This is going to be a great draft.

I am going to take this time to discuss the recent players declaring for the 2007 NFL Draft.

1. Michael Bush RB, LOU

Coming into the 2006 College football season, Bush was in the top 5 for the Heisman race. But in the Cardinal’s first game against Kentucky, Micheal Bush suffered a season ending injury. At the time of the injury, he had 128 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns, in the first half. Now Bush is a senior so this would be his last year regardless, but when you are injured like he was you get the option to take a medical red-shirt and he would be able to stay at Louisville and play next year. But Bush has opted out of that and has decided to go pro.

With the recent hiring of Rick Petino, the now former Head Coach of Louisville, and former coach of Michael Bush, I am saying it right now, the Atlanta Falcons 2nd round pick will be Michael Bush. The Falcons struggled mightley in the redzone this year because they traded T.J. Duckett and they were stuck with two speed backs. Bush is a power guy and it would make alot of sense for them to take him, especially since there are rumors that Warrick Dunn’s load will be lighter next year because of Jerious Norwood’s good year.

2. Calvin Johnson WR, GT

Calvin Johnson is forgoing his senior year and will enter the draft. Duh. He’s the most gifted receiver coming out of college in quite a few years, he will be a sure pro-bowler, 100+ receptions, 1,000+ receiving yards and probably around 10 touchdowns. That’s right, I said it. He is by far the best player in the draft but i’m sure he would like to go at highest #3(unless trades happen, which they probably will.) Oakland and Detroit both need quarterbacks so Cleveland at #3 could be a strong possibility. Maybe Miami or Atlanta can somehow move up to a top 3 spot and grab this phenom.

3. JaMarcus Russell QB, LSU

I was a little surprised by this, and at first I thought he might’ve had a better shot at being the #1 quarterback taken next year. But after talking to Davey and reading some draft experts take on it, I have changed my mind. He has a great shot at being the #1 overall pick this year or at least the #2 pick. If I had to guess, I would say he will be in the Motor City come April. He is the next Daunte Culpepper, he’s huge, has a rocket for an arm, doesn’t get injured and he can run. But then again, knowing Matt Millen, he’ll probably draft another wide reciever.

4. Jamaal Anderson DE, ARK

Jamaal Anderson led the Arkansas Razorbacks in sacks this year and he is hoping to be leading the NFL rookies in sacks next year. Anderson has signed the papers and will be in the NFL Draft in April. This guy is probably going to be the first defensive end and maybe even the first defensive player taken. After recording 13.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss this year, he could be making alot of bad defensives(Arizona at #5) drool. He’s very athletic and could do wonders in the desert.

5. Marshawn Lynch RB, CAL

What can you say about Marshawn Lynch, he’s going to be the second runningback taken, just behind Adrian Peterson. I’m thinking he could be as high as #8 in Houston, some draft sites have him in the 20’s, but I highley doubt that. After having back-to-back 1200+ seasons at Cal, and winning the Pac-10’s offensive player of the year award, this is a great decision for him, I don’t think his stock could get much higher right now.

A complete list of underclassmen going pro.

Florida dominates and win their first title since 96′.

Coming into the game I thought Ohio State would win a close one, based on the Troy Smith/Ted Ginn factor. And on the opening kickoff Ted Ginn returned it 93 yards for a touchdown. So at that point I was like “ok, this is going to go well” but then Florida promptly drove down the field and tied it up. From that point on it was all Florida.

Anytime they needed a first down, Chris Leak was there to get it. Anytime they needed a big stop, that greedy defense was there. And anytime Florida needed to get pumped up, Emmitt Smith was there to do a shimmy. Florida dominated in all aspects of the game, Offense, defense and special teams.

Besides Leak and all those great receivers, the defense put on one of the best performaces i’ve ever seen. Their d-line could not be blocked, the linebackers mixed in blitzing with covering extremely well and the defensivebacks shut down Anthony Gonzalez and others. The Heisman winner, Troy Smith looked horrible, he couldn’t do anything. His offensive line gave him no time to throw, anytime he was able to throw, he was getting hit. Most of his passes were off his back foot, and he turned the ball over twice. Once an interception by Reggie Lewis and the second a fumble at OSU’s 5 yard line.

