2012 Heisman Finalists

On Saturday Decemeber 8th, the 78th Heisman Trophy will be awarded to the best college football player in the nation.  The question is, which of the three young men selected as finalists will actually win the award?  The three finalists invited to New York are  Texas A&M quarterback Johnny “Football” Manziel, Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein, and undefeated Notre dame linebacker Manti Te’o.  While all three are formidable representatives, only one can be named the 2012 Heisman winner.

Johnny “Football” has had an amazing year as the quarterback for the Aggies in a tough SEC conference.  Manziel is only a freshman. With the season he just had I can’t wait to see what he can do with the rest of his college career.  Manziel had solid numbers, throwing for 3,419 yards, 24 touchdowns, and a solid 68.3 completion percentage.  Johnny “Football” also is one hell of an athlete; he ran in 19 touchdowns and rushed for 1,181 yards.  Manziel played an amazing game in Alabama and led the Aggies to a huge upset win.  He was efficient and very smart with his distribution of the ball against one of the best defenses in the nation.  Manziel does have a couple of drawbacks that could prevent him from winning the trophy.  He did struggle against a top opponent at home against LSU, throwing three interceptions in what would result in the teams second and final loss of the season.  He also is a freshman, and the voters have never given a freshman the award.  With all that said, he was only one of three finalists selected and stands a good chance.

At one point this season, I was pretty sure that Collin Klein was going to be the hands down Heisman winner.  While I am definitely second guessing that, Klein still has a very good chance of bringing the trophy home for the Wildcats.  Klein’s numbers are average, throwing for only 2,490 yards and 15 touchdowns.  Klein, like Manziel, was able to show some athleticism, rushing for 890 yards and 22 touchdowns.  Collin had an incredible game against West Virginia; he threw for 323 yards and rushed for another 41.  Klein also compiled seven touchdowns, three through the air and four with his feet.  However, Klein looked really bad against Baylor in the teams only loss and is the reason they are not playing in the national title game.  Klein also did not really impress me this past weekend against Texas.  He played in a very mediocre conference that plays absolutely no defense.  I have no problem with Klein being a finalist or being invited, but feel he is bringing up the rear in this race.

The last nominee is middle linebacker of the undefeated Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Manti Te’o.  Te’o had an amazing senior season.  He was the leader of one of the top defenses in the country and oh yeah, his team was undefeated.  Te’o had solid stats, totaling 101 tackles and 7 interceptions.  Manti had huge games against Michigan, Stanford, and Oklahoma.  He has already started racking up the hardware as he was named the Dick Butkus Award winner and Bronko Nagurski Award winner.  Te’o was the leader of the Irish defense and just an overall inspiration.  He has overcome amazing adversity, losing both his girlfriend and his grandmother on the same day.  The kid never missed a game, leaving it all on the field every day.  Te’o would be the first non-running back or quarterback since 1997 to win the Heisman, when Charles Woodson won the award.

Honestly, I feel this truly is a two man race.  Manziel and Te’o are without a doubt the front runners.  Manziel would make history, being the first ever freshman to win the Heisman Award.  Unfortunately, I just do not see it happening.  Manziel will get his chance next year and his junior season to bring home the trophy for the Aggies.  This year the Heisman will be heading to Notre Dame and linebacker Manti Te’o.  He just embodies a Heisman winner.  He had an amazing season on the only undefeated team in the country, played one of the toughest schedules in college football, and once again overcame all that hardship. While I wouldn’t be disappointed with Manziel winning it, I just feel that Te’o is the more deserving player.

-Brett DeFalco

My Week 11 College Football Rankings

Just in case you lived under a rock, there was a huge upset in college football this past weekend.  For the first time this season, the Tide did not roll.  They lost to a very good A&M team, but the even bigger news is we have a new number 1.  Let’s get this underway to see how the rankings shake out.

