NCAA 2007-2008 Preseason Thread

[the nut]

Preseason Top 25: Trust us -- it's a work in progress
Jan. 15, 2007
By Dennis Dodd
CBS Sports


How do you rank teams when you don't know who is playing for them?

The early-entry deadline is the best thing the NFL ever did for colleges. And vice versa. The NFL wants to know who is coming. College coaches want to know who is leaving. Everyone will know for sure by the end of the week.


John David Booty and USC are Dennis Dodd's preseason No. 1. (Getty Images)
So why were some scribes cranking out 2007 Top 25s before the last Buckeye fan has cleared out of the Glendale, Ariz. Sizzler?

Either they were hungry or lazy. Maybe both.

Monday was the deadline for juniors to declare for the draft. That's why I waited until the last minute -- defined as mid-January in this case -- to pick a preseason top 25.

In the past few days, Ohio State lost three offensive starters (Ted Ginn Jr., Anthony Gonzalez, Antonio Pittman). USC lost a two-time All-American receiver (Dwayne Jarrett). Texas (Ramonce Taylor) and Minnesota (Gary Russell) lost a couple of former running backs who weren't even in school last season.

Louisville lost a back who barely played (Michael Bush) but retained its veteran quarterback. Consider Brian Brohm the first commitment for new coach Steve Kragthorpe.

It isn't over yet. Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson and Hawaii's Colt Brennan themselves waited until the last minute Monday. In terms of the Top 25, that means Notre Dame is in and Hawaii is out.

However, like Brennan, I reserve the right to change my mind. Hawaii's quarterback has until Friday to pull his name back out.

Me? Check back frequently.

1. USC: How do you pick a team that lost twice down the stretch and its top two receivers and featured a spotty running game? Easy. Ten starters return on defense. If John David Booty can't get the job done at quarterback, Mark Sanchez will.

2. Michigan: The Triplets (Chad Henne, Michael Hart, Jake Long) will have to outscore opponents. The defense takes a big hit, but the Ohio State game is at home. Rumors are circulating that the Wolverines really want to win that one.

3. West Virginia: R-Rod is back. So are juniors Patrick White and Steve Slaton. The defense will have to learn to tackle better. Eight returning starters get their chance.

4. Florida: Can the Gators be better? Probably not. The defense took a tremendous hit, especially since there's no Ohio State to pick on in '07. The offense will be more conventional because there is no Tim Tebow to back up ... Tim Tebow.

5. Wisconsin: A national championship berth is not out of the question for Bret Bielema in his second season. Outland winner Joe Thomas is gone, but that doesn't seem to matter in Madison. Some other beefcake will slip into his place and carve out a way for tailback P.J. Hill.

6. Louisville: It's not the coach, it's the AD. Tom Jurich moved quickly to replace traitor Bobby Petrino with Kragthorpe. Brohm's return makes a defense of the Big East title more than possible.

7. Texas: The 'Horns are loaded. Where have you read that before? Colt McCoy tied the freshman passing touchdown record in Texas' "rebuilding" year. Once again, it's get past Oklahoma (Oct. 6) and an undefeated season is in sight.

8. TCU: This year's version of Boise State has the schedule and the coach to make a run. Assuming Gary Patterson returns, this will be the best defense he has had in Fort Worth. Expect another 10-win season.

9. Arkansas: Two 1,000-yard rushers. A rising superstar at quarterback. If Houston Nutt wins the SEC, would that satisfy the parents? They already ran off o-coordinator Gus Malzahn, who went to Tulsa this week.

10. LSU: Senior Matt Flynn isn't the dynamic presence that JaMarcus Russell was but still has a chance to win 10 as the new quarterback. Bo Pelini is still coaching the defense. The SEC road games are at Mississippi, Alabama, Kentucky and Mississippi State.

11. Virginia Tech: Frank Beamer is known for winning 10 and playing great defense. There's more of the same as Beamer welcomes back perhaps the nation's best set of linebackers.

12. Auburn: Trips to Arkansas and Florida keep the Tigers from the top 10 and the SEC title. Have faith in the defense and in Brad Lester and Ben Tate to replace tailback Kenny Irons.

13. Cal: No Marshawn Lynch? No problem. Jeff Tedford is the Bears' best coach since Pappy Waldorf. Defense is an issue, but excitement isn't. Watch PR/WR DeSean Jackson.

14. Oklahoma: This seems to be another rebuilding year, but if the Sooners find a quarterback, they are in contention. The loss of Peterson is eased by Allen Patrick (761 yards) and Chris Brown (4.9 yards per carry).

15. Rutgers: Ray Rice is a Heisman frontrunner. But the college football world has been alerted. No more sneaking up.

16. Georgia: The offensive line had better be rebuilt or Matthew Stafford will suffer in his first full season as the starter.

17. South Carolina: I expected the Gamecocks to contend for the SEC East by now. It won't happen just yet. The defense will have to carry Steve Spurrier.

18. Boise State: Overall, the Broncos will take some hits, but Ian Johnson will deliver some. It's the WAC; how far can the Broncos fall?

19. Nebraska: Steady progress by Bill Callahan's first three seasons. Expect another Big 12 North title in Year 4.

20. Ohio State: Smith, Ginn Jr., Gonzalez, Pittman: Gone. Get used to Todd Boeckman at quarterback. Also get used to three or four losses.

21. Texas A&M: Just when you wanted to buy in, the Aggies got punked by Cal in the Holiday Bowl. A lot coming back but I can't see better than third place in the Big 12 South.

22. Boston College: Matt Ryan might be the best quarterback in the ACC. BC gets an automatic spot with seven consecutive bowl wins.

23. Oklahoma State: Tremendous offensive talent. The defense can't stop air. The Pokes will upset someone but get embarrassed, too.

