Coaches on the Hot Seat-Edition 2

Here is an updated look at Coaches who are feeling some heat this week. NOtable additions are Bobby Hauck of UNLV and Dave Christensen of Wyoming.
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Coaches in the Dead Pool-Edition 2

Here is an updated look at our Coaches Swimming in the Dead Pool for week 3. Two notable removals were Dave Clawson ofBolwing Green, along with Rick Stockstill of Middle Tennessee. Additions included John L. Smith of Arkansas, an DeWayne Walker of New Mexico State.
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PRS Rankings Week 3

Our complete PRS rankins are now posted for week 3. Many changes have taken place, as the rankings are normally volatile early in the year. These rankings cover FBS, FCS, and D2 for games played in week 3. READ MORE

FCS PRS Rankings Week 2

1. Youngstown State (2-0, 609)
2. Illinois State (2-0, 596)
3. North Dakota State (2-0, 591)
4. Old Dominion (2-0, 522)
5. James Madison (2-0, 484)
6. Albany (2-0, 477)
7. Bethune-Cookman (2-0, 448)
8. Coastal Carolina (2-0, 444)
9. Lehigh (2-0, 443)
10. Georgetown (2-0, 412)
11. Citadel (2-0, 409)
12. McNeese State (2-0, 395)
13. Wofford (2-0, 343)
14. Eastern Washington (1-1, 337)
15. Sacramento State (1-1, 332)
16. UT-Martin (1-1, 323)
17. Northern Arizona (1-1,  320)
18. Stony Brook (1-1, 301)
19. Montana State (2-0, 271)
20. North Dakota (2-0, 269)

For complete rankings, READ MORE

FBS PRS Top 25 Week 2

Here is a look at our FBS rankings after two weeks of the FBS College Football Season. Every week, we rank every team in FBS, FCS, and D2 college football using our own system that has been in place for 30 years. Here is a look at our top 25 after two weeks, followed by a link to see where every school ranked from top to bottom.


1. USC Trojans (2-0, 493)
The Trojans have been on an early roll, winning big at home against Hawaii to open, and then convincingly taking a road trip to NYC to take out Syracuse. The boys from Troy appear to be back in the thick of a title hunt. Stanford comes next, and the Trojans should handle themselves quite well.


2. Alabama Crimson Tide (2-0, 488)
The Crimson Tide has been unstoppable early, routing both Michigan in Dallas, and shutting down Western Kentucky at home. If the Tide had laid it on a bit thicker on the Hilltoppers, they'd be number one this week, but they backed off the throttle, coming up short by five points.


3. Georgia Bulldogs (2-0, 478)
The Bulldogs easily took care of Buffalo in the opener at home, and then poured it on in the 4th on the road in Columbia to take out Missouri. The Bulldogs had a scare through 3 quarters, trailing 17-9, but blew up in the 4th, taking a 21 point win (41-20). That game propelled the Bulldogs to the win, which places Georgia ahead in the SEC race.


4. UCLA Bruins (2-0, 466)
One of the more surprising teams in the nation, Jim Mora has changed the culture in Westwood rather quickly. The one thing that's impressive, is that these Bruins adjust to situations and set the pace, rather than cpitulate to someone else's pace. Nobody thought that the Bruins would beat Nebraska, but they did, and now the Bruins fear no team now.



5. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (2-0, 463)
The Irish are on their way back thanks to steady play from QB Everett Golston. Brian Kelly has his team on a decent trajectory, but after en easy road win over Navy, and a tight home win over fired up Purdue, ND gets their first major test of the season, as they travel to East Lansing to play the Michigan State Spartans. This week is huge in the development of the Irish.


6. Ohio Bobcats (2-0, 462)
The Bobcats are the frontrunners in the MAC, and they have been nothing short of impressive early, beating Penn State on the road, and then blowing out New Mexico State at home. Frank Solich has his Bobcats playing their A game, and the Bobcats are not easily intimidated. I look for the winning to continue for a while.


7. Clemson Tigers (2-0, 460)
The Tigers have not had Sammy Watkins in their first two games, and it was no problem as Clemson has rolled past Auburn and Ball State to start 2012. They get Watkins back this week, but play FCS member Furman, so the Tigers will likely drop, as the PRS does not credit full points for wins over FCS programs.


8. South Carolina Gamecocks (2-0, 457)
The Gamecocks got an early scare at Vanderbilt, but bounced back for a nice win against the defensive minded Commodores. Last weekend saw no such struggle as SC rolled past east Carolina by 38. Connor Shaw is still doubtful this week, but the Gamecocks shouold have it easy against UAB, and will likely climb again.


9. Ohio State Buckeyes (2-0, 448)
Urban Meyer has pulled off two early miracles. He has the Buckeyes playing up despite sanctions, and he has Braxton Miller playing like a top flight option QB. Miller leads all QBs in rushing, and he has been passing well also. OSU should roll Cal at home in columbus this weekend.


10t. LSU Tigers (2-0, 447)
The Tigers have not lost a step, as they have blown out both North Texas and Washington at home. The only problem is that you get more PRS points for playing on the road, and LSU rarely does that early.Tigers get another cupcake this week at home in the form of Idaho, and will win easily, allowing a likely climb into the top ten proper.


10t. Texas Longhorns (2-0, 447)
The Horns have shown some consistency this season in coming back from the debacle of 2011. Mack Brown has found a solid QB in David Ash, but they have not yet found a front line RB. Easy wins have dotted the schedule against New Mexico and Wyoming, and in reality, the Horns should win big on the road against Ole Miss this week.


12. Michigan State Spartans (2-0, 446)
The Spartans opened with a huge home win against Boise State, and that game was brutal for the Spartans. That's why taking a road trip to play Central Michigan was a welcome change, as the Spartans rolled to a 41-7 road win, lifting them high into the PRS rankings this week. MSU gets another major test this week when Notre Dame comes to town in a major clash of two top 15 PRS teams.


13. Oregon Ducks (2-0, 439)
The Ducks blew up for 51 in the first half against Arkansas State, but then fell off of the throttle in the second half, a tactic that they basically would repeat last weekend against Fresno State. If the Ducks kept up the tempo, even when up big early, they'd likely be a top 10 team in the PRS right now. I'd like to see a complete game from them soon. Ducks will fall in the PRS this week as they take on FC Tennessee Tech, which will give no credit.


14. Northwestern Wildcats (2-0, 426)
The Cats took a wild road win at Syracuse to open, after almost giving that game away. They followed that up at home last weekend with a solid dog fight against Vanderbilt, coming away with a 23-13 win. Northwestern stays home this weekend against Boston college, and I am looking for a big game from the Cats. Look for Northwestern to be one of those sneaky teams that nobody takes seriously until late.


15. Iowa State Cyclones (2-0, 415)
Paul Rhoades is at it again in Ames, winning a game each at home and on the road, with the road win coming against arch rival Iowa, an ugly contest that ended at 9-6 with lackluster run games for both teams. ISU is playing above their station right now, and will likely even off, but a bowl is seriously a real option this season. The Cyclones wil slide with a game against Western Illinois of the FCS ranks this weekend. Again, there's no credit for that.


16. Florida Gators (2-0, 413)
The Gators have not been pretty, but they have grinded out a home win over Bowling Green (it was closer than it should have been), and a road win over Texas A&M. The Gators have still not had a solid full game yet, and had better have one this weekend on the road at Tennessee.


17. Arizona Wildcats (2-0, 411)
The Wildcats have been solid in Rich Rodriguez's first season in the desert, beating a strong Toledo club in OT before piling up a shocking 59-38 win over Oklahoma State. This will be an easy week, with FCS member South Carolina State coming to town, but again, FCS games hurt you in the PRS rankings, as they barely count.


