We're Baaacckkk! College Football 2005-6 Season Thread

[duckman]

Since we are only a few days away from most colleges reporting for practice, it's a good time get this started.

Here is an article they're running for the Oklahoman about possible starting OU quarterback Paul Thompson:

OU's Thompson got a late start in the world of quarterbacking

By George Schroeder
The Oklahoman

NORMAN — Sometime that winter, he noticed, and understood. For as long as he could remember, Jason Brosie had been the quarterback. His best friend, Paul Thompson, had been the running back, sometimes the receiver.

“We tore it up,” Brosie remembered. “I threw it to him every time. I just threw it up and he’d go get it.”


But after their ninth-grade season at Leander (Texas) High School, their roles changed. No one came right out and said it. But during offseason drills, Brosie watched Thompson throwing passes, not catching them. And he knew.

“He threw it as well as I could,” Brosie said. “And he could play any position the coaches wanted him at.”

All these years later, Brosie understands why the move was made. Thompson is among three Oklahoma quarterbacks competing for the right to replace Jason White. When preseason practice begins Thursday, he’ll get the first shot.

Thompson’s best friend figures he’ll win the job.

“I wanted Paul to play quarterback (at Leander),” Brosie said. “I’m rooting for him like no other now.”

Funny thing, though. Thompson wouldn’t have been in position to assume OU’s most glamorous position if not for that long-ago role reversal. And he wasn’t initially fired up about the switch.

Mark Thompson, Paul’s father, had long noted his son’s throwing ability. He believed Paul’s athletic ability and quick mind would form a potent combination at quarterback.

“I told him, “You need to try quarterback,’” Mark Thompson said.

Said Paul: “We had a little talk. I was never against playing quarterback.”

Maybe not. But Mark Thompson said he gave a fatherly nudge, suggesting the idea to Leander’s football coaches. Without that?

“I don’t think he would have been a quarterback,” Mark Thompson said.

And perhaps not without Brosie’s blessing. He moved to free safety and watched Paul blossom. Their friendship didn’t miss a beat.

“He took it well,” Paul Thompson said. “There wasn’t even that much talk about it.”

Said Brosie: “I felt he was a good man for the position, so it wasn’t that bad.”

Thompson quickly proved to be a good fit. After learning on the job as a sophomore, Thompson compiled more than 2,000 yards as a junior. He threw for 1,600 yards and ran for 1,000 more as a senior.

“He stepped in there like he’d been playing quarterback his whole life,” Brosie said.

Soon enough, big-time colleges came calling. Only one — the nearest — didn’t offer Thompson a chance to play quarterback.

Leander, a town of 5,000, is located about 25 miles northwest of the Texas campus. After Thompson excelled at Texas’ football camp, the Longhorns grew very interested in him.

Just not as a quarterback. Mark Thompson, Paul’s father, said Longhorns offensive coordinator Greg Davis called a few days later and offered a scholarship, with one hitch.

“He said, ‘We want him to play wide receiver,’ ” Mark Thompson said.

Just two years earlier, Paul had needed persuasion to move from receiver to quarterback. He had no intention of moving back.

“I got real comfortable at quarterback,” Paul Thompson said. “I wanted to continue on.”

Jim Skinner, then Leander’s head coach (he’s now at Birdville High School in suburban Fort Worth, Texas), agreed with the decision.

“He was an excellent specimen of a quarterback,” Skinner said. “He could throw the football, he could run, he could read coverages. I thought he was a natural at quarterback, plus he had the leadership ability.

“If you’re looking for a quarterback, to me, you’re looking for a young man with a lot of character. And Paul Thompson has a tremendous amount of character. The thing that irritated me was (Texas) didn’t give him a chance.”

OU did. Like other college recruiters, OU’s coaches were impressed by Thompson’s athletic ability — he was a standout high-jumper and sprinter in high school. But Mark Thompson said offensive coordinator Chuck Long’s recruiting pitch went something like this: “If he comes here, fine. But wherever he goes, he needs to play quarterback.”

