Player Spotlight: Gerald Baptiste

The NFL Draft Bible takes great pride in bringing you the stars of tomorrow, today.

Meet Southern Miss wide receiver Gerald Baptiste. The New Orleans native was named Conference USA Honorable mention after playing a major role in the Golden Eagles' wide spread passing attack. Those who have followed his career have indicated to the NFL Draft Bible that Baptiste is a “coaches dream,” for his team-first attitude. Host Bo Marchionte goes one-on-one with the speedster.

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Photo Courtesy of University of Southern Mississippi Media Relations

College Football Insiders’ All-BCS Buster Team

New York, NY—College Football Insiders releases its first annual All-BCS Buster Team comprised of the five non-BCS Bowl Championship Subdivision conferences—Conference USA, MAC, Mountain West, Sun Belt and WAC. Twelve players on offense, 11 on defense and four on special teams are honored as first team selections. An additional 25 players received honorable mention honors—10 on offense, 10 on defense and five on special teams.

Utah led all teams with three players selected on the first team. TCU, BYU, Boise State, Fresno State, Houston, Idaho, East Carolina and Hawaii each had two players represented. Boise State’s Kellen Moore is College Football Insider’s BCS Buster Offensive Player of the Year and Jerry Hughes of TCU is College Football Insider’s BCS Buster Defensive Player of the Year. Boise State's Chris Peterson is College Football Insider’s BCS Buster Coach of the Year.

Offensive Player of the Year: QB Kellen Moore, Boise State

Defensive Player of the Year: DL Jerry Hughes, TCU

Coach of the Year: Chris Peterson, Boise State

CFI ALL-BCS BUSTER TEAM

Offense
QB-Kellen Moore (Boise State)
OL-John Estes (Hawaii)
OL-Mike Iupati (Idaho)
OL-Colin Madison (Temple)
OL-Zane Beadles (Utah)
OL-Matt Reynolds (BYU)
WR- Freddie Barnes (Bowling Green)
WR-James Cleveland (Houston)
WR-Greg Salas (Hawaii)
RB-Ryan Mathews (Fresno State)
RB- Donald Buckram (UTEP)
TE-Dennis Pitta (BYU)

Defense
DL-Jerry Hughes (TCU)
DL-Brandon Lang (Troy)
DL-Bruce Miller (Central Florida)
DL-Dontay Moch (Nevada)
LB-Daryl Washington (TCU)
LB- Cardia Jackson (Louisiana-Monroe)
LB-Stevenson Sylvester (Utah)
DB-Kyle Wilson (Boise State)
DB-Van Eskridge (East Carolina)
DB-Shiloh Keo (Idaho)
DB- Robert Johnson (Utah)

Special Teams
KR-Tyron Carrier (Houston)
PR-LaVon Brazill (Ohio)
PK-Kevin Goessling (Fresno State)
P-Matt Dodge (East Carolina)

CFI ALL-BCS BUSTER HONORABLE MENTION

Offense: QB Levi Brown (Troy), QB Any Dalton (TCU), QB Case Keenum (Houston), QB Dan LeFevour (Central Michigan), RB Bernard Pierce (Temple), RB Curtis Steele (Memphis), WR Antonio Brown (Central Michigan), WR Emmanuel Sanders (SMU), TE Cody Slate (Marshall), OL Nate Porter (Boise State)

Defense: DL John Fletcher (Wyoming), DL Jarvis Geathers (Central Florida), DL Jan Jorgenson (BYU), DL Linval Joseph (East Carolina), DL Chris McCoy (Middle Tennessee State), DL Adrian Robinson (Temple), DL D’Anthony Smith (Louisiana Tech), LB Boris Lee (Troy), DB Barry Church (Toledo), Duke Ihenacho (San Jose State)

Special Teams: KR Dwayne Harris (East Carolina) KR Titus Young (Boise State), PR Jeremy Kerley (TCU), K Craig Ratanamorn (Marshall), P Adam Miller (New Mexico)

The Conference Breakdown (First Team):
WAC—9
Mountain West—7
Conference USA—6
MAC—3
Sun Belt—2

The Conference Breakdown (First Team & Honorable Mention):
WAC—14
Conference USA—14
Mountain West—11
MAC—8
Sun Belt—5

Dennis Hubbard

Draft Journal Entry #2: Martin Tevaseu

Martin Tevaseu describes what it’s like to prepare for the 2010 NFL Draft.

Dear Journal:

My time in California has concluded as I am now back in Las Vegas to continue taking classes and working towards my degree, and of course, to prepare for my Pro Timing Day.

Before I left California, my agent scheduled a meeting with my Performance Specialist/Sports Psychology Consultant, Will Lenzner. Mr. Lenzner has worked with several professional athletes to enhance cognitive/mental performance as it relates to output on the field, personal life, weight training, the classroom, etc. The general areas of focus include targeting self-confidence and efficacy, motivation, mental toughness, focus, and positive outcome expectancy. As all of these psychological factors have a relationship with each other, they directly affect athletic performance. Regarding football players specifically, we tend to work on core football-specific components such as performance routines (pre-game, pre-snap), trigger cues and visualization. Of those and other performance components, a wealth of additional football-specific areas are directly affected and have the ability to dramatically enhance athlete output on a given play, during combine testing and split-second decision making skills.

Preparing myself mentally, is equally important as preparing myself physically.

THIS JUST IN…Great news for all of you who have been following my journey, I just spoke with my agent and I have been invited to the East-West Shrine Game in Orlando, Florida. You heard it first right here on NFL Draft Bible! I am very grateful to the East-West Shrine Selection Committee for the opportunity and I look forward to exceeding your expectations.

I am so excited. I’m looking forward to spending time with the kids and competing with some of the best athletes in college football.
I apologize but I have to go for now. There’s work that needs to be done. I’ll check back in with you before I leave to Florida. Thanks for following my journey guys!
Sincerely,

#68 Martin Tevaseu, DT, UNLV

1.6.10 - Draft Journal Entry #1

Dan Enos Named Central Michigan Football Coach

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. - Central Michigan Director of Athletics Dave Heeke has named Dan Enos as the university’s head football coach.

“We needed a person who will have a vision for a program that centers on the full development of student-athletes: academically, athletically and socially,” Heeke said. “We needed a person with a clear vision and understanding of how to further develop our championship caliber program for sustained success. Dan will do that.”

Enos is a veteran of nine bowl games as both a player and a coach, and he has spent nine seasons as an assistant coach at the Bowl Subdivision level. Enos has 15 years of experience coaching offensive skill positions, including five years as an offensive coordinator.

“It is a privilege and an honor to be the head football coach here,” Enos said. “My family and I are very excited about becoming part of the Central Michigan University family and the Mount Pleasant community. I’m looking forward to carrying on the proud tradition of CMU football into the future.”

