2016 College Football Coaches Preseason Poll Released

Today the coaches released their initial preseason poll for the 2016 season.

Let's take a look at their top 25...

1. Alabama - Can't really argue this.  Nick Saban is coming off another NC (his 4th at Bama) and despite looking for a new QB Bama is loaded with talent at every position.

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2. Clemson - Deshaun Watson and Dabo Swinney's team would have been my pick for #1.  They were a couple of plays away from going undefeated last season.  Expect them to contend again for a playoff spot.

3. Oklahoma - I'm expecting the Sooners and Baker Mayfield to take a step back this season.  On paper they look great but whenever Oklahoma comes in with a lot of hype they seem to disappoint.  I still can't get over them losing to Texas last year.

4.  FSU - I guess the ACC is now the best top tier conference eh(if we are counting ND as a member)?  Who's going to play QB for the Seminoles?  I would recommend giving the ball to Dalvin Cook and figure it out as the season goes on.

5.  Ohio State - Don't expect the Buckeyes to take a step back just because more than half of their starters were drafted by the NFL.  Urban Meyer has QB JT Barrett back and plenty of 5 star kids waiting to prove that 2015 was a false flag of a season.

6.  LSU - I love Leonard Fournette but I don't see LSU contending for anything unless they can find a reliable QB.  If the Bayou Bengals struggle again this season Les Miles will be forced out.

7.  Stanford - Christian McCaffrey can do it all.  Run, catch, pass, return kicks.  He's the best all-around player in college football and should have won the Heisman last year.

8.  Michigan - The schedule sets up favorable for a playoff push in Jim Harbaugh's second season in Ann Arbor.  I'm not convinced the talent is there yet with rival Ohio State but it wouldn't surprise me to see the Wolverines make the playoffs.

9.  Notre Dame - Yes the schedule is somewhat difficult but if the Fighting Irish can avoid the injury bug that has devastated their last two seasons they should again contend for a playoff spot after narrowly missing it in 2015.  Expect Deshone Kizer to start vs Texas in week 1.

10.  Tennessee - The Vols are the favorite to win the SEC East which really isn't saying much these days.  If Joshua Dobbs can step up his game and get more accuracy with his passes past 10 yards the Vols could be legit.

11.  Michigan State - You know Mark Dantonio will have his team contending for the Big Ten title yet again despite losing starting QB Connor Cook.  Never ever count out Sparty with their head coach.

12.  Ole Miss - The only team to beat Alabama the last two seasons returns Swag Kelly (the self-proclaimed best QB in the nation) and some excellent players who they paid a lot of booster money for.  The return on investment better pay off for the Rebels.

13.  Houston - Tom Herman is back.  Greg Ward is back.  They destroyed FSU in the Peach Bowl.  They went 13-1.  Why are they ranked this low?  Not sure but I wouldn't be surprised to see them beat Oklahoma week 1 despite being a double digit underdog.

14.  TCU -  The Horned Frogs collapsed down the final furlong stretch last season but don't expect coach Gary Patterson to play the sympathy card.  TCU can win the Big 12.

15.  Iowa - Until the Hawkeyes play a legit schedule I can't seriously take them as a playoff contender.  Did anyone see them get slaughtered in the Rose Bowl?

16.  Georgia - First year head coach and potential first year freshman QB starter doesn't usually pay high dividends especially in the SEC.  New coach Kirby Smart will clean up the mediocrity Mark Richt left but it's going to take a few seasons.

17.  USC - Clay Helton is officially the head coach of the USC Trojans.  WTF?  Here is live reaction of FUSC faithful:

18.  Washington - The Huskies are the sexy pick to win the PAC 12 conference by some pundits this season.  I don't see it happening but Chris Petersen is a hell of a coach so don't count them out.

19.  Oklahoma State - Seems about right.  Oklahoma State under Mike Gundy is a top 20 team.  But that's their ceiling.

20.  North Carolina - The Tarheels almost won the ACC while coming a TD and 2 point conversion short of Clemson last year in the Championship game.  If they beat UGA week 1 in the GA Dome they could go on a similar run this year.

