Caleb's Take on Ex-Duck Jeremiah Masoli

By Caleb

Jeremiah Masoli looked golden just a couple weeks ago.


He would transfer from Oregon to Mississippi, enter the Parks and Recreation graduate program, and still get to play football in 2010—possibly even get Heisman nominations.

Sound too good to be true? Well, it is.

The NCAA has officially denied Masoli's request to play in 2010. They stated two reasons for doing so:

Jeremiah Masoli wasn't going to be eligible for the 2010 season at Oregon.

The time frame between when the discrepancies against the University of Oregon occurred, and when he requested a transfer.

He's not taking it too well, as you can imagine. He was quoted saying:

"I'm just shocked and disappointed. I've done everything I can to follow the rules."

Does this bother anyone besides me? He's done everything he can to follow the rules? There's a lie if I've ever heard one.

Let's review.

Masoli pleads guilty (NOTE: after lying about it and covering it up) to theft at a fraternity house back in January. He gets benched for 2010 at Oregon.

Then, not half a year later he gets busted on marijuana possession. This doesn't sound like "following the rules" to me.

From my point of view, Masoli got off easy. After all the crap the Oregon Ducks have had to deal with under a brand new coach one of their stars pulls this stunt. I was glad honestly when he got benched.

I'm glad he won't be getting out of it.

True, Masoli will just use his redshirt year this year, and play his senior year in 2011, but he's getting what he deserves in my opinion. He broke the law, lied to his team, and should face the consequences.

Whining and acting like a victim shouldn't be fooling anyone.

This also puts Mississippi in a tough spot, as they're now without a solid starter. It looks like Nathan Stanley at this point, who played in five games last year and didn't post up very good numbers.

The NCAA still has one week to overrule their decision, as it was appealed by the University of Mississippi, but I honestly think that the ruling will stand. Masoli gets what he deserves, yet still gets to play in 2011. Seems pretty fair to me.

EPL Predictions: Week 3

Best Day Saturday Predicts the EPL Week 3

Let's hope this week we are both capable of getting above the 500. mark

Wes' Picks:

Blackburn vs Arsenal- Gunners Win (Good job Voyeur)


Blackpool vs Fulham- Fulham Win

Chelsea vs Stoke City- Chelsea Win

Tottenham vs Wigan- Tottenham Win

Wolverhampton vs Newcastle- Newcastle win (Jorty Nation)

Manchester United vs West Ham United- Man U win

Bolton Wanderers vs Birmingham- Draw

Liverpool vs West Brom- Liverpool win

Sunderland vs Man City- Man City win

Aston Villa vs Everton- Draw
 
 
Warren's Picks:
 
Blackburn vs Arsenal- Gunners Win


Blackpool vs Fulham- Blackpool Win

Chelsea vs Stoke City- Chelsea Win

Tottenham vs Wigan- Tottenham Win

Wolverhampton vs Newcastle- Draw

Manchester United vs West Ham United- Man U win

Bolton Wanderers vs Birmingham- Bolton Win

Liverpool vs West Brom- Liverpool win

Sunderland vs Man City- Man City win

Aston Villa vs Everton- Everton Win

Previewing the Conference: Big East

Courtesy of rushthecourt.net

By Warren Lent
Teams with chances in the Big East

-Pittsburgh- Predicted Chance: 42%-- Returning---Offense: (5 of 11) Defense: (6 of 11)

Offense Impact Players: Dion Lewis RB, Jon Baldwin WR
Defense Impact players: Max Gruder LB, Greg Romeus DE

Why: Dion Lewis is one of the best running backs in the country and proved it last season with over 1,800 yards rushing. His dominance last season could be repeated this year as dependence on him grows greater. It looks like sophomore Tino Sunseri will replace Bill Stull at quarterback, but has Jon Baldwin as a receiver to boot. Both Baldwin and Lewis are top shelf at their position, and darkhorse candidates for the Heisman trophy. Pitt has good returning depth including Greg Romeus (8 sacks) and looks to keep opponents under 20 ppg once again this year. The Panthers will play all of their important conference games in November, but could be tripped up by teams like Rutgers and Louisville in October. The last 3 of 4 games in conference are away when they play @Connecticut, @USF, and @Cincinnati. They also play WVU at home in the backyard brawl. Asking for 4-0 out of those games may be asking too much, but going 3-1 is definitely realistic.

