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Greggy The Greeks

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Now in case y'all are new here, I will tell you I abhor making season predictions in the pre-season. I stand by my comments that nowadays everything changes week to week. I have made various sermons on that subject,CLICK HERE to see. So I put as much stock in preseason projections as an investor buying Enron! I mean c'mon all these magazines that picked CLEVELAND as thier sleeper team, can go right back to sleep, losing Jamir Miller a week ago changes that pick doesn't it. How would you like the Rams chances if Kurt Warner is finished for the season in the last preseason game, and then they lose Falk in say week 2. They might have a worse record than the Texans then. Still, I know y'all are just dying for my 2 cents on the upcoming season. With a HUGE CAVEAT I grudgingly continue:

Before looking at who will be good in the AFC lets start with who won't. Recall Last Year at this time I told you that the Ravens wouldn't repeat. I will say the same thing this Year. The New England Patriots will not repeat, nor even make it to the Championship. Like the NY Giants from a year earlier, the Pats were healthy and got hot down the stretch. Brady is the real thing, but they will have too many gunning for them this year.

So lets start our tour in the East.

The Miami Dolphins are going into September looking mighty once again, will Ricky help keep them way come december is the question. The Bills will be improved - but 6 wins for them is a 100% improvement. The NY Jets despite all the talk to the contrary are not grounded yet, and I love what Herman Edwards brings to the table. If the Fish fall its NY's div.

In the North, sort of the old central.

There has been much talk this offseason about the Ohio teams. While the Browns shocked a few folks last year, I dont see much of an improvment there. Cincy, folks say is loaded with talent, but the glue on that team is Corey Dillon, better hope nothing happens to him. Even so I am not sold on the QB or the coach to see them even at .500. Baltimore has serious problems and could be one of the worst teams in the NFL this year, so that leaves Pittsburgh whom I dont think will be as good as last year, but will win this division by default.

In the South

Tennessee appears to be playing well, we need to see if they can improve on thier secondary play to see if they can be considered legit. IndianapolisWill certainly try to fill the void if Tenn. cant do it. Adding Tony Dungy and drafting lots of Defense are steps in the right direction, if things pan out this could be this years conference winner - IF things PAN OUT. Jacksonville has regressed and will stuggle to go over .500. Houston will suck (see Big D Previews the Houston Texans).

The Wild Wild West Is basically wide open. Sure I know about the Raiders, but they are OLD, and losing Gruden will not help. Old teams tend to pile up injuries -- keep that in mind in November when most of this team could be in street clothes. Who will step up. Kansas City was my undoing last year, but I have tons of respect for Vermeil. If he can get better play from Trent Green the Chiefs can make some noise. Denver can likewise grab this if they get a good year from Griese. San Diego, should not be a factor. On second thought after looking at these teams - the Raiders might STILL be the class of this Div. - IF they can all stay healthy.

For any Discussion on the NFC we need to start in the West
Home of arguabley the best NFC team of the past few years the RAMS they should be back with a fury, but as I mentioned earlier - how would you like their chances without Warner and Faulk. Who else do we like in the West, San Fran is the obvious choice, but I am not so sure. Despite all the ascertaions to the contrary there is still some tension in that locker room I think, throw in some early losses and this could spiral out of control. Arizona, well dont laugh, finally freed from their shackles in the NFC East cellar, the Cards have a pretty mean offensive line and don't underestimate the effect of not having to travel to the east coast for every road game. That could spell an extra couple of wins this year. The Cards could be one of the surprises this year. I am still not sold on Jake Plummer enough yet to go that far out on a limb. Seattle could also be a darkhorse, with Holmgren and Watters, and Alexander but losing Dilfer will hurt and like Arizona I am not sold enough on Hasselbeck as a NFL QB, yet.

The NFC North, or Norris as ESPN's Chris Berman will assuredly call it is another murky mess.

