On The Clock: Philadelphia Eagles

Record: 9-6-1, 2nd In the NFC East
General Manager: Tom Heckert, Head Coach: Andy Reid (11th Year), Offensive Coordinator: Marty Mornhinweg (6th Year/7th With The Eagles), Defensive Coordinator: Jim Johnson (11th Year)

Offense Rankings: No. 9 Overall, No. 6 Scoring, No. 6 Passing, No. 22 Rushing
Defense Rankings: No. 3 Overall, No. 4 Scoring, No. 3 Passing, No. 4 Rushing

Last Five Years: 46-33-1; Last Playoff Appearance: 2008; Last Playoff Victory: 2008 (23-11 Over the New York Giants)

2008 Draft: (2-47) DT Trevor Laws, (2-49) WR DeSean Jackson, (3-80) LB Bryan Smith, (4-109) OT Mike McGlynn, (4-117) S Quintin Demps, (4-131) CB Jack Ikegwuonu, (6-184) OT Mike Green, (6-200) LB Joe Mays, (6-203) LB Any Studebaker, (7-230) King Dunlap

Top Picks Last Five Years:
2008 – (2-47) DT Trevor Laws, Notre Dame
2007 – (2-36) QB Kevin Kolb, Houston
2006 – (1-14) DT Brodrick Bunkley, Florida St.
2005 – (1-31) DT Mike Patterson, USC
2004 – (1-16) OG Shawn Andrews, Arkansas

Booms: OG Shawn Andrew (1 Round 2004), DT Mike Patterson (1st Round 2005), S Sean Considine (4th Round 2005), OT Todd Herremans (4th Round 2005), DE Trent Cole (5th Round 2005), DT Brodrick Bunkley (1st Round 2006), LB Chris Gocong (3rd Round 2006), LB Stewart Bradley (3rd Round 2007), TE Brent Celek (5th Round 2007), WR DeSean Jackson (2nd Round 2008), S Quintin Demps (4th Round 2008)

Busts: S Matt Ware (3rd Round 2004), WR Reggie Brown (2nd Round 2005), LB Matt McCoy (2nd Round 2005), RB Ryan Moats (3rd Round 2005), OT Winston Justice (2nd Round 2006), WR Jeremy Bloom (5th Round 2006), RB Tony Hunt (3rd Round 2007)

Additions:
WR Danny Amendola (Free Agent)
OT Stacy Andrews (Free Agent)
DB Rashad Baker (Free Agent)
RB Eldra Buckley (Free Agent)
DE Amon Gordon (Waivers)
SS Sean Jones (Free Agent)
FB Leonard Weaver (Free Agent)

Subtractions:
Correll Buckhalter (FA-Denver)
SS Sean Considine (FA-Jacksonville)
FS Brian Dawkins (FA-Denver)
TE L.J. Smith (FA-Baltimore)
OT Tra Thomas (FA-Jacksonville)
WR Terrell Owens (Released)
SS Roy Williams (Released)

Keepers:
OG Nick Cole
LB Torrance Daniels
DB Joselio Hanson

2009 Picks:
Round 1, Selection 21
Round 1, Selection 28 (From Carolina)
Round 2, Selection 21
Round 3, Selection 21
Round 4, Selection 21
Round 4, Selection 17
Round 5, Selection 5 (From Cleveland)
Round 5, Selection 17 (From New York/AFC)
Round 5, Selection 21
Round 5, Selection 23 (From New England)
Round 6, Selection 21
Round 6, Selection 22 (From Minnesota)
Round 7, Selection 21

Team Needs – Players of Interest (Day One):
1. Offensive Tackle: Andrew Smith, Alabama; Eben Britton, Arizona; William Beatty, UConn; Jamon Meredith, South Carolina
2. Running Back: Donald Brown, UConn; LeSean McCoy, Pittsburgh; Glenn Coffee, Alabama; Andre Brown, NC State; Shonn Greene, Iowa; Rashad Jennings, Liberty
3. Tight End: Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma St.; Jared Cook, South Carolina; Shawn Nelson, Southern Miss; Cornelius Ingram, Florida; James Casey, Rice; Travis Beckum, Wisconsin; Chase Coffman, Missouri
4. Safety: Louis Delmas, Western Michigan
5. Outside Linebacker: Brian Cushing, USC; Clay Matthews Jr.; Clint Sintim, Virginia; Marcus Freeman, Ohio St.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (North Carolina St.), Collegiate Images

