BCS National Championship predictions
January, 9, 2012
1/09/12
3:31
PM ET
By
Chris Low and
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
We’ve dissected this game, written about this game and analyzed this game from every angle.
The picks are in for Monday night’s Allstate BCS National Championship Game, and we have a split decision:
Edward Aschoff: Stopping LSU has proved futile for every team that has had to face the Tigers this season. From LSU’s hard-nosed running game to its ferocious defense, LSU has truly been a force to reckon with. I picked against the Tigers when these teams first met, and for good reason. Alabama had all the tools to be victor on that day. However, I was wrong and I don’t like to make the same mistake twice. LSU has proved itself too many times for me to pick against the Tigers in what will basically be a home game. This season has been too special for LSU to fall at the very end of one of the most demanding years in NCAA history. … LSU 20, Alabama 17
Chris Low: After bouncing back and forth, I’ve made my pick. It wasn’t easy even if we are in the Big Easy. In short, as good as LSU is and has been this season, Alabama is better. The Crimson Tide will be ready for the option this time on defense. They won’t bog down inside the 30 on offense, and aided by the fact that the game is being played indoors, the kickers won’t miss four field goals again. There’s no question that LSU drew the short end of the stick in having to beat Alabama again to win the national title, especially when you’re trying to beat Nick Saban three straight times. And beating Saban twice in the same season is unheard of. It will once again come down to a handful of plays, and when Alabama needs one, Trent Richardson will deliver this time. It’s too bad that one of these teams has to lose. But as I left Bourbon Street on Sunday night, the last thing I heard was “Sweet Home Alabama” blaring from one of the clubs. Revenge will indeed be sweet for the Crimson Tide. ... Alabama 21, LSU 13
The picks are in for Monday night’s Allstate BCS National Championship Game, and we have a split decision:
Edward Aschoff: Stopping LSU has proved futile for every team that has had to face the Tigers this season. From LSU’s hard-nosed running game to its ferocious defense, LSU has truly been a force to reckon with. I picked against the Tigers when these teams first met, and for good reason. Alabama had all the tools to be victor on that day. However, I was wrong and I don’t like to make the same mistake twice. LSU has proved itself too many times for me to pick against the Tigers in what will basically be a home game. This season has been too special for LSU to fall at the very end of one of the most demanding years in NCAA history. … LSU 20, Alabama 17
Chris Low: After bouncing back and forth, I’ve made my pick. It wasn’t easy even if we are in the Big Easy. In short, as good as LSU is and has been this season, Alabama is better. The Crimson Tide will be ready for the option this time on defense. They won’t bog down inside the 30 on offense, and aided by the fact that the game is being played indoors, the kickers won’t miss four field goals again. There’s no question that LSU drew the short end of the stick in having to beat Alabama again to win the national title, especially when you’re trying to beat Nick Saban three straight times. And beating Saban twice in the same season is unheard of. It will once again come down to a handful of plays, and when Alabama needs one, Trent Richardson will deliver this time. It’s too bad that one of these teams has to lose. But as I left Bourbon Street on Sunday night, the last thing I heard was “Sweet Home Alabama” blaring from one of the clubs. Revenge will indeed be sweet for the Crimson Tide. ... Alabama 21, LSU 13
Four-star cornerback Tracy Howard (Miramar, Fla./Miramar) will visit USC this weekend, according to his mother, Shaiy Howard.
Howard, who is ranked in the ESPNU 150 as the No. 1 corner and the No. 18 player in the country, was also planning to visit Alabama before signing day, but that visit appears unlikely at this point.
Howard has already visited West Virginia and Florida State and is still planning to visit Florida and LSU before making a decision. Howard’s mother also said that her son’s last visit will likely be to LSU, but the visit dates are not firm.
Howard recently told HornsNation that Florida and LSU were his leaders.
Howard, who is ranked in the ESPNU 150 as the No. 1 corner and the No. 18 player in the country, was also planning to visit Alabama before signing day, but that visit appears unlikely at this point.
Howard has already visited West Virginia and Florida State and is still planning to visit Florida and LSU before making a decision. Howard’s mother also said that her son’s last visit will likely be to LSU, but the visit dates are not firm.