Chris Leak won the MVP and it was much deserved. Leak went 25/36 213 yards and 1 TD. Leak was the number 1 recruit a couple years ago ahead of guy you may have heard of, Reggie Bush, and for the most part his career has been a little bit of a dissapointment in some Gator fan’s eyes. Not to me though, I mean if I remember correctly, Leak has most of the Gator’s passing records. But before last night, the big knock on him was he never won the big game, well you can scratch that off the list now because Chris Leak is a National Champion.

Live Blog…#2 Florida vs # 1 Ohio State (second half)

9:49- I’m calling it a night…this one is done, congrats Gainesville…job well done.

10:25- Touchdown Florida…Tim Tebow runs it in…41-14 FLA

11:05- Not posting as much, because…well this game is over…and it has been since halftime…but Florida is at the OSU 2 again.

14:15- on third down Troy Smith gets sacked again…OSU punts again.

End of the 3rd quarter

4:03- Deshawn Wynn busts through for a 17 yard run.

4:26- Troy Smith looks horrible tonight, this begs the question, Is this the worst performance by a Heisman winner?

6:18- Easy Urban, it’s just 5 yard penalty…no sense in busting a blood vessell.

6:59- A big sack on third down for the Buckeyes, Florida goes 3 and out again.

10:25- At least Florida is taking over way back at their own 9…average start for the Gators, their 47 yard line.

11:49- No surprise, OSU 3 and out again.

14:35- Florida gets the ball first and they go three and out. And it was a shitty punt at that.

34-14 at half time. This is unbelievable. Hopefully the Buckeyes can get something going and comeback.

Live Blog…#2 Florida vs #1 Ohio State

End of the first half

:23- Touchdown Florida….Tim Tebow throwing it to Andre Caldwell. 34-14

1:28- Troy Smith stripped by Jarvis Moss, and Florida takes over at the OSU 5.

1:53- missed Jim Tressell going for it on 4th and 1 at his own 30 and he didn’t get it. Well Florida promptly took over and and Chris Hetland hit another field goal. 27-14.

6:00- Chris Hetland actually made a field goal…43 yards and Florida extends the lead. 24-14.

6:35- A huge screen play for Harvin, this guy is fast…i’m talking Devin Hester fast.

9:14- Florida forces a three and out again.

9:47- And for the first time tonight, the Gators will have to punt.

10:59- Another first down for the Gators…OSU can’t stop them right now.

13:32- Touchdown Buckeys… Troy Smith leads the buckeyes on a very nice drive, capped off on a 18 yard run by Antonio Pittman. 21-14 FLA

14:56- Touchdown Florida. This time by DeShawn Wynn from 3 yards out. 21-7 FLA

End of the 1st Quarter

:27- Once again, another Florida first down thanks to Andre Caldwell on a reverse.

1:14- Chris Leak is still perfect, 8-8 as he finds Jemalle Cornelius for 18 yards.

1:43- Chris Leak is looking absolutely brilliant, another long pass to Cornelius Ingram.

2:49- On 3rd and 14, Troy Smith got hit as he threw the ball and Reggie Lewis picked it off. Things are not going well for the Buckeyes.

3:34- Derrick Harvey ran down Troy Smith for a loss of 9 yards…but he is down with an apparent knee injury….he’s up and he just ran off the field, i’m glad he’s not hurt.

4:06- Antonio Pittman rushed for a first down….in bigger news, Ted Ginn is walking gingerly to the lockeroom.

5:41- Anthony Gonzalez gets the return again but this time, it was actually a good return.

The booth reviewed it and to me and the commentators, his knee was clearly down before he crossed the line, but it looks like the ref didn’t see it that way, touchdown stands.

5:51- Touchdown Florida, this time it’s Percy Harvin on an option. 14-7 FLA

6:47- Florida comes out firing again, a 20 yard completion to Cornelius Ingram, down to the 7 yard line.

8:28- After another personal foul on OSU, FLA will start with great field possession again, this time at OSU’s 35.

