Hot off the Grill - CFB Championship Weekend Preview

We've finally arrived at the most anticipated weekend on the college football calendar...Championship Weekend! We know all about the national semifinal in the SEC, but what other BCS berths are at stake? More importantly, who's going to follow in Oregon's shoes and seize the moment? Find out at RSS!

Big Kielbasa's Game Of the Week - #1 Florida (12-0) vs. #2 Alabama (12-0)

- All season long this has been the game circled on every football fan's calendar. Two of the most dominant defenses in the country suggest this will be a low-scoring struggle for the ages. Similar to last year's game, this one will come down to who can make the most plays in the 4th quarter. However, there are two key differences from last year's SEC Championship. The first is the suspension this week of Florida's stud DE Carlos Dunlap. This situation deserves its own mini-analysis. First, Dunbar deserves to be on the list of dumbest athletes of the year. Can you imagine a starting PG getting arrested for DUI the week of the Final Four? Of course not. His selfish act takes Florida's defense down a notch. But also, don't give Florida HC Urban Meyer too much credit for suspending Dunlap. He really had no other options, or else risk looking like a total dirtbag. Sitting out Dunlap was the easiest decision of the week by far for Meyer.

Now, back to the game. The second difference from last year is which team has the explosive, big play threats. Last year, Florida had a bevy of playmakers who could break the game open, this year the impact players are on Alabama. The Tide's Javier Arenas, the man who now holds the record for most return TDs in SEC history or So WR Julio Jones will make something out of nothing at some point in this game to change the momentum. Regardless of the health of Mark Ingram, the play of Tim Tebow, this year, it's Alabama's turn. We've liked them more since the start of the season, no need to change now. PICK - Alabama

Beer Brat's Spotlight Game Of the Week - #3 Texas (12-0) vs. #23 Nebraska (9-3)

Many around the country rooting for BCS chaos, especially those in Fort Worth, will be pulling hard for Nebraska to pull the upset. But, even in a conference championship with a history of upsets, we don't see one this year. Colt McCoy's virtuoso performance last week against Texas A&M was an eye-opener; he's ready to put this team on his back to go to his first National Championship as the Texas starting QB. Though Nebraska DT Ndmaukong Suh will be his usual disruptive self, one man can't win a game on defense. And, as we saw in Texas's last game, they're more vulnerable to an athletic dual-threat QB, not Nebraska's forte. Texas should run out comfortable winners.- PICK-Texas

Chorizo's Upset Of the Week - #5 Cincinnati (11-0) @ #14 Pitt (9-2)

-Our spicy friend travels to Pittsburgh for our upset of the week. Cincinnati is still undefeated, and has an outside chance at a national championship berth with a win and a lot of help. But, in recent weeks their stock has started to slip. While they're still undefeated, their defense seems to be regressing weekly, even giving up 36 to hapless Illinois last week. The worst part, they've yet to face a duo as talented as Pitt RB Dion Lewis and WR Jonathan Baldwin. Oh, and all of that speculation of UC Head Coach Brian Kelly going to Notre Dame can't help the Bearcats focus on the task at hand. It should be exciting and compelling, and it will be an upset. PICK-Pitt

Andouille's Under the Radar Game - #12 Georgia Tech (10-2) vs. #25 Clemson (8-4)

-Unfortunately all too often, the ACC Title Game turns into the game NOBODY watches. This year is no different with neither team a threat to crack the top BCS bowls. It's even worse this year as ESPN has scheduled this game to go head-to-head with the Big 12 Title Game. Yikes, I think the NHL might be getting a better tv deal than that...on second thought, maybe not. Nevertheless, this will be a good game for those who tune in to watch it. The triple option of Ga. Tech versus the one man gang, C.J. Spiller and Clemson. While Clemson played Tech tough the first time around, Ga. Tech just has too many weapons. PICK-Ga. Tech

Hot Dog Of The Week - Army and Navy

-Ok, so it's not this week exactly, but there aren't really any other college football games after tomorrow, so forgive us. When these two play, it's always about more than football, it's a reminder of the power of sport to bring people together and of the sacrifice made by the young men and women in our armed forces. Sure, these two teams aren't in the national spotlight the way they were in the early days, but the game is about more than records. It's a chance for all of us, as college football fans, to be thankful for the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. Especially during this time of war and uncertainty, take a few minutes to watch these two play next week. It's a guarantee there won't be a more emotional, harder played game in college football this season.

