What a way to kick off season 18 in the NDL. We have 2 coaches that finally got their hands on their favorite teams. Two teams ranked in the top 10, and a great match-up between 2 power conferences. The winner will be will be setting comfortable early in the season and the loser will be in a early hole for the season.
#10
(runthepound) @ #4 
(texasfan)This is the first game for both coaches at their respective school's so really who knows what to look for. Georgia is a balanced team with a great Offensive line, solid backs and terrific wide-outs.
While Texas on the other hand has one of the best quarterbacks in the game, a great defense, and swell special teams.
WHEN GEORGIA HAS THE BALL
Watch for coach Pound try to establish the ground attack early with RB Calab King. King is shifty back who loves to get to the outside, he has great hands and moves well in the open field also. Georgia boast one of (if not) the best O-lines in the NDL. Center B. Jones and company should be able to open up running lanes for the UGA backs against this undersized longhorn front 4.
Georgia will pass, and although the talent level at WR is incredalbe with the likes of Greene, Moore and Brown the question is who will get them the ball? The quarterback position in Athens is shaky at this point. JR. starter Joe Cox is not your typical UGA quarterback, and could end up spliting time with So. Logan Gray. Gray is the more atletic of the 2, but his inexperience has him holding the clipboard for right now.
Watch for Texas and DE Sergio Kendle to clog the middle early in the game. Coach Texfan and the Horns want to force Georgia to throw. The Horns feel their secondary can match-up with anyone in the NDL, if UT can force the Dogs out of the run game early this could be the key to victory. Defensive back Earl Thomas must be up to the challenge of stopping one of the SEC's best wide-outs in AJ Greene. If thomas can be successful against Greene 1 on 1 this opens up a whole new window of possibilities of schemes and blitzes for Texas.
WHEN TEXAS HAS THE BALL
When the Horns have the ball it will be a track meet! Coach Texfan will want to spread the ball out and get it too all his wide-outs. Colt McCoy and the Horns need to keep their passes short and crisp for the most part. UGA is very talented up front and if UT's O-line can't keep them away from McCoy it could be a long day for the quarterback. McCoy has some outstanding weapons that he needs to get involved early, but time and protection is the key to rather that will happen or not.
McCoy and Texas are hard to beat in Austin
I don't see how the bulldogs will keep up with the 5 wide sets that Texas will run. WR's Jordan Shipley and big #9 Malcolm Williams could cause unfavorable match-up problems for the dogs in the secondary. This is were UGA will have to mix it packages and personal to match up with UT.
Texas should be able to run just enough to slow down Georgia's front seven. Texas will bring a running back by committe led by Cody Johnson, Cody isn't a great runner but his ability to make the catch out of the backfield makes the defense respect him.
For Georgia I see alot of under-neith coverage by the linebackers to take away the short drags and post patterns. Linebacker Rennie Curren should have a huge day....he will be on the field most every play as he is great against both the pass or run.
Georgia's secondary might have issues with the tall and lanky Texas wide-outs. Kirkendoll needs to step up play big for Coach Texfan as he could be the only wide-out to get single coverage in this game.
Will Prince Miller be the individual assigned to shadow Jordan Shipley most of the game, if so the next question is Can he handle the assignment?
Is Miller the key to a Georgia victory?
WHO HAS THE EDGE?
Quarterback--- Texas
Texas quarterback Colt McCoy is one of the best in the NDL, while UGA and Coach Pound just hopes Cox can manage the game.
Running-back---Push
I think these backfield are very simular. No real home-run threat on either side. UGA will mostly use King, while Texas running backs will come at you in waves.
Wide-outs----Texas
Shipley and Greeene are equal! So then you have to look at the 2nd, 3rd and 4th receivers. And there I like Collins, Williams and Kirkendoll from Texas in that match-up.
Offensive line---Georgia
I'll say it right now, Georgia has the best offensive line in the NDL. 5 starters return and Center Ben Jones is a stud up front.
Defensive line---Georgia
No doubt Sergio Kendell is a beast on the defensive line for Texas, but Ill take the Georgia front four of Dobbs, Owens, Atkins and Battle to war with me any day of the week.
