The first game of the season is finally here! Also, in case you missed it yesterday and need to catch up, go back to our game preview, and our interview with an Akron blogger. Go Bucks, and we hope to see you at the Live Blog!
Live Blog begins at 11:45 AM EST
Showing posts with label Week 1. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Week 1. Show all posts
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Friday, September 2, 2011
National CFB Games This Weekend
It's time to bring back the predictions, the hype, and the eventual glory for one team in college football. That road begins this weekend when the ball is kicked off the tee, and helmets collide in a bruising, powerful way. Let's begin!
Current Season Record: 0-0
Last Week's Record: 0-0
Minnesota Golden Gophers at USC Trojans, 3:30 PM EST, ABC/ESPN2
The Golden Gophers have a new head coach in Jerry Kill, and their offensive weapon at QB is MarQueis Gray. They will have to attack fast and hard if they have any hope against Barclay and the Trojans though, as USC has won 13 straight openers and 11 straight games against Big Ten opponents.
Prediction: USC wins 35-14
Current Season Record: 0-0
Last Week's Record: 0-0
Minnesota Golden Gophers at USC Trojans, 3:30 PM EST, ABC/ESPN2
The Golden Gophers have a new head coach in Jerry Kill, and their offensive weapon at QB is MarQueis Gray. They will have to attack fast and hard if they have any hope against Barclay and the Trojans though, as USC has won 13 straight openers and 11 straight games against Big Ten opponents.
Prediction: USC wins 35-14
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Week 1 Depth Chart Released
 |
| Coach Fickell is ready. Are you? |
Quarterback
1. Joe Bauserman OR Braxton Miller
Thoughts: This was much expected as we predicted throughout the off-season that Fickell is going to give the redshirt senior his first real career start. If Braxton Miller outplays him in the first two games, then I expect Miller to take over soon after.
Running Back
1. Jordan Hall
2. Carlos Hyde OR Rod Smith
Thoughts: My first initial reaction to this was no. How could Jaamal Berry not be starting after all the good things we had seen and heard from camp. Then I came back to reality and remembered that Berry had suffered a hamstring injury that had kept him from participating in many Ohio State practices and key drills that show the coaches who's the best from the rest. Without that shot to prove, Berry moved down the depth chart, and my guess is that this hamstring injury is more than OSU is willing to let on, which isn't good news at all.
Monday, August 29, 2011
ITS's Preseason Blogpoll Ballot
Happy Monday to you, and welcome to the first week of the 2011 College Football season. How awesome does that sound? As we told you yesterday, Inside The Shoe has been given the honor of being on the staff of the prestigious Blogpoll, presented by SB Nation. Look at us all grown up, using big words. The way the ITS Blogpoll Top 25 works, is that our 5 writers all send in their own personal Top 25, and I average them out into the "final" ballot that gets turned into SB Nation. So while I might have put Western Kentucky at #1, the rest of the writers might have them at #2 or #3, ultimately pulling them down to #2 or #3. We are very excited about this opportunity, and we hope you give us your thoughts on how the poll turned out, so we can adjust it in the future polls.
This is as much as our poll as it is yours. We will take all comments into consideration, and nothing gets overlooked. With that, our rankings are after the jump, so we'll see you there!
This is as much as our poll as it is yours. We will take all comments into consideration, and nothing gets overlooked. With that, our rankings are after the jump, so we'll see you there!
Monday, August 23, 2010
ITS's Top 25 Week 1
With only 10 days left until the season starts, it's time for our first Top 25 poll, so let's get it rolling!
#1 (-) Alabama - I should think this is a no brainer, with a Heisman winner, last year's starting quarterback, and Trent Richardson (who can give Ingram a run for his money) coming back. They do lose a few key people on defense including Rolando McClain and Mount Cody, but teams like Alabama reload. Next Game: San Jose State
#2 (-) Ohio State - The Buckeyes return many starters on offense along with Terrelle Pryor. Much of the team that won the Rose Bowl is here, and with Tyler Moeller going to the STAR poistion, the Bucks really only lose a starter or 2 on defense. Ohio State is locked and loaded for the 2010 season, as they look for a 2nd National Championship under Jim Tressel.
