It seems that the start of the 2010 college football season is just around the corner. As all the conference media days wrap up, thoughts turn toward two things: the start of practice and who will be in the opening top 25 poll.
Since the calendar is turning from July to August, the start of practice is only a few days away. That means it is also time to look at the teams who will make up my top 25 poll.
The 2010 season begins September 2nd.
There is no top 25 poll that everyone agrees with. Fans nearly always think a team is ranked too high or too low. Also since the USC Trojans are not allowed to be ranked in the coaches poll, I left them out of my rankings as well.
The flip-side of being ranked is not being ranked at all. No top 25 poll will ever make every fan happy because there are nearly always some teams they think should be ranked that are not.
To solve the problem of teams not being ranked, I have decided to add ten teams that could crack the top 25 before the end of the season. Also, I have decided to include five sleeper teams that could be a surprise.
For those who disagree with where teams are ranked, feel free to comment on what your top 25 teams are. There will never be complete agreement but I welcome thoughts and opinions and I realize that this 25 will more than likely be wrong at the end of the season.
So without further ado here are my top 25 college football teams:
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
Last season it was the offense that needed to be retooled, but this season it will be the defense. Nick Saban will have his defense where it needs to be by the end of the season. Until that happens the offense has Greg McElroy, Julio Jones, and returning Heisman winner Mark Ingram to carry the load until the defense finds its legs.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
The Big Ten had two BCS victories and Ohio State was able to break the Pac-10’s strangle hold on the Rose Bowl. Jim Tressel might be able to open his offense completely if Terrelle Pryor plays this season like he played in the bowl game. Tressel always fields a stout defense as well.
3. Boise State Broncos
Boise State finished last season undefeated but unable to play for a national title. If the Broncos can get past Virginia Tech in the season opener, and with 20 returning starter, including quarterback Kellen Moore, a spot in the title game is possible.
4. Texas Longhorns
Mack Brown lost a ton of talent from last year’s national runner up. But like Alabama, Ohio State, Florida, etc., Texas does not rebuild, they just reload. Garrett Gilbert might be outstanding as the starting quarterback with a full off-season as the number one guy.
5. TCU Horned Frogs
Last season TCU finished the regular season undefeated and earned their first BCS bowl game bid as well. That team lost to last year’s other BCS buster Boise State. Sixteen starters return from last year’s team including quarterback Andy Dalton.
6. Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma was decimated by injuries last year and a magical year that could have been was ruined in the first game. This season a healthy and experienced Landy Jones takes over for Sam Bradford. Bob Stoops’ squad will be healthy and back to challenge in the Big-12 and the nation this season.
7. Florida Gators
The John Brantley era beings in Gainesville this season after Tim Tebow moved on to the NFL. Florida has a lot of talent to replace but Urban Meyer has stock piled talent. This program should not slip as bad this season as it did after Meyer’s first national championship.
8. Iowa Hawkeyes
The Hawkeyes were rolling to a Big Ten title until Ricky Stanzi was injured. That still did not stop Iowa from winning nine games and the Orange Bowl over Georgia Tech. Kirk Ferentz has built this program to contend and 2010 should be another great year for Iowa.
9. Virginia Tech Hokies
Virginia Tech has quarterback Tyrod Taylor and Ryan Williams returning, plus Darren Williams should be back from injury. The Hokies defense will have to be rebuilt but defensive coordinator Bud Foster should have no problem do that. This could be head coach Frank Beamer’s best team since Michael Vick lead this program to the national championship game.
10. Wisconsin Badgers
The Badgers could have the best offensive line in the Big Ten. Wisconsin also has running back John Clay and quarterback Scott Tolzien returning this season. Bret Bielema has this program headed in the right direction and should challenge for the conference title.
11. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
This team has to be rebuilt with several starters on both sides of the ball needing to be replaced. Georgia Tech does have quarterback Josh Nesbit returning to run coach Paul Johnson’s triple option. If Nesbit can become a better passer their might be no limit to what the Yellow Jackets can do this season.
12. Oregon Ducks
The Ducks lost the Rose Bowl and then spent the off-season making news for all the wrong reasons. Running back LaMichael James and quarterback Jeremiah Masoli both got arrested after the season and Masoli got kicked off the team. The Pac-10 is wide open and the Ducks could win the conference again.
13. Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State has to find a replacement for Daryll Clark and until they do the offense will fall on the shoulders of Evan Royster. The Nittany Lions also have to rebuild the defense. Joe Paterno should be able to keep this program competitive in 2010.
14. Arkansas Razorbacks
Offense should not be a problem for Bobby Petrino with Heisman contender Ryan Mallett returning. If the Razorbacks can find a defense to match their offense this team will be a player in the SEC. Arkansas will have to outscore opponents if they cannot find a defense to match their offense.
15. Pittsburgh Panthers
Pittsburgh has to replace quarterback Bill Stull and three offensive linemen as well as holes on the defense. The Panthers do have arguably the best offensive player in the Big East in Dion Lewis. Dave Wannstedt should be able to compete in a wide open conference that could be won by up to four teams.
