Rapid Fire Picks for November 5th

College Football:

Last Week: 16-8
Overall: 180-51

Top 25, based on BCS Standings:
#2 Alabama over #1 LSU
#3 Oklahoma State over #14 Kansas State
#4 Stanford over Oregon State
#5 Boise State over UNLV
#6 Oklahoma over Texas A&M
#9 South Carolina over #7 Arkansas…I’m sticking with the pick from the beginning of the year, SC 49-17
#8 Oregon over Washington…could be a trap game for the Ducks
#10 Nebraska over Northwestern
#13 Houston over UAB
#15 Michigan over Iowa
#17 Michigan State over Minnesota
#18 Georgia over New Mexico State
#19 Arizona State over UCLA
#20 Wisconsin over Purdue
#21 Texas over Texas Tech
#24 West Virginia over Louisville
#25 Southern Miss over East Carolina

SEC:
Florida over Vanderbilt…close
Ole Miss over Kentucky…first to score might win this game
Tennessee over Middle Tennessee State
Mississippi State over Tennessee-Martin

ACC:
Virginia over Maryland
North Carolina over North Carolina State
Miami (FL) over Duke
Notre Dame over Wake Forest

Other Games:
SMU over Tulane
Troy over Navy
Air Force over Army

NFL

Last Week: 8-5
Overall: 77-38

Bills over Jets
Cowboys over Seahawks
Falcons over Colts
Chiefs over Dolphins
Saints over Buccaneers
49ers over Redskins
Texans over Browns
Raiders over Broncos
Patriots over Giants
Rams over Cardinals
Packers over Chargers
Steelers over Ravens
Bears over Eagles

Rapid Fire Picks for October 29th

There was an issue with the site that these are normally posted on, so they will be here today.

NFL:

Last Week: 7-6
Overall: 69-33

Titans over Colts
Saints over Rams
Dolphins over Giants
Panthers over Vikings
Ravens over Cardinals
Texans over Jaguars
Bills over Redskins
Lions over Broncos
Patriots over Steelers
49ers over Browns
Seahawks over Bengals
Cowboys over Eagles
Chiefs over Chargers

College Football (Rankings based on BCS Standings):

Last Week: 18-7
Overall: 164-43

#3 Oklahoma State over Baylor
#5 Clemson over Georgia Tech
#6 Stanford over USC
#7 Oregon over Washington State
#9 Oklahoma over #8 Kansas State
#10 Arkansas over Vanderbilt
#14 Nebraska over #11 Michigan State
#12 Virginia Tech over Duke
#13 South Carolina over Tennessee…SC 23-16
#15 Wisconsin over Ohio State
#16 Texas A&M over Missouri
#18 Michigan over Purdue
#19 Penn State over Illinois
#20 Texas Tech over Iowa State
#21 Arizona State over Colorado
Florida over #22 Georgia
#23 Auburn over Ole Miss
#24 Texas over Kansas
#25 West Virginia over Rutgers

ACC:

Florida State over North Carolina State
Maryland over Boston College
Wake Forest over North Carolina

SEC:

Kentucky over Mississippi State

Other Games:

Notre Dame over Navy

Fundraiser:
Remember that WUSC’s fall fundraiser runs through November 3rd. To donate, click on “Support” at the top of the page or call the station at (803) 576-WUSC or online at wusc.sc.edu

Show Correction:
During the show, I kept saying that Texas hasn’t lost back-to-back games since August. That was the Texas Rangers, not the Texas Longhorns football team.

Have a Happy Halloween!!

Gamecocks’ RB Lattimore Out for Season

SC’s star player tears ligaments in left knee in win over Mississippi State

South Carolina Head Coach Steve Spurrier announced in his teleconference on Sunday that sophomore RB Marcus Lattimore is out for the remainder of the season after tearing ligaments and damaging cartilage in his left knee in Saturday’s 14-12 win over Mississippi State.

Lattimore suffered the injury during the fourth quarter drive to win the game.

This is a big loss for the Gamecocks, especially when the offense is in a transitional period as Connor Shaw takes over the reins as starting quarterback.

Brandon Wilds has shown potential as a true freshman in the playing time he has received so far.  He shows the capabilities of being a bruising running back at times.

The wild card will be senior Kenny Miles.  He has played very little this season as he continues to recover from a wrist injury.  He did not travel with the team to Starkville, Mississippi.

Don’t rule out WR Bruce Ellington and Shaw to also figure into the running game for South Carolina.

A position that was thought to be very deep, has suddenly become thin with the injury to Lattimore.  This Gamecocks team is now one that must replace the centerpiece of its offense, as they attempt to defend the SEC Eastern Division title.

It is a perfect time for an off week, to formulate a game plan for the remainder of the season, before traveling to Knoxville to take on the University of Tennessee Volunteers next week.

2011 South Carolina Gamecocks’ Football Predictions

UPDATE (10/24):  Game scores or time/television included

With one week to go before the Gamecocks open their 2011 season in Charlotte against the East Carolina Pirates, it is time for my yearly predictions for every game this season.

The Gamecocks return a veteran team, as well as a team that has the experience of playing in the SEC Championship game against Auburn last season.  It is a team that has spent the offseason dealing once again with the off-the-field problems of QB Stephen Garcia.

However, Steve Spurrier hopes to ride on the shoulders of Heisman Award candidate RB Marcus Lattimore and potential first-overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft WR Alshon Jeffery.

Here is the 2011 South Carolina season in “preview:”

September 3rd, East Carolina Pirates vs. South Carolina Gamecocks (Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.; SC 56, ECU 37)

The Gamecocks open the season with a neural site game against the East Carolina Pirates.  In the past, the Pirates have been a team that is able to play great games against top-ranked opponents.

However, the Gamecocks open the season wanting to prove they are the 12th ranked team in college football, and a big win against the Pirates would go a long way in proving that the Gamecocks are ready to shine.

East Carolina might show early that they can hang with the Gamecocks, but the running attack led by Lattimore will be too much.

Gamecocks 42, Pirates 14

September 10th – South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Georgia Bulldogs (SC 45, UGA 42)

This game will be an early test again, but more to see if the Gamecocks are legitimate within the SEC.

Georgia returns star QB Aaron Murray, but the Bulldogs lost his biggest target, WR A.J. Green to the NFL.

This is a make or break season for Mark Richt, whose teams have struggles the last few seasons in the SEC, especially the Matthew Stafford days.

This will be a close game, but the Gamecocks are just a little too much for the Bulldogs.  Don’t be surprised if this game is won on special teams.