Howard recently told HornsNation that Florida and LSU were his leaders.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Five University of Florida recruits -- including two who have a chance to play significantly in 2012 -- have enrolled early and are eligible to compete in spring practice.
Defensive tackle Damien Jacobs, offensive tackle D.J. Humphries, receiver Latroy Pittman, defensive back Willie Bailey, and linebacker Antonio Morrison were on the Gainesville campus today, the first day of the spring semester, a UF official confirmed this morning.
Humphries, a five-star recruit from Charlotte (N.C.) Mallard Creek, and Pittman, a four-star recruit from Citra (Fla.) North Marion, are expected to compete for playing time in the fall at two of Florida's biggest positions of need. Humphries (6-foot-6, 275 pounds) is ESPNU's top-rated offensive tackle. Pittman (6-0, 195) is ESPNU's No. 16 receiver.
Defensive tackle Damien Jacobs, offensive tackle D.J. Humphries, receiver Latroy Pittman, defensive back Willie Bailey, and linebacker Antonio Morrison were on the Gainesville campus today, the first day of the spring semester, a UF official confirmed this morning.
Humphries, a five-star recruit from Charlotte (N.C.) Mallard Creek, and Pittman, a four-star recruit from Citra (Fla.) North Marion, are expected to compete for playing time in the fall at two of Florida's biggest positions of need. Humphries (6-foot-6, 275 pounds) is ESPNU's top-rated offensive tackle. Pittman (6-0, 195) is ESPNU's No. 16 receiver.
Jordan Jenkins set to announce tonight
January, 9, 2012
1/09/12
11:37
AM ET
By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
Four-star defensive end Jordan Jenkins will announce his college decision between 7 p.m.-8 p.m. ET today live on “The Next Class” on Fox Sports South.
Jenkins, the No. 5 defensive end and No. 61 player overall according to ESPNU, will choose between Florida, Alabama, Georgia and Auburn.
The 6-foot-3, 235-pound athlete was a standout at the Under Armour All-America Game last Thursday in St. Petersburg, Fla., as he totaled eight tackles, including two sacks.
Florida is recruiting Jenkins to play its Buck position. The Buck is a hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker position that Ronald Powell played this past season.
Jenkins, the No. 5 defensive end and No. 61 player overall according to ESPNU, will choose between Florida, Alabama, Georgia and Auburn.
The 6-foot-3, 235-pound athlete was a standout at the Under Armour All-America Game last Thursday in St. Petersburg, Fla., as he totaled eight tackles, including two sacks.
Florida is recruiting Jenkins to play its Buck position. The Buck is a hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker position that Ronald Powell played this past season.
Future Gators star in All-America games 
January, 8, 2012
1/08/12
3:53
PM ET
By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. –- Several future Florida Gators were on display at the Under Amour and Army All-American games this week. A total of nine verbal commits participated in the two games, and with the amount of prospects still on Florida’s recruiting board, that number is sure to grow. Here’s a closer look at the top performers from this week.
Florida commits
D.J. Humphries
Florida commits
D.J. Humphries
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Kent Taylor could take more visits
January, 7, 2012
1/07/12
8:37
PM ET
By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
ESPNU 150 tight end Kent Taylor has been committed to Florida since Oct. 27, but he might take some other official visits depending on one thing.
“It depends on who Florida gets for their new offensive coordinator,” Taylor said. “It depends on whether I like him or not. Maybe I will. But if they get someone I like then Florida is where I want to go.”
Taylor is rated as the No. 4 tight end and the No. 147 player in the ESPNU 150.
“It depends on who Florida gets for their new offensive coordinator,” Taylor said. “It depends on whether I like him or not. Maybe I will. But if they get someone I like then Florida is where I want to go.”
Taylor is rated as the No. 4 tight end and the No. 147 player in the ESPNU 150.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Muschamp played huge role with Bullard
January, 7, 2012
1/07/12
6:33
PM ET
By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
The relationship that four-star defensive end Johnathan Bullard (Shelby, NC/Crest) built with Florida coach Will Muschamp was ultimately the deciding factor in him choosing the Gators over Clemson and South Carolina.
“Coach Muschamp actually reached out to me the first week he got the job,” said Bullard, who stands 6-foot-3 and 255 pounds. “He told me that he would love to have me. He recruited me hisself. I talked to him the most out of every head coach. That showed me that he really wanted me.”