21.  Baylor - Not sure what to say about this program at this point.  Their coach  is gone.  Their players constantly get in trouble when their not getting away with sexual harassment.  It could be a long, long season in Waco.

22.  Oregon - It was fun while it lasted.  Oregon was a top 5 team for a while there.  Now it's back to reality aka the post Marcus Mariota/Chip Kelly years.

23.  Louisville - I can't stand Bobby Petrino for obvious reasons but it wouldn't shock me if they beat FSU or Clemson.  A road game in Houston in mid November could be a playoff play in game.

24.  UCLA - The Bruins can win the PAC 12.  A lot of it depends on Josh Rosen and his maturation.  The return of Eddie Vanderdoes helps too.

25.  Florida - This feels like a pity fuck here.  The coaches were like we know you aren't that good looking and your breath kind of smells but we remember when you had Tim Tebow so let's give you a chance.

Matt Ryan Throws Interception to OC Kyle Shanahan Which Should Help Build their Relationship

Contrary to rumors, Kyle Shanahan & Matt Ryan do work well together. #Falcons pic.twitter.com/vWK6jOUaqS

— Knox Bardeen (@knoxbardeen) August 4, 2016

If you followed the Atlanta Falcons at all last season you know the offense wasn't exactly clicking on all cylinders for the 8-8 Dirty Birds.  Matt Ryan had arguably his worst season in first-year offensive coordinator's Kyle Shanahan offense.  Ryan threw for just 21 TDs while throwing 16 INTs.  Matty Ice looked anything but cool and much of the blame went to Shanahan and his new offense.  Well it's good to see Ryan is feeling generous enough to patch up their somewhat rocky relationship by throwing interceptions to Shanahan in training camp.

Next time I would recommend Ryan throwing to the guy who wears #11 and not the coach.  I've heard #11 is pretty good.

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Michigan Football Reveals New Nike Uniforms with Michael Jordan Brand Jumpman All Over Them

Talk about selling your soul for the almighty dollar.  When I think of Michigan football the first thing that comes to my mind is Michael Jordan jumping from the free throw line in the Slam Dunk Contest 30 years ago.  It only makes sense then to slap Michael Jordan brand Jumpman logos all over your uniform including the jersey, pants, gloves, and cleats.  They should have put a giant MJ on the ass of the pants because Michigan is getting fucked right in the ass by Nike.  Good lord Michigan this is pathetic.  You have a basketball player on your football uniforms.  He didn't even go to your school.  His alma mater beat your school in the infamous Chris Webber time out game.  I would say I've never been more embarrassed for Michigan football till today but then again I still remember the last time Brady Hoke opened up his mouth and called Notre Dame "chicken."  We all remember how that worked out...

Andre Dawson's Greg Maddux Prank Story is one of the All-Time Greats

Today's Pardon My Take featured Andre Dawson and an all time Greg Maddux story. Subscribe - https://t.co/htoaCr8KQG pic.twitter.com/P4YUe5ecmC

— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) July 25, 2016

Now I feel bad for not including Greg Maddux on my all-time team.  When you piss in a hot tub full of black guys it takes some serious balls.  Only a legend like Maddux could pull such a savage prank move.  Mad dog is right up there with George Brett's shitting his pants story.

40 Days Till College Football Kicks Off

We are officially 40 days till the first fall Saturday of college football.  What better way to celebrate 40 days till college football bliss by going back and watching one of the greatest runs in it's history: #40 Reggie Brooks of Notre Dame spinning, running over and around Michigan for a spectacular touchdown.  Brooks was knocked out on the play and still managed to subconsciously get himself in the endzone.  No doubt Brooks deserves to hit the "Play Like A Champion Today" sign after this incredible run vs a hated rival.

