 30 South Florida LOSS
Nov 8 @West Virginia LOSS
Nov 14 @Louisville LOSS
Nov 22 Pittsburgh LOSS
Nov 29 Syracuse WIN
Dec 6 @Hawaii WIN
Connecticut
Aug 28 Hofstra WIN
Sep 6 @Temple LOSS
Sep 13 Virginia WIN
Sep 19 Baylor WIN
Sep 26 @Louisville LOSS
Oct 4 @North Carolina LOSS
Oct 18 @Rutgers LOSS
Oct 25 Cincinnati WIN
Nov 1 West Virginia LOSS
Nov 15 @Syracuse LOSS
Nov 23 @South Florida LOSS
Dec 6 Pittsburgh LOSS
Louisville
Aug 31 Kentucky WIN
Sep 6 Tennessee Tech WIN
Sep 17 Kansas St. LOSS
Sep 26 Connecticut WIN
Oct 10 @Memphis WIN
Oct 18 M. Tenn. St.WIN
Oct 25 South Florida LOSS
Nov 1 @Syracuse WIN
Nov 8 @Pittsburgh LOSS
Nov 14 Cincinnati WIN
Nov 22 West Virginia LOSS
Dec 4 @Rutgers LOSS
Pitt
Aug 30 Bowling Green WIN
Sep 6 Buffalo WIN
Sep 20 Iowa WIN
Sep 27 @Syracuse WIN
Oct 2 @South Florida LOSS
Oct 18 @Navy WIN
Oct 25 Rutgers WIN
Nov 1 @Notre Dame WIN
Nov 8 Louisville WIN
Nov 22 @Cincinnati WIN
Nov 28 West Virginia LOSS
Dec 6 @Connecticut WIN
Rutgers
Sep 1 Fresno St. LOSS
Sep 11 North Carolina WIN
Sep 20 @Navy WIN
Sep 27 Morgan State WIN
Oct 4 @West Virginia LOSS
Oct 11 @Cincinnati WIN
Oct 18 Connecticut WIN
Oct 25 @Pittsburgh LOSS
Nov 8 Syracuse WIN
Nov 15 @South Florida LOSS
Nov 22 Army WIN
Dec 4 Louisville 7:30pm WIN
South Florida
Aug 30 Tennessee-Martin WIN
Sep 6 @UCF WIN
Sep 12 Kansas WIN
Sep 20 @FIU WIN
Sep 27 @N. Carolina St. WIN
Oct 2 Pittsburgh WIN
Oct 18 Syracuse WIN
Oct 25 @Louisville WIN
Oct 30 @Cincinnati WIN
Nov 15 Rutgers WIN
Nov 23 Connecticut WIN
Dec 6 @West Virginia LOSS
Syracuse
Aug 30 @Northwestern LOSS
Sep 6 Akron WIN
Sep 13 Penn St. LOSS
Sep 20 Northeastern WIN
Sep 27 Pittsburgh LOSS
Oct 11 @West Virginia LOSS
Oct 18 @South Florida LOSS
Nov 1 Louisville LOSS
Nov 8 @Rutgers LOSS
Nov 15 Connecticut WIN
Nov 22 @Notre Dame LOSS
Nov 29 @Cincinnati LOSS
West Virginia
Aug 30 Villanova WIN
Sep 6 @East Carolina WIN
Sep 18 @Colorado WIN
Sep 27 Marshall WIN
Oct 4 Rutgers WIN
Oct 11 Syracuse WIN
Oct 23 Auburn LOSS
Nov 1 @Connecticut WIN
Nov 8 Cincinnati WIN
Nov 22 @Louisville WIN
Nov 28 @Pittsburgh WIN
Dec 6 South Florida WIN
Big-Ten
Illinois
Aug 30 @Missouri LOSS
Sep 6 Eastern Illinois WIN
Sep 13 La.-Lafayette WIN
Sep 27 @Penn St. LOSS
Oct 4 @Michigan LOSS
Oct 11 Minnesota WIN
Oct 18 Indiana WIN
Oct 25 @Wisconsin LOSS
Nov 1 Iowa WIN
Nov 8 @W. Michigan WIN
Nov 15 Ohio St. LOSS
Nov 22 @Northwestern WIN
Indiana
Aug 30 W. Kentucky WIN
Sep 6 Murray State WIN
Sep 20 Ball St. WIN
Sep 27 Michigan St. LOSS
Oct 4 @Minnesota LOSS
Oct 11 Iowa LOSS
Oct 18 @Illinois LOSS
Oct 25 Northwestern LOSS
Nov 1 C. Michigan LOSS
Nov 8 Wisconsin LOSS
Nov 15 @Penn St. LOSS
Nov 22 @Purdue LOSS
Iowa
Aug 30 Maine WIN
Sep 6 FIU WIN
Sep 13 Iowa St. WIN
Sep 20 @Pittsburgh LOSS
Sep 27 Northwestern WIN
Oct 4 @Michigan St. LOSS
Oct 11 @Indiana WIN
Oct 18 Wisconsin LOSS
Nov 1 @Illinois LOSS
Nov 8 Penn St. WIN
Nov 15 Purdue LOSS
Nov 22 @Minnesota WIN
Michigan State
Aug 30 @California LOSS
Sep 6 E. Michigan WIN
Sep 13 Fla. Atlantic WIN
Sep 20 Notre Dame LOSS
Sep 27 @Indiana WIN
Oct 4 Iowa WIN
Oct 11 @Northwestern WIN
Oct 18 Ohio St. LOSS
Oct 25 @Michigan LOSS
Nov 1 Wisconsin LOSS
Nov 8 Purdue WIN
Nov 22 @Penn St. LOSS
Michigan
Aug 30 Utah WIN
Sep 6 Miami (Ohio) WIN
Sep 13 @Notre Dame LOSS
Sep 27 Wisconsin LOSS
Oct 4 Illinois WIN
Oct 11 Toledo WIN
Oct 18 @Penn St. LOSS
Oct 25 Michigan St. WIN
Nov 1 @Purdue WIN
Nov 8 @Minnesota WIN
Nov 15 Northwestern WIN
Nov 22 @Ohio St. LOSS
Minnesota
Aug 30 Northern Illinois WIN
Sep 6 @Bowling Green LOSS
Sep 13 Montana State WIN
Sep 20 Fla. Atlantic WIN
Sep 27 @Ohio St. LOSS
Oct 4 Indiana WIN
Oct 11 @Illinois LOSS
Oct 25 @Purdue LOSS
Nov 1 Northwestern LOSS
Nov 8 Michigan LOSS
Nov 15 @Wisconsin LOSS
Nov 22 Iowa LOSS
Northwestern
Aug 30 Syracuse WIN
Sep 6 @Duke WIN
Sep 13 Southern Illinois WIN
Sep 20 Ohio WIN
Sep 27 @Iowa LOSS
Oct 11 Michigan St. LOSS
Oct 18 Purdue LOSS
Oct 25 @Indiana WIN
Nov 1 @Minnesota WIN
Nov 8 Ohio St. LOSS
Nov 15 @Michigan LOSS
Nov 22 Illinois LOSS
Ohio State
Aug 30 Youngstown State WIN
Sep 6 Ohio WIN
Sep 13 @Southern Cal. LOSS
Sep 20 Troy WIN
Sep 27 Minnesota WIN
Oct 4 @Wisconsin WIN
Oct 11 Purdue WIN
Oct 18 @Michigan St. WIN
Oct 25 Penn St. WIN
Nov 8 @Northwestern WIN
Nov 15 @Illinois WIN
Nov 22 Michigan WIN
Penn State
Aug 30 Coastal Carolina WIN
Sep 6 Oregon St. WIN
Sep 13 @Syracuse WIN
Sep 20 Temple WIN
Sep 27 Illinois WIN
Oct 4 @Purdue LOSS
Oct 11 @Wisconsin LOSS
Oct 18 Michigan WIN
Oct 25 @Ohio St. LOSS
Nov 8 @Iowa LOSS
Nov 15 Indiana WIN
Nov 22 Michigan St. WIN
Purdue
Sep 6 Northern Colorado WIN
Sep 13 Oregon LOSS
Sep 20 C. Michigan WIN
Sep 27 @Notre Dame LOSS
Oct 4 Penn St. WIN
Oct 11 @Ohio St. LOSS
Oct 18 @Northwestern WIN
Oct 25 Minnesota WIN
Nov 1 Michigan LOSS
Nov 8 @Michigan St. LOSS
Nov 15 @Iowa WIN
Nov 22 Indiana WIN
Wisconsin
Aug 30 Akron WIN
Sep 6 Marshall WIN
Sep 13 @Fresno St. LOSS
Sep 27 @Michigan WIN
Oct 4 Ohio St. LOSS
Oct 11 Penn St. WIN
Oct 18 @Iowa WIN
Oct 25 Illinois WIN
Nov 1 @Michigan St. WIN
Nov 8 @Indiana WIN
Nov 15 Minnesota WIN
Nov 22 Cal Poly WIN
Mountain West
Air Force
Aug 30 Southern Utah WIN
Sep 6 @Wyoming LOSS
Sep 13 @Houston WIN
Sep 20 Utah LOSS
Oct 4 Navy WIN
Oct 11 @San Diego St. WIN
Oct 18 @UNLV LOSS
Oct 23 New Mexico WIN
Nov 1 @Army WIN
Nov 8 Colorado St. WIN
Nov 15 BYU LOSS
Nov 22 @TCU LOSS
BYU
Aug 30 Northern Iowa WIN
Sep 6 @Washington LOSS
Sep 13 UCLA LOSS
Sep 20 Wyoming WIN
Oct 3 @Utah St. WIN
Oct 11 New Mexico WIN
Oct 16 @TCU WIN
Oct 25 UNLV WIN
Nov 1 @Colorado St. WIN
Nov 8 San Diego St. WIN
Nov 15 @Air Force WIN
Nov 22 @Utah WIN
Colorado State
Aug 31 @Colorado LOSS
Sep 6 Sacramento State WIN
Sep 20 Houston LOSS
Sep 27 @California LOSS
Oct 4 UNLV WIN
Oct 11 TCU LOSS
Oct 18 @Utah LOSS
Oct 25 @San Diego St. LOSS
Nov 1 BYU LOSS
Nov 8 @Air Force LOSS
Nov 15 New Mexico LOSS
Nov 22 @Wyoming LOSS
New Mexico
Aug 30 TCU LOSS
Sep 6 Texas A&M LOSS
Sep 13 Arizona LOSS
Sep 20 @Tulsa LOSS
Sep 27 @New Mexico St. WIN
Oct 4 Wyoming WIN
Oct 11 @BYU LOSS
Oct 18 San Diego St. WIN
Oct 23 @Air Force LOSS
Nov 1 Utah LOSS
Nov 8 @UNLV LOSS
Nov 15 @Colorado St. WIN
San Diego State
Aug 30 Cal Poly WIN
Sep 6 @Notre Dame LOSS
Sep 13 @San Jose St. LOSS
Sep 27 Idaho WIN
Oct 4 @TCU LOSS
Oct 11 Air Force LOSS
Oct 18 @New Mexico LOSS
Oct 25 Colorado St. WIN
Nov 1 @Wyoming LOSS
Nov 8 @BYU LOSS
Nov 15 Utah LOSS
Nov 22 UNLV LOSS
TCU
Aug 30 @New Mexico WIN
Sep 6 Stephen F. Austin WIN
Sep 13 Stanford WIN
Sep 20 @SMU WIN
Sep 27 @Oklahoma LOSS
Oct 4 San Diego St. WIN
Oct 11 @Colorado St. 3:30pm
Oct 16 BYU LOSS
Oct 25 Wyoming WIN
Nov 1 @UNLV WIN
Nov 6 @Utah LOSS
Nov 22 Air Force WIN
UNLV
Aug 30 Utah St. WIN
Sep 6 @Utah LOSS
Sep 13 @Arizona St. LOSS
Sep 20 Iowa St. LOSS
Sep 27 Nevada LOSS
Oct 4 @Colorado St. LOSS
Oct 18 Air Force WIN
