Dynasty Update: Two for the Money

2016 is off to a rousing start. The Nevada Wolfpack are 2-0 and looking like a prime-time contender for the Pac-10 crown after a gutsy, last-second win in the Coliseum over #5 USC. The season started out as expected, with the 'Pack jumping out to a quick 17-o lead over UNLV, but careless play through the second half allowed the Rebels to come back before Nevada finally put them away late, 27-21. Many fans thought the lackluster performance was a bad omen heading into game 2 at Southern Cal, but Ace Journeyman had a few tricks up his sleeve. After falling behind 7-0 early, the Pack broke out the no-huddle and flew down the field to tie it up. It was a back and forth contest the whole day, but the Trojans finally pulled away, 28-21 with :35 remaining. Journeyman's two-minute drill worked flawlessly, however, as the Wolfpack were at the goal line with just nine seconds left. A HB draw caught the Trojans off guard for a TD and with just a few ticks left on the clock, the Ace made the risky call: go for the win. One successful 2-pt pass later, the Wolfpack were celebrating a 29-28 lead and were one tackle away from the upset. The Trojan returner was forced out of bounds, but the clock had already expired and Ace Journeyman's team had secured his biggest win to date.

If it's coming from a Florida fan, it must be sincere...

While Mr. Siwndle over at EDSBS was commenting on the close to the Fulmer Cup season, which Georgia will win barring another flurry of scoring from Missouri, he made a statement that I think has been overlooked. In regards to UGA's off-season shenanigans:

"you do know that Georgia players, as much as we would love to deride them as a Florida fan, did little more than stumble around drunk and do dumb things drunk college students do, right? This isn't a nest of criminal vipers ready to spring from Athens and ensnare the state of Georgia in a web of criminality and vice. Georgia's already well on its way towards that state anyway, and a bunch of tipsy dudes with enormous hang cleans and good 40 times aren't going to make it any worse."

Very true, Orson. Very true. He also said this last week:

"Barring open rioting at Minnesota or East Carolina, the number one party school in the nation will reflect their vivacious nightlife in the Fulmer Cup standings, too. The Dawgs have done this the old-fashioned way: by stumbling tipsily into the arms of a willing and overly officious local police force. "

Which I think also rings true. It's the paradigm of law enforcement in a college town: crackdown on the college-aged problems. Its why the ACCPD racked up almost 30 underage-drinking tickets the first weekend of the school year...while supposedly only focusing on the youthful revelers who became "disorderly." There's 30,000 students wondering around a 12-block area that's home to almost 100 bars - do the math. Right or wrong, that's how it is. Its insane to think that college athletes won't fall into the trap every now and then, too. And before you label me an apologist or a soft-on-discipline fan, remember that I wanted Mettenberger and Robinson gone off this team before their sentences were handed down and was ready to toss all the players in bratwurst-gate. But, when it comes to the types of things that most college kids do, I am a little more sympathetic. Also, I've seen some of the big-ass trucks that douchey morons from the suburbs bring on this campus and cram into the parking decks; I'm glad one got hit. Who the fuck needs a full-size, off-road, 4x4 in Alpharetta? Nobody. But that's an issue for another time.

Dynasty Update: Things to Build On

The home stretch of the 2015 season was a series of highs and lows: a blowout win over Oregon State, but a blow out loss to Arizona State, a losing record in the PAC-10, but a second-consecutive bowl win. Along the way, Ace Journeyman signed several 4-star recruits, but lost even more to competing programs. All in all though, the season was a success considering that it was the Wolfpack's first in the PAC-10, facing BCS opponents week-in and week-out. The lessons learned this season will serve Journeyman well as he plans for 2016 and takes aim at a league title.

2015 Schedule 8-5 (4-5)

Northern Arizona - W 41-0
#12 Oregon - L 14-31
at #25 Stanford - W 28-14
at UNLV - W 27-17
at UCLA - W 28-24
#19 USC - L 21-24
Cal - L 21-22
at Oregon St. - W 35-7
at Arizona St. - L 17-45
Arizona - W 31-14
#9 Washington - L 19-27
at New Mexico - W 35-3

Hawaii Bowl
Marshall - W 42-14

That explains things a bit...

I'm watching the Hoover vs. Byrnes HS football game on ESPN and they just showed an interesting breakdown: 91 of the ESPN top-150 are from the southeast.

Hit-and-Running Back

Washaun Ealey was arrested this morning for a minor hit-and-run accident in a UGA parking deck this morning. How early? About 3am. That's crazy suspicious. But, according to the report, there were no injuries and no alcohol involved. The reason he was arrested instead of simply cited was...take a guess...a suspended license. In reality, it's not that big of a deal and should garner about a one game suspension unless more info is uncovered. It's more a matter of stupid decisions than criminal intent or genuine character flaws. One caller on the local morning show compared Ealey to former UGA QB Zach Mettenberger, which is just ridiculous. Sexual assault is way worse than bumping the fender of a pickup truck in a cramped parking deck. Even if Ealey resolves all of his legal/insurance issues and there's no suspension demanded for the arrest, I'd at least sit him a game if I was Richt, simply for being so careless so close to the season. Needless to say, Georgia will now most definitely be crowned Fulmer Cup Champs.

