With the 2012 season already in the history books, its time to look ahead for the 2013 season, here are my top five teams going into the 2013 college football season:
1. Alabama
It’s hard to bet against a Nick Saban team who reached the
national championship in a “down year” and down by 28. With A.J. McCarron returning for his senior season surrounded with a ton of talent on the offensive side of the ball as well as on defensive, the Tide will probably be number one on many polls.
2. Stanford
The Stanford Cardinal will be a popular pick next season among national championship contenders. The Cardinals lose Stepfan Taylor and star tight end Zach Ertz, but return a stud at quarterback in Kevin
Hogan and a stout defense look for the Cardinal to make a run at another Pac-12
Championship and possibly a national championship.
3. LSU
LSU will have another stellar defense as well as returning a
young offensive line. I look for quarterback Zach Mettenberger to make a big jump and show why he was such a herald recruit coming out of high school. It also help that he'll have a stable of running
backs. Though the Tigers lose some talent on the defensive side of the ball, the Tigers will have a chance to compete for an SEC title as well as a national championship.
4. Florida State
Can Jimbo Fisher and the Seminoles ever put it together? The
talent is there coming off of a winning the 2012 Orange Bowl and ACC Championship,
the talent is there. With a loaded team coming back off a 12 win season, the
only question I have is who will be the quarterback will it be Clint Trickett
or Jameis Winston?
5. Texas A&M
With Johnny Football returning the Aggies will be a contender,
they do face some challenges going on the road to the Swamp in Gainesville and Death
Valley in LSU two big games, in return they get to welcome Saban and the Tide
to College Station. The big question will be with a season in the books, will Johnny Football have the same success in 2013 that he had in 2012? We'll have to wait and see.
Justin Tyree
ESPN 730 Charlotte Bobcats Insider and Blogger
Twitter: @JTyree704
Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/SportsFromMyEyes
I'm Justin Tyree a junior attending the University of North Carolina at Pembroke majoring in Journalism, come into my world when it comes the topic of sports.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Knicks vs. Nets Who Are You Taking?
Tonight’s matchup of the Knicks vs. Nets will answer some
questions that I believe many fans want to know, are the New York Knicks the
real deal?
On paper you can argue the Knicks are the best in the NBA, but
if know anything about sports you know games aren’t won on paper; the battle is
won on the hardwood.
The pressure is on
and the lights are bright, so far the Knicks have handled the pressure well
owning the number one record in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks have beaten
some very good opponents in the San Antonio Spurs, and the Miami Heat twice.
Last time the Knicks traveled to the Barclays Center they
fell short losing in overtime 96-89 behind a stellar performance from Carmelo
Anthony who had 35 points.
The rivalry is official, and all boroughs in New York will
be watching. Who will win the battle of New York? You get Deron Williams and
Raymond Felton, Carmelo Anthony and Gerald Wallace, Brook Lopez and Tyson
Chandler, with the x-factor in JR Smith. Who are you taking tonight?
Justin Thomas
ESPN 730 Charlotte Bobcats Insider and Blogger
Twitter: @JTyree704
Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/SportsFromMyEyes
ESPN 730 Charlotte Bobcats Insider and Blogger
Twitter: @JTyree704
Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/SportsFromMyEyes
Monday, December 10, 2012
Bobcats Continue To Struggle Falling To The Warriors
The Bobcats fall to the Golden State Warriors 104-96 stretching the losing streak to now eight games, and the road only gets tougher. Kemba Walker was the Cats leading scorer with 24 points, with rookie Michael Kidd-Gilchrist having a solid showing of 17 points of his own.
The Cats trailed at the half by 18, making a better effort in the second half cutting the lead to eight late in the fourth, but it wasn’t enough to earn the victory.
With the Cats on this losing streak it’s getting harder and harder to circle wins. The Cats welcome in the Clippers on Wednesday, then travel to take on the Hawks Friday, whom they’ve played well, but have lost both of the previous matchups.
Ultimately, the Cats should end the losing streak at 10 games winning against the Orlando Magic who they face Saturday in Charlotte, unless they defeat the Clippers and or Hawks. As unreal as it may sound, they can pull off both wins, the odds just aren’t in their favor.
Through 20 games the Cats have two major problems, defending the three point line and execution in the half court offense. There are also some improvements from last season, the effort is there, and you now know Kemba Walker and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist are your franchise players moving forward
.
Justin Thomas
ESPN 730 Charlotte Bobcats Insider and Blogger
Twitter: @JTyree704
Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/SportsFromMyEyes
The Cats trailed at the half by 18, making a better effort in the second half cutting the lead to eight late in the fourth, but it wasn’t enough to earn the victory.
