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Written by MC3 Sports Media
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 Between now and the September 2nd season kick-off, Danny Hobrock will be previewing all the major college football teams with new teams being released daily.
2009 Season Breakdown
2009 final record (overall, conference): 10-3, 5-3
Bowl Game: Champs Sports Bowl (W 20-14 vs. Miami)
Final Ranking (AP, Coaches'): 16, 16
Conference finish: 4th Big Ten
Offensive rank: 30
Defensive rank: 17
2009 Individual Statistical Leaders
Rushing: John Clay, 1,517 yards, 18 TD
Passing: Scott Tolzien, 2,705 yards, 16 TD, 11 INT
Receiving: Nick Toon, 805 yards, 4 TD; Garret Graham, 624 yards, 7 TD
Tackles: Jaevery McFadden, 74 total tackles
Sacks: O'Brien Schofield, 12 sacks (11 solo, 2 assisted)
Interceptions: Chris Maragos, 4 interceptions
2010 Season Outlook
Schedule
(* denotes conference game)
Key Matchups
October 2 @ Michigan State: The Badgers haven't beaten the Spartans in East Lansing since 2002. Beginning in 2003, the home team has been the winner in each of their last five matchups. Wisconsin should be 4-0 at this point and shouldn't have too much problem handling Minnesota in Madison the following week, but Michigan State could pose a threat for a team hoping to play in a BCS bowl at the end of the year.
October 16 vs. Ohio State: At least they'll get the Buckeyes, who are on the shortlist of favorites to win the national title, at home this year. Wisconsin hasn't beaten the Buckeyes in their previous three meetings, but the home game against Ohio State in 2008 came down to a late Buckeyes touchdown with just over a minute left that gave Ohio State the three-point win.
October 23 @ Iowa: Getting Iowa in Iowa City is a tough break for a Badgers team hoping to be in position to make a run for the Big Ten title after their meeting with Ohio State the week before. It could actually be Iowa, not Ohio State, that ultimately stands between the Badgers and a BCS bowl game. In fact, this matchup could determine who finishes second (or possibly first) in the Big Ten and thus who is invited to a BCS game.
November 27 vs. Northwestern: If Wisconsin is ahead in the conference standings or in position to finish behind Ohio State when the regular season finale against Northwestern rolls around, don't start celebrating yet, Badgers fans. Wisconsin was 2-4 against the Wildcats last decade and one of their three losses last season came against Northwestern in their Big Ten finale.
AP: 12
Coaches': 12
Key Losses
Garrett Graham, TE; O'Brien Schofield, DE; Jaevery McFadden, LB; Chris Maragos, S
Key Returning Players
Scott Tolzien, QB; John Clay, RB; Nick Toon, WR; Lance Kendricks, TE; Gabe Carimi, OT; John Moffitt, G; J.J. Watt, DE; Chris Borland, LB; Jay Valai, S
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Written by MC3 Sports Media
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Sunday, 15 August 2010 17:06 |
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 A recap of what went down and what you should take away from the past week in college football.
The season gets closer and closer as the weeks go by and injuries, suspensions and dismissals are starting to hit teams in key places on their rosters. There's also that little issue of eligibility and whether some poor choices made on the behalf of certain players could end up costing their team wins the previous season, or their talent and services in the upcoming one. Several prominent coaches took part in a conference call with some NFL brass regarding rogue agents. And a former Oregon Duck has looked good with his new team, but will it be enough to win the starting job?
Recapping the week in 500 words or less, this is what we learned about the upcoming season:
- Injuries. They're a part of the game every season and unfortunately can strike before the first one is ever played. Here's a quick rundown of injuries and suspensions from last week: Florida State (Moses McCray [injured] and Tavares Pressley [injured]), UCLA (Datone Jones [injured], Mike Harris [suspended] and Jeff Baca [ineligible/injured]), USC (Dillon Baxter [suspended], Nick Perry [injured]), San Diego State (Anthony Miller [suspended], Eric Pinkins [suspended], Marvin Jones [suspended], Rutgers (Tim Wright [injured]), Missouri (Jerrell Jackson [injured]), Iowa (Brandon Wegher [left team]), LSU (Ryan Baker [injured]), Boston College (Mark Herzlick [injured]), Vanderbilt (Austin Monahan [injured], Zac Stacy [injured]), Nebraska (Mike Smith [injured]), Penn State (Curtis Drake [injured]), Kansas (Haldon Tharp [injured]), Texas (Tray Allen [injured]) and Texas Tech (Austin Zouzalik [injured]). Hit hardest was Wyoming (Kenny Browder [suspended], Nehemie Kankolongo [suspended], Ian Watts [suspended], David Tooley [left team], Larry Mitchell [left team], Turmour Battle [dismissed]).
