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Adam Abramson
Adam Abramson
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Newsday blogger Mike Rose
Mike Rose
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  • Florida suspends Brandon Spikes

    Monday November 2, 2009 1:45 PM By Mike Rose

    By now, you've seen the video -- whether on YouTube or live on CBS -- of Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes sticking his hand into the top of the facemask of Georgia running back Washaun Ealey and attempting to gouge Ealey's eyes.

    Florida head coach Urban Meyer announced today that Spikes would be suspended for the first half of Saturday's game against Vanderbilt.

    "I spoke to him," Meyer said. "That's not who he is, that's not who we are. He got caught up in emotion. I love Brandon Spikes and our team does. We're going to move on, but he has our full support."

    Apparently, Spikes was retaliating for getting poked in his eye earlier in Florida's 41-17 win over Georgia.

    The SEC is still investigating the matter.

    UPDATE (2:41 p.m.): The SEC has accepted Florida's disciplinary action on Spikes.

    Tags: Brandon Spikes, Florida, Urban Meyer, SEC, Georgia

  • The Saturday recap

    Sunday November 1, 2009 12:35 AM By Mike Rose

    Oregon in control of Pac-10: Oregon simply dominated USC, winning 47-20. The win puts the Ducks in prime position to claim the Pac-10 title, a Rose Bowl berth and quite possibly much more. But what was most stunning about Oregon's win was the way it was done. The key matchup coming into the game was Oregon's rushing attack up against USC's rush defense, which was allowing around 80 yards per game. The Ducks rolled up an incredible 392 rushing yards. In all, Oregon had 613 of total offense. It was the most points a Pete Carroll-coached USC team had ever allowed. The USC defense looked slow and confused all night against a dynamic Oregon offensive attack. The Ducks ran right at and around USC, using multiple running backs and quarterback Jeremiah Masoli to keep the Trojans guessing about what was coming next. When the Trojans crowded the line, Masoli hit quick passes to the outside. When USC was lulled into stopping the runs and quick passes, the Ducks snuck receivers and tight ends behind the secondary. Masoli was great, completing 19 of 31 passes for 221 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 164 yards and a touchdown on just 13 carries. Running back LaMichael James added 184 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries. Oregon is now 5-0 in the Pac-10. USC, at 3-2 in the Pac-10 and 6-2 overall, needs a lot of help to win an eighth consecutive conference title. The national title hopes are gone. Oregon simply needs to win out to claim the Pac-10 title. But the road isn't easy with away games at Stanford and Arizona, and home games against Arizona State and in-state rival Oregon State. The Arizona game could be huge in the conference title race. The Wildcats have just one Pac-10 loss. If Oregon survives those games, don't discount Oregon getting into the national title picture if one of the SEC teams or Texas loses. The Ducks were very impressive tonight. For USC, a disturbing trend is developing on defense. USC gave up 27 points to Notre Dame, 36 to Oregon State and now 47 to Oregon.

    Texas looks like a No. 2: With Alabama idle and coming off a tight 12-10 victory over Tennessee last week, expect Texas to jump to No. 2 in the polls. The Longhorns looked very good again, winning 41-14 at No. 14 Oklahoma State. In the past three weeks, the Longhorns have beaten Oklahoma and picked up impressive road wins at Missouri (41-7) and Oklahoma State. The Texas defense is as good as Florida or Alabama. The biggest advantage Texas has now is quarterback play. Colt McCoy had a solid game, completing 16 of 21 passes for 171 yards and a touchdown. McCoy would give Texas the advantage over Alabama's Greg McElroy.

    The comeback Hawkeyes: Iowa has had so many close calls this season that the Hawkeyes can really use some blowouts over the last weeks of the regular season. Iowa beat Indiana 42-24, but it sure didn't feel like an 18-point win. Indiana led 21-7 in the third quarter and 24-14 heading into the fourth. Iowa is now 4-0 when trailing after three quarters. Three big plays saved Iowa: an 86-yard interception return by Tyler Sash in the third quarter to close the gap to 21-14, a 92-yard pass from Ricky Stanzi to Marvin McNutt in the fourth quarter to close the gap to 24-21 and a 66-yard pass from Stanzi to Derrell Johnson-Koulianos to put Iowa ahead for good in the fourth quarter at 28-24. Stanzi threw a career-high five interceptions before connecting on his two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter. Iowa has lived on the edge all season. One thing in their favor: a close game doesn't bother this team. They thrive on adversity. Iowa still has Northwestern and Minnesota at home and a huge road game against Ohio State. I'd say at this point, based on what we've seen the Hawkeyes do all season, you can't think the Hawkeyes won't win all three of those games.

