Month: May 2020

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High Bust Potential- 2020 Transfer Edition

Scan the transfer portal in 2020 when you have 30 minutes to kill, just don’t do it on the throne unless you want your legs to fall asleep. There are droves of kids looking for greener pastures. One of the NCAA’s boards (another name for bored white dudes locked up in their anti-corona mansions) decided April 30 that now is not the appropriate time to grant one-time waivers to student athletes. If past waiver eligibility decisions are an indication, some suit is flipping a coin on these waiver appeals anyway, so who gives a shit what an NCAA board recommends.

Getting off my bitch box, there are a few graduate transfers and others with immediate eligibility or pending appeals that look good on paper, but they’re bound to bust if the fit isn’t near perfect. These guys could work out, but there’s high probability they fall flat. Admittedly, these are all good players, but their circumstances may be the culprit.

D’Eriq King, QB, Miami

The King lit up the AAC at Houston in 2018, but ’19 was a disaster due to injuries. Now, he’ll be in the eye of the storm in south Florida, and that storm is the Hurricane offensive line. They were awful in 2019. Luckily, King can run, but so could Jaren Williams, who is also in the portal after getting thrown in and out of a bad Miami offense as a freshman QB. The ACC is no bastion of defense outside of Clemson, and King is a high completion percentage guy, but he’ll be tested severely in Miami’s offense. The o-line will have to improve significantly, and several playmakers will have to emerge for King to find much success.

Jamie Newman, QB, Georgia

Newman is a big-armed dude and a favorite of Pro Football Focus, having the second-highest grade on tight-window throws in 2019 behind some guy named Burrow, or Burreaux (Cajuns can’t spell). He’ll play behind a quality offensive line in Athens with a few good running backs and a ton of unproven talent at wide receiver. Newman had solid wideout play at Wake Forest and put up decent numbers, but much of it came against soft competition. Georgia will have a new offensive coordinator for the third time in five years, and only George Pickens has shown to be a playmaker downfield. If no one else develops and the Dawgs can’t pound people into submission with the run, trouble may be brewing (two regular season losses equate to trouble because Georgia’s defense is legit and will keep them in every game). 

Feleipe Franks, QB, Arkansas

Franks lost his job due to injury at Florida, so no disrespect for wanting to go play, but Arkansas probably ain’t the place for a farewell tour. Under a new head coach trying to rebuild a roster, Franks is going to struggle in the SEC West. A move to an FCS school would have made more sense for Franks’ future.

Jashaun Corbin, RB, FSU 

Corbin was just granted immediate eligibility after transferring from Texas A&M. This is no shot at his running ability. It’s a shot at Florida State’s ability to run block. The Seminoles front five managed to make Cam Akers look pedestrian, so the odds of Corbin having great success is limited in 2020. It may have been in his best interest to sit a year and let Mike Norvell recruit and coach … something that’s been missing in Tallahassee for a few years. 

Antonio Alfano, DL, Colorado

Alfano, the top ranked strong-side defensive end out of high school in 2019, went AWOL on Alabama after signing with Nick Saban, who called Alfano a quitter. The kid transferred to the Buffs last fall, but even if he is granted eligibility (currently under appeal) for 2020, he still may not see the field at Colorado. It only took two months for head coach Karl Dorrell to suspend Alfano indefinitely after he arrived in Boulder. Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em. Alfano is as talented as they come, but he headed for Colorado to play for Mel Tucker, who is now at Michigan State, and his position coach is also gone. This one probably won’t end well.  

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Fans Off- Possible Upsets With No Spectators

God forbid, there’s no football this fall. This coronavirus has wreaked havoc on our economy, our population’s health and our sanity. But the death knell would be the cancellation of football. I would lose it. The next possible scenario is football with no fans, and it’s a real possibility, especially the first month of the college football season.

Best case, we’re back to normal by July and fall camp starts on time, campuses are open and we can get drunk at a tailgate without having to sip through a mask. But, in case the government tells us we shouldn’t be sitting next to each other, yelling and germinating all over the place, here’s a few potential upsets that could happen if the home team has no fans in the stands in September.

