Absolutely Perfect

The New England Patriots defeated the New York Giants 38-35 in one of the most exciting and competitive games of the season from East Rutherford, N.J. as they achieved a perfect 16-0 regular season record.

Give the Giants and fourth-year quarterback Eli Manning (who completed 22 of 32 passes for 251 yards and four touchdown receptions) credit because they fought tooth and nail and pushed the Patriots defence and offensive weapons Tom Brady, Randy Moss and Laurence Maroney to make big plays and key points in the game, which Bill Belichick’s squad did and that is why they went undefeated all season.

New England is also the first team since the 1972 Miami Dolphins to enjoy a perfect season, which is a feat in itself.  That being said, the most impressive quality about the 2007 New England Patriots is just how they went about being a perfect team.

Individually, the Patriots were dominant and all four of the new NFL single-season records walk hand-in-hand with the individual performances of Moss, Brady, Maroney and the diminutive, yet explosive Wes Welker who caught 112 passes for 1,175 yards on the season.  

On a night when the main focus was on achieving a perfect regular season record, Brady broke the NFL record for most touchdown passes in one season by connecting 49 times with his receivers in the end-zone.  Moss broke the NFL single-season record for most touchdown receptions with 23, surpassing Jerry Rice’s 22 touchdowns.  As a team, the Patriots set the single-season record for points scored in a season with 589, surpassing the 1998 Minnesota Vikings who recorded 556 points that year.

Not only did the Pats set four single-season records to solidify their perfect season, but they led the league in total yards per game with 411.2 and passing yards per game with 295.7. 

If there is one question mark with this team going into the playoffs, it will be their defence.  Defence wins championships, but it may just be said that Belichick’s theory of defence is that the best defence is a great offence.  It is hard for opposing teams to score points when their offence is kept off the field by Brady and the various offensive weapons he has to choose from.

One point worth making as the NFL regular season comes to a close and the real football begins, is that not a whole lot of people wanted the Patriots to achieve a 16-0 record.  At The Point in Port Moody, B.C. last night, the majority of football fans there wanted to see the Giants pull off the upset, which they almost did anyways. 

It seems like a bit of a sad commentary on the sporting world when the fans that go to the games, the pubs and watch the NFL from their living room television want to see a team not achieve perfection.  Some of that has to do with the spygate controversy from earlier in the season, but once Belichick was disciplined for his deception, his team simply went on a tear and systematically picked apart their opposition.

Whether you like the Patriots or not, you have to give them every ounce of respect you can for this team.  They went 16-0 and did it in such a dominating fashion that the exclamation point may not be able to fit Gillette Stadium.

Now that the Pats have achieved their perfect season, they turn their attention to the Super Bowl.  As impressive as their season was, it would be even more impressive if they went on to the win the prize that really matters. 

Now, the new season begins and the Patriots, like the the other 11 teams that will compete for the Super Bowl, are one loss away from elimination.

Humanitarian Bowl Preview: Fresno State vs. Georgia Tech

Roady’s Humanitarian Bowl
Dec. 31, 11 a.m. PST
Fresno State (8-4) vs. Georgia Tech (7-5)
Boise, Idaho
Payout: $750,000
Spread: Georgia Tech – 4.5

One has to wonder about Georgia Tech’s approach to this game. For one, the game is in Idaho, 2,000 miles from home. They’ve also just had their head coach fired. Chan Gailey, after six mediocre seasons and six losses to arch-rival Georgia, was canned. Interim coach and defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta was given the chance to lead the team into the bowl, but how the team will respond is unknown. The weather will also play a factor as it’s expected to be in the thirties. Fresno State will be used to the cold atmosphere of Boise, thanks to conference rival Boise State, but the Yellow Jackets rarely play in such cold weather. One has to wonder if they will be motivated enough to win this game.

Fresno State, on the other hand, missed out on bowl season altogether last year and should be happy to crash the party once again. Talent wise they look over matched and since running the ball is their forte, they’ll be in trouble against a tenacious Georgia Tech front seven. It doesn’t help that a trio of Fresno runners are trying to recover from injuries. Ryan Matthews is said to be out of the lineup while Lonyae Miller and all-purpose back Clifton Smith are still working their way back to 100 percent. Smith is third on the team in receptions and rushing. He’ll give Tech linebackers fits in the open field if he’s able to contribute. Sophomore Anthony Harding has stepped up in their absence, running for over 100 yards in the final two games of the year.

Georgia Tech’s front seven, if they show up to play, should dominate the point of attack and put the game in the hands of Fresno QB Tom Brandstater. Brandstater has improved significantly from last season. He had his best game of the year in a win over Kansas State where he threw for 313 yards, 2 TD’s and no interceptions while completing 79 percent of his passes. If he has a repeat performance against Georgia Tech, they’ll win this game handily. The Tech secondary doesn’t need to force turnovers, which is good because they haven’t been able to this year, but they do need to keep everything in front of them because a big play in a game like this is demoralizing and may send Tech into a downward spiral.

