I like Congrove's SEC prediction....

[Dossenator]

http://www.collegefootballpoll.com/analysis_sec.html

He has Arkansas winning the SEC West and beating Florida in the SEC Championship game.

The article says if Petrino was still the coach the math would have Arkansas as the National Championship Favorites.

I actually think not having him this year will benefit the team. I know that sounds strange, but I do believe it. This team is loaded with upperclassman leadership (especially at the QB position). Defense was emphasized in practice like it never was under Petrino. Spence I would like to thank Ohio State for the coaches it sent our way in Taver Johnson and Paul Haynes (they both know what they are doing). The team has all the pieces to make a run, a top notch coaching staff, depth and experience all over the field, a chip on their shoulder, and get LSU and Bama in Fayetteville. JL Smith has also found ways to get the best athletes on the field even on the defensive side of the ball. Petrino did not like sharing the studs with the defense. They may very well end up losing multiple games but they have all the pieces.

I have attended many practices and both the spring game and the open scrimmages this fall. This is the best Arkansas team I have seen in my adulthood. Next year will be a small step back but not the step many think. This team is that loaded.

I can't wait to be sitting in Razorback Stadium in 6 days!!!

[Swamp Daddy]

I sure wish Congrove's predictions for all 124 teams would come out before the season starts.

Swamp Daddy

[billybud]

Huh?

I see that Congrove has Florida going 11-1 with their only regular season loss to FSU. If that modelling is true, that would certainly bode well for the Noles.

[Dossenator]

Swamp Daddy: Congrove has his predictions for every team here: http://www.collegefootballpoll.com/team_links.html

Find the team you want and click current to the right of team name. It will show you his 2012 prediction for that team.

Billybud, I think Florida State will have a great season. And I hope they whip up on Florida.

[Vileborg]

He has VT going 12-0 and ranked #1 in the nation.

They say defense wins championships and this is slated to be one of VT's best defenses. I just hope the offense can help them out.

[Dossenator]

Vileborg....I would love to see an Arkansas vs Virginia Tech for the NC. That would be a fun game.

My dream matchup would actually be Arkansas vs USC...much needed payback in store.

But I think Ark vs VT would be a good game.

[Swamp Daddy]

Finally, the Congrove general ranking up for all teams yesterday or the day before. Sunday, 09-02, is the day for Louisville to meet arch rival Kentucky. First game jitters usually makes for a sloppy and nerve racking first half; but, by the 2nd half is started usually one team has established what it can do better than the other one and conditioning then plays a part.

I was never that nervous in the (real) old days when I played. Or maybe I just got over it quicker. Now, I am jittery through the whole game sitting and watching the TV. Who knew. Booze can help a little.

A week from now I'll be calm enough to discuss things further.

ready to go, Swamp Daddy

[Dossenator]

Arkansas plays Kentucky this year in Fayetteville. I will be going to that game. I will also be watching Lousiville play them this weekend...early scouting report. I hope Lousiville takes it to them.

[Vileborg]

There are too many unanswered questions for VT. Returning only one offensive lineman, no RB, and losing schools top two WR's ever. I'll be happy with 10 wins but I don't expect too much.

[billybud]

I wonder about FSU's offensive line...one starting guard has never played at the Division I level and has only played 8 football games in his entire life (including high school etc), the starting left tackle has never played on offense in his life.

[Spence]

I wonder about FSU's offensive line...one starting guard has never played at the Division I level and has only played 8 football games in his entire life (including high school etc), the starting left tackle has never played on offense in his life.

He did get recruited by Florida State, though, so the coaches think a lot of him and that says something.

[billybud]

Hey...a 300 plus pounder who played basketball and was a boxer means he does have some athletic ability.

An interesting story, Spence. A gem of a recruiting tale.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/w ... index.html


FSU will be fielding the United Nations team this year....Guard from Manchester England, Defensive End from Berlin, DE from Moscow, Guard from Reinfelden, Germany, and the real foreigner from New Jersey.

[billybud]

And the crazy thing? The guy is starting at Florida State this year. He has been great in practice.

It is a truly a strange tale...Can't wait to watch and see how it goes.

[Spence]

A college baskeball player has lots of athletic upside. It is a neat story. I hope he does well.