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Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Levon Kirkland Spends Some Time With Never Had It So Good Sports Radio
I appreciate the exclusive and candid conversation with Coach Kirkland. He took time out of his busy schedule over the holidays to talk about his life after the passing of his lovely wife Keisha Kirkland. He also talks about his new Gig with FAMU as their Defensive Coordinator. He also talks Clemson/USC Football and he gives a prediction for the BCS Championship Game with FSU and Auburn. Please take a listen....
Steven Dial Discusses His Time With The Gamecocks At The Capital One Bowl
Thanks so much Steven for spending with Never Had It So Good Sports
Radio. Have fun and see you soon.
Please listen in....
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Monday, December 30, 2013
Never Had It So Good Sports Radio Show Is Now Prime Time
We have heard our listeners. We are moving to a new time for you convenient and listening pleasure. Make sure to tune in at our new time of 5:00 pm eastern time.
WLTX Reporter Steven Dial to appear on Never Had It So Good Sports Radio...
Make sure to listen in. The show will be live from Orlando, Florida and the Capital One Bowl @ 11:00 am, Tuesday, December 31st. The USC Gamecocks and Wisconsin Badgers will be meet for there bowl game on New Year's Day.
Here is the link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/neverhaditsogoodsportsradio/2013/12/31/never-had-it-so-good-radio-interviews-steven-dial-live-from-capital-one-bowl
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Monday, November 11, 2013
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
SEC Players Of The Week
The SEC league office announced its top performers for Week 4:
Offense: Jeremy Hill, RB, LSU
Rushed for career-highs of 184 yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries in a 35-21 win over Auburn. He scored touchdowns the first two times he touched the ball – going 49 yards on the first score and then followed that with a 12-yard run on his next carry – both coming in the first five minutes of the game.
Scored his third touchdown on a 6-yard run in the third quarter to stretch the LSU lead to 28-7. Added a 54-yard run down to the Auburn 1-yard line early in the second quarter that led to another LSU score and a 21-0 advantage.
Averaged 7.4 yards per carry. Hill’s 184 rushing yards were the most by an LSU player since Alley Broussard set the school record with 250 yards against Ole Miss in 2004.
Defense: Dante Fowler Jr., DE, Florida
Forced two fumbles against Tennessee and recovered one.
Recorded three tackles (for a total loss of 15 yards) and was the only Gators player to claim a sack on the day.
Helped lead the Gators defense as they held Tennessee to just 66 rushing yards.
Helped force the Vols to consecutive three-and-outs in the first half.
Special teams: Alan D'Appollonio, LS, Arkansas
Made first career reception on fake punt in first quarter at Rutgers.
Catch was for 24 yards on fourth-and-6 from Arkansas 49-yard line, extending drive that ended with an Arkansas field goal.
Has been perfect on PAT, field goal and punt snaps in 2013.
Freshman: Reggie Davis, WR, Georgia
Davis caught the first two passes of his career and finished with 134 yards receiving and a touchdown in the 45-21 victory over North Texas.
His first reception was a 98-yard touchdown catch from Aaron Murray. It was the longest offensive play in school history and tied for the third-longest receiving touchdown in SEC history.
Davis helped the Bulldogs generate 641 yards on offense against the Mean Green and 35 points or more for the third consecutive game.
Offensive lineman: Gabe Jackson, G, Mississippi State
Jackson was instrumental in the Bulldogs amassing 551 yards, 235 on the ground, in a 62-7 victory over Troy.
The senior guard didn't have a missed assignment and was credited with five pancake blocks.
The 551 yards were the 14th-most in school history, and the 45 first-half points were the most in the modern era.
Defensive lineman: Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri
Ealy had perhaps the single biggest individual play of Saturday’s win over Indiana, when with the Hoosiers driving for a potential tying score right before halftime, he jumped to knock down a pass on a third-and-3 at the Missouri 46 with two minutes left. Instead of just knocking the ball down, however, Ealy got the ball to stick in his mitts, and he raced the other way for a 49-yard interception return for a touchdown. That staked the Tigers to a 28-14 lead, and they never looked back.
The pickoff was the first of Ealy’s career, and he finished with two total pass break-ups. He also had a solo tackle as the Tigers held the Indiana offense to well below its season averages.
Offense: Jeremy Hill, RB, LSU
Rushed for career-highs of 184 yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries in a 35-21 win over Auburn. He scored touchdowns the first two times he touched the ball – going 49 yards on the first score and then followed that with a 12-yard run on his next carry – both coming in the first five minutes of the game.
Scored his third touchdown on a 6-yard run in the third quarter to stretch the LSU lead to 28-7. Added a 54-yard run down to the Auburn 1-yard line early in the second quarter that led to another LSU score and a 21-0 advantage.