FTS Preseason Top-25

Well, after much ado, here it is, the FTS Preseason Rankings:*

1. Ohio State
I know, I know. But I'm just not seeing them losing in the Big Ten, and even if they do drop a game (Miami?), one loss might not be enough to keep them out of the title game. I see them being matched up with an undefeated Big-XII champion and coming out ahead in a close - and probably boring - game.

2. Oklahoma
If they can get past Texas, the Sooners should coast to the conference title game. I don't think Nebraska's quite ready for the big time yet, so I'll take the Sooners to make it to, but lose, the BCS title game.

3. Alabama
Even with an inferior record to the top-2, the Tide will still be arguably better than the Buckeyes or Sooners. They should win the SEC with one loss and dominate the Sugar Bowl.

4. Oregon
Despite a slow start, I think a conference title and a Rose Bowl win will have the Ducks high on everyone's end-of-the-season lists. A Rose Bowl win will have them in the top-5.

5. Texas
An 11-1 Texas squad will be an afterthought to most of the nation. I see a lackluster match-up with Big East champ Pitt and a another top-10 finish.

6. Florida
The Gators will not win their division, but will wind up ranked higher than div.-winner Georgia. UF will sneak past UGA to a BCS at-large spot from the Dawgs and beat an over-matched ACC Champ.

7. TCU
An undefeated season won't be enough to get the Horned Frogs into the BCS title game. It will, however, leave them the highest ranked non-BCS team in the wake of a two-loss season for Boise. I predict a loss in a BCS Bowl, most likely the Rose, to end the season.

8. Georgia
The Dawgs get back to 10 wins and steal their division, but a late loss to Auburn sets pollsters to doubting. They will lose the SEC Title game, but win the Capital One Bowl to earn a top-10 finish. Yes, I am a homer and an optimist.

9. Boise State
2 losses but a cruise through the WAC. The Broncos will miss a BCS bowl this year but should knock off a mid-level BCS team in a bowl.

10. Nebraska
A loss to Texas in the regular season and a loss to OU in the Big-XII Title game leaves the Huskers outside the BCS and repping their league in the Cotton Bowl. A win there could mean a top-10 finish.

11. Virginia Tech
The Hokies will beat Boise State, lose 2 games in the ACC, win the conference anyway, then lose the Orange Bowl. That equals #11.

12. Wisconsin
The Badgers will have a great season, but could face a top-tier team in a BCS bowl. And, though Wisky will be better than some of the top-ten, the Badgers will find themselves a few spots down the line.

13. Oregon State
It'll be up and down for the Beavers. The Rose Bowl bid will come down to the Civil War and, even losing that game, State could still only be an 'upset' of Boise State away from an at large BCS bid. In the end, they'll fall to the Alamo Bowl and a second-tier finish.

14. North Carolina
Even down a blue-chipper or two, the Heels should be very dangerous. I've got them finishing second in their division with 2-3 losses, but bypassing Atlantic winner Florida State in the final rankings.

15. Florida State
I like Christian Ponder and I like Jimbo Fisher...I just don't like their championship chances this year in a tough ACC. A strong finish in their bowl game - possibly a re-match with West Virginia - will set up things to come, but won't be enough to break the top-10.

16. Pitt
The Panthers will run Dion Lewis through an up-and-down season. I see them wining the Big East and making a BCS Bowl, but picking up 2-3 losses en route, and slipping closer to #20 with the big-time New Year's loss.

17. Auburn
Watch for the Iron Bowl to be VERY important this year. The Tigers will have an impressive season, winning at least nine games, including a New Year's bowl.

18. USC
Can we even rank them?

19. Penn State
This is another team that could finish anywhere between five and 25. Considering where I've got them picked in the Big Ten, the Nits could be carrying 3 losses into bowl season. I see them losing in the Capital One Bowl pushing them further down the rankings.

20. Georgia Tech
The Bees will start strong, but their last two games will be losses: at Georgia and then a bowl opponent who has a month to figure out the triple option (see: LSU and Iowa).

21. South Carolina
Who knows?

22. Miami
This is an athletic team with top-10 talent and top-5 potential...but I don't see it clicking yet. Their division's too competitive and 3-4 losses will have them a 20-25 afterthought for most voters. The 'Canes might very well upset Ohio State early, but the season will wear on them down the stretch.

23. LSU
A win over Arkansas and a bowl victory will have the Tigers clawing their way back into voters' minds.

24. Houston
I flirted with the idea of a BCS appearance and top-10 finish for the Cougars, but I still don't trust them to play well in every game. Watch for a split with the non-conf. BCS-foes and then a toe-stubbing conference loss somewhere. In the end, a 10-2 C-USA team will be hovering around the 25 spot, no matter how many yards their QB throws for.

25. West Virginia
The Mountaineers will have a solid regular season, but fall short in the Backyard Brawl and their bowl game.



Creepin' while ya sleepin':

UConn
Stanford
Arkansas
Iowa
Notre Dame

* Remember: Preseason polls are pretty much pointless, but they're fun. The first FTS top-25 will most likely look nothing like this.

