I guess I am hitting it big here at In The Bleachers because I am going to do my first mailbag. I encourage all readers and listeners to the podcast to please email me at inthebleachers[at]gmail[dot]com with any questions or comments. Especially if you do not agree with something I write; just write me and explain your position. I don’t think there is anyone who does not like a healthy debate. Thanks to everyone who wrote in questions for this mailbag.
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Brian,
So I myself have been to college football games at Beaver Stadium, Texas A&M and various smaller schools as well as run on Boise State’s blue turf and around the Horseshoe. Knowing you travel around and attend more college football games than anyone I know, where would you say the most interesting, entertaining and exciting places are to catch games? Tailgating details would be great too.
Thanks,
Lindsay
Olympia, WA
Lindsay,
As it currently stands, I have been to Beaver Stadium, Michigan Stadium (twice), The Horseshoe, Spartan Stadium, The Orange Bowl, Pitt Stadium, and Heinz Field. As far as tailgating experience goes, Beaver Stadium is the best (obviously).
But I do have to give it up to Ohio State because in my 3 mile walk to the stadium, I have never seen so many RV’s in my life. Inside the stadium, the crowd was loud and into the game. The dotting of the I is a great tradition for the Buckeyes. One little note for out of town fans in Columbus, if you are going to drink, do it out of a colored plastic cup. You and your wallet will thank me later.
The weather was the best at The Orange Bowl. You can’t beat tailgating on January 3rd in 90 degree weather. But one suggestion, more port-a-johns.
In my two trips to Ann Arbor I met some great Wolverine fans who were more than willing to share their food and their drinks with me. Even though Penn State lost both times in heartbreaking fashion, the fans were classy. The only knock would be that their seats are so close together that your butt has to be the size of a 12 year old boy, plus the Big House was not as loud as I expected it to be. However, I will not be returning to Ann Arbor until Penn State beats Michigan. The 5 hour drive home seems like 12 hours after heartbreaking losses. I told my traveling partner that if I ever ask him to go to Ann Arbor again…to take $60 out of my wallet, kick me in the nuts, and we will call it even.
Spartan Stadium and Heinz Field were good places to watch college games. I don’t really have anything good or bad to say about either place.
Eventually I would like to see an Army/Navy game, a game in LSU, as well as some other SEC games in the South. I hear great things about the atmosphere down there, I want to experience it for myself.
Where do you see Pat White fitting into the pros after his WVU days are over? Do you think Terrelle Pryor should consider this before when considering playing at Michigan in RichRod’s system?
Brian
North Huntingdon, PA
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Brian,
I will answer your first question about Pat White. I think it is pretty evident, that unless White really improves his passing skills, he will not be a quarterback at the next level. He has improved from his sophomore to his junior year throwing the ball, but I still think there needs to be even more drastic improvements. I know you can point to Vince Young, and say White could throw the ball just as well as he can, but Young is 6 foot 5 inches and 230 lbs, while White is just around 6 foot 2 inches and 190 lbs and has durability issues.
That being said, I think White would be best if he followed in the footsteps of Hines Ward and Antwaan Randle El. I think he could make a decent slot receiver with his speed and quickness, the only unknown would be is if he could catch the ball. Although his durability can be questioned, his heart cannot. I think he’d also be a prime candidate for a punt returner.
Pryor should most definitely look at where he would fit in, and what place would give him the best opportunity to go to the pros. Rich Rod’s system is not one that is conducive to quarterbacks aspiring to go to the NFL and play that position, I think that is why Ohio State right now is still at the top of his list. I also believe if he does take a trip to Oregon, and doesn’t mind being far away from home, that could be another opportunity for him.
Let’s be honest here Penn State fans; you all point to Michael Robinson’s success and think that Pryor could follow in his footsteps. But what position does Robinson play in the pros? That’s right he is a running back for the 49ers. The Ducks put Harrington and Feeley in the NFL and Ohio State has Troy Smith. Pryor is going to take a good look at the situation and the offense that best suits his chance to go to the next level.
