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The last time FSU and Louisville met, it was a Thursday night. The Seminoles traveled to Louisville and the Cardinals won the contest, having a direct bearing on FSU and its national title hopes.

That was 12 years ago. Certainly, a lot has changed in that time period, but the importance of the game is just as great. FSU is fighting for a berth in the national title playoff.

Louisville has been hot and cold in its first season in the ACC and is looking to play spoiler. Can the ‘Noles avoid the bite of playing to a national crowd on ESPN and come through with a huge win on the road? This should be the Seminoles toughest challenge of the remaining schedule.

Here are five things to know.

THE CARDINALS DEFENSE IS LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS ONE

The Cardinals have probably the nation’s top defense. Just look at the numbers: No. 1 in total defense (245.8 ypg), No. 1 in raw and adjusted Total QBR (12.5/14.7), No. 1 against the run (2.31 ypc), No. 1 in first downs (13 pg) and No. 1 in red zone efficiency (30 percent).

They are also No. 2 in yards per play (3.91), No. 2 in third-down conversion rate (24 percent), No. 4 in scoring average (14.6) and No. 5 in sacks (28). Lorenzo Mauldin (six sacks) and Sheldon Rankins (five) are among the ACC’s sack leaders. Three other Louisville players have at least three sacks. Gerod Holliman is tied for the nation’s lead in interceptions (eight).

This defense is flat-out lethal, and moving the ball against Louisville will be no easy chore for Jameis Winston & Co.

FSU WILL SCORE IN BUNCHES

Louisville has the conference’s best defense and very well might have the best unit in the country. This is probably the best defense the Seminoles will face before the playoff. That doesn’t mean the Cardinals will be able to stop them, though.

Winston has never been held to below 30 points, and the Seminoles should make a run at 30 again at Louisville. Although the offense has looked out of sync at times, the passing offense has been able to pick up yards in chunks and make the big plays when needed. The rushing attack can be best described as anemic, but it can push the ball into the end zone near the goal line. If Louisville is going to win, history suggests it will need to score in the 30s.

THE DISADVANTAGED CARDINALS OFFENSE

At least not without the help of an opportunistic defense that can give the Cards’ offense short fields with which to work. Gardner has been reinserted into the starting lineup, but the sophomore quarterback has taken his lumps this season. He is completing only 57 percent of his passes, and, while he’s thrown 11 touchdowns to just two interceptions, he’s had turnover issues.

That’s thanks in large part to an offensive line that can’t protect its quarterback. Both teams are among the best in the country at scoring touchdowns in the red zone, but both are among the best at preventing teams from doing the same.

WINSTON ROLLS

Even though it looks now like Winston could've lost four of his last seven games, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner has pulled out the win each time. Until a team actually beats him, it’s not a smart move betting against him. He made all the right plays in the national championship, had a remarkable touchdown run and throw against Oklahoma State, and operated second-half comebacks against NC State and Notre Dame.

When tied or trailing, Winston is 144-of-199 passing (72 percent) for 1,860 yards (9.3 yards per attempt), 16 touchdowns and four interceptions. The 2013 Florida State team was among the most dominant in college football history, but in 2014 it has often been the Jameis Winston Show. And every new installment always ends the same.

IN THE END, FSU WINS

There is no other way to say this than FSU is better than Louisville. Jameis Winston will be able to pick apart the Cardinals defense and FSU will use more of the running game with Dalvin Cook. This is a game that should be over by the third quarter.

FSU 41 LOUISVILLE 20

The last time FSU and Louisville met, it was a Thursday night. The Seminoles traveled to Louisville and the Cardinals won the contest, having a direct bearing on FSU and its national title hopes.

That was 12 years ago. Certainly, a lot has changed in that time period, but the importance of the game is just as great. FSU is fighting for a berth in the national title playoff.

Louisville has been hot and cold in its first season in the ACC and is looking to play spoiler. Can the ‘Noles avoid the bite of playing to a national crowd on ESPN and come through with a huge win on the road? This should be the Seminoles toughest challenge of the remaining schedule.

Here are five things to know.

THE CARDINALS DEFENSE IS LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS ONE

The Cardinals have probably the nation’s top defense. Just look at the numbers: No. 1 in total defense (245.8 ypg), No. 1 in raw and adjusted Total QBR (12.5/14.7), No. 1 against the run (2.31 ypc), No. 1 in first downs (13 pg) and No. 1 in red zone efficiency (30 percent).

They are also No. 2 in yards per play (3.91), No. 2 in third-down conversion rate (24 percent), No. 4 in scoring average (14.6) and No. 5 in sacks (28). Lorenzo Mauldin (six sacks) and Sheldon Rankins (five) are among the ACC’s sack leaders. Three other Louisville players have at least three sacks. Gerod Holliman is tied for the nation’s lead in interceptions (eight).

This defense is flat-out lethal, and moving the ball against Louisville will be no easy chore for Jameis Winston & Co.

FSU WILL SCORE IN BUNCHES

Louisville has the conference’s best defense and very well might have the best unit in the country. This is probably the best defense the Seminoles will face before the playoff. That doesn’t mean the Cardinals will be able to stop them, though.

Winston has never been held to below 30 points, and the Seminoles should make a run at 30 again at Louisville. Although the offense has looked out of sync at times, the passing offense has been able to pick up yards in chunks and make the big plays when needed. The rushing attack can be best described as anemic, but it can push the ball into the end zone near the goal line. If Louisville is going to win, history suggests it will need to score in the 30s.

THE DISADVANTAGED CARDINALS OFFENSE

At least not without the help of an opportunistic defense that can give the Cards’ offense short fields with which to work. Gardner has been reinserted into the starting lineup, but the sophomore quarterback has taken his lumps this season. He is completing only 57 percent of his passes, and, while he’s thrown 11 touchdowns to just two interceptions, he’s had turnover issues.

That’s thanks in large part to an offensive line that can’t protect its quarterback. Both teams are among the best in the country at scoring touchdowns in the red zone, but both are among the best at preventing teams from doing the same.

WINSTON ROLLS

Even though it looks now like Winston could've lost four of his last seven games, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner has pulled out the win each time. Until a team actually beats him, it’s not a smart move betting against him. He made all the right plays in the national championship, had a remarkable touchdown run and throw against Oklahoma State, and operated second-half comebacks against NC State and Notre Dame.

When tied or trailing, Winston is 144-of-199 passing (72 percent) for 1,860 yards (9.3 yards per attempt), 16 touchdowns and four interceptions. The 2013 Florida State team was among the most dominant in college football history, but in 2014 it has often been the Jameis Winston Show. And every new installment always ends the same.

IN THE END, FSU WINS

There is no other way to say this than FSU is better than Louisville. Jameis Winston will be able to pick apart the Cardinals defense and FSU will use more of the running game with Dalvin Cook. This is a game that should be over by the third quarter.

FSU 41 LOUISVILLE 20

The last time FSU and Louisville met, it was a Thursday night. The Seminoles traveled to Louisville and the Cardinals won the contest, having a direct bearing on FSU and its national title hopes.

That was 12 years ago. Certainly, a lot has changed in that time period, but the importance of the game is just as great. FSU is fighting for a berth in the national title playoff.

Louisville has been hot and cold in its first season in the ACC and is looking to play spoiler. Can the ‘Noles avoid the bite of playing to a national crowd on ESPN and come through with a huge win on the road? This should be the Seminoles toughest challenge of the remaining schedule.

Here are five things to know.

THE CARDINALS DEFENSE IS LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS ONE

The Cardinals have probably the nation’s top defense. Just look at the numbers: No. 1 in total defense (245.8 ypg), No. 1 in raw and adjusted Total QBR (12.5/14.7), No. 1 against the run (2.31 ypc), No. 1 in first downs (13 pg) and No. 1 in red zone efficiency (30 percent).

They are also No. 2 in yards per play (3.91), No. 2 in third-down conversion rate (24 percent), No. 4 in scoring average (14.6) and No. 5 in sacks (28). Lorenzo Mauldin (six sacks) and Sheldon Rankins (five) are among the ACC’s sack leaders. Three other Louisville players have at least three sacks. Gerod Holliman is tied for the nation’s lead in interceptions (eight).