24. Notre Dame: No Brady. No Darius. No BCS bowl. A squeezably soft November schedule. The Irish will win at least seven. The real show is finding out how good a coach Charlie Weis really is in this transition year.

25. South Florida: You're wondering why Miami and Florida State aren't here? The Bulls return 16 starters from a team that won nine and beat West Virginia.

Ten to Watch

Alabama
Clemson
Florida State
Georgia Tech
Kentucky
Maryland
Miami
Penn State
Oregon State
Wake Forest

 

[the nut]

Booty could return Trojans to No. 1 ranking
By Mark Schlabach
ESPN.com


The 2006 college football season isn't even 48 hours behind us, but it's never too early to look ahead to this fall. This preview might be altered by the early exodus to the NFL, but we're fairly certain about a couple of things: The Trojans are No. 1 and Notre Dame isn't ranked.


1. USC Trojans
Why: Quarterback John David Booty's stellar performance (391 passing yards, four touchdowns) in the Trojans' 32-18 win over Michigan in the Rose Bowl presented by Citi showed he's among the best passers in the country. The Trojans played a boatload of underclassmen this season; if junior defensive end Lawrence Jackson and defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis return, they could have 10 starters back on defense.


Why not: Booty's two primary targets -- Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith -- will be gone next season. Are young receivers Vidal Hazelton and Patrick Turner ready to step up? Junior left tackle Sam Baker could join senior center Ryan Kalil in the NFL draft. The 2006 schedule flips in 2007 with road games at Nebraska, Notre Dame, Oregon, California and Arizona State.



2. Florida Gators
Why: Have you seen the talent Gators coach Urban Meyer has stockpiled in Gainesville? Florida's 41-14 annihilation of Ohio State in the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game was no fluke. The Gators are in the top five to stay. Meyer and offensive coordinator Dan Mullen believe heralded quarterback Tim Tebow will run their offense better in his sophomore year than graduating quarterback Chris Leak. A national championship repeat isn't out of the question -- the 2007 schedule is more favorable with home games against Tennessee, Auburn and Florida State and additional nonconference games against I-AA Western Kentucky, Troy and Florida Atlantic.



Why not: The defense -- the Gators' strength during their run to the BCS national title -- will be hit hard with personnel losses. At least five starters will leave and star safety Reggie Nelson and linebacker Brandon Siler also could bolt for the NFL draft. The Gators still don't run the ball very well and leading rusher DeShawn Wynn is leaving.



3. Michigan Wolverines
Why: Quarterback Chad Henne, tailback Mike Hart and All-America left tackle Jake Long already have declared they'll be back, along with receiver Mario Manningham. The Wolverines play most of their tough games at home -- against Oregon, Notre Dame, Penn State and Ohio State -- and don't play at Wisconsin until Nov. 10.



Why not: As many as eight defensive starters might be leaving, including junior tackle Alan Branch, who decided to enter the NFL draft. Defensive ends LaMarr Woodley and Rondell Biggs and All-America cornerback Leon Hall also are gone. Three starters are leaving on the offensive line.



4. West Virginia Mountaineers
Why: Mountaineers coach Rich Rodriguez turned down a lucrative offer from Alabama to stay at his alma mater. Quarterback Pat White and tailback Steve Slaton, two of the most electrifying players in the country, return for their junior seasons. The road to the Big East title gets easier with Bobby Petrino leaving Louisville.



Why not: The Mountaineers lose center Dan Mozes, the heart and soul of their offensive line, and starting receivers Rayshawn Bolden and Brandon Myles, who were valued as much for their blocking as pass catching. Seven starters should be back on defense, but linebackers Kevin "Boo" McLee and Jay Henry are leaving. Three of West Virginia's toughest games in 2007 are on the road -- at Rutgers, South Florida and Maryland.



5. Wisconsin Badgers
Why: The Badgers should return 19 starters from a team that finished 12-1 in coach Bret Bielema's first season. Rising sophomore P.J. Hill ran for more than 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns, and speedy wide receiver Marcus Randle El returns from a knee injury. All-Big 10 cornerback Jack Ikegwuonu and outside linebacker Jonathan Casillas return to lead an improving defense.



Why not: The Badgers should lose only two starters on offense, but they're important ones -- quarterback John Stocco and All-America left tackle Joe Thomas. Tyler Donovan played well in two emergency starts for Stocco, but he'll have to hold off Kansas State transfer Allan Evridge for the starting job. The schedule gets tougher, as the Badgers trade out Northwestern and Purdue for Michigan State and Ohio State in the Big 10 rotation.



6. Oklahoma Sooners
Why: The Sooners were among the youngest of the elite teams and still won the Big 12 Conference and played in a BCS bowl game. As many as nine starters could be back on offense and seven on defense. Rising senior Allen Patrick ran for 761 yards and four touchdowns in Adrian Peterson's absence, and proved he can carry the load in 2007 if Peterson leaves.



Why not: Oklahoma will have an inexperienced quarterback with Paul Thompson leaving. Either junior college transfer Joey Halzle, redshirt freshman Sam Bradford or incoming freshman Keith Nichol will get the nod. Leading tacklers Rufus Alexander and Zach Latimer and pass-rushing linemen Larry Birdine and C.J. Ah You are leaving.



7. Virginia Tech Hokies
Why: The Hokies played better than any ACC team down the stretch and might return eight starters on offense and eight on defense. Xavier Adibi and Vince Hall are as physically gifted as any linebackers in the country, and tailback Branden Ore emerged as the league's best runner.



Why not: Quarterback Sean Glennon struggled throwing the football in his first season as a starter, but the Hokies don't have a viable option behind him. Kicker Brandon Pace and punter Nic Schmitt, two of the country's best specialists, are leaving. Virginia Tech plays at LSU on Sept. 8 and picks up Florida State in the ACC rotation.