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Big Papi David Ortiz Hit a 440 Foot Homer Last Night at the age of 40

#BigPapi doing #BigPapi things. #RedSoxhttps://t.co/Up1NnnHLzi

— Boston Red Sox (@RedSox) July 22, 2016

Is there a better human being on the planet than David "Big Papi" Ortiz?  I don't think you can find one.  What Ortiz is doing at the age of 40, his last season, is remarkable and completely legit.  He leads all big leaguers in RBIs and OPS.  Did I mention he is 40 years old?  Oh yeah.  Crazy how a light hitting Dominican who was released by the Minnesota Twins in late 2002 could become this behemoth of a slugger on his way to a Hall of Fame induction when all is said and done.  It's perfectly normal for guys 12 years past their primes to have seasons like Big Papi is doing right now.  Anyone who thinks he is cheating clearly doesn't know the impeccable character of Mr. David Ortiz.  He would never cheat the game.  Never.  Ever.  The guy is a saint and should be celebrated the way Barry Bonds finished his career.  Remember Bonds never failed a drug test too and he was remarkably doing the same super human things Ortiz is doing right now.

HALL OF FAME STAMP: GRANTED!

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Click on any of the pictures to order the official Under Armour Notre Dame Shamrock Series 2016 Jersey!

Here are the 2016 Notre Dame Shamrock Series Jerseys

Introducing the 2016 #ShamrockSeries Uniform by @UAFootball

We’ll wear it with pride on Nov. 12 vs Army in Texas. pic.twitter.com/7qOfdzpdHB

— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) July 21, 2016

If you want to preorder the 2016 Shamrock Series authentic helmet please email me at matt@sportscrack.com

Click on any of the pictures to order the official Under Armour Notre Dame Shamrock Series 2016 Jersey!

Jim Harbaugh Doing Jim Harbaugh Things: Stars in Michigan Themed Rap Video

Jim Harbaugh has no chill.  This week Harbaugh made his rap debut by starring in Bailey's "Who's Got It Better Than Us?" by shouting out the title lyrics over and over.

I can't wait till Notre Dame plays Michigan again in 2018.  It's going to be epic.

2016 Notre Dame Shamrock Series Jerseys Unveiling Tonight

#ShamrockSeries SNEAK PEEK…

The FULL reveal:
Tonight | 6:30pm ET

God. Country. Notre Dame. pic.twitter.com/O528LLFRsy

— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) July 21, 2016

The annual Notre Dame Shamrock Series uniforms unveiling are always a big hit whether you like them or not.  Tonight ND will release the full uniform with jersey and helmet to the public at 6:30 EST.

Of course we will be selling the official game helmets and jerseys soon.

Here are my favorite Shamrock Series jerseys by order...

1) 2013 Shamrock Series Jerseys (Dallas, TX)

 
2) 2011 Shamrock Series (Washington D.C)

3) 2015 Shamrock Series (Boston Fenway Park)

4) 2012 Shamrock Series (Chicago)

5) 2014 Shamrock Series (Indianapolis)

6) 2010 Shamrock Series (New York)

Top 10 Most Overrated/Overhyped College Football Players Going into 2016

These guys need to show more on the football field this fall vs top 25 teams before I'm willing to give them Heisman-worthy accolades...

1.  Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma - Mayfield finished 4th in the Heisman last season despite playing pedestrian vs the Sooners top competition (Tennessee, TCU, Texas and Clemson).  At this point until Mayfield proves it against top 25 teams his overall play is overrated.

Now if we are talking about underrated we could point out Mayfield's hypnotic dance moves...

2.  Jabrill Peppers, LB, Michigan - Talent wise I think Peppers is one of the best in college football.  Production wise though he hasn't come close to matching his high school rankings and will now be playing linebacker for Harbaugh and company.  He should be playing corner/safety.  If Peppers can prove himself as a hybrid LB he will quickly come off this list.  But at this point going into the season he is overhyped.

3.  Brad Kaaya, QB, Miami - I've tried my hardest to see what exactly all the expert draft gurus see in Kaaya.  He reminds me of Christian Hackenberg a little bit.  He looks the part of big-time college QB with a good frame but his stats don't match the picture.  I've seen some draft mocks with him going top 5 overall.  No way.  Overrated and overhyped.