FTS Preseason Top-25 - A Preface

I've been doing personal top-25 preseason polls for years now, ever since I discovered the world of preseason mags way back in middle school (thanks Athlon and Lindy's). Every time I did it, I caught myself placing teams by where I thought they'd finish, not what I thought of their talent/coaching/etc. in comparison to other teams. So, I'd scrap it and start over...then I'd think about schedule and fatigue and bye-weeks and realize that in the end, I was going to end up with teams sorted by where I thought they'd end up anyway. Then I'd fish the crumpled up original draft out of the trashcan and finish it. Then I'd stick it in the inside cover of one of the magazines and there it'd sit all season long. God they were terrible.

Why am I telling you this? Because I still pretty much do the same thing. Only now it's electronic and left up online for the world to see all season long; to make folks laugh with picks like '09's Rutgers or '08's Auburn. Even now, in 2010, almost 20 years later, I start out confident, slip-up, re-do and re-re-do, scrap it all and start over, then end up with something close to the first draft. And when it's all said and done, it still ends up based on where I think a team will finish in the final polls. So, it's not an indicator of how I'd actually vote or even what the FTS poll will look like through the season. Is Boise State truly more talneted than the teams ranked behind them in other polls? I personally don't think so, but I'll have the Broncos high in my rankings too, their predicted 11-1 a much better accomplishment than LSU's probable 8-4...though I'd take the Tigers head to head...maybe. Maybe not. Maye it's better too not think too much about it, or else risk admitting how pointless this whole preseason poll thing is.

Pointless or not, though, it gets me through...11 more days, mofos. Anyway, my poll will be up tomorrow and you can agree or disagree, pick and nit-pick, sharpen the pitchforks and light the torches...but in the end, I do it more for me than you. And, if you really don't agree, feel free to make your own. I think the domain name, gofuckyourself, is still available. I kid, I kid. If you seriously have issues with it, just call your mom, cause that's where I'll be, eatin' pancakes and giving you mouth-siblings. BOOM, football's almost here!

Dynasty Update: Welcome to the Bigs

It has certainly been an adjustment moving from the WAC to the PAC-10. It's been easier for more athletic teams to pull away from the Wolfpack and close games are harder for Journeyman to pull out week-in and week-out against the tougher competition in this league. Maybe Ace's success will finally come back to bite him in 2015n, as the expectations in Reno are no less than a conference title and top-10 finish. With three losses already, there's no way either of those goals can be achieved and fan bases aren't always known for their understanding. Some have been vocal about Journeyman's performance, criticizing certain late calls in close games and his failure to close top-level recruits in the off-season. But, without him, there's no way Nevada would be the program that it's become the past 3 seasons or a member of a BCS conference. More understanding and optimistic fans are thrilled, knowing that their beloved head coach can have them contending for the PAC-10 title in a few short seasons and are relieved by the abatement of rumors of bigger programs, midnight plane rides, and other job offers. So far, 2015 has been a mixed bag; the step up to a big conference has taken its toll with 3 losses so far, but few think it will end in a losing season.

2015 Schedule (5-3)

Northern Arizona - W 41-0
#12 Oregon - L 14-31
at #25 Stanford - W 28-14
at UNLV - W 27-17
at UCLA - W 28-24
#19 USC - L 21-24
Cal - L 21-22
at Oregon St. - W 35-7

Remaining Games:

at Arizona St.
Arizona
#13 Washington
at New Mexico

Stay Tuned...

...for the 2010 pre-season FTS Top-25 poll.

Wild West Update

UPDATE 3: Can WAC commissioner Karl Benson really be that upset? He's mad that two of his teams left, but hasn't he been secretly talking to BYU for a while now? Plus, the reality of the matter is that the MWC provides better opportunities than the WAC. Period.
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UPDATE 2: God, I need cfb to start...SOON. I've gotten way too much mental mileage out of this shit this afternoon. my what-ifs and scratch paper doodles have produced some apocalyptic things:

1. Utah State has to give up football
2. Enjoy the annual New Mexico State-Baylor Big-12 showdown
3. The new WAC-14 produces a National Champion in 3 years

4...how many days?
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UPDATE: Is the new Mountain West also thinking about adding Houston, too?
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Fresno State and Nevada have accepted their invitation to the Mountain West - apparently anteing-up the $5mil. WAC buyout - bringing the revamped MWC to 11 teams. If BYU does, as it apparently attends to do, leave the league for independence, there will still be a solid 10-team league. If the Cougars stay, then the MWC would be able to add one more team to the 11-team roster to create a co-divisional championship game...and certainly attain AQ status. But, we still have the remnants of the WAC unconsidered. If BYU stays, surely one of these cast-offs would be chosen to fill out the MWC roster...that would leave 5 conference-less teams floating in the wild western winds. Where would they go?

Dynasty Update: Whole Lotta Shakin' (Up) Goin' On

Well, Ace Journeyman will be coaching a BCS team next season, but he didn't have to leave Reno to do it. Finally tired of Washington State's non-competitiveness, the PAC-10 has dropped the Cougars in favor of Nevada. Rumor has it that Ace was entertaining offers from Clemson and Minnesota before the invite, but once the regents accepted, he was fully on board and vested in making the Wolfpack a true conference contender. The schedule looks brutal by WAC standards, going from one or two BCS foes a season to nine, plus regular standing rivalries with New Mexico and UNLV, leaving only one free non-conference game...and that slot filled by Notre Dame in 2016 and a series with Boise State in 2017-18. Journeyman will have his work cut out for him, having to build a mid-level program into a true BCS contender and giving up road games to 12,000 seat WAC stadiums in exchange for the Cathedrals of college football. On the upside, California has become a pipeline state for recruiting and more and more 4-star players are interested in Reno...but it will truly be an uphill battle. Truthfully, most know that Ace still holds out a dream to coach at his alma mater, but the challenge now is to turn Nevada into a BCS competitor.We shall see...

