College Football Predictions

[Major]

Will Texas be in the national title game? OU? Nebraska?

My wacky opinion: If Texas wins the UT/OU game, there will be a rematch between 12-0 Texas and 11-1 OU in the Rose Bowl. If OU wins, it'll be OU vs. Washington.

Fun TSN article -- hope its right :):

http://www.sportingnews.com/voices/tom_dienhart/20010824.html

<B>Be afraid, be very afraid of Texas</B>

<I>You are a linebacker parked smack dab in the middle of the defense. It's first-and-10, the start of a new game, the start of a new season. You are aligning your troops, tapping a tackle on the hip to shift him over a tad and shouting at a cornerback to crowd the line. Then you look up and see the Texas offense breaking the huddle.

You should be afraid. Very afraid. That's because the Longhorns, The Sporting News' pick as the No. 1 team in the nation, are scary good. And that bright and shiny offense decked out in burnt orange and white jogging right at you is the main reason why you should quake in your cleats. That offense and an improved defense add up to this being the most feared team in the country. How is Texas going to be stopped?

Quarterback Chris Simms saunters toward the line and eyeballs you. He gives you one of those I-know-something-you-don't winks. Your heart starts beating a little faster . . .

This is Simms' time; this is Simms' team. At 6-5, 225, he looks like a big-time quarterback, acts like a big-time quarterback and wants to show he is a big-time quarterback. Simms knows it's time to fulfill the big-time expectations that have dogged him like a fire-breathing defensive end since he arrived in Austin in 1999.

His first two years mostly were filled with comparisons between him and Major Applewhite, now a senior with the ugliest knees on campus. The barroom banter on Sixth Street was incessant: Simms vs. Applewhite. Applewhite vs. Simms.

"That's last year's question," says Longhorns coach Mack Brown. "Chris is the starter."

So it's now just Simms vs. Simms, who is quick to acknowledge he's glad about that. Simms is eager to show that Texas isn't teasing again after underachieving its way through the previous 30 or so seasons. This is a program that last won a consensus national championship in 1969 and hasn't seriously contended since 1983, when Simms was 3.

"The last three games last year gave me more confidence," says Simms, who hit 67 of 117 passes for 1,064 yards with eight touchdowns and seven interceptions last season. "Last year, I was more up in the air in my abilities. I wasn't used to my surroundings but I felt I could play at a high level. That's why I chose a school like Texas. We are highly publicized and have a chance to have a great team."

Simms crouches behind center Matt Anderson. He looks right, toward receiver Roy Williams, and shouts something you can't decipher. Maybe Simms sees a weaknesses in your defense, an area to exploit. Williams nods and peers forward.

You feel your stomach tightening . . .

The scariest aspect of the Texas offense is its receivers. At 6-5, 210, with 4.4 speed in the 40-yard dash, Williams is freakishly fearsome and looks as though he has been manufactured. He is powerful off the line, making it difficult for cornerbacks to knock him off his route. He's custom-built for fades, reaching high into the sky for passes while walling off defenders with his frame. And if foes try playing off him, Williams will run by them.

As a freshman last year, his 40 receptions for 809 yards (a 20.2-yard average), along with eight touchdown catches and two scores on reverses, were just a sample of his ample ability.

Then there's B.J. Johnson. He nabbed 41 passes for 698 yards, averaging 17 yards per catch with three scores. No two freshman wideouts gained more yards receiving in 2000. There's depth behind those phenoms in sophomore Sloan Thomas and junior Kyle Shanahan, who sat out last year after transferring from Duke. Shanahan is the son of NFL coach Mike Shanahan Sensing danger, you bark at your strong safety to slide over to offer the cornerback help on Williams.

On the other side of the field, that causes Johnson to yell at Simms, who looks over and nods his head in agreement on some secret communication. Simms starts the cadence. Something he commands sets tight end Bo Scaife in motion. More troubling thoughts enter your head. What does this mean? Who has him in coverage? You chomp a little faster and harder on your mouthpiece . . .

Scaife's 2000 season ended when he injured his knee in the first fall practice. As a freshman in 1999, Scaife still was feeling the effects of a high school knee injury, and he caught just three passes for 48 yards. Now, Scaife is ready to go. With receivers like Williams and Johnson to worry about, defenses may forget about Scaife. That's what Texas hopes.

Scaife had a coming-out party in the spring, when he and Simms developed a connection that took nonverbal communication to new levels. At 6-3, 245, Scaife is more receiver than sixth offensive lineman, and his unusual speed for a tight end allows him to stretch defenses.

Simms suddenly rises from under center and pivots around. He looks at running back Victor Ike and motions for him to move slightly to the left. You start to pace . . .

Ike is one of a number of running back options for Texas. On one series, sophomore Ivan Williams could be lined up behind Simms. On the next, it might be junior Kenny Hayter, sophomore Brett Robin or freshman Arturo "Sneezy" Beltran.

And there's an even better chance it could be freshman Cedric Benson, one of the most decorated running backs in Texas prep annals. At Lee High in Midland, the 6-0, 200-pound Benson was named Texas 5A offensive player of the year three times and finished with 8,423 career yards rushing. He also was a winner; he helped lead Lee to three consecutive state 5A titles.

A good ground game will help Texas control the clock. That in turn will help keep an underrated defense fresh. While the defensive tackle spots need to be shored up with Shaun Rogers and Casey Hampton gone, the ends, sophomore Kalen Thornton and junior Cory Redding, are formidable.

For the first time in the Brown era, Texas has the type of players at end it has been looking for -- athletic and fast. To that end, the entire defense has been souped up, as position changes were instituted in the spring to get more speed on the field. Senior Maurice Gordon moved from tackle to end. Junior O.J. McClintock from outside linebacker to end. Senior Lee Jackson went from safety to linebacker, and senior Ahmad Brooks and sophomore Nathan Vasher moved from cornerback to safety. The alterations are aimed specifically toward better dealing with spread offenses like the one at Oklahoma that ripped the Longhorns, 63-14, last season.

"Now with all of the athletes in place, the biggest thing we need to focus on is to continue to stop the run, get more pressure on the passer and change up our coverages in the secondary," says defensive coordinator Carl Reese, who has transformed the 85th-ranked defense he inherited in 1997 into one that finished seventh in the nation last year.

