Last week Bill Conley of ESPN.com/Scouts Inc. wrote an interesting article on the importance of team sponsored summer camps in identifying under-the-radar talent at the high school level. Conley, as I’m sure some of you know, spent nearly two decades as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for Ohio State, finally retiring in 2004 to work as a media analyst. Needless to say, this guy has been around the scouting block a time or two (as opposed, to you know, some washed up backup from a I-AA team.) Conley uses the example of former Ohio State safety and current Tennessee Titan Donnie Nickey as a player who came out of virtual obscurity to impress coaches at a summer Ohio State camp, earning his way to a scholarship and eventually stardom. Nickey’s story, while one of the more prolific examples in recent memory, is not the only illustration of an unheralded recruit who gets a big boost in his recruitment thanks to a strong camp showing, and this summer dozens of rising high school seniors will go through similar situations.

Having attended the Naval Academy’s summer camp as a high school underclassman in 2003 I have some familiarity with the subject, although I’d be lying through my teeth if I said I was ever in a position to be recruited, much less even compete in touch seven-on-seven’s (note to aspiring youngsters; 5’4, 130-lb cornerbacks do not match up well against even legitimate Division III level talent.) Still, despite all too frequent burnadge and an inability to understand even a simple two deep zone coverage, I left with a better understanding of the process and what the older kids (that is those with actual ability) went through in their quest to pick up a Division I-A football scholarship offer.

High school camps are still tremendously important in today’s recruiting landscape, but over the last few years we’ve seen a real growth in the prominence of independent Scouting combines. There’s the NIKE/SPARQ combines, the National Underclassman Combine, and the new look Scout.com/Under Armor combine. Over the course of May, Under Armor and Scout.com sponsored four of these combines, held in the cities of Charlotte, Cincinnati, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. Today another combine will take place in my home town of Baltimore, while combines in Kansas City, Oakland, and Atlanta will take place later in the month. While there had certainly been a good deal of hoopla surrounding the top prospects entering the Under Armor sponsored combines, there have also been some ‘sleeper’ prospects who have really improved their stock in recent showings, just like Nickey did years ago at the Ohio State camp. These players, many of whom came into the month with only a few Division I offers (if any at all) proved their abilities in a series of standardized physical tests as well as one-on-one competition. Here are seven under-the-radar players (all currently 1-star rated prospects by Scout.com) from recent combines who posted strong enough performances to make their case as the next Donnie Nickey.

RB Shane McCullen, Apache Junction (AZ) - This may very well be your first time hearing about the rising senior from Arizona, but I can guarantee you it won’t be your last. Coming into last week’s Phoenix combine McCullen had already established himself as one of the best mutli-purpose backs in the state, but even his already impressive on-field performance in 2007 couldn’t have prepared scouts for what they were about to see. The 6’2, 191-lb McCullen ran an amazing 4.35 40 yard dash (highest at the combine) to go along with a 4.10 shuttle (second highest) and 35.4-inch vertical leap. Already a state track standout in the 100 meter, McCullen had curiously garnered only four offers before the combine, with only one coming from a BCS conference program. With amazing athleticism and plenty of room to fill out his 6’2 frame, expect McCullen’s scholarship offers to double or even triple over the course of the summer.

EDIT: Since writing this, McCullen has picked up offers from Utah and California. See, I told you.

WR/S Steve Hull, Sycamore (OH) - A relative unknown coming into the Cincinnati combine, Hull’s performance and attitude earned him both an on-the-spot offer from the University of Cincinnati and numerous double-takes from the so-called recruiting experts who overlooked him. Already an impressive performer at both safety and wide receiver on tape, Hull posted solid measurables with a 4.44/40 (second amongst wide receivers), 4.16 20-yard shuttle, 7.00 Three-Cone Drill (an agility and quickness test; highest at the combine) and a 9-10’ standing broad jump (second amongst receivers.) More telling perhaps was his performance in the one-on-one drills, where Hull out-muscled and out worked some of the best defensive backs in the area. Illustrating the importance of a good combine, Scout.com analyst Bob Lichtenfels went so far as to say that the single day performance by Hull probably helped him move from being a “MAC type player” to an “upper level Big Ten” prospect at the wide receiver position.

DT Jordan Stepp, Ben Davis (IN) - Is this the next Trevor Laws? Consider for a moment that of the thirteen safeties who ran the 40 yard dash at the Cincinnati combine, only two ran times faster than a 4.62. Now consider Jordan Stepp, who as a 280-lb interior lineman ran faster than those eleven players. Stepp, while undersized at just a hair over 6’0, showed elite level quickness with a 4.41 short shuttle, while posting one of the highest vertical jumps for a defensive tackle at all the Scout.com combines with a 33’ effort. Already being recruited by several MAC schools, Stepp’s strong showing in Cincinnati should garner him increased attention from some of the big boys.