16. LSU Tigers
A big season is expected out of Les Miles and LSU after a couple of years of not meeting expectations after winning a title in 2007. Talent should not be a problem for the Tigers if the top recruiting classes pan out. On the field the pressure will be on Jordan Jefferson and if he can develop.
17. Nebraska Cornhuskers
The Cornhuskers showed improvement last season making the Big-12 championship game. This is Nebraska’s final season in the conference and Bo Pelini would like to leave the conference in style. The offense needs to improve and the defense needs to replace Ndamukong Suh the best player in college football last year.
18. Miami Hurricanes
Miami navigated a brutal opening schedule to show the promise of what Randy Shannon’s program could be and once was. This season Jacory Harris needs to make better decisions if this team is going to take the next step. The Hurricanes could challenge for an ACC title this season.
19. Washington Huskies
Steve Sarkisian got the best news out of any college coach when Jake Locker turned down entering the NFL draft to return to school. This team improved greatly in year one of the Sarkisian era and should make even more improvement with 20 returning starters. Locker returned to finish the rebuilding job he started last season and could in 2010 finish the job.
20. Georgia Bulldogs
Mark Richt finished last season on a high note beating in-state rival Georgia Tech and Texas A&M in a bowl game to end the season. Georgia has to break in a new starting quarterback for the second season in a row. The good news for the Bulldogs is that all five offensive line men are back but the defense needs to be retooled as well.
21. Missouri Tigers
The defense will need to be reworked for a second year in a row but Gary Pinkel accomplished the same job last season. Missouri should be fine on offense with Blaine Gabbert returning. The Tigers can win the Big-12 North if the Cornhuskers slip.
22. Stanford Cardinal
Jim Harbaugh had Stanford fans thinking big things after beating USC and Oregon in back to back weeks. Things could be even better this season with Andrew Luck returning for the Cardinal. This team still has to find a replacement for Heisman finalist Toby Gerhart at running back. More good news for this team is that seven starters return on defense.
23. Connecticut Huskies
Last season this team had to endure tragedy after the death of a player. Randy Edsall got this team to compete week-in and week-out afterwards. In a weak Big East the Huskies could be contenders. Connecticut fans should be even more excited with sixteen starters returning this season.
24. Oregon State Beavers
This team has to replace quarterback Sean Canfield who has moved on to the NFL. What the Beavers do have is both Rodgers brothers Jacquizz and James returning. Mike Riley will have to break in a new man under center quickly with the first game of the season being against TCU.
25. Texas A&M Aggies
The Aggies bring back nearly their entire defense but the unit needs to improve. Offensively Jerrod Johnson should be improved this season. Mike Sherman will have to replace three offensive linemen. This team could be a dark horse in the Big-12.
Ten teams that could break into the top 25 at some point this season :
1. North Carolina Tar Heels— Defense should be good but scoring points on offense is the question.
2. Navy Midshipmen— 10 wins last season was no fluke but Ricky Dobbs has to become a better passer.
3. Clemson Tigers— The C.J. Spiller era has ended but the Kyle Parker era begins.
4. Auburn Tigers— If Gene Chizik can find some defense to go along with his offense the Tigers could be the dark horse of the SEC.
5. Oklahoma State Cowboys— How well Kendall Hunter carries the load will dictate how well this team does.
6. Florida State Seminoles— No Bobby Bowden as the Jimbo Fisher era begins in Tallahassee.
7. Utah Utes— Program looks to continue their winning ways after a 10-3 season last year.
8. Kentucky Wildcats— If Joker Philips can get the ball in the hands of Randall Cobb this team can make some noise.
9. Houston Cougars— Case Keenum will keep Houston in the headlines all season long.
10. BYU Cougars— Max Hall needs to replaced but this team has talent.
Five teams that could surprise in 2010:
1. Ball State Cardinals— This team returns 21 starters.
2. Miami (OH) Red Hawks— This team returns 20 starters.
3. Army Cadets— This team returns 18 starters from a team that won five games.
4. Mississippi State Bulldogs— Year two under Dan Mullen sees 17 starters return.
5. Idaho Vandals— Despite what the Boise State president says this team has 18 starters back and could challenge BSU.
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Larry Burton (Syndicated Writer) While many are pointing to the Crimson Tide and saying how hard it will be to repeat, the same could be more so for Alabama's running back Mark Ingram.
Everybody knows each opponent Alabama plays will bring their "A" game because they are playing the defending national champion. A win against them would make the whole season for most teams. Alabama, of course, has a bulls-eye on its back, but the target on Ingram might be even bigger.
It's not bad enough that everybody wants to tell his child how he brought down a Heisman Trophy winner in the open field just to have something of note on their own resume, but the toughest thing that could keep Mark Ingram from repeating may be his own teammates.