A new and improved defense added to a dangerous offense is a formidable combination. Throw in a schedule that doesn't include Nebraska or Kansas State and has just two games outside the state, and you can see why Texas' confidence meter is redlining.

There is one cause for concern -- an uncertain kicking game. Kris Stockton, the most accurate kicker in school history, has departed after handling the kicking and some of the punting chores last season. Redshirt freshman Matt McFadden is looking to replace Stockton, and junior-college transfer Brian Bradford is slated to punt. That means the Texas sideline will be the finger-crossing capital of the world on fourth downs. The kickers have potential; they just need to come through.

Simms turns back around. One last time, he glances to his right, then his left. He's confident setting up behind the sizable linemen. You wipe your sweaty palms across your thighs and swallow hard . . .

The Texas offensive line is as solid as the kicking game is uncertain. In fact, it will be among the Big 12's best, even without tackle Leonard Davis, who was a first-round pick in last spring's NFL draft. There are four starters back, including senior Anderson, senior Antwan Kirk-Hughes and junior Derrick Dockery, both guards, and senior tackle Mike Williams. The right side figures to be especially strong with Kirk-Hughes and Williams. And that's good, considering it's Simms' blind side.

Simms slips back behind Anderson and resumes his cadence. Hut one! Hut two! Hut three! The ball is snapped, and Simms quickly drops back. He sticks a fist in Ike's gut as he races by. Simms sets in the pocket, looks left and pump fakes. He quickly rotates right, cocks his left arm and fires a pass toward Roy Williams, who is streaking downfield.

Your worst fears have been realized. Touchdown, Texas.
</I>

[Frank Black]

UT has a legitimate chance. Especially with their creampuff schedule. However, I'm hoping they come to Kyle Field undefeated, we beat them, and I scream and laugh loudly for it will be my last game I see as a student! Though given that we're not even ranked, I'll cease all predictions.

[DEANBCURTIS]

I'm predicting there will be games played and from those games there will be winners.

[Raven Lunatic]

Since DBC has already got the "winners" prediction, I am going to go out on a bit of a limb, and predict that all games will end in ties.

[Tolpatcsh Verkinder]

Try to guess who I am. . .

"Run up the Middle."
"Run up the Middle."
"Run up the Middle."
"Punt."

That's right, I'm the A&M Offensive Coordinator.

Poor Aggies, they don't stand a chance. They'd better hope that Williams, Johnson and Thomas all leave school early.

Texas and Oregon St. in the Rose Bowl.

If Eric Crouch learns to pass, Nebraska will be good as well, if not - they'll be worse than last year.

[mduke]

OU will beat UT :p :p :p :p

[3fingeredgus]

Originally posted by DEANBCURTIS
I'm predicting there will be games played and from those games there will be winners.

I'm with you. I'll go so far as to say whoever scores more points will win the game!

[Frank Black]

Originally posted by Tolpatcsh Verkinder
Try to guess who I am. . .

"Run up the Middle."
"Run up the Middle."
"Run up the Middle."
"Punt."

That's right, I'm the A&M Offensive Coordinator.

Poor Aggies, they don't stand a chance. They'd better hope that Williams, Johnson and Thomas all leave school early.



Oh my! I must thank you first for enlightening me! I had no idea Mark Farris rushed for 2,551 yards last year! Your claim leads me to believe that Robert Ferguson was drafted in hopes of converting him into a RB. True, I can't imagine why Green Bay would have wanted to use him and his 4.4 speed at the WR position anyway.

Next, you will undoubtedly prove to be prophetic if and when my Aggies lose to UT! You should utilize your obvious mastery of college football in a public arena so as to inform the masses of these great up-and-coming upsets. My how you would gain both personally and economically!

Bring the tired A&M football bashing!

Oh forgive me for I have stooped.

[Tolpatcsh Verkinder]

Your welcome.

Next year, when your woefully inadequate defensive backs are being torched by Texas' uber-recievers, and your most imaginative play is *gasp!* a run off-tackle, I hope to be recognized for my brilliance.

[The Cat]

I'll take Texas-Oregon in the Rose Bowl.

Games of the Year Predictions:

Texas over Oklahoma
LSU over Florida
Oklahoma over Nebraska
Oregon over Oregon St.
Florida St. over Miami
Florida over Tennessee
Oregon over UCLA
Miami over Va. Tech

[WasabiTheNinjaPimp]

My prediction:

UT: 0-11, scoring 4 points for the entire season, those coming when the aggies felt so bad about having scored 112 points on the teasips in just 2 quarters that they start running their plays backwards.

Oh, and another thing, UT doesn't get out of this season with less than 3 losses.

[Baqui99]

Originally posted by Frank Black


Oh my! I must thank you first for enlightening me! I had no idea Mark Farris rushed for 2,551 yards last year! Your claim leads me to believe that Robert Ferguson was drafted in hopes of converting him into a RB. True, I can't imagine why Green Bay would have wanted to use him and his 4.4 speed at the WR position anyway.

Next, you will undoubtedly prove to be prophetic if and when my Aggies lose to UT! You should utilize your obvious mastery of college football in a public arena so as to inform the masses of these great up-and-coming upsets. My how you would gain both personally and economically!

Bring the tired A&M football bashing!

Oh forgive me for I have stooped.

RC Scrotum coaches football like it's the 1940's. Kicking off in both halves?? Sure RC tried to pass more last year, but it was pretty pathetic. Farris couldn't even crack the three-deep at Texas, and you think he can lead a pass-oriented offense. With the loss of Ferguson and Toombs, not to mention Whitaker's injury, the Aggies are in for a long year....

As for the Horns. I'm looking forwards to some good blowout wins early in the season. I am hoping and praying that Mack doesn't have his annual brain fart game against like Tech or Colorado or something. TX-OU will be a battle, with emotions riding high. Hopefully Redding and Thornton will pressure Hybl all day long, and the secondary will be able to keep up with the Okies' sticky-fingered receivers. OU CAN BE BEAT!!! Remember OSU and KSU almost beat them last year by dropping back in coverage instead of blitzing....Beat the hell outta OU!!!

See ya'll at the Rose Bowl, where the Longhorns will destroy the Ducks in a rematch of last year's bowl game.

[Rocketman95]

I say Oregon St. v. Texas.

Simonton wins the Heisman.

You can predict games at http://sports.swirve.com/ncaafb , plus see the picks of two of your fellow posters.