Are Vol fans are way too spoiled? Looking at the rankings, I’m not sure why most are upset. With the amount of underclassmen we had playing last year, I’m not sure what they were expecting. Still we did alright on a national level.
Rodney
Missouri
Rodney,
If there is one thing I have found out about SEC fans in the few years of doing the blog and podcast it is they don’t like to be second fiddle to anyone. That includes other teams in their own conference. Besides Vanderbilt and Kentucky, every other SEC team’s fans think that they are elite. When you are ranked 8th in your own conference according to Rivals.com, no one is going to be happy.
Some of it had to do with the loss of David Cutcliffe. He was a good draw for offensive talent to Knoxville. Again, don’t put too much credence into these rankings, the real challenge is developing the talent you get and getting the correct players to fit into your system. The Vols only signed 18 players, which was the lowest in the conference and as you said a ton of underclassmen got playing time last season.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but Penn State has a reputation for making men out of boys, developing players, getting a great education, having a real family when you get there, doing ok in putting players in the NFL(think J Alford) and because of JoePa always has media coverage. Why do you think they do considerable weaker than there reputation in recruiting?
Joseph
Israel
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superceded his legendary status with recruits? |
Joseph,
Wow, I am impressed that my readership has gone worldwide. As you all know by now I am a fan of Penn State. That is why I really pains me to say what I am about to say…Penn State is not what it once was as far as a football powerhouse goes. There are the elite teams like USC, Ohio State, Florida, Michigan, and a few others; Penn State falls into the next tier of teams.
You are exactly right when you say about Paterno stressing education and making men out of boys, but you are really overestimating the thought process of a football recruit. Today with all of the media attention given to these high school athletes, they want to hear how great they will be in college and how much money they are going to make in the pros. In interviews, it isn’t until a few years after college that players recognize Paterno for what he has done for their growth as a human being and getting them ready for life after football.
If you notice, Penn State does well recruiting on the defensive side of the ball, mainly at linebacker and defensive line. That is not hard to believe since their defense is known to be tough and one of the best every year. But they really lack when it comes to recruiting on the offensive side of the ball. They did have some 5-star athletes like Anthony Morelli and Derrick Williams, but those players have yet or did not live up to their potential. Is it because they simply are not that good as advertised? Is there something wrong with the development of offensive talent in Happy Valley? Or does the offensive just not suit those types of players?
Being a Penn State fan I am sure you have heard all the complaints about QB development and play calling. Recruits read the papers and listen to the pundits talk. So why would they want to go to a place that runs such a vanilla offense and isn’t known for using their talent appropriately? This is something the program needs to address quickly or they are going to struggle mightily on the offensive side of the ball in 2009.
Somehow Glennon has another year of eligibility, and I don’t see him leaving for the NFL draft. I would hate to think of another year with him under center. Don’t get me wrong, I think he can beat the Dukes of the world, but He caves in all of the big games, and that is putting it nicely. Georgia 06, LSU 07, Kansas 07. All heart breaking loses. He split time with Tyrod this year, do you see them splitting time again, or will Tyrod take the reigns once and for all?
Budd
Munhall, PA
Budd,
I think you are a little hard on Glennon. He did lead you to a victory in the ACC title game against Boston College, and if not for a defensive breakdown, the Hokies would’ve beaten Boston College the first time at Tech. Brandon Ore had a rough year rushing the ball, and that allowed teams to tee off on Glennon when he was in the game knowing he lacked mobility.
That being said if you can prove to me, well I guess I should say, if Tyrod can prove to Coach Beamer that he can throw the ball with better than average consistency and accuracy, then I see no reason why he should not be the quarterback for this upcoming season. He brings an added dimension to the game with his ability to scramble and run the ball that Glennon lacks. The real issue might be when and if Taylor wins the job, will Glennon become a cancer in the locker room or will he help this young man mature as a quarterback.
