Is Johnny Manziel Worth the Headache?

It almost feels like you can't go a week without Johnny Manziel being in the news, who has went from college football golden boy to red headed step child in less than a year. It started with his twitter rant about an alleged parking incident, then skipping practices and meetings at the Manning Passing Academy, then he was kicked out of a frat party at the University of Texas. All those headlines were, let's be completely honest, rather comical. But none of those previous indiscretions had any real effect on Manziel and Texas A&M, outside of their good name being ran through the mud by many writers and media outlets. However, the most recent Manziel related story is slightly more serious.

It has been reported that Manziel allegedly accepted money from an autograph broker to sign autographs this past January. Which is a direct violation of NCAA rules, and despite how foolish many people think this NCAA 'violation' is, it is in fact an NCAA violation. And you have to think that Manziel must have known that accepting any money (and it has been reported he may have accepted a 5 figure payout for his signature) was against the rules and he could very well be punished for it. Which only further questions his maturity and to a lesser extent his character.

Some feel that Manziel's rise and fall are both solely on the media and the overblown coverage, both good and bad, of his every move. Which yes, is partially to blame, but that doesn't mean Johnny Football isn't at fault as well. It's not like he was some unknown walk on that worked his way into the lineup. Manziel was one of the highest rated prospects in the 2011 recruiting class, the hype was major before he even had graduated from high school. I mean, they don't go handing out nicknames like Johnny Football to anyone.

Some also say that his partying ways are typical of many college students. Which I do know for a fact as being true. But many of those students are not on scholarship to play football at a university. The average college student is not expected to represent a university or a football program. Which, whether we like it or not, is expected of each and every athlete that accepts a scholarship. If he wanted to just go to school and party and not be in the news for every little thing he should not have accepted the scholarship and just paid his own way through school.

Part of me is starting to think that Manziel actually enjoys being in the spotlight like this. He knows every thing he does will end up on ESPN and his ego feeds off it. Which really brings up the question, is Manziel worth the trouble anymore? Now, don't get me wrong, on the field Johnny Football is one of the most entertaining players in the country. His rise to national prominence sure was a sight to behold last season. However with the seemingly never ending off the field incidents one really has to wonder if his on the field excellence is worth sitting through the never ending off the field nonsense? Luckily, I am not one who needs to make the decision, but if these issues continue, and Manziel doesn't declare early for the NFL Draft (which according to NCAA and NFL rules, he would be eligible for the 2014 NFL Draft), head coach Kevin Sumlin has to start giving some consideration to suspending his starting quarterback, if not flat out kick him off the team. As extreme as that may sound, it may very well be the only way to show Manziel that his immaturity won't get him very far in the world outside of college football.

- Josh Gamez
@itsjoshgamez

2013 SEC Preview

For the last seven years, the Southeastern Conference has produced the BCS National Champion, and in doing so has produced a massive following consisting of conference faithful, band wagon fans, and-possibly more so than either of the prior-a long list of fans who have come to hate the conference.

Love it or hate it, one can't argue with the SEC's dominance year in and year out. Each season, armchair quarterbacks and experts alike discuss whether the conference will produce another National Champion; and if so, which team it will be. For now, we'll look at the conference and try to determine each team's position by season's end. Of course, this is just one guy's projection and is open to interpretation or criticism, so feel free to argue any of these. Enjoy, and keep in mind this projection was compiled with respect to the casual fan.