[Baqui99]

Originally posted by WasabiTheNinjaPimp
My prediction:

UT: 0-11, scoring 4 points for the entire season, those coming when the aggies felt so bad about having scored 112 points on the teasips in just 2 quarters that they start running their plays backwards.

Oh, and another thing, UT doesn't get out of this season with less than 3 losses.

Very intelligent prediction....

[WasabiTheNinjaPimp]

Originally posted by Baqui99


Very intelligent prediction....

If you thought that was a real prediction, that doesn't say much about your intelligence.

[Smokey]

Aggies suck.

Notre Dame
Texas...
@Oklahoma
@Kansas State
@Colorado

The Aggies will be playing in the last college football game in the Astrodome (Gallery Bowl).

Texas has a creampuff schedule but I'm not picking Texas to win it all. Like Corso said last night...Texas has no heart. They will avenge 63-14, however the 12th game of the season will be no cupcake. Whoever it is...Kansas State or Nebraska...Texas won't win.

[Frank Black]

Originally posted by Baqui99


RC Scrotum coaches football like it's the 1940's. Kicking off in both halves?? Sure RC tried to pass more last year, but it was pretty pathetic. Farris couldn't even crack the three-deep at Texas, and you think he can lead a pass-oriented offense. With the loss of Ferguson and Toombs, not to mention Whitaker's injury, the Aggies are in for a long year....



Please tell me what was so pathetic about A&M's passing game last year. Yes, losing your teams's two biggest offensive weapons obviously doesn't make the team better! By no means am I expecting A&M to win a lot of games this season. Going into games with upset on my mind will be fun though, I must say.

[Frank Black]

Originally posted by Smokey
Aggies suck.

Notre Dame
Texas...
@Oklahoma
@Kansas State
@Colorado

The Aggies will be playing in the last college football game in the Astrodome (Gallery Bowl).



Why do Aggies suck?

Thanks for pointing out the teams with the potentail to be upset by the Aggies and for already granting the Aggies a Bowl game.

[rockHEAD]

Go 'Canes!!

http://kendorsey.tripod.com

[gr8-1]

UT over Miami in the Rose Bowl (payback I hope).

UT over the Ags big at Kyle Field. I hope Mack doesn't call off the dogs like he did in Austin last year. RC badmouths him at virtually every Ag get together, so I think an old-fashioned butt-whipping is due.

The land thieves will have at least 3 losses.

I'm hoping the Ags will win at least 7 games, so that RC Slowndum will stick around. As long as he's around, a$m will never win it all. Check that, as long as they're in College Station, they won't win it all.


KEEP RC !!!!!!!

[Tolpatcsh Verkinder]

Like Corso said last night...Texas has no heart.

Corso is an ass. He would pick FSU to beat the damn Ravens.

[Baqui99]

Originally posted by gr8-1
UT over Miami in the Rose Bowl (payback I hope).

UT over the Ags big at Kyle Field. I hope Mack doesn't call off the dogs like he did in Austin last year. RC badmouths him at virtually every Ag get together, so I think an old-fashioned butt-whipping is due.

The land thieves will have at least 3 losses.

I'm hoping the Ags will win at least 7 games, so that RC Slowndum will stick around. As long as he's around, a$m will never win it all. Check that, as long as they're in College Station, they won't win it all.


KEEP RC !!!!!!!

My thoughts exactly, gr8-1. RC is keeping A&M out of the nation's elite. They get badly outrecruited by Texas and OU these last couple of years. Until the Ags hire a Bob Stoops type of coach they will be third fiddle in the BIGXII South Division.

As far as bad-mouthing Texas, RC is well known for doing this at every Aggie get together. He even went so far as to say that if a few plays had gone the other way, the Aggies would have won. Typical Aggie not admitting that the better team won. Instead playing the injury card. Us Horn fans admitted that we sucked against OU last year, and that they were clearly the superior team. This year, however, all bets are off. October 6, 2001: it will be a war!

[Baqui99]

Originally posted by Frank Black


Please tell me what was so pathetic about A&M's passing game last year. Yes, losing your teams's two biggest offensive weapons obviously doesn't make the team better! By no means am I expecting A&M to win a lot of games this season. Going into games with upset on my mind will be fun though, I must say.

Admit it, last year was the first time the Aggies tried to pass, and Farris made a lot of bad throws and the receivers ran alot of bad routes. Wait a couple of years, Frank. I hear this Reggie McNeal kid is the real deal~ ala Michael Bishop.

[Frank Black]

Yes, I'll admit that it wasn't the most graceful passing game last year. It was a welcomed change nevertheless. And yes, I am oh so psyched when I read about McNeal! I just wish I could stick around longer to see him play. I think we'll have a top 5 recruiting class for next year. So c'mon, let's give R.C. a little credit.

Reggie McNeal (http://espn.go.com/recruiting/s/rmcneal.html)

[gr8-1]

Reggie will never play with Vick, Marino, and Warner ahead of him. :rolleyes:

BTW, don't let the score fool you, the Sooners look beatable this year.

[Frank Black]

I sure hope Reggie can live up to the hype. If so, we're going to have a damned forceful team in the coming years!

The Heals sure did make the Sooners look good. That was the poorest excuse for a college football I have seen in some time. Granted, the Sooners are good, but c'mon! 5 turnovers in the first half! And I wouldn't exactly say that they were "forced".

[haven]

The year before, when OU wasn't that good, where was this mystical "heart?" When Oregon St. failed to make it to a bowl game for 25 plus years, did they simply lack heart, and then magically have it the last two years?

My BC Eagles had more talent than West Virginia or Pittsburgh last year (Pitt is overrated - it's the A. Bryant show)... but lost anyway. They were then supposed to lose to a slightly more talented Arizona St. team in their bowl game... but knocked the crap out of them. Did their heart suddenly come back to them?]

Teams win, teams lose. Sometimes it's luck, sometimes it's a lack of talent (BC v Miami ), sometimes it's an abberation. OU had a magical year of cohesiveness; maybe that team really did have heart, maybe the planets aligned perfectly, or maybe they just "clicked." Whatever you want to call it.

But in college athletics, when the teams experience such turnover every year, I don't question a programs "heart." I look for other problems: like dissatisfaction with a coach, bad playcalling, inept special teams performance (Texas!), etc.

(I posted this elsewhere originall).

