FROM THE DEEP SOUTH: THE SEC REPORT

BY NEIL BISMAN
SEC INSIDER

Nick Saban’s conference debut at Alabama, Steve Spurrier beats Georgia (again) and LSU rolls under the lights in Baton Rouge. All that and more in today’s SEC Notebook…

Team of the Week- (tie) South Carolina and LSU: Though on the list for complete opposite reasons, it was just too hard to pick one of these teams. South Carolina was able to pull off a huge upset on the road, knocking off the #11 Georgia Bulldogs. The South Carolina defense was seemingly everywhere, forcing quarterback Matthew Stafford to run around all night long. Though not exactly vintage Steve Spurrier football, look for the Gamecocks to rely heavily on their defense and running game all season long as quarterback Blake Mitchell plays the role of caretaker as opposed to gun slinger…Can anyone stop the LSU Tigers? Virginia Tech made the trip down to Baton Rouge and did not have an answer for the Bayou Bengals on either side of the ball as they were routed by the score of 48-7. It may be early but LSU appears to be invincible, at times looking like they can knock off quite a few National Football League teams.

Team of the Weak- Auburn: There is an old adage that if you play with fire enough, eventually you are going to get burned and this week’s victim was Auburn. The Tigers looked shaky a week ago in their defeat of Kansas State and were lucky to escape with a victory. This week, they were not as fortunate as they lost at home in overtime to South Florida. The Bulls became a trendy upset pick over the summer and did not disappoint, going into Jordan-Haire Stadium and looking anything but intimidated. Except of course for kicker Delbert Alvarado who missed four field goals in the second half.

Player of the Week- BenJarvus Green-Ellis (Ole Miss): It isn’t very often a player on a losing squad has the week’s best individual performance but that was the case when Green-Ellis (pictured above) gained a whopping 226 yards on 33 carries and ran for a touchdown in the 38-25 loss to Missouri. Green-Ellis was able to bounce back after a terrible performance last week in which he gained just 79 yards on 23 carries at Memphis.

Player of the Weak- Brandon Cox (Auburn): While BenJarvus Green-Ellis was able to overcome a shaky performance from a week ago, Brandon Cox managed to look worse this week totaling 165 yards and completing just 16 of his 35 passes thrown with a touchdown and two interceptions. With Cox looking this shaky at home, it makes you wonder what type of performances we are in store for when Auburn has to travel to Florida, Arkansas, LSU and Georgia.

At least they got to play a full 60 minutes this week, technically…Florida was able to avoid bad weather this week in their 59-31 rout over Troy. Florida got out to a huge lead early and let Troy creep back into the game, making the score appear closer than it actually was. Perhaps more important than the outcome is the aftermath. Florida may be without receiver Andre Caldwell and running back/return man Brandon James for their huge match-up against Tennessee this coming Saturday. Caldwell sprained the medial collateral ligament in his right knee while James sprained an ankle. The severity of the injuries are yet to be determined.

In Grant They Trust…The emergence of freshman running back Terry Grant may be even more important than the arrival of Nick Saban in Tuscaloosa. Grant ran for 173 yards on 24 carries, scoring two touchdowns in the conference debut for head coach Nick Saban at Vanderbilt. Running back was arguably the biggest question going into the season for Alabama and if Grant can keep it up, the Crimson Tide offense will be explosive.

Time to play with the big boys…Kentucky gets to take its training wheels off and see just how potent their offense is when they get Louisville at Commonwealth Stadium this Saturday night. With blowout wins over Eastern Kentucky and Kent State, it should be interesting to see how the three-headed monster of Andre' Woodson, Keenan Burton and Rafael Little handle their first true test of the season.

SEC vs. Conference USA Challenge…The Southeastern Conference improved its record to 3-0 this week against Conference USA foes but Tennessee and Mississippi State both needed big second halves to avoid being upset. State was able to get a much better performance out of quarterback Michael Henig than it did a week ago when he threw for a school-record six interceptions a week ago…Don’t be fooled by Tennessee’s improved defensive statistics as they were the benefactor of Southern Miss running back Damion Fletcher being forced to sit out most of the second half due to cramping. Expect a shootout next week when the Vols have to travel to the Swamp next week to take on the Gators.

The third Saturday in September always proves to be an exciting one and this weekend should be no different. Be sure to check back later in the week when we break down all of the big games.

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.

THE ROAD TO ATLANTA: THE SEC EAST

BY RAFAEL GARCIA
SEC INSIDER
Down in the southern parts of America, college football stadiums were filled to capacity this past weekend -- anticipation and intensity so thick you can’t cut it with wire cutters. Welcome to the Southeastern Conference:

Last season, nine teams went to a bowl game winning a SEC record six. Two went to a BCS bowl and one stood alone as a BCS champs. Let’s peek into these teams and their chances of making it to Atlanta and the SEC Title game.

