2010 Florida State Seminoles Preview

OFFENSE

The Seminoles return ten starters on an offensive unit that averaged 30 points per game and was beginning to hit stride last season until Ponder got his shoulder crushed on a tackle attempt at Clemson. If Ponder is healthy, and all indications are he is, Florida State should be very potent. Up front, all 2009 starters return, including All American Rodney Hudson. With that in mind, the Seminoles have their best chance at establishing a strong running game than they have in years. A stable of good running backs return and appear mentally ready, with Chris Thompson and Jermaine Thomas in a real battle in fall camp. Willie Haulstead has emerged as a pleasant surprise in the receiving core. With Jamar Fortson being given the boot, Rodney Smith, Taiwan Easterling and the elusive Bert Reed will be Ponder's primary targets. Expectations are high for the offense. They should be and they need to be.

DEFENSE

Given the long term success of ole Mickey Andrews at defensive coordinator, it sure was surprising to see the Seminoles defense collapse in 2010. It was not pretty. Enter Mark Stoops from Arizona to try to rebuild the once proud Seminole D. Stoops will be changing philosophy, moving away from the old man to man Andrews employed to a multiple zone defense, similar to the style the Pelini brothers are doing so well with at Nebraska. This will help the Seminoles, allowing players to concentrate on areas of responsibility without worrying so much about getting torched from being out of position. There is talent, so the expectation is the Seminoles will see significant improvement on defense. The defensive front is not expected to be a strength, but two starters return and DE Brandon Jenkins is showing signs of being a player, so this downtrodden area could be somewhat of a strength. With Nigel Carr booted off the team, rightfully so, we are a bit thin in terms of experience at linebacker. We know Nigel Bradham can play and I do like Kendall Smith and think Vince Williams can be a player. Five star recruit Jeff Luc is looking for playing time, but I am excited about Mister Alexander. I think the shift in philosophy is going to work in Alexanders favor. Keep an eye on him. In the secondary, the emergence of Xavier Rhodes has been very welcomed. This will allow Ochuko Jenije, an experienced and knowledgeable veteran, to play safety. The exciting Greg Reid will continue to make gains at corner, already among the nations best as a return man. Freshman Lamarcus Joyner and JUCO transfer Mike Harris also figure in. I am about the only one calling for this unit to be decent, but I think they will be and have a chance to give OU fits right out of the gate.

INTANGIBLES

The schedule is again among the nations toughest. After an feel good opener with Samford, the Seminoles travel to Norman to face a veteran Oklahoma team poised for a national title run. FSU returns home to host Brigham Young. Outside of a trip to tangle with the Miami Hurricanes, most of the tougher opponents will come to Tallahassee, including the year end tilt with arch rival Florida. While the conference is tough, should the defense emerge the schedule will not work against FSU.

HONORS CANDIDATES

Rodney Hudson is a consensus All America candidate at guard. Christian Ponder is all conference, potentially an All American and is a longshot candidate for the Heisman. Greg Reid led the nation in yards per punt return a year ago and is the nations top return player. Ryan McMahon and Andrew Datko are candidates for conference honors as is Nigel Bradham. Dustin Hopkins will be considered at placekicker as well.

NEW ARRIVALS

Several members of a top notch recruiting class will be called upon to contribute immediately, and along with a handful of redshirt freshman, may emerge as starters. Linebacker Jeff Luc is an early arriver who could see significant playing time. DE Christian Jones and corner Lamarcus Joyner will play. Redshirt freshman Xavier Rhodes appears to have won a starting position in the secondary. JUCO transfer Mike Harris also looks like he will counted upon heavily.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Last season I saw FSU going 9-3 and showing signs of being on the way back. Although at times FSU looked good, most notably during a throttling of BYU in Provo, the collapse of the defensive unit and a lack of consistency offensively derailed the season, which hit a decade low in losing to South Florida at home in a lifeless effort.

For the first time in 34 years, Bobby Bowden will not be our football coach. The long time duo of Bowden and Mickey Andrews will never be forgotten, but a new day is dawning. Jimbo Fisher, who I think is outstanding and the right coach to take FSU forward, has assembled a strong staff and good things are on the near term horizon. Offensively, FSU will be tough for anybody to stop, so it will be on the shoulders of the defense how far FSU can go.

The schedule is tough but a few breaks our way could provide opportunities. Touchdowns will come a plenty offensively and the defense will be better than most anticipate allowing FSU to win the Atlantic division and play for the ACC title. Let there be no doubt; the future is bright.

GAMEDAY GALLLERY

Divine Providence Restores Honor

It was a great day to be an American. Approximately half a million God fearing Patriots showed up at the National Mall in Washington D.C. at Glenn Beck's Restoring Honor Rally. This was a time to pledge to return to the guiding principles our founding fathers set out for us, of which a part is restoring our relationship with our creator.

The day began with an unexpected flyover.



I was not able to attend the Restoring Honor rally, but was fortunate to attend Glenn Beck's American Revival in Orlando earlier this year. At the revival, three essential values, Faith, Hope and Charity, were promoted as the vehicle that can help restore honor and revive our country. During the show, an impromptu group sing of "Amazing Grace" took place. At the Restoring Honor rally, a singing of the classic hymn was scheduled.



I originally set out to be one of the 130,000 folks who would watch the event on Facebook, but settled in to view it on CSPAN, who thankfully, broadcast the event live.

Three individuals were presented awards for Faith, Hope & Chairty and three military heroes were recognized, including "The Lone Survivor", Marcus Latrell. Speakers from Sarah Palin to Dr. Alveda King spoke to the hearts of those in earshot. A new Black Robed Regiment, a collection of preachers from various areas of Faith, was introduced.









