THE CFI TOP 25 COUNTDOWN: #3 LSU TIGERS

BY DANIEL MOGOLLON
CO-FOUNDER
COLLEGE FOOTBALL INSIDERS



2006 RECORD: 11-2; SEC: 6-2
Won Sugar Bowl vs. Notre Dame 41-14
LOCATION: Baton Rouge, La.
STADIUM: Tiger (92,400)
HEAD COACH: Les Miles
OVERALL: 50-25 (6 seasons)
AT LSU: 22-4 (2 seasons)

It was amazing that the Tigers not only failed to win the Southeastern Conference last season, they did not even make it to the championship game with the Arkansas Razorbacks representing the West Division. Nick Saban did not leave the cupboard bare and new headman Les Miles appears to be adding some talent of his own. Miles was 11-2 in each of his first two seasons, however if he fails to win the conference title this year the moaning and groaning will be loud in Cajun Country.

WHEN THE CATS HAVE THE BALL

OFFENSIVE COORDINAROR: Gary Crowton (1st Season)
OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 7
KEY LOSSES: JaMarcus Russell, Dwayne Bowe, Craig Davis, Justin Vincent, Brian Johnson, Alley Broussard (Quit Team)

Remember when Peyton Manning left Tennessee and the Vols won it all, well the same thing can happen at LSU. Like Tee Martin, Matt Flynn is not nearly the pro prospect his predecessor was, nevertheless he is an excellent college player who is more than capable of winning games and leading the way. His go-to guy will be speedy senior Early Doucet, who can stretch the field and he excels after the catch, a nearly impossible one-on-one cover. With two receivers gone and playing in the NFL, they will need sophomore Brandon LaFell to step up opposite Doucet. Another key component that will make Flynn’s life easier is an improved running game, with a pair of highly touted sophomores in Keiland Williams and Charlie Scott ready to break out. They each bring size and speed to the table, which is why they were both productive in limited duty as freshmen. The line returns four starters and as a group -- they should be better for the experience they gained last season. Guard Herman Johnson and tackle Ciron Black form a mammoth left side (676 pounds).

PRO PROSPECTS: 1) Early Doucet (SR), 2) Herman Johnson (JR), 3) Ciron Black (SO), 4) Jacob Hester (SR), 5) Will Arnold (SR), 6) Brandon LaFell (SO), 7) Richard Dickson (SO), 8) Keiland Williams (SO), 9) Charles Scott (SO), 10) Matt Flynn (SR)

WHEN THE OTHER TEAM THE HAS THE BALL

DEFENSIVE COORDINAROR: Bo Pelini (3rd Season)
DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 8
KEY LOSSES: LaRon Landry, Jessie Daniels, Daniel Francis, Chase Pittman

Very few teams can rival the type of talent the Tigers possess along their defensive line. All-American Glenn Dorsey would have been a first round pick had he declared, however much to the dismay of SEC offensive lineman, Dorsey is back for another season of domination, as he will command double teams all season long. That could spell trouble as Tyson Jackson is a stout end who can also get to the quarterback, while Marlon Favorite and Al Woods, among others, expect to play bigger roles this season. All four could eventually be first round picks in the NFL sometime over the next few seasons. Ali Highsmith and Darry Beckwith are their top two backers, the overlooked but solid portion of this defense. Corners Chevis Jackson and Jonathan Zenon form one of the top pairs in the country, with safety the most unproven position on the team. Not a starter, senior Craig Steltz has some starting experience, but it will be impossible to replace all that LaRon Landry could do.

