LIVE FROM THE DOME: THE BIG EAST PREVIEW (PART III)

BY CHRISTOPHER J. MOGOLLON
BIG EAST INSIDER

11:10 – ESPN2 - West Virginia 1-0 (0-0) @ Marshall 0-1 (0-0) - It Is always great to see a powerhouse like West Virginia visiting the smaller interstate school in a out of conference game (first time since 1915). Edwards Stadium will be rocking for this rivalry game rooting their Herd on against a backfield that features two Heisman candidates. Last week Marshall was very sloppy versus Miami turning the ball over four times and committing eleven penalties. In their 31-3 loss to the ‘Canes, Marshall didn’t really move the ball -- only cumulating 245 total yards, 64 on the ground. Quarterback Bernard Morris is key to making this game a total blowout or semi-competitive. We all know WVU’s weakness is their pass defense and Morris, who has been a bust so far, could have a good game with the home crowed supporting the senior. The Marshall defense is mediocre for the MAC meaning they do not have what it takes to stop White and Slaton. Expect the Mountaineers to have a ton of yards on the ground. This game could be close in the beginning but West Virginia has too much on offense to be upset. Last year when they met Slaton rushed for 203 yards and two touchdowns.

12:00 - ESPN 360 - Grambling State 1-0 (1-0) @ Pittsburgh 1-0 (0-0) - The big story out of Pittsburgh last week was not about the impressive victory over Eastern Michigan but the fact that starting quarterback Bill Stull will be out for the next three to six weeks. There is no better time to break in a quarterback then against a SWAC team at home. Starting running back LaRod Stephen-Howling and backup LeSean McCoy should get a lot carries. Many people doubted the Pitt defense coming into this season but played great last week and should put up the same dominance versus Grambling State. It is important for the Panthers to play well and not look ahead to a huge game next week in East Lansing. Pitt will win but the question is will they play well.

8:05 - Big Ten Network - Syracuse 0-1 (0-0) @ Iowa 1-0 (0-0) - The Orange could not have had a worse performance last week against Washington. Let’s all hope they don’t play as bad in Iowa this week. The Hawkeyes and Orange played a classic last year in the Carrier Dome for a double overtime thriller. Iowa ended up having a very disappointing year, this year many are sleeping on Kirk Ferentz’s team. What is scary to watch in this game is the Iowa front four versus the O-Line of Syracuse. Defensive ends Kenny Iwebema and Bryan Mattison should have at least a sack each -- the Orange line is that bad. If Andrew Robinson gets time to pass, he has to deal with a very good Iowa secondary. One thing that might make this game close is the Syracuse veterans on defense will not allow the team to play as bad as they did in the opener. The front four should play better and in the secondary expect Dowayne Davis and Joe Fields to keep Iowa from making big pass plays. The Orange will not win this game but should play better, it is important for the program not to be annihilated again.

SOME FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE MAIZE AND BLUE

Brian Y. Yu, The Student:

“Two nights ago, I was engaged in an ice-breaker (one of those cheesy, name-games you play with a group of people you first meet) for my campus job that was like musical chairs but without the music. With the chairs in a circle, facing inward, the odd-person-out would have to shout out a characteristic. If said attribute applied, you would have to stand and run to a different chair. One of the new employees found himself inside the circle and shouted, “…if you’re still upset about the Appalachian State game!” Out of fifteen participants, only six moved, including me. The others looked around and shrugged. A few didn’t even like college football. Others said that they were over it already. Even those who did move said that they were more upset that national title hopes were diminished than about the actual result. I guess in the land of Maize and Blue, a loss is a loss is a loss. Sure it’s a big loss, (D I-AA!) but let’s just hope it’s the only one for now.”

Brad Kurtzberg, The Alum:

“Michigan was out-coached yet again. Lloyd Carr just doesn't get the most out of his talent and for some reason, they cannot defend the spread offense to save themselves. They also seem to make too many mental errors under Carr and the lack of discipline costs them every year. Did I predict they would lose one of their early games at the last (NFL Draft Bible) meeting or what? (Yes he did) It's so frustrating sometimes. I think Carr is done unless he wins the Big Ten AND beats OSU.”

RATING THE QBs

By John Murphy, Yahoo! Sports

A conference-by-conference look at the top senior NFL quarterback prospects.