Oct 25 @BYU LOSS
Nov 1 TCU LOSS
Nov 8 New Mexico WIN
Nov 13 Wyoming WIN
Nov 22 @San Diego St. WIN
Utah
Aug 30 @Michigan LOSS
Sep 6 UNLV WIN
Sep 13 @Utah St. WIN
Sep 20 @Air Force WIN
Sep 27 Weber State WIN
Oct 2 Oregon St. LOSS
Oct 11 @Wyoming WIN
Oct 18 Colorado St. WIN
Nov 1 @New Mexico WIN
Nov 6 TCU WIN
Nov 15 @San Diego St. WIN
Nov 22 BYU WIN
Wyoming
Aug 30 Ohio WIN
Sep 6 Air Force WIN
Sep 13 North Dakota State WIN
Sep 20 @BYU LOSS
Sep 27 Bowling Green WIN
Oct 4 @New Mexico LOSS
Oct 11 Utah LOSS
Oct 25 @TCU LOSS
Nov 1 San Diego St. WIN
Nov 8 @Tennessee LOSS
Nov 13 @UNLV LOSS
Nov 22 Colorado St. WIN
SEC
Florida
Aug 30 Hawaii WIN
Sep 6 Miami (Fla.) WIN
Sep 20 @Tennessee LOSS
Sep 27 Mississippi WIN
Oct 4 @Arkansas WIN
Oct 11 LSU WIN
Oct 25 Kentucky WIN
Nov 1 @Georgia WIN
Nov 8 @Vanderbilt WIN
Nov 15 South Carolina WIN
Nov 22 The Citadel WIN
Nov 29 @Florida St. WIN
Georgia
Aug 30 Georgia Southern WIN
Sep 6 C. Michigan WIN
Sep 13 @South Carolina WIN
Sep 20 @Arizona St. WIN
Sep 27 Alabama WIN
Oct 11 Tennessee WIN
Oct 18 Vanderbilt WIN
Oct 25 @LSU LOSS
Nov 1 Florida LOSS
Nov 8 @Kentucky WIN
Nov 15 @Auburn WIN
Nov 29 Georgia Tech WIN
Kentucky
Aug 31 @Louisville LOSS
Sep 6 Norfolk State WIN
Sep 13 M. Tenn. St. WIN
Sep 27 W. Kentucky WIN
Oct 4 @Alabama LOSS
Oct 11 South Carolina LOSS
Oct 18 Arkansas WIN
Oct 25 @Florida LOSS
Nov 1 @Mississippi St. LOSS
Nov 8 Georgia LOSS
Nov 15 Vanderbilt WIN
Nov 29 @Tennessee LOSS
South Carolina
Aug 28 N. Carolina St. WIN
Sep 4 @Vanderbilt WIN
Sep 13 Georgia LOSS
Sep 20 Wofford WIN
Sep 27 UAB WIN
Oct 4 @Mississippi LOSS
Oct 11 @Kentucky WIN
Oct 18 LSU LOSS
Nov 1 Tennessee WIN
Nov 8 Arkansas WIN
Nov 15 @Florida LOSS
Nov 29 @Clemson LOSS
Tennessee
Sep 1 @UCLA WIN
Sep 13 UAB WIN
Sep 20 Florida LOSS
Sep 27 @Auburn LOSS
Oct 4 Northern Illinois WIN
Oct 11 @Georgia LOSS
Oct 18 Mississippi St. WIN
Oct 25 Alabama WIN
Nov 1 @South Carolina LOSS
Nov 8 Wyoming WIN
Nov 22 @Vanderbilt WIN
Nov 29 Kentucky WIN
Vanderbilt
Aug 28 @Miami (Ohio) LOSS
Sep 4 South Carolina LOSS
Sep 13 Rice 7:00pm WIN
Sep 20 @Mississippi LOSS
Oct 4 Auburn LOSS
Oct 11 @Mississippi St.LOSS
Oct 18 @Georgia LOSS
Oct 25 Duke WIN
Nov 8 Florida LOSS
Nov 15 @Kentucky LOSS
Nov 22 Tennessee LOSS
Nov 29 @Wake Forest LOSS
Alabama
Aug 30 @Clemson LOSS
Sep 6 Tulane WIN
Sep 13 W. Kentucky WIN
Sep 20 @Arkansas WIN
Sep 27 @Georgia LOSS
Oct 4 Kentucky WIN
Oct 18 Mississippi WIN
Oct 25 @Tennessee LOSS
Nov 1 Arkansas St. WIN
Nov 8 @LSU LOSS
Nov 15 Mississippi St. WIN
Nov 29 Auburn WIN
Arkansas
Aug 30 Western Illinois WIN
Sep 6 @La.-Monroe WIN
Sep 13 @Texas LOSS
Sep 20 Alabama LOSS
Oct 4 Florida LOSS
Oct 11 @Auburn LOSS
Oct 18 @Kentucky LOSS
Oct 25 Mississippi LOSS
Nov 1 Tulsa WIN
Nov 8 @South Carolina LOSS
Nov 22 @Mississippi St. LOSS
Nov 29 LSU LOSS
Auburn
Aug 30 La.-Monroe WIN
Sep 6 Southern Miss WIN
Sep 13 @Mississippi St. WIN
Sep 20 LSU WIN
Sep 27 Tennessee WIN
Oct 4 @Vanderbilt WIN
Oct 11 Arkansas WIN
Oct 23 @West Virginia LOSS
Nov 1 @Mississippi LOSS
Nov 8 Tennessee-Martin WIN
Nov 15 Georgia WIN
Nov 29 @Alabama LOSS
LSU
Aug 30 Appalachian State WIN
Sep 6 Troy WIN
Sep 13 North Texas WIN
Sep 20 @Auburn LOSS
Sep 27 Mississippi St. WIN
Oct 11 @Florida LOSS
Oct 18 @South Carolina WIN
Oct 25 Georgia WIN
Nov 1 Tulane WIN
Nov 8 Alabama WIN
Nov 15 Troy WIN
Nov 22 Mississippi WIN
Nov 29 @Arkansas WIN
Mississippi
Aug 30 Memphis WIN
Sep 6 @Wake Forest WIN
Sep 13 Samford WIN
Sep 20 Vanderbilt WIN
Sep 27 @Florida LOSS
Oct 4 South Carolina WIN
Oct 18 @Alabama LOSS
Oct 25 @Arkansas WIN
Nov 1 Auburn WIN
Nov 15 La.-Monroe WIN
Nov 22 @LSU LOSS
Nov 28 Mississippi St. WIN
Mississippi State
Aug 30 @Louisiana Tech WIN
Sep 6 Southeastern Louisiana WIN
Sep 13 Auburn LOSS
Sep 20 @Georgia Tech LOSS
Sep 27 @LSU LOSS
Oct 11 Vanderbilt WIN
Oct 18 @Tennessee LOSS
Oct 25 M. Tenn. St. WIN
Nov 1 Kentucky WIN
Nov 15 @Alabama LOSS
Nov 22 Arkansas WIN
Nov 28 @Mississippi LOSS
Sun Belt
Arkansas State
Aug 30 @Texas A&M LOSS
Sep 6 Texas Southern WIN
Sep 13 Southern Miss LOSS
Sep 20 M. Tenn. St. WIN
Sep 27 @Memphis LOSS
Oct 11 La.-Monroe WIN
Oct 18 @La.-Lafayette LOSS
Nov 1 @Alabama LOSS
Nov 8 @FIU WIN
Nov 22 Fla. Atlantic LOSS
Nov 29 @North Texas WIN
Dec 6 @Troy LOSS
Florida Atlantic
Aug 30 @Texas LOSS
Sep 6 UAB WIN
Sep 13 @Michigan St. LOSS
Sep 20 @Minnesota LOSS
Sep 30 @M. Tenn. St. WIN
Oct 7 Troy WIN
Oct 18 @W. Kentucky WIN
Oct 25 @La.-Monroe LOSS
Nov 8 North Texas WIN
Nov 15 La.-Lafayette WIN
Nov 22 @Arkansas St. WIN
Nov 29 FIU WIN
Florida International
Aug 30 @Kansas LOSS
Sep 6 @Iowa LOSS
Sep 20 South Florida LOSS
Sep 27 @Toledo LOSS
Oct 4 @North Texas LOSS
Oct 11 M. Tenn. St. WIN
Oct 18 @Troy LOSS
Nov 1 @La.-Lafayette LOSS
Nov 8 Arkansas St. LOSS
Nov 22 La.-Monroe WIN
Nov 29 @Fla. Atlantic LOSS
Dec 6 W. Kentucky WIN
La- Lafayette
Aug 30 @Southern Miss LOSS
Sep 13 @Illinois LOSS
Sep 20 Kent St. WIN
Sep 27 @Kansas St. LOSS
Oct 4 @La.-Monroe LOSS
Oct 11 @North Texas WIN
Oct 18 Arkansas St. WIN
Nov 1 FIU WIN
Nov 8 UTEP LOSS
Nov 15 @Fla. Atlantic LOSS
Nov 22 @Troy LOSS
Dec 3 M. Tenn. St. WIN
La- Monroe
Aug 30 @Auburn LOSS
Sep 6 Arkansas LOSS
Sep 13 Alabama A&M WIN
Sep 20 @Tulane LOSS
Oct 4 La.-Lafayette WIN
Oct 11 @Arkansas St. LOSS
Oct 18 North Texas WIN
Oct 25 Fla. Atlantic LOSS
Nov 1 Troy 7:00pm WIN
Nov 8 @M. Tenn. St. LOSS
Nov 15 @Mississippi LOSS
Nov 22 @FIU LOSS
Middle Tennessee
Aug 28 Troy LOSS
Sep 6 Maryland LOSS
Sep 13 @Kentucky LOSS
Sep 20 @Arkansas St. LOSS
Sep 30 Fla. Atlantic LOSS
Oct 11 @FIU LOSS
Oct 18 @Louisville LOSS
Oct 25 @Mississippi St. LOSS
Nov 8 La.-Monroe WIN
Nov 15 @W. Kentucky WIN
Nov 22 North Texas WIN
Dec 3 @La.-Lafayette LOSS
North Texas
Aug 30 @Kansas St. LOSS
Sep 6 Tulsa LOSS
Sep 13 @LSU LOSS
Sep 27 @Rice LOSS
Oct 4 FIU WIN
Oct 11 La.-Lafayette LOSS
Oct 18 @La.-Monroe LOSS
Oct 25 Troy LOSS
Nov 1 @W. Kentucky WIN
Nov 8 @Fla. Atlantic LOSS
Nov 22 @M. Tenn. St. LOSS
Nov 29 Arkansas St. LOSS
Troy
Aug 28 @M. Tenn. St. WIN
Sep 6 @LSU LOSS
Sep 13 Alcorn State WIN
Sep 20 @Ohio St. LOSS
Sep 27 @Oklahoma St. LOSS
Oct 7 @Fla. Atlantic LOSS
Oct 18 FIU WIN
Oct 25 @North Texas WIN
Nov 1 @La.-Monroe LOSS
Nov 8 W. Kentucky LOSS
Nov 15 LOSS
Nov 22 La.-Lafayette WIN
Dec 6 Arkansas St. WIN
WAC
Boise State
Aug 30 Idaho State WIN
Sep 13 Bowling Green WIN
Sep 20 @Oregon LOSS
Oct 1 Louisiana Tech WIN
Oct 11 @Southern Miss WIN
Oct 17 Hawaii WIN
Oct 24 @San Jose St. WIN
Nov 1 @New Mexico St. WIN
Nov 8 Utah St. WIN
Nov 15 @Idaho WIN
Nov 22 @Nevada WIN
Nov 28 Fresno St. WIN
Fresno State
Sep 1 @Rutgers WIN
Sep 13 Wisconsin WIN
Sep 20 @Toledo WIN
Sep 27 @UCLA LOSS
Oct 4 Hawaii WIN
Oct 11 Idaho WIN
Oct 25 @Utah St. WIN
Nov 1 @Louisiana Tech WIN
Nov 7 Nevada WIN
Nov 15 New Mexico St. WIN
Nov 21 @San Jose St. WIN
Nov 28 @Boise St. LOSS
