Week 1 Predictions (2009)
It is finally that time of year. Get your pigskins, strap on the pads, and go hit someone.
It is time for football.
So let's forget the introductions, and let's get down to business.
SEC Game of the Week
Georgia vs Oklahoma State
This may not be a true SEC match-up, but this is a big-time, week 1 game. Georgia will be looking to see if they can replace QB Matt Stafford and RB Knowshon Moreno, both of which were 1st round draft picks. QB Joe Cox and a stable of runningbacks including Richard Samuel and Caleb King, will get the first shot. One thing that will help the Bulldogs is the return of the entire Oline, as well as skill postion players, like WR A.J. Green, who enters his sophomore year looking to improve on a 56 catch, 963 yard and 8 touchdown freshman campaign. The defense though should be a strengh for the Dawgs, as they return virtually everyone, including DTs Kade Weston, Geno Atkins, and Jeff Owens.
The Cowboys on the other hand, are coming off a hot season, and returning their major offensive pieces. QB Zac Robinson, RB Kendall Hunter, and WR Dez Bryant all could be 1st team ALL BIG 12 by seasons end, and are aided by an offensive line with 4 seniors and a sophomore. The defense is also very experienced, with 15 seniors and juniors littering the two-deep. And, all are battle tested.
Three to Watch
Bulldogs
LT Trinton Sturdivant (6'5, 305 lbs, Soph.)
The big left tackle returns after an injury held him out of last season. The line was not the same last year without him, and now Sturdivant will be counted on heavily to give Cox time to throw the ball.
LB Rennie Curran (5'11 , 226 lbs, Jr.)
The leader of the Bulldog defense will be key to stopping Hunter. Not only is it his job to call audibles on the defense, but he will have the primary job of tackling Hunter. If Curran has a big game, it could really hinder the explosive Cowboy offense.
WR Israel Troupe (6'1, 209 lbs, Soph.)
Troupe has waited his time, and Bulldog nation is ready for him to prove his Rivals #15 wide receiver ranking from a few years ago. With all the focus on Green, look for Troupe to possibly have a big day out of the slot.
Co
wboys
RB Kendall Hunter (5'8, 197 lbs, Jr.)
The little man may have the biggest impact on the field. His ability to find lanes, aided by the Oline, will be big to beating Georgia. If Hunter gets going, it will open the play action pass for Robinson to find Bryant in the seam for scores.
OG Jonathan Rush (6'4, 314 lbs, Soph.)
Formerly on the practice squad, Rush is the only non-senior on the line. His play at left guard will be big on pitch plays where he has to pull block. If he has a good day, it will add another dimension to the running game, and again, aid in the playaction pass.
CB Parrish Cosh (6'0, 198 lbs, Sr.)
Cosh gets the job of guarding Green. If he can contain the big wideout, it will really hurt Georgia's passing game, and force Cox to find other targets who he may not be as comfortable throwing to. If he gets pushed around, it could be a long day for the Cowboy secodary.
Prediction
The real question in this game is this: Can the Georgia defense slow down the high powered Cowboy offense? If this game turns into a high-scoring affair, Georgia is in trouble. A new QB and no proven RB doesn't bode well for having to put up a lot of scores.
For State, they just need to score a lot of points and run Georgia out of Stillwater. The Cowboys need to hop on Georgia early with either a big run by Hunter, or a deep ball to Bryant, and set the tone for the day.
But I don't see OK State running all over Georgia, the Bulldog defense is better than that.
With that said, I don't see a Bulldog win. I just think the loss of Stafford and Moreno is too much for this opening season game.
Georgia 17
Oklahoma State 27
ACC Game of the Week
Virginia Tech vs Alabama
Alabama comes into this game with a few new linemen and a new QB. Greg McElroy takes over for John Parker Wilson. Lucky for him, he still has WR Julio Jones to throw to, and a stable of runningbacks with Mark Ingram, Ray Upchurch, Terry Grant, and true freshman Trent Richardson. A question for the Tide is how do they do with the loss of LT Andre Smith to the draft? On defense, the Tide return an all senior front 3, and all have experienced backups. The linebacker corp also returns a lot of experience, and is led by Dont'a Hightower. The defensive backups follow suite with experience, and led by All-SEC corner, Javier Arenas.
