Terrelle Pryor's Lawyer Sure Likes Hearing Himself Talk

You know, if I hear one more report that starts with "Terrelle Pryor's lawyer says..." I just might be inclined to kick someone in the shins. Seriously, this Larry James guy needs to stop talking and unless Terrelle Pryor is planning on suing some damn body—and not just intimating at doing so—I am completely confused as to why he needs this lawyer representing him any further.

Pryor isn't going to the NFL, the CFL, or the AFL (is there still an AFL)? He's not returning to Ohio State, nor is he planning to transfer to a Division II school to finish out his eligibility. Soooooo, someone with more sense than myself—and I freely admit that said sense can be questionable at times—why on earth this kid, who is poor and struggling, needs a lawyer speaking on his behalf about the idiocy of his choices.

Is he going to sue Ohio State? The NCAA? The tattoo guy who sold his signature for extra cheese (that's money for those who don't know)? Jim Tressell? Seriously, why does Larry James need to be given any type of platform whatsoever for a kid who, to be quite honest, is about as relevant to the sport of football right now as Maurice Clarett is to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Of course some might say that Pryor has every right to retain a lawyer to act on his behalf if he so chooses. After all, he isn't harming anyone by letting this guy take the spotlight and voice his concerns in an intelligent manner—is he?

True enough, but when said representative lawyer starts painting the NCAA as slave master, then you might need to tell him to sit his ass down—just saying.

Good grief, what is it with these athletes and their handlers comparing their plights to slavery? Do any of them actually know anything about slavery? They can't possibly know much because for them to compare their particular issue to that of those who were whipped, hung, beaten, raped, and demoralized for the better part of their existence is asinine and repulsive.

I realize this came from Larry James' mouth and not Terrelle Pryor's, but you can see the danger in that being the case when you aren't speaking for yourself, can't you?

I truly hope Pryor has chosen his representation wisely because it seems to me that his lawyer is a bit of a ham and that's never a good thing—all talk, no action, and plenty of press will get you 15 minutes and a set of steak knives—quit while you're ahead Mr. James. The clock is definitely ticking.  

Related articles

• Terrelle Pryor's Lawyer Might Not Be Helping Terrelle Pryor's Case (sbnation.com)
• Terrelle Pryor's Lawyer Denies Pryor Was Paid By Dennis Talbott (sbnation.com)
• Terrelle Pryor won't play in CFL (fanaticsportsandcards.com)

If Maurice Clarett Is The Voice of Reason, Then Hell Just Froze Over

Maurice Clarett, former Ohio State bad boy and NFL wanna-be, has shared his two cents on the Terrelle Pryor situation and he made it very clear that it's not all Ohio State's fault that it cannot keep an eye on it's athletes. Said Clarett, "Anything that any player goes and gets is all based on him and who he meets in the community. The coaches and the university have no control over what the young guy's doing [emphasis added]".

Okay, while it's easy to buy his point based on what has happened at Ohio State in the past year under former head coach Jim Tressel, I am not willing to concede that all coaches are knowingly recruiting and cultivating selfish, entitled, and misinformed athletes that have no understanding of the risks they are taking when they meet up with "community" folks who may want to give them free stuff.

Don't get me wrong, I completely understand that most athletes are not from the best backgrounds and, as Colt McCoy's wife so aptly pointed out in a radio interview this past week, it can be difficult to turn down money, gifts, and other necessary items when you're struggling to find enough money to eat a decent meal on the weekend, but this is essentially what these athletes sign up for when they make the decision to play football for that particular university—right or wrong—most of them know the situation they will be facing for the next 3-5 years.

No one forces these guys to play college football and, as much as it would be easy to feel sorry for the position they are placed in—making millions for a football program which grants them nothing but notoriety in return—at the end of the day, they still are more fortunate than most.

Here's the cut and dry of it: the college football athlete is idolized. If he's a superstar, there is no question his experience as a college student-athlete is better than that of his counterparts. Even more, if said athlete plays well, lives up to expectations, and becomes the guy everyone expects him to be, he reaps the benefits of his hard work when he's drafted into the pros—where he can potentially make millions of dollars and garner endless amounts of fame. 

That said, it's difficult for the average Joe who watches these guys develop and become the heroes they worship on Saturday to look at their situation and say they feel sorry for them.

On the other hand, logic dictates that you understand the quandary that these same same athletes face when they see their jersey number in the stands or their likeness on a video game and come to the realization that the NCAA and university they have sworn to obey and respect the rules of are the same ones that profit off their name and likeness—in perpetuity.

That's a hard pill to swallow as well, I'm sure. 

But, back to Clarett's statement about Ohio State not having any control, we cannot as college football fans accept that our athletes have the right to run amok and afoul of the law. Their actions hurt not only the programs we cheer for and love, but the reputations of all the athletes who continue to do the right thing each season—regardless of the hardship it may cause.

All of these guys aren't breaking laws and taking advantage of the benefits of being a college football player and it is because of them that it's hard to justify the actions of those who do as anything other than selfish.

