College Football – Paying Attention Matters

I said yesterday I would have my biggest surprise and disappointing teams. I wasn’t thinking clearly that I could do this since yesterday was my wedding anniversary, so that was a bad idea to think I could do this.

Surprises

Mississippi – Most folks have Ole Miss pegged for last in the SEC West, not me. I have their top end talent better than either Mississippi State or Arkansas. Tackles Michael Oher and Jerry Jones are NFL quality. Keys games at home are South Carolina and in-state rival MSU. If they win at Arkansas, no reason they shouldn’t go to minor bowl. Texas transfer QB Jevon Snead must be above average.

Iowa-Talent-wise the Hawkeyes still aren’t great, however are improving. The reason why I see 8-4 season ahead is schedule that sets up nicely. Iowa has to take Iowa State seriously and bury them. No Ohio State or Michigan certainly makes goals more attainable. One upset against Wisconsin or Penn State at Iowa City would be significant and other than Illinois, they should have a chance to win other Big Ten road games.

TCU- I don’t know if this a big surprise necessarily, but I’m crowning TCU Mountain West Conference champs. They are in the mix with BYU and Utah, just not as highly thought of. After two 11-win seasons, injuries and inconsistent play doomed the Horned Frogs last year. With 16 starters and a rededication by all members of the squad, this alphabet school is ready to jump. I’ve got them at 10-2, with only losses at Oklahoma and at Utah.

Others in the mix- Northern Illinois –Wyoming-Louisville

Disappointments

West Virginia- Pat White is one of the most electrifying athletes playing quarterback in the country. This year with Bill Stewart as the coach, differences will appear, though West Virginia will still be a good team. Defensive replacements are needed and November features games at UConn, Louisville and Pittsburgh before hosting South Florida. We’ve seen what happens when White is hurt, just not sold the ‘Teers get in done in 2008.

Illinois- Illini backers were thrilled by going to Pasadena earlier this year, even if they were out-classed by USC. Key losses in personnel from real playmakers mean others have to step up, are they ready? Games away from home include Missouri, Penn State, Michigan, and Wisconsin. On November 15, that team they beat last year, what’s their name, of yea, Ohio State comes to Champaign seeking serious revenge. An 8-4 record is apex, with 7-5 more likely, with improvement coming again next year.

Central Florida-Coach George O’Leary has done a splendid job in turning this sleepy campus dominated by Mickey into C-USA contender annually. O’Leary is a tough Irishman who likes to have his teams play top notch non-conference teams to prepare for conference play. The losses of quarterback Kyle Israel and RB Kevin Smith will slowdown offense. The defense is still among the best in the league, but too many rough roads tilts spells 6-6 campaign.

Others in the mix- Kansas – Connecticut –Kansas State