ACC

Matt Ryan, Boston College – A classic, drop-back passer who has very good physical tools and the necessary toughness/intangibles to become a starter at the next level. He's a better athlete than he is given credit for and can move around the pocket with enough presence to avoid pass rushers, while putting good zip on most of his throws. He does not receive the level of hype of others in this category, but could become a solid second-round choice.

Kyle Wright, Miami, FL – Wright is currently backing up Kirby Freeman. But USA Today's top-rated quarterback coming out of high school is 6-foot-4, 220 pounds and runs 4.6 in the 40. That will surely get him a free agent shot, even if he remains on the bench all season.

Big East

Brian Brohm, Louisville – Brohm is the top-rated senior quarterback and has a chance to be the No. 1 overall choice in next year's NFL Draft. He will post great numbers in the team's wide-open offensive scheme, but will spend the postseason proving he can do the same if stationed under center (not out of the shotgun). Some teams aren't sold on him because he has not always been durable and other QBs who played in the same offensive scheme have struggled in the pros. Brohm has shown the necessary smarts, work ethic and physical tools to make believers out of all critics.

Big Ten

Chad Henne, Michigan – Henne was hoping for a possible Heisman campaign and national championship run. Instead he enters Week 2 with an 0-1 record. He has struggled in some big games. That creates doubt in the minds of NFL evaluators. Henne has good, but not great tools and really needs to step up his game or risk falling to the back end of the draft pool.

Anthony Morelli, Penn State – Morelli could make the biggest jump. He has all the qualities of a top-rated quarterback and is now surrounded by solid upperclassmen. He is a tough, smart kid with a nice arm and can rise up the charts by cutting down turnovers and proving he knows what it takes to carry a team.

Big 12

Sam Keller, Nebraska – Arizona State transfer who made his way to the Midwest for the chance to start. Keller sat out last year, but learned the offense and has looked very sharp throughout spring and fall drills. He has good size and a strong arm. He could be a surprise third- to fourth-round choice by year's end.

Bret Meyer, Iowa State – An athletic, dual threat who has fallen off in scouts' eyes because he forces too many balls and has committed too many turnovers. He needs to prove he is more of a passer than thrower in his final season.

Pac-10

John David Booty, USC – Booty has one of the most high-pressure positions in college football. He has proven to be a solid replacement to Matt Leinart. He throws a very accurate, catchable ball, but does not wow you with any one portion of his game. A good, but not great athlete, surrounded by USC's unreal talent level. Booty is still not the most vocal of leaders and might not crave the spotlight. He started the season with the Heisman Trophy and a national title within his reach. He needs to achieve those goals in order to prove himself as more than just a caretaker.

SEC

Andre' Woodson, Kentucky – Hot commodity entering his final season. Woodson has cut down on turnovers and shows rare athleticism for a 6-4, 225 pounder. He can make all the necessary throws and shows impressive zip on his deep throws. Has led the Wildcats to a bowl game two consecutive years. Has learned how to settle his feet, step up and work from the pocket, but can still make plays on the move. A big year could catapult him into the Top 20 of next year's draft.

Erik Ainge, Tennessee – Looks to be the top guy in the SEC and a first-round pick. But he is inconsistent and has failed to deliver in several big situations. He is still only 21, so there is time for him to mature and develop. His raw athleticism might be too much to pass over if he improves in other areas. He has battled injuries (MCL, pinky) over the past few months.

Matt Flynn, LSU – A first-year starter who has shown the athleticism and arm strength to ascend into the upper echelon by year's end. Smart, hard worker who waited his time behind JaMarcus Russell. He could be a solid mid-round choice with upside, similar to how the New England Patriots were able to grab former USC backup Matt Cassel.

WAC

Colt Brennan, Hawaii – Brennan has a great release, is highly accurate and shows more than enough zip on his short-to-intermediate passes. He has learned and grown from his early mistakes and become a true team leader. Has a chance to win the Heisman. Lacks the big-time frame of other passers in this year's group, but has the size to fill out to around 210 pounds. The drawbacks are his lack of experience under center and in a true pro-scheme. Is not called upon to throw a lot of deep or vertical routes.