Terrelle Pryor and others like him have to be the exception and not the rule in college football, otherwise the system is far more broken than any of us truly know. And, if it is broken, then it's high time the NCAA do a better job of fixing it or else they are as much an enabler to these acts of entitlement as those who do the enticing in the first place.

Related articles

• Forget Terrelle Pryor Leaving, Ohio State Has Bigger Problems (theladysportswriter.blogspot.com)
• Clarett: Athletes, not Ohio State, to blame (sports.espn.go.com)

Ohio State: You've Got It All Wrong, Mr. Herbstreit...

Photo Credit: Jay LaPrete/Ap

When ESPN college football analyst, Kirk Herbstreit, was asked what advice he would offer to Ohio State regarding Jim Tressel—who is currently still the head coach of The Ohio State University football team—he said "stop recruiting guys like Maurice Clarett and Terrelle Pryor into your program".

Really, Kirk? I hope you didn't have Terrelle Pryor on speed dial or anything because while Maurice Clarett clearly had issues—and still does—I'm not sure how you can place Terrelle Pryor in the same boat with him.

However, never mind that, let's talk about the actual piece of trash that you've chosen to place on the pedestal here—Jim Tressel. How about you advise The Ohio State University to get rid of him because he's as much the problem as the guys he's recruited.

At this point, no one should be selling Tressel as some sort of a martyr. He knew what was happening in his program, allowed it to continue happening, and then lied about it AFTER the cat was let out of the bag. It was only after there were no more rocks to crawl under, or football games to hide behind, that he decided to come forward with his version of the truth—this guy isn't blameless, he's a cheater, so let's just tell it like it is.

Tressel is not a victim of deception or poor recruiting judgment, but rather an example of what happened when a grown man makes a bad decision. He did all of this to himself—don't shed any tears for him—he was complicit in the acts of Pryor and the rest simply by keeping his mouth shut. His inaction tells us all we need to know about his priorities so spare us the 'poor coach gets took by his players' story because we're not buying. 

Has Tressel been a winner at Ohio State? Sure, there can be no doubt about that, he's done a fine job keeping the Buckeyes in the spotlight. However, moving forward, if Ohio State continues to break out the knee pads for this sweater vest wearing liar, then the integrity of their university—what little it still has left after Tressel's monumental embarrassment—will definitely leave a scar as long as Lake Michigan on the football program and any attempt it makes at a championship with Tressel leading the way.

He should have been fired when this whole business came to light and, if not then, certainly now. 

"Stop recruiting guys like Terrelle Pryor and Maurice Clarett"?...Wow, if that's code for stop bringing in liars and cheats then Pot meet Tressel.

Related articles

• Jim Tressel Investigation: Coach Contacted Terrelle Pryor Handlers, Shut Out Compliance Department (sbnation.com)
• Ohio State Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel targeted in NCAA's notice of allegations (sports.espn.go.com)
• Ex-Buckeyes not biting tongues on Tressel situation (collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com)
• Tressel Lies Are an Embarrassment to Ohio State (nytimes.com)
• Jim Tressel, The Lying, Cheating Head Coach That Can't Get Fired (sbnation.com)

Mark Emmert: Either You Don't Get It Or You're Just Plain Ignorant

Mark Emmert never ceases to amaze the masses with his gift of diplomacy.

In an article, published today, by CBSSports.com, Emmert is quoted to have said the following regarding the whole Cam Newton debacle:

"...Getting it right is often in the eye of the beholder. The cases we saw this fall were highly controversial and highly debatable. I understand that, and some of them were even enormously frustrating to me.

"I said very loud and clear that I think it's absolutely a fundamentally wrong for a father to try to sell the services of his son or daughter to the highest bidder, to a university. We ought never to allow that to happen, but yet, having not anticipated that, we didn't have any rule or structure that said it was a violation of any of our rules. I found that grossly inappropriate that didn't have a structure in which we could say, 'No, you can't do that.' [emphasis added].

"There was no evidence that money had changed hands and there was no evidence that Auburn University had anything to do with it. We would up making a decision that felt to many people morally objectionable, but that fit the facts and the circumstances.

"We find ourselves making those kinds of judgment calls often." 

Is this guy serious, or what? Correct me, anyone, if I'm wrong, but didn't Southern Methodist University receive the NCAA's "death penalty" for paying players—both on their roster and prospectively as recruits?

Does that not count as a precedent? Surely if a university is not allowed to give money to it's players, then said players handlers should not be allowed to seek payment from the university in order to secure that player's services—it's not a tough jump for a logical person to make.

Granted, there is nothing in the rules that says "parents can't pimp players" but, come on, some of this stuff is common sense and, if nothing else, the act of allowing a "pay-for-play" scheme to go unpunished simply because you want to protect the NCAA's tarnished image under your watch—yes, this means you Mr. Emmert—is an act of irresponsibility.

