College Football starts today

[GoldenEagle]

Memphis began its practice in the cool morning air at 6:30. There is not much info avaliable. Big DT Albert means did not partake due to an injured back. Here is an eye-witness account of the first practice:

"I made it out there bright and early at 6:25am (I know -- I do need professional help). LOL Last year, I did the same thing so now I have to do this each year.

Some observations --

-- If you didn't know Will Hudgens tore his ACL, you would never guess by looking at him. He has no brace, no bandage, or anything on the knee. He was throwing passes among the other QBs this morning (albeit it was just short, warmup type of passes). Don't take any of this to mean he might play this year, he's still going to redshirt but I'd say his rehab is progressing nicely

-- Albert Means did not practice this morning. I asked him how he was doing and he said "fine". He'll probably be back out there within the week. They are being very cautious with him so as to not re-aggravate the injury.

-- Joseph Doss looked really good as far as speed and athleticism. Its too early to tell what the depth chart might look like but it looked to me like he was getting snaps behind Deangelo and Lakendus Cole. I think Doss will definitely play this year but his primary duty may be on kick returns and/or punt returns.

-- you look across the field and see all of the WRs we have and you just wonder how anyone is going to cover them all. We have more WRs 6-3 and above than I have ever seen here."

CREDIT - GreatScott at the CUSAbbs Tiger board.

I am really excited about the upcoming season. I think if QB Wimprine plays like he did in the NO Bowl we will be able to strech the field with the pass and the run. DeAngelo will keep defenses honest on the run. The defnese has to replace some starters but the word is everyone worked out hard over the break.

What's the thoughts coming from your team camp?

[Leonidas]

Since my pro team, Miami, really sucks ass, Ohio State is really all I have to live for this fall.

I think the Buckeyes ranked 10th is about right. We lost a ton of talent, but three years ago we had one of the best recruiting years in school history. All those guys are juniors and in prime position to replace all the studs who went pro.

RB is good with Ross finally healthy at tailback. They also have a really good lokking freshman. FB is solid.

QB is the big ? Zwick was all everything in HS 3 years ago, but has only played a handful of downs in college. You never know how good a QB is until he lines up on gameday.

WR we are set. Lost Jenkins but Holmes looks like the real deal. They have three or four other really good looking youngsters. OSU always has good receivers.

TE Took a hit when Hartstock graduated, but they have a couple good blockers back, which is all they want.

O-line tough to call, very young now. Could be our downfall in the end. Mangold back at C is a Godsend

D-Line Lost a lot, but OSU is like Miami now. They just reload with awesome depth on the D line. And 3 years ago they recruited a ton here. Should be OK

LB Some think OSU is best in the nation here. AJ Hawk is a stud, and he wasn't even the top guy they recruited in his class at the position. Oh yeah, we are so loaded here.

DB OK, we lost a lot, but we recruited a whole lot. Justin Fox and EJ Underwood are back. As are the top DB in HS 2 years ago, Donte Whitner, and Deion Sanders clone, frosh Ted Ginn. Experience is kinda low in the DB's, but talent is WAY HIGH.

Special teams All American Nugent back to kick. Ginn will be a top return man. Losing BJ Sanders to punt hurts, real bad. In fact, I think losing Sanders is our biggest loss.

Overall, QB is the big unknown. If Zwick is as good as promised, we will play Michigan for the Big 10 title in Nov. If not, then it's 8 wins and a trip to one of those lame bowls in either Tampa or Orlando.

[Ksyrup]

FSU started on Monday. Likely lost the top CB, Antonio Cromartie, for the season to a dislocated kneecap.

[Celeval]

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

FSU started on Monday. Likely lost the top CB, Antonio Cromartie, for the season to a dislocated kneecap.

Hadn't heard that. Ouch.

And this a year I can root for FSU, since GT doesn't play them. That, and having just married a Seminole, I know what's good for me.

[Noop]

He wasn't the top CB although he has the potential to be... he will miss 6-8 weeks from what I have heard. He may well redshirt and save himself for next season where he can start and turn pro early...

[JeeberD]

UTEP started up Camp Socorro (a tiny New Mexico town in the mountains) last week. So far no one has stepped up in the QB competition, which is the big battle on the team. Most of the other starting positions are pretty much set...

[MacroGuru]

BYU started on Monday

So far we have found a new running back.

Ray Hudson, a 5-8 185 pound back from Wharton, Texas, he is an invite walk on, that runs a 4.3 40, 10.6 100 and is a power lifter.

