Blog

The 2013 College Football Season is quickly coming upon us (thank God) and it looks to have some very interesting storylines to follow.

One interesting rule that I’ll be closely following is the automatic ejection for one player targeting an opponent’s head with his head. Look, I’m for a safer game but this is a call that will be tough for a ref to call. It’s such a devastating call that a ref may not want to make it knowing it may decide the game.

Teams I’ll be following

1. Georgia Tech – Paul Johnson, a master of the option, has his best throwing QB since he’s been in Hotlanta in Vad Lee. If they can protect him this could be a surprise team in the ACC. Ted Roof has got to put together an improved “D” for the Techsters to make a run.
2. SMU – put June Jones & Hal Mumme on the same sideline & look out. The Air Raid meets the Run & Shoot. Two of the finest offensive minds around teaming up to make the Mustangs a team to watch.
3. West Virginia – This will be the first time Dana Holgorsen will have to put an offense together from scratch and that will be interesting. The loss of Tavon Austin to the NFL will make this a difficult task. Unless the “D” has improved dramatically, there won’t be too many couches burned in Morgantown in 2013.
4. Kansas – If you like to watch train wrecks or Demolition Derbies – have I got a team for you. Charlie “the schematic advantage” Weiss is singlehandedly demolishing the Jayhawk football program.
5. Ohio State – Love him or hate him Urban Meyer produces winners. Braxton Miller may be the best weapon in the land. The loss of Carlos Hyde will hurt but the Bucks will be fun to watch.
6. Northwestern – year in and year out Pat Fitzgerald’s teams over achieve. If you want to watch sound fundamental football the Wildcats multiple offense is treat.
7. Minnesota – Jerry Kill has them going in the right direction & this could be another bowl for the Gophers.
8. Ohio – When you talk about great coaches – Frank Solich has to be mentioned. The Bobcats feature a physical downhill attack & don’t beat themselves. Tyler Tettleton at QB makes things happen.
9. Air Force – I really like what Troy Calhoun is doing with his offense at Air Force. He has fused many options into one attack. Sometimes I think he might do a little too much but the Falcons seem to be flying high with it.
10. Nevada – I always watch the Wolfpack to get my Pistol updates. The Pack run the Pistol to perfection so if you want to learn it – that’s where to look.
11. Arizona – Rich Rod can coach, not popular in West Virginia or Michigan but the guy can coach. Outstanding offensive mind & a classic innovator. Rich’s teams are always worth watching.
12. Oregon – will the Ducks still be quacking with Chip in Philly? Marcus Mariota may be the most under-rated QB in football & DeAnthony Thomas will have a monster year as the featured back. Plus the Ducks always play great “D”. The Ducks are worth staying up late to watch.
13. Washington St. – Mike Leach is always worth watching. One of the founding fathers of the Air Raid Attack. The Pirate can move the rock.
14. UCLA – I’m a Noel Mazzone fan. Always interesting to watch his “O”. Features the Snag route & runs some hybrid Triple Gun.
15. Vanderbilt – Can the ‘Dores go to 3 – yes 3 – straight bowls? If they do James Franklin should be inducted in the CFB Hall of Fame. Franklin has built Vandy into a team to be reckoned with. Vandy plays with great intensity so they are fun to watch.
16. ‘Bama – If you like great defense – then Nick Saban is the guy to watch. Saban has figured out that you win on “D” & his offense doesn’t beat itself. He is a great football coach.
17. So. Carolina – speaking of great coaches – don’t forget the Ol’ Ball coach – Steve Spurrier. Watching Spurrier coach is like going to a clinic. I like the way he has adapted to his QB. Connor Shaw is back after an injury filled year & could be a force this year. Of course the force on “D” is Mr. Clowney.
18. Texas A & M – Kevin Sumlin didn’t get enough recognition for the great job he did last year because of Johnny Football. Sumlin’s “O” is always fun to watch. And Football can play – like him or not.
19. Navy – Coach Ken has a tremendous QB to run his Spread Option Attack. Keenan Reynolds is a threat at QB that Coach Ken will use to direct the option but also put some air in the ball. He would be a great QB to put in the Gun at times.
20. Notre Dame – The Irish are relevant again. Brian Kelly is another great coach. They are going to rely on their “D” if they want to keep shaking down the thunder.

Well there are many other interesting teams & themes to watch in the coming season. Give me your opinion of my 20 teams to follow & feel free to add your teams.