Combine: The Need For Speed

The 2009 NFL Scouting Combine came and went with seemingly less hype than previous editions. Was it due to the fact that we didn’t have a player participate that was seen as “the next big thing” in the NFL? Maybe, but despite the lack of a potential mega-combine-star, there were still several things we learned from this year's combine.

The first thing we learned is that this year's draft class contains running backs that are not extremely fast. Cedric Peerman from Virginia ran the fastest 40 time at 4.45, and only four running backs cracked the 4.5 mark. Last year we saw 13 running backs break the 4.5 mark, with the group having an average 40 yard time of 4.51. This year's running back class had an average time of 4.58. This pretty big drop in averages over a one-year period, one which we don't typically see.

Staying with the theme of speed, the next thing we learned is that the 2009 wide receiver class is fast. Darrius Heyward-Bey from Maryland ran the fastest 40 time at 4.3, and 13 players ran 4.45 or better. Last year's class only had 11 players break that mark, the fastest being the 4.35 by Cal’s DeSean Jackson. The 2009 combine saw an average 40 time of 4.49 compared to the 4.52 average time posted by the 2008 class. This is more of an average variation we are used to seeing, unlike that of the 2008 and 2009 running back classes.

Another combine is in the books and—as always—the things we've learned will be reflected in this year's draft. Speed was found, but not in the place many were expecting it to be. The only thing left to do now is see whose stock rose, whose fell, and whose stayed the same; only the 2009 NFL draft has the answer.

The Class of 2007

By NATHANIEL PURINTON

With Week 8 in the rearview mirror, some teams have reached the halfway point of their season and others are on the cusp. I thought we might take a look back at the five biggest offensive acquisitions from the 2008 NFL Draft and how each player has impacted their respective teams.

1. MATT RYAN, QB, ATLANTA

It’s an absolutely remarkable achievement when an argument can be made for a rookie quarterback as the most valuable player on his team. And that’s been the case in Atlanta from the first snap in week 1. On literally the third snap from scrimmage, his first NFL pass went for a 62-yard touchdown and the unbelievable renaissance of the Atlanta franchise has continued as the Falcons find themselves at 4-3 after a tough loss in Philadelphia on Sunday. Against a tough Eagle defense that limited the Steelers to just 6 points and 179 total yards earlier this season, Ryan threw for 277 yards and two touchdowns in the 27-14 defeat. Ryan is on track for a 3,000-yard season, an achievement that few, if any, pundits thought possible when the season began. More impressively, he has become the face of the franchise just a little more than a year after Michael Vick, the previous franchise quarterback, was sentenced to prison time for his role in a dog-fighting ring.

2. CHRIS JOHNSON, RB, TENNESSEE

In what could be looked back upon one day as one of the best drafts for running backs in recent history, Chris Johnson was the fifth running back taken behind Darren McFadden, Jonathan Stewart, Felix Jones, and Rashard Mendenhall as the 24th overall pick to the Titans. His speed was unquestioned but some draft experts wondered whether he had the size to stand up to the physical pounding of the NFL. Seven games into the season in the Titans ball-control offensive system, Johnson has been the game-breaker Tennessee has long lacked in the backfield. He is averaging nearly 90 yards per game, has scored four times, and has two runs of 40 or more yards for the undefeated Titans. Not even halfway into his first season in the NFL, defenses are being forced to game plan for him, a compliment that few rookie running backs receive.

3. MATT FORTE, RB, CHICAGO

With their second round pick, the Bears selected Matt Forte out of Tulane. With former first round pick Cedric Benson officially a bust, the Bears found themselves once again searching for a running back in the 2008 Draft. Although lacking the breakaway speed of Johnson, Forte won the starting job in Chicago during training camp and proved he deserved it in week one, rushing for 123 yards and a touchdown in a surprising road win over the Colts. Forte is on pace for a 1,000-yard season and his productivity has forced defenses to crowd the line of scrimmage, allowing QB Kyle Orton to find success down the field with play-action passes. Forte is a major reason the Bears are averaging 28 points per game, third in the NFL and seven points per game more than in 2007.

