Week 14 NCAA predictions
By Max Baez
Contributing Writer-Football Reporters Online

Florida vs. Alabama

The two best defenses in the country face off in Atlanta. Will Alabama get their revenge on Florida? This game couldn’t possibly be any bigger. We all know about both teams, very strong all around. My feeling on this one is that Florida is likely to win it. I’d say the biggest advantage that Alabama has on Florida are better running backs, but Tebow is certainly better than McElroy, and Florida has no problems gaining yards on the ground as well. Two great teams, and probably the two best in America, but Florida is going to repeat as SEC champs.

Florida 24, Alabama 14


Texas vs. Nebraska

Does anyone think Nebraska is going to win this game? No, I don’t either. The Cornhuskers have put together a nice season. I mean, it’s not that hard when you’re in the Big 12 North, but Nebraska was significantly better than they have been in previous seasons and the future looks bright in Lincoln, even though the team will never meet the expectations of fans, as Nebraska is simply not situated in a place where it can win national championships in today’s age. Texas will win this year because they are significantly better, and go off to the National Championship game.

Texas 28, Nebraska 10


Clemson vs. Georgia Tech

The SEC East fifth place game, oh, wait, I mean the ACC Championship game. Both of these teams are coming off losses to their in-state rivals, showing how good the ACC is in comparison with the SEC. These teams both looked quite weak last week, especially Clemson, and in this game, I expect Georgia Tech to take it. They have been the better team all season, and their option offense will give Clemson fits. Paul Johnson has done a hell of a job with the Yellow Jackets, and their reward is a BCS game.

Georgia Tech 27, Clemson 17


Arizona @ USC

Why these two teams are playing the last week of the season, I have no idea. Arizona looked unimpressive in beating mediocre ASU last week, while USC took care of UCLA. This game is a matter of how seriously USC takes Arizona. If they overlook Foles and the Arizona offense, the Cats could take it. However, it’s the last week of the year, and the Trojans will be in the Emerald or Las Vegas Bowls with a loss, so I have a feeling USC will win and get into the more respected Holiday Bowl.

USC 28, Arizona 20


Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh

The default Big East championship game, whoever wins gets the title. Pitt lost the Backyard Brawl last week to West Virginia, taking a little bit of luster off this game. Both have been great all year, but Pittsburgh doesn’t have a very good home field advantage and Cincinnati has been rolling on offense all year. I simply think Cincy is too good, and will take care of the Panthers. Their offense is just clicking too well, and they are so close to going undefeated – so I’m confident they will get it done pretty easily.

Cincinnati 38, Pittsburgh 13

Sadly-Hofstra Football Comes to an End after 69 years

(press release from Hofstra University Athletics-Our comment at the end)

Hofstra University, Hempstead, N.Y. - Hofstra University's Board of Trustees has decided to eliminate Hofstra's Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS, formerly known as Division 1-AA) intercollegiate football program, and reinvest those resources into new academic programs and need-based scholarships, President Stuart Rabinowitz announced today.

The Board, acting on a recommendation from Rabinowitz, voted unanimously to end the football program, effective immediately, at a meeting on Wednesday night. The decision was the culmination of a comprehensive review of all university spending to determine the best ways to build on Hofstra's successes and reach the highest level of academic excellence, nationally and internationally.

"As we continue to improve our academic programs and reputation, and plan the University's future, we have to consider the investment we make in all of the University's programs," Rabinowitz said. "The cost of the football program, now and in the future, far exceeds the return possible from an FCS program, which does not generate significant national interest. Given that, along with the low level of interest, financial support and attendance among our students, our alumni and the community, the choice was painful, but clear."

"In the long run," Rabinowitz said, "we can touch and improve the lives of more students by investing in new and enhanced academic initiatives and increasing funds for need-based scholarships."

Rabinowitz said there are no plans to cut any other sports. Hofstra will continue to compete in 17 intercollegiate Division I sports, at a national level, as a member of the Colonial Athletic Association. "We know this is a difficult time for our football team members, their dedicated coaches and loyal fans, and we will do everything we can to help them navigate this transition as smoothly as possible."

"Athletics is a vital part of campus life, and we are proud of the contributions all our student-athletes make to our community," Rabinowitz said. "This was not an easy call, but for the future of the University, we believe it was the right one."

Marilyn B. Monter, chair of the Board of Trustees, said that the Board had recently concluded a two-year study of the athletic program, and she noted that nationwide, many colleges and universities are examining spending on sports. "Hofstra is not alone in taking a hard look at athletic spending, and we have a concrete plan for reinvestment in academics," Monter said. "This isn't about spending less money, it's about how we allocate our resources and invest in all of our students."

