Tyrann Mathieu (thexlog.com)

     Two days ago, LSU Head Coach Les Miles announced in a news conference that cornerback Tyrann Mathieu was dismissed from the team for a violation of team rules. Mathieu, a rising junior, reportedly failed his third drug test since arriving in Baton Rouge over two years ago. According to the LSU drug policy, a third offense warrants immediate dismissal from the team.

     Mathieu was an All-American punt returner, the SEC Defensive Player of the Year, and a Heisman Trophy finalist last season while starting at cornerback for the SEC Champion Tigers. In 26 games wearing an LSU uniform, Mathieu forced 11 fumbles, recovered eight of them, and tallied four interceptions.

    LSU is regarded by many as one of the favorites to win the 2012/2013 BCS National Championship along with Alabama and USC. With Mathieu no longer on the team, some analysts have disregarded LSU as a title contender, while others still believe the Tigers are one of the nation’s elite teams. So, this begs the question: Can LSU still win the National Title without Tyrann Mathieu?

     Why LSU still wins the BCS Title

     Despite being one of the most famous defensive backs to ever grace the world of college football, Tyrann Mathieu was far from an elite cornerback during his time at LSU. Last season, Mathieu was arguably the Tigers’ third best cover corner behind Morris Claiborne and Tharold Simon, as he often left his man to roam the field and make plays on the football. This tendency was exposed in the BCS Title game by Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron.

     In 2012/2013, Claiborne and Mathieu depart, but the LSU secondary is still loaded with studs. Simon is a legitimate shutdown corner on the outside, and junior Eric Reid is one of the best safeties in the country. In the punt return game, look for sophomore receiver Odell Beckham to assume Mathieu’s responsibilities. Beckham was very active in kickoff returns last year and is proven to be very effective.

     Even with Mathieu, the LSU Tigers were counting on a smash-mouth running game and a dominant defensive line in order to win football games. This formula remains the same following Mathieu’s dismissal.

     Why LSU Doesn’t Win the BCS Title

Mathieu’s punt return against Georgia (ocnnreport.com)

     Tyrann Mathieu may not have been an elite cornerback, but he was definitely an elite college football player. Heisman finalists are not chosen on a whim. Mathieu’s returning ability and his penchant for forcing turnovers were so vital to the success of the LSU football team last season because he revitalized a stagnant offense that often had difficulty moving the ball.

     In the SEC Championship Game, a punt return touchdown by Mathieu ignited the LSU team and helped the Tigers turn a 10-0 deficit into a 42-10 rout. He changed the complexion of the game single-handedly. Without Mathieu, it is unlikely that LSU would have even played in the BCS Title game last year, and his departure leaves the Tigers in dire need of a playmaker on both defense and special teams for 2012/2013.

Verdict: LSU still has a great shot to win the BCS Title. The roster is too deep and talented to allow the exodus of one player to affect the season outlook so greatly. The Tiger offense should be worlds better this season as nearly every ballcarrier and offensive lineman return healthy. Quarterback Zach Mettenberger has been raved about during practice, and there is no reason to believe that he will not be a significant upgrade over Jordan Jefferson. Even without Tyrann Mathieu, LSU is still loaded.

(bloguin.com)

1. LSU Tigers

New QB Zach Mettenberger will be surrounded by veterans

2. USC Trojans

Silas Redd only adds to the surplus of offensive riches

3. Alabama Crimson Tide

Defense could take a step back, offense should take a step forward

4. Oregon Ducks

Kenjon Barner and De’Anthony Thomas lead a potent offense

5. Georgia Bulldogs

Tons of suspensions to deal with, but Bulldogs should weather storm

6. Oklahoma Sooners

Injuries to Habern and Evans bump the Sooners down a few spots

7. South Carolina Gamecocks

Marcus Lattimore is a legitimate Heisman candidate

8. Florida State Seminoles

Deepest group of defensive linemen in the country

9. Arkansas Razorbacks

Tyler Wilson is an All-American caliber quarterback

10. Michigan Wolverines

Fitzgerald Toussaint’s DUI still a lingering issue

11. West Virginia Mountaineers

Smith, Austin, and Bailey nearly vault the Mountaineers into the top ten

12. Texas Longhorns

Okafor and Jeffcoat close to unblockable off the edge

13. Virginia Tech Hokies

QB Logan Thomas and a great defense should lead the Hokies to another 10-win season