The event closed with a special prayer, led by Dave Roever, which was particulary moving.



The problems facing our country are quite significant, and I agree with Beck that any chance at recovery must be grounded in Americans regaining their individual values and principles of Faith, Hope & Charity. Accomplishing that feat will no doubt lead to the country regaining it's proper footing on the path our founding fathers laid out for us.

May God Bless Glenn, his staff, and those who helped present this inspring program. In this time of choosing, may we all grab our stick and restore honor! With a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.

And yes, to all our Veterans, espcially our Vietnam Veterans, Welcome Home!

Pictures from GLENNBECK.com where you can view them all.

Not Complicated Then or Now

Economically, Uncle Sam is in perilous time and thus socially as government seeks increasing power. While the President continues to proclaim we are on the right track, it is clear this is not so.

What has happened is an increase of governmental influences in many aspects of the economy, from regulation to increased taxation. In addition, there are plans on the drawing board, from Cap & Trade to immigration reform that create a large measure of uncertainty going forward. It is tough to invest in future endeavors with this high level of uncertainty relative to business return on and return of investment.

The playbook to create an environment of increased production is not complicated, and it is not new either.

Ayn Rand, author of the famed "Atlas Shrugged" discussed the environment with CBS News Mike Wallace where liberty versus socialism is outlined. Take a listen:



As we learn in Amity Shlaes outstanding book "The Forgotten Man", Calvin Coolidge noted in a speech in 1924 that "all liberty was individual". Coolidge and Rand, among others, were correct as liberty decreases with the erosion of individual rights.

Florida is a mess, with among the highest number of home foreclosures in the nation. GOP Senatorial candidate Marco Rubio, in delivering the weekly GOP address, demonstrates his understanding today of the steps necessary to begin the process of securing the future of our exceptional country.



Many on the left, the same crowd that incorrectly blames Wall Street for the current economic crisis, are angry that Wall Street is not "participating" in the initiated programs aimed at helping the economy recover. The GOP is labeled the party of "no" for blocking governmental action, which is false since the Democrats, until the election of Scott Brown in Massachusetts, held a super majority. The GOP could go white water rafting and it would be of no consequence.

I support those in the GOP and those on the corner of Wall & Broad for not supporting most of the initiatives set forth by the administration to thwart the crisis, as they all take power away from the individual and give it the government, allowing the elitist politicians, who think they know better than you, to control and govern our lives. Obamacare is a classic example of this.

Free market capitalism remains the best path to prosperity, and the sooner we all recognize this and move away from a nanny state thought process, the sooner a real summer of recovery can begin.

2010 Nebraska Cournhuskers Preview

OFFENSE

Nebraska ran through a stretch last year where offense was played with the brakes on. It cost the 'Huskers at lest two games. Injuries and inconsistent play at the quarterback position led the 'Huskers to operate behind a scaled back playbook and rely on the stout defense. Zac Lee, brother of FOX Business babe Jenna Lee, struggled frequently in 2009 but with a revised playbook, showcased his skills in the Holiday Bowl. Lee will be pressured for the job by Cody Green and Taylor Martinez, who although with no experience other than turning heads in spring game, provides excellent athleticism. This contest could lead into the fall, but it would be better if someone took charge. Nebraska has a stable of talented runners, with senior Roy Helu, Jr. and speedy Rex Burkhead both playing significant roles. Helu has been often injured, but when healthy he is superb. The line lost swing man Mike Smith to injury in fall practice, but should be strong anyhow. Junior college transfer Jamarcus Hardrick could be an immediate force. Niles Paul is an all conference player and kick returner, and along with Brandon Kinnie, who is looking like something special, targets for whoever wins the quarterback battle will be easy to find. Former tight end Mike McNeill win be used in a capacity that could create many a mismatch and a complementary short range target for the signal caller. At the end of the day, the offensive success will come down to the level of play at quarterback for the Big Red.

DEFENSE

Nebraska, just two years removed from defensive embarrassment under Bill Callahan and Kevin Cosgrove, had a defense last fall among the nations best and in Ndamukong Suh, one of the most decorated college players of all time. Only in the Texas Tech game did the defense not play stellar. The Blackshirts held OU without a touchdown, the only time this has happened in the Stoops era, shut down Texas in the Big XII Championship game and then pitched a shutout against Arizona in the Holiday Bowl. While Big Suh was a tremendous player, the defense should not drop off much this fall. Jared Crick will be a force up front and Prince Amakumura is among the nations best corners. The linebacking core is sound, although a fall camp injury has cost Sean Fisher as he is lost for the year. Eric Hagg and Dejon Gomes are fantastic hybrids in the back unit, allowing Pelini to mix up schemes. Ask Arizona how effective it was. There is some great competition at tackle and safety, but look for depth to be favorable issue for this menacing unit.

INTANGIBLES

The schedule is favorable. An early season trip to Washington , who is an emerging team with a top notch quarterback in Jake Locker, is no given out of conference. Nebraska is licking their chops for Texas to visit Lincoln, but even if victorious there, directly following are test at Oklahoma State and a late trip to another up and coming squad in Texas A&M, who also has a great field general in Jerrod Johnson. Should win the rest, so if they can navigate those three, it could be a special year.

HONORS CANDIDATES

Following in the footsteps of Ndamukong Suh, Jared Crick will be considered for the Outland, Lombardi and Bednarik trophies and win All American honors. Prince Amakumura is one of the top defensive backs in the nation and a top draft pick who should win All America honors also. K/P Alex Henery could be among the top specialists in the country. Niles Paul is also an honors candidate.