Sure the BEARS were an improved team last year, and still have as solid a Defense as anyone. They upgraded getting QB Chris Chandler although I wonder when the last time he played and did not receive a concussion was? As long as Brett Farve wears a Packer Jersey, never mind who else is on that team, they have to be considered contenders. The Vikes will still have Culpepper and Moss to electrify crowds, but as I was yelling all season "you cant live with your QB as your leading rusher!", you all saw how the Vikes finished up the season. Detroit, was one play shy from winning in 9 games, with any luck at all last year they could have been 9-7 Imagine that, well while I dont see that happeining this year, they will ruin a few peoples parlays this season thats for sure.

The NFC South

See what I wrote above about the Cardinals, well that applies double to Tampa who not only had to deal with the flight but bone chilling cold midwestern weather. The undoing of many a Florida team at any level. This new division is tailor made for the Bucs this year. Throw in Jon Gruden, and winning the south is almost a certainty. Making the playoffs is only half the battle, Dungy was able to do that. Well depending on who is in what shape come december, this may be the team. The rest of the South, Atlanta, and New Orleans are tough scrappy squads who will win some games, but at this point are just not in the category of Tampa. Carolina has even more rebuilding to do, and they still have Wenke at QB, Nuff said.

Finally we come to The NFC EAST

Why the NFC EAST last you may think? Beacuse, brace yourself, this might be the best division in the NFL. OK when you Stop laughing, read on, Philly we all know about. Playing for the right to go to the Superbowl last year, has only made this years team more determined at this point. McNabb is every bit the real deal. After Philly however, we look at the Giants after flopping to 7-9 after winning the conference a year ago many have dismissed this team as flash in the pan, while this years team may be more of a flash. The Giants have gotten younger along the offensive front and faster at the Wideouts. Jeremy Shockey is proving to be a special player, that will make a huge difference in the red zone for a team which settled for lots of field goals last year. Washington has Spurrier and had avereaged 37.5 points per game in the preseason. More importantly Marvin Lewis and that defense will keep them in every game. I wouldn't overlook the Redskins. Even Dallas is looking very improved. They added some players through the draft and free agency and they should have one of the top Defenses in the NFL, yup the whole league. While Emmett is still toting the rock, this kid Hambrick behind him is a real load averaging over 5 yards per carry, behind a young retooled offensive line. I still have my doubts about Q. Carter and so I cant label the 'boys contenders yet, buts lets just say, if he proves me wrong and plays well, the Cowboys will be.

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Dr. Biffs NCAA PICKS!!

25. SOUTH CAROLINA: Gotta love the Cocks. Lou Holtz is the master at excelling when you think he can't. SC lost a load of guys from last year's squad, but pulled in some quality JUCO talent to step in. The defense will keep the games close, and Lou will find ways to win.

24. LOUISVILLE: tough guy QB Dave Ragone will lead The Cardinal's offense. The defense will be very stout, and should have Louisville competing for the Conference USA title, which the Doc thinks they will win.

23. NOTRE DAME: An incredibly tough offseason will bring this team together. The early schedule is really challenging, and there are lots of question marks. But the talent is there, and Ty Willingham will get the Irish to play ball.

22. MARSHALL: QB Bryan Leftwich is a one of the very best in the nation. The offense will be very explosive, and the D will surrender lots of points. Should be fun to watch this team try to gain the respect of the pollsters.

21. TEXAS A&M: The Aggies return eighteen starters from a year ago, including QB Mark Ferris. The defense will return to Wrecking Crew form and set the tone for a successful season. The schedule is tough, and will present problems.

20. WISCONSIN: Senior QB Brooks Bollinger and RB Anthony Davis should have huge seasons for Barry Alvarez' Badgers. The tricky part is on the other side of the ball, where the D was torn apart by graduation. I'm going to give Barry, a longtime defensive guy, some credit here and say that the defense will be shored up enough to get the Badgers into a bowl.

19. NC STATE: QB Phillip Rivers will lead the Wolfpack again. If they find a go-to running back, the offensive will be deadly. DB Terrence Holt is one of the very best. Very easy non-conference schedule should equal nine wins.

18. Illinois: The Illini must replace four-year starter Kurt Kittner, but have plenty of talent otherwise. The defense should be better than last year, and will be able to carry the team until the offense finds its groove.