Secondary--Texas
I almost called this a push, but Chykie Brown and Aaron Williams are shut down corners. Add in All-American Earl Thomas and the edge goes to the Horns in the secondary.
This game will come down to defense, and the ability to cause turnovers. Texas keeps it close for a while, but UGA will force a couple of turnovers deep in Texas territory. This will lead to easy scores, plus K Blair Walsh is good from about 57 yards and in.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Gamble, Dent and Curren--Georgia LB's
FINAL SCORE
Georgia 29 Texas 17
Good Luck to ya both.
vs 
West Virginia makes the short trip to to take on a tough Hokie team. An early season Top 25 showdown makes this game big for both teams.
What to expect when West Virginia has the ball: The Mountaineers have speed all over the backfield. Quarterback Jarrett Brown can take any carry to the house if he can get into the secondary. Same goes for speedster Noel Devine out of the backfield. What will make West Virginia tough though is Brown also has the ability to beat you with his arm, so if the Hokies stack the line of scrimmage, expect some big passing plays as well.
What to expect when Virginia Tech has the ball: The Hokies have one of the top dual threat quarterbacks in the country. Tyrod Taylor has blazing speed, better then a lot of teams running backs. The Hokies don't quite have the speed at running back that the Mountaineers do, but sophomore Darren Evans will have no problems carrying the load offensively.
What to expect out of the defenses: Both teams are pretty equal across the defensive line. Virginia Tech's Cordarrow Thompson and Jason Worilds will do all they can to contain Devine and keep Brown in the pocket. West Virginia's linebacker corps is the strength of the defense. Stud middle linebacker Reed Williams will have to be the one that runs sideline to sideline to keep Taylor from making big plays with his legs. The Hokie secondary is one of the best in the country. Preseason All-American Kam Chancellor and standout Stephan Virgil will be expected to blanket the West Virginia receivers as well as help shut down their ground attack.
Coaching Matchup: Coach Seeitsaveit was 12-1 last season with Central Michigan, but the Chippewas were in a much easier conference and didn't have the expectations West Virginia has. He has had 9 seasons (out of 14) with 8 or more wins. Just two seasons ago though, he finished 4-8 with Mississippi St. in the SEC. Coach Black Crowes has had an up and down career at Virginia Tech. He finished just 6-6 last season, but had 9 wins two seasons ago.
What will happen: Both teams will do everything they can to establish a running game. But both defenses will do well as neither team will hit the century mark on the ground. So now it will come down to the passing game, where I give the Hokies a slight advantage just because their secondary is so good. Taylor will be the quarterback that makes fewer mistakes and sets the team up for a late drive for the win. Prediction: Virginia Tech 24 West Virginia 21
Upset Alert Week 1
#23 NC State (NCSUHolmey) at UConn (driccio21)
With opening week underway shortly, there are 120 teams optimistic about what the season will hold. With that said, there are a few ranked teams that will have tougher games than they may expect on paper. While UConn has had their issues on the defensive side of the ball, NC State stumbled at the end of last season after a great start. The Huskies will get the added boost of being at home to let the crowd try to fluster the Wolfpack. NC State will be out to prove that they are still a team to be feared in the ACC. UConn is trying to bounce back to their Season 15 form.
3 Keys for UConn to pull it off:
1 – The Huskies have to find way to stop the big play. If they can force longer drives, the opportunity for turnovers may be there. The secondary has been suspect to big plays via the aerial attack for most of last season. The secondary will need to play well in order to limit the quick strikes from Wilson to a talented group of receivers. The young safeties have to perform well.
2 – The Huskies must not turn the ball over. Even if the defense plays well, the offense can’t help out by giving short fields to Baker and Wilson. The Huskies have shown they can put up points themselves. Efficiency will play a huge role on both sides.
3 – UConn will have to win the battle in the trenches. Their d-line will be overmatched, but they have good play up front to have a shot. It will slow down the ground game and also help to make things difficult for Wilson. They have to make the NC State offense one-dimensional.
Prediction: I think the Huskies get a better effort on the defensive side of the ball, but still struggle on the scoreboard. They will get turnovers midway through the game to overcome an early deficit and hang on in the end to pull off the upset.
UConn 38 - NC State 34
Good luck to both coaches.
