The Dirty Dozen and Bottom of The Barrel: Rockin The Paradise

You oldies fans will get this:



Heh heh...yeah, they did cheesy stuff like this back around the late 70's and early 80's.

Anyway. The Georgia Bulldogs probably feel like Rocking something after playing 3 Top 10 teams in the month of September. The Dawgs/LSU game this past week, was one of the best we've seen in a long, long time.

Tell 'em Ric:



No marquee matchups this week, but plenty to talk about....so without much further ado:



Last Week: 12-0. Yeah, we're pretty good at this. And no, we don't be the Vegas lines. For the season, 50-3. DEAL WIT DAT!!!!

And as Casey Kasem said so very often, it's on...with the countdown:

THE DIRTY DOZEN:

1) Alabama 4-0. Who better than 'Bama? Nobody in this town. Or any other town. The defense made Old Miss look pretty bad last week, but we suspect they already were bad. The only hurdle left for the Crimson Tide, LSU on Nov. 9th. This Week: vs. Georgia St. (yes, really) Our Pick: Alabama 65, Ga.State 3

2) Oregon 4-0. So, the Ducks are averaging 59 points a game, giving up only 10, but they've yet to actually play anyone who can push them. Don't misunderstand, they're really good. Tell 'em Ric:



However, that won't happen this week. This Week: at Colorado Our Pick: Oregon 59, Colorado 10

3) Clemson 4-0. No worries, you got this, right Tigers? Destiny is in your lap. Win out, you have a shot to beat the Man. If Oregon loses that is. In the meantime, you're clicking on all cylinders. Just don't pull a Clemson anytime soon. This Week: at Syracuse. Our Pick: Clemson 38, Syracuse 27

4) Stanford 4-0. If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be? Oh, shit, stop with the Super Bowl media questions. The Cardinal trampled Mike Leach and his Wash. St Cougars in a deluge last week. Neither rain, nor sleet, nor Cougar shall bring them down. This Week: vs. Washington. Our Pick: Stanford 34, Washington 31(tempting, but not picking the upset)

5) Ohio State 5-0. Yay, Braxton Miller is back. Yay, you beat a ranked team. Yeah, sure it was a fellow crappy Big 10 team, but who's counting? A little tougher test is coming. Are you up to the challenge? This Week: at Northwestern. Our Pick Northwestern 37, Ohio St. 33

6) Georgia 3-1. Ok, sure, you've got a loss, but as we said earlier, 3 Top 10 games in 4 weeks makes a man out of ya. This is a good, deep team that if they stay healthy, might have enough to dethrone the Tide. Might. This Week: at Tennessee Our Pick: Georgia 41, Tennessee 23

7) Florida St. 4-0. Yeah, sure they struggled early with BC. But did you see Jameis Winston the last 3 quarters of the game. Nice. The gag is coming for this team. It always does. It's just when. This Week: vs. Maryland. Our Pick: FSU 43, Maryland 23

8) Louisville 4-0. Imagine if these guys played a real schedule. When your toughest game is vs. Kentucky, yeah, you are coasting. But as long as Teddy B is your QB, you'll be in the Top 10. But no, you aren't playing Big Boy football. This Week: at Temple (yikes) Our Pick: Louisville 57, Temple 10

9) LSU 4-1 Consider us fans of Zach Mettenberger. Quite the performance vs. UGA. His o-line gave in when he needed them most late. This is a VERY good and dangerous team though. This Week: at Mississippi St. Our Pick: LSU 37, Miss St. 21

10) Texas A&M 4-1. If we've told you once, we've told you a thousand times. Johnny Manziel is the best heel in the history of College Football. And he seems to be okay with that. But he needs help to win. You can't give up 33 to the Bielema's. Ever. This Week: BYE

11) UCLA 3-0. Rest up Little Jimmy Mora, it's time to come back on the field. You have officially won Los Angeles with the firing of Coach Kiffykins at USC. Take advantage of it. This Week: at Utah. Our Pick: UCLA 41, Utah 31

12) Oklahoma 4-0. Yeah, great, the pundits of College Football say you are awesome because you beat Notre Dame. We say that's a bit premature. Notre Dame's not that good. But you guys do appear to be the class of the Big 12. Revel in it. This Week: vs. TCU. Our Pick: Oklahoma 27, TCU 23



THE BOTTOM OF THE BARREL:

5) UConn 0-4. 