Week 11 College Football Ranking

1. Oregon – The Ducks have reached the number one spot in my rankings after Alabama’s loss.  While they have been the best dressed all season, Oregon has earned this.  They have played amazing football and did once again this week.  They beat down Cal in a dominating fashion, like they have done to opponents every week this season.  While having an incredible rushing attack, it was the arm of Marcus Mariota.  Mariota led the Ducks offense passing for 377 yards and 6 touchdowns.  Oregon has a huge game this weekend against the Cardinals of Stanford.  Stanford is a good football team, but Eugene is a tough place to play and the Ducks just have too many weapons.  Oregon wins and once again in an impressive fashion.

2. Kansas State – The Wildcats had another solid win over a quality TCU team.  The Horned Frogs have a nice team and are very tough at home, but K-State was able to go in there and get a win.  Collin Klein had a down game, but was still able to lead his team to a win.  The Wildcats are on the road this week against Baylor.  The Bears can score but I just don’t think they have the talent to keep up with Klein and the Wildcat offense.  The Wildcats win a in what I think could be a somewhat competitive game.

3. Notre Dame – The Irish won at Boston College, which is a tough place especially for the Irish.  They didn’t look great but got a quality win.  The defense didn’t allow a touchdown, but Te’o was relatively quiet.   The big thing was the Irish remain undefeated.  They host Wake this week for Senior Day; the Irish will stomp the Demon Deacons this week.  Rally sons of Notre Dame!!!

4. Alabama – The Tide were upset this week to a very good Texas A&M team.  They had chances to win, but turned the ball over with a little more than a minute to play.  They also played sloppy turning the ball over three times and having key penalties that cost them the game.  ‘Bama hosts Western Carolina this week and they will feel the Wrath of Saban.  Roll Tide and big.

5. Georgia – The Bulldogs shutout the Auburn Tigers.  The Bulldogs running backs Marshall and Gurley had impressive games totaling 221 yards and 2 touchdowns.  The defense pitched a shutout against the struggling Tigers.  The Bulldogs, like ‘Bama, have a cupcake game this week against Georgia Southern.  The Bulldogs win huge.

6. Ohio State – The Buckeyes are coming off a bye, and while not eligible for postseason play, still remain undefeated.  They deserve to be considered among the top teams despite their penalties.  This week they travel to Madison to take on the Badgers.  OSU has a balanced attack and should be able to pull out a win against a tough Wisconsin team. 

7. Clemson – The Tigers move up with the loss of Louisville.  The Tigers crushed the Terps, behind another big game by Tajh Boyd.  Boyd threw for 261 yards and 3 touchdowns on only 26 passes.  This game was over early and the Tigers now have their eyes set on the Wolfpack.  They host NC State this week, and should not have any problems with their conference foe.  The Tigers and Boyd should win big again.

8. Florida State – The Seminoles were able to squeak out a win last Thursday night against the Hokies.  Blacksburg is a tough place to win especially late in the season but FSU was able to come out victorious.  They travel to Maryland this week to take on the Terps.  The ‘Noles should have no trouble.

9. Florida – The Gators found themselves in a battle last week after they overlooked the Ragin Cajuns. They Gators snuck out with a win after blocking a punt and scoping and scoring with only 2 seconds left in the game. It was a great game and the Gators were lucky to walk away with the win.  This week Florida like many other SEC teams plays a soft game.  The Gators host Jacksonville State U, in what is sure to be a beat down.

10. Texas A&M – Welcome to the top 10 and the SEC.  The Aggies made a statement last week when they took down SEC powerhouse Alabama.  The Aggies, behind freshman qb Johnny Manziel, have looked impressive in their first season in the SEC.  They host Sam Houston St. this week, which is once again ridiculous, but apparently how the SEC does things.  Aggies win big, but it will be close for a half coming off that big win.

This week there are a bunch of bad games, but definitely a few to keep an eye on.  Look for a great PAC-12 battle as Oregon hosts Stanford (can’t wait to see the Duck unis), also the Kansas State vs Baylor game could be good and finally the USC vs UCLA should be a game worth watching.  That’s it for this week, enjoy this weekend of college football.

-Brett DeFalco

Welcome to the Foles Era

After two months of fans wanting, asking and even demanding to “put the kid in,” their wish finally came true. In yesterday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys, Michael Vick was injured early on in the second quarter and in came Nick Foles. The Birds ended up losing the game by a score of 38-23. However, I saw a lot of good in Nick Foles game. He ended the day with 22 completions on 32 attempts, for a total 219 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT.

