Nader the Hater

Ralph Nader, infamous and infinite Green Party presidential candidate, is attempting to clip the system of athletic scholarships.

Nader’s “League of Fans” (insert gagging noises here) is a group aimed at reforming sports. The group argues that by clipping student athlete scholarships, the “win-at-all-costs” mentality will reduce in high school.

…There are so many ignorant things in this equation I might lose it...

The ultimate point of sports is WINNING… if even Mr. Sheen can figure that concept out, I’m not sure that’s saying much for you. Real athletes compete. Sports aren’t just some children’s pastime to them: they are their life. They breathe, eat, think, sleep their sport to work towards the caliber of a college-level athlete. IF they train themselves enough to make it to collegiate athletics, they bring their school glory, recognition, school spirit, and hopefully, championships. So they get tuition paid for in many cases. I can see the annoyance for some, but after what they contribute, I would argue that they have earned it.

Nader, at first I was dumbfounded at why you would propose such a moronic idea. Then I learned you went to Princeton and Harvard. For being such a smarty-pants you sure aren’t that wise… or maybe you’re just bitter? I realize you didn’t have even mediocre athletics at your universities of choice, but no need to ruin the exuberant chaos of a football Saturday or a March Madness bracket for the rest of us.

So, on that note, please quit being a poor sport just because you didn’t win in college and still can’t win now (or score by the looks of it)… was that below the belt? Oops. My apologies.

SEC Conference Preview

Continuing with our conference previews, we go south to the SEC, where football Saturday's are truly a way of life. For the past decade, the SEC has been hands-down the best conference in the country, and this year it should again be at or near the top, with talented teams such as the defending champs in Alabama, Florida, and LSU. But life will be at least a little different this year in the SEC. And if you follow CCUB at all, you'll know that we think it's a change for the better, as the Lord's prodigal son Tim Tebow has finally moved on from the Florida Gators to the NFL. College football fans can rest in peace knowing that the sport will no longer double as a promotion of religious propaganda.

On with the preview...

SEC East Division:

1. Florida: Despite losing Tebow, there is no reason why the Gators shouldn't pick up where they left off rather quickly. New QB John Brantley was just as highly regarded coming out of high school, and he has had success in his limited opportunities. There are also so many other talented playmakers, both on offense and defense, to expect that much of a drop-off. The offensive line will continue to be strong under the leadership of C Mike Pouncey, WRs Deonte Thompson and Jeff Demps are crazy fast, and the secondary will be strong with CB Janoris Jenkins. The Gators still don't have a clear-cut force at RB, but it's not like they don't have plenty of former five-star prospects to choose from. Games at Alabama and Tennessee will be tough, but I would be shocked if this team wasn't playing in Atlanta come December.

2. Georgia: A lot of people are thinking that South Carolina has the best chance at toppling the Gators in the East, but like their fellow South Carolina institution Clemson, they seem to be masters of choking down the stretch. There are all kinds of questions surrounding the Bulldogs as well, but I am confident that QB Aaron Murray will quickly adjust to opposing SEC defenses. He better, because the Bulldogs already play South Carolina in Week 2. That game could very well decide both teams' outlooks for the rest of the season, and while it's at SC, like I said I'm not sold on them. Murray also has one of the best WR's in the country in A.J. Green, and there is also talent at RB with Washaun Ealey and Caleb King. The defense was awful last year, and until the season starts, there is not much reason to expect differently this year. If the defense improves, this team has the talent to beat anyone.

3. South Carolina: While I'm not high on the Gamecocks, they are still too talented to fall below number three. Coach Spurrier is hoping that the light finally goes on for QB Stephen Garcia. With few other options at QB, Garcia needs to show that he can be consistent in leading the offense. He has talent in rising star WR Alshon Jeffrey and TE Weslye Saunders (although Saunders is currently suspended). He just needs to get them the ball. The defense has usually been the strong unit for the Cocks (couldn't resist), and with returning starters like CB Chris Culliver, I expect this team to be involved in a lot of low-scoring close games. Maybe Garcia's experience will finally lead to a few more on the winning side.