This defense is flat-out lethal, and moving the ball against Louisville will be no easy chore for Jameis Winston & Co.

FSU WILL SCORE IN BUNCHES

Louisville has the conference’s best defense and very well might have the best unit in the country. This is probably the best defense the Seminoles will face before the playoff. That doesn’t mean the Cardinals will be able to stop them, though.

Winston has never been held to below 30 points, and the Seminoles should make a run at 30 again at Louisville. Although the offense has looked out of sync at times, the passing offense has been able to pick up yards in chunks and make the big plays when needed. The rushing attack can be best described as anemic, but it can push the ball into the end zone near the goal line. If Louisville is going to win, history suggests it will need to score in the 30s.

THE DISADVANTAGED CARDINALS OFFENSE

At least not without the help of an opportunistic defense that can give the Cards’ offense short fields with which to work. Gardner has been reinserted into the starting lineup, but the sophomore quarterback has taken his lumps this season. He is completing only 57 percent of his passes, and, while he’s thrown 11 touchdowns to just two interceptions, he’s had turnover issues.

That’s thanks in large part to an offensive line that can’t protect its quarterback. Both teams are among the best in the country at scoring touchdowns in the red zone, but both are among the best at preventing teams from doing the same.

WINSTON ROLLS

Even though it looks now like Winston could've lost four of his last seven games, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner has pulled out the win each time. Until a team actually beats him, it’s not a smart move betting against him. He made all the right plays in the national championship, had a remarkable touchdown run and throw against Oklahoma State, and operated second-half comebacks against NC State and Notre Dame.

When tied or trailing, Winston is 144-of-199 passing (72 percent) for 1,860 yards (9.3 yards per attempt), 16 touchdowns and four interceptions. The 2013 Florida State team was among the most dominant in college football history, but in 2014 it has often been the Jameis Winston Show. And every new installment always ends the same.

IN THE END, FSU WINS

There is no other way to say this than FSU is better than Louisville. Jameis Winston will be able to pick apart the Cardinals defense and FSU will use more of the running game with Dalvin Cook. This is a game that should be over by the third quarter.

FSU 41 LOUISVILLE 20

The last time FSU and Louisville met, it was a Thursday night. The Seminoles traveled to Louisville and the Cardinals won the contest, having a direct bearing on FSU and its national title hopes.

That was 12 years ago. Certainly, a lot has changed in that time period, but the importance of the game is just as great. FSU is fighting for a berth in the national title playoff.

Louisville has been hot and cold in its first season in the ACC and is looking to play spoiler. Can the ‘Noles avoid the bite of playing to a national crowd on ESPN and come through with a huge win on the road? This should be the Seminoles toughest challenge of the remaining schedule.

Here are five things to know.

THE CARDINALS DEFENSE IS LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS ONE

The Cardinals have probably the nation’s top defense. Just look at the numbers: No. 1 in total defense (245.8 ypg), No. 1 in raw and adjusted Total QBR (12.5/14.7), No. 1 against the run (2.31 ypc), No. 1 in first downs (13 pg) and No. 1 in red zone efficiency (30 percent).

They are also No. 2 in yards per play (3.91), No. 2 in third-down conversion rate (24 percent), No. 4 in scoring average (14.6) and No. 5 in sacks (28). Lorenzo Mauldin (six sacks) and Sheldon Rankins (five) are among the ACC’s sack leaders. Three other Louisville players have at least three sacks. Gerod Holliman is tied for the nation’s lead in interceptions (eight).

This defense is flat-out lethal, and moving the ball against Louisville will be no easy chore for Jameis Winston & Co.

FSU WILL SCORE IN BUNCHES

Louisville has the conference’s best defense and very well might have the best unit in the country. This is probably the best defense the Seminoles will face before the playoff. That doesn’t mean the Cardinals will be able to stop them, though.

Winston has never been held to below 30 points, and the Seminoles should make a run at 30 again at Louisville. Although the offense has looked out of sync at times, the passing offense has been able to pick up yards in chunks and make the big plays when needed. The rushing attack can be best described as anemic, but it can push the ball into the end zone near the goal line. If Louisville is going to win, history suggests it will need to score in the 30s.

THE DISADVANTAGED CARDINALS OFFENSE

At least not without the help of an opportunistic defense that can give the Cards’ offense short fields with which to work. Gardner has been reinserted into the starting lineup, but the sophomore quarterback has taken his lumps this season. He is completing only 57 percent of his passes, and, while he’s thrown 11 touchdowns to just two interceptions, he’s had turnover issues.

That’s thanks in large part to an offensive line that can’t protect its quarterback. Both teams are among the best in the country at scoring touchdowns in the red zone, but both are among the best at preventing teams from doing the same.

WINSTON ROLLS

Even though it looks now like Winston could've lost four of his last seven games, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner has pulled out the win each time. Until a team actually beats him, it’s not a smart move betting against him. He made all the right plays in the national championship, had a remarkable touchdown run and throw against Oklahoma State, and operated second-half comebacks against NC State and Notre Dame.

When tied or trailing, Winston is 144-of-199 passing (72 percent) for 1,860 yards (9.3 yards per attempt), 16 touchdowns and four interceptions. The 2013 Florida State team was among the most dominant in college football history, but in 2014 it has often been the Jameis Winston Show. And every new installment always ends the same.

IN THE END, FSU WINS

There is no other way to say this than FSU is better than Louisville. Jameis Winston will be able to pick apart the Cardinals defense and FSU will use more of the running game with Dalvin Cook. This is a game that should be over by the third quarter.

FSU 41 LOUISVILLE 20

They are already talking about it all over the airwaves in Florida. Dan Mullen needs to replace Will Muschamp in Gainesville.

While the Gator faithful may put on a full court press to secure the offensive mind to come back the school that he helped win two national titles in the last eight seasons, the move may not be the best for the head man in Starkville. It looks like he and his Mississippi State Bulldogs are having too much fun being the best team in college football right now.

So why leave?

I am pretty sure at the end of the season, there will be more than just the Gator Nation who will want Mullen’s services, but I am also betting he stays put.

Here are a few reasons why.

THE RIVALRY

Steve Spurrier had Bobby Bowden. Pat Dye had Vince Dooley. Bo had Woody and right now, Gus Malzahn has Nick Saban. College football is all about the rivalries and personalities that make up great traditions. This year, no greater game to be played is the Egg Bowl. And Mullen and Hugh Freeze are the two hottest coaches in the country.

EASIER RECRUITING

If Mullen moves on to another school, he will have to gain some more momentum in the recruiting battles that lie ahead. Right now, his team is the best in the nation, which is appealing. Plus his time at Florida affords him a chance to go into the state and recruit players based on his reputation. Also – should he move on to a bigger school, he competes with larger quantities of programs. Basically, The Bulldogs and the Rebels are the only game in two for big time college football.

A BIG FISH IN A LITTLE POND

Someone asked my yesterday why not go to Florida and build the school up. EXACTLY! Why leave a school where you are a huge fish in a small pond where winning has not been as successful as you would like in the past? It took Mullen a few years to get here. Remember 8-4 was the accepted norm in Starkville. Now, with this season, 10 wins will be expected and a goal this team with restocking of players can be achieved with his leadership.

IT’S THE SEC

That is the biggest reason of all. Florida may be in the SEC and other schools may come calling like Miami, possible North Carolina, and Michigan. But playing in the SEC West, which proved to be the better division this year in SEC play, is what coaches dream of doing.

If Mullen were to leave for another program, Mississippi State may take a few steps back (like Vanderbilt with James Franklin). The alumni and the athletic department will do whatever it has to so Mullen remains on campus for a while.

FLORIDA DOES NOT OFFER HIM A BETTER CHANCE FOR SUCCESS

Why does everyone think that Florida can offer Mullen the best chance to be the best? The Florida program right now is in a state of Emergency. The offense needs help. Kurt Roper cannot fix it. That affects recruiting. While there are many people who want to see Mullen in orange and blue, there are some who are cognizant of the fact Mullen worked under Urban Meyer. Association may backfire.

While Mullen knows the spread offense, making it a staple in Gainesville again may not be the best idea.

DAK PRESCOTT

There are moments when players come along and wow a program and put it on the map. Dak Prescott was an afterthought amongst All-American picks. At the beginning of the season, he was third or fourth in comparison to other passers in the SEC – a conference that lost more pure talent behind center in 2014 than it had lost in the past decade.