NEW ARRIVALS

Two junior college transfers should figure prominently. Jamarcus Hardrick should start on the offensive line and with the injury to Sean Fisher at linebacker, Lavonte David will figure prominently. Coaches say true freshmen Quincy Enunwa will play at wide receiver and offensive tackle Andrew Rodriguez is running second team.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Last season, the forecast called for Nebraska to roll at 10-2 and play in the Big XII title game, noting that 2010 could be special. It could be. On the defensive side of the ball, the 'Huskers will be among the nations best. Offensively, each position is in good hands with the exception of the quarterback, which the coaching staff is well aware of. Therefore, I expect significant improvement at the position, and with that a chance for Nebraska to play for the national title. The Big Red could stumble and still win the North division, does gets Texas at home, and should meet either Texas or OU in the Big XII Title game. This time, the time statistician will be wearing red.

GAMEDAY GALLERY

Restoring Honor

College Football 2010 Preseason Top 25

Not since Nebraska in 1994-95 has there been a repeat National Champion, and it seems unlikely it will happen this year. However, in looking around for to find a team worthy of the preseason #1 ranking, I found every contender has an area of weakness. Therefore, defending national champion Alabama will start the season out front but it could be a season where a few once beaten teams will contend for the national title. This type on environment sometimes allows an under the radar team to get in the mix. Tighten up the chin straps and kick it off!

1. Alabama
Defending National Champion Alabama starts on the pole. BAMA has an experienced offense centered around a punishing running game. The running back tandem of Heisman winner Mark Ingram and Pensacola's Trent Richardson is the nations best. Ball control will be key early for the Tide as there are holes defensively; only two starters return. But, talent is everywhere and this is Nick Saban, so expect BAMA to get up to speed quickly. Lucky for them, the Gators visit Tuscaloosa.

2. Florida
After what seems to be a half decade, Tim Tebow has exhausted his eligibility. One would suspect that losing a player of that capability, especially at the pivotal position of quarterback, would hurt bad, but the Gators feel very comfortable with John Brantley at the position. Given the abundance of talent around Brantley, including speedster Jeff Demps, offensive output should continue just fine. Even before the Gators rose to prominence, they were always stingy defensively. Florida did lose longtime coordinator Charlie Strong, but the talent on the stop side is formidable, particularly in the secondary. UF is youthful up front, which does play into Alabama's hands for their early October contest. But, the youthful Gators will be grown up for the SEC title game.

3. Nebraska
Throttling Arizona 33-0 in the Holiday Bowl did not ease the pain of losing to Texas on a last second field goal in The Big XII title. Nebraska will enter 2010 with a score to settle, and even with the loss of The Big Suh, behind monster DE Jared Crick and cover corner Prince Amukamura, the 'Huskers will be stingy defensively. That is the Pelini brothers speciality. Offensively, Nebraska returns a veteran group, but the quarterback play has been sub par, and a lack of improvement at the position will cost the Big Red. Zac Lee performed very well in the Holiday Bowl, but he is feeling a challenge in fall camp. If Nebraska can get better than average play at QB, the defense, as witnessed a year ago, can take the Big Red to high places.

4. Ohio State
Offensively, Ohio State is set up for a big season, behind quarterback Terrell Pryor, who is favored to win the Heisman Trophy. Pryor has yet to live up to expectations, but did play very well in the Rose Bowl, but eight other starters return for him to work with. Cameron Heyward is an All America candidate on the stop side,where six starters return. OSU has top notch talent, and has owned the Big Ten for over half a decade. Trips to Iowa and Wisconsin, who both have Big Ten title aspirations, along with an early visit from the fleet footed Miami Hurricanes leave one wondering if Ohio State can reach national title expectations.

5. Oklahoma
Oklahoma was devastated by injury a season ago. The good news is quarterback Landry Jones now has a season under his belt. The supporting cast, with running back DeMarco Murry and receiver Ryan Broyles, is top notch. ILB Travis Lewis and DE Jeremy Beal anchor the defensive unit, which played well down the stretch last fall. The Sooners get Florida State at home early and play at Cincinnati, but outside of the Red River Rivalry, they should win them all. So, as usual, it will come down to the Texas game to likely face Nebraska the Big XII title game.

6. Virginia Tech
Coach Frank Beamer has made his lunch bucket reputation in Blacksburg by focusing on strong defense and second to none special team play. With only two starters returning defensively, it will be a veteran offensive unit with elusive quarterback Tyrod Taylor and a stable of NFL running backs that will lead the Hokies. Taylor is a gamechanger and he does well protecting the ball, which will be key for the Hokies early. The alarm bell rings immediately, as the Hokies host Boise State in Landover, Maryland to kick the season off.

7. Boise State
Boise State served notice by dumping Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl a few years back, and now with 10 starters back on both offense and defense, including excellent signal caller Kellen Moore, the time is now for Boise State. The Broncos seem ready for the big time, but they did surrender over 20 points in four of their final five regular season games last fall. While a September contest at home against Oregon State is challenging, the Broncos opener in Landover, Maryland against Virgina Tech is the must win. Take that game and you will have an undefeated Boise State come BCS time.

8. Iowa
After barely escaping Northern Iowa at home to start the season a year ago, Iowa stumbled into national prominence winning their first nine games. Along the way, the Hawkeyes got better, much better. Who knows what could have happened if quarterback Ricky Stansi had not cracked an ankle. On offense, the Hawkeyes lose 3 lineman, usually a team strength, and need someone to step up at running back. Stansi is back and hopes are high. On defense, Iowa will be salty behind Adrian Clayborn, an All America defensive end. Ten starters return on this side of the ball, and with Wisconsin and Ohio State at home, the Big Ten is there for Iowa to take.