- Marvin Austin has been at the center of all of the nefarious agent talk. Early last week word came that Austin may have received illicit benefits from one of his former teammates, Kentwan Balmer, in the form of a fully paid trip to California to visit Proactive Sports Performance before the 2009 season. Cam Thomas reportedly broke the news that he and Austin's trip was paid for by Balmer. If true, that could mean that both Austin and Thomas were ineligible last year, and that the Tarheels may have to forfeit last season's eight wins.
- On the subject of player agents, several of college football's most prominent coaches took part in a conference call with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Among those who were reportedly on the call were Alabama's Nick Saban, Florida's Urban Meyer, Ohio State's Jim Tressel, Oklahoma's Bob Stoops and Texas' Mack Brown, as well as representatives from the NFLPA. One of the topics discussed was what to do with players who accept illegal benefits once they've left for the pros.
- Coach Saban took things a step further in banning NFL scouts from Tide practices. Meyer reportedly followed suit, with Stoops saying he would consider similar actions. Don't expect the bans to last, but it's nonetheless a good way to get headlines and the NFL's attention.
- Former Oregon Ducks quarterback Jeremiah Masoli has, a few months early, flown south (yes, I'm aware that was incredibly lame) and landed at Ole Miss where he will round out his collegiate career as a Rebel in the upcoming season. Many expect Masoli to run away with the starting job, especially after he received praise from head coach Houston Nutt in the week leading up to Saturday's scrimmage. Following the scrimmage, in which he was 6 for 12 for 101 yards and a touchdown, Nutt was not ready to anoint Masoli the starter. In fact, The Clarion-Ledger reports that "Stanley would still be his starter if the season opened today," although it's a safe bet that many are still expecting Masoli to find himself the starter.
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Written by MC3 Sports Media
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 Between now and the September 9th season kick-off, Hank Koebler, IV will be previewing all the NFL teams with new teams being released daily.
2009 Season Breakdown
2009 final record (overall, division): 13-3, 5-1
Division finish: 1st AFC West
Offensive rank (Points, Total Yards, Passing Yards, Rushing Yards): 4th, 10th, 5th, 31st
Defensive rank (Points, Total Yards, Passing Yards, Rushing Yards): 11th, 16th, 11th, 20th
2009 Individual Statistical Leaders
Rushing: LaDainian Tomlinson, 730 yards, 12 TD; Darren Sproles, 343 yards, 3 TD
Passing: Philip Rivers, 4,254 yards, 28 TD; 9 INT
Receiving: Vincent Jackson, 1,167 yards, 9 TD; Antonio Gates, 1,157 yards, 8 TD; Malcolm Floyd, 776 yards, 1 TD; Darren Sproles, 497 yards, 4 TD
Tackles: Stephen Cooper, 71 total tackles; Eric Weddle, 68 total tackles
Sacks: Shaun Phillips, 7.0 sacks, Shawne Merriman, 4.0 sacks
Interceptions: Quentin Jammer, 3 INT, 0 TD; Antonio Cromartie, 3 INT, 0 TD; Eric Weddle, 2 INT, 1 TD
2010 Season Outlook
Schedule
(* denotes division game)
Key Matchups
September 13 at Kansas City: The Chargers aren't as intimidating as they used to be, and their AFC West divisional rivals will smell blood in the water. The Chiefs hope that their draft class and coaching staff changes will help close the gap between them and the reigning divisional champions. Meanwhile, the Chargers hope that the prolonged holdout of Vincent Jackson doesn't impede their transition to a pass-first team. The Chiefs' passing game looks likely to improve a little bit, while the Chargers' defensive backfield suffered the loss of Antonio Cromartie over the offseason. This will hurt the Chargers most on play-action passes by the Chiefs, as their front seven will be forced to bite on run fakes so they don't run the risk of letting Jamaal Charles run wild over them.