WR Jeremy Dang, Peoria (AZ) - Before his MVP performance at the Phoenix combine, Dang was getting the usual interest-but-no-offer looks from schools throughout the west. At 6’2, 209 there were never any questions about his size, but a self-reported 4.67/40 yard dash (really though, it’s not that bad) likely kept some schools from offering despite solid junior year production. While he ran an average 4.80/40 at the combine, he posted a ridiculous 4.03 20-yard shuttle, which some scouts consider to be the most indicative physical test of a player’s quickness and explosion. His 37.0-inch vertical jump and a 10.5 standing broad jump were the highest at the combine regardless of position. Since his performance in Pheonix, Dang has picked up offers from Big Sky conference contenders Northern Arizona and Montana State, as well as Colorado State.

OT Taylor Lewan, Chaparrel (AZ) - Thanks to the evolution of passing offenses and the speed many top defenses have, offensive tackle has really become the new “it” position in the game over the past fifteen years. While scouts are certainly looking for players upwards of 6’5 to watch their quarterback’s blind side, they’re also looking for dynamic type athletes with the quickness to deal with the game’s best rush ends and outside linebackers. You’d think anyone with those qualities would garner tons of interest from big-time schools, but Chaparrel’s Taylor Lewan has been a relative unknown throughout the recruiting process and isn’t even ranked at his position by Scout.com. Amazingly, Lewan straight up dominated the Pheonix combine, impressing in one-on-one’s and in the physical tests. A 4.72/40, 7.60 three-cone drill, and 8-11’ broad jump were all tops for offensive lineman at the combine, a feat made all the more impressive considered his 6’6 frame. Weighing in at 252 he’s fairly light, but scouts are likely already drooling over getting this kid in a college weight room. He went into the combine with a single offer from lowly Utah State, but I’m predicting he goes into his senior year of high school with maybe a dozen offers from some of the interior west’s best.

RB Brent Michaels, Lake Havesu (AZ) - Statistically speaking Michaels has been one of the best running backs in the state of Arizona over the past two seasons. A standout with a great highlight reel, concerns over his competition level have kept many teams from offering. While McCullen rightly stole the show in Phoenix, Michaels quietly compiled a very strong resume to include a 4.41/40, 4.29 short shuttle, and a combine position leading 7.32 second three-cone drill. I honestly don’t know how many more FBS offers Michaels will receive, but he certainly showed he has the meaurables to play on the BCS conference level even if he does not attend a BCS conference school. Expect some more teams to offer over the summer and for Michaels to continue to dominate in the fall.

CB Byron Best, Greenwood (SC) - Best came into the Charlotte, North Carolina combine with no FBS offers but sure turned heads when he ran a combine leading 4.37 40-yard dash. At only 5’9, 180 size concerns may have hurt his early recruitment, but aided by his 40 time at the combine and a position leading 38.0-inch vertical leap he has since earned a scholarship offer from North Carolina. Greenwood is a highly respected South Carolina program that turns out FBS prospects with the best of them, so don’t be surprised to see more ACC programs jump into Best’s recruitment over the summer.

Other Sleeper Prospects from the May Scout.com/Under Armor Combines to Watch: RB Shad Bride, St. Johns (AZ), WR Kyle Larimer, Green Valley (NV), Joumeel McLaurine, CB Columbus East (OH), S Winston Hines, Pulaski County (KY), WR Luke Swift, Center Grove (IN), RB Ali Alaboody, Dearborn Fordon (MI).

Full List of Combine Results:
[Charlotte]
[Phoenix]
[Cincinnati]

DB Andrew Sendejo, Rice- A rock at 6’1, 213, Sendajo is also one of Conference USA’s best kept secrets. Incredibly active, he’s one of the most versatile defensive backs in the entire country, intercepting five passes (one returned for a touchdown) and notching up 107 tackles in 2007 as a true sophomore. Sendejo is one of the rare combinations of a guy with great range who also happens to be a ferocious hitter, and looks primed to lead what figures to be a much improved Rice Owl defense is 2008.

DE Larry English, Northern Illinois- NIU may have struggled through an injury plagued 2007 campaign, but for the second consecutive year defensive end Larry English was all but unstoppable for opposing offensive lines. The rising senior recorded 10.5 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, and recovered a fumble for a touchdown in 2007. At 6’3, 254 he figures to be a classic tweener at the next level, but for now he remains one of the most relentless defensive ends in the game. With NIU rebuilding under new head coach Jerry Kill, I look for English to lead a refocused defense in 2008.

