Overlooked

The quarterback on defense is normally the middle linebacker, but in these two NFL Conference Championship games this weekend the defensive quarterbacks will be the safeties. You've heard about Brian Dawkins, Troy Polamalu, and Ed Reed, but Antrel Rolle or Adrian Wilson of the Cardinals have been left out of the conversation this week.


Although left out of the conversation, both of these safeties are playing out of their minds.

Wilson, who is an 8 year veteran out of NC State has played solid over the past two playoff games with 9 tackles and 1 forced fumble. In the regular season, he had 75 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 picks.

Rolle, who is a 4 year veteran out of "The U" has been playing out of his mind these last two games. Rolle has 9 tackles and 1 pick and has made countless other plays that are not shown in the stat columns. Rolle is in his first season as a full-time free safety, making the move from cornerback with the drafting of rookie CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

Yes, the big name safeties in these two games deserve the attention they have garnered, but the Cardinals hands down have the best secondary and safety tandem in these two games. You have to be a die hard fan or look at the depth chart to name Polamalu, Dawkins, or Reed's sidekick at safety, while you know the names Adrian Wilson and Antrel Rolle of the top of your head.

These two safeties will give Donovan McNabb a hard time this weekend and will be the key to victory for the Cardinals. Jim Johnson's Eagle defense is great, but Kurt Warner who was snubbed for the MVP award this year will manage to put points on the board. The Cardinals overcame the hump last week by winning in the Eastern time zone in cold weather. They also toughened up and held the great Panthers rushing attack to only 75 yards. Look for the Eagles offense to struggle against the Cardinals defense, and the Cardinals to put up just enough points to go on to the Super Bowl.

Peace,


Ricky Writer

Defensive Trio Return to USC

The USC Trojans received a huge boost for 2009, when head coach Pete Carroll announced Monday, that All-American safety Taylor Mays, cornerback Josh Pinkard and tailback C.J. Gable would return next season.

Mays' return bolsters a defense that lost its entire starting linebacker corps, two defensive linemen and safety Kevin Ellison. Mays, an All-American and Thorpe Award finalist, was projected as a first-round draft pick in the NFL draft. Juniors and third-year sophomores, including quarterback Mark Sanchez, have until Thursday to declare for the April draft. Josh Pinkard, who plays cornerback and safety, is awaiting word from the NCAA regarding his petition for a sixth year of eligibility.

Pinkard was honorable mention All Pacific-10 Conference selection last season after missing two seasons with knee injuries. Mays and Pinkard return means USC's defense suddenly does not look as weak as it was expected when their departures were prematurely assumed. The Trojans expected to lose 10 starters but will return starting corner Shareece Wright, who redshirted in 2008 following a neck injury along with the afore mentioned Mays and Pinkard.

The big question now for USC is the future of quarterback Mark Sanchez. He is expected to return for his senior season, but that decision could be altered if Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford announces he is turning pro before Thursday's deadline. NFL analysts project Sanchez could be the No. 2 quarterback taken in the draft behind Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford if Bradford stays in college.

Mays announcement that he will return will definitely help USC remain the dominant team it has been in the last decade. Mays return eases the blow of losing the stars of the linebacking core Rey Maluanga and Brian Cushing. Look for USC to dominate even if Sanchez does not return for the 2009 season. Aaron Corp and Mitch Mustain are more than adequate replacements for Sanchez should he enter the NFL Draft. Corp and Mustain were top tier recruits coming out of high school.

USC will again be dominant with the return of these three key players back to TROY. We all know the Trojans have a reload system every year like no other team has had in the last two decades. Don’t be surprised if the Trojans bring it home in 2009. Best of luck to Gable, Mays, and Pinkard in 09’.

Sincerely,


C for Victors

What Did We Learn From the 2008-2009 Bowl Season

College Football is over. The NFL season will soon be over and I'll be in tears having to watch meaningless basketball and endless baseball. Can't cry over spilt milk so lets give a quick run down of the bowls.

Eagle Bank Bowl

Wake Forest 29 vs. Navy 19

The Midshipmen are going to back to form when Paul Johnson left to Georgia Tech, which means a lot of losses. If Wake Forest basketball keeps going down hill, this will no longer be a basketball school.

New Mexico Bowl

Colorado State 40 vs. Fresno State 35

It was the Bulldogs' game to win, but they didn't take the Rams serious. I still respect Pat Hill's play you anytime anywhere approach.

Magic Jack St. Petersburg Bowl

Memphis 14 vs. South Florida 41

Matt Grothe went out on a win. I doubt if he'll star in the league. But USF, UCF, and FAU will all start making noise in the near future. There is too much talent in Florida for these teams not to excel.

Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl

Arizona 31 vs. BYU 21

BYU started off so hot. If people show you who they are believe them. Say the same thing about Mike Stoops. Mike is a fighter, on the cusp of being fired this season to not only take the Wildcat to their first bowl in several seasons but to win it over a good BYU team. About time a Stoops won a bowl.

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl

Southern Miss 30 vs. Troy 27

I didn't even watch this game. I'm not going to lie about it. But when is Southern Miss going to make the leap to powerhouse, they've played the "respectable spoiler role" for way to long.

San Diego Credit Union Poinsetta Bowl

Boise State 16 vs. TCU 17

The Non-BCS championship was a good game. TCU fought, scratched and willed their way to a one point win. Can we get a Non-BCS team ranked in the Top 12 for next season please. Come on dogg, they deserve it.

Sheraton Hawaii Bowl

Notre Dame 49 vs. Hawaii 21

Notre Dame finally wins a bowl game in 9 years. They are lucky they didn't play last year's Hawaii team. Weis is still on the hot seat, and Jimmy C is still overrated.

