Harley In The Huddle

Feel The Tradition: UVA Marching Band

2011-10-02T22:12:00.003-04:00

On the road doing Idaho at Virginia for ESPN3, gotta catch some of the flavor of game day in Charlottesville!

The fans in the stadium shouldn't be the only ones experiencing the pageantry, atmosphere, and drama of a college football game day.

That's why H in H wants to give you the chance to FEEL THE TRADITION!

Also catch all of the action with Charter Cable

2010 H In H: D-Line Pass Rush

2010-11-27T17:28:00.000-05:00

To affect the quarterback you've got to do 3 things: contain the QB, have great coverage, and pressure the throw. When you can get pressure with your four down linemen, it makes calling defenses simple.

Former Buckeye and college football analyst Rob Harley brings you inside the huddle...

2010 H In H: Cover 2 QB Reads

2010-11-25T12:29:00.000-05:00

It's up to the quarterback to get the ball to his playmakers where it hurts the defense the most, to get that done he must go through his pre-play checklist.

Former Buckeye and college football analyst Rob Harley brings you inside the huddle...

2010 H In H: Inside Zone Blocking

2010-11-12T22:46:00.000-05:00

Execution trumps everything in football, if you dominate the man across from you good things are bound to happen...especially in the run game!

Former Buckeye and college football analyst Rob Harley brings you inside the huddle...

2010 H In H: Beating Cover 2

2010-11-04T18:50:00.000-04:00

Good offenses dissect on the fly and exploit the defense's weakness for big plays. In Cover 2 it's the safety and the corner that you have to target.

Former Buckeye and college football analyst Rob Harley brings you inside the huddle...

2010 H In H: Bubble Screen Defense

2010-10-22T19:35:00.000-04:00

There are certain calls that are great against a certain defense, but it still comes down to defenders reading their keys and using technique to stop the offense.

Former Buckeye and college football analyst takes you inside the huddle...

2010 H In H: Play Calling + Outside Zone

2010-10-22T09:16:00.000-04:00

Play calls can help put players in better positions to do their jobs, but at the end of the day it's all about each man executing better than his opponent.

Former Buckeye and ABC 6 college football analyst Rob Harley takes you inside the huddle...

2010 H In H: Linebacker Reads

2010-10-08T21:28:00.000-04:00

Focus and great eye control are paramount for defensive players. Lose focus and get caught staring, and you'll just be watching the offense score touchdowns.

Former Buckeye and ABC 6 college football analyst Rob Harley takes you inside the huddle...

2010 H In H: Quarteback Throwback

2010-10-03T15:18:00.001-04:00

Trickery is good for two reasons:

It keeps the defense guessing all game long
It also keeps future opponents on their toes, since they'll never know how to prepare.

Former Buckeye and ABC 6 college football analyst Rob Harley brings you inside the huddle...

2010 H In H: Bear Punt

2010-09-29T11:37:00.001-04:00

Special teams needs 100% execution by ALL 11 players, if one man breaks down and the whole unit suffers...just don't let it be YOU!

Former Buckeye and ABC 6 college football analyst Rob Harley brings you inside the huddle...

2010 H In H: Kickoff Coverage

2010-09-29T11:35:00.001-04:00

Kickoff coverage comes down to two things: maintaining lane integrity with great speed and having great awareness. Miss out on one of those and you might just get burned.

Former Buckeye and ABC 6 college football analyst Rob Harley brings you inside the huddle...

2010 H In H: Field Goal Protection

2010-09-29T11:32:00.002-04:00

It takes less than 2 seconds the get a field goal kick up in the air, it takes even less time to get a kick blocked. Perfect operation is the key, otherwise you're looking for trouble.

Former Buckeye and ABC 6 college football analyst Rob Harley brings you inside the huddle...

1st Annual Harley Helping Hands golf outing

2010-07-23T09:30:00.052-04:00

The 1st Annual Harley Helping Hands golf outing is in the books! 80 golfers came out to support HHH and help families fight brain cancer.

ABC Sports was out to cover the event, CLICK HERE to check out the highlights!

Yours truly almost sank a 60ft putt for the cameras, go in ball...it's for charity!!

Also see all the pictures from the event HERE! (courtesy of Kari Cordle)

Join the HHH group on Facebook! Get updates on new events, see pics from past events, and join the fight!

Charity Profile: Lending a Hand

2010-07-01T09:31:00.006-04:00

Photo by Chris Casella

(614) Magazine and Travis Hoewischer wrote a great article on Harley Helping Hands, our charity designed to help families fight brain cancer.

Rob Harley, like over 20,000 others in this country, has experienced firsthand the devastation brain cancer can deal unto a family.

A former defensive back for the Ohio State football team, Harley watched his older brother Kit lose a valiant three-year fight this March. Fighting the disease itself has been a prolonged, expensive process for his brother's family just on the physical front; tests, chemotherapy, prescriptions are the known overwhelming costs of medical care.

But, it's the mortgage, the home modifications, even groceries that wreak as much collateral havoc on the lives of a patient's family.

"All these charities are going toward awareness, for research, or for development of a drug; this is designed to go toward all the back-end stuff that you don't hear as much about," Harley said. "How would you know, unless you've been through it? It's not a case of, 'Hey you're focusing on the wrong thing.' Raising money for research is very important; it must go on. But, at the same time, it hits home more when you realize the families' lives are being destroyed because of this disease."

Continue reading this article at 614columbus.com

Harley Helping Hands will be holding its first annual golf outing at noon, Monday, July 19th at Heritage Golf Club (3525 Heritage Club Dr., Hilliard). The shotgun-start scramble will feature former Buckeyes and Columbus natives Simon Fraser and Brandon Joe as well as other former Buckeyes and current Blue Jackets. Individuals or foursomes can register HERE!

H In H Rogaine Challenge! Wild Bill - Month 2

2010-06-28T15:30:00.009-04:00

Just like the environmentalists racing to slow down global warming, we here at H in H have a challenge of our own.

To see if we can halt the depleting resources on top of Wild Bill's beautiful scalp!

So I think it's safe to think of H in H like Captain Planet in this situation, combining forces with Mother Nature and science to save the day.

Although let's get rid of the fruity little pre-teen South American kid that squeals "heart!" and replace him with a bronzed puerto rican underwear model with flowing locks that seductively murmurs, "hair growth."

With that being said Wild Bill has been nurturing his little follicle angels with Rogaine foam for 2 months now, so it's time to check on the results!!

Start Month 2

As I've stated before yours truly didn't see results until the 3-4 month mark so be patient. Growing new hair is like raising a family, you've got to coddle these newly sprouting hairs like innocent, young children.

Stay tuned all you "hair challenged" men out there, Rome wasn't built in a day. Brick by brick my good citizens, and H in H won't stop until Wild Bill has to use a banana clip to keep his hair out of his face.

H In H is in no way affiliated with Rogaine and this test is being run at our own risk. Results will differ for every person

H In H Rogaine Challenge! Wild Bill - Month 1

2010-05-24T10:00:00.074-04:00

Gentlemen it's been ONE month since the start of the epic Rogaine Challenge, the challenge that will finally answer that burning question...does that crap really work!?

So it's time to check in with Wild Bill's follicles...are they feeling frisky!?

Let's find out...

Start Month 1

Now it's only been one month so don't get all crazy, yours truly didn't see any changes to my dome until month three.

For the record Wild Bill has been diligent in applying the Rogaine foam as directed, twice daily, so you can be confident we're conducting this experiment correctly.

Call me crazy, but I feel like I can see some little sprouts! Chi Chi Chi Chia...

We'll check back with Wild Bill after month 2, may the force be with you little hairs!

H In H is in no way affiliated with Rogaine and this test is being run at our own risk. Results will differ for every person

Hoot & Holler LIVE! Pac 10 Preview

2010-05-20T09:00:00.020-04:00

Join us for this episode of Hoot & Holler Live! as Rob Harley and Michael Felder step up to give their thoughts on the Pac 10. Michael kicks off the preview by with his love for Lane Kiffin and that he thinks the young head coach will see plenty of success at Southern Cal.
On tap:

New coaches
Coaching hot seats
2010 Surprises
2010 Disappointments
Players to watch
Predictions for the coming season
Washington State gets some time as Rob recalls playing the Cougars in 2002
Paul Wulff's future at Washington State
Dennis Erickson slipping at Arizona State?
Is Arizona a one hit wonder?
"Justified" Discussion

To listen to the show click here or subscribe to one of the methods listed below.

If you want the podcast you must subscribe to the Feedburner, but if you want to subscribe to the blog please use the RSS Feed. This is for iTunes to be able to archive the shows. You can also search for "In The Bleachers"on iTunes and subscribe to the podcast that way.

Got a question? Email it in to harleyinthehuddle @ hotmail (dot) COM

Hit us up on Twitter @robharley34!

H In H Rogaine Challenge! Wild Bill

2010-04-26T12:00:00.071-04:00

You can call it science, boredom, or even a dream to have luscious flowing locks, but we here at H In H like to think of it as CARING for men everywhere!

H In H is doing this for all of the "hair challenged" men out there! We feel your pain!

Wild Bill is our guinea pig/chia pet for an experiment that could affect every guy that's been skeptical about hair growth products (count us in that category too).

Yours truly has been dabbling with the Rogaine foam for the last 5 months and I've seen some positive results (per my hair stylist's opinion). Unfortunately I didn't think to keep a photographic diary, but that ends today!

Feast your eyes...

Wild Bill - Month 1

We'll be checking in on Wild Bill's progress every month to see if those follicles are are feeling frisky.

He's applying the Rogaine foam as directed, twice daily, and will be doing so for at least 6 months as we document his amazing journey to hair bliss.

Gentlemen, and ladies with balding dudes, stay tuned because you won't want to miss the results. Once and for all H In H finds out if hair growth products really work!

H In H is in no way affiliated with Rogaine and this test is being run at our own risk. Results will differ for every person

2010 NFL Draft: Things that could happen

2010-04-22T15:15:00.004-04:00

Draft Day is FINALLY here!!!!!!!!

For me, Draft day should be a National Holiday. I throw Draft Day into the same category as Xmas and my Birthday. You ask 'How can you compare Draft Day to Xmas?!', and I respond by saying that I'm surrounded by loved ones on both days.

One of my two brothers will be joining me on this festive occasion. He's as die-hard about the NFL and the Draft as I am. As a 49er fan though he's not too happy with all the Clausen to San Fran rumors. Somehow he ended up as a Michigan fan, so naturally he's not going to like any Golden-Domers. He is excited that Taylor Mays is rumored to be a consideration with their number 17 pick.

Other things to watch out for during tonight's draft:

Teams most likely to move down:

Kansas City
Cleveland
Jacksonville
Miami
Detroit

Teams most likely to move up:

Philadelphia
Dallas
San Francisco
Washington
New England

Big trade buzz:

Albert Haynesworth (DL) Washington, possibly included as a package to the St.Louis Rams so Shanahan can draft Sam Bradford (QB) Oklahoma. The primary reasoning behind this rumor has to do with the fact that with the addition of Donovan McNabb, the Redskins probably won't be in position to draft a young QB in the next few drafts. They'll probably be around the .500 mark which would slot them somewhere in the middle teens in the next few drafts. To add more fuel to this fire, Jared Gaither (OT) Baltimore is said to be available for a 2nd Round pick. He's a top-tier Left Tackle available for teams that might miss out on the top tackles of this draft. Baltimore is only interested in paying one tackle big money and that's last year's 1st Round Pick - Michael "Blindside" Oher. (Oh wait, wrong movie...same actor/actress, just wrong film!! HAHAHA!!)