SMALL-SCHOOL PROSPECTS

Josh Johnson, San Diego – A superb athlete who grew as a QB the past few years under the guidance of new Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh. He heads into his senior campaign with many evaluators eyeing him as a possible surprise first-day draft choice. Johnson was suspended for one game after violating team rules in the offseason. He combines 4.5 speed with a strong arm and has become more accurate.

Joseph Flacco, Delaware – University of Pittsburgh transfer who brings excellent size (6--6, 230) and above-average arm strength to the field. He moves well in the pocket and completed 63 percent of his passes as a first-year starter last season. Has a chance to move up into the middle rounds of the draft with a big senior season.

Ricky Santos, New Hampshire – Has just average size (6-1, 215) and does not jump off the page when you see his workout numbers. But he is a highly accurate passer with great intangibles. He plays in a bit of a wide-open offensive system, but is able to find the open man and throws a very catchable ball.

Luke Drone, Illinois State – A two-sport star who has developed into a high-caliber performer. Lacks ideal size, but is very athletic, throws a good ball and has produced consistent results over the past two years.

Kyle Spotts, Kutztown – Came to the Division II program as a transfer from Colgate, and has made his mark as both a passer and runner. Has decent size, a good enough arm to be evaluated by NFL scouts and can make plays on the move as both a runner and passer. Does not have a great upper body build and has taken a few shots by holding onto the ball too long. But you like his toughness and ability to make plays.

Casey Hansen, Norfolk State – A big, strong-armed QB who could create some waves in the MEAC. He's 6-5, 220 pounds and a classic, drop-back pocket passer.

Brad Roach, Catawba – Possesses NFL size (6-6, 245), but will need to cut down on his turnovers, make better reads and increase his completion percentage in order to catch the eye of scouts this season. He is also not the swiftest player on the field, so making the right reads from the pocket and improving his footwork will be the keys for him to get next-level consideration.

Buddy Rivera, Northern Michigan – Has led the team in passing while also finishing as one of the top three rushers the past two years. He passed for over 300 yards in the opener and has proven to be a very good leader.

Known as the “Secret Weapon of the NFL Draft”, NFL Draft Bible head scout John Murphy is also Yahoo! Sports' NFL personnel and college prospect evaluator. Read more from Murphy at http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/expertsarchive;_ylt=AkkzD1soYcLK7hf0JkhVA6EuatAF?author=John+Murphy.

DAVEY O'BRIEN: Week 2 Brings Exciting O'Brien Match-ups

FORT WORTH, Texas (September 3, 2007) – The 2007 Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award® (The O’Brien) candidates are through the first weekend and looking forward to this week's exciting match ups in hopes of gaining more votes from the fans. Fan voting will be a new exciting component to The O’Brien in 2007.

Watch List candidates are considered for The O’Brien based on quarterback skills, athletic ability, academics, reputation as a team player, character, leadership and sportsmanship.

O'BRIEN CANDIDATE MATCH-UPS FOR WEEK 2

Harrell, Graham, Texas Tech Vs. Willis, Justin, SMU. Sept. 3, 3:00 p.m. (CT) on ESPN

Brohm, Brian, Louisville Vs. Craddock, Joe, Middle Tennesse, Sept. 6, 6:00 p.m. (CT) on ESPN2

Ainge, Erik, Tennessee Vs. Young, Jeremy, Southern Miss. Sept. 8, 6:00 p.m. (CT)

Brennan, Colt, Hawaii Vs. Champion, Zac, Louisiana Tech. Sep. 8, 6:05 p.m. (CT)

Carney, Shaun, Air Force Vs. Johnson, Brian, Utah. Sept. 8, 5:00 p.m. (CT)

Carpenter, Rudy, Arizona State Vs. Hawkins, Cody, Colorado. Sept. 8, 9:15 p.m. (CT) on FSN

Clement, Chase, Rice Vs. Szymanski, Blake, Baylor. Sept. 8, 6:00 p.m. (CT)

Daniel, Chase, Missouri Vs. Adams, Seth, Ole Miss. Sept. 8, 5:00 p.m. (CT)

Davis, Nate, Ball State Vs. Schmitt, Andy, Eastern Michigan. Sept. 8, 11:00 a.m. (CT)

Edelman, Julian, Kent State Vs. Woodson, Andre', Kentucky. Sept. 8, 5:00 p.m. (CT)