14. Michigan State Spartans

William Gholston and company have their eyes on a Big 10 Championship

15. Wisconsin Badgers

Montee Ball once again will be the focal point of the Badger offense

16. Clemson Tigers

Four All-American candidates in Boyd, Watkins, Hopkins, and Ellington

17. Nebraska Cornhuskers

Three defensive superstars must be replaced

18. Kansas State Wildcats

Collin Klein is the nation’s most irreplaceable player

19. Stanford Cardinal

Stepfan Taylor should eclipse 1,000 yards rushing for the second straight year

20. TCU Horned Frogs

Dark horse conference title contenders in Fort Worth

21. Utah Utes

John White III is one of the Pac-12′s best running backs

22. Louisville Cardinals

The sky is the limit for Teddy Bridgewater

23. Washington Huskies

Keith Price and the Huskies a year away from serious Pac-12 Title talks

24. Florida Gators

Will Muschamp transformed the Gator defense into one of the nation’s best

25. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Deep secondary, offensive line have Jackets thinking Coastal Division Title

The Next Tier:  Auburn, NC State, Notre Dame, Rutgers

Greg Reid established himself as one of the nation’s best punt returners during his time in Tallahassee (Stephen M. Dowell, Orlando Sentinel)

     Issued in a statement by Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher on Wednesday morning, senior cornerback and punt returner Greg Reid has been dismissed from the team for a violation of team rules. The dismissal comes less than a month after Reid was arrested in his hometown of Valdosta, Georgia for multiple traffic violations and misdemeanor marijuana possession. That arrest was Reid’s second in less than a year, and his third major off-the-field incident since arriving in Tallahassee three years ago (Reid was suspended for a game last year for an unspecified violation of team rules).

     Reid’s game-changing ability became evident during his freshman season, when he excelled as a punt and kickoff returner for the Seminoles. He stepped into a starting role at cornerback as a sophomore and recorded three interceptions that year, while continuing to establish himself as one of the country’s best return men. CBS Sports recently named Reid a 2nd Team Preseason All-American as a punt returner, and he was expected to once again start at field cornerback for Florida State. Reid will finish his career with 120 total tackles, seven interceptions, and 1,116 punt return yards; 313 yards shy of the all-time Florida State record.

     Who is going to replace Greg Reid? FSU has plenty of potential replacements at the field cornerback position. Nick Waisome is currently listed as Reid’s backup on the Seminole depth chart, and the 5’10 176 pound sophomore could be a serviceable starter in Reid’s absence. Another option would be to move nickelback Tyler Hunter to field corner. Finally, free safety starter Terrence Brooks, a former cornerback himself, could move back to his old position. Five-star sophomore Karlos Williams would then take the vacant safety spot next to Lamarcus Joyner. Williams, Joyner, receiver Rashad Greene, and freshmen Marvin Bracy and Ronald Darby could all see time as punt returners. All are very talented, but none appear likely to match Greg Reid’s production. His punt return ability was truly elite.

Kendall Fuller at Gridiron Kings (cbssports)

     On Sunday afternoon at the Gridiron Kings prospect camp in Florida, the nation’s top cornerback informed the media of his commitment to the Virginia Tech Hokies (as we predicted). Kendall Fuller, an elite defensive back prospect from Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Maryland, chose Virginia Tech over Clemson while also holding offers from Alabama, Florida, Michigan, and Oklahoma among others. The Hokies and Tigers were both “50/50″ for a long time according to Fuller, but after taking unofficial visits to both schools, the 5’11 189 pound corner felt comfortable enough with VT to make his decision. Kendall is the #1 cornerback in the country, the #1 player in the state of Maryland, and the #3 overall prospect nationally according to Rivals.com.

    The youngest of four Fuller brothers to play for Virginia Tech, Kendall could team up with brother Kyle, a rising junior, in the Hokie secondary in 2013/2014. Family ties appeared to play a big role in Kendall’s decision to pick Virginia Tech, and he was quoted by ESPN saying:

  “Just watching them progress over the years, watching them develop there at Virginia Tech, [I’m] just going there to finish it up and show off for the Fuller brothers. I loved both schools, but at the end of the day you can only choose one school. I chose Virginia Tech.”