18. Stanford Cardinal (2-0, 410)
Stanford has not had it easy to start this season, struggling to a win over Bay Area rival San Jose State, before beating up on hapless Duke last weekend. The Cardinal is trying to adjust to life after Andrew Luck, and Josh Nunes is not Andrew Luck. That being said, he has been credible, but not great. #1 USC comes to town this weekend, and the Cardinal may just realize just how different their makeup is this season.


19. Texas Tech Red Raiders (2-0, 344)
The Red Raiders have gotten off to a strong start against a not so strong schedule. They get another easy dog on the schedule this week as New Mexico travels to Lubbock. The Raiders should roll again this week, and will move up in the PRS rankings.


20. Oklahoma Sooners (2-0, 297)
Oklahoma worries me as a power this season, as they opened with an ugly road win over UTEP before pounding FCS member Florida A&M last weekend. The Sooners showed some serious flaws in the opener, and will have a bye this week, which will likely knock the Sooners out of the top 25, s they will not gain points this week.


21. Indiana Hoosiers (2-0, 291)
The start to 2012 is so much better than the start to 2011 for Indiana. The Hoosiers did struggle like hell to put away FCS member Indiana State in the opener, but they came back with a vengence last weekend at UMass to rout the Minutemen 45-6. Ball State comes to Bloomigton this weekend, and the Cardinals upset the Hoosiers last year. It could happen again if the Hoosiers aren't prepared.


22. Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns (2-0, 290)
A huge win over Troy on the road last weekedn put the Cajuns to the head of the Sun Belt race early in the season, but also pressed them back into the top 25 of the PRS, where they spent time last season. ULL is looking to have a dog fight in Sun Belt play, but they can play outside as well. This will be the toughest week so far, as they travel to Stillwater to take on an angry Oklahoma State club.


23. Tennessee Volunteers (2-0, 287)
Derek Dooley is under tremendous pressure to win this season in Knoxville, and the Vols have responded with two resounding wins over NC State and FCS member Georgia State for their first two weekends. This weekend is all chips on the table with the hated Gators coming into Knoxville for what is likely to be a war. If Dooley handles Florida, the seat cools tremendously.


24t. Arizona State Sun Devils (2-0, 283)
Arizona State has not beaten an impressive opponent yet (N. Arizona, Illinois), but they have won impressively in those two tilts at home. This is a big week for ASU, as they travel to play reeling Missouri, who just lost at home by 21 to Georgia. This is a great chance for ASU to impress, and move up in the PRS rankings, as a win on the road here would be huge.


24t. Kansas State Wildcats (2-0, 283)
The Wildcats shocked me big time when they hammered Miami into the ground last weekend 52-13, as they were coming off a relatively ok performance against Missouri State of FCS fame. I am still not sure if we should buy in on K-State just yet, as Miami is just not very good. This weekend lacks a chance for us to really know what this team is about with North Texas coming to town. Should be another easy win.

For teams ranked 26-124, READ MORE

Coaches on the Hot Seat-Week 1

Let's take a look at the coaches in FBS football who had better start winning now, or else find a very short plank to a deep dive into the Dead Pool. Here are those coaches: READ MORE

Coaches Swimming in the Dead Pool-Week 1

It's that magical time of year again when we hear splashing in the pool. I am not talking about your kids trying to squeeze the last ounce of blood out of summer, I am talking about head coaches all over America who are diving head first into the Dead Pool, meaning that I guarantee that they will be fired by the end of the season. That's right, after one solid week, I already have a look at who you can expect to be gone. Fear not, however, as any one of these coaches has the chance to find the ladder or a floatie, and save themselves from the drowning effects of the Dead Pool! Here is our first look at the candidates for 2012. READ MORE

PRS Rankings Week 1

In case you missed it last week, here was our first look at the PRS Rankings for week one. We will explain the system further this week, but enjoy a look at our first week's rankings. Week 2 will be posted Monday, 9/10! READ MORE

Week 2 NCAA Picks

We finished 121-21 for our first week in picking FBS and FCS games last weekend. Here is a look at how we're doing for week 2 so far. Final record will be posted tomorrow (Sunday) night! READ MORE

Pass/Fail Report-Week 1

For those of you who had missed it last week, here is our first weekly Pass/Fail Report of the NCAA football season. We will post this report every Monday throughout the season, so enjoy week one! Week two will be published this Monday, 9/10! READ MORE

Live on Twitter

Follow our live tweeting today (@BiloFootball) as we cover UCLA/Nebraska live. Also, check our home page at powerratedsports.com, as we update final scores all day long for FBS, FCS, and D2 football!
Our newest PRS rankings will post on Monday night for all 3 levels.

Week One Picks

Thursday

South Carolina over Vanderbilt

UCF over Akron

Ball State over E. Michigan

C. Michigan over SE Missouri State

Kent State over Towson

Utah over N. Colorado

M. Tennessee over McNeese State

S. Alabama over UTSA

Connecticut over UMass

Texas A&M over Louisiana Tech

UCLA over Rice

New Mexico State over Sacramento State

Utah State over S. Utah

E. Washington over Idaho

BYU over Washington State

Arizona State over N. Arizona

UNLV over Minnesota

 

Friday

Temple over Villanova

NC State over Tennessee

Florida Atlantic over Wagner

Michigan State over Boise State

Stanford over San Jose State

 

Saturday

Notre Dame over Navy

East Carolina over Appalachian State

Troy over UAB

Illinois over W. Michigan

Ohio State over Miami (Ohio)

Penn State over Ohio

Northwestern over Syracuse

West Virginia over Marshall

Georgia over Buffalo

North Carolina over Elon

Air Force over Idaho State

Maryland over William & Mary

Virginia over Richmond

California over Nevada

Oregon State over Nicholls State

Nebraska over Southern Miss

Purdue over E. Kentucky

Wisconsin over N. Iowa

Tulsa over Iowa State

Miami over Boston College

Iowa over N. Illinois

Florida over Bowling Green

Colorado over Colorado State

New Mexico over Southern

Florida State over Murray State

Pittsburgh over Youngstown State

Wake Forest over Liberty

Memphis over UT-Martin

South Florida over Chattanooga

W. Kentucky over Austin Peay

FIU over Duke

Missouri over SE Louisiana

Oklahoma State over Savannah State

Kansas over South Dakota State

UL-Lafayette over Lamar

Arkansas over Jacksonville State

Clemson over Auburn

LSU over North Texas

Ole Miss over C. Arkansas

Mississippi State over Jackson State

Texas Tech over Northwestern State

Kansas State over Missouri State

USC over Hawaii

Rutgers over Tulane

Indiana over Indiana State

Michigan over Alabama

Houston over Texas State

Texas over Wyoming

Fresno State over Weber State

Oklahoma over UTEP

Arizona over Toledo

Oregon over Arkansas State

Washington over San Diego State

 

Sunday

Louisville over Kentucky

Baylor over SMU

 

Monday

Virginia Tech over Georgia Tech

 

FCS Games

 

Thursday

Morehead State over S. Virginia

Fordham over Lock Haven

W. Illinois over Butler

Stephen F Austin over SW Oklahoma

Campbell over Shorter

New Hampshire over Holy Cross

S. Illinois over E. Illinois

Delaware over West Chester

Georgia State over South Carolina State

Tennessee Tech over Hampton

St. Joseph’s (IN) over Valporaiso

Western Carolina over Mars Hill

North Dakota over South Dakota Mines

 

Saturday

Lehigh over Monmouth

Morgan State over Sacred Heart

VMI over Delaware State

Illinois State over Dayton

Presbyterian over Brevard

Bryant over Marist

Montana over South Dakota

Howard over Morehouse

Furman over Samford

Citadel over Charleston Southern

Georgia Southern over Jacksonville

Albany over Colgate

UA-Pine Bluff over Langston

NC Central over Fayetteville State

Stony Brook over C. Connecticut State

Coastal Carolina over North Carolina A&T

Old Dominion over Duquesne

Wofford over Gardner-Webb

Concordia (AL) over Mississippi Valley State

James Madison over St. Francis

Georgetown over Davidson

Norfolk State over Virginia State

Florida A&M over Tennessee State

Grambling over Alcorn State

Alabama A&M over Tuskegee

North Dakota State over Robert Morris

Cal Poly over San Diego

Drake over Grand View

Texas Southern over Prairie View

Portland State over Carroll

UC-Davis over Azusa Pacific

Montana State over Chadron State

 

Sunday

Bethune-Cookman over Alabama State

 

College Football Kicks Off!

