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Written by MC3 Sports Media
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It is baseball season, but there are plenty of ways to get your fill of football too. Our own Hank Koebler, IV is on the beat making his way across the NFL landscape exhaustively covering team after team. These previews will get you up to snuff with everything you need to know about the transition to each 2010 team.
Each preview covers the team's outlook and projection for the 2010 season. We've got in depth coverage of each team's offense, defense and special teams. We'll cover who's in and who's out, rookies, players in their prime and savvy veterans. Finally, we'll look at strategy and style of play on both sides of the ball, as well detailed information about coaches and players.
Check back often between now and the September 9th season kick-off as new team previews are going up almost every day. Clicking on the NFL Football in the right sidebar will take you right to the latest previews each time you come back.
Today Hank is previewing the AFC North teams, the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh Steelers.
   
AFC South Predicted Finish
- Baltimore Ravens
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Cleveland Browns
- Pittsburgh Steelers
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Written by MC3 Sports Media
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It is baseball season, but there are plenty of ways to get your fill of football too. Our own Hank Koebler, IV is on the beat making his way across the NFL landscape exhaustively covering team after team. These previews will get you up to snuff with everything you need to know about the transition to each 2010 team.
Each preview covers the team's outlook and projection for the 2010 season. We've got in depth coverage of each team's offense, defense and special teams. We'll cover who's in and who's out, rookies, players in their prime and savvy veterans. Finally, we'll look at strategy and style of play on both sides of the ball, as well detailed information about coaches and players.
Check back often between now and the September 9th season kick-off as new team previews are going up almost every day. Clicking on the NFL Football in the right sidebar will take you right to the latest previews each time you come back.
Today Hank is previewing the NFC North teams, the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, and Detroit Lions.
   
AFC South Predicted Finish
- Minnesota Vikings
- Green Bay Packers
- Chicago Bears
- Detroit Lions
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Written by MC3 Sports Media
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Sunday, 08 August 2010 18:34 |
 On Friday we had a story about Tim Tebow and his new Nike Trainer 1.2 sneaker. Needless to say, just about any news involving arguably the greatest college football player in the history of the game is popular these days. No, he hasn't taken an NFL game snap yet, and no one knows when he will, never the less the guy is certainly a media magnet.
On July 27th we spoke about Dez Bryant and his refusal to participate in a rookie hazing incident as veteran Roy Williams gave his pads to Bryant for him to carry back to the locker room and Bryant refused.
It seems that Bryant and Tebow have separate views on rookie hazing because there was no such attitude from Tim Tebow. Yesterday, former Titans running back LenDale White, now playing for the Denver Broncos tweeted to the world a picture of Tim Tebow's new haircut as a result of some friendly veteran / rookie hazing. No word yet on who the barber was. Perhaps LenDale was the culprit.
Tebow showed off his new haircut to media and fans open practice at Invesco Field on Saturday night. (picture top right)
"I think all the rookies had a good time with it," Tebow told the Associated Press. "It was something to give everybody a laugh, something also to build chemistry."
It's nice to see that Tebow is fitting in. You can't help but root for the guy. - David Ross
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Written by MC3 Sports Media
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Sunday, 08 August 2010 13:14 |
 A recap of what went down and what you should take away from the offseason so far.
Another Sunday, another week closer to the start of the season. A lot's happened since Alabama walked away with their 13th National Championship in January. Last week, I looked at one topic that has garnered national interest and ire: player agents. This week, I'll attempt to outline the other highlights of the offseason and what they mean for the upcoming season, as well as college football as a whole. This will be the last offseason wrap before I start recapping each individual week as we approach the season. For more on the upcoming season, I've been going through most of the schools in the country giving an individual outlook on each program in the coming season. Check them out HERE. We'll wrap up the team previews with the Big Ten and the SEC in the coming weeks.
Recapping in 500 words or less, here's what we learned this offseason:
- So before the NCAA's interviews with current players regarding their attendance at a now-infamous South Beach party and how they paid their way to get there became major news, most of the college football world was caught up in the USC sanctions. If you don't know already what the sanctions actually are, we've got you covered. It wasn't long after the Trojans were hit with some pretty stiff penalties that the focus shifted to current players' relationships with agents. You don't have to waste too much brain power before you begin to realize that perhaps the NCAA is cracking down on nefarious agents. And that's a good thing.
