Monday, March 30, 2009

2011 Sports Illustrated College Football Preview

These special SI covers hit store shelves today...

The Florida State Seminoles ar SI's pick to take home the 2011 BCS National Championship. The Noles return a plethora of talent on both sides of the ball including standout WRs Bert Reed and Blake Beck. Beck is the more dynamic of the two, as he also doubles as the FSU QB in its now famed "Tomahawk Package." The Noles defense is lead by pre-season All-American FS Nick Moody and possibly the top group of LBs in the nation. FSU will be tested early, with games at Nebraska and at home against LSU, not to mention it rivalry tilts against Clemson and Florida. But we think, even with one loss, the Seminoles have what it takes to learn from last season's title game loss, and end up with the crystal ball at season's end. "I feel really good about our team, says coach cjohnchavis. "If we can get solid play at the quarterback position, then I like our chances. Obviously Clemson is the team to beat until someone, anyone, can beat them. But I feel good now that the guys have that BCS game experience under their belts."


The #2 Florida Gators are loaded with speed, talent, and rap skills from top to bottom. New head coach StuBucksman has taken charge of these Gators and demanded nothing but the best since his arrival. He's revamped the Gator offense, and expect a lot of the same hard nosed, pound the rock principles he taught at Miami to find its way to The Swamp this season. Florida tailback Jeffrey Demps will need to prove he can stay injury free and be a full time tailback in the SEC after spending most of last season playing slot WR. The Gators also boast the arrival of three true freshmen speedsters RB Zach Frye, RB Jonathan Ingram, and WR Scott Simmons. Look for all three to make an impactas early as week 1 against the 3-time defending national champion Clemson Tigers. The Gators defense will be relied on heavily in the early going, which will allow new QB John Brantley (who replaces the benched Carlos Phillips) to get his feet wet before the rough SEc schedule hits. New Gator strength coach Hacksaw Jim Duggan has impressed StuBucksman with his hard nosed demeanor and ability to toughen up the men in the trenches. If the Gators can manage to knock of the LSU Tigers twice this season, they could find themselves in New Orleans playing for the big money.


The Clemson Tigers find themselves in familiar territory to start the season. OUT of the #1 spot. For the 4th season in a row, the Tigers will need to prove the doubters wrong and march its way into the top 2 to earn a 4th consecutive national title. Clemson boasts the nation's best defense and its turnover ratio has been the difference in several wins and losses throughout the past 3 seasons. Star tailback Blake Miller gives the Tigers a speedy compliment to starting tailback Andre Ellington, and both will need to carry a heavy load to pave the way for a new starting QB. Coach utvol27 will have to keep his team poised, as it opens with 3 consecutive away games to start the season, in addition to closing the season with 3 consecutive user games against RUTS opponents. Smart money says don't bet against the Clemson Tigers, but with so much parody in college football, and a tough schedule, we think it's someone elses turn. The Tigers will finish near the top, but have to settle for a regular BCS bowl for first time in RUTS history.



The boys on the bayou are back and louder than ever. A tremendous off-season landed the Tigers with 8 5-star recruits, coupled with last off-season's #1 recruiting class, the Tigers are loaded with more speed and depth than ever on the offensive side of the ball. However, LSU will be looking to replace five departing seniors on defense, which may prove to be its achilles heel. Coach UTVOL54 has uncharacteristically pumped up this team to the media and fans, even going so far as to gaurantee a national championship on "PTI" last week. We like the coach's swagger. We also love the ridiculous talent the Tigers have on offense. They should be able to be balanced and keep opposing defenses on their heels. The determining factor for this team will the play of its defense and its ability to remain poised in tough games to start the season (vs. #5 USC, at #4 FSU, at #12 Nebraska). If the Tigers can somehow start the season 4-0, then a week 6 rivalry showdown looms, as the Gators march into Death Valley. Beating Florida twice this season looks difficult, if not impossible, but don't tell that to Coach UTVOL54 and his players. They won't believe you!





The Nebraska Cornhuskers made a huge statement last season: THEY ARE BACK! The defending Big 12 champions are back and better than ever again this season and will lean on veteran offensive stars QB Kyle Spano, RB Roy Helu Jr, and WR Pierre Powers for firepower this season. Combined with speedy true freshman WR Darrell Webb, the Huskers will be more explosive and dangerous. Their team speed will be put to the test early though, as they open the season against Florida State and Florida in weeks 1 and 2, and host LSU in week 4. Preseason All-American CB David Whitmore will have to lead the defense against these dangerous offenses in the early part of the season. But, look for Nebraska to pull an upset or tow out of its hat. Coach ccut has been know to put his play makers in the best spots possible to succeed, and will do whatever it takes to get the ball in their hands. The Big Red Machine aka Children of the Corn aka Lincoln Loonies will be out to prove they aren't just a one hit wonder. "We will be ready to tak on anybody, anywhere," says Coach ccut.

0 comments: