Bleacher Report - Articles by Collegesportspro.com

The Rise and Fall of the Cullen Harper Empire

Collegesportspro.com — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:17:24 -0400

Only Charlie Weis could know how Clemson QB Cullen Harper feels right now.

One moment you’re on top of the world, and the next moment you’re stinking up the place.

After a lousy 15/35 performance by Harper, coach Tommy Bowden is going to the bullpen. Redshirt freshman Willy Korn is going to get his chance to pull Clemson out of the rut of a disappointing season.

So here’s my train of thought: Your offense scores one TD in seven quarters, even though they have two very good running backs to mix it up with. They’re a little banged up, and your best wide receiver only has 250 yards on the year...and you’re going to blame the QB that brought you back to prominence?

When the Tigers can’t run the ball, they’re messed. That’s the bottom line. How was Harper in the games where Clemson ran the ball well? Solid. How was he when they got flattened? Not so good.

So you’re going to Willy Korn because he’s mobile and provides the offense with more options? Is he going to pull a Terelle Pryor out there and lead a game-winning drive?

Doubt it. Much love to ya, Willy. You’re going to be a good QB. But I doubt it. You may have some good backs, but you don’t have the best running back in the nation as a decoy.

If you already have two runners that can impose their will on opposing teams and they’re not already taking over games, chances are a third might just give you more of the same result.

If you’ve got a banged up line that can’t hold up against having a bunch of guys in the box, you’ll still get more of the same. If all-ACC WR Aaron Kelly cannot get his hands on more completions, you’ll still get more of the same.

The Tigers’ problems go a lot deeper than just Harper. If you want to get a spark, bring Korn in off the bench to throw the defense off balance. Give Harper a breather. Don’t let the defense settle down. Run one with Korn, hand one off, throw one with Harper, throw one with Korn, hand another one off...

Bowden may just be mimicking Jim Tressel, but there’s a big difference between Todd Boeckman and Cullen Harper—Boeckman was never really that good to begin with.

I just hope Tommy knows what he’s doing. Because right now, he’s either going to be a mastermind or a goat. He better hope and pray Willy Korn grows up quickly. Because we all know the kid can play some good ball, but the only question is: Can he play right now?

For Bowden’s press conference, go here and enjoy.

Oh, and by the way, Willy Korn has a fansite.

Are Colt McCoy and Texas Getting Lost in the BCS Shuffle?

Collegesportspro.com — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 17:27:08 -0400

That’s what it seems like to me.

I was doing a little late night sports surfing on msn.foxsports.com and it dawned on me…I’ve seen articles about Georgia, I’ve seen the argument about Oklahoma vs. Alabama vs. LSU, I’ve seen the Chase Daniel hype, but I haven’t gotten much of a beat on the Longhorns.

To that I say “Why not?”

Texas has quietly rolled up a 4-0 record with a 198-43 scoring margin. From week to week they’ve crept slowly from number 11 to number 5 in the polls. Their rush defense is absolutely stifling (50+ yards per game).

But the most noteworthy achievement to date has to be the solid play from QB Colt McCoy.

All the way through the 2007 season, McCoy played nowhere close to the level of football he played as a freshman in 2006 (of course, forgetting those two literally painful losses to KSU and TAMU). Even with a talented feature back in Jamaal Charles, McCoy still threw 18 picks compared to 22 TDs. Sure, his numbers weren’t terrible (3300 yards and 65 % completions), but when I thought of Colt McCoy, I didn’t trust him to cover the odds.

Granted, I haven’t gambled a penny in my life. But if I ever did hit up a bookie, it wouldn’t have been on the Horns.

Bottom line is this… McCoy’s now getting in gear. Even with a stagnant rushing attack that he currently headlines, he’s completing 80 percent of his passes and he’s thrown only one INT compared to 14 TDs thus far.

“But he’s played Rice, UTEP, Arkansas, and FAU,” one might say.

“Hogwash,” I might say. And here’s why…

Through four games last year McCoy had thrown for seven touchdowns and five interceptions. And Texas barely scraped by Arkansas STATE and UCF by a combined total of 11 points. This is WITH Jamaal Charles, Limas Sweed (pre-injury), Nate Jones, and Jermichael Finley. Those guys? All gone.

McCoy is leading the team in rushing and he is throwing strikes like he’s ready for Sunday.

Line it up, compare it, cut it in half, do what you want. This guy’s not v. 2007 any more.

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Au revoir Ryan Perrilloux.