Gamecocks 27, Bulldogs 24

September 17th – Navy Midshipmen vs. South Carolina Gamecocks (SC 24, Navy 21)

The Gamecocks have struggled in past years defending the option, and the biggest test will be the Midshipmen.

Gamecock fans will remember the down-to-the-wire struggles against the Wofford Terriers (a FCS school), a team that runs the offense.

The best way for the Gamecocks to win wil be to give Navy a taste of its own medicine, and counter with Lattimore, trying to control the clock to limit Navy’s opportunities on offense.

This will be a trap game for the Gamecocks, but they should earn the victory in the first home game of the season.

Gamecocks 21, Midshipmen 17

September 24th – Vanderbilt Commodores vs. South Carolina Gamecocks (SC 21, VANDY 3)

For a team (Vanderbilt) that struggles to win one game each season, it is amazing how much the Gamecocks struggle against the Commodores.

However, this is the type of game that the Gamecocks need to win in blowout fashion, to get back-up QB Connor Shaw some much needed experience.

South Carolina will be the better team in this game, but the Gamecocks’ issue of playing down to some opponents will rear its ugly head once again.

Gamecocks 17, Commodores 10

October 1st – Auburn Tigers vs. South Carolina Gamecocks (Auburn 16, SC 13)

For some reason, Gamecock fans hold a grudge against the Tigers, but the Tigers were the better team last season.

Fans also believe that Auburn is going to be a terrible team, one year after their amazing national championship run.

Make no question about it, however, Auburn is not the same team they were one season ago, but they are not terrible.

They do return RB Michael Dyer, who will be the focal point of the offense.

The home-field advantage will be the difference in this game, but it will be a hard-nosed matchup between the two teams who battled for the SEC Championship.

Gamecocks 31, Tigers 27

October 8th – Kentucky Wildcats vs. South Carolina Gamecocks (SC 54, UK 3)

Much like Vanderbilt, South Carolina has a hard time finding a way to defeat Kentucky.

This was not more evident when last year, an injury to Lattimore stalled the Gamecocks’ offense while Randall Cobb led the Wildcats on a comeback win.

This season, the battle between these two teams will not change, even though South Carolina is the significantly better team.

The difference will be a healthy Lattimore, who will help to put the game away in the fourth quarter.

Gamecocks 28, Wildcats 14

October 15th – South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs (SC 14, MSST 12)

This easily could be the game of the season in the SEC.  Both of these teams are equal.

Each team has is up-and-coming, with a sometimes inconsistent quarterback.  For the Gamecocks, Garcia, and for the Bulldogs, Chris Relf.

Bulldogs’ head coach Dan Mullen made this team competitve last season, and could make a run like Auburn did last season.

The difference in this game will be that it is played in Starkville, Mississippi.  This will be the game that ends the Gamecocks’ bid at an undefeated season.

Bulldogs 28, Gamecocks 24

October 29th – South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Tennessee Volunteers (7:15 p.m., ESPN2)

The second half of last year’s game between these two teams helped the Vols find its quarterback in Tyler Bray, replacing Matt Simms.

Bray helped to lead Tennessee to a bowl game in head coach Derek Dooley’s first season in Knoxville.

The Gamecocks will also try to get back to its winning ways, after losing its first (and likely only) game in 2011.

Tennessee will be more competitive in this year’s battle, and this has the potential to be a trap game for the Gamecocks, if the team begins to look ahead to Arkansas and Florida.

However, the Gamecocks will try to avenge the fumbling problems of the game two years ago in Knoxville.  The defense will make the difference for South Carolina.

Gamecocks 23, Volunteers 16

November 5th – South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Arkansas Razorbacks (7:15 p.m., ESPN)

Last season, the Gamecocks were caught looking ahead to a game in Florida to try and win the SEC East.

A mediocre pass defense could not stop QB Ryan Mallett, as the Razorbacks throttled the Gamecocks 41-20.

Mallett does not return for the Razorbacks, and a severe injury to RB Knile Davis will end up making for a long season in Fayetteville.

The Gamecocks will get revenge on the Razorbacks, as Arkansas struggles to find an offensive identity without Davis.

Gamecocks 49, Razorbacks 17

November 12th – Florida Gators vs. South Carolina Gamecocks (12:00 p.m., CBS or 3:30 p.m., CBS or 6:00 p.m., ESPN2 or 7:45 p.m., ESPN)

Unlike last season, this game does not appear to have the postseason implications, a win meant advancing to the SEC Championship Game.

The Gators are in a rebuilding mode, as Will Muschamp takes over following Urban Meyer’s resignation/retirement/sabbatical.

Even though the Gators return key players such as RB/WR Chris Rainey, TE/WR/QB Trey Burton, and QB John Brantley, it will still struggle to adjust.

This might be a little closer than last year’s, but South Carolina is still the better team and should be able to pull away late.

Gamecocks 28, Gators 17

November 19th – The Citadel Bulldogs vs. South Carolina Gamecocks (12:00 p.m., Pay-Per-View)

Much like last year, the ‘orange crush’ schedule is broken up by a lesser opponent.  This year, it is the task of The Citadel to play the role of the Troy Trojans.

This will be an opportunity for Spurrier to test out some plays that might come into play as the Gamecocks look towards the rivalry game against Clemson and the SEC Championship Game.

This should be an easy victory, but Gamecock fans know not to take these games for granted.

Gamecocks 63, Bulldogs 9

November 26th – Clemson Tigers vs. South Carolina Gamecocks (TBA)

For many Gamecock fans, this is the only game that matters on the schedule every single year.

At this point for the Tigers, they will have exceeded expectations, or there could be an interim coach for Dabo Swinney.

However, it is impossible to overlook the running ability of Andre Ellington and an always stout defense.  The development of Tajh Boyd at quarterback will make the difference.

This game always seems to turn on one play.  Once again, that play will go in favor of the Gamecocks.

Gamecocks 34, Tigers 21

There you have it, an 11-1 overall record in 2011, with a 7-1 record in the SEC.

The only hiccup for the Gamecocks will come against Mississippi State, as the Bulldogs have the edge as the game will be played in Starkville.

However, 11-1 will have the Gamecocks in the top 10 in the polls, and positioned back in the SEC Championship game.

It is important to caution that the key to the Gamecocks will be the first three games.  If they overlook the two non-conference games against East Carolina and Navy, the Gamecocks could easily start the season 0-3.

