Bleacher Report - Articles by James Stark

Is Ohio State a Shoo-In For Big Ten Title? Watch out for Wisconsin

James Stark — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 08:36:01 -0400

Wisconsin was the laughing stock of the Big Ten before Barry Alvarez came to town. Since then, Wisconsin has become one of the more premier programs in the nation. Before the Badgers' 1993 title, their last title was in 1962.

Wisconsin made six total bowl appearances from 1889-1990, winning only once. Under Barry Alvarez, the Badgers appeared in 11 from 1991-2005, winning eight times, including three Rose Bowl titles.

However, the University of Wisconsin has only three conference titles since 1993. The Badgers have had the potential to win more, but somehow lose it at the end of the season.

That was the past, this is now, and Wisconsin is most well-equipped to dethrone the Buckeyes. Overall, Wisconsin has the veteran experience to match up with Ohio State.

Their biggest question is if Allan Everidge will play as well as his strong arm. The lefty showed a lot of talent for Kansas State coming in as a freshman.

Everidge transfered to Wisconsin before the 2005 season. Everidge has the best tight end in the country (the position, not the body part).

Travis Beckum, a converted defensive back was the leading pass catcher for the Badgers last season with 75 catches for 982 yards. With Beckum, the transition for Everidge should be easy.

You can't forget the Badgers' solid running attack with P.J. Hill and Zach Brown. Both had at least one 200-yard rushing performance, along with Lance Smith (whom was cut due to off-the-field issues).

However, Wisconsin gains a phenom in John Clay and could be the next big back for Wisconsin. Great young receivers, the best tight end (the position), a more experienced o-line, a strong arm, and a solid running game equal a potent offense.

The Badgers appear to be the only Big Ten team shying away from the spread offense completely. They have always been a smash mouth football team and I don't see that changing.

UW traditionally have always have had a superb offensive line and great runners. Ron Dayne, Michael Bennett, Anthony Davis, Brian Calhoun, and P.J. Hill to name a few.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison will host a night game versus the Ohio State Buckeyes on Oct. 4, a game I will be attending along with the rest of the home games. Wisconsin has beaten Ohio State a few years back, when the Buckeyes were numero uno, at Camp Randall Stadium. Home field advantage will keep this game close.

I could see this game coming down to special teams. Wisconsin has a great returner in David Gilreath, but the kicking is what concerns me most. According to scouting reports, redshirt freshman Philip Welch has a strong leg that's capable of 50-yard field goals. However, with a big game on the line, I wouldn't feel so confident with the inexperience of Welch.

If this game were in Ohio, hand it over to the Buckeyes. Fortunately it's not, and Wisconsin will put up a fight. A night game in Madison against the Buckeyes has me pumped up already.

I'm not making any predictions but, this game will be no runaway. The Big Ten champ could be determined by the Oct. 4 game in Madison. The Michigan-Ohio State rivalry will always be the greatest rivalry. However, expect a great one between the Buckeyes and the Badgers.

Top-10 Fantasy Wide Receivers

James Stark — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 13:31:33 -0400

Once again, here's another one of my top 10 rankings. Up this time? The wide receivers.

The 2008 fantasy football class of wide receivers has me thinking what to do. There's a ton of potential for each and every one of my top picks; it's really hard for me to choose. You may be surprised where I place the most perennial receivers on my list.

Prepared to be surprised as I explain why I have chosen each pick, 1-10, along with some honorable mentions.

You got the throwers, the runners, and now it's time for the catch.

1.) Randy Moss

To most, this is probably the most obvious choice at wide receiver. Don't be completely sold on his numbers this season. I find it nearly impossible for him to repeat, and you can bet to see double or even triple coverage on Moss this season. Otherwise, an NFL record 23 TD will seem unlikely, a 15+ TD season still looks good for the 31-year old.

2.) Braylon Edwards

Some people call him butterfingers, I call him TD fingers. Braylon Edwards raked in 16 TD last season but don't expect it to end there. 80 receptions and 1,289 yards, don't expect those numbers to decline.

Third in fantasy points for wide receivers, expect that to improve. As long as Derek Anderson continues to sling the ball deep in Brett Favre fashion, Edwards could be the best receiver in the game. I expect a repeat of greatness from Braylon.

3.) Reggie Wayne

He's No. 1 in receiving yards with 1,510 yards, No. 3 in receptions with 104, and the No. 1 target for Peyton Manning. Marvin's decline gives Reggie another huge season. As long as Manning is the QB, there's no doubt in my mind Wayne will repeat or improve on his No. 4 ranking last season among wide receivers.

4.) Andre Johnson

If Andre can stay healthy the entire season, Andre will be the top receiver in the NFL. In only nine games, he hauled in a total of 851 yards and eight TD. Almost 100 YPG and a TDPG. If he can keep that pace, you may see 1,600 yards along with 16 TD. Pass on those numbers? I don't think so.

5.) Terrell Owens

You may ask, "Why is T.O. No. 5 when he was only behind Moss in fantasy value last season?"

Two words: Terry Glenn.