Okay, well, so maybe not this time. Gone is Paul Pasqualoni, a guy who somehow got the coaching job for no readily apparent reason. However, he did a great job in killing whatever momentum this one-time BCS team had. And it ain't getting better this year. This Week: BYE

4) Temple 0-4 



Yeah, you couldn't beat Idaho. Nothing else needs to be said. This Week: vs. Louisville/See #8 on the other poll.

3) Florida International 0-4. Oops. Got them confused with Florida Atlantic last week. Who by the way are just as bad as the Golden Panthers. How did they end up hiring Ron Turner to coach this team? He's been one of CFB's worst coaches for over a decade. Hmmm....This Week: at Southern Miss Our Pick: Southern Miss 1, FIU 0



2) Georgia State 0-4. Poor Trent Miles. Did he see the Panthers schedule before taking the job? Who told these guys it was a good idea to go Division 1 this year? Good news, you almost beat Jacksonville St last week. Bad news. This Week: at Alabama. Our Pick: see #1 above

1) Southern Miss 0-4. Could it be? Could the Golden Eagles get off the schnide this week? Certainly 3 straight weeks of road abuse hasn't helped them. But FIU comes to town. So there's that. And this game, short of FIU vs. Florida Atlantic may be the worst game of the year. This Week: vs. FIU Our Pick: see above

The Dirty Dozen and Bottom of the Barrel: Who Are You?

Yeah, that's right, we really want to know:



And no, you aren't about to be transported to an episode of CSI, though admittedly it is an intriguing thought.

But anyway...

We are nearing the 1/4 pole and well, things have sort of settled out. At least a little bit.

Yes, mighty Alabama struggled with Colorado State, but consider it a hangover from Texas A&M week. At least one team, either LSU or Georgia, who are playing each other, will probably get voted off the island or have to pack up their knives and leave the BCS title hunt after this week--

For reference:



But enough of that. Did we mention we were 13-2 last week and 38-3 on the season?



And as the great Casey Kasem once said; "Let's get on with the Countdown"

THE DIRTY DOZEN:

1) Alabama 3-0. Right or wrong, they've earned the right to stay here until someone beats them. Tell 'em Ric:



The Tide hasn't really been that dominant this year, we'll see if they can put it together. ( This Week: vs. Ole Miss. Our Pick: Alabama 31, Ole Miss 28)

2) Oregon 3-0. Why is everyone anointing them a berth in the BCS game again? So what, they scored 59 vs. a crappy Tennessee team two weeks ago. They won't be the last. Still gotta play UCLA and Stanford, neither will be easy. (This Week: vs Cal, Our Pick: Oregon 59, Cal 21)

3) Clemson 3-0. Reality is quickly setting in and as much as we like Tajh Boyd, we still aren't convinced the Tigers will run the table. But they won't lose this week. (This Week: vs. Wake Forest. Our Pick: Clemson 33, Wake 20)

4) Stanford 3-0. Kicked it up a notch last week and coasted to a win over a decent Az. State team. Like this team, but the schedule after this week, gets a lot tougher. (This Week: at Wash. State. Our Pick: Stanford 31, Wash. St. 23)

5) Ohio St. 4-0. The Buckeyes may be for real, but we won't know til they actually play a tough team, something in limited supply in the Little 10. Let's see how the Urban-ator incorporates a 2 QB system against a team with a defense. (This Week: vs. Wisconsin. Our Pick: tOSU 31, Wisconsin 23)

6) LSU 4-0. Another team that hasn't been pushed hard yet. So far, they've done everything well, but haven't been challenged. Going Between the Hedges will change that. (This Week: at Georgia. Our Pick: UGA 37, LSU 31)

7) Florida St. 3-0. It's real easy to rack up tons of points and gaudy stats playing the Bethune Cookman's and Nevada's of the world. And really, outside Clemson, the schedule isn't tough for these guys. (This Week: at Boston College. Our Pick: FSU 41, Boston College 27)

8) Texas A&M 3-1. Keep doing what you are doing Johnny Football. You are the perfect WWE style heel. Tell 'em Ric:



You need to kick some defensive players ass though, you can't do this yourself. (This Week: at Arkansas. Our Pick: Aggies 38, Arkie 28)