There has also been buzz around Haynesworth reuniting with his former D-Coordinator, Jim Schwartz, now the head-coach of Detroit. This would allow Detroit the freedom to grab a Top Offensive tackle to protect Matt Stafford's blindside.

Philadelphia has a cache of draft picks in the first couple of rounds and the belief is they have their eye on Earl Thomas (DB) Texas. Teams sitting in the 9-14 range are hoping for a call from Philly.

It's no secret that Green Bay is looking to add a top-tier offensive tackle in this draft. At their current spot though, none of those players will be available which would only leave the 2nd tier tackles. San Fran could be an willing partner for GB.

'The QB from the Panhandle State that will not be named' has decided to not attend the Live Draft tonight. Rumors have him being selected in the 1st Round, others to the 2nd Round. You can bet your bottom dollar that if you're not already sick of hearing his name, you will be within the first hour of pre-draft coverage.

Fat Ben and Oakland. Oakland is said to be the ONLY willing trade partner with Pittsburgh. The problem is - Oakland doesn't want to include their 1st Round, number 8 pick in the deal. On the flip side, Pittsburgh doesn't want to include their 1st Round, number 18 pick in any deal. Cryptkeeper vs. US ambassador to Ireland....who will win?! This situation has the potential to flip this whole draft upside down.

KC and Cleveland are said to be the 'Turning Points' of this draft because they both have so many different ways they could go. They will hold the keys to the entire draft unless something crazy happens between picks 1-4.

Taylor Mays could slip into the 2nd Round. Much like All World Linebacker James Laurinaitis in last year's draft, Mays elected to fore go the draft after his Junior year and stayed in school for his senior season. Laurinaitis was projected as a top-10 pick in the NFL draft after his junior year, just as Mays was projected to be a top-10 pick in last year's draft if he would have entered. Laurinaitis had a solid senior year, like Mays this year, but ended up sliding into the 2nd Round of the 2009 NFL draft. Mays is on an almost identical path for this year's draft. If Mays doesn't get selected tonight, there will be teams doing everything they can to move up to the top of the 2nd Round to select this athletic freak.

Enjoy tonight!!

-Wild Bill Out!!

NARRATIVE - Wild Bill exits as a cadence of chants - "ERIC.....ERIC......ERIC" and "COLT....COLT....COLT" are heard in the surrounding states of Ohio......

Cleveland Fans know what they want! Get it taken care of Holmgren!

GO BROWNS!!!!!

Wild Bill's 2010 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 31 & 32

2010-04-21T09:54:00.008-04:00

We're under 33 hours troops!! St. Louis goes on the clock at 7:32 pm, E.S.T. Let's wrap up the last two picks and wait (im)patiently for tomorrow's festivities.

31.) Indianapolis Colts - Roger Saffold, OL Indiana

Bill Polian, President of the Indianapolis Colts, was quick to throw his Oline under the bus after their Super Bowl XLIV.

Everybody knows that E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G revolves around this guy in Indianapolis, so it's fairly obvious that they'll do everything they can to protect him. Heck, they drafted 3 Centers in the 2008 draft!?! That's ridiculous!

They thought that Tony Ugoh was the answer when they drafted him in the 2nd Round of the 2007 draft but he hasn't been able to handle the position of guarding Peyton's backside on a consistent basis.

Saffold has steadily risen up the draft boards throughout the course of the last few months. He had a good showing at the East/West Shrine week, had a decent showing at the Combine and his Pro Day went pretty well too.

Saffold leads the 2nd Tier of Offensive Tackles; it's rumored he might be drafted by Indy's pick.

Indy could also add to their defensive line with Tony Alualu (DT), Devin McCourty (CB) or Everson Griffen (DE).

Let's head on down to New Orleans where they're STILL partying and celebrating their Super Bowl 44 victory!

Last, but not least on to Bourbon Street...

32.) New Orleans Saints - Sean Weatherspoon, OLB Missouri

They 'ain't' the 'Aints anymore boys and girls! Who Dat Nation rises up and shines!!

Last year's NFL Champs, led by short-statured Drew Brees, started off strong, handed the Pats a Prime-Time Ass-Whipping, rang up scoreboards like pin-ball machines, and capped the magical year off with a victory over the heavily-favored Indianapolis Colts. This resulted in one of the most heart-touching celebrations of All-Time. If that doesn't touch your heart, you must be a robot.

Like all good things though, everything must come to an end. Post Super Bowl, the Saints have lost some FA's, added some FA's, and are still waiting on a decision from their Defensive MVP - Darren Sharper. One of their key losses was Scott Fujita (OLB) who signed with my Cleveland Browns.

Gregg Williams, known for his 'Kitchen Sink Blitzes' and overall aggressive defensive game plans needs to fill some holes. Weatherspoon is one of the quickest OLB's in this draft and he would fill-in nicely next to Jonathan Vilma (MLB) and Scott Shanle (OLB) for the defending champs' defense.

Weatherspoon is an all-around solid defender, not extremely great in any one area. Gregg Williams and Co. should be able to fit him in and really utilize his across the field speed and talents.

That's it for my 2010 1st Round NFL Mock Draft!

There have been recent developments around the league with personnel that could cause some wrinkles in the 1st Round. I might come back tomorrow with a slighty tweaked 1st Round based on the recent player movement. We'll see...sometimes you have stick with your initial instinct though. Then again if you don't evolve and get better, you'll end up going the way of the Dodo.

"Holy Columbus Ohio!"

Wild Bill's 2010 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 29 & 30

2010-04-20T16:01:00.005-04:00

2 days and counting...Let's wrap up picks 29 and 30 today.

29.) New York Jets - Jared Odrick, DL Penn State

The 2009 Rex Ryan led Jets took the league by storm, surpassing everyone's expectations.

The team mimicked their head coaches swagger and gritty determination in route to an amazing season, capped off by an AFC Championship game appearance.

The defense in particular was an absolute nightmare for opposing offenses. Led by Darelle Revis, ALL GALAXY (CB), the defense gave teams fits all season long. The defensive line is the oldest unit on the team though and could look to benefit from an influx of youth.

Vernon Gholston (DE/OLB) was drafted in the 1st Round of the 2008 draft and has been a complete bust so far. He was supposed to help the pass rush and be used in rotation along the Dline.

Odrick is being described as a perfect fit to play the '5' technique in a 3-4 defense. A '5' technique lines up over the offensive tackle and 'consumes bodies' so to speak. They need to be disruptive enough to garner help from either a TE, OG or RB, but they also have to make sure they help keep bodies off of the LB's behind them.

Odrick has supposedly caught the eyes of several other 3-4 teams so there's a good chance he won't be available this late in the 1st Round. If he is though, Rex Ryan should quite a bit of fun using Odrick in his schemes.

Moving to Minnesooooooota...

30.) Minnesota Vikings - Kareem Jackson, DB Alabama

Minnesota fans suffered another heart-breaking playoff loss in the 2010 NFL Championship game. Brett Favre threw an absolutely crushing interception at the end of the 4th Quarter which took the Vikings out of field goal range and knocked them out of the playoffs.

During the season Minnesota was playing great football. They had some injuries on the defensive side of the ball, primarily at the LB and DB spots. Minnesota will probably look to add a talented CB in the 1st Round of the draft.

Devin McCourty (DB), Patrick Robinson (DB), or Kareem Jackson are all possibilities. I will give the edge to Jackson because of his familiarity to the type of zone-defense that the Minnesota secondary favors.

Jackson doesn't have top-end speed, but he isn't afraid of contact and will surprise people with his tackling ability.

I wouldn't be surprised if Minnesota grabs Daryl Washington (4-3 LB) TCU or perhaps a (DL) like either Brian Price/UCLA, Tyson Alualu/Cal or Linval Joseph/East Carolina.

The obvious statement that the Williams-Wall isn't getting any younger has been uttered before, but it's the truth. Pat Williams hinted at retirement during last season so more than likely the 2010 campaign will be his last. Minnesota would be wise to add a body to the DT rotation sooner than later.

The last two picks will be displayed tomorrow as we cover the AFC Champion Indianapolis Colts and the Super Bowl Winning New Orleans Saints.

Have a good Tuesday!

"I am Ripper... Tearer... Slasher... Gouger. I am the Teeth in the Darkness, the Talons in the Night. Mine is Strength... and Lust... and Power!"

September 9th - Opening Game of the 2010 NFL Season

2010-04-20T14:31:00.006-04:00

Circle your calendars all!! The Defending NFL Champion New Orleans Saints will be hosting the Minnesota Vikings Thursday, September 9th. Further proof that even the NFL thinks that the Greatest Quarterback in NFL History will lace them up for one more season.

Commissioner Roger Goddell made the announcement earlier today.

Along with that announcement, Goodell said that the last 3 weeks of the regular season will feature 28 divisional games compared to a total of 15 last season. All 16 of the Week 17 games will be divisional games.

Can't Wait!!!!

-Wild Bill

Wild Bill's 2010 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 27 & 28

2010-04-19T06:45:00.003-04:00

I hope nobody is having a case of the 'Mondays'... With only 3 days left until the draft let's get down to it.

27.) Dallas Cowboys - Taylor Mays, S USC

Dallas has needs at offensive line and defensive secondary and most critics are predicting that Dallas will take the best OT available.

For those of you who watched the playoffs, you probably remember that once Flozell Adams (Left OT) left the Minnesota game with an injury - all HELL broke loose for the Cowboys. The Cowboys waived Adams this past off season so it's very obvious that they're looking for his replacement sooner than later.

Taylor Mays was labeled as a Top-10 pick if he would have entered last years draft but he decided to come back his senior year...Big Mistake. Many of his weaknesses have been exposed this past season.

It helped that 4 linebackers that played on 2008's USC team get drafted that year; 3 in the first 2 rounds. I bring this up because Mays was exposed this past season as more was required of him throughout the season and he didn't exactly live up to his billing.

Those are the major knocks on him along with his penchant for MONSTER hits which sometimes leads to bad tackling angles and missed tackles.

On the flip side, this kid is a freakish athlete. Let me give you a quick stat line: 230 lbs, 6' 3'', benched 225 lbs 24 times, and oh yeah - he ran a 4.24 40-yard dash!! It was later changed to a 4.3; I'll let you decide for yourself....

Jerry Jones has been burnt in the past with other safeties, most notably Roy Williams and Ken Hamlin. Mays could be an absolute stud or end up as a complete bust. I think if he's still on the board, Jerry Jones will quickly pull the trigger on him.

On to the Chargers...

