TheSportsPACK

Last week before the men's final four Geno Auriemma made some interesting comments about men's college basketball stating that it is 'a joke' and that there are only 10 teams out of 25 that play the type brand basketball that people would want to watch.  Geno, I understand where you are coming from. Since the NBA implemented the one-and-done rule there has been a decline in overall competition within men's college basketball. With the best college basketball players going to the NBA after one or two seasons, men's college basketball is left with "2nd tier" caliber basketball talent. Also with the one-and-done system, college basketball coaches have a more difficult time implementing coaching systems and strategies. By now men's basketball coaches are adjusting to the rule change and hopefully we will see a more widespread of talented basketball teams throughout the country.  But Geno? You are a women's college basketball c...

Yesterday the NCAA announced that it will be covering travel expenses for student-athletes participating in championship events. The NCAA will pay up to $3,000 in travel, meals and hotel accommodations for student-athletes participating in the men and women Final Four and $4,000 to players participating in the championship game. The College Football Playoffs will also provide $3,000 in travel expenses for each student-athlete's family that will be attend the game in Arlington,TX. In the NCAA's press release, President Mark Emmert said "Championship experiences like the Final Four create memories of a lifetime for a student-athlete, and we want to make sure their families are there to support and celebrate with them." 1   In previous years, the NCAA has provided free tickets for family members traveling to championship contest. NCAA President Mark Emmert (courtsey of lostlettermen.com ) In the past we have been very judgmental of the NCAA policies and procedur...

Quarterbacks: The Rose Bowl is a matchup of the last two Heisman Trophy winners. Jameis Winston brings a 26 game winning streak as a starter into Pasadena while the reigning Heisman winner Marcus Mariota leads the fast-pace Oregon Duck offense. Mariota ended his Heisman campaign on a high note passing for 1003 yards with 9 touchdown passes in 3 games, including a 5 total touchdown performance in the Pac-12 championship. Jameis Winston is coming off one of his better games this season throwing for 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions in the Seminoles 37-35 win in the ACC Championship. Winston's stats may not be appealing as last season's but the wins are still there. Expect both quarterbacks to put on a show for the NFL scouts.  Advantage: Oregon Running Backs: There will be some young talent on display at the running back position this game. Freshman Royce Freeman leads the read option attack for the Ducks rushing for a Oregon freshman record ...

As conference play gets set to begin next week, TheSportsPACK is highlighting some of the standout freshmen from across the country. These first-year players have made an immediate impact for their schools this season with hope of continuing that throughout the conference schedule. Rashard Vaughn  @ShowtimeMr1   ( UNLV )  The 6-6 guard from Findlay Prep leads all freshman in scoring averaging 17.7 points per game. Vaughn has scored in double digits 8 out of the 10 games he has played this season. Four of those contest resulted in 20+ point outings including a career high 29 vs Albany and 21 points in the upset win over #3 Arizona.  James Blackmon Jr. @JBlackmon2   ( Indiana )  Blackmon Jr.is the first freshman guard to lead the Hoosiers in scoring since Devin Dumes during the 2008-2009 season. Blackmon Jr. is averaging 17.6 points per game; second among freshman and third in the Big Ten Conference. James has scored over 15 points in 8 of hi...

Quarterbacks  - Two of the top quarterbacks in the SEC are playing in this game. Senior Nick Marshall is a proven leader for the Tigers. Auburn has a 17-2 record with Marshall as their starter. Question may rise about his ability to throw the football, completing 59% of his passes this season, but his ability to make plays in the running games makes him dangerous. On the other sideline is Heisman candidate Dak Prescott. After scoring 5 total touchdowns versus Top 10 Texas A&M, Prescott has caught the nation's attention. The Junior leads the SEC in quarterback rating and Top 10 in rushing yards. Nick Marshall has plenty of big game experience but I believe Dak Prescott is the hottest player in the country. I wouldn't be surprised if a couple of NFL teams that are looking for late round quarterbacks tuned in. Advantage:  Mississippi State Running Backs - Mississippi State and Auburn are third and forth in the SEC in rushing, respectively. Both teams quarterb...