PRO PROSPECTS: 1) Glenn Dorsey (SR), 2) Marlon Favorite (JR), 3) Tyson Jackson (JR), 4) Ali Highsmith (SR), 5) Darry Beckwith (JR), 6) Chevis Jackson (SR), 7) Jonathan Zenon (SR), 8) Al Woods (SO), 9) Craig Steltz (SR), 10) Charles Alexander (JR)

THE SCHEDULE

At Alabama: almost as if fate was the schedule maker, the Tigers season could come down to their trip to Tuscaloosa to face ex-coach Nick Saban, who just a few seasons ago brought a National Championship to Cajun Country. With Virginia Tech, as well as South Carolina, Florida, Auburn and Arkansas all coming to Louisiana, the Crimson Tide are easily LSU’s toughest road foe. The only thing worse for Coach Miles than falling short of another SEC title is if Saban’s squad is the reason why, while everyone in the state dreads the thought of the Tide toppling their Tigers. Bama is a sleeper in the SEC and an upset of LSU could be the springboard they are looking for.

PIVOTAL POINT

Less sizzle, more steak. The Tigers were among America’s flashiest teams last season, especially on offense. No one could match JaMarcus Russell’s freakish abilities, flicking the ball around the field with utter ease, with a relay team running routes and getting open for him. Flynn is not nearly as exciting as Russell was, as their passing game will not be nearly as high octane as it was in 2006, but it will be steady with even fewer mistakes. In addition, expect a much more physical offensive brand of football this season, with Flynn doing his job as a game manager, just as he did two years ago against Miami in the Peach Bowl.

CFI FINAL ANALYSIS

How talented were the Tigers last season? Well…how many teams do you know that could lose their quarterback, who just happened to be the number one overall pick in the draft, as well as two first round picks at the receiver position and a safety who was selected in the top ten AND comeback as a consensus top five team in America? Miles has a great record here, but has something to prove under pressure. Each year they lost an early season game, seemingly taking them out of the national title picture before they took off. Furthermore, they lost their biggest game over the last two years, when an underdog Georgia team pulled off the upset, 34-14, in the SEC Championship game in 2005. It is BCS Championship game or bust for the Bayou Bengals.

Check back tomorrow to see who is #2 in CFI’s Top 25 Countdown

YOU GOTTA HAVE FAITH

BY SHANNON O’KEEFE
NOTRE DAME INSIDER
Join intrepid reporter Shannon O’Keefe as she ventures into the mind, heart and soul of the Notre Dame follower. Before she takes you inside the storied program, O’Keefe enters the realm of the faithful, let’s see what these fanatics might have to say.

College football season is finally upon us. The endless summer blogging about what to expect this season is about to transition into endless fall blogging about unexpected successes and dismal failures. I knew that then-ers will own the Internet. So where does that place me? Put me firmly into the camp of hopers and dreamers. This season, I’d rather believe in leprechauns than statistics.

Like any Irish faithful, I do believe in this team, or at least its leaders. Charlie Weis being chief among them. This season is going to be tough, and potentially ugly, but I believe Coach Weis can put us on the right path – if not to the Louisiana Superdome, then at least a path of progress. I hate the term transitional year because no true fan wants anything to do with transition. We want wins. We want to be in the race. We want some seriously hard hits and airy forward passes on the ESPN highlight reel. Still, let’s face it, best case scenario, we’re in the middle of a good transitional year. A couple of exciting wins, a few close calls and the promise of something great … to come.

I believe in Tom Zbikowski, a fifth-year safety, who can be so dangerous, so explosive, when he’s focused on the field – and this year he is – he’s leaner, quicker and a serious contender for All-America accolades.

I believe in John Carlson, a fifth-year tight end and the only 2006 Mackey Award finalist to return this season.

I believe in Geoff Price, a fifth-year punter with a strong leg.

Domers might be fixated on the quarterback race – Jimmy Clausen, with his newly disclosed off-season surgery; Demetrius Jones, the seeming forerunner; and Evan Sharpley, Quinn’s backup. Putting anyone under center at Notre Dame is anxiety inducing; following Brady Quinn begs trainers to add Xanax to the pre-game routine.

Instead, I’ll be watching Joe Brockington, who is moving to inside linebacker, two freshmen, Armando Allen and Golden Tate, who are the top kick returners and the wickedly talented Sam Young at right tackle.

The first real test will come this weekend against Georgia Tech.

