You're Punching a One Way Ticket to the National Championship? Not so Fast my Friend!

It's pretty clear who the majority of sports writers, analysts and fans think we will see play for the National Championship in early 2014. The team who seems to always play for that Crystal Ball, the Alabama Crimson Tide, and the team who went undefeated last season but due to a post season ban wasn't allowed to play for the National title, the Ohio State Buckeyes. A few people may disagree, but if they make predictions of the National title game they will most likely at least have Alabama or Ohio State in the game.

It makes sense right? The Crimson Tide have won two straight National titles. They've been dominant. And players such as quarterback AJ McCarron, running back TJ Yeldon and wide receiver Amari Cooper are just three of Bama's star players. Their defense was ranked first in the Nation in points allowed per game, only allowing an average of 10.9 points, first in rush defense, only allowing 76.4 yards a game, and first in total defense, allowing only an average of 250.0 yards per game.

Alabama only lost one game. A close one against Heisman Trophy winner (and 2012 Project CFB QB of the Year as well as Freshman of the Year) Johnny Manziel and his Texas A&M Aggies. A&M only defeated the Crimson Tide by five points, but a loss is a loss.

But let's look into Alabama's 2012 year a little more shall we? They went 13-1, 7-1 in the SEC. They beat teams such as LSU, Georgia (in the SEC Championship Game) and Notre Dame (by 28 points in the National Championship Game). However, if you look more into this you will see that Alabama only defeated Les Miles' LSU Tigers by four points. They also defeated the Bulldogs for the SEC title by the same amount, four points. One or two small mistakes could have been the difference between winning and losing in those two games. The same that could be said about this year.
Alabama plays seven games at Bryant-Denny Stadium, four away games and one game at a neutral site. They begin their year taking on Virginia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia. On paper Bama looks like the clear cut winner, but if Logan Thomas and company can find their rhythm against the Crimson Tide and stay on top, they could pull the upset. But even if Alabama gets by Virginia Tech, they open their SEC schedule in week two against Johnny Manziel and his Texas A&M Aggies, this time at College Station. The Aggies could very well make it two straight victories against Bama, especially playing on their home field this time around.

Alabama's schedule is sprinkled in with a couple more tough opponents. After A&M they will play against Colorado State, Ole Miss and Georgia State. All three should be easily won. After that they play Kentucky, Arkansas and Tennessee, three teams with first year head coaches, and although it's their first years at their respective schools, they have been improving their schools from day one. After those three games Alabama will battle LSU in what's sure to be a tough one, followed by Mississippi State and Chattanooga. They will wrap the season up on November 30 with the Iron Bowl, at Auburn. This heated rivalry game favors Alabama this year, but with a rivalry game like this, you just never know.

So if you counted, there are four games on Bama's schedule that could possibly ruin their National Title hopes. Will Alabama be defeated in 2013? I can't say for certain. They are arguably the best team in college football this year, but to say that they will most definitely run the table this fall is just not wise.

Now, onto the other team that seems oh so certain to play for a National Title. Urban Meyer's Ohio State Buckeyes. The Buckeyes are stacked with some amazing playmakers. Quarterback Braxton Miller is an impressive dual threat QB perfect for an Urban Meyer style offense. Philly Brown is a reliable wide receiver for Miller, and as long as Carlos Hyde plays this season (he was a person of interest in an assault at a bar that may or may not have happened), Hyde could possibly rush for 1,000 yards. Ryan Shazier is also a big playmaker on the other side of the ball. He recorded 70 tackles and five sacks last season.

Unlike Bama, OSU went undefeated last season. However, they played their fair share of very close games. OSU won two games in OT (beating Purdue and Wisconsin by seven). They also survived against Cal by seven, Michigan State by one, Indiana by only three and Michigan by just five.

Many of these games could have been a loss for the Buckeyes if just one mistake was made. With Braxton Miller only completing 58.3% of his passes, I can say with confidence that they are lucky they didn't lose one of these close games.

The Bucks start their 2013 season off fairly easily. Playing against Buffalo and San Diego State followed by an away game against Cal. After that they take on Florida A&M and should go into their Big Ten opener undefeated. Ohio State's first B1G game is a home game against Gary Andersen's Wisconsin Badgers. A game that if the Buckeyes take lightly they could find themselves on the short end of the stick.

After the Badgers, OSU travels to Ryan Field to take on the Northwestern Wildcats. This is another game that I feel if Ohio State looks past, Kain Colter and his Wildcats could pull the upset. Next OSU battles Iowa before hosting Penn State in Columbus. Penn State, led by 2012 Project CFB Coach of the Year Bill O'Brien is yet another team on the Buckeyes' schedule that if they take lightly they can wind up defeated.

After the Nittany Lions, Ohio State wraps their season up with road games against Purdue and Illinois, a home game against Indiana and The Game against the Michigan Wolverines in Ann Arbor. Michigan is definitely on an upswing. Devin Gardner has taken the starting QB position, and although his pass percentage is only slightly better than Braxton Miller's, he will be ready and willing to take the Buckeyes down.

Just like Alabama, Ohio State has four games that seem to be games of interest, and if they don't prepare or if they take them lightly, they can see their hopes of a National Championship dwindle away.

Will Alabama and/or Ohio State play in the National Championship game? They absolutely could. They have the talent to do just that. But is it a lock? Absolutely not. Both teams play a few teams that they could lose to. But as long as they keep their heads in the game and stick to their game plan, they very well could face off for the National Championship in 2014.

- Matt Lytle
@mattlytle
matt.projectcfb@gmail.com

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: #1 Alabama Crimson Tide

In 2012 the Alabama Crimson Tide went 11-1 in the regular season, with the only blemish on the record coming at home to the upstart Texas A&M Aggies (the #5 team in our ranks) and the eventual Heisman winner Johnny Manziel before defeating the Georgia Bulldogs (#3 in our ranks) in the SEC Championship game and then destroyed the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (our 10th ranked team) in the BCS National Championship game, the Tide's second straight title and their 3rd in 4 years. Just going off that 2012 resume could you realistically see any other team taking the top spot in our preseason top 10 rankings?