9) Georgia 2-1. Time to put up or shut-up Dawgs. You've got LSU at your house and it looks like this will be the toughest game left on your schedule. Are you up to the task? Win and your path is clear, lose and we hope you like your Outback Steak. (This Week: vs. LSU. Our Pick See #6)

10) Louisville 3-0. Sorry Cardinals fans, no respect. You've done nothing that screams "National Title" contender. Look at the schedule. Take a long look at it. UCF and maybe Cincinnati will be your only tests. And yes, we still love Teddy B. (This Week: BYE)

11) UCLA 3-0. We honestly are happy for Jimmy Mora. We always maintained he'd be a great college coach and now he's proving it. Keep doing what you are doing sir. Of course having Brett Hundley run the show isn't hurting either. (This Week: BYE)

12) Miami, FL (3-0). Why not. The 'Canes are back. At least for now. No props for dropping a 77 spot on Savannah State. Our alma mater (Ga.Southern) did that too. If Stephen Morris stays healthy, you have a shot at the belt. The schedule gets easier from here too. (This Week: at S.Florida. Our Pick: Miami 37, USF 10)

THE BOTTOM OF THE BARREL:



5) Massachusetts (0-4). Woe be the Minuteman. The good= Only giving up 32.5 ppt, the bad--only scoring 7 ppg. Yeah, that's probably not going to win very much--if ever. (This Week: BYE Our Pick: Bye 32.5, UMass 7)

4) Temple 0-3. It's not been a great year for football in the Philly area so far. Uh, yeah, Temple is 1 of 2 AAC teams in this part of the poll. And two more are hanging right on the fringe. Losing to Fordham...by 1? At home? With 4 seconds to go? Really? (This Week: at Idaho--oooof. Our Pick: Idaho 21, Temple 20)

3) New Mexico St. 0-4. Bad. Starting with 2 ranked teams on schedule. Less Bad, the other 2 aren't ranked. More bad, all 4 were losses and none were close. Oh...did we mention giving up 50 ppg? (This Week: vs. San Diego St. Our Pick: SDSU 21, NM St. 15)

2) Florida International 0-4. It's a bad year to be a Pelini. Bo has his issues in Nebraska and Carl coaches arguably the worst team in the NCAA. Did we mention the 72 spot they gave up last week? Or the loss to Bethune Cookman? Yeah...thought so. (This Week: at Southern Miss. Our Pick: Southern Miss 5, FIU 2 Pelini's)

1) Southern Miss 0-3. So yeah, the reigning title holder stays put. Much like Alabama



Somehow, the Golden Eagles aren't last in Conference USA, but they haven't played any conference games yet either. That changes this week. (This Week: vs FIU, Our Pick: see above)

Yes America, this may be the single worst game in the history of College Football, Florida International vs. Southern Miss. Someone has to win---don't they?

At the very least, someone gets off the island:

Richard Pitino to Get Minnesota Coaching Gig

((ht: cbssports.com/goodman))

Richard Pitino

Wow! Really....

30-year old Richard Pitino, son of Louisville coach Rick Pitino, is moving on up in the coaching ranks.

According to a report by Jeff Goodman of CBSSports.com, the younger Pitino is expected to be named head coach at the University of Minnesota, replacing the fired Tubby Smith.

Pitino just finished his 1st season as a head coach at Florida International, where his team won 18 games. The job at FIU was his first as a head coach.

Read the Jeff Goodman story on CBSSports.com RIGHT HERE

Talk about moving on up.

Pitino the younger has been an assistant at Florida and under his dad at Louisville, coaches his own team 1-year and is now in the Big 10. And replacing a coach that many questioned the firing of (Smith)

At Minnesota, he inherits a team that was mid-pack in the Big 10, but had won 20-games or more in 5 of the past 6-seasons under Smith. The Gophers were in this years NCAA Tourney, winning one game before losing to Florida in the South Regional.

As for his previous team, FIU was 8-21 the season before Pitino's arrival, so 10-more wins is a significant upgrade.

No, Butch Davis is not the New Coach at FIU--Today (UPDATED)

Interesting reports circulating out of Miami that banished former UNC football coach Butch Davis will be the new head coach at Florida International University.

The Miami Herald's David O'Neal posted a story saying there may or may not be an announcement next week.