Extra Toppings -

-What an entertaining game last night between Oregon and Oregon St. We told you the difference would be the dual threat of Jeramiah Masoli, and his 4th down conversion with his legs sealed the deal late. You can bet Jim Tressel is already starting to lose sleep over stopping Masoli and freshman sensation LaMichael James.

-If Texas does lose, the question becomes who plays in the National Championship? Well, a Cincinnati loss would make matters moot, the choice is TCU by a mile. But even if UC stays undefeated, our bet is on TCU edging out the Bearcats by the slimmest of margins.

-Don't just take our word that this is the biggest college football weekend ever, visit our friends at Rumors & Rants for even more coverage.

-Also, a shameless plug, but you may have noticed our new Twitter feed at the top-right of the blog. If you're hip with social media (or at least pretending to be hip like we are), follow us. It's the best way to get our instant quick takes on the world of sports.

-So Notre Dame is going to decline their invite to a bowl game, I think I'll wet my pants. A normal program would take any bowl game invite, especially at 6-6. Apparently, Notre Dame feels as if it's too good for the GMAC or PapaJohns.com Bowl...or they just want to save the embarrassment of losing in one of those two bowls.

-Unfortunate to see Mark Mangino forced to resign at Kansas. It's amazing how quickly things can change over some key losses and accusations. Still, you wonder if Kansas will regret firing a man who brought them more success this decade than in the previous 100 years combined.

-How much you want to bet on Brent Musberger treating the Big 12 Championship like it's the national semifinal instead of the SEC game?

-Apparently there are other conferences which will hold title games as well this weekend, who knew? If things keep up, maybe someday the MAC and C-USA Championships will have as much impact as the SEC and Big 12, but don't hold your breath.

-USC hosts Arizona this week in a game people could care less about. Wait, a game in December with USC that isn't important? I shudder to think what Pete Carroll will come up with to draw attention to himself this week.

Randall's Got His Eye On You... Heisman Voters

-While the participants in the BCS National Championship will be decided this weekend, the underlying storyline is of course the Heisman Trophy. Toby Gerhart sits in the clubhouse waiting to see if Colt McCoy, Mark Ingram, or God forbid Tim Tebow can steal the spotlight this weekend. So, the question is, how will the Heisman voters react to the performances of the three contenders playing this weekend? If voters have already made up their mind, Gerhart might stand an outside chance. But, from the way some prominent national voices are talking, the Tebow movement may be gaining late steam. How lazy will the Heisman voters be? Can these voters actually turn this once prestigious award in to a lifetime achievement award? Please Heisman voters, watch these games with an open mind. If McCoy or Ingram outdoes Tebow, then he deserves the award. Don't take the easy way out again.

That's it for our Hot off the Grill Preview. Stay tuned for our NFL Preview coming tomorrow and the continuation of our ever popular Decade Series, up next will be our Top 10 D'Oh Moments of the Decade, which you know will be fun. Until then, it's bye for now!

YCS/Heisman Watch - Week 8

Well, we didn't think it would be an exciting Saturday in college football. But with the game-winning heroics of Ricky Stanzi (above) and Mt. Cody (more on him later) fans around the country were left holding their breath. You know about the shakeup in the BCS, but what about the much more important YCS? Why does nobody still want the Heisman trophy? Find out here, because we're the ones who tell it like it is!

YCS STANDINGS

1.Alabama (8-0, last game W vs. Tennessee 12-10, up next Nov. 7 vs. #9 LSU)

-Thanks largely to the heroics of Terrence "Mt." Cody (which has to be the best college nickname in years), Alabama retains a slim hold on the YCS #1 spot. Though the game against Tennessee was ugly with a capital U, 'Bama hung in with their stout defense and the boot of Leigh Tiffin accounting for all of their points. Of course, the game might not have been as close if not for a late fumble by RB Mark Ingram (of course, more on that later). But, the point is, against an SEC opponent desperate for a trademark win, the Tide survived. They'll have to mount an even better effort, especially offensively, when they take on the Bayou Bengals in 2 weeks.