You know the rest of the story. Thompson signed with OU. As a true freshman in 2002, he was thrust into the backup’s role when White suffered his second knee injury. A year ago, he redshirted — while getting plenty of practice work — in hopes of starting for two years.

And while Thompson has exhibited patience, that hasn’t been as easy back home, according to Brosie.

“Everyone in Leander was really mad at Jason White for coming back (for a sixth season in 2004),” Brosie said.

And now, said Brosie, everyone is rooting hard for Thompson. Including, of course, Brosie.

That position switch never looked better.

“I don’t know if it was because we were good friends,” Brosie said, “or because I thought he would be a good quarterback. But it was OK. I think in the back of Paul’s mind, he always wanted to play quarterback.

“It ended up pretty good for him.” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Personally, I think that Paul will be the starter. He's been at the program longer, so he'll have a better understanding of Chuck Long's offense. His ability to run the ball is also a valuable asset and could help Peterson from getting keyed on during the games. It should be interesting to see if he'll be named the starter by the season opener.

[Joe]

this is the year that the Gophers beat Michigan. Mark it down.

[Airhog]

I have high hopes for OU this year. Now that Jason White is gone, maybe one of these young QB's can lead OU to a national title. I don't really care what anyone has to say. I'd rather lose in two straight title games, then not even play in a title game. People that bash OU because of that, IMHO are jealous that their team cannot reach that level of play. I mean lets face it, you would say the same thing if your team had played for a national title 3 times in the last 5 years...

[duckman]

Originally Posted by Airhog

I have high hopes for OU this year. Now that Jason White is gone, maybe one of these young QB's can lead OU to a national title. I don't really care what anyone has to say. I'd rather lose in two straight title games, then not even play in a title game. People that bash OU because of that, IMHO are jealous that their team cannot reach that level of play. I mean lets face it, you would say the same thing if your team had played for a national title 3 times in the last 5 years...

I think the team will take a step backwards this season. They've lost their starting QB, two WR's, three OL, our best pass rusher, and a record breaking return man. I think that they could lose two to four games this season depending on QB and OL play alone.

Hopefully, we can at least beat Texas, so we don't have to hear from IMTG all season.

[TroyF]

Originally Posted by Airhog

I have high hopes for OU this year. Now that Jason White is gone, maybe one of these young QB's can lead OU to a national title. I don't really care what anyone has to say. I'd rather lose in two straight title games, then not even play in a title game. People that bash OU because of that, IMHO are jealous that their team cannot reach that level of play. I mean lets face it, you would say the same thing if your team had played for a national title 3 times in the last 5 years...

Only idiots would bash Oklahoma after what they've done. I don't think the key is your QB this year. It's the defense. And, of course, Texas.

OU has the scheduling in their favor this year. OKState and A&M at home. They play the Huskers on the road, but I don't see the Huskers being all that special. Really, it comes down to Texas. Continue to own Mack Brown and you'll go to another title game.

Speaking of Texas, they have three very tough road games this year. At Ohio State, at Oklahoma State and at A&M. (a team they've owned of late, but one that should be improved this year)

Mack Brown runs the table this year (which I don't think he will), he'll have a pretty big STFU sign made for the world to read.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by George W Bush

this is the year that the Gophers beat Michigan. Mark it down.

Come get it.



Just in case you folks over in Minnesota have forgotten what it looks like, that's The Little Brown Jug. It's been in A2 for the last, oh, 19 years...

[cthomer5000]

Yes, I'm dumb enough to think that Rutgers will finally break through and make a bowl game this year. If it's not this year, it might be never because they have a number of very talented seniors at very key positions.

[JeeberD]

UTEP will make a bowl game again this year, should win CUSA West and have an outstanding shot at winning the CUSA Championship. 9-2 in the regular season might actually be a disappointment, believe it or not...

Jordan Palmer, Heisman candidate?
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/coll...egefb0730.html

[MrBug708]

I'm hoping UCLA will finally reach the potential of all the talent that has come in in the past 7 years or so.

