Saturday, July 30, 2011
The FSU Tomahawk Chop site has moved!
I have decided to upgrade the site and change it's location. I transfered all the previous blog posts so you can continue to read those on the new site. Please check out the new location of FSU Tomahawk Chop and please subscribe to that site. Here is the new link: http://fsutomahawkchop.com/
Friday, July 29, 2011
Ranking the Conferences
This is a topic that I tend not to care too much about. Why? Because in my opinion, the team comes first and the conference comes second. The team wins the championship trophies, rings, and banners. The conference doesn't. With that said, here are my BCS conference rankings.
1) SEC- In my pre-season rankings, I have 7 SEC schools ranked in the top 25. Alabama and LSU both have a legitimate shot at winning the National Championship as they both should begin the season ranked in the top 5. The SEC champion will likely play in the National Championship once again this season. South Carolina and Arkansas will likely have pretty good seasons as well and remain in the middle of the top 25 for most of the year. Georgia and Florida will have rebound seasons this year and both teams could end the season ranked in the top 25. Auburn will struggle this year and I believe they'll drop out of the rankings, leaving the SEC with a nation-high 6 ranked teams at the end of the season.
2) Big 10 The Big 10, despite have 12 teams and not 10, is the second best conference in the nation following the addition of Nebraska. Wisonsin, Michigan State, and Nebraska will all be strong teams ranked in the top 25 this season. The conference takes a big hit as Ohio State is facing many NCAA violations and won't be the same team the next few seasons. However, their rival Michigan seems to be headed in the right direction and they could enter the top 25 by the end of the season.
3) Pac 12 The Pac 12, formerly the Pac 10, added Utah and Colorado this year. Both additions will benefit the conference, especially Utah, as they are one of the most underrated programs in the nation right now. Oregon and Stanford will be at the top of the conference once again and both teams have a shot at the national championship. Oregon lost to Auburn last season in the title game while Stanford defeated Virginia Tech in another BCS bowl game, the Orange Bowl. Stanford QB Andrew Luck decided to return for one more year with Stanford so look for them and Oregon to battle it out in the Pac 12 this season. Just like how Ohio State hurts the Big 10 this season, USC continues to hurt the Pac 12 with it's NCAA violations. Once again, the Trojans are not eligible for a bowl game this season. Arizona State will be a boarder line top 25 team this year, giving the Pac 12 three ranked teams plus USC.
4) Big 12 The Big 12 now only has 10 teams as Colorado and Nebraska both left the conference. Both teams leaving is a big hit to the conference but they are still led by Oklahoma and Texas. The Sooners will be the #1 ranked team in the nation and have a good shot of winning the title this season. Texas had a horrible season last year but they are looking to rebuild and make a comeback this season. Oklahoma State and Texas A&M should be ranked in the top 15 or top 20 most of the season and both teams have a chance of knocking Oklahoma off the top spot this season.
5) ACC The ACC continues to struggle in big non-conference games every season. The conference also tends to lack a national championship contender each year. Until the conference begins winning big non-conference games and has a team compete for a national championship, it'll ccontinue to be regarded as one of the worse BCS conferences and the little brother of the SEC. Good news for the conference in 2011, Florida State seems to be returning to the national spotlight and could finally give the conference a national contender in the next year or two. Virginia Tech is also a strong team and should join FSU ranked in the top 15 this season. The 'Noles have non-conference games against Oklahoma and Florida once again this season to try to prove the conference is worthy. Miami has a shot at having a good season this year, especially if they beat Ohio State in week 3. The 'Canes may finish the season ranked in the top 25 as well. Unfortunately for the conference, non of the other teams will be ranked high this season unless if Clemson makes a run by beating Auburn and Florida State in back-to-back games. North Carolina was an improving prgram but just got hit with NCAA violations and just lost their head coach. Georgia Tech also got hit with violations and had to vacate their 2009 ACC Championship.
6) Big East The only conference worse than the ACC every season is the Big East. In my preseason top 25, there isn't a single Big East program on the list. It is possible the conference could end the season without a single ranked team. South Florida, Louisville, and Syracuse are on the rise and could make the conference better than it has been in the past. West Virginia, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati have done well in recent years but we'll have to see if any of them can get back on track and do well this season. The conference seems to be up for grabs in 2011.