Averaged 7.4 yards per carry. Hill’s 184 rushing yards were the most by an LSU player since Alley Broussard set the school record with 250 yards against Ole Miss in 2004.
Defense: Dante Fowler Jr., DE, Florida
Forced two fumbles against Tennessee and recovered one.
Recorded three tackles (for a total loss of 15 yards) and was the only Gators player to claim a sack on the day.
Helped lead the Gators defense as they held Tennessee to just 66 rushing yards.
Helped force the Vols to consecutive three-and-outs in the first half.
Special teams: Alan D'Appollonio, LS, Arkansas
Made first career reception on fake punt in first quarter at Rutgers.
Catch was for 24 yards on fourth-and-6 from Arkansas 49-yard line, extending drive that ended with an Arkansas field goal.
Has been perfect on PAT, field goal and punt snaps in 2013.
Freshman: Reggie Davis, WR, Georgia
Davis caught the first two passes of his career and finished with 134 yards receiving and a touchdown in the 45-21 victory over North Texas.
His first reception was a 98-yard touchdown catch from Aaron Murray. It was the longest offensive play in school history and tied for the third-longest receiving touchdown in SEC history.
Davis helped the Bulldogs generate 641 yards on offense against the Mean Green and 35 points or more for the third consecutive game.
Offensive lineman: Gabe Jackson, G, Mississippi State
Jackson was instrumental in the Bulldogs amassing 551 yards, 235 on the ground, in a 62-7 victory over Troy.
The senior guard didn't have a missed assignment and was credited with five pancake blocks.
The 551 yards were the 14th-most in school history, and the 45 first-half points were the most in the modern era.
Defensive lineman: Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri
Ealy had perhaps the single biggest individual play of Saturday’s win over Indiana, when with the Hoosiers driving for a potential tying score right before halftime, he jumped to knock down a pass on a third-and-3 at the Missouri 46 with two minutes left. Instead of just knocking the ball down, however, Ealy got the ball to stick in his mitts, and he raced the other way for a 49-yard interception return for a touchdown. That staked the Tigers to a 28-14 lead, and they never looked back.
The pickoff was the first of Ealy’s career, and he finished with two total pass break-ups. He also had a solo tackle as the Tigers held the Indiana offense to well below its season averages.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Helmet Stickers From ESPN...
Week 4 of SEC action is in the books. Let's take a look at some of the brightest from Saturday's action and hand out some helmet stickers:
Jeremy Hill, LSU: The sophomore running back rolled to an impressive 184 yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries to lead the Tigers to a 35-21 win over Auburn on Saturday night. He picked up 152 of those yards in the first half and had scores of 49, 10 and 6 yards. The 6-foot-2, 235-pound Hill averaged 7.3 yards per carry for the night.
Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M: The sophomore quarterback was 14-of-21 passing for 244 yards and a touchdown and ran for 102 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries in a 42-13 win over SMU. He led the team in rushing for the game and threw an interception though it wasn't his fault (the ball went through the hands of a receiver). Saturday marked the ninth time he has thrown for 200 yards and recorded a passing touchdown and rushing touchdown in a game, the most of any FBS player since the start of last season.
Aaron Murray, Georgia: It wasn't a pretty win for Georgia over North Texas, especially after an early interception thrown by Murray in the end zone, but he bounced back to have a strong day: 408 yards and three touchdowns on 22-of-30 passing. He became Georgia's all-time total offense leader and threw his 100th career touchdown pass in the win, becoming only the second SEC quarterback to accomplish that feat.
Tyler Murphy, Florida: Losing your quarterback is never easy, but Murphy eased that challenge for Florida on Saturday. After Jeff Driskel went down in the first quarter with what turned out to be a season-ending leg injury, the junior came in to complete 8-of-14 passes for 134 yards and a touchdown -- with no interceptions -- to help the Gators to a 31-17 win over rival Tennessee. Head coach Will Muschamp said afterward, "He didn't just manage our team. He produced in critical situations."
Dak Prescott, Mississippi State: Making just his third career start for the injured Tyler Russell, Prescott threw for 233 yards and a touchdown, ran for 53 yards and two touchdowns and even caught a 36-yard touchdown pass in a 62-7 victory over Troy. The touchdown catch was the result of a trick play, a catch-and-run off a pass from receiverJameon Lewis.
Tyler Murphy
Well Gatornation, Jeff Driskel is out for the season. I was not pleased with his play this season but, I wanted him to improve. I did not want him to get hurt. In the end though, I wish him well in his recovery. I think he is a nice kid and a tough kid. I just didn't think he showed signs of improvement from one season to the next.
