Off-Season 2012

FINALLY - It's the most wonderful time of the year! There were quite a few typical off-season stories ranging from the coaching carousel to multiple players (mostly SEC) being suspended or dismissed from the school. (And, on that note, I must say "Kudos" to SEC Coaches Richt and Miles for reminding their staff, players, fans and the nation that no one, not even the top running back or the Honey Badger, is above the law). But the biggest off-season stories were the changes to the BCS and the Penn State fiasco. 

The BCS Changes

Yea! The most wonderful time
of the year is finally here!

Not exactly what fans have been clamoring for but nonetheless, the foundation for a college football playoff was laid. It was progress. Slow...painfully slow; and not quite enough...but just enough...to give themselves some breathing room and get the fans off their back albeit temporarily. Funny - when the "Death to the BCS" rally cry finally got loud enough all the excuses about it student's time, potential injuries, class conflicts and the like suddenly disappeared. It is a step in the right direction. My biggest concern is the 13 year contract. I understand they put in place an effort to reduce the conference hopping but I still think that it is just a 13 year contract for the BCS to continue ripping everybody off financially and extending their powers of control over the best sport around. SI did a great article on this (click here).

The Penn State Fiasco
I always liked Joe Pa and I will not be one to judge him nor his assistant coaches and not even Sandusky. It is not my place to judge. Indeed someone is to blame and maybe Joe himself but it is just sad that it all happened. Sad for the victims and I like to think it has stopped / prevented such abuse elsewhere. Regardless of who is responsible this has brought upon Penn State, and college football as a whole, a scar that will fade very slowly. I was impressed with PSU's quick actions and total acceptance of the NCAA sanctions without. That was smart and a sign of "owning up". Unfortunately, nothing they do will erase the victims' pain. May God bless the victims of this scandal and may those responsible be "sanctioned" far, far beyond the price that PSU and college football will pay.

E N D Z O N E
There will be no "pick-em contest" this year (interest has been waning the last couple of years). Nonetheless here is my prediction for the Top 10 at the end of the season:
1. USC (Barkley and the PSU RB will be near unstoppable)
2. Oklahoma (the best out of the Big 12)
3. Alabama (I just don't think they can repeat)
4. Oregon (they will look good until they get to USC)
5. Wisconsin (the best of the Big 10)
6. LSU (they will be good...but not like last year)
7. West Virginia (hmmm...not really sure about this one)
8. Nebraska (hmmm...this one either)
9. Florida State (maybe...they can actualy get back to looking prime this year)
10. Georgia (their cupcake schedule may make them look good but will hurt them in the end)
Noteworthy (potential Top 10-ers): BYU has a shot given their stout defensive returners and a QB with heart and a schedule with some good teams (Utah, BSU, ND and GaTech). Arkansas and South Carolina both have a shot with their big returning starters. Michigan, Michigan State, Texas and  and TCU could be surprises.