We are back to our favorite time of year once again!!! College football opens tonight. Ccheck the site often all weekend for live updates!!!
http://powerratedsports.com/

Assumption and American International 2012 Previews

Please join us as Paul MacInnis continues to preview the 2012 Northeast 10 Conference season school by school. His latest installments include looks at the Hounds of Assumption College, and the Yellow Jackets of American International. READ MORE

Missouri Tigers 2012 Preview

Gary Pinkel has had some success in his career at Missouri, but Missouri was never a functional power in the Big 12 on any regularity, so I find it almost laughable that the SEC will be any more hospitable to the long term chances of the Tigers than the Big 12 was. Missouri has dropped, in my opinion, from a top 4 Big 12 program to a top 8 program in the SEC, and their chances there may not be that good. They believe that with increased money and conference status, that they will be able to attract bigger recruits, and more national attention. What I see is another Kentucky, Vandy, and Mississippi State. This will not end well for the Tiger program as a whole. READ MORE

Florida Gators 2012 Preview

The Gators are not in the class of Georgia and South Carolina in the SEC East. Will Muschamp was highly thought of by the UF administration when they brought him in from Texas, but last season's 7-6 record was not what they were expecting. Florida was young last fall, but they were talented, so it's hard to see why things went the way they did, especially on offense. If the Gators cannot get things turned around this season, the heat will be on super high next fall. The defense should still be amazingly talented, but with no offense to speak of, it may not mean much when it comes to the SEC East race. Expect another middle of the road season, as this team more resembles the Charlie Pell Gators rather than the Urban Meyer Gators. READ MORE

South Carolina Gamecocks 2012 Preview

South Carolina is one of my dark horse candidates to win the SEC this fall. There is nothing that I see that tells me that the Gamecocks cannot make a run at not only the SEC, but could be an outside candidate for a national title run this fall, especially if Lattimore is healthy. Connor Shaw should have a huge season this fall, and this defense is one of the more talented units in the nation, despite using so many new starters this season. If the Gamecocks get through camp healthy, expect huge things this fall. READ MORE

Bilo Football Joins Tha SportsKrib Radio Show

Check out the podcast from last week on blogtalk radio as I joined Tha SportKrib radio show to talk NFL football. We discussed Terrell Owens in Seattle, Chad Johnson (pre-wife beating), Randy Moss, and as much else as we could squeeze in.
http://kingzkrib.com/
It's the top  "Tha SPORTSKRIB" choice for last week's show.

Hope you all enjoy it. Will be doing some other college football appearances throughout the season on various outlets.

Tyrann Mathieu Kicked Off of LSU Football Team

In breaking news, Tyrann Mathieu, otherwise known by his ridiculous moniker the "Honey Badger", has been kicked off of the LSU football team for a violation of athletic department rules. This is a stinger for LSU, as they lack experience behind him, with the guys in the 3 and 4 position on the depth chart are both freshmen. He leaves a void not only in the secondary, but at punt returner as well, and Les Miles projects Odell Beckham to get a majority of the work in camp at that spot going forward. No specifics have bene given about what the violation was, but Mathieu does have a history of suspension for drug use. It has not been released that the issue was at play here.
More info as it becomes available.

Georgia Bulldogs 2012 Preview

The Bulldogs may have some issues in the run game this fall, but Aaron Murray should be able to guide a very strong passing attack to make up for it. They won't need much from the new back, but will need just enough to keep defenses honest. A more pressing issue is fixing the line, as there will be little time to mold in 3 new starters. Defensively, the Bulldogs are all set, especially with stars like Jarvis Jones and Bacarri Rambo back in play. This could be one of the best defenses in the country, and along with Murray's ability to pass and scores, Georgia could be in even better position to win this season than they were a year ago. READ MORE

LSU Tigers 2012 Preview

Few teams in the country can claim that they have a legit shot at winning a national title. LSU is one of those teams. They have a great coach in Les Miles, and even though they have some questions or holes here and there, you have to believe that Miles and his staff will find a way to patch them early, and have this team clicking out of the gate. The schedule is highly favorable, as Alabama comes to Baton Rouge, and the first three games are all extremely winnable at home. Don't be surprised to see LSU right at the top at the end of this season. READ MORE

Indiana Hoosiers 2012 Preview

The Hoosiers have needs everywhere on the roster, and Kevin Wilson has his hands full. Honestly, the roster is so devoid of talent, another one win season is as possible as anything. Don't even dream of going to a bowl in Bloomington, because that would be a pipe dream extreme. It's going to be a long while to build this program into a winner. READ MORE

Minnesota Golden Gophers 2012 Preview

The Gophers look like an absolute mess on paper. When I try to point out positives for Jerry Kill and his staff, I struggle to find many. This team just has to work on getting better, and they have a long way to go to get to that point. No joke, this is going to be a struggle, and Kill has suffered through ailments that make me wonder if he has the gas in the tank to get this job done. I can tell you one thing, it won't happen this season, and I worry especially about that home date with New Hampshire in week two. If the Gophers lose the road opener to UNLV, it's going to be a very long season indeed. READ MORE

Illinois Fighting Illini 2012 Preview

The illini are starting a new era under former Toledo coach Tim Beckman, a guy who put Toledo back on the map after a few years of struggles. I believe that Beckman has the ability to put Illinois on a very good course, but it may take a season or two to get it all together. A bowl is not out of the realm of possibilities, but a run at a conference title is unlikely. Beckman will get it together, and will likely do it sooner than later. That being said, if you turn your back on Illinois, they may bite you, especially this defense. READ MORE

St. Anselm Hawks 2012 Preview

It is my pleasure to introduce Paul MacInnis as our newest contributor for the Bilo College Football Report and powerratedsports.com. Please join us as Paul will be covering the Northeast 10, NESCAC, and Centennial Conferences for us all season long.
Paul starts out by previewing the St. Anselm Hawks of the D2 Northeast 10 Conference. READ MORE

Northwestern Wildcats 2012 Preview

Northwestern looks like a huge candidate to disappoint this fall. Kolter Cain is a super athlete, but can he develop into a super QB this fall? If he does not, the season will be derailed. The defense did little to apply pressure last fall, and that, too, is a major issue that needs to be resolved. If not, the inexperienced secondary could get exposed often and early. Northwestern does not look primed to contend this fall, and even though the schedule is built for success early, I still see voids in the overall game here. READ MORE

Purdue Boilermakers 2012 Preview

When you have as much returning experience as Purdue does, expectations have to be high. That is why we will have Danny Hope on the hot seat, as if he does not make a run at a really good bowl this season, or if he fails to even pick up a winning record, he may find his way out, as he spent all of last season in that same place. Expectations will be raging, and he will carry the torch. Purdue has enough on paper to challenge as an upset candidate for a major run at a divisional title, and it would be a huge disappointment if they don't make that run. They don't have to win it, they just have to challenge, and that should be enough. READ MORE

Iowa Hawkeyes 2012 Preview

The Hawkeyes are in rebuilding mode, especially on defense, and will also have to new coordinators. This will probably lead to some bumps and bruises, and I think that it could be a bad year for Iowa football. Iowa will find it toough going to get to a bowl this season, as the inexperience on defense may lose them some games this fall. Kirk Ferentz has been riding the middle line of success or failure for years now, so I will be looking at hom as a hot seat candidate for 2012. READ MORE

Penn State Nittany Lions 2012 Preview

I know that the title of this post is misleading, but it is with regret that I announce that I will not be writing a preview of the 2012 Penn State football program. There is too much roster fluidity ongoing for me to write an accurate portrayal of what is going on inside the Penn State football program at this time, so rather than writing what may be innacurate and mistimed information for you to read, I would rather not waste your time, or mine, on writing up something that will not make sense a week or two from when I wrote it.
I admit that I have made mistakes in the past in regards to reporting information that proved to be inaccurate later, and in so learning from these mistakes, I wish not to take you down that path once more.