But, Tyler Murphy! Once he settled in I liked what I saw. I thought he made great decisions and didn't take unnecessary chances and throw into coverage. He actually threw the ball away or he tucked and ran with it.
I also thought the team rallied around him and responded well. The coaches gave Murphy plays he could manage and the team was able to run the ball against Tennessee. But, it was Tennessee. The Vols are not the same caliber of program in football that they were in early 2000s.
I am excited to see what the offense looks like with Murphy at the helm in Lexington, Kentucky. He seemed to really settle in with the offense in the second half of the Tennessee game. I am hopeful that will carry over with the Wildcats.
In looking at the schedule I think we can manage Kentucky and Arkansas and get ready for the true test of LSU. And, btw, the Tigers look like a true contender for SECCG and the National Championship.
Back to my Gators, I am hopeful the running game continues to improve with Matt Jones, Mack Brown, and Hunter Joyer. I also want our WRs to help out and catch some passes. Solomon Patton made some good plays but, he has dropped some key passes in this season so far. He and Quinton Dunbar could be the difference in our Offensive success. We will have to show we can stretch the field or teams will just load the box and play the run.
I am hoping Coach Pease can get this together offensively and make a good season out of what our circumstances are at this point.
This is just about Tyler Murphy. I am hoping the whole team rallies together. The Defense is solid. Can the Offense come along in time to make this a meaningful 2013 for Gator Football?
Monday, September 2, 2013
College Football Week 1 Review
First and foremost it's awesome to have College Football on Saturdays. Life is definitely back to normal. And, with the NFL starting this weekend that definitely puts things back into perspective.
The Gators were impressive in the first half. But, when Toledo made adjustments at halftime the offense struggled. Driskel looked sharp for the most part. But, I thought he struggled throwing the ball down field in the second half when Toledo came with more defensive pressure. The good news is our back up running Mack Brown looked powerful and ready. The OL looked Alabama like and our defense looked strong despite seven new starters. And, all of our starters will be back for the Miami game except Halapio. The bad news is, it was Toledo. If we struggle like that against Miami or anyone else in the SEC, we lose. Review of Hurricanes v Gators coming later on this week. And, a special Cane supporter on the Radio Show on Friday.
The Gamecocks looked strong. I was impressed with Mike Davis and his running. I thought Shaw and Thompson looked sharp. And, the SEC Defense overwhelmed the Tar Heels Offense for the most part. But, the game took on a different turn when it clearly looked like Clowney was out of shape. And, with all the hype from the Summer leading up to this game I really don't think he came close to living up to it. He constantly had his hands on hips in the first half and it did not get better throughout the game. As Bianchi said from the Orlando Sentinel, "Clowney's Heisman Campaign lasted all of one half." I was completely not impressed with his performance. He had a total of three tackles, no sacks, and no TFLs. Not acceptable. The defense will have to play a lot better against the Bulldogs who clearly have their backs against the wall after losing to Clemson Saturday night.
And, speaking of Clemson v Georgia...that was an awesome Opening Weekend Game. Boyd looked sharp and threw some tough passes. He was clutch and made great decisions in the pocket. And. Watkins was illusive and speedy on the edges where he is most dangerous. And, even though the Bulldogs went blow for blow they could not stop Clemson's Offense and Aaron Murray did not look sharp. Nor, did he look like a, "Seasoned Sr SEC Quarterback. I do predict though, they will play a lot better this week as they will be in desperate mode at home against the Gamecocks.
Other tidbits from this weekend's schedule:
- Alabama looked beatable and not as dominant in the first half.
- Vanderbilt is not the old Commodores.
- South Florida and Willie Taggart are in trouble of that Massacre handed to them at home by McNeese State.
- The same can be said for UConn after that terrible lost at home to Towson which they paid 275,000 for.
- Johnny Manzel is an embarrassment and should be suspended by Sumlin. His attitude and entitled demeanor will keep him from the Heisman this year.
- Bridgewater (Louisville), Boyd (Clemson), and Miller (OSU) have emerged as front runners in the Heisman race.
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Ranking SEC Coaches....from Saturday Down South
The SEC is in search of its eighth straight BCS National Championship in 2013. While they have some dominant and dynamic players, they also have some nasty coaching staffs, the best the country has to offer.
College football is much different than the NFL. College demands a top coaching staff that can make in-game decisions and recruit lights out, while the NFL is all about the dynamic quarterback.
Let’s get it…
1. Alabama
Head coach: Nick Saban
Coordinators: OC Doug Nussmeier, DC Kirby Smart
Buzz: Three national championships in the past four seasons speak for themselves. Does it speak to the chasm between the No. 1 and No. 2 coaching staffs? You bet it does. Defensive coordinator Kirby Smart has guided the Tide to only allow 11.75 points per game in five years. Doug Nussmeier’s 2012 offense averaged the most points in the Saban era, with 38.71 per game. And we haven’t even started talking about veterans Bobby Williams, Chris Rumph, Mario Cristobal or Burton Burns yet. This staff is loaded, much like the roster.