OLB Clayton Mullins, Miami (Oh)- The reigning MAC Defensive Player of the Year, Mullins played like a man possessed in 2007 for the Red Hawks, totaling 143 tackles (69 solo, 16 tfl), four sacks, and six passes defended. At 6’2, 235 he has next level size for his position at outside linebacker, and more than enough speed and recognition ability to make plays both between the lines and on the perimeter. The leader of the MAC’s best defense, Mullins and Miami should contend for the MAC title yet again in 2008.

LB Frantz Joseph, Florida Atlantic- A big part of FAU’s unlikely turnaround in 2007, Joseph finished 28th in the country in tackles per game last year with just over 10 per contest. He also led the Sun Belt conference in tackles for loss (17) while recording two interceptions and two and a half sacks. Originally a transfer from Boston College, Joseph is a tremendous competitor with great range and instincts who should have FAU back in contention for the Sun Belt crown in 2008.

LB Adam Leonard, Hawaii- A first team all WAC selection in 2007, Leonard is not only one of the WAC’s hardest hitters, but one of its biggest defensive playmakers. Second on the team with 105 tackles last season (53 solo, 11.5 tfl) Leonard also took two interceptions back for touchdowns and broke up four passes. Not the tallest player, he nevertheless has a great feel for the game and the always underrated ability to shed blocks with ease. He’s a versatile player can play either the “mac” or “buck” linebacker positions as they’re known in Honolulu, and should be a major asset in new head coach Greg McMackin’s efforts to keep the program competitive.

DT John Fletcher, Wyoming- One of the major factors in Wyoming’s defensive dominance over the past two years, Fletcher is the 6’6, 275-lb stonewall that anchors the Cowboy defensive line. A dominating force inside with long arms and a powerful upper body, Fletcher registered an unusually high 10.5 sacks from the defensive tackle position last year, in addition to 14 tackles for a loss. His size and athleticism makes him a potential NFL sleeper down the road, but for now he remains the anchor on one of the country’s best and most underrated defensive lines.

FS Ryan Downard, Eastern Michigan- When commentators use the term “playing center field” to describe the actions of a free safety, their explaining the way rising sophomore Ryan Downard played in 2007 to a tee. Downard is one of those guys who has the uncanny ability to just make plays on the football, picking off six passes as a redshirt freshmen last year. I love his feel for the game at free safety, and he shows maturity beyond his years in reading quarterbacks. His continued progression gives perennial MAC bottom feeder Eastern Michigan a chance to be competitive in the MAC next season.

CB Joe Burnett, Central Florida- A rising senior who originally declared for the 2008 NFL draft, Burnett instead chose to return to Central Florida for his senior season after a monster junior campaign in 2007. An aggressive corner who excels against both the pass (12 career interceptions) and the run (148 career solo stops), Burnett also doubles as one of the nation’s most explosive punt returners with three career touchdown returns. His versatility and nose for the football make him not only one of the best defenders in the conference, but also a potential Day 1 draft pick in next year’s draft.

DB Wyatt Middleton, Navy- While I’m willing to admit that this is a blatently homeristic call on my part, I truly believe Middleton is the second coming of former Navy great Josh Smith, who recorded about a bazillion tackles for the Mids between 2002-2004 and was basically a one-man wrecking crew who I swear could have made it in the NFL had he wanted to. Middleton isn’t overly flashy (at least not yet) but he does do what 95% of college defenders can’t- he tackles with proper form. In a day and age where defenders almost always leave their feet, forget to bring their arms, and most of the time get truly and disgustingly high pad level, Middleton displays proper form and good courage against much bigger players. While my esteemed colleague has often noticed his habit of being out of position in the passing game, a solid spring should pay dividends on the field in 2008.

Note: UCF cornerback Johnell Neal was to be included in this list until a recent shooting on May 10th left him injured and put his status in jeopardy for the 2008 season. Neal, who recently graduated early from UCF, picked off six passes in 2007 and broke up another ten. We wish him a speedy recovery and return to the field, whether it be on the college level or the next.

Ten non-BCS conference players who could make or break their team’s chances in 2008. Click the links to view highlight clips.

RB Harvey Unga, BYU- Big, physical, and athletic, Unga was the lead horse in a very good stable of running backs at BYU last year, and already looks primed for an even bigger 2008. Earning both Mountain West Conference Freshmen of the year and Freshmen All-American honors, Unga powered his way to 1,227 yards on the ground (5.0 avg) and an incredible 655 yards through the air in 2007 en route to BYU’s second consecutive Mountain West Title. Joined by All-MWC performers Max Hall at quarterback and Austin Collie at wide receiver, Unga has a very real shot of leading BYU to a BCS bowl game in 2008.