Sincerely,
Scott Bilo

Nebraska Cornhuskers 2012 Preview

Nebraska has some issues to consider heading into 2012. They need to get their line to gel quickly, as they replace 3 starters there on offense. They need to find a way to beef up against the run, as they allowed 158.5 yards per game rushing last season. They also need to figure out how to finish, as they finished just 3-3 including their bowl loss last season. Those are pressing issues for Bo Pelini and staff this season. If the Huskers can get this all together, they could push past Michigan State in the division, and give Michigan a run for the division title and a spot in the Big 10 Title Game. The talent is there, but they now have to put it together. READ MORE

Ohio State Buckeyes 2012 Preview

Ohio State certainly hired the right guy in Urban Meyer, but he needs a little bit of time to get his pieces in order on the field to make his offense click to its top ability. The Buckeyes are not eligible to win the Big 10 title this fall as a fall out to all of the issues that got the previous administration booted out, so he has a pressure free year to build. Look for development beyond all else this season, but the Buckeyes won't be down long, so if you want to beat them, do it now.  READ MORE

Michigan State Spartans 2012 Preview

I am a huge believer in the coaching staff of Mark Dantonio, and so I believe that the offensive staff is going to figure out their inexperience at the skill positions on offense. They simply have to do so early to help out what should be one of the best defenses in the country this fall. The defense can likely win some games all by themselves, but they also could get worn down early if the offense does not come through. That cannot happen. I see a solid bowl in the making for MSU, but I do not believe that they have the ability to take out Michigan for the division crown this season. READ MORE

Michigan Wolverines 2012 Preview

The Wolverines are back on the national radar, and Brady Hoke has set the program up to continue this way for some time. The Alabama game will be telling, but the Wolverines have enough firepower on offense to overcome what could be a rebuilding Alabama D. Look for Michigan to be a big time player not just in the Big 10, but if they can defeat Alabama early, they could be playing for national attention in 2012, not just in conference play. READ MORE

Maryland Terrapins 2012 Preview

Randy Edsell was a bit of a dud in his first season at Maryland in 2011. He added nothing to a program that had some success under Ralph Friedgen, and quite frankly, looks like a bit of a bad hire right now. If Maryland is going to get back to decent, they have to fix the horrid defense that allowed 34.3 points per game last season, and get some productivity through the air on offense. If improvements are not found in these areas, you may as well expect Maryland to be home for the holidays once again, which is exactly what I believe will happen. READ MORE

Miami Hurricanes 2012 Preview

There are many problems at Miami, and there are more off the field than on. The Nevin Shapiro stuff is still floating around and damaging the program by the day, and now there are allegations made that Al Golden's staff used a Shapiro associate for illegal recruiting when they arrived as well. All of this is a stay tuned item.On the field, the Hurricanes are a giant mess. The defense looks thin and untalented overall, while the offense looks like the train could skip the tracks at any moment. Getting back to even for Miami would be something this fall, but I am not sure that they can. READ MORE

North Carolina Tar Heels 2012 Preview

This is going to be a bit of a wasted season at UNC, as the Heels are not eligible for a bowl, or for the ACC title game if they qualify die to sanctioned levied for the Butch Davis era. Everything is for the love of the game at UNC this fall, and it's a shame, as the offense really looks loaded enough to carry a rebuilding defense. The good news is that they'll still be eligible for our PRS rankings, so there's something. READ MORE

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 2012 Preview

Georgia Tech ranked second in the nation with 316.5 yards rushing per game last season. That looks likely to repeat this season, as all of the parts look poised to return that had a big part in that last season. If Washington can improve further on his passing this season (Tech ranked only 112th in passing offense), Tech could go much further and would be able to once again be in the race in the ACC. All that being said, I am looking for an improvement overall here, as Tech looks like a very nice football team heading into camp. Look for big things here. READ MORE

NC State Wolfpack 2012 Preview

The Wolfpack made a big move forward last fall, now it's all about keeping the momentum going in the right direction, which has not been a Tom O'Brien specialty. If NC State can get the mojo heading upward, they can certainly be a dark horse in the ACC title hunt, especially with weapons like Glennon and Amerson on the roster. The reality so far has been that O'Brien has never been able to establish a positive consistency in Raleigh or Boston, so it's hard to see which way the pendulum will swing in 2012. The talent is there, but will the coaching be there as well? This year will tell the tale. READ MORE

Florida State Seminoles 2012 Preview

The Seminoles were a major disappointment to many in 2011, and so they have much to prove in 2012. Many have FSU down for the top 10 in pre-season polls, and I think that the talent is there for that, but the Seminoles have to prove that they want it bad enough, and so therefore should be handed nothing. The pieces are certainly there to make a major move in ACC play, and the pressure is going to be on Jimbo Fisher to get the job done this season. By the way, the first two weeks on the schedule are absolutely pathetic, with dates against Murray State and Savannah State. Absolutely ridiculous of FSU to schedule two FCS opponents to open the season. READ MORE

Eastern Washington 2012 Overview

Despite its injury epidemic in 2011, the Eastern Washington University football team didn’t make excuses.The Eagles just reloaded for 2012. READ MORE

Temple Owls 2012 Preview

Temple held no grudges from getting kicked out of the Big East years ago, and the minute that the door opened, all was forgiven, and Tempe returned. They may be wishing that they had not done so, as Temple could very well float back to the bottom of the former home, a spot that they got quite used to. There is very little starting experience coming back this season, and so Temple may have a hard time getting back to a BCS level league after competing for several seasons in the MAC, where they found a way to win. It'll be about finding a way again for Steve Addazio's program in 2012, and I am wary about saying that it is possible to do. READ MORE

Syracuse Orange 2012 Preview

There is an amazing return in talent on the defensive side of the football, but the Orangemen are not nearly as solid on offense. With Nassib back at QB, the tools are there to improve the 90th ranked offense in the nation, and that is a must if Syracuse is to turn a corner and get back to finding ways to win under Doug Marrone. This is year four for Marrone, and so it's time to pick a consistent path for his program. That's easier said than done, as the Orangemen haven't known consistency for a long time. I do not feel good about 2012 for Syracuse, and it could get quite ugly. READ MORE

South Florida Bulls 2012 Preview

The Bulls took a real dive last season, finishing 2 games under .500. They need improvements at the top on offense, as BJ Daniels has to become a better passer, and by that, I mean he has to do better than hitting the short routes. The defense did a very poor job defending the pass last season, and that area alone killed this defense. Skip Holtz has got to find a way to push USF ahead of the average team that they have been for years. They always start out strong, and finish weak. That has got to change. READ MORE