I'm calling the upset over Oklahoma though. As long as Perkins isn't around of course...

[ice4277]

Originally Posted by George W Bush

this is the year that the Gophers beat Michigan. Mark it down.

in hockey?

[ice4277]

dola

I'm not quite sure why Purdue is suddenly getting all sorts of love as a 'fashionable' pick in the Big Ten. Every year they are highly touted they find a way to choke it up, and I can't see picking them until they can prove otherwise.

[Joe]

As disappointed as it makes me, I think Iowa will be the team to beat in the Big Ten this year.

[ice4277]

double dola

Originally Posted by Airhog

I have high hopes for OU this year. Now that Jason White is gone, maybe one of these young QB's can lead OU to a national title. I don't really care what anyone has to say. I'd rather lose in two straight title games, then not even play in a title game. People that bash OU because of that, IMHO are jealous that their team cannot reach that level of play. I mean lets face it, you would say the same thing if your team had played for a national title 3 times in the last 5 years...

I don't think they bash OU for losing the title so much as how they got there. Many people thought last year Auburn should have gotten a shot, and the smackdown USC laid on OU is used as a pretty good example.

[ice4277]

another dola

Originally Posted by George W Bush

As disappointed as it makes me, I think Iowa will be the team to beat in the Big Ten this year.

I think they definitely have a good shot. I can easily see Iowa, Michigan, and OSU in a three-way tie at the top, or something close to that.

[Noop]

Question for the OU faithful is Bomar not as good as avertised or is it Paul is just so much better? In my opinion I would go with Bomar and build for next season where AD who by that time would be a Junior can carry the offense with a experience Bomar throwing passes just to keep teams of balance. Doing this without a doubt could put them in the national championship hunt. After AD leaves you would have a very well seasoned Bomar who from all indications will likely stay at OU until his senior season. But then again I have never won a college football game so I know nothing.

[vex]

Originally Posted by Noop

Question for the OU faithful is Bomar not as good as avertised or is it Paul is just so much better? In my opinion I would go with Bomar and build for next season where AD who by that time would be a Junior can carry the offense with a experience Bomar throwing passes just to keep teams of balance. Doing this without a doubt could put them in the national championship hunt. After AD leaves you would have a very well seasoned Bomar who from all indications will likely stay at OU until his senior season. But then again I have never won a college football game so I know nothing.

I agree, and most of the Sooner nation does as well.

[Dr. Sak]

Originally Posted by ice4277

another dola


I think they definitely have a good shot. I can easily see Iowa, Michigan, and OSU in a three-way tie at the top, or something close to that.

I really think it is Purdue, maybe just for their Big Ten Schedule alone. They do not play Michigan or Ohio State this year.

[Noop]

Also a few teams to watch out for in the next few years...

1. Tennessee - Only in there path is a very tought SEC East which has UGA and Florida.

2. Michigan - Chad Henne and Micheal Hart wow what a backfield if they can get a WR and a TE that offense will be a headache. Defense I am not worried about because they will get their share of guys.

3. Ohio State - I see a major title run next year. Way to much talent for them not to make a run at the MNC.

4. Oklahoma - I gave my reasons.

5. Iowa - I believe in Kirk Frentz this guy can coach.

----------------
This is only for the next few years and not this season.

[Swaggs]

Not a knock against USC (as I don't mind them and enjoy watching them), but am I the only one tired of hearing about them going for a three-peat? They won the BSC last season. LSU won it the year before. If USC is going to claim a partial title with LSU, then I'm sure Utah and Auburn would like a claim of last season's title.

[Tigercat]

Tenn plays LSU at Baton Rouge fairly early in the season. Even if you want to give Tennessee the advantage on the road, which I think a lot of people would disagree, I would call that a significant obstacle.

Even before UT's problems I thought we were more of a complete team talent wise, but add to the fact that the game is at home... Same with Florida, we get them at home. I think that game will be a better game than Tenn. If the coaching can do a decent enough job, I think we should be favored to win every game in the regular season. And even if one isn't convinced at how good of a HC Miles can be at the upper levels of college football, look at the entire LSU coaching staff, perhaps the best overall staff in the nation.