Florida- The defending champs now put their hopes of a repeat on the arms and legs of Tim Tebow. He has shown flashes of what he can do but is he ready to be the man? He has two good targets in Bubba Caldwell and Percy Harvin. Most of the offensive line returns, from a season in which they performed better than was projected in 2006. On defense, end Derrick Harvey tries to improve on an 11-sack season, including three in the BCS title game. The secondary is full of speed and ability. Can they mesh for a championship push? Other than Florida State their non-conference schedule is weak. Will the Gators repeat? Likely not but don’t count out this champ till the final round.

Tennessee- The Volunteers are looking to put Rocky Top back on top. Phillip Fulmer knows the Vol faithful won’t wait long for results or to start the call for the coach’s head. Senior quarterback Erik Ainge must step forward and be the complete signal caller Tennessee has waited for. Making it tougher is the fact that he has no standout receiver in his stable. Running backs Arian Foster, Montario Hardesty and LaMarcus Coker should form a potent ground game. They will need their inexperienced offensive line to do a better job of opening up holes than they did last year. The defense had its own difficulties getting into the opponent’s backfield. In order for the Vols to compete the defensive line will have to stop the run game and get pressure on the opposing quarterback to prevent the big plays that hurt them last year. Jonathan Hefney is the only sure thing they have in the secondary. The Vols will be hard pressed to make it to Atlanta but if Ainge and the defense hold their end up the Vols have a chance.

South Carolina- The Gamecocks feel this is their time, so says The Ole Ball Coach Steve Spurrier. After an 8-5 campaign, this team feels it is ready to compete for the East now. Quarterback Blake Mitchell came on strong during the second half of last season, but started this year serving a suspension. Spurrier has molded this kid and he knows how to get the best from his quarterbacks, so know one could more disappointed in Mitchell’s off the field troubles. Cory Boyd and Mike Davis give S.C. a solid ground game so long as the offensive line can step up, as the coach is demanding. Defensively they are still weak against the run, while their pass defense is a bit more stable and should get even better this season. Maybe this team should worry more about another a winning season before thinking they can win the East.

Georgia- The Bulldogs will have sophomore Matthew Stafford take the helm from day one after leading the Dogs to wins against three Top 25 foes (Auburn, Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech) as a redshirt freshman. Kregg Lumpkin is a duel threat as a runner, as well as a receiver. On defense, they lose many of their starters, but they have a good young nucleus just itching to make their mark. The secondary is loaded with talent and is expected to give opposing wide receivers all they can handle. Lastly, they must improve on their woeful kick return game to hope to compete for the East.

Kentucky- The Wildcats are ready to take few bites out of the SEC. They come off a bowl win and have Andre Woodson at quarterback. He led the league in total offense, passing yards per game and touchdown passes. His number one target will be Keenan Burton who had 77 catches for 1036 yards and 12 touchdowns. On defense they just flat out stink -- they can score but will be scored on. A 37-35 game with this team is par for the course. Just as last year, the secondary will give up chunks of yardage. With this team, you know they won’t challenge for the East but they sure can be fun to watch and may even play spoiler with an upset or two.

Vanderbilt- After so many years of losing could this be the year? In a word…no. Can the ‘Dores break a 24 year drought and have a winning season as well as go to a bowl? Quarterback Chris Nixon has the tools and the receiver in Earl Bennett. Bennett is arguably the best receiver in the SEC -- he has great hands and runs great routes. The running game provided stability for Nixon allowing him to shine as a passer. Defensively, Vandy must do a better job against the run, as they gave up too many big runs that led to points for their opponents. They have the experience in linebackers Jonathan Goff and Chris Williams to get better. At this point, the only thing that matters is that they achieve their goal of a winning season and a bowl berth. The rest as they say will take care of itself.

Check back tomorrow for the SEC West

Davey O’Brien Candidates Leave Their Mark in Week One

FORT WORTH, Texas (September 2, 2007) – The 2007 Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award® (The O’Brien) candidates began their bids to take home the hardware this weekend. The O’Brien Watch List features 35 talented quarterbacks and is presented annually to the nation’s best college quarterback, inspiring student-athletes to triumph both on and off the field.

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. This weekend many candidates rose to the occasion to turn in stellar performances.

Week 1 Top Performers


•Erik Ainge, Tennessee, Sr. Threw for 271 yards and 3 touchdowns on 32 for 47 passing.

•John David Booty, USC, Sr. Threw for 206 yards and 3 touchdowns on 21 for 32 passing.

•Colt Brennan, Hawai’i’, Sr. Threw for 416 yards and 6 touchdowns on 34 for 40 passing.

•Brian Brohm, Louisville, Sr. Threw for 375 yards and 4 touchdowns on 21 for 16 passing.