Hawaii
Aug 30 @Florida LOSS
Sep 6 Weber State WIN
Sep 13 @Oregon St. LOSS
Sep 28 San Jose St. WIN
Oct 4 @Fresno St. LOSS
Oct 12 Louisiana Tech WIN
Oct 17 @Boise St. LOSS
Oct 26 Nevada WIN
Nov 1 @Utah St. WIN
Nov 8 @New Mexico St. WIN
Nov 22 Idaho WIN
Nov 29 Washington St. LOSS
Dec 6 Cincinnati LOSS
Idaho
Aug 30 @Arizona LOSS
Sep 6 Idaho State WIN
Sep 13 W. Michigan WIN
Sep 20 @Utah St. WIN
Sep 27 @San Diego St. WIN
Oct 4 Nevada LOSS
Oct 11 @Fresno St. LOSS
Oct 18 @Louisiana Tech LOSS
Oct 25 New Mexico St. LOSS
Nov 1 San Jose St. LOSS
Nov 15 Boise St. LOSS
Nov 22 @Hawaii LOSS
Louisiana Tech
Aug 30 Mississippi St. LOSS
Sep 6 @Kansas LOSS
Sep 20 Southeastern Louisiana WIN
Oct 1 @Boise St. LOSS
Oct 12 @Hawaii LOSS
Oct 18 Idaho WIN
Oct 25 @Army WIN
Nov 1 Fresno St. LOSS
Nov 8 @San Jose St. LOSS
Nov 15 Utah St. WIN
Nov 22 @New Mexico St. LOSS
Nov 29 Nevada LOSS
Nevada
Aug 30 Grambling WIN
Sep 6 Texas Tech LOSS
Sep 13 @Missouri LOSS
Sep 27 @UNLV WIN
Oct 4 @Idaho WIN
Oct 11 New Mexico St. WIN
Oct 18 Utah St. WIN
Oct 26 @Hawaii LOSS
Nov 7 @Fresno St. LOSS
Nov 15 San Jose St. WIN
Nov 22 Boise St. LOSS
Nov 29 @Louisiana Tech WIN
New Mexico State
Sep 4 Nicholls State WIN
Sep 13 @Nebraska LOSS
Sep 20 @UTEP LOSS
Sep 27 New Mexico LOSS
Oct 4 Alcorn LOSS
Oct 11 @Nevada LOSS
Oct 18 San Jose St. LOSS
Oct 25 @Idaho WIN
Nov 1 Boise St. LOSS
Nov 8 Hawaii LOSS
Nov 15 @Fresno St. LOSS
Nov 22 Louisiana Tech WIN
Nov 29 @Utah St. WIN
San Jose State
Aug 30 UC Davis WIN
Sep 6 @Nebraska LOSS
Sep 13 San Diego St. WIN
Sep 20 @Stanford LOSS
Sep 28 @Hawaii LOSS
Oct 11 Utah St. WIN
Oct 18 @New Mexico St. WIN
Oct 24 Boise St. LOSS
Nov 1 @Idaho WIN
Nov 8 Louisiana Tech WIN
Nov 15 @Nevada LOSS
Nov 21 Fresno St. LOSS
Utah State
Aug 30 @UNLV LOSS
Sep 6 @Oregon LOSS
Sep 13 Utah LOSS
Sep 20 Idaho LOSS
Oct 3 BYU LOSS
Oct 11 @San Jose St. LOSS
Oct 18 @Nevada LOSS
Oct 25 Fresno St. LOSS
Nov 1 Hawaii LOSS
Nov 8 @Boise St. LOSS
Nov 15 @Louisiana Tech LOSS
Nov 29 New Mexico St. LOSS
MAC
Akron
Aug 30 @Wisconsin LOSS
Sep 6 @Syracuse LOSS
Sep 13 Ball St. LOSS
Sep 20 @Army LOSS
Sep 27 Cincinnati LOSS
Oct 4 @Kent St. LOSS
Oct 11 Bowling Green LOSS
Oct 18 @E. Michigan LOSS
Nov 5 Toledo LOSS
Nov 13 Buffalo LOSS
Nov 22 @Ohio LOSS
Nov 28 @Temple LOSS
Bowling Green
Aug 30 @Pittsburgh LOSS
Sep 6 Minnesota WIN
Sep 13 @Boise St. LOSS
Sep 27 @Wyoming LOSS
Oct 4 E. Michigan WIN
Oct 11 @Akron WIN
Oct 18 Miami (Ohio) WIN
Oct 25 @Northern Illinois WIN
Nov 1 Kent St. WIN
Nov 8 @Ohio WIN
Nov 21 Buffalo WIN
Nov 28 @Toledo LOSS
Buffalo
Aug 28 UTEP LOSS
Sep 6 @Pittsburgh LOSS
Sep 13 Temple LOSS
Sep 20 @Missouri LOSS
Sep 27 @C. Michigan LOSS
Oct 11 W. Michigan WIN
Oct 18 Army WIN
Oct 28 @Ohio WIN
Nov 4 Miami (Ohio) LOSS
Nov 13 @Akron WIN
Nov 21 @Bowling Green LOSS
Nov 28 Kent St. WIN
Kent State
Aug 30 Boston College LOSS
Sep 6 @Iowa St. LOSS
Sep 13 Delaware State WIN
Sep 20 @La.-Lafayette WIN
Sep 27 @Ball St. LOSS
Oct 4 Akron WIN
Oct 11 Ohio WIN
Oct 25 @Miami (Ohio) LOSS
Nov 1 @Bowling Green LOSS
Nov 12 Temple WIN
Nov 18 Northern Illinois WIN
Nov 28 @Buffalo LOSS
Miami (Ohio)
Aug 28 Vanderbilt WIN
Sep 6 @Michigan LOSS
Sep 13 Charleston Southern WIN
Sep 20 @Cincinnati LOSS
Oct 4 Temple WIN
Oct 11 @Northern Illinois LOSS
Oct 18 @Bowling Green LOSS
Oct 25 Kent St. WIN
Nov 4 @Buffalo WIN
Nov 11 Ball St. WIN
Nov 21 @Toledo LOSS
Nov 28 Ohio WIN
Ohio
Aug 30 @Wyoming LOSS
Sep 6 @Ohio St. LOSS
Sep 13 C. Michigan LOSS
Sep 20 @Northwestern LOSS
Sep 27 VMI WIN
Oct 4 @W. Michigan LOSS
Oct 11 @Kent St. LOSS
Oct 21 @Temple LOSS
Oct 28 Buffalo LOSS
Nov 8 Bowling Green LOSS
Nov 22 Akron WIN
Nov 28 @Miami (Ohio) LOSS
Temple
Aug 29 @Army WIN
Sep 6 Connecticut WIN
Sep 13 @Buffalo WIN
Sep 20 @Penn St. LOSS
Sep 27 W. Michigan WIN
Oct 4 @Miami (Ohio) LOSS
Oct 11 @C. Michigan LOSS
Oct 21 Ohio WIN
Nov 1 @Navy LOSS
Nov 12 @Kent St. LOSS
Nov 22 E. Michigan WIN
Nov 28 Akron WIN
Ball State
Aug 28 Northeastern WIN
Sep 5 Navy LOSS
Sep 13 @Akron WIN
Sep 20 @Indiana LOSS
Sep 27 Kent St. WIN
Oct 4 @Toledo LOSS
Oct 11 @W. Kentucky WIN
Oct 25 E. Michigan WIN
Nov 5 Northern Illinois WIN
Nov 11 @Miami (Ohio) LOSS
Nov 19 @C. Michigan LOSS
Nov 25 W. Michigan LOSS
Central Michigan
Aug 28 Eastern Illinois WIN
Sep 6 @Georgia LOSS
Sep 13 @Ohio WIN
Sep 20 @Purdue LOSS
Sep 27 Buffalo WIN
Oct 11 Temple WIN
Oct 18 W. Michigan WIN
Oct 25 @Toledo LOSS
Nov 1 @Indiana WIN
Nov 12 @Northern Illinois WIN
Nov 19 Ball St. WIN
Nov 28 @E. Michigan WIN
Eastern Michigan
Aug 28 Indiana State WIN
Sep 6 @Michigan St. LOSS
Sep 13 Toledo LOSS
Sep 20 @Maryland LOSS
Sep 27 Northern Illinois LOSS
Oct 4 @Bowling Green LOSS
Oct 11 @Army LOSS
Oct 18 Akron WIN
Oct 25 @Ball St. LOSS
Nov 1 @W. Michigan LOSS
Nov 22 @Temple LOSS
Nov 28 C. Michigan LOSS
Northern Illinois
Aug 30 @Minnesota LOSS
Sep 6 @W. Michigan LOSS
Sep 20 Indiana State WIN
Sep 27 @E. Michigan WIN
Oct 4 @Tennessee LOSS
Oct 11 Miami (Ohio) WIN
Oct 18 Toledo WIN
Oct 25 Bowling Green LOSS
Nov 5 @Ball St. LOSS
Nov 12 C. Michigan LOSS
Nov 18 @Kent St. LOSS
Nov 25 Navy LOSS
Toledo
Sep 6 @Arizona LOSS
Sep 13 @E. Michigan WIN
Sep 20 Fresno St. LOSS
Sep 27 FIU WIN
Oct 4 Ball St. WIN
Oct 11 @Michigan LOSS
Oct 18 @Northern Illinois LOSS
Oct 25 C. Michigan LOSS
Nov 5 @Akron WIN
Nov 15 @W. Michigan LOSS
Nov 21 Miami (Ohio) WIN
Nov 28 Bowling Green WIN
Western Michigan
Aug 30 @Nebraska LOSS
Sep 6 Northern Illinois WIN
Sep 13 @Idaho WIN
Sep 20 Tennessee Tech WIN
Sep 27 @Temple LOSS
Oct 4 Ohio WIN
Oct 11 @Buffalo LOSS
Oct 18 @C. Michigan LOSS
Nov 1 E. Michigan WIN
Nov 8 Illinois LOSS
Nov 15 Toledo WIN
Nov 25 @Ball St. WIN
Indie
Army
Aug 29 Temple WIN
Sep 6 New Hampshire WIN
Sep 20 Akron WIN
Sep 27 @Texas A&M LOSS
Oct 4 @Tulane WIN
Oct 11 E. Michigan WIN
Oct 18 @Buffalo LOSS
Oct 25 Louisiana Tech LOSS
Nov 1 Air Force LOSS
Nov 8 @Rice LOSS
Nov 22 @Rutgers LOSS
Dec 6 Navy LOSS
Navy
Aug 30 Towson WIN
Sep 5 @Ball St. WIN
Sep 13 @Duke LOSS
Sep 20 Rutgers LOSS
Sep 27 @Wake Forest LOSS
Oct 4 @Air Force LOSS
Oct 18 Pittsburgh WIN
Oct 25 SMU WIN
Nov 1 Temple LOSS
Nov 15 Notre Dame LOSS
Nov 25 @Northern Illinois WIN
Dec 6 @Army WIN
Notre Dame
Sep 6 San Diego St. WIN
Sep 13 Michigan LOSS
Sep 20 @Michigan St. WIN
Sep 27 Purdue WIN
Oct 4 Stanford WIN
Oct 11 @North Carolina LOSS
Oct 25 @Washington LOSS
Nov 1 Pittsburgh LOSS
Nov 8 @Boston College WIN
Nov 15 @Navy WIN
Nov 22 Syracuse WIN
Nov 29 @Southern Cal. LOSS
Western Kentucky
Aug 30 @Indiana LOSS
Sep 6 @Eastern Kentucky WIN
Sep 13 @Alabama LOSS
Sep 20 Murray State WIN
Sep 27 @Kentucky LOSS
Oct 4 @Virginia Tech LOSS
Oct 11 Ball St. LOSS
Oct 18 Fla. Atlantic LOSS
Nov 1 North Texas LOSS
Nov 8 @Troy LOSS
Nov 15 M. Tenn. St. LOSS
Dec 6 @FIU LOSS
Friday, August 29, 2008
2008 NCAA Predictions Team-by-Team Part 1
Every Team, Every Game!
