1st and Bean: The College Football Blog

National Signing Day

2009-02-02T22:17:00.000-08:00

Were just about 1 day away from Signing Day. That wonderful day when we all sit around our computers and televisions, hinging our hopes and dreams of championships on the decisions of a high school kid.
It's insane that a kid that young can ruin our football lives until fall camp begins.

More to come soon, until then tune into ESPNU beginning at 8 am Mountain time on Wednesday to see what 17 year old kids make and break your day.

Pac-10 Preview

2008-07-07T22:03:00.000-07:00

PAC-10
1. USC
2. Arizona State
3. Oregon
4. UCLA
5. Cal
6. Arizona
7. Oregon State
8. Washington
9. Stanford
10. Washington State

OFFENSIVE MVP
Jake Locker, QB Washington
Last year’s Pac-10 Freshman of the Year accounted for 27 touchdowns and 3,048 total yards, he also set Pac-10 records for quarterback rushing with 986. Although his completion percentage is rather low, Locker is a stats machine, who has incredibly playmaking ability.

DEFENSIVE MVP
Rey Maualuga, LB USC
USC’s best linebacker returns to lead one of the best units in the PAC-10, and the entire country. Maualuga may be the top pick in next year’s NFL draft, but he still has one more chance to impress scouts with his athleticism.

SPECIAL TEAMS MVP
Thomas Weber, K Arizona State
The 2007 Lou Groza Award winner hit 24 of his 25 field goal attempts last season. Weber also punts for the Sun Devils, averaging nearly 40 yards per punt.

Big Ten Preview

2008-06-22T22:21:00.000-07:00

1. Ohio State
2. Wisconsin
3. Penn State
4. Illinois
5. Michigan
6. Iowa
7. Purdue
8. Michigan State
9. Indiana
10. Northwestern
11. Minnesota

OFFENSIVE MVP
Chris Beanie Wells, RB Ohio State
Beanie runs incredibly hard and may be the toughest tailback in the nation to bring down. Wells is a Heisman contender this season following last year’s 1,609 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, while playing hurt most of the year.

DEFENSIVE MVP
James Laurinaitis, LB Ohio State
Last season’s Butkus Award winner is back for his senior season, Laurinaitis is flanked by Marcus Freeman, which will allow him to be free to make plays on the ball, and keep the Buckeye’s defense atop the NCAA.

SPECIAL TEAMS MVP
Austin Starr, K Indiana
A finalist for the Lou Groza Award and a school record setter last year, Starr looks to continue his record setting ways. Starr hit 21-of-23 field goals last season, including 15 consecutive and sent the Hoosiers to a bowl game with his game-winner against Purdue.

Big East Preview

2008-06-22T22:19:00.000-07:00

1. West Virginia
2. South Florida
4. Pitt
5. Rutgers
6. Cincinnati
7. Louisville
8. Connecticut
9. Syracuse

OFFENSIVE MVP
Pat White, QB West Virginia
White lost his head coach, and his supporting cast, but he is still a great playmaker for the Mountaineers. He will also be protected by a great line, which should allow him to pile up stats.

DEFENSIVE MVP
George Selvie, DE South Florida
Selvie is the nation’s top pass rusher and one of the top NFL talents in all of college football. Opposing tackles have a tough time trying to keep up with the incredible strength and speed of Selvie. Last season Selvie led the nation with 31.5 tackles for loss.

SPECIAL TEAMS MVP
Pat McAfee, K/P West Virginia
McAfee handles every single kicking duty for the Mountaineers, including punts. He has one of the strongest legs in the nation and was a Lou Groza Award semifinalist last season.
opponents rushing attack. Bobino may be a sleeper pick, but he is a very good linebacker who can lead a team to great things.

BIG 12 Preview

2008-06-22T22:16:00.000-07:00

North
1. Missouri
2. Kansas
3. Nebraska
4. Colorado
5. Kansas State
6. Iowa State

South
1. Oklahoma
2. Texas
3. Texas Tech
4. Texas A&M
5. Oklahoma State
6. Baylor

OFFENSIVE MVP
Chase Daniel, QB Missouri
Daniel passed for 4,306 yards last season, including 33 touchdowns; he also finished fourth in Heisman voting. The accolades should continue to pile up for Daniel, as Mizzou is a serious BCS title contender.

DEFENSIVE MVP
Rashad Bobino, LB Texas
Bobino returns to anchor the stout Longhorn defense, and continue to stop opponents rushing attack. Bobino may be a sleeper pick, but he is a very good linebacker who can lead a team to great things.