That would leave the Gamecock faithful shaking their heads wondering how and why.

As games are added (i.e. SEC Championship Game and a bowl game), the predictions will follow.

Pearl Fired By Tennessee; Hamilton SHOULD be Next (UPDATED)

The University of Tennessee’s worst kept secret was revealed Monday afternoon, firing Men’s Basketball coach Bruce Pearl.

Pearl’s dismissal was sealed by the Volunteers’ 75-45 loss to the Michigan Wolverines in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.  This also stems from alleged recruiting violations, which resulted in an 8-game suspension during SEC play for Pearl.

This is just another chapter in the problems at Tennessee since Lane Kiffin was named the program’s football coach two years ago.  Kiffin immediately committed recruiting violations, which got the NCAA looking into the program.

What the NCAA found was a whole can of worms within the Tennessee athletics programs.  The focus was suddenly shifted to the men’s basketball program.

Pearl is very enthusiastic about basketball, his players, and the Tennessee Volunteers.  Name me another coach that would stand in the student section painted up for a women’s basketball game.

Pearl was the best thing to happen to the Tennessee athletics program in years.  If there is anyone that should be fired is Athletics Director Mike Hamilton.

In the last 3 years, one of the proudest athletic’s departments in the country, has quickly become the laughing-stock of the SEC and the country.

Hamilton’s ability as an athletic’s director came under scrutiny, especially sticking behind Kiffin and Pearl, often denying any allegations of wrong-doing of either program.

During that time, the NCAA was investigating the program, Hamilton continued to deny, and stood behind his coaches.

Yes, Pearl lied.  Yes, Pearl had an embarrassing loss in his final game as coach.  Fans in Tennessee still love Pearl, but ultimately, Pearl is not the only one responsible.

Hamilton has let the Tennessee program fall to shambles under his watch.  Pearl knows what he did wrong, and why he is no longer employed.  He will find a job again, but my suggestion for him would be to go under the radar for a year or so (do television).

However, Hamilton should also be fired.  Too much has happened for one to believe that he is capable of continuing to run the University of Tennessee.

UPDATE:  Late Monday evening, following the announcement firing Pearl, Hamilton and school Chancellor Jimmy Cheek announced that there was another potential violation by Pearl and his staff earlier this month.

If this is true, which all reports indicate, the argument for not firing Pearl fall-apart.  However, the argument to fire Hamilton strengthens.  Hamilton continuously fails to keep a close watch to the troubled basketball program.

Early 2011 Gamecocks Schedule Preview

Those who know me best know that I can’t stand talking about college football after the National Championship game.  However, with the release of the South Carolina Gamecocks’ 2011 football schedule, it seems warranted.

On paper, some might say that the Gamecocks have one of the easier schedules that they have had in recent memory.  Look at it a little closer, and it is clear the road to return to the SEC Championship Game is not as easy.

The 2011 schedule for the Gamecocks is broken down into different segments.  The Gamecocks have stretches of travelling or playing at Williams-Brice Stadium.

South Carolina starts the season on the road its first two weeks.  A non-conference game in Charlotte against East Carolina will not be an easy season-opener, compared to previous seasons.  While the Pirates do not have the best defense, a win over the Gamecocks would be their equivalent of winning a national title.

The second week has the Gamecocks playing in their first conference game, travelling to Athens, Georgia to take on the Bulldogs.  Last season was an easy win, this season it will be a little tougher.  Georgia QB Aaron Murray has much more confidence after a rough game last year against South Carolina.

The Gamecocks will then start a stretch of four consecutive home games.  The first is a tough non-conference game against Navy.  Gamecocks fans do not have to be reminded of the close wins against teams who run the option, like the Midshipmen.

This is followed up by three conference games.  Vanderbilt is under another new head coach, and should be an easy game for South Carolina.

Next up is Auburn.  Auburn is losing a lot of key players from its 2011 National Championship team.  It will be interesting to see what Auburn will look like, and if Gene Chizik will bring a competitive team to the table.

The fourth home game in this stretch will be against Kentucky.  Last season, Kentucky came back in the 4th quarter to defeat a then 10th-ranked Gamecock team.  The Gamecocks will try to avenge last season’s loss, but the Wildcats always bring a tough fight.

The next three games will be the tests for the Gamecocks, which will see them travel to Starkville, Knoxville, and Fayetteville in a four-week stretch.  All three of these teams are going to be early season favorites in their respected divisions, and could be the difference between a great season and a good season for South Carolina.

Finally, the Gamecocks will end with three home games.  Florida will come in with a new coach, Will Muschamp, and an adjustment period for the Gators will be expected.

The schedule once again lobs South Carolina a curveball when The Citadel goes to Williams-Brice Stadium.  The last time South Carolina played The Citadel, they lost.

The season wraps up the same way it has for many years, with its annual game against Clemson.  Clemson will be trying to play for Dabo Swinney’s job, if he is still there.

On paper, it looks easy.  However, travel will prove the difference for South Carolina this season.  Inability to win on the road could prove detrimental to the Gamecocks attempt to return to Atlanta.

We will go much more in-depth as the 2011 season approaches as to who will win, and if the Gamecocks can return to Atlanta.

GAMECOCKS 2011 SCHEDULE

September 3rd – vs. East Carolina (game played in Charlotte)

September 10th – at Georgia

September 17th – vs. Navy

September 24th – vs. Vanderbilt

October 1st – vs. Auburn

October 8th – vs. Kentucky

October 15th – at Mississippi State

October 29th – at Tennessee

November 5th – at Arkansas

November 12th – vs. Florida

November 19th – vs. The Citadel

November 26th – vs. Clemson

When Spurrier Leaves, Who is his Replacement?

With the unexpected resignation of Florida Head Coach Urban Meyer, it reminds you that anything in the coaching business can change unexpectedly.

While South Carolina Head Coach Steve Spurrier is not expected to leave the school anytime soon, it is never too soon to discuss viable candidates that could succeed Spurrier.

There are a couple in-house candidates as well as coaches who currently have other jobs.  We will look at three different candidates for each category.

In-House Candidates (Coaches currently with the school)

Shane Beamer, Special Teams Coordinator, Recruiting Coordinator, Spurs & Strong Safeties Coach – Beamer has a long title, but it is well deserved.

Beamer, the son of Virginia Tech Head Coach Frank Beamer, has made big strides in improving the special teams of the Gamecocks.

He has also raised the bar in recruiting for the Gamecocks.  After many failures with recruits from David Reaves, Beamer has brought in better athletes and athletes with good heads on their shoulders.