    Florida finds some offense: Florida's struggling offense got a boost today in a 41-17 win over Georgia. Tim Tebow had a vintage performance, completing 15 of 21 passes for 164 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 85 yards and two touchdowns, passing the great Herschel Walker for most career rushing touchdowns in SEC history. Riley Cooper caught four passes for 78 yards and the two touchdowns. Florida needed a receiver to step up. Cooper did that. Also, the Gators rushed for 210 yards. Defensively, Florida intercepted four passes, including one returned five yards for a touchdown by Brandon Spikes. Today's game was the type of performance Florida will need if it hopes to repeat as national champions.

    Cincinnati, TCU and Boise State remain unbeaten: We're heading into November with seven unbeaten teams. Really a remarkable feat. Boise State really doesn't have a tough game left, unless you want to give Colin Kaepernick and Nevada a chance. Cincinnati actually has a tough stretch to finish the regular season with Connecticut, West Virginia and Illinois at home. I know, it doesn't look tough. Connecticut has lost four games by a combined 13 points, West Virginia is always dangerous, and Iliinois, despite its record, has talent and nothing to lose. A upset over Cincinnati would be the highlight of a dismal season. Of the three, TCU has looked the best. As long as TCU goes unbeaten, the Horned Frogs will get a BCS bowl invite. TCU still has to play Utah. Cincinnati has to beat Pittsburgh and win the Big East, and Boise State just needs to keep winning and see what happens. Although, the Broncos beat Hawaii 54-9 last week and still dropped in the BCS standings.

    Tags: Oregon, USC, Pac-10, Jeremiah Masoli, LaMichael James, Texas, Colt McCoy, Iowa, Ricky Stanzi, Florida, Tim Tebow, Brandon Spikes, Cincinnati, TCU, Boise State

  • Darkhorse picks, Part IV: SEC

    Monday August 31, 2009 6:21 PM By Mike Rose

    We'll roll on with the darkhorse picks for this upcoming season. Today I'll focus on the SEC.

    The favorites: Florida, Alabama, Mississippi

    Florida is loaded. Absolutely loaded. Tim Tebow, the most valuable player in college football, is back to lead an offense that returns seven starters. The running game should be fine with Jeff Demps, Chris Rainey and Emmanuel Moody, along with Tebow, sharing the carries. Percy Harvin, who did just about everything on offense for the Gators, and Louis Murphy are gone, leaving Tebow without his two starting receivers from last season. Tight end Aaron Hernandez, however, is back and underrated. He'll see his catches go up this season. Florida's entire starting defense is back and there are stars all over that unit. Carlos Dunlap is a star in the making at defensive end, Brandon Spikes controls things from his linebacker spot, and the secondary is among the best in the nation, led by safety Major Wright and cornerback Joe Haden, who could see time on offense this season. Plus, Florida has a very favorable schedule. The Gators will play against Georgia in Jacksonville, which is like a home game. The Oct. 10 game at LSU could be huge. But I really expect Florida to go undefeated on its way to Pasadena.

    The SEC West should be very competitive with Alabama and Mississippi, both highly ranked, as the two favorites. The Crimson Tide will be very tough on defense with nine starters back, including stars Terrence Cody at defensive tackle and Rolando McClain at linebacker. Alabama's offense could be a bit of a concern. Greg McElroy takes over at quarterback with only two starters back on the offensive line. Glen Coffee, last season's top running back, is in the NFL. But Mark Ingram and Roy Upchurch should keep the ground game potent. Julio Jones could be among the best wide receivers in the country. The Crimson Tide have a tough schedule, starting with Saturday night's showdown with Virginia Tech in the Georgia Dome. Alabama also has to make a trip to Mississippi, but the LSU game is at home. Mississippi could have a big breakout season. The Rebels are in most preseason top 10s, and even some top 5s. Sixteen starters are back (eight on each side of the ball). The offense could be outstanding this season, led by Jevan Snead at quarterback, who will remain in the Heisman conversation as long as the Rebels keep winning. The running attack should be very good with the combination of Dexter McCluster, Cordera Eason and Brandon Bolden. Greg Hardy, an All-American candidate at defensive end, leads the defense. Mississippi's two biggest games of the year -- Alabama and LSU -- are both at home.