The Tide does not lack in talent on offense. Led by senior quarterback AJ McCarron, Heisman hopeful tailback TJ Yeldon and Amari Cooper at wide receiver, the Tide has plenty of fire power on offense. McCarron threw 30 touchdowns in 2012, 11 of which were hauled in by "Baby Julio" as some fans refer to Cooper, a tribute to former Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones, and Yeldon scored 13 touchdowns in 2012 despite splitting carries with Eddie Lacy.

With the level of success Alabama has had over the last few seasons, and all of this playing in the South Eastern Conference, known for it's great defensive football and head coach Nick Saban's defensive roots the Tide also field one of the finer defensive units in the country. CJ Mosley and Trey DePriest are the returning leaders of the Crimson Tide defensive unit and look to improve on very solid 2012 seasons from the linebacker position.

The Tide will kick off the quest for a 3rd straight championship in the Chick Fil-A Kickoff game against Virginia Tech, and then after that they get the chance to potentially avenge a late season loss to Johnny Manziel and the Texas A&M Aggies in College Station in their 2013 SEC opener. The Tide then host Ole Miss in the home opener and then host Georgia State and then head to Lexington to take on Kentucky and new head coach Mark Stoops before taking on Tennessee and Arkansas, two teams many feel will be much improved in 2013.

The home stretch for Alabama will be very telling for them, they face LSU in a game that has historically become one of, if not the best rivalries in college football and every year the Les Miles and Nick Saban coaching match up ends up being one of the more entertaining games of the season. Then after taking on Chattanooga and Mississippi State they end the season with in state rival Auburn in the Iron Bowl.

I feel the Tide was blessed by the schedule makers. They avoid perennial SEC powers Georgia, South Carolina and Florida before a potential SEC championship, which has become a must win in college football in order to play for a BCS Championship. Which sets them up for a very solid 2013 campaign on paper. I see at the worst a 10 win season, with an undefeated regular season very possible. But Texas A&M, LSU and Virginia Tech have more than enough talent to knock them off. Only time will tell.

- Josh Gamez
@itsjoshgamez
josh.projectcfb@gmail.com

Bo Visits Small Town Alabama

On April 27, 2011, my hometown was destroyed by two tornadoes during a generational superstorm outbreak that left a path of destruction across the southeastern United States. For many of us, it was a day that will be etched in our minds for the remainder of our lives. For others, that day was their last.

My town is called Cordova. We are a tiny town of less than 2,500 people, one of those places where everyone knows everyone, or is related to everyone. We're located on the Black Warrior River about an hour from the state's college football epicenter, Tuscaloosa. we don't have a lot going on, but everyone has a great sense of pride for the town. Our pride and joy is what we affectionately call The Devil's Den, Hudson-Kirby Field, home of the multi-time state champion Blue Devils. These boys play with enough heart that occasionally the heavy hitters in college football take notice, most recently Tim Simon, who played at Ole Miss until an injury forced him to hang up his cleats, and Ryan Smith, currently playing safety at Auburn. Both played on Cordova's last championship team.
But then everything changed. Around 5 o'clock on the morning of April 27, 2011, a small tornado passed through the town, only causing minor damage. Before that morning, it was believed a tornado had never touched down inside the city limits. The town was fortunate. If only we had known what was coming that evening.

I watched the weather all day, and began to realize there was still a very real danger. I've always been fascinated by storms; but for the first time I wasn't fascinated, I was afraid. Afraid of what I could hear and see.

First, the storm rolled through Tuscaloosa, destroying homes and families. For an hour, my brother and I stood outside, listening to what sounded like cheap audio in a bad movie. Many say a tornado sounds like a train, but on this day, I could actually hear the wind between the rolls of thunder. It actually sounded like someone waving a piece of sheet metal, quite an eerie sound.

Then, just before 5 o'clock that evening, the atmosphere changed in a way I'd never experienced. I live a few miles outside of town, so we weren't in any real danger, but at the time we really didn't know what to expect. The wind began to pick up and the noise seemed louder. We had moved to the entrance of our storm shelter in the basement when we lost power. From the door, we watched the clouds in our backyard just over the tree line. I could see the wall cloud drop, then the funnel appeared. The air was being pulled toward the funnel and all the stray clouds were literally being sucked into the shelf. If you've never seen this in person, you couldn't possibly understand how terrifying it is to hear your town being torn apart. Then, in less than a minute, the world that so many generations had known was wiped off the face of the earth.

We rushed to town to survey the damage, not knowing what we would see. It was like a war zone, like someone had dropped a bomb and wiped my little town off the map. Our little diner, the Rebel Queen, was gone. The owners were inside at the time but by some act of divine intervention, they survived. Our only grocery store was gone. One of the two banks was gone. Main Street was reduced to rubble.
First responders set up triage in an old building that managed to remain standing, treating injuries until those people could be taken to a hospital. There were many that were lucky to be alive. But, as with any tragedy, not everyone was so lucky. We lost people that day. Friends, fathers, sons, children; like I mentioned earlier, we all knew one another, and the sense of loss everyone felt was immeasurable. All anyone knew to was stick together and look to the future.

Then Bo came to town. On the one year anniversary of the storms, Bo Jackson, recently recognized by ESPN as the greatest athlete of all time, decided it was time to help his home state by organizing a charity bike ride. Joined by Lance Armstrong, Picabo Street, Scottie Pippen, Ken Griffey Jr. and many others, Jackson cycled through all the areas affected by the storms. He finished the route in downtown Tuscaloosa. But he wasn't finished.

Jackson took a special interest in my town and decided this year to devote his time and efforts on Cordova. Many of his famous friends and more than a hundred other cyclists donated money to ride with him once again.

On each visit, he made a point to visit with those who lost loved ones and homes to let them know the small towns would not be forgotten during the healing process.

In the last two years, Jackson has raised over six hundred thousand dollars for the state's disaster relief fund, and says he won't stop until he reaches his goal of one million dollars.

At this point, many homes have been rebuilt, much of which was done by people from all over the country who came here and gave their time and labor unconditionally. The remaining buildings have been torn down. The place where our town had stood for nearly two hundred years is a clean slate now. But with the help of people like Bo Jackson and many more generous and compassionate people, we will rebuild, and we'll be even better than before.

For anyone interested in donating to Jackson's cause, go to www.bobikesbama.com

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

NCAA Football 14 Preview

* I am not a video game blogger or writer. I decided to write about the new NCAA Football game because it's the exclusive college football video game. Please bare with me on this video game preview.