9. Texas
Colt McCoy, the winningest quarterback in NCAA history is gone, and with Texas searching for a breakout player at running back, this could be a problem. Garrett Gilbert was thrown into the fire in the national title game a year ago, and after shaking off the jitters, did quite well. If he can continue to emerge, even returning only five offensive starters, the 'Horns will be fine. Seven starters return on defense, led by Sam Acho at defensive end. The secondary is top notch and a young linebacking core plays quick. The 'Horns face OU in Dallas and get a revengeful Nebraska at Lincoln, which seems too much for this Longhorn team.

10. Wisconsin
A team ready to take the next step usually shows up in the previous season bowl game, and Wisconsin wrestling a victory against Miami served notice. The Badgers, a physical bunch offensively, returns 10 starters including big bruising All America candidate John Clay at running back. The defense lost some leaders from a group that was stout down the stretch last year, but the Coaches like the athleticism of the group returning. Although Wisconsin travels to Iowa, Ohio State is at home. There is no time like the present for the Badgers.

11. Miami
Among the sportswriters around the state, the is a lack of consensus as the whether the Hurricanes are ascending on schedule, but one item is agreed upon; this years team is positioned to be one of the best in recent seasons. Miami Northwestern's Jacory Harris is back at quarterback, and the 'Canes have a stable of wide receivers among the best in the country. While the offensive line in suspect, up front on the stop side is a strength for Miami, led by DE Allen Bailey. The schedule is brutal, with consecutive road games at Ohio State, Pitt and Clemson following the opening scrimmage against Florida A&M. Miami then returns home to face Florida State. If the 'Canes are in still standing after that run, then they could be in the mix for a National Championship, but that is a big if.

12. Texas Christian
The Horned Frogs know how to play defense under Coach Gary Patterson, topping the nation in total defense a year ago. Although the Frogs lost All American DE Jerry Hughes, the unit will still be very strong. Although only four offensive starters return defensively, offensively quarterback Andy Dalton, who was outstanding last season, is among nine starters returning. While TCU should win them all, it seems of the two upstarts trying to claim a BCS spot, TCU falls back a bit while Boise State climbs up a spot.

13. Pittsburgh
For a while, it appeared the Dave Wannstedt era at Pitt might not work out. AD Steve Peterson has failed miserably at Nebraska, but Wannstedt has brought Pitt back winning 19 games in the last two seasons, and this years team could gets Pitt the highest preseason ranking they have had in many a moon. The Panthers are lead on offense by two All America candidates, running back Dion Lewis and wideout Jonathan Baldwin, but do have break in a new signal caller. All America candidate defensive end Greg Romeus anchors the defense, which brings back six starters. Pitt can easily win the Big East, and with home games versus Miami and Notre Dame, the opportunity to make a statement exists.

14. Oregon
The Quack Attack returns eighteen starters of last seasons Rose Bowl squad and expectations are high. Oregon would have likely been looking at a top five ranking, but returning signal caller Jeremiah Masoli had a series of altercations with the police which got him kicked off the team (since landed at Ole Miss). That leaves the Ducks with an inexperienced field general, but one with plenty of weapons to utilize, including LaMichael James at running back. Eight starters return of a very strong defensive unit, so the PAC 10 is the Ducks to lose, with USC and Oregon State on the road.

15. Florida State
Finally, the Seminoles have stability at quarterback in Christian Ponder, and with the entire offensive line returning along with some excellent skill people, Florida State will very tough to stop. FSU will put up tons of points, and they will have to. The defense was atrocious a year ago and can only get better under new coordinator Mark Stoops. There is talent, notably with ILB Nigel Bradham and CB Greg Reid, but some top notch recruits will be given a shot to contribute significantly. That is not good. If FSU can improve dramatically on defense, the offense could carry them quite far.

16. Southern Cal
Pete Carroll bolted for the NFL, leaving a youthful Trojan squad behind, on which is now on NCAA probation. Nice Pete? Speaking of bolting, after one season of singing Rocky Top, Lane Kiffin has brought his brash style to SoCAL. The defense is young, but the offense can be a strength behind Matt Barkley, not related to the Barkleys of Stockton as far as I know. Barkley performed well as a true freshman a season ago and he will be even better this fall. You know the Trojans have talent, but how much will the coaching transition and the overhang of probation, no bowl, hamper the Men of Troy.

17. North Carolina
It seems as though 2010 would be a breakout season for the Heels, what with 18 starters back along with both specialists. Most expect UNC to be stout on defense, on paper for sure. Last year, the Tar Heels, even with all that defensive talent, had trouble stopping people. A cause for concern? A problem with consistency at quarterback is real, with incumbent starter TJ Yates having thrown more intercepts than touchdowns. Had the Heels not had an offseason of turmoil with repsect to agent involvement with two of the Heels best players, one from each side of the ball, I would have predicted a possible top ten spot for UNC. But, uncertainty is not good, and therefore I suspect UNC will stumble a few times. Knocking off LSU early would help.

18. Arkansas
Arkansas is a team to look out for. Behind signal caller Ryan Mallett, who NLF scouts are salivating for, the Hogs can score on just about anyone. The offensive skill set is talented but can the offensive prowess carry the defense. It could not a year ago, but in 2010 the offense is better and so is the stop troops. Five of the top seven tacklers are back, so expect improvement. If nothing else, Arkansas will be fun to watch.