Emmert certainly has his hands full now, what with all the loopholes people will start to find in the vague, prejudicial rules of the NCAA, but he can thank himself for making his life a lot more difficult at the top.

Related articles

• Mark Emmert, flailing away (blutarsky.wordpress.com)
• NCAA president Mark Emmert pledges transparency in wake of Cam Newton scandal (sports.espn.go.com)
• NCAA president: Tougher parent rules needed (seattletimes.nwsource.com)

College Football ATS Picks: Can Nevada Stop Boise State's Winning Streak?

The Lady fared a bit better last week—thank goodness—going 10-5 on the day and moving the overall record to 66-69. The drive towards a strong finish ends with this week's slate, so let's not waste any more time.

Most lines are courtesy of VegasInsider.com (the Auburn/Alabama line is from Vegas.com since VegasInsider.com had no line as of late Thursday evening) and are current as of Thanksgiving Day.

1. West Virginia at Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh (-3)

This game is hard to predict, honestly, because both teams have shown they can be either really good or dreadfully bad. That said, the home field advantage has to be the difference here.

The Lady's Pick: Pittsburgh to cover.

2. Louisville at Rutgers: Louisville (-3)

Both teams enter this game with a losing streak and only one of them will have a bowl bid to gain by winning.

The Lady's Pick: Louisville to cover.

3. Auburn at Alabama: Alabama (-4.5)

Auburn is good, there is no way around that fact, and no team has had an answer for Cam Newton this season. As good as the Alabama defense has shown it can be this year, it seems unlikely that they have enough left in the tank to face another team coming off a bye week with a ton of momentum and an eye towards the brass ring.

The Lady's Pick: Auburn to cover.

4. UCLA at Arizona State: Arizona State (-12.5)

UCLA has not played well on the road and Arizona State seems to play at another level inside Sun Devil Stadium—remember how tight they played Oregon?

The Lady's Pick: Arizona State to cover.

5. Colorado at Nebraska: Nebraska (-16.5)

Sure, the Buffaloes manhandled Iowa State last week but, let's face it, Iowa State isn't nearly as good as advertised and Colorado is really this bad. With or without Taylor Martinez leading the charge, the Cornhuskers should have no problem controlling the tempo or the end zone in this one.

The Lady's Pick: Nebraska to cover.

6. Arizona at Oregon: Oregon (-19)

Oregon plays lights out at home. This week will not be any different.

The Lady's Pick: Oregon to cover.

7. Boise State at Nevada: Boise State (-14)

This game will actually be the biggest test Boise has faced, in-conference, all season as Nevada resembles something closer to a Division-I football team—much unlike the patsies the Broncos have come up against all year. That said, it will still be a bit surprising if the Wolfpack pulls out the win (especially given the overall dominance Boise has in this series).


The Lady's Pick: Nevada to cover.

8. Michigan at Ohio State: Ohio State (-17)

If Michigan had anything that closely resembled a defense, this game might actually be a bit closer—particularly if you could have any faith that Denard Robinson would both play and finish the game. However, given the fact that neither the latter or the former has been likely over the last few weeks, it's hard not to see Ohio State and Terrelle Pryor dominating this game.

The Lady's Pick: Ohio State to cover.


9. Indiana at Purdue: Purdue (-3)

Purdue showed some signs of life last week against a stout Michigan State team and this has to be one of those games where the bragging rights could give the Boilermakers just enough motivation to, finally, get another win.

The Lady's Pick: Purdue


10. Kentucky at Tennessee: Tennessee (-3)

Tennessee seems to have found the right guy to lead their offense in Tyler Bray, and if their defense can find a way to play hard, in an SEC contest, for the full 60 minutes, they should have no problem getting win number six on Saturday.

The Lady's Pick: Tennessee

The Lady's SUPERSIZED Luck Picks (time to go all-in to get above .500)


11. Clemson (+2.5) vs. South Carolina


12. Connecticut (-1) vs. Cincinnati

13. Wisconsin (+23) vs. Northwestern


14. Vanderbilt (-5.5) vs. Wake Forest


15. Iowa (-15.5) at Minnesota


16. Virginia Tech (+23) vs. Virginia


17. Utah (-9) vs. BYU


18. Stanford (-13.5) vs. Oregon State


19. Arkansas (-3.5) vs. LSU


20. Penn State (+1.5) vs. Michigan State

Wisconsin Badgers Football: Ohio State Gets Bucked By The Badgers

The chants of "OVER-RATED" can already be heard, by the thousands, as the Wisconsin Badgers have just dethroned the, newly birthed, Ohio State Buckeyes from their spot as the No. 1 team in the country.

Terrelle Pryor went back to being the guy everyone once thought he was—mediocre and inconsistent—throwing no touchdowns and completing less than 50 percent of his passes. He wasn't the leader that people thought he became after leading the Buckeyes to that 2009 Rose Bowl win last year, but rather the guy who had trouble beating Navy, at home, to begin the 2009 season.

