Random Musings

I saw an interesting stat that showed that only seven teams since 1983 finished in the AP top 5 with a freshman quarterback starting at least four games. Only ONE of those quarterbacks, Oklahoma’s Jamelle Holieway, was a TRUE freshman. I am very interested to see how USC does now that Pete Carroll has named true freshman Matt Barkley the starting quarterback. All the talking heads are saying USC is so good it doesn’t matter who you line up behind center. I respectfully disagree. (So does the LA Times Click here) The Trojans lost both coordinators and eight starters on defense. Trips to Ohio State, Cal, Notre Shame, Oregon and Arizona State will present significant challenges. USC is looking at a 9-3 or 10-2 record.

The media seems to be drinking the Nick Saban Kool-Aid in massive amounts. They seem to forget about the fact that Saban has never had back to 10+ win seasons. Saban has never won back-to-back division titles. Alabama was mediocre on offense last season and lost their top two offensive linemen and their number one tight end.

Looking beyond just this season, there will be a tremendous amount of pressure on Saban the next two years. He is one of the highest paid coaches in the country, but thus far he has produced one division title and one Independence Bowl win over Colorado. If Bama doesn’t win the division or conference this season, will next season be any better? In 2010, the Tide are at Arkansas, at Tennessee, at South Carolina and at LSU plus get Florida at home. Does that look like a schedule conducive to an SEC Championship much less a National Championship? Saban just signed an extension through 2017. I have no doubt that he is a great coach, but the expectations at Alabama will be through the roof this season and in the future. How will Saban and the fans deal with disappointment? This will be an interesting situation to watch.

I think this season could be a wild one similar to 2007. The top teams are all dealing with serious questions that I think the media glosses over. (ahem…Bama, USC)

Take Oklahoma for instance. Great team no doubt. But the Sooners lost FOUR starters on the offensive line. The defense gets everyone back, but real questions exist.

Penn State has only one senior on the offensive line. That line will include three new starters including two sophomores. Only four starters return on defense.

Ohio State only has four starters returning on offense. Pryor will really have to carry the Buckeyes at times this season.

Trendy picks Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, California and Georgia Tech have not proved themselves to warrant confidence. The Cowboys last won a conference title in 1976, in the now defunct Big 8. It has been over 45 years since Ole Miss won the SEC. The 1958 Bears were the last Cal team to represent the Pac-10 in the Rose Bowl. Georgia Tech has won a grand total of two conference titles in the last 50 years.

I think the ACC may be very good this season. Virginia Tech, Florida State, Georgia Tech and UNC all have the potential to be excellent teams. The consensus seems to be that Florida and a Big 12 team will play for the national title. Don’t be surprised if an ACC team makes the title game. The ACC is better than people think and someone could emerge from there.

Rutgers is an interesting case from the Big East. Looking at their recruiting over the last five years, each class looks stronger and stronger. The Scarlet Knights return ALL FIVE starters on the offensive line and the starting tight end returns as well. All the tough conference games are at home this year.

Only a few days left until the season begins. Can’t wait.