You can read that RIGHT HERE

But, if you read it closely, in the next paragraph, he begins to back track on that statement.

And, in the "Next" blog post, says that he spoke with FIU AD Pete Garcia who says the rumors are totally false.

And yet the rumors are flying all over the Interwebs. Most are saying that the report was never true.

But...

Remember THIS story from just three weeks ago

Yes, Davis could be resurfacing. But if so, it's being handled as awkwardly....as well, Garcia's firing of now former head coach Mario Cristobal.

In the meantime, Davis continues getting paid from North Carolina and if he were to take said job at FIU, the Golden Panthers would then be on the hook for the UNC money. And as much as Garcia needs a new coach, we suspect he does not quite have the budget for that.

But...

We would not be surprised in the least to see this happen. FIU is one of the few jobs left open on the carousel and there don't seem to be a lot of takers. Stay tuned campers, this story probably has more to go.

12/28 UPDATE: From Alex Marvez at Fox Sports...

The dispute centers on almost $1.8 million that Davis is owed from the settlement he signed upon his dismissal as UNC’s head coach in July 2011. The source said that UNC doesn’t want to pay the money if Davis accepts another coaching position, which is a stumbling block that also complicated his hiring earlier this year by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

FIU is set to sign Davis to a multiyear contract averaging roughly $500,000 a season, the source said.

Well, now we know...

Could Butch Davis resurface at Florida International?

((ht: sun-sentinel.com))

Hmmm. This could be interesting. Reports say that Butch Davis may be the next head coach at Florida International University.

And yes, we know, we said we wouldn't do "Stories" about "Rumored" candidates for college football jobs. But this struck us as a bit of a surprise considering Jones's track record.

He would replace the departed Mario Cristobal, who just one year after being a "Hot" coaching candidate, finds himself unemployed after a 3-9 season.

Davis would be a somewhat controversial hire, but does apparently have ties to the schools athletic director Pete Garcia.

Check out the full story from the Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel RIGHT HERE

You'll recall Davis left a huge academic and athletic scandal in his wake after 4-years as the coach at North Carolina. He did win 28 games in those four years and is considered a pretty good coach. We might add that though he was not implicated in the NCAA investigation...or at least he hasn't been...yet.

He will not be subject to the NCAA show-cause penalty unless he is.

Davis currently works as a "Sepcial" defensive assistant for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also had a stint coaching at the University of Miami and is somewhat familiar with the area.

College Football: Sun Belt Coaches Poll

Here's how the 10 head coaches of the Sun Belt Conference predict as the outcome of the season:

1. FIU - 92 (5)
2. Arkansas State - 85 (2)
3. Louisiana-Lafayette - 81 (2)
4. WKU - 70 (1)
5. Troy - 60
6. Louisiana-Monroe - 47
7. Middle Tennessee - 42
8. North Texas - 36
9. Florida Atlantic - 23
10. South Alabama - 14

No surprises, FIU and Arkansas State will battle it out for the SBC title.  Louisiana - Lafayette is getting respect as is Western Kentucky. 

Those of us at the OSG HQ are feverishly working on our College Football Previews.  Those will come out soon.

Conference USA rebuilds by adding small schools

((ht: cbssports.com/mcmurphy))

Well, we guess this means the Conference USA/Mountain West Super Conference merger is dead on arrival.

That's because C-USA announced that they are adding teams. Six of them to be exact. Though we might add most are not exactly household names.

The list includes: Florida International, Louisiana Tech, North Texas, Texas-San Antonio, Charlotte and Old Dominion.

For those keeping track, that would be a raid of the Sun Belt, the Patriot League and the WAC.

Read more details from Brett McMurphy of CBSSports.com, McMurphy broke the story RIGHT HERE

Interesting stuff, but hardly earth shaking news. Kudos to C-USA for trying to rebuild after being nearly decimated by the Big East. However, other than adding to their travel costs, this doesn't do much to add to the league's prestige.

In fact, it does very little for football...right now. Charlotte is about to enter FCS (1-AA) next year as a rookie program. The others have a footprint, but not a particularly large one. But it does protect the conference if for no other reason than the sheer size. Come 2013, C-USA will have 14-teams.

Here's the report from WAVY-TV in Norfolk about the idea...