Those numbers are solid for any rookie QB coming into his first NFL game. He was able to get in a rhythm at times and was hitting a variety of different receivers on his drives. However, with rookie success also brought rookie mistakes and Foles did make some bad decisions. A few of his passes were forced and almost got intercepted. Foles threw two interceptions, but lucky for him, there was a flag on the play of one and it came back. The other interception that he threw was a tipped ball that landed in the hands of the Cowboy’s defenseman.

Now with a 3-6 record, the season is pretty much lost for the Eagles. It is time to keep Nick Foles in and let him get some experience. Polish him up a bit and get ready for the 2013 season. Nick Foles reminds me a lot of Matt Schaub. Schaub was a 3^rd round pick in 2004, he is 6 foot 5 inches tall and is now one of the premier quarterbacks in the league. Foles, also a 3^rd round draft choice, is 6 foot 5 inches tall as well. They both have the same build and look very similar in their style of play. It is time to develop a quarterback for the future. The Eagles gave up on Kevin Kolb, the man who was supposed to take the reins and be the franchise QB of the future. He went down in the season opener back in 2010, Vick stepped in, caught fire and Kolb was gone the following season. The problem that the Eagles face now is that Vick has always relied on his pure athletic ability to win games. Now at the age of 32, those legs aren’t quite as fast as they once were, and we are starting to see more and more flaws in his passing game.

What the Eagles need to do now is let Nick Foles finish out this season. Let him get all his rookie mistakes done with and start fresh for 2013.

-Brett Gibbs

My Week 10 College Football Rankings

I first off would like to apologize for being so late with this week’s rankings, with hurricanes, nor’easters and the whole job thing, I just got delayed. Alabama and Notre Dame had huge comebacks to keep themselves in position to play for a National Title.  While they were pulling out wins Oregon and Kansas State were making statements with their impressive wins.  Alright let’s get into this weeks rankings:

Week 10 College Football Rankings:

1.      Alabama – The Tide found themselves in a battle late in the 4^th quarter against LSU.  With only a 1:34 left on the clock, Junior quarterback A.J. McCarron led the Tide on game winning 72 yard drive.  The kid looked impressive, he was poised as the Tide marched down the field.  After the touchdown, McCarron was overwhelmed with emotion.  Alabama was able to go into a hostile environment, against a good team and win.  Alabama is back in Tuscaloosa to host offensive power house Texas A&M.  The Aggies have played well in their first year in the SEC but once again…… The TIDE Roll!!!!

2.      Oregon – The Ducks never disappoint, the all white unis looked awesome and what a great time to bust them out.  Not only did they look fresh in their uniforms, they looked incredible on the field.  The rushing game was able to total another 400 yard plus game and managed 730 yards of total offense.  They are a well oiled machine and I don’t know who can stop them at this point.  The defense has looked a little susceptible lately, but it doesn’t matter because no one can keep up with them offensively.  Oregon travels to play the Cal Bears this week and hope to avoid an upset, but honestly I just don’t see it.  The Ducks win again this week and probably big.

3.      Kansas State – The Wildcats looked impressive in their win against Oklahoma State. Collin Klein lead the team to an impressive win, even with his banged up hand.  Klein has straight up been nasty and looks like this seasons Heisman.  Kansas State just scores at will and has not been stopped this year.  They travel to Texas this week to take on the Horned Frogs of TCU.  KSU and Collin Klein are going to steamroll the Frogs.

4.      Notre Dame – The Irish, while getting the W, had a big letdown from their win over Oklahoma.  The Pitt Panthers should have never had a chance and barring that missed chip shot in OT they should have won.  The Irish were “lucky” to escape that with a win, but a win is a win.  Manti Te’o is a monster and arguably the best defensive player in college football and is an amazing leader.  The Golden Domers are on the road this week, against Boston College.  BC is a tough team despite being 2-7 but the Irish will not lose this week.  Play Like a Champion!!!!!