Dispelling WAC Rumors

Here's our weekly WAC update. There is no WAC update. I just spoke via email with Jeff Hurd, acting WAC commissioner, and asked him about WAC rumors regarding anouncements that were said to be immenent by some readers and unnamed media outlets. I can tell you that these rumors are untrue at this time, and nothing is imminent at all. He has not even heard these rumors himself, and there is nothing on the table to be done in the next several days, and I expect no announcements or conversations even until the end of August at the earliest now.
Hurd does not make these decisions independently, and has to wait for approval from the WAC Board of Directors before making any announcements, and he has not received that green light at this time.
To make things perfectly clear, there will be no WAC football in 2013, and although there is still a strong desire to move forward with football in 2014 and beyond, it is not a necessity to keeping the WAC alive entirely. The priority is to keep the WAC alive in any way possible, and if that means that football dies and potentially never returns, they are ok with that, although it is not preferrable that way.
That's all there is at this time. There is no announcement forthcoming, and so nothing has changed. Beware of rumors that you hear, as almost all of it will be simple conjecture from unproven sources. I will update this post with a YouTube post very soon.
As always, feel free to contact me directly with any questions you may have in regards to the WAC or any other conference, and I will get you the answers that you need from direct sources within the conference or school, as to avoid potentially damaging or false rumors.

Scott Bilo
8/3/12

Pittsburgh Panthers 2012 Preview

The Panthers have some serious skill set power on offense, but if the line does not come together early, it may not matter. The defense is what worries me, as the Panthers may go from having one of the more solid defense in the country, to looking like swiss cheese overnight. There is a sever lack of experience and depth on defense, and the offense is going to have to score plenty and create long sustained drives to keep this unit off of the field. The defense is really the Achilles of the entire program right now, and Paul Chryst will have to find the pieces in his first season to keep it from imploding. The schedule is shameful, with two FCS opponents and a lower tier MAC team as non-conference foes outside of a home date with Virginia Tech. Pretty pathetic actually. READ MORE

FCS: Northeast Conference Preview

Here is our preview for the Northeast Conference for 2012. Our predicted order of finish is as follows:

1. Albany
2. Monmouth
3. Duquesne
4. Sacred Heart
5. Bryant
6. Central Connectcut State
7. Robert Morris
8. St. Francis
9. Wagner

READ MORE

Pre-Season All-Mountain West Team 2012

We are pleased to announce our Pre-Season Mountain West Team for 2012. Fresno State had 5 members on the team this season, while Wyoming had 3, Colorado State added 5. UNLV had one entry, Air Force added 3, Hawaii added 2, New Mexcio added 3, San Diego State added 4, Nevada added 1, and Boise State added 1 as well. READ MORE

Louisville Cardinals 2012 Preview

The Cardinals, statistically, don't look like a football team that should be all that great this season, and I doubt that they will be great, but they will be very good in 2012, as so many young players got in exceptional playing time in 2011. Bridgewater could very well turn a major corner, and a defense that was young and inexperienced last season, is now seasoned up. Charlie Strong will have a very good team on the field this season, and there is no reason right now to think that they will not be able to compete for the Big East title. If injuries occur, however, that could derail the effort. READ MORE

New Mexico Lobos 2012 Preview

The disastrous Mike Locksley era has gone, and it may have been one of the worst coaching hires ever made in major college football. Locksley was a mess from day one, and had more baggage than anyone the Mountain West has likely ever seen. The Lobos made a nice and safe hire in Bob Davie, and it certainly was a hire that nobody saw coming, but Davie is a risk himself, and he could be the undoing of the athletic department staff as a whole if this does not work out. Davie is bringing back some likability to the program from the front man perspective, something that Locksley lacked in buckets. Davie has very little to work with here, so expect some very rough moments this season as he tries to rebuild an image, a team, and a culture around this program. READ MORE

Hawaii Warriors 2012 Preview

Hawaii will have many questions heading into the 2012 season, not the least of which is their choice for their new head coach in Norm Chow. Chow is at a bit of an advanced age to be a first time head coach, and has been on the decline for years in his duties as OC and QB coach at Tennessee in the NFL and at UCLA. As that all stands, he has issues on offense that may not be able to be fixed early on in the season, and it is going to probably be a very bumpy road heading through their first season in the Mountain West. The talent level is not all there, and there are many new starters to worry about, and the schedule is a bit brutal to think that they can overcome all of that. Best case scenario I see is 5 wins this season. READ MORE

Jeff Hurd Video: WAC Media Days

I have been having a great deal of trouble getting our own copy of this video posted, so I will direct you to the WAC site itself for this video, as it is a large file, too large to process on our YouTube channel. Here is the link...enjoy!
www.wacsports.com/mediaPortal/player.dbml?SPSID=45959&SPID=4122&DB_OEM_ID=10100&id=891309&db_oem_id=10100

San Diego State Aztecs 2012 Preview

The Atecs have enjoyed a few good seasons in a row now, but they may be a real mess in 2012. The defense is a mess with 8 new starters in the fold, while the offense loses a major amount of firepower in Lindley and Hillman. Rocky Long will have his hands full this season, and winning 5 games would be considered a solid effort in my book. The schedule is easy out of conference, but demanding in it, and the Aztecs don't seem to have the bodies to take too many hits. If injuries mount early, winning 5 would be a miracle. READ MORE

Nevada Wolfpack 2012 Preview

Nevada was picked by the MWC coaches to be the favorite this season to win the conference title. I won't go that far just yet with this club, but they certainly have as much a chance as anyone at this point in what should be a wide open battle for the top spot Chris Ault has brought in Nick Rolovich as his new OC from Hawaii to add some passing wrinkles to the Pistol offense, and that should help Fajardo tremendously. If the D line can gel early, Nevada could be a team to watch out west, and could ruin Boise State's conference exit party. READ MORE

On the Radio

Please join me tonight as I appear on "Tha Sports Krib" radio show tonight at 9PM EST:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/wcsteelerfan/2012/07/27/tha-sportskrib

Please join me again at 10PM EST, as I join the "Tailgate Party" Radio show:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/globalcffl/2012/07/26/all-things-nebraska-b1g-with-jon-sevenker-of-huskerfaithful#.UBGXS3IamvU.facebook

WAC Media Day Recap Part 1

What could be the final WAC Media Day for football is now in the books. We have spent most of the last two days at the Orleans Arena in the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas working this event. with everything now finished, we will recap what we learned as the day progressed.

Texas State
Dennis Franchione is in his second season with the Bobcats, who are transitioning into FBS football. He will see his program spend one season in the WAC before moving on to the Sun Belt next fall. Franchione acknowledged some issues at QB last fall, but stated that to be fair, Tyler Arndt was never fully healthy last season, and he has basically lost the starting job. He still expects him to play at times this season.
Franchione also talked about his kicking game, and while touting the talents of Will Johnson, who will Punt and PK this season, he also talked of the need for consistency. He stated that he believes in Johnson's leg, but if he cannot get more accurate, they could have a problem.
This will be the first season in the history of Texas State football that they will field 85 scholarship players, as is allowed under FBS membership, and he believes that his group of players all think that they belong on this level, and used their loss at Texas Tech last season (when TSU led Tech 10-9 at the half) as an indication.
One major point of conversation was the Thanksgiving weekend I-35 Bowl between Texas State and UT-San Antonio. That game is expected to sell out this season in San Antonio, but there is no agreement after 2012 for the game to continue between two schools who are 40 miles apart. There is no indication that the series will continue, as UTSA wants to play the game every season at the Alamo Dome. They have agreed to hand over the home share of the game every other season, but with the Bobcats having paid $70 million to renovate their stadium, they have no interest in giving up a home contest in their stadium every other season.