17. VIRGINIA TECH: The Hokies have stud tailback Lee Suggs back, as well as a stable of other thoroughbred runners to spell him. Grant Noel will be the QB if his torn ACL heals. The defense is stacked - a staple down in Blacksburg. If Noel can play, Frank Beamer's team will be vying for the Big East title.

16. WASHINGTON STATE: Heisman candidate Jason Gesser returns to lead the Cougars potent attack. Some publications have picked the Cougars to win the PAC-10, a feat they haven't accomplished in forty-one years. The Doc feels that the defense has too many holes for that to happen, but that this team will still have a successful season.

15. MICHIGAN STATE: Let the Doc be the first of many this season to say "Smoker to Rogers - Touchdown!" The Spartans need to replace TJ Duckett at tailback, but the defense will be strong and they have eight home games. A run at the Roses isn't out of the question.

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14. USC: The Trojans have all the talent in the world, but are still looking for that breakthrough season. This could be the one, with QB Carson Palmer and a very talented receiving corps leading the way.

13. NEBRASKA: The Doc is not ready to call for the demise of Husker football, though it seems many of my peers have. Frank Solich is not real well liked by Husker fans, and he has to do a stellar coaching job this year with his young team. The Doc says the Huskers will be fine - just keep running that option, baby.

12. MICHIGAN: Lloyd Carr is anxious to get his team back on the field after a disappointing '01 campaign. John Nevarre is back at QB, and needs to step up his play this year. Look for Ronald Bellamy to have a big year as the go to receiver. The defense has all the makings of a great one.

11. MARYLAND: This team really looks good on paper. Ralph Friedgen's boys will not sneak up on anyone this season, but the talent and system seem to be in place for a serious run at another BCS game. Chris Kelley hopes to return from an offseason knee injury in time to lead the Terps as the starting QB. The offense should be balanced, and the defense will have star linebacker EJ Henderson along with loads of young talent. An early test against Notre Dame will set the tone for the season.

10. TENNESSEE: Call the Doc an old curmudgen, but I'll stick with the traditional powers, thank you. Tennessee has Casey Clausen returning at QB, and Kelly Washington at receiver. The offensive line should be great as usual. The real question for the Vols is in their defensive front seven. The whole line will be new this year, and if the unit doesn't gel the defense will be vulnerable. The Doc sees this group improving throughout the year, and being a force by the time bowl season comes around. They have the advantage of playing Florida and Miami at home.

9. MIAMI: Miami will begin defense of its fifth national championship since 1983 with only four returning starters. Luckily for coach Larry Coker, one of the four is quarterback Ken Dorsey. Dorsey has thrown 58 touchdown passes so far and is poised for a stellar senior effort. Andre Johnson is back at receiver. Tailback Clinton Portis jumped to the NFL after last season, so a running threat must emerge. The line lost three starters, but should still be rock solid. The defense is solid up front, with William Joseph at tackle and DJ Williams at linebacker. The secondary is starting over this year, with Ed Reed, Mike Rumph, and Phillip Buchanan gone to play with the big boys. Still, the Hurricanes should win ten games and be playing in a BCS game when all is said and done.

8. OREGON: Can Joey Harrington be replaced? That is the question that Mike Bellotti hopes to answer in the affirmative with junior Jason Fife. Fife is very fast and agile, but it will be a tall order for anyone to play at Harrington's level. Onterrio Smith returns at tailback, and should continue to be a force. The receiving corps returns it's top two starters from last season. . The defense will again be tough if not spectacular. Fife will be the key - if he plays adequately the Ducks will soar to another BCS game.

7. OHIO STATE: Yeah, yeah, I'll admit that Jim Tressel has impressed me. The Buckeyes are a force to be reckoned with on and off the field, as Tressel has all but locked up the state of Ohio for recruiting. The big question mark is at QB, where Craig Krenzel and Scott McMullen are competing for the job. Luckily, whoever wins will be surrounded by veteran talent on this offense. Jonathan Wells is gone, but TB Lydell Ross will step in nicely after gaining over 400 yards as a backup last year. The receivers, led by Chris Vance, are talented and experienced. The line will be monstrous. Jim Thorpe candidate Michael Doss leads the defense, which is also a veteran unit. The Buckeyes get Michigan at home this year, and hope to build on last year's win in the Big House.