     Kendall Fuller will become the highest-rated player to sign with Virginia Tech since Kevin Jones did in 2001, while also being the first 5-star prospect to pick the Hokies since Tyrod Taylor in 2007.

      Although Fuller’s size, speed, and athleticism do not necessarily separate him from other top cornerback prospects such as Vernon Hargreaves, Leon McQuay, and Jalen Ramsey, his elite technical skills, instincts, and intelligence as a cover-man are what make him the top defensive back in the class of 2013. Highlight tape on Kendall Fuller can be found here.

]]> http://thegridirondigest.com/5-star-corner-kendall-fuller-commits-to-virginia-tech/feed/ 0 http://thegridirondigest.com/future-homes-for-the-uncommitted-five-stars/ http://thegridirondigest.com/future-homes-for-the-uncommitted-five-stars/#comments Fri, 27 Jul 2012 03:42:14 +0000 The Gridiron Digest http://thegridirondigest.com/?p=536      Following its latest update, the recruiting site Rivals.com has designated 17 rising high school seniors as 5-star caliber prospects. Of these 17 players, only five have yet to announce their college intentions for the 2013/2014 football season. While the remaining 12 players have verbally committed to a school, it should be recognized that these pledges are unofficial and entirely unbinding until February 1st, when players are finally permitted to fax national letters of intent to their selected universities. Meanwhile, the five 5-star prospects who remain uncommitted have had the chance to take campus visits, attend team camps, and indicate to the media as to which schools they are considering. While even the most knowledgeable recruiting experts cannot say confidently as to where these players will end up, many have painted a good picture of their likely destinations. The Gridiron Digest has done the same, and we’re going to tell you where these guys are looking to play.

Kendall Fuller (Rivals.com)

3. Kendall Fuller -  Cornerback – Olney, MD. (5’11 189 lbs)

     Considering: Clemson, Michigan, Virginia Tech

     College Prediction: Virginia Tech

     Fuller has publicly stated that Clemson and Virginia Tech are “both 50/50″ for his services. While the Tigers can certainly offer early playing time to the elite corner, Virginia Tech has a recruiting pitch at their disposal that no other team possesses: the opportunity to play with family members. Kendall’s two older brothers, Kyle and Corey, are currently members of the Virginia Tech football team, and that should allow the Hokies to snag Fuller’s signature on National Signing Day.

Laremy Tunsil (Bleacher Report)

7. Laremy Tunsil - Offensive Tackle – Lake City, FL. (6’6 295 lbs)

     Considering: Alabama, Florida, Georgia

     College Prediction: Florida

     Tunsil has done a great job of keeping his recruitment a mystery, as it appears that Alabama, Florida, and Georgia all have an even shot at landing the massive lineman from Lake City. I would be surprised if Will Muschamp allows Tunsil to leave the state, though, and I’d look for him to eventually sign with the Gators.

Montravius Adams (Bleacher Report)

10. Montravius Adams - Defensive Tackle – Vienna, GA. (6’3 290 lbs)

     Considering: Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee

     College Prediction: Auburn

     Alabama, Auburn, and Clemson appear to be the three teams in contention for the nation’s top defensive tackle. Adams visited the Auburn campus in May for Big Cat Weekend, and all sources have indicated that Montravius came back from the trip with Auburn as his new leader. However, the 5-star tackle still has to visit Alabama, and Clemson is very much in the thick of it as well. This recruiting saga may not end until National Signing Day.

Matthew Thomas (ESPN)

11. Matthew Thomas - Outside Linebacker – Miami, FL. (6’3 205 lbs)

     Considering: Alabama, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, USC

     College Prediction: Florida State

     This is a two-horse race between Alabama and Florida State. Thomas recently camped at FSU and, when asked if the Seminoles were his new leader, he responded with “Yeah, you can say that, yeah.” As I have stated before on this site, many prospects suffer this same “visit-high” when touring a college campus, and I truly doubt that Florida State holds any insurmountable lead over Alabama. Thomas still plans to visit Alabama and Miami, and a lot will be determined about his recruitment in the next few months. If National Signing Day was today, though, Matthew Thomas is a Seminole.

