Divisional Round

Saturday’s games

1)      New Orleans Saints (14-3) vs. San Francisco 49ers (13-3)

This game will not only be the 1^st game of the Divisional round, but will be the only game that does not feature a rematch of teams that faced off during the regular season. The 49ers and Saints did play in the preseason but not much can be taken from that game as the starters played a few series and both teams are drastically different now. I find it surprising that the 49ers are underdogs as the home team and higher seed. I actually think this is going to benefit them as they have played the underdog role all year long. The Saints are streaking right now and are one of the best offensive units in the entire league. That being said, they are going up against the best run defense and a top 3 scoring defense this weekend in their house. The 49ers are going to get Frank Gore the ball and keep Drew Brees on the bench for as long as possible. The Saints will score their points, but the 49ers will get some key stops on 3^rd down that teams have failed to do against the Saints all year long. 41% conversion rate on 3^rd down and 10 or farther is insane, but I don’t see this defense allowing it. Tight game the whole way through and will definitely be the best game of the weekend.

WINNER = San Francisco 49ers 27-24

2)      Denver Broncos (9-8) vs. New England Patriots (13-3)

This game will also be a rematch of a December 18^th matchup where the Patriots handled the Broncos 41-23. In that game the Broncos moved the ball well throughout the game, but the Patriots took over in the 2^nd half. The difference here is that Belichick will have his defense prepared for Tim Tebow unlike the Steelers who just dared him to throw the ball. The Patriots will play zone coverage and disguise what they are trying to do instead of just manning up and stacking 8-9 men in the box. I like Denver’s defense and their ability to get after the passer, but I feel like the Patriots just have too many weapons at their disposal. Dumervil and Miller will have to be in the face of Tom Brady all day if they wish to have a chance of stopping this high octane offense. Denver no longer has the comfort and support they had in Denver last weekend and I think that will play a huge role in this game. Tebow will have a great game but the Broncos will not be able to slow down Brady and the bunch enough to allow one more Tebow Time.

WINNER = New England Patriots 34-24

Sunday’s games

1)      Houston Texans (11-6) vs. Baltimore Ravens (13-3)

This game is also a rematch of teams that met in Week 6 in which the Ravens controlled the entire game and won 29-14. The saying that defense wins championships will be on display when these two teams meet on Sunday morning. The Ravens defense has been a mainstay for many years now and the Texans have emerged under the teaching of 1^st year defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. All year long the Texans have been decimated by injuries from all different positions, but most importantly QB. T.J Yates got the job done in Houston last weekend, but he won’t have the comfort from his home stadium and crowd this weekend. If the Texans want any chance of winning this game, Arian Foster will have to have a huge day against this stout Ravens run defense. Knowing this, I look for the Ravens to gear up against the run and dare T.J Yates to beat them in the air with the Ball Hawkin’ Ed Reed in the secondary. The Texans defense will be doing much of the same as they will try to slow down Ray Rice and leave the game in the hands of Joe Flacco. In the end, I think the Ravens experience, knowledge and home field advantage will be the difference in this game.

WINNER = Baltimore Ravens 23-17

2)      New York Giants (10-7) vs. Green Bay Packers (15-1)

This game represents the ultimate rematch of a game played in Week 13 where the Giants seemed to have the upset in place against the still undefeated Packers until Aaron Rodgers put his foot forward. He drove his team down the field in what seemed like no time and they kicked the GW FG to preserve their undefeated record another week 38-35. Both of these teams are hitting their strides on offense, while the same may not be able to be said about the defenses. The Packers defense has been shaky all year long giving up the most yards per game in the entire NFL. The one thing they have done is taken ball away through interceptions in clutch moments. The Giants defense is showing flashes of the defense they had in 2007 when they made their Super Bowl run with their ability to get after the QB with 3-4 man rushes. This will be key because it isn’t enough to just pressure Rodgers, you have to bring him down and not allow him to extend plays because that is when he is at his best. We know the Packers are going to score, so can ELIte Eli and the Giants keep up with them? I believe Eli will have a great game and keep the Giants close matching Aaron stride for stride. But I see this game being won on another final drive by Aaron Rodgers all the way down the field for a TD. The Giants secondary has had its issues this year and I am sure Rodgers is well aware of what he needs to do to get his team one step closer to a repeat run.