Upset Alert for Week 2
vs South Carolina vs #10 Georgia
Really only one game caught my eye from the start, and that was the South Carolina Gamecocks traveling to #10 Georgia. Although Coach Daw1git had a couple of rough seasons at Florida St. these past couple of seasons, he still has won every where he has went. With a career record of 149-44 and a career worst record of 7-5, the Gamecocks appear to be in good hands. His team definitely won't be the most talented on the field, but sophomore quarterback Stephen Garcia has speedster Moe Brown to throw to, as well as a deep receiving corps. Defensively they are led by linebackers Eric Norwood and Hunter Carter which will have to make up for a below average defensive line.
The Bulldogs, on the other hand, have talent up and down its roster. Coach Runthepound has had 2 back to back 11-2 seasons, one with Okie St and the other with Mississippi St. He definitely knows how to win and doesn't have to have the best team to do it. Quarterback Joe Cox and backup Jeff Cook give the Dawgs two options on offense. Cook has much better speed, while Cox is the overall better thrower. Wideout AJ Green is the fastest and most talented of the receivers, but if you pay too much attention to Green, Mike Moore can beat you as well. The defensive is loaded, led by Preseason All-American Geno Atkins at defensive tackle. At 6'1", 290 pounds it will be hard to make creases for the running game. Another All-American at linebacker, Rennie Curran, makes the front 7 tough to penetrate.
Prediction: South Carolina 21 Georgia 20
Bonus Alert! for Week 2 - Florida @ Purdue. Obviously the Gators have the talent they should win easily, but don't underestimate the coaching abilities of Coach magnum. It's possible the Gators chance at a repeat could take a nosedive early in the season. Just ask a former coach of the early pressures.
-BillRoy got lazy and will have it by the end of the day
Welcome to NDL Bitter Rivals edition one. Rivals in college football make our blood boil, bring out the best and sometimes worst (not in the NDL though) and the games are usually fought until the bitter end. One team basks in the glory of a rival victory, in state dominance, fans gloat, and the losing teams prepares for the next meeting.
Game 1 Miami at Florida State
Strengths-Miami boasts a powerfully built defensive line along with speed, speed, and more speed. The offense is led by Harris and a stable of strong running backs and big offensive lineman.
Weaknesses-Harris is still learning the ropes as a Quarterback. His accuracy at times can be an issue but he is a gamer and can make plays
Intangibles- This is Coach Walker’s third season at Miami. He is still searching for an ACC title. With so many new coaches in the conference this is chance to win a title and maybe contend for a BCS title game berth.
Strengths- See Miami defense. This defense is super fast and swarms the ball. The defensive ends get a strong rush.
Weaknesses- Just like Miami, the weakness here lies with the quarterback. Christian Ponder is decent quarterback but when times get tough can he be relied on in a tight game? The wide receivers don’t stand out but as a group there is plenty of depth.
Intangibles-Coach Cane moves to FSU after spending time in what is usually NDL purgatory-Spokane, Washington, home of the once tough but now meek Washington State Cougars. He relied heavily on Jeshua Anderson in a conference in which defense is more of an afterthought. However his team performed great all season long. He has the confidence to go up against any coach and team in the NDL.
Prediction Miami 27 Florida State 24
Game 2 Colorado State at Colorado
Strengths-This is one of the most experienced and for a non bcs team best offensive lines in the game. RB Lou Greenwood is a banger who can get the tough yards. WR Dion Morton has great hands and is the go to guy in the CSU offense. Defensively they are led by super soph Mychal Sisson and returning senior Klay Kubiak.
Weaknesses-The quarterback is a weak spot for CSU as well most of the skill spots on the offense with the exception of the starting RB and Dion Morton. Defensively it’s a pretty slow unit with not lots of skill rushing the passer at all.
Intangibles-Coach Harder will have to manufacture his intangibles as one of the newer head coaches in the NDL. If he can succeed with CSU then good things may follow in his NDL career.
-The Rocky Mountain Showdown
Strengths-CU has two or three good running backs led by Darrell Scott and Speedy Stewart. Riar Geer is a good catching TE and WR Scotty McKnight is a great possession receiver. The defense as a whole is better than it looks. There is some speed and youthful excuberance for Coach Frankie.
