Football season is just around the corner and I wanted to get folks talking about their favorite teams. All teams have a certain level of success and deep down no matter how many games they win, we want something more. So be honest and truly evaluate your team and what success realistically they can achieve this season.

 

Let’s not attack each other teams in a negative fashion. I will try to do it for both local schools from my view point.

 

 

First for my Louisville Cardinals; I will have to say before the season has even started I am pleased with where they sit in the recruiting this season. They have done a better job of getting commitments early. As for the 2009 football team to be successful it is time for some more wins. The Cards need to finish at least 7-5 and head back to a bowl game. Anything less isn’t acceptable. IMO they have to go 5-1 at home and have 3 conference wins. Starts with offense the cardinals return some skill guys and must help out the defense this season to help shorten the game. Defensively they have to develop depth and find away to get off the field.

 

Should win

 

Indiana State

Arkansas State

Southern Miss.

Syracuse

Rutgers

 

Could Win

UConn

UK

So. Fla.

 

Can't WIn

 

Pitt

Utah

West. Va

 

Kentucky has been to 3 straight bowl games and has had some solid success. Some fans will be happy with just going to a bowl every year. IMO it is time for Coach Brooks and company to take it to the next level. I think success for the Wildcats has to come with in the conference; they need to start winning at least 4 conference games a year. I think it is doable for the Wildcats. It is only bowl wins that will land them in a bigger bowl. I think defesnsively they are solid. Offense will need some help. The QB position needs to become a leader, but my biggest concern for the Cats is at wide receiver. They have to develope that 2 and 3rd guy in a hurry.

 

Should Win

 

Miami OH.

Louisville

Lou. Monroe

Miss. State

EKU

Vandy

 

Could Win

So. Carolina

Tennessee

Auburn

 

Can't win

Fla.

Alabama

Georgia

USF. Everything depends on the offensive line which is, at best, shaky at the moment. This team has shown that it likes to take one step back, 2 forward, so based on last year's back step.... I hope the Bulls win the Big East, but realistically 9-3 and 2nd in the BE is probably the best they can do. They're projected to finish 3rd in the conference. Of course they were projected 5th in the 2007 preseason and look what happened.

 

Should Win:

Wofford

Western Kentucky

Charleston Southern

Syracuse

Louisville

West Virginia

Pittsburgh

 

Could Win:

Florida State

Miami

Cincinnati

Rutgers

UConn

 

Can't Win:

Sorry, based on Auburn in 2007, I honestly think they can beat anybody they play.

 

FSU and Miami are not out of reach, by any stretch of the imagination. FSU lost a lot, and Miami is here at RJS. Anything can happen. In fact, I think we've got a better shot at the Canes, than we do the Bearcats at home this year. I think the UC game will be a barn burner.

CoackBuckett, you left Cincinnati off the Louisville schedule. Personally, I'd include that as a "Can't Win" game.

 

I think the Cards go 3-9. Anything better than that should be considered at least a moderate success for Kragthorpe... not that it will save him... Based on what I saw last year, I don't think we can win a single conference game.

CoackBuckett, you left Cincinnati off the Louisville schedule. Personally, I'd include that as a "Can't Win" game.

 

I think the Cards go 3-9. Anything better than that should be considered at least a moderate success for Kragthorpe... not that it will save him... Based on what I saw last year, I don't think we can win a single conference game.

 

 

You are correct I would say that game is not a game they will win.

USF. Everything depends on the offensive line which is, at best, shaky at the moment. This team has shown that it likes to take one step back, 2 forward, so based on last year's back step.... I hope the Bulls win the Big East, but realistically 9-3 and 2nd in the BE is probably the best they can do. They're projected to finish 3rd in the conference. Of course they were projected 5th in the 2007 preseason and look what happened.

 

Should Win:

Wofford

Western Kentucky

Charleston Southern

Syracuse

Louisville

West Virginia

Pittsburgh

 

Could Win:

Florida State

Miami

Cincinnati

Rutgers

UConn

 

Can't Win:

Sorry, based on Auburn in 2007, I honestly think they can beat anybody they play.

 

FSU and Miami are not out of reach, by any stretch of the imagination. FSU lost a lot, and Miami is here at RJS. Anything can happen. In fact, I think we've got a better shot at the Canes, than we do the Bearcats at home this year. I think the UC game will be a barn burner.

 

I would agree about FSU and Miami. I am a big FSU fan and will post my thoughts on the Noles shortly.

The Florida State Seminoles have been through a rough period the last 5 seasons. The have fallen from College footballs elite. Almost a mirror image of what Penn State went through. But just like the Nittany Lions the Seminoles are on the hunt.

 

Success for the Seminoles has to be a BCS bowl game. This is a very obtainable goal in the ACC. With only 14 seniors to go along with 30 other returning players depth once again is a huge factor.

 

The Seminoles return 8 starters on Offense. It is time for Jumbo Fisher to do what he has been hired to do and restore the high power offense that the fans are used to seeing. It starts up front with all 5 starters returning. To go along with a experienced QB.

