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The BCS Needs Fixing-By Max Baez Football Reporters Online

Photo: Not Even Tim Tebow, shown here at the "BCS Celebration" can fix this problem
The BCS Needs Fixing-By Max Baez Football Reporters Online

We all know the BCS is going to be controversial come December, so why not write about it now?
The BCS has been around for over a decade. Before the BCS, the Pac-10 and Big 10 champion always played each other in the Rose Bowl, and because of this, it meant that the two highest ranked teams at the end of the season were not always playing one another in the national title game. To change this, the BCS was created, where a system mixing polls and computer rankings was created to find the two “best” teams in the country to play each other on one glorious night to establish one national champion.

Of course, we all know this has worked out just as well as Jon and Kate’s marriage. In the majority of the years since the BCS was created, there has been a controversy over the two teams placed by the system into the national title game. As we all know, last year was a particularly good example of why the BCS is such a terrible system, with Utah and Boise State finishing the regular season undefeated and Oklahoma, Texas, Texas Tech, Alabama, Florida, Penn State, and USC all having one loss and all feeling as if they belonged in the title game.

One thing last year the perfect example of why the BCS is a failure comes from the Big 12, where we all remember that Oklahoma beat Texas Tech, who beat Texas, who beat Oklahoma, and that all three had one loss. They all had a legitimate reason for believing they belonged in the title game (although most recognize that Texas Tech was not as good as the other two, beating Texas on a series of fluke plays before being blown out by Oklahoma), and in the end, Oklahoma was selected to the title game, where they would lose to Florida.

This year, it is obviously yet to be determined what kind of BCS problem we will have. Maybe it will be like the problem of 2008, or maybe it won’t be a problem like it was during the 2005 season, when two and only two BCS conference teams finished undefeated (Texas and USC.) Still, even if the BCS works once in a while, it doesn’t work all of the time (or even half the time), and it’s time to finally fix this. It’s time for a playoff. I’m saying this even though I realize a playoff is likely to never happen, but college football absolutely, positively needs a playoff.

The playoff, a fixture in American sports, is used to determine the title winner of everything, except, of course, the champion of NCAA D1 FBS football. Even all of the other NCAA football divisions use it, everyone but the FBS. Of course, there’s a reason for this, since if everyone agreed that a playoff was the best option, we would have it.
The reason why a playoff doesn’t exist is because the college presidents of BCS schools don’t want one. They like the BCS. It guarantees them a ton of money, with no team having to play more than one game. It makes it hard for non-BCS conference schools to get involved, and thus take away from the money for BCS conference schools. It insures that the season ends right before the start of the spring semester of college, meaning less practice and travel time for athletes. However, there are arguments to be made against these key reasons why college presidents want to keep the BCS.

In terms of money, the BCS presidents love that they make so much off of one game, but with a playoff, there will still be tons of interest, great TV ratings, and more games, meaning more money. With a playoff, college football’s postseason would rival the greatness of the NCAA basketball tournament, and it surely would be a huge cash win for all of the college presidents. In reality, this should entice college presidents towards supporting a playoff.
In terms of non-BCS conference schools, it’s about time to give them a shot of winning a national title. Utah probably would not have won the title last year, as I doubt they would have beat Florida or Oklahoma, but the regular season they had means they deserved a shot, which would make college football a whole lot more fair (and is something a playoff would provide.) Secondly, not only is a playoff the most fair system, but with more postseason games, there would be more profits for the colleges involved.

Thirdly, we’ve heard college presidents give their speeches about how a college playoff would make the academic schedule harder for the players. This is funny, because they are only using this argument because it’s convenient for them. I don’t see these same college presidents crying foul about baseball players playing up to five games a week, forcing players to miss the majority of the school week at times. Football games are played on Saturdays, players can fly out on Friday and barely miss any classes (if any at all.) Also, the playoff would be during the beginning of the spring semester, which isn’t exactly the most stressful time in the classroom anyway.