Saban's edict that Alabama will throw the ball more this year could seriously hurt the number of carries Ingram gets. Let's face it: Alabama brings back a talented group of receivers along with a senior quarterback who hasn't lost a game since he got curly hair in his nether regions. Why wouldn't Alabama want to throw more?
Here, Ingram is almost his own worst enemy. The sheer threat of him running will be enough to keep the passing game open. But if that weren't enough, there are the other talented running backs waiting to burst into the opponent's secondary.
It helped Ingram last year that Trent Richardson was only a freshman and that Roy Upchurch was often nicked up. Richardson is a year wiser and stronger, so he could contend not only for more carries but also for the main starting job.
If that weren't bad enough, there is another running back that the 'Bama coaches can't wait to see rip through opposing teams as he did all last year against the first team defense as a member of the scout team. Of course, I'm talking about Eddie Lacy, the third spoke in that great running back wheel they have in Tuscaloosa. And there are even more good ones behind Lacy.
Yes, Alabama's own team may do something that no other team could do: cut Mark Ingram's rushing yardage.
Ingram was one of three players Saban brought to SEC media days and of course he was asked in his question-and-answer session: Is winning the second Heisman a goal of his?
His answer was totally unselfish in the way we've all known him to be.
"Of course, that would be great. It's not my main focus. My main focus right now is to better myself as a player each and every day, become the best player I can be for my football team, make the best out of what I can do, put myself in the best position where I can make a lot of plays so I can help our team win games.
"In that way, I'll be successful to myself. Not just winning the Heisman Trophy will determine whether I'm successful or not."
Team first, seeing the big picture, working to make it happen, setting the right goals, all things that Nick Saban has drilled into Mark and things you can see he's adopted when he speaks.
Mark Ingram was and will always be a winner. He doesn't need another ring or another trophy to make him happy. His happiness comes from knowing he's done his best, and his best is what we'll see this year.
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In three years at the helm at the Capstone, coach Nick Saban has managed to restore the Crimson Tide Football fortunes to their rightful place among college football's elite. Along the way, several of Coach Saban's wins at Alabama can be considered as milestones that pointed to future success as he led the Tide to greatness. Let's take a look at five of those milestone victories (and an extra one that capped it all off).Related posts
Larry Burton (Syndicated Writer) Sometimes you get the best story ideas from the least likely of places. A lady handing me my lunch through a drive-thru window noticed my Alabama tag on the car as pulled up. She asked me if Nick Saban was going to get all the good ones again in this year's recruiting.
I told her we should get another top class.
"Do the top recruiting teams always win a championship?" she said.
"No not always, but it sure can't hurt," i responded. And there became the idea for this story.
I got curious and started digging, and boy did some interesting facts pop out at me.
Below are ten teams with their four year recruiting class average by rivals and their respective finishes in the AP final poll. (n/r means not ranked)
Team 2006-2009 recruiting average AP Finish 2006 2007 2008 2009
USC 2.75 4 3 3 22
Oklahoma 4.50 11 8 5 n/r
Florida 5.0 1 13 1 3
Texas 7.0 13 10 4 2
Georgia 7.25 23 2 13 n/r
Florida State 8.75 n/r n/r 21 n/r
Alabama 10.00 n/r n/r 6 1
LSU 10.75 3 1 n/r 17
Miami 11.50 n/r n/r n/r 19
And now the shocker
Boise State 74.75 5 n/r 11 4
As a writer, I've always said that statistics can tell either side of an argument, but these do tell a tale that many will want to argue and debate with their own statistics. They are:
First of all, the big shocker. Putting aside the easy conference argument, Boise State certainly does more with less, from a talent standpoint.
The great assumption you can make here is the fact that Chris Petersen is one heck of a coach who gets the most out of some of the least talented players of almost any bowl team.
From the bottom half of NCAA Div. I talent, he has one of the highest average finishes and that alone may make him the best coach in America.
Secondly, for the last four years, no one has had more talent than USC, yet they still stumble against lesser teams each year. The same can be said for Oklahoma.
Still, USC had some great teams and high rankings to show for it.
Third Conclusion: Only two teams on this list of ten actually won a national championship, Florida and Alabama. But during that 4 year period, Florida had a recruiting number twice as good as Alabama's average.
Therefore, Nick Saban can certainly wring every drop of talent out the players he has in order to overcome teams laden with at least more talent on paper.
Fourthly, speaking of doing a lot with talent, let's look at teams that don't. LSU has almost the same talent on the field as Alabama according to rivals with almost identical numbers, yet LSU's four year average finish is quite dismal in comparison and shows why Les Miles is on the hot seat this year.
It's called squandering talent.
And lastly, despite the most stellar careers in all of football, it is easy to see why Florida State fired Bobby Bowden. They had, according to rivals, a much better talented team for the last few years than Alabama, but in the past four years they had not one finish in the top 20. Talk about doing nothing with a lot of talent.