- Oh, there was also this little thing called 'conference expansion' that occupied our attention for most of the spring. The Pac-10 plucked Colorado from the Big 12 and Utah from the Mountain West, while the Big Ten plucked Nebraska from the Big 12. Prior to Utah leaving for the Pac-10, Boise State moved over to the Mountain West, seemingly putting the conference on the inside track to BCS automatic qualification status. The expansion was surely a positive for the Pac-10 and the Big Ten, and the Big 12 was clearly on the losing end, but what does it mean for the Mountain West? The addition of Boise State gives them an undefeated season and a one-loss season, as well as whatever they do in 2010 and 2011, to include with their application to the BCS in the hopes they'll recognize their existence. Utah's inclusion on that application would have given the MWC four big-name teams. More on the MWC's bid for relevance in the BCS HERE and HERE.
- In more recent news, the Miami Hurricanes self-reported impermissible text messages to potential recruits. The NCAA and the University of Miami are conducting an investigation into the matter to determine if penalties are in order. What could those be? A lot of comparisons have been made of the University of Albany's punishment for their own impermissible text messages. Albany was penalized scholarships, was put on two-year probation and was given recruiting restrictions. Albany did not self-report the violations, however, so whether the Hurricanes are penalized in a similar fashion is something we'll just have to wait and see.
- Tim Tebow is no longer on a college football roster, but I just don't feel right leaving him out of any conversation about the game. Now a Denver Bronco, Nike's Tebow-inspired sneakers sold out faster than this episode of Seinfeld that I'm watching will reach its first commercial. It's 'The Nose Job' episode in case you're wondering.
- Some players have found new homes this offseason, including former Oregon Duck Jeremiah Masoli (Ole' Miss), former USC Trojan recruit Seantrel Henderson (Miami) and former Michigan Wolverine Demar Dorsey (Louisville), among several others. Where Bryce Brown will play out the remainder of his college career is still up in the air, but it's not looking like Tennessee.
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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): 10-4
Bowl Game: Texas Bowl (W 35-13 vs. Missouri)
Final Ranking (AP, Coaches'): NR, NR
Conference finish: NA
Offensive rank: 77
Defensive rank: 34
2009 Individual Statistical Leaders
Rushing: Ricky Dobbs, 1,192 yards, 27 TD; Vince Murray, 971 yards, 6 TD
Passing: Ricky Dobbs, 1,031 yards, 6 TD, 3 INT
Receiving: Marcus Curry, 287 yards, 3 TD
Tackles: Ross Pospisil, 107 total tackles
Sacks: Craig Schaefer, 6 sacks (6 solo)
Interceptions: Wyatt Middleton, 4 interceptions; Ram Vela, 3 interceptions
2010 Season Outlook
Schedule
(* denotes conference game)
Key Matchups
September 6 vs. Maryland: The Midshipmen should be favored in the season opener against a Terrapins team that won just two games in 2009. Maryland isn't expected to do much this season and could again finish at the bottom of the ACC Atlantic, but there are some talented players on the Terps roster such as Da'Rel Scott, Torrey Smith and Alex Wujciak that Navy has to account for.
October 2 @ Air Force: The matchup with Air Force has gone in Navy's favor the last seven years, but there's been some close games including last season's 16-13 overtime win.
October 23 vs. Notre Dame: The battle for the Gansz Trophy the week before against SMU will be another big matchup as Navy gets it done on the ground and SMU through the air, but the matchup with Notre Dame should prove one of the tougher contests for the Midshipmen. The Irish may be rebuilding and Navy is 2-1 against Notre Dame since breaking their losing streak in 2007, but new coach Brian Kelly hopes to have the Irish back on the winning path sooner rather than later. Navy may still be favored, but Notre Dame poses a good candidate to derail the Midshipmen.