#3 (-) Texas - Two writers from this blog had them going #4, the other two had them going 3. Where Boise State landed was a big part of how Texas got to this point. Texas loses Colt Mccoy and Jordan Shipley, but Gilbert has a lot of trust in him from the fan base, after a big game in the BCS Title game. Mushamps defense is always decent, so the Longhorns are once again title contenders.
#4 (-) Virgina Tech - Virgina Tech always comes out of the Preseason as favorites, only to drop 2-4 games. This year there are no excuses as to how far this team can go with Tyrod Taylor, Sophomore Ryan Williams, and Darren Evans. The only question is the defense which will play a big part in all the games.
#5 (-) Boise State - The Broncos finally get a legitimate shot to bust the BCS wide open with a shot at the title game. Boise State returns all the starters but 1 from last year. Kellen Moore is on the short list for the Heisman, but they need to win impressively against teams from the WAC. A tough opener aganist Virginia Tech will prove they're durability.
#6 (-) Oklahoma - The Sooners took one of the harder hits of last season as they lost Jermaine Gresham and Sam Bradford to injury, and then the NFL. Gerald Mccoy is also gone, but the Sooners are an early darkhorse once again. We will know in October if they can run the table or not.
#7 (-) Florida - Tim Tebow is no more, but there is John Brantley to take over. Not a spread type quarterback like Tebow was, but Brantley might have the better overall mechanics as well as arm. The defense will be very good I'm sure, but can they face off against Alabama again?
#8 (-) Iowa - The second Big Ten team in the Top 10 will be represented by Ricki Stanzi and the Hawkeyes. After a close loss to Ohio State in overtime, the Hawkeyes took care of the Yellow Jackets in the Orange bowl to give themselves a great outlook for 2010. With Wisconsin and Ohio State in the mix, it won't be easy to get to that BCS Title game.
#9 (-) Nebraska - The offense will better this year, as they bloomed late in the 2009 season. Now that Ndamukong Suh is gone, who will anchor the defense? The big match up will be against Texas to see if the Huskers can contend in they're last season as a member of the Big 12.
#10 (-) Miami - The Jacory Harris led Hurricanes have much to gain in 2010. Hopes are high in South Beach (blegh) as Miami gets an early shot at Ohio State. Much are dubbing it a revenge game for 2002. Harris is key, but can't do it by himself. The defense will have to show their toughness all season long, and not just in the 'Shoe.
#11 (-) Wisconsin - Wisconsin just missed becoming the third Top 10 team for the Big Ten this year, but they have a terrific team and they plan to impose their will on every opponent with a physical stlye of play lead by John Clay. If Tolzien can limit his turnovers then the Badgers will be headed in the right direction.
#12 (-) TCU - After a heartbreaking loss to Boise State in the battle of undefeated-eds Gary Patterson's squad will look to prove they can compete for the BCS year in and year out. I feel that the loss of their two best defenders to the NFL will hurt them this year and result in at least few losses this season.
#13 (-) Oregon - The Ducks have lost Jeremiah Masoli, which hurt not only they're much higher spot in the poll, but also their chance at a BCS Title game. Senior Nate Costa and So. Darron Thomas are vying for that spot to lead another explosive Duck attack.
#14 (-) Pitt - Dion Lewis is one of the best young RBs in the country and he will be the person who makes or breaks the Panthers' shot at a Big East Championship, but Cincinnati may stand in they're way.
#15 (-) Georgia Tech - Paul Johnson and his Yellow Jackets need to rebound from their Orange Bowl loss to Iowa and find a replacement for Jonathan Dwyer. Coach Johnson needs to have his team ready and speedy QB Josh Nesbit needs to be poised to lead the Jackets' triple option offense for one more year.
#16 (-) LSU - Les Miles needs a QB, period. The Tigers will have the defense to keep them in it, but Jefferson needs to step it up or step aside. Coaching is a big part of what will come to be for the Tigers.
#17 (-) Florida State - The Seminoles will take the field this season for the first time without Bobby Bowden. Look for them to open it up a lot more this year and steal some attention away from their rival in Gainsville. Christian Ponder is considered a Heisman candidate, but much will rely on how the 'Noles do this year.
#18 (-) Penn State - Issue #1 in Nitany Lions camp is the QB position, and that's pretty big if you're ranking teams on an overall basis. ESPN is reporting that their much heralded recruit Paul Jones will be red shirted, which leaves Kevin Newsome and Matt McGloin as the remaning candidates. Joe Pa better make up his mind soon since he will be taking his team down to Tuscaloosa Week 2 to face the defending national champions.