Can we beat them? Yes. They don’t have the talent of Michigan or USC. Will we? Hard to say. They have a good running game and our defense is unproven, particularly in the new 3-4 scheme under defensive coordinator Corwin Brown. However, Georgia Tech has also lost some primetime talent. They may have namesakes to fill the void – James Johnson, but it’s going to take more than the same name on the back of the jersey to replace Calvin Johnson. Defensively, they blitz on 75 percent of snaps. I’d suspect the Irish eyes are on Demetrius Jones to tuck and run. Travis Thomas returning to running back, John Sullivan at center and Carlson at tight end, which will help to bring some continuity to our untested offensive leader.

Still, if our offense could only put 14 up with Quinn under center last season against the Rambling Wreck, well, here’s hoping.

Go Irish!

Look for weekly updates on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish from Shannon O’Keefe.

BIG EAST: TIME TO STEP IT UP!

BY CHRISTOPHER MOGOLLON
BIG EAST INSIDER
The Big East bragged about having the best out of conference record last year but there might be a reason for that -- an easy schedule. Many in the conference are complaining that they do not get any respect, but they have nobody to blame but themselves.

This season, the Big East has three teams ranked in the polls (Louisville, Rutgers and West Virginia) with a fourth, South Florida, knocking on the door and for the most part, the out of conference schedules for these top teams and the rest of the league is flat out despicable. Instead of trying to prove the doubters wrong and going out there and scheduling top teams, the Big East has packed their out of conference games with cream puffs.

Each school has five games with non-conference opponents, 40 games in total against non Big East foes. Out of those 40 games, there is only one, yes one versus a team that is ranked in the preseason Coach’s Poll (South Florida @ #14 Auburn). Moreover, Big East teams play six games against non Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly known as DII) schools and 25 games against teams from non-BCS conferences. Every school plays at least one non Football Bowl Subdivision team except Syracuse and West Virginia, with the Orange also the only school to play as many as three games versus BCS teams.

It gets worst!

Not only are the Big East’s main out of conference games not against top BCS schools, but often they are against the worst, such as Duke and Mississippi State. The combined ‘06 record of the Big East opponents is 171-248 and that is excluding the non Football Bowl Subdivision teams, with only nine of those teams making a bowl last year.

Furthermore, not only are the teams playing easy games, but they are playing them all at home. Not one school will play more than two out of conference road games this year and Rutgers will only play one. When you compare their schedules to other conferences, it’s pretty sad.

The SEC is known for playing some soft schools but at least they have the toughest conference games to deal with. West Virginia and Louisville are trying to contend for a National Title, competing against schools like USC, Michigan and Oklahoma, who are actually going out there and playing competitive teams.

Compare West Virginia and Rutgers schedule to some other schools:

Rutgers: Buffalo, Navy, Norfolk State, Maryland, @Army
Florida St.: UAB, @Colorado, Alabama (Neutral), @Florida
West Virginia: Western Michigan, @Marshall, @Maryland, East Carolina, Miss State
Michigan: Appalachian State, Oregon, Notre Dame, Eastern Michigan

West Virginia, Louisville and Rutgers are all trying to make statements this season, but it is hard to make a national impression when they have a three-game season. The future looks a little better, next year West Virginia does play Auburn and Colorado but still the schedules should be tougher. Rutgers has only three games scheduled for next year: Army, Navy and North Carolina. Hopefully, they don’t fill the open slot with the little sisters of the poor.

The Big East needs to add tougher opponents if they want to be considered a major conference. Even though they have made major strides and the depth is better with South Florida and Cincinnati making contributions, with the hope that Syracuse will be better than last year -- college football fans must take the records of Louisville, West Virginia and even Rutgers lightly when they look at the rankings.