-West Virginia- Predicted Chance: 39%-- Returning--- Offense (7 of 11) Defense (9 of 11)

Offensive Impact Players: Noel Devine RB
Defensive Impact Players: Pat Lazear LB, Julian Miller DE

Why: While WVU doesn't have the receiving playmaker Pittsburgh does, they are almost dead even in every other category. Noel Devine is the most exciting running back in the Big East (Sorry Dion) and can break out for a touchdown any given play. On defense, Julian Miller (9 sacks) will cause havoc on the defensive line as much as he can. With the Mountaineers schedule, they are able to host all other viable BE champs besides Pittsburgh and Connecticut. QB Geno Smith will need to step up and become a game manager if WVU wants to make a trip to the Orange Bowl.

-Cincinnati- Predicted Chance: 19%-- Returning--- Offense (7 of 11) Defense (5 of 11)

Offensive Impact Players: Zach Collaros QB, Armon Binns
Defensive Impact Players: Walter Stewart LB

Why: Tony Pike and Mardy Gilyard are gone on an offense that led the Bearcats to the Sugar Bowl. Depth at quarterback was not an issue last year as Zach Collaros actually made a push to start over Pike. Gilyard was an extremely good wide reciever, but Armon Binns could be a great replacement at the #1 receiving position. The defense only returned one starter in 2009 so they will definitely improve this season.

EPL Week 2: We Suck

Wes' Predictions:


Arsenal vs Blackpool: Gunners Win--- Correct
Birmingham vs Blackburn: Birmingham Win--- Correct
Everton vs Wolverhampton: Everton Win--- Incorrect
Stoke City vs Tottenham: Spurs Win--- Correct
West Brom vs Sunderland: Draw--- Incorrect
West Ham vs Bolton: Draw--- Incorrect
Wigan vs Chelsea: Chelsea Win--- Correct
Newcastle vs Aston Villa: Draw--- Incorrect
Fulham vs Manchester United: Man U win (unfortunately)--- Incorrect



Warren's Predictions:



Arsenal vs Blackpool: Draw--- Incorrect
Birmingham vs Blackburn: Draw--- Incorrect
Everton vs Wolverhampton: Everton Win-- Incorrect
Stoke City vs Tottenham: Spurs Win--- Correct
West Brom vs Sunderland: Draw--- Incorrect
West Ham vs Bolton: West Ham--- Incorrect
Wigan vs Chelsea: Chelsea Win--- Correct
Newcastle vs Aston Villa: Aston Win--- WAY Incorrect
Fulham vs Manchester United: Man U win--- Incorrect
 
OK so, Wes made a comeback this week as I imploded. Standings are as such
 
Warren: (7-11) This week: 2-7
 
Wes: (6-12) This week: 4-5

Previewing the Conferences: Mountain West Conference

Courtesy of collegefabricstore.com

By Warren Lent

Teams with chances for the Conference:

-TCU- Predicted chance: 53%-- Great offense with almost all players returning (9 of 11).
Impact players: Andy Dalton QB, Matthew Tucker RB, Jeremey Kerley WR

Defense- Rebuilding, but still very powerful. Returning (7 of 11)
Impact players: Tank Carder MLB, Wayne Daniels DE

Why: I give them 53% chance because they are definitely the favorites to win the conference, but Utah and BYU are always in the hunt. TCU hosts BYU, but has to travel to Utah which should effectively decide the conference.