9:08- The Buckeyes first drive…incomplete pass, rush of 4 yards by Troy Smith and a nasty looking sack…Buckeyes forced to punt.

10:21- This time, the Gators stay away from Ginn, and after a 8 yard return, Anthony Gonzalez got “JACKED UP”

10:31- Touchdown Gators!!! Chris Leak to Dallas Baker “The Touchdown Maker” 14 yards out. 7-7.

11:40- Chris Leak’s pass is complete to Billy Latsko for an 11 yard gain and another 1st down.

14:14- The first play from scrimmage is a pass to Percy Harvin for 5 yards.

14:33- Florida’s opening kickoff was a very good one as well, OSU’s kicker had to take Brandon James down by the facemask, the 15 yard variety.

14:44- On the opening kickoff, Ted Ginn Jr. returned it all the way for a touchdown. 7-0 OSU.

Start of the 1st Quarter

Gators won the toss and elected to kick.

As the Gators ran out on the field an elderly man in a snazzy yellow blazer(circa 1940) was in front of them and he just got trampled…hahahhahahahahaha…I mean…I hope he’s ok.

The Buckeyes are decked out in their white away jerseys and the Gators are in their home Blues.

My favorite player of all-time and 1995 Heisman winner, Eddie George is also doing the pre-game show and he is such a giving person, he brought Emmitt Smith an OSU visor and a sweater vest…I don’t Emmitt took them, seeing as how he went to Florida, but it was a nice thought.

As Fox was introducing Emmitt Smith, for some reason Mr. Smith decided it would be a good idea to do a shimmy….it wasn’t.

Live Blog tonight.

I suppose I will live blog the game the National Championship game tonight between the Florida Gators and The Ohio State Buckeyes.

Lets go ahead and get this over with.

OK, I’ve been on vacation for the past week or so, so I wasn’t able to watch as much football as I would’ve liked to, but of course I took time to watch the whole Chick-Fil-A Bowl game. The match-up was my Virginia Tech Hokies vs The Georgia Bulldogs.

We had the #1 defense in the nation and they had the #9, we had a unproven QB that has made tons of mistakes and they had a true freshman starting that hadn’t lived up to his potential yet. You see, both teams were very similar. I thought, much like many other people, that it would be a low scoring defensive struggle. Well I was sorta right. The game, at first, was all defense and pretty much no offense. But then thanks to our defense and special teams, we were able to score 21 points in the second quarter.

The second half was a complete mess. Sean Glennon couldn’t do anything right. Interception after interception. All the blame can’t be placed on him though, the offensive line was atrocious, I mean they couldn’t block a two year old. Now when you see how many points they put up in the second half, you would have to think “damn, the defense was bad”, but no. The defense was good(except goal line), but when your offense can’t do anything and you are forced to go 3 and out time after time, or turnover after turnover, then the momentum changes, and it seems like that team can’t be stopped, they can do no wrong basically.

Georgia-31 Virginia Tech- 24

So this was a bad loss, Georgia did a great job on cashing in on our mistakes. But we do have alot to look forward to. We have another outstanding class coming in and we will have alot of returning starters.(hopefully not Glennon)

This caps off an overall great season. I mean, how many teams can say that they got a 10 win season on a “rebuilding year”? Not many, I can tell you that.

So far so good…

Well so far it’s still very early in the Bowl games, but my record is very good. I am 4-1 with 1 game still going on. I kinda blew it with the Troy vs Rice game, I mean I was way off, just plain embarrassing, like almost as embarrassing as getting a busted lip that bleeds for 15 minutes because your 3 year old sister decides to jump off the couch and do a diving headbutt landing right on my…I mean your mouth while you weren’t paying attention…that totally didn’t happen today…

I’m still waiting for the “real” bowls to start…the BCS bowls. But their is going to be a very good game on tomorrow, Hawaii vs Arizona State. I’m picking Hawaii because of Colt Brennan…if you’re not Christmas shopping or trying to keep that family member who has had a few to many out of the hospital/jail…if you know what I mean, then check this game out, Brennan could set two records tomorrow…Most touchdown passes in a season and Most touchdowns in a career…by the way,he’s only a junior.