Beamer has the background and is a rising star in the coaching ranks.  South Carolina should do whatever is necessary to keep Beamer around for the long haul.

G.A. Mangus, Quarterbacks Coach – The main difference in Gamecocks’ QB Stephen Garcia’s development is Mangus.  When Mangus was hired, he was dubbed as Garcia’s baby-sitter.

There has also been a noticable difference when Mangus calls plays as opposed to Steve Spurrier.  Mangus tries to run the ball much more than Spurrier attempts.

Mangus, a Spurrier disciple, is only in his second season at South Carolina, but his presence has been felt.  He is very similar to Beamer in his reputation in the coaching world.  He is a rising star and will be a candidate for offensive coordinator jobs around the country.

Steve Spurrier Jr., Wide Receivers Coach – The only reason Spurrier Jr. is put in this list is because of his last name.

Much like the Lou and Skip Holtz experience, Spurrier Jr. has lost stock in his coaching capabilities.  While you could say his receiving core is among the best in the country, you have to look at improvements in recruiting.

Spurrier Jr. has also lost tasks within his tenure at South Carolina.  He was once the play-caller, but the idea of him calling plays any time soon won’t happen.

Like I said, the only reason he is a listed candidate, is last names go a long way in figuring out coaching pedigree.  See Derek Dooley, Head Coach for the University of Tennessee.

Outside Candidates

Gary Patterson, Head Coach, TCU – Patterson has guided TCU to multiple undefeated seasons, and multiple BCS games.

His name always comes up when big-time jobs come up every year.  Yet he remains at TCU, who will be in the Big East, a BCS conference soon.

However, when Spurrier leaves, he will be linked to this job.  Patterson was hired by current South Carolina Athletics Director Eric Hyman when Hyman held that position at TCU.

Hyman has made statements in the past that Patterson and him still communicate.  It would be no surprise if he follows Hyman to South Carolina.

Chris Peterson, Head Coach, Boise State – There is no secret about the success Peterson has had at Boise State after he inherited the job from Dan Hawkins, the now-former Colorado Head Coach.

It is worth pointing out that if Peterson balks at talking to Florida about their current head coaching vacancy, one would begin to wonder if Peterson would ever leave Boise State.

Not just for Florida, but for everyone, Peterson is at the top of the coaching wish list.  However, after the failure of Hawkins, you wonder if he is not willing to step-out of his comfort zone.

Brent Venables, Associate Head Coach, Defensive Coordinator, Linebackers Coach, Oklahoma – It is important to mention an up-and-coming coach to the conversation of potential replacements for Steve Spurrier.

Venables has been at Oklahoma Head Coach Bob Stoops’ side now for several years.  He is recognized as one of the top defensive coaches in the country.

Hyman has shown that he has been willing to hire up-and-coming coaches.  This differs from the mindset of former South Carolina Athletics Director Mike McGee, who often hired the “big name” coach.  See Lou Holtz, Former South Carolina Head Coach.

The question would be whether or not you could pry Venables away from Oklahoma.  He is a likely candidate to replace Stoops, whenever that situation arises.

Venables would bring a defensive mind to South Carolina, an aspect that a South Carolina head coach has not had for several years.

There you have it.  While Spurrier is not expected to leave South Carolina anytime soon, it is important to realize that he is not getting any younger.

He has earned the right to coach the Gamecocks as long as he wants, but one day, the need of a new head coach will arise.

SEC Power Rankings: Week 4

It usually takes fours games of a season to learn enough about a team to be able to form an accurate ranking.  Now let’s look at the SEC from top to bottom, starting with the defending national champions and 4-0 Alabama Crimson Tide.