28.) Sand Diego Chargers - Ryan Mathews, RB Fresno State

The Chargers are one of the only teams that could realistically draft a 1st round RB. LaDainian Tomlinson, guaranteed 1st ballot HOF'er, was let go after last season and just recently signed with the New York Jets. This leave the Chargers with the diminutive but electrifying Darren Sproles and Jacob Hester as the only RB's on the roster.

The Chargers will be tempted to draft Mt. Cody from Alabama with this pick to plug-in at NT or DLineman Jared Odrick from Penn State. They already have one of the best offenses in the NFL but it can't ever hurt to add more weapons. Even with the combination of Sproles and Hester, nobody really believes they could carry the load for the entire season.

Matthews is a bigger back and he's got game-changing ability. He's not as explosive as fellow 1st Round RB C.J. Spiller, but Matthews has the build to be a 15-20 carry-a-game back. Matthews has above average receiving ability out of the backfield as well which can get him on the field sooner. One of the biggest knocks on Matthews is his injury history; he's been dinged up a couple of times which has led to some missed time.

Come back tomorrow for the Jet's and Viking's picks.

Let me show you Derelicte. It is a fashion, a way of life inspired by the very homeless, the vagrants, the crack whores that make this wonderful city so unique.

Wild Bill's 2010 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 25 & 26

2010-04-18T12:51:00.004-04:00

Only a couple more days until the 1st Round of the 2010 NFL Draft!!

25.) Baltimore Ravens - Demaryius Thomas WR, Ga Tech

The Baltimore Ravens have made it fairly obvious that their #1 off season goal has been to add weapons for Joe Flacco (QB).

They traded for Anquan Boldin and signed FA Donte Stallworth during the off season. Adding a young receiver to grow with Flacco will help with his continued development as a top-tier passer in the NFL.

Thomas comes from Georgia Tech which is a heavy run-first offense, so he didn't get as much of a chance to display all of his abilities on a weekly basis. When his number was call though, he made sure to take advantage. He is a very big receiver that has breakaway speed. He probably would be rated higher but he broke a bone in his foot preparing for the NFL combine several months ago, so his injury has dropped him a little bit in this draft.

With Flacco's big arm and Thomas's speed - defenses are going to be losing sleep with this potentially deadly combo!

Let's head to the desert...

26.) Arizona Cardinals - Jerry Hughes DE/OLB, TCU

Arizona had a couple of key defenders defect to other teams through FA, so replacing these losses are the highest priority for the the Cardinals.

Jerry Hughes was an absolute pass-rushing beast during his collegiate career; 26 sacks over the course of his Junior and Senior campaigns.

Hughes can probably be plugged in at DE or OLB. I'm sure 'Zona will let him play with his hand on the ground and let him do what he does best - attack the QB.

Hughes has a chance to go higher in this draft, maybe even to Atlanta or even New England. He has quickly risen up the charts the last few weeks because of his nose for the ball and his ability to create chaos in the backfield.

I'll be back tomorrow as we analyze Dallas's and San Diego's picks.

And this here's the TV. Two hours a day, either educational or football, so you don't ruin your appreciation of the finer things.

Wild Bill's 2010 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 23 & 24

2010-04-17T09:46:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the Weeeeeekend!!! We saw Cincy and The Spy-Gaters select yesterday, so let's get to Green Bay and Philly!

23.) Green Bay Packers - Charles Brown OL, USC

I discussed this pick with my girlfriend Lindsay, a rabid Cheese-head fan, and she wasn't too thrilled. Even though she SHOULD have tons of respect for OLineman (considering she's dating one...), she thinks it's a boring pick.

She really, really wants to be a member of Mr. Aaron Rodgers' neighborhood so needless to say, anything that will help keep him upright and healthy she's all for it.

The Packers know that they have one of the best, young QB's in the league and they want to do everything in their power to keep him healthy. Knowing that the Lions will probably draft this BEAST, they better draft some quality Olineman to protect Rodgers.

Moving to Philly...

24.) Philadelphia Eagles - Brandon Graham DE/OLB, Michigan

I really hope Philly has a chance to draft Graham. After the Cleveland/Philly trade last week I wish nothing but the best for Philly. They traded us 2 instant starters and for that, I thank you Philly.

Philly also just traded away Donovan McNabb, QB....maybe you've heard of him?....

They traded McNabb, let go of Westbrook (RB) and Andrews (OL), and several other players through trades. Philly has made it known that they're concentrating on a youth movement right now, getting younger across the board.

I'll be back on Sunday to go over Baltimore's and Arizona's picks.

Get him a body bag! Yeah!

Wild Bill's 2010 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 21 & 22

2010-04-16T15:00:00.007-04:00

Happy Friday all! Welcome back to my 2010 NFL 1st Round Mock Draft. We saw a couple of defenders come off the board yesterday with Atlanta's and Houston's picks, so let's get back to it.

21.) Cincinnati Bengals - Jermaine Gresham TE, Oklahoma

Gresham will come off the board right around the time that last year's #1 TE prospect, Brandon Pettigrew came off the board.

Gresham didn't get a chance to play during the 2009 because he slightly tore his right meniscus days before the start of the season.

Gresham is unquestionably the highest ranked TE in this class; he's been described as a Big WR. He's drawn comparisons to Antonio Gates and Kellen Winslow II due to his speed, agility and penchant for big plays - 25 TD's over the '07 and '08 seasons.

Cincinnati knows that they need to add some offensive weaponry for Carson Palmer. Chad OchoCinco was their only effective weapon through the air last season and he can't be expected to be the only option this year. They did add Antonio Bryant (WR) in FA this past offseason which should help.

Gresham has the ability to really stretch the field, do some damage between along the seams and create mismatches for the defense since he's too fast for LB's and too big for Safeties.

On to the Pats...

22.) New England Patriots - Sergio Kindle DE/OLB, Texas

Bill Belichek's last few drafts haven't produced the kind of gems he was used to early in the 2000's.

Belichek knows that he needs to add some quality defensive players that are smart, hard-nosed, versatile and know how to attack the passer. Kindle is a stack-and-shred linebacker which means that if he gets engaged by a blocker, he knows how to quickly disengage and get away from the blocker. This is important because if a LB is continually getting blocked and can't keep his vision on the ball-carrier or action of the game, he quickly becomes ineffective and relatively useless.

Kindle will be able to play with his hand on the ground or in space. Belichek loves the versatile-type players and Kindle has displayed these attributes throughout his collegiate career, at the combine and at his pro-day.

Now if he can just learn to drive a car normally...

I'll see you back here tomorrow as I address the picks for Green Bay and Philly.

"Everything. OK! I'll talk! In third grade, I cheated on my history exam. In fourth grade, I stole my uncle Max's toupee and I glued it on my face when I was Moses in my Hebrew School play. In fifth grade, I knocked my sister Edie down the stairs and I blamed it on the dog... When my mom sent me to the summer camp for fat kids and then they served lunch I got nuts and I pigged out and they kicked me out... But the worst thing I ever done - I mixed a pot of fake puke at home and then I went to this movie theater, hid the puke in my jacket, climbed up to the balcony and then, t-t-then, I made a noise like this: hua-hua-hua-huaaaaaaa - and then I dumped it over the side, all over the people in the audience. And then, this was horrible, all the people started getting sick and throwing up all over each other. I never felt so bad in my entire life. "

Wild Bill's 2010 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 19 & 20

2010-04-15T13:30:00.006-04:00

HOWDY!! That's what you'd expect to hear if I really was Wild Bill-esque, a cowboy of the Western Plains.....but I'm not, so I'm just going to say Hello and Welcome back.

Today I'll give you my picks for Atlanta and Houston. Let's get rolling...

19.) Atlanta Falcons - Derrick Morgan DE/OLB, Ga Tech

Thomas Dimitroff, GM of the Falcons will be beside himself if Morgan falls to them at #19.

Atlanta's biggest need after the season was in the DS but with the signing of FA Dunta Robinson (from the next team in the draft), and the recovery of Brian Williams (CB) they can look elsewhere to help their so-so defense.

Derrick Morgan would be a great fit at DE in the Falcons' 4-3 defense. He would be a solid addition opposite of John Abraham and next to last year's 1st Round Pick Peria Jerry (DL). Morgan is sturdy enough to help against the run and he is disruptive in the backfield as well which could lead to a handful of sacks over the course of the season.

Atlanta drafted Jamaal Anderson (DE) out of Arkansas in the first round of the 2007 draft to help with their pass rush....he's not been the answer having totaled only 2 sacks in his 3 season career.

A lot of the mock drafters have Derrick Morgan long gone by this pick and actually have Atlanta selecting Brandon Graham (DE/OLB) from Michigan at this pick. I think that Morgan could slide because of the 'upside' of Jason Pierre-Paul that has everyone excited.

There are the wild cards in Oakland and Jacksonville that could select Morgan as a true DE in their 4-3 defenses so he could be long gone by this pick. I think that Morgan ends up staying in the state of Atlanta though and is drafted by the Falcons.

If the Falcons do manage to land Morgan, you'll be able to hear Brees and Josh Freeman 'pucker-up' a little bit on draft day if you know what I mean......

Lone Star State here we come...

20.) Houston Texans - Kyle Wilson, CB Boise State

As I described above, Houston lost Dunta Robinson (CB) in FA to the Atlanta Falcons. In a division with Peyton Manning Houston will look to add a good, young corner back early in the draft.

Wilson is included in a pool with several of the other CB's in this draft because none of them have really been able to pull away and clearly distinguish themselves as the 2nd best CB in this class.

I'm giving Wilson the slight edge over Kareem Jackson (CB) Alabama, Patrick Robinson (CB) Florida State and Devin McCourty (CB) Rutgers because of the immediate contribution in Special Teams that he will provide. Wilson finished his college career with 3 Punt Return TD's; they all happened his senior year. Wilson also managed to nab 5 INT's his senior campaign.

It's been said that Wilson has a great nose for the ball and good awareness for a Defensive Back. The Texans are hoping that whoever they land will have as an impactful season as last year's 1st Round Pick - Brian Cushing (OLB) USC, who finished as the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year AND he was selected as a Pro-Bowler for the proverbial 'Icing on the Cake'.

I'll see you back here tomorrow as I go over the picks for the Bengirls and the team synonymous with SpyGate.

"No, you are a hallucination brought on by alcohol... Russian vodka poisoned by Chernobyl! "

Wild Bill's 2010 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 17 & 18

2010-04-14T18:20:00.009-04:00

Welcome back all. Huge trade today between Denver and Miami. Denver jettisoned troublesome Brandon Marshall (WR) to the Fish for their 2010 & 2011 2nd Round Draft Picks.

Due to the trade it did have an impact on two of my picks. Go back and take a look...#11 & #15

With that being said, let's get down to it with picks 17 & 18

17.) San Francisco 49ers - Mike Iupati OL, Idaho

San Francisco acquired this pick from the Carolina Panthers last year in the 2nd Round of the draft. Carolina sent their 2010 1st Round Pick to the 49ers for San Fran's 2nd Round Pick in 2009 so they could draft Everette Brown.

Brown gave them some decent production last year but I'd be willing to bet that Carolina would love a Mulligan on that trade with how loaded this draft class is.