[kidrock8]

It will be Virginia Tech versus Oklahoma...

That's right, OU runs the gauntlet that is known as the Big 12...

It won't be easy, but then again, last year wasn't easy either...

Stoops is one of the best coaches in the game, and he does a great job at getting his team to stay hungry (ask Mark Mangino) and focused...

OU looked incredible in the 1st quarter against UNC today...

Their defense is absolutely swarming...

OU's depth leaves a lot to be desired, however their starters are as good as any...

VT makes it because they have an easy as pie schedule, save for Miami...

However, they play Miami in Blacksburg, in DECEMBER... The Canes will be freezing their sack off, and VT will win... Miami hasn't won in VT for quite a long time also... I'm not even sure if they have ever won at VT...

Other contenders include:

Fla- Too much talent to not be in it, but they are always overrated...

UT-Read above

FSU-They still have their mojo regardless of how many WR's go down like Monica Lewinsky...

USC-Yes, USC as in the Men of Troy... They sure as hell have talent, they just need coaching... Pete Carroll isn't anything great, but new OC Norm Chow, will be able to get QB Carson Palmer to FINALLY live up to his potential...

Oregon-Mike Bellotti is hands down the best tactical coach in the country... He could coach a team full of Helen Kellers to a bowl game...

LSU-They return a boatload of talent... They have the best LB duo in the nation in Trev Faulk, and Brady James... The key here is to have QB Rohan Davey healthy...

Miami-They face FSU, PSU, and VT on the road... They lose at least 1 of these games...

The Big 10 will be a HORRIBLE conference... The fact that Michigan is predicted by most to be the #1 or #2 team in the conference is proof that the Big 10 blows... Michigan lost 4 of 5 OL, Henson, Terrell, and A-Train... Good luck moving the ball...

Without further a due, here's my conference rankings...

#1-SEC
#2-Pac-10
#3-Big-12
#4-Big East
#5-ACC
#6-MWC
#7-C-USA
#8-MAC
#9-Sun Belt
#10-Big West
#11-Big 10

[DVauthrin]

ut vs. oregon in the rose bowl

i think miami,fsu and florida all knock each other out

this is our year we have 3 hard games (OU, A&M and Big 12 title game)

1st- OU do not underestimate the revenge factor, plus losing heupel and marshall(their leaders will hurt in big games, like this one)

2nd-A&M, sorry to have to say it like it is but this will be ugly, losing toombs and ferguson only made it worse and A&m still is not diversified offensively, plus your cornerbacks were real stupid publicizing how they think we burned them because they were injured, you just brought a 10 times greater whooping on yourselves this year, not even kyle field can help you this time

3rd- Nebraska/K State- We will be on a roll but our overall team is better than both as we have more offensive weapons and defensively are as good as either, im hoping its nebraska, theyre pass defense is atrocious, can anyone say field day.

Overall, i dont agree with experts like corso who say we have no heart and choke, well let me remind you the last two years we had a qb controversy(not here this yr, more security) and a team of great talent, but all young,inexperienced talent which often doesnt come to play all the time because they think again lower competition(ie stanford) they can get by on ability. However, this team is veteran laden and with this offense and jammer leading our defense the road to pasadena begins NOW!!!!

[haven]

Someone has a grudge against the Big 10 ;)...

... as much as I appreciate you putting the Big East at #4, the Big 10 is still in the top 3. Any team in that conference is better than some of the ones you listed above them...

... of course, I'm assuming that post was tongue in cheek!

[gr8-1]

Originally posted by kidrock8




Stoops is one of the best coaches in the game, and he does a great job at getting his team to stay hungry (ask Mark Mangino) and focused...



Without further a due, here's my conference rankings...

#1-SEC
#2-Pac-10
#3-Big-12
#4-Big East
#5-ACC
#6-MWC
#7-C-USA
#8-MAC
#9-Sun Belt
#10-Big West
#11-Big 10

OK, I don't like the Big Ten, but they should be #4 in the conference rankings. Big 12 should be #1.

I don't know if Mangino has ever been hungry. He looks like he's pretty well-fed.

[Frank Black]

The Big 12 and SEC should, imo, be 1 and 2 respectively.

Very Solid Teams-
OU
UT
Nebraska
K. State

Pretty Good Teams-
Colorado
A&M
Texas Tech
Iowa State
Missouri
OSU

Embarrassing Football Programs-
Kansas
Baylor

[kidrock8]

The reason why I don't rate the Big 12 as highly as others, is because they don't do too much AS A CONFERENCE outside the Big 12... They all schedule creampuffs for non-conference games...

When OU beat UT last year, did that show that the Big 12 is strong? No... It just showed that OU was awesome, while UT was overrated... So they cancel each other out... Now, if UT had beaten Oregon in the bowl game, then that would show the Big 12 is good... Beating a non-conference team that is worth a damn is the measure of a good conference...

I don't think Nebraska is all that great... They are missing a TB, and in their offense it's like being a man, but having only 1 nut...

OU looked great yesterday, and I think they will be the cream of the Big 12 crop... However, their offense relies way too much on RB Quentin Griffin...

KSU is the poster boy of what I was talking about earlier... Feast on the cream puffs while getting your tail handed to you by half-decent teams...

UT has bad gameday and in-game coaching, so I feel they will lose 1-2 games... And with their weak schedule, 1 loss means they are out of contention...

A&M will be 7-5 and will probably sign RC to a lifetime contract... They will then hire Toombs as the strength and conditioning coach... Or maybe he will be the "father figure" for the Aggie players, after all he does have 3 kids...

The rest of the Big 12 is pretty weak and not worth the effort to type...

Top to bottom, the Pac-10's 10 teams are as good as any other conference, top to bottom...

[gr8-1]

KSU is the poster boy of what I was talking about earlier... Feast on the cream puffs while getting your tail handed to you by half-decent teams...

Uh, these guys absolutely annihilated Tennessee (from the mighty SEC) in the Cotton Bowl last year.

[Tolpatcsh Verkinder]

The reason why I don't rate the Big 12 as highly as others, is because they don't do too much AS A CONFERENCE outside the Big 12... They all schedule creampuffs for non-conference games...

And? All the good teams schedule creampuff non-conference foes - when you play in a tough competitive conference, you can't afford to tack on a bunch of tough non-conference games.