October 31 vs. Tennessee: On Christmas night, the Chargers destroyed the Titans' slim hopes of making the playoffs, continuing the pattern of the Titans' futility against the Chargers. The Titans and Chargers have played 5 times since 2004, and the Titans haven't beaten them once. This could be the Titans' year to turn that tide – the Chargers' defense lost Antonio Cromartie, and their running game has been going downhill for the past couple of years, while the Titans seem to be on their way up. Winning this game would be a huge victory for the Titans, not just literally, but emotionally as well.
November 28 at Indianapolis: The Colts and Chargers always match up well against each other because the Chargers typically have been a team that can both pick you apart in the passing game and stuff the ball up the middle. While this won’t be an easy win for the Colts, the Chargers have shown signs of decline the past few years, and the slump could continue this year. If so, Indianapolis will come away with this victory.
Key Losses
Jamal Williams, NT; Antonio Cromartie, CB; LaDainian Tomlinson, RB; Brandon Manumaleuna, TE
Key Returning Players
Philip Rivers, QB; Marcus McNeill, LT; Antonio Gates, TE; Vincent Jackson, WR; Larry English, LB; Shawne Merriman, LB; Quentin Jammer, CB
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Written by MC3 Sports Media
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 Between now and the September 2nd season kick-off, Danny Hobrock will be previewing all the major college football teams with new teams being released daily.
2009 Season Breakdown
2009 final record (overall, conference): 11-2, 7-1
Bowl Game: Rose Bowl (W 26-17 vs. Oregon)
Final Ranking (AP, Coaches'): 5, 5
Conference finish: Big Ten Champions
Offensive rank: 68
Defensive rank: 5
2009 Individual Statistical Leaders
Rushing: Terrelle Pryor, 779 yards, 7 TD; Brandon Saine, 739 yards, 4 TD; Daneil Herron, 600 yards, 7 TD
Passing: Terrelle Pryor, 2,094 yards, 18 TD, 11 INT
Receiving: DeVeir Posey, 828 yards, 8 TD; Dane Sanzenbacher, 570 yards, 6 TD
Tackles: Ross Homan, 108 total tackles; Brian Rolle, 94 total tackles
Sacks: Cameron Heyward, 6.5 sacks (6 solo, 1 assisted)
Interceptions: Kurt Coleman, 5 interceptions (1 touchdown); Ross Homan, 5 interceptions
2010 Season Outlook
Schedule
(* denotes conference game)
Key Matchups
September 11 vs. Miami: This will be a rematch of the 2002 national championship game, and if you think back, it didn't end so well for the Hurricanes. Miami was celebrating after an incompletion in the end zone in double overtime seemed to give them their second consecutive national title, but a controversial pass interference call stopped them in their tracks and the Buckeyes were able to put it in the end zone the next play. If Ohio State can get by a Hurricanes team with revenge on its mind, they'll almost certainly start 6-0 on the season. But it won't be easy. Fun fact: Miami head coach Randy Shannon was the defensive coordinator of the 2002 Hurricanes squad.
November 13/20 vs. Penn State/@ Iowa: These seem to be the final two hurdles separating the Buckeyes from the Big Ten title and possibly a spot in the BCS National Championship. Penn State at home isn't a guarantee, but it's a more comfortable thought than traveling to Iowa City to take on the Hawkeyes who could be neck and neck with Ohio State in the conference standings. This might prove a de facto Big Ten title game in the second to last game of the season.
November 27 vs. Michigan: It doesn't matter the records or the rankings, Ohio State/Michigan is always one of the most anticipated matchups of the rivalry week.