Opponents of the BCS are also concerned that a playoff system would take away from the bowls, but this isn’t true at all. The same bowl games for 7-5 teams will have the same meaning for those involved with a playoff than they are now. Also, certain bowl games can be mixed into a playoff system. The first round of a sixteen team playoff can be at the home sites of the highest ranked teams. I propose sixteen teams, because I feel eight could leave some deserving teams out, although an eight team playoff would be better than none at all. The quarterfinals would be Fiesta, Sugar, Rose, and Orange Bowls, allowing these bowl games to retain an elite status. Semifinals and finals are neutral sites.

There it is, a sixteen team playoff. A true national champion. Conference champions of the “big six” conferences, ten at-larges determined by a selection committee. Winners of the small conferences could potentially have a shot. Lose two early games and then get hot towards the end of the season, and you still have a chance at winning at all. This is my dream, and this is how college football needs to be.

2009 Pac-10 Predictions


2009 Pac-10 Predictions
By Max Baez For Football Reporters Online

While much of the country sees the Pac-10 as USC and nine others, every year lately it has been just that: nine other teams trying to knock off USC as the conference champion. USC has held at least a share of the conference title every year since 2002, and with consistent top five recruiting classes and an absolutely loaded roster, it is easy to see how they are able to achieve this. However, USC is not invisible, as they have not gone undefeated in conference play since 2005 and Oregon State was one game away from winning the title last year. However, will this be the year USC is finally not at the top?

And with the predictions, USC is at the number one spot. While USC lost some key talent, including QB Mark Sanchez and all of their starting linebackers (two of whom were first round picks), they have reloaded as they always have someone waiting in the wings. Freshman QB Matt Barkley has been given the starting job, and QB Mitch Mustain, who went 8-0 as a starting QB as a freshman at Arkansas in the SEC, is a third stringer, which just shows how loaded their roster is. There are really no weaknesses on the roster at all, and S Taylor Mays is certainly one of the best defenders in America.

Now, for the rest of the rankings:

2. California. It’s tough to choose between Cal and Oregon for the two spot, but coach Jeff Tedford has Cal in a great position to succeed this year. The defensive backs are the best in the Pac-10, especially at corner, and RB Jahvid Best may just be the best running back in America. With 17 starters returning, Cal looks solid to challenge USC. However, they should fall just a bit short, especially since Cal’s passing game, led by QB Kevin Riley, leaves something to be desired.

3. Oregon. Former offensive coordinator Chip Kelly steps in as head coach and he certainly has some weapons to play with up in Eugene with a great running game and QB Jeremiah Masoli, who showed towards the end of last year that he has the skills to run Kelly’s run-oriented spread offense very effectively. Oregon is lucky in that they have the Pac-10’s best home field advantage and host both USC and Cal, but unfortunately they are just not at the same level as either of the two.

4. Arizona. Arizona was disrespected at the Pac-10 media day, where they were selected to finish 8th in the conference after making a bowl game for the first time in a decade last year. While key players QB Willie Tuitama, OT Eben Britton, and WR Mike Thomas departed, the core of the defense remains in tact, which should be one of the Pac-10’s strongest. The big question mark is at quarterback, where neither Matt Scott or Nick Foles has been able to solidify the starting job. However, whoever wins the job will have many weapons to work with, including TE Rob Gronkowski, one of the nation’s best, and 1000 yard RB Nic Grigsby. Arizona should be the surprise of the conference, and that means a similar win count to last year.

5. Oregon State. The Beavers were very close to winning the Pac-10 last season, beating USC early in the year and leading the conference until losing to Oregon in the season finale. Sophomore RB Jacquizz Rodgers was the Pac-10 offensive player of the year award last season, and the diminutive back is a pain for defenses to take down, but only three starters return on defense, so growing pains are to be expected in Corvallis.