Hanie, Caleb, Colorado State Vs. Longshore, Nate, California. Sept. 8, 1:00 p.m. (CT) on CSTV

Hankins, Martin, Memphis Vs. Leonard, Corey, Arkansas State. Sept. 8, 6:00 p.m. (CT)

Harrell, Graham, Texas Tech Vs. Vittatoe, Trevor, UTEP. Sept. 8, 6:00 p.m. (CT)

Haugabook, Omar, Troy Vs. Tebow, Tim, Florida. Sept. 8, 5:00 p.m. (CT)

Henne, Chad, Michigan Vs. Dixon, Dennis, Oregon. Sept 8, 3:30 p.m. (CT) on ABC

Holbrook, Chase, NM State Vs. Porterie, Donovan, New Mexico. Sept. 8, 8:30 p.m. (CT)

Lancaster, Kinsmon, UL-Monroe Vs. Harper, Cullen, Clemson. Sept. 8, NOON (CT)

LeFevour, Dan, Central Michigan Vs. TBD, Toledo. Sept. 8, 6:00 p.m. (CT)

McCoy, Colt, Texas Vs. Dalton, Andy, TCU. Sept. 8, 6:00 p.m. (CT)on FSN

Morelli, Anthony, Penn State Vs. TBD, Notre Dame. Sept. 8, 5:00 p.m. (CT) on ESPN

Painter, Curtis, Purdue Vs. Stinson, Cole, Eastern Illinois. Sept. 8, 11:00 a.m. (CT) on Big Ten Network

Ryan, Matt, Boston College Vs. Evans, Daniel, NC State. Sept. 8, 1:30 p.m. (CT) on ESPN2

Sewell, Jameel, Virginia Vs. Lewis, Thaddeus, Duke. Sept. 8, 11:00 a.m. (CT)

Skinner, Riley, Wake Forest Vs. Keller, Sam, Nebraska. Sept. 8, 11:00 a.m. (CT) on ESPN

Stafford, Matthew, Georgia Vs. Mitchell, Blake, South Carolina. Sept. 8, 4:45 p.m. (CT) on ESPN2

Sween, Karsten, Wyoming Vs. Jackson, Leon, Utah State. Sept. 8, 1:00 p.m. (CT)

White, Pat, West Virginia Vs. Morris, Bernard, Marshall. Sept. 8, 10:10 a.m. (CT)

Willis, Justin, SMU Vs. Meager, Daniel, North Texas. Sept. 8, 7:00 p.m. (CT)

The Watch List is based on All-America teams and Honorable Mentions published in at least six different preseason college football magazines. A candidate must be listed as an All-America quarterback or as a 1st or 2nd team All-American within his conference in at least one publication, or as Honorable Mention in at least three publications.

The 2007 season marks the first time in The O’Brien’s history that the fans will have a say in the voting. Fans will be able to vote for the starting quarterback from any of the 119 Division I-A football programs, leaving room for the possibility of a quarterback who is not on the Watch List to win the award. Fans can vote once daily on The O’Brien’s updated Web site, www.DaveyOBrien.com, in hopes of moving their pick to the final round.

The winner will be announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards Show on ESPN Dec. 6, 2007. The recipient will be honored Feb. 18, 2008, at the annual Davey O’Brien Awards Dinner at The Fort Worth Club in Fort Worth, Texas.

LIVE FROM THE DOME: THE BIG EAST PREVIEW (PART II)

BY CHRISTOPHER J. MOGOLLON
BIG EAST INSIDER

7:00 – ESPN: Navy 1-0 @ Rutgers 1-0 (0-0) - This is a very interesting match up between an unranked Navy team against the 15th ranked Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Rutgers just has too much offense for a slower Navy defense. Ray Rice should have a good game being such a superstar back against a lesser defense. Last year when these two schools met it was a laugher, with RU winning 34-0. In the game, Mike Teel was very consistent completing most of his passes for 215 yards and three touchdowns. One intriguing match up will be the Navy secondary against the Rutgers speedy receivers. Navy isn’t usually blown out and has become a solid school making four consecutive bowls. Their flex-bone offense could be confusing like it was last week for Temple where tailback Shun White rushed for 122 yards and quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada rushed for 102. These two schools should be familiar with each other facing off for the fifth straight year, with Rutgers winning three out of four games.