The SEC was a powerhouse last year. Will they remain the elite conference, or do you see another sharing or stealing the spotlight? With the big 12 having the most teams in the end of year top 10, are they contenders?
Frank
Oklahoma
Frank,
When I look at the expected preseason polls for 2008, I think that you will see Georgia ranked in the top 2, as well as Florida, LSU, and Auburn all in the top 15 to 20. Also, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Alabama all could be in the top 25. Week in and week out I don’t think there is a tougher conference to go through than the SEC. Just look at the recruiting rankings year after year…most of the top teams are from the SEC. The SEC also has the last two National Champions as well as some of the most sought after coaches in the country. So for right now, I think the SEC holds the #1 spot.
The Big 12 really surprised me last year. I believe Oklahoma and Texas will once again be contenders and we will find out if Missouri and Kansas are for real or just one year wonders. I think that with the amount of players returning at key positions, both the Tigers and Jayhawks will be back near the top of the Big 12 North. Colorado and Texas Tech are two other emerging teams to keep an eye on.
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could find his seat very hot |
Dear ITB,
Do you see Notre Dame returning to prominence (respectively, of course), or do you see more losing seasons in their future? Can you provide your opinions on the future of Charlie Weis as the Irish head coach?Thanks,
Johnny
Lacey, WA
Johnny,
In 2008, I still expect Notre Dame to experience some more growing pains. It will not be as bad as the 2007 season where they only won 3 games, but they will not be seeing a 9 or 10 win season next year. There are still a lot of question marks on the offensive line. Not only could the Irish not rush the ball last year, but they almost got Jimmy Clausen killed. At all of the skilled positions on offense, I think the Irish are well set. Now they just need to be able to get those skilled players the ball and use their ability to make defenders miss in the open field.
Charlie Weis will be there for the foreseeable future, when I say that I say for at least two more seasons. I think the faithful were able to write off last season as an anomaly, but he must go to a bowl game this year and the year after he must be at least contending for a BCS bowl game. Looking at the loads of talent Weis has brought in, and the schedule in front of him for the next two seasons, I see no reason why this should not happen.
A lot of teams had emerging seasons last year. To name a few, UConn, Cincy, Illinois, Mizzu, Kansas, Virginia, Hawaii. Which of these do you think were a fluke, and which do you think are here to stay. Do you see anyone new coming on the scene in 2008?
Gary
Hollywood, FL
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For an Average Defense |
Gary,
I really wouldn’t call any of them a fluke, but I do think Hawaii was a bit soft. I was going to throw in Kansas, but they did beat a tough Virginia Tech team in the Orange Bowl, so you can’t argue with them. They do, however, have to play both Oklahoma and Texas next season, so that will be two tough tests for them. Taking a step back will be Connecticut, Cincinnati (the loss of Ben Mauk), Virginia, and Hawaii.
One surprise team is will be someone from my own neck of the woods, the Pittsburgh Panthers. If Pitt can develop a consistent passing game to go with Shady McCoy, they could be dangerous. The Panthers played well the second half of the season, and really started believing in themselves. If not for a horrible pass interference call in the Rutgers game, the Panthers would’ve went bowling after the defeat of West Virginia.
Another team that isn’t talked about but is not a total surprise is the Clemson Tigers. Cullen Harper is the best quarterback returning in the ACC, and might have been better than Matt Ryan down the stretch. Also returning for the Tigers are the best duo of running backs (now that Jones and McFadden are gone) in James Davis and CJ Spiller.
I think that 2008 could be the year that Texas Tech contends for the Big 12 title. Graham Harrell is back, as well as his favorite target Michael Crabtree. The Red Raiders are going to put up huge offensive numbers, now they just have to find an average defense to go with it.
If not for all the suspensions and the academic scandals, I would have put Florida State in this list too.
