NCAA Football came out about a month ago today. So I have had plenty of time to play it through and try out all the game has to offer. So here is my review.
If you have not already bought this game, do it soon. It has the best, smoothest game play I have ever seen for any football game, Madden, NCAA or QB Club 1999. The running engine has been overhauled, again, which at first I was not pumped about, but after playing I see why they did it. I don't know if I could go back and play an older game after seeing this. The running backs can make real cuts and accelerate like they should. The tackling system is better too, with no more magnet style movement to the runner no matter if your the defensive player or not. This makes the game much more enjoyable and easier to play.
The graphics are better this year, as they always are. But this year they are actually impressive. They removed a lot of the glitches and added 3D grass. The players look more realistic the stadiums have their own identity. The fans are louder and look like people, not cardboard cut outs. The atmosphere, with custom team entrances, feels like college and not like Madden comes to campus.
The new features, such as starting as a coordinator and climbing up the coaching tree, or playing both sides on Road To Glory, makes the game more fun and deep. I can play both and one doesn't overtake the other. The little changes to the dynasty mode, as improved recruiting and custom schedules and conferences, makes the game more how college football should be, exciting and unpredictable.
I can honestly say this is the best NCAA Football game I have ever played, and the best football video game ever. Period. They took the problems that has been plaguing the game, fixed them, and then fixed things that weren't really broken. It is nice to see EA really try after taking a decade or so off with no competition. I can only hope the same effort was put into Madden 12, which comes out at the end of the month.
Showing posts with label NCAA Football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NCAA Football. Show all posts
Friday, August 12, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
And Michigan Makes Another Terrible Hire
Brady Hoke was just named the new head coach at the University Of Michigan. And that hiring was bad. Really bad. But how bad was it?
Hoke's career record is 47-50 as a Head Coach. This was playing teams the like of San Jose State, Buffalo, Temple, and Eastern Michigan. He is 1-1 in bowl games, and in his best season, Ball State lost to Buffalo in the MAC Title game, then lost in the GMAC Bowl. Sounds sweet. But it gets better.
He was a hot coaching candidate after he decided to leave Ball State with the cupboard bare. His big move? To San Diego State. With many other jobs open, and with the opportunity to move up the ranks, he made a lateral move. Its not like he said to himself, "better take the same job but with better weather." There is a reason he wasn't hired by one of the big boys. The same reason nobody hired Rod Marinelli after being one of the most respected assistant coaches in the NFL. Then the Lions did. And disaster ensued.
He did have a solid year last season with SDST. But how much is that worth? Not much to me. Of course, maybe he can not be a sub .500 coach with a crappy resume that only got him hired because it said MICHIGAN on it. Now we play the waiting game.
Hoke's career record is 47-50 as a Head Coach. This was playing teams the like of San Jose State, Buffalo, Temple, and Eastern Michigan. He is 1-1 in bowl games, and in his best season, Ball State lost to Buffalo in the MAC Title game, then lost in the GMAC Bowl. Sounds sweet. But it gets better.
He was a hot coaching candidate after he decided to leave Ball State with the cupboard bare. His big move? To San Diego State. With many other jobs open, and with the opportunity to move up the ranks, he made a lateral move. Its not like he said to himself, "better take the same job but with better weather." There is a reason he wasn't hired by one of the big boys. The same reason nobody hired Rod Marinelli after being one of the most respected assistant coaches in the NFL. Then the Lions did. And disaster ensued.
He did have a solid year last season with SDST. But how much is that worth? Not much to me. Of course, maybe he can not be a sub .500 coach with a crappy resume that only got him hired because it said MICHIGAN on it. Now we play the waiting game.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
You're Welcome! Michigan State vs Michigan Edition
In no particular order, I thought we would look at three big performers from recent battles for the Paul Bunyan trophy.
1. Charles Woodson: The Heisman winner from 1997, Woodson went off against MSU, hauling in an incredible interception thrown by Todd Schultz (he is the answer to some trivia question, like most knee surgeries) on the beautiful painted cement in Spartan Stadium. Woodson used that game to show off his athleticism and along with a win over Ohio State, and playing wide receiver and winning the Rose Bowl, led to a Heisman and half a National Title. Woodson had a great game for the Wolverines and is still elite for Green Bay. Also, another fake field goal happened that day with Sedrick Irvin catching a pass when no one covered him. After playing 3rd string running back for the Lions, he is probably the most successful MSU/Detroit Lion in the last 15 years.
