College Football Projections

Here are some of my projections for what I think will happen in the 2008 college football season...

SEC East:

1. Florida

2. Georiga

3. Tennessee

4. South Carolina

5. Vanderbilt

6. Kentucky

SEC West:

1. Auburn

2. LSU

3. Alabama

4. Mississippi State

5. Arkansas

6. Ole Miss

Big 12 North:

1. Missouri

2. Kansas

3. Colorado

4. Kansas State

5. Nebraska

6. Iowa State

Big 12 South:

1. Oklahoma

2. Texas

3. Texas Tech

4. Oklahoma State

5. Texas A&M

6. Baylor

Pac-10:

1. USC

2. Arizona State

3. Oregon

4. Oregon State

5. California

6. Arizona

7. Stanford

8. UCLA

9. Washington

10. Washington State

Big Ten:

1. Ohio State

2. Wisconsin

3. Michigan

4. Penn State

5. Illinois

6. Michigan State

7. Iowa

8. Northwestern

9. Purdue

10. Indiana

11. Minnesota

Big East:

1. West Virginia

2. South Florida

3. Cincinnati

4. Pittsburgh

5. Connecticut

6. Rutgers

7. Louisville

8. Syracuse

ACC Atlantic:

1. Clemson

2. Wake Forest

3. Florida State

4. Maryland

5. Boston College

6. N.C. State

ACC Costal:

1. Virginia Tech

2. Miami

3. North Carolina

4. Virginia

5. Georiga Tech

6. Duke

SEC Champion: Florida

Big 12 Champion: Oklahoma

Pac-10 Champion: USC

Big Ten Champion: Ohio State

Big East Champion: West Virginia

ACC Champion: Clemson

Mountain West Champion: BYU

Sun Belt Champion: Florida Atlantic

WAC Champion: Boise State

Conference USA Champion: Tulsa

MAC Champion: Central Michigan

BCS Championship: Ohio State vs Florida (Ohio State)

Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma vs BYU (Oklahoma)

Sugar Bowl: Auburn vs Missouri (Missouri)

Orange Bowl: Clemson vs West Virginia (West Virginia)

Rose Bowl: USC vs Wisconsin (USC)

Heisman Trophy:

1. Pat White

2. Beanie Wells

3. Tim Tebow

4. Chase Daniel

5. James Laurinaitis

6. Knowshon Moreno

50 AFC Predictions

Here are 50 predictions of things that I think will happen in the AFC this year.

1. The Patriots will win the AFC East

2. The Colts will win the AFC South (one last year)

3. The Steelers will win the AFC North

4. The Chargers will win the AFC West

5. The Jaguars will get the first wildcard

6. The Titans will get the second wild card

(same exact playoff teams as last year)