The 49ers need some help along the Oline and I believe since they missed out on what is considered the ELITE tackles in this draft, they'll be able to take the consensus #1 Interior Offensive Lineman in this draft with Iupati. Iupati's moniker is The Samoan Juggernaught! (Sorry about that Rey Maualaga!!)

This guy is just under 6' 6'' and he tips the scales at about 331 pounds. Frank Gore and Alex Smith would just LOVE to see Iupati join the 49ers. He can play almost anywhere along the offensive line; he even got some reps at LT during the Senior Bowl week. He is a Road-Grater and a Beast. He would join San Fran and start Day 1!

To the Steel City we go...

18.) Pittsburgh Steelers - Maurkice Pouncey OL, Florida

Pittsburgh has some holes to fill, none bigger than along their aging offensive line. Pouncey can come in and play several spots along the offensive line.

Jeff Hartwig is the current Center for Pittsburgh but he's in the last year of his contract and he could serve as a mentor for Pouncey.

It's suggested that Pittsburgh might look to add a WR in the early rounds of the 2010 Draft but at pick 18 I believe either Demaryius Thomas, Arrelious Benn or Golden Tate would be severe reaches.

I'm trying to be somewhat biased, but..........Cleveland Fans - ENJOY!!!

That wraps it up for me today. I'll be back tomorrow with Atlanta's and Houston's picks.

"Hey. Why are you putting barbed wire on that fence? Is this how you rich people amuse yourselves? You put barbed wire on the fence so innocent people like me can hurt themselves looking in? "

Wild Bill's 2010 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 15 & 16

2010-04-13T13:26:00.017-04:00

Happy Tuesday all. Welcome back for the next two picks of my 2010 NFL Mock Draft.

Let's dive right in!

15.) New York Giants - Rolando McClain, ILB Alabama*

***(I decided to switch this pick because of the Denver/Miami trade today. I believe that Denver will now go with Dez Bryant (WR) Oklahoma State over Rolando McClain. I believe now that McClain is available New York will select him to take over the place of the departed Antonio Pierce, former (LB) for the Giants.)

There are some questions about his coverage abilities but this kid absolutely hammers ball carriers and he's very quick to diagnose plays. It's not fair for opposing ball carriers that somebody his size (6'4''/258 lbs) can move so damn fast....

On to the Music City...

16.) Tennessee Titans - Jason Pierre-Paul DE, South Florida

The Titans lost Albert Haynesworth to FA last year and then they lost DE Kyle Vandenbosch to FA this year.

JPP is being considered as the prospect with the highest upside along the Dlineman prospects. His athleticism is simply jaw-dropping; check this out and tell me how many people his size can do this?!

Some scouts have compared Jason Pierre-Paul with Jevon Kearse, a.ka. - THE FREAK! Kearse was drafted with the 16th pick of the 1st Round in the 1999 draft further feeding the comparisons. JPP wore #90 in college and Jevon Kearse wore #90 when we entered the league.....hmmm....

I really respect Jeff Fisher as a coach (must have something to do with the Flavor-Saver), and I hope that if they do select JPP, he'll bring all his athleticism and play-making ability to the Titans and give them flashbacks to the type of play Jevon once showcased.

Since we spoke about 2 Dlineman today I would like for all of you to check out a couple of things about the most animated Dlineman in the NFL today. Here's his sight:http://www.jaredallen69inc.com/. Here are several AMAZING videos: 1.), 2.) and 3.).

Jared Allen absolutely loves the opportunity he has playing in the NFL. It would be one thing if he was a show-off trying to grab attention, but that's NOT the case with Allen. He's an absolute beast and he simply TERRORIZES QB's on Gamedays. Please respect and cherish the Mullet.

That's it for today gang. I'll be back tomorrow to go over San Francisco's 2nd 1st Round pick, the one they picked up from the Carolina Panthers and we'll also discuss Pittsburgh's 1st Round pick. I really hope Goddell is tearing Ben a new one as we speak.....

*According to my updated picks with Denver now selecting Dez Bryant and New York selecting Rolando McClain, Derrick Morgan will be available for Tennessee but I believe they'll still stick with Jason Pierre-Paul.

"Well I'm here to kick ass..."

Wild Bill's 2010 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 13 & 14

2010-04-12T12:21:00.015-04:00

Hopefully everybody had a good weekend with the gorgeous weather we had in and around central Ohio.

Big Trade over the weekend that saw Santonio Holmes (WR) Pittsburgh get traded to the New York Jets for ONLY a 5th Round Draft Pick.

I would like to go into the detail of this trade, but I'm going to concentrate on the draft. (I think it had a WHOLE LOT to do with $ because this is the last year of Santonio's contract, along with the fact that he SUPPOSEDLY got into an altercation with a female.)

I think the trade definitely effects the draft but not until we get into later rounds for both of the respective teams. On 4/14 I will have the Steelers selecting an O-Lineman and I don't believe my thinking will change over the next two days.

13.) San Francisco 49ers - C.J. Spiller RB, Clemson

I've had quite a hard time deciding on this pick, particularly since I've discussed it several times a week the past few months with my youngest brother who is a GINORMOUS San Francisco 49ers fan...no seriously, my brother BEN is HUGE!!!

He didn't initially want to even hear about C.J. Spiller joining the 49ers because of his Man-crush on Frank Gore. After discussing the inevitable trend of 2-back platoons and the fact that C.J. Spiller would help extend Gore's career...he's warmed up to the fact, especially once he saw how Spiller can also help on special teams. Seriously....7 career return TD's - owns the FBS record.

I think that Mike Singletary could also opt for help on the defense with someone like Sergio Kindle or Derrick Morgan if they decide that C.J. Spiller isn't the right pick. I don't know about you but I don't think THIS MAN needs too much help! (I think I heard that Brad Smith just started eating solid foods again last week....)

I don't think that Singletary and Co. will take the route of drafting a QB, especially another one from Notre Dame even though the last one worked out pretty well for them.

It all depends on how much faith they have in Alex Smith who had a career revival last year with the emergence of Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis. Throw in the Lighting of C.J. Spiller to compliment the Thunder of Gore and now the 49ers are the definitive team to beat in the NFC West.

14.) Seattle Seahawks - Jimmy Clausen, QB Notre Dame

(I know, I know...here's a better link)

My guess is that Jimmy's skid stops here with Seattle. Pete Carroll and Jimmy have a history together.

I think that Pete Carroll, despite the recent acquisition of Charlie Whitehurst will look at this pick and realize the value at this spot in the draft. Whitehurst has had some decent Pre-season action, Matt Hasselbeck is a sack away from THIS, so it makes sense to bring in a young QB especially one that played in a pro-style offense in college.

The Seahawks have plenty of holes to fill on both sides of the ball especially along the offensive and defensive lines even though they did address the offensive line with the pick of Bryan Bulaga with the #6 pick earlier in the 1st Round.

I think Pete Carroll will utter a profanity-laced diatribe against Singletary and the 49ers once Goodell reads the Spiller pick for pick 13 but Carroll will have a chance to possibly grab his speedy RB with one of his USC backs, Joe McKnight in round 3 or 4.

If they do pass on Clausen I'd expect the Seahawks to go with Derrick Morgan (DE/OLB) Wake Forest or Sergio Kindle (DE/OLB ) Texas with this pick. Everson Griffen (DE/OLB) USC could be a possibility too if Carroll wants to go with one of his former players this early in his first draft as the new Head Coach of the Seahawks.

*This is an exclusive video of Jimmy Clausen as a youngster, enjoy!

I'll be back tomorrow to go over the Giant's and Titan's picks.

"You have reached the Coughlin Brothers Mortuary. We're deeply sorry we are not able to come to the phone right now, but if you leave your name and number, we will get back to you as soon as humanly possible."

Wild Bill's 2010 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 11 & 12

2010-04-11T12:16:00.019-04:00

Welcome back all. Let's get down to it. I'm heading to see Clash of The Titans in a little bit, so let's get this going....

11.) Denver Broncos - Dez Bryant, WR Oklahoma State*

*(I have decided to change my previous pick of Rolando McClain (ILB) for Denver to Dez Bryant due to the trade that occurred today between Denver and Miami.)

Dez Bryant is this draft classes' premier WR talent. Dez Bryant is being compared to Andre Johnson and Randy Moss because of his size and athleticism.

He does come with some red flags though that some teams are leery off. I think that Denver might need to trade up though if they really want Bryant.

On to South Beach...

12.) Miami Dolphins - Dan Williams, DL Tennessee

There was quite a bit of buzz about the Dolphins targeting McClain before the start of Free Agency, but that has died down quite a bit now that The Big Tuna and Co. signed Karlos Dansby from Arizona.

The signing of Dansby combined with the Jason Ferguson (NT) suspension, the Fish seem to be a prime candidate to select the Manster - Williams and plug him in as their starting NT for their 3-4 defense.

The Rumor Mill has been churning recently with reports that the J-E-T-S have shown interest in Jason Taylor, Miami's (OLB/DE). If Taylor signs with the Jets, Miami could easily go a different direction and take Sergio Kindle (OLB/DE) UT, or Brandon Graham (OLB/DE) UM. Or Miami could give Chad Henne his first legit WR option with Dez Bryant.

Several of my good friends are Fish fans and they believe that although Williams isn't a glamorous pick, he'd be an integral piece to the defense for quite some time. If Bryant is available though they'll give him quite a bit of consideration because I don't know how much longer they can put up with this from their supposed #1 WR in Ted Ginn Jr.

I'll be back tomorrow to go through picks 13 and 14. How far does the Irish QB tumble?....

"So, Lord Helmet, at last we meet again for the first time for the last time. "

Wild Bill's 2010 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 9 & 10

2010-04-10T13:57:00.007-04:00

Welcome back for picks 9 & 10 of my 2010 NFL 1st Round Mock Draft. It's a gorgeous Saturday, and I want to go outside and toss the pigskin, so lets get to it.

If you recall from several of the earlier picks, there was a nice little run on offensive tackles followed by a couple of safeties with the last two picks.

I believe that Buffalo has a very tough decision to make with Jimmy Clausen still on the board. Hopefully Buffalo can look at past results of teams throwing a rookie QB behind a subpar offensive line, and actually take a building block for their young, inexperienced line.

I think we'll see Jimmy Clausen take a tumble through the 1st round, a la Brady Quinn and Aaron Rodgers.

9.) Buffalo Bills - Anthony Davis, OT Rutgers

As recently as two months ago, Davis was considered one of the best OT's in this draft. Questions have arisen since then about his love for the game, his dedication, and whether or not he's got the drive to succeed in the league. His combine results weren't anything to rave over, and there were even some red flags at Rutger's Pro Day. He bounced back with a pretty good individual workout and some think it'll be enough to get him back into the top 1/2 of the 1st round.

My girlfriend's dad is a Buffalo Bills fan and we've had the 'pleasure' of sharing in our individual teams' miseries. I asked him who he'd like to see Buffalo draft and he said whoever will make the team better. He's not exactly thrilled at the idea of Clausen, but then again if he makes them better he'll be happy.

Moving on to Jacksonville at #10...