On July 9, EA Sports' NCAA Foootball 14 drops. NCAA Football has been a huge seller for EA Sports since its inception. This year they look to have their best one yet.

After playing many games on the demo, which was released June 18, I can say that this is definitely going to be a fun game to play. With updated uniforms, physic system, animations and cut scenes this game should be a step above all the previous NCAA Football games.

In the demo, which you can download on your console, you can play three different games. Ohio State vs Michigan, Alabama vs Virginia Tech and Oregon vs Texas A&M. All matchups will actually occur this season, like Alabama vs Virginia Tech in week one.

They can't use actual player names, although once the game is out you will be able to download rosters from the internet, so in the demo it generates fake names. It's kind of weird to see Johnny Manziel or Marcus Mariota have a different name, but it doesn't hurt the game play.

No game is perfect, and obviously this one has flaws like any other. One big gripe is that if a defensive player is playing a zone defense, if the quarterback starts to scramble the defensive player won't leave his zone to take down the QB. Kind of aggravating when Braxton Miller is chugging down the field and you watch Jake Ryan just standing and watching.

I'm sure this issue, among any others will be addressed by EA, and hopefully a patch will be released soon after launch.

After playing all three games several times, I have noticed many different cut scenes, tackle animations and more. I also don't feel like I've had the same game over and over. Each game is a new task. I've won games 49-0 and I've squeaked by 31-28.

The option works a little better as does the stiff arm. There is also a new feature where you can make the ball carrier accelerate, but only for a limited time depending on their stamina. Something to make the game even more realistic.

If you are a college football fan and a video gamer, this is definitely worth a pick up. I am very impressed with this game, and have only played the demo. There are other modes in the actual game, but we won't be able to see how those play out until the game is officially released.

NCAA Football 14 comes out on July 9. You'll be able to pick it up at GameStop, Best Buy, Wal-Mart or many other retailers.

- Matt Lytle

@mattlytle

matt.projectcfb@gmail.com

2013 Project CFB All-America Team

2013 is our first full season of what we do here on this website. We have a lot of things planned out for you guys soon.

First thing is first. This is our 2013 Preseason All-America Team! This team was selected by every member of the Project CFB team.

Offense

QB: Teddy Bridgewater (Louisville)

RB: Todd Gurley (Georgia)

RB: TJ Yeldon (Alabama)

WR: Marquise Lee (USC)

WR: Sammy Watkins (Clemson)

TE: Austin Sederian-Jenkins (Washington)

C: Gabe Ikard (Oklahoma)

G: Cyril Richardson (Baylor)

G: David Yankey (Stanford)

T: Taylor Lewan (Michigan)

T: Jake Matthews (Texas A&M)

Defense

DE: Jadeveon Clowney (South Carolina)

DE: Stephon Tuitt (Notre Dame)

DT: Louis Nix III (Notre Dame)

DT: Timmy Jernigan (Florida State)

LB: CJ Mosley (Alabama)

LB: Trent Murphy (Stanford)

LB: Ryan Shazier (Ohio State)

CB: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (Oregon)

CB: Aaron Colvin (Oklahoma)

S: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (Alabama)

S: Dion Bailey (USC)

Special Teams

K: Jeff Budzien (Northwestern)

P: Kyle Christy (Florida)

Who You See in the National Title Game?

Last week we asked you to chime in on who you think we will see play in this season's National Championship Game. We went over your responses and here are the ones we thought were the best.

Courtney from Florida

You can't overlook how awesome Alabama is. I definitely see them making it to the title game. I also see Georgia making it to the National Championship, although I think they will lose to 'Bama in the SEC Title game.

Mike from Ohio

I have 3 picks. First off Urban Meyer will lead the OSU Buckeyes to another undefeated season and on to the National Championship Game. The other pick is where the question lies. If Louisville  can go undefeated, I see them playing OSU in the title game. But if they stumble then Alabama will take on the Buckeyes in the most awaited game of the decade. 

Ben from Boston

I'm going to go with a couple of off the wall picks here. Tajh Boyd leads the Clemson Tigers to play Teddy Bridgewater and the Louisville Cardinals. Mark it down!

MonikaAndrews from Detroit

I see Michigan shocking the college football world, going undefeated and upsetting Alabama in the National Title Game.

CKW from Knoxville

As much as I would love to see my Vols go to the title game, I think the Texas Longhorns are going to surprise a lot of people and ein the National Championship,  beating Ohio State in the big game.

Thank you to everyone that participated in this topic. Stay tuned for more interactions in our upcoming articles

- Project CFB
@projectcfb
projectcfb@yahoo.com

Jackson's Top Five SEC Running Backs

1. TJ Yeldon, ALA

2. Todd Gurley, UGA

3. Jeremy Hill, LSU

4. Keith Marshall, UGA

5. LaDarius Perkins, MSU

This is a very young group of running backs. Four of the five are sophomores. And although this is a list that is only showing the top running backs for the SEC, I firmly believe that we will see a few of these names being consider for best running back this year, and possibly the Heisman.

TJ Yeldon impressed me day one. The way that he ran over Michigan last season was impressive. Some chalked it up to a poor defensive showing from the Wolverines, but TJ proved it wasn't a fluke by rushing for over 1,000 yards last season and 12 touchdowns.

Todd Gurley is the first of two Georgia running backs on this list. Both are sophomores, and both are rather impressive. Gurley rushed for over 1,300 yards last season, and punched the ball into the endzone 17 times.

LSU's Jeremy Hill breaks up the Georgia duo in the number three spot. Hill carried the ball last season 142 times for 755 yards and 12 touchdowns. He will look to do a lot more than that in 2013.

Our second Georgia Bulldog on the list comes in at number four. His name is Keith Marshall. Marshall didn't quite put up the stats that Todd Gurley did, but he still impressed with 759 yards on the ground as well as eight touchdowns. He had quite a battle with Todd Gurley, but I don't see why Georgia coach Mark Richt wouldn't use both quite often. Having this dynamic duo would definitely be something to take advantage of.

The oldest of the five comes it at number five. Mississippi State's LaDarius Perkins rushed the ball a little over 200 times totally 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns. Perkins will look repeat a 1,000 season and hopefully put his Bulldogs in contention for an SEC Title.

