Well, the season is over, what can one say, but WOW!!!! I have submitted my article to Outsports.com, and will be posted in the next day or two. In the article I give my view of the National Championship game, and pick the best and the worst of College Bowl 2002. But I was running out of room, so I decided to put the rest of my thoughts here for ya to see.

I do want to say CONGRATULATIONS to the Ohio State Buckeyes. I am not afraid to admit when I am wrong, and they proved me wrong by playing one hell of a game. Well, their DEFENSE played one hell of a game I should say. Their offense, well I am still not impressed with it. But, regardless of what OSU fans say, there WAS NO defensive pass interference on that particular play. Even ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit (OSU ALUMN) agrees with me. Now, I want to make this very clear. OSU won and they deserve the win, but I just think it is a shame that, as hard as those players fought to win, it will always be overshadowed somewhat by the poor officiating that occurred. Miami was not the only victim, as I say Ohio State on the short end of some very bad calls also. Now I have said all I am going to say on that. You cant change the past, you can only learn from it, and I hope the NCAA has learned to get the VERY BEST officiating from now on.

Now, the biggest loser of the Bowl Season was definitely the PAC-10. They put 6 teams into the bowls, and only 2 won. Not that impressive huh. I think the Big 10 has to come out of the Bowl Season looking the best, but I am not ready to say that they dominate as much as some people are trying to say. This is the first season in the last couple that the Big 10 teams have faired well. Are they on an upswing? Maybe. I will come back to that one next season.

I think the following teams are heading into next season with a lot of momentum: Kansas State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, USC, Georgia and Auburn. These are the teams to really watch next year. However, on the other side, the following teams ended the year in a serious nose dive, and need to get things turned around for next year: Arkansas, Florida State, Nebraska, LSU, and Iowa State. Those coaching staffs have their post season work cut out for them!!!

Now, I am going to close for now with my 2003 preseason Top 5. Yeah these are early pics, but coming out of the bowl season, this is how I see next year shaping up. Now keep in mind, alot can happen to change my mind between now and August 2003. But here we go:

1) Georgia
2) USC
3) Ohio State
4) Oklahoma
5) Kansas State

Well there ya have it, and I am sure there will be some serious comments to follow. So let me know what ya think!!!

David

I have a hard time believing Georgia can live up to the expectations already being placed upon them for next season. They lose a lot of seniors, and they play LSU in Baton Rouge, Auburn in Athens (where they haven't won since '91) and Florida in Jacksonville. Then, they'll likely play LSU or Auburn in the SEC championship game, assuming they win those three. I just have a tough time believing they'll go 4-0 with that group alone.

Southern Cal and Auburn meet in the opening game of their respective seasons, so it will be interesting to see where they both go from that point on.

[ January 04, 2003: Message edited by: SportsOutdoorsGA ]

LSU at the top of the west? Give me a break!!! LOL Well, that is school loyalty for you, but I do not expect LSU to place in the top. Maybe they will finish 3. But look for Auburn and Arkansas to rule the West again. Georgia is returning alot of starters, so I expect them to do well. But like I said, alot can happen between now and August. If they have some guys pull out early for the NFL, etc . . like Florida is suffering, then I will re-adjust that ranking. But for now, they are my pre-season #1.

I agree with most of your ideas on teams that have serious momentum going into 2003.

But I do disagree on the issue of Georgia. They are losing a huge chunk from their O-Line next year. And I've always believed that teams that win must dominate (or hold their own) based upon the performance of their Offensive line.
Georgia's D, however, returns nearly intact, which is huge plus.

But grind-it-out offense and controlling the clock are the best bet to win. I'm not sold that Greene will be able to get the pass protection he will need next year. And IMHO Musa Smith will have a harder go of it than he had in 2002.
He's at his best running up the gut, and I don't think Richt's fill-ins are going to be able to get it done in that area.

I'm not surprised with what I've read online; so many writers and columnists are already pointing to UGA and Auburn duking it out for the SEC.
Barring a possible early NFL-exit for Dansby and Thomas, Auburn will return 9 starters on D. And they will return 7 or 8 on offense, including their all of the O-line except for Ben Nowland.

If Auburn survives at LSU and Arkansas, then winning at UGA will be my prediction (AU has won 9 of the last 10 games at Athens...it might as well be a home game for them).

My preseason Top 5 looks like this;
1. Oklahoma
2. USC
3. Miami
4. Kansas State
5. Auburn

School loyalty? I'm an Auburn Tiger, and I expect Auburn and LSU to battle it out to win the SEC West in '03. I look for UGA '03 to do much like LSU '02.