Derrick Green (ESPN)

12. Derrick Green - Running Back – Richmond, VA. (6’0 215 lbs.)

     Considering: Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Miami, Michigan, Ole Miss, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Pittsburgh, Tennessee, Virginia Tech

     College Prediction: Clemson

     In June, Green trimmed his short list to thirteen schools, and twelve of these teams still have a legitimate shot at landing the top running back. Ohio State would as well, but they are out of available scholarships. Clemson is the supposed leader for Green, but Michigan, Ole Miss, Virginia Tech, and others remain well in the picture. Expect Green to take multiple visits this summer and eliminate a few of his options before his high school season begins. I highly doubt that Derrick makes a decision before January or February, and he likely will not make his choice until Signing Day.

Georgia Head Coach Mark Richt (Butch Dill, AP)

2012 Review: Head Coach Mark Richt entered the 2011/2012 season on the proverbial “hot seat”, and his chair would only get steamier after his Bulldogs stumbled to an 0-2 start. Following these losses to Boise State (35-21) and South Carolina (45-42), the Georgia defense stiffened and did not allow more than 28 points in a game for the next ten weeks. Fittingly, the Bulldogs won all ten of these games and captured the SEC East title. Although they held a 10-7 lead over LSU in the SEC Championship, Georgia would go on to lose 42-10 as the Tiger defense clamped down on UGA quarterback Aaron Murray. On January 2nd, Georgia suffered a 33-30 overtime loss to Michigan State in the Outback Bowl despite holding a 16-0 lead at halftime.

Junior quarterback Aaron Murray (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)

Offense: Quarterback Aaron Murray enters his third season as a starter in coordinator Mike Bobo’s offense after throwing for 3,149 yards and 35 touchdowns last season. The 6’1 poised junior excels at reading coverages and should contend for All-SEC honors in 2012/2013. Leading receiver Tavarres King returns along with sophomore wideout/defensive back Malcolm Mitchell. Despite splitting time on both sides of the ball as a true freshman, Mitchell emerged as one of Georgia’s most explosive receiving weapons last season. Due to a bevy of early-season suspensions in the Bulldog secondary, Mitchell’s offensive snaps will likely be limited for the first four games of the season as his presence will be needed on defense. Last year’s leading rusher, sophomore Isaiah Crowell, was dismissed from the team in late June after he was arrested for the third time as a member of the Georgia football team. Crowell’s role will be filled by sophomore Ken Malcome and true freshmen Keith Marshall and Todd Gurley; all very capable backs. Three seniors are gone from Georgia’s offensive line of a year ago, and a host of underclassmen will be competing for their spots. 5-star freshman tackle John Theus has the talent and size to start from day one at left tackle for the Bulldogs.

Junior linebacker Jarvis Jones (photo credit: David Manning)

Defense: After only two seasons as the defensive coordinator in Athens, Todd Grantham was able to transform a stagnant, mediocre Georgia defense into one of the country’s most ferocious units. Last year, the Bulldogs finished fourth in the SEC and fifth in the nation in total defense at 277.2 yards per game. With ten starters coming back (including two All-Americans), no on expected the UGA defense to take a step back in 2012/2013. Then, the annual Georgia offseason incidents began to add up. Three secondary starters, Branden Smith, Sanders Commings, and All-American safety Bacarri Rambo, could all miss up to four games at the beginning of the season for a variety of arrests and failed drug tests. A September 8th showdown at pass-happy Missouri could provide a major scare for this depth depleted unit. All four linebacker starters are back including all-world pass rusher Jarvis Jones, who led the team in sacks last year with 13.5. Junior inside linebacker Alec Ogletree is another budding star, but he will miss UGA’s first two games himself for team rules violations. Nose tackle John Jenkins is one of the best in the conference at his position and will be complemented on the defensive line by Cornelius Washington and Abry Jones; two SEC-caliber bookends. Look for sophomore defensive end/linebacker Ray Drew to play a bigger role for the Georgia front seven this season.

Impact Newcomers: Freshman running backs Keith Marshall and Todd Gurley will be counted on very early in the year to provide depth at running back. Marshall, an early-enrollee, could start immediately in the attrition-ridden UGA backfield. The June dismissal of Isaiah Crowell has left Coach Richt scrambling for answers at tailback and it’s likely that one of these two players will step up to replace the former 5-star talent. Both Marshall and Gurley are incredibly fast and could provide a “Malcolm Mitchell-esque” dimension to the Georgia offense if Mitchell ends up platooned at cornerback.