4.  Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA - Rosen is much like Peppers on this list.  Talent wise he's elite for sure.  But he's still real young and makes a lot of poor decisions both on the field and in social media.  He needs to grow up and mature.  At this point it is insane for any publication to put him on their top 10 college football players in the game but I have seen it numerous times.  Rosen is overhyped going into his true sophomore season.

5.  Carl Lawson, DE, Auburn - To be fair injuries have held back Lawson for the most part of his collegiate career.  But still he's going to be a senior and he has yet to make an impact as projected coming out of high school.  At this point he is more overhyped than overrated because of the injuries.

6.  Joshua Dobbs, QB, Tennessee - As a runner I like Dobbs a lot but he's a QB.  He needs to get better accuracy throwing 10 yards past the line of scrimmage or defenses are going to stack the box against the Vols all season.  Much like Tennessee and Butch Jones I think Dobbs is overrated going into 2016.

By the way somebody tell Dobbs to stop blocking the television...



7.  Tim Williams, LB, Alabama - Misses way too many tackles.  Plays stiff and is undersized.  Decent pass rusher but not very good against the run.  He's a product of a great defense surrounding him IMO and benefits from his teammate Jonathan Allen getting double teamed.
Even his "highlights" aren't all that impressive...


8.  C.J. Beathard, QB, Iowa - I've read some articles listing Beathard a top 20 overall player in college football over the likes of Greg Ward, Calvin Ridley and Adoree Jackson among many others which is flat out crazy talk.  Yes Iowa had a good year but I wouldn't say Beathard won them many games.

9.  Zach Banner, OT, USC - People look at his size (6'9, 360) and automatically think All-American tackle.  But Banner hasn't played like an AA in his first 3 seasons at USC.  At this point in his career he is more overhyped because of his size.

10. O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama -  If you watched the NCG vs Clemson (5 catches for 208 yards and 2 TDs) you are probably laughing your ass off because I included Howard on this list.  But if you look at the prior 3 full seasons before that game you would wonder what all the hype was for Howard coming out of high school.  There is a reason why Howard came back for his senior season instead of cashing in on his big performance vs Clemson.  For a man his size he needs to be more physical and run better routes.  Until then he is overrated and overhyped.

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Showtime Releases Teaser for "A Season With Florida State Football"

As someone who can never get enough college football I'm looking forward to Showtime's 2nd season of "A Season With" this time with FSU.  Last year they hit a home run with Notre Dame being featured in this "Hard Knocks" inspired production.  It will be interesting to see the behind closed doors differences between the two programs.

FSU's opening week game vs Ole Miss should provide some highlight trash talking between two highly talented and athletic football programs.  Jimbo Fisher is now single since he divorced his cheating whore of an ex-wife so I'm sure we will see him swinging his dick around all the Tallahassee coeds.

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My MLB All-Time Starting 9

Since we just passed the 2016 All-Star break I've seen a lot of people arguing over their all-time MLB rosters.  It's an argument as old as David Ortiz's needle injected butt marks but I figured I would contribute some knowledge.  I've left off all known cheaters so there will be no Bonds, ARod, Clemens, Manny Ramirez, Piazza, etc. on this list.

My lineup-

1) LF Rickey Henderson - Anybody who leaves off the greatest leadoff hitter with the most runs and stolen bases in MLB history clearly has no clue.  I'm not that guy.

2) CF Willie Mays - This was a tough one for me because I wanted to put Griffey Jr in center.  But I went with the Say Hey Kid because of the numbers he put up while mostly playing at the Polo Grounds (480 feet to center, 450 feet to alleys) robbed him of even higher power numbers.

3) 1B Lou Gehrig - The most underrated superstar of any generation.  Gehrig averaged 145 RBIs per season!  This is still a no brainer despite him passing over 70 years ago.

4) RF Hank Aaron - I couldn't leave off the HR King.  755 will live on forever with Hammerin' Hank.

5) DH/P Babe Ruth - Ruth is probably the greatest baseball player of all-time.  Not only could he hit (714 HR) but he was also an ace on the mound (94 wins during 5 seasons).  So I feel comfortable with Babe at DH who can also come in and pitch some relief if need be.