6. Stanford. The academic powerhouse has turned into a recruiting destination under coach Jim Harbaugh, who recently brought in a top 20 recruiting class. RB Toby Gerhart is solid, QB Andrew Luck was very highly touted out of high school, and the defense is strong in the front seven. However, the defensive backs are a major liability, and while this team could potentially end up making a bowl game, they aren’t among the conference’s best, but Harbaugh has the team headed in that direction.

7. Arizona State. The biggest problem with Arizona State is the offensive line. It’s simply not very good. Rudy Carpenter got killed last year, and there’s little reason to believe things will be better for new starting QB Danny Sullivan. The strength of the team is on the defensive line, which is solid all around. ASU’s defense will also get a boost if standout freshman LB Vontaze Burfict qualifies, but that’s a major question mark at this time.

8. UCLA. Lots of people are very confident UCLA will have a major improvement this year, but I think they are still a year away. Coach Rich Neuheisel has built winners before, and based on how he’s recruiting, it looks like he’s on that track at UCLA. However, the offensive line is still likely to be terrible, the running game will probably still be awful (it was a dreadful 116th in college football last year), and starting QB Kevin Prince has no collegiate experience. The defense should be solid, but UCLA is going to have a lot of problems putting points up on the board.

9. Washington. The good news: QB Jake Locker is back. He could be the best QB in the Pac-10 this season. Also, coach Steve Sarkisian has gotten off to a great start recruiting, and the school is becoming confident that success is on the horizon. However, success will not come this year. But it could be worse, they could be…..

10. Washington State. This program is seriously a mess. Second year coach Paul Wulff has a major rebuilding job to do, and based on early recruiting measures, it doesn’t look like he’s bringing too much talent in. The Cougars aren’t strong in any area, and the fact that they had open tryouts on campus for QB last year just says it all. It will be a long season this year in Pullman.

Hofstra Vs. Stonybrook-The Long Island Classic By Dr. Bill Chachkes for Football Rep



Hofstra Vs. Stonybrook-The Long Island Classic
By Dr. Bill Chachkes for Football Reporters Online

It’s been a match up on the schedule for several years now. A game that puts two of the better college teams playing in the FCS (I still catch myself calling it “1-AA”) each year. It’s also the two “Major” college teams playing on Long Island. While both teams recruit outside of the region, it’s also a showcase for local talent as well. Both coaches are well rounded and respected football men who come from the same “coaching family tree” so to speak. They were both assistants under Coach Bob Ford at the University of Albany.

Hofstra has put many players into the NFL over the years, most recently OL Willie Colon of the SB XLIII winning Steelers and Marques Colston of the Saints. They play in the CAA conference, which is considered by many to be the top conference in the FCS. Even in “down” seasons the program has remained competitive in play and continues to draw recruits from many areas. Last year the field surface at Shuart Stadium was replaced, and is among the best I have ever set foot on. They return several starters from the 2006 and 2007 seasons, including QB Corey Christopher, who at 250 lbs and just over 6’1” looks more like an Inside Linebacker or a Fullback and is just as hard to bring down. Senior Linebacker Luke Bonus is the leader of a resurgent defense that will make life hard for every opponent they face this season.

The Seawolves may not have any players in the NFL just yet, but a move to a new conference(the Big South), a seasoned staff of assistants, a quality stadium of their own, and their share of televised games make them a tough opponent as well. The 1-2 punch of Conte Cuttino and Edwin Gowins from the backfield makes it difficult for the opposing defenses to key on just one rusher. Like Hofstra’s Dave Cohen, Coach Chuck Priore is also a master teacher of the game. Both teams also have a loyal fanbase, and the respect of opposing coaches. They both follow the tenant of honoring the great game of Football at it’s core.

So why will this match up end after next season? Shouldn’t this be a highlight of the start of the season for both these teams? Shouldn’t it be treated like the “classic” games that are played among teams in the southeast? Why not make it a “worthy cause” game that benefits a local charity or two.