1. Alabama (4-0, 1-0) – This is the most obvious choice in the entire list.  The Crimson Tide rank first in the SEC in scoring offense and defense, putting up 39.5 points per game, while only allowing 9.8 points.  They showcase the top running back tandem in the conference lead by 2009 Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram and sophomore sensation Trent Richardson.  Also, as I’m sure everyone knows by now, quarterback Greg McElroy simply doesn’t lose.  He has not lost a game he has started since the eighth grade.
2. Auburn (4-0, 2-0) – Led by transfer quarterback and former Florida Gator Cam Newton, Auburn has the SEC’s top rushing offense, averaging 278 yards per game.  Newton leads the team, and conference in rushing with 485 yards in just four games.  And while he is not lighting up the passing game in yardage, he does have the highest pass efficiency, with a 182.5.
3. Arkansas (3-1, 1-1) – Head and shoulders above all other SEC pass offenses, Arkansas is led by one of the top quarterbacks in the nation, Ryan Mallett.  Mallett is seen by many scouts as a dominant force and easy first round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.  He leads the conference in passing offense, averaging 359.5 yards per game, which is over 120 yards more than Kentucky’s Mike Hartline who sits in second.  Arkansas pushed Alabama to the limit last Saturday, but Mallett’s three interceptions kept the Razorbacks from closing it out.
4. Florida (4-0, 2-0) – The story with the Gators’ season centers on quarterback John Brantley replacing the legend of Tim Tebow.  Unfortunately for him, he is not sitting at the top of statistics like Tebow did.  Brantley is currently eighth in the SEC in passing yards with 700, and tied for fourth with six passing touchdowns.  But another quarterback story has emerged, that of freshman Trey Burton, who was responsible for six touchdowns against Kentucky this weekend.  Burton also played some receiver, where he had five catches for 37 yards and one of his touchdowns.
5. LSU (4-0, 2-0) – While they have not been impressive in the eyeball test, LSU has established a setting in the top five teams of the SEC with quality wins and a stout defensive performance.  The Bayou Bengals are ranked second in the SEC in scoring defense, allowing only 12 points per game and first in total defense, allowing just 254 yards per game.  They may not be dazzling, but wins over North Carolina, Mississippi State and West Virginia cannot be overlooked.   Their road to Atlanta (or back to Atlanta if you count the game with North Carolina) only gets tougher as they travel to Florida and Auburn, and face Alabama at home before the trip to rival Arkansas to close out the regular season.
6. South Carolina (3-1, 1-1) – The Gamecocks have been impressive for the first 15 quarters of the season.  However, the fourth quarter in Auburn was, in a word, embarrassing.  Junior quarterback Stephen Garcia lost two fumbles and was replaced by freshman Connor Shaw.  Shaw then proceeded to throw two interceptions, both of which were caused by his inexperience in the SEC.  Inconsistency in the offensive line didn’t help matters either.  However, the bright side for Carolina is their young core of talent, including the freshman phenom running back Marcus Lattimore and the SEC’s leader in receptions and receiving yards Alshon Jeffery.  If they can toughen up in the trenches, the Gamecocks could push Florida for the top spot in the East.
7. Kentucky (3-1, 0-1) – Even after a 48-14 thrashing by Florida, Kentucky sits high in my power rankings.  They have two of the more dynamic offensive players in the SEC, running back Derrick Locke and wide receiver Randall Cobb.  The duo combines for 586 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, as well as Cobb’s 227 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.  While Kentucky hasn’t played a particularly difficult schedule, they have taken down rival Louisville and beat opponents Western Kentucky and Akron by a combined score of 110-38.
8. Mississippi State (2-2, 1-2) – Dan Mullen’s Bulldogs are a little better than most people, including myself expected.  They took Auburn to the end in week two, but fell short by just three points.  This was followed with another loss, this time at the hands of LSU.  However, they came roaring back with a 24-12 win over the Georgia Bulldogs.  This win gives them a few power points in my book.  While they won’t compete for the West crown, they will play spoiler down the road.  Don’t be surprised by a few upsets in conference play from the Bulldogs.
9. Georgia (1-3, 0-3) – The loss of wide receiver AJ Green has hurt Georgia.  We can all agree on that.  However, I am a firm believer that losing one player (except a veteran, proven winner at quarterback) cannot cost a good team three wins.  Losing a skill position player shouldn’t be a reason for losses.  By that, I mean Georgia is not a very good team.  They newly inputted 3-4 defense has been serviceable, but nothing stellar.  Quarterback Aaron Murray has had a good season, but can’t do everything on his own.  The rushing offense, the bread and butter of Georgia every year, is tenth in the SEC with only 124.2 yards per game.  Georgia, once thought to compete for the SEC East, has dropped to having to fight for a bowl bid.
10. Vanderbilt (1-2, 1-1) – The Commodores are an improved team.  But the loss of Coach Bobby Johnson didn’t help the progression, from a leadership perspective.  Vanderbilt will fight for a bowl bid with Tennessee and Georgia, and could make it on the shoulders of running back Warren Norman.  He is tenth in the SEC in rushing, averaging just 75 yards per game.  However, he is averaging 6.8 yards per carry.  If Vanderbilt can stay stern on defense and avoid having to air the ball out, Norman could lead them to a 7 win season and a respectable bowl bid.
11. Tennessee (2-2, 0-1) – We all expected Tennessee to be un-Tennessee-like in 2010.  But not one expected this.  The Volunteers hosted Pac-10 Elite Oregon in week two and held up with them for the first half.  But the second half featured an offensive “nuke” by Oregon, scoring 35 unanswered points (45 going back to the end of the first half).  However, the story of the season was what happened this past weekend in the disappointing win, if there is such a thing, over UAB.  It took overtime and a miracle catch for Tennessee to drop the Blazers, a team that should have been demolished in Neyland Stadium.  Tennessee will be lucky to pull out a six win season in 2010, as they still have trips to LSU, Georgia and South Carolina, as well as home games with Alabama and Kentucky, all which I think they will lose.
12. Ole Miss (2-2, 0-1) – This one was a little simple for me too.  The bottom line is this:  you can’t be an SEC powerhouse and lose to an FCS opponent, Jacksonville State and yearly bottom-of-the-barrel SEC team Vanderbilt AT HOME.  As surprising as the loss to Jacksonville State was, the Vanderbilt loss was officially a blowout (loss by 14 or more points).  Because of this, the Rebels have dropped to dead last.  Even the addition of expected Heisman contender quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, Ole Miss hasn’t proven a single thing to me.  The two wins over Tulane and Fresno State mean next to nothing when compared to the two glaring home losses.

2010 South Carolina Gamecocks’ Football Predictions

With the season opening Thursday night against the Southern Miss, now is probably the right time to put down on paper my predictions for the 2010 South Carolina Gamecocks football season.

As much as diehard Gamecock fans want this season to be the year, it is just not going to happen.  A tough schedule is going to burn the Gamecocks.

Let me, however, clarify something.  This is the Gamecocks best opportunity to make some noise in the SEC East.  A somewhat down year for the division gives the Gamecocks a fighting chance.

September 2nd – vs. Southern Miss – Unlike the past 2 years, a victory is not a guarantee against the Golden Eagles.  Southern Miss brings a fast-paced, pass-happy offense that South Carolina’s Assistant Coach for Defense Ellis Johnson will have to dial in the right scheme.

This is a game that should be close through 3 quarters, but the power of the SEC will allow the Gamecocks to pull away late.  Gamecocks 24, Golden Eagles 14.

September 11th – vs. Georgia – No one expected the sloppy, high-scoring game that occurred last year between these two teams, which had the Bulldogs outlasting the Gamecocks 41-37.

Georgia will have to rely on the running game and a stout defense in order to beat the Gamecocks in the suffocating heat, which will certainly be a factor as kickoff is scheduled for noon.

The Gamecocks will have the more complete, well-balanced team, and will bring home the victory.  Gamecocks 20, Bulldogs 13.

September 18th – vs. Furman – If South Carolina Head Coach Steve Spurrier is going to be tempted to give Connor Shaw an opportunity to start, this is going to be the game.

Shaw, a true freshman, has easily out-practiced incumbent Stephen Garcia.  It’s just hard for Spurrier to start a freshman quarterback.

An otherwise uneventful game will carry a big storyline out of it, who will start the following week at Auburn.  Gamecocks 35, Paladins 10.

September 25th – at Auburn – This is the Gamecocks’ first test on the road in the 2010 season, and it could not have come at a tougher venue–Auburn, Alabama.

This is truthfully a toss up game.  Both teams have the same amount of talent, it is just going to be about which team can minimize the mistakes, and take advantage of turnovers and defensive stops.

The edge goes to Auburn, simply because this game is being played at Jordan-Hare Stadium.  Just like any stadium in the SEC, it’s a tough place to play.  Tigers 24, Gamecocks 20.

October 9th – vs. Alabama – The Gamecocks will get two weeks to prepare for the defending national champions, the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Last year, in Tuscaloosa, the Gamecocks did not get the best of Alabama.  South Carolina could not hold up Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram, who might not even be the team’s best back.  The Gamecocks could have legitametly beaten Alabama, if they had just held Ingram to maybe 100 fewer rushing yards.