We all know that the SEC is loaded with talent, and this list alone shows that they are stacked with talent just at the running back position. These guys will be very hard to stop. And the kicker is, many of them will be playing across from one another on many Saturdays this fall!

- Jackson McNamara

@jacksonmcnamara

jackson.projectcfb@gmail.com

Matt's Top Five SEC Quarterbacks

1. Johnny Manziel, TAMU

2. AJ McCarron, ALA

3. Aaron Murray, UGA

4. Connor Shaw, USC

5. Tyler Russell, MSU

What do you say about the quarterbacks in the SEC? There are quite a few superstars that its tough to come up with a top five and not second guess it.

Many people feel Johnny Manziel won't be able to have a season like last season. And even if he doesn't, I can't justify not putting him as number one.

I feel that McCarron and Murray can really be interchangeable in the number two and three spots. Both have a lot of talent, and have a superstar team around them.

Connor Shaw has proven that he can make plays with his legs as well as his arm, but you have to question how healthy he can stay. He got beat up quite a bit last season, and I figure it'll be the same this season as well.

Finally I put Tyler Russell at my number five spot. Mississippi State is amidst some controversy currently, and they may be looking at some NCAA and self-imposed sanctions. But I don't see that slowing Tyler Russell down from getting it done on the field.

Florida's Jeff Driskel and LSU's Zach Mettenberger came close to making my list. Both seem to be very good players, which in the SEC, is definitely impressive.

The First Ever Project CFB Roundtable

This is our first attempt at this, so lets just have fun and see what happens. I'm not sure if anything like this has ever really been done before, but hopefully it's a fairly new and fresh idea.

MATT

First of all I want to go into who we see in the National Championship Game. We are a ways out from the beginning of the season but we can see how close we get.

I can't imagine a National Championship Game that doesn't involve Nick Saban's Crimson Tide again. Alabama has been quite dominant over the past few years and I don't see 2013 being any different. I also feel like Ohio State has another good shot at going undefeated like they did last season. I'm going to go ahead and predict Bama vs OSU in the National Championship, with Alabama coming out victorious.

As far as the Heisman goes, I see Alabama coming away with this as well, as sophomore TJ Yeldon will do incredible things this season.

What do you guys think?

JACKSON

Alabama is a great team, no doubt. But this year I see them finally NOT winning the BCS Championship. And although I do see them getting past Virginia Tech and Texas A&M early in the season, they'll be handed a few defeats in the SEC, most notably by Auburn and LSU.

 

I honestly see Oregon and Notre Dame slipping down in the rankings, and opening up spots for teams like Clemson, Florida State and LSU. I'm going to go with a dark horse pick here (in my opinion), and I'm going to say that Clemson will make it to the National Championship game, taking on the LSU Tigers, and I see Clemson coming out on top!

 

Speaking of Clemson, I have their amazing quarterback Tajh Boyd winning the Heisman. I'm kind of high on Clemson this season if you don't get that already. Lol 

JOSH

Alabama is a great team, and arguably the most talented roster in the country, and I honestly do see them winning the SEC, but I see a team like Georgia or Florida pushing them in the SEC championship coming off a likely very brutal iron bowl. But I see them making in through the SEC undefeated after surviving the championship game and the Texas A&M, LSU and Auburn tests in the conference. Facing off with them is my dark horse pick for the season, and that is UCLA. I see them building on the impressive 2012 campaign and win the Pac 12. But I see Alabama winning a 3rd straight championship.

As far as the Heisman goes, I see Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater having an all time great season for Louisville at the quarterback position, culminating in a Heisman Trophy.

MATT

Could Bridgewater have a disadvantage because he plays at Louisville? I know they don't look at Louisville like they're a league below, but could he get passed up for a player from Alabama, Florida State or Ohio State?

JOSH

I think that even with Louisville might not be among the top teams in the country, at the very least they are in one of the power conferences in the country, unlike Kellen Moore when he was at Boise State (which some still may look at as a lesser program compared to the BCS powers). Which could help him. I could however see Braxton Miller being a name that could give him a run for his money, just look at the last three Heisman winners; Cam Newton, Robert Griffin III and Johnny Manziel. They are all dual threat quarterbacks, which if Miller has a Heisman caliber campaign in 2013, the rushing totals could make his case very convincing versus Bridgewater.

MATT

I think Teddy Bridgewater is an amazing athlete, and I really could see him be in the finalists for the Heisman, but how TJ Yeldon performed last season, even sitting behind Eddie Lacy and being a true freshman, I can't imagine him not coming up with the Heisman. Now that he'll take all the snaps at Alabama, unless he gets injured, I think he'll have it on lock. But that's the great thing about this game, you just never know!

JOSH

Very true. I do think Yeldon will be the preseason Heisman favorite in many peoples' eyes, but if the last few years are any indication, someone can come out of nowhere and take the country by storm. I mean, a year ago we were all think Matt Barkley had the Heisman on lock and the same goes for Andrew Luck the year before then BOOM! That's why we all love this game though, right?

Can Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide Win a 3rd Consecutive National Championship?

Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide have been easily the most dominant program of the last 5 years, and arguably among the most dominant dynasties in college football history. With 3 national titles in the last 4 years (and 4 overall) it is hard to think of a more highly decorated coach in the nation than Nick Saban. His win loss record with the Tide speaks for itself (68-13 overall, with 2 SEC championships), he has really gotten to the point where winning games and making bowl games is not enough. He is now being judged on SEC and national championships.

So this brings up the question, can Saban and the Tide win a 3rd straight national championship? Well, as we have come to realize, in order to even have a shot at a national championship you must at the very least win 10 or 11 games in the regular season. So, having said that, you must first look at the schedule for the Tide; they open with Frank Beamer and the Virginia Tech Hokies as the Chick Fil-A Kickoff game, the Hokies who historically have been among the best in the ACC had a down season in 2012 and hope to have a much improved 2013 campaign. Next on the slate is a showdown with reigning Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel and the Texas A&M Aggies in College Station, the only team to defeat the Crimson Tide in 2012. Johnny Football is electric, that's undeniable, however after losing starting left tackle Luke Joeckell to the NFL, it is hard to imagine Manziel duplicating his numbers from last year, this early test for the Tide and despite being a early match up, could potentially decide if the Tide is in fact on track for a 3 pete.