    The darkhorse pick: LSU

    Lost in the talk of Florida being the best team ever, Alabama's resurgence and the potential of Mississippi, is LSU. Remember, the Tigers won a national title just two seasons ago. The Tigers return 14 starters (seven on offense and seven on defense). But the reason why LSU should be feared this season is sophomore quarterback Jordan Jefferson. Jefferson came on late season and looked so good in the Chick-fil-A bowl blowout win over Georgia Tech. LSU had two problems last season -- poor quarterback play (solved this season with the emergence of Jefferson) and a shaky defense that gave up over 50 points twice last season. The defense should be better this season with the three leading tacklers from a season ago back. Along with Jefferson, running back Charles Scott, who rushed for over 1,200 yards last season, wide receiver Brandon LaFell, who caught 63 passes for over 900 yards last season, and offensive tackle Ciron Black, an All-American candidate, should give the Tigers a good offense this season. The Tigers do, however, have to make trips to Georgia, Mississippi and Alabama.

    Tags: SEC, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Tim Tebow, Jeff Demps Chris Rainey, Emmanuel Moody, Percy Harvin, Aaron Hernandez, Carlos Dunlap, Brandon Spikes, Major Wright, Joe Haden, Georgia, LSU, Terrence Cody, Rolando McClain, Greg McElroy, Glen Coffee, Mark Ingram, Roy Upchurch, Julio Jones, Virginia Tech, Jevan Snead, Dexter McCluster, Cordera Eason, Brandon Bolden, Greg Hardy, Jordan Jefferson, Georgia Tech, Charles Scott, Brandon LaFell, Ciron Black

  • Extremely early 2009 All-American team predictions

    Wednesday April 15, 2009 7:41 AM By Mike Rose

    I've been thinking (and researching) a lot about the upcoming season and which players were returning for the 2009 season.

    So I decided to put together a little early All-American team for 2009.

    I only did a first team for now. Also, as always, I reserve the right to change this as the season approaches.

    I didn't pick a kicker or punter. I still need to evaluate those positions. Brandon James of Florida will likely be my kick and punt returner.

    Also, I picked West Virginia's Noel Devine as a first-team running back. I believe he'll have a huge season. Plus, I had Devine high on my (other) Heisman hopefuls list. So I wanted to stay consistent.

    Offense

    QB: Sam Bradford, Jr., Oklahoma

    RB: Jahvid Best, Jr., California

    RB: Noel Devine, Jr., West Virginia

    WR: Dez Bryant, Jr., Oklahoma State

    WR: Dezmon Briscoe, Jr., Kansas

    TE: Jermaine Gresham, Sr., Oklahoma

    T: Russell Okung, Sr., Oklahoma State

    T: Trent Williams, Sr., Oklahoma

    C: Kristofer O'Dowd, Jr., USC

    G: Mike Pouncey, Jr., Florida

    G: Mike Johnson, Sr., Alabama

    Defense

    DE: Greg Hardy, Sr., Mississippi

    DT: Terrence Cody, Sr., Alabama

    DT: Gerald McCoy, Jr., Oklahoma

    DE: Jerry Hughes, Sr., TCU

    LB: Brandon Spikes, Sr., Florida

    LB: Navorro Bowman, Jr., Penn State

    LB: Mark Herzlich, Jr., Boston College

    S: Eric Berry, Jr., Tennessee

    S: Taylor Mays, Jr., USC

    CB: Joe Haden, Jr., Florida

    CB: Alterraun Verner, Jr., UCLA

    Abramson's picks:Below my list are the notes.