RB James Starks, Buffalo- Starks is an intriguing case because he might be the most talented skill player at the University at Buffalo since Drew Haddad in the late 90s. At 6’2, 210 he’s big enough to be an effective inside runner, but he has uncanny straight line speed for a guy his size in the open field. He’s a duel threat guy out of the backfield and has great ball skills, catching 41 passes in 2007 while not fumbling once in 251 carries. One of the key role players in Buffalo’s recent turnaround, Starks looks ready to lead the Bulls to a bowl eligible season in 2008.

QB/SB/PR Jarod Bryant, Navy- It’s not often that the buzz around a given team’s spring practice revolves around the backup quarterback, but in the case of the Naval Academy that’s exactly what happened this April. A multi-faceted athlete from the famed Hoover High program, backup quarterback Jarod Bryant spent last year in spot relief duty of Kaipo-Noa Keheaku-Enhada before new Head Coach Ken Niumatalolo added slotback and punt returner to his list of duties this offseason. With Vick-like quickness and feet in the open field, Bryant has the natural ability to just flat out make people miss whenever he has the ball in his hands, and will likely play a key role in Navy’s quest to make it to a sixth consecutive Bowl game.

WR Casey Fitzgerald, North Texas- A bigtime playmaker in every sense of the word, Fitzgerald thrived in his first year under Head Coach Todd Dodge, leading a resurgent Mean Green offense in reception (111), receiving yards (1322) and receiving touchdowns (12.) His 11.9 yard average doesn’t jump out on paper, but catch and runs of 99 and 69 yards sure do on tape. While he has the physical skills of speed and body control that make him an NFL prospect, it’s his recognition ability and route running which make him the dominant receiver in the Sun Belt conference. I’m expecting Dodge and North Texas to be at the top of the Sun Belt in 2008, and this guy is a big reason why.

QB Chase Clement, Rice- Clement may very well be the best duel threat quarterback in the country you’ve never heard of, and he’s got the numbers to prove it. Hitting 60% of his passes in 2007, Clement threw for 3377 yards and 29 touchdowns, while rushing for 535 yards and eight touchdowns. He doesn’t have the strongest arm in the world but at the same time he doesn’t have to, as he’s incredibly accurate and has the ability to make mid range throws with consistency. With some stability finally coming to the Rice coaching staff Clement has the ability to take the Owles back to the postseason this season.

RB Luke Lippincott, Nevada- Another physical runner, Lippincott literally ran through WAC defenses last year en route to a 1420 yard (5.3 avg) year on the ground in 2007. Well trained in Coach Chris Ault’s pistol offense, Lippincott is the perfect compliment for speedy quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who himself gave Nevada’s offense a much needed spark last year. With a wide open WAC this year I look for Nevada to use Lippincot aggressively and return to the postseason.

WR Kevin Jurovich, San Jose State- If this is your first time hearing about Jurovich then don’t worry, you’re not alone. Maybe the lone bright spot on San Jose State’s anemic offense last season, Jurovich has a chance to be one of the most prolific skill position players in the WAC next season. A very smooth route runner with good quickness and decent long speed, Jurovich went from being a backup safety in 2006 to the team’s leading receiver in 2007. With a new quarterback coming into SJSU this year it’s going to be critical for SJSU to get the ball into Jurovich’s hands as much as possible, especially if the Spartans wish to return to their 2006 season form.

TE Bear Pascoe, Fresno State- You don’t often think about possession tight ends when you talk about the one most important player on an offense, but in the case of Fresno State’s offense you might have to. The rising senior has ideal size (6’5, 265) and tremendous body control, which makes the fact that he was an option quarterback in high school all the more insane. He almost single-handedly obliterated Texas A&M’s secondary last season (7 catches, 3 TDs) and figures to be an iatrical part of Fresno State’s loaded offense in 2008.

RB Eugene Jarvis, Kent State- The leading returning rusher in the country, Jarvis ran for 1669 yards (6.0 avg) and ten touchdowns in 2007 to very little national acclaim. A scat back with tremendous vision and change of direction ability in the open field, watching Jarvis is like watching former MAC great Garrett Wolfe out of a zone running based offense. The challenge for Jarvis will be whether or not he can help get Kent State over the hump in a MAC title race in which one team’s chances seem to be as good as the next’s. If he can, then don’t be surprised to see him replicate Wolfe’s minor Heisman Run from a few years ago in 2008.