All current football team members who remain at Hofstra will keep their scholarships, and those who transfer will be eligible to play immediately. The football team has 84 student-athletes from 15 states, and 11 coaches. The net cost of the football program is approximately $4.5 million, including scholarships, and the savings generated will be redirected to fund new faculty lines, academic programs and need-based scholarships.

Athletic Director Jack Hayes met with team members and coaches this morning to inform them of the decision and to discuss how the University would assist them during the transition. On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the President, he thanked them for their efforts and loyalty to the University.

"My priority is to implement a plan that assists the student-athletes and coaching staff with their efforts to move forward," said Athletic Director Jack Hayes. "We recognize that some team members will choose to complete their degree at Hofstra, and we encourage them to do so. Others may choose to continue their playing careers at other institutions. Whatever their decision, we are here to assist them."

The football team finished this season 5-6, with a 52-38 win over the University of Massachusetts on Nov. 21 at James M. Shuart Stadium. The timing of the decision was made to give team members, prospects and staff a chance to make future plans. The University will honor head football Coach David Cohen's contract, and all assistant football coaches will receive assistance with their job transitions.

Football began at Hofstra in 1937. In 1991, Hofstra moved up from Division III to Division I, and 2009 was the University's third in the CAA.

FRO will have more on this story shortly. We do want to take this moment to offer our support to the Hofstra community at this time. Regardless of the Trustee's decision, we at FRO have been covering Hofstra Football since Coach Cohen had come aboard, and much further back while working for past publications when Coach Guardi was here as well. The Program put many Players Into the NFL who are now or were successful during their playing careers. We wish coach Cohen well, and hope he finds a new coaching position soon. We are also hopeful that the Pride Players with the option to transfer and continue to play football do so successfully.

Dr. Bill Chachkes

Managing Partner/Execuitve Editor-Football Reporters Online

Week 13 NCAA Predictions

By Max Baez
Contributing Writer-Football Reporters Online

Alabama @ Auburn

The Iron Bowl. No one outside of Auburn thinks the Tigers have a shot, and for good reason. Auburn has lost four of six, with the defense being a bit shaky down the stretch. Alabama coming into town is certainly not good news, as they excel in every area of the game. Mark Ingram and the Crimson Tide should cruise to victory and then get ready for the biggest game of the year next season, when Alabama will play Florida for a shot to go to the BCS Championship Game.

Alabama 31, Auburn 20


Oklahoma State @ Oklahoma

This is unbelievable, but a loss here means Oklahoma is a 6-6 team. Quite the fall for a team that was in the national title game last year and started the season ranked in the top 5, but injuries have clearly played a role. Oklahoma State has really had a great season, going 9-2 so far, even with the loss of their best player, Dez Bryant. Oklahoma’s defense has not been particularly strong this season, which is good news for the potent Oklahoma State offense. For whatever reason, Oklahoma is an 8 point favorite this week – guess reputation can go a long way sometimes. Okie State will go into Norman and claim victory.

Oklahoma State 35, Oklahoma 27


Utah @ BYU

Another episode of a vicious rivalry, which doubles as a culture war. Both teams are real solid this year, as has been the case most of the past few seasons. However, it has always felt like BYU has been a little better this year, even if they both have the same record. I like BYU in this one because of their explosive offense. Expect a solid day from QB Max Hall.

BYU 28, Utah 16


Georgia @ Georgia Tech

Georgia has had a disappointing year, Georgia Tech has not. The Yellow Jackets, playing in the ACC Championship Game next week, would certainly love to beat their in state rival for the second straight year. Considering how mediocre Georgia has been all season, that won’t be too tough a task. With the wishbone offense and some tough defense, Georgia Tech wins and prepares for the chance to make a BCS bowl game.

Georgia Tech 24, Georgia 10


Notre Dame @ Stanford

Will this be Charlie Weis’ last game? Will they let him coach the bowl game? It’s pretty clear to most that he needs to get fired, and this game will show exactly why. Stanford, with less talent, and a coach that has been there for less time, is going to absolutely work the Irish. Stanford had a tough break last week in the Big Game, but they still have an offense that will give Notre Dame fits – and the Irish are going to have a ton of trouble stopping Toby Gerhart. Notre Dame should put up good offensive numbers, but the Cardinal will pull away in the second half.

Stanford 44, Notre Dame 24


Five other games to watch: Nebraska @ Colorado, Pittsburgh @ West Virginia, Florida State @ Florida, Arizona @ Arizona State, Arkansas @ LSU