SEC’s Early Exit Breakdown
Posted on | January 16, 2012 | No Comments
Trent Richardson was never gonna be drafted higher.
SEC’s Early Exit Breakdown
This was a record breaking season for people deciding they were done with college football. And while there will be some people who will not be drafted (Darron Thomas? Art thou serious bro?), the SEC’s exodus of talent will lead to pride on draft day. As many as seven could go in the first round, and no one is going to spend the draft pulling a Jevan Snead, at least now that Russell Sheppard came crawling back.
But who goes where? And how will they go about it? Read on fellows and lady fellows.
Trent Richardson (RB-Alabama) In this day and age, the running back is not nearly as important as they once were in the Sunday league. I’m not saying that Trent Richardson is going to have a Mark Ingram worry? But that being said, despite his spectacular gifts, the chance that he falls out of the top ten is a number beyond slim and none.
Morris Claiborne (CB-LSU) Here’s my pick for first SEC player off the board. Because here’s the thing, he kept getting thrown at. Between Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu, Claiborne had to keep getting thrown at. And he was up to the task like every single day. With the way Passing went in the NFL last year? He could go 3rd and I wouldn’t be surprised.
Dre Kirkpatrick (CB-Alabama) Reminds me a lot of Al Harris. Long, lanky, and aggressive. He just shuts receivers down. Barring a Julio Jones combine, he may not get past Claiborne, but I can guarantee that he’s not going to fall out of the top ten.
Fletcher Cox (DT-Mississippi State) There’s a 3-4 team that’s going to fall in love with Cox. Scouts grade him as a decent inside pass rusher with a great motor. He will not leave the first round, and if he’s at 28? He just seems too perfect as a fit for Green Bay.
Dont’a Hightower (ILB-Alabama) Scouts grade him as a smart, and strong run stuffer with an underrated pass rush, but he’s a step slow. (4.78 40-yard time). This isn’t to say that he isn’t going to have a bad career. But the thing of it is? You can’t be surprised if he falls out of the first round.
Michael Brockers (DT-LSU) One of the things that happens every year is that some defensive lineman with amazing athleticism gets up the draft board because everyone is going to be all like OMG Upside! Brockers should be picked between 35 and 75. But don’t be surprised that he’s picked by like Dallas at 13. He’s all upside and athleticism.
Alshon Jeffrey (WR-South Carolina) He was supposed to rival Justin Blackmon for the first WR off the board. But that being said? The skills that he’s shown haven’t exactly disappeared. Michael Floyd seems to have definitely passed him and Kendall Wright has probably passed him. A good 40-time? And he’s still a first round choice.
Rueben Randle (WR-LSU) One of those receivers LSU always seems to graduate. Big and rangy and probably a step slower than what scouts would like. Randle will probably be a second or third round pick. But a James Jones comparison isn’t exactly an insult, either.
Stephon Gilmore (CB-South Carolina) Right now, he seems like the Mexican Non-union equivalent of Charles Woodson. He has the blitzing, run support, and ball hawking skills of Woodson, he’s spent time playing offense and isn’t a half bad return man. The only question is can he stay at corner. There are whispers, you guys.
Orson Charles (TE-Georgia) A more physically gifted Aaron Hernandez. I’m not saying that he’s going to be a superstar straight away, but with his hands and great vertical skills, as the tight end becomes more important? By 2013? He could be in the conversation with your Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski.
Bobby Massie (RT-Ole Miss) An intriguing talent. He’s got the physicality to be an NFL right tackle, but the athleticism that a switch to the left side could be considered. He’s not going to be likely drafted before Round 3, but the magazines will be putting a picture of a dude sleeping by his name. Because, see, he’s a sleeper.
Tags: Alshon Jeffrey > Bobby Massie > Breakdowns > Donta Hightower > Dre Kirkpatrick > Fletcher Cox > Michael Brockers > Morris Claiborne > NFL Draft > Orson Charles > Rosin > Rueben Randle > Stephon Gilmore > Trent Richardson
Alabama vs. LSU, BCS Reactions, 2012
Posted on | January 10, 2012 | No Comments
@LSUFreek has the right idea. Jordan Jefferson's not going to be tabbed for DONDA.
Alabama vs. LSU, BCS Reactions, 2012
Was this game ugly? Yes. Like all sequels, they pale in comparison to the original. I’m not saying that every aspect of the game was terrible. But that being said? This was more impenetrable than a Lars Von Trier movie in several spots.
But you have to give credit to Jim McElwain. He called a game that turned the Honey Badger into something mortal. He called a game that generated the most rushing yards and the most non-Holgorsen aided passing yards on LSU’s defense. If I was Colorado State, I’d be fired up for next year. He made the perfect closer to his run at Alabama.