•Shaun Carney, Air Force, Sr. Threw for 176 yards and 1 touchdown on 11 for 18 passing.

•Rudy Carpenter, Arizona State, Jr. Threw for 197 yards and 2 touchdowns on 14 for 20 passing.

•Chase Clement, Rice, Jr. Threw for 101 yards on 11 for 28 passing.

•Chase Daniel, Missouri, Jr. Threw for 358 yards and 3 touchdowns on 37 for 54 passing.

•Nate Davis, Ball State, So. Threw for198 yards and 1 touchdown on 19 for 36 passing.

•Dennis Dixon, Oregon, Sr. Threw for 132 yards and 2 touchdowns on 9 for 15 passing.

•Julian Edelman, Kent State, Jr. Threw for 161 yards an 1 touchdown on 17 for 26 passing.

•Caleb Hannie, Colorado State, Sr. Threw for 229 yards and 3 touchdowns on 20 for 27 passing.

•Martin Hankins, Memphis, Sr. Threw for 349 yards and 1 touchdown on 41 for 60 passing.

•Omar Haugabook, Troy, Sr. Threw for 204 yards and 1 touchdown on 15 for 43 passing.

•Chad Henne, Michigan, Sr. Threw for 233 yards and 1 touchdown on 19 for 37 passing.

•Chase Holbrook, New Mexico State, Jr. Threw for 280 yards and 4 touchdowns on 23 for 33 passing.

•Kinsmon Lancaster, UL – Monroe, Jr. Threw for 66 yards and 1 touchdown on 7 for 21 passing.

•Dan Lefevour, Central Michigan, So. Threw for 165 yards and 1 touchdown on 16 for 34 passing.

•Corey Leonard, Arkansas State, So. Threw for 259 yards on 23 for 36 passing.

•Nate Longshore, California, Jr. Threw for 2 41 yards and 2 touchdowns on 19 for 28 passing.

•Colt McCoy, Texas, So. Threw for 223 yards and 2 touchdowns on 22 for 33 passing.

•Anothony Morelli, Penn State, Sr. Threw for 295 yards and 3 touchdowns on 23 for 38 passing.

•Curtis Painter, Purdue, Jr. Threw for 251 yards and 4 touchdowns on 14 for 30 passing.

•Matt Ryan, Boston College, Sr. Threw for 406 yards and 5 touchdowns on 32 for 53 passing.

•Jameel Sewell, Virginia, So. Threw for 87 yards on 11 for 24 passing.

•Riley Skinner, Wake Forest, So. Threw for 236 yards and 1 touchdown on 28 for 37 passing.

•Matthew Stafford, Georgia, So. Threw for 234 yards and 2 touchdowns on 18 for 24 passing.

•Karsten Sween, Wyoming, So. Threw for 253 yards and 1 touchdown on 25 for 34 passing.

•Pat White, West Virginia, Jr. Threw for 192 yards and 2 touchdowns on 10 for 18 passing along with 2 rushing touchdowns.

•Andre’ Woodson, Kentucky, Sr. Threw for 250 yards and 3 touchdowns on20 for 29 passing.

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.

About The Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award® The O’Brien honors the nation’s best college quarterback of the year and inspires student-athletes to triumph both on and off the field. By recognizing and honoring athletes who excel in both sports and academics while exhibiting strong character and leadership, The O’Brien helps to instill a lifelong moral fiber in each candidate. The O’Brien is overseen by the Davey O’Brien Foundation, which was founded in 1977 and is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. The Foundation provides scholarships and university grants to help high school and college athletes transform leadership on the field into leadership in life. For more information, visit www.DaveyOBrien.com.

CFI’S CONFERENCE PREVIEW PART VI:

THE SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE
BY DANIEL MOGOLLON
CFI CO-FOUNDER

Conference Champ: LSU/Auburn (West) vs. Georgia/Tennessee (East): Can you tell the SEC is a competitive conference? The LSU Tigers lose JaMarcus Russell and LaRon Landry, a pair of top ten picks and remain the most talented team in the SEC. Part of the reason is the return of Glenn Dorsey, who is back to lead a dominating defense. Despite their talent, LSU did not even make it to the SEC Championship in 2006, part of which was due to their loss at Auburn. Those Tigers are 33-5 over the last three years and with the likes of Quentin Grooves, Sen’Derrick Marks and Tray Blackmon leading the defense, they cannot be counted out. In the East, a Georgia squad that grew up late in the season with three straight wins over Auburn (on the road), Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech (Bowl), all in the Top 20, will be even better this year. Meanwhile, Tennessee has not won a conference title since 1998, something the Vol faithful remind Phillip Fulmer regularly. If they play better in the trenches this could be the year they break the streak behind the play of Eric Ainge on offense and Jonathan Hefney on defense. If you are waiting for the Gators, don’t, because they will not repeat as champs. They have talent, but they did lose NINE starters on defense and Tim Tebow must prove he can do more than be a change of pace quarterback. Finally, you don’t get credit for last year, if anything, it makes this season tougher.