The Wild West

BYU declares Independence? I guess so. It honestly makes sense, in a Notre Dame kind of way. It's most likely football independence, with the rest of BYU's sports going to the WAC, and would do the Cougs well since they've been passed over by the big leagues. Twice. While they won't get the love that the Irish get with AQ-bids and scheduling, they had to do something to compete with the boost Utah got when the Utes joined the PAC-1o.

Now the Mountain West has responded: It's official that the conference has invited Fresno State and Nevada to join the league. That's on top of Boise State already agreeing to join back during round one of this shit in June. Neither the Wolfpack nor the Bulldogs have accepted the invite, maybe due to the newly signed agreement that any team leaving the WAC has tom pay $5mil (what?!).

The next question? What does the WAC do? They'd be down to six teams and you have to have at least eight teams to be a conference. Hey, I hear BYU football might be available by then...

Dynasty Update: FINALLY!

It took five years, but Ace Journeyman finally won a bowl game. His Wolfpack closed out the homestretch of 2014 in style, trouncing #25 Fresno State, 45-24 and pounding rival New Mexico, 38-17. The 11-1 record was enough to earn an invite to the Emerald Bowl, where Nevada met the Trojans of USC. While the Men of Troy were coming off a down season (7-5), many predicted Journeyman's streak of bowl losses would continue in the face of the sheer talent and athleticism of USC. In the end, though, it was a series of gutsy coaching calls and offensive adjustments that secured the win, 27-24. The bowl victory is not the only high note of this happy ending either: Journeyman has put together the best recruiting class in Wolfpack history, securing 5 4-star recruits already, with a couple 5-stars possibly on the way. Among all the success, though, is a creeping doubt. The fans in Reno aren't suspicious of Journeyman's talents - he's more than proven them - they're worried about his loyalty. Rumors are swirling that bigger programs are chomping at the bit to lure away the young coach. So, while the bowl season finishes out, Wolfpack nation is in wait-and-see mode...

2014 Season Recap

Eastern Washington - W 41-14
San Jose State - W 31-7
UNLV - W 24-0
at Idaho - W 55-7
at #9 Notre Dame - W 14-10
at LA Tech - W 39-15
#13 Boise State - L 10-17
at Hawai'i - W 23-20
New Mexico State - W 34-0
Utah State - W 31-21
at #25 Fresno State - W 45-24
at New Mexico - W 38-17

Emerald Bowl

USC - W 27-24

Conference (not really) Blast 10 - The Other Guys

Well, it's time to close out the 2010 Conference Blasts. We'll end with the "potpourri" category of non-BCS and independents. I didn't want to spend my time ranking the non-BCS conferences, so I just considered the rest of the remaining teams all together and pulled out the ones I saw having the most success in the upcoming season. So, who will be the best non-BCS/independent/mid-majors in 2010? Here's my list:


Houston - Keenum's going to have SICK numbers and the Cougars will have 2 chances to beat BCS teams: UCLA and Miss. St. If they win those games and avoid the mental collapses that cost them last season, they could be BCS Busting.

Boise State - They will run through the WAC mostly unchallenged...but I'm not sold on all the National Title talk. Look for VA Tech to put them in their proper place early.

TCU - Deja vu?

Notre Dame - Ugh. I get so tired of the Irish. I do, however, like Brian Kelly and would like to see him do well. And, while ND's record might not be as good as some of the others on this list, they have more talent than anyone else here.

Utah - A step down in 2010...but not too far. Pitt's a tough non-conf game and TCU should be more than the Utes can handle.

Air Force - I like their style and they know how to hurry a kick team on the field. Les Miles should take notes.

Nevada - 10 wins would not surprise me for the Wolfpack in 2010 and they're the reason I used the qualifier "mostly" in describing Boise State's predicted run through the WAC. I'm looking forward to the Friday night face-off to decide the conference on Nov. 26.

Navy - Obligatory. But, will they beat Notre Dame again?

BYU - Because it wouldn't be a Best of the Non-BCS without the only one to win a modern national title.

Temple - It felt as odd writing this as it does for you reading it. And it gets worse: 10 wins? A distinct possibilty.

Conference Blast 9 - The Big East

Well, the first week of resumed real life is over. With the weekend comes a little extra time which I've used to wrap up the FTS pre-season conference predictions. First up, the last of the AQ leagues, the Big East. I know we've made fun of this conference, but it's actually a solid collection of teams, albeit a bit top-heavy.


The Big East Champion will be...Pitt. I almost went another way here because of the lack of experience coming back, but in the end, no other team makes sense as champion. And yes, it's 90% Dion Lewis. Let's hope the 'Stache learned from the Cincy loss not to abandon the run and the defense maintains it's statistical standing at the top of the league. The last two games are the toughest: WVU and at Cincy, but the Panthers should emerged unscathed to claim the crown.

2. West Virginia - Like with Pitt, I'm banking on the run game. A lot of Devine, early and often and a tough defense should keep the Mountaineers in contention for the conference title heading into the Backyard Brawl. In a toss-up, I'm taking the Panthers, which leaves WV in a close second.