 

Defense wins championships and the FSU defense has been championship caliber for the last 5 season. This season will be a challenge with only 5 starters returning this unit will be the youngest Mickey Andrew has had in some time. With Andrews leading the defense they still should be good enough to put the team in position to win.

 

To be successful they have to win 10 games and get back to the BCS bowl game.

 

Should Win

 

Miami

Jacksonville State

BYU

South Florida

NC. State

Maryland

Georgia Tech

Boston College

 

Could Win

Clemson

North Carolina

Wake Forrest

 

 

Can’t Win

Florida

For my Canes I want some swagger back. I would love for them to bring back the days when we had the best defense in the land. 4 Interceptions for an entire season is pathetic.

 

Offensively, I want to see Jacory Harris play like he did in spurts last year as a true frosh, in the weird multi-QB thing they used. I think that he is a leader and shows great chemistry with an unproven but equally talented WR group. I want to see either Baby J James or Cooper step it up or get out of the way for Lee Chambers and our two frosh. The offensive line, well for as pitiful as they were last year I would just settle for adequate (which is sad). If this line can lead us to a 1000 yard rusher, I think it will be a mild success (no Canes since McGahee).

 

Defensively, again with the INTs. We need more, I'd say a minimum of 12 which is kind of sad especially at the U. I want to see what the young guys can do. Let's see what Authur Brown and Cookie Buchanon are made of. I think if those two can play well, and get into the game the rest will take care of itself. Shannon feels like the DB's will be better, I think Brandon Harris will continue to improve, Demarcus Van Dyke really needs to step it up. Shannon is really high on Safety Vaughn Telemaque, so he will need to be a playmaker. Though Ray Ray Armstrong is a favorite of mine, obviously the Canes would be better off if they don't have and need to use him as he will be a true frosh.

 

Overall at the U the only successful seasons are title years, but given our recent history, I would call it a success if....

1. We win the division, and finish with atleast 9 wins. Of course a ACC Title would be the icing on the cake, but let's not get ahead of ourselves considering the U will start plenty of Frosh and Sophomores in key spots.

2. Gain a consistent spot in the top 25. Seems like recently we get into the 20's and turn around and lose the next game never to be ranked again.

3. Shannon shows that he is more than a recruiter (I think he is, I think he is the right man for the job), Whipple adds some excitement to the offense.

4. Finish with a great recruiting class, not just in the rankings. Real players with some athleticism.

 

 

Should Win

UCF- Enough said

Florida A&M- If there is anything good left in this word this will not be a loss.....

Virginia- They could beat us, but they shouldn't.....ever.

Duke- Same as above.

USF- We should win this, but this is a game the Canes could lose very easily. USF has a good program.

 

 

Could Win

Florida State- Wanted to put that as a should win, because I think UM is better this year. But given that the rankings and public opinion don't favor that I will say could win. In this series anything can happen. I just think the Canes will be ready.

Georgia Tech- They have the Canes number, but the Canes are due to beat Tech. If our defense has improved, I think we have a good shot.

Virginia Tech- I have no respect for Tech. They will be favored, but I just don't think that it's a game we have little chance at. VT, is consistent so the Canes will have to play well, but it is possible. If I were betting I'd take VT, but I think it can go either way.

Clemson- I think it's a win, but I really don't know. Nothing would surprise me.

Wake Forest- They have a good program now. On paper I think the Canes win. Games aren't played on paper.

North Carolina- Butch has the Canes number. Should be a good game, always is.

 

 

Probably Won't Win

Oklahoma- Offensive juggernaut vs. young defense= trouble.

I think the Cards go 3-9. Anything better than that should be considered at least a moderate success for Kragthorpe... not that it will save him... Based on what I saw last year, I don't think we can win a single conference game.

I also feel that this is a three win season for the Cards, I hope I'm wrong though.

If Louisville doesn't make a bowl, the season isn't successful. It's pretty simple for me, Kragthorpe has to put up or shut up. I'm tired of the excuses. Win, or find a new home...

The Florida State Seminoles have been through a rough period the last 5 seasons. The have fallen from College footballs elite. Almost a mirror image of what Penn State went through. But just like the Nittany Lions the Seminoles are on the hunt.

 

Success for the Seminoles has to be a BCS bowl game. This is a very obtainable goal in the ACC. With only 14 seniors to go along with 30 other returning players depth once again is a huge factor.

 

The Seminoles return 8 starters on Offense. It is time for Jumbo Fisher to do what he has been hired to do and restore the high power offense that the fans are used to seeing. It starts up front with all 5 starters returning. To go along with a experienced QB.

 

Defense wins championships and the FSU defense has been championship caliber for the last 5 season. This season will be a challenge with only 5 starters returning this unit will be the youngest Mickey Andrew has had in some time. With Andrews leading the defense they still should be good enough to put the team in position to win.

 

To be successful they have to win 10 games and get back to the BCS bowl game.