ODU may be considered for C-USA: wavy.com

"Isiah Thompson" Fired From FIU

Can anything that starts like this really end all that well...???
((HT: Premiere Radio Networks/youtube))


Florida International went 26-65 in three seasons under Zeke's leadership, and the Golden Panthers never won more than 11 games in any of his head coaching seasons...

FIU director of sports and entertainment Pete Garcia said the school has "decided to take the program in a different direction."

Or, more accurately, "we fired him..."

Thomas signed a five-year deal taking no salary for his first season, but one where he would get half of the gross...

That worked out well...

Let's see... the CBA, the Knicks... is there any place that the HQ missed...???
Who's next...???

OSG College Football Preview: The Sun Belt Conference

As long as the SEC is the mack daddy of college football the SBC will always be fighting for any kind of attention. Those who pay attention know the SBC has some damn good football teams. How many times has Troy brought down a BCS team on their turf? Middle Tennessee State has slayed a big boy or two. The pucker factor should go up if an SBC team is on your schedule.

Troy Trojans
2010 Record: 8-5 – Defeated Ohio 48-21 In New Orleans Bowl

Things To Like About Troy:
Quarterback: Corey Robinson was impressive last season as a freshman. Robinson owned the Sun Belt in passing throwing for a conference best 3,707 yards, almost 800 yards more than any other quarterback in the conference. Robinson also tossed 28 touchdowns to lead the conference as well. Robinson capped off his fabulous freshman season putting on a show against Ohio in the New Orleans Bowl going 32-42 passing for 387 yards and four touchdowns. That earned Robinson bowl MVP honors. Robinson is a rising star.

Massaquoi The QB’s Worst Nightmare: Defensive end Jonathan Massaquoi lived the opponent’s backfield last season. The numbers prove it leading the Sun Belt in quarterback sacks with 13 and tackles for loss with 21.5. Massaquoi showed a national TV audience watching the New Orleans Bowl the havoc he can create with 2.5 sacks and three tackles for loss totaling 8 against Ohio.

Things Not To Like About Troy:
No Defense Won A Championship: Last season Troy bucked the trend of offense wins games, defense wins championships. The Trojan defense was not that good ranked last against the pass and next to last in total defense in the Sun Belt Conference. The secondary was decimated by injuries and was torched much of the season. As great as Jonathan Massaquoi is he can’t do it all.

Who Will Be Corey Robinson’s Targets: Chip Reeves and Jamel Johnson were ruled ineligible after spring practice. That was a big blow to the receiving corps. Jerrel Jernigan, Tebiarus Gill and Jason Bruce, Troy’s top three pass catchers last season have graduated. Who will emerge as Robinson’s go-to guy?

OSG’s Take On Troy
Wilkie: It’s a good thing the Trojans have a talented quarterback because with the question marks on defense Troy may have to win a few shootouts in 2011. Defense was a point of emphasis during recruiting. Head coach Larry Blakeney and his staff combed the JUCO’s and picked up some players that should make an immediate impact especially Brynden Trawick in the secondary who began his college career at Michigan State with had 58 tackles, 6 pass breakups, 9 tackles for losses, 4 forced fumbles, and 2 recovered fumbles as a Spartan.
Overall, If Corey Robinson doesn’t experience a sophomore slump, the offensive line jells and the defense shows some improvement than another Sun Belt Championship is possible.

Phil: Always a shootout team, that won’t change here. They are still one of the class teams in this conference. Solid, not spectacular season. 8-4.

Jon: : I think the title gets determined on October 25th when Troy takes on FIU. Who ever thought I would say that…??? Having Corey Robinson as a talented freshman means Larry Blakeney gets him for THREE MORE YEARS!!! Replacing Jernigan will be tough, but the 6th SBC title in a row should come to south Alabama.



Florida International Golden Panthers
2010 Record: 7-6, Defeated Toledo 34-32 in the Little Caesars Bowl

Things To Like About FIU:
Hilton’s Rewards: Wide receiver T.Y. Hilton has NFL talent and could have gone early but choose to stay at FIU. By staying put the Sun Belt’s best offensive weapon remains in the Golden Panthers arsenal. Hilton totaled 848 yards receiving yards averaging 14.4 yards per catch last season. Hilton accommodates FIU with his kick and punt returning skills, he lead the SBC in kick returns with 833 yards and two touchdowns. Hilton will have plenty of opportunity to get his hands on the ball.