7. The Patriots will earn a playoff bye-week

8. The Chargers will earn a playoff bye-week

9. Tom Brady will throw at least 40 TD passes

10. Marvin Harrison will not struggle or be slowed down by the off-field distractions or his increasing age

11. The Titans will have a top five defense

12. Vince Young will throw at least 17 TDs and less than 10 INTs

13. The Browns will start off strong, but choke down the strech

14. The Colts will show signs of them losing their stranglehold grip on the AFC South

15. Brett Favre will improve the Jets, and they will be in the playoff picture in Week 13

16. Every team in the AFC South will again be at least .500

17. Troy Smith will excel if he gets a chance to start for the Ravens

18. Wes Welker will lead the AFC in total receptions

19. David Garrard will throw 7 or less INTs

20. LaDainian Tomlinson will win his third straight rushing title

21. Thomas Jones will rush for over 1000 yards and have at least 10 TDs

22. LenDale White will rush for over 1000 yards... while splitting time with Chris Johnson

23. T.J. Housmandzadeh will have better stats than Chad Johnson in every category

24. Willie Parker will top the 1000 yard mark... barely

25. Derek Anderson will put up the numbers to make him the third best QB in the AFC after Brady and Manning

26. Alge Crumpler will become Vince Young's new favorite target

27. A Broncos runningback will rush for 1000 yards

28. Jay Cutler will throw 15 TD passes and 2700 yards

29. Phillip Rivers will throw for 20 TDs and 3000 yards

30. The Patriots will win at least 14 games

31. The Titans will winat least 10 games

32. The Chargers will win at least 13 games

33. Brodie Croyle will struggle mightily

34. Darren McFadden will rush for less than 1000 yards

35. Larry Johnson will rush for less than 1000 yards because of a weak line and no passing game

36. Trent Edwards will excel in his sophmore season, throwing for 18 TDs, 9 INTs, and 2800 yards

37. Marshawn Lynch will rush for 15 TDs and 1300 yards

38. JaMarcus Russell will show promise in what is basically his rookie season

39. The Raven's rushing tandem of Willis McGahee and Ray Rice will rush for a combined 18 TDs and 1800 yards

40. Shawne Merriman will have at least 13 sacks

41. The Pats secondary won't miss Asante Samuel or Randall Gay

42. The Pats passing game won't miss Donte' Stallworth

43. Lawrence Maroney will have more yards and TDs than he did last year

44. Ben Roethlisberger will throw 23 TDs and for 3400 yards

45. Joseph Addai will rush for 1400 yards and 17 TDs

46. Lee Evans will catch 8 TDs and 1000 yards

47. Justin Gage will have 6 TDs abd 1000 yards

48. Ronnie Brown will rush for over 1000 yards and have 10 TDs or more

49. Ricky Williams will be absolutely horrible

50. The Madden curse will somehow, someway, continue with Brett Favre

College Pre-Season Rankings

These are my college football pre-season rankings based on who I think are the best teams. So this isn't at all how I think they'll finish at the end of the season, because schedules have alot of say in how the team will do in a season, and I'll do some rankings later as for how I think they'll finish. But now, I'm just doing my Top 15 based on skill. Here it goes ladies....

1. USC

I almost always open up my season with USC at the top. You can never really have them out of the top five, because they are always somehow amazingly stacked. They always have a top notch recriuting class coming in, so they never have an off year. Plus, some of the players that sit on their bench could easily start on tons of other D-I teams. Plus, I really think Mark Sanchez is legit, and they probably have the best core of linebackers in college football with Brian Cushing and Rey Maualuga.

2. Florida

They have eight starters returning on each side of the ball. They have a Heisman winner at quarterback, and one of the best coaches in college football. I was surprized they lost to my Wolverines in the Capital One Bowl last year, but I really think that was kind of a fluke... plus, Michigan was really motivated to send Lloyd Carr off with a win. Florida's schedule though is once again extremely tough, but they may be able to overcome it... or they may not.

3. Georiga

With 17 returning starters and a top-notch quarterback and runningback, I think Georiga is primed for a national championship game. Their schedule is of course amazingly tough, and the whole season may come down to that game with Florida. But hey, they did it last year... they just might be able to knock them off again.

4. Ohio State

I don't know what all this ruckus is about the Big Ten being weaker than all the other conferences and what not. Two years ago, Ohio State had the best team in the land, but got over confident and went into the game thinking they would own, and for that reason they got shut down by Florida's defense. That game always reminds me of the Pats vs Giants Super Bowl. And weren't they played in the same stadium too? Anyways, if Ohio State makes to the 'Ship again, they're absolutely not going to lose a third in a row. Beanie Wells is legit, and they have two good quarterback, in case the first one falters. And with 18 returning starters, they're pretty much a BCS lock.

5. Oklahoma

I'm sorry, but I just can't put Missouri in front of Oklahoma. I know the Mizzou is ultra-talented and what not, but it's one of those things, where you know the team that has always been legit is going to be better than the team that all of a sudden finds themselves succeeding. I relate it to the Cubs and Brewers. The Brewers are alot better now and many think they can challenge the Cubs... but they'll never be able to knock them off. Same goes for the Patriots and Chargers. Anyways, Sam Bradford is amazing, and should definitely be up for Heisman consideration. However, I am kind of concerned about the Sooner's defense. They can't keep relying on the offense to put up 30+ points a game in order to win. If Oklahoma wants to be in the national title game consideration, the defense is going to have to step it up.

6. West Virginia

They have probably the best quarterback in college football in Pat White, and an absolutely eletric runningback in Noel Devine. Though, their defense is about ten times shakier than Oklahoma's is. Their defense struggled last year against seemingly soft Big East opponents, and now they only have four starters returning. Plus the whole new head coach thing isn't exactly a plus. Though I think in the end, they'll be able to beat some easy opponents early in their schedule, then get in a groove. And Pat White might just win a Heisman some where in there. In the end though, it may all come down to the October 23rd showdown with Auburn, in regards to their BCS title hopes.