Enos recently completed his fourth season on Mark Dantonio’s staff at Michigan State. He was the Spartans’ running backs coach each of the past three seasons after coaching the quarterbacks in 2006.

The Spartans’ backfield featured a pair of true freshmen in 2009, as Larry Caper and Edwin Baker combined to rush for 895 yards and seven touchdowns. Caper was named to the Big Ten All-Freshmen Teams by ESPN.com and Sporting News.

In 2008, Enos worked directly with one of the nation’s top running backs: Javon Ringer. Ringer led the nation in carries (390), scoring (132 points) and touchdowns (22) and ranked fourth in rushing (125.9 ypg) en route to being named a consensus first-team All-American. Ringer was the first Spartan running back to earn All-America honors since Lorenzo White in 1987. The consensus All-Big Ten First-Team selection rushed for 1,637 yards, the second-highest single-season total in school history.

In his first season coaching the Michigan State running backs, Enos mentored one of the top backfields in the Big Ten in Ringer and Jehuu Caulcrick. Michigan State ranked third in the Big Ten and No. 25 in the NCAA in rushing offense, averaging 198.2 yards a game, an improvement of 69 yards per game over 2006. Ringer, a second-team All-Big Ten pick, and Caulcrick, an honorable mention selection, combined to rush for 2,319 yards and 27 touchdowns in 2007. Ringer led the Spartans in rushing for the third straight season with 1,447 yards, the sixth-best single-season total in MSU history, while Caulcrick set a school record with 21 rushing touchdowns.

Enos began his tenure at Michigan State in 2006 coaching the Spartans’ quarterbacks. He worked directly with Drew Stanton, who earned team MVP honors after accounting for 2,252 total yards and 17 touchdowns as a senior. Stanton, who was selected by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft, finished his career ranked among MSU’s all-time leaders in completion percentage (first at .642), pass completions (second at 543), pass attempts (second at 846), passing yards (second at 6,524), total offense (second at 8,036 yards), 200-yard passing games (second at 18), pass efficiency rating (third at 138.7) and touchdown passes (fifth at 42).

Enos spent the 2004 and 2005 seasons as the quarterbacks coach on Dantonio’s staff at Cincinnati.

In 2005, his pupil Dustin Grutza became the first freshman quarterback to start a Cincinnati season opener (vs. Eastern Michigan) since World War II. Grutza, a redshirt freshman, finished fourth in the Big East Conference in total offense, averaging 165.0 yards per game.

In 2004, Enos helped hone the talents of Gino Guidugli, who closed out his career as Cincinnati’s all-time passing leader with 11,222 yards. As a senior, Guidugli completed 210-of-342 throws (.614) for 2,633 yards and a school-record 26 touchdowns while leading the Bearcats to a 7-5 record, including a 32-14 victory over Marshall in the Fort Worth Bowl. Guidugli ranked fifth in Conference USA and No. 15 in the NCAA in passing efficiency with his 146.5 rating.

Enos spent the 2003 season as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach under Craig Bohl at NCAA Division II North Dakota State, where he designed an offensive attack that averaged 30.1 points per game en route to an 8-3 record. Tony Stauss hit 220-of-325 passes (.677) for 2,134 yards and 15 touchdowns. His 2,134 passing yards represented the second-highest single-season total in Bison history.

Prior to his appointment at North Dakota State, he worked for three years as the quarterbacks coach at Western Michigan (2000-02) under Gary Darnell. In 2002, the Broncos finished fifth in the Mid-American Conference and No. 30 nationally in passing offense, averaging 256.1 yards per game. In 2001, Western Michigan ranked third in the MAC and No. 30 in the NCAA in passing offense (257.8 ypg). In 2000, the Broncos averaged 400.6 total yards and 29.9 points per game while posting a 9-3 record and winning the MAC West Division crown. Quarterback Jeff Welsh ranked fourth in the league in passing (211.4 ypg) and total offense (212.8 ypg).

In 1999, Enos served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Missouri State under Randy Ball. The Bears ranked among the NCAA Division I-AA leaders in passing offense (No. 22 at 258.8 ypg), scoring offense (No. 23 at 33.9 ppg) and total offense (No. 30 at 417.8 ypg). Quarterback Jay Rodgers finished among the national leaders in passing efficiency (No. 9 with a 150.1 rating) and total offense (No. 20 at 251.6 ypg), and he set school single-season records for completion percentage (.632), passing yards (2,741), touchdown passes (24) and total yards (2,768). Rodgers had three 300-yard passing games in 1999, including 395 yards versus Southern Illinois - the second-best single-game total in Bear history.

His full-time coaching credits also include stops at Southern Illinois (quarterbacks and wide receivers, 1997-98), Northern Michigan (offensive coordinator/backfield, 1996) and Lakeland College (offensive coordinator/ quarterbacks and wide receivers, 1994-95). He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant for George Perles at Michigan State (1991-93).

Enos was a four-year letterman (1987-90) and two-year starter (1989-90) at quarterback at Michigan State, compiling a 16-7-1 record (.688) as a starter. He led the Spartans to back-to-back bowl victories: a 33-13 win over Hawaii in the 1989 Aloha Bowl and a 17-16 win over Southern California in the 1990 John Hancock Bowl. As a senior, Enos threw for 1,677 yards and four touchdowns while helping the Spartans earn a share of the 1990 Big Ten championship. Enos still ranks among Michigan State’s all-time top 10 in pass attempts (No. 10 at 478), pass completions (No. 10 at 297), completion percentage (No. 3 at .621), passing yards (No. 10 at 3,837) and total yards (No. 8 at 4,301).

Enos earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Michigan State in 1991 and received a master’s degree in sports administration in 2006. A native of Dearborn, Mich., Enos earned all-state honors as a senior for Coach Jack Bridges at Edsel Ford High School. He accounted for 5,743 total yards and 46 touchdowns during his prep career.

Draft Watch: Fiesta Bowl

Here are the following players to keep your eye for the 2010 NFL Draft in the FIESTA BOWL.

TCU Horned Frogs:

DE Jerry Hughes (#98) – Hughes lacks the ideal size for a defensive end, so some believe he may end up as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. But when it is all said and done I think he will be a 4-3 defensive end in a Tampa Bay Two type defense. Right now has a 2nd round grade.

LB Daryl Washington (#41)– Washington is an athletic linebacker who is quick and is also fast. The issue with him is his size or lack thereof. In addition, there is a question mark regarding his position - is he an outside linebacker or an inside linebacker? Right now he has a 2nd round grade.