6) 2B Robinson Cano - I firmly believe when Cano's career is finished he will go down as the best 2nd baseman to ever play the game.  He does things that guys like Joe Morgan and Robbie Alomar only wish they could do on the diamond.

7) C Johnny Bench - Even with the numbers Mike Piazza and Pudge put up while on steroids it doesn't compare to Bench.  He was the glue of some great Reds teams in the 70's.

8) SS Cal Ripken Jr - No one before him could play short like he did at his size.  He helped usher in the big guys playing short (ARod, Jeter, etc.) and should have won more Gold Gloves but got screwed because he wasn't as flashy as others.

9) 3B Brooks Robinson - Defensively nobody compares to the Human Vacuum Cleaner at the hot corner.  His bat was also clutch in the postseason, helping deliver Baltimore multiple World Series titles.

Starter RHP Pedro Martinez - Nobody was more dominate than Pedro during the steroid era.  He was mowing down hitters with ease despite facing lineups full of roided up middle infielders.

Starter LHP Madison Bumgarner - I know this will come as a shock to a lot of you but right now if I had to pick a lefty starting a deciding game I would instantly think Bumgarner.  He's helped personally deliver the Giants 3 World Series titles and he's as clutch as they get in the postseason.

Closer Mariano Rivera - This is a no brainer and if anybody tries to argue it they need to be admitted to the looney house.

Long Relief John Smoltz - Smoltzie was as dominant a starter as he was a closer.  The ultimate team player he was overshadowed by Maddux and Glavine but HOF manager Bobby Cox gave Smoltz the ball when the game or season was on the line.

Set Up Goose Goosage - I don't think you could find a more intimidating guy on the mound unless his name is Bob Gibson.

Manager Earl Weaver - No team is complete without the Earl of Baltimore cussing out an umpire to protect his players.

Lou Holtz Carried Around a Bottle of Crown Royal at the Republican National Convention

Legendary Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz carrying a bottle of Crown Royale at #RNCinCLE pic.twitter.com/UeXt0q9cOD

— John R Parkinson (@jparkABC) July 19, 2016

Dr. Lou Holtz just dragging his nuts all over the Republican National Convention floor with his bottle of Crown Royal.  Fucks given?  0.

Granted I'm rather positive Holtz has zero idea where he is or what he's holding at this point in his life.  Still he's just dragging his pearls of wisdom all over the floor in Cleveland.

Notre Dame Finally Lands An Elite Defensive Tackle Prospect in Darnell Ewell

At 6'4 and just a shade under 300 lbs defensive tackle prospect Darnell Ewell is already big enough to start in college football.  What's scary is he will just be entering his senior season in high school and already possesses the sheer strength to run over and through blockers.

Notre Dame got the elite defensive tackle prospect they have been sorely missing in Ewell.  He is the most highly rated tackle since they signed Eddie Vanderdoes (who transferred to UCLA before ever playing to be close to his "sick grandmother").  Rivals has Ewell as a top 125 player overall and the 8th rated defensive tackle in the country.  He's the 16th commitment in the 2017 ND recruiting class which is projected to finish top 5 overall in the nation.

Ewell picked ND over the likes of Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, Clemson, Alabama and many others.

Here are some highlights of Ewell from his junior season...

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Notre Dame Tweets Out Picture of the New Jumbotron

A view of Friday morning practice inside Notre Dame Stadium.

Oh, and our new Jumbotron... 👀 pic.twitter.com/VDJCEM0h3j

— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) July 15, 2016

This is enough to wet the whistle for any die hard Notre Dame fan.  The mecca of college football is finally getting a jumbotron!  It's about time.  Notre Dame tweeted out this picture of the new jumbotron being constructed.  It's part of the "Campus Crossroads" project which entails $400 million in renovations and improvements to Notre Dame Stadium.  The project should be completed in 2017 for the home opener vs Michigan.

Go Irish!