Collegesportspro.com — Fri, 02 May 2008 21:17:41 -0400

I believe in second chances. Every athlete deserves one. I hate it when athletes don’t get a second chance, but I love it when that second chance comes and they make the most of it. But what really gets me is when athletes get that second chance, and then blow it.

You want to talk about a guy who blew not just a second chance, but a number of chances after that, look no further than Ryan Perrilloux. He blew it! Even after allegedly being found being involved in a counterfeiting scheme, even after entering a casino illegally, and even after failing to meet his obligations as an LSU student-athlete, Les Miles believed he’d turn around. And he has every reason to believe that.

The Tigers won a National Title last year, in part to Perrilloux’s performance in the SEC title game. He would be the starting QB to one of the most dominate programs in the country. He would have played for arguably the most visible team in the most visible conference out there.
Miles probably considered this, and even more, when he had previously suspended and disciplined Perrilloux. He gave him a shot to make amends, and to prove people, like me, wrong

Perrilloux blew it. He took advantage of his coach’s good nature, and he let down his teammates, as now the best two options LSU has at QB are a freshman and a Harvard transfer. LSU may actually now have bigger problems at QB than Michigan, which is saying a lot. Ryan, I hope it was worth your shot, because from where I stand, you have to be one of the stupidest people out there. Good luck at D-II…if you get there.

Les Miles, LSU, Michigan, Ryan Perrilloux SEC Les Miles, LSU, Michigan, Ryan Perrilloux, SEC

NFL Draft: Who Should Go Number One?

Collegesportspro.com — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 20:03:56 -0400

This is typically a college sports blog, but since the NFL Draft involves the pros and the collegiate athletes, I won’t lose much sleep over this post.

There is a lot of talk about Miami drafting Boston College QB Matt Ryan with the No. 1 pick. Justifiably so. Ryan is an excellent QB who could really flourish anywhere he plays.

However, drafting a QB may hurt them more than help. Lest we forget, Miami drafted former BYU QB John Beck in 2007 NFL Draft. Yes, Miami finished 1-15 and yes, Beck started in a few of those games. But please be reasonable.

After Miami lost Chris Chambers to San Diego, who did he have to throw to? And who was protecting him at the line? Beck may have had better luck throwing to real dolphins, and as far as protection goes, the cheerleaders may have been better.

I submit to you the man that will change their horrific luck: Michigan’s Jake Long.

This 6'7”, 315-pound behemoth moves faster than many defensive linemen and has the skills to play most any position up front. He is young, he is smart, and he is a no-miss pick. We know that a QB is only as good as his protection.

Need proof? Just watch Super Bowl XLII; simple enough.

Ryan is a good QB, and I’m sure that there are plenty of teams out there that could use a guy with his talent. As of right now, the Miami Dolphin don’t fit that billing.

Once Miami gets those things that a QB needs, such as good linemen and good receivers, maybe they can start to be a little pickier.

Boston College, BYU, Chris Long, Jake Long, John Beck Michigan Boston College, BYU, Chris Long, Jake Long, John Beck, Michigan

Ten of the Most Awesome Names in College Hoops

Collegesportspro.com — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 18:05:34 -0400

I was walking around the BYU campus the other day and I noticed basketball player Vuk Ivanovic stroll past me. Having some knowledge of the Serbian language, I realized his name, directly translated into English, is Wolf Johnson. Pretty sweet name, if you ask me. Sounds like the name of somebody that balled for the ABA back in the day.

Anyways… I went on a search to check out some of the best names in college basketball…

Leemire Goldwire — Charlotte If your name rhymes, you’re good in my book.

Jaycee Carroll — Utah State How many dudes can rock two girl names? He led the Aggies in scoring, mind you.

Hashim Thabeet — Connecticut The name just sounds like it belongs to a tall, athletic blocking machine.

Robert Vaden — UAB Vaden. Vader. Kills opponents with 3s. Kills opponents with Jedi Mind Strangulation.

John Killen — SMU Do you want to meet this guy? I don’t.

Jaytornah Wisseh — Long Island How many people have a name that sounds like it came straight out of Jay Z’s mouth?

Paulius Morkeliunas — Long Island minIt must be great being a foreign player. “Yes, in my language it means ‘Paul The Great One.’”

Stuart Creason — Colorado State I’m thinking taped glasses and suspenders… how 'bout you?

Jabir Jinna Jr. — UVSC Extra points for alliteration.