If you don't understand the title of this post, here's the explanation: this post is my 100th on the blog. Although I only get about six views per week, and there are only about four die-hard readers of the blog, I can honestly say that it's those six views and four die-hard readers per week that have kept me writing. So, I'd like to extend a big thanks to you guys, and to anyone who has read even one of my posts. Hopefully my writing stimulates your mind, and keeps you interested in the many stories that are constantly developing in the sports world. That's really what opinionated journalism is all about. So, here's to 100 more, and hopefully bigger and better things in the future!
This weekend was an interesting one in college football. While I wasn't overly surprised about Oregon's close game with Cal, I think it finally opened the eyes of many people who are already placing the Ducks in the national championship game. They are beatable, and while Arizona and Oregon State may not instill the utmost confidence that number one will go down, we saw this weekend that it is possible. With every win, the pressure amounts for the Ducks. I honestly think that the Oregon State game will be the toughest of the year for Chip Kelley's team. The game will be played in Corvallis, and I think that Oregon State will be up for the game. It could make what has been an overly disappointing season for the Beavers little bit more bearable heading into the offseason if they could upset the Ducks.
Although people's eyes were opened to the fact that Oregon may not be untouchable, people still seem to be ignoring another team out West that may be just as good, if not better, than the Ducks. Last Friday, Boise State manhandled in-state rival Idaho, beating the Vandals 52-14. At one point, the Broncos were up 28-0...in the first quarter. It truly looked like a game in NCAA Football 11; the Broncos could do no wrong early on. Idaho isn't exactly a total slouch, either. Although the Vandals do have some defensive issues, this is a team that went to Nebraska earlier this season and gave the Cornhuskers fits the entire first half, before bowing out 38-17. I don't want to get into the cliché argument about Boise State's strength of schedule, but I am getting pretty sick and tired of hearing from all the Boise bashers that haven't even watched Boise State play other than against Virginia Tech. I know that most people have lives and don't watch the Friday night WAC battles, but thanks to my inability to get a date now and again, this source of entertainment is my best friend. The bottom line is, it doesn't matter who Boise State is playing; they look like a team capable of playing heads up with anyone in the country. Also, Boise has a date in a couple of weeks with a very solid Nevada team, who earlier this season took it to that same Cal team that gave Oregon fits this past weekend. One more thing; with every passing week, Boise’s win over Virginia Tech continues to look better. Since their 0-2 start, the Hokies are undefeated, and look to be headed for an ACC championship.
In other news, I think I may actually watch the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Homestead this weekend. This is really one of the first races this season that I've actually been interested to watch. If you would have told me that three years ago, I would have said you were crazy. However, I think that sums up the state of NASCAR right now. Jimmie Johnson not being in the lead, yet having a chance, is the best thing that could have happened to the sport. Since Johnson began his tear of consecutive Spring Cup championships almost five years ago, the sport has lost a significant portion of its fan base, for multiple reasons. Although it's doubtful that one race will turn the tide in the right direction for NASCAR, ending the season with a potential thrilling points finish can't hurt the sport. When NASCAR implemented the Chase for the Cup system back in 2005, I'm sure that they thought this type of excitement at the end of the season would be the norm. Although it has been anything but (with the void-of-personality Jimmie Johnson racking in the titles with ease), it will be nice to see what we thought we were getting every year with the Chase for the Cup format.
Now that college basketball has begun, I thought that I'd mention one of my favorite events of the entire year. Starting November 16th (that's tomorrow) at 12 a.m., the College Hoops Tip-Off Marathon will begin. Basically, ESPN will be broadcasting games all day, until 12 a.m. the next day. That's right; you can be sipping your morning coffee while determining whether the Monmouth team you're watching will be able to make it into the NCAA Tournament. Not only is this a cool event in that it is out of the ordinary, but it also gives teams (such as Monmouth) a chance to play on national television, which is an opportunity they may not have again until February, when ESPN does their Bracket Buster Weekend.