[Noop]

^^ You can add LSU to my list if Jemarcus gets consitent.

[MrBug708]

Originally Posted by Swaggs

Not a knock against USC (as I don't mind them and enjoy watching them), but am I the only one tired of hearing about them going for a three-peat? They won the BSC last season. LSU won it the year before. If USC is going to claim a partial title with LSU, then I'm sure Utah and Auburn would like a claim of last season's title.

Swaggs, Auburn didnt win one of the "Big 2" polls last year as USC did. When USC and LSU split, LSU had the BCS/Coaches while USC was the AP

[Tigercat]

Originally Posted by Swaggs

Not a knock against USC (as I don't mind them and enjoy watching them), but am I the only one tired of hearing about them going for a three-peat? They won the BSC last season. LSU won it the year before. If USC is going to claim a partial title with LSU, then I'm sure Utah and Auburn would like a claim of last season's title.

Hard to blame USC for it when the media is the one that supports it. It all started in 2003 when the media couldn't recognize the difference between being the best team in the nation and having the best season in the nation. Championships in college football have to be awarded to the best season, otherwise we would have to consider ultra talented 9-3 teams that come on strong late. Its the same reason the national media didn't give Auburn any championship cred., because they saw USC as clearly the better team, no matter if Auburn possibly had the better overall season.

[Buccaneer]

Originally Posted by Tigercat

Hard to blame USC for it when the media is the one that supports it. It all started in 2003 when the media couldn't recognize the difference between being the best team in the nation and having the best season in the nation. Championships in college football have to be awarded to the best season, otherwise we would have to consider ultra talented 9-3 teams that come on strong late. Its the same reason the national media didn't give Auburn any championship cred., because they saw USC as clearly the better team, no matter if Auburn possibly had the better overall season.

So why have there been so much whining for a playoffs? There is nothing that will make having the "best season" more irrelevant - it's whoever can get hot at the end. Playoffs do not reward the team having the best season as much as a poll can (not even taking into consideration the BCS mess).

What? Too early to start the anti-playoffs debate?

[PSUColonel]

Teams I feel have a real chance to improve greatly, and win and cover some games. So if you like to play NCAA football games, these are some teams I think may be undervalued early on.

1.NC State


2.Penn State


3.Kansas


4.Alabama


5.Purdue


6.Georgia


7.Georgia Tech


8. Washington St.


9.BYU


10. Wyoming

[Cuckoo]

Originally Posted by vexroid

I agree, and most of the Sooner nation does as well.

I think that the people that are torn (as I am) are so because of the loyalty factor. Paul Thompson has waited his turn and redshirted last season, and I think it will really suck for him not to get the opportunity.

In the end, I think the coaches will go with whomever gives them the best chance to win (as well they probably should). That very well may be Bomar. All indications are that he's going to be a stud. I like Thompson, but he just doesn't seem to have the talent that Bomar has.

[Cuckoo]

Originally Posted by ice4277

I don't think they bash OU for losing the title so much as how they got there. Many people thought last year Auburn should have gotten a shot, and the smackdown USC laid on OU is used as a pretty good example.

My problem with this is that by all indications OU deserved to be in the game. People can make comments certainly about the year before when OU lost the Big 12 Championship. I would agree that they didn't deserve it then.

I think OU's loss last year was monumentally embarassing, but it doesn't necessarily mean they didn't deserve to be there. By virtually all measures, they deserved to be in the game over Auburn and the result doesn't necessarily change that.

Just my $.02

[Wolfpack]

Originally Posted by PSUColonel

Teams I feel have a real chance to improve greatly, and win and cover some games. So if you like to play NCAA football games, these are some teams I think may be undervalued early on.

1.NC State

If our OL can stay healthy and one of our quarterbacks actually shows true skills at, say, quarterbacking a team, I'd say this is correct. We have outstanding RBs and the DL is frightening to the point we could play 6 or 7 in passing situations and still bring heat (again, Mario, please stay for your senior year!).