8. Texas Longhorns
Why: The Longhorns should score plenty of points with quarterback Colt McCoy and receivers Quan Cosby, Billy Pittman and possibly Limas Sweed coming back. Tailback Jamaal Charles might run for 1,000 yards when he's not sharing carries with Selvin Young anymore.



Why not: Three starters are leaving on the offensive line, including All-America guard Justin Blalock. There will be even more losses on a defense that got torched by Texas Tech and Kansas State: defensive ends Tim Crowder and Brian Robinson, safety Michael Griffin and cornerbacks Tarell Brown and Aaron Ross, the Thorpe Award winner. Defensive coordinator Gene Chizik was named coach at Iowa State.


9. Ohio State Buckeyes
Why: The Buckeyes were exceptionally young this past season, starting 10 sophomores and freshmen. If Antonio Pittman returns for his senior season, he'll form one of the country's top tailback tandems with rising sophomore Chris Wells.


Why not: For starters, Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith is leaving. Receivers Ted Ginn Jr. and Anthony Gonzalez also could bolt for the NFL draft, leaving fewer proven targets for the new quarterback, either Todd Boeckman or Rob Schoenhoft. Also, the schedule gets tougher with road games at Washington, Penn State and Michigan and a home game against Wisconsin. Was the BCS meltdown an aberration, or did Florida expose the Buckeyes' lack of speed?

10. Cal Bears
Why: Despite losing Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year Marshawn Lynch, the Bears return a plethora of skill players on offense. DeSean Jackson is a big-play threat at receiver and punt returner. Quarterback Nate Longshore was much-improved in his first season as a starter, and Justin Forsett and freshman James Montgomery are in line to replace Lynch.



Why not: For starters, the Bears open the 2007 season against Tennessee and must fare better than in the '06 opener. Cal must replace all its key parts on defense -- tackle Brandon Mebane, linebacker Desmond Bishop and cornerback Daymeion Hughes. The transition will be easier if the NCAA grants another year of eligibility to cornerback Tim Mixon, who missed all of 2006 with a knee injury.



11. Arkansas Razorbacks
Why: Tailback Darren McFadden might be the Heisman Trophy favorite in 2007 after running for nearly 1,500 yards and 14 touchdowns as a sophomore. Tailback Felix Jones was nearly as productive. The Razorbacks relied largely on freshmen and sophomores in winning the SEC West in 2006.



Why not: The Hogs won despite failing to throw the football consistently all season. Neither Casey Dick nor Mitch Mustain was very good, allowing opponents to focus on stopping McFadden and Jones. Coach Houston Nutt seemed reluctant to turn his offense over completely to new coordinator Gus Malzahn, which might cause more tension down the road. The Razorbacks struggled defending the pass, and cornerback Chris Houston and defensive end Jamaal Anderson both entered the NFL draft as juniors. Road games at Alabama, Tennessee and LSU are hazardous.



12. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Why: All of the pieces are in place for coach Bill Callahan to return the Cornhuskers to their place among the country's elite teams. Arizona State transfer Sam Keller might be the perfect trigger man for Callahan's passing offense. Tailbacks Brandon Jackson and Marlon Lucky are both capable runners, and junior college transfer Maurice Purify was a big-play threat. Four offensive linemen return.



Why not: The Cornhuskers struggled to stop opponents, and all four defensive linemen and leading tackler Stewart Bradley must be replaced. The Cornhuskers can't go through another season without a capable kicker. The nonconference schedule will be more than demanding with home games against Nevada and USC and a road game at Wake Forest.



13. LSU Tigers
Why: The Tigers played like one of the best teams in the country down the stretch, winning their last seven games and beating Notre Dame 41-14 in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. LSU annually has stockpiled talent, starting with former coach Nick Saban and continuing with Les Miles.



Why not: The Tigers will be hit hard by defections: junior quarterback JaMarcus Russell has declared his intention of entering the NFL draft, and defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey is expected to do the same. Senior wideouts Craig Davis and Dwayne Bowe, defensive end Chase Pittman and safeties Jessie Daniels and LaRon Landry also are leaving. Offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher left for the same position at Florida State.


14. Penn State Nittany Lions
Why: The Nittany Lions' 20-10 win over Tennessee in the Outback Bowl showed they're not too far from returning to where they were two years ago. Quarterback Anthony Morelli showed signs of being able to lead the offense, and Derrick Williams, Deon Butler and Jordan Norwood are all playmakers. If junior linebacker Dan Connor returns, the defense should be just as good after allowing 14.4 points per game in 2006.



Why not: Penn State must replace tailback Tony Hunt, who ran for more than 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons. Left tackle Levi Brown also leaves. Three starting defensive linemen must be replaced, along with All-America linebacker Paul Posluszny, the school's all-time leading tackler.



15. Texas A&M Aggies
Why: The Aggies return a lot of firepower in quarterback Stephen McGee, tailbacks Mike Goodson and Jorvorskie Lane, and blossoming tight end Martellus Bennett. Texas A&M lost three games by a combined six points before beating Texas 12-7 in the regular-season finale, so perhaps the Aggies finally have learned how to win close games.



Why not: Coach Dennis Franchione, who finally seemed to be off the hot seat by finishing 5-3 in the Big 12 and beating Texas, lost a lot of momentum when the Aggies were thumped 45-10 by California in the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl. The Bears found plenty of cracks in defensive coordinator Gary Darnell's 4-2-5 scheme, and leading tackler Justin Warren and safety Melvin Bullitt are leaving.


16. Auburn Tigers
Why: Nick Saban's arrival at Alabama will light a fuse under Tigers coach Tommy Tuberville, whose team went 11-2 in 2006, but never found its rhythm on offense. Auburn is still very talented on defense, and end Quentin Groves and tackle Sen'Derrick Marks can become dominating players.