The Crimson Tide is an excellent pick to win both the SEC Championship and the National Championship again this season.  Alabama will once again roll over the Gamecocks, just this time, it’s in Columbia.  Crimson Tide 28, Gamecocks 10.

October 16th – at Kentucky – The Gamecocks, just having lost their last two games after winning their first three, have an excellent opportunity to get back to their winning ways.

Kentucky will come into this game still trying to figure out if they have a chance to go to a bowl game, or will this just be another long season for the Wildcats and new coach Joker Phillips.

However, the last few games between these two teams have been very close, including last year’s 28-26 win by South Carolina.  This is a game that if the Gamecocks do not watch out, Kentucky can pull the upset.

On the road in Lexington, Kentucky have brought memorable moments in Gamecocks’ history, the hope is this year, that won’t be needed.  Gamecocks 17, Wildcats 10.

October 23rd – at Vanderbilt – For the last few years, Vanderbilt has driven the Gamecocks crazy.  South Carolina barely won last year.  The Commodores pulled the upset on a Thursday night in Nashville two years ago.  Vanderbilt also defeated the Gamecocks when they were in the top 10 in the polls in the last five years.

There is no reason why South Carolina struggles so mightily against the Commodores, but they seem to have the Gamecocks’ number.

With all that said, and despite new head coach Robbie Caldwell’s endearing personality, the Gamecocks are a more balanced team and should beat the inexperience in Nashville.  Just like any game between these two teams, it’s going to be a nail-bitter.  Gamecocks 13, Commodores 3.

October 30th – vs. Tennessee – The Gamecocks would like to punish the Volunteers, much like what happened on Halloween one year ago in Knoxville.

Tennessee, under new coach Derek Dooley, will struggle to get the six wins to become bowl eligible.  However, this team will fight hard and tough, maybe pulling an upset in one of those games.

Both teams will bring a solid defense, but South Carolina has the edge in offense.  Just like in trying to win any football game, the Gamecocks need to minimize turnovers, and take advantage of the mistakes of a young Tennessee offense.  To steal a line from Lee Corso, this one is going to be closer than the experts think.  With a win, the Gamecocks will become bowl eligible.  Gamecocks 27, Volunteers 14.

November 6th – vs. Arkansas – The Arkansas Razorbacks have one of the top three teams in the SEC.  It is truly a shame that they play in the same division as Alabama.

With quarterback Ryan Mallett returning with a passing game expert in coach Bobby Petrino, this team will battle with Alabama for the top spot in the SEC West.  The talented defensive backfield of Stephon Gilmore, Chris Culliver, and Akeem Auguste of South Carolina will struggle to contain this passing attack.

The only hope South Carolina has is that Mallett becomes too confident at times and force the ball into spaces that will create turnovers for South Carolina.  If the Gamecocks want a legitimate chance to win this game, they will have to do it on defense.  Razorbacks 35, Gamecocks 17.

November 13th – at Florida – After nearly beating Florida one year ago, the Gamecocks will try to win in Gainesville.  For some reason, the Gamecocks tend to bring their A-game when playing at Florida, even before Steve Spurrier became coach.

The Gators will not lose a whole lot with John Brantley taking over for Tim Tebow, if any.  Brantley might fit into Urban Meyer’s system better than Tebow.  Brantley is comparable to Alex Smith, who played as Meyer’s quarterback at Utah.

Regardless of who is the quarterback, Florida is still the team to beat in the SEC East, and they will show that in what will be a close game down in “the swamp.” Gators 24, Gamecocks 14.

November 20th – vs. Troy – For the first time in a couple years, the Gamecocks will not have an off-week between Florida and Clemson, part of the ‘orange-crush.’

There are benefits and risks to having a game after Florida and before Clemson.  You have the opportunity to work on plays that you might use against the Tigers.  At the same time, you risk injury to a star player right before your rivalry game.

The last time these two teams met was in 2005, when South Carolina defeated Troy 45-20.  This is a game to build up the confidence for Clemson, that you might have lost against Florida.  Gamecocks 34, Trojans 7.

November 27th – at Clemson – It is very tempting to pick Clemson in this game, after being embarassed in Columbia last year, and wanting to impress the home crowd at Death Valley.

However, the Gamecocks want to prove that they want to make this an even rivalry once again.  Clemson will be better than originally thought with Kyle Parker playing one final year as quarterback, and a triple-headed running attack.

Expect a much closer game than last year, as these two teams will be battling for playing in December or playing in January (not a BCS game).  Gamecocks 27, Tigers 21.

The Gamecocks will end the season 8-4, 4-4 in the SEC conference.  If all goes well, the Gamecocks will likely play in a New Year’s Day bowl, hopefully in the warm climate of Florida.  (Anyone that went to Birmingham knows its not warm.)

This year’s big storyline will be about the quarterbacks, as Spurrier will often find himself using both Garcia and Shaw.  That means that this team will have to rely heavily on its stout defense if it has real aspirations to go to Atlanta for either the Chick-Fil-A Bowl or the SEC Championship.

Section 26 Sports Final Mock Draft

So here it is folks.  This is the final NFL mock draft of the year.  This mock draft is full of interesting draft picks that you may not see anywhere else.

And keep in mind I don’t do trades in my mocks.  They get way too complicated and are impossible to predict.   I could easily see some teams, especially Detroit trading down, and some others, especially Oakland or Cleveland trading up at some point.