As for Wisconsin, they simply took the home field and used it to their advantage, as John Clay ran and powered his way to another 100 yard performance and two touchdowns.

What does this mean for Ohio State?

Well, for one, it means they will no longer be the No. 1 team in the country, but they aren't out of the game just yet, there is still plenty of time to prove that their play earlier this season was no fluke—if they can win out and avoid the lackadaisical attitude that can sometimes taint the focus of a team that has gone from undefeated to defeated.

That said, Wisconsin should be careful not to enjoy this win too much as they are still apt to trip up somewhere along the way—perhaps at Iowa next week?

Boy, this has been one crazy Saturday.

What say you? Who should be the No. 1 team come Sunday night?

College Football: 25 Players Who Have Been Flying Under The Radar This Season

College football is as much a popularity contest as it is a playing field for deciding who's a player and who gets played. The big names are easy to find on a stat sheet because networks like ESPN, Fox Sports, and ABC have no trouble pointing you in their direction. However, there are plenty of guys making a name for themselves on the college gridiron, minus the helpful hype.

These guys play every bit as hard on Saturday, sometimes with just as spectacular a result, but it doesn't seem to be enough to get their names in print or their highlights on a reel. Some play for big boys, others don't, but they are all worthy of a special mention for what they've been able to do for their respective teams so far this year.

In advance, it must be said that this slide/video show is peppered with a few I-AA standouts because, well, don't they deserve some recognition too?

Feel free to add some player names of your own in the comment section; clearly this presentation can't give every guy his due.

1. Mike LeShoure, RB: Illinois

If you are an Illinois fan, the name Mike LeShoure isn't new to you. He wears No. 5 for the Fighting Illini—a number made famous by former running man, Rashard Mendenhall. He's finally ready to make a name for himself as he has rededicated himself to getting fitter, faster, and better this past offseason.

His hard work has paid off so far: he is not only the No. 6-ranked tailback in the country, but he has also helped carry Illinois to a 2-1 record this season.
2010 Stats: 58 carries, 398 yards, and three touchdowns (6.86 yard per carry)

2. Dominique Davis, QB: East Carolina

The East Carolina Pirates fell short against the Virginia Tech Hokies this past weekend, but that doesn't change the fact that Dominique Davis (the former freshman phenom for Boston College) is one heckuva quarterback.

He's the new face of Pirate football after the departures of both the head coach, Skip Holtz, and his star quarterback, Patrick Pinkney. So far, Davis has done a fine job of developing under Ruffin McNeil's offense, and has excelled at being a strong leader on the field for his teammates.

If nothing else, the young man is fun to watch on Saturday.

2010 Stats: 85/129 for 890 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions. Thirty-five carries for 132 yards and three touchdowns.

3. Kealoha Pilares, WR: Hawaii

Kealoha Pilares...go ahead, say it again, Kealoha Pilares. It's a mouthful, I grant you, but it was said all night in the Hawaii Warriors debut against the USC Trojans. The senior receiver went off for 176 yards and three touchdowns that night. He was, in a word, AMAZING! Unfortunately, for him, the Warriors defense wasn't quite as glorious, as his team lost the game.

Pilares continues to put up stellar numbers in Hawaii's high-powered air attack. While he's not the tallest receiver on the field (he stands 5'10"), he's got just enough physicality and strength to be a challenge for just about any defensive back he's liable to face on game day.

2010 Stats: 17 receptions, 397 yards, and five touchdowns.

4. Jarvis Phillips, DB: Texas Tech

Jarvis Phillips is only a freshman, but he's already turning some heads in the Big 12. Unless you're a fan of the Red Raiders or happened to be watching the Texas Tech loss to Texas last Saturday night, you might have missed him. I'll give you a hint, he was that blur running Garrett Gilbert's errant pass back for a touchdown.

Phillips has a way to go to truly become a legitimate force on defense, but he's already made a name for himself in the Texas Tech secondary by snagging four interceptions this year—that leads the nation.

2010 Stats: 10 tackles, three passes defensed, four interceptions, and one touchdown.

5. Andrew Pierce, RB: Delaware

I know what you're probably thinking, the FCS doesn't count—it's like junior-varsity football to the big-boy FBS, right? Well, there are more than a few fans and I-AA players who might take offense at that statement. Considering what both UMass and Jacksonville State have been able to do this season, I'd be inclined to agree.

I-AA has players too—they might not be eligible for all the accolades, but they have players all the same—and Andrew Pierce is a player. He's been tearing it up for the Blue Hens this year and he's only a freshman—wow!

2010 Stats: 55 carries, 484 yards, and four touchdowns.

6. Mario Harvey, LB: Marshall

Aside from the unflattering facial he appears to receive from Ohio State quarterback, Terrelle Pryor, Mario Harvey has been an absolute beast for the Thundering Herd this season. His impressive showing against the West Virginia Mountaineers during a Thursday night game (where he amassed 17 tackles, two sacks, and two forced fumbles) brought him to the attention of many who didn't already know his name—he's continued to impress.