East Division

1. Georgia Bulldogs-After an 11-2 run in 2012 and wrapping up as East Division champions, Georgia looks to continue dominating in the upcoming season. With much of its offense intact, particularly quarterback Aaron Murray and the running back tandem of Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall, the Dogs should have no trouble matching their output of 38 points per game from the previous season. Key conference games: South Carolina, LSU, Florida

2. South Carolina Gamecocks-The Old Ball Coach looks to keep the Gamecocks in contention in the East after an impressive 2012 campaign, with their only losses coming to Florida and LSU. South Carolina's defense will continue to strengthen throughout the season as sophomore defensive end Jadaveon Clowney looks to extend his path of destruction over opposing offenses, while quarterback Connor Shaw should settle in comfortably under center for another season. Key conference games: Georgia, Florida

3. Florida Gators-After an 11-1 season in which the Gators lone loss came at the hands of Georgia in a game many said the Gators lost themselves more than the Bulldogs won, coach Will Muschamp looks to keep his team in the mix on Eastern side of the conference. Quarterback Jeff Driskel looked shaky at times last season but should be more comfortable this season as the focal point of the offense, provided someone steps up at any of the skill positions to help. The defense will be young but has a chance to improve the pass rush and keep the line stacked against the run. Key conference games: LSU, Georgia, South Carolina

4. Vanderbilt Commodores-With 13 starters returning from an 8-4 team last season, the Commodores hope to continue on their gradual trend of improvement from one season to the next. Receiver Jordan Matthews will likely be quarterback Austyn Carta-Samuels' go-to guy as Samuels settles in under center. Vanderbilt should at least match their 2012 performance and just might shock someone along the way. Key conference games: South Carolina, Florida, Georgia

5. Tennessee Volunteers-One of a few surprising coaching hires in the conference came at Tennessee with the announcement of Butch Jones taking the helm. Jones will look to tighten up his defensive line and hopefully give up significantly less than the 35.6 points per game the Volunteers conceded last season. Luckily for him, he has 12 returning starters; unfortunately none return to skill positions. Key conference games: Missouri, Vanderbilt, Kentucky

6. Kentucky Wildcats-The Wildcats have already made a few splashes before the season even begins, beginning with hiring new head coach Mark Stoops. Bringing in Stoops immediately paid off as Kentucky shocked everyone with a surprisingly good recruiting class so far. After a miserable 2-10 season, the Wildcats hope to move forward and continue surprising the country in 2013. Expect Kentucky to improve beyond 2012, but the recruiting class isn't likely to put Kentucky into any serious discussions for at least another year. Key conference games: Tennessee, Florida, South Carolina

7. Missouri Tigers-2012 probably didn't go anything like Coach Gary Pinkel expected in the Tigers' first season in the SEC. Missouri, once an offensive power in the Big 12, will continue to rebuild the program to compete against stronger defenses. Quarterback James Franklin returns for another season to lead the Tigers, along with 12 other starters, but the Tigers have a long way to go yet. Key conference games: Tennessee, Kentucky, Vanderbilt

West Division

1. Alabama Crimson Tide-Finishing the regular season 12-0 and wrapping up another conference title in 2012, the Tide look to be on course to finish at the top of the SEC once again. With running back TJ Yeldon in the backfield with signal caller AJ McCarron and receiver Amari Cooper on the end among a whopping 14 starters, Alabama will reload again while almost everyone else seems to be rebuilding. With an easier schedule this season, the stars should be aligned for Bama to run the table all the way to Atlanta and avenge their lone loss to Texas A&M along the way. Key conference games: Texas A&M, LSU


2. Texas A&M Aggies-This is definitely a placement open for discussion. I struggled with the Aggies' placement in the West this season following an amazing 10-2 innaugural season in the conference last year. Coach Kevin Sumlin managed to keep his team intact for the most part with 11 returning starters including quarterback Johnny Manziel. The question is whether the Aggies can duplicate or improve upon their 2012 season with Manziel under the microscope for his every move. The pieces are present for another good run, the problem may lie in the chemistry of the team. Key conference games: Alabama, LSU, Arkansas