Virginia Tech is now the Tyrod Taylor show, officially. But, the Hokies have lost RB Darren Evans for the year to injury, so the running game will be up to Josh Oglesby and Ryan Williams. The passing game looks good in paper with guys like Xavier Boyce (6'4, 223 lbs), Marcus Davis (6'4, 231 lbs), and DJ Coles (6'3, 215 lbs) it is very inexperienced. TE Greg Boone is the best option in the offense outside of Taylor, as he passes, blocks, and runs the "Wild Turkey." The defense returns a lot from last year, and the line could be one of the best. LB will still be a strenght, but a question mark is cornerback. Victor "Macho" Harris is gone, and it is up to Stephan Virgil to lock down the CB spot opposite Rashad Carmichael. They still have safety Kam Chancellor.
Three to Watch
Hokies
QB Tyrod Taylor (6'1, 216 lbs, Jr.)
As mentioned, it is now Taylor's show. His ability to run brings up multiple matchup issues, but the key will be if his throwing has improved. If Taylor does well, Virginia Tech does well, if he struggles, VT will be average.
TE Greg Boone (6'3, 287 lbs, Sr.)
Next to Taylor, the most versatile player on the offense. His running of the "Wild Turkey," along with his size brings a special weapon to the Hokie offense. The question for Boone is, can the wideouts clear out the middle of the field where Boone dominates on short routes?
S Kam Chancellor (6'4, 226 lbs, Sr.)
With the departure of Harris, Chancellor is now the leader of the secondary. With the size of a linebacker, but the speed of a corner, he can easily give support in covering Julio Jones. Also, from his position, his calls on defense will be helpful.
Cr
imson Tide
TE Brad Smelley (6'3, 233 lbs, So.)
Smelley is a solid TE for the Tide. He makes the 1st down catches when Jones is covered, and the other wideouts aren't the smartest pass. His ability to make the short catches and prolonge drives will be key, even if he only catches 3 balls.
LT James Carpenter (6'5, 300 lbs, Jr.)
Carpenter takes over for the departed Andre Smith. He doesn't have the mass of Smith, but all reports give way to a smooth transition. Carpenter's play will be detrimental to the passing game, as he will guard McElroy's blindside. If he has a good day, Bama's passing game could take over.
DT Terrance Cody (6'5, 354 lbs, Sr.)
Cody is a key to the defense. If he controls the middle, it will all but shut down the inexperienced running backs of VT. The question is, how in shape is Cody? At his weight, it is hard to judge just how good of shape he is in.
Prediction
Last year, Alabama came out and dominated the ACC representative in Clemson, and hope to do the same. VT has the edge in QB play, simply because we know what Taylor brings, and not McElroy. But running game, Oline, and WRs all go to Bama, with an edge at TE to the Hokies.
For VT to win, their defense has to contain the Bama offense, and hope for a special teams swing.
Even with all that, Bama should win. But it won't be a blowout like last year.
Alabama 27
Virginia Tech 20
Other Games in the Region
South Carolina over NC State
Georgia Tech over Jacksonville State
Boston College of Northeastern
Baylor over Wake Forest
North Carolina over The Citadel
Clemson over Mid. Tenn. State
Virginia over William and Mary
Duke over Richmond
Maryland over California
Miami (Fl) over Florida State
Kentucky over Miami (Oh)
Tennessee over W. Kentucky
Miss. State over Jackson State
Arkansas over Mizzou State
Florida over Charleston Southern
Auburn over La. Tech
Vanderbilt over W. Carolina
LSU over Washington
Mississippi over Memphis
Kent State over Coastal Carolina
Furman over Presbyterian
South Florida over Wofford
East Carolina over App. State
It is time for football.