10.) Jacksonville Jaguars - Joe Haden, CB Florida

Joe Haden is considered the top CB in the draft and the most NFL ready CB. In a division with Vince Young, Matt Schaub and Peyton Manning, you'd better have top-tier DB's. If not you're going to continue to get torched. Joe Haden is an absolute steal at the #10 spot. Draft pundits say that he could go as early as #6 to Seattle.

There has also been some noise in the last week that Jacksonville might look at C.J. Spiller (RB) Clemson to add another offensive weapon.

The thinking behind this is that J-Ville wants to 'Fight Fire with Fire'. Instead of constantly trying to play catch-up with all the firepower in the AFC South by constantly improving their defense, they will say "screw-it" and try to match them point for point. They would essentially flip the script on their division and force them to improve their defensive gameplay.

Spiller would be used as a change-of-pace back to compliment Might Mouse - Maurice Jones Drew, and vastly improve the return game to offer their offense better field position.

When they're on the clock though, I ultimately think J-Ville will select the local Florida prospect. This would give the Jaguars a starting tandem of Joe Haden and Rasheen Mathis, with last year's 2nd round pick, Derek Cox as the nickel back (Not this one....).

I'll see you tomorrow for Denver's and Miami's picks.

Have a great weekend!

"I honestly believe that woman would eat her own young."

Wild Bill's 2010 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 7 & 8

2010-04-09T09:02:00.017-04:00

I'm going to spend a little more time on Pick #7 because despite the pain, agony, and suffering....the Cleveland Browns will always be my favorite team. The only exception would be if THIS happened again to the fan base.....

There has been quite a bit of change from the end of last season.

We got a new Czar of football operations, his name is Mike Holmgren....maybe you've heard of him?! Despite all of his accomplishments and credentials as a head coach, he sports one of the best NFL lip-caterpillars of ALL TIME!!

Holmgren has come in and put his 'touch' on the organization jettisoning quite a few players including one-time local Dublin, OH product Brady Quinn. Holmgren has brought in some former players and savvy veterans via Free Agency, and he's also been busy trading with various teams to make Cleveland better overall.

For the last 6-8 weeks or so the majority opinion was that Cleveland was going to select Joe Haden (CB) from Florida.

That went out the window when Cleveland traded Alex Hall (OLB) and a 4th & 5th round picks in this year's draft for Sheldon Brown (CB) and Chris Gocong (OLB) from the Philadelphia Eagles.

Both of these players should start from day one. Sheldon Brown is a former All-Pro who is expected to supplant Brandon McDonald at one of the CB spots, leaving Eric Wright as the other starting CB.

The Browns could still take Joe Haden because he's considered the most NFL ready CB in this draft. I expect the Browns to entertain some trade offers because Eric Berry and Jimmy Clausen would still be on the board in my draft scenario.

If a QB hungry team thinks they need to pull the trigger on Clausen I fully expect the Browns to trade down, similar to last season when they traded down several times before finally selecting Alex Mack (Center) from California.

With all that being said here is what I think will happen, followed by my dream scenario for Round 2...

7.) Cleveland Browns - Eric Berry, DB Tennessee

With the selection of Eric Berry, widely considered one of the top 2 players in this draft, the Browns would shore up their defensive backfield with a player that could legitimately play CB or either of the Safety positions.

Comparisons to Ed Reed have been linked to Eric Berry. Berry can be the defensive field general making the calls, and just simply playing football. He has the speed and quickness to cover a LOT of ground. He is also not afraid to come up and pop someone in the mouth.

Eric Berry would help make everybody on the defense better because of his amazing amalgamation of football skills and gridiron-acumen.

*Perfect Scenario - Cleveland lands Eric Berry in the 1st Round, then they move back into the bottom of the 1st round to select Colt McCoy (QB Texas).

Colt is a winner - plain and simple. The knock on him is his height....hmmmm....Drew Brees isn't much taller than 6' is he?!? I know, I know - comparisons to Drew Brees are asinine, but the intangibles are similar. He's the 2nd most accurate QB in NCAA history. In a Holmgren-esque West Coast Offense that preaches accuracy, he'd be the catalyst that makes the offense hum.

There isn't an algorithm for QB's to make it in the NFL, but I can tell you that for Colt McCoy to be the winningest NCAA QB of all time and to be the ONLY QB in NCAA history to win 10+ games in 4 seasons...the 'winning DNA' he possesses will probably be a factor in his success in the NFL ("Calling Captain Obvious!")

On to the Oakland Raiders...

I don't even know where to begin. Once a storied franchise with their Silver and Black and 'Commitment to Excellence'...blah, blah, blah. Al Davis, a.k.a. 'The Cryptkeeper', has driven this franchise into the ground.

There were signs last year of a resurgence, but the ineptitude at the QB position was too much to overcome. JaMarcus Russell is a box of Krispy Kremes away from being a body double in the next Klumps movie, Bruce Gradkowski showed some promise before his injury late last season, and Charlie Frye is...well, I have nothing...no idea how he's still on an NFL roster.

Al Davis LOVES speed and all the flashy numbers from the combine, even though there is approximately 1% translation of what the combine measures to what is needed to play football. It's expected that he'll take Bruce Campbell, no not the guy with this Boom Stick, but the OT from Maryland that had an absolutely insane Combine.

He posted numbers across the board that a lineman shouldn't be able to post. I don't think Al makes a dumb draft pick this early in the first round like he did last year with Darius Heyward-Bey. I think Bey has more syllables in his name than catches last season...lotta good that sub 4.3 speed does ya'!

8.) Oakland Raiders - Earl Thomas, DB Texas.

Al Davis has taken quite a few 1st Round DB's this past decade so instead of trying to figure out what Ol' Dust and Bones is going to do, I'm going to stick with the trend the Raiders exhibited for most of the 2000's.

Michael Huff, a former Longhorn was a 1st Round selection for Al Davis several years ago, but he really hasn't panned out. I don't think this will scare Al Davis away from chossing Earl Thomas (DB Texas).

Several draft pundits have said that Thomas and Eric Berry are extremely similar in terms of ability and potential. Earl Thomas managed to run a 4.37 40-yard dash at his UT Pro Day. Al Davis loves speed as much as Tiger Woods loves NOT being clandestine.

That wraps it up for me today. Come back tomorrow as I go through picks 9 & 10

"Nick, I like you like this. You and your prom date both having weapons. That way I don't have to kill an unarmed couple. Not my style. "

Wild Bill's 2010 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 5 & 6

2010-04-08T13:15:00.009-04:00

Welcome back my Gridiron Grinders!! I am going through picks 5 and 6 in my Mock Draft so let's get to it!

With Washington's pick of Russell Okung at the number 4 spot, I expect a run on Offensive Tackles. We all know that the cutesy-wootsy wittle QB's get all the attention, but deep down anybody that KNOWS football realizes that Offensive Lineman are the key to it all.

With that being said I expect Scott Pioli (Chiefs' GM) to continue building his football team from the inside - out. This means that offensive and defensive lineman have a higher priority than skill positions.

5.) Kansas City Chiefs - Trent Williams, OT Oklahoma

Trent Williams is an extremely versatile player. He's played the tackle spots, the guard spots, and he even played some center during his career under Bob Stoops at Oklahoma. Trent Williams may or may not step in at Left Tackle day 1, but he gives Kansas City plenty of versatility to start somewhere on that young line at the start of training camp. Eric Berry of Tennessee will be very tempting, but with the emergence of Jamaal Charles last year as a rising superstar Pioli wants to protect his best offensive weapon. KC hopes to forge their identity in the trenches because they don't want people asking, "Who are the Chefs?"

Now on to Seattle's pick at #6.

Surfer-Boy Pete's first pick as the new head coach of the Seahawks isn't a high-profile one, but it is the right one. Coach Carroll knows that an offensive running game is the bread and butter of his offenses; thank you LenWhale and Mr. Kardashian.....

6.) Seattle Seahawks - Brian Bulaga, OT Iowa

Bulaga is a midwestern, blue-collar mauler. He will be able to take over when Walter Jones (certain first round HOF'er) retires - which may be sooner than later. Bulaga steps in and protects either Hasselbeck's or Whitehurst's backside for the next 12-14 years. There are knocks on his short arms, but I'm not buying it. He did have some issues with Brandon Graham this past season, but Bulaga's total body of work would indicate that that was the exception and not the rule.

I'll see you back here tomorrow for my CLEVELAND BROWNS PICK!!!!!!

"You boys like Mex-i-co? Yee- Haww!"

Wild Bill's 2010 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 3 & 4

2010-04-07T09:54:00.012-04:00

Welcome back for picks 3 and 4 of my 2010 NFL Mock Draft.

Tampa Bay is sitting pretty at the 3-hole because they're going to have some options if teams want to trade up and possibly grab Eric Berry, Jimmy Clausen, or Russell Okung. If TB keeps the pick, I believe they take the knifing Dlineman Gerald McCoy.

3.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Gerald McCoy, DL Oklahoma

McCoy and Suh both are problematic for offensive lineman, and I'd have to give McCoy the slight, slight edge in pass-rushing situations. TB gets a solid defensive lineman for the next decade that could help recapture their former defensive edge.

Up next the Washington Redskins.

Washington just shocked the world this past Sunday with the announcement that they just traded for Donovan McNabb. Several suitors had been listed for Donovan's services, but the Redskins flew under the radar and managed to give Philadelphia quite a deal.

Shanahan gets his veteran QB with McNabb and with his first draft pick as the new head coach, he'll take the highest rated Olineman in the draft...

4.) Washington Redskins - Russell Okung, OL Oklahoma State

Russell Okung has been described as having a nasty streak which translates well onto the field, even though it does cause him to over-extend at times. With the additions of McNabb and Okung to their anemic offense, Washington becomes a black horse candidate for an NFC wild card position.

Join me again tomorrow as we go in the war room with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Seattle Seahawks for picks 5 & 6!

"Lanolin...Lanolin, like sheep's wool?"

Virgin Blog Post: NFL Draft Preview

2010-04-07T09:15:00.037-04:00

Welcome all! This is my first foray into the Blogosphere, so I appreciate your time! First of all, I would like to thank Rob Harley for inviting me to be a contributing member on his blog.

In the coming days and weeks, I will be analyzing the NFL draft needs for all 32 teams. I will offer opinions and insight, along with my dream scenario for my beloved Cleveland Browns.

I'll cover my current mock draft with 2 picks a day over the course of the next 16 days, and then I'll post a mock draft the day before the NFL draft on Thursday, April 22nd. (Gotta take into account the happenings between now and then!)

I'm sure everyone has seen mock drafts out there, some detailed and with sound logic, and some that look like the author just drew names out of a hat. I'll offer my own mock draft on here with my reasoning and I look forward to feedback.

The draft process is a very fluid and dynamic adventure.

Teams are working on their draft boards year round, with scouts visiting campuses across the nation throughout the year. Once the season is over, the 'Draft Season' kicks into overdrive with the Combine and individual Pro Days garnering the largest audiences.

Prospects can slide up and down a teams' chart very easily, sometimes something as small as .2 seconds on a 40-yard dash can mean the difference of a top-10 pick and a 2nd rounder.