Idaho
The Vandals are one of the two remaining teams left in the WAC after 2012, meaning that they have no conference home at all, and will likely be an independent. Rob Akey was extremely talkative, but may be just a tad bit overly positive about the future of the program, and is not thinking ahead of 2012. He believes that Idaho can survive as an independent for an indefinite period of time.
Overall the Vandals are not in great shape, and have been picked to finish 5th in the conference. There is still an ongoing QB battle, and it may not be solved until late in fall camp.
Idaho has been invited to the Big Sky, but they are holding out for a WAC rebirth in 2014.

Louisiana Tech
The Bulldogs are in prime shape to win the WAC, but realistically, if you talk to Sonny Sykes, you would have to believe that they will be much more than that. Dykes and his players are not intimidated by anyone on their schedule, including TexasA&M, which is their opener in Shreveport. We asked Coach Dykes about their schedule, and what the challenges are regarding playing 4 of 6 on the road to start the season. He stated that there really are fewer challenges with that than one would think, as he stated there are fewer distractions on the road on many levels.
Overall, Tech looks like they could make some major waves nationally this season, and it may be their best team ever.

UT-San Antonio
Larry Coker is probably one of the nicest people you will ever meet. He is extremely happy to be at UTSA, and enjoys the challenges of starting up a program from scratch. I asked him whether or not he was surprised by the community support of the program in his first season, and he stated that he was not surprised, he was shocked. His big focus is in graduating players first, and winning second.
Coker was really excited about his team's spring practice sessions, and he expects that the Roadrunners will see major improvements in 2012, despite the jump in competition, and he will expect his team to compete to win every single game.
There are 36 sophomores on this football team, and only 6 seniors are on the roster. This is a very young football team, and they are only in year two of competition. Maturity was a major problem on the field last fall, and they feel that they are beyond that now.
Scheduling is improving as UTSA puts together their future slates, and they hav several big teams coming to the Alamo Dome over the next several years.

Paret two of our recap comes tonight. Stay tuned!

WAC Media Days: Utah State

Coach Gary Anderson has the podium, joined by Bojay Filimoeatu and Matt Austin:

• USU will be on national TV this season 4 or 5 times this season.
• Wisconsin is a highlite game for TV.
• Conference is evenly matched.
• All games will be highly contested.
• Credits his players in raising expectations by media, coaches.
• Happy to be respected.
• Respect gets you no rings, bowl games.
• Can go with 4 TEs on the field at any given time.
• Have talent at WR.
• Matt Austin is the leader on offense.
• Kerwynn Williams needs some help at RB.
• Nobody came out of spring ball as a solid backup option behind Williams at RB.
• Feels great about QB siutation, has two that will play in Keeton and Adam Kennedy.
• Want to run the ball with power, but want to consistently throw the ball.
• Feels there was not enough balance on offense last fall.
• Feels zero pressure to name a QB. Has no agenda about it. May name one, may not.
• Scheduling BYU and Utah is a priority, but they want home and home, not 2 for 1 deals. Program is too established for 2for 1 deals with in-state rivals.
• BYU, Utah not on schedule past 2015.
• Have to find a way to play well for 4 quarters. Won't get off of the edge unless they can find consistency.
• Defensive line will be a focus, as Al Wilson told us last night.
• 16 seniors this season, and will be at 84 scholarships this season, so team will be young.
• Depending on seniors to lead by example.

Wrap up for WAC Media Days coming up!

WAC Media Days: San Jose State

Mike MacIntyre and David Quessenberry are on the podium.

• Team is stronger now than when MacIntyre got there.
• Excited about 6th home game this season.
• Team is better now than this time last season.
• Utah State, La. Tech are two of the best teams on the schedule this season.
• Talking about Travis Johnson and what he means to the team overall.
• Everything gets better, or gets worse, but nothing stays the same.
• Cornerstone of the program to always get better.
• Creating culture of an every day work attitude.
• Trying to build a foundation that lasts, rather than being a one hit wonder.
• Believes that he has 4 capable guys at QB.
• Does not feel a drop off if hit by injuries at QB.
• Will work as many QBs in fall camp as he has time for.
• Lost 3 seniors on the line after last season.
• SJSU has been able to redshirt many linemen. Looks at that as a strength.
• Physical conditioning has been a major focus.
• Last season, team was stronger, and caused more fumbles. That was an indication of strength.
• Signing athletes as recruits. All 3 starting LBs were HS tailbacks.
• Looks for two way players when recruiting high school kids.
• NOt moving guys around as much now from position to position as they had early on.
• Better situation scholarship wise that makes them a better team.
• Tyler Irvin could be a two way player as a sophomore. Could play RB/CB, and could return kicks.
• Irvin could play CB, start there.
• First major scrimmage is the timeline for naming a starter at QB.

Spoke with coach MacIntyre about the QB situation further. He said that they will work 4 QBs the first 5 practices, and then in week two will narrow it down to 2 QBs. He said that all 4 QBs do different things well, and have different skill sets, such as some are better option oriented QBs, some are better passers.
We also spoke briefly about Tate Forcier, who had transferred to SJSU from Michigan. He said that Forcier was making plays while he was there, and was solidly the starter while he was there. Unfortunately, said Macintyre, the situation did not work out for Tate, and he feels badly for him. That being said, he is more than happy with those that he has on campus, and believes that he has a very good problem with 4 very talented players at that position.

Next up, Utah State closes the day, and closes what will likely be the final WAC Media Day.

WAC Media Days: New Mexico State

• DeWayne Walker is joined by Donte Savage and Andrew Manley:
• No answer as to how long NMSU can sustain as an independent.
• Just want to play football.
• Walker was always looking forward to 2012.
• Walker ran the defense in year one, but will back off this season and run the team.
• Better on defense early during his tenure, but offense has run ahead now.
• Still trying to find balance.
• California, Texas, Arizona is the main recruiting base.
• Has connections in Florida, Hawaii, and is now setting up a pipeline in Florida and Mississippi.
• Andrew Manley had some pressure to stay in Hawaii, but was happy to leave.
• Walker: Believe and compete. past that now.
• sites improved chemistry.
• First 6 games will be critical for success.

Spoke personally to coach Walker after their presser. We spoke about the challenges of working in a program like NMSU as compared to UCLA. He siad that at a BCS program, everything is pretty well established with systems in place as far as facilities, recruiting bases, and resources. In Las Crucas, that is not the case, and they struggle to maintain their systems.
I spoke to him about the large number of JC transfers in the WAC, and his explanation was that at NMSU, they are not in a position to rely on freshmen, as they cannot always sign an entire class. If they have positions of need, they go JC, because the freshmen that they do get are not usually ready to play right away. If NMSU has an immediate need, they recruit JC players who can step in right away, and their preference is mid-year transfers who can be involved in Spring ball. If they have a position of strength, they will recruit a freshman to be able to develop said player.

One fun fact note, Coach Walker is an alumnus of the old USFL. I spoke to him about a potential relaunch this fall, and he was enthusiastic about the proposal of a new USFL on the horizon. He said that having another pro league in the states, playing by american rules, would be beneficial to college kids in the US that just want to play ball beyond college, without regards to money. He stated that the Arena League is a different game, as is the CFL, so he fully supports the USFL making a comeback run, and had fond memories of his days in the USFL with Arizona and Oakland.