4. DESEAN JACKSON, WR, PHILADELPHIA

Other than the season and a half when the Eagles had Terrell Owens, Philadelphia has long searched for a receiver who could stretch the field and create big plays for Donovan McNabb and the offense. Jackson, a second round pick out of California, is averaging almost 16 yards per reception, leads the team in receiving yards, and appears likely to crack the 1,000-yard receiving barrier. McNabb is on pace for a career high in passing yards, a stat that can be directly traced to Jackson’s ability to make plays down the field. He also has added an element on special teams where he has had two returns of over 40 yards, including a 68-yard touchdown against Washington in Week 5.

5. JOE FLACCO, QB, BALTIMORE

Though his numbers pale in comparison to fellow rookie Matt Ryan, Flacco has also been impressive in the young season, earning the starting job for the rest of the year with his performance in the season’s first half. With Troy Smith and Kyle Boller felled by an illness and shoulder injury respectively, Baltimore turned to the rookie out of Delaware to start the season. He has managed the game admirably and avoided crucial mistakes in leading Baltimore to a 4-3 record, good enough for second in the AFC North. He is completing over 60% of his passes and has shown incredible arm strength, most recently against Oakland Sunday when he hit Demetrius Williams for a 70-yard touchdown. Flacco may not take Baltimore to the postseason in his first season, but Jon Harbaugh and the Raven coaching staff can rest easy knowing their rookie quarterback has a bright future in the NFL.

Photo Credit: Collegiate Images, College Press Box (Boston College)

After two-week tumble, No. 18 California gets it together again

By GREG BEACHAM
AP Sports Writer

BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) - So California's season went downhill faster than DeSean Jackson gets downfield. The star receiver won't give up just because most of the Golden Bears' dreams have vanished.

``The Pac-10 is unpredictable, man,'' Jackson said. ``We've still got a good second half of the season left. We're just looking forward to going out there and making good things happen.''

A mere two weeks ago, everything was good for Jackson and his teammates. Cal had a perfect record, a No. 2 ranking - its highest in a half-century - and legitimate national title hopes.

Just about all the Golden Bears (5-2, 2-2 Pac-10) have left is their pride after back-to-back losses to Oregon State and UCLA severely injured their BCS dreams and conference title aspirations.

Cal must attempt to avoid its first three-game losing streak under coach Jeff Tedford on Saturday night when the Bears visit No. 7 Arizona State (7-0, 4-0). Just two weeks after being the nation's No. 2 team, the Bears are merely hoping to play spoilers.

``You've got to keep your head up in a situation like this,'' linebacker Worrell Williams said. ``We've got to play for pride, but we've still got a chance to accomplish some of our goals. We're still fighting. We're still in this thing.''

Running back Justin Forsett plans to make sure his teammates know they're still in the race for the conference's biggest prizes, even if it's only mathematical.

``After two losses like that, you can lose sight of the joy of playing football,'' said Forsett, the Pac-10's second-leading rusher. ``That's something Marshawn (Lynch) always taught me. You've got to enjoy the process of playing football.''

The losses are a new challenge for Tedford, who hasn't had to deal with too much disappointment in his six years since turning a terrible program into a contender. The Golden Bears have exceeded expectations for most of his tenure - and that's why he lost plenty of sleep over the last 10 days.

``I think one thing that we learn from this is that the expectations, when they get so high and so great, that when you do stumble, it's a long fall and it's a hard fall,'' Tedford said. ``It's not pleasant by any means.

``Of course it's going to get blown out of proportion because of what the rankings were, but it's disappointing, because they hear it everywhere they go - they hear it in class, they hear it on campus. There's no hiding. There's no getting away from it. It's just something that you have to grit your teeth and hope that you prepare well enough to win the next game.''

Tedford has stayed positive through the defeats, emphasizing the positive aspects of two disheartening losses. Both came down to two late-game mistakes by the quarterbacks who are personally tutored by him.