2. Plaxico Burress: Before becoming a Super Bowl hero and shooting himself in the leg, Burress shredded Michigan's secondary for 10 catches and 255 yards. In only two years, he set MSU receiving records and was absolutely dominant against everybody. In 1999 MSU was robbed of a BCS bid and Nick Saban left the program and left it in the very unsure hands of Bobby Williams, but Burress and Duckett were bright spots during the season.
3. Javon Ringer: During his incredible breakout season, where Ringer put MSU on his back and carried a mediocre (although NFL QB), a mediocre offensive line, and ran over Michigan in a huge game in Ann Arbor. When he ran over about everybody on his way to converting that fourth down, he started a two year run that has, maybe, quite possibly, dare I say, closed the gap with U of M. He was a tough back and meant more than a lot of people think.
1. Charles Woodson: The Heisman winner from 1997, Woodson went off against MSU, hauling in an incredible interception thrown by Todd Schultz (he is the answer to some trivia question, like most knee surgeries) on the beautiful painted cement in Spartan Stadium. Woodson used that game to show off his athleticism and along with a win over Ohio State, and playing wide receiver and winning the Rose Bowl, led to a Heisman and half a National Title. Woodson had a great game for the Wolverines and is still elite for Green Bay. Also, another fake field goal happened that day with Sedrick Irvin catching a pass when no one covered him. After playing 3rd string running back for the Lions, he is probably the most successful MSU/Detroit Lion in the last 15 years.
2. Plaxico Burress: Before becoming a Super Bowl hero and shooting himself in the leg, Burress shredded Michigan's secondary for 10 catches and 255 yards. In only two years, he set MSU receiving records and was absolutely dominant against everybody. In 1999 MSU was robbed of a BCS bid and Nick Saban left the program and left it in the very unsure hands of Bobby Williams, but Burress and Duckett were bright spots during the season.
3. Javon Ringer: During his incredible breakout season, where Ringer put MSU on his back and carried a mediocre (although NFL QB), a mediocre offensive line, and ran over Michigan in a huge game in Ann Arbor. When he ran over about everybody on his way to converting that fourth down, he started a two year run that has, maybe, quite possibly, dare I say, closed the gap with U of M. He was a tough back and meant more than a lot of people think.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Midweek Michigan Update
- For everyone out there who thinks Michigan’s offense would die without Denard Robinson, here are a few stats to make you second-guess yourself:
1.) In the game against Bowling Green last week, Devin Gardner and Tate Forcier went a combined 19/22 for nearly 200 yards and a TD apiece. Neither of them would have the same effect as Robinson, but it’s nice to know that Forcier is still committed to the team.
2.) While he has much fewer yards than Robinson, running back Michael Shaw has 44 carries on the year for 245 yards and 5 TD’s. He’s not as dynamic as Robinson, but he’s averaging over 5 yards per carry.
3.) Michigan’s receivers have also been coming up big this year so far. Three of the receivers, Darryl Stonum, Roy Roundtree, and Martavious Odoms, all have over ten catches and are averaging over ten yards per catch. Robinson, Forcier, and Gardner have also been spreading the ball around well with five different players responsible for the six receiving TD’s.
Yes, the Michigan offense would take quite a hit if Robinson went down, and I want him to be leading the team more than any other player, but I think that Michigan would be able to get by without him. Let’s hope we don’t have to find out, though.
- Links to Michigan stuff:
1.) Adam Rittenberg thinks that the Michigan-Indiana game this Saturday will be a shootout . I'd have a hard time disagreeing, although Indiana's coach Bill Lynch said that it might be a "defensive shootout", which makes no sense at all.
2.) Brian Cook for MGoBlog reviews the offense from the Bowling Green game. Pretty in depth with pictures, videos, and analysis.
3.) Brian Cook also has a preview of Michigan's hockey team for the upcoming season.