Lock Down Defense: Last season FIU had the best defense in the Sun Belt Conference and even though they lost do it all linebacker Toronto Smith, 2010 team sack leader defensive end Jarvis Wilson, and super aggressive safety Anthony Gaitor, the Golden Panthers will be dominant again. Defensive end Tourek Williams and tackle Josh Forney return to anchor this talented squad. Williams had six sacks last year. Head coach Marco Crisobal recruited some big time talent on defense. Incoming freshman linebacker Lyndon Edwards has star potential. A pair of JUCO transfers linebacker Jordan Hunt and safety Tevin Blanchard will play right away.

Things Not To Like About FIU:
Poor Punting: Marco Cristobal might want to consider going for it on fourth down after FIU averaged a weak 31.0 yards per punt last season, next to last in the NCAA. Josh Brisk the job is still yours unless Cristobal has student tryouts, it just may come to that.

OGS’s Take
Wilkie: FIU looks to be the most complete team in the SBC. If quarterback Wesley Carroll, a Mississippi State transfer, can run the offense efficiently (in other words, get the ball in Hilton’s hands and let him go.) and the defense pressures opponents the Golden Panthers might raise the championship trophy at the end of the season. They are my pick to do that.

Phil: How can you go wrong with the fightin’ Cristobals? They’ve steadily improved each year and this should be the year it bubbles over. I agree with Wilkie, this is your conference champ...9-3 this season.

Jon: Winning more than 7 should be the quest for the Fighting Cristobals this year- and they’ll get there. Every rusher returns for FIU from last year’s top 7- including Hilton and QB Wesley Carroll. 15 starters return and the Goldens could make it to New Orleans instead of Detroit.


Arkansas State Red Wolves
2010 Record: 4-8

Things To Like About Arkansas State:
Best 7-on-7 Offense In The Sun Belt: Arkansas State’s skill players are, well skilled. Quarterback Ryan Aplin set school records for completions (252), passing yards (2,939), total offense (3,416), touchdowns (21) and led the SBC in total offense as a sophomore. As a junior and with a year of Hugh Freeze’s high octane offense under his belt Aplin will be lethal. Oh by the way he has a plethora of offensive weapons to choose from. Combined starting wide outs Dwayne Frampton, Allen Muse and Taylor Stockemer totaled 1,933 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2010. The running backs are solid too. Chewing up yards and scoring points doesn’t appear to be an issue in Jonesboro this year unless……….

Things To Not Like About Arkansas State:
Offensive Line: Center Tom Castilaw is the only Red Wolf offensive lineman with any kind of playing experience to return and that’s because the NCAA granted Castilaw a sixth season of eligibility. There is hope in the O-line with five JUCO transfers ready to step in. They will have to jell quickly for this offense to soar.

Where’s The Defense? Bad doesn’t begin to describe the 2010 ASU defense. The Red Wolves couldn’t stop the run and could barely stop the pass becoming the worst defense in the Sun Belt Conference. New head coach Hugh Freeze has brought in coaching veteran Dave Wommack to fix that mess. Wommack has held the defensive coordinator titles at Georgia Tech, Arkansas, Southern Miss, UNLV, Missouri State and Bemidji State. Wommack’s defenses have always been fundamentally sound and opportunistic. Just basic tackling might be a good start in Jonesboro.

OSG’s Take on Arkansas State:
Wilkie: Arkansas State might just put up offensive numbers that are off the charts but then again the Red Wolves may have to if they are going to win games. The defense has nowhere to go but up and any improvement there might be enough to be in the race but don’t expect much more than that.

Phil: They will be fun to watch. We don’t buy Wommack or his defense, but the offense here is good enough to outscore most SunBelt teams. 8-4 isn’t unrealistic, but highly unlikely.

Jon: One of the best names in the college ranks- Sirgregory Thornton is part of an offense that brings back 7 top rushers and 7 of the 8 top receivers from 2010. Hugh Freeze takes over as Head Coach and his offense will put up big numbers. The only thing keeping them from a bowl will be Troy and FIU.



Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks
2010 Record: 5-7

Things To Like About ULM
Young And Experience: In his first year as head coach Todd Berry went on a youth movement for the 2010 season playing underclassman. The Warhawks were inconsistent but didn’t tank it either. With a year under their belt ULM’s youngin’s will be better and veterans of the Sun Belt wars.