2. Florida (7-0, last week W at Miss St. 29-19, up next Sat. vs. Georgia)

-Florida also survived a surprisingly stiff SEC test from Miss. St., but the pressure is definitely mounting on Urban Meyer and co. Repeating isn't easy, and even the Genius in Florida is admitting his offense is not where it should be. Add to that the clearly shaky performance by Tim Tebow (2 INTs returned for TDs), and there's reason for worry, even in Gainesville. But, much like 'Bama, it's the defense that will carry Florida to the SEC title game. Not even the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party can keep Florida from their date with the Tide...that is, unless JC QB somehow finds the tailgate scene during pregame.

3. Texas (7-0, last week W at Missouri 41-7, up next Sat at #14 Oklahoma St.)

-Texas remains in the catbird seat, thanks in large part to Colt McCoy giving one of the best performances of his season. Although Mizzou has been struggling as of late, Texas's total team performance was impressive, especially coming off such a physical encounter the week before with Oklahoma. The last potential hurdle to a Big 12 title game appearance, and most likely a BCS Title Game, is this Saturday at Oklahoma St. Whether Dez Bryant is available or not for the Cowboys, their potent offense should provide quite the challenge for the 'Horns, who rank 2nd in the nation in total defense.

4. Cincinnati (7-0, last week W vs. Louisville 41-7, up next Sat. at Syracuse)

-Apparently, we at the YCS are the only ones who are willing to give any respect to the Bearcats. Though they were dropped all the way to 8th in this week's BCS, they remain 4th in the only standings that matter...well, the only ones that should matter, at least. Backup QB Zach Collaros went 15/17 for 253 yards and 3 TDs (hey, maybe it's not too late for him to win the Heisman?) in relief of Tony Pike. Even if the Bearcats go unbeaten, which they have a good chance at, it's clear now UC will need some help from teams like Texas and USC to have any outside hopes at a miracle national title game appearance.

5. Iowa (7-0, last game W at Mich St. 15-13, up next Sat. vs. Indiana)

-Ok, so the YCS was the last ones on the Iowa bandwagon, but after their thrilling last-gasp win at Michigan St., we have to admit Iowa seems to be living a charmed life. Their defense continues to play well and the way they consistently are winning close games calls to mind Ohio St.'s somewhat miraculous national title run of 2002. Their play in the last few weeks will be guided by Jr. QB Ricky Stanzi, who may not have put up the most impressive numbers Sat. night, but came through for his team when it mattered most. Oddly enough, Ohio St. seems like the last team that stands in the way between the Hawkeyes, and a perfect season.

6. TCU (7-0, last game W at #16 BYU 38-7, up next Sat. vs. UNLV)

-Clearly, we at the YCS are willing to admit when we were wrong...frankly, we have had a lot of opportunities to do so this season. The instance we may have been most wrong was this past Saturday when we picked BYU to end TCU's undefeated season. Boy, were we wrong. TCU absolutely mopped the floor with a very good BYU team, at Provo. Their defense looked fast and aggressive, and their offense was potent, led by QB Andy Dalton.

7. USC (6-1, last week W vs. Oregon St. 42-36, up next Sat. at #10 Oregon)

-It was a good news/bad news week for USC this past week. On one hand, the offense continued to look dominant, with even reserve RB Allen Bradford stepping up for nearly 150 yards and 2 TDs. But, the defensive meltdowns over the last 2 weeks have to be troubling Pete Carroll. In South Bend two weeks ago, the defense almost gave up a late three score lead to the Irish. This Saturday, the defense gave up an astounding 482 yards to Oregon St., at home. The challenge will be much tougher this Saturday when the Trojans have to travel to an even more potent offense in Oregon.

8. Boise St. (7-0, last week W at Hawaii 54-9, up next Sat. vs. San Jose St. )

-In a way, you really have to feel for Boise St. They won their biggest game of the year too early, by defeating what now is a very strong Oregon team on the blue turf. What more can they do to appease voters? They are still beholden to play their conference slate, which this season, doesn't look like it will be good enough to garner a BCS bid. Unless TCU slips up, it looks like Boise will have to look elsewhere for their bowl game.

9. Oregon (6-1, last game W at Washington 43-19, up next Sat. vs. #5 USC)

-The Ducks leapfrog into the YCS Top 10 with a dominant victory at Washington ahead of their showdown with USC. The most encouraging sign for Oregon had to be the performance of QB Jeremiah Masoli, who was able to return from injury to contribute 3 total TDs. Masoli's dual threat will be the key if Oregon hopes to gain the inside track on a trip to the Rose Bowl.