So Happy Holidays to everyone…I have to go get this lip looked at….damnit…I mean, gotta go do some last second shopping.

The Final Heisman Update.

Before we get started, I made a mistake. I said earlier that I had had Troy Smith #1 on my Heisman list the whole season. Well, I just checked all my Heisman post and was shocked to find out that in Week 4 I had Adrian Peterson ranked #1 and Smith #2. It’s not a big deal, if you look at the stats, Peterson deserved it, but I was pretty sure I had Smith #1 the whole time, oh well.

At 7:55 PM, one of Troy Smith’s biggest dreams came through. He was awarded the 2006 Heisman Memorial Trophy. He deserved it, after the season that he had, it was hard to argue that he shouldn’t have received it. But the most important stat that you won’t see in the stat books, the one stat that won him the most highley regarded award in all of College Football, was his leadership. When Jim Tressell needed someone to step up, Troy was there, whenever The Ohio State needed a score, Troy was leading them.

I have been watching the Heisman presentation for many years now and never have I heard a speach quite like Troy’s. I mean Reggie’s last year was outstanding, when he was talking about his step dad, brought a little tear to my eye. But Troy’s was great. I have never heard some one give most of the credit to his offensive line, he even named all of them.(Unlike MeShawn) Troy Smith is a senior and in April he will be going to New York once again for the NFL Draft. Right now he’s projected to be late first or an early second round pick. I pretty much agree with that, but I think he will be a very good pro, he will probably be a slash player kind of like Kordell Stewart and Antwan Randel El. But eventually he could be a starting quarterback, hopefully.

The votes, like I thought, weren’t even close. Troy broke the record previously held by last year’s winner, Reggie Bush, with 86.7% percent of the first place votes. Also his total point value(2,540) ranked third all-time. Only behind a couple of Trojans, O.J. Simpson( 2,853) and Reggie Bush(2,541).

Final votes:

1. Troy Smith QB(OSU) 1st-801, 2nd- 62, 3rd-13, Total- 2540

2. Darren McFadden RB(ARK) 1st- 45, 2nd- 298, 3rd- 147, Total- 878

3. Brady Quinn QB(ND) 1st- 13, 2nd- 276, 3rd- 191, Total-782

4. Steve Slaton RB(WVU) 1st- 6 2nd- 51 3rd- 94, Total- 214

5. Mike Hart RB(MICH) 1st- 5, 2nd- 58, 3rd- 79, Total- 210

Come on, let’s say it together " Playoff"!!!

Real quick here is the list of all of the Bowl games and I guess i’ll go ahead and make my picks…

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia

TCU vs. Northern Illinois

My pick: TCU

Pioneer Pure Vision Las Vegas

BYU vs. Oregon

My pick: BYU

R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl

Rice vs. Troy

My pick: Rice

Papajohns.com Bowl

South Florida vs. East Carolina

My pick: South Florida

New Mexico

New Mexico vs. San Jose State

My Pick: San Jose State

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces

Tulsa vs. Utah

My pick: Tulsa

Sheraton Hawaii

Arizona State vs. Hawaii

My pick: Hawaii

Motor City

Middle Tennessee State vs. Central Michigan

My pick: Central Michigan

Emerald

Florida State vs. UCLA

My pick: UCLA

PetroSun Independence

Oklahoma State vs. Alabama

My pick: Alabama

Pacific Life Holiday

California vs. Texas A&M

My pick: Texas A&M

Texas

Rutgers vs. Kansas State

My pick: Rutgers

Gaylord Hotels Music City

Clemson vs. Kentucky

My pick: Clemson

Brut Sun

Oregon State vs. Missouri

My pick: Missouri

AutoZone Liberty

Houston vs. South Carolina

My pick: South Carolina

Insight

Texas Tech vs. Minnesota

My pick: Texas Tech

Champs Sports

Purdue vs. Maryland

My picks: Maryland

Meineke Car Care

Navy vs. Boston College

My pick: Boston College

Alamo

Texas vs. Iowa

My pick: Texas

Chick-fil-A

Georgia vs. VIRGINIA TECH

My pick: VIRGINIA TECH (duh)

MPC Computers

Miami (FL) vs. Nevada

My pick: Miami (FL)