With the Cats on this losing streak it’s getting harder and harder to circle wins. The Cats welcome in the Clippers on Wednesday, then travel to take on the Hawks Friday, whom they’ve played well, but have lost both of the previous matchups.
Ultimately, the Cats should end the losing streak at 10 games winning against the Orlando Magic who they face Saturday in Charlotte, unless they defeat the Clippers and or Hawks. As unreal as it may sound, they can pull off both wins, the odds just aren’t in their favor.
Through 20 games the Cats have two major problems, defending the three point line and execution in the half court offense. There are also some improvements from last season, the effort is there, and you now know Kemba Walker and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist are your franchise players moving forward
.
Justin Thomas
ESPN 730 Charlotte Bobcats Insider and Blogger
Twitter: @JTyree704
Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/SportsFromMyEyes
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Bobcats Fall To Knicks By Buzzer Beater
The Charlotte Bobcats fell victim to the New York Knicks by a buzzer beater from JR Smith handing the Bobcats their fifth straight lost, with the final score being 100-98 in a packed Time Warner Cable Area of 18,000.
JR Smith's last second shot wouldn't have been possible if it wasn't for the turnovers and mental mistakes from the Bobcats late down the stretch.
The Bobcats had the edge on the Knicks in every major category. Better shooting percentage of 47 percent to the Knicks 42.5 percent. Better from behind the arch 43.8 percent to the Knicks 31.7 percent. Even shooting better from the free-throw line 86.7 percent to the Knicks 69.2 percent. The Bobcats even controlled the rebounding battle aginst the Knicks 50 to 36. For the most important stat being turnovers, the battle lost that battle of 12 to 8, with the last four turnovers leading their defeat.
Outside of the mental mistakes down the stretch, the Bobcats played a solid game. The Bobcats have just a rough stretch, which are all apart of growing pains when you have a young nucleus. The road only gets tougher when the Bobcats travel to take on the Milwaukee Bucks Friday, and then welcome in the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday.
The Bobcats could win both games, lose both games, or split the two games. In the NBA wins are hard to come by, and the young Bobcats are learning the hard way.
Justin Thomas
ESPN 730 Charlotte Bobcats Insider and Blogger
Twitter: @JTyree704
Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/SportsFromMyEyes
JR Smith's last second shot wouldn't have been possible if it wasn't for the turnovers and mental mistakes from the Bobcats late down the stretch.
The Bobcats had the edge on the Knicks in every major category. Better shooting percentage of 47 percent to the Knicks 42.5 percent. Better from behind the arch 43.8 percent to the Knicks 31.7 percent. Even shooting better from the free-throw line 86.7 percent to the Knicks 69.2 percent. The Bobcats even controlled the rebounding battle aginst the Knicks 50 to 36. For the most important stat being turnovers, the battle lost that battle of 12 to 8, with the last four turnovers leading their defeat.
Outside of the mental mistakes down the stretch, the Bobcats played a solid game. The Bobcats have just a rough stretch, which are all apart of growing pains when you have a young nucleus. The road only gets tougher when the Bobcats travel to take on the Milwaukee Bucks Friday, and then welcome in the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday.
The Bobcats could win both games, lose both games, or split the two games. In the NBA wins are hard to come by, and the young Bobcats are learning the hard way.
Justin Thomas
ESPN 730 Charlotte Bobcats Insider and Blogger
Twitter: @JTyree704
Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/SportsFromMyEyes
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Are The Dallas Cowboys Still "America's Team?"
Most of you know
the Dallas Cowboys for claiming the title of “America’s team”, winning three
super bowls in the 1990’s being the NFL’s most popular team. Since the last championship
in 1995, and last playoff win coming in 2009. With that being said are the Cowboys
still “America’s team”?
The Dallas Cowboys
by many football analysts have labeled as a “model of inconsistency” over the
past decade or so. Some just believe the Cowboys since the beginning of the
2000s are nothing more than an average team living off of their past
accomplishments. There also are many who believe the lack of success lies on
their owner, president, and general manager in Jerry Jones.
The latest poll
conducted by ESPN showed that the Cowboys received 8.8 percent of the votes
sticking with the title of “America’s team”. The Green Bay Packers came in
second place earning 7.2 percent of the votes. What’s funny is that the NFL
conducted a poll which had the Packers number in 2011, with the most recent in
May of 2012 showing that it wasn't the Packers, but that it was the Cowboys who
topped the list.
What’s funny about
this is that the Cowboys haven’t played in a Super Bowl since 1995 and last won
a playoff game in 2009. Yet, they are rated the number one most valuable sports
franchise in all of the United States by Forbes with revenue of $2.1 billion.