RB Ian Johnson, Boise State- After eclipsing 1700 yards rushing and 25 touchdowns in 2006 it seemed like Johnson was a viable contender for the Heisman in 2007, but a retooled Boise State offense transferred much of the load to fellow running backs Jeremy Avery and DJ Harper last season. Still, Johnson is one of the elite start-stop runners in all of college football, and surpassed the 1000 yard rushing mark last season. After a quiet year in 2007 expect Johnson and Boise State to make another run in the WAC, where the departure of Colt Brennan and June Jones at Hawaii has suddenly left the conference wide open.

Addison changed zip codes in 2007

The months of January and February are months of shuffling around in the college football world. It is a time where coaches are fired, others are hired, seniors say their last goodbyes in hopes of going pro, some underclassmen decide to test the NFL Draft waters, and finally it is a time for high school seniors to sign on the dotted line to where they will spend the next 3 to 5 years of their lives. There is a lot of information to keep track of, after doing a quick search around the blogosphere, I found some thing that should clear some of these questions up.

- The time came and went for underclassmen to decide if they were going to put the paperwork in for the NFL Draft or not. Our partner CSTV has a list of who has applied.

- Norm Chow went from the top of the world, being the Offensive Coordinator of the juggernaut offense at USC, to getting fired as the Tennessee Titans Offensive Coordinator in a matter of a few years. But before you start shedding tears for Norm, read this little piece from Bruins Nation which talks about the possibility of Mr. Chow going to UCLA to coach against his old team.

- A day after winning the National Championship, Bo Pellini began his duties as the head coach at Nebraska. During the 80’s and 90’s, the Cornhuskers were a proud program which put out top notch teams every year, but you would be surprised as the expectations the fans have for the 2008 season.

Marlon Lucky will be back with Nebraska in 2008

- All Jayhawks fans hope that they stay atop the Big 12 North and challenge for another title. As we all know this season they did not play the likes of Texas, Oklahoma, and Texas Tech but next year they do. Over at Kansas It’s Business Time, they look at next year’s schedule and how it could play out for the Jayhawks.

- Keeping with this Big 12 theme I have going here, Big Head over at MizzouRAH talks a little recruiting for his Tigers and the proper way to bombard a recruit’s MySpace and Facebook page to get them to come to your school.

- If you happened to check out the list of underclassmen leaving, you will notice that there are a lot of running backs that will be filling up the 2008 NFL Draft class. Although, one name you will not find on that list is Nebraska’s Marlon Lucky.

- It has been a few years since his departure as head coach of Syracuse, but Paul Pasqualoni has potentially found a new job with the Miami Dolphins. Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician talks about how Coach P might make a better coordinator than a head coach.

- I was never a huge fan of the Texas Longhorns, but when Major Applewhite was there, I rooted for him. The Major showed a lot of heart and class while playing for the Longhorns. Last year he spent time at Alabama, but now all fans of Texas are rejoicing because he as agreed to take a job with the Longhorns. Long live The Major!

- If you haven’t already, check out the University of Hawaii Football Fan Blog because it is really well written and is updated more than daily. Tombo Ahi talks about the new hire of Greg McMackin as the head coach of the Warriors, along with some recruiting and other Hawaii news.

Hawaii 12-0 (8-0), 1st Western Athletic
vs
Georgia 10-2 (6-2), 1st Southeastern - East

January 1, 8:30pm, FOX

A lot of pressure is on both teams to win in the Sugar Bowl. Hawaii is the only remaining undefeated team left in FBS and they are stuck holding the torch for non-BCS Conference schools. Georgia on the other hand, does not want to suffer the same fate as Pittsburgh and Oklahoma. Those two schools lost in BCS games to non-BCS Schools. As much as people complain, the non-BCS schools are 2-0 in BCS games. Georgia was ranked #3 in the BCS and some on their team feel that they should be playing in the title game, but if you don’t win you conference it is hard to make a claim like that.

As I stated before Hawaii is the only undefeated team left in FBS, and are led by Heisman Trophy finalist Colt Brennan. Brennan didn’t put up the numbers he did in 2006, but they are still impressive. In 10 games, Colt threw for 4174 yards with 38 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. As a whole the team does not run the ball a lot, they spread teams out and allow their athletic receivers to improvise and get open. The Warriors are the 1st ranked scoring offense, averaging over 46 points per game, and are the second ranked passing offense behind Texas Tech. Defensively the Warriors are not bad, and are ranked below 45 in both rush and pass defense. Also they are 9th in sacks and 5th in tackles for a loss. They will be tested because this will be the most talented team they have faced this year.