2. South Carolina
Head coach: Steve Spurrier
Coordinators: OC Steve Spurrier, DC Lorenzo Ward
Buzz: Several worried that when Ellis Johnson left Carolina the defense would take a step back. But in fact, it didn’t skip a beat with Lorenzo Ward. Steve Spurrier guides the offense and does the main play calling, because he’s incredible and enjoys running it up on Georgia, among other teams. The Gamecocks’ nitty-gritty, hit-you-in-the-mouth offense and defense are not something we are not used to seeing from Spurrier, nor do we expect it. Deke Adams becomes the Gamecocks’ only new coach in 2013, taking over the defensive line. QB coach GA Mangus is an up-and-coming offensive mind.
3. LSU
Head coach: Les Miles
Coordinators: OC Cam Cameron, DC John Chavis
Buzz: Whether you think Les Miles is an underachiever or not, his coaching staff is stacked. Cam Cameron takes over the offense and brings QB and NFL experience with him, while John Chavis continues to excel as the defensive coordinator. Chavis’ defense has allowed 15.74 points per game since 2009. I also love running backs coach Frank Wilson as a coach and a recruiter, and defensive backs coach Corey Raymond is a great teacher, too.
4. Georgia
Head coach: Mark Richt
Coordinators: OC Mike Bobo, DC Todd Grantham
Buzz: Georgia’s offense under Mike Bobo is always criticized, but he shut mouths in 2012, as the offense averaged 37.79 points per game. Todd Grantham gets a lot of ink for being a great coordinator, but his defenses have virtually performed the same as Willie Martinez’s. Grantham’s defenses have given up 20.73 points per game, while Martinez’s gave up 20.92 per game. Maybe new defensive line coach Chris Wilson will get the defensive front to maximize its capability, something that was criticized under Rodney Garner.
5. Texas A&M
Head coach: Kevin Sumlin
Coordinators: Co-OC Jake Spavital, Co-OC Clarence McKinney, DC Mark Snyder
Buzz: Kevin Sumlin lost the hottest assistant coach in the country in Kliff Kingsbury, and he turned right around and hired the next Kliff Kinsbury, Jake Spavital. Everyone thought TAMU’s defense would be terrible in 2012, but Mark Snyder made everyone believers. If you’re still not convinced of Clarence McKinney after he called the Cotton Bowl plays, you need to check your pulse. I love Sumlin, but I love his staff more. The Aggies have four new coaches for 2013.
6. Florida
Head coach: Will Muschamp
Coordinators: OC Brent Pease, DC DJ Durkin
Buzz: You can say Florida wasn’t that great in 2012 and wonder how they won 11 games, but you’re wasting your time. This staff is very strong, even with the loss of Dan Quinn to the NFL. Brent Pease’s offense isn’t sexy, but he lines up with so many formations it makes coaches’ heads swim. DJ Durkin replaces Quinn, and he’s been groomed for this position, while leading arguably the top special teams unit in the country. The addition of WR coach Joker Phillips and DL coach Brad Lawing were two of the best off-season coaching hires for any staff.
7. Vanderbilt
Head coach: James Franklin
Coordinators: OC John Donovan, DC Bob Shoop
Buzz: Vanderbilt’s staff is very underrated. I’m a James Franklin believer, and he and his staff have transformed the Commodores in just two seasons. John Donovan has had success with the offense, but defensive coordinator Bob Shoop may be one of the most underrated coaches in the country. The Dores’ defense finished fifth in the league in total defense in 2012. And offensive line coach Herb Hand is a master chef, just another reason to like this staff. This is the only SEC staff that remained 100 percent intact for 2013.
8. Arkansas
Head coach: Bret Bielema
Coordinators: OC Jim Chaney, DC Chris Ash
Buzz: Granted, Arkansas’ staff has yet to coach or win an SEC game together, but on paper, this staff is talented and experienced. Chris Ash had good defenses at Wisconsin, and Randy Shannon coaches the linebackers. Former Tennessee offensive coordinator Jim Chaney takes over the offense, and it’ll be an interesting gel between Bielema, who’s very pro-style minded, and Chaney, who has a very throw-it-around-the-yard style. But the best position coach may be offensive line coach Sam Pittman, who led the Vols to have the fewest sacks in the SEC last season.