After facing the Aggies in College Station, they return to Tuscaloosa for two straight against the Ole Miss Rebels (and a phenomenal recruiting class) and then Georgia State on October 5th and 12th, before heading to Lexington to face the Kentucky Wildcats and new head man Mark Stoops on October 12th. Alabama then returns to Bryant-Denny Stadium for a three game SEC stretch, first facing off what many feel is a much improved Arkansas Razorback team on October 19th, then the Tennessee Volunteers the very next week and finishing up the home stand against Les Miles and the LSU Tigers in what has really become one of the highest profile, and most tightly contested SEC games year in year out. This growing rivalry between Saban's current squad and his former team has become a major determining factor in not only who wins the SEC, but also who may be competing in the national championship game in January.

After the Tide clashes with the Tigers, they travel to Starkville to take on Mississippi State, before taking on Chattanooga at home and they end the season against the in-state rival Auburn Tigers in the Iron Bowl.

Looking at the schedule, the Crimson Tide may have lucked out by avoiding two teams many feel could challenge the Crimson Tide for a SEC championship in the Florida Gators and the Georgia Bulldogs until potentially the SEC Championship game. But that's not saying that it is a cake walk for Saban this season. Far from it, competing in the SEC, without a doubt the most competitive conference in the country, you are in a battle every week. Luckily, the Crimson Tide returns many key starters to last seasons championship team, starting with quarterback AJ McCarron, who only threw for nearly 3,000 yards (2,933 to be exact) and 30 touchdowns (to only 3 interceptions), and of those 30 touchdown tosses, 11 were into the hands of electrifying wide receiver Amari Cooper, who some Alabama fans like to refer to as "Baby Julio" as a tribute to former Alabama stand out Julio Jones, Cooper had a solid freshmen season hauling in 59 passes for 1,000 yards.

TJ Yeldon

Leading the charge for the Tide's vaunted rushing attack is sophomore tail back TJ Yeldon, who despite splitting time with Eddie Lacy (who chose to forgo his senior season to enter the NFL draft) had over 1,100 rushing yards and 131 receiving yards for 13 total touchdowns (12 rushing), but they also are losing 3 members of arguably the best offensive line to the NFL draft (DJ Fluker, Barrett Jones and Chance Warmack) but if we have learned anything over the last few years about the Tide, it's that the young players waiting in the wings are no slouches either.

Despite losing defensive standouts like defensive linemen Jesse Williams, linebacker Nico Johnson and cornerback Dee Millner, the Tide still have an abundance of talent on the defensive side of the ball. Linebackers CJ Mosley and Trey DePriest both had very solid 2012 seasons, the two combined for 93 tackles, and with the recent history of Alabama linebackers stepping up and playing well (Rolando McClain, Courtney Upshaw and Dont'a Hightower in particular) I could very well see Mosley and DePriest stepping up and being very pivotal parts of the Tide defense this season.

By looking at the schedule and the returning contributes to both the offense and defense, I do feel the Tide can win a 3rd BCS championship, they have arguably the most talented roster top to bottom in the country, however with as unpredictable college football has been and the potential for injuries in the game of football it's hard to say anything is a given one way or another, however just by looking at the schedule and who is returning from last seasons championship team they have a very good chance of at the very least competing in a big time BCS bowl game, if not another championship game. One thing is for sure, we all will be very interested to see what happens once the Tide and the rest of the country begin competing in the 2013 college football season, preparing to make a run at a national championship.

Josh Gamez

@itsjoshgamez

A Short History of the BCS Championship

Not many things can stir up as much anger and debate among college football fans as these three letters: BCS. Bowl Championship Series. The governing body that looks over major college football and through a complicated process of polls, rankings (both human and computer) and what amounts to basically rocket science to most fans, they are able to crown a “national champion” even if it’s just in the BCS voters’ eyes.
               
Since the Bowl Championship Series took over for the equally controversial and flawed Bowl Alliance in 1998, they have been the governing body in crowning a national champion, and putting together all other bowl games. They have used the coaches and Harris polls as well as different computer polls to crown a national champion. Starting in 2006 however, they used the poll system in place to narrow down all the teams in Division I football from over 200 all the way down to 2 to play in what is known as the BCS National Championship game. Before the 2006 season, there wasn't a real “national championship” game. It was looked at among many some as a fictitious national championship at the time, but before the BCS National Championship Game tradition that began in 2006, the national championship was crowned by who won one of the 4 BCS bowls; Orange, Sugar, Rose and Fiesta, rotated annually.
               
In the Fiesta Bowl following the 1998 season, which is recognized as the first BCS national championship, #1 ranked SEC champion Tennessee were victorious over the 2nd ranked ACC champion Florida State Seminoles by a final score of 23-16. However, the Seminoles were victorious in the 1999 Sugar Bowl over the Big East winners Virginia Tech Hokies by a lopsided score of 46-29. The Seminoles would then make a 3rd straight appearance in the title game in 2000 as they faced the Big 12 Champion Oklahoma Sooners in the 2001 Orange Bowl. However, they would not be repeat champion as the Sooners prevailed over the Seminoles 13-2. This ended up being the last national championship appearance by legendary coach Bobby Bowden in a national championship game, he retired in 2009.
               
In the 2001 Rose Bowl, the top ranked Big East Champion Miami Hurricanes prevailed over the Big 12 co-champion Nebraska Cornhuskers in a dominating 37-14 performance. The U would then compete in the Fiesta Bowl the next year that was slated to be that seasons national championship against the Jim Tressel led, Big 10 co-champion Ohio State Buckeyes. Much like the hated Seminoles, the Hurricanes were not successful in the repeat attempt. They would fall to the Buckeyes 31-24 behind a phenomenal performance by Buckeyes quarterback Craig Krenzel. The next season, a familiar face in the national championship, the Oklahoma Sooners came in to the 2003 Sugar Bowl as the top ranked team in the country to face off the SEC champion LSU Tigers and head coach Nick Saban. Which was one the first major BCS controversies. In 2003 there were 3 one loss teams at the end of the season. The USC Trojans were also among those 3 teams with the best record in the nation. But LSU/Oklahoma was selected as the championship game. Many USC supporters actually protested the LSU/Oklahoma game. USC was victorious in the Rose Bowl that year 28-14 over the Michigan Wolverines. USC ended the year as #1 in the AP poll, but the Tigers were #1 in the coaches’ poll.
               