10. Georgia Tech (7-1, last game W at Virginia 34-9, up next Sat. at Vanderbilt)

-The Ramblin' Wreck retains the last spot in the YCS after their demolition of division leaders Virgina (I didn't believe it either when I heard that, but, I guess it was true). Still, even though they disposed of weak competition, it seems Georgia Tech now holds the inside track to an ACC Title Game berth. And if they continue to rush for over 350 yards per game, they'll be tough to beat.

Dropped from the YCS: Miami (Fl)

Just Missed Out: LSU, Penn St.

-The roller coaster ride that is The U's season went back down last Saturday in an OT loss to Clemson. While the foundation for the rebirth of the U has been built this season, they still need a strong finish this year to keep the momentum going. LSU and Penn St. continue to just miss out on the Top 10 after impressive conference wins over Auburn and Michigan respectively.

RSS HEISMAN WATCH

1. NOBODY-Equipment Manager-Somebody Please Step Up A&M

-We've tried being patient with this year's mediocre bunch of Heisman candidates. We've tried thinking outside of the box to consider dark horse candidates. We've even tried begging candidates to please, please, take control of this Heisman race! But, nothing has worked! Through 8 weeks, not one player in college football has been able to put together consecutive performances that made you think, wow, that guy is legitimately worthy of the Heisman. So, nobody occupies the top spot in this week's Heisman Watch. If one of the top 4 impress, we'll consider moving you back up. But, we have no problem keeping 1st place vacant as long as no one takes this race and makes it their own.

T-2. Mark Ingram-RB-Alabama (last week 18 rushes, 99 yards)

-Even without a rushing TD to speak of, and barely missing out on another 100-yard game, Mark Ingram's performance would have been enough to keep him in 1st place on our Watch. But, the committee just couldn't shake his fumble in the final minutes to give Tennessee a chance to steal away the game. Because it was his 1st collegiate turnover in well over 300 touches, he still stays tied for second. But, he needs a big rebound game against LSU to maintain his Heisman candidacy. Here's a hint for Nick Saban too...if you care at all about your player's Heisman chances...give him the ball more than 18 times!

T-2. Tim Tebow-QB-Florida (last week 12/22, 127 yards 2 INTs, 22 rushes, 88 yards, 1TD)

-Tim Tebow also could have taken a hold of the #1 spot, but he turned in one of the worst performances of his entire career at Miss. St. Not only was he erratic with his passes all night, but he threw uncharacteristically bad passes with two attempts being returned for TDs. His coach Urban Meyer says it all today, "Tim Tebow is not playing at his highest level". Does someone who isn't playing at his best at this important part of the season? The RSS Heisman Watch doesn't think so. If Tebow wants to make history, he needs to find his SuperMan cape, pronto.

4. Colt McCoy-QB-Texas (last week 26/31, 269 yards, 3TDs, 1INT)

-Colt McCoy finally found his 2008 form at Mizzou, only missing on 5 of 31 passes and throwing 3 TDs. Much like his team and the national title picture, McCoy may find himself in the catbird seat at the Heisman ceremony. WIll the voters give the trophy a second time to Tebow, when he didn't play his best? It's hard to say...I mean, most voters, really like Tim Tebow. But, if McCoy can build on Saturday's game and keep up these impressive performances, he could charge to the finish line as a late-emerging favorite.

5. Jimmy Clausen-QB-Notre Dame (29/36, 246 yards, 2 TDs)

-Another week, another comeback and game-winning TD from Jimmy Clausen. It's like it's this guy's job, or something? The main obstacle to Clausen's campaign is his lack of any marquee games the rest of the season. While Ingram, Tebow, and McCoy will have at least 2-3 more games against tough opponents, or in conference title games, Clausen's remaining schedule includes Wash. St., Navy, and Stanford. Not even the Peacock can dress up those borderline scrimmages.

Dropping Out of the Race: Kerry Meier's cup of coffee in the RSS Heisman Watch lasted as long as one might expect. His paltry 8 catches for 64 yards wasn't enough to keep him in the Watch, but, you might want to pay some attention to him as a late-round sleeper some day.