I’m not sure what to expect from the Georgia Tech offense. Some have said freshman quarterback Josh Nesbitt will see time over incumbent Taylor Bennett. After last year’s Gator Bowl Bennett gave hope for an improved Tech passing game, but he has fared little better than his often criticized predecessor Reggie Ball. For incoming head coach Paul Johnson’s triple option offense, Nesbitt would be a far better fit. His athleticism gives the Jackets an extra dimension on offense for teams to prepare for. The Fresno State defense doesn’t have the horses to compete with an offense like that, but if the Jackets remain one-dimensional and stick to the ground game with Tashard Choice, the Bulldogs will stick around and have a shot at winning.

There’s no reason for Georgia Tech to lose this game other than their own lack of concentration. If they’re prepared and show up to play they can win easily, if not, it’s the 2002 Sillicon Valley Classic all over again when the Jackets were six point favorites and lost 30-21. I think the smothering front seven of Georgia Tech will be too much for Fresno’s running game and while Brandstater might keep things close, he won’t open it up enough to pull off the upset.

Prediction:
Georgia Tech 13 – Fresno State 6

Music City Bowl Preview: Florida State vs. Kentucky

Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl
Dec. 31, 1 p.m. PST
Florida State (7-5) vs. Kentucky (7-5)
Nashville, Tennessee
Payout: $1,600,000
Spread: Kentucky – 3.5

This game bares some similarities to the Champs Sports Bowl between Michigan State and Boston College. One of the top senior quarterbacks in the nation will face a defense depleted by suspensions.

Kentucky QB Andre Woodson should have a big day. Despite running the gauntlet that is the SEC schedule, Woodson threw for 3,351 yards, 36 TD’s and just 10 interceptions. Even with WR Keenan Burton doubtful for the game, he still has three players with over 50 receptions to throw to. WR’s Steve Johnson and Dicky Lyons as well as tight end Jacob Tamme have had excellent years. Running back Rafael Little is also a threat out of the backfield, with 34 catches on the year despite missing three games. Little’s versatility will have FSU linebackers on their toes especially with a few teammates out of the game.

The more important of the FSU suspensions are defensive linemen Budd Thacker and Neefy Moffett, linebacker Dekoda Watson and corner Patrick Robinson, all starters. Talented defensive players aren’t hard to find on Florida State’s roster but the losses of these starters could result in the loss of the game. Kentucky’s offense has enough firepower to outscore FSU even with those players in the lineup. Linebackers Geno Hayes and Derek Nicholson will be the two Seminoles with the opportunity to change the game. They have to neutralize the running game with only seven in the box, sometimes six, and key on Rafael Little. They can give their secondary a chance but it will all hinge on their ability to stop the pass.

Two starting offensive linemen were also suspended for the Seminoles, right guard Jacky Clause and left tackle Daron Rose. For an offense that hasn’t found it easy to move the ball despite a plethora of talent, that doesn’t help matters. Kentucky’s defense won’t scare anyone but without Rose at left tackle, defensive end Jeremy Jarmon will be in quarterback Drew Weatherford’s face all day. If Weatherford isn’t playing well there’s no viable option to replace him with. Backup Xavier Lee was one of the many suspended.

Florida State will have to resurrect its running game. If running back Antone Smith isn’t at full strength from his shoulder injury, WR Preston Parker will carry the load. Parker played admirably against Maryland, running for 143 yards and a touchdown but was shut down by Florida in the final game of the year. If either back can get into a rhythm there won’t be much on the Kentucky side of the ball to stop them. Linebacker Wesley Woodyard is one of the best in the SEC but someone else needs to step up to give their offense some breathing room. Parker playing in the backfield means someone else will have to make catches at WR. He leads the team with 54 catches. Weatherford, wide receivers De’Cody Fagg and Greg Carr will need to stretch the Kentucky defense or they won’t keep up.

This would have been an excellent football game if Florida State had its full complement of players. Unfortunately they may not be able to withstand the offensive onslaught Kentucky can bring to the table. I expect Andre Woodson to light up the FSU secondary. Though the Seminoles might put some points on the board, it won’t be enough. Andre Woodson finishes his career at Kentucky in fine form.

Prediction:
Kentucky 41 – Florida State 31

Sun Bowl Preview: Oregon vs. South Florida

Brut Sun Bowl
Dec. 31, 11 a.m. PST
Oregon (8-4) vs. South Florida (9-3)
El Paso, Texas
Payout: $1,900,000
Spread: South Florida – 6.5

At the half-way-point of the year, this could have been the national championship game. But neither could live up to those lofty expectations.

Oregon is a different football team without quarterback Dennis Dixon. His ability is magnified by the spread offense the team runs. Without his athleticism at QB, the Ducks have found their way to the Sun Bowl instead of a BCS bowl. It’s a testament to how important the quarterback is to the spread offense. The season is in two pieces for Oregon, with Dennis Dixon (8-1) and without him (0-3).

South Florida was disappointed some with their three-game losing streak after climbing to No. 2 in the polls but this isn’t a No. 2 caliber team. The three loses were all to good football teams as Rutgers, UConn and Cincinnati will all be in bowl games. This season was still a big step for the young program and they’ll get their first 10-win season if they beat Oregon.