Reggie Bush was a big part of USC's success in 2004.

The very next season, technically doesn't exist anymore because of the sanctions against the University of Southern California because of the Reggie Bush scandal of a few years ago, when the #1 ranked Pac 10 champion Trojans faced the Oklahoma Sooners in the 2004 Orange Bowl. The 2004 national championship is still looked at as one of the most star studded of all time with 2003 Heisman trophy winning signal called Jason White dueling with the Trojans own signal caller Matt Leinart, who won the trophy the very next year. It also included two of the best college running backs of the last decade, the aforementioned Reggie Bush of USC, and the Sooners’ Adrian Peterson (who many feel may have been the best player in the country that season, but that’s a different discussion for a different day). This game also happened to feature 4 of the 5 finalists in the 2004 Heisman Trophy voting, the only excluded party being Utah’s signal called Alex Smith. Unfortunately, this offensive star power didn't equal a compelling game. With Jason White throwing 3 interceptions (the Sooners had 5 total turnovers) and Peterson rushing for a pedestrian 82 yards on 25 carries (for a very un-Peterson like 3.28 yards per carry), the Sooners just couldn't keep up with the high powered Trojan offense, behind the 5 touchdown passes from the Trojans’ Heisman Trophy winning quarterback (3 of which to wide receiver Steve Smith) and 525 yards of total offense, Pete Carroll’s Trojans cruised to a 55-19 victory and national championship.
               
The Trojans would be back in the championship again the very next season, with 2004 Heisman winner Matt Leinart and the 2005 Heisman winner, running back Reggie Bush leading the charge for the Pac 10 champs. They faced off against the Texas Longhorns and quarterback Vince Young in the 2005 Rose Bowl for the national championship. Unlike past years, there was not any doubt who the two best teams in the country were. The Longhorns and Trojans would then clash in what is still considered by many one of the greatest college football games of all time. The Trojans came in riding a 34 game winning streak, dating back to 2003, and USC’s Reggie Bush was named Heisman Trophy winner over the Longhorns’ Young (that trophy has since been vacated due to NCAA violations). The two teams were on a collision course since they were 1 and 2 in the polls all season. The hype for this game was insane, and boy did it deliver. The game was a battle all the way through. When USC scored, the Horns would answer back. Behind Vince Young’s 467 yards of total offense (267 passing, 200 rushing), and the 10 yard TD run on 4th and 5 to win the game is looked at as one of the greatest plays in college football history, the Longhorns would be crowned champions by a final score of 41-38 in a game that is still talked about today, and from a personal standpoint, that game took me from casual viewer of college football to a full-fledged fanatic. This was the final game in the previous rotating national championship format. The very next season, a separate BCS National Championship Game would be played after the 4 other BCS bowl games.
               
The first official BCS National Championship Game took place after the 2006 season. It featured the #1 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes and a new face on the BCS stage; the Florida Gators. After winning the SEC championship game against the Arkansas Razorbacks, the Gators leapfrogged USC and Michigan in the BCS rankings, stamping their ticket to University of Phoenix Stadium to face the Buckeyes. Which was another BCS controversy. Many people wanted a rematch between the unbeaten Buckeyes, and rival Michigan Wolverines who had an all-time great game a few weeks prior. But, because of the Wolverines idleness while the Gators won the SEC championship game, which is what put the Gators over the top in many people’s eyes, the Buckeyes and Gators faced off for the national championship in Glendale, Arizona, for the first time in each schools’ history. The 12-1 Gators were led by quarterback Chris Leak, and the Buckeyes came in with Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Troy Smith. The Gators defense was stingy as stingy can be, they held the Heisman Trophy winner to 4 completions for 35 yards and an interception, and only 82 yards of total offense from the Buckeyes offensively (they did however give up a phenomenal return touchdown to Ted Ginn Jr. in the opening seconds of the game), the Gators cruised to a 41-14 win, and began a dominating stretch of National Championship Game victories by SEC teams.
               
The Buckeyes would return to the championship game the next season, only this time matched up with Les Miles’ LSU Tigers. This was the 2nd bowl game match up between Tressell and Miles. The first taking place in the 2004 Alamo Bowl. Behind 4 touchdown passes from Tigers quarterback Matt Flynn, the Buckeyes would fall for the second straight year in the national championship. The next year, the Florida Gators, this time lead by 2007 Heisman Trophy winning quarterback, and one of the most polarizing figures in American sports history, Tim Tebow. While the Sooners and 2008 Heisman Trophy winner, Sam Bradford and the highest scoring offense in NCAA history. The second time that the last two Heisman quarterbacks faced off in the BCS championship. Given the potency of both offenses (Florida averaged over 45 points per game that season, and Oklahoma 54) it was a relatively low scoring game, the Gators would prevail 24-14, for their second championship in 3 years.
               

Nick Saban's Crimson Tide has been dominant in title games.

The last 4 years, the BCS National Champion has come from the state of Alabama. Nick Saban’s Alabama Crimson Tide, with one of the most dominant run games in recent memory lead by future first round NFL draft picks; Mark Ingram (that seasons Heisman winner) and Trent Richardson leading the charge offensively, prevailed over the Texas Longhorns 37-21. The next season, behind the dynamic Cam Newton, the Tide’s in state rival the Auburn Tigers won the SEC (and one of the most impressive Iron Bowl comebacks of all time) and defeated the Oregon Ducks in the championship game, behind 254 rushing yards, the Tigers were victorious 22-19 on a last second field goal.
               
The next season might have been the most controversial yet. With only one undefeated team, Les Miles and the LSU Tigers the big debate arose again; rematch or new opponent. The Alabama Crimson Tide, sporting an 11-1 record, and the only loss being a 9-6 overtime loss to the top ranked Tigers and the also one loss Oklahoma State Cowboys were looked at as the two potential opponents for the Tigers in New Orleans for the BCS National Championship Game. Alabama was announced as the #2 team, which created much debate among fans that not only was the championship game a rematch, but also a rematch between teams in the same division of the SEC. Alabama would go on to shut out the Tigers 21-0 for their second championship in 3 years. The Tide would win again this past season in convincing fashion once again 42-14 over unbeaten Notre Dame.
               