Kevin Riley made an ill-advised scramble in the closing seconds against Oregon State, preventing Cal's kicking unit from getting on the field to try a game-tying field goal. Last weekend, Nate Longshore threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown in the final moments against UCLA with a two-point deficit and the Bears driving for a field goal.

Tedford expects Longshore to play again Saturday despite a sprained ankle, and he doesn't believe the junior's confidence has been injured.

``For the most part, I thought he did a great job of running the show,'' Tedford said. ``He didn't have a lot of reps in practice last week, but I thought he threw the ball very sharp.''

Tedford also met this week with his top three receivers - Jackson, Robert Jordan and Lavelle Hawkins - to make sure they're happy with a game plan that's still trying to find balance among several big offensive weapons. Jackson said the Bears ought to consider throwing more on first down after the loss at UCLA, though Cal already does so frequently.

``He just came to us to see if there was anything going wrong and what he could do different,'' Jackson said. ``He's our coach, and we have to abide by him and do all of the things that he says. We're cool with him. We just want to start winning games, that's the biggest thing.''

SOURCE: NCAAFOOTBALL; PHOTO CREDIT: COLLEGIATE IMAGES

CFI: FROM THE NEWSLETTER ISS. #7: PART I

WHAT YOU MISSED: THE TEAM THAT CANNOT AFFORD TO LOOK BACK IS…

California Visiting UCLA (October 20, 3:30, ABC): As tough as it may be, the Golden Bears cannot look back and lament last week’s loss to Oregon St. They must regroup and focus on the future, which this week includes a UCLA team that, despite all its faults, is still undefeated in the Pac-10. Cal must remember what their goals are, and that they are still intact. With Arizona St. and USC still on their slate, they hold destiny in their hands as far as a conference title is concerned and who knows, if they run the table, Jeff Tedford, DeSean Jackson and company could even play themselves back into the National Title picture, but it all begins this week. State beat them last week -- they can’t let them beat them again.

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Unbearable: No. 2 Cal falls to Oregon State

BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) -- Playing with its No. 2 quarterback, California squandered a chance to grab the No. 1 ranking.

Yvenson Bernard leaped into the end zone on fourth down from the 1 with 8:30 remaining and Oregon State delivered the latest shocker in an upset-filled season, beating the second-ranked Golden Bears and backup quarterback Kevin Riley 31-28 Saturday.

The win wasn't sealed until Riley inexplicably tried to scramble from the 12 with 14 seconds remaining and no timeouts. He was tackled after a 2-yard gain and the clock ran out before the field goal unit could get on the field. Riley had orchestrated a near-perfect drive up to that point from his own 5 with 1:27 remaining. But his inexperience showed at the end.

Cal (5-1, 2-1 Pac-10) looked poised to move into the top spot for the first time in 56 years after No. 1 LSU's triple-overtime loss at Kentucky earlier in the day. But the Bears were unable to handle their own business, becoming the 10th team ranked in the Top 10 to lose to an unranked team already this season.

Now it looks like No. 3 Ohio State will move up to No. 1 and Cal can only lament its lost opportunity after Oregon State (4-3, 2-2) beat a team ranked this high for the first time since upsetting O.J. Simpson and Southern California 3-0 on Nov. 11, 1967.

The day got off to a bad start for Cal when quarterback Nate Longshore was unable to start because of a sprained right ankle. Riley was inconsistent in his first career start, throwing an interception and failing to get star receiver DeSean Jackson involved in the offense. Jackson had four catches for 5 yards.

But the Bears still were in position to move into the top spot after Justin Forsett's 7-yard run gave them a 21-20 lead in the opening minute of the fourth quarter. Forsett finished with 150 yards against the nation's top-ranked defense but Cal's offense was unable to generate much else until the final minutes under Riley, who finished 20-for-34 for 294 yards and two touchdowns.

Bernard leaped over the pile for the go-ahead score on fourth-and-goal from the 1 to give the Beavers the lead for good. Sean Canfield hit Anthony Brown on the 2-point conversion to make it 28-21. After Jahvid Best fumbled the ensuing kickoff, Alexis Serna kicked his third field goal of the game to make it 31-21.