Another wrench is the conference schedule. There just isn't a "gimmie" on the list this year. Host VT to start the season and have to play at BC and at FSU winding out the year, along with the usual headache-inducing games in-division against Maryland, Clemson, and at Wake, plus the other games against UNC and at Tech (which has had our number for a long while now). We should theoretically win all our OOC games, but people down Raleigh-way are anxious to get past the 4-4 conference marks that has been pretty much what we've achieved under Chuck Amato since he came here.

[cartman]

Look for my comprehensive NCAA Div. 1A football preview next weekend

[duckman]

Originally Posted by cartman

Look for my comprehensive NCAA Div. 1A football preview next weekend

Looking forward to it!

[PSUColonel]

Oh andI forgot 11. Oregon

[Swaggs]

Originally Posted by Wolfpack

If our OL can stay healthy and one of our quarterbacks actually shows true skills at, say, quarterbacking a team, I'd say this is correct. We have outstanding RBs and the DL is frightening to the point we could play 6 or 7 in passing situations and still bring heat (again, Mario, please stay for your senior year!).

Another wrench is the conference schedule. There just isn't a "gimmie" on the list this year. Host VT to start the season and have to play at BC and at FSU winding out the year, along with the usual headache-inducing games in-division against Maryland, Clemson, and at Wake, plus the other games against UNC and at Tech (which has had our number for a long while now). We should theoretically win all our OOC games, but people down Raleigh-way are anxious to get past the 4-4 conference marks that has been pretty much what we've achieved under Chuck Amato since he came here.

I might have to go and root against VT.

[PSUColonel]

Saturday, September 3rd - Virginia Tech at NC State
Virginia Tech lost three games last year. One was to eventual national champion USC in the season opener. One was to unbeaten Auburn in the Sugar Bowl. The third was a 17-16 slip against NC State thanks to a late missed field goal. The NC State defense will be every bit as strong as it was last year, but the Hokie D takes a backseat to no one. Marcus Vick will come up with a huge, and very tough, road win as the new starter.
Predicted score in late July: Virginia Tech 17 ... NC State 13
Oasis Line: Virginia Tech -2.5

[sooner333]

First off, I think OU will use two QB's early on in the season. Not necessarily a rotation, but playing at least two (i.e. Thompson and Bomar) for at least a significant period of time. This situation should be settled by the UCLA game. Stoops has pretty much said he's not opposed to a rotation, it's just not his preference. Also, both QB's will provide a versatility that hasn't been seen from an OU QB since White in '01 (except both, especially Bomar are better passers, and Thompson a faster runner than White was in '01). I expect to see a heavy Kevin Wilson influence with the sprint (spread) option (a la Northwestern with Kustok and Anderson, when Wilson was the OC there).

Also, I believe OU def. deserved to be there last year and was backed up by the polls having them at #2, although I believe all three teams had a legitimate case (playing The Citadel hurts that case though). Also, I believe OU deserved to be there in '03, where all three one-loss teams had a case to be there (the loss to KSU was bad, but each team had a loss at some point in the season and OU had shown a particular dominance earlier in the year, and we at least played a tough game against LSU).

[kingnebwsu]

I've been thinking about Ohio State's schedule since I got back from the Alamo Bowl in December God, that was one of the best nights of my life...just amazing. For anyone who hasn't been to a bowl game, it's one of the most surreal experiences ever. It ranks up there with the night OSU won the title in '02/'03 and the night my Wright State basketball team upset eventual champ Michigan State in 1999. Ahhh, the memories, but I digress...

Ohio State's early statement game will be the 2nd one vs Texas. Iowa is the big-ten opener (again at home), and if we can get by that, then I think a tittie run may be possible. Penn State is the 2nd Big Ten game, and it's also the first road game. Again, another test for OSU. The next road game is at Minnesota. This game scares me more since that was the game that broke up my perfect season in NCAA football. The next to last game is a revenge game vs NWestern. Last year made me wanna burn things, and hopefully the revenge factor is in full force and we whoop them by 28. 38-10 OSU...mark it down (I hope ). Of course, the season ends AT michigan. That's scary as hell to me.