Hofstra would most likely want to get a game or two a year against
Higher graded division 1 teams like Army or even Rutgers. Stonybrook would probably love to get a televised game against a higher ranked “1-AA” team like Appalachian State (even though Costal Carolina is a huge match up for them this year). But why take on those steep climbs at the cost of eliminating this game?

Hopefully the School’s presidents will come to terms on extending this yearly match up which I now call “The Long Island Classic.”

Successful CAA Football Begins 2009 Picking Up Where It Left Off


Successful CAA Football Begins 2009 Picking Up Where It Left Off
September 3, 2009
Jon Wagner, Sr. Writer At-Large, Football Reporters Online


With two–thirds of its conference (8 of 12 teams) accounting for one-third of the top 24 of the 2009 Football Championship Subdivision preseason coaches poll, the Colonial Athletic Association embarks on its third season of football with high expectations as unquestionably the best FCS conference top to bottom.

And, why not?

In its first year of existence, the CAA placed a record-tying five teams in the 16-team 2007 FCS playoffs, while springing a few upsets over top seeds from other conferences and placing Delaware in the FCS championship game.

For an encore, the CAA broke that record, sending six teams to the 2008 FCS playoffs, while producing last season’s FCS national champion, the Richmond Spiders. There’s every reason to believe that CAA success will continue in 2009. Richmond is ranked second in the nation, heading a group of four CAA teams ranked among the top eight in the 2009 preseason FCS coaches poll.

One of those teams, #5 Villanova, and another nationally-ranked team, #19 Maine, kicked things off for the CAA in 2009 on Thursday night. In one case, the CAA impressed against a superior division. In the other, it was the opposite. However, the final results of each were along the same lines of the CAA’s first two seasons –- winning in the CAA continued, and in dramatic fashion each time.

Villanova 27, Temple 24
Seventeen days before the Philadelphia Eagles’ scheduled home opener on the same field, Villanova used a big second half to rally from deficits of 10-0 at halftime and 24-14 in the fourth quarter, to capture the inaugural Mayor’s Cup game with a 27-24 victory over Football Bowl Division opponent Temple, at Lincoln Financial field in Philadelphia, when redshirt freshman kicker Nick Yako calmly booted a 32-yard game-winner as time expired.

Ironically, Villanova’s last win against an FBS opponent was a different three-point win over Temple, 23-20, in 2003, in the first game ever played at the same stadium affectionately called The Link.

This time, the opportunistic Wildcats won the turnover battle 5-1, while their second-half comeback was sparked by signal caller, senior quarterback Chris Whitney, who rebounded from a mediocre 7-for-14 first half to complete 17 of 21 passes after halftime, to finish 24 of 35 for a career-high 278 yards. Whitney’s favorite target was a big one –- both in physical stature and in his ability to come up big on Thursday night –- 6-foot-4 senior wide receiver Brandyn Harvey, who had game-highs of 9 catches and 142 receiving yards, including a clutch 6-yard touchdown reception from Whitney with 1:24 left in the game, to tie the score, 24-24, setting the stage for Yako to be the hero… Up next for the 1-0 Cats is Lehigh at home, on September 12th.

Maine 34, St. Cloud State 27
While Villanova knocked off an FBS team on a neutral field, Maine struggled in what should have been a fairly easy season-opening tune-up at home, against feisty and inspired Division II St. Cloud State. After a St. Cloud State field goal, Maine took its first lead, 7-3, on a first quarter 80-yard kickoff return from Desmond Randall, who bounced back nicely after missing the entire 2008 season with an injury. However, the Black Bears, could not contain wide receiver Fred Williams, who set a school record with a game-high 15 catches (all but 7 of St. Could State’s 22 completions for the game) for 171 yards, including a 23-yard touchdown pass, putting St. Cloud State ahead, 24-20, with 8:42 left in the fourth quarter. But, what senior quarterback Mike Brusko was limited to (9-13 for 101 yards) with his arm, he did with his legs, carrying 22 times for 86 yards, as the Black Bears’ running game was in session –- that is, with sophomore tailback Derek Session, who led the way with 133 rushing yards in 22 attempts, including a 10-yard touchdown run that gave Maine a short-lived 27-24 lead with 1:59 left in regulation, before Brusko plunged into the end zone with what proved to be the game-winning score in overtime, from a yard out… the Black Bears next game is its CAA opener at Northeastern, on September 12th.