Outback

Tennessee vs. Penn State

My pick: Tennessee

AT&T Cotton

Auburn vs. Nebraska

My pick: Auburn

Toyota Gator

West Virginia vs. Georgia Tech

My pick: West Virginia

Capital One

Arkansas vs. Wisconsin

My pick: Arkansas

Rose Bowl presented by Citi

USC vs. Michigan

My pick: Michigan

Tostitos Fiesta

Boise State vs. Oklahoma

My pick: Oklahoma

FedEx Orange

Louisville vs. Wake Forest

My pick: Louisville

Allstate Sugar

Notre Dame vs. LSU

My pick: LSU

International

Cincinnati vs. Western Michigan

My pick: Western Michigan

GMAC

Ohio vs. Southern Miss

My pick: Southern Miss

Tostitos BSC Championship Game

Florida vs. Ohio State

My pick: Ohio State

Updated Heisman Picture

1. Troy Smith QB(OSU) IDLE

Troy Smith is going to win the Heisman, I don’t think that their is any doubt about that. Throughout the whole season he has been very consistant through the air and the ground. He has transformed himself into a pure passer that has the ability to escape. Last year he had 16 passing touchdowns, this year, he has tossed 30. Passing yards, he’s only up around 300, but he has really proven that he can stand in the pocket and let plays develop, if you don’t believe me then look at his rushing yards. Last year he had 136 carries for 611 yards and 11 TDs, this year, he only has taken off 62 times for 233 yards and 1 touchdown. 2006 Heisman winner= Troy Smith.

2. Darren McFadden RB(ARK) 21 car 73 yds, 2 rec 27 yds, 1-3 2 yds 1 TD, 1 INT

To be completely honest with all of you, it took me quite a few games to see the light. Well, I have seen the light, and it can do it all. Run, pass and catch, the next LT. McFadden is only a sophomore, so he has at least 1 more year to make another run for the Heisman. I think the votes would be alot closer if it wasn’t for Darren’s inconsistantley this year. He has had 5 games this year that he has failed to rush for 100 yards. That hurt’s his campaign expecially since 3 of the 5 were conference games(including last night against Florida) and in the first game of the season for Arkansas he only racked up 42, and that was against USC.

3. Brady Quinn QB(ND) IDLE

Quinn was on alot of people’s Heisman list at the beginning of the season and he really hasn’t done much to say he shouldn’t still be towards the top. I mean if you look at his numbers, he has had only had 1 bad game. It’s true that that “one bad game” happened in week 3 against Michigan. Quinn ended up throwing 3 interceptions and the Figting Irish lost their first game of the season. So, no Heisman for Quinn, but he will be a very rich man come April. He is projected by many Mock Drafts to be the number 1 pick.

4. Colt Brennan QB(HAW) 37-50 401 yds 2 TDs 2 INTs , 14 car 11 yds 1 TD

Much like Texas Tech, Hawaii just keeps putting out quarterbacks that can just sling it 50+ times and 300+ yards a game. Well Colt Brennan may just be the best. He is just 1 touchdown shy of the record for most touchdowns in a season with 53 which was set by Houston’s David Kingler in 1990 (54). He still has one more chance to break it, in the Hawaii Bowl. I don’t think he’s going to win the Heisman just because he’s not the best player in the Nation. But I do think he’s one of the best quarterbacks and will have his name in the history books when this season is done.

5. Mike Hart RB(MICH) IDLE

Mike Hart has been very good this whole season. He is a big reason why the Wolverines have only 1 loss(and that was to OSU). He just comes out their every Saturday, gets his 120+ and a TD, when your QB can count on his runningback coming out day in and day out and be as consistant as Hart is….well see Henne’s numbers. Henne has been able to play without all the pressure on him alone because Hart was healthy this year. Hart went to another level this year but not he’s not Heisman level…yet. It’s going to be very interesting to see if he stays for his senior year, or he opts out and goes pro. I think he’ll stay, but I guess we’ll see.

So a little recap….

2006 Heisman winner = Troy Smith

2007 Heisman winner = Branden Ore??? (I know, I know….probably McFadden)