Riley threw three straight incompletions on the next drive before connecting with Lavelle Hawkins on a 64-yard score with 2:31 to go to cut the lead to 31-28.

Oregon State recovered the onside kick and Serna pinned Cal at the 5 with 1:27 left and no timeouts with a perfect punt. The Bears' last-ditch effort ended just short.

Bernard finished with 110 yards and two scores. His 7-yard run on the opening possession of the second half gave the Beavers a 20-14 lead. The Beavers have won four straight at Cal, last losing here in 1997.

The news of LSU's loss reached Berkeley almost instantaneously, with fans standing up to cheer and chant ``We're No. 1! We're No. 1!'' The Bears didn't respond like a top-ranked team, committing a delay of game on their next play. That proved to be a sign of things to come.

Cal went three-and-out on that drive and Riley was intercepted on the next drive when he was hit as he threw and defensive lineman Victor Butler caught the ball. Butler's 36-yard return to the 17 set up Serna's 22-yard field goal that made it 10-7.

Longshore got hurt late in Cal's win at Oregon on Sept. 29, but was expected to play after practicing Thursday. He split time in warmups with Riley, but when the game started Longshore had a headset on rather than a helmet.

Riley, a redshirt freshman from Portland, Ore., came into the game having throw only three passes, all incompletions.

Riley did lead a pair of touchdown drives in the first half, throwing a 10-yard TD pass to Hawkins and running in from the 3 to make it 14-10 with 43 seconds left in the half. Hawkins finished with nine catches for 192 yards and two scores.

Source: ncaafootball.com

HEISMAN WATCH (GAMES THROUGH SEPT. 30)

BY NEIL BISMAN

1. Andre’ Woodson, QB, Kentucky- Passing: 1,309 YDS, 16 TD, 1 INT, 67 CMP%
Until the Wildcats lose, Woodson will remain the front-runner. He is a big reason why Kentucky is fifth in the nation in scoring and an even bigger reason why they are ranked eighth in both major polls. The next three games are very unkind to Woodson, as they have to travel to South Carolina and then get LSU and Florida at home. If the Wildcats can win two out of three, the path becomes all the more clearer for the 6’5” senior.

2. DeSean Jackson, WR, California- Receiving: 312 YDS, 2 TD / Rushing: 101 YDS, 1 TD/Punt returns: 95 YDS, 1 TD
Truth be told, Jackson probably won’t win the award but he certainly deserves consideration. Playing wide receiver and playing for that “other” Pac-10 team hurt his chances significantly but if the Bears are able to knock off USC on November 10, he may gain a ton of momentum with the voters. Aside from last week vs. Oregon, his numbers don’t wow you but he single-handedly changes the game each time he steps on the field.

3. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida- Passing: 1,297 YDS, 11 TD, 2 INT, 69.7 CMP% / Rushing: 433 YDS, 8 TD
Tebow was probably the favorite before the Gators fell to Auburn but if they are able to right the ship and knock off LSU, he will be right back in the discussion. The guy plays like a tougher Steve Young and while it makes for a great highlight reel, it makes you wonder how his play will hold up come late in the season. He’s staying in the Top 5 for now but a loss this week and he can probably kiss his chances goodbye.

4. Darren McFadden, HB, Arkansas- Rushing: 656 YDS, 6 TD / Passing: 42 YDS, 1 TD / Receiving: 51 YD, 0 TD
McFadden is an interesting test case for the Heisman Trophy. Much like the debate over the MVP in professional sports, the question always looms as to whether or not the award should go to the best player or the most important player on a great team. Arkansas has been anything but great thus far but it is clear to anyone who watches the sport that McFadden is the most talented player in America. If Arkansas can make a repeat appearance in the SEC Championship Game it should help his credentials immensely, but I wouldn’t count on it.

5. Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College- Passing: 1,545 YDS, 11 TD, 5 INT, 61 CMP%
The competition has been anything but stellar but Ryan certainly has been. He has thrown a few more interceptions than you would like but with such a pass reliant offense, it is almost to be expected. The longer that Boston College can remain in the top half of the polls, the longer his name can be learned by those voters who have been asleep at the wheel.