The senior linebacker weighs in at a touch above 240 lbs, but has clocked a 4.35 forty—there aren't too many players who can get away from his grasp. He's a definite weapon on defense, and it won't be long before others take notice of his skills as well.

2010 Stats: 39 tackles, six tackles for loss (minus 29 yards), four sacks (minus 24 yards), and two forced fumbles.

7. Ryan Kerrigan, DE: Purdue

While he's on a ton of 2010's watch lists for his great defense, Kerrigan has been equally talented at flying under the radar. Few outside the Big Ten know how good he truly is; that's a shame because he has been a beast for the better part of his college career. He's not flashy, but he continually gets the job done.

His name was on the tongues of many NFL scouts last season, but he opted to stay in West Lafayette to complete his senior year: he felt he had some "unfinished business" to take care of for the Boilermakers—he wants to help get them get to a bowl game. They are off to a good start at 2-1, and there is little doubt that Kerrigan has played a key role.

2010 Stats: 23 tackles, eight tackles for loss (minus 34 yards), three sacks (minus 21 yards), and two forced fumbles.

8. Taylor Martinez, QB: Nebraska

His name isn't nearly as hyped as that of a similar quarterback with eye-popping numbers, but he's been almost as impressive for Big Red this season. Taylor Martinez, aided in large part by a phenomenal Nebraska defense, has helped the Cornhuskers to a 3-0 record. He looks locked in on the football field as he slices and dices through everything that has been thrown his way.

It's only a matter of time before he starts getting more respect from those outside Omaha but, for now, he is more than happy to toil in obscurity—let the other guys get the hype.

2010 Stats: 28/43 for 392 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Forty carries for 462 yards and eight touchdowns.

9. Mario Kurn, DE: San Diego

He's not the biggest or the best player on the field every week, but he makes a strong case for that role as he has dominated the competition so far this year.

Mario Kurn's size won't blow you away—he's playing defensive end but, if he were on an FBS team, he'd be about the size of a strong safety. However, that hasn't stopped him from being aggressive and making plays wherever the Toreros need him to—he's a gamer.

He loves to play football and it shows in his attitude and play on the field.

2010 Stats: 18 tackles, eight tackles for loss (minus 52 yards), seven sacks (minus 49 yards), and one forced fumble.

10. Jordan White, WR: Western Michigan

Western Michigan is in the MAC, in case you weren't aware. Even though there are many teams in that conference that are recognized by the average fan, most people completely blank on Western Michigan. It's an easy mistake to make, especially since they play in a conference where Ball State, Toledo, and Central Michigan are more likely to see their names in lights.

However, don't be fooled: Western Michigan has a few players of its own to tout—QB Alex Carder immediately comes to mind. Who is Carder's favorite target? Jordan White—he's been outstanding for the Broncos this season and he continues to go about his business with ease.

He's No. 1 in the MAC in receiving yards (No. 4 in the nation), and is helping his quarterback set a few records along the way.

2010 Stats: 27 receptions, 382 yards, and three touchdowns.

11. Tim Fugger, DE: Vanderbilt

Tim Fugger plays for a team that, perennially, doesn't get taken as seriously in the SEC as they might like. It's not for lack of quality athletes or tough play; on the contrary, the Commodores field some very competitive teams each season—despite what their record suggests.

So, to find a gem like Fugger sitting pretty on their defensive line isn't nearly as surprising as the fact that he's gone unnoticed on a national level for as long as he has. He's got good speed off the edge (he's a converted TE and is relentless as a pass rusher), and he's developed tremendously over the last season. He's now beginning to hit his stride.

2010 Stats: eight tackles, two tackles for loss (minus 14 yards), one sack (minus 14 yards), and three forced fumbles.

12. Kyle Martens, P: Rice

Punters don't get nearly enough love in college football, but field position is a key component of any team's ability to win games. Rice may not have All-Americans playing at every position but, this season, Kyle Martens is doing his part to make sure his Owls at least have the punting game covered.

2010 Stats: 19 punts for 911 yards (47.95-yard average).

13. Shaky Smithson, WR/PR: Utah

It seems odd to have a guy named "Shaky" returning punts, but this guy's name speaks less to his catching ability than it does to his ability to shake off would-be tacklers. As the earlier slide stated, field position is a major part of winning football games, and Shaky Smithson has done a very good job of getting his Utes in position to score points.

2010 Stats: 10 returns for 266 yards (26.6 average) and two touchdowns.

14. B.J. Coleman, QB: Chattanooga

B.J. Coleman no longer wears the orange-and-white of the Tennessee Volunteers, but he's found new life playing at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. He's taken advantage of the opportunity to redeem himself as their starting quarterback.

The Chattanooga Mocs sport a high-powered offense geared towards the pro-style arm of Coleman. They air it out early and often—usually with success. The Mocs recently secured their second win of the season, playing in the well-respected Southern Conference of the FCS, 42-24 over Eastern Kentucky. Coleman's line in that game, 12-of-16 for 375 yards and four touchdowns.