WINNER = Green Bay Packers 34-31

NCAA Bowl Preview - Part 4: BCS National Championship

Here we go again. The final game of the 2011 college football season takes place tonight in New Orleans with the top two teams in the country and the SEC battling in one of the most anticipated contests in football history. Tonight's game between No. 1 ranked LSU (13-0) and No. 2 ranked Alabama (11-1) is unique because it is not only the first BCS Championship game to feature two teams from the same conference, but also the first rematch in title game history. The Tigers and Crimson Tide faced each other in Tuscaloosa in early November in what many labeled the "game of the century" in college football. The game filled the bill to some, but most fans were left disappointed with a 9-6 LSU overtime victory that was, well, pretty boring. The combined 15 total points were a result of the stout defenses, with Alabama ranked first in points allowed and LSU ranked second, and a series of missed kicks from Alabama's Cade Foster and Jeremy Shelley.

LSU went onto finish the season undefeated in conference play and ensured a spot in the BCS title game with a dominant 42-10 victory over Georgia in the SEC Championship game. Alabama would respond to the heart breaking loss by finishing the season 11-1 and would slide into the national title game after Oklahoma State's late season upset loss to Iowa State. Although many have criticized the notion of a rematch in the national championship game, the LSU-Alabama rematch remains the most attractive matchup to determine the national champion. With two of the hardest schedules in the country, neither team broke a sweat against their SEC foes and both schools beat high profile out of conference teams, with LSU crushing Rose Bowl champion Oregon and Orange Bowl champion West Virginia and Alabama defeating Big-10 foe Penn State.

The Tigers will rely on quarterback Jordan Jefferson, who is 4-0 as a starting quarterback this season, to lead them tonight. Both Jarrett Lee and Jefferson played in LSU's first contest with Alabama and both of them struggled equally against Alabama's strong defense. Jefferson has played well since being named the starter, leading the Tigers offense to an average of 42.3 points per game during the home stretch of the season, but will have to continue being effective out of the pocket if LSU is to put touchdowns on the board. Alabama has one of the greatest defenses in college football history and will look to use their stout front seven to disrupt Jefferson. LSU defensive phenoms Tyronn Mathieu and Morris Claiborne might both be playing in their final college games and will have to play big to force Alabama to be a one dimensional team. Luckily for the Crimson Tide they have one of the top running backs in the nation in Trent Richardson. Richardson, who was a Freshman when the Tide won the national title over Texas two years ago, had only three carries inside the LSU 40 yard line in their first meeting. Expect that to change tonight when Alabama coach Nick Saban pulls out all the stops to get the offense moving.

The two top coaches in the country, Alabama's Nick Saban and LSU's Les Miles, are each battling for their own legacies when the two teams square off tonight. Saban is looking to win his third national championship after his 2009 win with Alabama and his 2003 win with the LSU Tigers. Saban's decision to head to Alabama after his short stint with the Miami Dolphins left fans in Baton Rouge angry and I don't expect them to let up anytime soon. Miles is in search of his second national title after the Tigers beat Ohio State in New Orleans back in 2007 and will pass Saban's one-title mark at LSU with a win tonight. As great of a coach as Les Miles is, I can't imagine Saban losing to the same team twice in one season, especially with the national title on the line. Expect a close one tonight in the Bayou with the Crimson Tide of Alabama winning their 13th national championship.

Let the split-national championship debates begin!

PICK: Alabama

2011 All-Division I FBS Team

The 2011 college football season wraps up tonight with the BCS National Championship, so we think it is only fitting that we honor the nation's top players before the sun sets on this legendary season. There were few top players at any position this year but the men on this list displayed excellence above their peers and are worthy of recognition. Enjoy the list and tonight's championship game.


Offense
QB: Robert Griffin III, Baylor, 4293 YDS, 37 TDs
RB: Montee Ball, Wisconsin, 1923 YDS, 33 TDs
RB: LaMichael James, Oregon, 1805 YDS, 18 TDs
WR: Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State, 1522 YDS, 18 TDs
WR: Patrick Edwards, Houston, 89 REC, 1752 YDS, 20 TDs
TE: Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame, 63 REC, 803 YDS, 5 TDs
OT: Matt Kalil, Southern California
OT: Barrett Jones, Alabama
OG: David DeCastro, Stanford
OG: Kevin Zeitler, Wisconsin
C: David Molk, Michigan