The BCS system is far from perfect, but it’s not the worst possible way to crown a championship. However, the popular idea of a playoff will in fact come into play in 2014 with a brand new 4 team playoff to crown a champion. Only time will tell if that is the end all be all of crowning a champion, but one thing is for sure, regardless, we will more than likely still watch and be enthralled in everything national championship. After all, that’s we all love college football right?

- Josh Gamez

@itsjoshgamez

Project Rivalry: Iron Bowl; Alabama vs Auburn

The Iron Bowl.

Alabama Crimson Tide vs Auburn Tigers.

Roll Tide vs War Eagle.

The Iron Bowl is one of the most storied rivalries not only in the SEC, but in all of college football. The first game of the rivalry was played on February 22, 1893. Auburn won 32-22. The game was played in front of a crowd of roughly 5,000 people at Lakeview Park in Birmingham, Alabama.

After the 1907 game, which ended in a 6-6 tie, the schools could not agree on the amount of expenses to be paid to players, as well as where they would obtain the officials for the game. Therefore they put the feud on hold.  The Alabama congress threatened to withhold funding from both schools unless the rivalry resumed. Fortunately for Alabama and Auburn fans, the rivalry resumed in 1948. It was agreed that the games would be played in Bimingham because it had the largest stadium in the state, Legion Field which held 44,000 seats.

In 1980 the series had come to be called The Iron Bowl due to Birmingham's prominence as a center of iron and steel production. Auburn's coach at the time, Shug Jordan coined the term "Iron Bowl". Alabama's coach Bear Bryant wanted to call the game the "Brag Bowl" due to the fact that after you win in the game, you have a whole year to brag about the victory.

In 1989 the Iron Bowl began being a "home-and-home" series. On December 2, 1989 Alabama came to Auburn's Jordan-Hare Stadium for the first time in the history of the rivalry. A sold out crowd witnessed Auburn win it's first true "home" game of the series, 30-21. Alabama came into that game unbeaten and ranked #2 in the country.

Alabama held their "home" games at Legion Field, but in 1998 they expanded Bryant-Denny Stadium to a capacity of 83,818, exceeding Legion Field by a few hundred. In the year 2000 Alabama moved their home games to Bryant-Denny Stadium where their home games are still played to this day.

The winner of the game is presented with the Foy-ODK Sportsmanship Award, which is named after James E. Foy, who is an Alabama graduate, and also a former Auburn dean of students and Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society.

One of the most shocking things to come out of this rivalry was on January 11, 2011 a man going by the name of "Al" called into the Paul Finebaum sports radio talk show and admitted to poisoning two trees (known as "Toomer's Trees), which were the center of a long tradition that Auburn fans would take part in called "rolling the corner" (the trees were located on the corner of Magnolia Avenue and College street across from Toomer's Drugs). After soil samples were taken, it was determined that the trees were poisoned. Sadly the trees are scheduled to be taken down in April of this year.

The rivalry has seen many oustanding players such as Bo Jackson, Cam Newton, Johnny Musso and Pat Sullivan. It also has seen many great coaches, such as arguably the greatest coach ever Paul "Bear" Bryant.

This rivalry is a long bitter rivalry which is one of the most heated rivalries in college football. Both teams have been among the nation's elite teams for decades. They have also accounted for 30 SEC titles and are two of the most winningest college football teams in college football history.

- Matt Lytle

@mattlytle

What I Believe We Will See in 2013

So the college football season is over. Now we are stuck with the NFL, MLB, NBA, college basketball and the return of hockey until next CFB season.

A bummer, but some of the other previously mentioned sports aren't all bad. Nowhere near as good as college football, but we won't go there.

I have decided that I would make a post about some things I feel will go down in 2013. I did pretty well at our weekly picks. I figure I will do pretty well at this. You can call me McNamarus (like Nostradamus...you know?)

In 2013, this is what I see happening in the college football world:

- The Ohio State Buckeyes will not go undefeated. They will not play in the National Championship. They will not win the B1G.

- Penn State will win the B1G.

- An SEC team will win the National Championship AGAIN.

- Johnny Manziel will win the Heisman for the second straight year. Watch out Archie Griffin!

- Chip Kelly will not fair well with the Philadelphia Eagles (not CFB, but still)

- The Ohio Bobcats will go undefeated.

- Nick Saban's Crimson Tide will be upset by two lesser opponents.

That's all for now. I hope you guys enjoyed these predictions and I hope I get a few right! Lol

- Jackson McNamara

Who I Think Should Play in the National Championship Game by: Jackson McNamara

As you all know, the #1 ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish will play the #2 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide in the National Championship Game on January 7th. Although the rankings are #1 and #2, and obviously the #1 and #2 ranked teams should play in the National Championship, I feel like this isn't the matchup that most of us college football fans would like to see.

I know that some people may not like my opinions, but hey, it's just an opinion. Obviously my two cents, are exactly that. The National Championship on January 7th will be what it will be, and whether I'm right or not, will not matter one bit.

But you're here reading this, so I assume I haven't lost your interest yet.

The Crimson Tide have been incredible this year. Their only loss being to Texas A&M (led by Mr. Johnny Football!) 29-24. A very good game that could have went either way. I do think that Alabama belongs in the National Championship. With AJ McCarron leading the offensive attack. With Eddie Lacy and TJ Yeldon in the backfield. And with Amari Cooper, Kenny Bell and Kevin Norwood spreading defenses thin, Nick Sabin's Crimson Tide should be in the National Championship Game.

Now, as far as Notre Dame goes. I feel they are a good team. They did beat Michigan, Michigan State, Stanford, and Oklahoma. However, I feel if their schedule was a little tougher, they very well could have tasted defeat. Yes their defense is ranked #1 at points allowed, only giving up 10.3 per game. And yes, Manti Te'o is a phenomenal defensive player. But I don't feel Notre Dame should be in the National Championship.

The team I feel deserves to play Alabama, is the Oregon Ducks. With their high-tempo, aggressive offense that is averaging 50.8 points per game, I feel this is the best matchup for the Crimson Tide. The Ducks are led by freshman QB Marcus Mariota. They have weapons such as Kenjon Barner, De'Anthony Thomas, Josh Huff and Colt Lyerla. To see this Ducks offense take on the Crimson Tide defense to me would be a great matchup, and would most likely be a lot of fun for us fans.