2010 Stats: 57 of 91 for 864 yards, eight touchdowns, and two interceptions.

15. Daniel Thomas, RB: Kansas State

It's not that people don't know about Daniel Thomas, it's that they know and aren't talking about him enough. He's been a monster this season—so far—mauling the competition with ease. If he continues at his current pace, he will easily eclipse his respectable 1,200-plus yard total from last year, and could make a strong case for getting some Heisman love.

It's early yet, but Wildcats fans have to be encouraged by his tenacity. He wants the ball as much as he can get it, and his head coach, Bill Snyder, seems more than content to hand it off to him. So far, the reward for that confidence has been a hot start for the Wildcats (3-0).

2010 Stats: 83 carries, 552 yards, and six touchdowns.

16. Brandon Weeden, QB: Oklahoma State

At 26, Weeden certainly isn't your average college quarterback but, then again, neither was Chris Weinke (and he seemed to do all right for himself).

Weeden took over a Cowboys team that had said goodbye to such prolific players as Zac Robinson, Dez Bryant, and Perrish Cox. He was faced with tons of national media who pegged the Cowboys as being in "rebuild" mode. Well, apparently Weeden missed that memo.

His ridiculous numbers for the Cowboys have placed their record at 3-0. True enough, they haven't faced any stout competition yet. Still, you have to give a bit of credit to Weeden for showing that he's not just some old guy trying his hand at football—he's for real.

2010 Stats: 74/101 for 975 yards, 11 touchdowns, and two interceptions.

17. Marquess Wilson, WR: Washington State

Washington State is not a good football team, but they do have a few shining stars on their roster. One of them is Marquess Wilson—a true freshman. He's had a short learning curve thus far, but he's made the most of a bad situation, flashing some brilliant signs that seem to promise a dazzling future.

Now, if the rest of the team could just get on the right page...

2010 Stats: 13 receptions, 281 yards, and two touchdowns.

18. A.J. Klein, LB: Iowa State

“Individual performances don’t matter if you don’t win.” That was the quote from A.J. Klein following Iowa State's loss to Kansas State this past weekend. Despite his impressive stat line, he wasn't willing to focus on his accomplishments because they meant nothing minus the win. You have to love his attitude at a time in college football when it seems more important to make ESPN than it is to make tackles.

He's only a sophomore, but he's already proven to be an instrumental part of a Cyclones team that is still trying to find its identity. He's yet to become the premier talent at his position that he looks to eventually be, but he's definitely working hard to get there.

2010 Stats: 36 tackles, four tackles for loss (minus 5yards), one interception (69-yarder returned for a touchdown).

19. Marco Nelson, DB: Tulsa

In just his first season as a defensive player, Marco Nelson (No. 20, above) has been brilliant for the Tulsa Hurricanes. His speed and ability to get to the ball have proven to be an asset for him as he's been a nuisance for quarterbacks this season.

His overall attitude in the locker room and willingness to do whatever it takes to make it happen for Tulsa make him a coach favorite. Being only a true freshman has to give a lot of hope for what he can do in the future.

2010 Stats: 21 tackles, one pass defensed, two interceptions, one touchdown.

20. Ronnie Hillman, RB: San Diego State

He's been named the Player of the Week twice by ESPN and Rivals.com. His colossal numbers last week against the Missouri Tigers speak to his ability to run against just about any team he chooses.
There is no doubt that he has both the skills and the drive to be a major part of the Aztecs offense this year. He gains more respect with each impressive performance and, if that continues, it won't be long before his name is a household one in the Mountain West—and the nation.

2010 Stats: 60 carries, 443 yards, and seven touchdowns.

21. Jordan Todman, RB: Connecticut

 

Perhaps it's just tough to exist in a league where both Dion Lewis and Noel Devine are household names. Or maybe it's the fact that Connecticut is still searching for some respect—despite what Randy Edsall has accomplished.
Whatever the case, people are still sleeping on Jordan Todman.

Ask the everyday football fan to name ten running backs in the country, and Todman's name isn't likely to warrant even a mention. He might get a sniff at the top 15, but he's more than likely going to slip from the minds of most
fans every. single. time.

Wonder if anyone realizes that Todman is currently ranked No. 4 in the nation for yards gained? No. 4 in average yards per game? Statistically better than Trent Richardson (Alabama), Dion Lewis (Pittsburgh), Noel Devine (West Virginia), and John Clay (Wisconsin)?

If they realize it, we sure haven't been hearing much about it.

2010 Stats: 61 carries, 448 yards, and five touchdowns.

22. Lyle Leong, WR: Texas Tech

Red Raider fans already know all about Lyle Leong. Chances are, a few Michigan State fans know all about him, too, after his big catch against them in the Alamo Bowl. The rest of the country, maybe not so much.

Leong's coming-out party began in 2009 and hasn't stopped yet, as he is well on his way to eclipsing his numbers from last year. He's not the most noticeable player on the field, but his work ethic and dedication to becoming the best player he can be for the Red Raiders have been tireless.