Maybe next week: Colt Brennan, QB, Hawaii; Mike Hart, HB, Michigan; Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville

Appalachian State is Tostitos Fiesta Bowl National Team of the Week

DALLAS (FWAA) - With their 34-32 win at Michigan, the Appalachian State Mountaineers (1-0) are the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl National Team of the Week for games of the weekend of Sept. 1.
Julian Rauch kicked a 24-yard field goal with 26 seconds left and Corey Lynch blocked a Michigan field goal attempt in the final seconds as Appalachian State, which led, 31-20, before a late Michigan rally, pulled off the miraculous upset. It was Appalachian State's 15th straight win.

Someone said it might be one of the big victories in college football," Appalachian State head coach Jerry Moore said after the game. "It may be the biggest."

The Mountaineers, the two-time defending Division I Championship Subdivision national champions, became the first team from that division (formerly Division I-AA) to beat a ranked team from the Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I-A). They are also the first team from the FCS to win the honor in the six-year history of the national team of the week.

Other Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Bowl National Team of the Week nominees for the weekend of Sept. 1 included:

· California (1-0): DeSean Jackson returned a punt 77 yards for a score Justin Forsett ran for 158 yards as the Bears topped Tennessee, 45-31, to avenge a 35- 18 defeat from a year ago.

· Georgia Tech (1-0): Tashard Choice ran for 196 yards and two scores as the Ramblin' Wreck dismantled Notre Dame on the road, 33-3.

The FWAA has named a national team of the week since the 2002 season. This is the third season that the award has been sponsored by the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.

Select members of the FWAA board of directors decide the weekly honor. Each Monday during the 2007 college football season, the FWAA will name the Tostitos Bowl National Team of the Week through Nov. 26.

Since 1971, the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl has hosted five games that have decided the college football national championship, including two Bowl Championship Series title games. Last season, the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl presented three post-season games, including the Insight Bowl and the BCS title game. This season the game will be played on Jan. 2, 2008 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

THE CFI TOP 25 COUNTDOWN: #17 CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS

BY DANIEL MOGOLLON
CO-FOUNDER
COLLEGE FOOTBALL INSIDERS



2006 RECORD: 10-3; SEC: 7-2
Won Holiday Bowl vs. Texas A & M 45-10
LOCATION: Berkeley, California
STADIUM: California Memorial (72,516)
HEAD COACH: Jeff Tedford
OVERALL: 43-20 (5 seasons)
AT CALIFORNIA: 43-20 (5 seasons)

The Golden Bears have been nipping at the heels of the Trojans for the last three seasons and you have to wonder how high Jeff Tedford would be on the coaching totem pole right now, if Pete Carroll was not spending his autumns in Southern California. Tedford’s Golden Bears have reached double figures in wins two of the last three seasons, however since putting themselves on USC’s radar with a surprise upset in 2003, Cal has dropped their last three against the Kings of the Pac-10. Once again, the Trojans will be in their way, while a group of about five teams led by the UCLA Bruins set their aim at passing Cal in the Pac-10 standings.

WHEN THE GOLDEN BEARS HAVE THE BALL

OFFENSIVE COORDINAROR: Jim Michalczik (1st Season)
OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 8
KEY LOSSES: Marshawn Lynch, Erik Robertson, Andrew Cameron

All the ingredients are there for the makings of an explosive offensive attack. Nate Longshore has the size and accuracy to be ranked among the top signal callers in the league and another season of coaching under quarterback guru Jeff Tedford, should do Longshore good, however he must prove he can win the big one and finish strong. DeSean Jackson leads a talented and deep group of wide outs. Jackson could very well be the most explosive player in the land, inasmuch as no one is more difficult to wrap up in the open field, whether as a wide out or return man. At most schools Lavelle Hawkins would be a solid number one and Robert Jordan number two, with tight end Craig Stevens yet another weapon. On the ground, Justin Forsett is primed and ready to step into a starting role, with freshman James Montgomery the next in line of productive backs at Berkeley. Putting up points should not be an issue.