7. Missouri

Here they are. Chase Daniel is legit, and runningback Jermey Maclin was nothing short of amazing last year. I think that this is a really good team, and I do believe that they have the talent to get over the hump and maybe even into the BCS. Though I really don't see them getting into the national championship game. Plus, with ten returning starters on defense alone, they should be able to shut down just about all the teams on their schedule.

8. Clemson

In a pretty weak ACC, Tommy Bowden has to know that this is his chance to get into the BCS, because when you look at it, Clemson is pretty loaded. Cullen Harper seems ready to take the next step. One of those steps has to be beating Boston College, which has beaten Clemson three straight times since joining the ACC.

9. Texas Tech

The Red Raiders have ten returning starters on offense, including two probable Heisman candidates. They are lucky enough to not play Missouri, but they do play Kansas, Texas and Oklahoma. Anyways, Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree are going to have to step up and lead the offense in their first ten games. They then have to travel to Oklahoma, which may just decide their entire season. However, the Big 12 is extremely stacked this year. Just like the SEC. But yeah, in the end, I don't think Texas Tech can overcome Oklahoma.

10. Auburn

These Tigers are better than the other Tigers this year. Referring to the LSU Tigers, I think that Auburn will be able to put away LSU comfortably this year, after losing on a last second touchdown pass last year to the eventual national champs. And that's saying alot, because the winner the Tigers vs Tigers matchup had won the SEC West 6 out of the last 8 years.

11. Wisconsin

Bret Bielema is a legit head coach that could take Wisconsin into the BCS if one of two things happen. One, they beat Ohio State, or two, Ohio State goes to the national championship game once again. Wisconsin is good, but I don' think they're going to be good enough to knock off Ohio State on October 4th. although some history is on their side, they're going to need some luck as well. Though they are very talented, and could be looking at their first Rose Bowl in nine years.

12. Texas

They return only four starters on defense and only ten starters in all, and they have a very tough schedule, though, it's Texas. Colt McCoy is really underrated, and Mack Brown will have his boys ready to play. I don't really see a BCS bid i their future, but they should be able to compete with the other Big 12 teams.

13. Tennessee

They return a decent amount of starters (14), after going 10-4 (6-2) last year. I don' think they have enough to win the SEC, though they do could always pull a crazy upset. With the Vols, you honestly never know...

14. LSU

The defending champs don't look like they can repeat, especially when playing in such a tough division. Though they are of course still talented nd not to be taken lightly, though it would take a miracle for them to run the table in the SEC and get back to the national championship game.

15. Arizona State

They're not super-talented, but they are the second best team in the Pac-10. They have to play Georiga and USC, though they should be able to get into New Year's Day bowl game, or maybe even a Rose Bowl bid if USC makes the national title game.

and the rest...

16. Kansas

17. Virginia Tech

18. BYU

19. South Florida

20. Michigan

21. Wake Forest

22. Oregon

23. Penn State

24. Alabama

25. Illinois

Fantasy Quartback Rankings

Here are my fantasy ratings of the current starting quarterbacks for each of the 32 NFL teams. So players like Brett Favre can't make the 1-32 list, but hey, he maybe just be worth drafting if you can pick him up late. Anyways, here's all the information you'll need when you go to draft your quarterback for your fantasy team...

1.) Tom Brady, Patriots
This is an easy choice. I had him at number one last year during the preseason, but everyone else had Peyton Manning and others ahead of him. This guy is still number one, and will be till he retires. And if you're wondering if they'll be able to win the AFC again, the answer is yes. As long as Tom is healthy.

2.) Peyton Manning, Colts
I had to go with Peyton here because of what he already has proved. He has never missed a start, so you know that you're getting a player that will stay off the DL. Plus, he's just plain solid. You know he'll put up 30 TDs and at least 3500 yards every year. Definitely a safe and smart pick here.

3.) Tony Romo, Cowboys
A solid quarterback with two reliable targets, and one being a top three receiver. He's managed to stay healthy so far in his career, and he now has a running game that will be better than last year's.

4.) Derek Anderson, Browns
A tall quarterback that now has two top notch receivers in Braylon Edwards and Donte Stallworth. As long as the running game holds up, there should be plenty of opportunities through the air.