Since practices are without pads, things are going light, however, the entire team is looking good. Todd Watkins is a name to remember as he is a big play guy that will do well, he has the size and speed for the WR, and has made some awesome plays.

People think I am nuts rooting for BYU and Memphis, but hey, I always will.

I have predicted BYU going 10 - 2 this season, and I am actually one of the skeptics, everyone else around here and the nation rips them apart.

I just look at who they play, the situation coming into the season, and what they have. I think you will see an explosive offense like you did in Crowtons 1st year.

John Beck will be the starter, as he has earned it with his play and teamates.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Leonidas

Since my pro team, Miami, really sucks ass, Ohio State is really all I have to live for this fall.

Is that a life really worth living?

Excellent breakdown, by the way.

Oh yeah, M GO BLUE!

[rkmsuf]

I'll be on the lookout for this guy

http://utsports.collegesports.com/sp..._jimbob00.html

[MacroGuru]

Originally Posted by rkmsuf

I'll be on the lookout for this guy

http://utsports.collegesports.com/sp..._jimbob00.html

Name alone is worth it.

[MrBug708]

I hope UCLA doesnt fall on its face this year

[JeeberD]

Originally Posted by indoorsoccersim

BYU started on Monday

I now have nothing but loathing for you...

[moriarty]

Anyone have an update on Cal's football team? Tough to follow from the East Coast.

[Noop]

Originally Posted by moriarty

Anyone have an update on Cal's football team? Tough to follow from the East Coast.

I checked it out at rivals and i dont see any updates... let me check insiders...

		2004 Golden Bears Football Season Preview By Rob Edwards TheBearInsider.com Date: Aug 11, 2004 Head Coach: Jeff Tedford (3rd year, 15-11 overall) Last Season's Record: 8-6 (5-3, T-3rd in Pac-10) Last Bowl Appearance: 2003 Insight Bowl (52- 49 win against Virginia Tech) Key matchup(s): Oct. 2 at Oregon State, Nov. 6 Oregon
Star Power: QB Aaron Rodgers, Junior 6-2 195; WR Geoff MacArthur, Senior 6-1 200; OT Ryan O'Callaghan, Junior 6-7 330; DT Lorenzo Alexander, Senior 6-3 295; LB Wendell Hunter, Senior 6-1 230; SS Donnie McCleskey, Junior 5-10 195 Notable Additions: RB Marshawn Lynch Fr 5-11 200 Oakland Tech HS, TE Craig Stevens RSFr 6-5 250 Peninsula HS, OG Bryan Deemer JCTr 6-4 300 San Joaquin Delta JC, CB Thomas DeCoud RSFr 6-3 175 Pinole Valley HS, DE Phillip Mbakogu Fr 6-3 260 Hayward HS, P/PK David Lonie JCTr 6-6 215 Ellsworth CC Notable Subtractions: RB Adimchinobe Echemandu, OT Chris Murphy, OT Mark Wilson, DT Josh Beckham, CB James Bethea 2004 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE 09/04/04 @Air Force 09/11/04 New Mexico State 09/16/04 @Southern Mississippi 10/02/04 @Oregon State 10/09/04 @Southern California 10/16/04 UCLA 10/23/04 @Arizona 10/30/04 Arizona State 11/06/04 Oregon 11/13/04 @Washington 11/20/04 Stanford Offensive Overview: The first question all Bear fans must ask is can Aaron Rodgers rebound from major knee surgery and play a full slate of games this fall? There have been no indicators that suggest the operation was anything but a success. The key to his good health will be the play of the offensive line and running backs. The OL is anchored at tackle by Andrew Cameron and Ryan O'Callaghan. Lining up between this pair are C Marvin Philip, OG Jonathan Geisel and OG Aaron Merz. This formidable unit is fully capable of providing Rodgers with adequate protection and opening holes for the rushing attack. Led by RB's J.J. Arrington and Terrell Williams, the Bears will feature a strong run game. Additionally, incoming freshman, Marshawn Lynch is expected to see some action as well. He is a major talent waiting to burst onto the college football scene. Cal has a WR corps as deep and talented as any in recent memory. All-American candidate Geoff MacArthur will team with Johnathan Makonnen to give the Bears the best starting pair in the Pac-10. Depth will be provided by Insight Bowl star Chase Lyman, Burl Toler, a sure handed clutch receiver and freshmen, Sam DeSa, Sean Young and Noah Smith. The wildcard in the group is David Gray, a receiver who has yet to tap his unlimited potential. Craig Stevens and Garrett Cross are the top returning TE's. Coach Tedford singled out Stevens several times in Spring practice for his efforts. Look for him to make a big impression this fall. Defensive Overview: Many questions surround the Cal defense, including: will the DL generate more than 1.3 sacks/game and what about depth at cornerback? The answer to the first question must be yes if the Bears are to be successful on defense. A strong pass rush will take pressure off the secondary. Can the Cal DL step up to the challenge? The Bears are certainly experienced. Lettermen Ryan Riddle, Tosh Lupoi, Ray Tago, Tom Sverchek, Brandon Mebane and honors candidate, Lorenzo Alexander all return. In addition, highly touted freshmen, Matt Malele and Phillip Mbakogu, are preparing for their first season in a Cal uniform. If these eight men can bring the heat, Cal will be set for a huge season. Coach Tedford has focused considerable effort on improving team speed at LB. This season Bear fans should begin to see the fruits of his labor. Ryan Estes, coming off two lost seasons due to injury, and Joe Maningo, returning from a injury-plagued season, have both demonstrated good speed in the past. Returning starters, Wendell Hunter and Francis Blay-Miezah provide toughness at the position and Sid Slater and Brian Tremblay are able reserves. The most exciting development in Cal football in the recent past is the sharp improvement at cornerback. This season the Bears will present a solid two deep, Tim Mixon, Donte Hughes, Harrison Smith and Thomas DeCoud. This quartet is as talented as any the Bears have had in a number of years. Yes, the Bears have adequate depth at CB. Backing the corners are All-American Strong Safety Candidate, Donnie McCleskey, and Free Safeties Matt Giordano and Ryan Gutierrez. Special Teams Overview: JC Transfer David Lonie is being counted upon to significantly upgrade the punting game. He is known for getting a lot of air under the ball thus preventing appreciable return yardage. Placekicking duties will be handled by Lonie or one of two redshirt freshmen, Tom Schneider or Anthony Binswanger. The players to watch on the return units are Sam DeSa (punt returns) and Frank Summers (wedge-buster). Last year, Cal's kick-off coverage unit lost some luster as they fell from No.1 in the conference the previous year to No.6. Look for the unit to bounce back. For the first time since he arrived at Cal, Special Teams Coach Pete Alamar has had a full off-season to develop coverage schemes. The Golden Bears will wind up in Pasadena... on New Year's Day if USC plays for the National Championship in the Orange Bowl.