Next up, San Jose State

WAC Media Day: Jeff hurd, WAC Commissioner

Notes from Jeff Hurd:

• WAC is 50 tomorrow.
• No formal presentation from the commissioner.
• Cannot get into detail about several issues as far as membership.
• Exploring different avenues for WAC future.
• Has been doing so since early March
• No scenario that has not been explored.
• Is it feasible to sustain conference without football, or as FBS member?
• Gone east coast to west coast looking at options.
• Football is not there for 2013. Could be back for 2014 or 2015.
• Looking to buy time and look for options.
• Focus is really on sustaining the conference as Non-football entity now.
• Need to act sooner than later, but later has come.
• Need to be in a decision making mode now.
• There is not a drop dead date for decisions.
• Answers will come soon.
• Need 6 more feasible FBS programs for football, and decision would need to be made before June 1st
• 13/14 Academic year is not far off for planning standpoint.
• Scheduling and recruiting go into play, and it's getting late in the game for that.
• Definately a sense of urgency.
• Needed to be done by June 30th, and that date has gone. They had no way to make decisions by that time, as info was not nearly available enough about options.
• Holding off because options that they think are there may not be in position to make a move now.
• Boise State will be looking for Big West membership for non-football sports, not WAC.
• Will still seek out Boise State as a member in non-football moving forward, but their intent is Big West.
• Will not speak about specific schools in any form.
• No invitations have been issued to any schools at this time.
• No answer on how long New Mexico State and Idaho could survive as independents.
• Schools would need to be able to at least schedule 6 home games per year to survive as an independent.
• WAC and Big Sky have had several conversations about a WAC/Big Sky merger, but it has lost steam in recent weeks.
• Discussion was not about a merger, but a concept of sharing for auto qualification expansion in NCAA Tournament in basketball.
• Priotirty is to make it to tomorrow. Football is still a priority, but not realistic in 2013.
• Priority is now to save the WAC as a non-football entity.
• FBS, 8 teams is a requirement, but the WAC is in a 2 year waiver period for that rule.
• 2013 is also a waiver period year.
• Travel cost is an issue for expansion.
• Have to sustain yourself as a league before worrying about cost as far as travel expenses involved.
• Got a call from a commish of another league about taking on an entire conference for football only.

More later on Jeff Hurd, with complete video posted of his presser this evening!

WAC Media Days: UT-San Antonio

Here are the notes for UTSA, Larry Coker, Eric Soza, Steven Kurfehs attending:

• Graduating players is critical
• Expectations for the team is high. Coker never goes into a season not expecting to win.
• Going to prepare and compete to win every football team.
• Outstanding spring.
• Winning is hard to do, but expectations are high.
• Only 3 recruiting classes at this point. 36 Sophomores on team. only 6 seniors on roster.
• Coker knows how tough the talent will be as he moves into WAC.
• Young men from Texas expect to compete at a high level.
• Players were happy to play football last season after not being on the field for a year.
• Maturity was an issue last season according to Kurfehs.
• Allowed games to slip out of their hands last fall.

More later as I post my interview with Larry Coker

WAC Media Days: Louisiana Tech

Up on the podium now will be Louisiana Tech. Head Coach Sonny Dykes will be joined by QB Colby Cameron and Chad Boyd.

• Last season started to learn how to win.
• Gained confidence as a team in tough games early.
• Hunted instead of the hunters
• Expectations are different with award candidates, favorite.
• Stresses execution.
• Won't play conference games until week 8.
• Depth at QB is strong.
• Adversity a QB last season made for more depth this season.
• Cameron was disappointed not to have won the job last season, and worked hard towards taking it back
• Taking care of the football is a Cameron strong suit
• Dykes feels that he has as much talent as anyone on the schedule.
• Believes that they match up well with Texas A&M (season Opener)
• Believes in 1 QB system. 2 QB system gives you two average QBs.
• Cameron will get about 80% of snaps in fall camp.
• Has sevral JC transfers, as well as High School kids at QB. Must get settled.
• Road is easier because of no distractions.
• DOn't have to accomodate as many people on the road.
• Won 7 games at the end of the year in 2011 with 5 road trips.
• Play 4 of first 6 on the road.
• Will practice a couple of times in Shreveport to get used to satdium.
• Playing on the road is a mindset.
• Cameron: teams can get complacent at home. Backs against the wall on the road.
• Team is not scared to play anyone.
• Not afraid of Texas A&M, or anyone else. Confidence is high.
• Have to guard against thinking that they are better than they are.
• Huge familiarity with first two opponents (TexasA&M, Houston).
• Led Houston 34-7 last season and lost.
• Holley and Lee both great receivers out of the backfield. Both solid guys at RB.
• Holley coming off of an injury. Both Lee and Holley are versatile, similar.
• Ken Dixon is coming in as a 220 lbs FR this fall at RB as a freshman. Power back.
• Have 5 different styled RBs this fall.
• Cameron: Comforted having great receivers out of the backfield, and be able to have a runner that can offset defense.
• Quinton Patton is loud on and off field. Will get chippy with defenses.
• Patton works at doing the extra things. Works on routes after practice. Film room regular.
• Patton is huge leader, not just a talker.

WAC Media Days: Idaho

• Idaho is next up for WAC Media Days:
• Vandals looking for positives this fall.
• When going to a bowl game, they found ways to make plays, last season, it didn't happen
• Coach Akey talking about intensity increase moving forward. Incredibly positive.
• Feels every game will come down to about 5 plays.
• Unwanted red-headed step child acording to Akey.
• Feels that this will be the last season that WAC football will be played.
• Playing with a chip in their shoulder due to being unwanted by other conferences.
• Start conference play with New Mexico State at the Kibble Dome.
• Want to get off to a great start at camp.
• Excited about opening with Eastern Washington.
• Anything is possible about conference afiliation or surviving as an independent.
• There is no financial yet as to what they have to do.
• Did not see the roster seperation at the end of spring as he expected.
• QB battle not yet decided.
• Refers to Texas State, UTSA as one year wonders, as they are leaving after this fall.
• Strengths of the team, we're anxious to find out.
• Pride and family is considered a strength.
• Team is tighter since spring ball.
• More experience on defense, defense grew during spring ball.
• Couple of pages added to the defensive playbook.
• Refers to Mike Scott as a guy who can make plays.
• Veltung is hopefully healthy at WR and returns.
• 2 RBs that can do some good things
• QB job needs to be determined.
• Best Punter in the country in Bobby Cowan.
• Hopes that their defensive MVP is Cowan because he set up the defense so well.

Louisiana Tech is next !

WAC Media Day Under Way: Texas State

We are live with Texas State Coach Dennis Franchione, and Marcus Curry and Darryl Morris are on the podium. Here are some notes:

• Tyler Arndt was never 100% at QB last season
• Will Johnson can kick a 60 yard FG, but needs consistency.
• Buzz on campus is huge about the move to FBS, WAC.
• First season to reach 85 scholarships.
• Franchione very confident in his players. They believe they belong.
• Not concerned about Sun Belt, more focused on Houston.
• Live day to day, not week to week.
• Seniors not interested in the Sun Belt, for obvious reasons.
• Players prepping for Houston as they would any other game
• Players very excited about playing in Alamo Dome on Thanksgiving Weekend
• Marcus Curry (Sr. RB) would love to grind it out on the ground against Houston
• Defense is conditioned amd ready for fall camp and up tempo Houston offense.

Twitter is currently down, but we will be live blogging all day!

Next up is Idaho, and we will update as we progress.