4. Kentucky: Slowly but surely, the WIldcats are starting to get more talent, and it wouldn't be a surprise this year if they finish second in the SEC East. To do that, senior QB Mike Hartline needs to become more consistent, and just make sure he doesn't turnover the ball too much so that the playmakers WR Randall Cobb and RB Derrick Locke can work their magic. While I think the offense will be one of the better ones in the SEC, the defense is inexperienced, and frankly, there isn't that much talent there to work with. Maybe some veterans like CB Paul Warford will step up and allow the Wildcats to be involved in less shootouts, but new coach Joker Phillips definitely has his work cut out for him with this unit. Kentucky does have a pretty easy schedule though, so I wouldn't be surprised if the finished with eight or maybe nine wins. And Kentucky fans would have to love that kind of success at a school where basketball will always reign supreme.

5. Tennessee: New coach Derek Dooley did a good job of maintaining and signing a strong recruiting class this past spring. Unfortunately, he didn't have much talent to work with, especially after last year's incident where some key players were dismissed for armed robbery. Phil Simms' younger quarterback Matt Simms will be taking over as QB for the Vols, but he won't have that many experienced players to throw too besides WR Gerald Jones. And with RB Bryce Brown's transfer, there isn't much certainty at that position as well. The defense has some talent with players like Janzen Jackson and Darren Myles, but again, not much experience or depth for the unit as a whole. If some of the freshman develop, this team could surprise some people, but I'd say a .500 season is about the best Vols fans can hope for in Dooley's first season.

6. Vanderbilt: Vandy fans couldn't have had much worse of an offseason. First, RB recruit Rajaan Bennett, one of the most highly sought-after players in Vandy history, was tragically shot and killed. Then, coach Bobby Johnson abruptly decided to retire about a month before the season started. This team will always be at a talent deficit due to the strict academic standards of the school, but there is not much experience either. All in all, the misery continues for Commodore fans. But they usually don't come to games for the football anyway...

SEC West Division:

1. Alabama: Despite the recent news that Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram will miss the season opener against San Jose St. and potentially a few more games, the Crimson Tide are in good shape to potentially win not only the SEC West, but another national championship. RB Trent Richardson was ESPN's #1 recruit in 2009, and was very good last year, so the offense should keep on being strong. And another year of experience for QB Greg McElroy and WR Julio Jones should only make this offense that much better. The defense lost a lot of key starters from last year's team, but there is still an absurd amount of talent, with DT Marcel Dareus and LB Dont'a Hightower being some of the headliners. The schedule ain't easy with road games at Arkansas and LSU, but there's no reason to bet against the Tide at this point.

2. Auburn: A bit of a surprise pick, but I really think Auburn could be in line for a big season. Obviously, the basis of this high prediction is that I think incoming QB Cameron Newton will master Auburn's spread offense under offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn. But I also think that coach Gene Chizik has some really good building blocks to work with, particularly on offense. Offensive lineman Lee Ziemba anchors a strong overall offensive line, and there are good wide receivers such as Darwin Adams that have the size and speed to make a lasting impact in the passing game. RB Mario Fannin is solid, and the Tigers also received a commitment from one of the nation's best high school running backs this past spring in RB Michael Dyer. The defense doesn't have quite as much talent, but it should be solid. And last but not least, the Tigers get Arkansas and LSU at home. All the road games are manageable (yes, even the Iron Bowl with Alabama), so Auburn has many of the necessary pieces in place for a big season.

3. LSU: Despite winning a national championship three years ago, folks out on the Bayou are getting impatient with coach Les Miles. It doesn't help that Nick Saban is already working his magic over at Alabama. Once again, the Tigers are ridiculously talented on both sides of the ball, boasting an impressive WR unit and stud defenders like CB Patrick Peterson. The key is the consistency on the offensive line and the continued maturation process of QB Jordan Jefferson. If Jefferson had thrown a few less interceptions and the Tigers had gotten a few more lucky bounces, they might have gone undefeated last year. Three games in four weeks against Florida, Auburn, and Alabama, will test LSU and let us know if they are ready to contend for an SEC and national championship.

4. Arkansas: Arkansas is everyone's chic pick this year because they should have one of the best offenses in the country. Ryan Mallett is a darkhouse Heisman candidate (and kind of a douche too), and he has an impressive arsenal at his disposal, including big time WRs Greg Childs and Joe Adams. USC transfer Broderick Green and Knile Davis form a more-than-capable RB duo, and the offensive line is steady. The question for Bobby Petrino's squad is how the defense will hold up. Arkansas, perhaps more than any other team last year, was involved in shootout after shootout. Petrino can't count on the Hogs' offense scoring every time. He has brought in some talent like CB Darius Winston, but there needs to be marked improvment to see Arkansas go from contender to the champ. And I just don't have enough faith in their defense for that to happen.