[Frank Black]

I agree with Tolpatcsh in that it wouldn't be wise to schedule difficult non-conference games when you have one of the stronger conferences in college football. Why sabotage your entire season? The conference games alone afford teams the opportunity to play great teams. Although it is more fun to see good games as opposed to these 63-7 sleepers(McNeese St. for example).

A&M is clearly making an effort to play more difficult opponents in the near future. Some very intriguing matchups are already scheduled.

Future A&M Schedules (http://sports.tamu.edu/sports/football/fut_sched.html)

[Band Geek Mobster]

What a bunch of homers you guys are, every year either A&M or UT is hyped up to be a National Championship contender, and they always choke it away early in the year. I have no reason to think it won't happen yet again. U of H is gonna whoop up on them Longhorns. :mad:

I predict Miami vs Oklahoma in the Rose Bowl.

I love FSU and all, but Miami deserved to play in that championship game. Miami will also be highly motivated to make it to the big game this year. OU still has some nice weapons that any average QB could take advantage of.

The thing I'll enjoy seeing this year is if FSU can claim 10 wins again and end the season in the top 5. They've had a very nice streak of top 5 finishes, and despite losing so many players, it's hard to believe they'll finish outside of the top 5.

[gr8-1]

PRM, but most of that hype is from the media. You can check all of the Longhornfan boards, and most will say that they were overrated last year. Heck, even Mack Brown will admit that.

To win it all, you need a little luck and no key injuries.

BTW, I don't think UH can handle UT, even at home.

[Greg#3]

The Aggies will play with pride this year as usual and I expect 8-4 when it's all said and done. All that matters to me is that Reggie McNeal is coming to College Station next year and on the Feburary signing date, I think Eric Winston will also have an A&M hat on, which will help A&M have a better recruiting class than Texas for the first time in years. Throw in L'Tydrick Riley, Cody Douglas, and possibly Archie McDaniel among others, and you'll have a Top 5 class nationally.

[gr8-1]

I think Texas will clean up on the DL recruiting just like they did on the OL recruiting last year. It looks better for ATM now, but you know Mack and his snake oil works wonders. ;)

[Manny Ramirez]

Originally posted by kidrock8
They play Miami in Blacksburg, in DECEMBER... The Canes will be freezing their sack off, and VT will win... Miami hasn't won in VT for quite a long time also... I'm not even sure if they have ever won at VT...


USC-Yes, USC as in the Men of Troy... They sure as hell have talent, they just need coaching... Pete Carroll isn't anything great, but new OC Norm Chow, will be able to get QB Carson Palmer to FINALLY live up to his potential...



Being a Miami fan since '83, I can tell you that Miami had never lost to Virginia Tech until Butch Davis became coach. They were like 11-0 all-time, so, yes Miami has beaten the Hokies in Blacksburg and they will beat them this year. If Miami can get by Penn State (JoePa won't have them mediocre 2 years in a row), Washington (a constant thorn), Pittsburgh (don't laugh), and Florida State (always tough at Doak Campbell no matter who they have), then Miami should be focused and ready to take Tech out. They still owe Tech, in my mind, several a** whippings.

As for USC, you might as well add Michigan, Penn State, Alabama, Ohio State, UCLA, and the most overrated school of all-time, Notre Dame. These are all schools that live by their reputation, but none of them including USC will do anything to be a major player in the national championship race this year.

[Manny Ramirez]

I know that I'm going to make alot of people mad here, but it won't be the first time nor will it be the last. Texas is one of the most overrated schools of all-time !! When is the last time that they did anything?? 20 years ago?? Yet, every year, everybody talks about them as being this dominant team. Look people, as long as Mack Brown is in charge, Texas will never do anything, period !! I loved it when the Canes thumped their a** 46-3 in the '91 Cotton Bowl!!

Oklahoma will have their luck run out this year as well. It's a damn shame that the best team in the country last year, Miami, never got their chance to prove it because of the BCS bias to Florida State. If Oklahoma had played Miami last year, it wouldn't have been pretty for OU fans. In my mind, you might as well put an asterik by Oklahoma's national championship for 2000 because they didn't play the AP #2 team in Miami. People can argue with me all they want about this, but the fact that the BCS has gone back and changed their formula proves that they (the BCS) know that they screwed up and that they screwed Miami.

My personal predicition is that Florida will play Oklahoma and absolutely annihilate the Sooners. Miami will probably lose to FSU since it's at FSU and then FSU will lose in the swamp to Florida. The best thing that college football can do is get a playoff and then there would never be any arguments on who the best team is. I have never understood why they don't do this.

[kidrock8]

Originally posted by gr8-1


Uh, these guys absolutely annihilated Tennessee (from the mighty SEC) in the Cotton Bowl last year.

Did I ever say Tennessee was ever good? Last year, the SEC sucked ass... Someone had to win the Tenn/KSU game right?

[Major]

<B>In my mind, you might as well put an asterik by Oklahoma's national championship for 2000 because they didn't play the AP #2 team in Miami. </B>

I've never understood this whole line that Miami deserved to be in the championship game. They had their chance -- and they blew it by losing to Washington and playing in a suckass conference. They had two "big" wins last year -- Florida State (they won at home in the last few minutes) and Virginia Tech (with a gimpy Michael Vick).

If Miami deserved to be in the title game, why didn't Washington? They had the same record, a tougher schedule, one loss to a top-10 team (like Miami), and they beat Miami head-to-head. I don't see any reason that Miami deserved it more than Washington.

Regardless, Miami didn't get screwed. They lost a game and put their chances in the hands of someone else. There were several one-loss teams, and Miami didn't deserve to compete any more than any of the others.

[DVauthrin]

manny,

ill agree weve been overhyped in the past but so was miami during your downturn in the 90's,

i put no stock in preseason rankings as ive seen the truth being a diehard longhorn fan, but im sorry this year it isnt the case, i agree miami will be tough, but i think you fsu and florida knock each other out

as for texas, we have the schedule and talent to do it this year, i understand being skeptical but its crap to just assume we will never win it ever, esp when we recruit as well as you guys, plus who thought ou had what it took to win the big games last year, but they did, i might be wrong but i see no reason why texas shouldnt be in pasadena january 3rd this offseason, there are question marks of course but the canes arent without them, like how do you replace dan morgan,santana moss,reggie wayne, plus butch davis, who managed to restore a once great program back into the elite before departing to cleveland to resurrect the browns.