9. Ole Miss
Head coach: Hugh Freeze
Coordinators: Co-OC Dan Werner, Co-OC Matt Luke, DC Dave Wommack
Buzz: Hats off to Hugh Freeze and his staff. They can coach, and they can recruit. The 2-10 to 7-6 turnaround was fun to watch, and you can tell the players have really bought into the staff and believe in them. The only new staffer Freeze hired was cornerbacks coach Jason Jones for Wesley McGriff, who left for the New Orleans Saints. The offensive duties split between Dan Werner and Matt Luke, while Dave Wommack heads up the defense. We’ll see what Year 2 brings.
10. Auburn
Head coach: Gus Malzahn
Coordinators: OC Rhett Lashlee, DC Ellis Johnson
Buzz: I love the makeup of this coaching staff. Gus Malzahn tabbed one of his protégé’s Rhett Lashlee from Arkansas State, and seasoned veteran Ellis Johnson takes over the defense. Dameyune Craig, Melvin Smith, Charlie Harbison and Rodney Garner were massive hires for Malzahn, and we’ve already seen the dividends paid through recruiting. Now, let’s see how good they can be on the field.
11. Missouri
Head coach: Gary Pinkel
Coordinators: OC Josh Henson, DC Dave Steckel
Buzz: Gary Pinkel tabbed co-O-line coach Josh Henson to take over for David Yost, and Dave Steckel continues coordinating an underrated defense. Pinkel has won 90 games at Missouri, and we’ll see what kind of adjustments he and his staff make in 2013. Defensive line coach Craig Kuligowski and running backs coach Brian Jones have been with Pinkel since he started in 2001.
12. Mississippi State
Head coach: Dan Mullen
Coordinators: OC Les Koenning, DC Geoff Collins
Buzz: Dan Mullen has six staffers who have been with him since 2009, namely offensive coordinator Les Koenning. Koenning’s offense was boring and average down the 2012 stretch and needs a revival, while Geoff Collins takes over the defense in his first season as the official coordinator. Former Florida and LSU receiver coach Billy Gonzalez joins the staff for 2013, replacing Tim Brewster.
13. Tennessee
Head coach: Butch Jones
Coordinators: OC Mike Bajakian, DC John Jancek
Buzz: Butch Jones brings a winning resume to Knoxville. Mike Bajakian takes over an offense that lost star talent but has a strong O-line. The defense will get better just by John Jancek putting them in the correct formation, as he switches the 3-4 for a 4-3 scheme. Outside of defensive backs coach Willie Martinez, who used to be the defensive coordinator for Georgia, you may not recognize many other names.
14. Kentucky
Head coach: Mark Stoops
Coordinators: OC Neal Brown, DC DJ Eliot
Buzz: Stoops’ signature hire was offensive coordinator Neal Brown. Brown’s spread-‘em-out and throw-it-around Air Raid is difficult to prepare for, and it will give teams trouble this season. Stoops brought DJ Eliot with him from FSU to coach his defense as a first-year coordinator. The staff isn’t proven, but they’ve proven they can recruit and get talent in a short amount of time
Second Show In The Archives
The sound quality was much this time. And I thought the show flowed better with all of my side kicks there. The product will continue to improve. I love the concept. Please make sure you listen in at...
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/neverhaditsogoodsportsradio/2013/08/16/never-had-it-so-good-sports-radio
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Riley Cooper and Tim Tebow
Good to see them together. And, I am hopeful that Riley can put this behind him. Second chances everyone....
Pat Forde's Intriguing Top Ten 25 College Quarterback List....Hmm, No Driskel
1. Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M. If you don't know why he tops this list, you may want to start following curling instead of football.
2. A.J. McCarron, Alabama. Has a chance to go where no quarterback has gone before, being the starting QB on three straight national titlists. McCarron has often been at his best in the past two BCS championship games, and was highly clutch in the winning drive at LSU last year. He also comes with a girlfriend who made Brent Musberger foam at the mouth on national TV, and a chest tattoo that even Birdman Andersen would find impressive. The only player in America who makes him look dull is Manziel.
3. Braxton Miller, Ohio State. Which starting quarterback has the longest active winning streak in the country? This guy. The Buckeyes went 12-0 last year and have a chance to add 14 more consecutive victories this season – if Miller continues his improvement in the user-friendly Urban Meyer spread offense. The dual-threat junior has nearly 5,300 yards total offense in two seasons, with plenty more to come this year.
Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, should be a top Heisman contender. (AP)4. Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville. Can a guy from a middling league playing a weak schedule actually win theHeisman Trophy? Bridgewater has a chance. Probably the most pro-ready QB in the country, Teddy Ballgamehas both the tangibles (accuracy, velocity, athletic ability) and the intangibles (great under pressure, physical toughness, leadership ability). If only he had a marquee opponent for a potential Heisman Moment – but an undefeated season and big stats may offset that disadvantage.
