I think it's finally over. I saw a thrilling BCS Title Game and then Auburn receive a really nice trophy, however deep down I'm waiting to see The Tim Hortons Bowl pitting Indiana vs. Colorado live from Saskatoon. I mean the good people of Saskatchewan deserve the best that college football has to offer, and nothing screams college football like a couple of new coaches taking over for two failed ones.
Anyway, after a couple of weeks actually spent watching and enjoying NFL football, I'm ready to jump back into the college fray...but not completely. I mean it'll only be a month or two until I'm knee-deep in projected depth charts, recruit profiles and new quarterback coaches. And, truth be told, I'm just not ready for that commitment yet. Hell I haven't even peeked at anyone's schedule for next season.
So I'm going to spend the next few weeks flirting with the 2011 college football campaign. A wink here, a tired old pickup line here, and a little dab of Drakkar Noir on the neck. Come late February I'll be ready to settle down and take the plunge.
Until then, this is the first in a series of Random Musings. There may not be a whole bunch of analysis here, just the gut feelings of a guy who almost won a couple of fantasy league championships. And rest assured the players that let me down in crunch time have received scathing emails letting them know how much they hurt me.
So, with that fine introduction, here are my first seven observations and gut feelings heading into the dog days of winter.
1. Nick Foles looks like 2011's version of Ryan Mallett
I realize that Foles doesn't have the bazooka-sized arm of the former Hog, but he has a few things going for him heading into 2011.
Mike Stoops recently said the Wildcats are going to pretty much scrap the idea of trying to run it effectively in 2011, thus he's going to put even more of the offense in the capable hands of Foles and his talented wideout, Juron Criner, who will again serve as one of the nation's top wide receivers. Factor in that nearly every other Wildcat receiver of note will return next year, and Foles is poised for a big senior campaign.
Foles, the transfer from Michigan State, will not only post better senior year numbers than Mallett, a Michigan transfer, but he could emerge as a top ten fantasy quarterback next season.
2. Stephen Hopkins will carry the Wolverine running load
One of Brady Hoke's toughest jobs next season will be finding roles for a whole bunch of little running backs that dot his Wolverine roster. "Son, have you ever played slot receiver?"
Because a coach expected to return Michigan to its pro-style ways of the past will find that sophomore-to-be Stephen Hopkins is most like Anthony Thomas and Chris Perry, two tough backs from Wolverine seasons past.
Hopkins carried it 37 times for 151 yards and four scores as a true freshie. The Michigan offensive line will be pretty decent in 2011, and Hopkins has double-digit scores written all over him.
3. The Oregon State offense will be better than you think
The pundits will wonder how in the world the Beavers will replace Jacquizz Rodgers. And certainly, there weren't many bigger early entry losses suffered by anyone in the country. However Mike Riley knows what he's doing, and in Ryan Katz the Beavers will have a much-improved signal caller in 2011.
The offense loses very little besides Quizz, and there are two damn good receivers returning to Corvallis in James Rodgers and Markus Wheaton. And we can't forget Joe Halahuni.
4. Roy Finch will be drafted way too high
I love what the Sooners return, and I really like Roy Finch. So it's not personal. It just seems too easy to expect Finch to step right in for DeMarco and post 1200 and 12. This offense will light it up through the air, and the Sooners have so many running backs that will have to see carries.
Finch will be very good. But he'll have to share.
5. Notre Dame will have a Brian Kelly offense in 2011
After a rough season that turned tragic, no coach likely forward to the ball dropping at Times Square more than Brian Kelly. And spring ball will likely feature a heated quarterback battle, with Dayne Crist and Tommy Rees battling to lead what will be an explosive offense.
Michael Floyd returns. Cierre Wood, Theo Riddick and TJ Jones return. Tyler Eifert looks like a future star. Did I mention that Michael Floyd returns?
I haven't done enough OL research to speak too well on the subject, but you can bet they have a whole bunch of players that brought a bunch of stars with them, and a coach who will be hell bent on showing what he can really do.
6. Marcus Coker will be a star
Things haven't been too pretty of late in Iowa City. However a nice bowl win took some of the attention away from some bad losses down the stretch and some bad off-field decisions by a few players. And in 2011 Kirk Ferentz will get to do what he does best: Overachieve.
There are question marks at quarterback, wide receiver and the defense. But one wide receiver, Marvin McNutt, will help one of the nation's brightest young backs.
Marcus Coker looked like a stud at times in 2010, and he was downright scary against Mizzou in the bowl game. Next year's offense will be built around this youngster.
7. Buy Mississippi State
A look at Dan Mullen's roster shows a whole bunch of youngsters returning in 2011. And Mullen is recruiting like a madman. Long-term will be great as long as coach hangs around. And short-term looks fine and dandy thanks to the likes of Chris Relf, LaDarius Perkins and Chad Bumphis.