Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Youngstown State at No. 11 Ohio State Week 1 2007

Saturday will be the first football game between No. 11 Ohio State and Youngstown State. The Buckeyes have only lost one opening season game in the last twenty years (’99 Miami).

The Players
One of the biggest questions going into this season is who will replace the 5,290 yards of offense that Troy Smith, Ted Ginn Jr., Anthony Gonzalez and Antonio Pittman provided last season? Todd Boeckman is going to get the first chance to step into the large shoes vacated by Heisman winner Troy Smith at quarterback. Chris “Beanie” Wells and Maurice Wells are going to try and duplicate the one-two punch that the New Orleans Saints have in Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister. Brian Robiskie will be this season’s go-to receiver as Brian Hartline, Ray Small, Devon Lyons and a slew of other receivers try to become household names.

Ohio State’s defense should be the backbone of this year’s team. Youngstown State will provide an opportunity for linebacker James Laurinaitis, left end Vernon Gholston and cornerback Malcolm Jenkins to lead the Buckeyes to their first 46th opening game shutout.

Louis Irizarry returns to Ohio Stadium after being dismissed from the Buckeyes. In 2006 he caught at least one pass in all 14 games. Senior quarterback Tom Zetts’ main targets will be Irizarry and senior wide receiver Rory Berry. The Penguins lost three running backs to graduation and are hoping that Jabari Scott and Brandon Nicholson can fill the void.

The View
Since 1890 Ohio State is 101-12-4 in opening games. The Buckeyes have not had a shutout in an opening game since defeating the Hurricanes 10-0 in 1977. Former Ohio State president Karen Holbrook has a better chance at being invited to a tailgate party than Youngstown State has at winning this game. If this game were a movie, it would be titled Death March of the Penguins.

Ohio State- 45, Youngstown State- 3


The Stats
Youngstown State
Rushing offense: 223.7 (N/A)
Passing offense: 157.9 (N/A)
Total offense: 381.6 (N/A )
Scoring offense: 31.4 (N/A)
Rushing defense: 169.9 (N/A)
Passing defense: 190.6 (N/A)
Total defense: 360.4 (N/A)
Scoring defense: 23.1 (N/A)

Ohio State
Rushing offense: 169.8 (26th)
Passing offense: 214.7 (45th)
Total offense: 384.5 (26th)
Scoring offense: 34.6 (8th)
Rushing defense: 98.3 (15th)
Passing defense: 182.1 (30th)
Total defense: 280.5 (12th)
Scoring defense: 12.8 (5th)


No. 15 Tennessee at No. 12 California Week 1 2007

No. 15 Tennessee at No. 12 California (minus 5.5)

The History

Tennessee is 2-0 against California. The Volunteers won 35-18 last year and 38-12 in 1987.

The Players
California's wide receiver DeSean Jackson is this year's Ted Ginn. Jackson has scored 21 touchdowns in his last 24 games. Seniors Robert Jordan and Lavelle Hawkins give Cal a talented trio at receiver. The Golden Bears have a golden arm in Nate Longshore. Longshore threw for 3,021 yards and 24 touchdowns last year. Justin Forsett's 1,674 yards rushing and nation leading 6.39 yards a carry gives Cal a balanced offensive attack.

Erik Ainge is in position to have a stellar senior season. As a junior Ainge completed 67% of his passes for 2,989 yards and 19 touchdowns. The only problem is that Robert Meachem, Jayson Swain and Bret Smith are gone. Fortunately Lucas Taylor, Quintin Hancock and Austin Rogers are wanting to step up. Also look for JUCO transfer Kenny O'Neal and freshman Brent Vinson to make some plays. Senior free safety/cornerback Jonathan Hefney is looking to improve upon his 96 tackles and team leading 5 interceptions.

The View
Cal has never defeated Tennessee. The Golden Bears are still licking their wounds from last season's 35-18 beat-down in Knoxville. The Volunteers inexperience at receiver, offseason distractions and Cal's motivation are all the ingredients needed for their first victory over Tennessee.

Cal- 38 Tennessee- 17


The Stats
Tennessee
Rushing offense: 108.0 (96th)
Passing offense: 264.5 (12th)
Total offense: 372.5 (36th)
Scoring offense: 27.8 (34th)
Rushing defense: 146.7 (72nd)
Passing defense: 180.8 (27th)
Total defense: 327.5 (50th)
Scoring defense: 19.5 (33rd)

California
Rushing offense: 162.8 (33rd)
Passing offense: 253.2 (17th)
Total offense: 416.0 (12th)
Scoring offense: 32.8 (11th)
Rushing defense: 125.4 (47th)
Passing defense: 240.8 (103rd)
Total defense: 366.2 (91st)
Scoring defense: 19.3 (32nd)











Washington State at No. 7 Wisconsin Week 1 2007

Washington State at No. 7 Wisconsin (minus 14)

The History

Wisconsin leads the series 1-0. The Badgers defeated the visiting Cougars 35-26 in 1976.