Senior Watch: RB Joseph Turner (#24), LT Marshall Newhouse (#70), CB Nick Sanders (#20)

Stars Of Tomorrow: QB Andy Dalton, JR (#14); RT Marcus Cannon, JR (#61); C Jake Kirkpatrick, JR (#76); MIKE Tank Carder, SO (#43); FS Tejay Johnson, JR (#3)

Medical Examiner: CB Rafael Priest (Out/Sprained Left Foot)

Boise State Broncos:

CB Kyle Wilson (#1) – Wilson is a good overall athlete at cornerback and also does a good job in the return game. He has smooth hips and has the ability to play man to man. The New Jersey native is an aggressive cornerback who can get beat with double moves. Right now he has a 3rd round grade.

Stars Of Tomorrow: WR Austin Pettis, JR (#2); LT Nate Potter, SO (#73); DE Ryan Winterswyk, JR (#98); DE Bryon Hout, SO (#94); DT Billy Winn, SO (#90); SS Jeron Johnson, JR (#23)

Medical Examiner: WR Austin Pettis (Questionable/Broken Leg)

For more NFL, NFL Draft news, you can follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jvanfulpen

Photo Courtesy of College Press Box

TCU's Hughes and Washington Headed to Senior Bowl

TCU defensive standouts Jerry Hughes and Daryl Washington have accepted invitations to the 2010 Under Armour Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala.

The game will be played Jan. 30 at 3 p.m. (CST) in Ladd-Peebles Stadium and be televised live on the NFL Network.

Jerry and Daryl are two very big reasons why the Horned Frogs lead the country in total defense, Senior Bowl President and CEO Steve Hale said. They are both excellent professional prospects and we look forward to watching them compete in front of the entire NFL here later this month.

Hughes is a two-time consensus All-American and the 2009 recipient of the Lott Trophy and Ted Hendricks Award. He has 15 tackles for loss, including 11 1/2 sacks, among a career-high 54 stops this season. Hughes topped the nation last year with 15 sacks and six forced fumbles.

Washington leads TCU with 99 tackles, the most stops by a Horned Frog since 2004 (Martin Patterson, 131). Washington was a Dick Butkus Award semifinalist. He has 7 1/2 tackles for loss and is tied for the TCU lead with three interceptions.

A signature play for Washington was catching Clemson's C.J. Spiller from behind to make a touchdown-saving tackle in TCU's 14-10 win in Death Valley.

Photo Courtesy of TCU Athletics Media Relations

Akron Names Rob Ianello Head Coach

AKRON – Rob Ianello, former assistant coach and interim head coach at Notre Dame, was named The University of Akron’s 26th head football coach – but just the sixth since 1960, UA president Dr. Luis Proenza and athletics director Tom Wistrcill announced Thursday afternoon at the Towpath Credit Union Press Level at InfoCision Stadium – Summa Field.

“We are extremely excited to name Rob Ianello as our new head football coach,” Wistrcill said. “Rob’s experience with some of the top programs in the country, coupled with his recruiting prowess, made him stand out among a great group of candidates. He demonstrated to us a clear plan on how to build a complete championship program – one that has been successfully tested at other University’s around the country – and we are excited to help him execute that plan. He will be a great leader for the young men on our football team and a great part of the Akron community.”

Promoted to assistant head coach for offense in January 2009, Ianello led Notre Dame’s offensive staff meetings when head coach Charlie Weis was not present, while retaining his role as wide receivers coach. Most recently, Ianello served as interim head football coach for the Fighting Irish.

“First I want to thank Dr. Proenza, Tom (Wistrcill) and the Akron community for this opportunity,” Ianello said. “My family and I are thrilled to be at Akron and excited about the opportunity to lead this program. My life-long dream has been to run a football program at the highest level and there is no place better to begin that journey than right now at The University of Akron. The future is very bright for the Zips football program.

This past year, the Irish featured one of the nation’s best quarterback-wide receiver tandems and one of the best in the tradition-rich history of Notre Dame. Signal caller Jimmy Clausen ranked second in the country in pass efficiency and eighth in total offense (302.25 avg.). He completed 289-of-425 passes – with his completion percentage of .680 being a school record. He additionally threw for 3,722 yards (second-most in Notre Dame history) and 28 touchdowns with just four interceptions.

Clausen’s top target was Golden Tate. He had a school-record 93 receptions in 2009, with his 7.75 receptions per game ranking seventh in the NCAA, and tallied a school-record 1,496 yards, with is 124.67 ypg ranking third nationally. Tate finished sixth in the nation in scoring (9.0 ppg) thanks to his 15 receiving TDs, two rushing TDs and a punt return for a score.

Both Clausen and Tate are semifinalists for the 2009 Maxwell Award, presented annually to college’s best football player. Tate additionally was named first team All-American and is a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, which is presented to the nation’s top collegiate wide receiver.

Notre Dame’s 2009 offense ranked sixth nationally in passing offense (323.50 ypg) and ninth in total offense (451.75 ypg).

A member of the Irish coaching staff since 2005, he has coached six of the most prolific receiving seasons in Notre Dame history as well as coordinated four-straight top 15 recruiting classes.

As the recruiting coordinator for the Irish, he directed three consecutive top 10 recruiting classes from 2006-08, something only three other schools (USC, Florida and Georgia) could claim. He is also the only coach named one of the 25-best recruiters in the country each of the last five years by Rivals.com. In the book “The Second Season” by recruiting analyst Tom Lemming, Ianello is named one of the top 10 recruiters of the last 30 years.

Under his guidance, six of the nine best individual receiving seasons in Notre Dame history have occurred. In the past five seasons, four Irish receivers have caught more than 60 passes in a season, while five players have eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards.

Notre Dame’s records for most receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns by a freshman, sophomore, junior and senior have all been recorded under his watch. He has played a crucial role in helping the Irish record the three-most prolific passing seasons in school history.

In 2008, Tate and Michael Floyd rewrote the record book for freshman and sophomore receivers at Notre Dame. Tate tallied 58 receptions for 1,080 yards and 10 TDs while Floyd registered 48 catches for 719 yards and seven TDs. Notre Dame underclassmen combined to make 18 starts in 2007 and caught 88 passes for 1.021 yards and six TDs. Duval Kamara set freshman records (broken in ‘08 by Floyd) for receptions and receiving yards in a season.

Jeff Samardzija, Maurice Stovall and Rhema McKnight captivated Irish fans in 2005-06. Samardzija set school records with 1,249 receiving yards and 15 TDs in ‘05 and 77 receptions in ‘06. His 179 career catches for 2,593 yards and 27 TDs are Irish records.

Stovall caught 69 passes for 1,149 yards and 11 TDs in ‘05, the second-most receiving yards in a single season in school history. McKnight tied Samardzija’s school record with 15 receiving TDs in ‘06 and the two combined to lead the nation with 27 receiving TDs.