Defense
DE: Whitney Mercilus, Illinois, 57 Tackles, 16 Sacks
DT: Devon Still, Penn State, 49 Tackles, 14 TFL, 4.5 Sacks
DT: Joe Vellano, Maryland, 94 Tackles, 2.5 Sacks
DE: Vinny Curry, Marshall, 74 Tackles, 11 Sacks
OLB: Jarvis Jones, Georgia, 70 Tackles, 13.5 Sacks
MLB: Luke Kuechly, Boston College, 191 Tackles, 3 INTs
OLB: Lavonte David, Nebraska, 123 Tackles, 5.5 Sacks, 2 INTs
CB: Tyrann Mathieu, LSU, 71 Tackles, 2 INTs, 5 FFs
CB: Morris Claiborne, LSU, 46 Tackles, 6 INTs
FS: Bacarri Rambo, Georgia, 56 Tackles, 8 INTs
SS: Mark Barron, Alabama, 61 Tackles, 2 INTs

Special Teams
K: Randy Bullock, Texas A&M, 88% FG PCT, 55 for 57 XP
P: Ryan Allen, Louisiana Tech, 46.1 YDS/P, 72 YD Long
KR: Taveon Rogers, New Mexico State, 25.8 YDS/KR, 3 TDs
PR: Joe Adams, Arkansas, 9.7 YDS/PR, 321 TOT YDS, 4 TDS

Wild Card Weekend

This weekend marks the opening weekend of the NFL Playoffs! We have some great matchups to go over so I will get right to it.

Saturday’s games

1)      Cincinnati Bengals (9-7) vs. Houston Texans (10-6)

This game will mark a rematch of a Week 14 matchup in which the Texans won the game 20-19 on a last second TD pass from T.J Yates. Yates left the Texans Week 17 game early with a shoulder injury but appears ready and able to play this Saturday. Andy Dalton also had his share of issues when he came down with the flu this week but it will not sideline him for this game. This will be the first ever playoff game where two rookie QB’s go head to head. Both teams star WR’s, A.J Green and Andre Johnson will be ready to go of their nagging injuries as well. Both of these teams have great defenses that look to shut down the oppositions running game, forcing them to become one-dimensional. Both teams are also limping into the playoff having lost in their respective Week 17 matchups. I look for Arian Foster and A.J Green to both have big roles in this game and make the plays they have been making all year. When it is all said and done, I see the Texans controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball which will in turn lead them to victory. Close game but the Texans will get their 1^st ever playoff victory.

WINNER = Houston Texans 24-20

2)      Detroit Lions (10-6) vs. New Orleans Saints (13-3)

This game will also be a rematch of a Week 13 battle where the Saints won 31-17 in the Superdome. It is worth noting that the Lions were without many key defensive players such as CB Chris Houston, S Louis Delmas and most notably DT Ndamukong Suh. Both teams have their offenses rolling heading into this matchup. Neither defense impresses me but the Saints have many players who were on their team the year of their Super Bowl run. We all remember when Tracy Porter picked off Peyton Manning to seal the deal for New Orleans. I have always seen the Saints defense as one that steps up when it needs to. The Lions defense on the other hand has never been consistent or clutch. They can definitely get after the QB with their great pass rushers, but their LB’s and defensive backfield have some serious problems. I think that Drew Brees and Sean Peyton will find ways to exploit the Lions defense. It is very tough to beat the Saints as shown by their 13-3 record, but it is a whole different challenge to beat them in their house. At the end of the day, I see the Saints taking their fury from last year’s first round exit (MARSHAWN LYNCH!) out on the Lions and denying the Lions their first playoff victory since who knows when.

WINNER = New Orleans Saints 38-20

Sunday’s games

1)      Atlanta Falcons (10-6) vs. New York Giants (9-7)

This game is not a matchup of teams that met in the regular season, but will definitely be one heck of a game to watch. When looking at this matchup we must consider and analyze a bit of the teams respective histories. The Falcons have been a great regular season team that tends to not do so well in the playoffs or away from home. The Giants always seem to find a way to squeak into the playoffs and then catch fire. The Falcons are probably one of the most complete teams in the NFL with their great running game, explosive passing game and solid defense. The Giants have had issues running the ball but that may be due to Ahmad Bradshaw’s injury. Eli has been on a tear this year finding a great option in Victor Cruz and the Giants pass rush is as good as it has ever been. The Falcons with White, Jones and Gonzo should be able to take advantage of the Giants weak secondary so long as their offensive line gives Matt Ryan sufficient time to throw the ball downfield. The Giants offense shouldn’t have much trouble against the Falcons who struggle to get after the QB if John Abraham isn’t dominating his matchups. When the final whistle blows, the New York Football Giants will be on top thanks in part to Eli Manning and their relentless pass rush.