Now that being said? Jordan Jefferson played like a punk. When I made my prediction, on of the major reasons as to why I made a prediction that was misled? The option game. Jordan had his big boy pants on when they played Alabama the last time. Then again, they were preparing for Jarrett Lee.
This time, every time Jordan would run the option, he would leave the running back out to dry. He pitched the ball way too early, and he would make less effort than a late-90′s NBA star after he made the pitch. Now I grant the premise that if I were to get hit by so much Courtney Upshaw I would develop a case of the limber tail is a solid one. But that being said. It’s one game. Suck it up for one game.
Because if you do? You can develop a legend. Like A.J. McCarron. You know how many National Championship QB’s were sophomores when they won? One. And it’s the guy who threw to Brad Smelley like the entire night.
And while the National Championship rematch definitely has benefited the SEC in its rare iterations, but here’s the thing. The games have been terrible. Florida stomped on the gas and won its first National Championship game by 32. And Ole Miss shut out LSU in the rematch of the Billy Cannon game.
Congratulations to Alabama. Congratulations to LSU. But the rematch must not happen again. Nothing good will come of it. Nothing.
Tags: AJ McCarron > BCS Championship > Brad Smelley > Jim McElwain > Jordan Jefferson > No More Rematch > Reactions > Rosin > Tyrann Mathieu
LSU vs. Alabama, BCS National Championship, Predicition Pick 2012
Posted on | January 6, 2012 | No Comments
Trent Richardson is going in for redemption.
LSU vs. Alabama, BCS National Championship, Predicition Pick 2012
I’m not going to just throw up my last call. Though the fact of the matter is that this is a game that has a very similar vibe. If the Alamo Bowl was a Michael Bay movie, and the Rose and Fiesta Bowls were X-Men 2 and X-Men: First Class? Then this is Tree of Life. Impenetrable to the casual watcher, but something that has beauty in between the lines.
Because the fact of the matter? We’re going to see a very similar game. Not that the offenses are going to be slowed up. The defenses always have a greater advantage when the bowl games go off later in the year. And these two defenses are spectacular.
So what’s the differences? For one, the option question. Most people aren’t surprised that LSU was the SEC team that ended up with the best per carry average of all the D-1 opponents Alabama faced. When Jordan Jefferson came in and the speed option was run? They got forward momentum on Alabama.
But then the Crimson Tide faced Georgia Southern. The team that made the flexbone famous gashed Alabama. 25% of Alabama’s Touchdowns allowed? To Georgia Southern. 33.6% of Alabama’s rushing yards allowed? To Georgia Southern.
You’re going to see a lot of option from Jordan Jefferson and their four pronged running back attack. And while they’re not going to have 300 yards rushing by any stretch? They may yet get a touchdown. (Gasp, I know.)
And then there’s the special teams question. I don’t expect Brad Wing to get himself another game changing punt. I also don’t expect Tyrann Mathieu to break one. But that being said? Alabama’s 6 of their last 13 on field goal attempts. Now most of that’s on Cade Foster, but the fact of the matter is that Alabama’s going to have to be in four down territory from a greater distance than Saban will feel comfortable.
And barring a wrinkle, or the injuries in Alabama’s secondary stopping them from playing on Monday, LSU’s special teams will prove to be the difference. It won’t be a game that will bring joy to the masses. But there will be beauty in this clash.
LSU 13, Alabama 10.
Tags: Alfred Blue > Brad Wing > Cade Foster > Kenny Hilliard > Mark Barron > Marquis Maze > Michael Ford > Nick Saban > Reuben Randle > Spencer Ware > Trent Richardson > Tyrann Mathieu
Arkansas vs. Kansas State, Cotton Bowl, 2012 Prediction Pick
Posted on | January 4, 2012 | 1 Comment
This photo could get a Cotton Bowl sequel
Arkansas vs. Kansas State, Cotton Bowl, 2012 Prediction Pick
In a game that definitely has more in-season cache than last night’s Sugar Bowl, you will see a styles clash of some tremendous proportions. On Arkansas, you’ll have a passing game that averages 300 yards per outing. Kansas State takes a different set of tactics. Quarterback Collin Klein went into bowl season second nationally in Rushing touchdowns.
Why is that interesting? Well for one, Tyler Wilson and the Greg Childs, Jarius Wright, Joe Adams trio are going to feast on the 104th ranked passing defense in the country. But that being said, the Klein led Wildcats running game is going to face an Arkansas defense that definitely has a soft underbelly to it. So the major key to the game is obviously going to be hidden yardage.