All I have to say to any longhorn doubters is this: JUST BRING IT!!!!

[Frank Black]

Originally posted by Band Geek Mobster
What a bunch of homers you guys are, every year either A&M or UT is hyped up to be a National Championship contender, and they always choke it away early in the year. I have no reason to think it won't happen yet again. U of H is gonna whoop up on them Longhorns. :mad:



You either have a good sense of humor or a warped mind. I know that A&M hasn't been considered a National Championship contender for quite some time. We went to the Sugar Bowl a few years ago and gave Ohio State a great game. Even that year we weren't considered to be contenders. I have no idea what you mean by "choking it away early". Show me some examples. You may be referring to UT's losses to NC State and Stanford. But even then I don't know that they were considered to be a Championship team. Your proclaimed victory over UT is so funny. At least with that I know you were meaning to be comical. Go Cougers!

[Manny Ramirez]

Originally posted by shanna
<B>In my mind, you might as well put an asterik by Oklahoma's national championship for 2000 because they didn't play the AP #2 team in Miami. </B>

I've never understood this whole line that Miami deserved to be in the championship game. They had their chance -- and they blew it by losing to Washington and playing in a suckass conference. They had two "big" wins last year -- Florida State (they won at home in the last few minutes) and Virginia Tech (with a gimpy Michael Vick).

If Miami deserved to be in the title game, why didn't Washington? They had the same record, a tougher schedule, one loss to a top-10 team (like Miami), and they beat Miami head-to-head. I don't see any reason that Miami deserved it more than Washington.

Regardless, Miami didn't get screwed. They lost a game and put their chances in the hands of someone else. There were several one-loss teams, and Miami didn't deserve to compete any more than any of the others.

Washington struggled all year in beating teams except for Washington State. They had to come from behind to beat Stanford and California, for Christmas's sake!! Shanna, been there and done that when it comes to the argument about Washington. Yes, Washington beat Miami and Miami beat Florida State, but if you put the 3 teams side by side and look at their overall record and results, Miami, FSU, and Washington is how it would rank in order. Miami couldn't help that Virginia Tech had a gimpy Vick; I'd rather they beat the Hokies with a healthy Vick, so people like you wouldn't use that as a crutch. Using your reasoning, the Broncos in 1999 should have won the Super Bowl instead of going 6-10 but they had a gimpy Terrell Davis, Shannon Sharpe, John Mobley, etc. Injuries are a part of the game -- deal with it. Hell, if it wasn't for injuries, wouldn't the Rockets have had the best record in the West in 1997??

If you really think that Miami didn't get screwed, then answer this question for me: Why did the BCS change their formula for this upcoming year?

[Manny Ramirez]

Originally posted by DVauthrin
manny,

ill agree weve been overhyped in the past but so was miami during your downturn in the 90's,

i put no stock in preseason rankings as ive seen the truth being a diehard longhorn fan, but im sorry this year it isnt the case, i agree miami will be tough, but i think you fsu and florida knock each other out

as for texas, we have the schedule and talent to do it this year, i understand being skeptical but its crap to just assume we will never win it ever, esp when we recruit as well as you guys, plus who thought ou had what it took to win the big games last year, but they did, i might be wrong but i see no reason why texas shouldnt be in pasadena january 3rd this offseason, there are question marks of course but the canes arent without them, like how do you replace dan morgan,santana moss,reggie wayne, plus butch davis, who managed to restore a once great program back into the elite before departing to cleveland to resurrect the browns.


All I have to say to any longhorn doubters is this: JUST BRING IT!!!!

When Miami went 5-6 in 1997 and lost to FSU 47-0, you never saw the hype that had surrounded Miami. It was only after they beat UCLA at the end of 1998, that Miami got some hype and even then it was minimal. Last year's Canes team was the best one since 1994--so I disagree with you that Miami was overhyped in the mid '90's. There's no question that Texas has talent. Many teams have talent--look at Georgia, but you don't win on paper, you win on the field. I would love to see Texas beat Oklahoma and win the Big 12, but I really feel that Mack Brown is a great recruiter and a mediocre coach. Until he does something with that talent, then I'm always going to be on his a** and be skeptical of his team.

[4chuckie]

1. The Big 10 is weak this year but it is still a top 5 conference. The SEC will also be down this year. I think the Big 12 & PAC 10 are 1 & 2, followed by the SEC, Big 10 and then the Big East (just because Miami & VT will be good but rest of conference will be very bad).
2. I really think this will be a year where there will be alot of teams with one loss at the end of the year.
3. If I was going to guess a national championship game I would guess Miami vs Oklahoma.
4. Texas is a talented team, but they have the ability to win the big games and lose a game they should have no problem in.
5. Never overlook FSU. They are being overlooked this year but always have talent.

[Major]

<B>If you really think that Miami didn't get screwed, then answer this question for me: Why did the BCS change their formula for this upcoming year?</B>

Because the media got all bitchy that their choice for #2 didn't get to play. Since the BCS is all about money, and money comes from the media, you make the connection..

<B>Yes, Washington beat Miami and Miami beat Florida State, but if you put the 3 teams side by side and look at their overall record and results, Miami, FSU, and Washington is how it would rank in order. </B>

Based on what? Miami's creampuff BigEast schedule? The fact that Miami lost head-to-head to Washington?

<B>Using your reasoning, the Broncos in 1999 should have won the Super Bowl instead of going 6-10 but they had a gimpy Terrell Davis, Shannon Sharpe, John Mobley, etc. </B>

Ummm, you're the one saying Miami got screwed and playing the "what-if" card saying Miami would have beaten Oklahoma. I think Oklahoma earned their championship by beating every team put in their path. Miami could have done the same if they had just beaten the Washington team you claim they are superior to.

<B>Hell, if it wasn't for injuries, wouldn't the Rockets have had the best record in the West in 1997??</B>

Who knows, who cares. It didn't happen. Miami didn't beat Oklahoma either.

[Manny Ramirez]

Originally posted by shanna
<B>If you really think that Miami didn't get screwed, then answer this question for me: Why did the BCS change their formula for this upcoming year?</B>

Because the media got all bitchy that their choice for #2 didn't get to play. Since the BCS is all about money, and money comes from the media, you make the connection..

BUZZZZ! WRONG ANSWER!! Thanks for playing, but try again!! FSU is the media darling, not Miami. So your excuse there is weak and doesn't hold up.