AP: 2
Coaches': 2
Key Losses
Jim Cordle, C; Thaddeus Gibson, DE; Doug Worthington, DT; Austin Spitler, LB; Kurt Coleman, S; Anderson Russell, S; Aaron Pettrey, K; Jon Thoma, P
Key Returning Players
Terrelle Pryor, QB; Brandon Saine, RB; Dan Herron, RB; DeVeir Posey, WR; Justin Boren, G; Michael Brewster, C; John Simon, DE; Cameron Heyward, DE; Ross Homan, LB; Brian Rolle, LB
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Written by MC3 Sports Media
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Friday, 13 August 2010 23:01 |
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 A new TV Cooking show called BACKYARD BLITZ will soon be hitting the air waves on a prominent network. The show will be taping in Los Angeles on Aug 25th and 26th.
In this episode, the Casting Director is looking for looking for New York JETS fans that are big time tailgaters. The new show is looking to cast teams of two who cook and have a spectacular recipe that celebrates family and friends, football and food.
For those who are chosen, you and a teammate of your choice will go head to head with two other teams to huddle up around the grill and prove who the MVP's will be in this competitive cook-off. Both members do not need to cook. Parent and offspring teams, husband and wives, friends, coaches, etc. are all welcome to apply. If picked to be on the show, you will be competing for a cash prize.
Auditions for BACKYARD BLITZ will be held in LA on Monday, August 16th through Friday August 20th from 11am-6pm by appointment only. In the interview, candidates will be asked to talk about how the teammates know each other, why they are huge Jets fans, and who your favorite player(s) are. You will be asked to describe your tailgate dishes you will be cooking in the competition (at least 2 dishes with a BBQ/grilling theme to them.)
If you are interested in being on the show, please send the following information for you and your teammate to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
- Name
- Phone Number
- 2 Current Photos
- Favorite Jets Player(s)
- How you and your teammate know each other
- Signature Tailgate Dishes
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Written by MC3 Sports Media
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& Between now and the September 9th season kick-off, Hank Koebler, IV will be previewing all the NFL teams with new teams being released daily.
2009 Season Breakdown
2009 final record (overall, division): 5-11, 2-4
Division finish: 3rd AFC West
Offensive rank (Points, Total Yards, Passing Yards, Rushing Yards): 31st, 31st, 29th, 21st
Defensive rank (Points, Total Yards, Passing Yards, Rushing Yards): 10th, 7th, 7th, 29th
2009 Individual Statistical Leaders
Rushing: Michael Bush, 589 yards, 3 TD; Justin Fargas, 491 yards, 3 TD; Darren McFadden, 357 yards, 1 TD
Passing: JaMarcus Russell, 1,287 yards, 3 TD, 11 INT; Bruce Gradkowski, 1,007 yards, 6 TD, 3 INT; Charlie Frye, 581 yards, 1 TD, 4 INT
Receiving: Zach Miller, 805 yards, 3 TD; Louis Murphy, 521 yards, 4 TD; Chaz Schilens, 365 yards, 2 TD; Johnnie Lee Higgins, 263 yards, 0 TD; Darren McFadden, 11.7 yards, 0 TD
Tackles: Kirk Morrison, 109 total tackles, Tyvon Branch, 98 total tackles
Sacks: Trevor Scott, 7.0 sacks; Greg Ellis, 7.0 sacks; Richard Seymour, 4.0 sacks
Interceptions: Chris Johnson, 3 INT, 0 TD; Michael Huff, 3 INT, 0 TD
2010 Season Outlook
Schedule
(* denotes division game)lt;/em>
Key Matchups
September 2 at Arizona: The Raiders' offensive line will be put to the test here against the likes of players like Darnell Dockett and Joey Porter. Jason Campbell will be under tremendous pressure from the Cardinals' pass rush, and this will be his chance to show how much of an upgrade to the quarterback position he is. Meanwhile, the Cardinals have slowly transitioned into a running team in the last year of Kurt Warner's career, and with the retirement of Warner and the trade of Anquan Boldin, it looks like they'll definitely be a run-first team, which will test the Raiders' upgraded run defense.