Round One
1. St Louis – Sam Bradford QB Oklahoma – They obviously need a franchise QB and Bradford is tops in the draft class.
2. Detroit – Ndamukong Suh DT Nebraska – I could easily see a trade down here. Detroit has holes to fill as positions with depth in the draft (RB, OT, DT). However, because I don’t do trades, they take Suh.
3. Tampa Bay – Gerald McCoy DT Oklahoma – Defensive line help is the biggest need for Tampa and they get an elite DT.
4. Washington – Russell Okung OT Oklahoma St – Chris Samuels retired and Washington got their QB in McNabb. Step 2 is the franchise LT, Okung.
5. Kansas City – Trent Williams OT Oklahoma – Kansas City could go in quite a few directions here, but if they’re smart they’ll go with the offensive line. Branden Albert faded quickly last season and they need someone to fill in and protect Cassel.
6. Seattle – Bryan Bulaga OT Iowa – With Seattle’s two first round picks, they will try to bolster the trenches. It seems sure one of the top two DE’s should drop to them later so they take Bulaga here.
7. Cleveland – Eric Berry FS Tennessee – It is amazing Berry fell this far and Cleveland should be thrilled. They fill a need with one of the top players in the draft. Berry will also help in the return game which would assist Cribbs moving to WR permanently.
8. Oakland – Bruce Campbell OT Maryland – This is a HUGE reach. Campbell is not a top player, but he’s very athletic for a tackle and, well, this is Al Davis after all.
9. Buffalo – Anthony Davis OT Rutgers – Buffalo has one of the worst offensive lines in the league so they desperately need to address it. With a line that bad, it doesn’t matter who is at QB. Anthony Davis is a bull when run blocking and Buffalo will have to rely on their run game, as they have no pass game. This seems a natural pick.
10. Jacksonville – Derrick Morgan DE Georgia Tech – Morgan is the best pass rushing DE in the draft and he will go to the worst pass rushing team in the NFL, Jacksonville. Jacksonville did sign Aaron Kampman, but that won’t be enough. This will give youth and fire to the weak defensive line.
11. Denver (from Chicago) – Dez Bryant WR Oklahoma St – As expected, Brandon Marshall is gone. We also found out that Tony Scheffler is going to Detroit. Eddie Royal is a good WR, but not a number one option. They need an elite receiver and Bryant is the best in the class.
12. Miami – Dan Williams DT Tennessee – Miami has a few needs but nose tackle is a glaring one. However, if they do trade Ronnie Brown, CJ Spiller could jump up to this pick for Miami.
13. San Francisco – Joe Haden CB Florida – Haden does not fill their strongest needs, offensive line and quarterback, but he’s the best player available and the 49ers have two first round picks. He’s worth the pick here as a top notch player.
14. Seattle (from Denver) – Jason Pierre-Paul DE S Florida – As stated before, Seattle has to start from the inside out with the trenches. It’s time for the defensive line and Jason Pierre-Paul is the pick. He can play a 4-3 DE or a 3-4 rush LB. Here he’ll play at DE and rush the passer, which is his specialty.
15. NY Giants – Rolando McClain ILB Alabama – Antonio Pierce was a staple on the Giants defense, but his neck injuries led to his release. The Giants need to retool and the best place to start is at MLB. However, if they trade Osi Umenyiora they could draft a DE here, possible Carlos Dunlap.
16. Tennessee – Kyle Wilson CB Boise St – The could go defensive line, but I really think they need to go with a CB here. Wilson is a physical back and fits well with Tennessee’s philosophy.
17. San Francisco (from Carolina) – Jimmy Clausen QB Notre Dame – Some say Clausen would never fall this far, but I really don’t like his future. He has an attitude issue and a slow deliver at times. However, the 49ers need a QB and Clausen has potential.
18. Pittsburgh – Devin McCourty CB Rutgers – The current CB’s on the Steelers’ roster are weak and can’t get it done. McCourty is an underrated CB that will fit well with the Steelers’ defense.
19. Atlanta – Carlos Dunlap DE Florida – Jamaal Anderson is a bust, we all know that now. It’s time to get a young pass rusher to play opposite John Abraham. Dunlap is a big pass rusher with the size and speed to start immediately. He does however have motivation problems at times.
20. Houston – Earl Thomas FS Texas – Houston will need to fill a big need at both safety positions as well as replace CB Dunta Robinson. Here they will go with Thomas who will fall further than his talent level represents. The bottom line is that this is a steal for Houston.
21. Cincinnati – Taylor Mays SS USC – Simply put, Cincinnati needs safety help and they love the USC products. Mays will fit in very well.
22. New England – Sergio Kindle OLB Texas – The Patriots need to fill a pass rushing void and Kindle would work well as a top-level 3-4 pass rusher.
23. Green Bay – CJ Spiller RB Clemson – This is the surprise pick of the draft. Green Bay doesn’t have too strong of a need at RB and Spiller may not fall this far. However, I see him dropping for various reasons, including his horribly low Wonderlic score. Green Bay will fill two secondary needs, backup RB and return specialist.
24. Philadelphia – Kareem Jackson CB Alabama – With Sheldon Brown gone, the Eagles will need a CB opposite Asante Samuel. Jackson is a great talent and will fit very well with the fast, athletic ideals of the Eagles defense.
25. Baltimore – Jermaine Gresham TE Oklahoma – Todd Heap has been invisible for Baltimore lately. They need another pass catcher for Flacco. They picked up Boldin and re-signed Derrick Mason. Here they will get their much needed TE.
26. Arizona – Brandon Graham DE Michigan – Graham is an underrated pass rusher. He will be one of the better 3-4 rush LB’s in this year’s draft. Arizona needs a pass rush. The signing of Joey Porter helps, but he’s already in trouble. They need youth at the position.
27. Dallas – Mike Iupati OG Idaho – Flozell Adams is gone from the offensive line and Dallas was relatively weak at guard last season. Iupati is the next Steve Hutchinson. Dallas gets a great one here.
28. San Diego – Ryan Mathews RB Fresno St – Mathews is the most complete and NFL-ready RB in this draft. San Diego needs to replace Tomlinson and Mathews is the best guy to get it done.
29. NY Jets – Jerry Hughes OLB TCU – Pass rush is a strong need for the Jets, along with FS. Here they get another one of those top-level 3-4 OLB’s. Hughes will come in ready to get some sacks. Even if they do sign Jason Taylor, Hughes is still the pick here.
30. Minnesota – Patrick Robinson CB Florida St – Injuries at CB hurt the Vikings late last year. Here they get Robinson, a great cover CB who can come in ready to start on a powerful Vikings defense.
31. Indianapolis – Brian Price DT UCLA – The Colts need to get depth and competition on their lines and Brian Price is a good start. He’ll compete from day one.
32. New Orleans – Sean Witherspoon LB Missouri – Witherspoon would have gone sooner if the Steelers had not signed Larry Foote or the Eagles had not traded for Ernie Sims. However, here we are. The Saints get a much needed defensive play-maker with the swagger to fit right in with New Orleans.