Now that Free Agency has come and (mostly) gone, the Combine is over, and a decent amount of the Pro Days have been completed, it's time to really look at the 1st round.

I do want to note that the recent trade of Donovan McNabb from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Washington Redskins has the potential to completely shake up the top 1/2 of the draft. With that being said, here are my picks:

1.) St. Louis Rams - Sam Bradford, QB Oklahoma

The writing is on the wall with this pick now that the Rams have jettisoned Marc Bulger.

The Rams have passed on Matty Ice and the San-chise in recent years, deciding to go with D-line and O-line help. 3rd Time's the charm for St.Louis as they look to put a face on the franchise.

Sam Bradford was hit twice last season - both times causing him to miss time; the 2nd time knocking him out for the season. Despite injury concerns, I believe St.Louis takes the gunslinger and decides to drop the astronomical sum of cash that the number 1 pick will demand on a QB as opposed to another D-lineman like Suh or McCoy.

2.) Detroit Lions - Ndamukong Suh, DL Nebraska

The Lions would LOVE to trade out of this pick if they could, but I don't think it's going to happen.

They had to pay Matthew Stafford quite a pretty penny last year as the number 1 pick and they would love to trade down for economic reasons. Ndamukong Suh has been praised as the best DL prospect since Warren Sapp.

Under Coach Schwartz's tutelage, Suh will instantly make every level of the Lions' defense better. He is practically unblockable at times. He causes havoc against the run, and teams will be hard-pressed to have a offensive lineman that can handle him one-on-one in passing situations.

I'll be back tomorrow with picks 3 and 4.

"You're not, you're not good, Al. You stink."

EXTRA! EXTRA! Wild Bill Is In The Huddle

2010-04-06T16:30:00.053-04:00

Today is a glorious day!

Join me in welcoming a good friend and a new author to The Huddle, "Wild" Bill Eiseman...and as an ex-O lineman he knows his way around a huddle.

Wild Bill will be lending his insights on EVERYTHING football. His main expertise lies in NFL breakdowns, but don't be surprised if he gives us an inside look at "The Trenches."

First up on the big fella's menu, next to a heaping pile of pancakes, is a mock draft for the upcoming 2010 NFL draft. He'll take us through the first round with two picks every day leading up to draft weekend (April 22-24).

I'm excited to have Wild Willy "in the huddle", this truly is a tale of beauty and the beast...a handsome beast at that.

In memory of Kit Harley

2010-03-28T12:00:00.043-04:00

After 3 tough years battling brain cancer my brother Kit, the warrior, died on Saturday 3/27/2010 here in Chicago.

CHRISTOPHER R. HARLEY
Christopher R. (Kit) Harley of Arlington Heights, beloved husband of Rachel, nee Balazs; devoted father of Bradyn Harley and Baby Girl Harley; loving son of Robert and Paula Harley; son-in-law of Paul and Terri Ast; dear brother of Jennifer (John) Kevil and Robert Harley; dear grandson of Kay and Frank Laskos and Alice Harley.

I just wanted to issue a thank you to everyone that has reached out, donated to HHH, or helped raise awareness through this process. The love has been tremendous and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

It's an extraordinary thing to realize how much one person has touched your life. It's even more amazing to see how much they've touched other people's lives. The affects of Kit's compassion, caring, joy, and love are far reaching and will be felt forever.

My heart is with Kit's family (wife Rachel, son Bradyn, soon to be baby girl) as they endure a difficult test of strength. One thing is for sure they had the best teacher in the world when it comes to being strong.

I'm blessed to have had the privilege to have Kit as a brother, best friend, and hero for the last 27 years. He will be missed, but not forgotten.

We love you Kit.

Kit and Me

Funeral details can be found HERE

Hoot & Holler LIVE! Weekly Headlines

2010-03-12T19:30:00.005-05:00

On this show Rob Harley and Michael Felder take you through THEIR biggest headlines from this past week in college football.

The two safeties will hit on:

Mike Leach calling out his "God squad" players
Jim Tressel gives interview with gay publication
Oregon players are sentenced by courts
Utah Senator Hatch writes letter to BCS executive director
Pinstripe Bowl set for NYC in December

Listen to the show HERE!

Be sure to follow us on twitter at @robharley34 and @inthebleachers, also send in your questions to harleyinthehuddle (at) hotmail (dot) com!

Hoot & Holler LIVE! NFL combine and Spring football

2010-03-04T18:00:00.008-05:00

In this edition of Hoot & Holler LIVE! we're throwing in a little extra dose of southern flavor as Rob Harley and Michael Felder are joined by Felder's fellow Tar Heel Nick Starcevic, not the one from Big Brother 8.

Things on the menu:

NFL combine recaps
NFL draft predictions
Favorite combine drills
Inside Spring football

To listen to the show live just click here
If you've got questions be sure to email them in to harleyinthehuddle (at) hotmail (dot) com

Or tweet in your comments and questions to us here @robharley34!

Hoot & Holler LIVE! Arrests In College Football

2010-02-18T17:00:00.022-05:00

Another episode of Hoot & Holler LIVE! will take your two hosts, Rob Harley and Michael Felder, into the "dark side" of college football.

We're following the trend of the college football offseason and talking about guys getting into trouble away from the football field.

Hoot & Holler LIVE! is bringing the heat, it's time to get physical:

Here's what's on the menu:

Arrests at Oregon
Michigan State and Penn State fight club
26 Florida football players arrested during Meyer's tenure.
What the heck players were thinking when they committed crimes
What makes for a proper punishment
How much blame should be shouldered by a football coach.

To download the show click here folks. You can also subscribe to the podcast via iTunes, just search "In The Bleachers" or subscribe to the Feedburner.

Send your questions into harleyinthehuddle @ hotmail DOT Com

Be sure to tweet questions to @robharley34 as well!

ITB Podcast: Hoot & Holler LIVE!

2010-02-13T12:00:00.013-05:00

This is the second installment of Hoot & Holler and your two hosts Michael Felder and Rob Harley are back in the joint to kick around hot topics in college football.

On the agenda for today is conference expansion. We'll get into plenty of scenarios that could effect a conference near you.

Where will the dominoes fall?

To listen to the show click here

Subscribe to the podcast via the Feedburner. Get your twitter questions in @robharley34

ITB Podcast: Hoot & Holler LIVE!

2010-02-02T18:00:00.012-05:00

Folks here's the long awaited debut of our newest brainchild:

Hoot & Holler LIVE!

Once a week Michael Felder and I will be sounding off on the world of college football in locker room fashion.

That means plenty of opinion, plenty of information and a ton of awesome stories from your two favorite safeties on the interwebs. This week we kick it off with:

Senior Bowl thoughts
National Signing Day!
Recruiting
Choosing a school, recruiting process
Social Media Effect (Twitter, Facebook, etc.)

The show kicks off on TONIGHT at 6:30 pm EST!

We're accepting phone calls to the show and you can hit the show up on twitter @robharley34 OR email us your opinions at harleyinthehuddle (at) hotmail (dot) com.

We're looking forward to hearing from you!

To listen to the show click here as we get this party started right.

Subcribe to the podcast via Feedburner

ITB Podcast: Seminoles Talk, FSU's future

2010-01-21T21:30:00.018-05:00

In this quick hitter Michael Felder and I play host to our first female guest. That's right, we've got Lauren Goddard from the FSU website ScalpEm.com to talk all things Seminole:

Bobby Bowden's messy transition
Jimbo Fisher's future
Staff changes in Tallahassee
The 'Noles outstanding recruiting class
New defensive studs destined to fill out Stoops stable
Parting shots at Urban Meyer

To listen to the podcast click here or "Read More" for other methods described below.

Remember, if you want the podcast you must subscribeto the Feedburner, but if you want to subscribe to the blog please usethe New RSS Feed. This is for iTunes to be able to archive the shows.

You can also search for "In The Bleachers" on iTunes and subscribe to the podcast that way.

Enjoy this week’s episode of the In The Bleachers Podcast and if you have any questions or comments to the show please email them to Rob at harleyinthehuddle (at) hotmail (dot) Com.

Be sure to follow Rob on Twitter!

ITB Podcast: ESPN's Bruce Feldman Stops By

2010-01-20T09:00:00.050-05:00

On this edition of the In The Bleachers Podcast Michael Felder and myself bring the heat with a special guest; author of college football fans' must read books Meat Market and Cane Mutiny and ESPN senior college football writer Bruce Feldman.

Bruce joins us as we hit on a myriad of issues from around the college football world:

BCS Championship Game
Colt McCoy "what if" scenario
National perception of conferences after post season
Mike Leach's messy situation, upcoming "tell all" book
Lane Kiffin's future at USC
BCS vs. Playoffs
How smaller league schools feel about "one game" seasons

To listen to the podcast click here OR "Read More" for other methods described below.

Remember, if you want the podcast you must subscribeto the Feedburner, but if you want to subscribe to the blog please use the New RSS Feed. This is for iTunes to be able to archive the shows.

You can also search for "In The Bleachers" on iTunes and subscribe to the podcast that way.

Enjoy this week’s episode of the In The Bleachers Podcast and if you have any questions or comments to the show please email them to Rob at harleyinthehuddle (at) hotmail (dot) com.

Be sure to follow Rob on Facebook and Twitter!

ITB Podcast: Lane Kiffin Madness

2010-01-15T10:00:00.016-05:00

This is the first of many quick-hitting, weekly podcasts that hit the target and leave you wanting more from Rob Harley and Michael Felder.

Be sure to check back everyday as they'll be dropping these shots routinely.

On this edition Rob and Michael discuss:

Lane Kiffin's untimely departure from Tennessee
Lane's possibilities for success at USC
Tennessee's wide ranging coaching search
The type of candidate Tennessee needs
Equality: penalties for players and coaches transferring

To listen in click here OR "Read More" for one of the methods described below.

Also, look for Rob's newest work over at The Buckeye Battlecry.

Be sure to follow the guys on twitter @InTheBleachers and @robharley34!

You can also search for "In The Bleachers" on iTunes and subscribe to the podcast that way.

Enjoy this week’s episode of the In The Bleachers Podcast and if you have any questions or comments to the show please email them to us at InTheBleachers @ Gmail (dot) Com or harleyinthehuddle (at) hotmail (dot) com.

Break The Huddle: EXTRA! EXTRA!

2010-01-13T10:00:00.046-05:00

I'm joining the writing staff over at The Buckeye Battle Cry on SBnation!

Today is a glorious day at H in H, I feel like a school boy again. A school boy who desperately wants to make sweet, sweet love to SBnation.

Finally I found someone in this lonely Buckeye blogosphere that wants to collaborate.

As I've always believed, a job worth doing is worth doing TOGETHER (cue the team huddle and rousing break from the locker room).

The boys at tBBC have been so gracious to ol' #34 and I can't wait to start making contributions.

And don't you worry my little H in H beauties, Harley In The Huddle will keep churning out fresh, piping hot posts every week!

So raise your glasses for a toast: "to staying single, seeing double, and sleeping..."

Wait, what?

That's not a good one so let me just say, "onward and upward!"