Other CAA Teams Kicking Off This Weekend
Nine other CAA teams will start their seasons this weekend. Of special note…

A pair of CAA teams will challenge the FBS and the ACC on the road on Saturday:
- #2 Richmond will play at Duke while…
- #14 William & Mary stays in state to play at Virginia.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday:
- #18 UMass will play an FBS and Big 12 opponent when it travels to Kansas State, and…
- Hofstra, whose #24 ranking following a 4-8 campaign in 2008, demonstrates the depth and quality of the CAA, will host fellow Long Island FCS rival Stony Brook.

Report from the Rose Bowl: San Diego State vs. UCLA By Will Osgood –Football Reporters Online


Report from the Rose Bowl: San Diego State vs. UCLA By Will Osgood –Football Reporters Online

If you only watched the first quarter of the San Diego State UCLA game on Saturday night, you would’ve thought the Aztecs are going to challenge for the Mountain West title this season, and that UCLA is going to go winless. But the reality is that neither of those events are going to happen. The Bruins’ play in the final three quarters assured us of that.

Being in the Rose Bowl on Saturday night gave me a unique perspective on what was otherwise not thought of by most college football fans as a big game. One could see that UCLA is a much more talented team in year two under Rick Neuheisel, and that his style and schemes are beginning to pay off. Of course, next week in Knoxville the team will have a nice little test on national television to show just how improved they are.
Regardless, Saturday night there were a few athletes that stood out, and proved 2009 will be a breakout year for their NFL stock.

The truth is that even wildfires could not stop players such as Brian Price, Alterraun Verner, Reggie Carter, Luke Laologi, and Vincent Brown from making their presence known early and often. And that is only a list of upperclassmen. UCLA sophomore safety Raheem Moore picked off three passes on the day.

Two of those three passes were thrown up in the face of pressure by SDSU Redshirt sophomore QB Ryan Lindley. And who caused that pressure? Brian Price and Reggie Carter. Price, a junior defensive tackle, left the game for a series early in the game, but came back to terrorize Lindley and give Carter and other linebackers countless opportunities to hit Lindley and shut down the running game.

Carter, the middle linebacker, did a wonderful job of getting his defense aligned properly to San Diego State’s multiple formation West Coast Offense. Beyond just aligning properly, Carter had six tackles, and pressured the quarterback on a number of blitzes.

Also contributing largely for UCLA was Alterraun Verner who proved to be an elite special teams player when he returned a blocked kick 70 yards for a touchdown. He also recorded two tackles and had zero missed tackles, a large improvement from a season ago.

For San Diego State, Vincent Brown proved that despite being a junior, the NFL is a very real possibility even this year, although I’m definitely not advocating he leave early. He looked quicker than most of UCLA’s defensive backs, save Verner, although the two rarely went one-on-one (crazy to me given they were the two best “speed” players on the field). Brown regularly beat his man to get open, and even caught a 78 yard touchdown pass on a play where Lindley just threw it up and let Brown run under the ball. Brown beat the UCLA coverage many other times and finished with five catches for 139 yards and a touchdown.

Finally, SDSU linebacker Luke Laolagi, was swarming the field all day, putting pressure on Kevin Prince on blitzes and showed great athleticism and instincts when he picked off a pass and returned it over twenty yards in the second half.
 

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