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College Football Hype Video to Remind You We Are 7 Weeks Away

Don't want but NEED college football back right now!  Today is easily the most depressing and boring sports day of the year with absolutely nothing going on.  It only amplifies how much I miss college football.  The good or bad news for some of us is it's only 7 weeks till we get our college football fix.

Had No Idea JJ Watt Was "Dating" aka "Groin Massages" with Lindsey Vonn

Lindsey Vonn says she helped JJ Watt recover from his groin injury, with, um, massages? pic.twitter.com/8mCZCuPnyQ

— Troy Hirsch (@troyhirschfox5) July 14, 2016

Oh JJ Watt you sly dog you.  Last night on the ESPY's (still have not watched it...ever) Tiger Wood's ex-fuck buddy Lindsey Vonn pulled the cat out of the bag on live tv and joked she gives JJ Watt groin massages.  Watt, who looked completely embarrassed because the whole world and his boyfriend thought he was gay, laughed nervously as Vonn sized him up in front of Hannah Storm.  Poor guy.  I completely know how he feels to be a famous rich athlete who women throw themselves at every day.  It's a burden we must persevere through that the mortals have no clue the will power it takes to be extraordinary.

Winifer Fernandez Looks Like a Talented Volleyball Player

The Dominican Republic not only produce the best baseball players in the world but apparently they got the upper hand with girl's volleyball.  Winifer Fernandez is a 21 year old beauty who can set and dig balls with the best of them.

This is what we need to see in the Olympics in Rio.  Less women's soccer and more women's volleyball.

Drunk Girl at Kenny Chesney Concert Tries to Defy Gravity

This drunk chick at Kenny Chesney put on a battle for the ages against gravity

A video posted by Barstool Sports (@barstool_sports) on Jul 14, 2016 at 8:10am PDT

Dwight Howard Gets Emotional and Cries During His Introductory Atlanta Hawks Press Conference

Dwight Howard gets very emotional talking about returning home to Atlanta to play for the #Hawks. pic.twitter.com/tiFAbPiBhw

— NBA On Def Pen (@NBAOnDefPen) July 13, 2016

Welcome back to Atlanta Dwight Howard.

Nick Saban Gets in Heated Exchange with Paul Finebaum on SEC Network over Hootie Jones/Cam Robinson Non Suspension

Good exchange between @finebaum and Saban. #SECMD16 pic.twitter.com/8Mem8JaYCH

— Matt Schick (@ESPN_Schick) July 13, 2016

I've said it before but you can't help but tip your hat to Nick Saban.  He simply doesn't give a fuck what you, me, the media or Paul Finebaum think about what should be done to two players found with illegal handguns and weed at 2am in a park.  I mean is that not just perfectly normal?  I can't tell you how many times I've been arrested for illegal handguns and weed and the DA just threw it out because I play in the SEC.  This is normal behavior in today's world.  Why are we judging these kids so harshly?  Don't cross Saban.  He only needed 4 police motorcycles to escort him to SEC Media Days today.  This is SEC football royalty we are talking about.  He could have you erased so quickly from the planet you would think you were an AP Poll member.

It's good to know Saban doesn't condone Hootie Jones and Cam Robinson's behavior though.  He's not going to convict them of anything but he doesn't condone what they were doing.  Good talk coach.

What we did find out from this video is that Saban will do whatever it takes to win football games in the fall.

Here is the full video of the exchange...

Full video: Saban goes off on Paul Finebaumhttps://t.co/3fhyqU9fiYhttps://t.co/lazKcCfsPO

— FootballScoop Staff (@FootballScoop) July 13, 2016

Apparently Saban got real heated with Finebaum when they went off air.  Of course Saban's two former players and now SEC Network media members in Booger McFarland and Greg McElroy knew to keep their distance and not question the all powerful leader.

ESPN goes to commercial, then Saban went off on Finebaum. This video & video of interaction https://t.co/3fhyqU9fiYhttps://t.co/PR1XyuuaVr

— FootballScoop Staff (@FootballScoop) July 13, 2016

And in the end we found out Jones and Robinson will both be playing vs USC in week 1 without any form of suspension.  Because we all know Saban has to win games and that's all that really matters.  Roll Tide.