December 11 vs. Army: The annual Army-Navy Game is one of the game's best traditions. Both teams will employ the triple option in 2010 and the end of the season showdown may actually determine where each of these teams plays in the bowl season.
Preseason Rankings
AP: Not Ranked
Coaches': Not Ranked
Key Losses
Marcus Curry, RB; Osei Asante, G; Craig Schaefer, LB; Ross Pospisil, LB; Tony Haberer, LB
Key Returning Players
Ricky Dobbs, QB; Vince Murray, FB; Jeff Battipaglia, OT; Jabaree Tuani, DE; Tyler Simmons, LB; Kevin Edwards, CB; Wyatt Middleton, S
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Written by MC3 Sports Media
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Saturday, 07 August 2010 11:48 |
 There are many people who are passionate about their craft and what they do. However, there are few that wear this passion on their sleeves and are elite at what they do. Growing up in Florence, South Carolina I listened to a lot of music and played lots of sports. The one thing common in these two activities are, that there had to be passion, intensity, and a battle involved. When I was listening to music, I wanted to hear someone who was dealing with something. I wanted to hear the battles they were having in their life come out in the song, only then would the music have the intensity, the purpose that I was looking for.
DMX, born Earl Simmons, was the best at getting his emotions out in song. After listening to a DMX song, you could tell about the demons he was battling in his life. You never felt cheated after one of his performances, whether it was on CD, radio, or concert because he wears his emotions on his sleeve. Simmons put everything he had into his songs. DMX screamed while in the heat of a verse to exercise his intensity. It never felt forced. It's was his obligation and his drive to make you feel what he's feeling, to bring your intensity up to his. I've heard better rappers but I've never had anyone get me as motivated or on the same emotional level as DMX...... That is until I saw Bernard Pollard in live game action.
At this year's 2010 Texans Training camp, I was sold. Pollard plays every play at such an emotional high that you or I would be exhausted after the first series of downs. He treats every play at training camp like 4th and 1 on the last play of the Super Bowl. And Pollard expects this of his teammates as well. He can be seen after every play barking orders to younger defensive backs, trying to get them on the same page and he holds them all accountable. Don't expect to see him lower his voice or bring down his intensity level; if you are on that field with him you better be bringing up your intensity to his level. It's rumored that at his wedding he tackled his bride to be for jumping offside before the pianist started "here comes the bride."
Bernard Pollard didn't come to Houston with much fanfare. He joined the team as a street free agent last year in week three as he was abruptly released from the Kansas City Chiefs before the start of the 2009 season. Bernard was surprised by the release. It was rumored that his personality clashed with KC's new head coach Todd Haley. Pollard had a solid 2008 campaign with the Chiefs, where he racked up 98 tackles, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 interception. The year before in 2007 he had 89 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, and 2 interceptions. Pollard didn't play much in his rookie season of 2006.
When the fiery Pollard joined the Texans, they were ranked last in the NFL in total defense and rush defense. Week 4 was the first game he played for them in 2009 and he finished the last 13 games as the Texans starting strong safety. Over that 13 game stretch the Texans ranked 4th in total defense and 2nd in rush defense. Bernard finished the 2009 campaign tied for third on the team with 102 tackles; he tacked on 4 interceptions, recovered 3 fumbles, and scored 2 defensive touchdowns. Statistically Pollard has gotten better each year in the NFL and did so again last year in just 13 games.
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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): 10-4, 6-2
Bowl Game: 10-4, 6-2
Final Ranking (AP, Coaches'): NR, NR
Conference finish: 1st Conference USA West Division
Offensive rank: 1
Defensive rank: 111
2009 Individual Statistical Leaders
Rushing: Charles Sims, 698 yards, 9 TD; Bryce Beall, 670 yards, 7 TD
Passing: Case Keenum, 5,671 yards, 44 TD, 15 INT
Receiving: James Cleveland, 1,214 yards, 14 TD; Tyron Carrier, 1,029 yards, 7 TD; Patrick Edwards, 1,021 yards, 6 TD
Tackles: Marcus McGraw, 156 total tackles; C.J. Cavness, 143 total tackles; Nick Saenz, 114 total tackles
Sacks: Tyrell Graham, 7 sacks (6 solo, 2 assisted)
Interceptions: Jamal Robinson, 5 interceptions (1 touchdown); Brandon Brinkley, 4 interceptions (1 touchdown)
2010 Season Outlook
Schedule
(* denotes conference game)
Key Matchups
September 18 @ UCLA: While they'll have to avoid another slip up against UTEP the week before, this will mark Houston's first challenge against a team from a BCS automatic qualifying conference of the season. We'll learn a lot about the defense, as well as the offense, in this contest although UCLA is nowhere near the force they once were on the national scale. It's also a prime opportunity for the Cougars to impress voters.