Motor City Bowl

Florida Atlantic 24 vs. Central Michigan 21

As I stated earlier. FAU, USF, and UCF will soon make national noise, USF and UCF have done so in previous seasons, but I'm talking with consistency.

Meineke Car Care Bowl

West Virginia 31 UNC 30

It was UNC's game to win, and they gave it away to WVU. Pat White went out on a win. Butch Davis is a poor man's Pete Carroll. Look for the Tar Heels to get back to those Mack Brown days.

Champs Sports Bowl

Wisconsin 13 vs. FSU 42

Bobby Bowden still has his mojo, but Wisconsin fell off big time. They still had P.J. Hill and did more than underacheive this season.

Emerald Bowl

Miami 17 vs. California 24

It was the Jacory Harris and Jahvid Best show. The Best man won.

Independence Bowl

Northen Illinois 10 vs. LA Tech 17

The most boring game of the entire bowl season.

NC State 23 vs. Rutgers 29

Russell Wilson was the best true freshman quarterback no one talked about all year long. I hope he didn't get hurt too bad, because baseball season is coming. Oh yah, he is a two sport stud for the Wolfpack. It was nice to see Tiquan Underwood and Mike Teel go out on a win.

Valero Alamo Bowl

Mizzou 30 vs. Northwestern 23

What happened to Chase Daniel? They won, but it is not the same Chase. Also say goodbye to J-Mac as he dips to the league next season.


Humanitarian Bowl

Maryland 42 vs. Nevada 35

Maryland RB Da'Rel Scott was benched 2.5 quarters for missing curfew. You'd think he'd be a tad bit rusty when he got in the game. Nope, 174 yards on 14 carries and 2 touchdowns. Hell of a way to get out of the dog house.

Texas Bowl

Western Michigan 14 vs. Rice 38

Chase Clement to Jarrett Dillard vs. Western Michigan, nuff said.

Pacific Life Holiday Bowl

Oregon 42 vs. Oklahoma State 31

The beginning of the demise of the Big 12 in the 2008-2009 bowl season. The Pokes were up 17-7 after the first half. They flat out got out muscled.

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl

Houston 34 vs. Air Force 28

Kevin Sumlin ended Houston's bowl win drought since 1980. Black head coach ladies and gentleman. Take notice please.

Sun Bowl

Oregon St. 3 vs. Pittsburgh 0

The most boring game of the bowl season. I felt like I was watching a soccer game. It was probably because Jacquizz or James Rodgers played in the game because both were out with shoulder industries.

Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl

Boston College 14 vs. Vanderbilt 16

Vanderbilt wins it's first bowl game in 53 years.


Insight Bowl

Kansas 42 vs. Minnesota 21

KU wideout Desmond Briscoe is the next big thing. 14 grabs 201 yards and 3tds.


Chick-Fil-A Bowl

LSU 38 vs. GA Tech 3

I'm 26 and my little brother is 12. No matter how hard he tries he'll never beat me in a game of one on one basketball. I'm bigger, stronger, and faster. LSU has better athletes point blank.


Outback Bowl

South Carolina 10 vs. Iowa 31

When the Ol' Ball coach first arrived at USC it was said once he got the recruits, he'd be back. We'll he has had the recruits for a while now and is still losing.


Capital One Bowl

Georgia 24 vs. MSU 12

Another story of the Big 10 being defeated by the SEC in a bowl game. Adios to Knoshown and Mr. Stafford.


Gator Bowl

Nebraska 26 vs. Clemson 21

Aside from the Sooners, Clemson has been one of the most disappointing teams this season. Roy Helu was injured much of the game, but look out for him next season, he's the best RB you've never heard of.


Rose Bowl

Penn St. 24 vs. USC 38

I mean, did anyone really think Penn St. would win. Is USC tailback U or quarterback U, Palmer, Leinhart, Booty, and Sanchez. Sanchez threw for 413 yards and 4 tds.


FedEx Orange Bowl

Cincinnati 7 vs. VA Tech 20

Good old fashioned Beamer ball. VA Tech's vitals: 258 rushing yards, 39 minutes time of possession, and 4 takeaways. Having Macho Harris on your team doesn't hurt either.


Cotton Bowl

Ole Miss 47 vs. Texas Tech 34

Ole Miss always had the athletes, now they have the coach in Houston Nutt and the QB in Jevan Snead. You saw them beat LSU 31-13 this year.


Autozone Liberty Zone

Kentucky 25 vs. East Carolina 19

ECUs 2008 season should be a ride at Six Flags.

Sugar Bowl

Utah 31 vs. Alabama 17

The only undefeated team in the FBS.


International Bowl

Uconn 38 vs. Buffalo 20

I was rooting for Buffalo or maybe their coach Turner Gill, either way, I didn't get what I wanted, but Uconn deserved to win.


Tostitos Fiesta Bowl

Ohio State 21 vs. Texas 24

Ohio State lost this game. Texas didn't win it. My question is why wait until the end of the season to run a two man quarterback system. Todd Boeckman proved he couldn't cut it in last year's bowl game and the beginning of this season. Terrelle Pryor outplayed him so why was Boeckman rewarded. Also, why in the world would you run a zero coverage blitz at the end of the game on your own 26 yard line?


GMAC Bowl

Ball State 13 vs. Tulsa 45

Total domination from the coaches to the players. Ball State QB Nate Davis might want to stay in college.


BCS National Championship Game

OU 14 vs. Florida 24

Why doesn't Bob Stoops eat cereal, because he always loses the bowls. He was out-coached for the third season in a row in a BCS bowl game. Coming into the game OU was 76/80 in the red zone. The Sooners went 2/4 in the red zone, and that proved to be the difference in the game.