So far in 2010, he's scored six times (No. 2 in the nation), and he's gunning for more as his team continues to grow into the Tommy Tuberville era of Texas Tech football.

2010 Stats: 20 receptions, 251 yards, and six touchdowns.

23. Justin Washington, DT: Arizona

Washington has come a long way since the spring, and it is clear that his focus is playing good football. He plays a position that takes spectacular stats to be noticed, but it's obvious that he is an important part of Arizona's defense this season.

It will be interesting to see if he can keep up this pace for the whole season but, so far, he looks like the real deal.

2010 Stats: 13 tackles, five tackles for loss (minus 27 yards), and four sacks.

24. Dan Persa, QB: Northwestern

Poor Dan. He exists in a conference where he is, essentially, nonexistent. It's got to be a tough deal playing in the shadow of Ohio State's Terrelle

Pryor—no way Northwestern can get much pub when that team in Columbus gets all the love. Not to mention, some kid named Denard Robinson takes the rest of the spotlight by being some kind of wunderkind—what's a guy gotta do to get a little attention over in Evanston?

Don't worry Dan, you just keep putting up those wins and—sooner or later—somebody will notice you're doing one phenomenal job for the Wildcats this season.

2010 Stats: 62/76 for 769 yards, six touchdowns, and 0 interceptions.

25. Taiwan Jones, RB: Eastern Washington

Eastern Washington is a tough team to watch play at home—due mostly to that headache-inducing red turf—but Taiwan Jones makes the sore eyes bearable. The junior back for the Eagles is a well-known playmaker in the Big Sky conference and has been since day one.

He's a weapon in every phase of the game and already has close to 1,000 all-purpose yards this season—after only three games.
Some are convinced that Jones is every bit as good as some of the best players in the FBS, especially after the show he put on in his team's season-opening loss to the Nevada Wolfpack (yes, the same Nevada Wolfpack that recently upended Cal). Jones didn't go down without a fight that day and, by the end of the game, he had over 300 yards of offense all by himself.

2010 Stats: 53 carries, 455 yards and three touchdowns. Nine receptions, 215 yards, and two touchdowns. Eight kicks returned for 165 yards and five touchdowns.

(This article appears courtesy of The Lady Sportswriter)

AP Preseason Top 25: Pick by Pick—Did The AP Writers Get It Right?

Did the AP writers get it right?


What follows is a pick-by-pick analysis of the AP Preseason Top 25 in its entirety and whether or not, in my personal opinion, each team was placed at the right spot—it's that simple.

That said, let's get to it:


1. Alabama

The Tide are the reigning BCS Champions and should be given their proper respect as such. They have questions on defense but the talent and coaching on that side of ball leads many to believe they will be just fine. As for the offense, they are set and should have little trouble scoring this season.


2. Ohio State

I'm not as sold on Ohio State as everyone else seems to be at the moment. Terrelle Pryor could be the quarterback that we saw play so well at the Rose Bowl but, then again, he could also be the guy we saw play so poorly against Michigan the week prior. The Buckeyes will live or die with him this season, and I don't know that he's ready—the Buckeyes should be lower.


3. Boise State

If I have to go simply by the numbers and not my personal opinion of Boise, then they should be No. 2. They finished the year undefeated, beat an Oregon team that ended up playing in a BCS game, and won their BCS match-up against TCU—a Top 10 opponent. They return 22 starters, including Kellen Moore at QB, and have a favorable schedule. All signs point to success this season.


4. Florida

Too high. No way a team loses the best quarterback in college football, their two top receivers, and the heart of their secondary—not to mention their defensive coordinator—and are actually made better for it. I'm not buying Florida at four—they will have some growing pains this year.


5. Texas

Again, too high. Texas lost some key elements on both offense (Colt McCoy and Jordan Shipley) and defense (Earl Thomas and Sergio Kindle) and will be breaking in a new quarterback in Garrett Gilbert. Some may feel that Gilbert earned his wings in the BCS Championship game, stepping in for the injured McCoy, but that's not enough to make Texas a contender in 2010. He will have to prove he can be consistent for more than three full quarters of one game.


6. TCU

They might be exactly where they should be—for now. I am not sure how well the Frogs will deal with the defensive losses of Daryl Washington and Jerry Hughes. Those two were a major part of the smothering defense that wreaked havoc on the MWC in 2009. Now that they are in the NFL, can they find able-bodied replacements?

7. Oklahoma

Too high. I think the AP voters are still in love with Bob Stoops and all of the wonderfully dominant teams he coached at the start of the decade. His teams routinely find favor in the Top 10 of most polls—despite how poorly they finish the season. That said, an 8-5 record does not deserve this much respect, and neither does Bob Stoops at this point.


8. Nebraska

Too low. Hello, Nebraska beat Oklahoma...see what I mean about the respect that Bob Stoops teams receive? The Cornhuskers came within 60 seconds of possibly finding their way into the title game and they return 17 starters—eight of whom are on defense. Suh might be gone and perhaps that's what gave voters pause, but this is still a good team.