X Factor: While the numerous defensive suspensions certainly are worrisome for Coach Mark Richt, a soft early season schedule ensures that these player missteps won’t have too drastic an effect on Georgia’s season. The biggest question mark on the entire roster exists at offensive line, where a mere two starters return and zero seniors are expected to be in the rotation this fall. This green unit will have a tough task ahead of them in protecting quarterback Aaron Murray from the talented defensive lines of Tennessee, South Carolina, Florida, and Auburn. Richt needs big seasons from juniors Dallas Lee, Chris Burnette, and Kenarious Gates; the only three Bulldog linemen with experience.

2012 Georgia Bulldogs Football Schedule
Date		Opponent	Time/TV	Tickets
Saturday 09/01/12		Buffalo Bulls  Sanford Stadium, Athens, GA	12:21 p.m. ET SECN/ESPN3	Buy Tickets
Saturday 09/08/12		at Missouri Tigers  Faurot Field, Columbia, MO	7:45 p.m. ET ESPN2	Buy Tickets
Saturday 09/15/12		Florida Atlantic Owls  Sanford Stadium, Athens, GA	7:30 p.m. ET CSS/ESPN3	Buy Tickets
Saturday 09/22/12		Vanderbilt Commodores  Sanford Stadium, Athens, GA	TBA	Buy Tickets
Saturday 09/29/12		Tennessee Volunteers  Sanford Stadium, Athens, GA	TBA	Buy Tickets
Saturday 10/06/12		at South Carolina Gamecocks  Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, SC	TBA	Buy Tickets
Saturday 10/13/12	—	Open Date	—	—
Saturday 10/20/12		at Kentucky Wildcats  Commonwealth Stadium, Lexington, KY	TBA	Buy Tickets
Saturday 10/27/12		Florida Gators  EverBank Field, Jacksonville, FL	3:30 p.m. ET CBS	Buy Tickets
Saturday 11/03/12		Ole Miss Rebels (HC) Sanford Stadium, Athens, GA	TBA	Buy Tickets
Saturday 11/10/12		at Auburn Tigers  Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, AL	TBA	Buy Tickets
Saturday 11/17/12		Georgia Southern Eagles  Sanford Stadium, Athens, GA	TBA	Buy Tickets
Saturday 11/24/12		Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets  Sanford Stadium, Athens, GA	TBA	Buy Tickets
Saturday 12/01/12		SEC Championship Game Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA	4:00 p.m. ET CBS	Buy Tickets

UGA’s Sanford Stadium (photo credit: Matt Smith)

Schedule Outlook: Georgia avoids playing both Alabama and LSU for the second straight season. These omissions mean that ten wins and another SEC East title appear likely for this veteran Bulldog team. An October 6th game at South Carolina appears to be the toughest matchup for UGA in 2012/2013, as the Gamecocks (who beat the Dawgs last year) should be Georgia’s main competitors once again in the East. Rivals Tennessee, Florida, and Georgia Tech all have to travel to Athens to play the Bulldogs, and UGA’s remaining non-conference slate is cupcake-soft. Mark Richt has one of the most talented teams in the nation this season, and Gridiron Digest has the Bulldogs ranked fifth to begin the year. An updated Preseason Top 25 will be released in mid-August.

Louisville sophomore quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (Andy Lyons, Getty Images)

Projected Order of Finish

1. Louisville Cardinals

2. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

3. South Florida Bulls

4. Pittsburgh Panthers

5. Cincinnati Bearcats

6. Connecticut Huskies

7. Syracuse Orange

8. Temple Owls

Conference Champion: Louisville Cardinals

Offensive Player of the Year: Running Back Ray Graham – Pittsburgh

     The 5’9 shifty senior was second in the nation in rushing (958 yards) through eight games last season until an ACL injury derailed Graham’s 2011/2012 campaign. With Pitt returning to a traditional pro-style offense under the tutelage of new coach Paul Chryst, opponents should expect an even heavier dose of a healthy Ray Graham in 2012/2013.

Defensive Player of the Year: Linebacker Khaseem Greene – Rutgers

     The returning Big East co-Defensive Player of the Year tallied 141 tackles a season ago; the fifth-highest total in school history. Greene and fellow starters Steve Beauharnais and Jamal Merrell form one of the best overall position units in the entire conference.