1. Florida State (5-0) W vs Wake Forest 43-3 FSU started off sluggish by going into the half only up 10 but outscored Wake Forest 30-0 in the 2nd half. Jameis Winston completed 23 passes for 297 yards and a touchdown. The Seminole defense allowed a season low 126 total yards. Florida State will travel to Syracuse for the first time since 2004 Saturday 2. Auburn (5-0) W vs LSU 41-7 Auburn's first four possessions resulted in 24 points against a struggling LSU team. Defense did not allow a 3rd down conversion. Cameron Artis-Payne rushed for 126 yards and Nick Marshall threw two touchdown passes. Auburn has scored 40+ points in 4 out of 5 games. The Tigers will be tested Saturday when they travel to Starkville to face undefeated Mississippi State. 3. Ole Miss (5-0) W vs Alabama 23-17 The Rebels clawed their way to the win Saturday by making big plays at the most critical times. Many miscues for both teams but it was a Senquez Golson interception that sealed the win ...

1. Marcus Mariota (IDLE) Mariota was on a bye week Saturday but his play throughout Oregon's first four games is more than enough to keep the junior quarterback the front runner for the Heisman.  Marcus leads the nation in completion percentage (74%) and quarterback rating (218.0). Huge conference game coming up for the Ducks as an undefeated Arizona team comes to Eugene. Consistent play in conference games provide a resume booster when its time for Heisman voting. Expect Mariota to continue putting up big numbers. 2. Kenny Hill (21/41 386 yards 4 TD) Kenny Hill had his first "Heisman Moment" this week versus Arkansas. Hill completed two passes in the final 2:29 to tie the game and a touchdown pass in the first play of overtime to win. The sophomore Hill is top five in passing yards, touchdowns and quarterback rating. The Aggies will travel to #12 Mississippi State. A couple Heisman moments in this game could make "Kenny Trill" the new Heisman front...

1. Florida State (4-0) W at North Carolina State 56-41 Rashad Greene leads the ACC in receptions and receiving yards Down 24-7 after the 1st quarter, Florida State rallies back from what started off as a disaster return for Jameis Winston. Riddled with injuries defensively, the Seminoles allowed 520 total yards versus previously undefeated NC State. Jameis Winston throws for 365 yards with four touchdowns and two second half interceptions. Senior wide receiver Rashad Greene caught 11 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown. Florida State will face 2-3 Wake Forest in Tallahassee Saturday. 2. Oregon (4-0) IDLE The Ducks will play undefeated Arizona at home after a bye week. The Oregon offense is 4th national in scoring averaging 48.5 points per game. Oregon should not take Arizona lightly. The Wildcats lead the Pac-12 in yards per game with 594 per. Marcus Mariota and the Ducks offense must take care of the ball if they want to avoid the upset. Royce F...

1. Marcus Mariota (21/25 329 yards 5 TD | 58 rush yards) Mariota completed 84 percent of his passes and 5 touchdowns to beat a pesky Washington State team. Three of Mariota's five touchdowns came in a closely contested second half. The Ducks QB has attempted 96 passes and 13 touchdowns without throwing an interception. Not only is Marcus Mariota the front runner for the Heisman, he looks to be the number 1 pick in the next NFL draft. 2. Kenny Hill (16/22 2 TD | 57 rush yards ) Kenny Hill continues to impress me with his poise and play making ability. Despite throwing his 1st interception of the season vs SMU, Hill continues to lead the SEC in passing yards. After Saturday's match up against Arkansas, Texas A&M will face three ranked SEC West  opponents in a row. That stretch will determine if Kenny Hill is Heisman material or just took advantage of a sub par non conference schedule. 3.  Todd Gurley (6 carries 73 yards) Gurley had a short day against Tro...

Week 5 Playoff Projections Ed Wilkins | College Football Analyst #1 Florida State 3-0 (LW: Win: Clemson F/OT-23-17 ) With Jameis Winston suspended for the game, Sean Maguire had to step in at quarterback to escaped Clemson in a thrilling overtime win. Maguire went 21-39 passing with 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions. Florida State looked as if they were going to take a loss as Maguire threw an interception in their own territory with 2:14 remaining in the game. That stingy Florida State defense forced a turnover to get into overtime. A questionable 4 & 1 call from Clemson Coach Dabo Swinney gave the Seminoles all the momentum as they stopped the Tigers. Karolos Williams scored on a 12-yard touchdown run to save Florida State’s season. Winston will be back in the lineup next week as they take on North Carolina State (4-0), perhaps a trap game. #2 Oregon 4-0 (LW: Win: Washington State F/38-31) Superman Mariota threw for 329 yards and five touchdown...