Weaknesses-Like many teams the weakness lies at the quarterback position. Cody Hawkins is a rag arm. Now, combine that with no gamebreaking receivers and the CU offense can be easily contained if the run game isn’t working. Defensively there are many decent players but few standouts in which CU can rely on to make plays in crunch time.
Intangibles- CU has the better team and home field advantage in this game. Coach Frankie is more experienced and can use his ACC experience to battle through this rivalry game.
Prediction- Colorado 27 CSU 10
6 Feet - As we all know the NDL CUP 18 is upon us, and coaches are already causing fireworks, with big games and big upsets. As you can see from my prediction bracket I know absolutely nothing and Reign over here is Nostradamus.
Reign – Well 6 Feet, I don’t know about Nostradamus, it may be more like Nostradumbass… the truth is, coaches were quick to get their games in and I just made it easy on myself by taking the winners of the games that were already in the books. You know, the best bet is when you KNOW what is going to happen!
6 Feet - I mean, I had Oklahoma and Nole4Fake going all the way to the ELITE 8, while Nostradamus had them going down in Round 1, I think someone was paid to take a dive.. I’m just saying.
Reign – Take a dive or realize he doesn’t have Jeebus on his side now. When you get into those old school matchups like Nole faced, you have to factor in the familiarity that another coach will have.
6 Feet - Well before we talk about some of the matchups and round 1 games we want to go over the teams we’re predicting to make it to the final 4, since fortunately mine are all still around for the moment.
NORTH:
6 Feet - In the North, I have the most overrated coach in NDL history with his LSU Tigers getting lucky and marching to the Final 4. His toughest test on the road to the final 4 will be FSU, and if he doesn’t fall asleep against Nevada, he should march into the Final 4, since well Nole4Fake took a dive with Oklahoma.
Reign – Don’t get me wrong, after spending my entire season hyping Shel last year, I still love his coaching ability. But what dcane7 did with Washington St. in that same conference, combined with him taking over the lead @ FSU will spell disaster for LSU and Shel. He doesn’t have the advantage of USC vs. Wazzu this year. Dcane7 is on a mission and anyone in his way is in desperate trouble in my book.
EAST:
6 Feet - In the East. I have the Hurricanes, The South is probably the most loaded bracket of them all in my opinion and whomever takes the South will have been battle tested. The Hurricanes. to make it, will have to beat Oregon, maybe Penn St or VT, then NEB, in my opinion, before making it to the Final 4. But for some reason I think they will do whatever it takes to get through the gauntlet.
Reign – In my ACC preview, I may have brought some spotlight to the eventual battle between my North winner, FSU and your East winner Miami. But this is BigScru….Mike we’re talking about here. He made a Top 25 run at Missouri last season and I’m not even sure why coaches bothered taking the field the prior season, when he had Florida. He’s back with a high powered offense and legit D. I see Oregon running away with the East, but the good news is, there are some excellent matchups that will take place, with other teams, in this bracket.
SOUTH:
6 Feet - In the South, what a surprise, I have the Gators. The Gators have an easy, easy road. They won’t play anyone who should challenge them till they meet up with Georgia Tech, but I think the talent of the little pixelated guys on the Gators is enough to get through the South.
Reign – I feel you on Florida and Georgia Tech, but I think that final showdown could be one of the more intriguing matchups. What everyone is waiting to see is if steamroller will be dialing up his normal offense or trying to adapt to the power run game. Like shel and USC last year, I was tooting the PSU horn and screaming from the highest mountains that the Lions were going to shock some teams. But I’m not giving up on steam. I’ve known he was a helluva ball coach since the days of the NDL War Games and the “Good Ole Boys” back in our 2nd season. I think he’s going to get the Tech squad clicking by any means necessary. Mark it down, 2 ACC schools for me in the Final 4.
WEST:
6 Feet - In the West, I have those Buckeyes. The Buckeyes will have two tests on their road to the Final 4. One they have already passed in defeating the USC Trojans, the other will be Texas, whom will also have an easy road to the Elite 8. While OSU vs Texas looks like a good matchup on paper, I see a blowout in the favor of OSU.
Reign – OSU is for real. Ice Ice Baby is what the Bucknuts are chanting in Columbus right now. This isn’t Tressel’s crappy play calling going on. I love seeing Tfan at the helm of Texas and I look forward to that matchup, but I’m with you, OSU is going to roll this region!