5.) Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks
This team no longer has a solid running game, and you know that they're going to make the playoffs for sure... so how are they going to get there? Through the air. Matt will put up solid numbers that will once again make him a Pro Bowl selection.

6.) Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers
They will probably run the ball alot again this year, but Ben will put up some solid number with the addition of Limas Sweed to the receiving corps.

7.) Drew Brees, Saints
After a disappointing season last year, Drew should pick up the numbers, both on the stat sheet and the win column.

8.) Carson Palmer, Bengals
With Chad back on the team, and another huge threat in T.J. Houshmandzadeh, look for Carson's number to improve over last years. I'm looking for over 30 TDs and under 20 INTs.

9.) Marc Bulger, Rams
Don't fooled by last year's injured performance. This guy is a fantasy starter, and he goes against some pretty weak defenses in his own division too.

10.) Donovan McNabb, Eagles
Back and healthy (for how long?) he's ready to lead a very talented Eagles team back into the playoffs. I'm looking for at least 25 TDs.

11.) David Garrard, Jaguars
He has an improved receiving corp, and with a strong running game, look for the numbers to pile up. Also, he practically never throws INTs.

12.) Phillip Rivers, Chargers
He looked really good in that playoff run that San Diego had last year. I'm starting to believe in him. Let's see if he can follow through...

13.) Vince Young, Titans
Alright, the Madden curse is over, and we can forget last year. He's gonna rush for TDs as well as throw for a few more than last year too. And I know it doesn't count for fantasy, but the guy's a winner.

14.) Matt Schaub, Texans
He plays against some pretty tough defenses from his own division, but in his second year in Houston, he should be a solid fantasy backup.

15.) Jake Delhomme, Panthers
Before he went down with his injury last year, he had 8 TDs and 1 INT. Give him a chance as your backup, and you won't regret it. Though now, he is missing Steve Smith for the first two games of the year.

16.) Jay Cutler, Broncos
He seems to be a decent backup. Maybe even a sleeper. Who knows.

17.) Trent Edwards, Bills
Solid. Will put up decent numbers and lead the Bills to more wins than you expect.

18.) Jon Kitna, Lions
He threw for over 4000 yards last year, but this year should have a more balanced attack with the firing of Mike Martz.

19.) Jeff Garcia, Buccaneers
He's old, but he's a tough guy. He threw only 4 INTs in 13 games last year.

20.) Eli Manning, Giants
I just don't like him. I don't think he's gonna put up good numbers at all, and I also don't think that the Giants will make the playoffs.

21.) Jason Campbell, Redskins
He's young QB who seems to have a bright future. Though right now, he won't be anything above average.

22.) Matt Leinart, Cardinals
Who knows how he'll be after only playing 5 games last year. And he struggled in those 5 games with 2 TDs, 4 INTs, and a 53.6% completion percentage.

23.) Aaron Rodgers, Packers
Who knows if he'll even be the QB this year. I wouldn't take a chance on him, but if he the starting QB for the Pack, he should be able to put up decent numbers.

24.) Tarvaris Jackson, Vikings
With such a strong running game, they might not pass all that much. Though I believe T-Jack and he might just be worth a last-round pick or free agency pickup.

25.) JaMarcus Russell, Raiders
Showed some promise last year. But who knows... after all, it's the Raiders.

26.) Kyle Boller, Ravens
It might be Joe Flacco or even Troy Smith. Though Boller is decent. But I wouldn't take a chance drafting him.

27.) Rex Grossman, Bears
Maybe Kyle Orton. Don't draft him. And I know you won't.

28.) Alex Smith, 49ers
Maybe he can put up numbers with Mike Martz. Maybe not.

29.) Brodie Croyle, Chiefs
Ehhhh. Not very solid.

30.) Kellen Clemens, Jets
It might be Chad, but who knows? And who really cares?

31.) Matt Ryan, Falcons
Not worth the number 3 pick. Just a bust. And we'll see it.

32.) Josh McCown, Dolphins
It'll probably be Chad Henne or Josh Beck before Week 6. Don't draft any of them.


As the Brett Favre saga continues, you might want to keep an eye on it. I doubt he's going to be backing anyone up, so he might be worth the chance of a late round pick. Also, Tom Brady is completely worth a top 3 pick. If I got the number 1 pick, I would be tempted to take him first. And I probably would.