Upset Alerts

Weekly upset alerts are available on the right side of the screen.......I am not predicting these teams to lose, just saying they need to be ready....I will be keeping my record of my Upset Alert, however.

Team Hoyt

Everyone has things that inspire them.  Everyone sees things which make them "wow".  People love to see an athlete do something amazing.  Usain Bolt running a record 100m sprint, LeBron James throwing down a windmill 360 dunk, or Chris Johnson running for 2,006 yards in a season make us shake our heads at their dominating athleticism.  There is something that goes beyond any type of achievement in sports.  No dynasty, no dunk, no rush, no sprint, no "Miami Super Team" deserves the honor and "wow" that Richard Hoyt and his son Rick have earned.  Many people know who they are, but I feel the Hoyts have the right to become the most famous athletes in the world.  Team Hoyt runs, bikes, and swims triathlons, one of the world's most grueling sports.  The Hoyts have never won an event they have competed in.  The Hoyts are 0-958 in their endurance races, including 25 Boston Marathons.......Team Hoyt consists of Dick/Rick Hoyt, a father and son.  Rick is 48 and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy out of the womb because his umbilical cord wrapped around his neck, cutting off oxygen flow to his brain.  Dick is 70 and decided at age 37 he wanted to start running.  He ran 5 miles with Rick in a wheelchair ahead of him.  Rick told his father, "Dad, when I’m running, it feels like I’m not handicapped."  After this, Dick began training, and team Hoyt has been training ever since.  I would love to keep talking about the Hoyts, but I feel a video would do more than my meager words could ever do to describe the incredible father/son tandem.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJMbk9dtpdY

Conference Previews: SEC

SEC	Conf.	Overall
East
Florida	7-1	11-1
Georgia	4-4	8-4
Tennessee	4-4	7-5
Kentucky	3-5	7-5
South Carolina	3-5	6-6
Vanderbilt	0-8	2-10
West	Conf.	Overall
Alabama	7-1	11-1
Arkansas	6-2	10-2
LSU	4-4	8-4
Auburn	4-4	8-4
Ole Miss	3-5	7-5
Mississippi	2-6	5-7

 Alabama over Florida in SEC Championship Game in Atlanta

Conference Previews: PAC-10

Pac-10	Conf.	Overall
Oregon State	8-1	9-3
Oregon	7-2	10-2
USC	6-3	10-3
Washington	6-3	8-4
Stanford	6-3	9-3
Arizona	5-4	7-5
California	3-6	5-7
Arizona State	2-7	4-8
UCLA	2-7	3-9
Washington State	0-9	1-11

Conference Previews: Big East

Big East	Conf.	Overall
Cincinnati	6-1	11-1
Pittsburgh	5-2	9-3
West Virginia	5-2	9-3
Connecticut	4-3	8-4
Rutgers	4-3	8-4
South Florida	3-4	6-6
Louisville	1-6	4-8
Syracuse	0-7	2-9

Conference Previews: Big-XII

Big -12	Conf.	Overall
South
Texas	8-0	12-0
Oklahoma	6-2	9-3
Texas A & M	5-3	8-4
Texas Tech	4-4	8-4
Oklahoma State	3-5	7-5
Baylor	1-7	4-8
North	Conf.	Overall
Nebraska	7-1	10-2
Missouri	5-3	9-3
Kansas State	3-5	7-5
Kansas	3-5	5-7
Iowa State	2-6	4-8
Colorado	1-7	3-9

 Texas over Nebraska in Big XII Championship Game in Dallas, Texas

Conference Previews: Big Ten

Big Ten	Conf.	Overall
Ohio State	8-0	12-0
Wisconsin	7-1	11-1
Iowa	6-2	10-2
Penn State	6-2	9-3
Michigan State	4-4	8-4
Michigan	4-4	7-5
Northwestern	3-5	7-5
Purdue	3-5	6-6
Indiana	2-6	5-7
Illinois	2-6	4-8
Minnesota	0-8	2-10