4.) Great article written about offensive lineman Taylor Lewan for the Detroit News. Angelique Chengelis writes about how he approaches his role on the team, what others think of him, and what is tattooed on the side of his finger and how it acts as an icebreaker.
1.) In the game against Bowling Green last week, Devin Gardner and Tate Forcier went a combined 19/22 for nearly 200 yards and a TD apiece. Neither of them would have the same effect as Robinson, but it’s nice to know that Forcier is still committed to the team.
2.) While he has much fewer yards than Robinson, running back Michael Shaw has 44 carries on the year for 245 yards and 5 TD’s. He’s not as dynamic as Robinson, but he’s averaging over 5 yards per carry.
3.) Michigan’s receivers have also been coming up big this year so far. Three of the receivers, Darryl Stonum, Roy Roundtree, and Martavious Odoms, all have over ten catches and are averaging over ten yards per catch. Robinson, Forcier, and Gardner have also been spreading the ball around well with five different players responsible for the six receiving TD’s.
Yes, the Michigan offense would take quite a hit if Robinson went down, and I want him to be leading the team more than any other player, but I think that Michigan would be able to get by without him. Let’s hope we don’t have to find out, though.
- Links to Michigan stuff:
1.) Adam Rittenberg thinks that the Michigan-Indiana game this Saturday will be a shootout . I'd have a hard time disagreeing, although Indiana's coach Bill Lynch said that it might be a "defensive shootout", which makes no sense at all.
2.) Brian Cook for MGoBlog reviews the offense from the Bowling Green game. Pretty in depth with pictures, videos, and analysis.
3.) Brian Cook also has a preview of Michigan's hockey team for the upcoming season.
4.) Great article written about offensive lineman Taylor Lewan for the Detroit News. Angelique Chengelis writes about how he approaches his role on the team, what others think of him, and what is tattooed on the side of his finger and how it acts as an icebreaker.
Friday, August 20, 2010
You're Welcome!
1. Denard Robinson: Shoelace has really shown, through hard work and attitude, that he is the starter at U of M and should have been all along. Tate Forcier has lost the team with his laziness and arrogance, while Denard has won the job (for now) with his good attitude. While Forcier has lost his wings, Robinson has shown the offense should be run by a fast running quarterback. Forcier came in with a lot of hype, with t-shirts with cute little sayings and number 5 jerseys all over Ann Arbor. But Robinson could really take over a solid offense this season.
2. Brett Favre: Not only did Grandpa Favre skip most of camp this season, he got more money from the Vikings for this season (reportedly an extra 4-8 million dollars more) and made Brad Childress the bad guy by saying he doesn't trust the guy as a coach. Join the club Brett. Favre also said this would be his last season, but I'll bet you this saga is not over one bit. He still captivates the nation with every game and he is setting himself up as the most important Viking ever. It is Super Bowl or bust, and Favre is taking no prisoners.
3. BYU: BYU has done themselves a favor by getting out of the MWC and putting themselves in position to join another conference when the next expansion fever sets in. The MWC is probably the best outside the Big 6 (and probably better than the Big East) and added up and coming Nevada and a very good program in Fresno State to join another new member in Boise State, TCU, Air Force, Wyoming and the bunch. If I were the MWC, I would still add enough teams to get to a championship game like everyone else. But BYU has made it easier for a Pac-12 or Big 12 to add them in a few years, and BYU could schedule well enough to earn an at large bid in a weak year. Expect a few more moves in the next few years before another round of expansion around 2014.
2. Brett Favre: Not only did Grandpa Favre skip most of camp this season, he got more money from the Vikings for this season (reportedly an extra 4-8 million dollars more) and made Brad Childress the bad guy by saying he doesn't trust the guy as a coach. Join the club Brett. Favre also said this would be his last season, but I'll bet you this saga is not over one bit. He still captivates the nation with every game and he is setting himself up as the most important Viking ever. It is Super Bowl or bust, and Favre is taking no prisoners.