“I also built a great relationship with Coach Young, Coach [Dan] Quinn and my recruiting coordinator. Everything just felt right, so I went with my heart and chose the Gators.”
“Coach Muschamp actually reached out to me the first week he got the job,” said Bullard, who stands 6-foot-3 and 255 pounds. “He told me that he would love to have me. He recruited me hisself. I talked to him the most out of every head coach. That showed me that he really wanted me.”
“I also built a great relationship with Coach Young, Coach [Dan] Quinn and my recruiting coordinator. Everything just felt right, so I went with my heart and chose the Gators.”
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
SAN ANTONIO -- Twenty juniors have given verbal commitments to play in the 2013 U.S. Army All-American Bowl next January. Four of the players -- receiver Ahmad Fullwood (Jacksonville, Fla./Bishop Kenny), linebacker Dorian O’Daniel (Olney, Md./Our Lady Of Good Counsel) and defensive backs Eli Woodard (Voorhees, N.J./Eastern) and Kendall Fuller (Olney, Md./Our Lady Of Good Counsel) -- were announced during the second quarter of this year’s game.
Here’s the list of the other 16 players expected to play next year:
DE Kenny Bigelow (Bear, Del./Red Lion Christian)
QB Max Browne (Sammamish, Wash./Skyline)
QB Ryan Burns (Ashburn, Va./Stone Bridge)
DB Cam Burrows (Trotwood, Ohio/Trotwood-Madison)
DB Su’a Cravens (Vista Murrieta, Calif.)
OL Austin Golson (Prattville, Ala.)
WR Derrick Griffin (Rosenberg, Texas/Terry)
LB Peter Kalambayi (Matthews, N.C./Butler)
LB E.J. Levenberry (Woodbridge, Va./E.D. Hylton)
LB Daniel McMillian (Jacksonville, Fla./First Coast)
OL Khaliel Rodgers (Bear, Del./Red Lion Christian)
DL Garrett Sickels (Little Silver, N.J./Red Bank)
TE DeSean Smith (Lake Charles, La./Barbe)
QB Tyrone Swoopes (Whitewright, Texas)
OL Laremy Tunsil (Lake City, Fla./Whitewright)
DB Nick Washington (Jacksonville, Fla./Trinity Christian)
Here’s the list of the other 16 players expected to play next year:
DE Kenny Bigelow (Bear, Del./Red Lion Christian)
QB Max Browne (Sammamish, Wash./Skyline)
QB Ryan Burns (Ashburn, Va./Stone Bridge)
DB Cam Burrows (Trotwood, Ohio/Trotwood-Madison)
DB Su’a Cravens (Vista Murrieta, Calif.)
OL Austin Golson (Prattville, Ala.)
WR Derrick Griffin (Rosenberg, Texas/Terry)
LB Peter Kalambayi (Matthews, N.C./Butler)
LB E.J. Levenberry (Woodbridge, Va./E.D. Hylton)
LB Daniel McMillian (Jacksonville, Fla./First Coast)
OL Khaliel Rodgers (Bear, Del./Red Lion Christian)
DL Garrett Sickels (Little Silver, N.J./Red Bank)
TE DeSean Smith (Lake Charles, La./Barbe)
QB Tyrone Swoopes (Whitewright, Texas)
OL Laremy Tunsil (Lake City, Fla./Whitewright)
DB Nick Washington (Jacksonville, Fla./Trinity Christian)
Four-star defensive end Jonathan Bullard (Shelby, N.C./Crest) verbally committed to Florida during the fourth quarter at the U.S. Army Bowl on Saturday afternoon.
The 6-foot-4, 245-pounder Bullard chose Florida over Clemson and South Carolina.
Bullard is ranked as the No. 11 defensive end and the No. 83 player overall by the ESPNU 150. He will join his high school teammate Rhaheim Ledbetter at Florida. Ledbetter has been committed to play safety for the Gators since July.
With the Bullard commitment, the Gators now have 19 verbal commitments, eight of which are in the ESPNU 150. Bullard is the first defensive end commit for Florida.
The 6-foot-4, 245-pounder Bullard chose Florida over Clemson and South Carolina.