ITB Podcast: 2009 Season Recap

2010-01-13T09:00:00.023-05:00

Before everyone gets heavy into the offseason madness that is the recruiting war, coaching hires, and the NFL draft.

Rob Harley and Michael Felder break down some of the highs and lows of the college football season.

Discussion topics:

2009 best and worst conferences and coaches
2009's most surprising
2009's most disappointing
USC head coaching vacancy
Texas Tech debacle
NCAA sanctions
Early 2010 predictions
NFL draft

Spoiler Alert: they like Kiffin just hours before the Kiffin hire...maybe a job in palm reading awaits?

Be sure to follow Rob on Twitter and Facebook!

Also, look for Rob's newest work over at The Buckeye Battlecry.

To listen to the podcast CLICK HERE or subscribe to one of the methods described below.

You can also search for "In The Bleachers" on iTunes and subscribe to the podcast that way.

Enjoy this week’s episode of the In The Bleachers Podcast and if you have any questions or comments to the show please email them to InTheBleachers @ Gmail (dot) Com or harleyinthehuddle (at) hotmail (dot) com.

ITB Podcast: BCS National Championship preview

2010-01-06T10:00:00.012-05:00

This week Rob Harley from Harley in the Huddle and Michael Felder from In The Bleachers return to tackle the BCS Championship Game in all its splendor.

Discussion Topics:

Five key match-ups
Team strategies
X-Factors
Predictions

HINT: Rob goes with the least talked about part of McCoy's game, while Michael takes one of the nation's most hidden of gems on the Bama side.

To listen to the podcast click here or subscribe to one of the methods described below.

Be sure to follow Rob on Twitter and Facebook!

Remember, if you want the podcast you must subscribe to the Feedburner, but if you want to subscribe to the blog please use the NEW RSS Feed. This is for iTunes to be able to archive the shows.

You can also search for "In The Bleachers" on iTunes and subscribe to the podcast that way.

Enjoy this week’s episode of In The Bleachers and if you have any questions or comments to the show please email them to us at harleyinthehuddle @ hotmail (dot) Com.

Feel The Tradition: Carmen Ohio in Rose Bowl

2010-01-04T10:35:00.019-05:00

After winning the 96th Rose Bowl game the Buckeyes sing their school song "Carmen Ohio" with the OSU marching band.

The fans in the stadium shouldn't be the only ones experiencing the pageantry, atmosphere, and drama of a college football game day.

That's why H in H wants to give you the chance to FEEL THE TRADITION!

Feel The Tradition: Rose Bowl Script OHIO

2010-01-04T10:30:00.021-05:00

The Ohio State marching band ("The Best Damn Band In The Land") performs the legendary "Script Ohio" before the 96th Rose Bowl game.

The fans in the stadium shouldn't be the only ones experiencing the pageantry, atmosphere, and drama of a college football game day.

That's why H in H wants to give you the chance to FEEL THE TRADITION!

Feel The Tradition: Buckeyes celebrate Rose Bowl win

2010-01-04T10:00:00.014-05:00

Buckeyes win the 96th Rose Bowl game and celebrate at midfield

The fans in the stadium shouldn't be the only ones experiencing the pageantry, atmosphere, and drama of a college football game day.

That's why H in H wants to give you the chance to FEEL THE TRADITION!

Feel The Tradition: Buckeyes enter Rose Bowl

2010-01-04T09:30:00.006-05:00

#8 Ohio State takes the field before the 96th Rose Bowl game

The fans in the stadium shouldn't be the only ones experiencing the pageantry, atmosphere, and drama of a college football game day.

That's why H in H wants to give you the chance to FEEL THE TRADITION!

Feel The Tradition: TBDBITL enters Rose Bowl

2010-01-04T09:00:00.027-05:00

The Ohio State marching band ("The Best Damn Band In The Land") enters the Rose Bowl in O-H-I-O formation playing "Fight The Team" and "Hang On Sloopy."

The fans in the stadium shouldn't be the only ones experiencing the pageantry, atmosphere, and drama of a college football game day.

That's why H in H wants to give you the chance to FEEL THE TRADITION!

Inside The Huddle: Oregon Spread Option

2009-12-30T13:30:00.016-05:00

Here's an inside look at Oregon's read option attack. The Ducks thrive on putting defenses in tough positions and then forcing them to make quick decisions.

The unique part of Oregon's attack is when they try to isolate the defensive tackle instead of optioning off the end man on the D-line.

Why does Oregon do that?

I think they're forcing a player who is unaccustomed to reading the option to make decisions on the fly. Most of the time a D-tackle's job is to plug holes or get to the QB.

There's very little intense "decision making" going on deep in the trenches. The Ducks are forcing every player on the defense to be accountable for stopping their attack.

If they catch someone sleepin', they're off to the races!

ITB Podcast: Bowl Season Rundown

2009-12-26T12:30:00.034-05:00

On this week's show we have In The Bleachers host Michael Felder and Rob Harley from Harley In The Huddle.

Listen in as two former safeties go head to head in their bowl season rundown.

Discussion topics:

Bowl games that have been played
ALL 2009-2010 non-BCS bowls
Predictions on EVERY game
Coaching changes (ND, Kansas, Louisville, and Virginia)
Big Ten expansion
Conference title games

Harley's not a fan of conference title games, but Michael Felder loves the league championship contests.

To listen to the podcast click here or subscribe to one of the methods described below.

Remember, if you want the podcast you must subscribe to the Feedburner, but if you want to subscribe to the blog please use the NEW RSS FEED. This is for iTunes to be able to archive the shows.

You can also search for "In The Bleachers" on iTunes and subscribe to the podcast that way.

If you have questions or comments please email them to us at harleyinthehuddle @ hotmail (dot) Com. Also be sure to follow Harley In The Huddle and In The Bleachers on twitter H in H and ITB.

Break The Huddle: Blogger News

2009-12-24T11:00:00.005-05:00

Check out what some other college football bloggers are sayin'!

Ohio State-Oregon video six-pack [Block O Nation]

Christmas Wish List: Bowl Games [In The Bleachers]

Ohio State-Oregon Keys to the Game [Buckeye Blog]

Bowl Preview: Marshall-Ohio [Buckeye Battle Cry]

Top 25 Best Buckeye Bowl Games [Cleveland Fan]

17 Days of Bowl Season

2009-12-19T13:00:00.032-05:00

It's bowl season kids, there's nothing like 17 days of college football!

It's like college football's version of Hanukkah, a little pigskin surprise every day leading up to the main event in Pasadena.

Let's not forget about the game behind the game, endless hours of grazing on holiday treats like an African water buffalo.

Nothing satisfies me more than eating 164lbs of holiday cookies, coffee cake, assorted chocolates (hate when I bite into the crappy ones), and anything else that might be close to my mouth.

But before you fall into your deep football coma, here's some games to stay awake for...

12/22 MAACO LAS VEGAS BOWL

#18 Oregon State vs. #14 BYU

Check out BYU QB Max Hall (30TDs) slinging the rock to their special tight end Dennis Pitta (NCAA all-time yards leader). RB Harvey Unga is a beast in the backfield, fun to watch this wrecking ball get loose in the open field.

You want excitement?

The Beavers' QB Sean Canfield (70%) can flat out play. Brothers James and Jacquizz Rodgers make up this entire offense (341YPG combined), and they make it look easy. WR James Rodgers just might be one of the most explosive players in the country (184 all-purpose YPG).

12/29 CHAMPS SPORTS BOWL

#15 Miami FL vs. #25 Wisconsin

The nation's love affair with Canes QB Jacory Harris has cooled off and so have his numbers (17INTs leads nation). Proven that he will make mistakes when pressured, how will a sore thumb affect him? But this UM offense is still as athletic as they come and can strike at any moment. With their versatile run game and Harris hitting on all cylinders, the Canes are tough to handle.

The Badgers are fun to watch in the trenches on both sides of the ball. In their last five ball games they've averaged 39PPG, and their pounding RB John Clay added 9TDs. Strap it up Canes! On the other side DE O'Brien Schofield will impose his will in the pass rush (10sacks, 22.5TFLs), too bad their pass defense can't match his intensity.

12/30 PACIFIC LIFE HOLIDAY BOWL

#20 Arizona vs. #22 Nebraska

There might not be ANY points scored in this one with two very solid defenses.

The match-up to watch will be Arizona's strong O-line (11sacks allowed) against, you know who, Nebraska's Ndamukong Suh (12sacks, 23TFLs). The Holiday Bowl always shapes up to be an exciting game.

12/31 BELL HELICOPTER ARMED FORCES BOWL

Houston vs. Air Force

Air Force boasts the best pass defense in the country (149YPG allowed). Will it be enough to stop QB Case Keenum and this wild Cougar offense (581PG, 44PPG).

An x-factor might be the Falcons' run game with RB's Jared Tew and Asher Clark averaging 273YPG; control the clock and keep Houston off the field is their only chance.

This one should be fun!

12/31 BRUT SUN BOWL

Oklahoma vs. #21 Stanford

It's strange to see the Sooners down with the "common folk" playing before New Year's day.

I'm excited to see how my favorite player this season, Stanford RB Toby Gerhart, performs against a very stingy run defense (88YPG allowed).

Everyone will see why Gerhart should've been 'striking the pose' in NY when he rips up OU's defense.

1/1 CAPITAL ONE BOWL

#13 Penn State vs. #12 LSU

This one is always one of the best of bowl season. A one game playoff to see which conference is the best, Big Ten or SEC?

Both squads have strong defenses but LSU has struggled on both sides of the ball late in the season. Penn State's offense goes as QB Darryl Clark goes, and he played awfully well to close out the season.

LSU's young QB Jordan Jefferson has struggled all season and it won't get much easier against the Nittany Lions' front. The Big Ten should make a statement in this one!

Break The Huddle: Blogger News

2009-12-19T12:00:00.007-05:00

Check out what some other college football bloggers are sayin'!

Conference expansions, effects on the Big East and Notre Dame [In The Bleachers.net]

Fiesta Bowl in a political scandal? [Mountain West Connection]

Oregon Ducks: Friday practice update [The Register Guard]

Who's the best conference? Fantasy experiment [Buckeye Battle Cry]

Oregon's defense, better than getting credit for [Addicted To Quack]

Break The Huddle: Blogger News

2009-12-16T12:00:00.025-05:00

Check out what some other college football bloggers are sayin'!

One sentence predictions: 1st Bowl Edition [In The Bleachers.net]

Key to the bowl season [In The Bleachers.net]

Tressel talks semester grades, injuries, and tuxedo wrestling? [Eleven Warriors.com]

If there was a playoff we'd see #8 Ohio State vs. #9 Georgia Tech [Mountain West Connection]

Ohio State-Oregon Rose Bowl preview video [Block O Nation]

Post-season reflections [theClevelandFan.com]

Who's calling the plays for Oregon? [The Register Guard]

Big Ten talks about expanding to 12 teams [We Will Always Have Tempe]

War Of The Roses: Oregon Battle Plan

2009-12-15T18:00:00.008-05:00

We're back in the war room to see how the 'Quack Attack' can exploit a vicious Buckeye defense?