PRO PROSPECTS: 1) DeSean Jackson (JR), 2) Craig Stevens (SR), 3) Lavelle Hawkins (SR), 4) Nate Longshore (JR), 5) Justin Forsett (SR), 6) Robert Jordan (SR), 7) Alex Mack (JR), 8) Mike Gibson (SR)

WHEN THE OTHER TEAM HAS THE BALL

DEFENSIVE COORDINAROR: Bob Gregory (6th Season)
DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 5
KEY LOSSES: Daymeion Hughes, Brandon Mebane, Desmond Bishop, Mickey Pimentel

The defense must replace their best player (Daymeion Hughes), leading tackler (Desmond Bishop) and most disruptive lineman (Brandon Mebane), as all three heard their names called on draft day 2007. The linebacking unit should be the strength of the defense with Zack Follett, Worrell Williams and Anthony Felder all talented, as well as Alex Cook and Devin Bishop (Desmond’s brother) coming over from Junior College creating some competition. At corner, Syd’Quan Thompson took his lumps early on, but the ability is there so he will be better for the experience beginning this season. They have veterans at safety and ability at corner. The biggest hurdle for both their pass and run defense is a line that returns just one starter from last season. If they can clog up the line of scrimmage to allow their backers to make plays and get enough pressure on the quarterback to help the secondary, this year’s unit could be better than last season.

PRO PROSPECTS: 1) Syd’Quan Thompson (SR), 2) Zack Follett (JR), 3) Worrell Williams (JR), 4) Thomas DeCoud (SR), 5) Brandon Hampton (SR)

THE SCHEDULE

The key to the season, especially any chance to win a Pac-10 title will come down to their performance in their first five conference games, three of which are on the road. They start off with the up and coming Arizona Wildcats, who beat them last season, before traveling to Eugene to take on the Ducks, as well as a hostile crowd. After a bye week, they host the Beavers, a tough team in their own right, followed by road games at UCLA and Arizona St., as the Bruins will test their offense and the Sun Devils challenge their defense. If they are to make a run at the Trojans, Cal needs to go at least 4-1 in those first five Pac-10 contests.

PIVOTAL POINT

Will Nate Longshore take a step forward in his development? Last year he struggled at Tennessee, before Coach Tedford pulled him from the game in the second half and against Southern Cal, as the offense was only able to muster nine points, their lowest point total of the season. Both are back on the schedule and Longshore must perform better or else the results will be the same. Cal has also lost two conference road games in each of the last two seasons and are 3-5 in their last eight Pac-10 road games. Finally, Cal was in the top ten twice last season and was 0-2 (lost @ Tennessee & @ Arizona). Can Longshore handle the pressure as well as the success? The answers will determine how far the Golden Bears go this season.

CFI FINAL ANALYSIS

Cal has the talent to put together an excellent season, a potential top ten team, but they still have too many question marks heading into the season, including replacing the Pac-10’s Offensive Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, among nine lost starters (six on defense), no easy task. As good as USC is, as well as the next tier of teams (UCLA, Arizona, Arizona St., Oregon St.) a ten-win season and a second place finish should amount to a very successful year, even if it means falling short of the ultimate goal once again.

Check back tomorrow to see who is #16 in CFI’s Top 25 Countdown

CFI’S CONFERENCE PREVIEW PART V:

THE PAC-10 CONFERENCE
BY DANIEL MOGOLLON
CFI CO-FOUNDER

Conference Champ: Southern Cal vs. UCLA: The Bruins beat the Trojans last season and should be even better this year, as they return ten starters on both sides of the ball. Bruce Davis recorded 12.5 sacks as a junior and returns to lead a stellar defense, putting the ball in the offense’s court. If UCLA is to fulfill their potential, quarterback Ben Olsen will have to reach his. Their biggest problem? The Trojans will be better as well, as USC returns 18 starters from last year’s team. The defense is unquestionably the best in the land. This may sound ridiculous, but the defense could have eight or nine future day one picks, with one of the best linebacker corps I have ever seen. The schedule is tough, so John David Booty will have to be on his game week in and week out.