Bullard is ranked as the No. 11 defensive end and the No. 83 player overall by the ESPNU 150. He will join his high school teammate Rhaheim Ledbetter at Florida. Ledbetter has been committed to play safety for the Gators since July.
With the Bullard commitment, the Gators now have 19 verbal commitments, eight of which are in the ESPNU 150. Bullard is the first defensive end commit for Florida.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Now that ESPN has reported that Florida and Alabama are targeting Brent Pease to become their new offensive coordinator, the next logical question among Gators fans is: Who is Brent Pease?
He is a longtime offensive coordinator who has called plays in the Southeastern Conference and Big 12 for a combined five seasons and has spent the last six seasons at Boise State. He just finished his first season as the Broncos' offensive coordinator, helping Boise finish ninth in the nation in total offense (481.31 yards per game), sixth in scoring (44.23 points per game), 41st in rushing (171.92 yards per game), and 11th in passing (309.38 yards per game).
From 2006-20010, Pease was Boise's receivers coach, where he worked with eventual NFLers Austin Pettis and Titus Young. Pettis is the school's all-time leader in receptions (229) and receiving touchdowns (39) and is second in career yardage (2,838). Young is the all-time leader in receiving yards (3,063) and is second in career receptions (204). They were third- and fourth-round draft picks, respectively, last April.
He is a longtime offensive coordinator who has called plays in the Southeastern Conference and Big 12 for a combined five seasons and has spent the last six seasons at Boise State. He just finished his first season as the Broncos' offensive coordinator, helping Boise finish ninth in the nation in total offense (481.31 yards per game), sixth in scoring (44.23 points per game), 41st in rushing (171.92 yards per game), and 11th in passing (309.38 yards per game).
From 2006-20010, Pease was Boise's receivers coach, where he worked with eventual NFLers Austin Pettis and Titus Young. Pettis is the school's all-time leader in receptions (229) and receiving touchdowns (39) and is second in career yardage (2,838). Young is the all-time leader in receiving yards (3,063) and is second in career receptions (204). They were third- and fourth-round draft picks, respectively, last April.
Fourteen set to announce at Army Bowl
January, 6, 2012
1/06/12
1:26
PM ET
By
Damon Sayles and
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
SAN ANTONIO -- Saturday’s U.S. Army All-American Bowl (1 p.m. ET on NBC) will include verbal commitments from 14 top prospects, six from the West roster and eight from the East.
ESPNU 150 defensive end Jonathan Bullard (Shelby, N.C./Crest) will be selecting from Clemson, Florida and South Carolina. Bullard (6-3, 255) is listed as the No. 11 defensive end and No. 83 player overall.
ESPNU 150 athlete Anthony Alford (Petal, Miss./Petal) will choose among Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Southern Miss. He would like to play baseball as well, and all three finalists have offered him the chance to do so. Alford (6-0, 210) is rated as the No. 14 athlete and No. 98 prospect overall. He’s played nothing but quarterback this week.
ESPNU 150 defensive end Jonathan Bullard (Shelby, N.C./Crest) will be selecting from Clemson, Florida and South Carolina. Bullard (6-3, 255) is listed as the No. 11 defensive end and No. 83 player overall.
ESPNU 150 athlete Anthony Alford (Petal, Miss./Petal) will choose among Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Southern Miss. He would like to play baseball as well, and all three finalists have offered him the chance to do so. Alford (6-0, 210) is rated as the No. 14 athlete and No. 98 prospect overall. He’s played nothing but quarterback this week.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Florida, Alabama sets eyes on Brent Pease
January, 6, 2012
1/06/12
12:08
PM ET
By
Edward Aschoff and
Mark Schlabach | ESPN.com
Florida and Alabama have both targeted Boise State's Brent Pease as their top target to fill vacant offensive coordinator positions, sources close to the situation told ESPN.com on Friday.
Pease has worked the last six seasons on Chris Petersen's staff at Boise State, including his first as the Broncos' offensive coordinator this past season. Under Pease's direction, the No. 7 Broncos finished sixth among FBS schools in scoring (44.2 points per game), tied for ninth in total offense (481.3 yards) and 11th in passing (309.3 yards).