Georgia is a team that got better as the year went on. At the beginning of the season their quarterback, Matthew Stafford, struggled. But once they developed a running game behind freshman Knowshon Moreno, the passing lanes opened up and Stafford started doing better. In 12 games Stafford has thrown for 2348 yards with 18 touchdowns and 9 interceptions while Moreno has run for 1273 yards and 12 touchdowns. The Bulldogs have a tough defense, ranking 19th in total defense and more importantly 24th in pass defense, yielding a little over 200 yards per game.

It is put up or shut up time for the Warriors. They took a lot of heat all year for playing two FCS teams and not really anyone else. Georgia on the other hand had a stacked SEC schedule where they beat Florida, Auburn, and Kentucky. Hawaii’s best win all year was Boise State and we all saw what happened to them against East Carolina. I think Hawaii will hold their own, and put on a good show but Georgia is out to prove that they belonged in the BCS title game and won’t allow non-BCS schools to go 3-0 in BCS games. Georgia 37 Hawaii 31

Picking Hawaii to Win (16%)
Pitch Right, Dan Schoonover, Lou Nemec, Jason Stiver, Jeff Brancolini

Picking Georgia to Win (84%)
ITB Brian Sakowski, Kansas It’s Business Time, Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician, Sportsbone TV, Rizzo Sports, MizzouRAH, MidWest Coast Bias, The Enlightened Spartan, Bastard Sons of Pinfall Marks, ITB Ron Juckett, ITB Charlie Swager, Football Frontier, The LSC Scoop, Corn Nation, Richard Dixon, Mrs Corn Nation, Brian Isaacson, Logan Jaffe, Brant Chruscial, Matt Kieta, Timmy B, Greg Gowins, Sunny Verma, Lorena The Dodgerchick, Pete Boivin, Cyril Tircuit, Rodney Polston

Georgia Tech 7-5 (4-4), 3rd Atlantic Coast - Coastal
vs
Fresno State 8-4 (6-2), 3rd Western Athletic

December 31 2:00 pm, ESPN2

Georgia Tech will have to wait till after this game for the Paul Johnson era to start, and already many receivers are concerned that he will not need them if Johnson brings the triple option offense with him. Both teams have won the last time they played in this bowl game. Fresno State comes into the game playing in their 8th bowl game in 9 years, winning 3 of their last 4 regular season games but to win against the Yellow Jackets their offense will have to protect their QB because Tech averages 4 sacks per game.

The Bulldog offense is as balanced as you can get it, averaging 202 yards on the ground and through the air. Tom Brandstater had an average year throwing for 2369 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. On the ground, Fresno State is led by Ryan Mathews and Lonyae Miller, both of which have missed time this year because of injuries. If Fresno State has a weakness on defense, it is against the run. The Bulldogs give up around 180 yards per game on the ground, and that isn’t a good sign when you are going against a back like Tashard Choice.

The Yellow Jackets are in flux, between coaches, but they still boast one of the best defenses in the land. They are 12th against the run, 32nd against the pass, and 11th overall. On an average, Georgia Tech gives up only 19 points per game. Yards and points are a premium against the Yellow Jackets. On offense their strength is running the ball with Tashard Choice. In 11 games, Choice has run for 1310 yards with 10 touchdowns. Taylor Bennett had a coming out party in last year’s bowl game, but cooled off after the loss of Calvin Johnson to the NFL. Bennett threw 3 more interceptions than touchdowns, and must protect the ball if Georgia Tech wants to win.

Smash mouth football is the name of the game when you come and play the 2007 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. I think the Bulldogs are going to be in for a world of hurting and right now it isn’t shaping up too good for the Western Athletic Conference. With Boise State and Nevada losing; Fresno State and Hawaii must pick up the slack. The Bulldogs just do not have the line play to stop the Yellow Jackets and they will have a hard time gaining any yards against their tough defense. Georgia Tech 24 Fresno State 10

Picking Georgia Tech to Win (76%)
ITB Brian Sakowski, Rizzo Sports, Sportsbone TV, MidWest Coast Bias, ITB Ron Juckett, Football Frontier, Bastard Sons of Pinfall Marks, The LSC Scoop, Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician, Greg Gowins, Richard Dixon, Brian Isaacson, Logan Jaffe, Brant Chruscial, Dan Schoonover, Lou Nemec, Mrs Corn Nation, Matt Kieta, Timmy B, Cyril Tircuit, Rodney Polston

Picking Fresno State to Win (34%)
MizzouRAH, Kansas It’s Business Time, Pitch Right, ITB Charlie Swager, The Enlightened Spartan, Corn Nation, Jeff Brancolini, Sunny Verma, Lorena The Dodgerchick, Pete Boivin, Jason Stiver

Boise State 10-2 (7-1), 2nd Western Athletic
vs
East Carolina 7-5 (6-2), 2nd Conference USA - East

December 23, 8:00 PM, ESPN

The Hawaii Bowl is a step down for Boise State, who pulled off one of the most dramatic victories last year against Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl. Their 17 straight WAC victory streak was broken by Hawaii and that gave Hawaii its first BCS bid and relegated the Broncos to the Hawaii Bowl. For East Carolina, this will be the second year in a row they will be playing in a bowl game. Last year they lost to South Florida in the Papajohns.com bowl.