- K. Becks
Showing posts with label idaho vandals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label idaho vandals. Show all posts
Monday, November 15, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
NCAAF: WAC Preview
Overview
Next year, there will be almost no need to cover this conference, unless by some miracle Boise State opts out of their agreement to join the Mountain West Conference. Even then, it doesn't matter much, because the only reason that will happen is if the college football landscape begins to shift again, and Boise State is whisked off to a conference where they can compete for a spot in college football's inevitable future playoff. Which means that, like the Mountain West Conference, the WAC will cease to exist. However, this year there is reason to pay attention to this conference. Thanks to Boise State, there has never before been so much criticism and conversation regarding a preseason Top 25 poll in college football. Why? Well, quite simply, people are scared. Scared that the little engine that could from out West has the ability to beat their non-conference opponents. Scared that those opponents seem to be the only thing separating them from a perfect season, and possibly the chance to become the first team from a non-BCS conference to play for the national championship. Scared that this could ruin what we currently know as college football. Guess what, guys: it's already happening. That same team from out West ruined all that on January 1st, 2007.
Team(s) With the Best Shot at a National Championship Bid
Boise State
You'll soon find out that this entire preview revolves around the Boise State Broncos. They're the WAC's golden egg, and I'm not going to deny that they're also the only team worth talking about in the conference. Thanks to their high preseason ranking, the Broncos have a very real shot at playing for the national championship this year. All they have to do is beat Oregon State, Virginia Tech, and not fall flat on their face in any of their other games throughout the season. Also (this one's for you, Colin Cowherd), don't expect them to get crushed by Virginia Tech like they did last time they played a ranked opponent in the East (they lost 48-13 to #13 Georgia in 2005). That team finished 9-4, and didn't have the talent that this year's team does. The 2010 Broncos return 20 starters from last season's undefeated team, and tout Heisman hopeful Kellen Moore at quarterback. Don't compare apples with oranges, Colin.
Watch Out! (Team That Could Surprise)
Fresno State
They may have lost their most well known player in Ryan Mathews, but they didn't lose a whole lot else. The Bulldogs return 16 starters from last year, and have a decent replacement for Mathews in running back Robbie Rouse. Their schedule (other than the away game against Boise State) is favorable, so they have a chance to reach double digits in the wins column this season.
Out-Of-Conference Game To Watch
Boise State vs. Virginia Tech (September 6th)
This is the national Game of the Week. The question of whether or not Boise State deserves to be in the national championship discussion will be answered when this game is played. The WAC is irrelevant for the rest of the season if Boise State loses. However, if they win, the debate will probably continue. Seems kind of like a loaded dice, doesn't it?
In-Conference Game To Watch
Boise State vs. Nevada (November 26th)
Nevada always seems to be able to make it interesting against Boise State. Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick will get one final try at beating the Broncos, which he has come very close to doing in the past. In my opinion, Nevada is going to need some tricks up their sleeve to win this one, because although they always give a valiant effort, the Pistol offense isn't going to fool Boise State's defense.
Conference Predictions
1. Boise State (12-0, [8-0])
2. Fresno State (10-2, [7-1])
3. Nevada (9-4, [6-2])
4. Idaho (7-6, [4-4])
5. Hawaii (7-6, [4-4])
6. Louisiana Tech (5-7, [3-5])
7. Utah State (3-9, [2-6])
8. New Mexico State (2-10, [1-7])
9. San Jose State (2-11, [0-8])
- K. Becks
Next year, there will be almost no need to cover this conference, unless by some miracle Boise State opts out of their agreement to join the Mountain West Conference. Even then, it doesn't matter much, because the only reason that will happen is if the college football landscape begins to shift again, and Boise State is whisked off to a conference where they can compete for a spot in college football's inevitable future playoff. Which means that, like the Mountain West Conference, the WAC will cease to exist. However, this year there is reason to pay attention to this conference. Thanks to Boise State, there has never before been so much criticism and conversation regarding a preseason Top 25 poll in college football. Why? Well, quite simply, people are scared. Scared that the little engine that could from out West has the ability to beat their non-conference opponents. Scared that those opponents seem to be the only thing separating them from a perfect season, and possibly the chance to become the first team from a non-BCS conference to play for the national championship. Scared that this could ruin what we currently know as college football. Guess what, guys: it's already happening. That same team from out West ruined all that on January 1st, 2007.