Conference Previews: ACC

ACC	Conf.	Overall
Coastal
Virginia Tech	7-1	11-1
North Carolina	6-2	9-3
Georgia Tech	6-2	9-3
Miami Florida	6-2	9-3
Virginia	1-7	4-8
Duke	1-7	3-9
Atlantic	Conf.	Overall
Florida State	6-2	8-4
Clemson	4-4	7-5
Boston College	3-5	7-5
N.C. State	3-5	6-6
Maryland	2-6	4-8
Wake Forest	2-6	3-9

Virginia Tech over Florida State in ACC Championship Game in Charlottle

#1 Alabama

#1 Alabama
2009-2010: 14-0...defeated Texas in National Championship Game

Many looked at Greg McElroy as the weakest link of what seemed a juggernaut of manliness on the '09 Crimson Tide.  McElroy, however, is the motor that makes the Tide roll (forgive my cliche).  McElroy has not lost a game he started since the 8th grade.  He has weapons all over the field, and has proven to be a clutch performer if nothing else.  With maybe the two best running backs....yeah, two best...in the nation, Alabama won't need to overload McElroy.  Now comes the tricky part, the defense.  Alabama returns one starter on defense, yet this untested unit is predicted to be the best in the country and have five All-Americans.  While Alabama definitely has had talented recruits since Nick Saban took over, it seems premature to expect such big things from ten guys who have never started a game at the College Football level, watch for Alabama's defense to look suspect early in the year before settling into its own.

2010-2011 Outlook:
Key Game: November 6th at LSU (While Florida may be the highest ranked and therefore toughest opponent on the schedule, Alabama has to visit Death Valley while the Gators have to come to the Tide)
Predicted Record: 11-1, 7-1 (loss at Arkansas)

#2 Ohio State

#2 Ohio State
2009-2010: 11-2...defeated Oregon in Rose Bowl

Terrelle Pryor may be the most scrutinized player in College Football since he arrived in Columbus.  Many questioned his decision to join Ohio State.  OSU already had a starting QB for that year plus their Pro-Style playbook doesn't fit Pryor's skill set.  Enter Michigan.  Rich Rod had just gotten to Ann Arbor and had brought his Spread Offense with him, but he lacked a Quarterback to fit the style.  Pryor would have made a great Spread Offense Quarterback, but chose Ohio State instead of the Wolverines.  He showed no evidence of being an effective Pro-Style QB, until the Rose Bowl.  In his biggest game yet, Pryor shined and has turned himself into a Heisman favorite.  Ohio State will, as always, have a vicious and hungry defense that will keep Pryor in any game against any team even in the insane Big-10.  Now the question is, will Pryor be the MVP he was in the Rose Bowl, or will he once again keep other teams in the game?

2010-2011 Outlook:
Key Game: October 16th at Wisconsin (Ohio State ran through the Big-10 except for a slip up against Purdue.  Camp Randall not only offers the loudest stadium they will play in, but also their best opponent.)
Predicted Record: 12-0, 8-0

#3 Texas

#3 Texas
2009-2010: 13-1...lost to Alabama in National Championship Game

Texas may have very well won last year's National Championship Game last year had Senior Quarterback Colt McCoy not gotten injured in the 1st quarter, but he did get hurt, and they did not win.  So Texas turns to the man who came into the National Championship Game after McCoy's injury, Garrett Gilbert.  The jury is relatively out on Gilbert, a 5-star recruit.  The sophomore played horrendously in the 1st half, but seemed to come into his own in the second half.  He tossed to touchdowns to Jordan Shipley and brought Texas back to 24-21, but then preceded to throw two more interceptions to go along with his to in the first half.  Granted, Gilbert will not play any defense resembling the Alabama defense in the Big-12 and maybe not this year, but still the jury is out.  With out a doubt, Texas will return to a more conservative style, running the ball more, to give runners such as Fozzy Whittaker (What a name) and Tre' Newton an opportunity to change the game.  Texas this year will resemble Alabama from last season...frighteningly enough.