North Region Notes:
6 Feet - I think the biggest news in the North was Oklahoma going down to Michigan St. I don’t know about you, but I had Oklahoma going all the way to the Elite 8. What the hell, how much were you paid to take a dive Nole4fake, screwing up my bracket???
Another noteworthy outcome was the matchup between WVU and BYU. BYU marched into West Virginia and told Seeit, this is what you get for not letting WVU fall to terps.. Now DIAF.
Reign – DIAF??? Wow, those Mormons are vicious. Seriously though, did anyone that didn’t cheat on their bracket (who me?) think that MSU and BYU would win? Another thing to watch here is BillRoy’s Nevada program. You want to talk about someone on a war path. I think I’m going to have to put him #1 on my next poll vote because the last thing I want his him chasing me down.
East Region Notes:
6 Feet - Nothing really that surprising here except for a team I had going all the way to the Sweet 16 dropped in the first round to Fresno St. Come on Dawg, what happened?. You were my Sweet 16 Cinderella team, of course till you ran into your arch rival.
Some might consider the Washington game an upset, but I really don’t see it as one, UNC to me is one of the most overrated teams on the game.
Reign – Hey now, if it wasn’t for the incredible fall of PSU in the draft, I’d be coaching that overrated bunch of pansy blue wearing girls. I mean, excellent football program. The story here isn’t about what has happened, but the matchups that we’re going to see. I didn’t sleep on Washington, I know better. And that program is only going to get better over the next 3 NDL seasons. I have jsence leading them to the Sweet 16. But along the way I see matchups with a skilled USF program and an excellent Ole Miss squad, before getting knocked off in a close one by the boys from ‘Bama. That is of course, if Alabama can handle an very intriguing matchup with Nebraska in the next round.
And I told you this bracket is loaded, outside of BigMike tearing through it. Personally, some coach at PSU has a little redemption planned if he gets the chance to face of with Virginia Tech. It was VT that blasted him in a bowl game with Arizona last season. PSU should pose a tougher challenge.
6Feet – Hey man, stop trying to outdo with all this extra material.. lol.. save some for the next write up. New writers always so eager to please.
South Region Notes:
6 Feet - No real big news in the south other then it is a very weak region. There were small upsets in the South Region but nothing I believe which will turn the tide of the Region. UNLV had a surprising victory over the Pitt Panthers, but their reward is the Yellow Jackets.. not much of a prize.
Reign – Weak in terms of team talent, yes. But definitely not, in terms of coaching ability. Iowa has already proven to be a different program this year, Minnesota and Champ seem to be finally getting it together and Illinois, with Talented back for another season, will be tough. This is the Big 10’s sleeper region and their chance to prove that they might be the deepest conference in the NDL. We’ll also get an early glimpse at the Florida v. Tennessee rivalry. Add on to all of that, an NC State squad that needs to figure out if they’ve finally got it right or if they are the choke-tastic crew that laid an egg down the stretch last year.
6Feet – ehhhh … they are weakkkkk … lol
West Region Notes:
6 Feet - There was a big game and somewhat of a big upset. Ohio State vs USC was probably the biggest matchup of the first round and Ohio St was able to pull out the win, behind a very stingy defense, who caused 8 turnovers. No doubt USC went home unhappy. The somewhat big upset was the defeat of the Houston Cougars in a 3 point loss. I had the Cougars making it all the way to the Sweet 16, but as we can see from my predictions, I have been very wrong.
Reign – There’s always a lot of questions around that Houston program. Is Randawg that good or is just the image of him trucking the weaker CUSA every season? This loss isn’t going to help his case. As for OSU, that was a statement game. Ice is ready to bring the pain this season. You say the South is weak, but I’ve got to chalk up the West as the weakest, by far. OSU and Texas is the obvious matchup at the end and everything else just looks like we’re going through the motions here.
Championship Predictions:
Reign – Ok ok ok, so you’ve been leading the way here so far, let me step in and state my peace on the way this is all going to end. BigMike is back with a top notch program and I think he has something to prove. He’s going to have to do battle with a high powered offense in FSU, or potentially Ok State. But this is BigMike, with the sweetest uniforms in the game. (Sorry Army!). He’ll have more trouble picking out his color combo at the beginning of his games than he will winning the left side of this bracket!