-BYU- Predicted chance: 7%-- Freshman quarterback, other impact players need to step up. Returning (7 of 11)

Impact Players: Jake Heaps QB, Matt Reynolds LT

Defense- Underclassmen need to improve to have a consistent defensive effort. Returning (5 of 11 on defense)

Impact Players: Andrew Rich FS, Zac Stout LB

Why: The odds are against the Cougars this year. QB Max Hall has graduated, and the weight of the world on the shoulders of true freshman Jake Heaps. BYU has to travel to TCU AND Utah during the season. While a win in each game is attainable, it is very unlikely.

-Utah-Predicted Chance: 33%-- Explosive backfield, Smooth quarterback. Returning (8 of 11 on offense)

Impact Players: Jordan Wynn QB, Jereme Brooks WR

Defense- Only return 4 of 11, but they have some very good potential with their underclassmen

Impact Players: Derrick Shelby DE, VJ Fehoko MLB

Why: While TCU seems to have a slight talent advantage, Utah is able to host two possible MWC champs at home this year. They host TCU and BYU.

-Air Force- Predicted Chance: 2%-- Good running back, very good defense. Returning (5 of 11 on offense)

Impact Players: Jared Tew RB, Asher Clark RB

Defense- Very good linebacking corps, but lacks true experience

Why: 2% isn't much at all, but at least its something. With the triple option offense, anything is possible (see Navy vs. Notre Dame 2009) but don't count on seeing AF any further than #3 in the MWC.

The AP Top 25: Makes Sense, Kind Of..

The AP Top 25 poll has come out for all college football fans to gaze at with wonder. A few suprises in there to be honest. Not in the teams, but in the placement of the teams. Here is a look at the AP Top 25 and MY Top 25 where there is most debate... 25-17

AP 25
The full poll:
1. Alabama
2. Ohio State
3. Boise State
4. Florida
5. Texas
6. TCU
7. Oklahoma
8. Nebraska
9. Iowa
10. Virginia Tech
11. Oregon
12. Wisconsin
13. Miami
14. USC
15. Pittsburgh
16. Georgia Tech
17. Arkansas
18. North Carolina
19. Penn State
20. Florida State
21. LSU
22. Auburn
23. Georgia
24. Oregon State
25. West Virginia

MY 25:
25. West Virginia

24. Missouri
23. USC
22. Clemson
21. Texas Tech
20. Arkansas
19. Wisconsin
18. TCU
17. Georgia
16. Notre Dame
15. Virginia Tech
14. Georgia Tech
13. Pittsburgh
12. Oregon
11. Penn State
10. Nebraska
9. Iowa
8. Auburn
7. Miami (FL)
6. Texas
5. Florida
4. Oklahoma
3. Boise State
2. Ohio State
1. Alabama

Thoughts by #:
25: We both had West Virginia. I completely agree. The second best team in the Big East (preseason) deserves to be in the Top 25. Because of the quality in the Big East, WVU at #25 is extremely sensible

24: AP: Oregon State--- Warren: Missouri
Where they have Missouri: Unranked--- Where I have OSU: Unranked

This one is very difficult because I had Oregon State in my first Top 25, but took them out for multiple reasons. While I thought they belonged in the Top 25 to start the year, I found that they simply do not have the personell this year to crack the Top 25 more than once during the season. I chose Missouri because they have the ability to run the table until mid-October which would ovbiously warrant a Top 25 bid.

23: AP: Georgia--- Warren: USC
Where they have USC: 14--- Where I have Georgia: 17

So I have USC 9 slots lower than the AP. I feel as if USC have to prove themselves in the first half of the season to break the top 15. They have around 6 games to start the season where there is no doubt they'll be the favorite. If they are able to win those games, I will bring them as high as the AP and probably even higher. With USC at 14, I expect no movement whatsoever until someone ahead of them falls, or they lose one of those first 6 games. For Georgia, I expect a very good season, but I would like to see them play at South Carolina before I place them ahead of too many other teams. With a victory @South Carolina, They will be poised to move ahead of those two teams regardless of record.