19. West Virginia
When Rich Rod left West Virginia, the Mounties had no idea their fortunes would change for the better. But under Bill Stewart, WVU has solidified their spot among the top of the Big East. West Virgina is excited about 2010, and with good reason. At running back, Noel Devine is as exciting as they come, a flash with see you later speed who can break a game open at any moment. Devine is among nine starters back on offense but Geno Smith, who got playing time in the Gator Bowl loss to FSU, will be amking his first start at quaterback. Nine dfensive starters return on defense as well, including honor candidates JT Thomas and Julian Miller. A trip to LSU looms large, and it looks like the late trip to Pitt will be for the Big East title.

20. Georgia Tech
Ever since Paul Johnson rolled into Atlanta with his unique flexbone offense, opposing defenses have found the Jackets difficult to stop. Experienced signal caller Josh Nesbitt returns to lead the Jackets, but most of his notable weapons have departed. The defense returns eight starters but lost the two best players early to the NFL. Al Groh, who was dismissed as head man at UVA, comes over to coach the unit where he excels. An early game at North Carolina is pivotal.

21. Auburn
The Tigers seemed to gain strength down the stretch a year ago, giving Alabama all they wanted in the Iron Bowl and dumping Northwestern in the Outback Bowl. Seven starters return on both sides of the ball, but a new arrival in Florida transfer Cam Newton at quarterback is what is generating excitement. Four starters return up front along with some decent skill people, so if Newton can produce, points will not be an issue. Auburn is very sound defensively, particularly in the linebacking core. While Alabama is the beast in the SEC west, Auburn has its top divisonal opponents in Arkansas and LSU at home.

22. Louisiana State
A year ago, behind several stellar defensive efforts, LSU played several close games. Unfortunately, the offense could not mount a consistent attack. Quarterback Jordan Jefferson ahs been pedestrian and needs to tak the next step in his progression. He does not have much help, with one offensive line starter returning and unproven skill folks. Highly touted recruit Michael Ford could hep at running back. Only four starters return on defense this year, led by standout corner Patrick Peterson. Therefore, thusually stout defense will join the offense with growing pains. This is not a good place to be in the SEC.

23. Georgia
A legitimate national title contender just two season ago, the Bulldogs are in danger of slipping out of contention in the SEC. The famed junkyard Dawgs have been junk of late, and the defensive staff has been altered. There is talent, but the SEC is not the place for a youth movement. That is just what UGA has at signal caller, where Tampa Plant R-FR Aaron Murray is slated to start. The o-line is strong if it can stay healthy, and AJ Green is a weapon at wideout, giving the Dawgs a chance to put up some points as the defense emerges.

24. Oregon State
You have to be impressed at what has been going on up in Corvalis. A little over a decade ago of being one the nations top notch dorrmats, the Beavers are now annually in the mix for the conference title and are know for casuing trouble by knocking off other contenders. The Beavers return a strong running game once again, and since a new signal caller will be running the O, this rises in importance. Defensive tackle Stephen Paea anchors a very solid unit that played well considering the amount of points the surrendered. OSU will need to step it up a bit on each side of the ball to contend for the Roses, but the Beavers are solid none the less.

25. Boston College
Few would be able to come up with this statistic, but BC has won at least 8 games each of the last five seasons, and there is no reason not to think they will again this year. The Eagles are not explosive on offense, but behind a big offensive line and the knack for making key plays, BC is efficient on offense. On the stop side, BC welcomes back a strong group, led my Luke Kuechly, who rose to stardom last fall at MLB. Everyone is pulling for 2008 ACC defensive player of the year Mark Herzlich to come back from bone cancer, which kept him out a year ago.

Among those teams considered for placement in the Preaseson Top 25 were the following:

South Carolina, Washington, Missouri, Stanford, Notre Dame, Penn State, Houston, Northwestern, Utah, Stanford and Cincinnati.

ASCENDING: Arkansas, Washington, Florida State, Auburn

DESCENDING: LSU, Oklahoma State, Tennessee, East Carolina

2010 Preseason All America

WR Michael Floyd, Notre Dame
WR A. J. Green, Georgia
WR Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma
TE Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame
OL Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin
OL Rodney Hudson, Florida State
OL Mike Pouncey, Florida
OL Stefen Wisniewski, Penn State
OL Anthony Costanzo, Boston College
QB Jake Locker, Washington
RB Mark Ingram, Alabama
RB Dion Lewis, Pittsburgh
RB Noel Devine, West Virginia

DE Adrian Clayborn, Iowa
DT Jared Crick, Nebraska
DT Marcell Dureus, Alabama
DT Allen Bailey, Miami
DE Robert Quinn, North Carolina
OLB Von Miller, Texas A&M
ILB Greg Jones, Michigan State
ILB Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State
OLB Luke Kuechly, Boston College
DB Prince Amukamura, Nebraska
DB Brandon Harris, Miami
DB Rahim Moore, UCLA
DB DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson
DB Patrick Peterson, LSU

K Alex Henery, Nebraska
P Drew Butler, Georgia
KR Greg Reid, Florida State
NC Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina

Top College Football Website: The Wiz of Odds

A Call to Coach

Former Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden stops by the curvy couch to visit with the gang on FOX & Friends in promotion of his new book, "Called to Coach"



Coach Bowden is a hero of mine, someone I have learned a lot from. He represented my Alma Mater with dignity and class, leading not only on the gridiron but in the game of life.

I am thankful Coach Bowden is drawing upon his vast experience in dealing with young people to promote the values, disciplines and principles needed to lay the groundwork of a successful life.

God Bless you Coach!

Obama Is Destroying America

The Presidency of Barack Obama is destroying America in too many ways to count, but particularly, in each facet of governance.