WINNER = New York Giants 27-20

2)      Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) vs. Denver Broncos (8-8)

Many people believe that this game is going to be an easy victory for the Steelers and that they will roll over the Denver Broncos. I think this is going to be a very close game that comes down to one final drive. It is very important to realize how much the Steelers S Ryan Clark’s absence will affect their defense. Clark is the signal caller on the defense and makes sure that everyone is on the same page. Unfortunately he will not be playing due to a blood disorder that was realized a few years back when he played up in Mile High Denver. The Broncos may also be without one of their star safeties as Brian Dawkins has been nursing a neck injury. Another key factor for the Broncos will be the effectiveness of Von Miller’s pass rush which has been questionable ever since his thumb injury. The Steelers offense has been struggling as of late due in part to Big Ben’s injuries and inability to make the plays outside of the pocket we have become so accustomed to. Denver’s QB Tim Tebow has also been struggling as of late due to him turning the ball over consistently with both fumbles and interceptions. If the Broncos want to win this game, Tebow will have to take care of the football and be effective when he passes. John Elway has said publically that he is going to allow Tebow to, “Pull the trigger.” It will be important for the Broncos to establish some sort of passing game to compliment and open up their running game against one of the best defenses in the league. At the end of the day, the Steel Curtain defense will prove too tall of a task for Tim Tebow and the Steelers experience will lead them to victory.

WINNER = PITTSBURGH STEELERS 20-16

NFL All-Pro Team

The regular season of this great, action packed 2011 NFL season has come to an end. Most of us have seen the NFC and AFC Pro Bowl rosters by now. We want to take it one step further and narrow it down to 1 All-Pro team that consists of 2 RB's on offense and runs the 4-3 on defense. There are many deserving canidates that did not make the cut, but there are just not enough spots to go around. Enjoy!

Offense:

QB: Aaron Rodgers (GB)
RB: Lesean McCoy (PHI)
RB: Maurice Jones-Drew (JAC)
WR: Calvin Johnson (DET)
WR: Wes Welker (NE)
TE: Rob Gronkowski (NE)
LT: Jake Long (MIA)
LG: Logan Mankins (NE)
C: Ryan Kalil (CAR)
RG: Marshal Yanda (BAL)
RT: Eric Winston (HOU)



Defense:

DE: Jared Allen (MIN)
DT: Vince Wilfork (NE)
DT: Justin Smith (SF)
DE: Jason Pierre-Paul (NYG)
OLB: Demarcus Ware (DAL)
MLB: London Fletcher (WAS)
OLB: Terrel Suggs (BAL)
CB: Darrelle Revis (NYJ)
FS: Eric Weddle (SD)
SS: Kam Chancellor (SEA)
CB: Brandon Flowers (KC)


Special Teams:

K: David Akers (SF)
P: Andy Lee (SF)
KR: Percy Harvin (MIN)
PR: Patrick Peterson (ARI)

Fun Notes:
- 13 teams have no players listed (ATL, BUF, CHI, CIN, CLE, DEN, IND, NO, OAK, PIT, STL, TB, TEN)
- 4 teams have multiple players (NE-4, SF-3, BAL-2, MIN-2)
- 5 of the 12 playoff teams do not have a player listed. (Winning comes from depth!)
- Toughest to leave off the list: QB Drew Brees (NO), WR Larry Fitzgerald (ARI), TE Jimmy Graham (NO), DT Haloti Ngata (BAL), MLB Patrick Willis (SF)