The Players
Washington State brings its high powered offense into Madison. The Cougars offense is directed by Alex Brink. Brink has thrown for 7,095 yards in his career and will look to Michael Bumpus and Brandon Gibson to catch the majority of his passes this year.

Wisconsin will rely heavily on the legs of super sophomore P.J. Hill. Last season he rushed for 1,569 yards
and 15 touchdowns. The Badgers will need another spectacular season out of Hill because of the graduation of John Stocco. Tyler Donovan will take over at quarterback and will have TE Travis Beckum (6'4” 221 pounds) as a nice security blanket.

The View
This game is reminiscent of the game Ohio State played against North Carolina State in 2003. The Cougars bring in an experienced and high powered offense and Wisconsin has high expectations to fulfill this season. Look for an overtime game and an ending that many people won't be expecting.

Washington State- 24 Wisconsin- 21


The Stats
Washington State
Rushing offense: 128.3 (67th)
Passing offense: 259.7 (15th)
Total offense: 388.1 (25th)
Scoring offense: 24.6 (57th)
Rushing defense: 114.1 (31st)
Passing defense: 243.1 (108th)
Total defense: 357.2 (81st)
Scoring defense: 23.1 (62nd)

Wisconsin
Rushing offense: 161.7 (37th)
Passing offense: 211.5 (50th)
Total offense: 373.1 (35th)
Scoring offense: 29.2 (26th)
Rushing defense: 114.8 (34th)
Passing defense: 138.3 (2nd)
Total defense: 253.1 (5th)
Scoring defense: 12.1 (2nd)

Georgia Tech at Notre Dame Week 1 2007

Georgia Tech at Notre Dame (minus 3)

The History
Notre Dame is 27-5-1 against Georgia Tech and 15-2 when playing in South Bend.

The Players
Tashard Choice led the ACC with 1,473 rushing yards last season. Taylor Bennett replaces Reggie Ball as the Yellow Jackets quarterback and won’t have Calvin Johnson as a safety outlet. SS Jamal Lewis had 74 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and 3 interceptions to lead Georgia Tech’s pass defense that was ranked ninth in the nation.

The only guaranteed starter for Notre Dame’s offense is senior tight end John Carlson. Questions remain at quarterback, running back and wide receiver. Jimmy Clausen had surgery in the spring and Demetrius Jones and Evan Sharpley haven’t set the world on fire. Senior Travis Thomas looks to be the front runner at running back and junior David Grimes is the only proven player at wide receiver.

The View
Jon Tenuta’s defense is going to wreak havoc on Notre Dame’s inexperienced offense. Couple that with the running of Tashard Choice and the Yellow Jackets are poised to make amends for last year’s loss on national television. Notre Dame is 15-2 against Georgia Tech when playing in South Bend. At 7:00 you can change that to 15-3.

Georgia Tech- 24 Notre Dame- 16


The Stats
Georgia Tech
Rushing offense: 162.4 (35th)
Passing offense: 169.6 (91st)
Total offense: 332.1 (67th)
Scoring offense: 24.9 (51st)
Rushing defense: 104.8 (20th)
Passing defense: 195.8 (49th)
Total defense: 300.6 (27th)
Scoring defense: 18.4 (27th)

Notre Dame
Rushing offense: 125.7 (72nd)
Passing offense: 264.1 (13th)
Total offense: 389.8 (23rd)
Scoring offense: 31.0 (16th)
Rushing defense: 136.8 (61st)
Passing defense: 203.4 (60th)
Total defense: 340.2 (65th)
Scoring defense: 23.8 (67th)











Oklahoma State at No. 13 Georgia Week 1 2007

Oklahoma State at No. 13 Georgia (minus 6.5)

The History
Georgia has not played Oklahoma State since 1947. The Bulldogs are 2-0 against the Cowboys.

The Players
Last season the Cowboys were a run first offense. This season you may see more balance from them. Adarius Bowman is arguably the best wide receiver in the Big 12, if not the nation. Not only will Bobby Reid have Bowman to throw to, but running backs Dantrell Savage and Keith Toston gave Oklahoma State the seventh best rushing offense in the country in 2006.

Georgia has last year's SEC leading rusher back in senior Kregg Lumpkin. However, Lumpkin isn't the only tailback in town. Look for red-shirt freshman Knowshon Moreno to make his presence known. Matt Stafford is back at quarterback. In 2006 he was the first freshman Georgia quarterback to start since Quincy Carter did in 1998. The loss of cornerback Paul Oliver to academics will hurt the secondary.

The View
Oklahoma State's balanced offense will be too much for Georgia to handle. Savage and Toston will soften up the middle for Bowman and Artrell Woods to exploit the suspect Bulldog secondary.