He coached at Wisconsin for two years prior to joining Notre Dame and helped lead the Badgers to the 2003 Music City Bowl and 2005 Outback Bowl. While there, Ianello helped develop Owen Daniels from a recruited quarterback into a tight end. Daniels is now one of the top receiving tight ends in the NFL.

Ianello served as recruiting coordinator and wide receivers coach at Arizona and helped develop Bobby Wade and Dennis Northcutt. Wade led the Pacific-10 Conference with 93 receptions for 1,389 yards and eight TDs in 2002, while Northcutt caught 88 passes in 1999. Also in 1999, he was named one of the top 10 recruiters in the nation by ESPN.com and one of the top six recruiters nationally by Sporting News. The previous year with the Wildcats, he helped Arizona’s 1998 squad to a 12-1 record and number four national ranking.

He was elected to the board of trustees of the American Football Coaches Association in January 2003. The board formulates policy and provides direction for the AFCA. Ianello also chairs the AFCA’s assistant coaches committee and is the general chairman of the AFCA’s all-division assistant coaches committee.

Ianello was born Nov. 4, 1965, he is a native of Port Chester, N.Y., and is a 1987 graduate of The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. with a bachelor’s degree in English. He and his wife, the former Denise Dove, have one son, Zachary, and two daughters, Ashley and Courtney. Denise is a former assistant women’s basketball coach at Arizona and Wisconsin and is now a scout in the WNBA.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING

“I am delighted to hear Akron’s choice of Rob Ianello as the next head football coach. Rob is ready to go (as a head coach). He has been a loyal and trusted assistant for the University of Notre Dame for the past five years. He has the reputation as one of the best recruiters in the country, while his positions players have played at the highest of levels. I am happy both for the University of Akron and the Ianello family. This is a win-win situation.”

Charlie Weis
Former Notre Dame Head Football Coach

“I am thrilled for Rob. I think he will do an exceptional job. I know Akron has made a tremendous commitment to be at the forefront of football in the Mid-American Conference and nothing illustrates that commitment more than hiring Rob Ianello, who is one of the top people available in college football. I am very excited for Rob and excited for Akron. I know he will do a fantastic job. He will bring tremendous energy to the program and expertise to the job.”

Dick Tomey
San Jose State Head Football Coach
2009 President of the American Football Coaches Association

Photo Courtesy of Akron University

TCU's Hughes Wins Ted Hendricks Award

TCU's Jerry Hughes has been selected as the winner of the 2009 Ted Hendricks Award, recognizing him as the nation's top defensive end.

Hughes was informed of the honor via a Tuesday night phone call from Hendricks, a College Football and Pro Football Hall of Fame member. The Ted Hendricks Award will be presented to Hughes on March 21 at the Doral Golf Resort in Miami, Fla.

A two-time All-American, Hughes received nearly 60 percent of the votes cast in the final round of balloting.

Other finalists were Jeremy Beal (Oklahoma), Brandon Graham (Michigan), Sergio Kindle (Texas), Von Miller (Texas A&M), Derrick Morgan (Georgia Tech) and Greg Romeus (Pittsburgh).

"Jerry Hughes has been a consistently outstanding performer in his four-year career at TCU," Hendricks said. I have enjoyed watching him become one of the top defensive ends in the nation. It has been a rare occurrence that our voting process has included as many as seven finalists.

"It's a huge credit to Jerry that he emerged with the overwhelming majority of the vote. I am very pleased to announce that Jerry Hughes is our 2009 winner. It's well-deserved!"

Hughes anchors the nation's top-ranked defense. He has 15 tackles for loss, including 11 1/2 sacks, among a career-high 54 stops. The Horned Frogs are 12-0 and headed to the Fiesta Bowl for their first BCS appearance.

A senior from Sugar Land, Texas, Hughes is a two-time finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, honoring the nation's top defensive player. He is also a finalist for the Rotary Lombardi Award, Lott Trophy and Lowe's Senior CLASS Award.

After traveling to Charlotte, N.C., Monday for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy banquet, Hughes will be in Houston Wednesday for the Rotary Lombardi Award presentation. He will also head to Newport Beach, Calif., Sunday for the Lott Trophy announcement.

Hughes is just the third player to become a two-time Hendricks Award finalist.

Hughes is on pace to graduate this spring, in four years, with a degree in communications. In October, he received a Local Hero Award from Bank of America for his work in the community.

Photo Courtesy of College Press Box

On Location: Miami (Ohio) @ Kent State

Opening their MAC schedule, the Kent State Golden Flashes played host to the Miami Redhawks of Oxford, Ohio. In a steady rain throughout the night, Kent State won their conference opener 29-19.

The Key Play

Junior tailback Anthony Bowman—a native of Detroit, Michigan—took a first quarter kickoff 92 yards to paydirt to give Kent State a lead they would never relinquish.

Offensive Highlights

Golden Flashes – With fifth year senior Eugene Jarvis lost for the season, the Kent State faithful had to be reassured by the performance of sophomore running back Jacquise Terry. The converted wide receiver broke the century mark with 103 rushing yards and showed those in attendance that all was not lost when Jarvis went down.

Redhawks – While it’s premature to compare him to former Miami (Ohio) great Ben Roethlisberger, red-shirt freshman Zac Dysert has the wheels, as well as the arm to make things happen for the Redhawks. Compiling 444 yards of total offense—337 passing and 107 rushing—Dysert gave reason to believe he could one day join the long list of stellar MAC quarterbacks.

Defensive Highlights

Golden Flashes – Junior safety Dan Hartman earned his first interception of his career Saturday night. Hartman, who was a Labrae High School standout (located roughly 30 minutes from Kent State), made six tackles including four solo stops. Two of those six tackles where jaw jarring plays making him the College Football Insiders “On Location hard hitter of the game”.

Redhawks – Standing at only 5’ 9”, sophomore line backer Jerrell Wedge registered nine tackles. Wedge beat the Kent State offensive line twice on the way to quarterback to for 1.5 sacks (minus 11 yards).

Out of Wack Stat

The Miami (Ohio) Redhawks out-produced the Kent State Golden Flashes 552 yards to 250 and won the time of possession battle 34:38 to 25:22, but lost the game. Translation—it’s not about the stat sheet or the clock, it’s about the scoreboard.

Breakout Player

K Freddy Cortez, Kent State – After missing his first extra point attempt, it didn’t look like the true freshman from Fort Meade, Florida was in for a good evening, not in the rain. However, Cortez didn’t let the conditions or his shaky start hamper his coming out party, as he converted on his first field goal of his college career from 37 yards out, which he followed up with two more through the uprights (42 yards & 34 yards), leaving him three for three on field goal attempts.