Here is a full list of all the Big East schools out of conference schedule for 2007:

Cincinnati: SE Missouri State, Oregon State, @Miami (OH), Marshall, @ San Diego State
Connecticut: @Duke, Maine, Temple, Akron, @Virginia
Louisville: Murray State, MTSU, @Kentucky, @NC State, Utah
Pittsburgh: Eastern Michigan, Grambling State, @Michigan State, @Virginia, Navy
Rutgers: Buffalo, Navy, Norfolk State, Maryland, @Army
South Florida: Elon, @Auburn, North Carolina, @FIA, Central Florida
Syracuse: Washington, @Iowa, Illinois, @Miami (OH), Buffalo
West Virginia: Western Michigan, @Marshall, @Maryland, East Carolina, Miss State

THE CFI TOP 25 COUNTDOWN: #4 OKLAHOMA SOONERS

BY DANIEL MOGOLLON
CO-FOUNDER
COLLEGE FOOTBALL INSIDERS





2006 RECORD: 11-3; BIG 12: 7-1
Lost Fiesta Bowl vs. Boise St. 43-42 (OT)
LOCATION: Norman, Oklahoma
STADIUM: Memorial (82,112)
HEAD COACH: Bob Stoops
OVERALL: 86-19 (8 seasons)
AT OKLAHOMA: 86-19 (8 seasons)

Last season the Sooners won their fourth Big 12 Title in the last seven seasons, as Bob Stoops found a way to win despite losing his quarterback Rhett Bomar just a few weeks before the season started, as well as all everything tailback Adrian Peterson for the stretch run. As much as any program, the Sooners are about a team effort, which is why year in and year out they are among the top contenders to make a BCS Bowl, if not make a run for the title (three BCS Championship appearances under Stoops).

WHEN THE SOONERS HAVE THE BALL

OFFENSIVE COORDINAROR: Kevin Wilson (7th Season)
OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 8
KEY LOSSES: Adrian Peterson, Paul Thompson, Chris Messner

Redshirt freshman Sam Bradford has taken the keys to the car from Coach Stoops and this is no jalopy, the Sooners offense is a sports car all the way. Wide receiver Malcolm Kelly is among the most underrated pass catchers in the nation, who could flourish with a top-flight pocket passer. Kelly brings size and speed -- two commodities the OU receivers have an abundance of. Juaquin Iglesias is the perfect compliment, great after the catch, with Manual Johnson a pure blazer and sophomore Adron Tennell (6’4”) coming on. As if that wasn’t enough, the Sooners are three deep in talented tight ends as well, with true sophomore Jermaine Gresham possessing boundless potential. They’re not done yet, as running back may be their deepest position, with senior Allen Patrick combining pure power and great straight line speed, joined by redshirt freshman DeMarco Murray, a playmaker in the mold of Reggie Bush. If running back is their deepest position, the offensive line is their most seasoned, as six players have starting experience during their OU careers, with possibly the most talented second string in America. Everything is there for Bradford to succeed or not screw it up depending on your perspective.

PRO PROSPECTS: 1) Malcolm Kelly (JR), 2) George Robinson (JR), 3) Jermaine Gresham (SO), 4) DeMarco Murray (FR), 5) Allen Patrick (SR), 6) Branndan Braxton (JR), 7) Joe Jon Finley (SR), 8) Brandon Walker (JR), 9) Juaquin Iglesias (JR), 10) Brody Eldridge (SO), 11) Phil Loadholt (JR), 12) Trent Williams (SO), 13) Garrett Hartley (SR)

WHEN THE OTHER TEAM HAS BALL

DEFENSIVE COORDINAROR: Brent Venables (9th Season)
DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 7
KEY LOSSES: Rufus Alexander, Zack Latimer, CJ Ah You, Larry Birdine

The last line of defense for the Sooners could be the best in all the land, could be the best we have seen at OU, which is a major statement as the defensive backfield is always a point of emphasis for Coach Stoops, often the landing spot for some of the team’s top athletes. Former highly touted offensive recruits such as Lendy Holmes and D.J. Wolfe are now key cogs in the secondary. Their top talent is skilled cover man Reggie Smith who is just as capable of starting at safety, while hybrid Nic Harris -- part safety/part linebacker could be their most productive defender. I have not even mentioned All Big 12 performer Marcus Walker (CB) or free safety Darien Williams, who despite being high on many pre-season 2008 draft lists, is not assured of a starting job this season. The front seven will have to pick it up, they lack the experience but not the potential and it all begins inside. Sophomore DeMarcus Granger and redshirt freshman Gerald McCoy were considered the best at their position coming out of high school and the expectations are that JUCO Mike Reed will be able to step in and contribute after enrolling in the spring.