That means turnovers. If you break it down strictly on a yardage quotient? Kansas State doesn’t belong here. They’re 76th per play and 74th per game. But they’re here on the simple fact that they win the turnover battle. Plus thirteen turnover margin is a big number.
And while Arkansas has been the bellwether between good and great, a team that’s clean in regards to taking care of the ball has an edge over Arkansas. Kansas State absolutely needs one in a short field situation to have a chance here. They also need to punch it in. Because Arkansas’ defense, while it has its weaknesses, it’s at its best when you’re looking at getting six points off of them.
But that being said? Jake Bequette has an opportunity to build up his draft stock in his final college game. Kansas State is in the triple digits regarding sacks allowed. Bequette finished November with 6 sacks, and he will absolutely be chasing Klein like all day.
Long story short? This feels like last years Cotton Bowl. The Big 12 team is going to stay in it for about a third of the game. But I absolutely believe that Arkansas’ offense is going to force the Wildcats to abandon their plans for a running game. And when they do? Klein just doesn’t have the horses to keep up.
Arkansas 38, Kansas State 21.
Tags: Bowl Predictions > Cotton Bowl > Greg Childs > Jairus Wright > Jake Bequette > Joe Adams > Rosin > Tyler Wilson
Gator Bowl Prediction Pick, 2012, Ohio State vs. Florida
Posted on | December 29, 2011 | No Comments
I will insist on calling Jeff Demps Will. That may be as far as I know.
Gator Bowl Prediction Pick, 2012, Ohio State vs. Florida
This is a game where if I had money to put on games? I would stay away from it. It vows to be ugly. ESPN is going to take the fact that Urban Meyer was the coach at Florida and salt the broadcast so that nothing can grow. There may not even be twenty completions from both sides, and you will see copious amounts of punt.
As a player, Braxton Miller is a talent. He’s an exciting athlete who has already started on building a legend in Columbus. And with him, they can’t game plan for Boon Herron, Carlos Hyde, or Jordan Hall. And while they’re going to get game planned for, with the way Florida plays fast and loose with the ball, I can guarantee they will have a drive from a short field.
Because the fact is, when it comes to bowl games? You usually trust the better defense. And Florida is a top 10 defense yardage wise. But they are one of the worst teams regarding turnover margin. And when you’re averaging a turnover lost per game? You give up an advantage.
Because otherwise, the running joke about SEC speed would apply. Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps should be at full strength. And one home run would be enough to win the game. So yeah. We’re in a situation where it’s evenly matched.
Ohio State has John Simon, and in the game where the defense will likely win, a sack strip may be enough. And he’s the pass rusher. The only consistent one.
So yeah, can you tell with the hemming and hawing I’m not terrifically sure in regards to who will win? My gut says Ohio State, they’re the more disciplined team, and they’re the team that will get the running game untracked.
Ohio State 14, Florida 13.
But I could be wrong.
Tags: Bowl Predictions > Chris Rainey > Jeff Demps > John Brantley > Matt Elam > Rosin
Outback Bowl Prediction Pick, 2012, Georgia vs. Michigan State
Posted on | December 28, 2011 | No Comments
Will Aaron Murray get time to throw? Maybe not.
Outback Bowl Prediction Pick, 2012, Georgia vs. Michigan State
This promises to be one of the more evenly matched games in the entirety of the bowl season. You have two teams with strong defenses, good passing games, and future stars on both sides of the ball, and both lost their conference championship games. Who gets to end on a high note? Find out here.
First of all, it’s going to be a chess match. Michigan State has a superbly experienced passing game, where Kirk Cousins can throw to B.J. Cunningham and Keshawn Martin. They were able to gash the Badgers defense for a copious amount of points. (And they are the 8th ranked defense overall.) Jarvis Jones got a lot of sacks this season, but Michigan State has been really quite good at limiting opponents sacks as well.
And when you look at Georgia, their largest weakness has been opponents with a good pass rush. Their three losses were to teams that could get after Aaron Murray. And like Georgia, Michigan State has a star pass rusher (Denicos Allen) and a lot of people who have a few sacks. They’re 4th nationally, and versus the 86th best against? Aaron Murray’s gonna have to check down more often than he would like.
The other issue? Isaiah Crowell. There’s something of a distraction going on here. Crowell’s worn down as the season’s continued, and while he’s been a solid in his debut, he’s been supplanted in practice by Ken Holcombe, with Richard Samuel and Carlton Thomas looking to be healthy come bowl time. And for whatever the Spartans are worth running the ball? At least they know what they have with Le’Veon Bell and Edwin Baker.