So let's forget the introductions, and let's get down to business.
SEC Game of the Week
Georgia vs Oklahoma State
This may not be a true SEC match-up, but this is a big-time, week 1 game. Georgia will be looking to see if they can replace QB Matt Stafford and RB Knowshon Moreno, both of which were 1st round draft picks. QB Joe Cox and a stable of runningbacks including Richard Samuel and Caleb King, will get the first shot. One thing that will help the Bulldogs is the return of the entire Oline, as well as skill postion players, like WR A.J. Green, who enters his sophomore year looking to improve on a 56 catch, 963 yard and 8 touchdown freshman campaign. The defense though should be a strengh for the Dawgs, as they return virtually everyone, including DTs Kade Weston, Geno Atkins, and Jeff Owens.
The Cowboys on the other hand, are coming off a hot season, and returning their major offensive pieces. QB Zac Robinson, RB Kendall Hunter, and WR Dez Bryant all could be 1st team ALL BIG 12 by seasons end, and are aided by an offensive line with 4 seniors and a sophomore. The defense is also very experienced, with 15 seniors and juniors littering the two-deep. And, all are battle tested.
Three to Watch
Bulldogs
LT Trinton Sturdivant (6'5, 305 lbs, Soph.)
The big left tackle returns after an injury held him out of last season. The line was not the same last year without him, and now Sturdivant will be counted on heavily to give Cox time to throw the ball.
LB Rennie Curran (5'11 , 226 lbs, Jr.)The leader of the Bulldog defense will be key to stopping Hunter. Not only is it his job to call audibles on the defense, but he will have the primary job of tackling Hunter. If Curran has a big game, it could really hinder the explosive Cowboy offense.
WR Israel Troupe (6'1, 209 lbs, Soph.)Troupe has waited his time, and Bulldog nation is ready for him to prove his Rivals #15 wide receiver ranking from a few years ago. With all the focus on Green, look for Troupe to possibly have a big day out of the slot.
Co
wboysRB Kendall Hunter (5'8, 197 lbs, Jr.)
The little man may have the biggest impact on the field. His ability to find lanes, aided by the Oline, will be big to beating Georgia. If Hunter gets going, it will open the play action pass for Robinson to find Bryant in the seam for scores.
OG Jonathan Rush (6'4, 314 lbs, Soph.)Formerly on the practice squad, Rush is the only non-senior on the line. His play at left guard will be big on pitch plays where he has to pull block. If he has a good day, it will add another dimension to the running game, and again, aid in the playaction pass.
CB Parrish Cosh (6'0, 198 lbs, Sr.)Cosh gets the job of guarding Green. If he can contain the big wideout, it will really hurt Georgia's passing game, and force Cox to find other targets who he may not be as comfortable throwing to. If he gets pushed around, it could be a long day for the Cowboy secodary.
Prediction
The real question in this game is this: Can the Georgia defense slow down the high powered Cowboy offense? If this game turns into a high-scoring affair, Georgia is in trouble. A new QB and no proven RB doesn't bode well for having to put up a lot of scores.
For State, they just need to score a lot of points and run Georgia out of Stillwater. The Cowboys need to hop on Georgia early with either a big run by Hunter, or a deep ball to Bryant, and set the tone for the day.
But I don't see OK State running all over Georgia, the Bulldog defense is better than that.
With that said, I don't see a Bulldog win. I just think the loss of Stafford and Moreno is too much for this opening season game.
Georgia 17
Oklahoma State 27
ACC Game of the Week
Virginia Tech vs Alabama
Alabama comes into this game with a few new linemen and a new QB. Greg McElroy takes over for John Parker Wilson. Lucky for him, he still has WR Julio Jones to throw to, and a stable of runningbacks with Mark Ingram, Ray Upchurch, Terry Grant, and true freshman Trent Richardson. A question for the Tide is how do they do with the loss of LT Andre Smith to the draft? On defense, the Tide return an all senior front 3, and all have experienced backups. The linebacker corp also returns a lot of experience, and is led by Dont'a Hightower. The defensive backups follow suite with experience, and led by All-SEC corner, Javier Arenas.