The USF defense will destroy a Dixon-less Oregon offense. Future NFL running back Jonathan Stewart may be the Ducks only chance. He’s run for over 1,400 yards and 10 TD’s this year. He’s 230 lbs and has game breaking speed. If there’s one player the strong USF defense will have trouble with, it’s Stewart, but expect the defense to be ready for him and stack the box with defenders accordingly. If they can force him to move laterally along the line of scrimmage and string out plays to the sidelines, they may just bottle him up. Oregon won’t have much success through the air, making Stewart’s contributions all the more important. USF corners Mike Jenkins and Trae Williams are two of the best in the country. The speed of Oregon’s WR’s won’t bother them much, especially if the Oregon QB (either Cody Kempt or Justin Roper) can’t get them the ball.

Because of their anemic offense, the Duck defense will have to win this game for UO. They’ll have their hands full with freelancing USF quarterback Matt Grothe. He is a capable runner but he tends to press and force the issue when the team is struggling. If the Ducks can get out in front early then their athletic defense will be able to keep them out in front. If they don’t South Florida will be able to burn clock with a newfound running back in Mike Ford. He’s only a freshman even though he signed with Alabama out of high school in 2005. In the past three games he’s taken the bulk of the carries and run for over 300 yards with six TD’s. Oregon uses a 4-2-5 alignment defensively and it can be inviting for a good running game. Ford should have a big game. Corners Walter Thurmond and Jarius Byrd can’t get beat deep. It’s important for this team to put USF in third and long situations and get off the field when they can. Oregon’s offense will need every possession it can get if they’re going to win this game.

I expect turnovers and a lot of them. The Oregon defense knows they can’t give up an inch and they’ll keep this game low scoring. If South Florida controls time of possession they’ll win this game. Oregon needs someone on offense to take the burden off of Stewart or it won’t be close.

Prediction:
South Florida 17 – Oregon 10

Armed Forces Bowl Preview: Air Force vs. Cal

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl
Dec. 31, 9:30 a.m. PST
California (6-6) vs. Air Force (9-3)
Fort Worth, Texas
Payout: $750,000
Spread: California – 3.5

If there’s a more difficult game to gauge I haven’t found it. Cal comes in reeling. They’ve inexplicably lost six of their last seven while their opponents from the Air Force academy have done the exact opposite, finishing the season winning six of their last seven. The Golden Bears had a similar collapse last season and rebounded to win their bowl game over a solid Texas A&M team. But this is a collapse of epic proportions. It’s up there with the New York Mets for worst finish of the year. Remember, if backup QB Kevin Riley had managed to spike the ball in the dieing seconds against Oregon State, California may have been ranked number one the following week. Now they sit at 6-6, one loss away from a record under .500.

Air Force comes in with a different mind set. While Cal is trying to salvage their season, the Falcons are happy to be bowling for the first time in five years. Notching their first bowl win since the 2000 season would put this program back on the map. First-year head coach Troy Calhoun has done a great job of adding more passing to the triple option scheme the school became known for running. The misdirection the offense brings is an equalizer. Since Air Force can’t recruit the same talent that a school like Cal can, this offense levels the playing field. Against Cal they should have plenty of success with it.

The Golden Bears’ defense is very average. There are a number of players with the potential to play at the next level but they just can’t seem to put it together. Preparation will be key on the defensive side of the ball. Air Force will run all over Cal if they don’t know what to expect, especially if they don’t identify Chad Hall on every snap. He’ll line up in multiple positions and is so versatile that he leads the team in rushing and receiving. The young man only became the primary ball carrier at midseason yet he finished with 1,415 rushing yards and 14 TD’s. Cal’s defense will have to be aware of him at all times or they’ll get beat soundly in this game.

An offense with as much firepower as Cal’s shouldn’t be this unproductive. Quarterback Nate Longshore has the size and the arm to play Sunday football one day but a series of injuries set him back this year. His most explosive wide receiver also struggled through a season marred by injuries. DeSean Jackson had many people talking about him winning the Heisman Trophy after he made Tennessee look slow. Unfortunately the year turned out to be a disappointment and he was overshadowed by fellow WR Lavelle Hawkins. Hawkins was consistent and made a case for the upcoming NFL draft by picking up the slack for Jackson. Running back Justin Forsett had a nice season with 1,406 yards and 13 TD’s, proving the skeptics wrong. At just 5’8 and 185 lbs some worried about his ability to carry the load but hint to you NFL scouts, don’t bet against him. Air Force will have a problem defending the speed of Cal if they come to play, that’s a big if, however.

I want to pick Air Force. Considering the seasons these two teams have had, the Falcons should win the game. But I went against Cal after their collapse last season only to have reinforced for me that bowl season is a separate entity from the regular season altogether. With the collection of talent they have, there’s no way they should lose this game. Then again, there’s no way they should’ve lost six games this year. Since Cal’s flakiness has me flustered I’m going the other way but very skeptically. Apparently I didn’t learn my lesson last year.

Prediction:
Air Force 21 – Cal 20