Surprise Team: Connecticut Huskies

     Few teams were as bad offensively as UConn was in 2011/2012; The Huskies finished 97th in rush offense, 84th in pass offense, and 108th in total offense. Despite these dreadful numbers, UConn fans have good reason to be optimistic about this upcoming season. 1,000 yard rusher Lyle McCombs returns along with four starters on the offensive line, and three incoming transfers are primed to make a big impact in the Husky passing game. Former Illinois quarterback Chandler Whitmer arrives in Storrs via the junior college route and was a top performer in the spring game. The sophomore will have two potentially dynamic receiving weapons in Boston College transfer Shakim Phillips and Clemson transfer Bryce McNeal. Both players were 4-star recruits coming out of high school. On the defensive side of the ball, eight starters are back from a unit that was third in the nation in rushing. A secondary that was shredded for the majority of last season returns fully intact and looks to be much improved. The Huskies should be more competitive in 2012/2013 than they were a year ago, but a brutal schedule that features road tests at South Florida, Rutgers, and Louisville could prevent UConn from reaching a bowl game for the second straight season under Paul Pasqualoni.

Best Game: Louisville at Rutgers- November 29th

    The Big East conference schedule ends with a bang as arguably the conference’s two best teams face off during the last week of the regular season in a game that could have championship implications. Teddy Bridgewater, Eli Rogers, and the potent Cardinal offense will butt heads with a Scarlet Knight defense that is absolutely loaded with talent in the back seven. Weather could play a factor here too, as late November games in Piscataway have proven to be an adventure in recent years.

     Honorable Mentions: Rutgers at South Florida – September 15th

     Louisville at Pittsburgh – October 13th

     Pittsburgh at South Florida – December 1st

Auburn linebacker Daren Bates (25), ex-wide receiver Darvin Adams (89), and running back Onterio McCalebb (23) (photo credit to Mike Zarilli, Getty Images)

           Projected Order of Finish

East                                                      West

1. Georgia Bulldogs                          1. Lousiana State Tigers

2. South Carolina Gamecocks        2. Alabama Crimson Tide

3. Florida Gators                                3. Arkansas Razorbacks

4. Tennessee Volunteers                4. Auburn Tigers

5. Missouri Tigers                             5. Texas A&M Aggies

6. Vanderbilt Commodores            6. Mississippi State Bulldogs

7. Kentucky Wildcats                        7. Ole Miss Rebels

Conference Champion: Louisiana State Tigers

Offensive Player of the Year: Running Back Marcus Lattimore – South Carolina

     Despite missing half of last season due to a torn ACL, the 6’0 230 pound Lattimore still managed to rush for 818 yards and 10 touchdowns in only seven games. As a freshman two years ago, the Gamecock back ran for nearly 1,200 yards and 17 TD’s en route to second team All-America and NCAA Freshman of the Year honors. The knee apparently is fully recovered, meaning Lattimore should return to pummeling opposing defenses for at least one more season in Columbia.

Defensive Player of the Year: Linebacker Jarvis Jones – Georgia

     The USC transfer posted a team-high 13.5 sacks to go along with 70 tackles a season ago as part of a Bulldog defense that ranked 5th in the country in yards per game. Jones, an All-American last season, should be one of the most fearsome pass rushers in the nation in 2012/2013.

Surprise Team: Tennessee Volunteers

     The Vols have become a trendy pick to make some noise in the SEC East this season thanks to the return of some dynamic offensive playmakers. Junior quarterback Tyler Bray is finally healthy after being sidelined with a thumb injury for a good portion of last season, and the 6’6 Californian will be protected by one of the most experienced offensive lines in the conference. Junior wide receivers Da’Rick Rogers and Justin Hunter form arguably the best receiving tandem in the SEC, and a defense that finished 28th in the country in yards per game last year returns eight starters. Another positive sign for the Vols is that SEC West favorite Louisiana State is absent from Tennessee’s 2012/2013 schedule; a relief to Vol fans who had to sit through LSU’s 38-7 obliteration of UT last year at Neyland Stadium.

Best Game: Alabama at LSU – November 3rd

     It’s a rematch of the BCS National Championship; a game in which the Tide utterly dominated LSU on their way to a resounding 21-0 victory in New Orleans. New Tiger quarterback Zach Mettenberger will be counted on to guide an LSU attack that failed to eclipse 100 yards of total offense in the BCS title game. You can bet the fans in Death Valley will be doing everything they can to cheer their Bayou Bengals on to victory.