Pac-Ten
USC
Aug. 30 at Virginia Win
Sept. 13 Ohio State Loss
Sept. 25 at Oregon State Win
Oct. 4 Oregon Win
Oct. 11 Arizona State Win
Oct. 18 at Washington State Win
Oct. 25 at Arizona Win
Nov. 1 Washington Win
Nov. 8 California Win
Nov. 15 at Stanford Win
Nov. 29 Notre Dame Win
Dec. 6 at UCLA Win
Oregon
Aug. 30 Washington Loss
Sept. 6 Utah State Win
Sept. 13 at Purdue Win
Sept. 20 Boise State Win
Sept. 27 at Washington State Win
Oct. 4 at USC Loss
Oct. 11 UCLA Win
Oct. 25 at Arizona State Win
Nov. 1 at California Win
Nov. 8 Stanford Win
Nov. 15 Arizona Win
Nov. 29 at Oregon State Win
Washington State
Aug. 30 Oklahoma State Win
Sept. 6 California Win
Sept. 13 at Baylor Win
Sept. 20 Portland State Win
Sept. 27 Oregon Loss
Oct. 4 at UCLA Win
Oct. 11 at Oregon State Loss
Oct. 18 USC Loss
Nov. 1 at Stanford Win
Nov. 8 Arizona Win
Nov. 15 at Arizona State Loss
Nov. 22 Washington Win
Nov. 29 at Hawaii Win
Washington
Aug. 30 at Oregon Win
Sept. 6 BYU Win
Sept. 13 Oklahoma Loss
Sept. 27 Stanford Win
Oct. 4 at Arizona Win
Oct. 18 Oregon State Win
Oct. 25 Notre Dame Win
Nov. 1 at USC Loss
Nov. 8 Arizona State Win
Nov. 15 UCLA Win
Nov. 22 at Washington State Loss
Dec. 6 at California Loss
California
Aug. 30 Michigan State Win
Sept. 6 at Washington State Loss
Sept. 13 at Maryland Loss
Sept. 27 Colorado State Win
Oct. 4 Arizona State Win
Oct. 18 at Arizona Loss
Oct. 25 UCLA Win
Nov. 1 Oregon Loss
Nov. 8 at USC Loss
Nov. 15 at Oregon State Win
Nov. 22 Stanford Win
Dec. 6 Washington Win
UCLA
Sept. 1 Tennessee Loss
Sept. 13 at BYU Win
Sept. 20 Arizona Win
Sept. 27 Fresno State Win
Oct. 4 Washington State Win
Oct. 11 at Oregon Loss
Oct. 18 Stanford Win
Oct. 25 at California Loss
Nov. 8 Oregon State Win
Nov. 15 at Washington Loss
Nov. 28 at Arizona State Loss
Dec. 6 USC Loss
Arizona State
Aug. 30 Northern Arizona Win
Sept. 6 Stanford Win
Sept. 13 UNLV Win
Sept. 20 Georgia Loss
Oct. 4 at California Loss
Oct. 11 at USC Loss
Oct. 25 Oregon Loss
Nov. 1 at Oregon State Loss
Nov. 8 at Washington Loss
Nov. 15 Washington State Win
Nov. 28 UCLA Win
Dec. 6 at Arizona Loss
Arizona
Aug. 30 Idaho Win
Sept. 6 Toledo Win
Sept. 13 at New Mexico Win
Sept. 20 at UCLA Loss
Oct. 4 Washington Loss
Oct. 11 at Stanford Loss
Oct. 18 California Win
Oct. 25 USC Loss
Nov. 8 at Washington State Win
Nov. 15 at Oregon Loss
Nov. 22 Oregon State Win
Dec. 6 Arizona State Loss
Stanford
Aug. 28 Oregon State Win
Sept. 6 at Arizona State Loss
Sept. 13 at TCU Win
Sept. 20 San Jose State Win
Sept. 27 at Washington Loss
Oct. 4 at Notre Dame Loss
Oct. 11 Arizona Win
Oct. 18 at UCLA Loss
Nov. 1 Washington State Loss
Nov. 8 at Oregon Loss
Nov. 15 USC Loss
Nov. 22 at California Loss
Oregon State
Aug. 28 at Stanford Loss
Sept. 6 at Penn State Loss
Sept. 13 Hawaii Win
Sept. 25 USC Loss
Oct. 2 at Utah Win
Oct. 11 Washington State Win
Oct. 18 at Washington Loss
Nov. 1 Arizona State Win
Nov. 8 at UCLA Loss
Nov. 15 California Loss
Nov. 22 at Arizona Loss
Nov. 29 Oregon Loss
Big-12 North
Missouri
Aug. 30 Illinois Win
Sept. 6 SE Missouri State Win
Sept. 13 Nevada Win
Sept. 20 Buffalo Win
Oct. 4 at Nebraska Loss
Oct. 11Oklahoma State Win
Oct. 18 at Texas Loss
Oct. 25 Colorado Win
Nov. 1 at Baylor Win
Nov. 8 Kansas State Win
Nov. 15 at Iowa State Win
Nov. 29 Kansas Win
Nebraska
Aug. 30 Western Michigan Win
Sept. 6 San Jose State Win
Sept. 13 New Mexico State Win
Sept. 27 Virginia Tech Win
Oct. 4 Missouri Loss
Oct.11 at Texas Tech Loss
Oct.18 at Iowa State Win
Oct.25 Baylor Win
Nov. 1 at Oklahoma Loss
Nov. 8 Kansas Win
Nov. 15 at Kansas State Win
Nov.29 Colorado Win
Kansas
Aug. 30 Florida International Win
Sept. 6 Louisiana Tech Win
Sept. 12 at USF Loss
Sept. 20 Sam Houston State Win
Oct. 4 at Iowa State Win
Oct.11 Colorado Win
Oct.18 at Oklahoma Loss
Oct.25 Texas Tech Loss
Nov. 1 Kansas State Win
Nov. 8 at Nebraska Win
Nov. 15 Texas Loss
Nov.29 Missouri Loss
Colorado
Aug. 31 Colorado State Win
Sept. 6 Eastern Washington Win
Sept. 18 West Virginia Loss
Sept. 27 Florida State Loss
Oct. 4 Texas Loss
Oct. 11 at Kansas Loss
Oct. 18 Kansas State Win
Oct. 25 at Missouri Loss
Nov. 1 at Texas A&M Win
Nov. 8 Iowa State Win
Nov. 15 Oklahoma State Win
Nov. 28 at Nebraska Loss
Kansas State
Aug. 30 North Texas Win
Sept. 6 Montana State Win
Sept. 17 at Louisville Win
Sept. 27 Louisiana Lafayette Win
Oct. 4 Texas Tech Loss
Oct.11 at Texas A&M Loss
Oct.18 at Colorado Loss
Oct.25 Oklahoma Win
Nov. 1 at Kansas Loss
Nov. 8 at Missouri Loss
Nov. 15 Nebraska Loss
Nov. 22 Iowa State Win
Iowa State
Aug. 28 South Dakota State Win
Sept. 6 Kent State Win
Sept. 13 at Iowa Loss
Sept. 20 at UNLV Loss
Oct. 4 at Kansas Loss
Oct.11 at Baylor Loss
Oct.18 Nebraska Loss
Oct.25 Texas A&M Loss
Nov. 1 at Oklahoma State Loss
Nov. 8 at Colorado Loss
Nov. 15 Missouri Loss
Nov. 22 at Kansas State Loss
Big-12 South
Oklahoma 11-1 (7-1)
Aug. 30 Chattanooga Win
Sept. 6 Cincinatti Win
Sept. 13 at Washington Win
Sept. 27 TCU Win
Oct. 4 at Baylor Win
Oct. 11 Texas Win
Oct. 18 Kansas Win
Oct. 25 at Kansas State Loss
Nov. 1 Nebraska Win
Nov. 8 at Texas A&M Win
Nov. 22 Texas Tech Win
Nov. 29 at Oklahoma State Win
Texas Tech
Aug. 30 Eastern Washington Win
Sept. 6 at Nevada Win
Sept. 13 SMU Win
Sept. 20 Massachusetts Win
Oct. 4 at Kansas State Win
Oct. 11 Nebraska Win
Oct. 18 at Texas A&M Win
Oct. 25 at Kansas Loss
Nov. 1 Texas Win
Nov. 8 Oklahoma State Win
Nov. 22 at Oklahoma Loss
Nov. 29 at Baylor Win
Texas
Aug. 30 Florida Atlantic Win
Sept. 6 at UTEP Win
Sept. 13 Arkansas Win
Sept. 20 Rice Win
Oct. 4 at Colorado Win
Oct. 11 Oklahoma Loss
Oct. 18 Missouri Loss
Oct. 25 at Oklahoma State Win
Nov. 1 at Texas Tech Loss
Nov. 8 Baylor Win
Nov. 15 at Kansas Win
Nov. 29 Texas A&M Win
Oklahoma State
Aug. 30 Washington State Loss
Sept. 6 Houston Win
Sept. 13 Missouri State Win
Sept. 27 Troy Win
Oct. 4 Texas A&M Win
Oct. 11 at Missouri Loss
Oct. 18 Baylor Win
Oct. 25 at Texas Loss
Nov. 1 Iowa State Win
Nov. 8 at Texas Tech Loss
Nov. 15 at Colorado Loss
Nov. 29 Oklahoma Loss
Texas A&M
Aug. 30 Arkansas State Win
Sept. 6 at New Mexico Win
Sept. 20 Miami FL Loss
Sept. 27 Army Win
Oct. 4 at Oklahoma State Loss
Oct. 11 Kansas State Win
Oct. 18 Texas Tech Loss
Oct. 25 at Iowa State Win
Nov. 1 Colorado Win
Nov. 8 Oklahoma Loss
Nov. 15 at Baylor Win
Nov. 29 Texas Loss
Baylor
Aug. 30 Wake Forest Loss
Sept. 6 Northwestern State Win
Sept. 13 Washington State Loss
Sept. 19 at Connecticut Loss
Oct. 4 Oklahoma Loss
Oct. 11 Iowa State Win
Oct. 18 at Oklahoma State Loss
Oct. 25 at Nebraska Loss
Nov. 1 Missouri Loss
Nov. 8 at Texas Loss
Nov. 15 Texas A&M Loss
Nov. 29 at Texas Tech Loss
Pac-Ten
USC
Aug. 30 at Virginia Win
Sept. 13 Ohio State Loss
Sept. 25 at Oregon State Win
Oct. 4 Oregon Win
Oct. 11 Arizona State Win
Oct. 18 at Washington State Win
Oct. 25 at Arizona Win
Nov. 1 Washington Win
Nov. 8 California Win
Nov. 15 at Stanford Win
Nov. 29 Notre Dame Win
Dec. 6 at UCLA Win
Oregon
Aug. 30 Washington Loss
Sept. 6 Utah State Win
Sept. 13 at Purdue Win
Sept. 20 Boise State Win
Sept. 27 at Washington State Win
Oct. 4 at USC Loss
Oct. 11 UCLA Win
Oct. 25 at Arizona State Win
Nov. 1 at California Win
Nov. 8 Stanford Win
Nov. 15 Arizona Win
Nov. 29 at Oregon State Win
Washington State
Aug. 30 Oklahoma State Win
Sept. 6 California Win
Sept. 13 at Baylor Win
Sept. 20 Portland State Win
Sept. 27 Oregon Loss
Oct. 4 at UCLA Win
Oct. 11 at Oregon State Loss
Oct. 18 USC Loss
Nov. 1 at Stanford Win
Nov. 8 Arizona Win
Nov. 15 at Arizona State Loss
Nov. 22 Washington Win
Nov. 29 at Hawaii Win
Washington
Aug. 30 at Oregon Win
Sept. 6 BYU Win
Sept. 13 Oklahoma Loss
Sept. 27 Stanford Win
Oct. 4 at Arizona Win
Oct. 18 Oregon State Win
Oct. 25 Notre Dame Win
Nov. 1 at USC Loss
Nov. 8 Arizona State Win
Nov. 15 UCLA Win
Nov. 22 at Washington State Loss
Dec. 6 at California Loss
California
Aug. 30 Michigan State Win
Sept. 6 at Washington State Loss
Sept. 13 at Maryland Loss
Sept. 27 Colorado State Win
Oct. 4 Arizona State Win
Oct. 18 at Arizona Loss
Oct. 25 UCLA Win
Nov. 1 Oregon Loss
Nov. 8 at USC Loss
Nov. 15 at Oregon State Win
Nov. 22 Stanford Win
Dec. 6 Washington Win
UCLA
Sept. 1 Tennessee Loss
Sept. 13 at BYU Win
Sept. 20 Arizona Win
Sept. 27 Fresno State Win
Oct. 4 Washington State Win
Oct. 11 at Oregon Loss
Oct. 18 Stanford Win
Oct. 25 at California Loss
Nov. 8 Oregon State Win
Nov. 15 at Washington Loss
Nov. 28 at Arizona State Loss
Dec. 6 USC Loss
Arizona State
Aug. 30 Northern Arizona Win
Sept. 6 Stanford Win
Sept. 13 UNLV Win
Sept. 20 Georgia Loss
Oct. 4 at California Loss
Oct. 11 at USC Loss
Oct. 25 Oregon Loss
Nov. 1 at Oregon State Loss
Nov. 8 at Washington Loss
Nov. 15 Washington State Win
Nov. 28 UCLA Win
Dec. 6 at Arizona Loss
Arizona
Aug. 30 Idaho Win