3. Arkansas Razorbacks-Yes, I believe Arkansas rebounds nicely this season. With the hiring of coach Bret Bielema, the Razorbacks are in prime position to shake up the West. His smashmouth style of play in the trenches and high powered offense and defense actually should fit in well within the conference. With a modest 11 starters returning, Bielema will have to replace several key positions, but should have no trouble improving on the Hogs' 4-8 season from a year ago. There will likely be growing pains the first few weeks, but Arkansas should rebound nicely and finish above .500 on the season. Key conference games: Texas A&M, Alabama

4. LSU Tigers-With 10 starters returning this season, coach Les Miles may have to refrain from his Mad Hatter ways and keep it simple. The Tigers finished 10-2 on the regular season in 2012, with some close calls in games that should have been a breeze for a team of LSU's caliber. Normally a stingy defense, the Tigers gave up alot of points, which could have foreshadowed the season to come in 2013. With so many key positions vacant, Miles faces an uphill battle in a rare rebuilding year. Pressure will be high on returning quarterback Zach Mettenberger and running back Jeremy Hill to carry the team. LSU should finish the season with a respectable record, but will likely be below expectations for a team that spent the last several years near the top of the conference. Key conference games: Alabama, Texas A&M, Arkansas

5. Auburn Tigers-The Gus Bus has returned to the Plains. The 2012 season had barely ended when Auburn announced they were moving on from coach Gene Chizik, and soon after, the announcement was made that former Auburn offensive coordinator and then-Arkansas State head coach Gus Malzahn had been hired. Malzahn will have 15 starters returning, but the question so far has been concerning quarterback. As yet, Malzahn has not named his starter at the position, which leaves many to wonder if the team will be able to adjust and run the hyper-speed offense Malzahn cherishes. After an abysmal 3-9 season in 2012, the Tigers really have nowhere to go but up, and should finish with a much more respectable record this year. Key conference games: Texas A&M, LSU, Arkansas, Alabama

6. Ole Miss Rebels-15 starters return this season as coach Hugh Freeze looks to continue moving up the ranks with his high tempo offense. The Rebels finished 6-6 last season and hope to improve, especially with dual threat quarterback Bo Wallace, running back Jeff Scott and wide receiver Donte Moncrief returning. Ole Miss has a chance to play spoiler to several teams with high aspirations in the conference, particularly LSU, after losing a heartbreaker to them at the end of the season 41-35. Key conference games: LSU, Arkansas, Texas A&M

7. Mississippi State Bulldogs-Head coach Dan Mullen may be running out of time to get the Bulldogs into title contention within the conference. After leaving Florida's offensive coordinator position under coach Urban Meyer, Mississippi State had high hopes for what Mullen could accomplish but his seat is most likely warming up. The Bulldogs started out 7-0 last season before running into a wall and finishing 8-4. Mullen has been consistent, but unfortunately that consistency rarely has the Bulldogs near the top of the pecking order in the West. Hail State has quarterback Tyler Russell and running back LaDarius Perkins returning among the 11 veterans on the team, but they probably need to have a great season before whispers begin about Mullen's job security. Key conference games: Ole Miss, LSU, Arkansas

The SEC is one of the most unpredictable conferences in the nation, and is next to impossible to predict from one week to the next, let alone an entire season. So take this preview with a grain of salt. But, above everything else, enjoy the upcoming season and remember we'll be here for the long haul to cover it for you.

- Kevin Hicks
@kevinhicks77
kevin.projectcfb@gmail.com

Project CFB Top Ten: #5 Texas A&M Aggies

After an unlikely inaugural season in the SEC, Texas A&M may have the tools and personnel in place to duplicate that performance. Following an 11-2 season that featured shocking Alabama in the regular season and dismantling Oklahoma in their first bowl appearance as an SEC team, the Aggies must prove they deserve their ranking going into the new season.