Ohio State season summary:
11 games
FOUR road games (PSU, Indy, Minn, mich)
---
SIX "likely" wins (Miami, San Diego St, Mich St, Indy, Illini, NWest)
TWO hopefully winnable road games (PSU, Minn)
THREE scary games (vs Texas, vs Iowa, at mich...)

7-4 at absolute worst, 11-0 at absolute best.

Seriously, if we get our team together early and survive the first half of the schedule (vs TX, vs Iowa, @PSU), then I think OSU can make a title run. My goal for OSU this season? 10-2 with a mich win and a new year's day bowl. We'll see

[SackAttack]

Originally Posted by kingnebwsu

11-0 at absolute best.

Uhh, Ben, I hate to break it to you, but isn't this sort of superfluous?

[ice4277]

Originally Posted by kingnebwsu

Of course, the season ends AT michigan. That's scary as hell to me.

I get the feeling with this rivalry now that the home team is going to win it consistently. Also, I don't see OSU ending with more than 2 losses. I think they are going to be a very good Big Ten team and I see them knocking off Texas. Great way to start a season, kudos to both schools for scheduling that kind of game.

[General Mike]

Originally Posted by cthomer5000

Yes, I'm dumb enough to think that Rutgers will finally break through and make a bowl game this year. If it's not this year, it might be never because they have a number of very talented seniors at very key positions.

I agree. Rutgers has the skill players to win, and the defense has enough athleticism that they shouldn't be as bad as they were last year.

It's not like every other team I root for doesn't let me down every year. The only team that doesn't year to year is the Devils.

[PSUColonel]

Penn State Likely has the most favorable schedle over anyone. They should get off to a 5-0 start, which would almost surely land them in a bowl at the very least.



9/3 South Florida
9/10 Cincinnati
9/17 Central Michigan
9/24 at Northwestern
10/1 Minnesota
10/8 Ohio State
10/15 at Michigan
10/22 at Illinois
10/29 Purdue
11/5 Wisconsin
11/19 at Michigan State

[Wolfpack]

Originally Posted by kingnebwsu

...if we can get by that, then I think a tittie run may be possible.

Didn't Colorado get into some trouble with this?

[Huckleberry]

There's no excuse for Texas not to win the Big XII. But there's a good reason not to expect them to do it.

f our offense

[Superman=#54]

I think Michigan St. should be an interesting team in the Big 10. I'm not saying they will win the Big 10, but I could see them pulling a few upsets. The offense looks like it will be able to put some points on the score board. The defense on the other hand... well they have 11 guys. Last year the defense was giving up an average of 25.2 points per game.

Of course the key to Sparty's success will be Sr. QB Drew Stanton. His touchdown to interception ratio was not so great last year (8-6), but other than that his passing stats are solid. He is also a threat with his legs. The problem with Stanton is keeping him healthy. He missed two games last season and in a few other games he had limited playing time due to injury. Another problem that could plague Stanton is that he has no clear #1 receiver to throw to. It also looks like the running game could be a problem unless Jehuu Caulcrick steps up to carry the load.

The key match-ups:
9/17 @ Notre Dame
10/01 Michigan
10/15 @ Ohio St.
11/05 @ Purdue
11/12 @ Minnesota

Last year they pushed Michigan to their limit at home, but came up just short in OT. Michigan and Ohio St. back to back could be a will breaker is the Spartans get spanked in consecutive games. Minnesota will want revenge after they got spanked on the road against Sparty. Again Michigan St. will have to play Minn. and Purdue in consecutive weeks. Could be tough if they lose both those games late in the season.

Their schedule is tough but if they could win 1 or 2 of those 5 games above, then they have a solid chance at 7-8 wins and a bowl birth.