3. UConn - Didn't see that coming, did you? The Huskies return 8 on each side of the ball, including the leading passer and rusher on offense and the leading tackler on defense. They get the best teams at home, with the season ending trip to Tampa the hardest road game. If they avoid any slip ups and maybe even upset WVU in a Friday night tilt, UConn could even compete for the title, but I still don't see enough athleticism to hang with the Backyard Brawlers.

4. South Florida - I think Skip Holtz is a good coach and has the easiest position of the new Big East coaches. The offense returns 10 led by athletic QB Daniels, and while the D might slip a bit, they should be good enough to win a key game or two en route to a 4-3 record.

5. Cincinnati - There will be some slippage here. With Brian Kelly gone, the Bearcats can't expect another title and undefeated season. Collaros played well in a relief role last season, but it won't be enough to escape the middle of the pack in 2010.

6. Rutgers - After what Rutgers did to me last season, I'm not saying anything.

7. Syracuse - Slow and steady wins the race. The rebuilding is tough, but Marone's got things headed the right way.

8. Louisville - I like Charlie Strong and I think he can win here, just not in 2010. The mid-season trip to Syracuse should shake out the cellar standings, and I'm taking the Orange in the Dome.

A Tarheel's Take - St. George's Guest Post

Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game Preview: LSU vs UNC

September 4, 2010 8pm ABC


North Carolina comes in with a very highly-touted defense anchored by two projected top 10 NFL draft picks (assuming Marvin Austin gets the chance to play in this game or at all this season). And defense will have to be the key for UNC to pull out this victory. LSU has a stingy defense as usual, but probably will not compare with the bruising, suffocating defenses historically seen in Baton Rouge. The Tigers’ offense struggled last year being outgained by 4 of the 9 teams they defeated. Jordan Jefferson will likely be the starter for LSU at quarterback and at 6’5”, he’s still quite mobile. LSU’s running game and receiving corps will be question marks because of both units’ inexperience, but they will surely try to establish the run early. The Tar Heels have major questions at quarterback with Senior TJ Yates coming into this season after a terrible 2009, which is putting it mildly. Many claim that this was because of North Carolina’s offensive line having so many injuries, but play-calling for Yates rarely included passes beyond 5-10 yards, if that. This will have to change in this game and in this season if this team wants to be successful and not depend on grinding every single game out to the finish with their stout defense. Receivers for the ‘Heels, while youthful, have shown some strides in the spring and the unit will rely on Greg Little to carry them, once again, unless he is suspended from this game by NCAA.

Prediction: My gut feeling initially said my alma mater, North Carolina, wins in a 6-3 slugfest…and this can definitely happen if the current players under NCAA investigation are not suspended. In reality, though, I see both players sitting this one out. The defenses cancel each other out and unless there are big offense plays, turnovers and special teams will be the difference in this game. The Tigers’ defensive line wears down the Heels’ offensive front, helping LSU force a late turnover that leads to the deciding points of the game. Furthermore, the boys in Carolina Blue have not won in the beautiful city of Hotlanta* since the 2001 Peach Bowl against an Auburn squad led by Dameyune Craig, where Ronald Curry finished his career with a 16-10 win over a quality SEC foe. North Carolina’s last regular season victory in the ATL dates back to 1997 over Georgia Tech, 16-13. A bit of a coincidence since LSU won their last game in Atlanta at the Peach Bowl** in 2008 over Georgia Tech, 38-3.

So, will it be LSU “burning down” the Heels as Sherman did oh so long ago? Or will it be the school best known for basketball prominence putting a whooping on the Bayou Bengals in the Georgia Dome, as the Dawgs did in the 2003 SEC Championship Game?

Reality bites: LSU 14, UNC 10. Should be a good game and close, too, folks.

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* Hotlanta being a moniker for Atlanta that was used to exhaustion in the 1990’s and is now more of a despised nickname that tourists and transplants use for the city.

** The game is now called the Chick-fil-A bowl but I refuse to call it that, and the reason being I hate corporate ownership of bowls. I will never hate Chick-fil-A and live on it at least once every two weeks, FYI.

Credit to Phil Steele publications and ESPN.com’s archive schedules for both teams is due.
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Ed. note: This is (almost) completely the work of St. George, not joaj34. As of publishing, it is unlikely that Marvin Austin and Greg Little will play, a revelation that probably seriously changes this post.

Dynasty Update: Ups and Downs

#14 Nevada 9-1(6-1)

2014 got off to a great start. Ace Journeyman's Wolfpack cruised through the early schedule, drilling WAC foes Idaho and SJSU, as well as rival UNLV. However, they seemed untested heading into a national stage-showdown in South Bend versus #9 Notre Dame. It was a defensive affair, but Journeyman's 'Pack got the upset, 14-10. Propelled into the national spotlight and earning a top-20 ranking with the win, all eyes were on the showdown with #13 Boise State. Once again, though, Nevada came up short, dropping a close one to the Broncos, 10-17. With an undefeated season off the slate, Journeyman has his sights set on another BCS invite, but most prognosticators are thinking the Emerald Bowl. One more big showdown looms next with #25 Fresno State before the season-ending rivalry New Mexico.