October 17 at San Francisco: About two years ago, both of these teams looked hopeless, but they have started to show some major improvement and surprise everybody. Nnamdi Asomugha and Chris Johnson will look to shut down Michael Crabtree, while one of the safeties will have to blanket tight end Vernon Davis to keep him out of the game. This will put quarterback Alex Smith to the test of spreading the ball around to take the rest of Oakland's defense's focus off of running back Frank Gore. Jason Campbell will be similarly tested to make running back Michael Bush's battle against middle linebacker Patrick Willis a little less difficult. Regardless of who wins, this matchup between the two Bay Area rivals will be a hard-fought contest to remember.
November 21 at Pittsburgh: While this sounds like an easy win for the the Steelers, it should be remembered that the Raiders actually won when the two teams squared off in 2009. This offseason, the Raiders got a lot better, while the Steelers got a lot worse with the trade of Santonio Holmes and the season-ending injury to Willie Colon. On paper, this actually gives the Raiders the edge. On the field, the Raiders will have to establish a passing attack led by Jason Campbell to cause the Steelers' defense to back off of the run. If this can happen, the Raiders can beat Pittsburgh, which would be a major blow to the swagger of the 2008 season's Super Bowl champions.
Key Losses
Jamarcus Russell, QB; Kirk Morrison, LB; Cornell Green, OT; Gerard Warren, DT
Key Returning Players
Michael Bush, RB; Michael Huff, FS; Nnamdi Asomugha, CB; Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR
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Written by MC3 Sports Media
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&l Between now and the September 2nd season kick-off, Danny Hobrock will be previewing all the major college football teams with new teams being released daily.
2009 Season Breakdown
2009 final record (overall, conference): 11-2, 6-2
Bowl Game: Capital One Bowl (W 19-17 vs. LSU)
Final Ranking (AP, Coaches'): 9, 8
Conference finish: 3rd Big Ten Conference
Offensive rank: 37
Defensive rank: 9
2009 Individual Statistical Leaders
Rushing: Evan Royster, 1,169 yards, 6 TD
Passing: Daryll Clark, 3,003 yards, 24 TD, 10 INT
Receiving: Derek Moye, 785 yards, 6 TD; Graham Zug, 600 yards, 7 TD
Tackles: Josh Hull, 116 total tackles; Navorro Bowman, 93 total tackles
Sacks: Jared Odrick, 7 sacks (6 solo, 2 assisted)
Interceptions: A.J. Wallace, 3 interceptions
2010 Season Outlook
Schedule
(* denotes conference game)
Key Matchups
September 11 @ Alabama: Following what should be more-or-less a scrimmage against Youngstown State, Penn State gets the defending champs. In Tuscaloosa. The Nittany Lions will field a new quarterback under center, but experience and depth throughout the offense could make this one closer than some may think. If the Penn State defense can stop the 'Bama rushing attack post-Bowman/Lee/Hull, they'll have a legitimate shot at an early season upset.
October 2 @ Iowa: Like the 'Bama matchup a few weeks earlier, this one will be played away from home. This is some way to open the conference schedule against an Iowa team that won the Orange Bowl after being awarded an at-large berth. Again, we'll get an early feel for how Penn State will fare this season. Penn State has struggled against Iowa recently and haven't won in Iowa City since 1999.t;/p>
November 13 @ Ohio State: Again, Penn State must hit the road to take on their stronger opponents in 2010. The matchups against Alabama and Ohio State pit the Nittany Lions against the preseason #1 and #2 in the Coaches' Poll. If the Buckeyes are undefeated going into this one, a Penn State team that you can bet will be gunning for them could deal Ohio State an absolutely crushing blow here.
AP: 19
Coaches': 14
Key Losses
Darryl Clark, QB; Andrew Quarless, TE; Dennis Landolt, OT; Jared Odrick, DT; Navorro Bowman, LB; Sean Lee, LB; Josh Hull, LB
Key Returning Players
Evan Royster, RB; Derek Moye, WR; Graham Zug, WR; Stefan Wisniewski, G/C; Jack Crawford, DE; Ollie Ogbu, DT; Nick Sukay, S
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Written by MC3 Sports Media
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 Between now and the September 2nd season kick-off, Danny Hobrock will be previewing all the major college football teams with new teams being released daily.