2010-2011 Outlook:
Key Game: October 16th at Nebraska (For many years, Texas has looked at the Oklahoma Red River Rivalry as the game to decided their Big-12 Fate...this year, they will need to defeat Nebraska at home to preserce their BCS hopes.)
Predicted Record: 12-0, 8-0

#4 Boise State

#4 Boise State
2009-2010: 14-0...defeated TCU in Fiesta Bowl

Boise State has quickly become America's darling team.  They have 20 returning starters from their outstanding 09'-10' team.  The Broncos proved that they were forreal last season by beating eventual Pac-10 champion Oregon in Week 1 and TCU in the Fiesta Bowl.  Boise State once again schedules a tough team in week one, ACC favorite Virginia Tech.  The Broncos also have a tough match-up as Pac-10 potential champ Oregon State comes to Boise in week 3.  The Broncos need to prove themselves in these game.  With Heisman hopeful Kellen Moore leading the team for the third year, Boise is ensured an offensive boom.  If the defense compliments the offense, the Broncos have a good chance of going undfeated, but watch for Nevada, a big time sleeper in the WAC.  If Boise takes care of business, they could be taking their trickery to a whole new level.

2010-2011 Outlook:
Key Game: Monday September 6th against Virginia Tech at neutral location (It is virtually a home game for Va-Tech in Maryland, but Boise needs this win or their BCS dreams will be the ones that are busted.)
Predicted Record: 11-1, 8-0 (loss against Virginia Tech) 

#5 Virginia Tech

#5 Virginia Tech 
2009-2010: 10-3...defeated Tennessee in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl


Virginia Tech has the best rushing duo in the nation this season as ACC leading rusher Ryan Williams returns after a stunning Freshman season and Junior Darren Evans comes back after tearing his ACL last season.  To go along with the thunder and lightning of Evans and Williams is ever-improving Tyrod Taylor.  While many doubt Taylor's ability to be an effective Quarterback, he really started to shine at the end of last season.  While Taylor may be improving for his Senior season, there is only one stat Taylor should be measured by, his 23 career wins.  He may not be Colt McCoy, but Taylor has effectively made Virginia Tech relevant in his three seasons, only being the number one guy in the last two.  The biggest challenge for their opponents will surely be stopping Va-Tech's rushing attack, but if they forget Taylor, they may lose their chance of winning.

2010-2011 Outlook:
Key Game: November 20th at Miami Florida (The hardest test of the season comes when the Hokies visit Miami where the Canes hope to end Va-Tech's run at the ACC title)
Predicted Record: 11-1, 7-1 (loss at North Carolina)

#6 TCU

#6 Texas Christian 
2009-2010: 12-1...lost to Boise State in Fiesta Bowl

TCU may have the best opportunity to bust open the BCS this season.  The Horned Frogs have a softer schedule than Boise State, even though their conference is much more difficult.  With nine starters returning on the offense side of the ball, this years version of TCU has an offense to go along with their strong defense.  Andy Dalton is a Heisman dark horse and is the face of the TCU team.  He is guaranteed the all-time TCU record for victories by a starting Quarterback as he enters the season tied for the most.  If TCU does what they always do (play strong defense) then the Horned Frogs are well on their way back to Glendale, and if the cards fall the right way, it won't be for the Fiesta Bowl.

2010-2011 Outlook:
Key Game: November 9th at Utah (The Utes may not only represent the best threat to a Mountain West crown for TCU, but also the team with the best chance to end their dream season)
Predicted Record: 12-0, 8-0

#7 Florida

#7 Florida 
2009-2010: 13-1...defeated Cincinnati in Sugar Bowl

With possibly the most decorated player in College Football gone in Tim Tebow, Urban Meyer and the Gators have to reload for another BCS run.  Fortunately, highly touted pocket passer John Brantley prepares to take over the reigns for Florida.  Brantley also has to break in new skill players as 3 of Florida's top 4 receivers left Gainesville after last season, but once again, all Florida seems to do is bring in great players to fill any voids year after year.  Florida does have one of the toughest schedules in the nation, easily expected playing in the SEC, which includes visits to rivals Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida State and the always interesting World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party in Atlanta against Georgia.  Florida hoped that they can pass their way to the Georgia Dome for the SEC Championship Game and beyond.