Why not: The Tigers lose four offensive linemen, including second-team All-America guard Ben Grubbs, as well as leading receiver Courtney Taylor and leading rusher Kenny Irons. Quarterback Brandon Cox was inconsistent throughout the season and didn't receive much help from his receivers.



17. Georgia Bulldogs
Why: The Bulldogs salvaged an otherwise mediocre 2006 campaign by finishing with victories over nationally ranked Auburn, Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech. Freshman quarterback Matthew Stafford improved throughout the season and showed great arm strength. The receiver corps improved and should be better with the return of senior Sean Bailey, who missed all of 2006 with a knee injury. Running backs Kregg Lumpkin and Thomas Brown return, along with highly regarded freshman Knowshon Moreno.



Why not: Georgia will rely heavily on junior college transfers in rebuilding its offensive and defensive lines. The biggest losses will be defensive ends Charles Johnson and Quentin Moses and linebacker Tony Taylor. Road games at Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia Tech, along with playing Florida in Jacksonville, are daunting.



18. TCU Horned Frogs
Why: The Horned Frogs finished the 2006 season with a flourish, winning their last seven games and thumping Northern Illinois 37-7 in the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl. TCU outscored its last four opponents 172-35. All but two starters, including end Tommy Blake, an All-America candidate, return to a defense that should be among the best in the country. The defense will be tested early -- the Horned Frogs play at Texas on Sept. 8.



Why not: TCU loses quarterback Jeff Ballard, who threw 13 touchdowns and only five interceptions in 2006. He should be replaced by redshirt freshman Marcus Jackson, who has thrown 44 passes in his college career.



19. Tennessee Volunteers
Why: The Volunteers improved from 5-6 in 2005 to 9-4 this season, but coach Phillip Fulmer isn't satisfied, especially after a 20-10 loss to Penn State in the Outback Bowl. Erik Ainge should return for his senior season after offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe transformed him into an SEC quarterback again. Tailback LaMarcus Coker showed signs of being the runner the Vols have needed the last few seasons.



Why not: All three of Ainge's main weapons -- Robert Meachem, Bret Smith and Jayson Swain -- are leaving. Center David Ligon and Arron Sears also are departing. The Volunteers open the season at California and play at Florida and Alabama. Tennessee plays Georgia, South Carolina and Arkansas at home.




20. UCLA Bruins
Why: The Bruins won their last three regular-season games, including a 13-9 upset of USC, before losing to Florida State 44-27 in the Emerald Bowl. UCLA could start 10 seniors on defense next season, and coordinator DeWayne Walker proved to be a great tactician in the upset of the Trojans. Likewise, the Bruins should lose only one starter on offense -- center Robert Chai -- and two experienced quarterbacks, Patrick Cowan and Ben Olson, will battle for the starting job.


Why not: This will be a very important season for coach Karl Dorrell, who seemed to be on his way out until UCLA upset rival USC. The Bruins lose only three regulars, but two of them were All-Americans: first-team kicker Justin Medlock (28-for-32 field goals) and second-team defensive end Justin Hickman (12½ sacks).




21. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Why: The Scarlet Knights will keep chopping away in Piscataway, N.J., after coach Greg Schiano turned down Miami to stay at Rutgers. Tailback Ray Rice should be among the leading contenders for the 2007 Heisman Trophy, and quarterback Mike Teel continued to progress throughout the 2006 season. Wide receivers Kenny Britt and Tiquan Underwood are emerging big-play threats.



Why not: The loss of senior running back Brian Leonard can't be understated. He was a bruising blocker, a fabulous receiver out of the backfield and formed a great running tandem with Rice. The Scarlet Knights also must replace five starters on defense.


22. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Why: The Demon Deacons figure to stay near the top of the ACC as long as Clemson, Florida State and Miami continue to underachieve. Remarkably, Wake Forest was able to keep coach Jim Grobe after he led the Demon Deacons to an 11-3 record, ACC title and BCS bowl game.



Why not: Wake Forest won't sneak up on opponents this season. The Demon Deacons will have eight starters back on offense and seven on defense. But cornerback Riley Swanson and safeties Patrick Ghee and Josh Gattis will be missed from a secondary that helped the Demon Deacons intercept 22 passes in 2006. The passing game must get better, and Ben Mauk will challenge Riley Skinner for the starting job.



23. Boise State Broncos
Why: Who can doubt the Broncos after they finished 13-0 and beat Oklahoma 43-42 in overtime in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl with a heavy dose of razzle dazzle at the end? Tailback Ian Johnson returns after leading the country with 25 rushing touchdowns and 1,714 rushing yards in 2006. He'll have four offensive linemen back in front of him. Quarterback Jared Zabransky leaves, but coach Chris Petersen will have four quarterbacks competing to replace him, including Nick Lomax, son of former NFL quarterback Neil Lomax.



Why not: A big reason Boise State finished unbeaten was its defense, which improved to 14th in Division I-A in total defense and 21st in scoring defense (compared to 51st in each category in 2005). Star linebacker Korey Hall, the heart and soul of that defense, is leaving, along with three starting defensive linemen.


24. Alabama Crimson Tide
Why: It won't take Nick Saban long to turn the Crimson Tide into a winner, but it won't happen overnight. Alabama should return nine starters on offense, including promising tackle Andre Smith and guard B.J. Stabler. Receiver DJ Hall is coming back, along with quarterback John Parker Wilson, who must improve for the Tide to be effective on offense.



Why not: The Crimson Tide loses six starters on defense, including linebacker Juwan Simpson and tackle Jeremy Clark. The schedule is difficult with home games against Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee and LSU and road games against Florida State (in Jacksonville) and Auburn.



25. Louisville Cardinals
Why: Before coach Bobby Petrino bolted for the NFL's Atlanta Falcons, the Cardinals were hoping junior quarterback Brian Brohm would return. If Brohm leaves for the NFL draft, Hunter Cantwell is ready to take over. Petrino said he believed Cantwell could develop into an NFL prospect. Anthony Allen showed he's ready to replace Michael Bush, who announced Tuesday that he will leave for the NFL draft.