Bobby Bowden, as good as he was, had great talent and did absolutely nothing with it. One bad year would be an anomaly, four in a row is shows it's no bad year, freak injury or tough schedule.
Also Miami should have better results with all the talent they have. Randy Shannon's seat has been warm for a while too.
So while you celebrate your school's recruits ask yourself first what your team ends up doing with that talent.
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The start of college football is right around the corner. The countdown to kickoff begins with the SEC media days in Hoover, Alabama.
The football media has now turned its attention to the other BCS conferences.
It is time to start discussing players to watch for the Heisman Trophy. For the third straight year and the fifth time since 2000, the reigning winner returns with a chance to win the award for second time.
Alabama’s Mark Ingram is the returning winner and the only player with a chance to join Archie Griffin as the only two-time winners. While Ingram is trying to win his second award, USC’s Reggie Bush might be losing his.
Here is a look at five players from each BCS conference who could be a Heisman contender. Along with a look at five players from non-BCS conferences that could be in the running for the award.
One quick note, I did not include any defensive players or offensive linemen. Most Heisman contenders and winners come from the skill players on offense.
(Note: To cut down on the length of this article, I am splitting it up into three articles. This last part will cover the Pac-10, SEC, and the non-BCS conferences. )
Click here to read part one on the ACC/Big-12 and click here to read part two on the Big East/Big Ten.
Pac-10 Heisman Contenders To Watch
5. James Rodgers, WR, Oregon State Beavers
Rodgers is a threat to score in every phase of the game. He can be dangerous as a receiver, kick returner, or in the rushing game.
Last season, Rodgers caught a school-record 91 passes for 1,034 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, plus he added 303 rushing yards. Rodgers was seventh in the nation and led the Pac-10 with 179.1 all-purpose yards per game.
A couple of things could derail Rodgers' Heisman hopes. The first is that Oregon State is breaking in a new quarterback after the departure of Sean Canfield and his brother Jazquizz could end up with more press.
4. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon Ducks
James made the best of the situation after starting running back LaGarrett Blount melted down after the Boise State game. Instead of getting spot carries, James went on to set a freshman Pac-10 record with 1,546 yards on 230 carries with 14 touchdowns.
A home run threat, James led the nation with 21 carries over 20 yards and four carries that went for more than 50 yards. James also added 186 receiving yards on 17 receptions.
After Jeremiah Masoli was kicked off the team for theft and a drug citation, Oregon will have to lean on James even more. This should help his Heisman chances since he will be the focal point of the Ducks offense.
3. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford Cardinal
Luck will try to improve on an impressive freshman performance of 2,575 yards with 13 touchdowns and only four interceptions. He also added 358 yards on the ground on 61 carries with two touchdowns.
The only downside to Luck’s freshman year was that he missed the Cardinal’s bowl game after an injury to a finger on his throwing hand in the last game of the year against Notre Dame. Without Luck, Stanford lost to Oklahoma in the Sun Bowl.
Luck will try to avoid a sophomore slump and win the Heisman. The departure of Toby Gerhart could have the biggest impact on Luck’s chances of winning the award.
2. Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Oregon State Beavers
Can anyone forget Rodgers coming out party on an ESPN Thursday night game against the USC Trojans? Rodgers followed up that performance last season with 1,440 yards on 273 attempts and 21 touchdowns.
Rodgers also added 522 receiving yards on 78 receptions with a touchdown. He is also the only two-time All-Pac-10 team back for the 2010 season.
With the departure of Sean Canfield, Rodgers will have to carry the load even more this season. That should increase his chances of winning the Heisman if he can stay healthy.
1. Jake Locker, QB, Washington Huskies
Had he declared for the NFL draft after last season, Locker might have been the No. 1 pick and most thought he was certainly entrenched in the top five. Last season, he passed for 2,800 yards with 21 touchdowns, but he also had 14 interceptions.
Locker also added 388 yards on the ground in 112 carries and added seven rushing touchdowns. He is also an accomplished baseball player who has been picked twice in the baseball draft and is currently under contract with the Los Angeles Angles.
Washington returns 10 starters on offense and should be even better in year two under Steve Sarkisian. As long as Locker can stay healthy, he will be in the Heisman conversation all year long.
Other Pac-10 Players To Watch
- Matt Barkley, QB, USC Trojans
- Nick Foles, QB, Arizona Wildcats
- Shane Vereen, RB, California Golden Bears
- Nic Grigsby, RB, Arizona Wildcats
- Kevin Riley, QB, California Golden Bears
SEC Heisman Contenders To Watch
5. Julio Jones, WR, Alabama Crimson Tide
Jones returns to the national champions to help with their bid to repeat. Last season, Jones 596 yards on 43 receptions with four touchdowns.
After a subpar sophomore season, Jones looks to rebound in 2010. The one player who could help with that is Greg McElroy, who is going into season two as the starting quarterback.
Two things will hurt Jones chances at the Heisman. The first is that current winner Mark Ingram is on the same team and Jones' poor 2009-10 season puts him behind in the Heisman hype.
