Devin Singletary is back for Kiffin and the FAU Owls. Singletary rushed for 100+ yards in the Owls final 12 games. The defense returns 10 starters so this should be another solid year for FAU. Gonna be really interesting to see if anyone does come calling for Kiffin if he wins another 10 or more games this year.
UAB is also a team that returns a lot of players from a very successful team last year in their 1st year back playing football. Led by RB Spencer Brown and QB A.J. Erdely. Defensively they have a few spots that need to be filled but their schedule is soft early so they will have time to get settled.
Devin Singletary is back for Kiffin and the FAU Owls. Singletary rushed for 100+ yards in the Owls final 12 games. The defense returns 10 starters so this should be another solid year for FAU. Gonna be really interesting to see if anyone does come calling for Kiffin if he wins another 10 or more games this year.
UAB is also a team that returns a lot of players from a very successful team last year in their 1st year back playing football. Led by RB Spencer Brown and QB A.J. Erdely. Defensively they have a few spots that need to be filled but their schedule is soft early so they will have time to get settled.
Really not to sure what to make of FSU this season. Their win total is set at 7.5 and that seems about right with the schedule they face. 8-4 is certainly reasonable and 9-3 wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility. They have a pretty tough 5 game stretch to finish the season starting off with hosting Clemson followed by back to back road games @ NC State and @ Notre Dame then finish it off with Boston College and Florida at home. I'm very much still concerned with their offensive line which was a big weakness for the Noles last season. Their defense has consistently reloaded and after losing 8 starters from last years team that is a small concern to go along with the new coaching schemes they have all been adjusting to. I can't help but think there are some growing pains for FSU along the way, just hope those pains don't include any injuries to the big name playmakers like Francios, Akers, Patrick, Murray, ect. Gonna be very interesting to see how Taggart does at FSU.
I think it will be interesting to see how successful Taggart is inpreparing a team to compete in the ACC .
That's my concern...if he couldn't get a winning record at the other smaller schools then how's he gonna do in one of the best conferences in the country!!
Really not to sure what to make of FSU this season. Their win total is set at 7.5 and that seems about right with the schedule they face. 8-4 is certainly reasonable and 9-3 wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility. They have a pretty tough 5 game stretch to finish the season starting off with hosting Clemson followed by back to back road games @ NC State and @ Notre Dame then finish it off with Boston College and Florida at home. I'm very much still concerned with their offensive line which was a big weakness for the Noles last season. Their defense has consistently reloaded and after losing 8 starters from last years team that is a small concern to go along with the new coaching schemes they have all been adjusting to. I can't help but think there are some growing pains for FSU along the way, just hope those pains don't include any injuries to the big name playmakers like Francios, Akers, Patrick, Murray, ect. Gonna be very interesting to see how Taggart does at FSU.
I think it will be interesting to see how successful Taggart is inpreparing a team to compete in the ACC .
That's my concern...if he couldn't get a winning record at the other smaller schools then how's he gonna do in one of the best conferences in the country!!
What can we expect from PJ Fleck in year two at Minnesota? The Gophers were blanked in back to back games to finish the season last year. Minnesota struggled last year to move the ball in the air, had fewer than 20 pass attempts in 6 games. They get RB Rodney Smith back who rushed for 1,000 yards last year but the gameplan for every time this year is to force Minnesota to beat them through the air. They return a combined 53 starts on their OL which will make opening holes and protecting the QB. They finished at 0 in turnover margin with 18 turnovers on both sides of the ball, that's clearly gotta be better this year especially from their QB if they want to improve on last years 5-7 record. The defense has got to be better against the run in such a run dominant conference, they allowed Big 10 teams to average over 200 yards and 5.3 YPC on the ground against them last year. Looking at the schedule they avoid Michigan Michigan State but play on the road @ Ohio State, @ Nebraska, and @ Wisconsin. Looks like a tough year when they might be breaking in a true freshman at QB in Zack Annexstad.
What can we expect from PJ Fleck in year two at Minnesota? The Gophers were blanked in back to back games to finish the season last year. Minnesota struggled last year to move the ball in the air, had fewer than 20 pass attempts in 6 games. They get RB Rodney Smith back who rushed for 1,000 yards last year but the gameplan for every time this year is to force Minnesota to beat them through the air. They return a combined 53 starts on their OL which will make opening holes and protecting the QB. They finished at 0 in turnover margin with 18 turnovers on both sides of the ball, that's clearly gotta be better this year especially from their QB if they want to improve on last years 5-7 record. The defense has got to be better against the run in such a run dominant conference, they allowed Big 10 teams to average over 200 yards and 5.3 YPC on the ground against them last year. Looking at the schedule they avoid Michigan Michigan State but play on the road @ Ohio State, @ Nebraska, and @ Wisconsin. Looks like a tough year when they might be breaking in a true freshman at QB in Zack Annexstad.