SPECIAL TEAMS MVP
Jeremy Maclin, KR Missouri/ Jeff Wolfert, K Missouri
Maclin returned two punts and one kickoff for touchdowns last season and was rewarded with an All-America team selection.
Jeff Wolfert Has made an amazing 151-of-157 kicks in his career, including his last 64 in a row.

ACC PREVIEW

2008-06-22T22:14:00.000-07:00

Atlantic
1. Clemson
2. Wake Forest
3. Florida State
4. Boston College
5. Maryland
6. N.C. State

Coastal
1. Virginia Tech
2. North Carolina
3. Miami
4. Virginia
5. Georgia Tech
6. Duke

OFFENSIVE MVP
Riley Skinner, QB Wake Forest
Skinner led all of the NCAA in completion percentage this past season, completing 72.4 percent of his passes. Skinner is an emotional leader for the Deacons, who could lead Wake to a shot at the ACC crown.

DEFENSIVE MVP
Marvin Austin, DL North Carolina
Austin headlines a great wall of defensive lineman for the Tar Heels. Austin is a high energy player who gives opposing coaches and players nightmares. Marvin Austin should be able to lead North Carolina to the top of the ACC in defense.

SPECIAL TEAMS MVP
C.J. Spiller, KR Clemson
Spiller is an electric return man for the Tigers, he is an instant game-changer with the ability to take it all the way.

Mountain West Preview

2008-06-22T21:57:00.000-07:00

1. BYU
2. Utah
3. New Mexico
4. TCU
5. Air Force
6. Wyoming
7. Colorado State
8. UNLV
9. San Diego State

OFFENSIVE MVP
Max Hall, QB BYU
Hall had a breakout season last year in his first year of college football. He threw for 3,848 yards and 26 touchdowns, as BYU finished 14th in the nation in passing.

DEFENSIVE MVP
Jan Jorgensen, DL BYU
The sophomore defensive end proved himself as a legitimate threat for the Cougar defense last season with 77 tackles, including 20 for a loss. He will need to be the anchor for the D this year with Bryan Kehl and Kelly Poppinga departing for the NFL.

SPECIAL TEAMS MVP
Louie Sakoda, P/K Utah
The Utes best all-around player is back to handle both place kicking and punting duties. Sakoda averaged 44.3 yards per punt last season and has hit 35 of 42 field goals in the past two seasons.

Pre-Season Top 25

2008-02-27T23:25:00.000-08:00

1. Georgia Bulldogs (SEC, 2007 Record 11-2)
Last season the Bulldogs had a great season with a relatively young team, finishing the year with a #2 AP ranking and a Sugar Bowl win. This year the 'Dawgs looked poised to make a very serious run at a national title. Obviously they will face a tough schedule being part of the SEC, but with a quarterback like Matthew Stafford and a great Running Back in Knowshon Moreno the 'Dawgs should be fine. Look out for these guys in the BCS Championship Game.

2. Missouri Tigers (Big 12, 2007 Record 12-2)
Mizzou surprised a lot of people last season, but this year they aren't going to sneak up on anyone. They are still in the weaker division of their conference, which could help the Tigers out. This team is very talented, quarterback Chase Daniels has developed into a great leader and a great quarterback. The team loses Tony Temple to the NFL draft, but with Jeremy Maclin catching passes the Tigers shouldn't have too much of a drop off.

3. Oklahoma Sooners (Big 12, 2007 Record 11-3)
Sam Bradford stepped in as a Freshman and led the Sooners to a top five finish in scoring offense. Bradford might not have the gaudy numbers of some other quarterbacks, but he is still one of the nation's top quarterbacks in terms of winning. The Sooners return their entire offensive line and two big time receivers, Juaquin Iglesias and Manuel Johnson, if the defense can do their part Oklahoma might make some big time noise.

4. USC Trojans (Pac-10, 2007 Record 11-2)
USC won another Rose Bowl last year, but that wasn't enough for the Trojans, who had their eyes set on the BCS Championship. The Trojans lost their most important player, John David Booty, but could be contenders once again this year. The quarterback battle between Mark Sanchez and Mitch Mustain will be a good one, but Sanchez will most likely come out as the starter. Rey Maualuga returns for his senior season and leads a solid defense that will hold down the powerful offenses the Pac-10 produces.