Why not: Maybe this is why Petrino left. Besides Bush, Brohm amay also enter the draft. Defensive tackle Amobi Okoye, cornerbacks William Gay and Gavin Smart and linebacker Nate Harris are definitely leaving the defense.

 

[the nut]

My top 5.... So don't bet on any of these teams next year.

1. West Virginia
2. Southern California
3. Florida
4. Michigan
5. Louisville

 

[MCx2]

Hehe, you really love your college football eh? I guess it's never too early to look ahead!

 

[goandykid]

Michigan 12-0
Wisc 11-1
OSU 11-1

In that order, heh. No bias here.


Florida, 0-12.

 

[the nut]

Michigan 12-0
Wisc 11-1
OSU 11-1

In that order, heh. No bias here.


Florida, 0-12.

That's the Big Ten standings right?

OSU may drop behind PSU in the Big Ten this year.

 

[the nut]

Hehe, you really love your college football eh? I guess it's never too early to look ahead!

When you're an ND fan, it's always about next year....

 

[bigss75]

PSU and WIS should be ahead of Mich and OSU at least they know how to play in bowl games

 

[the nut]

PSU and WIS should be ahead of Mich and OSU at least they know how to play in bowl games

Something tells me if PSU or Wisconsin played USC or Florida, we'd see the same results.

Michigan should have a Top 20 Offense, let's see how the defense deals with the loss of probable first rounders Banch, Woodley and Hall. I would expect them to win the Big Ten and compete for a National Championship.

 

[the nut]

Powlus to coach Notre Dame QBs; Brown takes over defense
Jan. 18, 2007
CBS Sports




SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- New York Jets defensive backs coach Corwin Brown will be introduced as Notre Dame's defensive coordinator Friday and former Irish player Ron Powlus will be named quarterbacks coach.

Brown will replace Rick Minter, while Powlus will replace Peter Vaas, two people familiar with the hiring said Thursday. They requested anonymity because they were not authorized to release the information. Both Minter and Vaas were in their second stints at Notre Dame.

Coach Charlie Weis called a news conference for Friday to introduce them.

Brown has been defensive backs coach with the Jets for the past three seasons. The 36-year-old Chicago native played for the New England Patriots from 1993-96 and New York Jets from 1997-98. Weis was an assistant on the teams during those years. Brown spent three years as an assistant coach at the University of Virginia, under former Patriots assistant and Jets head coach Al Groh, before joining the Jets in 2004.

He will take over an Irish defense that struggled in two seasons under Minter. In 2005 the Irish gave up a school-record 397 yards a game, finishing 75th nationally in total defense. The Irish improved slightly this year, giving up an average of 340 yards a game and finishing 65th in total defense. But Notre Dame gave up more than 40 points in all three of its losses.

Powlus was a four-year starter at quarterback for the Irish, and has been the director of personnel development the past two seasons. He was twice named team captain, set 20 school records and guided Notre Dame to a 30-17-1 record.

Powlus was touted as a surefire Heisman Trophy winner when he arrived at Notre Dame in 1993, but never came close. The 32-year-old will be expected to help Jimmy Clausen, the most highly touted Irish recruit since Powlus, develop into a top-notch quarterback. Clausen began classes at Notre Dame on Tuesday.



Nice of them to hire the biggest disappointment in Notre Dame history, off the heels of one of their most disappointing seasons. I wouldn't want this guy anywhere near Clausen.

 

[the nut]

Scout.com Top 50 Recruits


DE 1 Everson Griffen
(Agua Fria Union HS)
Avondale, AZ 6-4/265/4.55 Committed to USC

RB 2 Joe McKnight
(John Curtis Christian)
River Ridge, LA 5-11/193/4.40 Alabama, Arkansas, LSU, Miami (Fl), Mississippi, Texas, USC

DT 3 Marvin Austin
(Ballou HS)
Washington, DC 6-3/300/4.90 Florida State, North Carolina, USC, Maryland, Tennessee, Illinois, LSU

QB 4 Jimmy Clausen
(Oaks Christian HS)
Westlake Village, CA 6-3/195 Committed to Notre Dame

QB 5 Ryan Mallett
(Texas HS)
Texarkana, TX 6-6/220/5.13 Committed to Michigan

RB 6 Marc Tyler
(Oaks Christian HS)
Westlake Village, CA 6-0/215/4.55 Committed to USC

CB 7 Eric Berry
(Creekside HS)
Fairburn, GA 6-0/194/4.35 Committed to Tennessee

OG 8 Tray Allen
(So Grand Prairie HS)
Grand Prairie, TX 6-4.5/290/5.35 Committed to Texas

MLB 9 Chris Galippo
(Servite)
Anaheim, CA 6-2/230 Committed to USC

WR 10 Terrance Toliver
(Hempstead HS)
Hempstead, TX 6-4.5/195/4.50 Florida, LSU, Miami (Fl), Oklahoma, Tennessee, USC

S 11 Chad Jones
(Southern University Lab School)
Baton Rouge, LA 6-3/232/4.50 LSU, USC, Florida, Florida State, Miami (Fl)

WR 12 Arrelious Benn
(Dunbar HS)
Washington, DC 6-2/205/4.50 Committed to Illinois

CB 13 Ronald Johnson
(Muskegon HS)
Muskegon, MI 6-0/185/4.40 Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Tennessee, USC

CB 14 Curtis Brown
(Gilmer HS)
Gilmer, TX 6-0/175/4.40 Committed to Texas

RB 15 Noel Devine
(North Fort Myers HS)
N Ft Myers, FL 5-8/170/4.35 Florida, Florida State, LSU, North Carolina, West Virginia

