Green Grass Ahead

Georgia fans have grown restless awaiting the comeback of All-American WR A.J. Green. The Bulldogs are off to their worst start in nearly two decades and for one reason. Let’s ponder on something for a moment. Georgia is starting a freshman quarterback; then, combine that with an inconsistent offensive line and new defensive scheme. Sounds like a disaster to me, especially without A.J. Green’s playmaking ability.

Green is the #2 rated player on DraftNasty’s 2012 Big Board and for many reasons. Despite Georgia’s struggles with QB Joe Cox last season, Green still found ways to make plays.  NFL scouts drool over his excellent body control, 4.4 speed, and uncontested athleticism.  

So what does it mean for Georgia to get Green back this week?  For starters, they will field a better passing attack, open more running lanes, and add a reliable threat on the offensive side of the ball. However, Green will not have a walk in the park in his return. He will be challenged by Colorado CB’s Jimmy Smith and Jalil Brown, both regarded as legit NFL prospects.

Todman to Lead UConn

Let’s rewind to last season when Todman was an unknown sophomore looking for a chance to contribute to the Huskies' program. Thirteen games later, Todman had eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark and led the Huskies in all-purpose yardage. The Massachusetts native led the team in rushing with 1,188 yards last season despite splitting time with Andre Dixon, who rushed for over 1,000 yards as well. In addition, Todman provided the Huskies with kick return ability. He averaged 25 yards a return, including a 96 yard touchdown against Notre Dame. For those accomplishments, he became the only non-starting player in the conference to earn All-Big East honors.

This season, Todman has picked up from where he left off.  He currently leads the Big East in rushing yards (448), touchdowns (5), and average yards per carry (7.34), despite missing one game. At only 193 pounds, Todman has strong features as a runner.  He’s a tough runner inside the tackles, but has enough speed to take it the distance if he gets a step on the perimeter. His return and pass catching ability are remarkable as well.  This makes him an added threat to touch the football throughout the game. In addition, he leads the Big East in all-purpose yardage, averaging 175 yards per outing. Todman will look to become the first back-to-back 1,000 yard rusher in the Big East since LeSean McCoy (2007-2008). Don’t be surprised if he contemplates declaring for the NFL draft after this season.

Block’em Bruce

Last Saturday, Bruce Carter blocked his 5^th career kick against Rutgers. Known as “the freak” to many, Carter is an exceptional special teams player for the Tar Heels.  For those of you who remember, this was the same individual that went 3 straight weeks with a blocked kick as a freshman. While NFL scouts love his athleticism as an outside LB, his special teams ability and passion is what makes him that much more marketable.  At 6’3, 230 pounds and blessed with 4.4 speed, he exhibits more range than any linebacker in the country. His athleticism alone is good enough to have him ranked 6th on DraftNasty’s 2011 Big Board.

SEC QB Controversy Brewing

LSU- Jordan Jefferson/Jarrett Lee

Despite getting off to a 4-0 start, LSU fans have let it be known it's not because of the play of Jordan Jefferson. Before the season started the buzz was already created that Jefferson needed to live up to the expectations he once showed as a freshman. Jefferson currently ranks at the bottom of the SEC in passing and he’s only completed 54% of his passes for 2 touchdowns. To make matters worse, he’s thrown 4 interceptions and has a 97% passer rating (last in the SEC). Les Miles isn’t ready to throw away his talented QB just yet; after all, he was put back in for the final series against West Virginia.

Backup Jarrett Lee has patiently waited for his opportunity to get back on the field. Two years ago, Lee was replaced by Jefferson after throwing 16 interceptions in 11 games.  While many thought he would transfer for his final season, he decided to return to LSU in hopes of getting a second opportunity. To Bayou Bengals fans, your boos may turn to cheers this Saturday against Tennessee.

Florida- Jeff Brantley/Trey Burton

This isn’t your typical QB controversy. Brantley isn’t playing bad this season; in all actuality he’s playing good. But I ask you, is a pro-style offense really what Urban Meyer wants to do?  Let’s take a look back at Urban Meyer’s first season as the Gators head coach. Meyer did not hesitate to use the dual-threat QB Tim Tebow as a freshman. This often led to Chris Leak running on and off the field because of his one dimensional ability in Meyer’s offense. Now here’s Brantley, four years later and already tabbed as Tebow’s predecessor.  Brantley, unlike Tebow, is a pro-style QB that makes the NFL throws Tebow took criticism for much of his career.

Freshman Trey Burton dazzled Gator and SEC fans with his remarkable 6 touchdowns (5 rushing, 1 receiving) last Saturday against Kentucky. While Burton is an unproven passer, he fits the profile of Urban Meyer’s identity at QB.  I believe Brantley will remain the starter, but Florida to continue their Wild-Gator package with the versatile Burton.

South Carolina- Stephen Garcia/Connor Shaw

It doesn’t take long to get into Steve Spurrier’s doghouse if you are a QB. Garcia’s two second half turnovers Saturday night had the old ball coach livid and he replaced the three-year starter with freshman Conner Shaw. Garcia was having a remarkable season, leading the Gamecocks to an impressive 3-0 start and completing 69% of his passes this season before facing Auburn. Nevertheless, the love/hate relationship between Spurrier and Garcia continues.

Freshman Conner Shaw has shown flashes of becoming a productive QB, yet is unproven in the eyes of many. However, he was a touchdown away from being one of the biggest heroes in the nation last Saturday night. Garcia has struggled to perform well on the big stage and tides could be turning in Columbia, SC. With the Gamecocks in the midst of a bye week, I am anxious to see who will start next week’s SEC contest versus the top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide.

ACC Goes 3-1 over Big East

Everyone talks about the bad play of the ACC, but in reality every team is simply inconsistent. Last season, the Big East may have had one of the most underrated conferences in the country. This caused them to come into the 2010 season with painfully high expectations. Cincinnati’s loss to NC State two weeks ago was highlighted by a brutal beat down performance on their defense, while Miami defeated Pitt the following Thursday by holding them to just 3 points on the night. North Carolina found themselves in a dog fight with Rutgers, but QB T.J. Yates led the troops to a go ahead touchdown in the 3^rd quarter. However, West Virginia was the one team to come out victorious from the Big East. Maryland had a hard time stopping the speed and quickness of the triplets (Devine, Austin, Sanders).  The Big East will have its chance to tie the series if South Florida can defeat Miami and Syracuse can topple Boston College in Week 13.