Prescott is now the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy over Marcus Mariota, Todd Gurley who is not playing, Melvin Gordon and Amari Cooper. He has proven to be better than Auburn’s Nick Marshall as well. And chances are, he stays to play next season.

They are already talking about it all over the airwaves in Florida. Dan Mullen needs to replace Will Muschamp in Gainesville.

While the Gator faithful may put on a full court press to secure the offensive mind to come back the school that he helped win two national titles in the last eight seasons, the move may not be the best for the head man in Starkville. It looks like he and his Mississippi State Bulldogs are having too much fun being the best team in college football right now.

So why leave?

I am pretty sure at the end of the season, there will be more than just the Gator Nation who will want Mullen’s services, but I am also betting he stays put.

Here are a few reasons why.

THE RIVALRY

Steve Spurrier had Bobby Bowden. Pat Dye had Vince Dooley. Bo had Woody and right now, Gus Malzahn has Nick Saban. College football is all about the rivalries and personalities that make up great traditions. This year, no greater game to be played is the Egg Bowl. And Mullen and Hugh Freeze are the two hottest coaches in the country.

EASIER RECRUITING

If Mullen moves on to another school, he will have to gain some more momentum in the recruiting battles that lie ahead. Right now, his team is the best in the nation, which is appealing. Plus his time at Florida affords him a chance to go into the state and recruit players based on his reputation. Also – should he move on to a bigger school, he competes with larger quantities of programs. Basically, The Bulldogs and the Rebels are the only game in two for big time college football.

A BIG FISH IN A LITTLE POND

Someone asked my yesterday why not go to Florida and build the school up. EXACTLY! Why leave a school where you are a huge fish in a small pond where winning has not been as successful as you would like in the past? It took Mullen a few years to get here. Remember 8-4 was the accepted norm in Starkville. Now, with this season, 10 wins will be expected and a goal this team with restocking of players can be achieved with his leadership.

IT’S THE SEC

That is the biggest reason of all. Florida may be in the SEC and other schools may come calling like Miami, possible North Carolina, and Michigan. But playing in the SEC West, which proved to be the better division this year in SEC play, is what coaches dream of doing.

If Mullen were to leave for another program, Mississippi State may take a few steps back (like Vanderbilt with James Franklin). The alumni and the athletic department will do whatever it has to so Mullen remains on campus for a while.

FLORIDA DOES NOT OFFER HIM A BETTER CHANCE FOR SUCCESS

Why does everyone think that Florida can offer Mullen the best chance to be the best? The Florida program right now is in a state of Emergency. The offense needs help. Kurt Roper cannot fix it. That affects recruiting. While there are many people who want to see Mullen in orange and blue, there are some who are cognizant of the fact Mullen worked under Urban Meyer. Association may backfire.

While Mullen knows the spread offense, making it a staple in Gainesville again may not be the best idea.

DAK PRESCOTT

There are moments when players come along and wow a program and put it on the map. Dak Prescott was an afterthought amongst All-American picks. At the beginning of the season, he was third or fourth in comparison to other passers in the SEC – a conference that lost more pure talent behind center in 2014 than it had lost in the past decade.

Prescott is now the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy over Marcus Mariota, Todd Gurley who is not playing, Melvin Gordon and Amari Cooper. He has proven to be better than Auburn’s Nick Marshall as well. And chances are, he stays to play next season.

They are already talking about it all over the airwaves in Florida. Dan Mullen needs to replace Will Muschamp in Gainesville.

While the Gator faithful may put on a full court press to secure the offensive mind to come back the school that he helped win two national titles in the last eight seasons, the move may not be the best for the head man in Starkville. It looks like he and his Mississippi State Bulldogs are having too much fun being the best team in college football right now.

So why leave?

I am pretty sure at the end of the season, there will be more than just the Gator Nation who will want Mullen’s services, but I am also betting he stays put.

Here are a few reasons why.

THE RIVALRY

Steve Spurrier had Bobby Bowden. Pat Dye had Vince Dooley. Bo had Woody and right now, Gus Malzahn has Nick Saban. College football is all about the rivalries and personalities that make up great traditions. This year, no greater game to be played is the Egg Bowl. And Mullen and Hugh Freeze are the two hottest coaches in the country.

EASIER RECRUITING

If Mullen moves on to another school, he will have to gain some more momentum in the recruiting battles that lie ahead. Right now, his team is the best in the nation, which is appealing. Plus his time at Florida affords him a chance to go into the state and recruit players based on his reputation. Also – should he move on to a bigger school, he competes with larger quantities of programs. Basically, The Bulldogs and the Rebels are the only game in two for big time college football.

A BIG FISH IN A LITTLE POND

Someone asked my yesterday why not go to Florida and build the school up. EXACTLY! Why leave a school where you are a huge fish in a small pond where winning has not been as successful as you would like in the past? It took Mullen a few years to get here. Remember 8-4 was the accepted norm in Starkville. Now, with this season, 10 wins will be expected and a goal this team with restocking of players can be achieved with his leadership.

IT’S THE SEC

That is the biggest reason of all. Florida may be in the SEC and other schools may come calling like Miami, possible North Carolina, and Michigan. But playing in the SEC West, which proved to be the better division this year in SEC play, is what coaches dream of doing.

If Mullen were to leave for another program, Mississippi State may take a few steps back (like Vanderbilt with James Franklin). The alumni and the athletic department will do whatever it has to so Mullen remains on campus for a while.

FLORIDA DOES NOT OFFER HIM A BETTER CHANCE FOR SUCCESS

Why does everyone think that Florida can offer Mullen the best chance to be the best? The Florida program right now is in a state of Emergency. The offense needs help. Kurt Roper cannot fix it. That affects recruiting. While there are many people who want to see Mullen in orange and blue, there are some who are cognizant of the fact Mullen worked under Urban Meyer. Association may backfire.

While Mullen knows the spread offense, making it a staple in Gainesville again may not be the best idea.

DAK PRESCOTT

There are moments when players come along and wow a program and put it on the map. Dak Prescott was an afterthought amongst All-American picks. At the beginning of the season, he was third or fourth in comparison to other passers in the SEC – a conference that lost more pure talent behind center in 2014 than it had lost in the past decade.

Prescott is now the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy over Marcus Mariota, Todd Gurley who is not playing, Melvin Gordon and Amari Cooper. He has proven to be better than Auburn’s Nick Marshall as well. And chances are, he stays to play next season.

They are already talking about it all over the airwaves in Florida. Dan Mullen needs to replace Will Muschamp in Gainesville.

While the Gator faithful may put on a full court press to secure the offensive mind to come back the school that he helped win two national titles in the last eight seasons, the move may not be the best for the head man in Starkville. It looks like he and his Mississippi State Bulldogs are having too much fun being the best team in college football right now.

So why leave?

I am pretty sure at the end of the season, there will be more than just the Gator Nation who will want Mullen’s services, but I am also betting he stays put.

Here are a few reasons why.

THE RIVALRY

Steve Spurrier had Bobby Bowden. Pat Dye had Vince Dooley. Bo had Woody and right now, Gus Malzahn has Nick Saban. College football is all about the rivalries and personalities that make up great traditions. This year, no greater game to be played is the Egg Bowl. And Mullen and Hugh Freeze are the two hottest coaches in the country.

EASIER RECRUITING

If Mullen moves on to another school, he will have to gain some more momentum in the recruiting battles that lie ahead. Right now, his team is the best in the nation, which is appealing. Plus his time at Florida affords him a chance to go into the state and recruit players based on his reputation. Also – should he move on to a bigger school, he competes with larger quantities of programs. Basically, The Bulldogs and the Rebels are the only game in two for big time college football.

A BIG FISH IN A LITTLE POND

Someone asked my yesterday why not go to Florida and build the school up. EXACTLY! Why leave a school where you are a huge fish in a small pond where winning has not been as successful as you would like in the past? It took Mullen a few years to get here. Remember 8-4 was the accepted norm in Starkville. Now, with this season, 10 wins will be expected and a goal this team with restocking of players can be achieved with his leadership.