DT 16 Torrey Davis
(Armwood HS)
Seffner, FL 6-4/285/4.90 Committed to Florida

OT 17 Josh Oglesby
(St. Francis HS)
Saint Francis, WI 6-8/312/5.30 Committed to Wisconsin

QB 18 Aaron Corp
(Lutheran HS - Orange County)
Orange, CA 6-4/185/4.65 Committed to USC

RB 19 Caleb King
(Greater Atlanta Christian School)
Norcross, GA 5-11/196/4.46 Committed to Georgia

OT 20 Anthony Davis
(Piscataway Township HS)
Piscataway, NJ 6-5.5/330/5.30 Committed to Rutgers

DE 21 Ben Martin
(La Salle HS )
Cincinnati, OH 6-5/225/4.65 Committed to Tennessee

CB 22 Donovan Warren
(Polytechnic HS)
Long Beach, CA 6-1/176/4.40 California, Michigan, UCLA, USC

WR 23 Deonte Thompson
(Glades Central HS)
Belle Glade, FL 5-11.5/186/4.28 Florida, LSU, Miami (Fl), Ohio State, USC

C 24 Kristofer O'Dowd
(Salpointe Catholic HS)
Tucson, AZ 6-4/312/5.00 Committed to USC

S 25 Eugene Clifford
(Colerain HS)
Cincinnati, OH 6-2/190/4.45 Committed to Ohio State

OT 26 Ryan Miller
(Columbine HS)
Littleton, CO 6-8/280/5.10 Committed to Colorado

QB 27 Tyrod Taylor
(Hampton HS)
Hampton, VA 6-2/185/4.55 Committed to Virginia Tech

DE 28 Martez Wilson
(Simeon Vocational HS)
Chicago, IL 6-4/228/4.50 Committed to Illinois

SLB 29 J'Courtney Williams
(Christchurch School)
Christchurch, VA 6-3/220/4.68 Committed to Virginia

DT 30 Andre Jones
(Andress HS)
El Paso, TX 6-4/305/5.37 Committed to Texas

WR 31 John Chiles
(Mansfield Summit HS)
Arlington, TX 6-1/192/4.39 Committed to Texas

OG 32 James Wilson
(Nease HS)
St Augustine, FL 6-5/305/4.90 Committed to Florida

DE 33 Justin Trattou
(Don Bosco Prep School)
Ramsey, NJ 6-4/250/4.70 Committed to Notre Dame

DE 34 Carlos Dunlap
(Fort Dorchester HS)
North Charleston, SC 6-6/240/4.70 Florida, South Carolina, Clemson, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia Tech

TE 35 Aaron Hernandez
(Bristol Central HS)
Bristol, CT 6-4/235/4.57 Committed to Florida

DT 36 Joseph Barksdale
(Cass Technical HS)
Detroit, MI 6-5.5/315/4.90 Committed to LSU

S 37 Marshall Jones
(Oaks Christian HS)
Westlake Village, CA 6-1/190/4.50 Committed to USC

OG 38 Chris Jacobson
(Keystone Oaks HS)
Pittsburgh, PA 6-3/275/5.00 Committed to Pittsburgh

DT 39 John Brown
(Lakeland Senior HS)
Lakeland, FL 6-1/285/4.90 Alabama, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Mississippi

WLB 40 Lorenzo Edwards
(Edgewater HS)
Orlando, FL 6-2/221/4.72 Committed to Florida

DE 41 Cliff Matthews
(Cheraw HS)
Cheraw, SC 6-5/230 Committed to South Carolina

QB 42 Kodi Burns
(Northside HS)
Fort Smith, AR 6-2/190 Committed to Auburn

S 43 Major Wright
(St. Thomas Aquinas HS)
Fort Lauderdale, FL 6-1/204/4.55 Florida, Miami (Fl), Notre Dame, Ohio State, USC

DT 44 Da'John Harris
(Junipero Serra HS)
Gardena, CA 6-4/260/4.85 Committed to USC

RB 45 Chris Rainey
(Lakeland Senior HS)
Lakeland, FL 5-9/156/4.37 Committed to Florida

DE 46 Allen Bailey
(McIntosh County Academy)
Darien, GA 6-3/260/4.80 Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Miami (Fl), Clemson, Texas, USC

SLB 47 Chris Donald
(Huntingdon HS)
Huntingdon, TN 6-3/220/4.50 Committed to Tennessee

QB 48 Pat Bostick
(Manheim Twp HS)
Lancaster, PA 6-3.5/220/4.80 Committed to Pittsburgh

OT 49 Martin Coleman
(Edison HS)
Huntington Beach, CA 6-6/290 Committed to USC

DT 50 Brian Price
(Crenshaw Senior HS)
Los Angeles, CA 6-3/270/5.00 Committed to UCLA

 

[the nut]

Scout.com top recruiting classes


Rk. - School - Commits - Conf. - Points - Top 100
1. Florida 23 SEC 4276 6
2. Texas 21 Big 12 3893 5
3. Tennessee 26 SEC 3755 4
4. LSU 23 SEC 3645 5
5. USC 13 Pac-10 3401 10
6. Notre Dame 18 I-A Ind 3281 6
7. South Carolina 29 SEC 3261 2
8. Pittsburgh 22 Big East 3175 2
9. Nebraska 29 Big 12 3105 0
t10. Georgia Tech 19 ACC 2810 2
t10. Illinois 21 Big Ten 2810 3
12. Auburn 20 SEC 2792 2
13. Georgia 22 SEC 2780 1
14. Michigan 18 Big Ten 2682 4
15. Mississippi 28 SEC 2574 2
16. Virginia Tech 25 ACC 2554 1
17. West Virginia 23 Big East 2479 0
18. Ohio State 13 Big Ten 2438 4
19. Oregon 21 Pac-10 2413 1
20. Rutgers 22 Big East 2225 2
21. Texas A&M 19 Big 12 2207 1
t22. California 17 Pac-10 2184 0
t22. Penn State 17 Big Ten 2184 2
24. Washington 24 Pac-10 2162 1
25. Clemson 17 ACC 2087 2

 

[goandykid]

Sam Mguffie is on a recruiting trip to Michigan next month. We just lost one of our top recruits, a safety, to fucking INDIANA. He was from Michigan!!