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I think is is free info but i could be wrong....http://california.theinsiders.com/2/282522.html that is the direct link

[MacroGuru]

Originally Posted by JeeberD

I now have nothing but loathing for you...

Go Cougs! and For GE's sake, Go Tigers!

[moriarty]

Thanks Noop!

[JeeberD]

Originally Posted by indoorsoccersim

Go Cougs!

1997

UTEP - 14
#25 BYU - 3

Number of goalposts that JeeberD helped rip down at the Sunbowl - 1

[MacroGuru]

But wait, BYU Holds the all time.

28 Wins 7 Losses 1 Tie

Thats one minor win in a sorry year for the cougs.

[JeeberD]

Oct. 26, 1985 -- Defending national champion BYU, with a 24-game WAC winning streak, was derailed by the Miners, 23-16. UTEP defensive back Danny Taylor made the game's big play, a 100-yard interception return for a second quarter score that broke a 10-10 tie. The win was UTEP's lone triumph in a 1-10 season.

Hey, I'm a UTEP football fan. I need all the little victories that I can get...

[MacroGuru]

Originally Posted by JeeberD

Oct. 26, 1985 -- Defending national champion BYU, with a 24-game WAC winning streak, was derailed by the Miners, 23-16. UTEP defensive back Danny Taylor made the game's big play, a 100-yard interception return for a second quarter score that broke a 10-10 tie. The win was UTEP's lone triumph in a 1-10 season.

Hey, I'm a UTEP football fan. I need all the little victories that I can get...

You got me on that one.

[vex]

OU started on Monday as well. Jason White looks good and actually played w/o his knee braces on Monday, with gave him more mobility. He has wore them since though.

Adrian Peterson is coming along slowly, but earning praise from teammates at the same time.

Mark Clayton looks great, weaving through the defense after catches.

DBs also look good with some nice INTs.