Even though they lost several senior team leaders at the conclusion of the 2012 season, the Aggies still have 6 starters returning on both sides of the ball. The strength of the offensive line, anchored by tackle Luke Joeckel, allowed the offense to run or pass virtually at will, but Joeckel is gone this season and Coach Kevin Sumlin is looking to All-American senior Jake Matthews and junior Matt Joeckel to step up and protect Heisman winning sophomore quarterback Johnny Manziel as he hands off to senior running back Ben Malena, who averaged 6 yards per carry last season. Manziel is capable of running for huge chunks himself, as we've seen, but can also throw, and will look to senior receiver Mike Evans to give the Aggies their dangerous, multi-dimensional offense. It remains to be seen who will join Evans as a leader in the receiving corps.

The defense hopes to improve on the previous season after seeing the secondary allow 250 passing yards per game. Luckily, both 2012 starting corners, sophomore De'vante Harris and junior Deshazor Everett return and look to step up as leaders of the defense. Weak side linebacker Steven Jenkins, senior, hopes to slow the running game and offer pass coverage support to Harris and Everett, while senior free safety Tony Hurd will attempt to stop the hemorrhage of passing yards in the secondary.

With losses to Florida and LSU and a signature win on the road against Alabama, Texas A&M looks to have the firepower to compete once again in arguably the toughest division of a top-tier conference while hoping to move into National Championship contention. Coach Sumlin seems to have no trouble motivating his offense to put up lots of points, and it's possible that the defense may have the necessary experience to stop opposing teams from scoring this season.

The Aggies are in a prime spot to avenge at least one of their two losses from 2012, and possibly to catch everyone off guard with another surprising win. If the stars continue to align, Texas A&M will most likely find themselves in the title discussion. The question is, can they handle that kind of pressure?

- Kevin Hicks
@kevinhicks77
kevin.projectcfb@gmail.com

Can Johnny Manziel Win the Heisman Trophy for a Second Time?

In the seventy-seven year history of the Heisman Trophy, it’s happened one time. Archie Griffin, a former running back from Ohio State is the only repeat winner of the most coveted individual award in collegiate football (‘74-‘75). In recent years, there’s been more talk of possible Heisman repeat winners with Tim Tebow, Sam Bradford and Mark Ingram hoisting the trophy as sophomores. Yet, none of them were able to repeat Griffin’s feat. Can Johnny Manziel, Heisman’s first freshman winner, raise the trophy for a second time?

At first glance, one might say “Yes! Without a doubt!” Manziel broke the SEC record in 2012 for total offense with 5,116 yards…as a redshirt freshman. As the season progressed, Johnny Football’s prowess on the field grew with each game. He seemed to find pressure situations as a prime opportunity to demonstrate his ability to evade would-be tacklers and scamper for the end zone. In what has been considered his “Heisman Moment” he seemingly made something out of nothing as he fumbled the ball, recovered it himself and subsequently threw a touchdown.

Yet, as with the previous sophomore Heisman winners, the opportunity for repeat becomes an even more daunting goal than escaping a four-man rush. Preseason picks for the 2012 didn’t have Johnny Manziel’s name anywhere in the Top 25. Just as in the year before when Robert Griffin, III, emerged as unforeseen winner, Cam Newton in 2010 and Mark Ingram in 2009.

Does the pressure of being a pre-season Heisman choice affect the player’s ability on the field? Possibly. Opposing defenses study the schemes, breakdown film and hope to be more prepared the second time they face them (Nick Saban anyone?) You can bet first time coaches in the SEC like Arkansas’ Bret Bielema and Gus Malzahn’s Auburn squad will be aiming to prove their worth by doing what very few others could: contain Manziel. What also must be taken into consideration is the loss of A&M’s offensive tackle Luke Joeckel to the NFL and former offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s move to the head coaching position at Texas Tech.

Outside pressures also can factor into their ability to focus all their attention on the football field. The target on their backs grows infinitely larger as their name is mentioned more in the media. For Johnny Manziel, this seems to be the case more than ever with past Heisman winners. In the months since his winning the trophy, Manziel has allowed his Twitter feed to become fodder for those questioning his maturity and ability to handle his newfound fame. He doesn’t attend classes with the other students at Texas A&M, choosing rather to take them online. Manziel’s been on the sidelines of NBA games, surrounded by mounds of money at gambling establishments and most recently publically ridiculed College Station over an apparent parking violation.