October 23 @ Southern Methodist: After years of mediocrity and a few of flat out awfulness, SMU is on the right track with June Jones taking over. While they ranked 45th in scoring offense a season ago, the Mustangs should see an improvement in Jones' third season at the helm. Last season, SMU managed just 15 points against the Cougars and didn't reach the end zone until the fourth quarter. A more confident Kyle Padron at quarterback could give the Cougars more of a fight in this C-USA West matchup. Avoiding another C-USA slip up against UCF a couple of weeks later will also be important in winning the West Division.
November 27 @ Texas Tech: These teams finished one and two in passing offense in 2009. Like Houston, Texas Tech also ranked in the top 10 scoring and total offenses in the country. Unlike Houston, however, they managed a top 50 scoring and total defense. Last year's Big 12 matchup was a fun one (if you're a Cougars fan) with Houston winning 45-35 over fifth-ranked Oklahoma State in what would prove to be Dez Bryant's (five receptions, 85 yards, no touchdowns) second to last collegiate game. As Houston expects to once again compete in the C-USA title game, closing the regular season strong against a team like Texas Tech will carry a lot of momentum into the championship contest.
Preseason Rankings
AP: Not Ranked
Coaches': Not Ranked
Key Losses
Charles Sims, RB (ineligible for 2010); Jarve Dean, OT; Tyrell Graham, DE; C.J. Cavness, LB; Brandon Brinkley, CB
Key Returning Players
Case Keenum, QB; Bryce Beall, RB; James Cleveland, WR; Tyron Carrier, WR; Patrick Edwards, WR; Chris Thompson, G; Marcus McGraw, LB; Jamal Robinson, CB; Nick Saenz, S; Matt Hogan, K
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Written by MC3 Sports Media
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Friday, 06 August 2010 16:45 |
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 The preseason USA Today Coaches' Poll was released today, giving us our first whiff of the preamble leading up to the 2010 season. There aren't any absolute shockers, but that won't stop us from taking a look at the season's first major poll release.
We have the top 25, a few quick thoughts on the poll and we'll let you know which coaches get a vote this season.
So without further ado, here's how the coaches ranked the teams heading into the season:
*USC is not eligible to be listed in the Coaches' Poll due to sanctions levied against the program.
Right off the bat, I'm a bit surprised to see Boise State at number five. I figured Alabama and Ohio State would make up the top two spots, but I was sure Boise State would come in at number three, or at the lowest four. Five isn't insurmountable in terms of getting a shot at the national title, but it would have been nice to see the undefeated Broncos, who return just about everybody, get a little more recognition going into the season. Any of the top four could very well go undefeated (although either Alabama or Florida are guaranteed to lose at least one when they play on October 2 and possibly again in the SEC title game), so wouldn't it be something if the Broncos again win all of their games only to be on the outside looking in on an undefeated Alabama and Ohio State, or Florida and Texas, or Ohio State and Florida, or... you get the picture.
I think Florida at three is a little presumptuous. I like John Brantley and think the Gators will field a great team, but for a program that lost arguably its best player at every level of the defense (Carlos Dunlap/Jermaine Cunningham, Brandon Spikes and Joe Haden) and at most positions on the offense (Tim Tebow, Maurkice Pouncey, Aaron Hernandez and Riley Cooper) I'd like to see them continue playing at their ultra-high level before I warrant ranking them third. Of course, the Gators reload every single year and are never short of talent, so it may not take long before they prove their doubters wrong. I'd put them six, seven or eight to start.
