Posted on 08/16/2007 5:04:38 PM PDT by GOP_Raider
From the new kickoff rules to USC losing a game to who'll be playing QB for Notre Dame by season's end, College Football News gives us three things (and then some) they're sure will happen this year.
Q: Give three things you're absolutely sure of going into this year.
Pete Fiutak 1. There will be plenty of fireworks on kickoffs. Everyone made a big deal out of the clock rule changes last year (which were changed back this year), but that was nothing compared to what's about to happen. Teams and coaches get a limited amount of time to work on the basics, much less fine tune the special teams. Those who aren't strong in kickoff coverage are going to get ripped apart now that kickoffs are starting from the 30 instead of the 35. Those teams with elite returners are going to have a serious advantage, since there won't be many touchbacks. Expect a three-game adjustment period with some very ugly results for some.
2. USC will lose a game. Not only is USC the most talented team in America, but it's not even close. The second, third, and even fourth stringers are better than most teams' starters, and it's gotten to the point to where other major teams are bragging when they get a player recruited by USC, as if it's now the gold standard. Even with all that talent that's come through Pete Carroll's program, the team has only gone tape-to-tape once without a loss, and this year's team isn't the 2004 squad.
(Excerpt) Read more at msn.foxsports.com ...
At least "on paper" I really, really doubt it.
If no other team is even close, why will they necessarily lose a game?
Especially when the ‘hood is on fire.
>>Ah, a full Coliseum at night. Nothing like it in the world.
Adds a nice glow to the air, dontcha think?
I was at a riot at the Masoleum once. It was free AM/PM Squeeze Bottle Day at one of the Raider games. What a swell idea!
I think my uncle still has that squeeze bottle. :)
The other thing you can count on is the BCS will still be a giant farce. You can also count on BCS schools buying out of their home and home contracts with the Mountain west, once the MWC team has traveled to their house. Syracuse just shafted Wyoming. Who’s next?
That’s a nice benefit to playing the Pac-10 schools in the non-conf slate, that they for the most part are more willing to schedule a return trip. The Utes play UCLA at home this year and Oregon State make a trip to Salt Lake next year.
We also get Michigan in Ann Arbor next year and if the Wolverines ever make the return trip, I’ll streak down South Temple Bvld.
Your right about the PAC-10, They do honor their contracts with MWC schools, but every other Big Crock of Shiite conference school buys out when they have to travel to a MWC stadium. Arizona will make the trip to Albuquerque next year. I think this series is scheduled for 4 games. It brings back an old WAC rivalry from days before ASU and Arizona left to the PAC-10.
I’m a little surprised the Lobos haven’t played the U of A more often in football. They’ve had some great games against each other in basketball from what I remember.
Well, I can always hope, even after last year's 28-10 loss at USC. The Huskers had a 20-19 win over #5 Texas in their grasp last year (until a receiver's fumble after he'd picked up a first down with 2 minutes left), and they were within a field goal of #10 Auburn. Maybe this year a preseason #19 can beat a #1.
One can hope!
“USC will lose a game.”
If I am a coach of a second tier football program and I have SC on my schedule, I know that a win over SC will make my season and my career, even if my team ends up having a .500 season. So I will be game planning against SC year round and I will motivate and prepare my players for this game like no other. Just remember Cal coach Tedford in 2003...
Where do the Hollyweird asswipes sit?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.