Of the last five winners of the Heisman Trophy, outside of Manziel, Tim Tebow probably was the most publically revered and scrutinized. Yet, his intense focus on the sport did not wane. But even with his innate ability to motivate his teammates, with his famous “I promise” speech after the Ole Miss loss in 2008, Tebow could never get any closer in winning another Heisman than his third place finish behind Colt McCoy and winner Sam Bradford in 2008.

In order for Manziel to repeat as a Heisman winner his athletic skills are going to have to be as least as proficient as they were in 2012, if not more so. But also his ability to handle the pressure from not only within the confines of the football stadium, but also those outside in the “real world” will have to be more proficient as well. September 14, 2013 at College Station will be the first real test for the former when the Aggies face two-time defending BCS Champions, the University of Alabama. The recent few weeks for Manziel don’t speak well for the latter.

Can Johnny Manziel repeat as a Heisman Winner? Who would’ve thought he would’ve won it as a freshman? Anything is possible, but in reality, seeing Manziel raise the trophy again in 2013 is not very probable.

 

- Amy Norris

@amyjane72

amy.projectcfb@gmail.com

The Latest with Johnny Manziel

The football season had begun and slowly one quarterback began to receive exposure. By the end of the season his name and videos of his incredible plays were everywhere. He claimed a victory over Alabama and won the Heisman Trophy, and almost immediately everyone knew his name. The player in question is not Tim Tebow. In fact, most people don't refer to him by his given name. They simply call him "Johnny Football."

Johnny Manziel has been in the news again lately, but not necessarily in a flattering light. From his courtside appearances at NBA Finals games and throwing out ceremonial first pitches at Major League Baseball games, to his apparent enjoyment of firing back at his critics on Twitter, one recent tweet may have him in hot water.

After tweeting that he could not wait to get out of College Station, speculation began that his newfound fame may be harder to handle than he originally thought. Although he deleted the post almost immediately and explained that his frustration stemmed from a parking ticket, many believe the damage was done.

The tweet came about the same time news outlets began reporting that he was considering transferring to a junior college so he could play after being suspended by Texas A&M for his arrest on June 29, 2012. He was charged with not identifying himself, being in possession of fake IDs and disturbing the peace after getting into a fight which he claimed  was to defend a friend after someone thought his companion used a racial slur.

Manziel decided to file an appeal before transferring, which included letters of support from Head Coach Kevin Sumlin and then-offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. His suspension was lifted and he was placed on probation for the 2012 season.

After winning the Heisman Trophy, among several other awards, Manziel seemed to rocket to a level of fame that led the school to organize a support system to insure he remained in compliance due to the appearances he began making all over the country.

This newfound popularity, he claims, has forced him to begin taking all of his classes online for his major, sports management. This move raised eyebrows as well, fueling the assumption that he has either become uncomfortable with his popularity, or, as some suggested, he has embraced fame and is on his way down the path of the oft-reviled diva.

Whatever the case may be, it's safe to assume that once the new season begins, the answers to the questions surrounding Manziel's ego will be answered. Will a gifted athlete cave under the weight of his own fame or will the country be in awe of Johnny Football 2.0?

- Kevin Hicks
@kevinhicks77
kevin.projectcfb@gmail.com

Will Gary Andersen Do Well With Wisconsin?

In December of 2012 Bret Bielema left his 8-5 Wisconsin Badgers and took the job of the head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks. On December 19, 2012 it was announced that Gary Andersen would be leaving the Utah State Aggies, whom he led to an 11-2 record in 2012, to become the new head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers.