Notre Dame's defense is ranked higher than Alabama's by a very small margin, but I feel if Notre Dame had to face more offenses like the Oregon Ducks, they wouldn't be able to keep up. Honestly, I'm not sure if Alabama's defense could keep up with the Ducks offense, but I think their defense would be the one to be able to put a muzzle on the Ducks.

Saturday, January 7th, we will not see Alabama take on Oregon. And that's fine. Rankings are rankings, and the way everything went down this season we will see the Fighting Irish take on the Crimson Tide. I'm sure it'll be a great matchup. I just feel like the matchup that I came up with would have been more entertaining.

Remember, this was just my opinion. If you disagree, that's fine. I did not write this to offense Notre Dame, or any other sports team fans. I just wanted to air my opinion. Thank you for reading. I hope I don't lose one of my 12 followers for this.

- Jackson McNamara

@jacksonmcnamara

SEC Championship: #2 Alabama vs #3 Georgia Preview

There are so many storylines in this year's SEC Championship Game. There was a joke on Twitter about how they should rename the SEC Championship Game the "National Championship Qualifier". For quite a while, that has been the case. And the same can be said about this year. The #2 Alabama Crimson Tide and the #3 Georgia Bulldogs are both 11-1, with a 7-1 record in the SEC.

However, the storylines don't stop at whoever wins will most likely play Notre Dame in the National Championship. We have two Heisman hopeful quarterbacks in AJ McCarron and Aaron Murray competing against each other. We have dominant running back Eddie Lacy against impressive running back Todd Gurley.

The Crimson Tide is led by junior quarterback AJ McCarron. McCarron has had Heisman hope with him all season. He is 178/265, has thrown for 2,507 yards for 25 touchdowns, and only two interceptions. A rather impressive touchdown to interception ratio.
The Bulldogs are led by junior quarterback Aaron Murray, who has also received much Heisman hype. He is 213/320, and has thrown for more yards than McCarron with a total of 3,201 yards. He has thrown 30 touchdowns and only seven interceptions.

But the offense of both teams don't end there. In fact, it's just getting started...

Alabama has two rather impressive running backs. Junior Eddie Lacy is their leading rusher, just eclipsing the 1,000 yard mark. He has also punched the ball into the endzone 14 times. Lacy's backup, freshman TJ Yeldon has 847 yards to his name, and 10 touchdowns. Both players will look to add onto those totals, and put a stomping on the Bulldogs.

 Georgia also has an impressive duo. Freshman Todd Gurley, who has carried the ball 176 times for 1,138 yards and 14 touchdowns. As well as fellow freshman Keith Marshall, who has carried the ball over 100 times for 720 yards and eight touchdowns.

Alabama is averaging 214 rushing yards per game while Georgia isn't too far behind, averaging 190. On paper, these teams look very similar. I guess that could be why they're ranked #2 and #3.

Both teams have a few wide receivers who have impressive numbers as well. Alabama is equip with Amari Cooper, Kenny Bell and Kevin Norwood. Cooper leads in receiving yards, with 767. He also leads in receiving touchdowns with eight. Bell has reeled in 3 touchdowns while Norwood has caught four.

The Bulldogs have Tavarres King, Malcolm Mitchell and Marlon Brown. King leads the group with 704 yards and eight touchdowns. Mitchell has over 500 yards receiving and four touchdowns, while Brown has nearly 500 yards receiving, and also four touchdowns.

Describing the offenses, it looks as if we're in for a high-scoring offensive affair. But as Lee Corso would say, "not so fast my friend!".

Alabama's defense is ranked #1 in the nation for points allowed. Bama allows an average of 9.3 points per game. If you look through their schedule it's amazing how little most teams can score on this defense. Texas A&M is the only team to score more than 17 points on the Crimson Tide, scoring 29 and actually defeating Alabama.

Georgia's defense isn't as tough, but still isn't giving many points up. They are ranked 16th for points allowed, only allowing an average of 17.7. Compared to Alabama's average you can see a difference, but not by much. The Bulldogs only loss comes from South Carolina, who put 35 up on the scoreboard. Although Georgia has given up 44 points to Tennessee, 24 points to Kentucky and 23 points to Buffalo, all teams who aren't known as very impressive teams this season.
If I had to put my money on whether it will be an offensive or defensive game, I'd put it on the game being defensive. And I'd be cautiously optimistic that I'd win the bet. But with these two offenses I'm just not sure. I honestly wouldn't be surprised to see anything happen out there Saturday afternoon.
The game will be broadcast on CBS this Saturday afternoon at 4:00 PM ET. Clear your schedule, because we are in for quite a game. And the winner of this game will most likely go on to the National Championship Game and give Notre Dame a run for it's money.

- 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

#1 Alabama Crimson Tide at #5 LSU Tigers Preview

Not twelve months ago, the whole world saw one SEC team totally dismantle another on the biggest stage in all of college football.

On Saturday, November 3rd, Alabama will try to repeat the results of that historic night while LSU has a chance at redemption. The score was 21-0 as Alabama embarrassed LSU before 78,000+ fans. Having to recruit new talent in many of the same markets, LSU literally cannot afford to lose this game. In the South, SEC football is not just a game, it is a way of life, and should LSU get beat again, Les Miles is going to have a tough sell to the high school kid that is considering both schools. With a record of 7-1, a loss will drop them out of contention for the SEC West and will seal a spot in the SEC Championship game for Alabama. 

The match-ups between these two SEC West rivals have become legendary over the past couple of years. Always featuring two stout defenses, the games never lack drama or good hard-nosed football. The setting will be a tough one for Alabama as they travel to Baton Rouge, which is historically a very tough place to play. Add in just over 92,000 rabid Tiger fans, and it can be a pretty intimidating place to play for any squad...except...Alabama... Led by head coach Nick Saban and his revolving cast of NFL prospects, you can certainly expect that the Crimson Tide will be ready to play. While Alabama lacks the tough wins that they typically have in their holster, they have beaten everyone that has been placed in front of them. With a record of 8-0, don't expect much to be different in this game. While LSU is a tough adversary, the middle of their defense is soft and they lack the ability to compete offensively against the Alabama defense (which hasn't given up more than 14 points since November, 19th, 2011). Don't look for the outcome to be much different in this game as the Tide will roll again, to a tune of 18-7. (LINE Alabama covers -9)

- The Sports Messiah