2014 Schedule

Eastern Washington - W 41-14
San Jose State - W 31-7
UNLV - W 24-0
at Idaho - W 55-7
at #9 Notre Dame - W 14-10
at LA Tech - W 39-15
#13 Boise State - L 10-17
at Hawai'i - W 23-20
New Mexico State - W 34-0
Utah State - W 31-21

Remaining Games:

at #25 Fresno State
at New Mexico

This Week at FTS

Well, the real world has come for me again. This week, it's back to the grindstone and I'd imagine there'll be a lot of naps for a few days. That said, there's still some unfinished summer-camp business to take care of:

• The Big East conference blast will go up soon. However, it will be VERY abbreviated. As will the Best of the non-BCS blast.

• As always, this will be your stop for all-things Ace Journeyman related. It's a big season for the 'Pack and could be the springboard to a MAJOR career change.

• There will be a guest post going up soon with a preseason pick/breakdown of the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Classic pitting LSU against UNC. I hope it will be the first in a new line of posts from guest posters whose allegiances lie outside Athens. Aroo can give us a Miami-Ohio State post and the elusive El Marlino might drop some Florida State-OU knowledge. I dare say maybe even the Moviegoer could give us an Auburn-Clemson preview?
  

• Finally, the FTS preseason Top-25. Admittedly, this is one of the hardest sets of rankings I've ever tried to compile. I'm sure I'll catch some flack for the picks I'll be making.

Postseason Blues

Well, chalk up another loss in Ace Journeyman's bowl record. The Oklahoma Sooners were too much for the Nevada Wolfpack to overcome, hanging on to win 23-16. While it's been impressive watching what Journeyman has done at Eastern Michigan and Nevada, there have been let downs to end every season. Honestly, the 0-4 bowl record has mostly to do with the Ace's teams getting too successful too fast and earning bowl bids against superior opponents. Many thought the drought would end in 2013, but the unexpected BCS invite changed expectations, with the 'Pack heading to Tempe as 10 point underdogs. Once again, expectations for Journeyman are high in '14, with all eyes focused on the late season match-up with Boise State. When asked if he would rather get a guaranteed bowl win or a second invite to a BCS game, Journeyman smiled and said, "why not both." Well, they're certainly not shying away from pressure in Reno this year, are they?

Dynasty Update: Party Crashers!

After thumping rival New Mexico 38-8, Ace Journeyman received some surprising news: The #10 Nevada Wolfpack have been invited to the Fiesta Bowl! With Boise State playing Alabama in the BCS Championship game, the WAC has been lent some credibility this season, but no one expected two teams from the non-AQ mid-major league to make the BCS party. Even Coach Journeyman was surprised. While accepting the third coach of the year award in his short career, he expressed some concerns over the talent level of his Fiesta opponent, Oklahoma. Many college football pundits have echoed that sentiment, predicting that both WAC teams will be blown out. But, the Ace hopes to prove them all wrong...

2013 Season

Northern Arizona W 52-21
#14 Arizona State W 45-24
Hawaii W 38-35
at San Jose St. W 42-21
at New Mexico St. W 55-13
at Utah State W 43-10
Fresno State W 30-20
at North Texas W 31-7
Louisiana Tech W 24-0
at #13 Boise State L 16-28
Idaho W 34-7
New Mexico W 38-8

Remaining Game:

Fiesta Bowl
#7 Oklahoma

Dynasty Update: Titans Clash!

Ace Journeyman's Nevada Wolfpack has been tearing up the competition in 2013. The dynamic offense has left opposing defenses guessing while piling up ridiculous stats and cruising to an undefeated 9-0 record. For the first time in his short yet successful career, Journeyman has a team in the top-25, with the Wolfpack entering at #24 and clawing up to #11 before the showdown with undefeated, #13 Boise State. In what was arguably the biggest game in WAC history, and the de facto championship game, the Broncos finally contained the Wolves of Reno, holding them to under 350 yards and a mere 16 points. The loss ends Nevada's magical streak, but there's still much to play for down the line. And, while Journeyman's never missed a bowl as a head coach, he's never won one either...that's something he'd love to change this season. Using the bye week to heal up from the thumping, the Wolfpack tore through the Vandals of Idaho and are preparing for their season-ending rivalry with New Mexico. They're currently ranked #12 and have their eyes set on a Las Vegas Bowl bid.

2013 Season

Northern Arizona W 52-21
#14 Arizona State W 45-24
Hawaii W 38-35
at San Jose St. W 42-21
at New Mexico St. W 55-13
at Utah State W 43-10
Fresno State W 30-20
at North Texas W 31-7
Louisiana Tech W 24-0
at #13 Boise State L 16-28
Idaho W 38-7

Remaining game:

New Mexico

Conference Blast 8: The ACC Atlantic

This division was much easier to predict than its Coastal counterpart. It is the lesser of the two divisions talent-wise, but provides a nice foil to the defensive minded Coastal division with the offenses on deck here. Florida State is a top-tier ACC program along with the top-4 Coastal teams, Boston College and Clemson are holding steady in tier two, and Wake Forest, Maryland, and NC St. filling out the league's cellar. So, winning the Atlantic is easier than winning the Coastal, but the schedule draw of who plays who cross-divisionally plays heavily into the pecking order.