     Honorable Mentions: Georgia at Missouri – September 8th

     South Carolina at LSU – October 13th

     LSU at Arkansas – November 23rd

Francis Kallon (Jason Braverman, Gwinnett Daily Post)

      Last night I had the great opportunity to ask Georgia Tech freshman defensive end Francis Kallon a few questions. Kallon was a standout for Central Gwinnett High School in Lawrenceville, Georgia before signing with GT in February. The 6’5 270 pound freshman was a four-star recruit according to all three major recruiting services and was the 18th best defensive end in the country per Rivals.com.

      Kallon’s path to becoming a college football player was an intriguing one to say the least. Francis moved to the Atlanta area from London a little over a year ago and arrived at Central Gwinnett High with zero experience playing American football. Due to some serious convincing from Central Gwinnett’s football coach Todd Wofford, Kallon began practicing with the team during the spring of his junior year. It was clear from the start that Coach Wofford had discovered something special in Francis, and 13 division one colleges would soon agree.

     That’s right, Kallon acquired 13 scholarships before ever playing a down of football. He committed to Georgia Tech in June without ever competing in a real high school game. Despite some major courtship from the likes of Alabama, Notre Dame, and USC during his senior season, Kallon stuck with his commitment to the Yellow Jackets and was one of the highest ranked prospects in Georgia Tech’s 2012 recruiting class. Our interview can be found below.

Kallon earned 13 scholarships before ever playing a game for Central Gwinnett High (Eric S. Lesser, New York Times)

Gridiron Digest: Despite having very little football experience leading up to your senior year at Central Gwinnett High, you managed to pile up some impressive statistics (70 tackles, 7 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries). How difficult was it to learn the rules and skills involved with playing organized football in such a short time?

Francis: “At first, it was a little challenging especially having no experience and having to learn all these plays etc. While everybody else was just playing the game, I had to work four times as hard as everybody else because I wasn’t only playing the game but I was learning all at the same time. What actually got me through wasn’t just my size, athletic ability or my faith, but it was knowing that I was allowed to make mistakes as long as they were done 100mph, and I DID MAKE MISTAKES might I add. I believe almost 45% of the 77 tackles, 9 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries and 5 blocked punts  I made were made because I might have ran through the wrong gap or allowed myself to get washed right into the running back.”

Gridiron Digest: You earned scholarship offers from hordes of schools including Arkansas, Auburn, Tennessee, and Stanford. What made you decide to stay in-state and play for Georgia Tech?

Francis: “Well, I knew I would be close to church which meant I would maintain a strong spiritual foundation, as well as being closer to the ones I love. Family and friends would be able to watch me play and I would be (in) downtown ATL. What also stuck out to me was that Tech put their academics right on the table before they came to me with football which stuck out to my family and I. Furthermore I would be playing as a Ramblin’ Wreck from Georgia Tech a HELLUVA ENGINEER!”

Gridiron Digest: Did you seriously consider attending any other schools after committing to Tech?

Francis: “I was always open-minded after I committed, it was the least I could do for all the colleges that still showed interest even after I committed. At the end of the day, college football is a business and you never mix feelings with business and so I had to do what was best for Francis Kallon.”

Gridiron Digest: Roderick Chungong, Pat Gamble, Adam Gotsis, and yourself make up a formidable group of incoming defensive linemen for Georgia Tech and Coach Paul Johnson. Have you had a chance to meet any of these guys yet and talk about playing together for the next four years?

Francis: “Yes I have actually, Patrick Gamble is in fact my roommate, and Rod (Chungong) is always in my dorm room hanging out so we discuss playing together and the possibilities the future holds. My roommates are Pat Gamble, Anthony Autry and Justin Thomas.”

Gridiron Digest: You guys open up the season against rival Virginia Tech in Blacksburg on September 3rd. Has this game provided any extra motivation and incentive for the team during the offseason?

Francis: “I see it as the winner of this game is practically the winner of the ACC championship. Being at the game last year and seeing the tomfoolery that went on and how we were robbed a victory adds to the motivation and determination to be the last team standing. I know my boy Jeremiah Attaochu is ready!”

Gridiron Digest: Izaan Cross is the lone defensive line starter returning for Tech in 2012/2103. What sort of role do you hope to play in the defensive end rotation this fall?