5.      Georgia – The Bulldogs cruised past Ole Miss last week in a dominating fashion.  Georgia’s passing attack looked stellar, with Aaron Murray throwing for 384 yards and 4 touchdowns.  They shredded the Rebel defense and have established themselves as the top SEC East team.  The Bulldogs take on the Tigers of Auburn this week and should prevail.  Auburn is having a down season and should not be any real threat for the Bulldogs.

6.      Ohio State – The Buckeyes cruised past he Fightin’ Illini last week and remained undefeated.  The Buckeye running attack was too much for the Illini, as Carlos Hyde led the way rushing for 137 and 3 rushing touchdowns.  The undefeated Buckeyes are off this week before traveling to Madison next week to take on conference foe Wisconsin Badgers. 

7.      Louisville – The Cardinals were able to remain undefeated, as they were just too much for the Temple Owls. Temple was able to keep it close for the first quarter but after that Louisville took over the game.  Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater torched the Temple defense for 324 yards and 5 touchdowns.  The Cardinals head to the Carrier Dome to take on the Syracuse Orange.  The Cardinals should have no problems here just need to remain focused and continue to win. 

8.      Clemson – The Tigers did exactly what I thought last week and crushed Duke.  The Blue Devils never had a chance in this one.  Tajh Boyd passed all over the Duke defense throwing for 344 and 5 touchdowns.  They host the Terps’ of Maryland this week; the Tigers are just too much and have weapons everywhere on offense. 

9.      Florida State – The Seminoles were off this past week after destroying Duke the week before.  The Seminoles head Blacksburg to take on the Hokies this week in a Thursday night football showdown.  The Hokies are having a bad season and will struggle against a very good Seminole team.  FSU dominates this game after coming off a bye.

10.   Florida – The Gators still have a chance to play for the SEC title if Georgia happens to slip up and they win out.  The Gators are coming off a tough win over the Mizzu Tigers in which they did not look very impressive.  They host the Ragin Cajuns of Louisiana-Lafayette this week, in what should be a route for the Gators.  They have two cupcake games before ending the season with FSU.  Florida wins big this week keeping their hopes alive.

This week keep an on the ‘Bama vs Aggies game (the Aggies can score), Oregon vs Cal (while I still think Oregon dominates could be a good one), Notre Dame vs BC (who knows what ND team will show up), and watch the Temple vs Cincinnati game (mainly because yours truly will be covering this game from the Linc and tweeting @PhillysportLive). It should be another great weekend of college football.  That’s all I got for this week.

-Brett DeFalco

Eagles Lose 4th Straight

The Philadelphia Eagles lost their fourth straight game last night, and did so in embarrassing fashion.  The Saints dismal defense, which was ranked 32 in the league in total defense, recorded 7 sacks, a pick six and fumble recovery.  This was the worst defense in the NFL and the “explosive” Philadelphia offense only mustered one touchdown.  They were 0-4 in the in the red zone, only managing to get 2 field goals and turning the ball over twice.  While I am not calling for Andy to be fired or Vick to be benched, something drastic needs to happen.  Just firing a defensive coordinator, who was not ready for that position, is not enough.  There needs to be a major change in scheme on both sides of the ball.

Offensively part of the problem is you only have one starting offensive lineman on the field.  So why not make an adjustment at half time, try running a two tight end set and max protect.  Vick was getting killed, while I understand it has a little to do with an injury plagued offensive line, a change needed to be made to give the team a chance to win.  Once big Todd goes down, the Eagles should have just continued to pound the Saints defense with the run gain.  The Eagles totaled almost 140 rushing yards in the first half of the game, not including any Mike Vick runs.  The second half, the Eagles abandoned the running game and lost total control of the game. 

Defensively the tackling of on this team has been horrendous.  That’s not a scheme issue or a Juan Castillo issue, that’s a personnel issue.  Nnamdi is a liability in run support and can’t cover anybody. 
Safetys David Sims and Kurt Coleman can’t wrap anyone up.  The defensive line is a total gimmick and even when they have an opportunity to sack a quarterback, i.e. Trent Cole in the first quarter when he straight up missed Brees and he completed a 38 yard pass to Lance Moore.  Also, I am really tired of hearing from Brandon Graham, how about you play defensive end like a first round pick and actually contain the outside, preventing Chris Ivory from a 22 yard touchdown. 