6. GEORGIA: The Doc believes that Georgia is ready to return to the elite after taking a decade off. David Greene is a solid quarterback, with plenty of big, talented receivers to throw to. The offense will need to find a tailback, but Musa Smith is a good one if he stays healthy. The defense is very solid, led by Ken Veal at nose guard and a great linebacking crew. A trip to South Carolina will test these Dawgs early.

5. FLORIDA: New coach Ron Zook has some pretty big shoes to fill in Gainsville. The Gators are expected to continue in their high flying, fun n gun ways with Rex Grossman at the helm. Grossman is a true stud and will be the difference in some tough games. All you need to know about senior tailback Ernest Grahm is that Florida was 10-0 with him last season and 0-2 without him. He'll have around a thousand yards this year. The line has some holes, but tons of talent waiting to emerge. A couple of receivers need to step up. Defensively, this team is talented but young. That isn't necessarily bad when adjusting to a new system. The old ways aren't as engrained. Look for nose tackle Ian Scott to have a big season. The SEC schedule, plus games with in state rivals Miami and FSU will be brutal.

4. COLORADO: The Buffs will again have an awesome running game with multiple weapons to choose from. Tailbacks Chris Brown, Bobby Purify, and Marcus Houston will share the load in Gary Barnett's backfield. Craig Ochs will be back as QB after missing the final five games of last year. The question mark is along the line, where three starters plus line coach Steve Marshall have departed. The talent is there, and should gel into a fine unit. On defense, the secondary will hope to improve from a disastrous '01. The linebackers will be the leaders of this group. Look for the Buffs to again play for the Big 12 championship.

3. OKLAHOMA: Bob Stoops is gunning for his second national title in only four years as head coach. He should have an improved offense and a ferocious defense to take into battle this season. Nate Hybl will be the starter, but fans will quickly look for back up Brent Rawls if he stumbles early. Quentin Griffin had over eight hundred yards last season and should have an even bigger season this year. Trent Smith is a force both catching and blocking at tight end. Defense is where Stoops' genius really shines through. Oh, and by the way, the Sooners are just dripping with talent as well. Tommie Harris and Kory Klein, both Tackles, are the foundation for what is still a championship caliber defense. Rocky Calmus will be missed at linebacker, but transfer Lance Mitchell has been turning heads as his replacement. The Sooners have a relatively easy schedule, but tough games at Texas and Texas A&M await.

2. FLORIDA STATE: I listed the Seminoles this high because, on paper, they are just bursting with talent. Also, last year was a disappointment by FSU standards and I think Bobby Bowden will be back with a vengeance this season. Chris Rix is a young gun who should have a spectacular season at QB. Anquan Boldin and Robert Morgan are back at receiver after missing last year with injuries. The entire offensive line returns intact. The defense, which was soft last year, should be much improved with a healthy Darnell Dockett anchoring the line. Non-conference games vs Notre Dame, Miami, and Florida could be their undoing.

1. TEXAS: Yeah, I know. Mac Brown can't win the big one. Well, neither could John Elway until he did. Neither Could Tom Osborne until he won. No one's saying that stuff about these guys now, are they? Bottom line is that the Longhorns are LOADED on both sides of the ball and their non-conference games are a joke. Chris Simms picks up the reigns again after a rocky season a year ago - but that will go a long way to making him a better QB this year. At least Major Applewhite won't be there anymore to make him look bad. Cedric Benson is a stud tailback and is running behind a huge and experienced line. Simms will have Williams and a gang of other speedsters to throw to in what could be the best WR corps in the country. The defense is led by defensive end Corey Redding, a man who never seems to run out of eligibility. October 12th is the key game for Texas, home against Oklahoma, that will go a long way to deciding the National Championship. This time the Doc figures the 'Horns are DUE.

So there you have it, guys. And Heck - if you disagree with the picks and I'll be glad to tell you where your logic is faulty. But seriously, we love to talk 'ball, drop us a line or post something in the THE FORUM and I'll be glad to straighten you out! Let's have a great season.

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