While we both know that Ice is going to put it on cruise control and guide OSU to the Final 4, the only question here is, who will Ice matchup against? There are probably 5-6 teams that could come out of the South region. But with a bit of a chip on his shoulder and the potential of an Oregon program in the title game, Ice should get the job done. This guy has numerous double-digit win seasons, but really… what the hell happened 2 seasons ago when he was leading Oregon?
This has the makings for a great storyline. Masoli v. Pryor. Ice v. Oregon. The Return to Greatness of BigMike. In game that could feature an over/under of 82, look for BigMike to bring home another NDL Cup Championship. The Quack Attack is going to leave the Bucknuts Crushed!
6 Feet – Well damn, how can my bracket compete with that storyline. Especially when my predictions includes two teams from the state of Florida. I mean could there be anything more boring then picking the Florida Gators? No . Well good I didn’t, but I did pick them to go all the way to the Champ game, as I see them just barely doing enough to get pass Ice and the Bucknuts. But it wouldn’t be a shocker to see Reign get this one right about the Bucknuts in the champ game.. But hell Florida just has so much talent. Now for the other team that makes up that all Florida NDL Cup Championship. The Canes are gonna have a tough road, and I believe they will pull off a close win over BigScrub… Remember this coach won the national title at Georgia and had to beat BigScrub along the way there too. I think he does it this time to on his march to the Champ game. As I said the Cane will do whatever it takes to find a way pass the heavily loaded East and find their way to the game we rarely see anymore during the regular season. Tha Thugs vs the Gators. Conventional wisdom tells you a thug would run from a gator, but not these thugs, their plotting thugs. And the Thugs will have the Gators so befuddled that before the Gators realize what the thugs are doing the game will be over and the Tha Thugs will be your NDL 18 Champs.
Where there you have it dumbass and Nostradumbass are signing off.
ANK'S PRESEASON LUCKY 7 HEISMAN WATCH LIST!
Each season the NDL coaches start with the dreams of Conference titles, National titles and Individual awards.
This year I hope you take the journey with the NDL staff and I as we follow the Heisman front-runners week after week.
The Heisman Trophy, the highest individual award in American college football, has been awarded 75 times since its creation in 1935, including 74 individual winners and one two-time winner. The trophy is given annually to the most outstanding college football player in the National Collegiate Athletic Association, and is awarded by the Downtown Athletic Club at an annual ceremony at the Nokia Theatre in New York City.
A little Heisman history:
The Heisman Memorial Trophy Award (usually known colloquially as the Heisman Trophy or the Heisman), named after the former Brown University college football player and coach John Heisman, is awarded annually by the Heisman Trophy Trust to the most outstanding player in collegiate football.
Did you know:
Only one player has ever won the Heisman twice, Archie Griffin of the Ohio State Buckeyes in 1974 and 1975. Tim Tebow of the Florida Gators, Sam Bradford of the Oklahoma Sooners, and Mark Ingram, Jr. of the Alabama Crimson Tide have won the award as sophomores. Sophomores have won the last three consecutive years.
Heisman trivia:
Only two high schools have produced multiple Heisman trophy winners: Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas, Texas (1938 and 1987) and Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California (1964 and 2004).
Are you kidding?
In terms of chronological age, the oldest Heisman winner was 28-year-old Chris Weinke of Florida State in 2000.
ANK'S HEISMAN HOPEFUL'S FOR SEASON 18
1. Noel Devine RB--West Virginia
Coach Seeit has a great back in a weak defensive conference. Devine is great, but can West Virginia win enough games for him to stay in the Heisman talk?
2. Sam Bradford QB--Oklahoma
Coach Nole has another gunslinger under his finger in Sam Bradford. But a very tough schedule and the Big 12 might prove to much for the youngster.
3. Damian Williams WR---Southern Cal.
Williams has it all to bring another Heisman to Coach Paxs and USC. But honestly I think there might be too many weapons on this team to get him enough touches to be considerd.
4. Tim Tebow QB--Florida
Take the quarterback from the #1 team and you automatically got a Heisman hopeful.