    Offense

    QB: Tim Tebow, Sr., Florida

    RB: Jahvid Best, Jr., California

    RB: C.J. Spiller, Sr., Clemson

    WR: Dez Bryant, Jr., Oklahoma State

    WR: Julio Jones, So., Alabama

    TE: Jermaine Gresham, Sr., Oklahoma

    T: Anthony Davis, Jr., Rutgers

    T: Trent Williams, Sr., Oklahoma

    C: Kristofer O'Dowd, Jr., USC

    G: Mike Pouncey, Jr., Florida

    G: Rodney Hudson, Jr., Florida State

    Defense

    DE: Carlos Dunlap, Jr., Florida

    DT: Terrence Cody, Sr., Alabama

    DT: Gerald McCoy, Jr., Oklahoma

    DE: Jerry Hughes, Sr., TCU

    LB: Brandon Spikes, Sr., Florida

    LB: Sean Weatherspoon, Sr., Missouri

    LB: Navorro Bowman, Jr., Penn State

    S: Eric Berry, Jr., Tennessee

    S: Taylor Mays, Sr., USC

    CB: Joe Haden, Jr., Florida

    CB: Alterraun Verner, Jr., UCLA

    Notes:

    1. Really, it's such a toss up with Bradford, Tebow and McCoy, so I just took Tebow for argument's sake.

    2. Julio Jones is going to be the best wide receiver in college football this year.

    3. The offensive line is never easy. There are a ton of good offensive tackles: Okung, John Jerry, Ciron Black...picking two wasn't easy. But Davis is one of the biggest humans I've ever seen and I love the way he dominates his opponent.

    4. Carlos Dunlap led the SEC in sacks last year. He's also grown two inches and added 25 pounds. I will write more about this. Legit man-crush on this guy.

    5. I really wanted to take Kam Chancellor over Eric Berry. But I avoided controversy this time, considering how amazing Berry is. But Chancellor is one of the most fierce hitters I've seen at Virginia Tech, and he went through his growing pains last year at FS, his third position in three years. He's a poor man's Taylor Mays, and considering what a freak Mays is, I'll take a poor man's Mays any day of the week. But I couldn't unseat a guy who made every All-American list in the country last year as a sophomore.

    6. There are a handful of good corners out there, including Syd'Quan Thompson, but none better than Joe Haden. Florida's defense is going to be lights out this year, as if it wasn't already.

    Noel Devine - AP; Carlos Dunlap - Orlando Sentinel

    Tags: sam bradford, oklahoma, jahvid best, california, noel devine, west virginia, dez bryant, oklahoma state, dezmon briscoe, kansas, jermaine gresham, russell okung, trent williams, kristofer o'dowd, usc, mike pouncey, florida, alabama, greg hardy, ole miss, terrence cody, gerald mccoy, jerry hughes, tcu, brandon spikes, navorro bowman, mark herzlich, boston college, eric berry, tennessee, taylor mays, joe haden, alterraun verner, ucla, tim tebow, c.j. spiller, clemson, julio jones, anthony davis, rutgers, rodney hudson, florida state, carlos dunlap, sean weatherspoon, missouri, john jerry, ciron black, kam chancellor, syd'quan thompson, colt mccoy, texas

  • Florida loses Percy Harvin, keeps Brandon Spikes

    Thursday January 15, 2009 1:36 PM By Adam Abramson

    Florida will have the services of Brandon Spikes for one more season. The middle linebacker who has elevated himself to one of the elite in college football has decided to fore go the NFL Draft and stay for his senior season, ESPN's Joe Schad reports.

    He also says Percy Harvin, second on the team in carries and the team's leader in catches, will enter the NFL Draft.

    This means Florida is losing zero starters on its defense and just three on the offense -- Harvin, fellow wide receiver Louis Murphy and tackle Phil Trautwein.

    Harvin reminds me of a DeSean Jackson-type in the NFL, but with more versatility. He did have his bouts with injuries, but showed a lot of toughness playing through much of it.

    At least he got one good slap in before he left:

    Mike's done with his 2009 preseason poll, I'm the one who is slacking, but it won't stop snowing (snow means I'm very busy).

    Tags: brandon spikes, florida, percy harvin, urban meyer, news and notes



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