3. BYU: BYU has done themselves a favor by getting out of the MWC and putting themselves in position to join another conference when the next expansion fever sets in. The MWC is probably the best outside the Big 6 (and probably better than the Big East) and added up and coming Nevada and a very good program in Fresno State to join another new member in Boise State, TCU, Air Force, Wyoming and the bunch. If I were the MWC, I would still add enough teams to get to a championship game like everyone else. But BYU has made it easier for a Pac-12 or Big 12 to add them in a few years, and BYU could schedule well enough to earn an at large bid in a weak year. Expect a few more moves in the next few years before another round of expansion around 2014.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
NCAA Football 2011 Review
Every year I buy the new NCAA Football video game for my Xbox 360. This year’s edition has added more features to make the game more realistic for the player. It also is trying to separate itself from the Madden franchise buy making more changes and trying to bring the college experience to the console.
NCAA Football used to be Madden but with college teams. This isn’t the case anymore, as mascots, fight songs, shaking stadiums make it feel more like Saturday, or Wednesday, or Thursday, or Friday, on ESPN. They did borrow the Pro Tak tackling system from Madden and improved game play. New online dynasties and story lines make the game more realistic, and of course ESPN put its presentation and ideas all over the game.
The graphics are the best they have ever done. The helmets shine and have the logos well displayed. The detail is shown on all the uniforms are incredible. I was really surprised how well they improved. The stadiums are more crisp and clear, and the grass is like grass, and not green glass. The lighting was done very well. If you looking for a great game graphically, this is the best in the business.
The game play has been upgraded. No more players fusing or freezing and the blocking is better as well. Every team has its own style of offense, and the playbooks reflect such. Pro, Spread, Air Raid, Option, Multiple are all represented and the teams do have more of an identity. The online dynasty is backed and is beefed up. It’s more a part of the game then a feature. Regular dynasty is back and the recruiting has been streamlined so your time is eaten up by talking to a virtual recruit about how cool your weight room is. Road to glory is still a great option, with Erin Andrews (and her new contract) are back to lead you from High School glory to college immortality. You’ll have something to play for hours. With all these options it’s hard to get more play out of any game.
The locomotion feature is the new feature in the game, and it’s long overdue. Not everyone is Barry Sanders and can hit full speed on a dime. Now you have to hit full speed and cut to take it to the house. Plus the hit stick has been put in its place, as now you can’t always land a killer hit whenever you are kind of near a player.
Overall, besides horribly rating Michigan and Notre Dame (which got a little better but is still inflated to get the legions of fans to play the game and not complain how terrible their schools are) the game is the strongest ever. Sure Tim Tebow is on the cover, but if you can control your vomiting it’s the best college football experience ever made.
NCAA Football used to be Madden but with college teams. This isn’t the case anymore, as mascots, fight songs, shaking stadiums make it feel more like Saturday, or Wednesday, or Thursday, or Friday, on ESPN. They did borrow the Pro Tak tackling system from Madden and improved game play. New online dynasties and story lines make the game more realistic, and of course ESPN put its presentation and ideas all over the game.
The graphics are the best they have ever done. The helmets shine and have the logos well displayed. The detail is shown on all the uniforms are incredible. I was really surprised how well they improved. The stadiums are more crisp and clear, and the grass is like grass, and not green glass. The lighting was done very well. If you looking for a great game graphically, this is the best in the business.
The game play has been upgraded. No more players fusing or freezing and the blocking is better as well. Every team has its own style of offense, and the playbooks reflect such. Pro, Spread, Air Raid, Option, Multiple are all represented and the teams do have more of an identity. The online dynasty is backed and is beefed up. It’s more a part of the game then a feature. Regular dynasty is back and the recruiting has been streamlined so your time is eaten up by talking to a virtual recruit about how cool your weight room is. Road to glory is still a great option, with Erin Andrews (and her new contract) are back to lead you from High School glory to college immortality. You’ll have something to play for hours. With all these options it’s hard to get more play out of any game.
The locomotion feature is the new feature in the game, and it’s long overdue. Not everyone is Barry Sanders and can hit full speed on a dime. Now you have to hit full speed and cut to take it to the house. Plus the hit stick has been put in its place, as now you can’t always land a killer hit whenever you are kind of near a player.
Overall, besides horribly rating Michigan and Notre Dame (which got a little better but is still inflated to get the legions of fans to play the game and not complain how terrible their schools are) the game is the strongest ever. Sure Tim Tebow is on the cover, but if you can control your vomiting it’s the best college football experience ever made.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Big Ten Championship Location
With a Big Ten Championship game looming, cities start sending in the bids to host the colossal game. Let’s look at the best candidates for the gig.