 

Should Win

 

Miami

Jacksonville State

BYU

South Florida

NC. State

Maryland

Georgia Tech

Boston College

 

Could Win

Clemson

North Carolina

Wake Forrest

 

 

Can’t Win

Florida

 

As an FSU fan, I agree with all your points. I do think that the defense will be fine. Some of the best defenders ever at FSU were young and despite our fall from the elite college football programs, the talent has always been there. I think the defense will not slip any.

 

Now, when we can show some kind of consistency on offense is when we will return to the elite. Ever since Mark Richt went to UGA, our qb's have been awful. We have had no running game for 2-3 years now and seeing as how all of the top 4 receivers are no longer with the team for some reason, I wonder how potent of an offense that Jimbo will have to work with. I know last year was Jimbo's first year and he is the so called successor to Bobby B, but I wan't impressed with last year's offense either, but I feel we have the talent to be special again. Our offensive line will be all sophomores and juniors if I am not mistaken so our youth will gain valuable experience. We have to win the ACC and 10 games for me top believe we are going in the right direction. Especially after looking at the schedule. If the new faces at receiver can step up, we should be all right. I do like both of the qb's Ponder and Richardson. They are young and capable. I guess we'll see what Jimbo can do.

A great season for OSU would obviously be to beat USC early on and then run the table with another shot at probably Florida. I know all you SEC fans would love to see that.

 

A good season would be 1 or 2 losses to probably USC and Penn State and another BCS bowl

 

A bad season would be anything less and especially losing to that team up north.

 

The three big question marks will be how fast this year’s young defense can develop, the passing game of TP, and the running game.

 

Should Win:

 

Navy

Toledo

Illinois

Indiana

Wisconsin

Purdue

Minnesota

New Mexico State

Iowa

 

Could Win:

 

USC

Penn State

 

Better Win:

 

Michigan

For my Gators anything less than another National Championship would be disappointing. I think every game on their schedule is a "should win". I think LSU will be a problem though, as no one has won on a Saturday night in Death Valley since like the 40's. I don't see a problem with their regular season but a potential matchup against Ole Miss or a title game rematch with Bama would both make for great games. I think Mississippi State will be an interesting game, Dan Mullen knows the ins-and outs of Florida football better than most and while they will be severly overmatched, he'll have Miss. State prepared for that one.

A great season for OSU would obviously be to beat USC early on and then run the table with another shot at probably Florida. I know all you SEC fans would love to see that.

 

A good season would be 1 or 2 losses to probably USC and Penn State and another BCS bowl

 

A bad season would be anything less and especially losing to that team up north.

 

The three big question marks will be how fast this year’s young defense can develop, the passing game of TP, and the running game.

 

Should Win:

 

Navy

Toledo

Illinois

Indiana

Wisconsin

Purdue

Minnesota

New Mexico State

Iowa

 

Could Win:

 

USC

Penn State

 

Better Win:

 

Michigan

 

 

Don't count out Illinois so quickly. They could be nasty.

For my Gators anything less than another National Championship would be disappointing. I think every game on their schedule is a "should win". I think LSU will be a problem though, as no one has won on a Saturday night in Death Valley since like the 40's. I don't see a problem with their regular season but a potential matchup against Ole Miss or a title game rematch with Bama would both make for great games. I think Mississippi State will be an interesting game, Dan Mullen knows the ins-and outs of Florida football better than most and while they will be severly overmatched, he'll have Miss. State prepared for that one.

 

I agree.

The Irish should be looking at a BCS a game this year and that should be their goal. Their schedule helps but they have a good enough team to not only make a BCS game but to win one.

 

SHOULD WIN

Nevada

Michigan

Michigan St.

Purdue

Washington

Washington St.

Navy

Pitt

Stanford

UConn

 

COULD WIN

USC- USC is young on both sides of the ball and Notre Dame's offfense SHOULD pput up bid numbers, plus ND hosts this game.

BC- They have given ND loads of trouble lately plus it is a big rivalry and will likely be a close game. Also at ND.

 

I know many look at the USC game as a guranteed loss but I think many will be surprised in October. With ND's expierenced O-line and their great recievers should have a great game against a very young USC defense.

The Irish should be looking at a BCS a game this year and that should be their goal. Their schedule helps but they have a good enough team to not only make a BCS game but to win one.

 

SHOULD WIN

Nevada

Michigan

Michigan St.

Purdue

Washington

Washington St.

Navy

Pitt

Stanford

UConn

 

COULD WIN

USC- USC is young on both sides of the ball and Notre Dame's offfense SHOULD pput up bid numbers, plus ND hosts this game.

BC- They have given ND loads of trouble lately plus it is a big rivalry and will likely be a close game. Also at ND.

 

I know many look at the USC game as a guranteed loss but I think many will be surprised in October. With ND's expierenced O-line and their great recievers should have a great game against a very young USC defense.

 

I actually think that ND may catch Notre Dame off guard this year. But, only if ND is under the radar a little bit when they play.