PRO PROSPECTS: 1) Reggie Smith (JR), 2) Marcus Walker (SR), 3) Nic Harris (JR), 4) Lendy Holmes (SR), 5) Gerald McCoy (FR), 6) DeMarcus Granger (FR), 7) Curtis Lofton (JR), 8) Steve Coleman (SR), 9) D.J. Wolfe (SR), 10) Darien Williams (SR), 11) Mike Reed (JR)

THE SCHEDULE

With instate rival Oklahoma St., out of conference foe Miami, up and coming Big 12 South opponent Texas A & M, as well as the dangerous Missouri Tigers from the North all coming to Norman this season, the Sooners could set themselves up for a fourth trip to the BCS Championship game in the last eight seasons. Therefore, the game of the year, the Red River Shootout, will be the game of the year and may end up as a de facto national semi-final as the Sooners could very well be a touchdown favorite or better in every other contest this season. After Boomer Sooner laid the boom on the Horns five straight years, Texas has Hooked ‘Em in the last two. Last season they showed they could still win the conference with a loss to UT, however in all likelihood a potential run at the National Title would be out of question.

PIVOTAL POINT

With the best defensive backfield in America and possibly the top offensive line, as well as the most dynamic special teams in all the land the only reason the Sooners are not ranked higher is the lack of a proven commodity at the quarterback position. Stoops has won his four conference titles with four different signal callers making him the Joe Gibbs of college football, nevertheless we cannot downplay the importance of the quarterback position. If Bradford does not make mistakes the Sooners will win ten games, if he can play like another freshman quarterback did in the Big 12 South last season, the Sooners might just win them all.

CFI FINAL ANALYSIS

Outside of Southern California, it is hard to find a more talented roster than Bob Stoops has assembled in Norman and if they had a proven leader under center there is little doubt they would be the number-two team in the country. If speed kills then they do not lack ammunition. Of course, they must also avoid the odd year jinx, as all of Stoops’ Big 12 Titles have come in even years (2000, 2002, 2004 and 2006). The Sooners found a way to win with a first year starter at quarterback in 2006 and they will do so again in 2007.

Check back tomorrow to see who is #3 in CFI’s Top 25 Countdown

THE BIG LEAST -- NO MORE

BY CHRISTOPHER MOGOLLON
BIG EAST INSIDER
As soon as Miami and Virginia Tech headed over to the Atlantic Coast Conference, discussion began around the question: should the Big East remain a BCS conference?

It looked bleak for the conference in 2004, when Boston College was the only team to finish ranked and the Eagles were heading to the ACC the very next year. The winner of the conference, Pittsburgh, was embarrassed by Mountain West champ Utah.

To replace the losses the Big East dipped into Conference USA adding Cincinnati, Louisville and South Florida and the conference has rebounded, with big years from West Virginia and Louisville. The Mountaineers victory over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl solidified their fantastic season in 2005 and last year the conference was ecstatic about the arrival of Rutgers into the national picture finishing the year ranked 12th while conference champ Louisville beating up on the ACC winner Wake Forest in the Orange Bowl for a bit of sweet revenge.

This season the Big East opens up with West Virginia, Louisville and Rutgers all ranked in the top 16 of both the AP Poll and the USA Today Poll, with the Mountaineers reaching as high as high as number three in the AP Poll.

* Check Back Tomorrow to See What Chris Thinks The Big East Needs to do to Take the Next Step