Fresno State Bulldogs 2012 Preview

The Bulldogs are facing major change this season, as long time coach Pat Hill was fired and replaced with Tim DeRuyter, who was a guy brought in to fix a slumping defense. Offense has never been a problem for Fresno State, and with Carr and Rouse in the fold, will not be again this fall. However, the defense was a wreck last season, and change had to come. The Bulldogs could possibly win as many as 8 games in their first season in the Mountain West, which is another major change, as the Bulldogs have departed the WAC. Look for major improvement, and a bowl bid should follow. READ MORE

WAC Media Days Evening Recap Video

Here is our evening recap from Day one of WAC Media Days at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. More to come tomorrow, as we meet with coaches and players all morning and into the afternoon. http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwE0UKeGf4G4Jn-eK6W1Lw?feature=mhee

WAC Media Day 2

We have just returned to the Media Room at the Orleans Hotel and Casino. Here are some highlights of the Hospitality session of WAC Media Day one. Things have certainly taken an upswing in the tempo there are still very few members of the media here, which was all good for us.

I met first with Al Wilson, who works for the Utah State radio team. We discussed the upcoming season for the Aggies, and where the team was headed in his opinion entering the 2012 season. He had some concerns about the QB position and the D line specifically. He was really down about the great loss of talent at RB and on defense specifically, but said that Gary Anderson is working hard on developing more intensity along his defensive front, but losing Bobby Wagner is going to be huge on defense in his opinion.

I then met with Kyle Stephens, SID at UT-San Antonio, which was followed by a quick meet with Larry Coker. We will follow up with Coach Coker tomorrow morning during the Media sessions. I have to say that Coach was great to talk to, and seems like a terrific guy to talk to. We are certainly looking forward to our interview tomorrow.

That was followed by a meeting with WAC Commissioner Jeff Hurd, who probably has one of the most difficult jobs in the FBS ranks this season. He is losing 5 members, leaving just 2, but he was as upbeat as ever heading into the season, and we were able to discover that he will be making an announcement in the next 2 to 3 weeks about possible new members joining the WAC for football. He could not give me any other details, as he is sworn to secrecy and is trying to prevent leaks. The news that there could be some new members on the horizon, and it seems like a lock now, was enough to peak our interest.

I followed that up with a short meeting with Idaho Coach Rob Akey, who is very excited to get his guys into camp next week. Players will be on the field on the 6th of August. I was able to speak shortly with WR Mike Scott, and was able to personally inform him that we had placed him on our All-WAC team for 2012.

That is it for this evening, as we are heading out. It will be an early day tomorrow, as we will be returning to the Orleans at about 7:30 AM PST for the bulk of media day. Look for another video posting on our Youtube channel this evening as we head out. Once again, please follow us on Twitter all day tomorrow, as we will be live updating all day long.

WAC Media Day

What may very well be the last WAC Media Day for football in the modern era has somewhat gotten undserway here at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Keith HArding and I arrived at just before 3PM local time, as the media room was supposed to be available at 2PM. We were the first to arrive, and as of 5:51PM, we are still the only members of the media in the media room. This has not exactly been an amazing start to the gathering here.
Dave Chaffin, Media Director for the WAC has been in and out of the room, but seems very busy trying to get crews caught up with setup. With our wi-fi now connected, we are able to publish and work, as it took over an hour for that to occur.
We are scheduled to meet with SIDs from both Idaho and UT-San Antonio this evening at the reception, which is scheduled to begin in less than 10 minutes.
Throughout the meetings, you can view uploaded videos at our youtube channel, and follow us on Twitter as well as we will be tweeting live throughout tonight and tomorrow.
Tomorrow night, I will be on both "Tha Sports Krib" and "Global CFFL" Radio shows at 6 and 7PM respectively.
Tomorrow should be a loaded day, as we plan on interviews with Dennis Franchione, Larry Coker, Gary Anderson, and others, so join us as we get through what may be the last media gathering around what could be a dying conference.

Mountain West, WAC Media Days, and Radio Appearances

Don't forget to follow us all day Wednesday, starting at 2PM PST, and all day Thursday, from 8AM on, as we will be attending WAC Media Days at the orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. We will be bringing you live info as it happens, and will be posting video interviews to powerratedsports.com as they happen. Our list of secured interviews includes Larry Coker, Dennis Franchione, and Gary Anderson, and we will be adding more as the days progress. Please join us for what ought to be an interesting two day event.
We will also be covering the Mountain West Conference Media event at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas, and will be tweeting live from Craig Thompson's state of the MWC speech on Wednesday morning.
After all of that is done, join us live on Blogtalk Radio's "Tha Sports Krib" show at 6PM PST Thursday night, followed by an apperance on the "Global CFFL" show at 7PM PST. We will be talking Mountain West, WAC, and Penn State football, amongst many other items that will be brought up.
Please join us as we get ready to amp up our college football coverage to an all-time high!

PAC-12 Pre-Season Team

Pre-Season All-PAC-12 Team
QB Matt Barkley, USC
QB Keith Price, Washington
RB John White IV, Utah
RB Stepfan Taylor, Stanford
RB Kenjon Barner, Oregon
WR Marquess Wilson, Washington State
WR Robert Woods, USC
WR Keenan Allen, California
WR Marqise Lee, USC
TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Washington
TE Joseph Fauria, UCLA

DL Scott Chrichton, Oregon State
DL Dion Jordan, Oregon
DL Josh Shirley, Washington
DL Travis Long, Washington State
LB Chase Thomas, Stanford
LB Trent Murphy, Stanford
LB Michael Clay, Oregon
LB Sean Parker, Washington
DB Jordan Poyer, Oregon State
DB Desmond Trufant, Washington
DB Marc Anthony, California
DB Steve Williams, California

PK Andre Heidari, USC
P Sean Sellwood, Utah
KR De'Anthony Thomas, Oregon
PR Jamal Miles, Arizona State

Stanford Cardinal 2012 Preview

I am looking for the Cardinal to come back down to Earth a bit in 2012. Despite the talent that they have coming back, there are some depth issues at various positions that could cripple Stanford if injuries set in at any point. Add that to a new QB, and some depth issues in the secondary, I think that Stanford could have some problems this fall. That being said, I still think that they have enough left in the tank to finish 2nd in the North division, unless injuries decimate the numbers. READ MORE

Oregon State Beavers 2012 Preview

The Beavers really have taken a massive dive over the last two seasons. Defensively, they should show major improvements after they could not stop the run a year ago. The problem is getting an offense to gel that never seemed to be on the same page last season. Mike Riley will really have to step up his game as coach this fall, as a third consecutive losing season could spell certain doom for him. Look for the Beavers to make some strides, but I see another long road ahead. Things could be getting ugly in Corvallis. READ MORE

Oregon Ducks 2012 Preview

The Ducks have talent at every position. They have depth, they have speed, they have coaching, they have talent, they have everything they need to make a run at the PAC-12 title, and they have everything that they need to make a run at a national title. Everything should come down to Novemeber 3rd. The battle with USC will be for the title, and could be repeated at the end of the season in the conference title game. Oregon has what they need, and they will be one of the best teams in the country all season. READ MORE

Navy Midshipmen 2012 Preview

Navy has enough talent coming back, that I can see them winning 7 games with their schedule. There are question marks, however, that make that all come tumbling down and force Navy to miss another bowl game. The QB spot must figure into the talents of Miller, rather than forcing him to mold himself to the position. Replacing Alexander Teich will also be key, as will getting the largely rebuilt line together early on. On defense, the line has to be figured out, while the OLBs also need to gel in their new roles. If all of this comes together, and only if it does, the Navy Midshipmen will return to a bowl. It is all possible. READ MORE

Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners 2012 Preview

UTSA is taking a big leap here, as they only have one season on the field to their entire history. The one thing that they do have in their back pocket is a legend at head coach in Larry Coker. Coker will mold this team quickly, as he has always been a winner on a very high level. The offense has some real promise as they move into year two, and the defense has some really nice building blocks in every area. I don't think that the Roadrunners will be big winners this season, but I look for a very nice building process to ensue. Remember, it gets harder moving forward, as UTSA enters Conference USA next season. READ MORE