Columnist and author David Limbaugh joins Sean Hannity of FOX news to discuss his new book, Crimes Against Liberty: An indictment of President Barack Obama. Take a listen:



Obama is governing by executive order, rendering Congress ineffective, shows no regard for the rule of law as evidenced by his takeover of the car companies, uses thuggery on opponents and while governing against the will of the American people, he seems much more interested in directing policy globally rather than domestically. Of particular concern is his complete disregard for the Constitution and the principles, values and faith of our founding fathers.

I have yet to read the book, but I concur completely with Limbaugh's comments during the interview.

America appears to be waking up, although we are in a race against time. If you have neighbors who have yet to see the light, send them a copy of Limbaugh's book. This is a time for choosing, and time is of the essence.

Mega Mosque Masquarade

The Mega Mosque at Ground Zero is becoming quite the media darling. The exponential increase in coverage of this controversy has me looking at what the other hand is doing.

Not surprisingly, the mainstream media has taken their marching orders and is firing pro mosque propaganda on all cylinders. Over at CNN, on Anderson Cooper 180, guest host John Roberts interviewed Pamela Geller and essentially fingered her as the architect of stirring up the controversy, not bothering to consider over 60% of Americans and over 70% on New Yorkers are against the mosque being constructed in the proposed location.

Now, the Associated Press has issued a directive to continue to avoid the phrase "ground zero mosque" or "mosque at ground zero" on all platforms. Maybe if the media instructs us uninformed rednecks that the site is not in view of Ground Zero, we will believe it. Let me be clear. As I have said in the past, the Ground Zero Mosque is quite appropriate a name for the Cordoba Project. Although, I do have a fondness for Hamosque, courtesy of Rush Limbaugh.

Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi (D:CA), called for an investigation of those against the mosque at Ground Zero. Awash in her own arrogance, Pelosi is nothing short of appalling. Debra Burlingame, of the 9/11 Families for a Strong America, discussed Pelosi on Fox & Friends this morning.



It would be hard to believe that New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a progressive who cannot contain his excitement regarding the prospective mosque, has any meaningful support remaining given the job he has been doing.

Count America's Mayor, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, among those against Bloomberg and against the construction of the Ground Zero mosque.



I am beginning to think the whole mosque episode is an example of the Overton Window theory. Yep, the same theory Glenn Beck's best selling book, The Overton Window, is centered around. Instigate some discussion outside the main boundaries and then walk the discourse back, resting at a place and "moving the window" closer to the desired area of discussion.

I continue to applaud the efforts and leadership of the mainstream media's villain, Pamela Geller, and others including Debra Burlingame, in leading the opposition to the Ground Zero Mosque.

The terrorists are still trying to kill us. Make a decision. You are with us, or against us.

Against The Wind: Israel

ISRAEL

On Tuesday, former Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton declared that Israel has eight days to launch a military strike against Iran, since it is believed that after that point, any attack will release radiation upon the Iranian citizenry.

It is disgraceful we have arrived at this point, as Iran with nuclear weapons is unacceptable.

CNBC's Larry Kudlow discussed the perilous situation with very knowledgeable source, former Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger. Take a listen:



Unfortunately, as we have written about recently, the Obama administration appears to be against Israel taking action and seems carelessly naive regarding Iran. Meanwhile, Israel is in deep danger, and I believe they have every right to defend themselves.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is an individual that completely understands the war on terror, unlike our President. I am reminded of the comments Netanyahu made shortly after 9-11:

We have received a wake up call from hell. Now the question is simple: Do we rally to defeat this evil, while there is still time, or do we press a collective snooze button and go back to business as usual? The time for action is now. Today the terrorists have the will to destroy us, but they do not have the power. There is no doubt that we have the power to crush them. Now we must also show that we have the will to do just that. Once any part of the terror network acquires nuclear weapons, this equation will fundamentally change, and with it the course of human affairs. This is the historical imperative that now confronts all of us.
----------Benjamin Netanyahu 9-20-2001

Iran has proclaimed their intention to eliminate Israel, and I believe they mean what they say. I also believe Iran has demonstrated they cannot be trusted with nuclear weapons. Therefore, given the failed policies that have lead us to this point, unlike President Obama, I support actions Israel may deem appropriate to defend themselves.

Reagan Revolution Repeat

These are troubling times. Which side are you on?

I was with the Reagan Revolution and continue to Ride with Reagan!



Reagan was right, in spades. Our country is barrel rolling down the wrong path. A clear blueprint to put Uncle Same back on the path to peace and prosperity can be found by reviewing Reagan and his policies.

Get Art Laffer on the phone! It is a time for choosing, and time for a repeat of the Reagan Revolution!

November A Time To Remember

The folks over at Remember November have put out an outstanding video highlighting 11 things voters should remember when they go to vote in November.



To think a majority of our citizens voted these idiots into office is mind boggling, and quite troubling.

Residing in my district is perhaps the most arrogant and disrespectful of them all, Alan Grayson.



Our country is literally facing a time of choosing, and this midterm election could be a crucial point in the course of our country going forward.

I will remember the incompetence, the arrogance and the complete lack of respect of the constituency exhibited by these progressive, disrespectful public servants. I will vote to take out Grayson first.

HT/Common Cents Blog

Such Joy In Crackerbox Palace

These days, every day is a real head scratcher. A whip around the news of the day leaves you wondering when you passed through the worm hole. As astonishing as it is, you cannot wake up from it, for it is real. Welcome to Crackerbox Palace!

There are hundreds, but here are three cases in point.

Treasury Secretary Timothy Giethner, who failed to pay his taxes unlike the rest of us, wrote a recent editorial in The New York Times that welcomes us to the recovery. Is he just this stupid, or does he think flyover country is stupid or is he just outright lying to our face. There is no recovery going on. President Obama claims under his direction, we are on the right track and the worst is behind us. One would hope with all the stimulus, a recovery could be sparked, but it has not happened with unemployment on the rise and the housing crisis that at best could claim it is gaining stabilization, a double dip recession, or perhaps a continuation of the one we have been in, is coming.