Looking at some turnover margin stats from last season, the Baylor Bears couldn't be worse than they were in 2017 where they were only positive in the turnover margin in one game (Their only win) against Kansas. -14 TO margin in Matt Rhule's first season and you can't predict things get worse so Baylor likely sees moderate to vastly improved TO margins in 2018 along with teams like North Texas, Middle Tennessee State, Syracuse, West Virginia, and Florida State.
Looking at some turnover margin stats from last season, the Baylor Bears couldn't be worse than they were in 2017 where they were only positive in the turnover margin in one game (Their only win) against Kansas. -14 TO margin in Matt Rhule's first season and you can't predict things get worse so Baylor likely sees moderate to vastly improved TO margins in 2018 along with teams like North Texas, Middle Tennessee State, Syracuse, West Virginia, and Florida State.
Not a fan of WVU but Grier should be fantastic this year. Defense will be suspect again and we can expert a lot of high scoring games. Like the idea of him being a Heisman finalist.
Not a fan of WVU but Grier should be fantastic this year. Defense will be suspect again and we can expert a lot of high scoring games. Like the idea of him being a Heisman finalist.
Nathan Rourke is a name some of you need to learn if you want to make some money this year. This kid threw for 2,200+ yards with a 17 to 7 TD to INT ratio while also rushing for 1,000 with 21 TD's on the ground for the Ohio Bobcats last season. Ohio also has a RB in AJ Ouellette who rushed for 1,000+ yards. Frank Solich and the defensive staff have a lot to replace as they only return 4 starters on that side of the ball so this might be a team that will put some over money in your pocket this season.
Side note on Frank Solich's Ohio teams: 55-21 SU @ Home in his 13 seasons at Ohio. On the road he is 39-40. The Bobcats road games include Virginia, Cincinnati, Kent State, Northern Illinois, Western Michigan, and Miami (OH).
Nathan Rourke is a name some of you need to learn if you want to make some money this year. This kid threw for 2,200+ yards with a 17 to 7 TD to INT ratio while also rushing for 1,000 with 21 TD's on the ground for the Ohio Bobcats last season. Ohio also has a RB in AJ Ouellette who rushed for 1,000+ yards. Frank Solich and the defensive staff have a lot to replace as they only return 4 starters on that side of the ball so this might be a team that will put some over money in your pocket this season.
Side note on Frank Solich's Ohio teams: 55-21 SU @ Home in his 13 seasons at Ohio. On the road he is 39-40. The Bobcats road games include Virginia, Cincinnati, Kent State, Northern Illinois, Western Michigan, and Miami (OH).
Boise State has some interesting things going for the Broncos in 2018. They return top rusher (Alex Mattison) who is coming off of a 1,100 yard & 12 TD season as wells as QB Brett Rypien. Offensively they do need someone to step up at WR to make up for the reliant shoes that Cedrick Wilson leaves behind along with some of the big guys up front. Defensively they only lost Leighton Vander Esch who was a first-round draft pick but return the remaining 10 starters from last seasons unit. Bryan Harsin and the Broncos do have to go on the road to Stillwater which will be a tough game but they get San Diego State and Fresno State at home this season.
Since taking over at Boise State Bryan Harsin is 42-12 SU 23-3 at home. But in terms of ATS in that span, he is 9-17 at home (15-8 on the road). The public loves the blue turf/blue uniforms combo.
Boise State has some interesting things going for the Broncos in 2018. They return top rusher (Alex Mattison) who is coming off of a 1,100 yard & 12 TD season as wells as QB Brett Rypien. Offensively they do need someone to step up at WR to make up for the reliant shoes that Cedrick Wilson leaves behind along with some of the big guys up front. Defensively they only lost Leighton Vander Esch who was a first-round draft pick but return the remaining 10 starters from last seasons unit. Bryan Harsin and the Broncos do have to go on the road to Stillwater which will be a tough game but they get San Diego State and Fresno State at home this season.
Since taking over at Boise State Bryan Harsin is 42-12 SU 23-3 at home. But in terms of ATS in that span, he is 9-17 at home (15-8 on the road). The public loves the blue turf/blue uniforms combo.
Overrated/Underrated coaches conversation has been stirred with James Franklin being voted on by his peers as the most overrated coach in college football. Since joining Penn State in 2014 Franklin is 28-22-3 ATS (56%). So I thought I might look into some coaches who are overrated and underrated in terms of their SU win/loss to their ATS record (ATS records are based since 2005).
First the overrated:
Mark Ricth has only had one losing season in his 17 seasons as a head coach. His teams have won 10 or more games 10 times. He is 78-83-5 (46%) ATS.
Jimbo Fisher is 83-23 SU through his first 8 years as a head coach. National Champion in 2013. He is just 52-52-2 (49%) ATS.