2009 Season Breakdown
2009 final record (overall, conference): 8-5, 5-3
Bowl Game: Outback Bowl (L 38-35 vs. Auburn)
Final Ranking (AP, Coaches'): NR, NR
Conference finish: 5th Big Ten Conference
Offensive rank: 40
Defensive rank: 47
2009 Individual Statistical Leaders
Rushing: Arby Fields, 302 yards, 5 TD; Mike Kafka, 295 yards, 8 TD
Passing: Mike Kafka, 3,430 yards, 16 TD, 12 INT
Receiving: Andrew Brewer, 925 yards, 9 TD; Zeke Markshausen, 858 yards, 3 TD
Tackles: Quentin Davie, 90 total tackles; Brad Phillips, 86 total tackles; Nate Williams, 86 total tackles
Sacks: Quentin Davie and Vince Browne, 5 sacks (5 solo)
Interceptions: Sherrick McManis, 5 interceptions
2010 Season Outlook
Schedule
(* denotes conference game)
Key Matchups
October 9 vs. Purdue: A win over Minnesota the previous week is no guarantee, and the Wildcats have struggled in games they should win, but taking on Purdue the following week will be the first conference test for a Northwestern team who seems to be constantly on the cusp of making a splash in the Big Ten.
November 6 @ Penn State: Here's where the Wildcats begin their biggest test of the season. They'll get Penn State, Iowa and Wisconsin in three of their final four games. Throw in the matchup against Illinois at Wrigley Field and Northwestern is looking at a tough close to a season in which they expect to find themselves in another January bowl game.
November 20 vs. Illinois: The in-state rivalry game will be played at Wrigley Field this year. The Illini won't compete for the conference and probably won't finish close to the top of the Big Ten, but you can bet they'd love to win this one at a unique setting such as this.
AP: Not Ranked
Coaches': Not Ranked
Key Losses
Mike Kafka, QB; Zeke Markshausen, WR; Andrew Brewer, WR; Corey Wooten, DE; Adam Hahn, DT; Sherrick McManis, CB; Brad Phillips, S
Key Returning Players
Drake Dunsmore, TE/FB; Al Netter, OT; Ben Burkett, C; Vince Browne, DE; Corbin Bryant, DT; Quentin Davie, LB; Nate Williams, LB; Jordan Mabin, CB; Brian Peters, S; Stefan Demos, K
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Written by MC3 Sports Media
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 Between now and the September 9th season kick-off, Hank Koebler, IV will be previewing all the NFL teams with new teams being released daily.
2009 Season Breakdown
2009 final record (overall, division): 8-8, 3-3
Division finish: 2nd AFC West
Offensive rank (Points, Total Yards, Passing Yards, Rushing Yards): 20th, 15th, 13th, 18th
Defensive rank (Points, Total Yards, Passing Yards, Rushing Yards): 12th, 7th, 3rd, 26th
2009 Individual Statistical Leaders
Rushing: Knowshown Moreno, 947 yards, 7 TD; Correll Buckhalter, 642 yards, 1 TD
Passing: Kyle Orton, 3,802 yards, 21 TD; 12 INT
Receiving: Brandon Marshall, 1,120 yards, 10 TD; Jabar Gaffney, 732 yards, 2 TD; Eddie Royal, 345 yards, 0 TD; Tony Scheffler, 416 yards, 2 TD
Tackles: D.J. Williams, 100 total tackles, Brian Dawkins, 95 total tackles
Sacks: Elvis Dumervil, 17.0 sacks, Vonnie Holliday, 5.0 sacks
Interceptions: Andre' Goodman, 5 INT, 0 TD; Champ Bailey, 3 INT, 0 TD
2010 Season Outlook
Schedule
(* denotes division game)lt;/em>
Key Matchups
September 12 at Jacksonville: Go ahead and call it the Tebow bowl. The Broncos open on the road in Jacksonville, where their rookie quarterback's fan base is the largest. This means that the Broncos will be sure to want to showcase Tebow, so coach Josh McDaniels will be experimenting with Tebow all over the field. It's possible we will see him under center, in the shotgun, at running back, and out wide all in the same game. Tebow's one of the most versatile athletes to play football, and presents huge matchup problems for defenses. Luckily for the Broncos, they get to try him out in front of a crowd that may very well cheer whenever he steps on the field, similar to the way Houston Texans fans cheered when Vince Young's Titans beat them in overtime in his rookie year.