Final Thoughts

Saturday night was damp, dark and rainy, but it was worth the trip for the 15,235 in attendance at Dix Stadium. The MAC schools provided an action packed game, which saw a total of 802 yards of offense and the home team come away a 29-19 winner. The Golden Flashes have now won back to back games over Miami (Ohio) for the first time since 1986, when Kent State took three straight.

Photos Courtesy of

BCS Busters Week One Preview

Game of the Week * #19 Oregon Ducks @ #16 Boise State *

Thursday September 3rd * ESPN * 10:15 PM EST

Players to Watch: Oregon: Jeremiah Masoli (QB), Oregon; LeGarrette Blount (RB), Oregon; Walter Thurmond (CB); Boise St.: Kellen Moore (QB), Boise St.; Ryan Winterswyk (DE), Boise St.; Kyle Wilson (CB)

What a terrific game to the start the season. Oregon will need great performances from quarterback Jeremiah Masoli and running back LeGarrette Blount to win this game. Boise State’s blue turf field can be a rude awakening for some teams because it plays so fast. Some teams tend to over-compensate as they’re used to playing on grass fields, which can be slippery and play slow at times. If the Ducks’ defense can adjust to the turf, then they will come out victors. On the flip side, the Broncos need to have an outstanding performance by quarterback Kellen Moore to have a chance in this matchup. He needs to have good protection from his veteran offensive line; which will allow him to keep making smart decisions as he did in 2008. The defense will also have to have a great performance. This will be a big test for the inexperienced defensive line and should be a good measuring stick as to how far they have come during fall practices. They will have a hard task at hand in stopping “The Wrecking Ball”, Blount, who has a punishing running style. This should be a fun one to watch, with stars on both sides of the ball for each team looking to get off to a fast start.

Prediction: Oregon 37, Boise State 24

Other Games to Watch:

BYU vs. Oklahoma: BYU quarterback Max Hall will look to match Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford throw for throw, as the Sooner takes his first step at making a second run at the title game. This game will be played at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas so home field advantage is taken away, which should make for an entertaining matchup even though there will be more red in the stands than blue.
Prediction: Oklahoma 47, BYU 20

**Upset Special**
Nevada @ Notre Dame: The high-powered Nevada offense takes aim at one of the most storied programs in college football. Led by quarterback Collin Kaepernick and tailback Via Taua, the Wolf Pack will look to get the ground game going early in this one and will need to if they have a chance at winning in South Bend.
Prediction: Nevada 40, Notre Dame 33

Western Michigan @ Michigan: There's a classic drop back passer who will have NFL scouts watching closely in this one-but he's not wearing Maize and Blue, it's Western quarterback Tim Hiller. The senior takes on a perennial power in Michigan, with Rich Rodriguez looking to bring them back after a disappointing 2008 campaign.
Prediction: Michigan 42, Western Michigan 17

Florida Atlantic @ Nebraska: The Owls quarterback Rusty Smith will need to avoid turning the ball over against a tenacious Cornhusker’s defense. Wide receiver Cortez Gent will have to play like the No.1 wideout he was in 2007 when he eclipsed the 1,000 yard receiving mark if they have a chance at winning in Lincoln.
Prediction: Nebraska 34, Florida Atlantic 13

Central Michigan @ Arizona: Dan LeFevour will need time in the pocket to pick the underachieving Wildcat secondary apart and move the chains. Ball control will be a key factor in this game and LeFevour has two great wideouts to keep drives alive in Antonio Brown and Bryan Anderson.
Prediction: Arizona 28, Central Michigan 14

Mississippi @ Memphis: The Tigers look to down the one team that beat national champion Florida last season. They will need to rely heavily on running back Curtis Steele to eat up some clock and have quarterback Arkelon Hall be better than he was a year ago if they have a chance at taking down the Rebels.
Prediction: Mississippi 30, Memphis 17

Photos Courtesy of Media Relations Boise St. University and Jaren Wilkey/BYU

CFI Preview: BCS Busters Top Five

1. Boise State Broncos
College Football Insiders: 16
Associated Press: 14
Coaches Poll: 16
2008 Record: 12-1 (WAC: 8-0)
The Broncos hold the No.1 spot due to their record of success, and until they prove they do not belong in the preseason top 25, they should be members of it. They have a solid offensive line which gave up only 11 sacks all season in 2008, a quarterback in Kellen Moore who is a strong pocket passer, and a solid secondary which has all but one returning starter. Their offensive line is a big question mark at this point. They have only two upper-classmen starting while the rest are sophomores earning their first full-time starting jobs. There is definitely more to love than hate with this Broncos team and until they show signs of significant downfall from last seasons’ success, they will be in the BCS Busters’ top-five rankings.
Up Next: 9/3 vs. Oregon; 9/12 @ Toledo

2. Utah Utes
College Football Insiders: 20
Associated Press: 19
Coaches Poll: 18
2008 Record: 13-0 (MWC: 8-0)
The Utes have one of the strongest defenses in the in the nation, returning seven starters from a year ago. They do have holes to fill on offense, including every skill position. Quarterback Corbin Louks has the skill set to take this team far this season due to his ability to run the ball. The fact he can get out of the pocket and make things happen brings huge upside to this revamped offense. They still have first-team All-MMWC tackle Zane Beadles, who will serve as a mentor to the new group of linemen coming in. The defense will be rock solid, but the offense will need to come through and move the chains to keep the defense fresh if the Utes are going to make a BCS Bowl push.
Up Next: 9/3 vs. Utah State; 9/12 @ San Jose State

3. BYU Cougars
College Football Insiders: NR
Associated Press: 20
Coaches Poll: 24
2008 Record: 10-3 (MWC: 6-2)
The Cougars’ Max Hall should do wonders for an offense that brings back only four starters from a year ago. Hall has great pocket presence and an outstanding tight end in Dennis Pitta to throw to if he gets into trouble. The offensive line is young and inexperienced, but could be surprisingly effective. The defense brings back seven starters and should be a force in the MWC. The only factors that could potentially bring this team down from the top-five rankings are their offensive line and the schedule. Playing Oklahoma, Florida State, TCU, Air Force and Utah, will be a big test for this young team. Should they pull a couple of upsets, they will make their way to a New Year’s Day bowl game.
Up Next: 9/5 vs. Oklahoma (Dallas); 9/12 @ Tulane

4. TCU Horned Frogs
College Football Insiders: NR
Associated Press: 17
Coaches Poll: 17
2008 Record: 11-2 (MWC: 7-1)
The Horned Frogs have great balance on offense and return seven starters from 2008. All but one skill position will be a second-year starter which bodes well for this group. Their defense still has the likes of defensive end Jerry Hughes, who can be a game-changing performer and protect the secondary because of his pass-rushing ability. The secondary returns three starters of its own and should be able to hold their own even if Hughes can’t get to the quarterback on every play. The Frogs have one of the softer schedules of the BCS Buster teams and have a great chance of climbing up the top-five rankings as the season progresses.
Up Next: 9/12 @ Virginia; 9/19 vs. Texas State