Sept. 6 Toledo Win
Sept. 13 at New Mexico Win
Sept. 20 at UCLA Loss
Oct. 4 Washington Loss
Oct. 11 at Stanford Loss
Oct. 18 California Win
Oct. 25 USC Loss
Nov. 8 at Washington State Win
Nov. 15 at Oregon Loss
Nov. 22 Oregon State Win
Dec. 6 Arizona State Loss
Stanford
Aug. 28 Oregon State Win
Sept. 6 at Arizona State Loss
Sept. 13 at TCU Win
Sept. 20 San Jose State Win
Sept. 27 at Washington Loss
Oct. 4 at Notre Dame Loss
Oct. 11 Arizona Win
Oct. 18 at UCLA Loss
Nov. 1 Washington State Loss
Nov. 8 at Oregon Loss
Nov. 15 USC Loss
Nov. 22 at California Loss
Oregon State
Aug. 28 at Stanford Loss
Sept. 6 at Penn State Loss
Sept. 13 Hawaii Win
Sept. 25 USC Loss
Oct. 2 at Utah Win
Oct. 11 Washington State Win
Oct. 18 at Washington Loss
Nov. 1 Arizona State Win
Nov. 8 at UCLA Loss
Nov. 15 California Loss
Nov. 22 at Arizona Loss
Nov. 29 Oregon Loss
Big-12 North
Missouri
Aug. 30 Illinois Win
Sept. 6 SE Missouri State Win
Sept. 13 Nevada Win
Sept. 20 Buffalo Win
Oct. 4 at Nebraska Loss
Oct. 11Oklahoma State Win
Oct. 18 at Texas Loss
Oct. 25 Colorado Win
Nov. 1 at Baylor Win
Nov. 8 Kansas State Win
Nov. 15 at Iowa State Win
Nov. 29 Kansas Win
Nebraska
Aug. 30 Western Michigan Win
Sept. 6 San Jose State Win
Sept. 13 New Mexico State Win
Sept. 27 Virginia Tech Win
Oct. 4 Missouri Loss
Oct.11 at Texas Tech Loss
Oct.18 at Iowa State Win
Oct.25 Baylor Win
Nov. 1 at Oklahoma Loss
Nov. 8 Kansas Win
Nov. 15 at Kansas State Win
Nov.29 Colorado Win
Kansas
Aug. 30 Florida International Win
Sept. 6 Louisiana Tech Win
Sept. 12 at USF Loss
Sept. 20 Sam Houston State Win
Oct. 4 at Iowa State Win
Oct.11 Colorado Win
Oct.18 at Oklahoma Loss
Oct.25 Texas Tech Loss
Nov. 1 Kansas State Win
Nov. 8 at Nebraska Win
Nov. 15 Texas Loss
Nov.29 Missouri Loss
Colorado
Aug. 31 Colorado State Win
Sept. 6 Eastern Washington Win
Sept. 18 West Virginia Loss
Sept. 27 Florida State Loss
Oct. 4 Texas Loss
Oct. 11 at Kansas Loss
Oct. 18 Kansas State Win
Oct. 25 at Missouri Loss
Nov. 1 at Texas A&M Win
Nov. 8 Iowa State Win
Nov. 15 Oklahoma State Win
Nov. 28 at Nebraska Loss
Kansas State
Aug. 30 North Texas Win
Sept. 6 Montana State Win
Sept. 17 at Louisville Win
Sept. 27 Louisiana Lafayette Win
Oct. 4 Texas Tech Loss
Oct.11 at Texas A&M Loss
Oct.18 at Colorado Loss
Oct.25 Oklahoma Win
Nov. 1 at Kansas Loss
Nov. 8 at Missouri Loss
Nov. 15 Nebraska Loss
Nov. 22 Iowa State Win
Iowa State
Aug. 28 South Dakota State Win
Sept. 6 Kent State Win
Sept. 13 at Iowa Loss
Sept. 20 at UNLV Loss
Oct. 4 at Kansas Loss
Oct.11 at Baylor Loss
Oct.18 Nebraska Loss
Oct.25 Texas A&M Loss
Nov. 1 at Oklahoma State Loss
Nov. 8 at Colorado Loss
Nov. 15 Missouri Loss
Nov. 22 at Kansas State Loss
Big-12 South
Oklahoma 11-1 (7-1)
Aug. 30 Chattanooga Win
Sept. 6 Cincinatti Win
Sept. 13 at Washington Win
Sept. 27 TCU Win
Oct. 4 at Baylor Win
Oct. 11 Texas Win
Oct. 18 Kansas Win
Oct. 25 at Kansas State Loss
Nov. 1 Nebraska Win
Nov. 8 at Texas A&M Win
Nov. 22 Texas Tech Win
Nov. 29 at Oklahoma State Win
Texas Tech
Aug. 30 Eastern Washington Win
Sept. 6 at Nevada Win
Sept. 13 SMU Win
Sept. 20 Massachusetts Win
Oct. 4 at Kansas State Win
Oct. 11 Nebraska Win
Oct. 18 at Texas A&M Win
Oct. 25 at Kansas Loss
Nov. 1 Texas Win
Nov. 8 Oklahoma State Win
Nov. 22 at Oklahoma Loss
Nov. 29 at Baylor Win
Texas
Aug. 30 Florida Atlantic Win
Sept. 6 at UTEP Win
Sept. 13 Arkansas Win
Sept. 20 Rice Win
Oct. 4 at Colorado Win
Oct. 11 Oklahoma Loss
Oct. 18 Missouri Loss
Oct. 25 at Oklahoma State Win
Nov. 1 at Texas Tech Loss
Nov. 8 Baylor Win
Nov. 15 at Kansas Win
Nov. 29 Texas A&M Win
Oklahoma State
Aug. 30 Washington State Loss
Sept. 6 Houston Win
Sept. 13 Missouri State Win
Sept. 27 Troy Win
Oct. 4 Texas A&M Win
Oct. 11 at Missouri Loss
Oct. 18 Baylor Win
Oct. 25 at Texas Loss
Nov. 1 Iowa State Win
Nov. 8 at Texas Tech Loss
Nov. 15 at Colorado Loss
Nov. 29 Oklahoma Loss
Texas A&M
Aug. 30 Arkansas State Win
Sept. 6 at New Mexico Win
Sept. 20 Miami FL Loss
Sept. 27 Army Win
Oct. 4 at Oklahoma State Loss
Oct. 11 Kansas State Win
Oct. 18 Texas Tech Loss
Oct. 25 at Iowa State Win
Nov. 1 Colorado Win
Nov. 8 Oklahoma Loss
Nov. 15 at Baylor Win
Nov. 29 Texas Loss
Baylor
Aug. 30 Wake Forest Loss
Sept. 6 Northwestern State Win
Sept. 13 Washington State Loss
Sept. 19 at Connecticut Loss
Oct. 4 Oklahoma Loss
Oct. 11 Iowa State Win
Oct. 18 at Oklahoma State Loss
Oct. 25 at Nebraska Loss
Nov. 1 Missouri Loss
Nov. 8 at Texas Loss
Nov. 15 Texas A&M Loss
Nov. 29 at Texas Tech Loss
Thursday, August 28, 2008
2008 College Football Preview Top 32
Attempting to forecast with at least some semblance of accuracy within a college football season is a thankless and arduous task. Entertaining each and every scenario of an imaginary game is simply dull. At this juncture in the pre-season, all inclinations towards the games themselves are based purely on how teams are analyzed statistically, with talent and past performance acting as the deciding credentials. However, the projected performance of a team simply cannot be forecasted based on last year’s results and the bowl season. For those individuals who fall into the trap of factoring in a “carry over” effect from past seasons, the simple truth exists that innumerable unpredictable occurrences shape the actual results of games. From turnovers, to the inexplicable, to luck; in this universe Appalachian State somehow won at Michigan and Kansas tallied 12 wins. Possessing a sense of accountability, I will stand by my predictions with 100% authority and vow to consume a finely barbequed crow with mashed potatoes on the side in the many instances that my soothsaying is flawed.
Note: I have expanded the field to 32 to spur thoughts towards a much needed playoff system. No, the precious bowl games will not be absolved of historical significance or pageantry, but a clear cut national champion can emerge in a natural and straightforward fashion.
The Top 32
Disclaimer: A pre-season prediction party holds as much weight as the words of boisterous self-proclaimed descendant of Descartes at the end of the bar.
1. Ohio State
Can a team that has stared at the many shimmering facets of a national championship and been thoroughly waxed in the last two BCS championships, break free from the chains of the runner-up hangover? Nearly everyone of consequence returns, including the majority of the nation’s best overall defense in 2007. A visit to USC and a trip to Madison loom for Tressel and troops and will determine the make-up of the BCS.
11-1 (8-0)
2. Oklahoma
Has Stoops finally lost too many veteran players from a solid system that has previously averaged 10 wins per season? Can QB Sam Bradford be relied upon and with his sophomore shoulders to be more than a game manager who flourishes against lesser opponents? The defense has multiple concerns, especially in the secondary, but the schedule is not a killer with revenge in store for Texas Tech in Norman.
11-1 (8-0)
3. Florida
If Tim Tebow stays healthy, the offense will shine. How the back seven of the defense fares against a slate of high octane opponents will determine if the Gators can make a run at a championship. As usual, the SEC schedule looks daunting but UF gets LSU and Georgia at home.
11-1 (7-1)
4. Clemson
Tommy Bowden's club carries the dubious trademark of winning the big game, while losing inexplicably to a lesser opponent. While the Tigers cannot expect the innumerable turnover feast from opponents to continue from last season, Quarterback Cullen Harper and the running back stables should correct any spurious calibration towards bad breaks. The slate of opponents is not mind boggling and the chance for regular season perfection is well within the realm of reality.
12-0 (8-0)
5. USC
Pete Carrol possesses a wonderful team based on recruiting rankings, but can the Trojans compile enough momentum to power through 13 difficult weeks in the season? Can Carrol cope with the presence of Rick Neuheisal and the subsequent downgrade in the L.A. social scene. QB Mark Sanchez and SC lost to Stanford last year in one of the biggest upsets of all-time and the offense once again will have to reload. FS Taylor Mays spearheads an unbelievably solid defense, that may not be able to cover the inadequacies and growing pains of the offense. If USC can handle Ohio State at home, the squad is in prime position to win out in the regular season. If not, Carrol may have to resort to trimming his lovely locks.
10-2 (8-1)
6. Pittsburgh
The Panthers return a veteran team that has the potential to win the right way. The offense can run the ball and control a game, while the defense is stingy. With a few breaks, this team could earn a BCS bid.