The Sleeper: Alabama: I get the feeling that part of the reason Mike Shula was fired after last season is the people at Alabama were afraid he would have good year in 2007. They return nine players on offense, including up and coming quarterback John Parker Wilson, as well as all five starters along the offensive line, led by true sophomore Andre Smith, who has the look of a future NFL left tackle. Adding Nick Saban, one of the top coaches in the college game does not hurt either. Neither does the fact that they play Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee and LSU at home. Put a circle around the November 3 visit from the Tigers.

Offensive Player of the Year: Darren McFadden (ARK) vs. Andre’ Woodson (KU): McFadden was the Heisman runner up and this year’s favorite, so it would come as a major surprise if anyone other than the multi-talented Razorback is the best offensive player in the SEC. Not only is McFadden the nation’s top tailback, in the “wildcat” formation he is an efficient quarterback, just as capable of throwing a touchdown, as running one in. He is also one of the top kick returners. If anyone can challenge McFadden, it will be a true Wildcat, the Kentucky quarterback. With JaMarcus Russell off to the NFL, Woodson takes over as the conference’s hulking strong-armed quarterback. Woodson threw for 3515 yards and 31 TDs (7 INTs) as a junior, while completing 63 percent of his passes and finished the season with 1380 yards and 11 TDs (no INTs) in the season’s final four games, including a bowl win over Clemson.

Defensive Player of the Year: Glenn Dorsey (LSU) vs. Jonathan Hefney (UT): Other players will put up bigger numbers than LSU’s Dorsey, however it is doubtful anyone will be better or more disruptive. He will see constant double teams and maybe even some triple teams, as opponents will do anything they can to prevent him from collapsing the pocket. He recorded 8.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage in 2006 and is coming back for more, much to the dismay of the rest of the SEC, who believed he was more than ready to make the jump. Hefney is not quite as hyped, which will happen with the likes of LaRon Landry and Reggie Nelson overshadowing him, but now is the time for this Vol to shine. Hefney has played both corner and safety in his career, but he is best suited to manning centerfield from his free safety position. Hefney recorded 96 tackles and five picks, making him an outstanding two way player.

Breakout Seasons: Rico McCoy (UT), Tray Blackmon (AU), Brandon Spikes (UF): The SEC is stocked with good young linebackers led by Prince Hall (Alabama) who had a big freshman season. Looking to follow his lead will be this troika of fellow second year players. McCoy steps in as the WILL for the Vols and because upperclassman and returning starters Jerod Mayo and Ryan Karl are there, John Chavis can really let the speedy McCoy loose. The Vols will look for him to be an impact player. Brandon Spikes of Florida will have a tougher task. Spikes possesses the talent and the size (6’3”/241) to man the middle, however he will also have to provide leadership to a young linebacking corps and front seven. There may be an adjustment period, but the true sophomore should be up to the challenge. Staying on the field has been the hurdle that Blackmon must overcome. Injuries, as well as disaplinary issues caused Blackmon to miss six games as a freshman, as well as spring ball. Coach Tommy Tuberville evoked the name of Ray Lewis at SEC media day, who he coached at Miami, when talking about Blackmon…that pretty much says it all…doesn’t it?

Best Pro Prospect: Darren McFadden (ARK)/Glenn Dorsey (LSU): I know, I am talking the easy way out, but any team at the top of next year’s draft would do just fine by selecting either one of these prospects. If you need a franchise tailback that can carry the load, as well as break a game open, while providing unparalleled versatility then McFadden is your guy. If your defense needs a strong, stout and agile interior lineman to make life easier for the linebackers behind him and the linemen on either side, then have Roger Goodell call Dorsey’s name. Hey, with Dorsey coming back we have another season to evaluate both prospects and that is about how long it will take to decide between the two. It’s kind of like…who do you want take to take out to dinner, the Maxim cover girl from this month or last month?

College Football Insiders Picks:

Conference Champion: Louisiana St. Tigers: Does it really matter who makes it out of the East? The Tigers are the most talented team and with a solid quarterback in Matt Flynn stepping in, they could go all the way.

Offensive Player of the Year: Darren McFadden (ARK): The only question we have about McFadden’s abilities is “what can’t he do?” McFadden is a strong runner, with breakaway speed, making his versatility a bonus.

Defensive Player of the Year: Glenn Dorsey (LSU): Dorsey could have left for the draft following his junior season and would have been a sure fire first round pick, if not a top ten selection. Big men with his ability are rare.

Check back tomorrow to see CFI’s Next 25 (26-50)