IT’S THE SEC

That is the biggest reason of all. Florida may be in the SEC and other schools may come calling like Miami, possible North Carolina, and Michigan. But playing in the SEC West, which proved to be the better division this year in SEC play, is what coaches dream of doing.

If Mullen were to leave for another program, Mississippi State may take a few steps back (like Vanderbilt with James Franklin). The alumni and the athletic department will do whatever it has to so Mullen remains on campus for a while.

FLORIDA DOES NOT OFFER HIM A BETTER CHANCE FOR SUCCESS

Why does everyone think that Florida can offer Mullen the best chance to be the best? The Florida program right now is in a state of Emergency. The offense needs help. Kurt Roper cannot fix it. That affects recruiting. While there are many people who want to see Mullen in orange and blue, there are some who are cognizant of the fact Mullen worked under Urban Meyer. Association may backfire.

While Mullen knows the spread offense, making it a staple in Gainesville again may not be the best idea.

DAK PRESCOTT

There are moments when players come along and wow a program and put it on the map. Dak Prescott was an afterthought amongst All-American picks. At the beginning of the season, he was third or fourth in comparison to other passers in the SEC – a conference that lost more pure talent behind center in 2014 than it had lost in the past decade.

Prescott is now the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy over Marcus Mariota, Todd Gurley who is not playing, Melvin Gordon and Amari Cooper. He has proven to be better than Auburn’s Nick Marshall as well. And chances are, he stays to play next season.

The battle in the desert turned into a one sided affair as the Arizona State Sun Devils shut down the Stanford Cardinal, 26-10.

The Sun Devils had lost to the Cardinal in their previous five meetings, and not one player on the Arizona State roster had ever experienced a win over the Stanford Cardinal. 

Arizona State came out strong, and controlled the clock from the opening whistle.  Stanford just never seemed to be in sync the entire game as Arizona State dominated the line of scrimmage. 

Sun Devils Head Coach Todd Graham had a quandary before the game, as experienced Quarterback Taylor Kelly was able to play after being injured the past few weeks, but decided to go with the hot hand of Junior Mike Bercovici.  This paid off for Arizona State as Bercovici made all the right plays, and led the Sun Devils to victory.

Here was the Good, Bad, and Ugly of the game:

The Good 

Mike Bercovici – The back-up Quarterback played a phenomenal game on Saturday night as he made all of the right plays to keep the tough Stanford defense off balance, and led the Sun Devils to victory.  Bercovici did not have the biggest statistical night, but when a first down was needed, it just seemed the Bercovici was always able to get that extra distance to keep the drive alive.  Bercovici has played extremely well in place of Taylor Kelly, and some are even starting to point towards a Quarterback controversy over who may be the best option under center for ASU.

DJ Foster – Junior Running Back DJ Foster was a dominant force on offense for the Sun Devils as he was all over the field on Saturday night.  Foster had 151 yards from scrimmage, and caused a constant headache for the Stanford defense.  Foster was coming off a few weeks were he was never able to gain much yardage, but under the bright lights in Tempe, the cream rose to the top.  Foster has tremendous skills, and has the ability to take over any game.  Look for Foster to be a major piece for the Sun Devils as they drive towards a possible PAC 12 title game.

Blake Martinez – The only bright spot for the Cardinal on Saturday night was the strong play of Junior Linebacker Blake Martinez.  As a native son of Arizona, Martinez was riled up to play against the Sun Devils who did not recruit him out of high school.  Martinez had a sack and was in on several tackles to lead the Cardinal on the defensive side of the ball. 

Arizona State Front Seven – The College Football world has been raving about the front seven of the Stanford Cardinal, but tonight that designation belonged to the Arizona State Sun Devils.  The defensive front of the Sun Devils dominated the line of scrimmage and held the Cardinal to a season low 76 yards rushing. 

The Bad

Stanford Offensive Strategy – Stanford Head Coach David Shaw has always been known to employ a conservative offensive approach, but this week was beyond conservative and it cost the Cardinal.  Stanford does not hide the fact that they have a run first approach, but this year, Stanford does not have a “Bell Cow” Running Back that can just take over a game.  This is a major hindrance for the Cardinal, as Quarterback Kevin Hogan just does not have the ability to take over a game with his arm.  Stanford did have several injuries going into the game, but that does not excuse the poor play on the offensive side of the ball.

Stanford’s Running Back Blocking Issues – Again, Stanford had major issues with its Running Backs picking up the blitz on Saturday evening.  Three separate times, Quarterback Kevin Hogan was on his back because the Running Back could not pick up the blitzing defender.  This issue caused the Cardinal to be moved out of scoring range twice, and the third time just killed a promising drive.  Last week, Coach Shaw stated that there was a focus on the blitz pick up in practice, but was soon forgotten this week. 

The Ugly

Stanford Special Teams Turnovers – The strength of the Stanford Cardinal turned into a negative for the team as return men Ty Montgomery and Christian McCaffrey both fumbled the ball on key returns.  Montgomery just seemed to be in a funk the entire game, and his fumble on the 10-yard line put the Cardinal down two scores late in the first half, and the Sun Devils never looked back.  The Sun Devils were known to have the worst special teams coverage in the PAC 12, but dominated tonight, and were a key factor for the Arizona State victory. 

The battle in the desert turned into a one sided affair as the Arizona State Sun Devils shut down the Stanford Cardinal, 26-10.

The Sun Devils had lost to the Cardinal in their previous five meetings, and not one player on the Arizona State roster had ever experienced a win over the Stanford Cardinal. 

Arizona State came out strong, and controlled the clock from the opening whistle.  Stanford just never seemed to be in sync the entire game as Arizona State dominated the line of scrimmage. 

Sun Devils Head Coach Todd Graham had a quandary before the game, as experienced Quarterback Taylor Kelly was able to play after being injured the past few weeks, but decided to go with the hot hand of Junior Mike Bercovici.  This paid off for Arizona State as Bercovici made all the right plays, and led the Sun Devils to victory.

Here was the Good, Bad, and Ugly of the game:

The Good 

Mike Bercovici – The back-up Quarterback played a phenomenal game on Saturday night as he made all of the right plays to keep the tough Stanford defense off balance, and led the Sun Devils to victory.  Bercovici did not have the biggest statistical night, but when a first down was needed, it just seemed the Bercovici was always able to get that extra distance to keep the drive alive.  Bercovici has played extremely well in place of Taylor Kelly, and some are even starting to point towards a Quarterback controversy over who may be the best option under center for ASU.

DJ Foster – Junior Running Back DJ Foster was a dominant force on offense for the Sun Devils as he was all over the field on Saturday night.  Foster had 151 yards from scrimmage, and caused a constant headache for the Stanford defense.  Foster was coming off a few weeks were he was never able to gain much yardage, but under the bright lights in Tempe, the cream rose to the top.  Foster has tremendous skills, and has the ability to take over any game.  Look for Foster to be a major piece for the Sun Devils as they drive towards a possible PAC 12 title game.

Blake Martinez – The only bright spot for the Cardinal on Saturday night was the strong play of Junior Linebacker Blake Martinez.  As a native son of Arizona, Martinez was riled up to play against the Sun Devils who did not recruit him out of high school.  Martinez had a sack and was in on several tackles to lead the Cardinal on the defensive side of the ball. 

Arizona State Front Seven – The College Football world has been raving about the front seven of the Stanford Cardinal, but tonight that designation belonged to the Arizona State Sun Devils.  The defensive front of the Sun Devils dominated the line of scrimmage and held the Cardinal to a season low 76 yards rushing. 

The Bad

Stanford Offensive Strategy – Stanford Head Coach David Shaw has always been known to employ a conservative offensive approach, but this week was beyond conservative and it cost the Cardinal.  Stanford does not hide the fact that they have a run first approach, but this year, Stanford does not have a “Bell Cow” Running Back that can just take over a game.  This is a major hindrance for the Cardinal, as Quarterback Kevin Hogan just does not have the ability to take over a game with his arm.  Stanford did have several injuries going into the game, but that does not excuse the poor play on the offensive side of the ball.

Stanford’s Running Back Blocking Issues – Again, Stanford had major issues with its Running Backs picking up the blitz on Saturday evening.  Three separate times, Quarterback Kevin Hogan was on his back because the Running Back could not pick up the blitzing defender.  This issue caused the Cardinal to be moved out of scoring range twice, and the third time just killed a promising drive.  Last week, Coach Shaw stated that there was a focus on the blitz pick up in practice, but was soon forgotten this week. 