#19 (-) North Carolina - All scandals aside, Butch Davis has built a respectable football program in Chapel Hill. The Heels open their season with a great opportunity to showcase their skills against LSU and to make a statement on national TV.
#20 (-) Oregon State - After giving Oregon a close match up only to lose the shot at a Rose Bowl, they went to Las Vegas to face off against BYU. 44-20 was the outcome, and not in OSU's favor. The Beavers will try and bounce back once more in a wide open race for the Pac 10 championship.
#21 (-) Arkansas - Heisman candidate Ryan Mallet is the key to the success of this team. I can see them being a darkhorse in the SEC West. This means a key match up will be with the Crimson Tide.
#22 (-) Auburn - Coach Chizik and the Tigers seem to be the forgotten team of the SEC West lately, however they showed they could hang with the big boys after last years close loss to the Crimson Tide. The Tigers need someone to step up and replace Ben Tate and QB Kodi Burns has to get better for this team to be successful.
#23 (-) Georgia - Mark Richt and the Bulldogs should see this seaon as the perfect oppotunity to make some noise in the SEC East. With Tebow gone, the Bulldogs could be a sleeper pick to get to the conference championship game.
#24 (-) Cincinnati - The Bearcats lost Mardy Gilyard and Tony Pike, but still have a mobile, sure armed quarterback in Zach Collaros. Without head coach Brian Kelly, will Cincy compete?
#25 (-) Washington - Two words..Jake Locker. He will win the Huskies at least 3 games this year on his own. Back to back games against Nebraska and USC will make or break his Heisman campaign, along with how well they do in the Pac 10.
ThisClose - in order of who almost got in/on
Stanford
Houston
West Virgina
Utah
#1 (-) Alabama - I should think this is a no brainer, with a Heisman winner, last year's starting quarterback, and Trent Richardson (who can give Ingram a run for his money) coming back. They do lose a few key people on defense including Rolando McClain and Mount Cody, but teams like Alabama reload. Next Game: San Jose State
#2 (-) Ohio State - The Buckeyes return many starters on offense along with Terrelle Pryor. Much of the team that won the Rose Bowl is here, and with Tyler Moeller going to the STAR poistion, the Bucks really only lose a starter or 2 on defense. Ohio State is locked and loaded for the 2010 season, as they look for a 2nd National Championship under Jim Tressel.
#3 (-) Texas - Two writers from this blog had them going #4, the other two had them going 3. Where Boise State landed was a big part of how Texas got to this point. Texas loses Colt Mccoy and Jordan Shipley, but Gilbert has a lot of trust in him from the fan base, after a big game in the BCS Title game. Mushamps defense is always decent, so the Longhorns are once again title contenders.
#4 (-) Virgina Tech - Virgina Tech always comes out of the Preseason as favorites, only to drop 2-4 games. This year there are no excuses as to how far this team can go with Tyrod Taylor, Sophomore Ryan Williams, and Darren Evans. The only question is the defense which will play a big part in all the games.
#5 (-) Boise State - The Broncos finally get a legitimate shot to bust the BCS wide open with a shot at the title game. Boise State returns all the starters but 1 from last year. Kellen Moore is on the short list for the Heisman, but they need to win impressively against teams from the WAC. A tough opener aganist Virginia Tech will prove they're durability.
#6 (-) Oklahoma - The Sooners took one of the harder hits of last season as they lost Jermaine Gresham and Sam Bradford to injury, and then the NFL. Gerald Mccoy is also gone, but the Sooners are an early darkhorse once again. We will know in October if they can run the table or not.
#7 (-) Florida - Tim Tebow is no more, but there is John Brantley to take over. Not a spread type quarterback like Tebow was, but Brantley might have the better overall mechanics as well as arm. The defense will be very good I'm sure, but can they face off against Alabama again?
#8 (-) Iowa - The second Big Ten team in the Top 10 will be represented by Ricki Stanzi and the Hawkeyes. After a close loss to Ohio State in overtime, the Hawkeyes took care of the Yellow Jackets in the Orange bowl to give themselves a great outlook for 2010. With Wisconsin and Ohio State in the mix, it won't be easy to get to that BCS Title game.