4. Randall Cobb, WR, Kentucky Wildcats
If Cobb played for nearly any other SEC team but Kentucky (namely, Alabama, Florida, or Georgia), he would be a major Heisman contender. Cobb is the one player in the SEC who is a threat to score on every touch of the ball and every phase of the game.
During his time with the Wildcats, Cobb has played at wide receiver, quarterback, and running back, plus as a punt and kick returner. Last season, 447 receiving yards on 39 receptions, 573 rushing yards, 653 combined punt and kickoff yards, 89 passing yards, and 15 combined touchdowns.
Cobb should be a national superstar but does not get the hype playing for Kentucky. That still should not stop Cobb from making a statement this season and a run at the Heisman.
3. A.J. Green, WR, Georgia Bulldogs
Green was nearly unstoppable last season until injuries slowed down what could have been an outstanding season. Because of those injuries, Green’s sophomore season did not match his freshman season.
Still, even after missing three games last season, Green had 808 yards on 53 catches with six touchdowns. That also includes the fact that Georgia was breaking in a new starting quarterback.
Green will be a Heisman contender if he can stay healthy for an entire season. One down side is that for the second year in a row the Bulldogs starting quarterback will lack game experience.
2. Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas Razorbacks
If not for the number one guy on our list, Mallett would be the top player to watch in the SEC. He is the only quarterback in the conference who is a certain NFL prospect.
After sitting out the 2008 season because he transferred from Michigan, Mallett threw for 3,627 yards with 30 touchdowns and only seven interceptions. For Mallett to be a Heisman contender, the Razorbacks win total must improve.
In the defensive-crazed SEC, Arkansas puts up video game numbers on offense. Improving against the SEC’s best would help Mallett. Last season, the Razorbacks lost to perennial powerhouses of Alabama, Georgia, Florida and LSU.
1. Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama Crimson Tide
The returning Heisman Trophy winner has to be the favorite to win once again in 2010-11. Ingram's cause is helped even more since he will also be trying led Alabama to back-to-back national championships.
One thing to remember about Ingram is that he has only fumbled twice in his career and only lost one of those fumbles. Last year he rushed for 1,658 yards, adding 334 yards receiving with 20 combined touchdowns.
The only thing that could derail Ingram’s Heisman hopes is that he won the award last year. Only one player has ever award the twice—Ohio State great, Archie Griffin.
Other SEC players to watch
- Greg McElroy, QB, Alabama Crimson Tide
- Jordan Jefferson, QB, LSU Tigers
- Mike Hartline, QB, Kentucky Wildcats
- Stephen Garcia, QB, South Carolina Gamecocks
- John Brantley, QB, Florida Gators
Non-BCS conference Heisman Contenders
5. Andy Dalton, QB, TCU Horned Frogs
Dalton led TCU to an undefeated regular season in 2009-10 in the Mountain West Conference and the first BCS appearance for the Horned Frogs and the third for the MWC. Last season, he had 2,756 passing yards, 512 rushing yards, and 26 combined touchdowns.
4. Dwight Dasher, QB, Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
Last season, Middle Tennessee became the first Sun Belt team to win 10 games and the Blue Raiders won their first-ever bowl game in school history over Southern Mississippi. Dasher was a big reason for the dream season with 2,789 passing yards, 1,154 rushing yards, and 36 combined touchdowns.
3. Ricky Dobbs, QB, Navy Midshipmen
Ask Ohio State fans if Dobbs belongs on this list after he nearly led Navy to a win over the Buckeyes. Notre Dame fans will tell you Dobbs belongs on this list after the Midshipmen went in to South Bend to earn a victory.
Last season, Dobbs led Nave to a nine-win season and a bowl victory and if he becomes a better passer, he could be a Heisman contender. In the Navy triple option, Dobbs rushed for 1,192 yards and passed for 1,031 yards with 33 combined touchdowns.
2. Case Keenum, QB, Houston Cougars
Keenum has put up video game like numbers for the past two seasons at Houston. The quarterback gives the Cougars their first Heisman contender since David Klingler finished third.
Last season, Keenum passed for 5,671 yards with 44 touchdowns and only 15 interceptions. He also added 158 rushing yards and four touchdowns for the C-USA champions.
1. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State Broncos
Moore is the only quarterback besides, Greg McElroy, to be undefeated at the end of last season. The Western Athletic Conference was treated to its third BCS appearance and second in BSU history.
Moore will try to bring the WAC its first Heisman winner in BSU’s final year in the conference. Last season, Moore had 3,536 passing yards with 39 touchdowns and only three interceptions, while only getting sacked three times the entire year.
Other non-BCS Conference Players To Watch
- Colin Kaepernick, QB, Nevada Wolf Pack
- Vai Taua, RB, Nevada Wolf Pack
- Austin Pettis, WR, Boise State Broncos
- James Cleveland, WR, Houston Cougars
- Bernard Pierce, RB, Temple Owls
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If you live in Alabama, it's almost imperative you have to pick a side.