Round Two
1. St Louis – Everson Griffen DE USC – The Rams need more pass rush help and if they don’t trade for Osi Umenyiora, Griffen is a great pick here.
2. Detroit – Jahvid Best RB California – If the Lions trade for a RB, expect Penn St LB Novorro Bowman to be the pick here. However, they need more stability at RB and Best is a big play threat and elite return man.
3. Tampa Bay – Arrelious Benn WR Illinois – With Antonio Bryant in Cincinnati, Josh Freeman needs something resembling an offensive weapon. Benn is a good start.
4. Kansas City – Terrence Cody DT Alabama – Scott Pioli wants his “Vince Wilfork” and that’s what Cody is. He eats space at NT which is what the Chiefs need.
5. Philadelphia (From Washington) – Maurkice Poucey OL Florida – Interior offensive line is a need for Philadelphia. Pouncey falls a little far and the Eagles get a steal here.
6. Cleveland – Colt McCoy QB Texas – This is a little bit of a reach, but McCoy will fit with Cleveland well and could adapt into a very efficient QB.
7. Oakland – Linval Joseph DT E Carolina – This is another reach, but Joseph has the measurables to be an elite NT in the NFL in time. Joseph is 6’4″ 328 pounds, had 39 reps on the bench press and ran his 40-yard dash in less than 5.00.
8. San Diego – Cam Thomas DT N Carolina – Another NT off the board. Jamal Williams is in Denver so the Chargers need to replace him very quickly.
9. Buffalo – Ricky Sapp OLB Clemson – Buffalo still needs a lot and a pass rushing OLB in their new 3-4 defense is much needed.
10. Tampa Bay (From Chicago) – Donovan Warren CB Michigan – Aside from Aqib Talib, there is no Buccaneer CB with a future.
11. Denver (from Miami) – Jared Odrick DT Penn St – Odrick will be a great 3-4 DE and will fit in nicely next to newly acquired NT Jamal Williams.
12. New England (From Jacksonville) – Lamar Houston DT Texas – The same assessment from Odrick goes for Houston. The Patriots need to get younger up front and Houston will fit in nicely.
13. Denver – Vladmir Ducasse OG UMass – Denver is filling many needs in this draft and interior offensive line is just another one. Ducasse is underrated because he comes form UMass.
14. NY Giants – Geno Atkins DT Georgia – With Fred Robbins gone to the Rams, the Giants need a new DT quickly. Atkins will come in ready to make an impact. However, he is one of those players that could also easily slip to the third round. Luckily for him, DT is a league-wide need this year.
15. Carolina – Mardy Gilyard WR Cincinnati – Steve Smith wanted more speed at WR. Gilyard provides that, as well as return skills.
16. New England (From Tennessee) – Jonathan Dwyer RB Georgia Tech – It is time for Moroney to go away and Dwyer would be ready to play right away for the Patriots.
17. San Francisco – Charles Brown OT USC – The 49ers got their QB and an elite CB prospect. Here they get a big, smart tackle with great footwork.
18. Houston – Ben Tate RB Auburn – Houston needs RB depth and Tate is very underrated. He has a fair blend of speed and power. He will fit nicely with the Texans.
19. Kansas City (From Atlanta) – Kao Misi OLB Utah – Kansas City has their linemen and now need a good pass rusher. Misi is an underrated prospect that will fit in as a 3-4 OLB.
20. Pittsburgh – Demaryius Thomas WR Georgia Tech – Thomas doesn’t run the best routes, but he’s got the physical tools most WR’s dream about. With Holmes traded to the Jets and Hines Ward and Antwaan Randle El aging, the Steelers need a young possession receiver.
21. New England – Damien Williams WR USC – The WR corps in New England is aging. Luckily the Patriots have four picks in the first two rounds and can afford to use one on a WR. Williams has soft hands and runs smooth routes, exactly what you need in the Patriots’ offense.
22. Cincinnati – Aaron Hernandez TE Florida – The Bengals have gotten their WR’s and now need a pass-catching TE. Hernandez isn’t much for blocking but he’s an elite receiving threat at TE.
23. Philadelphia – Nate Allen FS S Florida – The Eagles need to upgrade at the safety position, Allen is a great talent.
24. Green Bay – Chris Cook DB Virginia – Cook can play both CB and FS, both of which are aging positions for the Packers.
25. Baltimore – Golden Tate WR Notre Dame – Baltimore is making an offensive overhaul early in the draft. Tate will be an amazing slot receiver inside of Boldin and Mason and his speed will match perfectly with Flacco’s strong arm.
26. Arizona – Kyle Galloway OT Iowa – Arizona needs depth and competition at LT and Galloway could come in ready to compete.
27. Dallas – Jordan Shipley WR Texas – This isn’t an obvious need for Dallas, but Shipley is a Texas man and a great return man. Patrick Crayton needs to stop returning punts. Shipley will be the new and improved Patrick Crayton.
28. Seattle – Dexter McCluster RB Mississippi – While not a typical NFL RB, McCluster does provide a firm change of pace for Seattle’s offense as well as versatility to play in the slot, in the Wildcat and in the return game.
29. NY Jets – Morgan Burnett FS Georgia Tech – Burnett simply fills the void left by Rhodes who left for Arizona. Keep in mind, Burnett is a high-risk/high-reward type player. Potentially a bust.
30. Minnesota – Chad Jones FS LSU – Chad Jones is a smart athlete, and solidifies the defensive secondary for Minnesota along with first round pick Patrick Robinson.
31. Indianapolis – Rodger Staffold OT Indiana – Staffold is a highly underrated OT in the draft. He’s not quite first round talent, but very close on some people’s boards. The Colts continue to help their lines.
32. New Orleans – Alex Carrington DE Arkansas St – The Saints partially addressed DE in the offseason, but Carrington will provide depth for a team that needs defensive line help.

There are some interesting picks, I know. I’m sure it won’t turn out just like this, but these would be interesting picks. I could see all of these happening, even though they may not.

And some other prospects that could fit into the second round in some way:
Corey Wooton DE Northwestern – He has the talent to go in the first round, but the lack of 4-3 DE needs drops his chances.
Brandon Spikes LB Florida – Spikes was originally seen as first round talent but ended up slow and out of shape.  He should fall to the late third round.
Brandon LaFell WR LSU – Depending on the type of WR a team is looking for, LaFell could go in the middle of the second round.
Navorro Bowman LB Penn St – I originally had Bowman to the Saints in the first round, but with Witherspoon falling to them, and the lack of a desire for 4-3 OLB’s dropped Bowman very far.
Daryl Washington LB TCU – Washington can play any LB position in a 4-3 or an inside LB in the 3-4 defense.  He’s very versatile on defense, but barely misses the cut.
Eric Norwood LB South Carolina – Norwood is no longer looked at strictly as a 3-4 OLB.  He has dropped weight and added mobility to increase his ability to play OLB in a 4-3.
Mike Johnson OG Alabama – Very few guards get taken in the first two rounds it seems and Johnson drops some because of that.