On a side note, will you be at the Auburn-Arkansas game in '03? I'm planning to make my first trip to Arkansas this year. I'm looking forward to seeing the campus.

[ January 04, 2003: Message edited by: SportsOutdoorsGA ]

Don't write off the Dawgs so quickly. It is true that we lose our entire offensive line. However, we have 3 underclassmen who got considerable playing time this year. Greene is back with another year's experience along with at least 4 talented receivers. Musa hopefully will be back, along with Billy Bennett. Our defense was the youngest in the SEC this year. It will be interesting to see how it shakes out, but I'm certainly looking forward to next year.

We do have some tough games next year as usual, including you guys coming to Athens. You have owned us there for the last decade. But, Richt has brought a whole new attitude to UGA and I think next year will be very exciting for the Dawgs.

I think Georgia will be good next year, don't get me wrong. LSU played in the Cotton Bowl, after all, so predicting the '03 Dogs to be like the '02 Bengal Tigers doesn't mean I think they'll be awful. But a lot of LSU fans expected to compete for the national championship this year, though they lost a lot of seniors after their SEC championship. And they were still one play against Arkansas away from the SEC championship game. But I don't think anyone would say the '02 LSU team was superior to -- or even as good as -- the '01 LSU team.

Don't overlook Michigan next year - 7 of 11 starters back on offense, and 9 of 11 on defense. Navarre is a 5th-year senior QB starting his third season, and both Notre Dame and Ohio State games are in Ann Arbor in 2003. Looks like another top-5 recruiting class to boot!

Good point on Meeshegan.

I, for one, am not drawing any comparison between 2002 LSU and 2003 UGA. I think the Dawgs have more retained talent than LSU carried over after their conference title team.

But as was pointed out, UGA has a brutal SEC schedule next year. They play the traditionally difficult eastern division teams, and all THREE of the top SEC western teams (Bama, Auburn, and LSU).
Yikes! You can mark it down now; UGA has the toughest SEC schedule of 2003.
I see them coming out with two conference losses next year, based on the difficulty of that schedule. They will go unbeaten against the cream puff non-conference teams they are so fond of scheduling (note that Ga Tech is horrible, and Clemson is a shell of its former self).

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY! They had an awesome game plan against Miami especially running the ball (144 yds) at the heart of the Miami's defensive line. In addition, OSU dominated the special team battle with their punting and kicking game. Miami had five turnovers including two key strips by Maurice Clarett in the 3rd quarter after the Canes DB Sean Taylor intercepted Krenzel but fumble the ball on UM 28. This turnover led to 44 yd fg by OSU Mike Nuggent to give the Buckeyes a 17-7 lead. Another key turnover for OSU happen in the 4th quarter when Dorey hit Parrish for 29 yards but OSU Studmuffin Darren Fox raped Parrish from the ball (greatest strip since Bama's George Teague's strip in 93 Sugar Bowl against the Canes) and OSU recovered at their own 18 yard line. Remember guys what I have preach all year ... SPECIAL TEAMS WIN BIG GAMES!!

For all of critics of the BCS setup, we have had national champions from five out of the six major conferences in the last five years. However, the college presidents and athletic directors are looking to tweak the current system which expires in 2006.

Regarding UM's history with Arizona, the Hurricanes are 0-4 in Fiesta Bowl games as they have not had any luck in Tempe. They have been upsetted twice in national championships games against two Big 10 teams (Penn State when they were an independent and OSU). In all four Fiesta Bowl games, the Canes were the odds on favorite by the bookmakers and sportswriters.

Miami's record in Fiesta Bowl games

1985 UCLA 39 UM 37
1987 PSU 14 UM 10 (Canes had 5 turnovers)
1994 Arizona 29 UM 0
2003 OSU 31 UM 24 (Canes had 5 turnovers)


One player in particular, Miami C Brett Romberg played the "Jerome Brown" role in this bowl game with his cocky predictions and snide remarks to the media. Mr. Romberg's quotes just fuel the fire for the Buckeyes and provide good bulletin board material. Lets review some of his infamous comment before the game.

"They good, of course, but I just don't see the crazy speed. Honestly, I just don't see defensive ends with crazy speed getting downfield like I see when we play FSU"

"I have seen teams from the Big Ten and I know when we play teams from the North. It is like a cat and mouse game because we're so fast. You have not see anything until you come to South Florida and see these boys run."

Maybe next year, Coach Coker should duct tape Mr. Romberg's mouth during bowl season and teach his speed merchants to hold onto the ball. This game was supposed to be about speed but it turns out that nothing is faster than a turnover. PS ... Miami has turned over the ball again!