11-1 (6-1)
7. Missouri
Much to chagrin of fans in Seattle, former UW assistant Gary Pinkle built Toledo to a middleweight powerhouse and has brought the Tigers to the brink of a top-5 finish. In retrospect, Pinkle’s disconnect from Don James in the late 80’s seemed a futile gamble, but after three straight bowl appearances in Columbia, the long shot has bought the drinks for the whole bar. Other than lead actor QB Chase Daniel, Mizzou is a complete team comprised of individuals who come through in the clutch when needed. The schedule is not difficult in a contemporary sense, but history is not on the Tiger’s side, as a Missouri team has not won in Lincoln since the days of Mckinleynomics.
10-2 (6-2)
8. Miami
“Bring out the ice cubes and the hot water, this is the second half and not the second quarter,” 2 Live Crew and Coral Gables benefactor Luther Campbell eloquently rhymes into the mic with angst during the new version of the approximately titled #%&* Shop. “The ‘Canes are back and bring me some mortar!”
A painful but true fact lurks in the muck of the upcoming season. The tropical storm that was Miami football over the last two yours has been upgraded to a Hurricane. Well, at least on the defensive side of the football. Head coach Randy Shannon has emphasized the old Oakland Raiders style of play, while embracing the subtle nuances of the best and worst of South Beach. The mantra of course, simply out slug the opponent until the refs throw no less than 15 flags for unnecessary roughness. The barometer reading for Miami will be a visit to the swamp and a chance to anoint Tim Tebow in three feet into the grass.
10-2 (7-1)
9. Texas Tech
A soft spot exists in the heart of every football fan for the offense. To promote a peaceful night's sleep instead of counting sheep as a tool for passive hynosis, the steady accumulation of chunks of yardage and the explosion of fireworks on the scoreboard are imagined and cherished, leading directly to REM. The college football nation secretly roots for Mike Leach running the table and QB Graham Harrell compiling 6,000 yards and 60 touchdowns, under the stipulation of course that Tech’s surgical attack is not putting their own team’s defense under the influence of 75 points of ether. Yes, Tech will be entertaining and the defense is no longer a token group, however the level of play in the Big-12 has improved. Can Leach promote a tenacious focus that will last through out the regular season? The Red Raiders are known for losses that leave their fans frustrated, while winning games that are equally baffling. If Tech does not overlook a scary match-up in the late season against Kansas, rival Texas visits Lubbock the following week. A win over the Longhorns would setup the scenario in Norman, November 22, for the game of the year in the Big-12 South.
10-2 (6-2)
10. Wisconsin
The Badgers have found a way to quietly accumulate 10 wins per season in recent times, a testament to the system head coach has installed in Madison. The offensive line is intact, the defense is solid and the Big-Ten does possess a handful of mediocre teams. Can UW survive a scary trip to Fresno State and beat Ohio State at home?
10-2 (7-1)
11. Oregon
QB Dennis Dixon's knee injury was even more gruesome than the revolving door of decrepit uniforms. The obvious plight for head coach Mike Bellotti in 2008 clearly involves the quest of finding a starting quarterback on an otherwise balanced team. The evolution of Oregon’s scheme simply equivocates to three guaranteed victories per season and proves that good coaching in the college ranks cannot be overlooked.
10-2 (7-2)
12. LSU
Les Miles is the coach you love to hate, however he scored a few points in the off-season by finally putting to rest the Ryan Perriloux situation. The Tigers are too inexperienced to be considered BCS contenders, but can be a viable threat near the top of the polls in the early season. The rotation of Georgia onto the schedule in 2008 is an unfortunate development for Tiger fans.
10-2 (6-2)
13. South Florida
Nobody says much about the Bull's defense. Over the last three seasons, opponents have averaged less than 20 points against the aggressive scheme. Though returning starters is a highly overrated number, the offense remains virtually intact, including underrated quarterback Matt Grothe. With the Big East mediocre from top to bottom, this team has a shot at running the table.
11-1 (6-1)
14. West Virginia
Changes abound, Bill Stewart moves to the helm. Why alter the offense with all the pieces primed to amass 300 ppg on the ground and score 40 points? Sometimes coaches outthink themselves with stunning consequences. Again, good coaching is vital for the longevity of a successful program.
10-2 (6-1)
15. Virginia Tech
“Beamer Ball” has evolved into a way of life in parts of Virginny, and exemplifies the benefits of following a systemic approach to preparation. Whether or not an inexperienced Hokies squad can flourish with a manageable schedule, will determine the magnitude of post season accolades. The QB rotation, offensive line and defense are solid, but the receivers are young.
10-2 (7-1)
16. Georgia
The spark of RB Knoshown Moreno has dissipated from year’s streak of invincibility in the second half of the season. Right now the Bulldogs are a good, but will not challenge for a national title. Two factors work against UGA, including a brutal schedule and the amount of preparation time in which opposing coaches have utilized in finding a way to disrupt a productive attack. The defense is solid and the offense will have to generate amazing plays to beat South Carolina, Auburn and LSU on the road, of course Florida is on the slate in the annual festival celebrating the vibrancy surrounding the world’s most monumental consumption of cocktails.
10-2 (6-2)
17. Texas
The Longhorns give off the impression of being in a reloading phase even though QB Colt McCoy returns behind a very talented offensive line. The conference schedule is poison, playing Oklahoma, Missouri and visiting Texas Tech. Is another 2-3 loss season the cause for angst in Austin?
9-3 (5-3)
18. Auburn
Okay, they miss Florida, but have to break in a new quarterback for SEC play. A very talented team on parchment, but can it translate to wins?
9-3 (5-3)
19. Washington State
Head Coach Paul Wulfe played under the tutelage of Dennis Erickson and returns to his alma matter with a formula for winning. A vast accumulation of offensive stats has always been the mantra at WSU, and Wulfe will attempt to remove the sour taste of the emphasis on losing from the Bill Doba era. Look for flashy offensive numbers, a gambling defense and two or three stunning upsets, as the Cougs return to the elite.
9-3 (6-3)
20. Mississippi
Team defensive statistics become magnified in the SEC as a result of mediocre quarterback and listless offensive attacks. However, the Rebels boast one of the most physical and formidable defenses in the nation and according to the experts exist in the shadow of better programs. Another characteristic of the SEC, is the persistent notion to schedule weak non-conference opponents. When Mississippi travels to Florida, the Rebs should be a robust 4-0, a start which will carry the club to nine wins.
9-3 (5-3)
21. Fresno State
Pat Hill has built a formidable program in California’s heartland and has garnered the respect of the college football world by accepting the invitation to play any opponent, without stipulations. Virtually everyone returns on a veteran squad which was challenged by trips to Texas A&M and Oregon. (see opposite of SEC scheduling philosophy) The Bulldogs travel to Rutgers and Westwood, but get a chance to knock Wisconsin out of the top-ten at home.
10-2 (7-1)
22. Tennessee
Highly touted Jonathan Crompton steps behind center to attempt to lead the Vols through the minefield of the SEC. RB Arian Foster returns after eclipsing the 1,000 yard mark. The defense will be improved, but can the defense stop the better teams in the SEC? A good litmus test will be Florida at home and business trip to Athens, Georgia.
8-4 (4-4)
23. Boise State
Just how solid is the foundation in Boise. After “reloading” with a 10-3 season, the Broncos have to break in a new quarterback, yet have the opportunity to be the third WAC team in as many years to earn a BCS bid. Remember Ian Johnson? The senior who scored the deciding two point conversion in the 2006 Fiesta Bowl against the Sooners, finished with 16 touchdowns and 1000 yards last year in an abbreviated campaign. Can Boise State knock off a Pac-Ten opponent on the road? The Ducks await at Autzen and will determine whether or not Boise State finishes perfect in the regular season.
11-1 (8-0)
24. Florida State
A mediocre offense continues to plague the masses in Tallahassee. Will Drew Weatherford turn a corner with the help of RB Antoine Smith and a veteran receiving corps? The answer is a blatant “no” because FSU offensive line is inexperienced and does not have to play out of its mind thanks to impact of the Seminole’s defense. Once again the back eleven are nasty. The schedule is not difficult, with the exception of Miami and a visit from Florida.
9-3 (6-2)
25. Penn State
Once again, defense is the staple in State College. Joe Paterno has tweaked his system enough to win 29 games in the span of three seasons and instill faith in the seats of the now cavernous den of Beaver Stadium. The Nittany Lion’s talent on the defensive side should offset the task of breaking in a new quarterback. Successful conference road trips to Wisconsin and Columbus are not impossible, but unlikely.
8-4 (4-4)
26. Alabama
The youth movement tugs at the shoulder pads of QB John Parker Wilson, as head coach Nick Saban plays babysitter. There is absolutely no chance for rehearsal as the Tide open up with BCS contender Clemson. Though the cries and screams of growing pains resound in Tuscaloosa, the overall season will not be a disaster thanks to a manageable schedule.
8-4 (5-3)
27. Maryland
This is a solid squad that faces a very easy schedule. Only three sure losses jump out, while the rest of the games are winnable.
8-4 (5-3)
28. Michigan
The hiring of head coach Rich Rodriguez has already brought benefits to the Wolverine program. There are rumors that the off-season conditioning was attacked with a fervor and enthusiasm not seen in years. If the speculation is a true, a lean and mean team will be ready for the opener hosting Utah. While Michigan is inexperienced in the backfield, talent alone can win 8 games in the Big-Ten.
8-4 (5-3)
29. Nebraska
The Blackshirt mentality has returned to Lincoln. Head coach Bo Pelini is a disciple of defense and should lead the Cornhuskers to a bowl game. How can he not? The opening three games of the schedule is a joke and realistically, the team has to go 5-4 in the real regular season to reach 8 wins.
8-4 (5-3)
30. Central Michigan
The elements of the MAC conference and darkhorse QB Dan Lefevour mix to formulate one of the most productive offenses in the nation. Who will be able to stop this unit? The defense is not terrible and the numbers should be there barring an injury of to the best quarterback that nobody cares to hear about.
9-3 (7-1)
31. Tulsa
Clearly, they are the favorites in Conference in USA. As Boise State and Hawaii evolved to the important bowl games, the Hurricanes are loaded on offense and play an easy schedule.
10-2 (7-1)
32. North Carolina
The Tar Heels were last a winner in 2001. Head Coach Butch Davis is another “sytem” coach who knows how to prepare for games. NC will be better on both sides of the ball and should benefit from catching some breaks. A trio of tough match-ups exists for the Heels in the early season, Rutgers, Virginia Tech, and Miami.
8-4 (5-3)
Please be wary of…
Rutgers
Central Florida
South Carolina
Washington
Arizona
Iowa
Kansas
Utah
East Carolina
Bowling Green
Note: I have expanded the field to 32 to spur thoughts towards a much needed playoff system. No, the precious bowl games will not be absolved of historical significance or pageantry, but a clear cut national champion can emerge in a natural and straightforward fashion.
The Top 32
Disclaimer: A pre-season prediction party holds as much weight as the words of boisterous self-proclaimed descendant of Descartes at the end of the bar.
1. Ohio State
Can a team that has stared at the many shimmering facets of a national championship and been thoroughly waxed in the last two BCS championships, break free from the chains of the runner-up hangover? Nearly everyone of consequence returns, including the majority of the nation’s best overall defense in 2007. A visit to USC and a trip to Madison loom for Tressel and troops and will determine the make-up of the BCS.
11-1 (8-0)
2. Oklahoma
Has Stoops finally lost too many veteran players from a solid system that has previously averaged 10 wins per season? Can QB Sam Bradford be relied upon and with his sophomore shoulders to be more than a game manager who flourishes against lesser opponents? The defense has multiple concerns, especially in the secondary, but the schedule is not a killer with revenge in store for Texas Tech in Norman.
11-1 (8-0)
3. Florida
If Tim Tebow stays healthy, the offense will shine. How the back seven of the defense fares against a slate of high octane opponents will determine if the Gators can make a run at a championship. As usual, the SEC schedule looks daunting but UF gets LSU and Georgia at home.