1) SEC- In my pre-season rankings, I have 7 SEC schools ranked in the top 25. Alabama and LSU both have a legitimate shot at winning the National Championship as they both should begin the season ranked in the top 5. The SEC champion will likely play in the National Championship once again this season. South Carolina and Arkansas will likely have pretty good seasons as well and remain in the middle of the top 25 for most of the year. Georgia and Florida will have rebound seasons this year and both teams could end the season ranked in the top 25. Auburn will struggle this year and I believe they'll drop out of the rankings, leaving the SEC with a nation-high 6 ranked teams at the end of the season.
2) Big 10 The Big 10, despite have 12 teams and not 10, is the second best conference in the nation following the addition of Nebraska. Wisonsin, Michigan State, and Nebraska will all be strong teams ranked in the top 25 this season. The conference takes a big hit as Ohio State is facing many NCAA violations and won't be the same team the next few seasons. However, their rival Michigan seems to be headed in the right direction and they could enter the top 25 by the end of the season.
3) Pac 12 The Pac 12, formerly the Pac 10, added Utah and Colorado this year. Both additions will benefit the conference, especially Utah, as they are one of the most underrated programs in the nation right now. Oregon and Stanford will be at the top of the conference once again and both teams have a shot at the national championship. Oregon lost to Auburn last season in the title game while Stanford defeated Virginia Tech in another BCS bowl game, the Orange Bowl. Stanford QB Andrew Luck decided to return for one more year with Stanford so look for them and Oregon to battle it out in the Pac 12 this season. Just like how Ohio State hurts the Big 10 this season, USC continues to hurt the Pac 12 with it's NCAA violations. Once again, the Trojans are not eligible for a bowl game this season. Arizona State will be a boarder line top 25 team this year, giving the Pac 12 three ranked teams plus USC.
4) Big 12 The Big 12 now only has 10 teams as Colorado and Nebraska both left the conference. Both teams leaving is a big hit to the conference but they are still led by Oklahoma and Texas. The Sooners will be the #1 ranked team in the nation and have a good shot of winning the title this season. Texas had a horrible season last year but they are looking to rebuild and make a comeback this season. Oklahoma State and Texas A&M should be ranked in the top 15 or top 20 most of the season and both teams have a chance of knocking Oklahoma off the top spot this season.
5) ACC The ACC continues to struggle in big non-conference games every season. The conference also tends to lack a national championship contender each year. Until the conference begins winning big non-conference games and has a team compete for a national championship, it'll ccontinue to be regarded as one of the worse BCS conferences and the little brother of the SEC. Good news for the conference in 2011, Florida State seems to be returning to the national spotlight and could finally give the conference a national contender in the next year or two. Virginia Tech is also a strong team and should join FSU ranked in the top 15 this season. The 'Noles have non-conference games against Oklahoma and Florida once again this season to try to prove the conference is worthy. Miami has a shot at having a good season this year, especially if they beat Ohio State in week 3. The 'Canes may finish the season ranked in the top 25 as well. Unfortunately for the conference, non of the other teams will be ranked high this season unless if Clemson makes a run by beating Auburn and Florida State in back-to-back games. North Carolina was an improving prgram but just got hit with NCAA violations and just lost their head coach. Georgia Tech also got hit with violations and had to vacate their 2009 ACC Championship.
6) Big East The only conference worse than the ACC every season is the Big East. In my preseason top 25, there isn't a single Big East program on the list. It is possible the conference could end the season without a single ranked team. South Florida, Louisville, and Syracuse are on the rise and could make the conference better than it has been in the past. West Virginia, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati have done well in recent years but we'll have to see if any of them can get back on track and do well this season. The conference seems to be up for grabs in 2011.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
News and Notes
North Carolina fired head coach Butch Davis. It doesn't affect Florida State that much this season as the Seminoles and Tar Heels don't play each other this season. However, it will help a division foe like Clemson who happens to host North Carolina in the middle of the season. As a Florida State fan, it is smart to root for any Coastal Divison team when they matchup with one of the other Atlantic Divison teams. It seems like Clemson definitely has an upper-hand in that matchup now, more than before the firing.