This team is on downward spiral and honestly there are too many questions to be answered.  The offensive and defensive lines run gimmicky schemes that are relatively ineffective.  The secondary doesn’t seem to be able to cover anyone or support the run game.  The coach staffing seems clueless in how to make adjustments.  The GM has no idea how to draft a class of players that can truly make an impact on the team.  At least Juan Castillo can’t be fired again this week for the terrible defensive play, although maybe Jim Washburn could be the next casuality.

-Brett DeFalco

My Week 9 College Football Rankings

This week’s top 10 is just like every other week this season, upsets galore.  Florida, Oregon State, USC, Oklahoma and Mississippi State all fell.  The shake ups at top every week have made this an incredible college football season to date.  With big games upcoming this week, there is yet more opportunity for upsets to happen.  Let's get the rankings started:

Week 9 College Football Ranking:

1.  Alabama - There is no shock here the Tide have been the best team in college football this year.  They beat down the then undefeated Mississippi State Bulldogs.  The Bulldogs had not played a team anywhere near the caliber of Alabama, and it showed.  The Tide dominated the game and almost pitched another shutout, before letting a meaningless touchdown late in the 4th quarter. The Tide travel to Death Valley, in a Title Game rematch, against the LSU Tigers.  The Tide will not struggle against the Tigers this time around. The Tide will Roll.........big

2. Oregon - The Ducks smashed Colorado like everyone knew they would.  They head to the Coliseum this week to take on the USC Trojans.  The Ducks have looked excellent this season scoring at will.  The Duck's defense has also looked rather impressive.  The Ducks rushing game has been a roll totaling over 400 yards back to back weeks.  The Trojans, while having a good team, are no match for the Ducks this year.  The Ducks will show why they are the elite team of the Pac-12.

3.  Notre Dame - The Irish traveled into Oklahoma an underdog, which made no sense at all.  The Irish started the week a double digit dog and played like they had a chip on their shoulders.  Manti Te'o played like the beast that he is recording 11 tackles, a sack and an interception.  He has made his case for his stake in the Heisman Trophy, leading one of the top defenses in the country.  The Irish looked solid on both sides of the ball and the offensive line dominated the Big 12 defense of Oklahoma.  The Irish take on the Panthers of Pitt this week.  While riding that high, the Irish should have no problems again this week.  Cheer, cheer for old Notre Dame!!!!!!

4.  Kansas State - The Wildcats another top team that have steam-rolled opponents every week.  Their quarterback Collin Klein is leading one of the top offenses in the nation.  Klein has also taken a strangle-hold on the Heisman trophy, barring any major slip-ups.   He is the most dominating player in college football right now.  They host Oklahoma State this week and should not have a problem.  The Wildcats win big again this week.

5.  LSU - The Tigers were off last week and managed to move up because of all the losses.  The Tigers needed the week off, but still host Alabama banged up. The Tigers have struggled on offense and the Alabama defense has smothered every opponent it has faced.  This is a bad matchup for Les and the boys, Alabama will Roll and the Tigers will drop in the rankings.

6.  Ohio State - I can't stand the Big Ten but you cannot argue with the fact that while other teams drop, the Buckeyes remain undefeated.  The Buckeyes had a solid win in Happy Valley this week.  They have a bye this week before heading into the last three conference games.  Ohio State should have no problem remaining undefeated but due to strength of schedule do not deserve to play for a National Championship.

7.  Clemson - The Tigers make it back into the top 10 after a big win over Wake Forest.  Wake never stood a chance; Tajh Boyd carved up the Wake defense.  Boyd threw for 428 yards and 5 touchdowns.  The Clemson defense also looked stellar allowing only 14 points.  The Tigers travel to Duke this week and should dominate this game from the start.

8.  Louisville - The Cardinals remained undefeated after an OT victory over Big East rival, Cincinnati.  It was a tough fought win in which the Cardinals came back from a 10 point deficit in the 3rd quarter.  The Cardinals will host the Temple Owls this week and should remain undefeated.  Temple new to Big East just doesn't have the fire power to match up with Louisville just yet.