5. Ole Miss: I actually think Mississippi St. is the better football team, but the Bulldogs play a brutal schedule that includes six ranked teams as well as C-USA power Houston. Ole Miss would have been a potential dark horse if Oregon QB transfer Jeremiah Masoli was able to play, but for some weird reason, the NCAA denied his request this past week. That leaves the Rebels without much experience at QB, and that could prove disastrous during a five-game midseason stretch in which they play Fresno St., Kentucky, Alabama, Arkansas, and Auburn. This team lost too many playmakers to make this season anymore than a rebuilding one, and coach Houston Nutt would be lucky to go bowling.

6. Mississippi St.: You gotta feel for coach Dan Mullen and the Bulldogs. The SEC did them no favors when it came to scheduling, as they start the season with Auburn, LSU, and Georgia, while ending against Alabama and Arkansas (with trips to Houston and Florida as well). That kind of schedule simply does not bode well for a team short on experience and talented players. I would be shocked if the team pulled out more than five wins. On the bright side, this past year they did sign Brett Favre's nephew Dylan Favre. Maybe he will lead the team to the promised land a few years down the road.

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ACC Conference Preview

Staying on the East Coast, let's take a look at the ridiculously unbalanced ACC. On the one hand, there is the Atlantic Division, which features a bunch of teams that aren't bad, but few that are going to be very good. On the other hand, the Coastal Division probably has this year's four best teams, but one of them could end up having to play in the Meineke Car Care Bowl or some other shitty bowl game due to their tough schedule. On to the forecasts:

Atlantic Division:

1. Florida St: The Seminoles have to be considered the favorite in this weaker division, although it will be interesting to see how the team changes now that it is completely under the leadership of new coach Jimbo Fisher. QB Christian Ponder is being touted as a dark-horse Heisman candidate, and despite playing a brutal non-conference schedule that includes Oklahoma, BYU, and Florida, the team gets the top division competitors (Clemson and Boston College) at home. Playing at Doak Campbell stadium is always a huge advantage. If the defense returns to even a semblance of how it was during the 90s or early 2000s, this team is going to be the one team from the Atlantic that can win the ACC. But again, wouldn't be surprised if there aren't some bumps in the transition from Bobby Bowden to Fisher.

2. Clemson: Ah...how difficult it must be to be a Clemson fan. Every year, the Tigers are one of the most talented teams in the entire ACC, but there's always some kind of game mid to late season that either throws the season down the drain or proves to come back to bite them big time. Last year, the Tigers finally managed to get to the championship game, but lost a heartbreaker to Georgia Tech after already having done so in the regular season. But when QB Kyle Parker decided to postpone his professional baseball career for one more season, Tigers fans finally had something go their way. Parker's return gives the Tigers and coach Dabo Swinney crucial experience now that stud RB C.J. Spiller has moved on to the Buffalo Bills. And with the way this team recruits, they should manage to still be fine. The defense, led be stud DE DaQuan Bowers and SS Deandre McDaniel, should be the anchor of the team this year.

3. Boston College: While Clemson always seems to underperform, the Eagles always seem to exceed expectations. Despite being in the Northeast, an area without much high-level football talent, the team is always in the discussion to win the division. Usually, the reason why is a tough defense and physical grind-it-out offense, and this year should be no different. Linebacker Luke Kuechly was a beast last year, and if inspiring cancer survivor Mark Herzlich can reproduce his stats from two years ago, BC could have the best linebacking corps in the country. The offense revolves around RB Montel Harris, and for good reason, as he is one of the top RBs in the country. Besides games against Virginia Tech and at Florida State, the Eagles also got lucky and have a ridiculously easy schedule. If QB Dave Shinskie is even just capable, I think BC rather than Clemson is the most likely team to take down FSU.