BTW, I am not a Michigan St. fan, just a Big 10 fan. I grew up in Big 10 country and no matter where I move I always will be loyal.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Superman=#54

I think Michigan St. should be an interesting team in the Big 10. I'm not saying they will win the Big 10, but I could see them pulling a few upsets. The offense looks like it will be able to put some points on the score board. The defense on the other hand... well they have 11 guys. Last year the defense was giving up an average of 25.2 points per game.

Of course the key to Sparty's success will be Sr. QB Drew Stanton. His touchdown to interception ratio was not so great last year (8-6), but other than that his passing stats are solid. He is also a threat with his legs. The problem with Stanton is keeping him healthy. He missed two games last season and in a few other games he had limited playing time due to injury. Another problem that could plague Stanton is that he has no clear #1 receiver to throw to. It also looks like the running game could be a problem unless Jehuu Caulcrick steps up to carry the load.

The key match-ups:
9/17 @ Notre Dame
10/01 Michigan
10/15 @ Ohio St.
11/05 @ Purdue
11/12 @ Minnesota

Last year they pushed Michigan to their limit at home, but came up just short in OT. Michigan and Ohio St. back to back could be a will breaker is the Spartans get spanked in consecutive games. Minnesota will want revenge after they got spanked on the road against Sparty. Again Michigan St. will have to play Minn. and Purdue in consecutive weeks. Could be tough if they lose both those games late in the season.

Their schedule is tough but if they could win 1 or 2 of those 5 games above, then they have a solid chance at 7-8 wins and a bowl birth.

BTW, I am not a Michigan St. fan, just a Big 10 fan. I grew up in Big 10 country and no matter where I move I always will be loyal.

I think Michigan St. has some promise as well. I think they are well situated to beat Michigan this year. They are at home. They have a mobile quaterback, assuming he's healthy. No way Michigan would have won last year if Stanton hadn't gotten injured. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Michigan cannot and never has been able to handle a mobile quaterback on a decent team. McNabb killed them. Vince Young killed them. Stanton was killing them before he went down with the shoulder.

Michigan will be vulenrable this year. The offense should be ok, even with the loss of Edwards. But the secondary was pretty suspect last, giving up a number of big plays, and it has lost a number of starters. Not good times...

[cartman]

Originally Posted by Huckleberry

f our offensive coordinator

There, fixed that for ya...

In all seriousness, if Texas doesn't run the table this year, I think it is Greg Davis' last season in Austin.

[I. J. Reilly]

Originally Posted by PSUColonel

Oh andI forgot 11. Oregon

Go ahead and forget it again.
They're completely retooling the offense with absolutely no talent on the offensive line and a substandard defense. I don't care how many playmakers you have on offense, this is a recipe for disaster.

[VPI97]

Originally Posted by PSUColonel

Saturday, September 3rd - Virginia Tech at NC State
Virginia Tech lost three games last year. One was to eventual national champion USC in the season opener. One was to unbeaten Auburn in the Sugar Bowl. The third was a 17-16 slip against NC State thanks to the Virginia Tech punter inexplicably dropping a snap at the Hokie's 5 yard line and giving the Wolfpack a gift-wrapped touchdown drive to win the game. The NC State defense will be every bit as strong as it was last year, but the Hokie D takes a backseat to no one. Marcus Vick will come up with a huge, and very tough, road win as the new starter.
Predicted score in late July: Virginia Tech 17 ... NC State 13
Oasis Line: Virginia Tech -2.5

Fixed

[Wolfpack]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

Michigan will be vulenrable this year. The offense should be ok, even with the loss of Edwards. But the secondary was pretty suspect last, giving up a number of big plays, and it has lost a number of starters. Not good times...

You're quite possibly the only Michigan fan I've heard of who thinks this year may not turn out well. I listen to the local sports station here and they're all convinced that they should run the Big 10 and get to a BCS bowl if not the Rose Bowl. There's even some raving lunatic who all but wants Carr fired if he doesn't win a national title in short order.