Fucker, atleast we have Mallett. Mallett shat on Clausen in post season HS national bowls.

 

[goandykid]

ND and UM, clash of the QB's. Expect a good 2-3 year matchup from this.

 

[the nut]

Quarterback Brennan will return for senior season

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Colt Brennan, the University of Hawai'i's record-setting quarterback, announced Wednesday he will return for his senior season, turning down an opportunity to enter the NFL draft.
"This is one of the most difficult decisions I've had to make," an emotional Brennan said. "I've decided to come back for my senior year.

"I don't think I prepared myself (for the NFL) yet. I have yet to prepare myself yet physically and mentally... get myself, my mind and my body ready."

Brennan said he came to his decision Tuesday night.

"We have a chance to have an unbelievable football team next season," Brennan said.

Brennan filed paperwork with the NFL on Monday, but had 72 hours to change his mind. He made his announcement this afternoon in a packed press conference at the Stan Sheriff Center.

UH football head coach June Jones said, "I believe it's in the best interest for his family and his family here."

The 23-year-old from Irvine, Calif., guided UH to an 11-3 record last season, including a second-place finish (7-1) in the Western Athletic Conference and a 41-24 victory over Arizona State in the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl on Dec. 24. The Warriors ranked No. 24 in the nation in the final USA Today Top 25 coaches poll of the season.

Brennan was named the recipient of the Sammy Baugh Award, given annually to the nation's top passer, and honored as an All-American by the Walter Camp Football Foundation (second team) and the Associated Press (third team).

Brennan, the Western Athletic Conference offense player of the year, set NCAA season records for touchdown passes (58) and passing efficiency (185.96). Hawai'i led the nation in passing offense (441.29 yards per game), total offense (559.21 ypg) and scoring offense (46.86 points per game). He completed 406 of 559 passes for 5,549 yards.

In his two years as a Warrior, he completed 756 of 1,074 passes for 9,850 yards, 93 touchdowns and 25 interceptions in 26 games. Brennan also had 185 rushes for 520 yards and seven TDs.

The deadline for NFL draft-eligible players to apply was Monday. The league will officially announce the underclassmen (juniors and redshirt sophomores) who entered the NFL draft on Friday, after the NCAA's deadline for withdrawing an application tomorrow.

Also attending the press conference today were UH teammates and UH athletics director Herman Frazier.

 

[the nut]

CollegeFootballNews.com 2007 pre-preseason top 25 rankings


The 2006 season is long gone and now it's time to look ahead to next season with the way-too-early, pre-preseason ranking, led by John David Booty and the loaded Trojans.

For now, these rankings are based on how good the teams look following the 2006 season, and not necessarily where they'll end up. Don't forget that a great team can look lousy when playing a nasty schedule, while an average team might be overrated after playing a bunch of cream-puffs.

1. USC
2006 Record: 11-2
Don't fret about the loss of Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith. USC is a receiver factory and has more NFL talent waiting in the wings. While John David Booty will be the signature star and the Heisman candidate, the 2007 Trojans will roll on defense with its speediest, most talented group in the Pete Carroll era with 10 starters returning. The offense won't have to generate more than 21 points a game to win.


2. LSU
2006 Record: 11-2
The Tigers lose JaMarcus Russell, several top defensive players, and leading receiver Dwayne Bowe. Whatever. Matt Flynn and Ryan Perrilloux are ready to step in and run the offense, there's still speed to burn at receiver, and there aren't as many losses as past years on defense. Replacing safeties LaRon Landry and Jessie Daniels will be the biggest issue.


3. Texas
2006 Record: 10-3
The pressure is back on Mack Brown to produce with a loaded team. Colt McCoy has all his weapons to work with a tremendous running back and receiving corps. The O line loses Justin Blalock and Lyle Sendlein, but it's Texas; it reloads. The secondary loses three NFL players, including Aaron Ross, but it didn't stop anyone last year anyway.


4. Florida
2006 Record: 13-1
Urban Meyer is doing a phenomenal job recruiting, and he won't hesitate to put young players in key spots, but the loss of way too many defensive stars, and the graduation of Chris Leak, will be too costly to repeat as national champions. That's not to say the team won't make another big run if Tim Tebow is strong in a full-time role.


5. Wisconsin
2006 Record: 12-1
Wisconsin was a very good team in 2006 with a walk-in-the-park schedule. Wisconsin will be an elite team in 2007 with a more challenging slate. The safeties need to be replaced, as do LB Mark Zalewski and OT Joe Thomas, but just about everyone else returns. Tyler Donovan and former Kansas State Wildcat Allan Evridge will replace QB John Stocco without a problem.


6. Ohio State
2006 Record: 12-1
If the Buckeyes could replace all the top defensive stars after 2005 and end up in the national title game, then they should be able to overcome the loss of a ton of offensive talent and get back, right? That's a bit of a stretch, but there's still a ton of NFL talent returning on both sides of the ball with 10 underclassmen starting last year. It'll all be about the running game until Todd Boeckman or Rob Schoenhoft get their feet wet.


7. Oklahoma
2006 Record: 11-3
The Sooners proved at the end of 2006 that they can survive and thrive without Adrian Peterson, but the offense needs Joey Halzle, or some other quarterback, to be more than just steady. The secondary should be among the best in the country, but losing linebackers Rufus Alexander and Zach Latimer hurts. You don't get better by losing ends Larry Birdine, C.J. Ah You and Calvin Thibodeaux.