5. Tommy Rees, Notre Dame. He's been all over the map with coach Brian Kelly: starter, bench jockey, suspended, reinstated, expendable spare part, irreplaceable relief pitcher. Now, after the academic dismissal of starter Everett Golson, Rees returns to the starting job for his senior year and takes over a team with a solid chance of replicating last year's success – if he comes through. Rees has to be ready right away, because the front half of the Notre Dame schedule is loaded.
6. Marcus Mariota, Oregon. Teammate Kenjon Barner finished in the Heisman voting top 10 last year, but Mariota might have been the more indispensible Duck. He threw for 32 touchdowns and just six interceptions, and ran for 752 yards and five more TDs. Mariota gets a new head coach this year but a familiar face in promoted offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich. Expect the pyrotechnic Oregon offense to remain the same, and Mariota to be its leading man.
7. Zach Mettenberger, LSU. The Tigers might have been a quarterback away from national title contention last year – and Mettenberger was that quarterback. Hugely touted coming out of junior college, he has the size and arm strength of an NFL QB but often looked bewildered when facing the speed and complexity of SEC defenses last year. But there was the flash of hope when Mettenberger lit up Alabama, and if new offensive coordinator Cam Cameron can build on that then LSU will again have a chance to win the SEC West.
8. Aaron Murray, Georgia. Murray came back for a fifth season in part to get the bitter taste of the SEC championship game defeat out of his mouth, after the Bulldogs came up five yards and five seconds short of upsetting kingpin Alabama. For a four-year starter, Murray has endured plenty of ups and downs with the Georgia faithful, including the knuckleheads who egged his house after the Bulldogs lost to South Carolina last year. Murray has his best-ever supporting cast on offense now; can it translate into an SEC title?
9. Tajh Boyd, Clemson. Another guy who turned down the pros for a shot at greater college glory. Boyd and the Tigers get Georgia and ACC rival Florida State in Death Valley, giving them a chance to produce a body of work heading into November that has the team in national title contention and Boyd a Heisman front-runner.
10. Casey Pachall, TCU. Last we saw Pachall in game action, he was leading the Horned Frogs to a 4-0 start last year. Then came a DUI, a season suspension, a stint in a substance-abuse clinic and a 7-6 record for the team left behind. Pachall says he has come back wiser and more mature, and he figures to be TCU's starting quarterback when the Horned Frogs open against LSU in Arlington. If Pachall handles this second chance well, it will be one of the better stories of 2013.
The Longhorns' fortunes will rest largely on the arm of QB David Ash. (Getty Images)11. David Ash, Texas. One of the biggest reasons behind the Longhorns' slide from elite status has been their slide in quarterback production from the Vince Young-Colt McCoy days. Some of that falls on Ash, who has been pretty good but rarely great over the past two years. If Ash can make the good-to-great leap this season, with a full complement of experienced backs, receivers and linemen around him, Texas may rise back into the top Ten. At least.
12. Devin Gardner, Michigan. The Denard Robinson Era is finally over, and while it was a lot of fun, it ultimately was a limited venture. That's why the Wolverines began transitioning to Gardner last season and will hand him complete control of a more versatile and balanced offense this season. Gardner's polished passing skills should mesh well with the preferred offense of coordinator Al Borges. There is a lot of youth surrounding Gardner, but it helps to have All-America left tackle Taylor Lewan watching his back.
13. Blake Bell, Oklahoma. Can the 6-foot-6, 263-pound Belldozer evolve from short-yardage novelty act to fulltime quarterback? That's the key question for a Sooners offense that spent most of the previous four years with Landry Jones calling signals. Bell hasn't proven he can throw and hasn't been guaranteed the starting job just yet, but if he gets it, he should surpass Logan Thomas of Virginia Tech as the World's Largest Starting Quarterback.
14. Jameis Winston, Florida State. The Seminoles' championship aspirations rest largely on the shoulders of a quarterback who has not yet played a down as a collegian. Winston was breathlessly recruited out of Hueytown, Ala., turning down the SEC for Tallahassee, and, after a redshirt season, is ready to join a long line of star QBs at Florida State. But he needs to be good immediately, especially since backup QB Clint Trickett bailed for the starting job at West Virginia.
15. Jacob Karam, Memphis. You may wonder why a pretty good quarterback from a 4-8 team is on this list. Watch this video clip and you'll understand why.
16. TBD, USC. No pressure, kids, but whoever starts at quarterback for the Trojans may hold the key to Lane Kiffin's job security. It could be sophomore Cody Kessler, who had the superior spring, or it could be sophomore Max Wittek, who has the superior physical gifts. Wittek was thrown into the fire against Notre Dame last year after the injury to Matt Barkley, and showcased some dazzling physical talent. But his Sun Bowl performance against Georgia Tech was pretty much a disaster, so the job opened up. And remains open.