The Ugly

Stanford Special Teams Turnovers – The strength of the Stanford Cardinal turned into a negative for the team as return men Ty Montgomery and Christian McCaffrey both fumbled the ball on key returns.  Montgomery just seemed to be in a funk the entire game, and his fumble on the 10-yard line put the Cardinal down two scores late in the first half, and the Sun Devils never looked back.  The Sun Devils were known to have the worst special teams coverage in the PAC 12, but dominated tonight, and were a key factor for the Arizona State victory. 

In NCAA College Football traditionally, we see many great players from universities located in the southern states. However, only one state can claim that it has produced the current National Football League all-time leaders in passing and receiving, plus the all-time rusher from 1984 through 2002, and that state is not Texas, California or Florida, but surprisingly Mississippi. In this article we will look back at the five best players it has produced, plus a couple of honorable mentions, and all are well known to college or pro fans. They are listed in chronological order.

In Mississippi there are six universities that play college football NCAA Division I, the first three play in the Football Bowl Subdivision (Division I-A), two play in the Southeastern Conference, the other in Conference USA; and the other three are historically black colleges that play in the Southwestern Athletic Conference in the Football Championship Subdivision (Division I-AA). The towns and the colleges' nicknames are in parenthesis:

- University of Mississippi (Oxford, Rebels)

- Mississippi State University (Starkville, Bulldogs)

- University of Southern Mississippi (Hattiesburg, Golden Eagles)

- Alcorn State University (Lorman, Braves)

- Jackson State University (Jackson, Tigers)

- Mississippi Valley State University (Itta Bena, Delta Devils)

Here are the best players, one from five or the six schools (sorry Mississippi State). I will try to focus more on their college resume, since their pro careers are better known:

1. Walter Payton (Running back, Jackson State, 1971-1974)

Born in Columbia, Payton was not recruited by any Southeastern Conference School in a time when most of those colleges were not integrated. Instead he joined Jackson State, an Historically Black College where his older brother Eddie (who later played in the NFL for the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings) also played as a running back. Payton finished his college career with 3,600 yards rushing for a 6.0 yard per average and scored 63 touchdowns. Interestingly, he also was the team part-time placekicker, and kicked 5 field goals and 53 extra points in his college career. In 1996, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Payton (nicknamed "Sweetness") was selected in the 1975 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears with the fourth overall pick of the draft. In his 13 seasons with the Bears, Payton had 10 seasons with more than 1,000 yards rushing (a NFL record when he retired, but two of the three seasons he missed the mark were strike-shortened season, the other time was in his rookie year), was selected to the Pro Bowl 9 times and was a 1st team All-Pro 5 times, he was twice the League's Most Valuable Player (in 1977 and 1985), he led the Bears to a Super Bowl title in 1985 and retired as the NFL all-time leading rusher (he was surpassed by Emmitt Smith in 2002, but he's still the second all-time leading rusher). He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993, his first year as an eligible. Sadly, Payton died in 1999 of liver cancer. His legacy lives on, as the Walter Payton Award is given to the top player in the Football Championship Subdivision, and the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award is given to the top player who excels also in his charity and volunteer work.

2. Jerry Rice (Wide receiver, Mississippi Valley State, 1981-1984)

Born in Starkville, but raised in Crawford, Rice went to Mississippi Valley State. There he got the nickname "World", because "there was not a ball in the world that he couldn't catch" and he teamed with quarterback Willie Totten to break many passing records. In 1983 had 102 receptions for 1,450 yards and caught 24 passes in a game (all NCAA records). Next season, he broke his own records with 112 receptions for 1,845 yards and 27 touchdowns. He finished ninth in the Heisman Trophy after his senior season. In 2006, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Rice was selected in the 1985 NFL Draft by the reigning Super Bowl champions San Francisco 49ers with the 14th overall pick of the draft. There he started a 20-year career that shattered every receiving record, which most of them still stand (and one full article wouldn't be enough to list all of them!). He played sixteen seasons with the 49ers, and led them to three Super Bowl championships. He was the League's MVP in 1987 and Super Bowl MVP the next season. In 2001, at the age of 39, he joined the Oakland Raiders, and helped them to reach the Super Bowl the next season. Rice finished his career with the Seattle Seahawks in 2004. He was selected to 13 Pro Bowls and was All-Pro 10 times. Perhaps his most impressive record is that he is the all-time leader in games played by a non-punter or placekicker in NFL history with 303. He also is the all-time touchdown scorer with 208. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010, his first year as an eligible.

3. Brett Favre (Quarterback, Southern Mississippi, 1987-1990)

Born in Gulfport, but raised in Kiln, Favre went to Southern Miss, the only college that recruited him. Initially was thought as a defensive back, but Favre won the starting quarterback position in his freshman year, and in his sophomore year he lead the Eagles to a win in the Independence Bowl against Texas-El Paso. In 1990 he led the Golden Eagles to the All-American Bowl, and although they lost against North Carolina State, Favre was named MVP. He finished with the school all-time passing records, but most of them were broken by current St. Louis Rams quarterback Austin Davis.

Favre was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2nd round of the 1991 NFL Draft. Seeing little action as a rookie, he was traded the next year to the Green Bay Packers, where he starred and started for 16 years. Favre led the Packers to a Super Bowl title (their first since the Vince Lombardi era), and another Super Bowl appearance, was three times the League's MVP, went to 11 Pro Bowls, was 3 times All-Pro and he holds every passing record, including . He finished his career with one season with the New York Jets and two for the Minnesota Vikings. He played in 302 regular season games (one less than Jerry Rice), including 297 consecutive starts. His records are been threatened by a player with Mississippi roots: Peyton Manning (his parents and brothers all attended Ole Miss, the University of Mississippi. Peyton attended the University of Tennessee).

4. Steve McNair (Quarterback, Alcorn State, 1991-1994)

Born in Mount Olive, McNair attended Division I-AA Alcorn State since other colleges wanted to convert him to a running back. In his senior season he ran and passed for nearly 6,000 yards and threw or ran for 53 touchdowns. He won the Water Payton Award and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting.

In the 1995 NFL Draft, McNair was selected third overall, at the time the highest rank by a black quarterback, by the Houston Oilers. In 1999, after the Oilers moved to Nashville and became the Tennessee Titans, McNair led them to a Super Bowl appearance against the St. Louis Rams. In 2003 he was NFL co-MVP with Peyton Manning. He played his last two seasons for the Baltimore Ravens, where in 2007 he finished his 13-year NFL career. McNair was murdered in 2009 in Nashville by his lover, but he is still considered one of the best players in Titans history.

5. Eli Manning (Quarterback, Mississippi, 2000-2003)

Manning was born in New Orleans, Louisiana due to his father's job (quarterback for the Saints at that time), but both his parents attended Ole Miss. Archie Manning (his father, who also was a quarterback for the Rebels from 1967-1970, is a living legend down there, as attested by his number 18 retired and eighteen miles serving as the limiting speed on campus. Archie was selected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989 and surely would have made this list if he had the fortune to be on a playoff participant in his 14 seasons in the NFL. As he couldn't be on a winning team on the pro level, we'll give Archie an Honorable Mention, and let's look on Eli:

He became the full-time starter in his sophomore season, and as a junior and senior he led the Rebels to bowl victories. He also was named the 2003 Southeastern Conference MVP, 34 years after Archie, and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting.

He was the top overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft and has been the New York Giants starting quarterback since the middle of his rookie year. He has led the Giants to two Super Bowl titles in his 11-year career.

Honorable Mention: Ray Guy (punter, Southern Mississippi 1969-1972)

Last, you have to include a player who, like Walter Payton, has an award named after him. The Ray Guy Award is given to the Nation's best punter each year. Guy is inducted in both the College and Pro Football Hall of Fame, and revolutionized the art of punting. He also was the first punter to be drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft.

In NCAA College Football traditionally, we see many great players from universities located in the southern states. However, only one state can claim that it has produced the current National Football League all-time leaders in passing and receiving, plus the all-time rusher from 1984 through 2002, and that state is not Texas, California or Florida, but surprisingly Mississippi. In this article we will look back at the five best players it has produced, plus a couple of honorable mentions, and all are well known to college or pro fans. They are listed in chronological order.