Detroit: Detroit could use the boost, and the state is home to two big programs. Ford Field can provide a controlled atmosphere and can support the crowd. The turf would be different and not really Big Tenish, but it’s about selling tickets and more fans like sitting indoors in December than outdoors. The MAC Championship is already in Detroit, and they could do both, but most likely the MAC would be looking elsewhere.
Chicago: Soldier field would be a nice venue, its outdoors and it’s pretty centrally located in Big Ten country. Northwestern is pretty close by as well. I think it’s important to have the state with the championship to have a Big Ten school. Chicago would be a cool location to head to and could support the media coverage and Ro-Tel cook offs.
Indianapolis: Another closed stadium, which could open its roof if it was decent out. Indiana is home to Purdue and Indiana University (and someday Notre Dame?) and the city is large enough to hold the city, although it would be probably the most boring big city they could pick. Plus Indy already has the basketball conference tournament, so no city will probably get a monopoly.
Green Bay/Milwaukee: The weather would be brutal, but the tradition would be great at Lambeau. The city can’t hold the game, so the media and fans would be scattered. The Badgers call the state home and the Golden Gophers are close by. Milwaukee (Miller Park) is retractable but they would most likely close it. This isn’t really an option for me, since it’s a baseball park and not really designed for football.
Cleveland: Another consolation prize for losing the fallen King, Cleveland would have crappy weather but awesome atmosphere. Ohio State fans could travel easily and its not a bad location. The Browns won’t be playing a meaningful game after October and it would be fun for the game to be played in the mud and muck. The dark horse if they are looking for an outdoor venue.
Campus sites: If rotated, not a bad option. Some schools could get left out, like Indiana and Northwestern because of the smaller venues. And if there is home field advantage there will be some serious complaining. They are all open stadiums and can obviously support the game.
If I were in charge, I would rotate the NFL stadiums. You could sell your product all over the Midwest and really create some buzz by moving it around. If I had to pick one NFL city it would be Detroit. They would be the best option with Indy losing out to having the basketball tournament. I hope the rotating campus option will be explored, because if the Big Ten is about tradition like they say they are, this is the best option.
Detroit: Detroit could use the boost, and the state is home to two big programs. Ford Field can provide a controlled atmosphere and can support the crowd. The turf would be different and not really Big Tenish, but it’s about selling tickets and more fans like sitting indoors in December than outdoors. The MAC Championship is already in Detroit, and they could do both, but most likely the MAC would be looking elsewhere.
Chicago: Soldier field would be a nice venue, its outdoors and it’s pretty centrally located in Big Ten country. Northwestern is pretty close by as well. I think it’s important to have the state with the championship to have a Big Ten school. Chicago would be a cool location to head to and could support the media coverage and Ro-Tel cook offs.
Indianapolis: Another closed stadium, which could open its roof if it was decent out. Indiana is home to Purdue and Indiana University (and someday Notre Dame?) and the city is large enough to hold the city, although it would be probably the most boring big city they could pick. Plus Indy already has the basketball conference tournament, so no city will probably get a monopoly.
Green Bay/Milwaukee: The weather would be brutal, but the tradition would be great at Lambeau. The city can’t hold the game, so the media and fans would be scattered. The Badgers call the state home and the Golden Gophers are close by. Milwaukee (Miller Park) is retractable but they would most likely close it. This isn’t really an option for me, since it’s a baseball park and not really designed for football.
Cleveland: Another consolation prize for losing the fallen King, Cleveland would have crappy weather but awesome atmosphere. Ohio State fans could travel easily and its not a bad location. The Browns won’t be playing a meaningful game after October and it would be fun for the game to be played in the mud and muck. The dark horse if they are looking for an outdoor venue.
Campus sites: If rotated, not a bad option. Some schools could get left out, like Indiana and Northwestern because of the smaller venues. And if there is home field advantage there will be some serious complaining. They are all open stadiums and can obviously support the game.