11-1 (7-1)
4. Clemson
Tommy Bowden's club carries the dubious trademark of winning the big game, while losing inexplicably to a lesser opponent. While the Tigers cannot expect the innumerable turnover feast from opponents to continue from last season, Quarterback Cullen Harper and the running back stables should correct any spurious calibration towards bad breaks. The slate of opponents is not mind boggling and the chance for regular season perfection is well within the realm of reality.
12-0 (8-0)
5. USC
Pete Carrol possesses a wonderful team based on recruiting rankings, but can the Trojans compile enough momentum to power through 13 difficult weeks in the season? Can Carrol cope with the presence of Rick Neuheisal and the subsequent downgrade in the L.A. social scene. QB Mark Sanchez and SC lost to Stanford last year in one of the biggest upsets of all-time and the offense once again will have to reload. FS Taylor Mays spearheads an unbelievably solid defense, that may not be able to cover the inadequacies and growing pains of the offense. If USC can handle Ohio State at home, the squad is in prime position to win out in the regular season. If not, Carrol may have to resort to trimming his lovely locks.
10-2 (8-1)
6. Pittsburgh
The Panthers return a veteran team that has the potential to win the right way. The offense can run the ball and control a game, while the defense is stingy. With a few breaks, this team could earn a BCS bid.
11-1 (6-1)
7. Missouri
Much to chagrin of fans in Seattle, former UW assistant Gary Pinkle built Toledo to a middleweight powerhouse and has brought the Tigers to the brink of a top-5 finish. In retrospect, Pinkle’s disconnect from Don James in the late 80’s seemed a futile gamble, but after three straight bowl appearances in Columbia, the long shot has bought the drinks for the whole bar. Other than lead actor QB Chase Daniel, Mizzou is a complete team comprised of individuals who come through in the clutch when needed. The schedule is not difficult in a contemporary sense, but history is not on the Tiger’s side, as a Missouri team has not won in Lincoln since the days of Mckinleynomics.
10-2 (6-2)
8. Miami
“Bring out the ice cubes and the hot water, this is the second half and not the second quarter,” 2 Live Crew and Coral Gables benefactor Luther Campbell eloquently rhymes into the mic with angst during the new version of the approximately titled #%&* Shop. “The ‘Canes are back and bring me some mortar!”
A painful but true fact lurks in the muck of the upcoming season. The tropical storm that was Miami football over the last two yours has been upgraded to a Hurricane. Well, at least on the defensive side of the football. Head coach Randy Shannon has emphasized the old Oakland Raiders style of play, while embracing the subtle nuances of the best and worst of South Beach. The mantra of course, simply out slug the opponent until the refs throw no less than 15 flags for unnecessary roughness. The barometer reading for Miami will be a visit to the swamp and a chance to anoint Tim Tebow in three feet into the grass.
10-2 (7-1)
9. Texas Tech
A soft spot exists in the heart of every football fan for the offense. To promote a peaceful night's sleep instead of counting sheep as a tool for passive hynosis, the steady accumulation of chunks of yardage and the explosion of fireworks on the scoreboard are imagined and cherished, leading directly to REM. The college football nation secretly roots for Mike Leach running the table and QB Graham Harrell compiling 6,000 yards and 60 touchdowns, under the stipulation of course that Tech’s surgical attack is not putting their own team’s defense under the influence of 75 points of ether. Yes, Tech will be entertaining and the defense is no longer a token group, however the level of play in the Big-12 has improved. Can Leach promote a tenacious focus that will last through out the regular season? The Red Raiders are known for losses that leave their fans frustrated, while winning games that are equally baffling. If Tech does not overlook a scary match-up in the late season against Kansas, rival Texas visits Lubbock the following week. A win over the Longhorns would setup the scenario in Norman, November 22, for the game of the year in the Big-12 South.
10-2 (6-2)
10. Wisconsin
The Badgers have found a way to quietly accumulate 10 wins per season in recent times, a testament to the system head coach has installed in Madison. The offensive line is intact, the defense is solid and the Big-Ten does possess a handful of mediocre teams. Can UW survive a scary trip to Fresno State and beat Ohio State at home?
10-2 (7-1)
11. Oregon
QB Dennis Dixon's knee injury was even more gruesome than the revolving door of decrepit uniforms. The obvious plight for head coach Mike Bellotti in 2008 clearly involves the quest of finding a starting quarterback on an otherwise balanced team. The evolution of Oregon’s scheme simply equivocates to three guaranteed victories per season and proves that good coaching in the college ranks cannot be overlooked.
10-2 (7-2)
12. LSU
Les Miles is the coach you love to hate, however he scored a few points in the off-season by finally putting to rest the Ryan Perriloux situation. The Tigers are too inexperienced to be considered BCS contenders, but can be a viable threat near the top of the polls in the early season. The rotation of Georgia onto the schedule in 2008 is an unfortunate development for Tiger fans.
10-2 (6-2)
13. South Florida
Nobody says much about the Bull's defense. Over the last three seasons, opponents have averaged less than 20 points against the aggressive scheme. Though returning starters is a highly overrated number, the offense remains virtually intact, including underrated quarterback Matt Grothe. With the Big East mediocre from top to bottom, this team has a shot at running the table.
11-1 (6-1)
14. West Virginia
Changes abound, Bill Stewart moves to the helm. Why alter the offense with all the pieces primed to amass 300 ppg on the ground and score 40 points? Sometimes coaches outthink themselves with stunning consequences. Again, good coaching is vital for the longevity of a successful program.
10-2 (6-1)
15. Virginia Tech
“Beamer Ball” has evolved into a way of life in parts of Virginny, and exemplifies the benefits of following a systemic approach to preparation. Whether or not an inexperienced Hokies squad can flourish with a manageable schedule, will determine the magnitude of post season accolades. The QB rotation, offensive line and defense are solid, but the receivers are young.
10-2 (7-1)
16. Georgia
The spark of RB Knoshown Moreno has dissipated from year’s streak of invincibility in the second half of the season. Right now the Bulldogs are a good, but will not challenge for a national title. Two factors work against UGA, including a brutal schedule and the amount of preparation time in which opposing coaches have utilized in finding a way to disrupt a productive attack. The defense is solid and the offense will have to generate amazing plays to beat South Carolina, Auburn and LSU on the road, of course Florida is on the slate in the annual festival celebrating the vibrancy surrounding the world’s most monumental consumption of cocktails.
10-2 (6-2)
17. Texas
The Longhorns give off the impression of being in a reloading phase even though QB Colt McCoy returns behind a very talented offensive line. The conference schedule is poison, playing Oklahoma, Missouri and visiting Texas Tech. Is another 2-3 loss season the cause for angst in Austin?
9-3 (5-3)
18. Auburn
Okay, they miss Florida, but have to break in a new quarterback for SEC play. A very talented team on parchment, but can it translate to wins?
9-3 (5-3)
19. Washington State
Head Coach Paul Wulfe played under the tutelage of Dennis Erickson and returns to his alma matter with a formula for winning. A vast accumulation of offensive stats has always been the mantra at WSU, and Wulfe will attempt to remove the sour taste of the emphasis on losing from the Bill Doba era. Look for flashy offensive numbers, a gambling defense and two or three stunning upsets, as the Cougs return to the elite.
9-3 (6-3)
20. Mississippi
Team defensive statistics become magnified in the SEC as a result of mediocre quarterback and listless offensive attacks. However, the Rebels boast one of the most physical and formidable defenses in the nation and according to the experts exist in the shadow of better programs. Another characteristic of the SEC, is the persistent notion to schedule weak non-conference opponents. When Mississippi travels to Florida, the Rebs should be a robust 4-0, a start which will carry the club to nine wins.
9-3 (5-3)
21. Fresno State
Pat Hill has built a formidable program in California’s heartland and has garnered the respect of the college football world by accepting the invitation to play any opponent, without stipulations. Virtually everyone returns on a veteran squad which was challenged by trips to Texas A&M and Oregon. (see opposite of SEC scheduling philosophy) The Bulldogs travel to Rutgers and Westwood, but get a chance to knock Wisconsin out of the top-ten at home.
10-2 (7-1)
22. Tennessee
Highly touted Jonathan Crompton steps behind center to attempt to lead the Vols through the minefield of the SEC. RB Arian Foster returns after eclipsing the 1,000 yard mark. The defense will be improved, but can the defense stop the better teams in the SEC? A good litmus test will be Florida at home and business trip to Athens, Georgia.
8-4 (4-4)
23. Boise State
Just how solid is the foundation in Boise. After “reloading” with a 10-3 season, the Broncos have to break in a new quarterback, yet have the opportunity to be the third WAC team in as many years to earn a BCS bid. Remember Ian Johnson? The senior who scored the deciding two point conversion in the 2006 Fiesta Bowl against the Sooners, finished with 16 touchdowns and 1000 yards last year in an abbreviated campaign. Can Boise State knock off a Pac-Ten opponent on the road? The Ducks await at Autzen and will determine whether or not Boise State finishes perfect in the regular season.
11-1 (8-0)
24. Florida State
A mediocre offense continues to plague the masses in Tallahassee. Will Drew Weatherford turn a corner with the help of RB Antoine Smith and a veteran receiving corps? The answer is a blatant “no” because FSU offensive line is inexperienced and does not have to play out of its mind thanks to impact of the Seminole’s defense. Once again the back eleven are nasty. The schedule is not difficult, with the exception of Miami and a visit from Florida.
9-3 (6-2)
25. Penn State
Once again, defense is the staple in State College. Joe Paterno has tweaked his system enough to win 29 games in the span of three seasons and instill faith in the seats of the now cavernous den of Beaver Stadium. The Nittany Lion’s talent on the defensive side should offset the task of breaking in a new quarterback. Successful conference road trips to Wisconsin and Columbus are not impossible, but unlikely.
8-4 (4-4)
26. Alabama
The youth movement tugs at the shoulder pads of QB John Parker Wilson, as head coach Nick Saban plays babysitter. There is absolutely no chance for rehearsal as the Tide open up with BCS contender Clemson. Though the cries and screams of growing pains resound in Tuscaloosa, the overall season will not be a disaster thanks to a manageable schedule.
8-4 (5-3)
27. Maryland
This is a solid squad that faces a very easy schedule. Only three sure losses jump out, while the rest of the games are winnable.
8-4 (5-3)
28. Michigan
The hiring of head coach Rich Rodriguez has already brought benefits to the Wolverine program. There are rumors that the off-season conditioning was attacked with a fervor and enthusiasm not seen in years. If the speculation is a true, a lean and mean team will be ready for the opener hosting Utah. While Michigan is inexperienced in the backfield, talent alone can win 8 games in the Big-Ten.
8-4 (5-3)
29. Nebraska
The Blackshirt mentality has returned to Lincoln. Head coach Bo Pelini is a disciple of defense and should lead the Cornhuskers to a bowl game. How can he not? The opening three games of the schedule is a joke and realistically, the team has to go 5-4 in the real regular season to reach 8 wins.
8-4 (5-3)
30. Central Michigan
The elements of the MAC conference and darkhorse QB Dan Lefevour mix to formulate one of the most productive offenses in the nation. Who will be able to stop this unit? The defense is not terrible and the numbers should be there barring an injury of to the best quarterback that nobody cares to hear about.
9-3 (7-1)
31. Tulsa
Clearly, they are the favorites in Conference in USA. As Boise State and Hawaii evolved to the important bowl games, the Hurricanes are loaded on offense and play an easy schedule.
10-2 (7-1)
32. North Carolina
The Tar Heels were last a winner in 2001. Head Coach Butch Davis is another “sytem” coach who knows how to prepare for games. NC will be better on both sides of the ball and should benefit from catching some breaks. A trio of tough match-ups exists for the Heels in the early season, Rutgers, Virginia Tech, and Miami.
