What a difference a year makes. Just 12 months ago, the Arkansas Razorbacks entered the 2008 football season with a lot of uncertainty at the running back position after the departures of Darren McFadden and Felix Jones to the NFL. Both left with a year of eligibility remaining. It was believed that Michael Smith could be a solid SEC-caliber back, but with few carries to be had after McFadden, Jones and Peyton Hillis, also in the NFL, Smith was ...

I wrote up previews for offense in two parts, Part I and Part II.  The Wolverine defense will be vastly different from last season with a new coordinator and a new system for them (unlike the offense) the players may have to adjust to the new alignments more this up coming seasons, which may in turn put pressure on the Michigan offense to perform.  First let's talk about the new coordinator Greg Robinson.  Robinson is ...

Jerry Hughes will always have the nasty factor going for him.   If he's facing double teams, you can be sure he won't be content to just take the special treatment and play passively. He's out to knock peoples heads off.   The TCU defensive end is a speed rush type in their 4-2-5 scheme. He could just as easily move to a 3-4 outside linebacker or be a stellar right end in the NFL. But sacking the passer ...

The countdown continues as we are into the meat and potatoes of the Irish roster. With only 10 days left until Notre Dame battles Nevada, these players are gearing up to start at their respective positions. It is interesting to note that this list contains 5 sophomores, a clear indication of the young talent Charlie Weis has brought to South Bend. But although they are young, all but one had significant experience as true freshman in ...

I have never played a college sport, but I feel that my years in youth athletics, combined with my moderate grasp of the human psyche, give me the ability to talk about this... I was 12 years old when I hit my first and only little league home run. Right before the at bat, Coach Cosolito actually pulled me aside and said, “Jared, you can hit this guy, take your shot.” I am 100% certain that if ...

The year 2006 ended with an epic clash between No. 1 Ohio State and No. 2 Michigan in Columbus. But in a year's time, OSU was defeated after being a heavy favorite in the National Championship Game, UM lost to Appalachian State, and the conference continued its losing streak to USC. A once proud conference suddenly became crestfallen, lowered by some ESPN analysts to the level of Conference USA. Growing up in Big Ten country, it pains me ...

Okay, maybe there was a reason I only lasted seven weeks as a salesman.Two weeks ago I killed the Pitt athletic department for its family tailgate idea. I still believe that Pitt tries to sanitize football Saturdays a little too much. If football environments had movie ratings, Pitt home games are rated PG. I think that its athletic department would want to see that rating down to a G, while I would argue that college football ...

The 2009 Auburn Tigers have a unique opportunity to start the season. Whether or not they take advantage of this chance will dictate in a very big way how the season will turn out. Auburn is the only team in the SEC to be at home the first four weeks of the season, and the chance to start 4-0 has crossed many Auburn fan's minds during the long offseason. Before we look at what it would mean, let's ...

  The offensive line for Washington State is certain to be a much improved unit this year. They will be opening up holes for a host of Cougar running backs with tremendous potential along with a leader who has a measure of success under his belt. Running down the talent WSU will have lining up in the backfield is one thing. Maximizing that talent is quite another. Aside from their individual athletic ability, Cougar running backs are being mentored ...

1. Junior QB Terrance Cain will be named the starter come Sept. 3.  With a crippling defense and a stable of talent at the other skilled positions, Utah will look for a competent game manager at QB who won't lose games.  Ultimately, coach Kyle Whittingham will opt for the QB who makes the fewest mistakes and best avoids costly turnovers. No one fits the bill better than Juco transfer Terrance Cain. The 2008 NJCAA Offensive Player of the Year ...