The FSU Athletics Department announced yesterday that the Family Zone season ticket, Young Alumni season ticket, and the Three-Game ticket packages are officially sold out this season. It is the first time ever that any of those ticket packages have sold out. Also, 91% of the season ticket holders from last season renewed their tickets for this season, which is the highest rate in the last eight seasons.
Doak will be a more popular place this fall than it has been in the past decade. As the team returns to the national spotlight, so will the fans. The 2011 schedule features some great games including Oklahoma, Miami, NC State, and Maryland. Come out and support your 'Noles.
The FSU Athletics Department announced yesterday that the Family Zone season ticket, Young Alumni season ticket, and the Three-Game ticket packages are officially sold out this season. It is the first time ever that any of those ticket packages have sold out. Also, 91% of the season ticket holders from last season renewed their tickets for this season, which is the highest rate in the last eight seasons.
Doak will be a more popular place this fall than it has been in the past decade. As the team returns to the national spotlight, so will the fans. The 2011 schedule features some great games including Oklahoma, Miami, NC State, and Maryland. Come out and support your 'Noles.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
2011 Preseason ACC First Team
The Preseason All-ACC First Team was released today, as voted by media members. Florida State and Miami have the most players with 4 players each. EJ Manuel, Andrew Datko, Brandon Jenkins, and Greg Reid (as return specialist) were the four Seminoles named to the ACC first team. The name most notably missing is Florida State kicker Dustin Hopkins. The highlight of Hopkins season last year was a 55-yard game winning field goal against Clemson. However, Will Snyderwine from Duke was listed as the first team kicker. We'll see if hopkins can make the postseason team. Here is the complete list of the preseason ACC first team.
Offense
Pos. Name Team
WR Conner Vernon, Duke
WR Dwight Jones, North Carolina
TE George Bryan, NC State
T Blake DeChristopher, Virginia Tech
T Andrew Datko, Florida State
G Brandon Washington, Miami
G Omoregie Uzzi, Georgia Tech
C Tyler Horn, Miami
QB EJ Manuel, Florida State
RB Montel Harris, Boston College
RB Andre Ellington, Clemson
Defense
Pos. Name Team
DE Brandon Jenkins, Florida State
DE Quinton Coples, North Carolina
DT Tydreke Powell, North Carolina
DT Brandon Thompson, Clemson
LB Luke Kuechly, Boston College
LB Sean Spence, Miami
LB Kenny Tate, Maryland
CB Chase Minnifield, Virginia
CB Jayron Hosely, Virginia Tech
S Ray-Ray Armstrong, Miami
S Eddie Whitley, Virginia Tech
Specialists
Pos. Name Team
PK Will Snyderwine, Duke
P Dawson Zimmerman, Clemson
SP Greg Reid, Florida State
Offense
Pos. Name Team
WR Conner Vernon, Duke
WR Dwight Jones, North Carolina
TE George Bryan, NC State
T Blake DeChristopher, Virginia Tech
T Andrew Datko, Florida State
G Brandon Washington, Miami
G Omoregie Uzzi, Georgia Tech
C Tyler Horn, Miami
QB EJ Manuel, Florida State
RB Montel Harris, Boston College
RB Andre Ellington, Clemson
Defense
Pos. Name Team
DE Brandon Jenkins, Florida State
DE Quinton Coples, North Carolina
DT Tydreke Powell, North Carolina
DT Brandon Thompson, Clemson
LB Luke Kuechly, Boston College
LB Sean Spence, Miami
LB Kenny Tate, Maryland
CB Chase Minnifield, Virginia
CB Jayron Hosely, Virginia Tech
S Ray-Ray Armstrong, Miami
S Eddie Whitley, Virginia Tech
Specialists
Pos. Name Team
PK Will Snyderwine, Duke
P Dawson Zimmerman, Clemson
SP Greg Reid, Florida State
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Odds To Win BCS National Championship
According to www.bodog.com, one of the top sports betting sites, Florida State has the third best chance of winning the National Championship among the 120 division 1A teams.