NCAA Bowl Preview - Part 3: Sugar Bowl and Orange Bowl

Sugar Bowl: No. 13 Michigan vs. No. 11 Virginia Tech - In a rare turn of events, this year's Sugar Bowl matchup will not feature an SEC team, as the bowl bids were granted to two at-large teams after the top two teams in the SEC, LSU and Alabama, earned spots in the National Championship game. Tonight's contest will feature the Michigan Wolverines (10-2) and the ACC runner-up Virginia Tech Hokies in what should be another competitive BCS matchup after yesterday's Rose Bowl and Fiesta Bowl games. Virginia Tech, led by Junior running back David Wilson, has the opportunity for a school record 12-win season and a shot at avenging their 38-10 blowout loss to Clemson in the ACC Championship game if they can get the win. Wilson, who has tallied 1627 yards and 9 touchdowns, and Sophomore quarterback Logan Thomas make up quite a backfield for the Hokies but have been helped out by a stout Tech defense that allows only 17.2 points a game, good enough for 7th in the nation. Michigan is led by Junior stud Denard Robinson, a dual threat quarterback who defies the laws of man with rocket throws from his smaller physique. Robinson has thrown for 2056 yards and ran for 1163 en route to 34 total touchdowns and 10 wins for coach Brady Hoke in his first year in Ann Arbor. Expect the Wolverines running attack to be too much for the Hokies defense, as Robinson and Sophomore Fitzgerald Toussaint will have big games. PICK: Michigan

Orange Bowl: No. 23 West Virginia vs. No. 15 Clemson - The least hyped BCS bowl game of 2012 might be the highest scoring, with two of the most high-powered offenses squaring off at Sun Life Stadium in Miami. The ACC Champion Clemson Tigers (10-3) are riding high after a great December in which they won the ACC title over Virginia Tech and their coach Dabo Swinney won the NCAA FBS National Coach of the Year award. The Tigers come into the game with the 21st ranked passing offense in the country, led by future Heisman candidate Tajh Boyd and targets Sammy Watkins and DeAndre Hopkins. Watkins, only a Freshman, is one of the top underclassman receivers in the nation, tallying 1153 yards and 11 touchdowns in his first season as a Tiger. West Virginia will also have their hands full with 6-4, 255 pound tight end Dwayne Allen, who has grabbed 8 touchdowns and 577 yards this season. West Virginia comes into the game with a lot to prove. The BCS selection committee drew criticism for selecting the Mountaineers over more deserving teams, such as Boise State, Kansas State, and TCU. West Virginia's 7th ranked passing offense might silence a few critics. Junior Geno Smith has been a sight to see in 2011, passing for 3978 yards and 25 touchdowns. The game will ultimately come down to  who can make the stops and expect Swinney's defense to play big when needed. PICK: Clemson

NFL Power Rankings: End of the season

1. (1) Green Bay Packers (15-1) – Clearly the Packers were the best team all season and I really thought they would go undefeated. But they look poised to make another Super Bowl run if their defense can rise to the occasion.

2. (2) New Orleans Saints (13-3) – Drew Brees carried this team all year long with one of the greatest season a QB could ever have. It is tough to beat the Saints at home, but they are a completely different team on the road which is where they will be after the wild card round.       
3. (4) San Francisco 49ers (13-3) – The 49ers secured themselves a 1^st round bye which is huge because they have some significant injuries at WR/TE. They can take this week to get healthy and ready for a home playoff game. 
4. (3) New England Patriots (13-3) – Again the Patriots looked done after going down 21-0 early but showed that their high powered offense can bail them out. I’m not so sure if this method will get them wins in the playoffs with bad weather and strong defenses. 
5. (6) Baltimore Ravens (12-4) – The Ravens came away with a 1^st round bye in their win against the Bengals. I picked this team before the season to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl and I still believe they had a good shot at making it with all the question marks in the AFC.
6. (5) Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) – The Steelers are literally limping into the playoffs but they are in and that is enough. The Steelers are a tough matchups in the playoffs because of their defense, watch out Tebow!  
7. (7) Detroit Lions (10-6) – The Lions offense looks to be on schedule, but their defense gave up 45 points to Matt Flynn, that isn’t going to cut it in the playoffs.

8. (9) Atlanta Falcons (10-6) – The Falcons could be a dangerous team in the playoffs but will only go as far as their defense takes them. We all know what their offense is capable of, but their defense has to get after the QB if they want to win.

9. (10) New York Giants (9-7) – I am excited to see what Eli can do in the playoffs. This Giants team could be dangerous because of their ability to get after the QB without blitzing. 