Even with QB Jared Zabransky moving on last year, the Broncos are still an offensive power house. Boise State is ranked 10th in total offense and 5th in scoring offense, scoring over 42 points per game. Taylor Tharp has done well taking the reigns from Zabransky, throwing for over 3000 yards and 28 touchdowns. Their running game is strong behind Ian Johnson and his 1030 yards 16 touchdowns. Johnson missed two games due to injury, but still had a good year. On defense, the Broncos give up 21 points per game and rank 21st in scoring and total defense.

Skip Holtz’s Pirates use a rushing attack to keep the ball away from their opponents. Running back Chris Johnson is the go to guy running for 1200 yards, 16 touchdowns, and almost 6 yards per carry. He is going up against a Boise State defense that was first in the WAC against the run and 24th overall. East Carolina’s passing offense is below average as they only throw for 200 yards per game. Two quarterbacks, Patrick Pinkney and Robert Kass, do most of the passing with Pinkney being the main guy. Defensively the Pirates are 98th in total defense and 80th in scoring defense, giving up over 24 points per game.

I am not sure if there is a bigger bowl mismatch than this one. Boise State is ranked in the top 25, and could maybe be one of the top 15 teams in the nation and East Carolina is far behind the Broncos in talent on both sides of the ball. Boise will be able to do what they want on the offensive side of the ball and I can’t see East Carolina scoring more than 14 points. Boise State 41 East Carolina 10

Picking Boise State to Win (91%)
ITB Brian Sakowski, MidWest Coast Bias, Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician, Football Frontier, Rizzo Sports, Corn Nation, MizzouRAH, The LSC Scoop, Bastard Sons of Pinfall Marks, The Enlightened Spartan, Pitch Right, ITB Ron Juckett, Kansas It’s Business Time, ITB Charlie Swager, Lorena The Dodgerchick, Lou Nemec, Rodney Polston, Greg Gowins, Timmy B, Brian Isaacson, Brant Chruscial, Dan Schoonover, Richard Dixon, Matt Kieta, Jeff Brancolini, Sunny Verma, Jason Stiver, Cyril Tircuit, Pete Boivin

Picking East Carolina to Win (9%)
Sportsbone TV, Logan Jaffe, Mrs Corn Nation

Nevada 6-6 (4-4), 4th Western Athletic
vs
New Mexico 8-4 (5-3), 3rd Mountain West

December 22nd, 4:30PM ESPN

Usually when a team loses a starting quarterback, it is noticeable and the team suffers. But for the Nevada Wolfpack it was a much needed shot in the arm. Freshman Colin Kaepernick took over for Nick Graziano after he was lost for the year on October 6, and piled up a 4-3 record along with the WAC freshman of the year honors. New Mexico besides playing at home for the bowl game has to deal with losing two players, running backs Rodney Ferguson and Mike Love, who were deemed ineligible and cannot play in the New Mexico Bowl.

The Lobos will have to find a new go to guy in the backfield with Ferguson out and that will put a little more pressure on QB Donovan Porterie who threw for 2652 with 13 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. Marcus Smith and Travis Brown are Porterie’s main targets, catching over 170 balls for 1900 yards and 8 touchdowns. Those two are going to be a lot to handle for a Wolfpack defense that ranks 67th against the pass. The Lobos have a tough defense themselves ranking 22nd against the pass, 31st against the run, and 25th in scoring defense. They are going to have to play with a chip on their shoulders since the Lobos who only score 24 points per game will be short handed on offense and won’t be able to generate as many points.

As stated before Colin Kaepernick leads the Wolfpack offense throwing for 2038 yards, 19 touchdowns, and only 3 interceptions in 7 starts and 10 total games. Overall, Nevada has a powerful offense ranking 11th in rushing offense and 7th in total offense. Luke Lippincott leads the Pack’s rushing attack with 1380 yards and 15 touchdowns but with Kaepernick at QB he brings a running threat to the table. On defense, Nevada is below average against the run and the pass.