5. Nevada Wolf Pack
College Football Insiders: NR
Associated Press: 50
Coaches Poll: 40
2008 Record: 7-6 (WAC: 5-3)
The Wolf Pack have a high-powered offense that will cause trouble for opposing defenses. The ground game they possess is tremendous, with the quarterback (Collin Kaepernick) and tailback (Vai Taua) both coming off 1,000-yard seasons in 2008. It is the pass defense that needs to tighten up—they were last in the nation in that department a year ago, surrendering a horrific 311.6 yards per game. Despite a good pass rush, the secondary allowed too many points on the board for the Wolf Pack to win close games. They were 1-4 in games which both teams scored 30 or more points. If the secondary can even remotely catch up with the defensive line, this team will be feared and should end up with a much better record than its 7-6 mark of a season ago.
Up Next: 9/5 @ Notre Dame; 9/19 @ Colorado State

CFI Countdown: #20 Utah Utes

2008 Record: 13-0 (Mountain West: 8-0)
Bowl Game: Won Sugar Bowl vs. Alabama 31-17
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Stadium: Rice-Eccles Stadium (45,017)
Head Coach: Kyle Whittingham
Overall: 37-14 (5th season)
Utah: 37-14 (5th season)
Link to Utah Football Page

Coach Kyle Whittingham has been here before. His first season at the helm in Salt Lake City followed Utah’s undefeated season of 2004 under Urban Meyer (12-0), and the Utes finished a disappointing 7-5. Since then, Utah has averaged 10 wins over the last three seasons, including last year’s 13-0 run which included wins over Oregon St., TCU, and BYU, an upset in the Big House, and the Sugar Bowl thrashing of Alabama. It will be difficult to repeat, but don’t expect a major drop off.

When the Utes Have the Ball

Offensive Coordinator: Dave Schramm (1st season)
Scheme: Spread Offense
Starters Returning: Four
Key Losses: QB Brian Johnson, RB Darrell Mack, WR Freddie Brown, WR Brent Casteel, WR Brandon Godfrey, OG Robert Conley, K Louie Sakoda

How does Utah replace signal caller Brian Johnson? The standout quarterback earned Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Year honors and was clutch as any quarterback in the country doing his best work in the fourth quarter. It won’t be easy; beyond his numbers, Johnson was a winner. They won’t be able to replace Johnson, but should get enough production from the quarterback position to compete for another Mountain West crown and maybe even another BCS bowl bid. Expect both newcomers—freshman Jordan Wynn and junior college transfer Terrance Cain—to see significant action this season. The good news is, they won’t have to carry the load. Left tackle Zane Beadles will ensure they are well protected and guard Zane Taylor is among the best in the business. They must replace their top three receivers from a year ago as well, but there is confidence that David Reed and Jereme Brooks are up to the challenge, with freshman Luke Matthews, Jr. one to watch. On the ground, leading rusher Matt Asiata returns, and at 230 pounds he is a load whether he lines up in the backfield or takes the direct snap from shotgun.

Top Pro Prospects: 1) OT Zane Beadles (SR), 2) C/OG Zane Taylor (JR), 3) RB Matt Asiata (SR)

When the Other Team Has the Ball

Defensive Coordinator: Kalani Sitake (1st season)
Scheme: 4-3
Starters Returning: Seven
Key Losses: DE Paul Kruger, CB Sean Smith, CB Bruce McCain, DL Greg Newman

Even with the loss of defensive studs Paul Kruger and Sean Smith—a pair of day one NFL draft picks—the Utah defense returns senior leaders at all three levels in end Koa Misi, linebacker Stevenson Sylvester, and free safety Robert Johnson. Sylvester is the heart and soul of the defense, as well as its top playmaker, which he displayed to the nation with his dominating performance against the Crimson Tide in the Sugar Bowl. He possesses excellent speed, a relentless motor, and a knack for getting into the backfield. Senior Mike Wright is solid at the MIKE. This past week Misi injured his back, and it would be a big blow if he were to miss significant time. Sophomore Derrick Shelby is a comer at the other end position. The key to the defense will be how sophomore Brandon Burton and senior R. J. Stanford perform at cornerback. To help ease the transition, they will be backed up be two stellar safeties in Johnson and Joe Dale, a pair of returning senior starters.

Top Pro Prospects: 1) DE Koa Misi (SR), 2) LB Stevenson Sylvester (SR), 3) FS Robert Johnson (SR)

The Schedule

We could find out very early if the Utes have it in them to repeat as the top BCS Buster as they visit Oregon on September 19th. If the Utes leave Eugene undefeated, they should reach 9-0 before a November trip to TCU to take on the Horned Frogs, which is when it really gets tough. Not only do they have to visit TCU, two weeks later they make the trip to in-state rival BYU. Beating both MWC challengers on the road is a tall task and a major change from a year ago when they hosted TCU, BYU, and their toughest out of conference foe, Oregon St. This year’s three toughest games are all away from the friendly confines of Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Pivotal Point

The Utes not only suffered key loses on the field, but on the sidelines as well. Johnson is not the only leader missing from the 2008 club. Broyles Award Finalist Gary Anderson and offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig have also departed. Anderson was the Utes’ defensive coordinator from 2005 until last season, in addition to taking on the Assistant Head Coach role that prepared him for his head coaching duties at Utah St. He was the defensive line coach for the 2004 team. Utah’s defense was ranked first in the Mountain West Conference and fifth in the nation. Kalani Sitake steps up from his linebacker coach position. Ludwig left his post as offensive coordinator (also since 2005) for the same role at Cal and was also replaced from within. Dave Schramm, who was the running backs coach the last four years, takes over both the offensive coordinator and quarterback coach roles. The quicker the new coordinators can settle in at their new positions (not to mention their replacements), the easier it will be to deal with the personnel changes.

CFI Final Analysis

Utah has enough talent returning and coming off a perfect season, they deserve to be the team to beat in the Mountain West heading into the 2009 campaign. But make no mistake—it will be a three-team race, with TCU and BYU battling the Utes for conference supremacy. While Utah has to play both of those contenders on the road, the fact that the games come late in the season will allow the new coordinators and quarterbacks to adjust to their roles. As long as they don’t allow a potential early season loss to Oregon to derail their season, the Utes should find their way to another double-digit win season.

College Football Insiders Top 25 Countdown:
The Next 25 (26-50) Plus 18 Bowl Teams
#25 West Virginia Mounainteers
#24 Tennessee Volunteers
#23 Clemson Tigers
#22 Pittsburgh Panthers
#21 Michigan St. Spartans

Contact Daniel Mogollon via email dan@collegefootballinsiders.com

Photo Credit: College Press Box, University of Utah

Q&A: Paul Kruger, DE, Utah

We have you listed at 6' 5” and somewhere between 255-265. Is that accurate?