Team(s) With the Best Shot at a National Championship Bid
Boise State
You'll soon find out that this entire preview revolves around the Boise State Broncos. They're the WAC's golden egg, and I'm not going to deny that they're also the only team worth talking about in the conference. Thanks to their high preseason ranking, the Broncos have a very real shot at playing for the national championship this year. All they have to do is beat Oregon State, Virginia Tech, and not fall flat on their face in any of their other games throughout the season. Also (this one's for you, Colin Cowherd), don't expect them to get crushed by Virginia Tech like they did last time they played a ranked opponent in the East (they lost 48-13 to #13 Georgia in 2005). That team finished 9-4, and didn't have the talent that this year's team does. The 2010 Broncos return 20 starters from last season's undefeated team, and tout Heisman hopeful Kellen Moore at quarterback. Don't compare apples with oranges, Colin.
Watch Out! (Team That Could Surprise)
Fresno State
They may have lost their most well known player in Ryan Mathews, but they didn't lose a whole lot else. The Bulldogs return 16 starters from last year, and have a decent replacement for Mathews in running back Robbie Rouse. Their schedule (other than the away game against Boise State) is favorable, so they have a chance to reach double digits in the wins column this season.
Out-Of-Conference Game To Watch
Boise State vs. Virginia Tech (September 6th)
This is the national Game of the Week. The question of whether or not Boise State deserves to be in the national championship discussion will be answered when this game is played. The WAC is irrelevant for the rest of the season if Boise State loses. However, if they win, the debate will probably continue. Seems kind of like a loaded dice, doesn't it?
In-Conference Game To Watch
Boise State vs. Nevada (November 26th)
Nevada always seems to be able to make it interesting against Boise State. Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick will get one final try at beating the Broncos, which he has come very close to doing in the past. In my opinion, Nevada is going to need some tricks up their sleeve to win this one, because although they always give a valiant effort, the Pistol offense isn't going to fool Boise State's defense.
Conference Predictions
1. Boise State (12-0, [8-0])
2. Fresno State (10-2, [7-1])
3. Nevada (9-4, [6-2])
4. Idaho (7-6, [4-4])
5. Hawaii (7-6, [4-4])
6. Louisiana Tech (5-7, [3-5])
7. Utah State (3-9, [2-6])
8. New Mexico State (2-10, [1-7])
9. San Jose State (2-11, [0-8])
- K. Becks
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Big News; Good Day
It's official; Texas Tech football coach Mike Leach has been fired. If you haven't heard the story about Leach, you are probably living under a rock. This story has totally shifted the focus from Urban Meyer to Leach and the Texas Tech football program, and for the next few days the media will continue to analyze and discuss this story just as they did the Meyer situation. I saw a phone interview on ESPN yesterday with Leach's attorney Ted Liggett, and I'm not saying Leach is guilty or not guilty, but Liggett sounded like he was BSing the whole thing. I know that attorneys are said to be liars, but if a seventeen year old can see right through your words, you're probably not doing your job very well. I expect to see Leach fight to continue coaching, but it is unlikely that he will be wearing the headset on Saturday. This throws a major curveball for my Alamo Bowl pick.
Speaking of bowl games, I had a very good day picking the games for December 29th. UCLA survived, and Wisconsin was able to control the ball and pull out a win in the Champs Sports Bowl. I'm now 8-5 overall, and am becoming more optimistic about my chances to win my group in the College Bowl Mania game.
Today's games could be just as exciting as yesterday's. Here are my picks for the December 30th bowl games.