Had Jeremiah Masoli not run into trouble and remained a member of the Ducks, Oregon could be a top five team, or come in just outside the top five. With Nate Costa the assumed starter with Darron Thomas pushing him every inch of the way, the Ducks will not come out flat offensively. Their 11th ranking suits them well for a team with a fairly prominent question mark at the most important position on the field.
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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): 6-6
Bowl Game: None
Final Ranking (AP, Coaches'): NR, NR
Conference finish: CN/A
Offensive rank: 8
Defensive rank: 86
2009 Individual Statistical Leaders
Rushing: Armando Allen, 697 yards, 3 TD
Passing: Jimmy Clausen, 3,722 yards, 28 TD, 4 INT
Receiving: Golden Tate, 1,496 yards, 15 TD
Tackles: Kyle McCarthy, 101 total tackles
Sacks: Ethan Johnson, 4 sacks (3 solo, 2 assisted)
Interceptions: Kyle McCarthy, 5 interceptions
2010 Season Outlook
Schedule
(* denotes conference game)
Key Matchups
September 11 vs. Michigan: The Irish have lost three of the last four to the Wolverines including last season's 38-34 loss when Tate Forcier hit Greg Mathews with just 11 seconds to go.
October 2 @ Boston College: Notre Dame holds a 10-9 series lead in the Holy War, but since the two sides began playing every year (except 2005 and 2006) in 1992, Boston College holds the lead 9-7. The Irish picked up their first win in the rivalry since 2000 last year.
October 9 vs. Pittsburgh: The Panthers have won two straight over the Irish and hope to continue the streak on their way to a Big East title. They have one of the nation's best running backs and plenty of weapons in the passing game, and will field a strong defense once again this season.
November 27 @ USC: Except for a brief period in the 40's, this rivalry has been played every year since 1926. Notre Dame holds the edge at 42-33-5 (2005 USC victory vacated), but it's been all Trojans since 2002.
Preseason Rankings
AP: Not Ranked
Coaches': Not Ranked
Key Losses
Jimmy Clausen, QB; Golden Tate, WR; Sam Young, OT; Paul Duncan, OT; Eric Olsen, C; Kyle McCarthy, S
Key Returning Players
Armando Allen, RB; Michael Floyd, WR; Kyle Rudolph, TE; Chris Stewart, G; Trevor Robinson, G; Ethan Johnson, DE; Kapron Lewis-Moore, DE; Manti Te'o, LB; Brian Smith, LB; Darius Fleming, LB; Harrison Smith, S
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Written by MC3 Sports Media
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Friday, 06 August 2010 09:28 |
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 Tim Tebow, Perhaps the greatest college football player of our time may turn out to be one of the greatest sports marketing acts of our time as well.
'When Nike announced that the EA Sports NCAA Football 11 version of its Nike Trainer 1.2 sneaker, specifically designed with former Florida Gators now Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow in mind, would go on sale on Friday, Aug. 6 at NikeStore.com, fans clamored to find out what lengths they would have to go to in order to get one of the 500 limited edition pairs. While the company normally releases its new products at midnight, however Nike had a trick in their shoes Friday, putting the Tim Tebow Trainer 1.2 up for sale at exactly 1:50 a.m. Ironically, the sneaker sold out almost exactly 15 minutes later (though Nike claims it only lasted five), with the item officially appearing as sold out at 2:05 a.m.
The limited edition sneaker is "up there with some of the fastest sellouts," according to the Nike Store's Twitter account. The accompanying "Tebow Knows" T-shirt, which was also slated to be released Friday morning, is not yet available in the online store.'
Tebow has come into the league with an unbelievable about of fanfare. No matter how hard the NFL pundits try to tell us that he's not likely to be a top NFL QB, the majority of the nation just doesn't want to believe it.
Whether it's his religious beliefs, his success or his seemingly unreal upbringing Tebow has certainly drawn his share of detractors too as there are many it would seem that constantly root for him to fail. By all accounts, the former Gator star has certainly lived an unbelievably innocent and productive life to date and there are any who appear to be jealous.
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