<B>Yes, Washington beat Miami and Miami beat Florida State, but if you put the 3 teams side by side and look at their overall record and results, Miami, FSU, and Washington is how it would rank in order. </B>

Based on what? Miami's creampuff BigEast schedule? The fact that Miami lost head-to-head to Washington?

As Cat would say, the stats. Look at Miami's, FSU's, and Washington's results, offensive stats, defensive stats, etc. Yea, Miami plays Temple and Rutgers, but that's no different than Texas playing Baylor and Oklahoma State. The fact is the Big East had 5 teams playing in bowl games with another team bowl eligible. That's 6 out of 8 teams plus games against Florida State and Washington. Hardly creampuff to me. Also, the Big East went 4-1 in bowl games last year. Am I saying that the Big East is better than the Big 12? No, but it is not as weak as people would have you think.

<B>Using your reasoning, the Broncos in 1999 should have won the Super Bowl instead of going 6-10 but they had a gimpy Terrell Davis, Shannon Sharpe, John Mobley, etc. </B>

Ummm, you're the one saying Miami got screwed and playing the "what-if" card saying Miami would have beaten Oklahoma. I think Oklahoma earned their championship by beating every team put in their path. Miami could have done the same if they had just beaten the Washington team you claim they are superior to.

I have no idea what your argument means here. I was talking about your comment on a "gimpy" Vick and how you inferred that Miami was lucky to beat Tech. My point is that injuries is a part of the game and you play with what you got. The '99 Denver Broncos had the talent to reach the playoffs, but injuries killed their season. Using your logic, all the teams that beat them after they had lost Davis, Sharpe, Mobley, etc. were "lucky". Your rebuttal to this shows you don't know what you are talking about because you are rebutting something that is not even mentioned in that phrase.

<B>Hell, if it wasn't for injuries, wouldn't the Rockets have had the best record in the West in 1997??</B>

Who knows, who cares. It didn't happen. Miami didn't beat Oklahoma either.

Once again, the reference to the '97 Rockets was brought up because of your inference that any team is lucky to win a game if the other team had a significant player hurt. Once again, you missed the boat on this one. Miami didn't beat Oklahoma because they never got the chance to play them. It's too bad because if they did played and Oklahoma had beaten them, then you would never be hearing me talk about this, but because they didn't, then you are going to hear about it. I can argue with you on this all day long--you're not the first. I've heard all the BS about this and it doesn't hold water. The fact that the BCS is changing their formula (your rebuttal being too weak to satisfy the original question I posed to you) shows that what I'm saying is true: Miami got screwed by not getting to play Oklahoma. It's not Oklahoma's fault that the system is messed up, but if I was them, I would have a hollow feeling knowing that I didn't play the best team. I guess you're a Texas fan, so I can understand your frustration and bitterness. It's not like your Texas team will ever do anything!

[gr8-1]

Originally posted by kidrock8


Did I ever say Tennessee was ever good? Last year, the SEC sucked ass... Someone had to win the Tenn/KSU game right?

So the SEC is better this year because..........?????? What's different about the SEC this year??


KSU didn't just win, they dominated them. Tennessee is a top ten rated team THIS YEAR, I know, but they were probably the 3rd or 4th best SEC team last year. KSU was probably the second or third best Big 12 team last year.

[Smokey]

Corso may be an "ass", but has Texas done anything to shut him up. Nope.

With the Horns schedule, they should be 11-0 headed to Dallas.

Texas is 0-2 vs. K-State in Big XII play. Although Texas is 2-1 vs. Nebraska in Big XII, the only loss happened in the biggest game. I don't think anything there will change.

Also since the first Big XII Championship game, the winner in North sites has been a South team

1996 Texas St. Louis
1998 Texas A&M St. Louis
2000 Oklahoma Kansas City

While in South sites, the winner has been a North team.

1997 Nebraska San Antonio
1999 Nebraska San Antonio
2001 ????? Dallas

I don't think anything will change.

[Live]

From kidrock8:

It will be Virginia Tech versus Oklahoma...



I could see this happening.

Say whatever you want about OU's performance Sat., their D is ABSOLUTELY AWESOME! That's the type of D that's at FSU, Miss St., and 'Bama! I think OU & UT will be the game of the year.

As for Virginia Tech, they should actually be better than last year. Improved D, a more explosive and balanced O, and the Canes come to Blacksburg.

My sleeper teams:

UCLA - deep, well-balanced, a healthy Foster (plus experience) gives them a slight edge over UT in terms of offense, UW, OSU (OH & OR), and UO in Pasadena, but must travel to Bama to start season, has any team ever played for a championship in home stadium?

LSU - deep, well-balanced, Toefield(sp?) will be best back in country by year's end, AUB & UF in Baton Rouge, but Tenn & Bama on road, Davey must stay healthy (not likely)

Tenn - deep, well-balanced, like UCLA backs give Tenn a slight edge over UT in terms of offense, very similar to '99 NC team

FSU - still has as much talent as anyone, Miami comes to Tallahasee this year but they have to go to Gainesville


If UT can run the ball, they have a great shot at playing in the Rose Bowl. But what's to stop OU or KSU from playing a modified nickel defense (put a CB at S, and S at LB) to stop those great UT wideouts?

We'll find out soon enough.

[Major]

<B>BUZZZZ! WRONG ANSWER!! Thanks for playing, but try again!! FSU is the media darling, not Miami. So your excuse there is weak and doesn't hold up. </B>

Umm, this has nothing to do with the "media darling". It has to do with the fact that Miami was ranked #2, ahead of FSU. That is the only reason there was a controversy -- the media poll didn't fit the BCS rankings.

<B>. Look at Miami's, FSU's, and Washington's results, offensive stats, defensive stats, etc. Yea, Miami plays Temple and Rutgers, but that's no different than Texas playing Baylor and Oklahoma State. </B>

And Texas had a crappy schedule last year (and this year too). Top-to-bottom, Washington's schedule was tougher than Miami's. The Big East is consistently rated the #5 or #6 conference (with the ACC), while the Pac-10 is consistently in the Top 4. Last year, the Pac-10 was rated the #1 conference (I disagree, but I'm biased) by the computers.