Roady's Humanitarian Bowl
Bowling Green vs. Idaho
In possibly my favorite bowl game for two reasons (the Blue Field and the sponsor; is it a barbeque grill or a truck stop?) the MAC and WAC will face off, trying to capture their first bowl win of the season for their respective conferences. So far, both conferences are 0-2 in the bowl season. With this being said, I'm going to have to go with Bowling Green. Idaho suffered a 70-45 loss to Nevada, a team who only scored 10 points in the Hawaii Bowl. Falcons QB Tyler Sheehan is first in the MAC with 3664 passing yards, so he should be able to pass all over the Vandal defense. As long as the cold weather and blue field don't get to Bowling Green, they should come away with a win.
Final Score: 44-27 Bowling Green
Pacific Life Holiday Bowl
Arizona vs. Nebraska
The Holiday Bowl is historically a game that features two teams with high octane offenses capable of scoring in the high 30s to 40s. This game will probably not feature such offensive fireworks, as Nebraska comes in with one of the best defenses in the nation, giving up just 11.2 PPG (good for 2nd best, behind Alabama). Arizona comes in with a defense giving up only 315.8 yards per game, which is second best in the Pac-10. Like yesterday's Champs Sports Bowl, this game should come down to who can control the ball on offense. I'm going out on a limb and saying Arizona will upset the Cornhuskers, who have trouble scoring against anyone. Here's a thought for Bo Pelini: hire Charlie Weis as offensive coordinator, and then Nebraska would have a powerful offense and defense. That, my friends, is smart thinking.
Final Score: 24-20 Arizona
I have Bowling Green for 18 points, and Arizona for 5 points in the College Bowl Mania game. Hopefully I can continue my winning streak and go into New Years Eve happy. Five bowl games are being played tomorrow; it should be a joy getting up and writing about all of them before noon.
- K. Becks
Speaking of bowl games, I had a very good day picking the games for December 29th. UCLA survived, and Wisconsin was able to control the ball and pull out a win in the Champs Sports Bowl. I'm now 8-5 overall, and am becoming more optimistic about my chances to win my group in the College Bowl Mania game.
Today's games could be just as exciting as yesterday's. Here are my picks for the December 30th bowl games.
Roady's Humanitarian Bowl
Bowling Green vs. Idaho
In possibly my favorite bowl game for two reasons (the Blue Field and the sponsor; is it a barbeque grill or a truck stop?) the MAC and WAC will face off, trying to capture their first bowl win of the season for their respective conferences. So far, both conferences are 0-2 in the bowl season. With this being said, I'm going to have to go with Bowling Green. Idaho suffered a 70-45 loss to Nevada, a team who only scored 10 points in the Hawaii Bowl. Falcons QB Tyler Sheehan is first in the MAC with 3664 passing yards, so he should be able to pass all over the Vandal defense. As long as the cold weather and blue field don't get to Bowling Green, they should come away with a win.
Final Score: 44-27 Bowling Green
Pacific Life Holiday Bowl
Arizona vs. Nebraska
The Holiday Bowl is historically a game that features two teams with high octane offenses capable of scoring in the high 30s to 40s. This game will probably not feature such offensive fireworks, as Nebraska comes in with one of the best defenses in the nation, giving up just 11.2 PPG (good for 2nd best, behind Alabama). Arizona comes in with a defense giving up only 315.8 yards per game, which is second best in the Pac-10. Like yesterday's Champs Sports Bowl, this game should come down to who can control the ball on offense. I'm going out on a limb and saying Arizona will upset the Cornhuskers, who have trouble scoring against anyone. Here's a thought for Bo Pelini: hire Charlie Weis as offensive coordinator, and then Nebraska would have a powerful offense and defense. That, my friends, is smart thinking.
Final Score: 24-20 Arizona
I have Bowling Green for 18 points, and Arizona for 5 points in the College Bowl Mania game. Hopefully I can continue my winning streak and go into New Years Eve happy. Five bowl games are being played tomorrow; it should be a joy getting up and writing about all of them before noon.
- K. Becks
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