Francis: “My main goal is to contribute in as many ways as possible, somewhat like a Jack of all trades but master of many. If that means I revolutionize the pass rushing game then so be it, or the special teams then I’m down.”

Gridiron Digest: Most college football analysts project GT to win around 8-9 games and compete for a division title this season. What goals and expectations do you have for the team and for yourself during your freshman season?

Francis: “All I see is a greater record than last year, a championship over VA tech, yet another bowl game appearance and history being made on North Avenue.”

Gridiron Digest: Finally, what’d you think of the race results between Justin Thomas and Broderick Snoddy? (note: freshman quarterback Justin Thomas and redshirt freshman A-back Broderick Snoddy held a race at GT’s indoor practice facility a little over a week ago to determine who was the fastest Yellow Jacket; both were 100 meter champions in high school. Snoddy emerged victorious)

Francis: “It would have been a tie if Snoody had stopped at 40 yards but he kept going. We also have to put into consideration that Justin has just arrived so he hasn’t been running up until training started a week from the race, Snoody had been working out for months prior to the race. I know that it would have turned out differently if Snoody had been a freshman racing Justin, and I say this because I have played in an All-American bowl game with Justin and seen what he can do.”

Big thanks to Francis for taking the time to conduct the interview! Best of luck to you this year my man

Virginia Tech teammates celebrate their 2009 Orange Bowl victory (Doug Benc, Getty Images)

     On Tuesday morning, the Atlantic Coast Conference signed a 12 year contract with the Discover Orange Bowl set to begin following the 2014 season. The ACC has sent its conference champion to the Orange Bowl since 2006, and the new agreement guarantees that this affiliation will continue.

     This offseason, the BCS announced that conferences with “Automatic Qualifying Status” will be stripped of this privilege. Prior to this declaration, champions from the ACC, Big 12, Big 10, Big East, Pac 12, and SEC were all guaranteed spots in BCS bowl games regardless of ranking and record. This is no longer the case, and all BCS bowl participants will now be hand-picked by the BCS in an “at-large” fashion. By signing this contract with the Orange Bowl, the ACC secured themselves a form of AQ status, as their conference champion will always have a BCS game to participate in regardless of their ranking and record.

     In 2014, when college football embarks on its four-team playoff championship format, the Discover Orange Bowl is destined to be in the rotation to host one of the semifinal games along with five other bowls (likely the Sugar, Cotton, Rose, Champions, and Chick fil-A). According to this contract, during seasons when the ACC champion is not selected as a member of the four-team playoff and the Orange Bowl is a host site for a semifinal game, the ACC champion is guaranteed a spot in one of the five aforementioned bowl games not in the playoff rotation for that season. For example, if the Orange Bowl and Sugar Bowl are hosting semifinal games, the ACC champion would likely play in the Chick fil-A Bowl if they are not chosen to be part of the four-team playoff.

     If the ACC champion is selected as a participant in the four-team playoff, the ACC runner-up would then play in the Discover Orange Bowl (or one of the other major bowls if the Orange Bowl is in the playoff rotation that season). If two ACC teams are selected for the four-team playoff, the conference’s third best team would play in the Orange Bowl.

     It’s unlikely that the Orange Bowl will sign a similar contract with another conference (like the Big East), and the ACC’s opponent in the Orange Bowl for the next 12 years will likely be an at-large team from a different conference or Notre Dame.

     In addition to guaranteed participation in the Orange Bowl, the ACC also will own the television rights for the game and are free to negotiate a deal with any network they choose (ESPN, Fox, CBS, etc.).

     What does this mean for the ACC? It’s a game changer; this agreement gives the ACC a seat at the table along with the four other power conferences (Big Ten, Big 12, Pac 12, SEC). Just days ago, the ACC appeared on the verge of oblivion due to the disappointing television deal they struck with ESPN. Following this contract with the Orange Bowl, it’s likely that the conference will remain intact.

     If ACC commissioner John Swofford is able to negotiate a respectable deal for the Orange Bowl with a major television network, it would make up for the lackluster contract he signed with ESPN. This could potentially raise each ACC school’s annual football-related revenue to Big 12/Big Ten type levels, therefore enticing the likes of Florida State, Clemson, and Virginia Tech to remain in the ACC. Also, if Notre Dame does give up its independence and joins a conference, the ACC’s chances of landing the Fighting Irish just increased dramatically.