4. North Carolina St.: The Wolfpack are always going to be dangerous as long as QB Russell Wilson stays around. But they just don't have that much talent around him to make some big noise this year. It's kind of ironic that coach Tom O'Brien left Boston College for a better chance at big-time success, and BC has done better since the move. The defense is always athletic and talented, but there aren't really any new playmakers on offense for a team that struggled to score last year. If someone has made the next step within the program, then there's a chance, but the schedule and inexperience at most positions puts a lot of pressure on Wilson to lead the team.

5. Maryland: Despite being absolutely awful last year, the Terrapins still have some talented players on their team. RB Da'Rell Scott and LB Alex Wujciak are two of the best players at their position in the country, and if new QB Jamarr Robinson can minimize big mistakes, this team could pull of a surprise or two. The schedule sets itself up so that back-to-back to games against Clemson and BC will determine how the team does in the division. Hopefully they do well enough that coach Ralph Friedgen keeps his job. There aren't many ridiculously overweight coaches left in the biz after Weiss and Mangino left.

6. Wake Forest: Now that QB Riley Skinner has graduated, this has to be considered somewhat of a rebuilding season for the Deamon Deacs. RB Josh Adams is talented, but to be honest, I know next to nothing about this team, and that fact alone makes me think that the Deacs will have a rough year. But coach Jim Grobe is one of the best at pulling talent out of nowhere, so who knows, maybe Wake Forest won't have as rough a transition as I think they will.

Coastal Division:

Virginia Tech: We're gonna find out if the Hokies are for real quickly, as they play in the marquee opening-week game against Boise St. It's somewhat of a surprise that the offense is the strength of this team this year, with the dynamic RB duo of Ryan Williams and Darren Evans complementing potential star QB Tyrod Taylor. So if the defense can slow down the prolific Boise St. offense, I would say it's a good bet that barring some kind of injury, this team will win the tough Coastal division and play not only for an ACC championship, but possibly a BCS one as well. Tough late-season games at North Carolina and Miami might prove to be too much though.

Miami (FL): The Hurricanes are starting to come back guys. Coach Randy Shannon is protecting his turf in the South Beach area, and the result is that the talent level is getting back to how it was at the turn of the century. QB Jacory Harris should develop into one of the nation's best QBs, but the Canes better pray he doesn't get hurt, as they have no experience behind him. On the one hand, I applaud Miami for having the balls to play tough non-conference opponents Ohio St. and Pitt, but if the team struggles out of the gate, will they be able to regroup in time for conference play? I don't think they will too much. RB Graig Cooper is a force when healthy, and P/K Matt Bosher is one of the nation's best at both positions. This team is ready to make a statement, and that might happen this year. They also get Va Tech at home too.

Georgia Tech: Don't expect too much of a drop-off from Paul Johnson's option attack now that stud RB Jonathan Dwyer has moved on to the NFL. Anthony Allen is ready to pick up where Dwyer left off, and there are too many other talented pieces of the puzzle returning to count out this team. Like Miami, Georgia Tech needs QB Josh Nesbitt to stay healthy, as he is a perfect QB for the option, while also being the only QB with experience. The defense lost stud DE Derrick Morgan, and that puts a lot of pressure on other defensive linemen to pick up the slack. The Yellow Jackets are the reigning ACC champs and have one of the best coaches in the country in Johnson, and it will be interesting to see how the team responds to being the hunted instead of the hunter.

North Carolina: Before this offseason, the Tar Heels were one of my picks nationally to make some noise in the BCS championship picture. But it's been a rough past couple of months for not only the team, but also potentially the school. Numerous allegations of academic fraud have surfaced, as well as potential contact between some standout players and agents. Heck, even coaches are being investigated for improper communication with agents. And then there was also the infamous situation of stud DT Marvin Austin, who may have violated NCAA rules by traveling all over California with former teammates and partying it up in South Beach. All of these scandals have ruined any chance the Tar Heels had at winning the ACC this year. Even if none of North Carolina's star players end up missing any games, the controversy surrounding the program will be too much overcome. And it's a shame, because the Heels had the most talented defense in the country.

Duke: Make no mistake, the Blue Devils are and will always be a basketball school. But slowly, coach David Cutcliffe has been increasing the talent level in Durham. They still aren't going to go bowling, and I actually couldn't name one player on their roster without looking at a list, but they are no longer a lock to finish last in the conference. Virginia might have more talent, but Cutcliffe seems to have Virginia's number, winning the past two years. Plus, the game is at home.