Oklahoma 9-2
Alabama 11-2
Florida State 10-1
Oregon 12-1
Boise State 14-1
LSU 14-1
It is interesting to note that LSU and Oregon play each other in week 1 whereas Oklahoma and Florida State play each other in week 3. Therefore, in the first three weeks of the season we will see some shuffling among the teams most likely to win the National Championship.
I will go on record and say it right now: I think Florida State's preseason hype is a little bit too high.
Will FSU be better than it was last season? Yes.
Will the 2011 Florida State team be the best FSU team since 2000? Yes.
Is this the Florida State team that'll win the National Championship? No.
The Seminoles are building up to the 2012 season. The 2012 team will be the most elite team in Tallahassee since Florida State's last National Championship. The current team is loaded with a bunch of juniors who will all be seniors in 2012, including EJ Manuel. Not to mention, the #1 recruiting class from last season will begin seeing playing time in 2012.
Yes, 2011 will be a great year for Florida State. Anything can happen, especially if the 'Noles pull off the upset against Oklahoma on September 17th. Only time will tell, however, there's no doubt that right now is a great time to be a Seminole.
Oklahoma 9-2
Alabama 11-2
Florida State 10-1
Oregon 12-1
Boise State 14-1
LSU 14-1
It is interesting to note that LSU and Oregon play each other in week 1 whereas Oklahoma and Florida State play each other in week 3. Therefore, in the first three weeks of the season we will see some shuffling among the teams most likely to win the National Championship.
I will go on record and say it right now: I think Florida State's preseason hype is a little bit too high.
Will FSU be better than it was last season? Yes.
Will the 2011 Florida State team be the best FSU team since 2000? Yes.
Is this the Florida State team that'll win the National Championship? No.
The Seminoles are building up to the 2012 season. The 2012 team will be the most elite team in Tallahassee since Florida State's last National Championship. The current team is loaded with a bunch of juniors who will all be seniors in 2012, including EJ Manuel. Not to mention, the #1 recruiting class from last season will begin seeing playing time in 2012.
Yes, 2011 will be a great year for Florida State. Anything can happen, especially if the 'Noles pull off the upset against Oklahoma on September 17th. Only time will tell, however, there's no doubt that right now is a great time to be a Seminole.
Monday, July 25, 2011
ACC Media Members Make Their Predictions
Ironically, following my prediction of the ACC, the ACC media members who attended the second day of ACC Media Days in Pinhurst, North Carolina today voted for who they think will win each division, the conference championship game, and the ACC player of the year. Here are the results.
Atlantic Division
1) Florida State *50 first place votes
2) Clemson *4 first place votes
3) NC State
4) Boston College *2 first place votes
5) Maryland
6) Wake Forest
Coastal Division
1) Virginia Tech *66 first place votes
2) Miami *4 first place votes
3) North Carolina
4) Georgia Tech *1 first place vote
5) Virginia
6) Duke
ACC Champion
1) Florida State *50 votes
2) Virginia Tech *18 votes
3) Clemson *2 votes
4) Boston College *1 vote
ACC Player of Year
1)Montel Harris, Boston College *26 votes
2) EJ Manuel, Florida State *14 votes
3) Luke Kuechly, Boston College *12 votes
Atlantic Division
1) Florida State *50 first place votes
2) Clemson *4 first place votes
3) NC State
4) Boston College *2 first place votes
5) Maryland
6) Wake Forest
Coastal Division
1) Virginia Tech *66 first place votes
2) Miami *4 first place votes
3) North Carolina
4) Georgia Tech *1 first place vote
5) Virginia
6) Duke
ACC Champion
1) Florida State *50 votes
2) Virginia Tech *18 votes
3) Clemson *2 votes
4) Boston College *1 vote
ACC Player of Year
1)Montel Harris, Boston College *26 votes
2) EJ Manuel, Florida State *14 votes
3) Luke Kuechly, Boston College *12 votes
NFL Will Have A Season In 2011
The NFL will play a full 16-game regular season this year. Both the owners and the players have agreed to terms. This means former Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder and all the other players drafted this year won't have to sit out their rookie seasons. This also means college football won't have any games played on Sunday either. Everything in the football world will be back to normal this fall.
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