1. Florida State (3-0) W vs #22 Clemson 23-17 OT Florida State escapes in what most thought was a sure loss for the Seminoles. Jameis Winston's suspension was extended to a game and back up Sean Maguire struggled throughout. Eddie Goldman forced a game saving fumble to send it into OT. FSU will travel to North Carolina State next week in their first ACC road game of the season.  2. Oregon (4-0) W at Washington State 38-31 Heisman hopeful Marcus Mariota throws for five touchdowns as the Ducks spoil the Cougars upset attempt. Despite Oregon giving up a shade under 500 yards of total offense, only 63 of those were rushing. Oregon will host Arizona on Oct. 2 3. Alabama (4-0) W vs Florida 42-21 Alabama out gained Florida 645-200 in total yards. Amari Cooper finished with 10 catches for 201 yards and 3 touchdowns. Alabama will play Ole Miss on the road in their first SEC road game of the season. 4. Oklahoma (4-0) W @ West Virginia...

#4 Oklahoma vs West Virginia (7:30 ET FOX) West Virginia brings an explosive passing attack into this home game versus top 5 Oklahoma. Florida State transfer Clint Trickett is third in the nation in passing yards with 1224 in his first 3 games. In last week's win at Maryland Trickett threw for 511 yards and four touchdowns. His favorite target Kevin White is second in the nation in receiving yards with 460. Expect to see sophomore cornerback Zack Sanchez to cover  White for most of the night. Sanchez is tied for the national lead in interceptions with three. West Virginia is 5th national in passing yards and 2nd in completion percentage while the Sooners are 41st in pass defense. Expect the Mountaineers to test the Oklahoma pass defense early and often. Oklahoma will be without star running back Keith Ford which will put a strain on the rushing attack. West Virginia played Alabama tough week 1 so expect a high scoring game that comes down to the wire in Morgantown. Trickett...

Ed Wilkins | College Football Analyst 1. Blake Barnett 6’4/200 (Corona, CA)  Alabama Great feet! Can be just as dangerous outside the pocket as well as inside. Tough player with great size. Can be a starting college quarterback as a freshman or sophomore. 2. Jarrett Stidham 6’3/190 (Stephenville, TX)  Texas Tech Amazing pocket presence. Stidham has great accuracy, size, and release. A spread offense like Texas Tech fits Stidham. 3. Kyler Murray 5’10/180 (Allen, TX)  Texas A&M Undersize but don’t overlook the kid. Have all the intangibles to be a great quarterback. His accuracy, release, and footwork is amazing. Reminds me of Russell Wilson. 4. Brandon Wimbush 6’2/205 (Jersey City, NJ)  Penn State Tough Jersey kid with great feet and very elusive. Needs to work on accuracy. Great raw talent. 5. Travis Waller 6’3/190 (Anaheim, CA)  Oregon Waller has the intangibles to being a successful quarterback. His p...

Ed Wilkins | College Football Analyst 1. Josh Rosen 6’4/205 (Bellflower, CA)  UCLA As soon as you look his way you think “Pac 12 Quarterback”. Rosen is very confident with a strong but even more accurate arm. He has the best pocket presence of his class. He is a fiery player that makes plays with is arm. 2. Ricky Town 6’4/205 (Ventura, CA) Southern Cal Town has all the intangibles to be a great college quarterback. He lacks the big arm but he backs that up with his delivery and accuracy. Great drop back passer. 3. Brady White 6’2/190 (Newhall, CA)  Arizona State White’s pocket presence is phenomenal. His accuracy, reactive quickness, and delivery are great. He can also run the ball. He is another version of ASU quarterback Taylor Kelly. 4. Deondre Facois 6’1 195 (Bradenton, FL)  Florida State Facois has a very quick release to go with his cannon arm. He is very elusive in the pocket which helps him avoid sacks but still makes plays down field....