But long story short? This is gonna be a tight one. I like Michigan State’s defense, but they have inconsistent performances. And then there’s Georgia. A good team, but they’re definitely not a great one. Michigan State has had flashes of greatness.
It’s going to be a classic. But Sparty, yes.
Michigan State 28, Georgia 27.
Tags: Aaron Murray > Bowl Predictions > Isaiah Crowell > Jarvis Jones > Ken Holcombe > Malcolm Mitchell > Orson Charles > Predictions > Richard Samuel > Rosin
Capital One Bowl Prediction Pick, 2012, Nebraska vs. South Carolina
Posted on | December 28, 2011 | 2 Comments
Alshon could use another touchdown.
Capital One Bowl Prediction Pick, 2012, Nebraska vs. South Carolina
The former Florida Citrus bowl has been home to some recent classics. Not last year, unless you hate the state of Michigan THAT BADLY. But Drew Tate won on the last second against LSU, and Kyle Orton came to make Purdue lose in hilarious fashion. 2008 brought Tim Tebow’s only post-season loss, and 2010 brought a bowl of mud that Penn State won.
Keep the jokes about the celebration to yourself please.
This year? Nebraska makes it’s first New Years appearance in a second tier Florida bowl game, taking on the South Carolina Gamecocks. And for Nebraska? This could be a challenge. Sure, Rex Burkhead and Taylor Martinez are a running tag team that front the 13th best running attack in the country. But South Carolina’s defense matches up pretty well.
For one thing? They have that defensive line of Clowney, Ingram, and Taylor. That’s the front of a defensive line that got 23 of the 25 sacks for the Gamecocks. And they will allow Antonio Allen and D.J. Swearinger to get all of the tackles.
And for the other? Nebraska’s not going to pass. They may try to pass, but where South Carolina is at their best is stuffing the pass. 2nd nationally, and second per attempt. They could probably put 8 in the box and dare Taylor to make arm magic. And with the way they generate turnovers?
Martinez will get picked. At least twice.
And the Blackshirt defense? Not nearly as vaunted as one would expect. When Jared Crick went down? This team became gettable via the run. And while Brandon Wilds isn’t a superstar, he did top the century mark in three of his starts this year. And if Alshon Jeffrey emerges? South Carolina’s going to get 21 points.
Will that be enough? Yeah. Burkhead will get a touchdown. But there won’t be much more than field goals beyond that. South Carolina’s defense will prove to be the difference. The Gamecocks build on this together.
South Carolina 21, Nebraska 13
Tags: Alshon Jeffrey > Antonio Allen > Bowl Predictions > Brandon Wilds > D.J. Swearinger > Devin taylor > Jadeveon Clowney > Rosin
Music City Bowl Prediction Pick, 2011, Mississippi State vs. Wake Forest
Posted on | December 19, 2011 | 2 Comments
#VickBallardStillGotOver1000yards
Music City Bowl Prediction Pick, 2011, Mississippi State vs. Wake Forest
Mississippi State was a team I had high hopes for. When this team was on paper, I had so many high hopes for them. In fact, I thought they were going to shock Alabama in Starkville. So suffice it to say, a trip to Memphis isn’t exactly what I was hoping for. But redemption is only one game away, if they can get past Wake Forest.
And while Tanner Price has two receivers in Chris Givens and Michael Campanaro that he trusts implicitly (roughly 60% of the completions are to these two), the Bulldogs have a really strong match-up with these Demon Deacons. And I’ll explain why.
Remember when I said that this was an underrated defense when they played Arkansas? Sure, Arkansas put up 44 points on them, but their defense is still one that allows under three points for every ten plays that they’re on the field. Fletcher Cox leads a solid defensive line, and John Banks and Nickoe Whitley are a secondary that deserved a better offense. But they ended up being the fifth best bowl team on a per play average in keeping points off the board.
And while Brandon Pendergrass is a good dude (I assume), he’s the frontman for a running attack that can’t gash ACC defenses. He won’t have the best of times in taking down the Bulldogs front seven. Especially in the Red Zone. It’s the most telling stat. Wake Forest is 97th in getting touchdowns in the Red Zone, and Mississippi State is 6th in giving them up. Long story short? Wake Kicker Jimmy Newman has a decent chance in leading Wake in points.
So long story short? The defense will shut Wake down. And when you consider that most of this defense isn’t exactly in line to graduate, they may win by an impressive enough total to bring back irrationally exuberant Andrew for 2012.
Mississippi State 27, Wake Forest 16.
Tags: All the Hashtag Jokes > Bowl Predictions > Chris Givens > Fletcher Cox > John Banks > Michael Campanaro > Nickoe Whitley > Rosin > Tanner Price