10. (8) Cincinnati Bengals (9-7) – The Bengals made the playoffs despite their loss to the Ravens. This is an unusual scenario where I believe being the #6 seed has an advantage because of all the injuries the Texans have suffered. I like their chances in the wild card round
11. (12) Houston Texans (10-6) – Houston attempted to rest some players but still couldn’t break their injury streak when T.J Yates went down with a shoulder injury. We can all hope that he will be back for the playoffs this weekend in what could be a rare rookie QB matchup.
12. (14) Philadelphia Eagles (8-8) – The Eagles season wasn’t an entire failure though they should’ve made the playoffs at least. The future looks good in Philly though if they can get some steady play out of their defense.
13. (16) Tennessee Titans (9-7) – The Titans did their job and beat Houston, though they got some help from the center snapping the ball straight over Delhomme’s head. But in the end it wasn’t enough to make the playoffs.
14. (15) San Diego Chargers (8-8) – The Chargers ended their season on a high note by spoiling the Raiders chances of making the playoffs. But all in all, this season was a tough one for Phillip Rivers and it may end up costing Norv Turner his job.    
15. (17) Denver Broncos (8-8) – There was no Tebow time versus Kansas City but say what you want, the Broncos made the playoffs. They will have their hands full against the Steelers though. Tebow will have to have the game of his career if they want to beat the Steel Curtain.
16. (11) Dallas Cowboys (8-8) – Once again the Cowboys showed their inability to win tough games and will be sitting at home watching the playoffs this year.
17. (13) New York Jets (8-8) – The Jets are a mess from top to bottom whether it be Rex Ryan disrespecting players, Santonio Holmes quitting on his team midgame or the overall terrible play from Mark Sanchez. There needs to be some big changes in New York if they want to compete.

18. (20) Arizona Cardinals (8-8) – Larry Fitzgerald was coughing up blood before their game against the Seahawks and still managed to will his team to victory with a spectacular one-handed diving grab in OT to set up the GW FG. Good year for the Cardinals who finished the season strong.
19. (19) Oakland Raiders (8-8) – The Raiders season ends up disappointing as they failed to make the playoffs after such a great start. However, I think the future is bright in Oakland and fans should be excited about next season with McFadden back healthy.

20. (18) Seattle Seahawks (7-9) – Even though the Seahawks have been eliminated from playoff contention, this team looks to be heading in the right direction under the direction of Pete Carroll.
21. (21) Kansas City Chiefs (7-9) – The Chiefs led by Kyle Orton successfully shut down Tebow time but it all went for nothing as Oakland handed the Broncos the AFC West crown. The Chiefs look like a completely different team with Orton at QB. Not sure what they will do about Matt Cassel this upcoming season.
22. (23) Miami Dolphins (6-10) – The Dolphins ended the season strong with another clutch win after what was a horrible start to the year. Reggie Bush seems to have found his home and the Dolphins will look to build around him in the years to come.
23. (25) Chicago Bears (8-8) – Considering all the injuries the Bears had to endure, it was a great year for them and I believe they can be a very dangerous team next season with Cutler and Forte back healthy.  
24. (22) Carolina Panthers (6-10) – I think this was a good year for Carolina because their record isn’t indicative of how well they played this season. Cam Newton has sparked this team and they were in so many close games that could’ve gone either way.   
25. (26) Washington Redskins (5-11) – Turns out Rex Grossman was wrong in his prediction and he nearly lost his job this year. Don’t talk the talk if you cannot walk the walk buddy. Who knows, maybe the Redskins will draft RGIII or Andrew Luck?
26. (27) Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11) – The Jaguars spoiled the year they had the best chance of taking the division title with Peyton out for the season. Despite their record, I think this team is headed in the right direction with Gabbert and MJD leading the way.
27. (24) Buffalo Bills (6-10) – The Bills had the Patriots all but defeated up 21 points but completely shut down and got ran over by Brady and the bunch. Sadly, that basically sums up their entire season that started off looking so promising.   
28. (28) Cleveland Browns (4-12) – The Browns clearly are in need of more talent and depth at nearly all positions. Their defense is solid but their offense is just horrible. It may be time to move on from Colt McCoy.  

29. (29) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12) – The Buccaneers are easily the biggest disappointment of the 2011 NFL season for me. This team has so much young talent and potential it’s just embarrassing how terribly they played this season. I really hope they turn things around next year.  
30. (30) Minnesota Vikings (3-13) – The Vikings will have the #3 overall selection in the draft and should consider Andrew Luck if the Colts and Rams decide to pass him up. Ponder has looked good, but a talent like Luck paired with AP could be extremely dangerous for many, many years to come.
31. (32) Indianapolis Colts (2-14) – The Colts season was obviously a disappointment with Manning out the whole year, but they managed to get 2 wins and not cement themselves in the wrong side of the record books. I believe the Colts should draft Andrew Luck and secure themselves for the years to come with Peyton mentoring him a few years just like Favre did with Aaron Rodgers.
32. (31) St. Louis Rams (2-14) – The Rams showed heart against the 49ers in their loss and I will say that I hope Steve Spagnolo keeps his job. He deserves to stay; this team was just decimated by injuries, especially at the CB position with 10 separate players all on the IR. I think the Rams should NOT draft Andrew Luck, keep Sam Bradford, and instead pair Brandon Lloyd with Justin Blackmon if he decides to come out. 