My mentality has always been to test a team's strengths to see if they can consistently perform.

In Ohio State's case we know the Buckeye front four is as dominant as they come, but can they show up for four quarters?

If it's consistency you want look at RB LaMichael James.

He comes into this one with seven straight 100 yard games, and he's gone over the 150 yard mark six times this season.

I'd look to test the Buckeyes with heavy doses of James' speed to see if they can run with the gazelles. Tape up those ankles good and tight defense!

Can that ferocious OSU front four corral this stable of ponies?

Oregon should force the issue and maintain the spread offense mentality: force the defense to play fundamentally sound in the open field.

Now a huge challenge for the Buckeyes is Oregon's returning power element, 6'2" 240lb RB LaGarrette Blount. He brings a completely different hard nosed, I'll punch you in the face-dimension to that backfield.

I'd mix in Blount to keep that active Buckeye defense back on its heels. Especially with the Ducks in that spread shotgun, forcing the Buckeyes to run their Nickel package.

Those five DBs should feel awfully vulnerable with that big bull running down hill like a Pamplona stampede.

With all that being said the Ohio State defense is like nothing Oregon has seen before, and there will be times the run just won't work (OSU allowing 83 rush YPG).

That's when the Ducks need to take to the air.

For all their interceptions (23), Ohio State allowed teams to move the football through the air quite a bit before stiffening.

After holding linebackers with relentless run fakes Masoli needs to get the ball to dynamic tight end Ed Dickson up the seam. Then use "The Twig" WR Jeff Maehl to stretch the field keeping the defense honest.

I firmly believe that Jeremiah Masoli will have to make a handful of critical completions to keep drives alive. Which is something Oregon struggles with, as they're only 36% on 3rd down.

You want x-factors? How 'bout turnovers?

The Ducks have struggled with fumbles this season and had three against Oregon State. You don't have 'nine lives' with this Buckeye defense, so the Ducks need to execute perfectly to keep their fast-paced attack churning.

Here's the skinny...

62% of the time the ball is going down the defense's throat. It's only a matter of time before James or Masoli spot daylight and go the distance. Tick tock, tick tock...

The Ducks will look to fly ice cold with no mistakes. Wear the Buckeyes down, make 'em bored--frustrated--hope OSU does something stupid and then Oregon's got 'em.

Read the Buckeye Battle Plan

War Of The Roses: Buckeye Battle Plan

2009-12-11T08:00:00.039-05:00

The fans have spoken, you wanted a Rose Bowl game plan session...well step into the war room.

Let's look at how Ohio State's offense should attack the Ducks.

Now you all know I'm a Senator Tressel disciple so you can probably guess what's next...

The run game is king for both teams in this one, but especially for Ohio State since they're air attack scares absolutely no one. Ohio State has run the football 65% of the time this season, and 75% in the last three games.

I wouldn't expect to see anything different, nor should they try anything different.

Terrelle Pryor under center gives OSU no other options, other than making sure he doesn't lose the game. Not to mention the fact that the Buckeyes have had success pounding the rock the latter part of the season.

The Oregon defense is active, but teams have had success moving the football. They've allowed offenses into the redzone 44 times this season, compare that to 23 for OSU.

With that fast, disruptive Ducks' style of play you want to try to run right into the teeth of the defense. The ball needs to go North-South, don't try to run away from that speed.

It's like trying to make a dog stop playing with you, you don't run away from it because it only creates more frenzied energy. You face it head on and let it know you're done messing around.

The Ducks were able to stymie the B eavers' tough run game, but you force them to do it again. Can they take 50 hits to the chin in the trenches?

The only two teams that were successful doing that (Boise State 59 attempts/Stanford 52 attempts) have come out victorious.

What's that, the Ducks will load the box?

Here's where OSU needs to take a page from the Oklahoma Sooners' playbook. Get Pryor out of the pocket, not on a QB sweep but rather with the intent to throw.

Rolling him out does three things:

Distorts the coverage as the defense moves with him.
Gains his big frame some momentum for the throw.
Simplifies the decision process.

Now he's already on the move, there's little indecision of whether to get out of the pocket or not.

He's only averaging 12 yards per completion so you keep him right in his wheel house. Short to intermediate throws that move the chains, control the clock, and let him get in the flow of the game.

The easiest way to take the sting out of an aggressive defense is to create hesitation. With Pryor on the move Kenny Rowe and the feisty Ducks defense no longer have a stationary target to t-off on.

That all sounds easy enough, but I've got a feeling that the Buckeyes are bringing a knife to a gun fight right now. Here comes the Ducks' scoring attack and hell is comin' with it.

Can Ohio State's offense actually score with the Ducks?

Their rushing attack has racked up yards the last half of the season, but there's not a ton of points to show for it. Against Michigan they managed 144 yards rushing in the first half and yet punted on 6 of 7 possessions?

The three headed attack of Pryor, Saine, and Herron has loads of talent but there's only 18 touchdowns amongst the group. Oregon's LaMichael James has 14 TDs by himself!

Redzone productivity has been abysmal (23TDs/42attempts), and they've only managed to score 18 offensive points per game against solid defenses like USC, Wisconsin, Purdue, Iowa, and Penn State.

At the end of the day when you're playing Oregon points matter the most, and you better not go waltzing into a shootout with your guns holstered.

In the immortal words of Wyatt Earp in "Tombstone," the Buckeyes better "jerk that smoke wagon and go to work."

Read the Oregon Battle Plan

ITB Podcast: The BCS vs. Playoffs

2009-12-10T09:00:00.013-05:00

On this week's show we have Michael Felder from In The Bleachers, Jeremy Mauss from MWC Connection and we're also joined by Rob Harley from Harley in the Huddle.

The three of us recap the drama that was Championship Week as well as delve into "The Great Heisman Debate" of 2009 but then the gloves come off...

The BCS Bowl selections made Harley and Mauss get into a spirited debate about the merits of a playoff in college football. We take a look at the money angle, controversy, relevance of the regular season as well as whether or not a playoff truly solves the problem. Things get heated as both guys make their case, so be sure to tune in to this hard hitting podcast.

To listen to the podcast click here or subscribe to one of the methods described below.

Remember, if you want the podcast you must subscribe to the Feedburner, but if you want to subscribe to the blog please use the New RSS Feed. This is for iTunes to be able to archive the shows. You can also search for "In The Bleachers" on iTunes and subscribe to the podcast that way.

Oregon's spread offense, how to stop it

2009-12-08T09:00:00.021-05:00

The Rose Bowl sets up to be a fantastic battle of imposing wills.

Will Oregon's offense impose their fast break tempo on Ohio State, or will it be the Buckeye silver bullet defense that flexes it's muscles to pound the Ducks into submission?

There are tons of questions surrounding Oregon's spread offense, and more importantly their bread and butter: the read option.

What are the keys?
What are the reads?
How do you defend it?

First of all let's review the spread offense.
The main goal of the spread is to stretch the field horizontally, forcing the defense to defend from sideline to sideline. The offense is looking to stretch and distort the defense to open up multiple creases, thus giving themselves multiple options.

Offenses want to put the pressure on defenses to make quick decisions, and most importantly defend in the open field. In fact decision making and open field play is the crux of the read option on BOTH sides of the ball.

The one thing to keep in mind about Oregon is that they love "smoke and mirrors," tons of movement and misdirection to get the defense out of position. The hard part is seeing this for what it really is, mainly window dressing covering up a familiar option attack.

Every option play leaves one defender unblocked that the quarterback will option off of (keep, pitch, or dive), and the Ducks' read option is no different. It may vary who they leave unblocked at times, either the defensive end or defensive tackle, but the plan remains the same. Force the defender into jumping one of the options, leaving the defense out leveraged with little time to rally to the football.

The reason Oregon has been so successful is because QB Jeremiah Masoli has done a superb job making good decisions, and hitting the defense where it hurts. The Ducks' offense is like a metronome staying on pace and chipping away at opposing defenses, forcing them to play perfect on every play. They know that one defensive mistake can lead to big gains and big points.

Which leads us to stopping this seemingly unstoppable attack.

To be honest there's no real secret, dominating the trenches is paramount. Don't allow horizontal creases, and the offense won't have any options.

Then the defense has to put the pressure back on the offense by forcing the quarterback to be perfect under duress. I'd bring heat early and often to make things happen quickly, now the creases don't have time to become huge gaps. When things happen fast the defense can resort to old fashioned football...see ball, hit ball.

The last and most important part is being able to rally to the football.

Relentless pursuit covers up all mistakes, when someone misses their
assignment there's four more guys to clean up the mess. It has to be eleven defenders playing with one heart beat, nobody trying to make "the big play." You try to do too much or be the hero, and that's when the Ducks strike.

Football is a simple game, forget about all the exciting schemes and you're left with fundamentals. The team that dominates the trenches and wins the run game, is almost always victorious.

Win your one on one battles on each play and you'll ultimately win the war. Can the Buckeyes find a way to slow down this juggernaut attack? Will the Ducks waver amidst the silver bullets flying? The Rose Bowl approaches...

Inside The Huddle: Corner Play

2009-11-21T16:23:00.003-05:00

Playing cornerback is more than just "guarding" the wideout. It's about proper alignment, technique, and leaning on your fundamentals.

A great corner knows where he is on the field and knows the situation at all times. He understands that there's a technique for every movement in football, he should never just "wing it."

Feel The Tradition: Buckeye fans rush field

2009-11-15T11:00:00.013-05:00

#11 Ohio State stuns #10 Iowa with an OT field goal to clinch a share of the Big Ten and a Rose Bowl berth. Buckeye fans rush the field to celebrate.

Inside The Huddle: Trench Warfare

2009-11-14T16:22:00.005-05:00

To play up front with the big boys you can't just be a one trick pony. It's versatility that makes D-linemen so lethal.

Keep the O-line guessing as you bring relentless pressure in the QB's face.

Inside The Huddle: Pocket Presence

2009-11-07T16:19:00.005-05:00

A huge part of being a quarterback is deciphering between pressure and a real problem. Especially with running quarterbacks when they're thinking run first if there's an issue.

If you want to play QB successfully on any level you must learn to trust the players around you. It's your job to get the ball to the playmakers on your squad, otherwise the other ten guys might as well take a knee.

Inside The Huddle: QB Decision Making

2009-10-31T16:18:00.004-04:00

Every situation comes with it's own unique choices, it's up to the QB to make snap judgments and deliver the football.

A quarterback's ability to make the best, quick decisions under pressure is what separates the great ones from the mediocre.

Inside The Huddle: Pass Placement

2009-10-24T16:15:00.004-04:00

Sometimes we forget just how much goes into a 4 second play because a quarterback with great fundamentals always makes it look so easy.

It's up to the QB to give his receiver a chance to catch the football, which is why pass placement is so critical.

Inside The Huddle: Offensive Coordination

2009-10-17T15:49:00.004-04:00

People forget just how much has to come together for a single play to work. Football is the greatest team game there is, where every player has their own particular responsibility.

All 11 players working in unison allows an offense to run smoothly, but you're always one play away from the wheels falling off.