Radical Islamists are attempting to build a mega mosque 600 feet away from Ground Zero, which you would think would be immediately thwarted by sound thinking government officials. Nope. In fact, they are embracing the potential construction citing harmony. I am vehemently against the mosque, and have blogged on the subject not once, but twice. However, this is no doubt the best example of political correctness gone amok I have ever seen. Oh, it gets worse.

Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, a Kuwait-born Muslim, leads the Cordoba Initiative project. A supporter of Hamas and one who feels the US brought 9-11 upon ourselves, has been given funding by the State Department to go to the middle east to spread goodwill and raise money for the project. On our dime? We are joining the terrorists in financing this mosque? No way! Most media could not care less, but Sean Hannity is not pleased, and neither is Glenn Beck, who goes off in a must see monologue.

Those who do not understand the financial markets should not be falling all over themselves to craft regulatory reform of the financial markets. They are and they did, as the financial reform bill passed. The bill was crafted by Rep. Barney Frank, D:MA, and Senator Christopher Dodd, D:CT, both of whom are lucky not to be in the federal lockup.

Central to the housing crisis is the mismanagement of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, government sponsored entities who play monopoly in the mortgage markets. Frank, chairman of the committee that oversees this bunch, joined Andrew Cuomo, The Architect of Ruin, in failing miserably to adequately manage these GSE's. The amount of wealth destroyed by this mismanagement is historic. So, Frank is an idiot at best. Dodd, who dances around ethical behavior, got a sweetheart loan from Countrywide, now a part of Bank America (BA:NYSE) and the first major mortgage company to bite the dust. The arrogance of these men is astounding, but that our Congress would allow these two clowns to craft the unnecessary regulatory reform bill (FINREG) is mind boggling. No doubt Jethro Bodine was unavailable.

When we elect these idiots like this, we get what we deserve. And what did we get with FINREG? Fannie and Freddie, bleeding cash as if they are swimming in a piranha tank, were not included in the bill. So the centerpiece of the fraud, that Dodd participated in, Fannie and Freddie, fail to make the list of things to reform? Oh my!

The mind boggling decisions we witness that are made almost daily, by each branch of government, cannot be the result of incompetence. The destruction of our country, and our Constitution, is unfortunately deliberate. It is time to pull your head of out the sand and draw a firm line in it.

Don't you get it? While we were busy living our lives, we have checked into Crackerbox Palace. The Progressives have been expecting us.




Check out time is the first Tuesday in November!

$26 Billion Fraud

We have an emergency! With many states, who criminally spent exponentially beyond their annual budgetary moving average, if they even have one (Uncle Sam does not), now need major bailouts and with the school year about to begin, thousands of teachers need to be paid. Quick, please help!

Enter House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who should be relieved of her speakership the first Tuesday in November, to save the day by calling the House back from summer recess. Oh thank heaven, not for 7-11, but for a $26 billion aid package which was passed yesterday to ease the pain of the states and keep those teachers employed.

Well, not so fast my friend! Enter Rep. Michele Bachmann (R:MN) to hit us with some common sense on the subject:



The problems with this aid bill are plentiful. First, half of the stimulus remains unspent (and passage of that was a hair on fire emergency). States, meanwhile, are in immediate need of some extensive belt tightening, and Governor Chris Christie (R) of New Jersey has a playbook to offer.

And if I hear one more time about the firemen and teachers, who without further stimulus (bailouts), massive layoffs among them will cause significant civil decay, I may blow a gasket. Would the possibility of reducing bloated staff elsewhere in localities be possible? Why always the teachers, police and fireman?

It is not about them. It is about power, and the theft of taxpayer money to support the unions who represent these folks. Don't argue with me, just listen to the retirement of the outgoing General Council of the National Educators Association.



I am at a loss for words to describe the idiots clapping. But Mr. Chanin is right. It is not about the children for the NEA, it is about their power.

I am all for the advancing the education of our greatest asset, our children. However, I am beyond tired of these bureaucrats stealing my tax dollars for the benefit of union executives and members, and the funneling of cash to Democratic campaigns across the land.

Obama Policies Stifle Hiring

A staggering jobs report on Friday accentuated the lack of recovery taking place in the job market, despite the efforts of the Obama administration. Seemingly oblivious to the elitist progressive power brokers in Washington, small business owners and those on the street, Wall and Main, not only expected the bad news, but can point to the causation of the problems.

Micheal Fleischer, president of Bogen Communications Inc. of Ramsey, N.J, penned an enlightening editorial in The Wall Street Journal. Mr Fleischer wrote of the increasing burden of competitively employing a staff and the negative impact of governmental taxation and regulatory interference.

In the aftermath of the editorial, which made some waves, Mr. Fleischer joined CNBC's Larry Kudlow and William George, former Medtronic chairman/CEO who teaches at Harvard Business School. This is well worth your time. Take a listen:



Unfortunately, at the time of Obama's election, the trend of governmental regulatory interventions and increasing taxation and regulatory reform should have been reduced. The opposite, on steroids, continues to take place, with small business getting clobbered to help the government offset their enormous and unnecessary entitlement programs.

However, as bad as those items are, if an employer knew the playing field, that would be one thing, but this government intervention knows no boundaries, and employers cannot adequately estimate future cost going forward and therefore are not hiring.

Scratch that. Small business does in fact know what is coming, and trust me, it is not conducive to increasing staff and growing a company. The Obama administration policies fly in the face of free market capitalism, and that will be adverse to growing business and thus creating jobs.