Week 1

Michigan at Washington

The Wolverines are about a point favorite at the moment at Husky Stadium, so no real upset here if Khaki Jim pulls it off. Who really knows with unknowns at quarterback for both teams, but the absence of crowd noise on Lake Washington will make the debut of Dylan McCaffrey or Joe Milton that much easier.

Southern Cal vs Alabama, Jerry World

Bama fans would likely make their way to Arlington, Texas, for this neutral site showdown after being quarantined in that god-awful state for nearly five months (I was born in LA, lower Alabama, so don’t @ me). The Tide are two touchdown favorites and the Trojans will bring some firepower on offense, so without the fans, USC could pull the … yeah, I don’t really think it will happen either.

Week 2 

Tennessee at Oklahoma

Oklahoma is breaking in a new quarterback, and Tennessee is one of the hottest teams of the offseason. The Vols still don’t have a quality signal caller, but that offensive line is one of the best in football. Oklahoma, at 7-point favorite early, is pretty good up front, too, and Jeremy Pruitt still hasn’t closed the talent gap with elites yet. Still, without fans in Norman, it gives a young Tennessee team reason for hope. Still, Georgia State …

Texas at LSU

Texas returns the favor after a 2019 showdown in Austin that gave us an early glimpse of what Joe Burrow would do. Now, the Tigers get Texas and veteran gunslinger Sam Elhinger in Baton Rouge’s Death Valley with no Burrow and nearly its entire offense gone (save for Ja’Marr Chase). No rowdy Cajuns, no “Neck” chant from the class of Louisiana, no pregame heartburn. That would just be weird, man. The Longhorns could make it close without the homefield advantage.

Oregon vs. Ohio State

Oregon’s governor has already said she wanted everything shut down until September or later, so this primetime game looks fan-less at the moment. Autzen Stadium can get loud despite its size, so that’s a real advantage for the Buckeyes, who’ll be a road favorite to begin with. Justin should have a “Fields’ Day.”

North Carolina vs Auburn, Atlanta

Interesting matchup that likely favors Auburn in the Benz with butts in the seats. The Tar Heels and Mack Brown are red hot on the recruiting trail right now and have built momentum to be challengers in the ACC. An upset over a mercurial Tigers squad with sophomore Bo Nix and a solid defense would be big. No fans favors UNC.

Week 3

Georgia at Alabama

Big-time matchup in SEC territory. Tide fans may riot if they try to close Bryant-Denny for a night game under the (LED) lights. An empty stadium favors the Dawgs, and if Jamie Newman can get right in a new Georgia offense, this one could get interesting. Still, Mac Jones has plenty of weapons, and he’ll need them against a nasty Dawgs defense. Should be fun with or without the fans, but let’s hope we don’t even have to consider it come late September.

Appalachian State at Wisconsin

Why on earth would you schedule App State? Seems like they beat a quality Power 5 every year. Ask Michigan, Tennessee, South Carolina … just don’t do it Wisconsin. Too late. Camp Randall’s crowd would be a big help, and the Badgers will be heavy favorites, but with no fans, the smart money will likely be on the boys from Boone.

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Quarantine Recruiting- Big 12 2021 Commits

Let’s take a look at how your favorite team in the Big 12 is recruiting during the national pandemic

Baylor- Big 12 Rank, No. 2

Despite the departure of Matt Ruhl Baylor is sitting at the No.2 spot in the Big 12 recruiting rankings. This class is on pace to be one of the best in school history if head coach Dave Aranda continues to add key pieces. The 2021 class has a total of nine commits, highlighted by running back Jordan Jenkins, who has a composite score of .8863.

Iowa State – Big 12 Rank, No. 3

Head Coach Matt Campbell is arguably the hottest coaching name in the country. Not only is Campbell a great coach, but he is also a great recruiter. The Cyclones come in a No.3 in the conference and their class is highlighted by wide receiver Robert Army, who has a composite score of .8593.

Kansas- Big 12 Rank, No. 4

Kansas is known to be one of the toughest jobs in the country, but that hasn’t stopped Les Miles on the recruiting trail. The Jayhawks are currently fourth in the Big 12 in recruiting. The 2021 class has ten commits, highlighted by running back Devin Neal, who has a composite score of .8660.