It doesn't end there, they also are the wealthiest team in the NFL generating
around $269 million in annual revenue. Television ratings you ask? The Cowboys
are the most watched team in prime time dating back to 2006, along with
averaging 19,152,000 million viewers dating back to 2006 topping the NFL
according to Bloomberg. Their fan support is best in the league, with their national following might
base selling out stadiums everywhere they go leading the NFL in consecutive sell-outs
home and away.
Despite whether or
not you are a fan of the Cowboys, they continue to hold the title “America’s
team."
Justin Thomas
ESPN Charlotte 730 Bobcats Insider and Blogger
Twitter: @JTyree704
Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/SportsFromMyEyes
Friday, November 23, 2012
5 Reasons Why Charlotte Should Support The Charlotte Bobcats (Part 1)
1. Rich Cho
2. Coach Mike Dunlap
3. Kemba Walker is emerging into a solid NBA point guard
4. MKG and Jeff Taylor are proving to be solid draft choices
5. New team new season new look ...
The Charlotte Bobcats are 6-4 sitting in a tie for third place in the Eastern Conference through 10 games. Tonight the Charlotte Bobcats will welcome in the Atlanta Hawks at Time Warner Table Arena at 7 with the game being covered by Fox SportsSouth.
Justin Thomas
ESPN 730 Charlotte Bobcats Insider and Blogger
Twitter: @JTyree704
Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/SportsFromMyEyes
2. Coach Mike Dunlap
3. Kemba Walker is emerging into a solid NBA point guard
4. MKG and Jeff Taylor are proving to be solid draft choices
5. New team new season new look ...
The Charlotte Bobcats are 6-4 sitting in a tie for third place in the Eastern Conference through 10 games. Tonight the Charlotte Bobcats will welcome in the Atlanta Hawks at Time Warner Table Arena at 7 with the game being covered by Fox SportsSouth.
Justin Thomas
ESPN 730 Charlotte Bobcats Insider and Blogger
Twitter: @JTyree704
Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/SportsFromMyEyes
Monday, October 29, 2012
Preview of Alabama at LSU
You can throw the rankings out of the window on Saturday night with the Alabama Crimson Tide travels to Baton Rouge to take on the LSU Tigers.
Its easy to say Alabama will run away with this game due to the issues that LSU has at the quarterback position, but its not that simple. Across the board both teams are almost identical. Both ranking in the top 10 for allowing points on defense, and both rely heavy on the running game Alabama averaging 214.4 rushing yards and LSU averaging 208.4 yards. Who will be able to impose their will is the question.
Its clear that Alabama holds the advantage at the quarterback position with AJ McCarron, meanwhile LSU has the advantage with their defensive front. Outside of turnovers, 3rd down will determine the game for the most part.
Alabama will win if they can force LSU into tough situations on 3rd down. Alabama wants Mettenberger to have to beat them through the air, meaning 3rd and long situations when he has to throw the ball.
Seeing that LSU holds the advantage with their front four, they are going to have to be able to hit McCarron and sack him with the opportunity presents itself. LSU must avoid getting put into 3rd and long situations, knowing Mettenberger has struggled through the air.
I don't expect this to be an high scoring affair, Alabama has to get after Mettenberger, and LSU has to keep Mettenberger out of 3rd and long situations. With that being said we will see who imposes their will Saturday night.
Justin Thomas
ESPN 730 Blogger
Twitter: @JTyree704
Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/SportsFromMyEyes
Its easy to say Alabama will run away with this game due to the issues that LSU has at the quarterback position, but its not that simple. Across the board both teams are almost identical. Both ranking in the top 10 for allowing points on defense, and both rely heavy on the running game Alabama averaging 214.4 rushing yards and LSU averaging 208.4 yards. Who will be able to impose their will is the question.
Its clear that Alabama holds the advantage at the quarterback position with AJ McCarron, meanwhile LSU has the advantage with their defensive front. Outside of turnovers, 3rd down will determine the game for the most part.
Alabama will win if they can force LSU into tough situations on 3rd down. Alabama wants Mettenberger to have to beat them through the air, meaning 3rd and long situations when he has to throw the ball.
Seeing that LSU holds the advantage with their front four, they are going to have to be able to hit McCarron and sack him with the opportunity presents itself. LSU must avoid getting put into 3rd and long situations, knowing Mettenberger has struggled through the air.
I don't expect this to be an high scoring affair, Alabama has to get after Mettenberger, and LSU has to keep Mettenberger out of 3rd and long situations. With that being said we will see who imposes their will Saturday night.
Justin Thomas
ESPN 730 Blogger
Twitter: @JTyree704
Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/SportsFromMyEyes
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