2010-2011 Outlook:
Key Game: October 2nd at Alabama (The Gators attempt to avenge the loss that ended Tim Tebow's dream senior season as they visit Bryant-Denny Stadium to decided which team, or maybe if either team, will represent the SEC in the BCS National Championship Game)
Predicted Record: 11-1, 7-1 (loss at Alabama)

#8 Miami Florida

#8 Miami Florida
2009-2010: 9-4...lost to Wisconsin in Champs Sports Bowl

Miami Florida has all the tools to make a run at the BCS National Championship, but there might be one person who keeps them from reaching their full potential, and he is the team's most important player.  That player is Quarterback Jacory Harris.  Harris begins his third year as the starter for "The U" and needs to improve his ability to keep the ball for his team.  Harris had good numbers last year, throwing for 3,352 yards and 24 touchdowns, great numbers.  He did, unfortunately, throw 17 interceptions and ran for ummm... -219 yards.  If Miami wants it all to come together for the great offense and defense they have, then Jacory Harris is going to need to improve his accuracy and prove that he is really the duel-threat that everyone claims he is.  Harris has all the ability to lead the Canes, and needs to if they want to be as good as they can be.

2010-2011 Outlook:
Key Game: November 20th versus Virginia Tech (The two best teams in the ACC face off in Miami for what looks to be an absolute showdown for the ACC Coastal division)
Predicted Record: 9-3, 6-2 (losses at Ohio Sate, at Clemson, and versus Virginia Tech)

#9 Iowa

#9 Iowa 
2009-2010: 11-2...defeated Georgia Tech in Orange Bowl


Iowa begins with their first realistic chance in a while to obtain a National Championship.  They will, unfortunately, have to fight their way through what will be the toughest conference in the country this season, The Big-10.  Iowa returns Quarterback Rick Stanzi and will have Running Back by committee with sophomores Brandon Weghner and Adam Robinson.  Iowa returns ball hawk Tyler Sash, a Thorpe Award candidate, at Safety.  Kirk Ferentz begins his eleventh year at Iowa, the second longest tenure in the conference behind, Joe Paterno.  Ferentz won his first BCS Bowl last year and has his first season with the Hawkeyes where expectations are nothing less than a Rose Bowl, and National Championship hopes are high.

2010-2011 Outlook:
Key Game: November 20th versus Ohio State (The Bucks visit Kinnick, giving Iowa a very opportune chance at Roses via Big-10 Championship)
Predicted Record: 10-2, 6-2 (losses versus Wisconsin and versus Ohio State)

#10 Oregon

#10 Oregon
2009-2010: 10-3...lost to Ohio State in Rose Bowl

The Ducks are no quack (HAHAHAHAHA) even without Jeremiah Masoli.  They return superstar running back LaMichael James who rushed for over 1,500 yards in 2009.  The Ducks had the eighth best rushing attack last year but this year, without the running threat of Masoli, will have to feature the pass more.  Thankfully, Oregon has a Wide Receiver who will make Masoli a little less missed in Jeff Maehl.  the 6'1" Maehl may not be the most intimidating receiver, but will have to feature prominently for Oregon to have the same offensive threat as last year (the same, but different).  Oregon's defense returns six starters, including sack master Kenny Rowe and standout Sophomore Safety John Boyett.  All the signs say Oregon is not a dead duck, yet.

2010-2011 Outlook: '
Key Game: December 4th at Oregon State (The Civil War has the signs of deciding a wide open Pac-10)
Predicted Record: 10-2, 7-2 (losses at USC and at Oregon State)

#11 Nebraska

#11 Nebraska
2009-2010: 10-4...defeated Arizona in Holiday Bowl

Nebraska was 4 points and a meltdown against Texas Tech (31-10) from being undefeated last season.  Everyone knows about the loss in the Big-12 Championship Game to Texas, 13-12, after one second was put back on the clock for Texas to make a 45-yard field goal, but Nebraska had an inexcusable loss to Iowa State 9-7 and a one point loss to Virginia Tech 16-15.  Nebraska had the best defense in the country last year, allowing a minuscule 10.4 points per game.  This year, the Cornhuskers will feature a strong defense (probably won't be #1, but quien sabe...who knows?), and return 9 starters on offense, hoping this will improve their mediocre attack.  Zac Lee is a strong presence at Quarterback, and should improve after playing much of 2009 with a torn elbow ligament.  Nebraska is the one threat to another Texas reign of dominance in the Big-12.