Virginia Tech is now the Tyrod Taylor show, officially. But, the Hokies have lost RB Darren Evans for the year to injury, so the running game will be up to Josh Oglesby and Ryan Williams. The passing game looks good in paper with guys like Xavier Boyce (6'4, 223 lbs), Marcus Davis (6'4, 231 lbs), and DJ Coles (6'3, 215 lbs) it is very inexperienced. TE Greg Boone is the best option in the offense outside of Taylor, as he passes, blocks, and runs the "Wild Turkey." The defense returns a lot from last year, and the line could be one of the best. LB will still be a strenght, but a question mark is cornerback. Victor "Macho" Harris is gone, and it is up to Stephan Virgil to lock down the CB spot opposite Rashad Carmichael. They still have safety Kam Chancellor.
Three to Watch
Hokies
QB Tyrod Taylor (6'1, 216 lbs, Jr.)As mentioned, it is now Taylor's show. His ability to run brings up multiple matchup issues, but the key will be if his throwing has improved. If Taylor does well, Virginia Tech does well, if he struggles, VT will be average.
TE Greg Boone (6'3, 287 lbs, Sr.)Next to Taylor, the most versatile player on the offense. His running of the "Wild Turkey," along with his size brings a special weapon to the Hokie offense. The question for Boone is, can the wideouts clear out the middle of the field where Boone dominates on short routes?
S Kam Chancellor (6'4, 226 lbs, Sr.)With the departure of Harris, Chancellor is now the leader of the secondary. With the size of a linebacker, but the speed of a corner, he can easily give support in covering Julio Jones. Also, from his position, his calls on defense will be helpful.
Cr
imson TideTE Brad Smelley (6'3, 233 lbs, So.)
Smelley is a solid TE for the Tide. He makes the 1st down catches when Jones is covered, and the other wideouts aren't the smartest pass. His ability to make the short catches and prolonge drives will be key, even if he only catches 3 balls.
LT James Carpenter (6'5, 300 lbs, Jr.)Carpenter takes over for the departed Andre Smith. He doesn't have the mass of Smith, but all reports give way to a smooth transition. Carpenter's play will be detrimental to the passing game, as he will guard McElroy's blindside. If he has a good day, Bama's passing game could take over.
DT Terrance Cody (6'5, 354 lbs, Sr.)Cody is a key to the defense. If he controls the middle, it will all but shut down the inexperienced running backs of VT. The question is, how in shape is Cody? At his weight, it is hard to judge just how good of shape he is in.
Prediction
Last year, Alabama came out and dominated the ACC representative in Clemson, and hope to do the same. VT has the edge in QB play, simply because we know what Taylor brings, and not McElroy. But running game, Oline, and WRs all go to Bama, with an edge at TE to the Hokies.
For VT to win, their defense has to contain the Bama offense, and hope for a special teams swing.
Even with all that, Bama should win. But it won't be a blowout like last year.
Alabama 27
Virginia Tech 20
Other Games in the Region
South Carolina over NC State
Georgia Tech over Jacksonville State
Boston College of Northeastern
Baylor over Wake Forest
North Carolina over The Citadel
Clemson over Mid. Tenn. State
Virginia over William and Mary
Duke over Richmond
Maryland over California
Miami (Fl) over Florida State
Kentucky over Miami (Oh)
Tennessee over W. Kentucky
Miss. State over Jackson State
Arkansas over Mizzou State
Florida over Charleston Southern
Auburn over La. Tech
Vanderbilt over W. Carolina
LSU over Washington
Mississippi over Memphis
Kent State over Coastal Carolina
Furman over Presbyterian
South Florida over Wofford
East Carolina over App. State
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