Prior to becoming the Broncos' offensive coordinator after Bryan Harsin left for Texas, Pease coached Boise State's receivers, helping Austin Pettis and Titus Young become two of the school's most prolific pass-catchers.
Pease and his wife, Paula, were scheduled to visit Florida as early as Friday, sources told ESPN.com. Gators coach Will Muschamp is searching for a replacement for former offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, who left Florida last month to become Kansas' new coach. Former Florida quarterback Kerwin Bell, now the coach at Jacksonville (Fla.) University, also has interviewed for the UF position.
The No. 2 Crimson Tide also are interested in hiring Pease to replace offensive coordinator Jim McElwain, who will coach his final game for Alabama against No. 1 LSU in Monday night's Allstate BCS National Championship Game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. McElwain, who has worked on Nick Saban's staff since 2008, was named Colorado State's new coach last month.
Pease has worked the last six seasons on Chris Petersen's staff at Boise State, including his first as the Broncos' offensive coordinator this past season. Under Pease's direction, the No. 7 Broncos finished sixth among FBS schools in scoring (44.2 points per game), tied for ninth in total offense (481.3 yards) and 11th in passing (309.3 yards).
Prior to becoming the Broncos' offensive coordinator after Bryan Harsin left for Texas, Pease coached Boise State's receivers, helping Austin Pettis and Titus Young become two of the school's most prolific pass-catchers.
Pease and his wife, Paula, were scheduled to visit Florida as early as Friday, sources told ESPN.com. Gators coach Will Muschamp is searching for a replacement for former offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, who left Florida last month to become Kansas' new coach. Former Florida quarterback Kerwin Bell, now the coach at Jacksonville (Fla.) University, also has interviewed for the UF position.
The No. 2 Crimson Tide also are interested in hiring Pease to replace offensive coordinator Jim McElwain, who will coach his final game for Alabama against No. 1 LSU in Monday night's Allstate BCS National Championship Game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. McElwain, who has worked on Nick Saban's staff since 2008, was named Colorado State's new coach last month.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The future of Florida’s football team was on display Thursday night as Team Blur defeated Team Highlight 49-16 in the Under Armour All-America game.
The solid week of practice for the six Florida commits resulted in all six players starting for Team Blur. Here’s a closer look at how each player performed this week:
Brian Poole
The solid week of practice for the six Florida commits resulted in all six players starting for Team Blur. Here’s a closer look at how each player performed this week:
Brian Poole
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Here's who to watch for in Saturday's U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio:
Time: 1 p.m. ET
TV: NBC
Time: 1 p.m. ET
TV: NBC
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. --Four-star defensive end Jordan Jenkins (Hamilton, Ga./Harris Co.) was surprised to learn he would be playing defensive tackle in the first half of the Under Armour All-America Game on Thursday night.
The 6-foot-3, 235-pound prospect surprised himself though when accounted for four tackles and two sacks while playing the position. The two sacks tied an Under Armour record that was originally set by Florida defensive tackle Omar Hunter. Ohio State commit Noah Spence later broke the record with three sacks.
"I was relentless, I just never gave up," Jenkins said when asked about the record. "The funny thing is I got those two sacks playing defensive tackle and I thought I wouldn't get any sacks playing tackle, but I made like three or four tackles in the first half."
The 6-foot-3, 235-pound prospect surprised himself though when accounted for four tackles and two sacks while playing the position. The two sacks tied an Under Armour record that was originally set by Florida defensive tackle Omar Hunter. Ohio State commit Noah Spence later broke the record with three sacks.
"I was relentless, I just never gave up," Jenkins said when asked about the record. "The funny thing is I got those two sacks playing defensive tackle and I thought I wouldn't get any sacks playing tackle, but I made like three or four tackles in the first half."
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
ABOUT GATOR NATION
Michael DiRocco
Michael DiRocco came to ESPN.com in 2011 after spending 10 and a half years covering UF for the Florida Times-Union. He lives in Middleburg, Fla., with his wife and two sons. Email him at espndirocco@gmail.com.
Derek Tyson
Derek Tyson joined ESPN.com in 2011. He worked as a football and recruiting analyst for GatorCountry.com before joining ESPN. He currently resides in Gainesville, Fla. Email him at derektysonespn@gmail.com.