Keep an Eye On: Terrence "Mt." Cody-DT-Alabama

And how could you not keep an eye on Mt. Cody after his game-saving performance against Tennessee. The guy is always making life hard for the opposing offensive line, but his two blocked FG's in the 4th quarter kept the Tide's title hopes from flatlining. With a physique to make King Kong Bundy jealous (who by the way, is still alive, and shockingly small thanks to my alert, late-night channel surfing last night on Sports Time Ohio), Mt. Cody will certainly play a key role in the rest of 'Bama's season.

Well, that wraps it up for this week's YCS and Heisman Watch. As always, feel free to let us know how wrong we are in our comments section. Also, as a favor, please feel free to vote us up on BallHype if you check us out there...we'll figure out some way to pay you back, we promise. Tune in tomorrow for the conclusion of our NBA Preview and a wrap-up of the National. Football. League. Until then, it's bye for now!

CFB Preview-Heisman Watch-Week 1

Our 2009 college football preview starts today with our first edition of the RSS Heisman Watch. After each week, we'll rank the current top 5 Heisman candidates. Forget all the other Heisman Watches, we've got the real scoop on who's rising and falling in the race for the most prestigious individual award in sports. Before Week 1 begins, a familiar face sits at the top...

1) Tim Tebow-QB-Florida: While many of the preseason winds blow in the favor of Colt McCoy, we at RSS recognize there is only one Superman in college football, Tim Tebow. If Tebow can keep up his career statistics (67 passing TDs, 43 rushing TDs), he will surely get an invite to NYC. Once Tebow makes it, most likely as the QB of the best team in college football, it will be hard for voters to resist giving him the Heisman to put him in rarefied air; I mean, the guy's already a saint off the field, no really, he is! Not quite a "lifetime achievement" award, but close enough. Until further notice, he's the favorite.

2) Colt McCoy-QB-Texas: The second of the QB triumvirate is Texas's senior leader Colt McCoy. McCoy was a little harshly done to not win the award last year after his gawdy numbers (team's leading rusher, 76.7 completion %, 34 TDs), but he has an even better offense around him this year. Also don't discount the fact that some voters could be weary of bestowing the Heisman to Tebow or Sam Bradford for a second time. That alone could be enough to push McCoy to the trophy, let alone if he can somehow improve on his stats from last year.

3) Sam Bradford-QB-Oklahoma: Our third choice is Oklahoma signal caller Sam Bradford. Bradford stunned many by returning to school for another season to win a national championship. However, he'll be hard pressed to find the same success after several key losses on the O-line. Clearly, even in the sometimes nonsensical world of college football, whoever comes out on top in the Red River Shootout will not only have the inside track to the Big 12, but also the Heisman Trophy.

4) Dez Bryant-WR-Oklahoma St: After the top 3 QBs, there is a chasm the size

of the Grand Canyon to the other Heisman candidates. It would take an absolute monumental season for anyone to top Tebow, McCoy, or Bradford, especially a WR. But, if anyone can do it, it's Ok. St.'s Dez Bryant. He put up some insane numbers last year (87 catches, 19 TDs, 2 return TDs), and he returns in what should be one of the nation's most high-powered offenses with QB Zac Robinson and RB Kendall Hunter. To overcome the QBs though, Bryant will have to make even more of an impact in the return game.

5) Taylor Mays-S-USC: Well, if we're gonna think outside the box here at the RSS Heisman Watch, why not go with one of the nation's best defenders. Taylor Mays is the one high profile returnee on the USC defense, which means the spotlight will shine brightly on the next great USC safety. However, he will have to improve on that pesky lack of interceptions and forced fumbles (0 combined last year), but hey, it's worth a shot.

Keep One Eye On: Watch RBs like Javhid Best (Cal), Jonathan Dwyer (Ga Tech), and Jacquizz Rodgers (Ore St.). If one of these guys can string together a couple of big games early, they could easily vault themselves onto the RSS Heisman Watch. Also, watch for perennial RSS favorite Matt Grothe. The QB from South Florida seems as if he's been starting for the last 10 years, but he has the dual threat ability to sneak into the race if the Bulls can run away with the Big East.

So who's at the top of your list? Let us know and follow along as we update the RSS Heisman Watch every week throughout the season. Join us tomorrow for the second part of our CFB Previw as we unveil the first installment of the YCS Standings (that's Yoder Championship Series) much more official and important than the BCS! Until then, it's bye for now!