Kruger: Yes sir, you have it pretty accurate, I'm right at 260.

Going into the season, did you have in the back of your mind that if you had a good season you would declare?

Kruger: To be honest with you I really didn't think about it until the very end of the season, towards the bowl game. It really wasn't on my mind at all during the beginning of the season, and then things started to unfold. I really felt like I needed to think about it and at least give it a consideration in my mind. As I went through that process, it became more clear to me what I wanted to do.

Utah finished 13-0. One of the biggest wins was over Oregon St. – pretty ironic wasn’t it?

Kruger: Definitely, it was a huge game and it came down to the end. It took a lot of heart from a lot of people, and it was a spectacular game to play in.

Were you recruited by OSU, and if so, why did you choose Utah?

Kruger: Yes, actually they were the first team to offer me a scholarship, so I have a lot of respect for the coaching staff and what kind of program they have. I took a trip there, I really like Corvallis, I think it's a great place. Utah was the school for me because of the fact that, at the time, they wanted me to play quarterback, which was my original position, and that was real important to me. It was close to home, I felt like the deal with my mission was easily resolved because they were familiar with the LDS church and the work they did there. And they had past guys go on missions and come back and be productive, so I really felt like that was the best fit for me.

You’ve had a couple of potential life-changing experiences off the field – positive and negative. Tell us about your Latter Day Saints Mission in Kansas and Missouri. What is a typical day like?

Kruger: A typical day includes anything from walking the streets to find people to teach about Scripture of Jesus Christ and the Church, or setting-up appointments with people to do service, establishing fund raisers, anything you can think of where you're serving people in the name of the Church and in the name of Jesus Christ. That's just a basic list of what I did for two years. It was a great experience, I loved it, I grew from it and I'm glad I went.

How difficult was it coming back in 2007 after not running or lifting for two years?

Kruger: I think the main thing was just getting back. I got back at a great time, and I got back right after the season on December 23. I was able to have a whole spring ball, a whole summer to get ready and get my body prepared. The mission does a lot of great things for you, the thing it doesn't do for you is to sustain your athleticism, your coordination, your physique. That took a lot of hard work and dedication - hours-on-end after the team had already left, to stay in the weight-room to try and get your body and your mind ready for the season.

Last season you were assaulted – specifically you were stabbed in the back twice which caused one of your lungs to collapse. How scary was that experience?

Kruger: That was a bad deal, just one of those freak things you think will never happen to you and you don't expect. It was a chaotic and traumatic experience. It was something I learned and grew from.

How long did it take for you to recover? Did you wonder if you would play again?

Kruger: When I was in the hospital after surgery I was concerned about my status, as far as football, how it was going to affect me. The doctors let me know pretty quickly that it wouldn't affect me in that way, and that I'd be fine, that it would just take time for my body to recover from what happened. The only negative thing that came out of it as far as football goes was that it didn't allow me to have a full off-season to prepare for the 2008 season. After I recovered fully and started lifting and running again, I hit the ground running and was able to get back into almost 100 percent condition before the season.

You also lost a kidney and your spleen in car accident when you were 13 and I read where your mom said you are wearing out your guardian angels. Do you ever feel that way?

Kruger: I've definitely had some close calls. They've been experiences physically that have been very negative and traumatic, but on the other hand I'm learning and I'm growing tremendously. I feel like I've stayed alive, and it really has put things into perspective in my life. But it's crazy to kind of be in those situations more often than you would ever wish upon anybody, or would think would ever happen to you. It's been pretty wild but I'm just blessed and happy to be here.

So it must be fun training, not dealing with any outside issues, and to be at your peak physical condition and ready to go.

Kruger: For sure. I mean it's awesome to come out here – I'm in Florida – you get the warm weather, you know, just working hard, getting ready and showing what you can do. I love the competitive environment. Training with these guys, pushing your body. It's all exciting to me.

How different was the training for the combine, as opposed to the training you would do to get ready for the season?

Kruger: It's 100 percent different. It's shifting your mindset from game-mode to basically track-mode. Working on areas like running and jumping, things that are very different than preparing for a football game. So instead of conditioning, hitting, and doing drills and that kind of stuff, you're working more on your form and your body position, all that kind of stuff that helps you run better, run more effectively in the 40. You do also work on some power stuff with the jumping and the drills and stuff like that. It is a 100 percent change. It's all technique, aligning your body correctly instead of getting prepared for the season with the hitting, conditioning, and basically just getting ready for the game.

How do you prepare for the interview process?

Kruger: You really don't. You just try and be yourself. You work on trying to be presentable, giving them your best personality – your best side – but really, you just want to be yourself. I think those guys have been around long enough and are very intelligent people, they know when you're trying to fool them or just telling them what they want to hear. I think it's important to show your personality and just be yourself.

As a football player, I got “my blank” from my dad (Played at OSU)?

Kruger: Heart.

I got “my blank” from my mom (Athlete)?

Kruger: Height, she is a tall lady and she gave me some height.

What do you miss most about playing QB?

Kruger: Having the ball in my hands every play and being the leader of the team.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Utah University)

RADIO: Player Spotlight: RB Ian Johnson, Boise St.

This Bronco made a name for himself in the Fiesta Bowl by scoring the memorable game-winning two point conversion against the Oklahoma Sooners, which he followed up with a unique encore—getting on one knee and proposing to his then girlfriend. After putting up some whopping numbers as a sophomore (1,714 yards, 6.2 yards per carry, 25 rushing touchdowns), Johnson took a leadership role in his final two seasons as a Bronco, helping Boise St. finish 12-1 this past season. The California native finished his famed career by passing Marshall Faulk (as well as LaDainian Tomlinson) on his way to becoming the WAC’s all-time touchdown maker.

*** CLICK TO LISTEN ***

NFL Draft Bible Player Profile Page

BCS Buster Players of the Week - Week Fourteen

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

TE James Casey, Rice
The 24-year old sophomore hauled in 12 passes for 172 yards and three scores in the Owls’ 56-42 win over Houston, giving the Rice product 104 reception for 1,217 yards and 12 touchdowns on the season. The versatile talent also ran for a score (sixth of the season) and threw his second touchdown pass of 2008.

Honorable Mention: Andy Schmitt, QB, Eastern Michigan: 58-of-80, 516 yards, five touchdowns

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

DE Ben Calderwood, Utah St.
The senior defensive lineman turned a three-sack performance. Calderwood’s tackles for loss played a major role in the Aggies holding New Mexico St. to minus-seven yards rushing.