NCAA Bowl Preview - Part 2: Rose Bowl Game and Fiesta Bowl

Rose Bowl Game: No. 10 Wisconsin vs. No. 5 Oregon - This year's unusual January 2nd date for the Rose Bowl will be remedied by the usual Pac-12-Big-10 matchup, a classic college football tradition that is much needed during a time when both the BBVA Compass Bowl and GoDaddy.com Bowl are played in January. This year's contest will be an clash of classic offenses, as the power running Wisconsin Badgers (11-2) square off against the Oregon Ducks (11-2) and their spread attack. Wisconsin came to Pasadena last year but were upset by TCU and current Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton. Redshirt senior transfer Russell Wilson has played fantastic at quarterback for the Badgers, throwing for 2879 yards, 31 touchdowns, and only 3 interceptions en route to leading Wisconsin to the Big-10 title. Wilson has had less pressure this year with the Badgers thanks to star running back Montee Ball and the Badgers running game. Ball, a Heisman finalist, was arguably the most dominant running back in America this year, totaling 1759 yards and 32 touchdowns on the ground. Oregon has a star running back of their own: junior LaMichael James. Although he's battled an injured elbow throughout the season, James has still ran for 1646 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2011. Oregon quarterback Darron Thomas has battled the criticism of his throwing ability by stepping up on the field, throwing for 2493 yards and 30 touchdowns while leading the Ducks to the inaugural Pac-12 title. The Ducks have played poorly in the big games over the last three seasons, including a 2010 Rose Bowl loss to Ohio State and a 2011 National Championship loss to Auburn, but I expect the Ducks and this strong Junior class to step up big today. This should be a high scoring game that comes down to the wire with the Ducks coming out on top. PICK: Oregon

Fiesta Bowl: No. 4 Stanford vs. No. 3 Oklahoma State - The Pac-12 will have another chance to redeem its poor bowl showing thus far when the Pac-12 North runner-up Stanford Cardinal (11-1) face the Big 12 champion Oklahoma State Cowboys (11-1) in Glendale, Arizona. Both squads are one bad game from playing in the national championship and are as deserving as Alabama to be in the national title game. Stanford running back Stepfan Taylor has gone under the radar as one of the best backs in the West, totaling 1153 rushing yards and 10 total touchdowns for the Cardinal. Future number 1 pick Andrew Luck has been almost perfect during his career at Stanford and I expect tonight to be the perfect conclusion to his magical run. Luck, who's thrown for 3170 yards and 35 touchdowns, will have his hands full with an athletic Oklahoma State defense that has shut down big passing attacks, such as Oklahoma and Arizona. On offense, the high powered Oklahoma State passing game is led by senior Brandon Weeden, the smart field general who has thrown for 4328 yards and 34 touchdowns this season. Expect Weeden to target two time Biletnikoff Award winner Justin Blackmon frequently tonight, as Blackmon has announced that he will enter the NFL draft despite still having a year of eligibility. Expect a close game throughout and for Luck and the Cardinal to legitimize the Pac-12's year. PICK: Stanford

NFL Week 17 Predictions

First off, Happy New Year everyone! 2011 was a great year for sports and especially football. I have a feeling 2012 is going to be even better! All Sunday games this weekend is nice but I have a feeling my thumbs will get pretty tired flipping back and forth between games. The playoff scenarios are pretty simple throughout the league but the home field advantage battles might get interesting today. As far as predictions go, let's see how bad I can mess up this final week.....

DET vs. GB = GB

SF vs. STL = SF

NYJ vs. MIA = NYJ

CHI vs. MIN = MIN

BUF vs. NE = NE

CAR vs. NO = NO

WAS vs. PHI = PHI

IND vs. JAX = IND

TEN vs. HOU = HOU

TB vs. ATL = ATL

BAL vs. CIN = CIN

PIT vs. CLE = PIT

KC vs. DEN = DEN

SD vs. OAK = SD

SEA vs. ARI = SEA

DAL vs. NYG = NYG