Exfootball player ... I disagreed with your 2003 top 5 picks as I believe that the reigning national champions should be ranked #1 until they get defeated (just like UM did in the Fiesta Bowl). In all of my outsports polls submitted to Jim and Cyd, I have always ranked UM as being # 1 under this system.

Here is my top 5 picks.

1. Ohio State
2. Georgia
3. Kansas State
4. Miami
5. NC State

I hope that I am wrong but I do see the continuning slide of talent at FSU just like what happen to the Crimison Tide in the early 80's right before the Bear retired from Bama. I don't see FSU returning to the top 10's poll in 2003 but I hope that I am wrong.

Once again, may all of those Buckeye alums and fans enjoyed their national championship because they earned it the hard way in playing in the meat grinder Big 10 conference. I can't wait to see OSU Coach Jim Tressel's hair getting braided into cornrows to go along with his preppy sweater vest and button down oxford shirt.

JT, interesting choice on NC State. I am not up to speed on that program, as they get so little attention out here in Cali.
How many starters are they returning in 2003? I'm more inclined to pick Maryland for next year, as FSU is in a backslide. But I am by no means an expert on the ACC.

I'm interested in hearing your reasons for selecting NC State so high.

[quote]Originally posted by J T:
I can't wait to see OSU Coach Jim Tressel's hair getting braided into cornrows to go along with his preppy sweater vest and button down oxford shirt.[/QB]

---

That would be quite a picture, JT! ....Tressel comes across to me as an extreme "right wing conservative" (although I know nothing about his personal beliefs or background aside from his 4 National Championships at Youngstown State) but I have to commend Tressel not only for his team's obvious on-field success but for the close family environment that he so strongly believes in and preaches to his players -- the old adage that you can simply take the most physically talented athletes, place them on a team together, and be "guaranteed" success no longer holds true in collegiate or professional athletics IMHO....huge kudos to Tressel and the entire OSU family ! -- the rest of the Big 10 will certainly have their hands full in the coming years keepin up with his track record of success.

As for your EARLY 2003 predictions, JT, I have to seriously question NC State being a "Top 5" team next season....based upon the stellar jobs that Al Groh and Ralph Friedgen have done at Virginia and Maryland, respectively, in such a short period of time (not to mention their stellar recruiting classes) look for the Wahoos and Terps to be the class of the ACC for the next decade with FSU and NC State battling for third place....the Wolfpack (and Philip Rivers) looked impressive on New Years Day but I attribute that more to the Irish's highly overrated, anemic offense than an overpowering Wolfpack squad.

Let's just get a playoff scenario worked out beginning when the BCS contract expires in 2006 so that D-1 football postseason equals March Madness for fan excitement and on-field exploits.

SportsOutdoor, sorry buddy I thought you had told me you were an LSU alumn, so I apologize about the loyal alumn bit. I did not mean it is an insult, but rather as a compliment cause one would expect alumn to be loyal to their alma mater. However, I disagree with LSU as a threat in the SEC west next year. LSU did not impress me this year, as they were too inconsistent, and I feel that this will continue next year. The reason that I say it will be Arkansas and Auburn, is due to the fact that Arkansas always starts slow in their schedule against the SEC east teams, and then them come roaring back against the SEC west. LSU always seem to sputter down the stretch. Just look at the last four years as an example.

For those of you questioning Georgia's offensive line, I can understand that to a point. But keep in mind, that offensive line was riddle with injuries this year, and the players that stepped up and played, were very impressive while filling in. THAT is why I am not too concerned about Georgia's future. However, if they get too cocky, or dont take all their games seriously, they can very easily be knocked off. Key game for Georgia next year? At Tennessee!! I expect to see a MUCH improved Tennessee team next year.

The reason I did not rank Ohio State as an early pre-season #1, is I just dont feel comfortable with them there. Their Big 10 schedule will be alot tougher next year. Furthermore, their offense still has yet to impress me. Their defense is FANTASTIC. But if it had not been due to great improvising by Coach Tressel and QB Krenzel, the Ohio State offense would have been dead this last week. If their offense can put together a couple of impressive showings back to back, then I will be glad to put them back up there. As far as the Big 10 race is concerned, Michigan will definitely be a major factor. In fact I will probably have Michigan ranked in the top 10 next year. However, dont overlook the Hawkeyes either. The only reason I am not ranking them at the early top of the Big 10 is due to the uncertainty at QB. And keep in mind, Iowa is losing their entire defensive line starters this next year.