17. Clint Chelf, Oklahoma State. He is living proof that perseverance can pay off in sports. Chelf entered spring 2012 as the likely starter and wound up third string by kickoff last September. But when the two guys ahead of him got hurt, Chelf finally got the call in the last month of the season and took over the job. Original 2012 starter Wes Lunt transferred and backup J.W. Walsh returned to backup status. Chelf is, at last, the man this August in Stillwater.
Taylor Martinez hopes to improve upon the 23 TDs he threw last season for Nebraska. (Getty Images)
5. Tommy Rees, Notre Dame. He's been all over the map with coach Brian Kelly: starter, bench jockey, suspended, reinstated, expendable spare part, irreplaceable relief pitcher. Now, after the academic dismissal of starter Everett Golson, Rees returns to the starting job for his senior year and takes over a team with a solid chance of replicating last year's success – if he comes through. Rees has to be ready right away, because the front half of the Notre Dame schedule is loaded.
6. Marcus Mariota, Oregon. Teammate Kenjon Barner finished in the Heisman voting top 10 last year, but Mariota might have been the more indispensible Duck. He threw for 32 touchdowns and just six interceptions, and ran for 752 yards and five more TDs. Mariota gets a new head coach this year but a familiar face in promoted offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich. Expect the pyrotechnic Oregon offense to remain the same, and Mariota to be its leading man.
7. Zach Mettenberger, LSU. The Tigers might have been a quarterback away from national title contention last year – and Mettenberger was that quarterback. Hugely touted coming out of junior college, he has the size and arm strength of an NFL QB but often looked bewildered when facing the speed and complexity of SEC defenses last year. But there was the flash of hope when Mettenberger lit up Alabama, and if new offensive coordinator Cam Cameron can build on that then LSU will again have a chance to win the SEC West.
8. Aaron Murray, Georgia. Murray came back for a fifth season in part to get the bitter taste of the SEC championship game defeat out of his mouth, after the Bulldogs came up five yards and five seconds short of upsetting kingpin Alabama. For a four-year starter, Murray has endured plenty of ups and downs with the Georgia faithful, including the knuckleheads who egged his house after the Bulldogs lost to South Carolina last year. Murray has his best-ever supporting cast on offense now; can it translate into an SEC title?
9. Tajh Boyd, Clemson. Another guy who turned down the pros for a shot at greater college glory. Boyd and the Tigers get Georgia and ACC rival Florida State in Death Valley, giving them a chance to produce a body of work heading into November that has the team in national title contention and Boyd a Heisman front-runner.
10. Casey Pachall, TCU. Last we saw Pachall in game action, he was leading the Horned Frogs to a 4-0 start last year. Then came a DUI, a season suspension, a stint in a substance-abuse clinic and a 7-6 record for the team left behind. Pachall says he has come back wiser and more mature, and he figures to be TCU's starting quarterback when the Horned Frogs open against LSU in Arlington. If Pachall handles this second chance well, it will be one of the better stories of 2013.
The Longhorns' fortunes will rest largely on the arm of QB David Ash. (Getty Images)11. David Ash, Texas. One of the biggest reasons behind the Longhorns' slide from elite status has been their slide in quarterback production from the Vince Young-Colt McCoy days. Some of that falls on Ash, who has been pretty good but rarely great over the past two years. If Ash can make the good-to-great leap this season, with a full complement of experienced backs, receivers and linemen around him, Texas may rise back into the top Ten. At least.
12. Devin Gardner, Michigan. The Denard Robinson Era is finally over, and while it was a lot of fun, it ultimately was a limited venture. That's why the Wolverines began transitioning to Gardner last season and will hand him complete control of a more versatile and balanced offense this season. Gardner's polished passing skills should mesh well with the preferred offense of coordinator Al Borges. There is a lot of youth surrounding Gardner, but it helps to have All-America left tackle Taylor Lewan watching his back.
13. Blake Bell, Oklahoma. Can the 6-foot-6, 263-pound Belldozer evolve from short-yardage novelty act to fulltime quarterback? That's the key question for a Sooners offense that spent most of the previous four years with Landry Jones calling signals. Bell hasn't proven he can throw and hasn't been guaranteed the starting job just yet, but if he gets it, he should surpass Logan Thomas of Virginia Tech as the World's Largest Starting Quarterback.
14. Jameis Winston, Florida State. The Seminoles' championship aspirations rest largely on the shoulders of a quarterback who has not yet played a down as a collegian. Winston was breathlessly recruited out of Hueytown, Ala., turning down the SEC for Tallahassee, and, after a redshirt season, is ready to join a long line of star QBs at Florida State. But he needs to be good immediately, especially since backup QB Clint Trickett bailed for the starting job at West Virginia.