5. Ohio State Buckeyes (Big 10, 2007 Record 11-2)
The Buckeyes played for a national championship once again last year, and were once again embarrassed by the speed and talent of the SEC. If the Buckeyes hope to play in their third straight title game, Beanie Wells is the horse that could take them there, last season Wells rushed for 1609 yards and 15 touchdowns. 18 starters return for coach Jim Tressel, who should run away with the Big 10 championship.

6. West Virginia Mountaineers (Big East, 2007 Record 11-2)
The Mountaineers are excited to get back to playing football, after the whole Rich Rodriguez joke. Yes losing Steve Slaton to the NFL draft hurts, but when you have a back like Noel Devine, who can step in and be a game changer this year, and don't forget they still have Pat White who gets it done on the ground exceptionally well. Being in the weak Big East, the Mountaineers shouldn't have a tough time returning to the BCS.

7. Florida Gators (SEC, 2007 Record 9-4)
Not showing up against Michigan in their bowl game kept the Gators from reaching the 10 win plateu last season. But Urban Meyer should have a better product out on the field this year. With a Heisman winning quarterback, who is probably a better running back, returning to lead last season's #3 scoring offense, the Gators should be a very tough match-up for any team.

8. Texas Longhorns (Big 12, 2007 Record 10-3)
The Longhorns finished the season very strongly, blowing out Arizona State in the Holiday Bowl. If Texas played that well offensively this year a lot of teams would be in trouble, but not having Jamal Charles hurts. Texas does return 12 starters, including Colt McCoy. If Colt regains his freshman form the Longhorns could make serious noise.

9. Virginia Tech Hokies (ACC, 2007 Record 11-3)
The Hokies will once again be using the never-popular two quarterback system this season, but Sean Glennon has a good shot at winning the job outright, if he can pull himself together. The Hokies do have a offensive line line that is very capable of protecting any quarterback. The Hokies will have to execute at a very high level and keep their mistakes to a minimum this season to return to the BCS.

10. LSU Tigers (SEC, 2007 Record 12-2)
After the Ryan Perriloux drama is solved, he should be back in school, and back to playing football for Les Miles. If he isn't back the Tigers could have some serious problems. Andrew Hatch, a Harvard transfer, and Jarrett Lee, a highly touted recruit, will battle it out for the starting position. This team is not talented enough to repeat as national champions, and won't get all of the breaks that last year's Tigers were beneficiaries of.

11. Auburn Tigers (SEC, 2007 Record 9-4)
Who is going to play quarterback for the Tigers this year? Good question. Junior Chris Todd, Sophomores Kodi Burns, Neil Caudle and Freshman DeRon Furr. Most Likely it will be Chris Todd, with his experience in the offense and the program. No matter who the quarterback is, he will have a great offensive line in front of him, as the Tigers return all five starters from last year's team.

12. Wisconsin Badgers (Big Ten, 2007 Record 9-4)
The Badgers should have absolutely no problems moving the ball on the ground, with P.J. Hill returning as well as Zach Brown and Lance Smith backing him up. The Badgers just need to find the guy who can hand them the football. The defense should be solid with 9 returning starters. The Badgers should be able to have another great season and may win the Big 10.

13. BYU Cougars (MWC, 2007 Record 11-2)

Bronco Mendenhall has led the Cougars to back-to-back Mountain West Conference titles, 11-2 records, and Las Vegas Bowl wins. The Cougars should once again win the Mountain West, they return 10 starters on the offensive side of the ball, including quarterback Max Hall and Harvey Unga. In Hall's first season of starting he threw for 3848 yards and 26 touchdowns. Unga had 1600 total yards of offense and broke BYU's freshman rushing record as well as the MWC's. The Cougars are potential BCS busters this season.

14. Texas Tech Red Raiders (Big 12, 2007 Record 9-4)

Graham Harrell returns to lead an incredibly productive offense, last season he had 5705 yards and 48 touchdowns. Michael Crabtree is also back to wreak havoc on opposing defenses, 1962 yards and 22 touchdowns as a freshman last season. Oh and the Red Raiders just happen to have 18 starters returning. If the defense can continue to improve Tech may challenge for the Big 12.

15. Arizona State Sun Devils (Pac-10, 2007 Record 10-3)

The Sun Devils have a tough schedule this season but have a lot of talent, which could possibly mean the Devils will have a season better than last. But with USC in their conference, they dont stand much of a shot at winning the Pac-10. Rudy Carpenter, who may be the nation's most overrated player, is back to lead Arizona State, if the offensive line can manage to protect Carpenter, the Sun Devils will have success.