This game has the strength’s of each team going up against each other with the Nevada offense and the New Mexico defense. Nevada has held it close with quality teams like Hawaii, Boise State, and Fresno State. While the Lobos have more wins, I’m not sure they have had as many quality games as the Wolfpack has had. All things considered equal, one would have to pick New Mexico in the game, but the suspension to their top running back makes this game really interesting and is the deciding factor in the game. Nevada 31 New Mexico 21

Picking Nevada to Win (75%)
ITB Brian Sakowski, Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician, Rizzo Sports, Bastard Sons of Pinfall Marks, The LSC Scoop, MizzouRAH, ITB Charlie Swager, Pitch Right, Sportsbone TV, Corn Nation, Lou Nemec, Rodney Polston, Richard Dixon, Brian Isaacson, Brant Chruscial, Timmy B, Matt Kieta, Jeff Brancolini, Sunny Verma, Cyril Tircuit, Pete Boivin, Mrs Corn Nation, Logan Jaffe, Greg Gowins

Picking New Mexico to Win (25%)
Kansas It’s Business Time, The Enlightened Spartan, ITB Ron Juckett, MidWest Coast Bias, Football Frontier, Lorena The Dodgerchick, Jason Stiver, Dan Schoonover

Kansas fans like to use intimidation on opposing teams

The Kansas Jayhawks got past their toughest test of the year so far beating the Oklahoma State Cowboys. I admit I was a little skeptical about Kansas, mostly since I have not seen them play. They scored over 70 points against Nebraska and last week they put up 43 against the Cowboys. I firmly believe that if Kansas runs the table, they should play in the BCS title game. There is no reason why an undefeated team from the Big 12 should not play for the title, if that does happen, time to call the cops because the Jayhawks will have been robbed. Kansas Football breaks down the Big 12 and talks about the past weekend in Big 12 football.

For Hawaii to go BCS Bowling, Colt must have a clear head

Hawaii is the other undefeated in the division formerly known as Division 1-A. The problem for the Warriors right now is that their quarterback Colt Brennan suffered a concussion and is questionable for the upcoming week(s). A Hawaii football blog is reporting that Brennan felt “almost 100%” at today’s practice. I’m not sure if this is a media ploy, but the Warriors will need a 100% healthy Brennan if they want to go to a BCS Bowl game.

The Buckeye’s sloppy play even has Dr Addison scratching her head

If you are a Big Ten fan you know this is the week to end all weeks. Yes it is the last week of play for the Big Ten but more importantly it is Ohio State vs Michigan week. The game got a little less important in the eyes of the nation after both teams lost last Saturday, but to these two schools, this game is as important as ever. The Men of Scarlet and Gray are already brushing off last week’s loss to Illinois and trying to get everyone prepared for Michigan.

Carr is looking to beat Buckeyes in his last game at the Big House

Michigan on the other hand has an added reason to win the game against the Buckeyes. It is being reported that Lloyd Carr is going to announce his retirement after the Ohio State game. There was a lot of speculation at the beginning of the season that this would be Carr’s last season, and early season losses to ASU and Oregon added more fuel to the fire. Carr has reportedly told the team, so I am sure they want to send him out a winner in his last game at the Big House.

Plenty of good grades for the Huskers against Kansas State

I like to pick on Nebraska, but I must commend them for putting a 70 spot on Kansas State last weekend, only one week after Kansas put over 70 points on the Huskers. Maybe the team hasn’t quit on coach Callahan like many think. Husker Mike gives his report card for Nebraska for last week’s game over at Corn Nation.

Speaking of coaches on the hot seat, the grass roots campaign to fire Karl Dorrell is picking up steam. There is talk about taking ads out in the local paper and signs were even made and shown at College Game Day last week. If I were Dorrell I would want out of UCLA.

Finally, my Top 5 for this week:

1. Oregon
2. LSU
3. Kansas
4. Oklahoma
5. Missouri

Unlike other conferences the Western Athletic Conference has both the Coaches and Media make predictions on the finish. Both of them came to the same conclusion, picking Hawai’i to win the conference.

Coaches’ Poll

Rank Team (1st Place Votes) Points
1. Hawai‘i (6) 62
2. Boise State (3) 59
3. Nevada 45
4. Fresno State 40
5. San Jose State 39
6. New Mexico State 31
7. Louisiana Tech 25
8. Utah State 13
9. Idaho 10

Media Poll
Rank Team (1st place votes) Points
1. Hawai‘i (32) 494
2. Boise State (26) 490
3. Fresno State 361
4. Nevada 337
5. San Jose State 321
6. New Mexico State 233
7. Louisiana Tech 157
8. Utah State 110
9. Idaho 107