Everyone Is Back On Offense: The entire starting 11 on ULM’s offense returns including sophomore quarterback Kolton Browning who bolted unto the SBC scene as a freshman last season and put up some eye popping numbers, 2,552 yards passing last season and 18 touchdowns, third best in the SBC. The running back position is as deep and talented as it gets in the SBC. Key contributors from last season Jyruss Edwards and Centarius Donald return and they will be joined by Arkansas transfer Mitchell Bailey. Luther Ambrose returns as the go-to guy from the receiving corps. Ambrose was third in the SBC last year in receptions and is one of the fastest players in college football, he is the two time SBC 100 meter champion.

Things To Not Like About ULM:
Offensive Line Must Protect The Quarterback: While the entire offensive line returns its pass protecting skills need to improve. The unit gave up 33 sacks in 2010, Warhawk fans must really like that Kolton Browning is mobile but running for your life doesn’t always bring out the best results.

OSG’s Take:
Wilkie: Louisiana-Monroe’s defense was the best in the SBC against the run and third best against the pass, that’s a solid group. If the offense has consistency there’s no reason why ULM won’t compete for the conference title. It wouldn’t surprise me if the Warhawks went to a bowl game either.

Phil: Sucks to start the season at Florida State. Having the entire offense coming back should help. They are a threat to win every conference team, but probably won’t. Look for them to have a good season by their standards: 7-5

Jon: Todd Berry’s idea of taking the names off the jerseys until they get a bowl bid was a nice touch for a squad that was one game south of .500 last year. They’ll still be off this year, but the team could finish at .500 after games at FSU, TCU, and Iowa.



Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders
2010 Record: 6-7: Lost To Miami (Oh) 35-21 In The GoDaddy.com Bowl

Things To Like About MTSU:
Addition By Subtraction: Dwight Dasher is gone but that might be a good thing because during his suspension last season the offense found out its just fine without the all-world talent. Logan Kilgore and Jeff Murphy are competing for the starting quarterback job. Kilgore threw for 168 yards in the spring game, Murphy added 127 yards in the spring game. Kilgore has the arm that can stretch the field, something the Blue Raiders have lacked along with a dearth of big plays.

Things Not To Like About MTSU:
Too Much Subtraction On Defense: Last year MTSU’s defensive front was solid however that entire unit must be replaced. Only three starters return on defense for the Blue Raiders.
OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: MTSU gave up the ball way too much last year ending in year with 36 turnovers and a nation’s worst -19 in turnover margin, that’s got to improve. The expectations will be low at MTSU and 2011 might be mediocre at best for the Blue Raiders.

Phil: Uh...it may be a long season in Murfreesboro this year. They weren’t great last year and lost a lot of players. I am amazed they got Ga.Tech to come to the ‘Boro. Don’t look for anything special here: 4-8

Jon: Those 8 starters lost on defense will come up and bite Rick Stockstill in a huge manner. How quickly they get adjusted to life in the SBC will determine their on-the-field success- as will their game 3 at Troy. Maybe .500…???

Florida Atlantic Owls
2010 Record: 4-8

Things To Like About FAU:
I’m Searching: Sorry but there’s not much to like about the Owls except running back Alfred Morris. At 5-11, 222 pounds Morris has the size and speed you covet in a running back. Morris just can’t get it going because the offensive line was awful and there’s not much help from the passing game to keep defenses honest. The quarterbacks competing have thrown a total of 13 passes on the collegiate level and the receiving corps lost its two best receivers. And then there’s the defense. Can they stop the run?:

Things Not To Like About FAU:
(See above)

OSG’s Take:
Wilkie: FAU has my favorite name in all of college football right now, starting linebacker Yourhighness Morgan. Well your high ness, the Owls will be lucky to win a few games this season. At least FAU moves into a brand new stadium on campus this year.

Phil: This could get ugly...fast. They start with Florida, Michigan State and Auburn. Ouch! We still get a kick out of Howard Schnellenberger being the coach here...but for how much longer? 3-9 this season.