2010-2011 Outlook
Key Game: Big-12 Championship Game (Nebraska is all but ensured a spot with the weak state of the Big-12 North, now they need to win the game)
Predicted Record: 10-2, 7-1 (losses at Washington and versus Texas)

#12 Georgia Tech

#12 Georgia Tech
2009-2010: 11-3...lost to Iowa in Orange Bowl

The Ramblin' Wreck reached the orange bowl last year, but could not take down Iowa in the game.  Paul Johnson brought immediate excitement when he came to Georgia Tech, boasting a triple-option attack that brought success to the Naval Academy and  now Georgia Tech.  This season he has Quarterback Josh Nesbitt back.  Nesbitt ran for over 1,000 yards last year, and is the Boise State of Heisman hopefuls, hoping to break open the party.  Lining up behind Nesbitt is Fullback Anthony Allen and taking Johnathan Dwyer's spot at Running Back will most likely be speedster Roddy Jones.  The ACC isn't as favorable as it has been in years past and Georgia Tech plays in the much more difficult Coastal Division, which carries four teams with an opportunity to win the conference, but they have as good as any other team to be visiting Miami for the Orange Bowl this season.

2010-2011 Outlook:
Key Game: Thursday November 4th at Virginia Tech (Georgia Tech wants to beat Virginia Tech for a key road win that can lead to a BCS berth via at-large)
Predicted record: 9-3, 6-2 (losses at Virginia Tech, versus Miami Florida, and at Georgia)

#13 USC

#13 Southern California
2009-2010: 9-4...defeated Boston College in Emerald Bowl

USC doesn't have much to play for this year.  Reggie Bush has all but completely slammed the door on USC's 2010-2011 campaign.  The Trojans cannot play for a bowl game even if they go undefeated throughout their 13 game season.  Despite this, many Trojans say they will go all out just to preserve the tradition of the university.  Matt Barkley returns for his second year at the helm and as always USC brings in a plethora of high ranked recruits.  Lane Kiffin comes over from Tennessee to help the Trojans from one of their darkest hours.  The only question this year for USC to have a great year is motivation, which will be hard to find.

2010-2011 Outlook:
Key Game: November 20th at Oregon State (USC may not have any motive to win this season, but they could ruin Oregon State's Rose Bowl bid with a win)
Predicted Record: 10-3, 6-3 (losses at Stanford, at Arizona, and at Oregon State)

#14 Wisconsin

#14 Wisconsin 
2009-2010: 10-3...defeated Miami in Champs Sports Bowl

Wisconsin comes into a season where the Big 10 may be stronger than the SEC ( :O ).  The Badgers feature one of the best teams they have had in recent memory (which for me is like the last two years, but I digress, again).  Running Back John Clay is the darkest of Heisman horses, but he is exactly that, running in the Clydesdale Division.  Clay can carry the Badgers offense, but he doesn't have to.  Wisconsin has ever improving Quarterback Scott Tolzien who threw for over 2,700 yards last year (2,705) and a junior Wide Receiver who can threaten for 1st team all-Big 10 this year in Nick Toon.  Wisconsin may be overshadow by Ohio State, Iowa, and Joe Paterno (I mean Penn State), but they may be better than all three teams...and they are the only ones that don't have to play the other three (they miss out on Penn State).

2010-2011 Outlook:
Key Game: October 16th at Iowa (Many look to the week before versus OSU as Wisconsin's key game, but every team is bound to slip up in the Big-10 this year, Wisconsin cannot afford to lose this game to Iowa if they want to smell roses.)
Predicted Record: 11-1, 7-1 (loss versus Ohio State)