Honorable Mention: Gerald McRath, LB, Southern Miss: eight tackles, forced fumble

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK

PR Kyle Wilson, Boise St.
Wilson returned three punts for a total of 136 yards, including a 90-yard touchdown.

Honorable Mention: Swayze Waters, PK, UAB: five-for-five on field goals, all 15 points

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Rice University)

BCS Buster Watch - Week Fourteen

1. Utah Utes (1)
Record: 12-0 (8-0)
Coaches Poll: 7
Associated Press: 7
Last Week: Season Complete
A virtual BCS Buster Championship versus Boise St. in the Fiesta Bowl would be fun, but you get the feeling the Utes would prefer to challenge one of the big boys from the BCS Conferences.
Up Next: Bowl Game

2. Boise St. Broncos (2)
Record: 12-0 (8-0)
Coaches Poll: 9
Associated Press: 9
Last Week: Won vs. Fresno St. 61-10
Boise would not be picky about who their BCS opponent would be if they were invited. The Broncos are worthy, but could get snubbed.
Next: Bowl Game

3. TCU Horned Frogs (3)
Record: 10-2 (7-1)
Coaches Poll: 11
Associated Press: 11
Last Week: Season Complete
The likelihood is either the Las Vegas Bowl or the Poinsettia Bowl for the Horned Frogs. A match-up with Boise St. would be a good one.
Next: Bowl Game

4. Ball St. Cardinals (4)
Record: 12-0 (8-0)
Coaches Poll: 13
Associated Press: 12
Last Week: Won vs. Western Michigan 45-22
Despite an undefeated season, it does not appear the Cardinals have a realistic chance at crashing the BCS party. The Motor City Bowl is likely.
Next: 12/5: MAC Champ. Game vs. Buffalo

5. BYU Cougars (5)
Record: 10-2 (6-2)
Coaches Poll: 18
Associated Press: 20
Last Week: Season Complete
Could the Cougars be headed for a fourth straight Las Vegas Bowl? Who knew Mormons were so popular in Sin City? BYU is 2-1 there.
Up Next: Bowl Game

Photo Credit: College Press Box (TCU)

BCS Buster Watch - Week Thirteen

1. Utah Utes (1)
Record: 12-0 (8-0)
Coaches Poll: 7
Associated Press: 8
Last Week: Won vs. BYU 48-24
It was a total team effort on the Utes’ part, as the defense chipped in with five interceptions, including two by Joe Dale. Stellar corner Sean Smith picked up interception number five.
Up Next: Regular Season Complete



2. Boise St. Broncos (2)
Record: 11-0 (7-0)
Coaches Poll: 9
Associated Press: 9
Last Week: Won @ Nevada 41-34
The Broncos survived the Nevada scare and are one win away from becoming the third FBS school to complete an undefeated season, although there will be no Tostitos this time.
Next: 11/29: vs. Fresno St. (Final Game)

3. TCU Horned Frogs (3)
Record: 10-2 (7-1)
Coaches Poll: 14
Associated Press: 14
Last Week: Won vs. Air Force 44-10
Headman Gary Patterson turns in his third 10-win season in his last four campaigns, prompting the Horned Frog faithful to chant his name.
Next: Regular Season Complete

4. Ball St. Cardinals (5)
Record: 11-0 (7-0)
Coaches Poll: 15
Associated Press: 15
Last Week: Won @ Central Michigan 31-24
Junior MiQuale Lewis continued to rise to the occasion, turning in a career high 177 yards against the defending MAC champs CMU.
Next: 11/25: Western Michigan

5. BYU Cougars (4)
Record: 10-2 (6-2)
Coaches Poll: 19
Associated Press: 20
Last Week: Lost @ Utah 48-24
The Cougars’ two-year run atop the Mountain West Conference is over, but on a positive note – next year both Utah and TCU come to Salt Lake.
Up Next: Regular Season Complete

Photo Credit: College Press Box (University of Utah)

LISTEN NOW! CFI Radio: BCS Busters

THE BCS BUSTER SHOW - WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 19, 2008

Down the stretch we come as we preview BYU @ Utah and Ball St. @ Central Michigan.

SPECIAL GUESTS

Head Coach BRADY HOKE, Ball St.
Head Coach BUTCH JONES, Central Michigan
Head Coach GARY PATTERSON, TCU
WR AUSTIN COLLIE, BYU
RB JEREMY AVERY, Boise St.
TE JARED BRONSON, Central Washington

To Listen Now CLICK HERE. Hosted by CFI Co-Founder Daniel Mogollon.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Utah)

BCS Buster Watch - Week Twelve

1. Utah Utes (1)
Record: 11-0 (7-0)
Coaches Poll: 7
Associated Press: 8
Last Week: Won @ San Diego St. 63-14
Las Vegas native Deshawn Richard not only intercepted two Aztec passes, the senior took both picks to the house. Now comes the real test, as the Cougars pay a visit.
Up Next: 11/22: vs. BYU (Final Game)


2. Boise St. Broncos (2)
Record: 10-0 (6-0)
Coaches Poll: 9
Associated Press: 9
Last Week: Won @ Idaho 45-10
Boise St.’s WAC leading defense (10.3 points per game) will face its stiffest challenge when the Broncos face the conference’s top scoring offense – Nevada averages 38.5 points per game.
Next: 11/22: @ Nevada; 11/29: vs. Fresno St.

3. TCU Horned Frogs (3)
Record: 9-2 (6-1)
Coaches Poll: 17
Associated Press: 15
Last Week: BYE
Air Force averages 279 yards per game rushing while TCU allows only 39 rushing yards per game. What’s the saying? Something has to give.
Next: 11/22: vs. Air Force (Final Game)

4. BYU Cougars (4)
Record: 10-1 (6-1)
Coaches Poll: 14
Associated Press: 16
Last Week: Won @ Air Force 38-24
For the second time in the last three games both wide out Austin Collie and tight end Dennis Pitta went over 100 yards receiving.
Up Next: 11/22: @ Utah (Final Game)

5. Ball St. Cardinals (5)
Record: 10-0 (6-0)
Coaches Poll: 16
Associated Press: 14
Last Week: Won @ Miami 31-16
Flying under the radar is a Cardinals’ defense that has stepped up. Over the last five games, they have allowed just 10.6 points per game.
Next: 11/19: @ Central Michigan; 11/25: WMU

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Utah)

College Football Insiders Radio

BCS BUSTER SHOW - WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 12, 2008

With their tenth win, where does Ball St. stack with Utah and Boise St.? Who is the sleeper in the MAC? Which ranked BCS Buster team could fall this Saturday?

SPECIAL GUESTS

QB Brian Johnson, Utah
TE Shawn Nelson, Southern Mississippi
WR Jamarko Simmons, Western Michigan

Click to Listen to Wednesday's BCS Buster Show

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Utah)