Dana Holgerson has a 53-37 record in his 7 seasons at West Virginia and in that time he is 37-52-1 (41%)
As well as Kirk Ferentz (77-82-4), Kevin Sumlin (61-65-1), & Mike Leach (67-64-1).
The Underrated:
Bill Snyder knows how to beat those spreads. 71-54-1 (60%) to go along with his (.649) winning percentage going in the same span at Kansas State. Snyder did retire from 06-08 seasons.
Paul Johnson is a cool 87-70-2 (54%) ATS while going 101-66 (.604) in that span SU.
Frank Solich began his time at Ohio in 2005 and is 90-72-3 (54%) ATS while also going 97-71 SU.
Overrated/Underrated coaches conversation has been stirred with James Franklin being voted on by his peers as the most overrated coach in college football. Since joining Penn State in 2014 Franklin is 28-22-3 ATS (56%). So I thought I might look into some coaches who are overrated and underrated in terms of their SU win/loss to their ATS record (ATS records are based since 2005).
First the overrated:
Mark Ricth has only had one losing season in his 17 seasons as a head coach. His teams have won 10 or more games 10 times. He is 78-83-5 (46%) ATS.
Jimbo Fisher is 83-23 SU through his first 8 years as a head coach. National Champion in 2013. He is just 52-52-2 (49%) ATS.
Dana Holgerson has a 53-37 record in his 7 seasons at West Virginia and in that time he is 37-52-1 (41%)
As well as Kirk Ferentz (77-82-4), Kevin Sumlin (61-65-1), & Mike Leach (67-64-1).
The Underrated:
Bill Snyder knows how to beat those spreads. 71-54-1 (60%) to go along with his (.649) winning percentage going in the same span at Kansas State. Snyder did retire from 06-08 seasons.
Paul Johnson is a cool 87-70-2 (54%) ATS while going 101-66 (.604) in that span SU.
Frank Solich began his time at Ohio in 2005 and is 90-72-3 (54%) ATS while also going 97-71 SU.
Saw this via Matt Brown of The Athletic: In the last 29 years, the National Champion of that football season was ranked inside the Top 5 in the preseason AP poll 21 out of the 29 years (26 out of 29 in the Top 10). Although Matt did include split champions, it is clear that very few teams come up as a true surprise champion.
Saw this via Matt Brown of The Athletic: In the last 29 years, the National Champion of that football season was ranked inside the Top 5 in the preseason AP poll 21 out of the 29 years (26 out of 29 in the Top 10). Although Matt did include split champions, it is clear that very few teams come up as a true surprise champion.
Very interesting story coming out of College Station with former LB Santino Marchiol attempts to throw the new staff at A&M under the bus with accusations of giving him money to host unofficial visits, negligence from the A&M training staff, and practices that violate NCAA restrictions.
Very interesting story coming out of College Station with former LB Santino Marchiol attempts to throw the new staff at A&M under the bus with accusations of giving him money to host unofficial visits, negligence from the A&M training staff, and practices that violate NCAA restrictions.
Very interesting story coming out of College Station with former LB Santino Marchiol attempts to throw the new staff at A&M under the bus with accusations of giving him money to host unofficial visits, negligence from the A&M training staff, and practices that violate NCAA restrictions. Here is the story from Dan Wolken: https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2018/08/21/texas-am-faces-ncaa-scrutiny-former-player-eligibility-jimbo-fisher/1052434002/
Very interesting story coming out of College Station with former LB Santino Marchiol attempts to throw the new staff at A&M under the bus with accusations of giving him money to host unofficial visits, negligence from the A&M training staff, and practices that violate NCAA restrictions. Here is the story from Dan Wolken: https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2018/08/21/texas-am-faces-ncaa-scrutiny-former-player-eligibility-jimbo-fisher/1052434002/
Are we really gonna act surprised that Ohio State choose to slap Urban with a small suspension which will allow him to get back to coaching the team in 2 weeks (Can coach in practice as of Sept. 3rd, Can not coach in a game until Sept. 22nd)? Meyer withheld information from the university when hiring Smith and then continued to cover for him because of his relationship with Earle Bruce, Smith's grandfather. All of that will be forgotten though when Meyer takes the field against Tulane as the Horseshoe will roar when they see their coach run on the field and we all know why...
Are we really gonna act surprised that Ohio State choose to slap Urban with a small suspension which will allow him to get back to coaching the team in 2 weeks (Can coach in practice as of Sept. 3rd, Can not coach in a game until Sept. 22nd)? Meyer withheld information from the university when hiring Smith and then continued to cover for him because of his relationship with Earle Bruce, Smith's grandfather. All of that will be forgotten though when Meyer takes the field against Tulane as the Horseshoe will roar when they see their coach run on the field and we all know why...
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