In Mississippi there are six universities that play college football NCAA Division I, the first three play in the Football Bowl Subdivision (Division I-A), two play in the Southeastern Conference, the other in Conference USA; and the other three are historically black colleges that play in the Southwestern Athletic Conference in the Football Championship Subdivision (Division I-AA). The towns and the colleges' nicknames are in parenthesis:

- University of Mississippi (Oxford, Rebels)

- Mississippi State University (Starkville, Bulldogs)

- University of Southern Mississippi (Hattiesburg, Golden Eagles)

- Alcorn State University (Lorman, Braves)

- Jackson State University (Jackson, Tigers)

- Mississippi Valley State University (Itta Bena, Delta Devils)

Here are the best players, one from five or the six schools (sorry Mississippi State). I will try to focus more on their college resume, since their pro careers are better known:

1. Walter Payton (Running back, Jackson State, 1971-1974)

Born in Columbia, Payton was not recruited by any Southeastern Conference School in a time when most of those colleges were not integrated. Instead he joined Jackson State, an Historically Black College where his older brother Eddie (who later played in the NFL for the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings) also played as a running back. Payton finished his college career with 3,600 yards rushing for a 6.0 yard per average and scored 63 touchdowns. Interestingly, he also was the team part-time placekicker, and kicked 5 field goals and 53 extra points in his college career. In 1996, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Payton (nicknamed "Sweetness") was selected in the 1975 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears with the fourth overall pick of the draft. In his 13 seasons with the Bears, Payton had 10 seasons with more than 1,000 yards rushing (a NFL record when he retired, but two of the three seasons he missed the mark were strike-shortened season, the other time was in his rookie year), was selected to the Pro Bowl 9 times and was a 1st team All-Pro 5 times, he was twice the League's Most Valuable Player (in 1977 and 1985), he led the Bears to a Super Bowl title in 1985 and retired as the NFL all-time leading rusher (he was surpassed by Emmitt Smith in 2002, but he's still the second all-time leading rusher). He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993, his first year as an eligible. Sadly, Payton died in 1999 of liver cancer. His legacy lives on, as the Walter Payton Award is given to the top player in the Football Championship Subdivision, and the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award is given to the top player who excels also in his charity and volunteer work.

2. Jerry Rice (Wide receiver, Mississippi Valley State, 1981-1984)

Born in Starkville, but raised in Crawford, Rice went to Mississippi Valley State. There he got the nickname "World", because "there was not a ball in the world that he couldn't catch" and he teamed with quarterback Willie Totten to break many passing records. In 1983 had 102 receptions for 1,450 yards and caught 24 passes in a game (all NCAA records). Next season, he broke his own records with 112 receptions for 1,845 yards and 27 touchdowns. He finished ninth in the Heisman Trophy after his senior season. In 2006, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Rice was selected in the 1985 NFL Draft by the reigning Super Bowl champions San Francisco 49ers with the 14th overall pick of the draft. There he started a 20-year career that shattered every receiving record, which most of them still stand (and one full article wouldn't be enough to list all of them!). He played sixteen seasons with the 49ers, and led them to three Super Bowl championships. He was the League's MVP in 1987 and Super Bowl MVP the next season. In 2001, at the age of 39, he joined the Oakland Raiders, and helped them to reach the Super Bowl the next season. Rice finished his career with the Seattle Seahawks in 2004. He was selected to 13 Pro Bowls and was All-Pro 10 times. Perhaps his most impressive record is that he is the all-time leader in games played by a non-punter or placekicker in NFL history with 303. He also is the all-time touchdown scorer with 208. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010, his first year as an eligible.

3. Brett Favre (Quarterback, Southern Mississippi, 1987-1990)

Born in Gulfport, but raised in Kiln, Favre went to Southern Miss, the only college that recruited him. Initially was thought as a defensive back, but Favre won the starting quarterback position in his freshman year, and in his sophomore year he lead the Eagles to a win in the Independence Bowl against Texas-El Paso. In 1990 he led the Golden Eagles to the All-American Bowl, and although they lost against North Carolina State, Favre was named MVP. He finished with the school all-time passing records, but most of them were broken by current St. Louis Rams quarterback Austin Davis.

Favre was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2nd round of the 1991 NFL Draft. Seeing little action as a rookie, he was traded the next year to the Green Bay Packers, where he starred and started for 16 years. Favre led the Packers to a Super Bowl title (their first since the Vince Lombardi era), and another Super Bowl appearance, was three times the League's MVP, went to 11 Pro Bowls, was 3 times All-Pro and he holds every passing record, including . He finished his career with one season with the New York Jets and two for the Minnesota Vikings. He played in 302 regular season games (one less than Jerry Rice), including 297 consecutive starts. His records are been threatened by a player with Mississippi roots: Peyton Manning (his parents and brothers all attended Ole Miss, the University of Mississippi. Peyton attended the University of Tennessee).

4. Steve McNair (Quarterback, Alcorn State, 1991-1994)

Born in Mount Olive, McNair attended Division I-AA Alcorn State since other colleges wanted to convert him to a running back. In his senior season he ran and passed for nearly 6,000 yards and threw or ran for 53 touchdowns. He won the Water Payton Award and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting.

In the 1995 NFL Draft, McNair was selected third overall, at the time the highest rank by a black quarterback, by the Houston Oilers. In 1999, after the Oilers moved to Nashville and became the Tennessee Titans, McNair led them to a Super Bowl appearance against the St. Louis Rams. In 2003 he was NFL co-MVP with Peyton Manning. He played his last two seasons for the Baltimore Ravens, where in 2007 he finished his 13-year NFL career. McNair was murdered in 2009 in Nashville by his lover, but he is still considered one of the best players in Titans history.

5. Eli Manning (Quarterback, Mississippi, 2000-2003)

Manning was born in New Orleans, Louisiana due to his father's job (quarterback for the Saints at that time), but both his parents attended Ole Miss. Archie Manning (his father, who also was a quarterback for the Rebels from 1967-1970, is a living legend down there, as attested by his number 18 retired and eighteen miles serving as the limiting speed on campus. Archie was selected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989 and surely would have made this list if he had the fortune to be on a playoff participant in his 14 seasons in the NFL. As he couldn't be on a winning team on the pro level, we'll give Archie an Honorable Mention, and let's look on Eli:

He became the full-time starter in his sophomore season, and as a junior and senior he led the Rebels to bowl victories. He also was named the 2003 Southeastern Conference MVP, 34 years after Archie, and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting.

He was the top overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft and has been the New York Giants starting quarterback since the middle of his rookie year. He has led the Giants to two Super Bowl titles in his 11-year career.

Honorable Mention: Ray Guy (punter, Southern Mississippi 1969-1972)

Last, you have to include a player who, like Walter Payton, has an award named after him. The Ray Guy Award is given to the Nation's best punter each year. Guy is inducted in both the College and Pro Football Hall of Fame, and revolutionized the art of punting. He also was the first punter to be drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft.

The Stanford Cardinal welcome the high flying air raid attack of Washington State into Palo Alto on Friday night.  The Stanford and Washington State fans will be treated to a fire works display on the field and after the game.  Both teams are coming off of heart breaking last second losses last weekend and are looking to get onto the winning track.  Stanford Coach David Shaw boasts one of the best defenses in College Football, and Washington State Coach Mike Leach promotes one of the most explosive offensive attacks in the nation. 

Here are five things to watch for on Friday evening:

Connor Halliday and Kevin Hogan QB Battle:  The Quarterback battle between Washington State Quarterback Connor Halliday and Stanford Quarterback Kevin Hogan will be a battle of contrasting styles.  Halliday leads the Cougars “Air Raid” attack, and is constantly on the move trying to get the offense up the field.  Halliday threw for an NCAA record 734 yards by completing 49 out of 70 passes and 6 touchdowns in their 60-59 loss last weekend to California.  Hogan is the complete opposite to Halliday.  Hogan is a game manager that leads the Cardinal attack that is dedicated to the run first, and keeping ball control.  Hogan will only look to pass about 20 times a game, and will be more concerned about ball security.  Hogan and Halliday are both leaders and looked upon to lead their teams to victory. 