Jon: Jeff Van Camp and Rusty Smith are gone as are the top three receivers and 5 of the 6 top tacklers from a team that went 4-8. Another year below .500 Yourhighness…


Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns
2010 Record: 3-9
Things To Like About Louisiana-Lafayette:

Clean Slate: New coaching staff, fresh approach. Always needed when you program stagnates then regresses.

No Cutting Corners: New Rajin’ Cagin head coach Mark Hudspeth called the defensive backs the strength of the defense. Cornerbacks Melvin White and Dwight Bentley are big pluses and can make plays should the front seven put the pressure on the passer.

Things Not To Like About Louisiana-Lafayette:
The Lines: Louisiana’s offensive line must replace three starters from last season. The defensive line was 111th in the country against the run. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out if you can’t win the battle in the trenches winning football games becomes extremely difficult.

OSG’s Take:
Wilkie: The coaching change means jobs will be on the line so the effort will be there. A sub .500 year again.

Phil: I can’t be too mean since the Lovely Bride is a grad here. But they aren’t going to be good. At least they aren’t a sacrificial lamb for LSU this season.

Jon: This team might surprise with everyone returning on offense, but they won’t surprise too much. More than 3-9, but not much more…


North Texas Mean Green
2010 Record: 3-9

What To Like About North Texas:
No More B.S.: That’s because new North Texas head coach Dan McCarney is all about business and will tell it like it is. As far as McCarney is concerned, it’s put up or shut up in Denton, TX. This is the same head coach that took over as head coach at Iowa State in 1995 that was pathetic and led the Cyclones to five, yes that’s right, five bowl games. McCarney has his work cut out for him at North Texas.

Let Lance Run It: Lance Dunbar might be the best player in college football you have never heard of. Dunbar was fourth in the nation with 1,885 all-purpose yards last season including 1,553 rushing yards, second in the SBC. Dunbar carried the ball 275 times last season so he can take the workload. You can bet McCarney is going to give Dunbar the ball until he pukes.

What Not To Like About North Texas:
Mean Green Defense Not So Mean: McCarney made his reputation coaching defensive lines and though he admits North Texas’ front is one of the most undersized he’s seen for UNT to be better they have to develop a pass rush. McCarney and defensive coordinator Clint Bowen feel they have some good parts to work with especially with Brandon Akpunku, whose been UNT’s best pass rusher of late. The secondary has been the strength of the defense and would benefit greatly from an improved pass rush. McCarney and Bowen will be on top of it.

OSG’s Take
Wilkie: I can’t see any more than five wins from UNT this season but I like what is going on in Denton.

Phil: Dan McCarney will be a coaching god if he can resurrect this program. And he is on his way. There’s some potential here. And far worse teams in the conference. If they are lucky, 6-6, if not 4-8.

Jon: Agreed… like the McCarney hire, don’t like what McCarney has to work with… better than 3-9 for sure… but not much more…


Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
2010 Record: 2-10What To Like About Western Kentucky:
WKU Loves A “Rainey” Day: Though only 5-8 Bobby Rainey is the biggest part of the Hilltopper offense. Rainey carried the ball 340 times last season and averaged 137.4 yards per game, third in the nation. Needless to say Rainey must stay healthy.

What Not To Like About Western Kentucky:
More Offensive Weapons: WKU can’t go all Barney Fife and use their one bullet, Bobby Rainey, all year. The Hilltoppers need another offensive weapon to step up to take some pressure off Rainey.

OSG’s Take:
Wilkie: I love the passion of head coach Willie Taggart. He’s a WKU guy whose doing what he can do to improve the fortunes of the football program. Taggart has rolled up the sleeves and improved the talent. The fruits of that labor might be realized this year. At least five wins is possible and I wouldn’t be surprised if six wins is achieved.

Phil: Hey, last year was a success just because they won their first D-1 games ever. Don’t look for craziness, but they’ll win 4 this year. Wonder why they are playing Kentucky...in Nashville though...

Jon: win… maybe…??? Indiana State and that’s all I see…

Sun Belt Champion
Wilkie: Florida International
Phil: Agreed, FIU
Nelson: Troy

SBC’s Best Offensive Player:
Wilkie: Bobby Rainey – Western Kentucky
Phil: Corey Robinson, Troy
Nelson: Cory Robinson - Troy

SBC’s Best Defensive Player:
Wilkie: Jonathan Massaquoi – Troy
Phil: Massaquoi
Nelson: Massaquoi