#9 (-) Nebraska - The offense will better this year, as they bloomed late in the 2009 season. Now that Ndamukong Suh is gone, who will anchor the defense? The big match up will be against Texas to see if the Huskers can contend in they're last season as a member of the Big 12.
#10 (-) Miami - The Jacory Harris led Hurricanes have much to gain in 2010. Hopes are high in South Beach (blegh) as Miami gets an early shot at Ohio State. Much are dubbing it a revenge game for 2002. Harris is key, but can't do it by himself. The defense will have to show their toughness all season long, and not just in the 'Shoe.
#11 (-) Wisconsin - Wisconsin just missed becoming the third Top 10 team for the Big Ten this year, but they have a terrific team and they plan to impose their will on every opponent with a physical stlye of play lead by John Clay. If Tolzien can limit his turnovers then the Badgers will be headed in the right direction.
#12 (-) TCU - After a heartbreaking loss to Boise State in the battle of undefeated-eds Gary Patterson's squad will look to prove they can compete for the BCS year in and year out. I feel that the loss of their two best defenders to the NFL will hurt them this year and result in at least few losses this season.
#13 (-) Oregon - The Ducks have lost Jeremiah Masoli, which hurt not only they're much higher spot in the poll, but also their chance at a BCS Title game. Senior Nate Costa and So. Darron Thomas are vying for that spot to lead another explosive Duck attack.
#14 (-) Pitt - Dion Lewis is one of the best young RBs in the country and he will be the person who makes or breaks the Panthers' shot at a Big East Championship, but Cincinnati may stand in they're way.
#15 (-) Georgia Tech - Paul Johnson and his Yellow Jackets need to rebound from their Orange Bowl loss to Iowa and find a replacement for Jonathan Dwyer. Coach Johnson needs to have his team ready and speedy QB Josh Nesbit needs to be poised to lead the Jackets' triple option offense for one more year.
#16 (-) LSU - Les Miles needs a QB, period. The Tigers will have the defense to keep them in it, but Jefferson needs to step it up or step aside. Coaching is a big part of what will come to be for the Tigers.
#17 (-) Florida State - The Seminoles will take the field this season for the first time without Bobby Bowden. Look for them to open it up a lot more this year and steal some attention away from their rival in Gainsville. Christian Ponder is considered a Heisman candidate, but much will rely on how the 'Noles do this year.
#18 (-) Penn State - Issue #1 in Nitany Lions camp is the QB position, and that's pretty big if you're ranking teams on an overall basis. ESPN is reporting that their much heralded recruit Paul Jones will be red shirted, which leaves Kevin Newsome and Matt McGloin as the remaning candidates. Joe Pa better make up his mind soon since he will be taking his team down to Tuscaloosa Week 2 to face the defending national champions.
#19 (-) North Carolina - All scandals aside, Butch Davis has built a respectable football program in Chapel Hill. The Heels open their season with a great opportunity to showcase their skills against LSU and to make a statement on national TV.
#20 (-) Oregon State - After giving Oregon a close match up only to lose the shot at a Rose Bowl, they went to Las Vegas to face off against BYU. 44-20 was the outcome, and not in OSU's favor. The Beavers will try and bounce back once more in a wide open race for the Pac 10 championship.
#21 (-) Arkansas - Heisman candidate Ryan Mallet is the key to the success of this team. I can see them being a darkhorse in the SEC West. This means a key match up will be with the Crimson Tide.
#22 (-) Auburn - Coach Chizik and the Tigers seem to be the forgotten team of the SEC West lately, however they showed they could hang with the big boys after last years close loss to the Crimson Tide. The Tigers need someone to step up and replace Ben Tate and QB Kodi Burns has to get better for this team to be successful.
#23 (-) Georgia - Mark Richt and the Bulldogs should see this seaon as the perfect oppotunity to make some noise in the SEC East. With Tebow gone, the Bulldogs could be a sleeper pick to get to the conference championship game.
#24 (-) Cincinnati - The Bearcats lost Mardy Gilyard and Tony Pike, but still have a mobile, sure armed quarterback in Zach Collaros. Without head coach Brian Kelly, will Cincy compete?
#25 (-) Washington - Two words..Jake Locker. He will win the Huskies at least 3 games this year on his own. Back to back games against Nebraska and USC will make or break his Heisman campaign, along with how well they do in the Pac 10.
ThisClose - in order of who almost got in/on
Stanford
Houston
West Virgina
Utah
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