The Sleeper: Arizona St.: Coach Dennis Erickson is in town and he knows how to win. The Sun Devils underachieved last season and are due to bounce back. With a more consistent Rudy Carpenter and nine starters returning on offense, ASU has the potential to be explosive. The defense is underrated as well and if some of the talented youngsters such as Dexter Davis (6 sacks as a freshman) gel with transfers such as Luis Vasquez (31 sacks in two seasons of JC ball), they could have a Cinderella season in Coach Erickson’s first year back in the Pac-10. They play USC, California, Oregon St. and the rival Wildcats of Arizona all at home.

Offensive Player of the Year: John David Booty (USC) vs. Jonathan Stewart (OU): With predecessors Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart winning the Heisman Trophy before departing Southern California, you would think winning Offensive Player of the Year should be a cinch for Booty. He will need receivers to emerge after losing Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith, a duo that played a big role in Booty’s successful season. If any player can step up and put up the type of numbers that could outshine the Hollywood boy, it is the highly touted Stewart. Built like a NFL back (5’11”/230), with the moves and speed to match, he was among the most acclaimed prospects coming out of high school. Stewart is a workout warrior, a combine star in waiting. Now he must translate that talent to the field on a consistent basis.

Defensive Player of the Year: Lawrence Jackson (USC) vs. Ray Maualuga (USC): Jackson was supposed to win this honor last season on his way to the NFL, but things did not quite work out as planned. Due partly to a groin injury, the defensive end went sackless for the first eight games of the season. Now healthy, the expectation is that Jackson will dominate the line of scrimmage, terrorizing opposing quarterbacks. Playing behind him is the very productive MIKE backer Maualuga, who as a sophomore supplanted a senior starter and become the leader of the Trojans defense. He covers sideline-to-sideline and no one makes a more memorable introduction when they arrive. He was a first team All-Pac 10 performer last season, as was OLB Keith Rivers, with Brian Cushing (OLB) joining Jackson on the second team, two more SC candidates.

Breakout Seasons: Patrick Turner (USC), Reggie Carter (UCLA), Willie Tuitama (ASU): Turner only made 29 grabs as a sophomore and somehow he averaged less than ten yards per reception as USC’s number three receiver. At 6’5”/230 with explosive speed, Turner has more physical ability than the record setting Dwayne Jarrett did. With Jarrett and Steve Smith gone, Turner steps up to the number one spot, which will reflect on his numbers. Carter started at the WILL position last season as a freshman for the Bruins. He was solid and showed some flashes, using his speed to chase down ball carriers and he was more physical than his size would indicate (218 pounds). With a full season under his belt, Carter will flourish as a sophomore, joining Bruce Davis to lead the Bruins defense. Tuitama was ticketed to break out last season, but injuries (concussions) that caused him to miss significant playing time, also contributed to his inconsistency. This season, new coordinator Sonny Dykes brings the spread offense to Tucson from Texas Tech. The wide-open quick strike attack should bring out Tuitama’s talent, as well as help keep him upright.

Best Pro Prospect: Taylor Mays (USC): So many choices, just on USC’s defense alone with Lawrence Jackson, Ray Maualuga, Keith Rivers and the overlooked Brian Cushing…so why go with a sophomore safety? Because he is that good. As a freshman last season, Mays stepped into the starting lineup and excelled, making three interceptions and laying the wood on anyone who dared to lurk near his territory. The former track star has speed with the ideal size (6’4”/220) to flourish in the league where they play for pay.

College Football Insiders Picks:

Conference Champion: Southern Cal Trojans: You didn’t think I was going anywhere else with this pick…did you? Hands-down the most talented team in the land, the Trojans look to win their first National Title since 2004.

Offensive Player of the Year: DeSean Jackson (Cal): Going with an upset here. Jackson is so good he may live up to Ted Ginn’s hype. The Cal receiver is a threat to score on every play, maybe the most feared man with ball in hand.

Defensive Player of the Year: Ray Maualuga (USC): The 6’3”/250 MIKE for USC plays with intensity and uses all of his ability. He may not run the fastest 40-time, but don’t tell that to the players he is chasing.

Check back tomorrow for Part VI: The SEC