Now that Glenn is gone, T.O. will see more coverage and lesser numbers. I could easily put Owens at No. 2, but I see Edwards, Wayne, and Johnson having explosive seasons. He is on his contract season, this could be real good or real bad. 34-years old isn't exactly a prime number when it comes to the NFL either.

6.) Steve Smith

If Carolina can find a solid QB, Smith could return to his 2005 season where he caught 103 balls for 1,563 yards and 13 total TD. He's got the ability to outrun defenders, but he just needs the old Delhomme when they were a perennial threat. Look for Smith to emerge back into the picture.

7.) Chad Johnson

They only thing that concerns be about "Ocho Cinco" is his constant running of his mouth and his desire to leave. If he could run faster than a horse and swim like Aquaman, then I'd be OK with that. If he would just "play" football like Chad Johnson, you may see a top-five wide receiver. With T.J. at his side, it helps him become more open.

If Chad continues his recent success (fourth in 2006 and sixth in 2007), there's no reason to doubt his ability to play football.

8.) Larry Fitzgerald

Fitzgerald and Boldin have been perennial targets and they have made the jobs of Warner and Leinart easier. Boldin isn't as good as the '05 and '06 seasons, but he's made it a whole lot easier for Fitzgerald. Can you really go wrong with 100 receptions, 1,409 yards, and 10 TD.

Those numbers ranked him fifth overall for receivers. Boldin appears to be 100 percent healthy this season, so Fitzgerald's catches may be more limited. I do see a possibility of more TD this season, with Boldin getting half of the attention. Look for less catches, but more TD.

9.) T.J. Whoesyourmama or Houshmandzadeh

Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh are the most dangerous receiving duo in the NFL. I could easily see T.J. surpass his teammate in fantasy value this upcoming season. If "Ocho Cinco" continues to run his mouth out of town, T.J. could see the ball even more. It appears to me that Johnson will stay in Cincy, but the chemistry between Johnson and Carson Palmer has seemed to decrease.

Houshmandzadeh was only six fantasy points behind Johnson last season, and I wouldn't be surprised if he were six ahead after this season. Blabbermouth or Whoesyourmama? T.J. is the safe bet, the safe and solid picks are usually your best option. The risk is yours to take.

10.) Marques Colston

Nobody really expected to see the former seventh-round draft pick to have the numbers he did his rookie season. Colston continued to improve last season, grabbing 98 receptions for 1,202 yards and scoring 11 times. If Drew Brees returns to his more glorified self, Colston has the potential to put up bigger numbers.

If Drew Brees plays well like he did last season, look for Colston to put up similar numbers. With the gain of respect by other teams, and the addition of Shockey, his chances of scoring may decrease. Last season, he ranked eighth among fellow receivers. This season, 10 sounds like a bold prediction.

Honorable Mentions

Plaxico Burress: If he would show up to practice more, he'd get a shot in my top 10.

Brandon Marshall: No. 9 receiver last season, expect around the same.

Torry Holt: If Bulger gets himself back together, see top 10 finish.

Wes Welker: Randy Moss takes a lot of attention away from him.

Greg Jennings: The best receiver for the Pack. Jennings repeats 12 TD, I don' think so.

Top 10 Fantasy Quarterbacks: Part 1

James Stark — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 10:34:33 -0400

Before the start of the 2008 football season my goal is to help you make the best decisions for your 2008 fantasy football draft. This is part one of the series where I will briefly explain my personal top 10 along with some honorable mentions.

1. Tom Brady

Don't expect Tom Brady to put up freakish numbers as he did last season. However, there's no doubt he's the most solid QB in the draft.

2. Tony Romo

You can't go wrong with 276.4 YPG and 38 TD, which puts him in second in fantasy points. I expect another stellar season as long as Jessica isn't sitting in the stands.

3. Peyton Manning

"Gasp," Manning isn't in the top two? Great numbers, but he could be a little rusty coming out of the gate (considering his infection). My problem is his inconsistency throwing TD passes. Last season there were seven games where he threw one or no TD passes. However, I'd expect 4,000+ yards, and 30 TD. You can't go wrong with those gaudy numbers.

4. Drew Brees

He wasn't quite as good as expected but still threw for a ridiculous 4,423 yards along with 28 TD passes. The 18 picks are what really hurt his fantasy value. With the addition of Shockey, don't be "shocked" if he gets 30+ TD passes.

5. Ben Roethlisberger

Big Ben is indeed one of the more underappreciated quarterbacks. He sat only behind Brady, Romo, and Manning in total fantasy value for quarterbacks. If he can put up 32 more TD passes this season there's no doubt he belongs on my team.

6. Derek Anderson

With the addition of Donte Stallworth, the Browns' offense is stellar. Anderson has the weapons, which include, Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow, Stallworth, and a solid running game. My only problem is the man named Brady could be lurking around that corner for the starting job.

7. Carson Palmer

Carson Palmer has the potential and the receivers for 40+ TD passes. Palmer's consistency lacked last season as he put up only 26 TD, six of them in one game. The Bengals' defense is terrible, so expect Palmer to throw the ball a lot this season, and forcing some passes too.