Oklahoma State- 27 Georgia- 17


The Stats
Oklahoma State
Rushing offense: 208.0 (7th)
Passing offense: 201.8 (54th)
Total offense: 409.8 (16th)
Scoring offense: 35.2 (7th)
Rushing defense: 146.7 (72nd)
Passing defense: 217.4 (84th)
Total defense: 364.1 (89th)
Scoring defense: 25.6 (82nd)

Georgia
Rushing offense: 127.4 (71st)
Passing offense: 184.4 (79th)
Total offense: 311.8 (90th)
Scoring offense: 25.1 (53rd)
Rushing defense: 108.2 (27th)
Passing defense: 150.0 (5th)
Total defense: 258.2 (8th)
Scoring defense: 17.6 (20th)









Kansas State at No. 18 Auburn Week 1 2007

Kansas State at No. 18 Auburn (minus 13.5)

The History

Auburn defeated Kansas State 45-13 in 1978 and 26-18 in 1979.

The Players
Sophomore quarterback Josh Freeman looks to improve upon his record setting freshman season. He will have Jordy Nelson to throw to and speedy running backs Leon Patton and James Johnson to carry some of the weight. Patton rushed for a freshman record 609 yards last year. The Wildcats have three studs on defense. Defensive linemen Ian Campbell (11.5 sacks) and Rob Jackson (4.5 sacks) cause mayhem for opposing offenses.

Brandon Cox is coming off of an injury plagued 2006 season. He is now healthy and looking to return to the player he was in 2005. The senior has talented and experienced receivers in Rod Smith, Robert Dunn and Prechae Rodriguez. The Tigers have four quality running backs led by junior Brad Lester and the speedy Ben Tate. The deep defensive line is anchored by Quentin Groves.

The View
After this game Auburn will confirm that tigers are more fearsome than wildcats. The Tigers have more experience at quarterback and are deeper at running back. Both schools have great defenses, but Cox and company should prevail.

Auburn- 20 Kansas State- 14


The Stats
Kansas State
Rushing offense: 115.1 (86th)
Passing offense: 200.1 (57th)
Total offense: 315.2 (85th)
Scoring offense: 22.7 (69th)
Rushing defense: 148.6 (78th)
Passing defense: 197.0 (53rd)
Total defense: 345.6 (70th)
Scoring defense: 23.8 (66th)

Auburn
Rushing offense: 148.2 (47th)
Passing offense: 172.7 (88th)
Total offense: 320.9 (76th)
Scoring offense: 24.8 (56th)
Rushing defense: 124.1 (45th)
Passing defense: 168.1 (14th)
Total defense: 292.3 (19th)
Scoring defense: 13.9 (7th)

No. 19 Florida State at Clemson Week 1 2007

Labor Day Special
No. 19 Florida State at Clemson (plus 3)

The History

Florida State is 15-5 against Clemson and has won seven of the last ten games. The Seminoles have lost the last two games in Clemson.

The Players

Different year, same question. Who will be the Seminoles starting quarterback? This is the third season that Drew Weatherford and Xavier Lee will be battling to take the reigns of the offense. Weatherford should get the nod, but Lee will get an opportunity to play. Running back Antone Smith, and his 5'9” 188 pound frame, is focused on improving FSU's 103rd ranked rushing attack from last year. Mickey Andrews' high flying defense will be led by nose guard Andre Fluellen and cornerbacks Tony Carter and Myron Rolle.

Meteorologists are calling for thunder and lightning to be in the forecast for every Saturday during the football season in Clemson, South Carolina. James Davis (thunder) and C.J. Spiller (lightning) are ready to pound the ACC for another season. In 2006 Davis racked up 1,187 yards and Spiller gained 5.8 yards per carry. Left tackle Barry Richardson has started the last 32 games and played a major role in the success that Davis and Spiller had last season. There will be a new face handing the ball off to the talented tailbacks. Junior Cullen Harper will try to replace Will Proctor. Proctor was only second in the ACC in passing efficiency and led the Tigers to just under 33 points per game. Aaron Kelly is the best of the four returning wide receivers.

The View
Another year and another Bowden Bowl. This season's battle of the Bowdens could be the last. Depending on how the teams finish the season one, or both, of these schools could be looking for a new head coach. Tommy has the better team, but Bobby will show him that father knows best.

Florida State- 23 Clemson- 21


The Stats
Florida State
Rushing offense: 96.5 (103rd)
Passing offense: 233.8 (29th)
Total offense: 330.3 (70th )
Scoring offense: 26.5 (45th)
Rushing defense: 92.5 (12th)
Passing defense: 198.3 (56th)
Total defense: 290.8 (18th )
Scoring defense: 19.8 (37th)

Clemson
Rushing offense: 217.8 (5th )
Passing offense: 193.1 (67th)
Total offense: 410.9 (15th )
Scoring offense: 32.7 (12th )
Rushing defense: 103.1 (18th )
Passing defense: 177.7 (24th)
Total defense: 280.8 (13th )
Scoring defense: 16.1 (16th)