Dennis Dodd, CFB editor on CBS Sportsline, just released his preseason 2003 Top 10;

1. Oklahoma
2. Georgia
3. Miami
4. Ohio State
5. Texas
6. Auburn
7. Kansas State
8. Notre Dame
9. Virginia
10. Washington

Here's the link

Well, Dennis is right and wrong in my opinion. LOL I can understand my OU is his number one, to an extent, but I just dont think they will do as well. The Big 12 South continues to become tighter and tighter. What once were walk away games, are no more. As far as Texas and Miami, I have serious doubts at one position, but it is a major one. Serious questions remain at both schools about incoming QB's. If their QB's do well, then they will do well as they are returning ALOT of additional talent. WASHINGTON? Give me a break. That is a serious overranking. Virginia is the sleeper, but I like the pick. Virginia is on a serious upswing, and they were seriously screwed in the Bowl pickings this year. Notre Dame? Well, if they can get an offense, yeah they will finish top 10, maybe Top 5.

Yeah, I agree with you on his Texas and Washington picks...I can't see either of them finishing well enough to place where Dodd has them.
Still, Texas might well fill in at #10.
But it pleased me when I found his story, as he falls right in line with my belief that the Sooners will take it all next year.

I'm not making any predictions on the ACC - that conference has gone all topsy-turvy. Maryland? UVA? NC State? A busted FSU? They all seem evenly matched to me.

Musa Smith of Georgia just announced he's going pro early. For those who have UGA circled as the SEC frontrunner in 2003, I'd advise taking a look at the Dawgs ground game stats from 2002. I'll leave the conclusions up to you.

**************************************************
Also, it seems all the college pundits are posting their 2003 preseason picks. Here’s Ivan Maisel’s, of ESPN.com.

1. Oklahoma -Sooners, 'Canes only teams to finish in the top 10 the last three seasons. Sooners get edge here because defense returns nearly intact.
2. Miami - Still deep in talent. Road games at Florida State, Virginia Tech are never easy.
3. Ohio State - Offense loses virtually no one. Defense is hard-hit by graduation, but will still be hard-hitting.
4. Auburn - Seventeen starters return from a team that closed the season by knocking off two top-ten opponents (Alabama, Penn State).
5. Texas - QB Chance Mock will be a surprise. If not, redshirt freshman Vincent Young will step in. Simms-Applewhite II?
6. Southern Cal - Good news: offensive line is full of veterans. Bad news: backfield is untested. Can Matt Cassel get the ball to Mike Williams?
7. Michigan - Wolverines are a playmaking tailback away from contending for a national championship. Cornerback or two wouldn't hurt, either.
8. Virginia Tech - Kevin Jones gets all the carries after two seasons of sharing the ball. Defense needs shoring up after problems in the second half of the season.
9. Virginia - An optimistic pick? You bet. No team improved more from the beginning of the season to the end. If they continue to improve at this rate, Cavs will take the ACC.
10. Kansas State - After this season's near-miss, Wildcats should be hungry. Ell Roberson -- again, this is a hunch-- will continue to get better every week.

[ January 08, 2003: Message edited by: AU Tiger in LA ]

Everyone keeps jumping on OU's bandwagon, just as they did last preseason. But once again, they are going to fall short. The Big 12 South is TOO challenging next year. Look for Texas AM to be vastly improved, along with Oklahoma State, Texas, Texas Tech all being potential upsets for Oklahoma. Also dont forget that OU has to travel to Tuscaloosa to play Alabama, and they have to go to Manhattan to play Kansas State!!! If, and I say IF OU goes undefeated this next year, they will DESERVE to be National Champions!!! The funniest article I have read yet, was Sports Illustrated picking OU as their #1 cause of returning QB Nate Hybel. Guess what, Hybel was a senior this year, he is NOT returning!!! LOL I seriously like the picks of Virginia and Kansas State in the top 10, but I think that Texas will be a top 15 team this year. Look for Texas to make a major impact in 2004.

Musa Smith leaving Georgia, while it will hurt a little, I do not expect it to have as big an impact. Look at the talented RB's that filled in for him all this last year while he was out. Georgia will be able to replace him. But like I said earlier, Georgia has a very rough schedule, and could look at 1 or 2 loses. However, I think that this will be a year in which the National Championship game will feature at least one team with one loss, probably 2 teams with one loss.

The Big 10 will feature the most exciting conference race this year. First of all, where is the respect for Iowa in these preseason polls? Iowa IS a top 10 team next year, and they WILL contend for the Big 10 championship. Ohio State, Michigan, and Iowa will all be major contenders, and NO ONE will run through the Big 10 next year undefeated in Conference play. Penn State could play a spoiler roll. They definitely had the returning talent at QB and defense, the question is at RB. Am not sure on that one yet.