Alabama or Auburn?
With no disrespect at all to the other teams that reside in this football-crazed state, I think you get the idea.
I will start with the fact I am a lifelong Alabama fan, but this article is not about me being on one side or the other.
It is about the feelings shared between the majority, but not all, of the fans of both teams. This feeling or state of mind is one which should be buried forever—in more ways than one.
That feeling or emotion is hate.
In all honesty, I want Alabama to beat Auburn each and every time we square off, in any kind of competition.
It is my right to pull for my team, and it is what I do, along with all other Crimson Tide faithful.
Right alongside is Auburn, who wants to beat Alabama in the same situations, and the Auburn faithful have the same right, and that is also what they do for their team.
Here is where the ugly part comes in to play.
Some, and again I emphasize some, fans of both sides will tell you they hate the other, for no other reason than they just do.
Now, I don't know how many of you will agree with me, but this is a ridiculous emotion, feeling, or whatever you want to call it. It just has to be removed from this rivalry.
I get it; we both want to be better than the other.
We both want to win the Iron Bowl. We both want to establish our dominance in the state for the next year, win bragging rights, or whatever you want to call it.
With that said, do we really have to hate each other?
I am willing to bet that the real players here, the upcoming young men on that field each and every week, are not a part of this unsupported hate in which some fans participate.
I am also willing to bet that they play across from high school friends a lot of the time, and even though they want to win, they don't buy into that emotion at all.
And we are the adults here?
We talk about how they are young kids, and about how they need guidance for doing things they shouldn't, but then we talk about one another in such a hateful and disrespectful way just because they pull for the opposite team?
I know this article might fall upon deaf ears and might not make a difference one way or the other, but we should try to remember one thing.
It's a game—and there is no room for hate in it.
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One of the biggest rivalries in the history of college football- the Iron Bowl between the University of Alabama and Auburn University is one that is watched by all of America. The place where this spectacular event was held for most of its years was in Birmingham's Legion Field, built with the iron and steel the great city was known for. Now the Iron Bowl is held every year at either Alabama's Bryant-Denny Stadium or Auburn's Jordan-Hare Stadium.
The question on many SEC fans' minds is should the Iron Bowl be moved back to Legion Field instead of switching locations between Tuscaloosa and Auburn? There are many pros and cons to this idea that was brought forth over the years of transferring the Iron Bowl site. There is no doubt that tradition lies on the field of the "Grey Old Lady." But is it worth accommodating such a huge rivalry game once again?
The Pros
Legion Field has always been a very important part of Birmingham's history as a city. Built by architect D.O. Whilldrin in the 1920's, the stadium's primary use was to hold football games and over the years, Alabama and Auburn played the majority of the Iron Bowl rivalries there. The real problem that most people see is that switching between Tuscaloosa and Auburn every year creates a large fan bias in the stands.
The solution to this is playing the Iron Bowl at a neutral field- Legion Field. It was the most historic place where the game was played before and it will be the site of where the rivalry game will be played in the future. The venue has never been used to its full capacity since the UAB Blazers began using it for their Conference USA home games. One of their highest attendance records was an unfortunate 16,000 fans.
Bringing Alabama and Auburn to Birmingham would increase commerce for the city from fans that come to watch both teams play. It would also bring back the glory days of the now deteriorating Legion Field.
The Cons
Legion Field is no doubt historic, but college campuses are much nicer than the cracked parking lot of which the complex offers. Crime is also a major issue where the stadium is located. It unfortunately sits in the middle of Birmingham's lower-class neighborhoods which entales the very likelihood that unlawful acts would be committed while fans are watching the game from the bleachers.
Recession has also hit Birmingham relatively hard over the years, which leaves the city with less money to fund the upkeep of large projects like Legion Field. Within the last 15 years, the upper decks of the stadium were torn down due to instability and less attendance than UAB had expected its first years. The fact that the stadium is not kept in very good condition also steers people away from the idea of using this site as a venue for the Iron Bowl once again.
The Debate Continues
The idea of using Legion Field again as a primary spot for the Iron Bowl will remain on the table quite possibly for as long as college football continues. When the recession has eased and crime steadily falls, Legion Field may possibly be considered again as the main site for Alabama and Auburn to play, but until then it will remain a steady debate. The memories and legacy that Legion Field has produced for the Iron Bowl and college football will always be remembered through out the history of the game and will surely not be forgotten.
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Over the past four years, the SEC has been the best football conference in America. It's impossible not to know. The media and the fans have shoved that fact down the throats of the rest of the country.
However, the title and the gloating are well deserved, as the SEC has won four straight national championships.
Is it still the best conference in America? That remains to be seen. But it will compete once again, as Alabama will undoubtedly start the season as the nation's top team.
The SEC won't be knocked off its perch atop college football easily. Doing so would take a loss in the National Championship. But several other leagues--the Big Ten in particular--have plenty of contenders up to the challenge.