Kansas State- Big 12 Rank, No. 8

Chris Klieman and the Wildcats are making improvements in the recruiting ranks although the numbers may not indicate that. Their average composite score is .8737, which is an improvement from last year’s mark of .8439. The 2021 class has six commits, highlighted by pro-style quarterback Jake Rubely, who has a composite score of .9292.

Oklahoma-Big 12 Rank, No. 7

Lincoln Riley has built a juggernaut in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners are currently the seventh-best team in the conference in recruiting. While the ranking is in unfamiliar territory for Oklahoma, they only have five commits. The average composite score for the class is .9017, which is the norm for them. The 2021 class is highlighted by Cody Jackson, who has a composite score of .9556.

Oklahoma State- Big 12 Rank, No. 10

Mike Gundy and his mullet are off to a slow start in recruiting as the Pokes are dead last in the Big 12. By the time the class commences, Oklahoma State should be in the top 5, which is generally the norm for them. The 2021 class is highlighted by ball-hawking safety Ty Williams, who has a composite score .8647.

TCU- Big 12 Rank, No. 9

The Horned Frogs have only 4 commits, which is why they are ranked No.9 in the Big 12 in recruiting. This class is highlighted by defensive lineman Chris Murray, who has a composite score of .8647.

Texas- Big 12 Rank, No. 1

The Longhorns hold the top spot and by looking at the history, they should not finish lower than No.2. Tom Herman continues to prove that he is one of the best recruiters in the country, but that hasn’t necessarily translated to success on the field. That said, it long overdue for Texas to take the next step to be on par with the top teams in the country. Texas’ 2021 class is highlighted by in-state ATH Ja’Tavion Sanders, who has a composite score of .9873.

Texas Tech- Big 12 Rank, No. 5

The Red Raiders come in at the No.5 spot.  The 2021 class is highlighted by promising quarterback Behren Morton, who has a composite score of .9127.

West Virginia- Big 12 Rank, No. 6

Neal Brown has been recruiting at a high level since coming to Morgantown. In his first class, WVU finished in the top 4 in the conference and now they are sixth place. The good news is that the Mountaineers only have six commits, and the average composite score is .8804, which is higher than Brown’s 2020 class. The 2021 recruiting class is highlighted by in-state offensive tackle Wyatt Milum, who has a composite score of .9651.

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Episode #093 – From the Sideline to Jail

Previewing the first 3 installments of our Locked Up Series detailing the latest Saga in Zach’s life. We discuss what happened, how the legal system works, and more leading up to what 20 days in County Jail is like! You won’t want to miss this and when you want to hear the rest check them out at Patreon.com/Menace2Sports

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Episode #092 – Sports Science in Quarantine

How to catch a ball, for nerds! Course 2 on Ocular and Manual Dominance. Also introducing a Quarantine Special… 2 Minutes in the game, your favorite team is in 5 wide for a game winning drive, any player from 2000-present – Who you going with??

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Quarantine Recruiting- A Look at the SEC 2021 Commits

Let’s take a look at how your favorite team in the SEC is recruiting during the national pandemic

Alabama- SEC Rank, No. 12

No, this is not a typo. The Crimson Tide are currently twelfth in the conference in recruiting. If I were a betting man, I would imagine that this will not remain for too much longer given their average composite score rating is .9299. Nick Saban is a master recruiter and if Phyllis (Perkins) from Mulga, Alabama isn’t worried, neither should Bama fans. Their 2021 class has three commits, highlighted by wide receiver Agiye Hall who has a composite score of .9687.

Arkansas- SEC Rank, No. 10

Head man Sam Pittman is trying to change the culture in Arkansas and the only way to do that is to recruit at a high level. As of now, they sit at No. 10, which is slightly better than last year when they finished No.11. The 2021 class has 5 commits, highlighted by offensive lineman Terry Wells who has a composite score of .8805.

Auburn- SEC Rank, No. 8

Year after year Gus Malzahn proves that he is one of the top recruiters in the country. The 2021 class is highlighted by defensive lineman Lee Hunter who has a composite ranking of .9782. Although, the Tigers have the eighth-best class in the SEC, expect a surge from them as the season nears.