Coach WJ and Tebow might be the early favorites for the Heisman and NDL trophy.
5. Rusty Smith QB---Fla. Atlantic
Smith might be a dark horse for the award, but he has the talent and FAU should be pretty good in a weak conference. Will Coach 6ft. do enough for him to get recognized as a serious contender?
6. Eric Berry S---Tennessee
We all know it's unlikely for a defensive player to take home the Heisman. With Coach Bigy Eric will have the freedom to roam the field and make plays. Only question is can the Vols win enough games in the SEC.
7. Terrell Pryor QB---Ohio State
No doubt Pryor is the best duel-threat QB in the NDL and with Coach ICE guiding him he should put up Heisman like numbers. Only question is can he imporve on his TD/Int. ratio from last season?
HOPEFULS THAT JUST DIDN'T MAKE THE LIST
Colt McCoy QB---Texas
Byrce Beall RB--Houston
C.J. Spiller RB---Clemson
Charles Scott RB---LSU
Jeremiah Masoli QB--Oregon
Preseason Outlook
With the season kicking off soon, there are a ton of players to look at in the inaugural Ware Watch. For this read, we will take a look around the nation at some of the most talented guys to watch on paper. As the season progresses, a list will be formed on both sides of the ball as we keep track of the accomplishments by the little guys.
QB
Tim Hiller (Western Michigan)
Games: BYE, at Marshall
Hiller will be called upon to lead what hopes to be an explosive unit. He has the weapons around to be successful. Look for Tim to spread out the defenses and pick apart the back 7.
Dan LeFavour (Central Michigan)
Games: at #24 Clemson, at Buffalo
While their coach leads a balanced attack, I think Dan will get on the good side of the coach. If he can avoid the picks, Dan is going to have a good season. The ground game will open the field for big plays down the field.
Greg Alexander (Hawaii)
Games: vs #3 USC, at #23 NC State
Everyone knows that Hawaii is built for the passing game. While they have leaned a tad more towards the ground game, Greg will be the focal point of the offense. Rough start to open the year, but he should settle in once conference play begins.
HB
Bryce Beall (Houston)
Games: BYE, BYE
The ground game has been a successful component for the Cougar attack. Look for Beall to run wild in C-USA play. He will have a good year.
Matt Asiata (Utah)
Games: vs Utah State, at Buffalo
The new coaching staff has been able to successfully use his backs wherever he has landed. Look for Asiata to be a big factor in their offensive attack.
Daunte Owens (Florida International)
Games: vs Nebraska, at Boston College
Regardless of how FIU finishes, I can guarantee this team will be a run-focused unit. Owens will get the touches to have a productive season.
WR/TE
Phillip Livas (Louisiana Tech)
Games: vs Boston College, vs Cincinnati
Phillip is one of the most talent players in the WAC. The offense will find ways to get him the ball early and often. His agility in the open field will cause problems for opposing defenses.
Jeff Moturi (UTEP)
While the coaching staff is implementing a run-oriented offense, Jeff will benefit greatly from the distractions in the backfield. He will get many chances to hit big plays for the Miners.
Games: BYE, BYE
Duke Calhoun (Memphis)
Games: vs #9 Okie State, at San Diego State
This guy is as talented as they come. In a pass happy system, he will be a beast to deal with. As long as he can avoid the parties that the coaching staff will bring, he will be very productive.
D-Line
Jerry Hughes (TCU)
Games: vs North Texas, at Virginia
This is just one man in a talented group of defenders. TCU has done well over the last few seasons and I see no reason to expect otherwise. Jerry will play a major role in slowing down opposing passing attacks.
Ryan Winterswyk (Boise State)
Games: at UNLV, vs #18 Wisconsin
Just a hunch, but his buddy further down the list will benefit from what he does in the trenches. He can use his strength to blow up run plays and his speed to pressure the qb. He will have his way with opposing tackles in the WAC.
Jan Jorgensen (BYU)
Games: vs #21 Ole Miss, at Eastern Michigan
While this team has an explosive offense, the defense will play a key role in how far the Cougars can go. If they can get leads, look for Jan to have a high sack total by season end. This coaching staff excels with their schemes on the defensive side of the ball.