9.  Georgia - The Bulldogs coming off a big win over the Gators have jumped back into the top 10.  The Georgia defense was able to force 6 turnovers and the Florida rushing game to a mere 75 yards.  The Bulldogs will host the Ole Miss Rebels this week, in what should be another SEC victory for Georgia.

10.  Florida State - The Seminoles are the last team of the top that has bounced back in benefiting from top 10 losses.  FSU crushed Duke last week, handing the Blue Devils their 3rd loss of the season.  The 'Noles dominated from the start of the game and just never looked back.  They have a bye this week before traveling to Blacksburg next Thursday to take on the Hokies.  Va. Tech is having a down year, so the Seminoles should have no problems after an extended rest.

Well that's it for this week and while there are no foreseeable upsets, you just never know.  Keep an eye on that 'Bama vs LSU game, Kansas State vs Oklahoma State and finally that Oregon vs USC game (can't wait to see the Duck's uniforms).  


-Brett DeFalco

Problems on Both Sides

During the 14 year Andy Reid era the Eagles have never lost a game coming off the bye...... that gave a lot of fans hope going into Sunday’s game versus the Falcons. The Eagles had blown back to back 4th quarter leads and fired defensive coordinator Juan Castillo leading into this game.  This game was a chance to change the season and the prove Eagles should be considered a threat in the NFC.  While the Falcons had struggled in their last two wins before going into the bye against bad football teams, they still managed to get the W.  All before kickoff it was the Eagles, team that needed a win and was desperate; against the undefeated Falcons who struggle away from the Georgia Dome. 
          From that point on the Eagles never had a chance, Atlanta scored touchdowns on their first 3 possessions.  The Eagles were only able to run three plays on offense in the first quarter.  The defense was not capable of stopping Ryan and his high flying Falcons.  On the first two Falcon drives, they were able to convert first-downs on 7 third-down situations.  Obviously, Juan Castillo was the problem.  The defense was finally able to end its sack less streak, mustering only two sacks.  The defensive line still does not look as impressive as it did last year, and I don't want to hear about three step drops and quick releases.  This scheme that is used is a Jim Washburn technique and teams have figured out the gimmicky defense.  So maybe Castillo wasn't the only one who should have been let go.
          While the defensive line has had its struggles, so has "superstar" corner Nnamdi Asomugha.  The Eagles corner was brought in as a free agent last offseason, and has been a total disappointment.  While rumors of "Nnamdi Island" were thrown around before the start of last season, Asomugha is nowhere near the shut-down corner we all expected.  Asomugha is targeted in this defense, instead being avoided.  He has allowed big touchdowns week in and week out.  Watching him blame safetys and coaches have worn on me as well as a city who was excited to have him.  
         The lack of play from the safety position has also had a significant impact on this defense.  I like Kurt Coleman but his football I.Q. is awful.  He gets caught guessing and god forbid he doesn't bite on a play action, stop getting caught in the looking in the backfield.  Nate Allen actually looked healthy and when healthy is decent corner.  He had an ok game against Atlanta, and is needed to help sure up the back end of this weak secondary.
          On the offensive side of the ball it all starts with the offensive line.  They have looked horrendous and look like they are getting worse as the season progresses.  They can't run block, and they sure as hell cannot pass protect.  Michael Vick is running for his life every time he drops back to pass.  Shady can't cut back or make a move because defensive linemen are blowing the gaps and penetrating the line.  Positively, the Eagles didn't turn the ball over, ha.
          The Eagles will have an extra day before taking on the Saints in New Orleans, Monday night.  While many have been calling for Nick Foles to start that game, I think people should be careful what they wish for.  Vick is a quarterback who has the ability to escape a little pressure, where as Foles is a 6'5 pocket passer.  With the state of the offensive line the team currently has, a pocket passer just may get killed.  Vick gets abused behind the make shift offensive line and I don't really see Foles as the answer, not unless he can block for himself as well.  However a loss this week and the fans may get what they want, because at 3-5 the season could be all but lost.