15. Jacob Karam, Memphis. You may wonder why a pretty good quarterback from a 4-8 team is on this list. Watch this video clip and you'll understand why.
16. TBD, USC. No pressure, kids, but whoever starts at quarterback for the Trojans may hold the key to Lane Kiffin's job security. It could be sophomore Cody Kessler, who had the superior spring, or it could be sophomore Max Wittek, who has the superior physical gifts. Wittek was thrown into the fire against Notre Dame last year after the injury to Matt Barkley, and showcased some dazzling physical talent. But his Sun Bowl performance against Georgia Tech was pretty much a disaster, so the job opened up. And remains open.
17. Clint Chelf, Oklahoma State. He is living proof that perseverance can pay off in sports. Chelf entered spring 2012 as the likely starter and wound up third string by kickoff last September. But when the two guys ahead of him got hurt, Chelf finally got the call in the last month of the season and took over the job. Original 2012 starter Wes Lunt transferred and backup J.W. Walsh returned to backup status. Chelf is, at last, the man this August in Stillwater.
Taylor Martinez hopes to improve upon the 23 TDs he threw last season for Nebraska. (Getty Images)
18. Taylor Martinez, Nebraska. It only seems like Martinez has been quarterbacking the Cornhuskers since the Osborne Era. His fourth and final year as the starting QB in Lincoln gives us one more chance to debate whether T-Magic is a good enough passer to win a Big Ten championship, or a slightly different Denard Robinson. Martinez improved his accuracy appreciably last year and threw a career-high 23 touchdowns – equaling the total from his first two years combined. But he also threw a career-high 12 interceptions and was sacked a career-high 34 times.
19. Brett Hundley, UCLA. He was one of the revelations of 2012, emerging as a redshirt freshman to throw for more than 300 yards in three of his first four games – including an upset of Nebraska. By the time Hundley was done, he'd thrown for 3,740 yards and 29 touchdowns, leading the Bruins to their most victories in seven seasons. With the loss of star running back Johnathan Franklin and several experienced receivers, even more will be on his shoulders this year.
20. Jordan Lynch, Northern Illinois. The only returning player who averaged more yards per game in total offense last season is Johnny Football. The MAC version, Jordan Football, was just short of 5,000 yards running and passing last season, leading the Huskies to a previously inconceivable BCS bowl berth. Lynch's limitations were exposed in that game by Florida State, but he still will be very difficult for less-talented defenses to contain in 2013.
21. Kain Colter, Northwestern. There is no diva in Colter, who willingly – and sometimes voluntarily – gave up snaps last year to better passer Trevor Siemian. That's how Colter wound up seeing time at wide receiver, catching 16 passes. He also ran for nearly 900 yards and 12 touchdowns. If the passing is improved (872 yards, eight touchdowns, four interceptions, 68 percent accuracy), Colter might get almost every snap at QB this time around.
22. Derek Carr, Fresno State. He's emerged from the shadow of big brother David, the former Fresno star and No. 1 overall NFL draft pick. Last year Carr was one of nine FBS quarterbacks to throw for more than 4,000 yards, leading the Bulldogs to a nine-win season. With another season like that from Carr, Fresno will have a say in who wins the Mountain West.
23. Connor Shaw, South Carolina. Playing quarterback for Steve Spurrier means you're always one play away from the doghouse. However, Spurrier has consistently said that Shaw is his starter on what might be the Head Ball Coach's most prolific passing team in nine years at the school. Shaw has endured injuries and demotions with aplomb and should be poised for a big senior season.
24. Kevin Hogan, Stanford. His late-season emergence as a freshman saved Stanford's 2012 season, helping lead the Cardinal to a BCS championship game-ruining upset of Oregon in Eugene and to a Rose Bowl victory. With the loss of 1,500-yard rusher Stepfan Taylor and the Cardinal's top three receivers, Hogan will have to be even better as a sophomore.
25. Tyler Tettleton, Ohio. Son of former big-league catcher Mickey Tettleton earned his own place in the spotlight by leading the Bobcats to a season-opening upset of Penn State, on the way to a 9-4 record and a romp in the Independence Bowl. Tettleton will get the chance for a second straight opening-weekend statement victory when Ohio faces Louisville Sept. 1.
Just missed the list: Taylor Kelly, Arizona State; Joe Southwick, Boise State; Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech; Chuckie Keeton, Utah State; Clint Trickett, West Virginia; Jeff Driskel, Florida; Garrett Gilbert, SMU; Rakeem Cato, Marshall; Stephen Morris, Miami; Bryn Renner, North Carolina; Brendon Kay, Cincinnati; Keith Price, Washington.
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