200♦ RUTGERS - Everyone knows Rutgers will be an offensive-minded team today against a defense that has just one one starter back, so I won't touch on that ...
Instead I want to talk about Tony Pike, Cincinnati's over-hyped quarterback who is about to see his star fall this season. He's everywhere ... the cover of the media guide, every article regarding the Bearcats, the Davey O'Brien Watch List and likely on the list of every NFL scout.
Big mistake, as it's going to his head based on quotes I'm reading all over the place.
Think about it, this kid is making just his 11th start ever. Sure, this team went 11-3 last season, but the defense led the way. Now he's being called upon to not only perform on the field, but also strengthen his game mentally.
That's going to be a tough chore against a senior-laden Rutgers defense that has six starters back. The Big East media and coaches are saying this could very well be the best defense in the country.
This is the home opener, the season opener and the showcase game for the Knights to make a statement. The returners know what it's like to start on a sour note, having lost five of their first six last season - including a 13-10 setback at Cincinnati.
With revenge on the brain, and knowing they've already shut this offense down to merely nothing tells me the Knights could hold the 'Cats to 13 once again, but at home and against a depleted defense, will put up more than 10.
From what I can tell, most clowns are buying into the whole Randy Shannon makeover and are bragging about ATS numbers that have nothing to do with this year's squad.
That is especially true when you see that most Miami's two-deep is loaded with freshmen and sophomores who have little to no experience. And if you mix in the fact the Canes have to deal with a pair of new coordinators, it appears to me this team is in for a long season.
Keep this in mind if you're thinking of playing Miami, the MVP from last season's team - Matt Bosher - is the team's only hope. He is not only the placekicker, but he's also the punter. If he's not in there, this team would have been lucky to get its bowl eligible sixth win. As it was, the defense was horrendous the final three games, as the Canes were outscored 103-68. That's almost 12 points per loss to end the season.
I'd much rather side with a Florida State team that has its entire offensive line back, and a linebacking crew that is athletic as any other this past decade. There are eight starters back on offense and five on defense, and with the experience this team has, it should be 2-0 heading into a major non-conference battle at BYU in two weeks.
On deck is Jacksonville State though, so there shouldn't be any looking past Miami. On the other hand, Shannon's idiotic thinking has his team playing Florida State, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech and Oklahoma in the first four games.
Yeah, he's a brilliant one. Ask me to choose between coaches, I'll side with Bobby Bowden over Shannon.
Chris Jordan 9/7
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