My voter primaries are August 24th, and when they open the doors at 7AM, they will find me, eager to throw out the progressive elitist idiot Keynesians wrecking our country.

Seminole Spear It Fest 2010

Kickoff is getting close.

I'll be joining some fellow Seminoles for a preseason party this weekend.



Go Noles!

Locked Out

Unless you are a die hard progressive, the news is all bad at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. No time like the present to have a mainstream media arm of the administration come out with some good news to reinforce the public on the strength of the messiah, President Obama.

Politics Daily, a lefty Internet operation of AOL, presented the findings of a study by American University by Professor Allan Licthman. Lichtman had put together a formula to judge the outcome of the popular vote in our Presidential elections. This formula is based on thirteen factors and indicates President Obama is "guaranteed" to win in 2012. Well, why even hold the 2012 Presidential election?

President Obama is quite familiar with American University, where the Liberal Lion Ted Kennedy endorsed his presidential campaign and where he spoke at earlier last month, calling for comprehensive immigration reform.

Just for the fun of it, I am going to review each key and its commentary.

Outlining the Keys:

•KEY 1 (Party Mandate): After the midterm elections, the incumbent party holds more seats in the U.S. House of Representatives than it did after the previous midterm elections. (FALSE)

FALSE. A no brainer here. November will be a historical bloodbath for the Democrats.

• KEY 2 (Contest): There is no serious contest for the incumbent-party nomination. (TRUE)

I am going to go with false FALSE on this one. With the implosion of the Obama administration, Hillary, who is on a time table, is lurking in the shadows.

• KEY 3 (Incumbency): The incumbent-party candidate is the sitting president. (TRUE)

I'll go with TRUE. However, the possibility of Obama resigning is very small, but it is higher than you think percentage wise.

• KEY 4 (Third party): There is no significant third party or independent campaign. (TRUE)

Again, this is TRUE as we sit here today. However, if the Republican Party does not embrace the Tea Party, and given recent comments by former Senator Trent Lott (R:MS) that is in question, the Tea Party could emerge as a third party.

• KEY 5 (Short-term economy): The economy is not in recession during the election campaign. (TRUE)

Given the policies implemented by Obama, the economy will continue to be very poor. Obama is hammering small business, raising taxes and uncertainty and increasing regulation. Should the Republicans gain control in the Congress and thwart some of Obama's policies, things could get better but the housing overhang will still remain. The country may not technically be in recession, but it sure will feel like it. So, FALSE.

• KEY 6 (Long-term economy): Real per-capita economic growth during the term equals or exceeds mean growth during the previous two terms. (FALSE)

FALSE. Not even close. Although Obama says the worst is past us, it is not.

• KEY 7 (Policy change): The incumbent administration effects major changes in national policy. (TRUE)

FALSE. Well, actual fact Obama has. The healthcare bill passed, and while he thinks this is a success, the actions taken to get the bill passed were borderline unethical and were against the will of the American people by any reasonable poll looked at. Obama also insists on an energy policy Americans are against and looks to be backdooring an amnesty policy for illegal immigrants, another move agsint the wind of the people.

So, it is technically true but will be seen as false.

• KEY 8 (Social unrest): There is no sustained social unrest during the term. (TRUE)

FALSE. Have you seen what is going on in Greece? Well, it is coming here. Furthermore, a few arms of the administration, ACORN, the NAACP and SEIU, are already creating disturbances all over the place.

Right out of the Cloward and Piven playbook,the system is being overwhelmed which leads to civil unrest, opening the door for the public to crave someone to fix the problem. The plan is for this to be the government, who created the problem to start with.

• KEY 9 (Scandal): The administration is untainted by major scandal. (TRUE)

FALSE. There are several scandals out there, and some, including ACORN voter fraud, already exposed. There are other potential scandals out there, including Fannie Mae, Shore Bank and the failure to secure the oil leak. Also, there may be more to this Shirley Sherrod story than first thought.

• KEY 10 (Foreign/military failure): The administration suffers no major failure in foreign or military affairs. (TRUE)

FALSE. The apology tour Obama continues on is disgraceful. While he is taking credit for the success in Iraq, which is appalling given he opposed the effort every step of the way, Afghanistan is not going well under his leadership and Iran, the head of the snake, getting nuclear weapons is a major problem, one Obama does not appear engaged on.

• KEY 11 (Foreign/military success): The administration achieves a major success in foreign or military affairs. (FALSE)

I am in agreement here, FALSE. Obama is waffling hard on all foreign policy fronts. Iran is a major issue, and while Obama votes present, Israel may take the lead and Obama will look, and is, weak and it will be obvious to anyone.

• KEY 12 (Incumbent charisma): The incumbent-party candidate is charismatic or a national hero. (FALSE)

This is TRUE. While Obama is about the farthest from a national hero of any of our Presidents, he is charismatic to most of the populous. I find him arrogant and thin skinned, but most Americans like him personally although they are beginning to hate his policies.

• KEY 13 (Challenger charisma): The challenging-party candidate is not charismatic or a national hero. (TRUE)

FALSE. Define charisma. Mitt Romney and his economic background could sound like sweet music to the masses by the time the election roles around. Sarah Palin is charming and does represent a common sense perspective Americans are thirsty for. Newt Gingrich has a historical perspective that engages many and Mike Huckabee is quite likeable. And then there is Chris Christie!

I think Foghorn Leghorn will look solid when compared to Obama by then.

When five or fewer of the "keys" are false, the incumbent President wins. The writer has four for Obama, signaling a win. I have ten false, which means Obama is sent packing.

For the sake of our country, this cannot happen soon enough.