8-4 (5-3)
Please be wary of…
Rutgers
Central Florida
South Carolina
Washington
Arizona
Iowa
Kansas
Utah
East Carolina
Bowling Green
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Into the Wild Gray Chinese Yonder of Sulfur Dioxide
The chemical bake sale of gray scale particulates obscuring the futuristic skyline of China's ancient capital in the form of a fine and toxic summer mist, sets off the rugged yet pristine jade artifacts resounding with the historical significance of dynasties and emperors. Another type of cloud deftly hangs over Beijing, shrouding the capital not with any physical pollutant, but with an ideological vacuum which has persisted since the conclusion of World War II. The presence of European communism, first customized by Mao and brought to the foundation of the PRC, lays covered by a very thin layer of paint and deception. The celebration of the 2008 Olympic games and the rampart waves of building and cranes, proves as a tawdry effort in disguising the notion that China is still China and will always be, for that matter. If the world is not careful and continues to pour trillions of dollars into the Chinese economy while freely exchanging the secrets that comprise the capitalistic military industrial complex of the West, the Earth may be so renamed, "The People's Planet".
In the two days since the brilliant fireworks illuminated the birds nest of the Chinese Olympic Stadium, the US media has resorted to humor in an attempt to soften the images of the persistent Beijing smog, rivaling the smoky aftermath from a massive fire. Whether or not the cooked pollutants in the summer air are a bi-product of the IOC's perpetual moral meltdowns or simply the remnants of a new performance enhancing drug developed by Mennon and sprayed over the athletes in the Olympic village from deodorant cans, is a mystery within itself. However, the wonderful media continues to paint US corporations and certain politicians as enviro-villians. Select Hollywood celebrities posing as climate alarmists are given the pedestal to ramble into specious rants of idiocy and extremism. Even when faced with a clear view of reality from the vistas of their hotels.
From the blooms of mile-sized clumps of phosphorous green algae in the coastal waters to the constant bombardment of ozone and S02 in the air, China's pollution issues persist. The US faced similar waste management and discharge problems in the mid-20 century, but thorough regulations were adopted which have resulted in a high standard of clean water and safe air, rare on the stage of the modern globe. While EPA restrictions continue to preside over the local environment, industrial progress has fallen victim to extremism. This point is often overlooked, even when given the contrast of the wondrous Beijing gray skies to the pristine sunsets on the West coast. The once Olympic gem of Athens, Greece which shined brilliantly for the cameras in 2004, suffers from the symptoms of a permanent hangover which will have lasting effects on Greek culture and the health of the nation's economy. Fortunately for the Greeks, the loud and baseless sentiments have moved to Beijing. Over the next month, the history of the Chinese culture, the dichotomy between progress lineage and the alleged victimization of a thriving labor class can be carelessly summarized by the rhetoric of dolts. In other words, hypocrisy thrives amidst abundant contradiction based on the surreal.
There exists a plethora of public figures who possess the inclination to emigrate to all points on the globe, where life is real and the future is raw. Though basic human freedoms such as the right to make an ass of one's self with watered down cliches and senseless logic are not covered by any sort of binding document, the opportunity exists to study under the eaves of Confucius, Mencius or the wisdom of Mao. You can flourish in the tent of the polluted fog, flanked by 1.2 billion comrades and a fledgling military soaked with the memories of history's improprieties. Please, shout in unison "Free Tibet!" as the barrage from the firing line two hours later convulses your already mutilated body.
The indistinguishable haze permeating from above, beside and below every camera shot in Beijing, is a preview and an apt metaphor for the possibility of an unsettling future; the complete annihilation of individuality.
In the two days since the brilliant fireworks illuminated the birds nest of the Chinese Olympic Stadium, the US media has resorted to humor in an attempt to soften the images of the persistent Beijing smog, rivaling the smoky aftermath from a massive fire. Whether or not the cooked pollutants in the summer air are a bi-product of the IOC's perpetual moral meltdowns or simply the remnants of a new performance enhancing drug developed by Mennon and sprayed over the athletes in the Olympic village from deodorant cans, is a mystery within itself. However, the wonderful media continues to paint US corporations and certain politicians as enviro-villians. Select Hollywood celebrities posing as climate alarmists are given the pedestal to ramble into specious rants of idiocy and extremism. Even when faced with a clear view of reality from the vistas of their hotels.
From the blooms of mile-sized clumps of phosphorous green algae in the coastal waters to the constant bombardment of ozone and S02 in the air, China's pollution issues persist. The US faced similar waste management and discharge problems in the mid-20 century, but thorough regulations were adopted which have resulted in a high standard of clean water and safe air, rare on the stage of the modern globe. While EPA restrictions continue to preside over the local environment, industrial progress has fallen victim to extremism. This point is often overlooked, even when given the contrast of the wondrous Beijing gray skies to the pristine sunsets on the West coast. The once Olympic gem of Athens, Greece which shined brilliantly for the cameras in 2004, suffers from the symptoms of a permanent hangover which will have lasting effects on Greek culture and the health of the nation's economy. Fortunately for the Greeks, the loud and baseless sentiments have moved to Beijing. Over the next month, the history of the Chinese culture, the dichotomy between progress lineage and the alleged victimization of a thriving labor class can be carelessly summarized by the rhetoric of dolts. In other words, hypocrisy thrives amidst abundant contradiction based on the surreal.
There exists a plethora of public figures who possess the inclination to emigrate to all points on the globe, where life is real and the future is raw. Though basic human freedoms such as the right to make an ass of one's self with watered down cliches and senseless logic are not covered by any sort of binding document, the opportunity exists to study under the eaves of Confucius, Mencius or the wisdom of Mao. You can flourish in the tent of the polluted fog, flanked by 1.2 billion comrades and a fledgling military soaked with the memories of history's improprieties. Please, shout in unison "Free Tibet!" as the barrage from the firing line two hours later convulses your already mutilated body.
The indistinguishable haze permeating from above, beside and below every camera shot in Beijing, is a preview and an apt metaphor for the possibility of an unsettling future; the complete annihilation of individuality.
Here's to Jose Lopez
If Ichiro stands as the icon of the Seattle Mariner's franchise and the Nintendo Corporation during a feast or famine run in the first decade of the 21st century, Jose Lopez certainly represents the face of sorts. The 24 year old second baseman is quietly putting together a wonderful statistical masterpiece on paper, but numbers do not always equivocate to victories at the major league level. Brushing away the periphery layer comprising the hollow achievements of Lopez's relatively young career, it becomes patently obvious that the middle infielder is actually a deterrent from the formula of baseball which transcends time itself, the formula for winning.
During Lopez's big league tenure with Seattle, the Mariners stand at 343-386, or roughly on par with the franchise's all-time mediocre winning percentage. During his rookie season in 2004, the team lost nearly 100 games, while an apex saturated in over achievement was reached in last year's 88 win total, Lopez flirted with the Mendoza line for the month of September and was eventualy banished to the doghouse by team leader Jose Guillen. In 2006 Lopez did garner the M's lone spot on the all-star team, and gained credibility with local media, including Seattle Times sportswriter Larry Stone.
Dissecting the content that doesn't show up in the boxscore, proves alarming. According to scouts and what is witnessed by fans, Lopez can't bunt. His jaw dropping errors in the field defy logic not simply by their frequency in occurrence, but in the crucial points in a game at which they occur. Though the eyes of the television camera, his demeanor appears to border on indifference. Former Mariner reliever Jeff Nelson expounded upon the current issues within the clubhouse on 950 KJR AM earlier this season and alluded to presence of Mariner players who were simply content with getting their two hits, regardless of the result. Of course Ichiro first comes to mind in the wake of Nelson's insight, as does a player in the mold of Lopez, who has always enjoyed a moderate rate of success at the plate. At this juncture in his career, can Lopez improve his emotional intelligence and develope a sense of accountability without the existence of leadership in the clubhouse? The Jose Guillen era (1 season), proved a success, but GM Bill Bavasi acted upon his own ideas as to the framework of winning.
Between Lopez and shortstop Yunieksy Bentancourt, the management of the organization envisioned a productive middle infield which would parallel the success of the Carlos Baerga-Omar Vizquel tandem of the Cleveland Indians in the mid 1990's. The emphasis was on speed, reaching base, and solid defense and longevity. The perfect scheme to compliment the atmosphere and dimensions of Safeco Field. Lopez was originally signed by the M's as a teenager and brought through the system as a prototypical infielder. Which begs the question; How deep do the issues of this franchise reach? If a young player cannot be groomed to a professional level through the minor leagues, does the onus fall on the ownership group, the scouting, or the absence of a comprehension of baseball philiosophy within the front office?
As yet another experiment spurred by the apparent wisdom of Chuck Armstong and Howard Lincoln fizzles in the backwash of another 100 loss season, fans can all hold steadfast to the reality that Jose Lopez will finish the season with solid statistical numbers while filling the foundation towards contention not with concrete, but with paper.
During Lopez's big league tenure with Seattle, the Mariners stand at 343-386, or roughly on par with the franchise's all-time mediocre winning percentage. During his rookie season in 2004, the team lost nearly 100 games, while an apex saturated in over achievement was reached in last year's 88 win total, Lopez flirted with the Mendoza line for the month of September and was eventualy banished to the doghouse by team leader Jose Guillen. In 2006 Lopez did garner the M's lone spot on the all-star team, and gained credibility with local media, including Seattle Times sportswriter Larry Stone.
It's now delightfully obvious to all concerned that Lopez went out and did it. He did it all, everything they asked, from mastering the nuances of second base, to learning how to hit to all fields, to hiring a personal trainer this winter in order to keep off the 15 or so pounds he lost at the end of last season.The anomaly that is Lopez continues during this season's latest installment of a Seattle sports nightmare. In the team's 42 wins, Lopez is hitting an amazing .384 while in defeats, his average descends to a pedestrian .262. Delving into the raw numbers, things appear just plain ugly. Out of the starting second baseman in baseball, Lopez ranks near the bottom of the list in walks. Though his totals are comparable to Brandon Phillips of the Reds and Placido Palanco of the Tigers, Phillips hits for power, while Palanco utilizes a high average. Even the much maligned Orlando Hudson of the Arizona Diamondbacks, who was a Toronto outcast, has drawn more free passes than Lopez this season. Though Lopez strikes out at a relatively low rate, the relationship between his few walks and high k's is directly proportional to the fact that he does not take a lot of pitches. This point is clearly illustrated by the small margin of .029 separating his batting average and on base percentage. As Lopez struggles with the art of patience at the plate, he adds virtually nothing once he reaches base. At this stage in the season, he has accumulated four stolen bases, while the head scratching nature of his numerous base running blunders have infuriated the entire spectrum of the Mariner Nation.
Dissecting the content that doesn't show up in the boxscore, proves alarming. According to scouts and what is witnessed by fans, Lopez can't bunt. His jaw dropping errors in the field defy logic not simply by their frequency in occurrence, but in the crucial points in a game at which they occur. Though the eyes of the television camera, his demeanor appears to border on indifference. Former Mariner reliever Jeff Nelson expounded upon the current issues within the clubhouse on 950 KJR AM earlier this season and alluded to presence of Mariner players who were simply content with getting their two hits, regardless of the result. Of course Ichiro first comes to mind in the wake of Nelson's insight, as does a player in the mold of Lopez, who has always enjoyed a moderate rate of success at the plate. At this juncture in his career, can Lopez improve his emotional intelligence and develope a sense of accountability without the existence of leadership in the clubhouse? The Jose Guillen era (1 season), proved a success, but GM Bill Bavasi acted upon his own ideas as to the framework of winning.
Between Lopez and shortstop Yunieksy Bentancourt, the management of the organization envisioned a productive middle infield which would parallel the success of the Carlos Baerga-Omar Vizquel tandem of the Cleveland Indians in the mid 1990's. The emphasis was on speed, reaching base, and solid defense and longevity. The perfect scheme to compliment the atmosphere and dimensions of Safeco Field. Lopez was originally signed by the M's as a teenager and brought through the system as a prototypical infielder. Which begs the question; How deep do the issues of this franchise reach? If a young player cannot be groomed to a professional level through the minor leagues, does the onus fall on the ownership group, the scouting, or the absence of a comprehension of baseball philiosophy within the front office?
As yet another experiment spurred by the apparent wisdom of Chuck Armstong and Howard Lincoln fizzles in the backwash of another 100 loss season, fans can all hold steadfast to the reality that Jose Lopez will finish the season with solid statistical numbers while filling the foundation towards contention not with concrete, but with paper.
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