Virginia: I think new coach Mike London will bring the Cavaliers back to respectability, but it sure as hell ain't going to happen this year. There are a few good pieces, such as CB Ras-I Dowling (how do you even come up with this name?!), but the team has a brutal schedule, and there are no big-time playmakers on offense. All these question marks will lead to a rough first go of it for London in Charlottseville.

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Big East Conference Preview

The Big East gets a lot of crap from most football fans. Some of it is justified (i.e. there is no BCS championship-contending team) and some of it is not (i.e. the Big East does not compete with the other major BCS conferences). One thing that is definitively true is that the conference is starting to become more competitive. This year, four teams (Cincinnati, West Virginia, Pittsburgh, and Connecticut) have legitimate chances of winning the title, and it wouldn't even be much of a surprise if Rutgers or South Florida snuck in on the parade. Heck, even Louisville has reasons to be optimistic under new coach Charlie Strong. Syracuse, well...basketball season is only a few months away. Here's how I see the Big East shaping up:

1. Cincinnati: The top half of the league is really pretty even, so when forced to choose a top team, I'm going to go with one with experience and proven results. West Virginia and Pitt have question marks at QB, while UConn still hasn't proven it can throw the football. While Cinci is also breaking in a new QB in Zach Collaros, he has at least already had game experience and delivered admirably, being undefeated as a starter. There are also talented players at other key positions, such as RB Isaiah Pead and WR Armon Binns. The defense lost some important players, but I think early season non-conference tests at Fresno State and at home against Oklahoma will have the unit ready for Big East play. Ultimately, when there is uncertainty at the top, no reason not to give the champs the first shot at keeping their throne right?

2. Pittsburgh: I wouldn't hesitate to put the Panthers at numero uno if QB Bill Stull was returning. But alas, he is gone, and new QB Tino Sunseri looks to keep the momentum going for coach Wannstache. Sunseri has some studs to work with in RB Dion Lewis and WR Jonathan Baldwin, but he better be ready quickly, as the Panthers have a brutal non-conference schedule that includes going to Utah and Notre Dame while playing Miami (the good one in Florida) at home. Ultimately, the Panthers season will be decided in the last four weeks, when they play the upper half of the Big East (with only West Virginia being at home). After such a rough start to the season, I just can't get myself to see Pittsburgh running through the gauntlet without a rough stretch. The question is whether or not that rough stretch will cost them the title.

3. UConn: If coach Randy Edsall and the Huskies want to finally take that next step and make it to a BCS game, this is probably the year to do it. This team is talented, well-coached, and has the perfect schedule to do some damage. Non-conference games against Michigan and Temple will give the team some competition before Big East play, and they get Cinci, Pitt, and WVU all at home. The real question mark with the Huskies is if QB Zach Frazer is going to finally give the Huskies a passing attack. They have been able to have good seasons recently even without it, but there is no two-pronged rushing attack this year as of yet to lead the way. RB Jordan Todman is electric, and USC transfer D.J. Shoemate could be the thunder to Todman's lightning, but Frazer needs to improve if this team wants to be tasting oranges at the end of the season. Also, there have been a few injury problems of late with the defense, such as DE Marcus Campbell being lost for the year.

4. West Virginia: Like the previous two teams, WVU is hoping that quarterback Geno Smith can take the next step and mature into a well-rounded QB. Noel Devine is the best running back in the Big East in my opinion, and there are other talented youngsters out there, but this team is woefully inexperienced. They also have to play at Pitt and at UConn. I feel like this team will play a lot of close games, but with such a young team, it's hard to have faith that they will come through in the clutch enough to win the conference. Losing stud kicker Pat McAfee to graduation also isn't going to help very much.

5. Rutgers: The Scarlet Knights are the team with the best chance at throwing a wrench into the title chase, and it's because Coach Greg Schiano has recruited talented players at the key positions. QB Tom Savage is only a sophomore, but he still is probably the best QB in the league. He also has a rising star to throw to in WR Mohammed Sanu. Like almost every team in the Big East, the defense is unproven, and the Knights also have to play at Cinci, Pitt, and WVU. But Schiano has been steadily increasing the talent level in New Brunswick, and maybe some of the many Florida natives will be able to lead the team to the promised land this upcoming fall.

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