Andersen began his coaching career as a defensive coordinator. In fact, he was the defensive coordinator of the Utah Utes, who in 1008 went undefeated and defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2009 Sugar Bowl. In 2009 Andersen became the head coach of the Utah State Aggies.

His first two years coaching the Aggies Andersen went 4-8. in 2011 he improved their overall record to 7-6, and finally as noted in this article, in 2012 he led them to an 11-2 year.

Can Gary bring the success he found with Utah State in the Mountain West to the Wisconsin Badgers in the Big Ten? It's a good and fair question. Obviously he is going to find tougher competition in the Big Ten, most notably the Ohio State Buckeyes, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, and Nebrask Cornhuskers, among others.

Andersen is a defensive coach, which isn't a bad thing, especially in the Big Ten. He will be competing against other top defensive coaches such as Brady Hoke (of the Michigan Wolverines) who has defensive coordinator Greg Mattison (who is known for coaching the phenomenal defense of the Baltimore Ravens).

The Badgers didn't do as well as many expected in 2012, so I think Wisconsin will be looking to come out on fire and try to take the Big Ten Leaders Division Title, however with a new coach you're never really sure how a team will perform. As we get closer to fall we will be able to see what kind of shape Gary is whipping his new team into. And until then the Badgers can know that they have a leader that although it may not seem to matter a whole lot, seems to be a stand up guy in that after he made the decision to leave Utah State, he called each one of his players individually to let them know about his decision.

- Matt Lytle

@mattlytle

#15 Texas A&M Aggies at #1 Alabama Crimson Tide Preview

The Crimson Tide are favored in this one by 13.5 points.

I think this one could definitely be a lot closer than what the experts are saying. Yes, Bama is loaded with talent in every single position. But Texas A&M has quite a few playmakers as well. Of course, the game is being played in Bryant-Denny Stadium, which gives the Crimson Tide an advantage.

Freshman TJ Yeldon has rushed for over 700 yards this season.

I did a simulation of this game on NCAA Football 13, and I've got to say, my XBox loves itself some Alabama. In the simulation Bama double Texas A&M's score, winning 42-21. AJ McCarron threw four touchdowns, and Eddie Lacy ran in two touchdowns. TJ Yeldon didn't even get a carry. That won't happen.

The Aggies are ranked 10th in the nation for rushing yards in a game. Alabama is ranked 24th. But Bama has quite an impressive duo of running backs. Eddie Lacy and TJ Yeldon are two amazing running backs that know how to get it done on the ground. Yeldon has over 700 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns. Lacy has 679 yards and 8 touchdowns. Both will definitely be a factor this Saturday at 3:30.

However, like I said before, the Aggies are ranked higher for rushing yards per game. That's because of two players. One, their senior running back Ben Malena. Malena has over 600 yards rushing and 6 touchdowns. Two, their FRESHMAN quarterback Johnny  Manziel. Manziel is a dual-threat quarterback, passing for over 2,500 yards and 16 touchdowns, and rushing for over 900 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Freshman QB Johnny Manziel has impressed this season.

Defense is a big key to this game. Alabama is only allowing nine points a game on average. Texas A&M is allowing about 21. If the Aggies defense can't shut down this high powered Alabama offense, they aren't going to win this game. The Aggies will also have to find a way to do something that most teams haven't been able to do this year...score points on Alabama! But if there is a player that can do it, it very well could be Manziel. He has been very impressive thus far.

This is a game that although one team is favored by quite a few points, I think it could go either way. If the offenses click, we could see a very high scoring game. Then again, if the defenses click, we may see a low scoring, one or two touchdown game. This is one I definitely won't be missing. If you are a fan of hard hitting college football, I encourage you to tune in to CBS at 3:30 to check this one out. You won't regret it.

Off topic a little, I am going to go on record saying that two players in this game will be up for the Heisman in a few years. And both are freshman. Johnny Manziel and TJ Yeldon. Both have had an amazing year and will continue to impress for years to come.

- Matt Lytle

@mattlytle