8. Arkansas
2006 Record: 10-4
As long as the offensive line can replace tackles Tony Ugoh and Zac Tubbs and guard Jeremy Harrell, the Hogs should pick up where they left off late in the year thanks to the 1-2 punch of Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. While the defense should be fine, losing heart-and-soul LB Sam Olajubutu and top-10-caliber draft pick Jamaal Anderson will sting.


9. UCLA
2006 Record: 7-6
Who will the quarterback be? The Pat Cowan/Ben Olson debate will be the big one this off-season. That's the only offensive issue with 10 starters returning. The defense loses Justin Hickman, but All-America end Bruce Davis comes back, along with nine other starters. The team's biggest loss is PK Justin Medlock.


10. Michigan
2006 Record: 11-2
The offense should be tremendous with the best trio of skill players in the country in Chad Henne, Mike Hart and Mario Manningham. Jake Long should probably be off to the NFL, but he'll be back to be a sure-fire All-American at left tackle. The defense is another story, losing Alan Branch, LaMarr Woodley, Rondell Biggs, Shawn Crable, David Harris, Prescott Burgess, Leon Hall and Willis Barringer.


11. West Virginia
2006 Record: 11-2
Rich Rodriguez is staying, Pat White and Steve Slaton are back, and the offense should be as good as ever. The defense wasn't exactly a rock last year, but it gets a slew of good players back. The receiving corps needs some playmakers to step up, and Mike Dent has to quickly show he can be nearly as good as center Dan Mozes.


12. Georgia
2006 Record: 9-4
About a year away from being at a national-title level, the Dawgs have to get more from the receivers, the offensive line has to replace four starters, and the defense has to do its yearly job or replacing several NFL prospects.


13. Virginia Tech
2006 Record: 10-3
Ike Whitaker and Sean Glennon will be in a battle for the starting quarterback spot. If one of the two can come up with more production, the offense should shine with a tremendous receiving corps and RB Branden Ore to work with. The defense will be its typical amazing self with eight starters returning.


14. Auburn
2006 Record: 11-2
A bit of a disappointment offensively last year, things will only be better if the offensive line, depleted by graduation, comes together in a big hurry. The defense will be typically quick with several great, young playmakers to get fired up about, especially tackles Josh Thompson and Sen'Derrick Marks.


15. Nebraska
2006 Record: 9-5
Is Nebraska ready to turn another corner? Former Arizona State QB Sam Keller will take over for Zac Taylor, and he'll have plenty of weapons to work with. The defensive line has to patch some huge holes, but almost everyone returns in the back seven.


16. Tennessee
2006 Record: 9-4
The Vols pulled up out of the 2004 nosedive with a nice year, but the UT fans are looking for more. The receiving corps take a monster his losing Robert Meachem early to the NFL along with Jayson Swain and Bret Smith, but the running game should get rolling early with three fantastic players in LaMarcus Coker, Montario Hardesty and Arian Foster.


17. Florida State
2006 Record: 7-6
The Seminoles have enough offensive firepower returning to hope for a much better year, but the quarterback situation between Drew Weatherford and Xavier Lee has to be hammered out right off the bat. Just about everyone of significance returns on a defense that loses star linebackers Buster Davis and Lawrence Timmons.


18. California
2006 Record: 10-3
Despite suffering just enough big losses to keep it from being among the national title contenders, Cal should still be nasty thanks to Nate Longshore, DeSean Jackson, Robert Jordan and the passing game. Justin Forsett gets the full-time rushing load with Marshawn Lynch off to the next level. DT Brandon Mebane, LB Desmond Bishop and CB Daymeion Hughes are gone taking away the heart of the defense.


19. Boston College
2006 Record: 10-3
Jeff Jagodzinski has an excellent team returning led by possible ACC Player of the Year QB Matt Ryan. Nine starters return on defense, including the entire defensive front seven, while the offense only loses two good tackles and sure-thing receiver Tony Gonzalez.


20. Texas A&M
2006 Record: 9-4
The 2006 season should be a stepping stone to a huge 2007 with QB Stephen McGee leading what should be a top-10 running attack helped by Jorvorskie Lane and Mike Goodson. Enough talent returns on defense to hope for even more production.


21. Rutgers
2006 Record: 11-2
The magic should continue with RB Ray Rice operating behind a big line. The improvement of QB Mike Teel will make the offense even better, and it'll have to be with the loss of several key defensive starters. The secondary should be excellent, while Jeremy Ito will be one of the nation's best kickers.


22. Georgia Tech
2006 Record: 9-5
Calvin Johnson is gone (bad) as is Reggie Ball (good), but almost everyone else comes back on both sides of the ball. Nine starters return from a defense that should be a killer, while RB Tashard Choice will carry the offense early on. QB Taylor Bennett showed in the Gator Bowl that he's good enough to get the passing game moving.


23. TCU
2006 Record: 11-2
It's time to start giving the program credit for being the real deal under head coach Gary Patterson. Marcus Jackson should be a more-than-adequate replacement for Jeff Ballard, while Aaron Brown and Robert Merrill will provide a killer 1-2 punch. Just about everyone is back on what should be one of the nation's best statistical defenses.


24. Penn State
2006 Record: 9-4
One of the toughest early calls, Penn State's offense should be better as long as Anthony Morelli plays like he did in the Outback Bowl. The defense might take a huge tumble losing several big stars on the defensive front, but Dan Connor and Sean Lee might be the best pair of outside linebackers in the country.


25. Oregon State
2006 Record: 10-4
Want your 2007 deep, deep sleeper for really big things? If big Sean Canfield can be a steady quarterback replacement for Matt Moore, there might be no stopping the offense with WR Sammie Stroughter and RB Yvenson Bernard among the best in the country and with four starters returning on the line. Outside of playmaking safety Sabby Piscatelli, the entire defensive back seven returns.