The problem, though, is that in today's media-crazed society, having a good enough team to beat the Alabamas and Floridas of college football might not be enough.
Because of the BCS, there is always the possibility that perfection may not mean a National Championship berth. It happened in 2004 when Auburn (yes, an SEC team) didn't make it to the title game despite a perfect record. It's happened numerous times to undefeated non-Big Six teams, who sometimes get jumped by one-loss BCS conference teams.
Fair? No. But as nearly everyone involved with college football has learned the hard way, life isn't fair.
In a media-driven world, sometimes the opinions of commentators or writers on major sports networks pull as much weight as wins and losses.
That's not to say that Alabama can go 8-4 and automatically punch a ticket to Glendale, but if it is one of three undefeated teams, it almost certainly has a spot in the National Championship.
Because of the unspoken conference hierarchy created by the media, the SEC will always beat out a team from another conference for a spot in a bowl game, regardless of if the other team has been more impressive throughout the season.
With so many solid teams heading into 2010, but no clear superpower, expect the race to be close, unlike last year when it was never in doubt. This means that an SEC team will likely be in the mix, and thus, receive an automatic bid.
It may sound crazy, but because of all the hype the SEC receives, it is definitely possible.
Take this year for example.
Because of preseason polls, the SEC was basically guaranteed a spot in Pasadena. If its champion was undefeated, it got a spot. This ended up costing three undefeated teams--Cincinnati, TCU, and Boise State--a shot at a national title.
It ended up not being a huge deal because those teams are either non-Big Six or didn't play a tough schedule, but had Iowa managed to stay undefeated in the final month, or if Ohio State had been perfect, then there would have been an issue.
With so many teams this year that will likely be competitive, there is bound to be a problem with an SEC team jumping a more deserving team from another major conference.
And because of the SEC's preseason hype, a very good team may not be invited to Glendale.
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We spoke to San Jose State University's play-by-play man, Mike Chisholm, about the Spartans' 2010 team, new Coach Mike MacIntyre, the upcoming Alabama opener, Boise State's chances of going undefeated, and how San Jose wins--at least when it comes to having better weather.
Bleacher Report: Have you had a chance to see much of the SJSU team in the spring or early summer prep?
Mike Chisholm: Yeah. Things look good. Coach MacIntyre wants to run the ball, so we've been seeing a lot of the Pistol Formation, some shotgun runs, a lot of 1-back sets, and some H-back leads. If holes can be made...
BR: That's Question 2-Since Coach Mac will run more than (former) Coach (Dick) Tomey did—does SJSU have the players to make the transition to the different blocking schemes and offensive abilities a running game requires?
MC: Well, two good runners return in Lamon Muldrow and Brandon Rutley. Plus, we have a (University of Washington) transfer (and JUCO player) David Freeman. He's quite the talent.
Also, Coach MacIntyre will throw to the Tight End, which Coach Tomey never did. We've got a great TE in Ryan Otten, a guy with a long frame, a guy who can block and has the hands. I see him in the (former U. of Wyoming and Dallas Cowboy) Jay Novacek mold.
But yeah; blocking will be the key.
BR: Coach MacIntyre has a pretty good pedigree for a first-time coach, doesn't he?
MC: Absolutely. He talks all the time about his two biggest influences: Coach (David) Cutcliffe (Duke Head Coach--MacIntyre was the DC there before coming to SJSU) and Coach Parcells (Coach Mac was a defensive coach under him in the NFL). That's a great defensive background to have.
Especially since this team needs to improve defensively in the coming season. And Coach MacIntyre has completely changed the fitness regimen here, and that will reap benefits far down the road.
BR: What recruits do you see that point to Coach MacIntyre looking for defensive help, run blockers and RBs to fit his scheme?
MC: Right. Coach Mac is looking to build a program, not a team per se. Since California is rich with talent, he's been hitting the recruiting trail hard since he was hired in December. He and his staff have visited over 1,000 schools since then.
What he's looking for is athletes. Even now, the coaches are looking at players in different roles, places where they may fit better than they do now. Some players are even going to see some time on both sides of the ball--that means athletes that have the ability to play defense, for example, but still have 20 or so snaps on the offensive side of the ball.
BR: In your opinion, knowing that fall camp has yet to start, is (last year's starter and senior) Jordan La Secla going to be your starting quarterback?
MC: I honestly don't know, and I don't think the coaches know. All three quarterbacks took snaps with the first team in the Spring Game, and all three have different skill sets that can help the team. Besides Jordan, you have (Matt) Faulkner (a JUCO transfer) and (RS Freshman Dasmen) Stewart.
Stewart is a great athlete. He's 6'3", weighs over 200, and can really run. He's the type of quarterback you want running a system like the one Coach MacIntyre has put in place here. If he hits the corner on the run, he's gone.
BR: What will it take for the Spartans to turn around the 2-10 season you guys had a year ago?