LB
Stevenson Sylvester (Utah)
Games: vs Utah State, at Buffalo
With the offense they have, the defense will be able to pin their ears back and focus on getting to the qb. Whether by blitz or sitting in coverage, look for Stevenson to have a very productive season. He has the speed to cover a ton of space.
RJ Kieselkauhane (Hawaii)
Games: vs #3 USC, at #23 NC State
Another defensive player that will benefit from the offense his team has. He has a nose for the ball and is very versatile. He will put up a ton of tackles and do other things if his team can build leads.
CB/S
MD Jennings (Arkansas State)
Games: vs Southern Methodist, BYE
This may shock some, as he is the least talented guy on this list. The numbers he has put up the last few seasons have been unreal. He has a nose for the ball.
Barry Church (Toledo)
Games: vs Indiana, vs Tennessee
In a division that has a good group of signal callers, look for Toledo to rely on Church to make plays. He has great instincts and flows to the ball well.
Kyle Wilson (Boise State)
Games: at UNLV, vs #18 Wisconsin
This unit is pretty talented and Wilson is just one of the anchors. With the points the offense can put up, look for Wilson to have plenty of opportunities to make plays.
This concludes the first edition of the Ware Watch. There are only so many people we can cover in the beginning, but there are so many guys out there. You have the vaunted Nevada rushing attack, Rusty Smith, and Max Smith just to name a few. As the season progresses, stars will emerge and be recognized. So many playmakers, so many teams. Good luck to all in the opening block of Season 18!
Season 16- Tim Tebow (Florida)- Big Mike
Season 17- Todd Reesing (Kansas)- BigStimpin
Season 18- ???
Prediction- Big Mike won it in 16, BigStimpin in 17. The logical answer is BigRy in 18.
We have begun the new season and here is our first edition of the Flavorful 8.
As the first edition it will be the teams I think have the best shot at taking home a title this season. So without further delay here are your, well my Flavorful 8.
1.
Is there any reason not to pick this team as the team with the best shot of taking the title. I mean they just won the title back 2 back with 2 different Coaches. They say good things come in 3s.
2.
This is Coach Walkers 3 straight year with the Canes and with some of the other vets of the conference removed this may be his best shot at running the table, and canes finding themselves in the promise land.
3.
The Most overrated coach in NDL History has his team. Dont let him full you, this team is loaded with talent. He may be in a tough conference team wise. But I think he may just be lucky enough to make a title run.
4.
This is based off a solid coach having in my opinion the most talent all around by far in the conference. The Big 10 has not made an appearence in the National Championship in what seems like forever, could this be the Big 10s year to shine.
5.
This pick is based on the talent of the coach and the talent on offensive side of the ball for the Ducks. But the defense disappears at times, can the Ducks unleash enough points every game to take the PAC 10 to the Champ game a 3rd straight season.
6.
While I honestly dont believe any team out of the Big 12 will contend for the title Nebraska has the best Shot being in the weaker north division. If Nebraska can get to the Big 12 championship with 1 loss or less, they just might have a shot.
7.
Coach Packsy is at home, but with being at home is immense pressure. IMO the Pac 10 is no joke either a lot of talent around the conference and few solid coaches that could easily knock them down a notch.. But the talent alone on this team will have this team competing for the PAC 10 year in and out.
8.
Yeah I said it, yeah I did it. FAU is running the table baby, and we are going to the champ game. Ok maybe I m dreaming but really I didnt feel like inflated any more egos.. So I inflated my own.. Sue Me.
No one has lost, so we can't have a Bottom 10 yet, VVV will likely be here after his poor scheduling... Riccio as well.
My first rant of the year goes to photobucket. Photobucket is by no means a shady company. They don't allow suggested material on there website. You can only post hilarious and important photos. But they did something to piss off EVERY work website blocker I have ever been on!!! Now I get annoyed when I click on a link in the NDL and can't watch the video because it is youtube. But when I can't view that Jersey shore chick getting punched over and over again... unacceptable. I can view half the photos in the girls forum but can't see the banners that are made? Rediculous. We need to find an alternate photo host that isn't blocked.
Island Fever will bring a few surprises this year. A true media poll? Stats? Gossip? only time will tell!
Always a good read... You guys just make this league that much better for this little extra......