I've had thoughts of calling in to remind them that their belief as to what would be a disappointment (which is apparently anything less than 10-2 right now) would be hailed as quite successful by most in the country and that they are bordering on Notre Dame fanbase territory with their delusions of what they should "get" this year and every year. Some callers obviously understand this, but others aren't nearly so.

I do like Michigan, have since a kid, but this spoiled-brat nature of expecting 10-win seasons every single year (never mind the fact that Michigan has won a national title and several Big 10 crowns since Carr took over) is started to make me rebel against it somewhat. I guess I'm just jaded and jealous since State's biggest year came back in 2002 when we went 11-3 and waxed the hell out of ND in the Gator Bowl. Other than that, State has never had a double-digit winning season, though there've been a number of close calls.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Wolfpack

You're quite possibly the only Michigan fan I've heard of who thinks this year may not turn out well. I listen to the local sports station here and they're all convinced that they should run the Big 10 and get to a BCS bowl if not the Rose Bowl. There's even some raving lunatic who all but wants Carr fired if he doesn't win a national title in short order.

I've had thoughts of calling in to remind them that their belief as to what would be a disappointment (which is apparently anything less than 10-2 right now) would be hailed as quite successful by most in the country and that they are bordering on Notre Dame fanbase territory with their delusions of what they should "get" this year and every year. Some callers obviously understand this, but others aren't nearly so.

I do like Michigan, have since a kid, but this spoiled-brat nature of expecting 10-win seasons every single year (never mind the fact that Michigan has won a national title and several Big 10 crowns since Carr took over) is started to make me rebel against it somewhat. I guess I'm just jaded and jealous since State's biggest year came back in 2002 when we went 11-3 and waxed the hell out of ND in the Gator Bowl. Other than that, State has never had a double-digit winning season, though there've been a number of close calls.

Is that the talk back home? Wow. I mean Henne should be better. Hart was great and should improve. They lost Baas on the O-line, but Michigan can always put together an excellent offensive line with big bunch of midwest farm boys. While Avant is good receiver and Breaston has amazing speed neither of them is like Braylon Edwards. Edwards could take games over (see: Michigan State). That's pretty rare for a wideout. They will be "ok" at receiver, but they will really miss Braylon Edwards.

The defense will be suspect. Very suspect. They gave up some big plays in the Norte Dame, Ohio State, and Texas games and they lost Shazor, Marlin Jackson, and Markus Curry. They also only have one returning linebacker in McClintok.

I just don't see this team as a National Championship team. Not at all. I hope I'm wrong!

It's not that I'm not a Wolverine fan (hell, I went to school there for 7 years and lived in A2 for 8), I guess I'm just a realist. That said, they do have Norte Dame and Ohio State at home this year. But they could easily slip up against Michigan State, Wisconsion, or Iowa on the road.

Still, I think 10-2 or 9-3 is likely. Would I be happy with that? Hmmm...

I remember the 1988 Rose Bowl when Michigan State beat USC. That was great! I was actually a Sparty fan back in those days. Big time. I was only 14. I didn't know any better.

[MylesKnight]

UCF 2005 Football - Let's Just Win a Game

[MylesKnight]

Originally Posted by PSUColonel

Penn State Likely has the most favorable schedle over anyone. They should get off to a 5-0 start, which would almost surely land them in a bowl at the very least.



9/3 South Florida
9/10 Cincinnati
9/17 Central Michigan
9/24 at Northwestern
10/1 Minnesota
10/8 Ohio State
10/15 at Michigan
10/22 at Illinois
10/29 Purdue
11/5 Wisconsin
11/19 at Michigan State

My follow up question to this is, if PSU goes 5-6 or worse this year, do the powers that be finally find a way to "persuade" Joe P. to retire?

I agree that a 3-0 start should be in the works, but after that??? at NW is a toss up, and I don't see PSU favored in Happy Valley against the Gophers. The rest of the way, I only see them winning one, maybe two games (at Illinois being the easiest of the bunch).

At this point though, let's say the Lions go 6-5 and head to a minor bowl... Is this enough for JP?