If I were in charge, I would rotate the NFL stadiums. You could sell your product all over the Midwest and really create some buzz by moving it around. If I had to pick one NFL city it would be Detroit. They would be the best option with Indy losing out to having the basketball tournament. I hope the rotating campus option will be explored, because if the Big Ten is about tradition like they say they are, this is the best option.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
You're Welcome: Guess Who Is Going To Be Number One? C'mon Guess!
This is the downtime in sports every year. We have the Olympics to bail us out, but with Basketball about to heat up, but football is over and baseball hasn't started yet. We just have to hold out until March Madness.
1. USA Hockey: In a stunning upset over the heavily talented and hometown Canadians, America showed the world they aren't the pushovers everybody thought they would be. Next up for the Americans is Switzerland (a tough team to beat with Jonas Hiller, but we beat them before) then the winner of Canada vs Russia. The path does get tougher but with All-Universe Goaltender Ryan Miller the US can steal any game. The best part of these Olympics so far has been the quality hockey we have seen. Hopefully Bettman will keep the NHLers in the games.
2. The NCAA: This isn't my signature Michigan bashing. The NCAA has really clamped down on its rules lately, with Oregon, USC and Michigan all getting in trouble recently. I would hate to see college football turn into a league where the best break the rules to dominate everybody else. Michigan practiced way too much (and it didn't help) and could lose scholarships and practice time for a few years. Its a serious offense, but not anything that will kill the program. It will just be harder to win for the next few years. Oregon has had 4 players arrested recently and the whole Boise State incident last season. USC has been accused of being an NFL and paying its players. Reggie Bush is the central figure in this investigation. Pete Carroll has a bad season and then this comes out and he skips out to the NFL again. He must know how bad it could get.
3. Kevin Durant: This guy does not get enough credit. He is one of the best players and the league and is leading the charge in Oklahoma City (if you don't count Rumble). They are even trying to get a nickname started (Durantula). He is going to lead the Thunder to a first round playoff series win and could be the building block for that team well into the next decade.
1. USA Hockey: In a stunning upset over the heavily talented and hometown Canadians, America showed the world they aren't the pushovers everybody thought they would be. Next up for the Americans is Switzerland (a tough team to beat with Jonas Hiller, but we beat them before) then the winner of Canada vs Russia. The path does get tougher but with All-Universe Goaltender Ryan Miller the US can steal any game. The best part of these Olympics so far has been the quality hockey we have seen. Hopefully Bettman will keep the NHLers in the games.
2. The NCAA: This isn't my signature Michigan bashing. The NCAA has really clamped down on its rules lately, with Oregon, USC and Michigan all getting in trouble recently. I would hate to see college football turn into a league where the best break the rules to dominate everybody else. Michigan practiced way too much (and it didn't help) and could lose scholarships and practice time for a few years. Its a serious offense, but not anything that will kill the program. It will just be harder to win for the next few years. Oregon has had 4 players arrested recently and the whole Boise State incident last season. USC has been accused of being an NFL and paying its players. Reggie Bush is the central figure in this investigation. Pete Carroll has a bad season and then this comes out and he skips out to the NFL again. He must know how bad it could get.
3. Kevin Durant: This guy does not get enough credit. He is one of the best players and the league and is leading the charge in Oklahoma City (if you don't count Rumble). They are even trying to get a nickname started (Durantula). He is going to lead the Thunder to a first round playoff series win and could be the building block for that team well into the next decade.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
You're Welcome! Happy Holidays!
Sorry for the lack of posting lately, the combination of finals week, going home, a nasty cold and the holidays have limited my time. I will post my NFL picks for this weekend, but probably take some time off until Monday. Then I will post on a more consistent basis for the rest of the time. For the Christmas day NFL game, I pick the Chargers over Titans. Now here is this week's You're Welcome!
1. University Of Texas Athletics: Longhorn football is one win away from winning another National Title. They have been on a roll since Vince Young beat USC in one of the best college football games ever. On top of that, your Basketball team is number 2 in the nation and beat a top ten team handily. This could be like a few years ago when Florida Basketball and Football were the top programs in America, we could be seeing a resurgence of a dominant program in both major sports.