MC: Like I said, we're looking for the long term, and last year was a difficult year. What I do know is how hard we work--coaches, players, staff, everybody. Being stronger and getting better athletes will bring great changes to the program, and that's what we're looking for long-term.
As I said, Coach MacIntyre is building a program, not a team.
BR: Will you guys be ready for Alabama?
MC: We'll do our best. And our early schedule is a killer. We play four ranked teams in our first seven games, including last year's National Champion. We face Wisconsin the week after we get you guys, then Utah two weeks after that. The only good news here is that we do face Boise at our place, and we usually play them tough here.
BR: Do you think Boise State will go undefeated this year?
MC: Undefeated? Probably. Everybody's got that Virginia Tech game circled. If they can win that one... The funny thing is--even in their Fiesta Bowl win years, they still had several close calls within the conference. Their win over SJSU in '06 was only 23-20, and that was on a last second field goal.
But yeah; Boise is incredible. As Coach Tomey used to say, "Boise does everything better than everyone else." And he's right.
BR: Can you tell 'Bama fans a little bit about the history of this program?
MC: Sure. It's a pretty old program (SJSU first fielded a team a year after Alabama did--1893). There was a time a few years back when San Jose sent several draft picks a year to the pros. There was success when the school was a member of the old Big West Conference; the team won more games in that conference than any other team at the time.
And the success in the '80s and '90s was due in large part to the program's use of JUCO players from the large talent pool that the California junior college programs provide.
The Spartans also went to a bowl game as recently as 2006.
BR: How's the weather in San Jose?
MC: Great! Weather here is mild, mid-70's; we always get a good breeze going being this close to the ocean.
BR: Nice. We have temps in the 90s with 90% humidity. It's like breathing through a sweat sock. Thanks for talking with us.
MC: You bet. See you in September.
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According to Nick Saban, there is no such a thing as a returning national champ.
And he is right, with regard to the players.
As an institution, it is a totally different thing. Each year in college football their is turnover in personnel that has to do with the maturation of an individual and the need to move on to a professional career. That career may be in the NFL or in the world outside of stadiums and domes.
Teams also lose players for many other reasons. Many of these are unfortunate for the athlete because his career is cut short by injury, poor grades, or an unsuccessful attempt to leave for the NFL before graduation.
Regardless of the reason, the changes affect starting positions and depth charts that have significant impact on how the follow up season outlook is viewed by others who take interest and have knowledge of how to predict such things.
Yet no prognosticator always gets it right. Most have a better than 60 percent success rate or they couldn't sell their predictions for more than the paper they are printed on (or, in modern terms, entice someone to pay for their predictions on the Internet).
Alabama, as an institution, will field a team with the moniker as returning national champion. But the players on the field know differently. From the opening kickoff to the first play from scrimmage, their will be players with a significant role on this team who never saw the field during the previous championship run.
Some will have changed positions or assumed a more important role in the offensive, defensive, or special teams schemes. Whatever happens, this team is a new team. Despite having eight returning starters on offense, the schemes and plan of attack will be different.
With eight new starters on defense, the plan may be to revert to a more basic scheme in the early part of the season and increase the complexity as it develops, and the players prove on the field that they can play with very few mistakes.
This season, Alabama football will field a team with 12 All-SEC Media Day selections. It is the most for the school since the first team was made in 1992.
Florida had twelve selections last season. That team had one loss—the SEC championship game.
Eight of the players selected were offensive players, with four on defense. Mark Ingram and Donta' Hightower had the highest number of votes of players selected, and Trent Richardson was also adorned with first team honors, giving the running back tandem the mark as the potential best two backs ever in an Alabama backfield.
Senior left tackle James Carpenter, junior wide receiver Julio Jones, offensive lineman Barrett Jones and defensive lineman Marcell Dareus were first team selections as well.
The second team included quarterback Greg McElroy, center William Vlachos and linebacker Courtney Upshaw. Julio Jones was named to the second team as a returner on special teams.
Alabama is predicted to win the SEC West, and the voting margin was large. The Tide are predicted to defend the conference championship against Florida in the SEC Championship game—which would be the first time two teams played in the SEC championship three years in a row.
These are just predictions. Alabama and Florida fans, remain calm.
Don't buy into the hype until at least halfway through the season. In fact, it is just hype. These players have to live up to their billing and it is up to the coaches to give them every chance to do so this season.
You see, it's just as much about the coaching than it is about the players and their potential. The coaches are behind the scenes, preparing the warriors to take the field. A team is not a team without a coach and his staff. The Alabama staff is largely intact, replacing only one assistant in the offseason.
The Tide are ready to get it on. They want to get fall camp started and get it over. It's time to prepare for a season of testing, a season of trials and small steps that will help develop a new identity for this team.
It's time for college football to begin the 2010 season. The 2009 campaign is over; bragging rights are no longer valid. Preseason predictions are just a barometer, not a true measure of what is to be.
Anticipation, it's making me wait. It's making me wait once again.
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