16. Clemson Tigers (ACC, 2007 Record 9-4)

Experience won't be a problem for the Tigers this season with 18 starters returning, including both kicker and punter. Clemson had a great recruiting class this year, bringing in seven ESPN Top-150 recruits. If the new talent can blend with the upper-class men, like running back James Davis, the Tigers could find themselves in the ACC championship game.

17. Kansas Jayhawks (Big 12, 2007 Record 12-1)

Todd Reesing is back to command last season's #2 scoring offense, but this year the Jayhawks will face a much tougher schedule. The Jayhawks will need to keep playing loose and not allow last year's success to have a negative effect on this year's team.

18. Illinois Fighting Illini (Big 12, 2007 Record 9-4)

Illinois made it to the Rose Bowl last year, but only as the BCS' sacrifice to the mighty USC Trojans. The Illini must find someone to replace Rashard Mendenhall in their backfield. Juice Williams returns to quarterback the Illini and will have a great target to throw at in Arrelious Benn, as the Illini will have to rely on the passing game more this season.

19. Fresno State Bulldogs (WAC, 2007 Record 9-4)

The Bulldogs once again have a tough schedule, due to Pat Hill's ego. But this version of the Bulldogs is very talented, with 17 starters coming back, including quarterback Tom Brandstater and they also have good depth at the running back position. The Bulldogs haven't won a WAC title in a while but this could be their year.

20. Tennessee Volunteers (SEC, 2007 Record 10-4)

The Vols return a very talented defense, led by Eric Berry, but the loss of quarterback Erik Ainge could hurt the Vols a lot. If Tennessee finds a quarterback who can lead their offense and move the ball effectively they could return to the SEC title game, but that scenario seems unlikely.

21. Wake Forrest Demon Deacons (ACC, 2007 Record 9-4)

Wake returns 9 starters on defense, including the entire secondary, if the defense continues to force turnovers the Deacons could be very good. Riley Skinner is back at quarterback and should be able to move the ball very well once again. Head coach Jim Grobe coming back after speculation of him leaving the program is huge for this team.

22. Alabama Crimson Tide (SEC, 2007 Record 7-6)

Bama has a load of talent but it needs to show itself this season for the Tide to be successful. D.J. Hall and his 1100 yards are gone now, so quarterback John Parker Wilson will have to find a new go-to-guy. If Wilson can stop playing scared he has the talent around him to win games.

23. Oregon Ducks (Pac-10, 2007 Record 9-4)

If the Ducks can find a way to replace the giant losses they suffered they could be a pretty good team. Justin Roper will likely lead the Ducks at quarterback, replacing Dennis Dixon, he is the athlete Dixon was, but is a good enough quarterback to win games for the Ducks. Tough games at USC, Cal, and Arizona State will keep the Ducks from contending for a conference title.

24. Pittsburgh Panthers (Big East, 2007 Record 5-7)
Linebacker Scott McKillop is back to lead a very good defense, freshman sensation LaSean McCoy is one of the best running backs in the country, last season rushing for 1328 yards and averaging over 100 yards a game. If the Panthers can find a quarterback to give McCoy the ball and throw some passes, they have the ability to beat West Virginia and win the Big East.

25. Utah Utes (MWC, 2007 Record 9-4)

The Utes return most of their 2007 offense, including quarterback Brian Johnson, Brent Casteel, and running back Darrell Mack, but Mack will likely be replaced by Matt Asiata a JUCO transfer who was injured last season. On the other side of the ball there are more questions, who replaces Steve Tate and other key defensive players? The Utes are young but have a good offense which will have to carry them this season.

Just Missed The Cut: USF, Boise State, Penn State, South Carolina, Florida State.

Top 25, Almost

2008-02-22T02:55:00.000-08:00

Well, my preseason top 25 list is nearly complete, 15-25 are tough. I'll post the list sometime next week, check it. After the top 25, conference and team previews will follow.

1st Down

2008-02-11T17:46:00.000-08:00

Well, I started this blog because a friend of mine, and a very knowledgable college football fan, Mitch Harper http://mhcollegefootball.blogspot.com/ recommended that I started one. This being the first of my many blogs here on this site, I felt like I should let you know
where this is going. My name is Brian, but I go by Bean, it's a long story. I love college football and absolutley everything about it, in this blog I will preview teams, conferences, and players, giving you insight into what I see happening on the field. Any feedback on any of my posts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for checking this out.