October 3 at Tennessee: The Broncos' offense shouldn't have too tough of a time moving the ball against the Titans' defense, especially through the air. However, the combination of Vince Young and Chris Johnson in the same backfield, plus the development of Tennessee's young receiver Kenny Britt, will mean that the Broncos' defense will have their hands full. In only their fourth game under new defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale, this defense will have to be playing at its absolute best.
December 26 vs Houston: This is a late-season game, which tends to be the Texans' weakness. Also, Invesco Field at Mile High truly gives the Broncos an advantage because the high altitude normally causes the opposing players to get out-of-breath more quickly than they usually do. This is most true for heavier players, such as the linemen on either side of the ball, so this game has major potential to spoil the Texans' playoff hopes. Another aspect to factor when trying to handicap this game is the fact that the Broncos are a highly unpredictable team, especially when you factor Tim Tebow into the equation. I'm no blind Tebow fan, but I'm highly impressed with his improvements since the end of his senior season, and I think that he could be doing well with the Broncos' offense by this point in the year. Due to the above reasons, this game could be the most pivotal point in the Texans' season.
Key Losses
Peyton Hillis, RB; Brandon Marshall, WR; Tony Scheffler, TE; Vonnie Holliday, DE; Ty Law, CB; Andra Davis, ILB; Kasey Wiegmann, C
Key Returning Players
Kyle Orton, QB; Knowshon Moreno, RB; Eddie Royal, WR; Elvis Dumervil, OLB; Champ Bailey, CB; Andre' Goodman, CB
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Written by MC3 Sports Media
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 Between now and the September 2nd season kick-off, Danny Hobrock will be previewing all the major college football teams with new teams being released daily.
2009 Season Breakdown
2009 final record (overall, conference): 5-7, 4-4
Bowl Game: None
Final Ranking (AP, Coaches'): NR, NR
Conference finish: 7th Big Ten Conference
Offensive rank: 53
Defensive rank: 69
2009 Individual Statistical Leaders
Rushing: Ralph Bolden, 935 yards, 9 TD
Passing: Joey Elliot, 3,026 yards, 22 TD, 13 INT
Receiving: Keith Smith, 1,100 yards, 6 TD; Aaron Valentin, 621 yards, 7 TD
Tackles: Torri Williams, 84 total tackles; Joe Holland, 81 total tackles
Sacks: Ryan Kerrigan, 13 sacks (12 solo, 2 assisted)
Interceptions: Brandon King, 3 interceptions
2010 Season Outlook
Schedule
(* denotes conference game)
Key Matchups
September 4 @ Notre Dame: Win this one and the Boilermakers are all but guaranteed a 4-0 start heading into two very winnable games against Northwestern and Minnesota. Wouldn't it be nice to start 6-0 before…
October 23 @ Ohio State: They beat the Buckeyes last season, but victories against Ohio State have not come easy. Before 2009, Purdue had not beaten Ohio State since 2004, and that was also at home. If they can do it again, that would be tremendous. Just don't bet the farm.
November 20 @ Michigan State: With the Old Oaken Bucket on the line the next week in what is currently expected to be a win for the Boilermakers, taking this one against the Spartans would give Purdue a nice boost before their annual rivalry game.
November 27 vs. Indiana: Purdue should win this one, but stranger things have happened in rivalry games and the Hoosiers aren't terrible. Closing strong could even be the difference between a bowl game and an early winter holiday.
AP: Not Ranked
Coaches': Not Ranked
Key Losses
Joey Elliot, QB; Aaron Valentin, WR; Jared Zwilling, C; Mike Neal, DT; Brandon King, CB; David Pender, CB; Torri Williams, S
Key Returning Players
Ralph Bolden, RB; Keith Smith, WR; Kyle Adams, TE; Ryan Kerrigan, DE; Kawann Short, DE; Jason Werner, LB; Joe Holland, LB
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