Stanford Playmaker Ty Montgomery:  Senior Wide Receiver Ty Montgomery is looking to bounce back after his subpar performance versus Notre Dame last weekend.  Montgomery had trouble in the rough South Bend weather, and never seemed to get on track in the game.  Montgomery dropped several passes, and just never was able to lead his team.  This weekend, Montgomery is looking to get back on the horse against a young and inexperienced Cougars defense.  The Cougars had severe trouble against a young California squad, and have not faced a talent like Montgomery yet this season.  Look for Montgomery to have a huge game.

Washington State’s High Powered Offense:  The Cougars record is not what they were expecting, but their offense is exactly what Head Coach Mike Leach is looking for from his team.  Washington State is averaging over 38 points a game to start off the season, and are getting more confident in their system by the week.  The Cougars will need to continue their offensive approach if they are to have any chance versus the Cardinal on Friday night. 

Stanford Defensive Front:  The Stanford Cardinal defense was absolutely dominant last weekend against Notre Dame until the final drive.  Stanford held the high-powered Fighting Irish offense to just 10 points for the first 57 minutes, and if not for a few bad judgments on the final dive, they may have escaped South Bend with a victory.  Stanford is looking to rebound from this last second defeat, and will have a huge test with the rapid-fire Cougars offense.  Stanford’s defensive secondary will be challenged the entire game, and will rely upon Junior Alex Carter and Senior Wayne Lyons to rebound and lead the Cardinal to victory. 

Special Teams Debacle:  Stanford and Washington State are both coming off several devastating debacles that hindered each team in their games last weekend.  Stanford just looked disheveled in the kicking game last weekend as Senior Jordan Williamson is struggling this season.  Stanford could not even get a kick attempted on one try, and then the final kick off by Williamson again sailed out of bounds that gave the Fighting Irish prime field position to begin their final drive.  Washington State kicker Quentin Breshears was not any better as he failed at a 19-yard attempt that would have given the Cougars a last second victory.  This game could boil down to a final kick, and both teams may be a little gun shy to take the attempt. 

In NCAA College Football traditionally, we see many great players from universities located in the southern states. However, only one state can claim that it has produced the current National Football League all-time leaders in passing and receiving, plus the all-time rusher from 1984 through 2002, and that state is not Texas, California or Florida, but surprisingly Mississippi. In this article we will look back at the five best players it has produced, plus a couple of honorable mentions, and all are well known to college or pro fans. They are listed in chronological order.

In Mississippi there are six universities that play college football NCAA Division I, the first three play in the Football Bowl Subdivision (Division I-A), two play in the Southeastern Conference, the other in Conference USA; and the other three are historically black colleges that play in the Southwestern Athletic Conference in the Football Championship Subdivision (Division I-AA). The towns and the colleges' nicknames are in parenthesis:

- University of Mississippi (Oxford, Rebels)

- Mississippi State University (Starkville, Bulldogs)

- University of Southern Mississippi (Hattiesburg, Golden Eagles)

- Alcorn State University (Lorman, Braves)

- Jackson State University (Jackson, Tigers)

- Mississippi Valley State University (Itta Bena, Delta Devils)

Here are the best players, one from five or the six schools (sorry Mississippi State). I will try to focus more on their college resume, since their pro careers are better known:

1. Walter Payton (Running back, Jackson State, 1971-1974)

Born in Columbia, Payton was not recruited by any Southeastern Conference School in a time when most of those colleges were not integrated. Instead he joined Jackson State, an Historically Black College where his older brother Eddie (who later played in the NFL for the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings) also played as a running back. Payton finished his college career with 3,600 yards rushing for a 6.0 yard per average and scored 63 touchdowns. Interestingly, he also was the team part-time placekicker, and kicked 5 field goals and 53 extra points in his college career. In 1996, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Payton (nicknamed "Sweetness") was selected in the 1975 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears with the fourth overall pick of the draft. In his 13 seasons with the Bears, Payton had 10 seasons with more than 1,000 yards rushing (a NFL record when he retired, but two of the three seasons he missed the mark were strike-shortened season, the other time was in his rookie year), was selected to the Pro Bowl 9 times and was a 1st team All-Pro 5 times, he was twice the League's Most Valuable Player (in 1977 and 1985), he led the Bears to a Super Bowl title in 1985 and retired as the NFL all-time leading rusher (he was surpassed by Emmitt Smith in 2002, but he's still the second all-time leading rusher). He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993, his first year as an eligible. Sadly, Payton died in 1999 of liver cancer. His legacy lives on, as the Walter Payton Award is given to the top player in the Football Championship Subdivision, and the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award is given to the top player who excels also in his charity and volunteer work.

2. Jerry Rice (Wide receiver, Mississippi Valley State, 1981-1984)

Born in Starkville, but raised in Crawford, Rice went to Mississippi Valley State. There he got the nickname "World", because "there was not a ball in the world that he couldn't catch" and he teamed with quarterback Willie Totten to break many passing records. In 1983 had 102 receptions for 1,450 yards and caught 24 passes in a game (all NCAA records). Next season, he broke his own records with 112 receptions for 1,845 yards and 27 touchdowns. He finished ninth in the Heisman Trophy after his senior season. In 2006, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Rice was selected in the 1985 NFL Draft by the reigning Super Bowl champions San Francisco 49ers with the 14th overall pick of the draft. There he started a 20-year career that shattered every receiving record, which most of them still stand (and one full article wouldn't be enough to list all of them!). He played sixteen seasons with the 49ers, and led them to three Super Bowl championships. He was the League's MVP in 1987 and Super Bowl MVP the next season. In 2001, at the age of 39, he joined the Oakland Raiders, and helped them to reach the Super Bowl the next season. Rice finished his career with the Seattle Seahawks in 2004. He was selected to 13 Pro Bowls and was All-Pro 10 times. Perhaps his most impressive record is that he is the all-time leader in games played by a non-punter or placekicker in NFL history with 303. He also is the all-time touchdown scorer with 208. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010, his first year as an eligible.

3. Brett Favre (Quarterback, Southern Mississippi, 1987-1990)

Born in Gulfport, but raised in Kiln, Favre went to Southern Miss, the only college that recruited him. Initially was thought as a defensive back, but Favre won the starting quarterback position in his freshman year, and in his sophomore year he lead the Eagles to a win in the Independence Bowl against Texas-El Paso. In 1990 he led the Golden Eagles to the All-American Bowl, and although they lost against North Carolina State, Favre was named MVP. He finished with the school all-time passing records, but most of them were broken by current St. Louis Rams quarterback Austin Davis.

Favre was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2nd round of the 1991 NFL Draft. Seeing little action as a rookie, he was traded the next year to the Green Bay Packers, where he starred and started for 16 years. Favre led the Packers to a Super Bowl title (their first since the Vince Lombardi era), and another Super Bowl appearance, was three times the League's MVP, went to 11 Pro Bowls, was 3 times All-Pro and he holds every passing record, including . He finished his career with one season with the New York Jets and two for the Minnesota Vikings. He played in 302 regular season games (one less than Jerry Rice), including 297 consecutive starts. His records are been threatened by a player with Mississippi roots: Peyton Manning (his parents and brothers all attended Ole Miss, the University of Mississippi. Peyton attended the University of Tennessee).

4. Steve McNair (Quarterback, Alcorn State, 1991-1994)

Born in Mount Olive, McNair attended Division I-AA Alcorn State since other colleges wanted to convert him to a running back. In his senior season he ran and passed for nearly 6,000 yards and threw or ran for 53 touchdowns. He won the Water Payton Award and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting.

In the 1995 NFL Draft, McNair was selected third overall, at the time the highest rank by a black quarterback, by the Houston Oilers. In 1999, after the Oilers moved to Nashville and became the Tennessee Titans, McNair led them to a Super Bowl appearance against the St. Louis Rams. In 2003 he was NFL co-MVP with Peyton Manning. He played his last two seasons for the Baltimore Ravens, where in 2007 he finished his 13-year NFL career. McNair was murdered in 2009 in Nashville by his lover, but he is still considered one of the best players in Titans history.

