Last year was the most amazing season in college football history, hands down. A sophomore won the Heisman, someone from the top 5 lost almost every week, and a 2 loss team won the National Title. The dominos all started to fall the first week of the season with the "upset heard 'round the world."
Little known Appalachian State went into the Big House and punched the Wolverines in the mouth. For four quarters, they went toe to toe with the winningest school in college football history (and picked by many to contend for a National Championship) and would not back down. They proved what every coach in America preaches to his team day in and day out: Believe in yourself, and you can accomplish anything.
Suddenly the little guys could play with the big boys. Stanford knocked off USC, Kentucky beat LSU.... as did Arkansas. USF beat Auburn at home and Illinois went to the Horshoe and won. #2 couldn't catch a break as Cal, UF, USF, and Pitt all let the ranking slip through their fingers with upset losses. Parity reigned supreme, and don't expect anything different this year.
The difference between the upper-echelon teams and their usual whipping boys has been marginalized in this age of Youtube. This season will not be as shocking as last year, but you can bet you will see some "tune up" teams swinging for the fences this year.
The following games are on upset watch:
Week 1
Appalachian St @ LSU
Why? Because not only is Appalachian St the 3 Time Defending National Champion, but because they did it last year. They know that they CAN play with the best of the bigs. They return 14 starters, including their QB. LSU lost the heart and soul of their defense (Steltz and Dorsey) as well as their offense (Hester, Flynn, Doucet), plus trouble child Ryan Perriloux.
Why Not? LSU won a title last year too, and Les Miles has recruited well. The Tigers can pretty much re-load and challenge for the SEC.
Probability: 25%. Everyone has been talking about it since last season, so LSU is tired of hearing about it. If LSU comes out ready to play, it will be over early- but if they let App St hang around.....
USC @ UVA
Why? The last road start for Mark Sanchez did not go so well for USC, and UVA's home crowd is a little more rowdy than Stanford's. Plus USC could be caught looking ahead to the Ohio State game.
Why Not? UVA lost the heart of their defense in Chris Long, and Pete Carroll has a stable full of backs he will feed the ball to.
Probability: 20%. A win could go a long way toward saving Al Groh's job.
Alabama @ Clemson
Why? It isn't really a home game for Clemson, and the Tigers tend to stumble out of the gates under Bowden. Plus Saban needs a signature win to ease his already warming seat.
Why Not? The Tide are still a year or two away from beating teams with Clemson's talent on a regular basis.
Probability: 50%. Never trust Tommy Bowden in a big game... unless it is against his dad or Spurrier.
Week 2
Central Michigan @ UGA
Why? The Dogs - the sexy pick to win the national title this year- follow this game up with a trip to Arizona State, and Central Michigan is no longer a team to be overlooked. They have a potent offense led by QB Dan LeFevour, and are capable of getting into a shootout with the dogs.
Why Not? The Chippewa defense is awful and Knowshon knows that.
Probability: 10%. The Dogs may get caught sleeping early, but they have the firepower to catch up- and then some.
Cincinnati @ Oklahoma
Why? Brian Kelly's team is hard-nosed and looking for a win to put them on the map. OU has been labeled as soft in recent bowl games. Look for them to take shots early and often in this game to stun the Sooners.
Why Not? Lack of firepower for Cincinatti. They need a few more playmakers before they take out a team that is this loaded.
Probability: 10%. Stoops' teams usually get out of the gate fast.
Troy @ LSU
Why? Troy's offense can score at will, and LSU is breaking in a new QB.
Why Not? Same as above. LSU still has a LOT of talent.
Probability: 20%
Miami @ UF
Why? Miami needs this game to climb back to their former glory. It's a rivalry game, and no one gives them a shot at winning, which will lead to one fired up squad. Also, UF has yet to prove itself on defense.
Why not? Miami has a new QB making his first road start in front of 90,000 fans in the Swamp. Florida has Heisman winner Tim Tebow, Percy Harvin, Corneilus Ingram, Chris Rainey... et all.
Probability: 25%. Most of UF's players weren't born the last time UF beat Miami. They don't understand the rivalry. If Miami can frustrate Tebow and hang close, it will be interesting. If Tebow distributes the ball amongst his weapons, it won't be close.
Other possibilities:
Tulane @ Alabama (15%) - If 'Bama doesn't find some offense, this one could be interesting.
Ole Miss @ Wake (30%) - How well does Wake adjust to being the favorite? Is Jevan Sneed all that Houston Nutt hopes he will be?
Miami OH @ Michigan (10%) - Game 1 of the Rich Rod era. Have players bought into the new system?
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Comments (14) Add A Comment
LOL miami over UF .. gators suck
4vrRoyal4vrLoyalBuck…
Total Comments (656)
Wow I doubt there is any bias in that opinion
*LSU*
West Monroe, LA
Total Comments (3042)
Last time you said that it ended in Florida kisssing a crystal ball and you crying,
*LSU*
West Monroe, LA
Total Comments (3042)
OSU fan,
Well, if the gators suck, what does that say about your team? 41-14 and we definitely called off the dogs. And just to prove a point, LSU spotted you ten points in last year's game and that loss was uglier than the score indicated. Your squad is 0-9 against SEC teams and we suck? Oh, and we won't mention the basketball game. Your comment clearly demonstrates your astonishing mental prowess. You are a giant among mortals.
UF-G8R
Colorado Springs , CO
Total Comments (174)
gators suck
4vrRoyal4vrLoyalBuck…
Total Comments (656)
That's and nice little state of denial you've got there
*LSU*
West Monroe, LA
Total Comments (3042)
Am I going to have to seperate you two?
CenLA Tiger
Tigerland, LA
Total Comments (3768)
please do
*LSU*
West Monroe, LA
Total Comments (3042)
This is a good, well thought out blog, and of course, some OSU fan has to come in and c r a p on it.
hairgut the Dawg
Lawrenceville , GA
Total Comments (133)
all this OSu idoit wants is attention, so I think we should justignore him, maybe He'll leave the site.
*LSU*
West Monroe, LA
Total Comments (3042)
Hey, go to 4vrRoyal4vrLoyalBuckeyes's profile page and look under groups, he's a member of the Ohio State sucks group
*LSU*
West Monroe, LA
Total Comments (3042)
I think he is just upset because OSU isn't mentioned in my post :)
Small Town Gator
Chicago , IL
Total Comments (40)
Would Arizona St. winning in Tempe be an upset? What about UCLA beating Tennessee? I wouldn't consider them upsets I guess since they're away. They would be minor upsets.
Troy is breaking in a new O-coordinator and skill players, so that won't be much of a game.
How 'bout 'em
Marietta, GA
Total Comments (2070)
ASU winning would be a slight upset, since your boys will be in the Top 3 no doubt, but nothing monumental. I was trying to pick some of the games that most folks think will be blowouts.
UCLA is a bit of an unknown. Neuheisel can coach, but if he doesn't have a healthy QB come fall camp, they don't have much of a shot. That being said, UT tends to stumble out of the gates sometimes, and they are also breaking in a new offense. The spread usually takes a few years to get the right athletes for it to truly click.
Small Town Gator
Chicago , IL
Total Comments (40)
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