8. Brett Favre

This could be the make or break pick of the draft, go big or go home. Brett Favre ranked seventh among quarterbacks in fantasy points. He could put up the same numbers but with a new playbook and new receivers, I'd be cautious picking Favre this season.

9. Matt Hasselbeck

Hasselbeck is also one of the more underrated quarterbacks in the NFL. He put up 3,966 passing yards along with 28 touchdowns, placing him eighth in quarterback value. With Holmgren staying another season and the Seahawks' lack or running game, Hasselbeck could move up into the top five this season.

10. David Garrard

Yes, believe it, David Garrard is my number 10 quarterback. In 12 games last season he threw for 2,509 yards, 18 touchdowns, and only three picks. Garrard won't put up huge numbers but he won't throw away games for your team either.

Honorable Mentions:

Donavan McNabb - Injury prone.

Jay Cutler - Has the potential, not a bad pick.

Marc Bulger - If Bulger can turn it around to his third ranked 2006 season, he's your man.

Aaron Rodgers - He's got the targets but does he excel with them?

Eli Manning - Great playoff run, if he can carry that over to this season, he'll be a solid starter.

These Days, The Irish Play Notre Shame Football

James Stark — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:01:43 -0400

Am I the only person sick and tired of Notre Dame's constant media attention? The media needs to get over Notre Dame's national championship 20 years ago.

I get outraged when Notre Dame "earns" a BCS bid when so many other teams much deserving should be there. Notre Dame has lost nine straight bowl games. Give other teams a shot, that don't normally get to be in the big spotlight.

In 2007, Notre Dame lost by 27 points to LSU, and how about the previous two years? They lost by a combined total of 41 points.

It's even worse when Notre Dame gets the top recruits in the nation year after year but fails to win bowl games. Notre Dame has a great overall winning percentage, but they also have a dismal 13-15 record in bowl games.

Notre Dame football really deserves to be called Notre Shame football because of the constant disappointing seasons, ending with a loss in a bowl game.

I respect the Notre Dame tradition and their 11 national championships, but that was the past. USC, LSU, and Ohio State are the ones winning the big games today, not Notre Shame.

How about the BCS committee give chances to teams like Wisconsin, who certainly have had recent success, but not getting the chance to play in "bigger bowl games."

Wisconsin has won all three Rose Bowls attended in recent years, and they actually earned the respect to play in the "big games", not because of their name. The Badgers are 6-3 in their last nine bowl games, compared to the Irish's 0-9 record.

Notre Dame is predicted to have yet another mediocre season, but still gets the majority of the media attention. The BCS system is tarnished because teams like Notre Dame are getting the BCS bids, and Boise State didn't get enough attention, especially after the Fiesta Bowl.

Hurray for more terrible blowout games, and bah humbug to Boise State and Wisconsin.

10 Reasons the Packers Will Make the Playoffs Without Brett Favre

James Stark — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 10:42:02 -0400

Brett Favre has had a tremendous impact on the Green Bay Packers franchise, but now it's time to move on. I respect Favre more than any other athlete and I hope the best for him and the New York Jets. There is no reason to doubt the Packers chances of making the playoffs. Here are the top 10 reasons why I'm guaranteeing the playoffs for cheesehead nation

10.) Lambeau Field

Even though it hasn't been as much of an advantage as it used to be, home field advantage makes it a whole lot easier.

9.) Aaron Rodgers

No he's not Brett Favre, and he never will be. But, Aaron Rodgers has the "stuff."

8.) Jackson, Grossman or Orton, and Kitna

These QB's could hand the Packers six victories.

7.) NFC North

The easiest division to win in all of football.

6.) Another year of experience.

The Packers were the youngest team in the NFL last season, and finished 14-4, no doubt they're more improved.

5.) Ryan Grant

Without Grant emerging out of nowhere, Packers would have struggled later in the season. Ryan Grant improves this offense significantly.

4.) Driver, Jennings, Nelson, Jones, Martin

Green Bay have five very good wide receivers, and the addition of Jordy Nelson makes the Packers the best spread out WR attack in the NFL, along with TE Donald Lee. It will be awfully hard not to play well.

3.) DEFENSE

Packers arguably have one of the better defenses in the league. Great D-line, underrated linebacking core, and with Harris, Woodson, Bigby, and Collins in the secondary the Packers will be hard to pass on.

2.) Brett Favre??

Wait, he's not on the team. With Brett Favre gone to the Jets, the Packers could be better or even worse.

Rodgers will bring a new game to the table, with more speed, and a better arm. It will be easy for Rodgers, hand the ball to Ryan Grant, or trust one of your many targets. Don't get me wrong Brett Favre is my favorite player, and he's the best, but Rodgers could possibly make the Packers more diverse, or worse.

I know I put Rodgers at number eight, but Brett Favre leaving has a bigger impact than Rodgers arriving.

1.) Confidence

If the Packers carry over their confidence from last season, there's no doubt they will make the playoffs.