<B>I was talking about your comment on a "gimpy" Vick and how you inferred that Miami was lucky to beat Tech. </B>

No, I never said they were lucky. I said that they only had 2 wins against good opponents last year. I also pointed out that one of those happened to be against a team with a gimpy star player. You made any inferences from that.

<B>Using your logic, all the teams that beat them after they had lost Davis, Sharpe, Mobley, etc. were "lucky". </B>

Again, I never said they were lucky. You made that part up yourself.

<B>Your rebuttal to this shows you don't know what you are talking about because you are rebutting something that is not even mentioned in that phrase</B>

LOL.. I can't rebutt things when you make up statements and attribute them to me.

<B>Miami didn't beat Oklahoma because they never got the chance to play them. </B>

That's because they couldn't beat a Washington team that you say they are better than.

<B>It's too bad because if they did played and Oklahoma had beaten them</B>

Right.... They couldn't beat Washington, but they'd defeat the Oklahoma team that destroyed Nebraska, K-State, and FSU.

<B>Miami got screwed by not getting to play Oklahoma.</B>

No, Miami didn't take care of their own business. Play a weaker schedule, then you have to perform better than the other teams. FSU had a similar record and a tougher schedule. Why exactly did Miami deserve it more than FSU again? (Reminder: if you go to the "Miami beat FSU" then I will bring up Washington again, who also had a tougher schedule, equal record, and beat Miami)

<B>I guess you're a Texas fan, so I can understand your frustration and bitterness. It's not like your Texas team will ever do anything!</B>

LOL... I'm not the bitter one. The team that deserved the title won -- Oklahoma. You're playing the "Miami WOULD HAVE won if only.." game. Unfortunately for you, your Miami team lost a game and blew their chance.

[SamCassell]

Originally posted by Manny Ramirez
I guess you're a Texas fan, so I can understand your frustration and bitterness. It's not like your Texas team will ever do anything!

I find it funny that a poster named after a player who never has won a title (Manny), who roots for a team that hasn't won a title in 80+ years (Red Sox), would diss someone else because their team hasn't won a national title recently. It's all about the scoreboard, isn't it? Washington 34, Miami 29.

[Manny Ramirez]

Originally posted by shanna
<B>BUZZZZ! WRONG ANSWER!! Thanks for playing, but try again!! FSU is the media darling, not Miami. So your excuse there is weak and doesn't hold up. </B>

Umm, this has nothing to do with the "media darling". It has to do with the fact that Miami was ranked #2, ahead of FSU. That is the only reason there was a controversy -- the media poll didn't fit the BCS rankings.

<B>. Look at Miami's, FSU's, and Washington's results, offensive stats, defensive stats, etc. Yea, Miami plays Temple and Rutgers, but that's no different than Texas playing Baylor and Oklahoma State. </B>

And Texas had a crappy schedule last year (and this year too). Top-to-bottom, Washington's schedule was tougher than Miami's. The Big East is consistently rated the #5 or #6 conference (with the ACC), while the Pac-10 is consistently in the Top 4. Last year, the Pac-10 was rated the #1 conference (I disagree, but I'm biased) by the computers.

<B>I was talking about your comment on a "gimpy" Vick and how you inferred that Miami was lucky to beat Tech. </B>

No, I never said they were lucky. I said that they only had 2 wins against good opponents last year. I also pointed out that one of those happened to be against a team with a gimpy star player. You made any inferences from that.

<B>Using your logic, all the teams that beat them after they had lost Davis, Sharpe, Mobley, etc. were "lucky". </B>

Again, I never said they were lucky. You made that part up yourself.

<B>Your rebuttal to this shows you don't know what you are talking about because you are rebutting something that is not even mentioned in that phrase</B>

LOL.. I can't rebutt things when you make up statements and attribute them to me.

<B>Miami didn't beat Oklahoma because they never got the chance to play them. </B>

That's because they couldn't beat a Washington team that you say they are better than.

<B>It's too bad because if they did played and Oklahoma had beaten them</B>

Right.... They couldn't beat Washington, but they'd defeat the Oklahoma team that destroyed Nebraska, K-State, and FSU.

<B>Miami got screwed by not getting to play Oklahoma.</B>

No, Miami didn't take care of their own business. Play a weaker schedule, then you have to perform better than the other teams. FSU had a similar record and a tougher schedule. Why exactly did Miami deserve it more than FSU again? (Reminder: if you go to the "Miami beat FSU" then I will bring up Washington again, who also had a tougher schedule, equal record, and beat Miami)

<B>I guess you're a Texas fan, so I can understand your frustration and bitterness. It's not like your Texas team will ever do anything!</B>

LOL... I'm not the bitter one. The team that deserved the title won -- Oklahoma. You're playing the "Miami WOULD HAVE won if only.." game. Unfortunately for you, your Miami team lost a game and blew their chance.

Shanna: We are going to have to agree to disagree here. In one of your earlier responses, you selected a phrase from my post about the '99 Broncos and all the injuries they had. Your response had nothing to do with what you selected. Thus, it made it pretty hard (and still hard) to understand what you are saying. As for the injuries--yea, you never said that Miami was lucky to win with a gimpy Vick, but if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, then guess what? It's a duck. It was pretty obvious to everyone here what you were saying there. I hardly think that 13-2 was destroying anybody. Yes, Oklahoma dominated FSU defensively, but Oklahoma's offense had just as hard of a time against FSU's defense for most of the game. 51-0 or better yet 46-3 is destroying someone, not 13-2. And last I checked, Oklahoma did not "destroy" Kansas State in either one of their 2 games last season especially in the Big 12 title game where if KSU recovers the onside kick at the end of the game, they still theoretically have a chance.

I think everyone can agree that last year was a year where a playoff was needed. Yes, Oklahoma was undefeated, but there were several other teams that you can make an argument for to play them. Obviously, I felt it was Miami that should have played them, the BCS felt it was FSU, and other people felt it was Washington and even Oregon State. It's frustrating to see a great sport like college football be so stubborn and not get a playoff. Maybe they did this on purpose, so people like you and me have something to argue about.

[Manny Ramirez]

Originally posted by SamCassell


It's all about the scoreboard, isn't it? Washington 34, Miami 29.

You are so right, Sam I Am... Miami 46, Texas 3 in the '91 Cotton Bowl !!:p

[THE BREESE]

i still think that A&M is going to surprise people this year. If not by being in the big XII race then buy spoiling somebones championsip hopes (Texas)