Florida- SEC Rank, No. 2

This shouldn’t come as a surprise as the Gators sit at the No.2 spot. Dan Mullen has an extensive track record of being an elite recruiter and after a strong 2020 class, the standard is now set going forward. The 2021 class is highlighted by in-state dynamo Tyreak Sapp, who has a composite score of .9575.

Georgia- SEC Rank, No. 4

Kirby didn’t make the smart decision when he decided not to start Justin Fields over Jake Fromm, which ultimately led to Fields becoming a star at Ohio State. Because of that, Georgia took a step back in 2019. The Bulldogs are currently in a good spot as they are the fourth-best team in the SEC in recruiting. Their 2020 class was the best in the country and despite them being No.4 with the 2021 class they are still among the best in the country. This class is highlighted by five-star Brock Vandagriff, who has a composite score of .9915.

Kentucky- SEC Rank, No. 11

The 2021 recruiting class has six commits highlighted by Chauncey Magwood, who has a composite score of .8742. The Wildcats have planted flags in the Columbus, Ohio area as well as the Metro Detroit area and it’s expected that they will get a few commits from players from both regions just as they did in the 2020 class.

LSU- SEC Rank, No. 3

The reigning National Champions are still the champs until they get dethroned. The Bayou Bengals sit at No.3, but they are still a top-ten class in the country. When looking at the history, LSU hasn’t finished outside of the top 5 in conference recruiting since the year 2000. Ed Orgeron hit the jackpot with securing a commit from LB Raesjon Davis who has the makeup to be the next best linebacker to suit up for the Tigers.

Miss St.- SEC Rank, No. 6

The Mike Leach era will be one to behold at Mississippi State. The wildly entertaining coach is making his imprint as the 2021 recruiting class is currently No.6 in the conference. This class is highlighted by pro-style quarterback Sawyer Robertson, who has a composite score of .932.

Missouri- SEC Rank, No. 7

The Eliah Drinkwitz era is underway and he has an uphill battle to get the Tigers back on the right track. Currently, he’s doing just that as Mizzou has the seventh-best class in the conference. The 2021 class is highlighted by defensive lineman Travion Ford who has a composite score of .9357.

Ole Miss- SEC Rank, No. 14

Lane Kiffin is back in the SEC looking to avenge his short-lived stint in Knoxville. Now, with Kiffin at Ole Miss, he is looking to breathe life into a program that hasn’t won 10 games since 2015. Although the Rebels are last in the conference in recruiting, they have plenty of time to make a surge. The 2021 class has three commits and is highlighted by wide receiver Bralon Brown, who has a composite score of .9217.

South Carolina- SEC Rank, No. 9

The Gamecocks are coming off of a solid year where they had the eighth-best recruiting class in the SEC. Currently, they are in similar territory as they are in the No.9 spot. The class has a total of six commits, highlighted by Trenilyas Tatum who has a composite score of .8924.

Tennesee- SEC Rank, No. 1

Things are on the up in Knoxville, Tennessee. Head Coach Jeremy Pruitt has the top recruiting class in the SEC with a whopping 18 commits and is building a roster of top talent to compete with the top-tier teams of the SEC. The 2021 class is highlighted by OLB Terrence Lewis, who has a composite score of .9944.

Texas A&M-SEC Rank, No. 5

There hasn’t been a lot of excitement since Jimbo Fisher arrived in College Station. The Texas A&M faithful have been patiently waiting for him to turn things around, but it still hasn’t transpired. Despite failures on the field, Fisher continues to recruit at a high level. The Aggies are currently the fifth-best team in the conference in recruiting. The 2021 class is highlighted by wide receiver Shadrach Banks, who has a composite score of .9598. In addition to Banks, the Ags also have five other commits.

Vanderbilt- SEC Rank, No. 13

Vandy comes in at the unlucky No. 13 spot. Derek Mason and the Commodores had the worst class in 2020, and as of now, there is a slight improvement. Whether if they slide to the last spot is remain to be seen, but when you are the bottom, you have to take any amount of improvement. The 2021 class has a total of four commits, highlighted by wide receiver Jack Bech, who has a composite score of .8667.