2. Peyton Manning: You're probably going to win a record 4th MVP award. Your team continues to win in exciting fashion to improve your record to 14-0. You want to continue playing to keep winning and to keep your momentum in the playoffs. You will break every record imaginable before you retire. Do we really appreciate how good Manning is? We are seeing the best QB play in NFL history right now, and he is the best in the business.
3. Louis Delmas: The Lion's second round pick has been the best player on defense by far. He hits hard and causes more turnovers than the rest of the team combined. He had his first touchdown of his career in an 101 yard interception return against the Cardinals. The Lions finally have found a safety that hits hard and can make plays. If the Lions were better he would be in talks for Defensive Rookie of the Year. He is something we can build around and make a defense that could be NFL-caliber. Oh, and where did he play in college?
1. University Of Texas Athletics: Longhorn football is one win away from winning another National Title. They have been on a roll since Vince Young beat USC in one of the best college football games ever. On top of that, your Basketball team is number 2 in the nation and beat a top ten team handily. This could be like a few years ago when Florida Basketball and Football were the top programs in America, we could be seeing a resurgence of a dominant program in both major sports.
2. Peyton Manning: You're probably going to win a record 4th MVP award. Your team continues to win in exciting fashion to improve your record to 14-0. You want to continue playing to keep winning and to keep your momentum in the playoffs. You will break every record imaginable before you retire. Do we really appreciate how good Manning is? We are seeing the best QB play in NFL history right now, and he is the best in the business.
3. Louis Delmas: The Lion's second round pick has been the best player on defense by far. He hits hard and causes more turnovers than the rest of the team combined. He had his first touchdown of his career in an 101 yard interception return against the Cardinals. The Lions finally have found a safety that hits hard and can make plays. If the Lions were better he would be in talks for Defensive Rookie of the Year. He is something we can build around and make a defense that could be NFL-caliber. Oh, and where did he play in college?
Friday, July 10, 2009
BCS Playoffs? Could The System Be Improved?
Everybody from Politicians to any fan by a water cooler have debated over this fact. Does the BCS work? Does it award the National Championship to the best team in Major College Football? Lets look at it this way:
Pros: The BCS does make every game a playoff game. Rarely do we see teams with 2 losses play for the national title, and only 1 loss teams with the best record with a quality loss will make it. Lets face it (Utah, Auburn) teams who go undefeated usually do not deserve to play for a national title. Definitely a big bowl game (Sugar, Rose, Orange) but who wants to see USC throttle Boise State. Utah beat an unmotivated Alabama team with little offense, but I would like to see anybody tell me that Alabama was better than Florida, Oklahoma, Texas and Texas Tech.
Cons: Sometimes good teams are left out, like USC every year (beat all your Pac-10 opponents Trojans), Texas last year or Auburn in 2004. They did create a new National Title game (awesome) but also hurt the importance of some other Bowl games. With the title game taking place after the other bowls for a prime time Monday night kickoff, most teams have almost a month off (or more, another disadvantage for the beleaguered Big Ten) and we might not be seeing the high level of football we could be. Sure, people can come back from injury but it seems like too long of a layoff.
Pro Playoffs: You can use the Bowls to set up as playoff games, (Rose and Orange Bowl serve as semifinals, National Title after that) and not take any money from the bowl committees. Money may be the biggest reason this process has been tied up. Another argument that makes me upset is saying that the students can not handle the time devoted to football. Student-Athletes in lower division football can seem to handle studying and finals during their run, and many times those schools are harder academically.
Con Playoffs: It hurts the anticipation and buildup to the big game. It could make the Bowls more watchable but take away from the tradition with teams being lined up by playoffs. You would only need 4 teams to go for the Championship, so the other Bowls quality may suffer.
A Playoffs system would work in my opinion. Lets take last year for example. In the Semifinal, have Florida play USC and Texas rematch Oklahoma. Then, the Texas or Oklahoma debate would have been settled, and USC could have redeemed themselves for a mid season loss to Oregon State. Florida lost to Ole Miss, but after all the other wins they got in the brutal SEC they deserve to be the number one seed. Would that not have been awesome to watch?
A Playoff would do nothing but reduce controversy and improve the entertainment value of NCAA football. Maybe controversy can be a good thing driving up money and viewership, but the National Champion will be truly the best team at the end of the season.
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