9. Iowa

About right. I really like Iowa in the Big Ten this year and I think they could have something special brewing at the tail spot this season—despite the logjam. They just need a little more consistency out of their quarterback to really get things moving in 2010.


10. Virginia Tech

Too high. It might help the No. 3 team to know that the program they will play in September will already have a reason to gripe if they actually get their backside handed to them in RFK. The Hokies defense is suspect and their special teams is inexperienced—they should not be ranked ahead of Miami, Georgia Tech, or North Carolina based on what they have coming back in 2010.


11. Oregon

Too low. Masoli is gone but so what? Chip Kelly has never had any trouble breaking in a new guy at quarterback and the Ducks still have plenty of firepower on offense to go along with a better than average defense.


12. Wisconsin

The coaches' poll seems to be spot-on about Wisconsin—they aren't sure what to make of them just yet. Here's the thing, the Badgers need some quality conference wins this season to offset that joke of an OOC schedule. If they can do that, there is little reason they shouldn't be BCS bound this year.


13. Miami

Too low. The offensive line is a question mark—absolutely. The defense has talent but needs more fire—no doubt about it. That said this is still one of the best teams that Randy Shannon has fielded since he took the reigns at "The U" and there is no excuse for them not to do well this season.


14. USC

I don't know what to think of this pick. While I can understand the need to include the Trojans in the poll, there is little reason for them to be ranked higher than a team that actually has a chance at a BCS bowl appearance in 2010. It just seems like a wasted spot. So, in my opinion, they are ranked too high because they probably shouldn't be ranked at all. 


15.  Pittsburgh


If Bill Stull were still spreading the ball around, I could understand placing the Panthers here, but a repeat of last season seems unlikely—even with Dion Lewis running the ball. I don't think they should be ranked significantly lower than 15, but I do think they should be slotted a bit lower than both Georgia Tech and North Carolina.

16. Georgia Tech


Too low. I know that they can be beaten if there is time to prepare but, seriously, how often will a team have time to get ready for the triple-option? The loss of Demaryius Thomas cannot be taken lightly (he was their leading receiver) but the Jackets still have Josh Nesbitt and a wealth of talent at running back. If the defense can find even a small trace of competency under new DC, Al Groh, they will be even more dangerous this year.

17. Arkansas


Ryan Mallett is the main reason why this team is getting so much love. Honestly, he's the best quarterback in the SEC—no question. However, he does not play defense and the Hogs have a little trouble keeping good offenses honest. The Razorbacks have a great quarterback but everything else is average. I can think of a half dozen other teams who would be more worthy of this spot—they are too high.

18. North Carolina


Too low. The offense is anemic but the defense is the reason this team will be good in 2010. If the NCAA doesn't yank too many of their key players and the offense can find any amount of consistency in the passing game, this team could win the ACC.


19. Penn State

Does it seem like too much of an insult to say that this is too high for the Nittany Lions? I realize that Evan Royster is back, but the defense is a major concern with all three starting linebackers gone. Even more, Daryll Clark may have made some fans want to set his jersey on fire after the way he played against Iowa last year, but he did lead the conference in touchdown passes last season. He won't be easy to replace.


20. Florida State


I'm going to say they are a little too low. I think they should be swapping places with Arkansas but that's just me. The 'Noles are bringing in a new coach this season after more than four decades with Bobby Bowden at the wheel. Expectations for QB Christian Ponder remain high and the defense, particularly the secondary, is expected to improve. They won't play in a BCS game, but they should have a better record than the 7-6 one they ended with in 2009.

21. LSU


I tend to believe that Les Miles has finally begun to wear on the Baton Rouge faithful a bit after the coaching miscues of last season.  This is going to be his year to prove that he hasn't lost his touch and can still field a winner in the SEC West. I don't know if No. 21 is too high for them, but they are definitely a team that could go either way.


22. Auburn

I like the Tigers and I feel that they are too low here—perhaps No. 19 would have suited them better. Then again, how would I justify placing them above an LSU team that they got pummeled by last year?


23. Georgia

Mark Richt's squad isn't getting much love this season and, perhaps, that is exactly what he wants to see. If his team can fly a bit under the radar in 2010, maybe he can sneak up on a few of his overly confident foes. They may be just right at No. 23.

24.  Oregon State


Too high. The Beavers have a lot of excitement on their roster in the Rodgers brothers, but they aren't worthy of a Top 25 ranking—not right now. I think that Navy or Connecticut would have been a much better choice here.

25. West Virginia


Again, too high. The Mountaineers weren't that impressive last season and didn't close out well in their bowl game against Florida State—losing 33-21. I don't know that they should be ranked at all and I could have easily seen Missouri or South Carolina resting comfortably in this spot. Even better, where's the love for Rutgers? They are a potential Big East sleeper with QB Tom Savage at the helm—do not overlook them.