The ACC Atlantic Champion will be...Florida State - The 'Noles are a team with a new head coach, but they'll barely miss a beat in the transition. There are no new systems to learn or adapt to and, even according to the players, the ship's being run a but tighter under Jimbo. They might miss the legendary Bobby Bowden, but they won't suffer for it on the field. I'm thinking that FSU winds up with the league's best offense by season's end, as they finished second last year and return nine starters, including QB Christian Ponder. While I don't buy the Heisman hype, I will buy him as th ebest in the league, edging out Miami's Jaclyn Harris. The 'Noles do take a hit schedule wise, drawing Miami and UNC, but even losing both those games would leave State number one in their own division. I'll bank on a split and call it 7-1 in conference with tix to Charlotte in December.

2. Clemson - The defending Atlantic-champ Tigers are not a great team, but they don't have to be to finish second in their division in 2010. They draw the same tough cross-div. tandem as FSU in Miami and UNC, but also add Georgia Tech. They'll struggle with Boston College and Florida State, too, but I can't see them losing more than 3 of these games. They only lost one player on the O- and D-lines, so they should be able to control the trenches in close games and their overall experience will allow them to maintain late in the 4th against tough opponents. In the end, it's the win over Boston College that I see lifting them into second place over the Eagles, who should have a similar record.

3. Boston College - BC returns eight starters on offense, but the skill players will need to lift their game to move the Eagles beyond their 8th place finish as a unit in 2009. The true strength of this offensive unit will lie with the O-line, which returns 108 combined starts and should allow time for the offense to find themselves and take pressure of QB Dave Shinskie. The defense was down last year and only brings back six starters, but it will never be a weakness on Chestnut Hill. Look for solid, conservative play to push BC past the inferior competition across the league, but maybe leave them a bit short against more athletic teams like FSU, Clemson, or VA Tech.

4. Maryland - What? I honestly thought the Terps would be my cellar dweller again, but looking at the info, it seems things might improve a bit in College Park. It honeslty does not have as much to with anything Maryland's doing right than with what will go wrong with Wake and NC St. They return seven on offense, but lost their QB and the O-line's only got 38 combines starts. Defensively, they bring back 5, but shouldn't move up too much from 10th place. What they do have is a nice schedule that finds them playing Duke and Virginia from the Coastal. I'll count them both as wins, as well as home tilts with Wake and State. I don't see them upsetting any of the bigger guys on their slate (FSU, Clemson, BC, Miami), but 4-4 in league might open a door to a bowl.

5. Wake Forest - Jim Grobe is a good coach, but it takes time to build success at a place like Wake - it might be 5-6 years between nine-win seasons. Certainly don't look for it in 2010. They have 13 total starters back on units that finished in the middle of the pack, both offensively and defensively. They lost QB Skinner and their top tackler and only have 45 starts on the O-line, so they'll fall behind early against tougher opponents and it'll be a struggle to stay in some games with flashier offenses. They drew GA Tech and VA Tech out of the Coastal and won't make much noise in the Atlantic. A 3-5 or 2-6 record is highly likely, but they could sneak into a bowl with good non-conf. play.

6. North Carolina State - I thought about picking the 'Pack 4th or 5th, but just couldn't get past the schedule. They play GA Tech, VA Tech, and UNC from the Coastal and might not fare much better against their own divisional foes. I do see them upsetting a team or two, but it'll be a stretch to get out of the cellar.

What time is it in Texas?

Ten to nine.


The 1984 Cotton Bowl is a great moment in Georgia Football history...and a terrible one in Texas. The impact that game had was huge, robbing #2 Texas of a chance at a national title when #1 Nebraska fell later that day. It began the slide that cost Akers his job two seasons later and left the Horns in a funk they didn't recover from until Mack Brown arrived. In their House of Pain series outlining the most painful outcomes in cfb history, ESPN selected the Lastinger-led upset in the fourth spot.

Georgia State: Year One

I have no particular god or religion to speak of, but I will pray for these boys. Especially November 18...in Tuscaloosa. Ouch.

Dynasty Update: Getting Offensive

Ace Journeyman hasn't had a lot of experience with truly talented players. At Eastern Michigan, it often felt like rubbing two sticks together to spark any offensive production, with the rushing game being especially dreadful. Since arriving Reno, however, things have changed a bit. The Wolfpack are putting up amazing numbers in 2013, ranking in the top-1o in overall production and rushing yards. The result? Big wins. The 38 points Nevada scored against Hawai'i was the lowest point total this season and they're averaging 46 points a game. And they need it, too. The defense has allowed over 400 yards in three games and the offense, while productive, struggled with turnovers early.

2013 Season:

Northern Arizona W 52-21
#14 Arizona State W 45-24
Hawaii W 38-35
at San Jose St. 42-21
at New Mexico St. 55-13

Remaining games:

at Utah State
Fresno State
at North Texas
Louisiana Tech
at #17 Boise State
Idaho
New Mexico

Conference Blast 7: The ACC Coastal

Straight up, this was the hardest division for me to pick this year. Four teams have a legitimate chance to win this division and trying to figure out who actually would was quite the bugbear to wrestle with. In the end, it can be said I took the easy way out with my #1 choice, but I still had to predict the results of the rest of the division. Consider my brain racked.


