Sorry for the delay. Massive computer problems.
Spoke with CBS College Sports Network Analyst and former Notre Dame offensive lineman Aaron Taylor this week about a wide range of college football issues.
Mac Engel: What did you think of the first BCS Poll?
Aaron Taylor: I think they got it right with Boise State. I think TCU is positioned appropriately as well. I think with Nevada and Oregon State losing didn’t help TCU at all, in the short term. It’s the first week. This is going to change. That November 6 game at Utah is critical. That one, as it relates to the BCS, is a must win. I think the entire championship equation hinges upon that game.
ME: I have this theory that any one of 10 to 12 teams could be No. 1. You agree or disagree?
AT: When you look at the Top 10 it’s so hard to separate out those teams. We talk ‘Body of Work’ but there is so much work to be done. There is a lot of parity and a lot of movement at the top. The proponent of a playoff, that is their argument. It’s really you are making a judgement call on what your eyes see.
ME: As a Notre Dame guy, why do you think that program has been so average for so long?
AT: I think first and foremost they’ve missed on talent. They haven’t been able to compete in the recruiting game. A lot of that has to do not with the guys can qualify or not. Jim Harbuagh is proving at Stanford you can win with “smart guys”.
They’ve missed on their coaches. And it happened when the game of college football was changing so quickly and so radically they weren’t able to catch up and recover. Their calling card was they were on TV. Now everyone plays on TV. It’s taken a while, but I think Notre Dame got it right with Brian Kelly. This guy is a proven program developer. Before him the guys they brought in guys with potential. But at three different programs Brian Kelly developed teams throughout and won.
ME: We’re far enough along to talk Heisman; who are your leaders?
AT: Denard Robinson at Michigan. If he had any help he would be leading by a lot. But if he passes for 2,000 yards and runs for 2,000 yards it’s going to be hard to keep him out of a deserving seat in New York. I think Auburn quarterback Cameron Newton is playing out of his mind. And the level of competition he’s doing it against is amazing.
ME: Who are the best players you’ve seen this season?
AT: Auburn defensive lineman Nick Fairly. He’s unblockable. He has tremendous explosion, is very strong. He’s dominant. As an offensive lineman he keeps you up at night.
Patrick Peterson at LSU has had a great year. He’s a special corner.
ME: If you had to pick two teams to be in the title game right now who would you pick?
AT: I certainly don’t think it is Oklahoma. If it’s a game against the two best teams that have the least amount of holes, based on body of work, I’m a big Boise State fan. People who don’t see them play in person don’t understand what they bring to the table. Kellen Moore is one of the best quarterbacks in the country. His precision and ability to stay calm in the pocket is as good as anyone in the college level. Boise State, from top to bottom, can compete with anyone in the nation. Period. Then I think it gets very hard to pick that second team. If I had to pick right now I’d go with Oregon. I don’t know if there is a defense out there that can shut them down.
- Mac Engel
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Proving beyond the shadow of a doubt that Captain Unibrow is an idiot.
No team that can't win playing straight-up football (i.e. pulling out what the four-lettered beclowns itself by calling it "trickeration") should _ever_ be ranked.
Posted by: Darth Venomous | October 23, 2010 at 11:34 PM