22: AP: Auburn--- Warren: Clemson
Where they have Clemson: Unranked--- Where I have Auburn: 8

I am an Auburn believer this year, and my ranking ovbiously proves that. Newton should be a great quarterback, and he has the type of weapons with him like Mario Fannin to really challenge Alabama this time around. With Clemson, Kyle Parker played a huge part in my decision. With an experienced quarterback and a still prestigious defense, they will be in my 25 until they lose.

21: AP: LSU---Warren: Texas Tech
Where I have LSU ranked: Unranked--- Where they have Texas Tech: Unranked

I really like LSU and they will always have one of the best defenses in the country, but I have to hold judgement or movement until they show they are able to replace Charles Scott and Brandon LaFell on offense. They also have UNC to start off the year which will either give them an in to the 25 or kick them out. Texas Tech has a quarterback battle that will only make the team better. Two seniors fighting for playing time could work out perfectly for their offense. Their offense will always be proficient, but it is their defense that could actually improve with experience across the board.

20: AP: Florida State--- Warren: Arkansas
Where I rank Florida State: Unranked--- Where they rank Arkansas: 17

Florida State does deserve to be pretty damn close to the Top 25, but when they head into Norman in Week 2, they will be seriously challenged. I see them making their way into the Top 25 once they get on a roll before their battle with Miami (FL), but a 7-6 with only a slight turnover can be much better while the season goes on, but do not deserve to be in the Top 25 to start the year.

19: AP: Penn State--- Warren: Wisconsin
Where I have Penn State: 11--- Where they have Wisconsin: 12

We may both be wrong here, but I think that having such a dominant defense last year along with one of the best running backs in the Country deserves to be high to start the year. They will have a huge test at week two versus Alabama that will ultimately decide their expecations for the year. If PSU loses to Alabama, they still deserve to be somewhere in the Top 25, and placing them at 19 doesn't give them that oppourtunity. Wisconsin on the other hand, will have an amazing offense that needs their defense to step up. Wisconsin will most likely go into their meeting in East Lansing versus Michigan State undefeated. At that point, I would say Wisconsin deserves that #12 spot.

18.: AP: North Carolina--- TCU
Where they have TCU: 6--- Where I have North Carolina: Unranked

No, I am not crazy. TCU will move up as long as they beat Oregon State to start the season. They will fly once it happens, I promise that. I don't have UNC ranked for the exact same reason why I don't have LSU ranked; They play each other in the first game of the season. With that result, either team will move to #22 or higher.

17: AP: Arkansas--- Warren: Georgia

Arkansas: Check #20 for explanation
Georgia: Check #23 for explanation

W&W's EPL Predictions: Week 2

Well, I was able to make it above the 500. mark in my first time predicting the English Premier League. Beginners luck? I hope not. Unfortunately for Wes, the first week did not bode well for him, but we are BOTH BACK, and ready to predict WEEK 2 from across the pond

Wes' Predictions:
Arsenal vs Blackpool: Gunners Win


Birmingham vs Blackburn: Birmingham Win

Everton vs Wolverhampton: Everton Win

Stoke City vs Tottenham: Spurs Win

West Brom vs Sunderland: Draw

West Ham vs Bolton: Draw

Wigan vs Chelsea: Chelsea Win

Newcastle vs Aston Villa: Draw

Fulham vs Manchester United: Man U win (unfortunately)
 
Warren's Predictions:
 
Arsenal vs Blackpool: Draw


Birmingham vs Blackburn: Draw

Everton vs Wolverhampton: Everton Win

Stoke City vs Tottenham: Spurs Win

West Brom vs Sunderland: Draw

West Ham vs Bolton: West Ham

Wigan vs Chelsea: Chelsea Win

Newcastle vs Aston Villa: Aston Win

Fulham vs Manchester United: Man U win