The Coastal Division Champion will be...Virginia Tech - I was a bit hesitant to pick the Hokies since they only have 4 straters returning to the defense, but Bud Foster has established a system in Blacksburg that recovers and reloads, year-in and year-out; I can't recall when they weren't in the top-20 statistically. Offensively, things should be solid at Tech. Eight starters, including the top rusher, passer, and 3 receivers, return to a unit that ranked fourth in league in '09. Two of the Hokies' toughest games are on the road, back-to-back, at UNC and Miami. While I'd never call for VA Tech to go 8-0, I will at least say they split that tandem to finish up 7-1.

North Carolina - I don't buy the dark horse national title talk coming out of Chapel Hill this year, but I can believe the Heels will make a run at being the Coastal Division rep in the ACC Title game. I've heard a lot of talk about the ten returning starters on offense, but does it mean that much when they finished ninth in the ACC last year? Honestly, I think it does. You see, it won't be the offense that wins things for UNC...all they can do is lose games for the Tarheels. And, with that many players back, they're comfortable with the system and should make good enough decisions to keep the defense out of hot water. Defensively, there are nine starters back from the league's best unit and, even if the play without Austin, 5 potential first round picks. Watch for this unit to shut down some big offenses and take some close wins in tight spots. I see them winning a big game on the road in Tallahassee before a home let down against VA Tech. Throw in a slip-up somewhere else and the Heels settle in at 6-2.

Georgia Tech - I really wanted to put Miami here, but I've learned to stop counting the Jackets out. Johnson's offense has ripped this league the past 2 seasons, carrying the Bees to a conference title in '09. Much has been said about losing Dwyer, but what makes a system a "system" is being able to replace individuals and achieve the same results. To me, the real key is the O-line. That's where all the real adjustments and tweaks take place, mostly unseen by the casual fan, and where Tech only returns 37 combined starts. As such, I see the production taking a slight dip, but the schedule should help even out the results. I'll predict losses to VA Tech and UNC for a 6-2 record.

Miami - During all the predicting and rearranging, I had the 'Canes anywhere from 1st to 4th. In the end, I settled on fourth for a handful of reasons. I think JaCory Harris will have a good year, but won't get off to the start he got in '09 with teams knowing what to expect and no solid run game to take pressure of the talented, if erratic, QB. With only six starters back on offense, there's not enough in Corral Gables to vault them over the division competition...not because the 'Canes are not good, but because the other teams have gotten better, including the rising tide in Chapel Hill. Defensively, Miami should be solid, but not up to the standout level of UNC or VA Tech. I see them knocking off someone ranked above them here, bit also dropping a game to an Atlantic foe, as they have the hardest draw cross-division draw of the top Coastal teams. So, while they might be improved, a 5-3 record will not be enough to take the division.

Duke - I like what Cutcliffe's done here and there might even be a shot at a bowl, but the Devils won't make much headway in this cutthroat division. The offense gets nine back, but that won't help much in overcoming the defenses in this division and the Duke D will be hard pressed to contain Johnson's triple option or athletes like JaCory Harris. They do get a fotunate draw out of the Atlantic division: BC, Maryland, and Wake Forest. I'll call a loss to BC and a toss-up at WF en route to 3-5.

Virginia - It's like a car accident in C'ville...new coaches everywhere, new schemes, tough schedule, and hardly any experience returning. It'll be a long one...but look for good things in the coming years.

And from the desert there rose a great din, like the howling of many wolves...

Ace Journeyman has just finished only his second game as head coach of Nevada...but it might be his greatest win so far. With Mackay Stadium rocking and the September sun setting low, the Wolfpack dominated 14th ranked Arizona State, 45-24. Down 10-0 after the first, Journeyman's boys had tied it by halftime before owning the second half in blowout fashion. With rowdy fans storming the field, celebrating players all around him, and gatorade streaming down his back, Journeyman acknowledged that this was a huge victory; the biggest in his short career. He also warned of putting too much into one win, especially one this early in a season. The 'Pack will celebrate this weekend before prepping for Hawaii and the opening of WAC play. Before the season started, the team made the 2013 WAC title their goal. If they accomplish that, then tonight's win is just the icing on the cake.

2013 Season:

Northern Arizona W 52-21
#14 Arizona State W 45-24

Remaining games:

Hawaii
at San Jose St.
at New Mexico St.
at Utah State
Fresno State
at North Texas
Louisiana Tech
at #17 Boise State
Idaho
New Mexico

Dynasty Update: Goodbye, Ypsilanti...Hello, Reno!

The Eastern Michigan Eagles fell to Penn State in the 2013 Little Caesar's Bowl, 40-23. There were flashes of brilliance for the program to build on next season, but they'll be doing it without their head coach. Ace Journeyman has been lured away from Ypsilanti, taking over a re-surging Nevada Wolfpack. Some commentators felt that Journeyman should have held out for a bigger program or that EMU to Nevada was a lateral move, but there's real potential in Reno. The Pack is a year removed form a bowl, barely missing one in 2012 with a 5-7 record. Sources close to Journeyman have reported that the young coach feels like Nevada could be the next Boise State, and he hopes to build a perennial contender for not just WAC, but even BCS dominance...something that he felt was impossible at Eastern.

2013 Season

Northern Arizona
#14 Arizona State
Hawaii
at San Jose St.
at New Mexico St.
at Utah State
Fresno State
at North Texas
Louisiana Tech
at #17 Boise State
Idaho
New Mexico