5. Eli Manning (Quarterback, Mississippi, 2000-2003)

Manning was born in New Orleans, Louisiana due to his father's job (quarterback for the Saints at that time), but both his parents attended Ole Miss. Archie Manning (his father, who also was a quarterback for the Rebels from 1967-1970, is a living legend down there, as attested by his number 18 retired and eighteen miles serving as the limiting speed on campus. Archie was selected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989 and surely would have made this list if he had the fortune to be on a playoff participant in his 14 seasons in the NFL. As he couldn't be on a winning team on the pro level, we'll give Archie an Honorable Mention, and let's look on Eli:

He became the full-time starter in his sophomore season, and as a junior and senior he led the Rebels to bowl victories. He also was named the 2003 Southeastern Conference MVP, 34 years after Archie, and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting.

He was the top overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft and has been the New York Giants starting quarterback since the middle of his rookie year. He has led the Giants to two Super Bowl titles in his 11-year career.

Honorable Mention: Ray Guy (punter, Southern Mississippi 1969-1972)

Last, you have to include a player who, like Walter Payton, has an award named after him. The Ray Guy Award is given to the Nation's best punter each year. Guy is inducted in both the College and Pro Football Hall of Fame, and revolutionized the art of punting. He also was the first punter to be drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft.

The Stanford Cardinal welcome the high flying air raid attack of Washington State into Palo Alto on Friday night.  The Stanford and Washington State fans will be treated to a fire works display on the field and after the game.  Both teams are coming off of heart breaking last second losses last weekend and are looking to get onto the winning track.  Stanford Coach David Shaw boasts one of the best defenses in College Football, and Washington State Coach Mike Leach promotes one of the most explosive offensive attacks in the nation. 

Here are five things to watch for on Friday evening:

Connor Halliday and Kevin Hogan QB Battle:  The Quarterback battle between Washington State Quarterback Connor Halliday and Stanford Quarterback Kevin Hogan will be a battle of contrasting styles.  Halliday leads the Cougars “Air Raid” attack, and is constantly on the move trying to get the offense up the field.  Halliday threw for an NCAA record 734 yards by completing 49 out of 70 passes and 6 touchdowns in their 60-59 loss last weekend to California.  Hogan is the complete opposite to Halliday.  Hogan is a game manager that leads the Cardinal attack that is dedicated to the run first, and keeping ball control.  Hogan will only look to pass about 20 times a game, and will be more concerned about ball security.  Hogan and Halliday are both leaders and looked upon to lead their teams to victory. 

Stanford Playmaker Ty Montgomery:  Senior Wide Receiver Ty Montgomery is looking to bounce back after his subpar performance versus Notre Dame last weekend.  Montgomery had trouble in the rough South Bend weather, and never seemed to get on track in the game.  Montgomery dropped several passes, and just never was able to lead his team.  This weekend, Montgomery is looking to get back on the horse against a young and inexperienced Cougars defense.  The Cougars had severe trouble against a young California squad, and have not faced a talent like Montgomery yet this season.  Look for Montgomery to have a huge game.

Washington State’s High Powered Offense:  The Cougars record is not what they were expecting, but their offense is exactly what Head Coach Mike Leach is looking for from his team.  Washington State is averaging over 38 points a game to start off the season, and are getting more confident in their system by the week.  The Cougars will need to continue their offensive approach if they are to have any chance versus the Cardinal on Friday night. 

Stanford Defensive Front:  The Stanford Cardinal defense was absolutely dominant last weekend against Notre Dame until the final drive.  Stanford held the high-powered Fighting Irish offense to just 10 points for the first 57 minutes, and if not for a few bad judgments on the final dive, they may have escaped South Bend with a victory.  Stanford is looking to rebound from this last second defeat, and will have a huge test with the rapid-fire Cougars offense.  Stanford’s defensive secondary will be challenged the entire game, and will rely upon Junior Alex Carter and Senior Wayne Lyons to rebound and lead the Cardinal to victory. 

Special Teams Debacle:  Stanford and Washington State are both coming off several devastating debacles that hindered each team in their games last weekend.  Stanford just looked disheveled in the kicking game last weekend as Senior Jordan Williamson is struggling this season.  Stanford could not even get a kick attempted on one try, and then the final kick off by Williamson again sailed out of bounds that gave the Fighting Irish prime field position to begin their final drive.  Washington State kicker Quentin Breshears was not any better as he failed at a 19-yard attempt that would have given the Cougars a last second victory.  This game could boil down to a final kick, and both teams may be a little gun shy to take the attempt. 

In NCAA College Football traditionally, we see many great players from universities located in the southern states. However, only one state can claim that it has produced the current National Football League all-time leaders in passing and receiving, plus the all-time rusher from 1984 through 2002, and that state is not Texas, California or Florida, but surprisingly Mississippi. In this article we will look back at the five best players it has produced, plus a couple of honorable mentions, and all are well known to college or pro fans. They are listed in chronological order.

In Mississippi there are six universities that play college football NCAA Division I, the first three play in the Football Bowl Subdivision (Division I-A), two play in the Southeastern Conference, the other in Conference USA; and the other three are historically black colleges that play in the Southwestern Athletic Conference in the Football Championship Subdivision (Division I-AA). The towns and the colleges' nicknames are in parenthesis:

- University of Mississippi (Oxford, Rebels)

- Mississippi State University (Starkville, Bulldogs)

- University of Southern Mississippi (Hattiesburg, Golden Eagles)

- Alcorn State University (Lorman, Braves)

- Jackson State University (Jackson, Tigers)

- Mississippi Valley State University (Itta Bena, Delta Devils)

Here are the best players, one from five or the six schools (sorry Mississippi State). I will try to focus more on their college resume, since their pro careers are better known:

1. Walter Payton (Running back, Jackson State, 1971-1974)

Born in Columbia, Payton was not recruited by any Southeastern Conference School in a time when most of those colleges were not integrated. Instead he joined Jackson State, an Historically Black College where his older brother Eddie (who later played in the NFL for the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings) also played as a running back. Payton finished his college career with 3,600 yards rushing for a 6.0 yard per average and scored 63 touchdowns. Interestingly, he also was the team part-time placekicker, and kicked 5 field goals and 53 extra points in his college career. In 1996, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Payton (nicknamed "Sweetness") was selected in the 1975 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears with the fourth overall pick of the draft. In his 13 seasons with the Bears, Payton had 10 seasons with more than 1,000 yards rushing (a NFL record when he retired, but two of the three seasons he missed the mark were strike-shortened season, the other time was in his rookie year), was selected to the Pro Bowl 9 times and was a 1st team All-Pro 5 times, he was twice the League's Most Valuable Player (in 1977 and 1985), he led the Bears to a Super Bowl title in 1985 and retired as the NFL all-time leading rusher (he was surpassed by Emmitt Smith in 2002, but he's still the second all-time leading rusher). He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993, his first year as an eligible. Sadly, Payton died in 1999 of liver cancer. His legacy lives on, as the Walter Payton Award is given to the top player in the Football Championship Subdivision, and the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award is given to the top player who excels also in his charity and volunteer work.

2. Jerry Rice (Wide receiver, Mississippi Valley State, 1981-1984)

Born in Starkville, but raised in Crawford, Rice went to Mississippi Valley State. There he got the nickname "World", because "there was not a ball in the world that he couldn't catch" and he teamed with quarterback Willie Totten to break many passing records. In 1983 had 102 receptions for 1,450 yards and caught 24 passes in a game (all NCAA records). Next season, he broke his own records with 112 receptions for 1,845 yards and 27 touchdowns. He finished ninth in the Heisman Trophy after his senior season. In 2006, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Rice was selected in the 1985 NFL Draft by the reigning Super Bowl champions San Francisco 49ers with the 14th overall pick of the draft. There he started a 20-year career that shattered every receiving record, which most of them still stand (and one full article wouldn't be enough to list all of them!). He played sixteen seasons with the 49ers, and led them to three Super Bowl championships. He was the League's MVP in 1987 and Super Bowl MVP the next season. In 2001, at the age of 39, he joined the Oakland Raiders, and helped them to reach the Super Bowl the next season. Rice finished his career with the Seattle Seahawks in 2004. He was selected to 13 Pro Bowls and was All-Pro 10 times. Perhaps his most impressive record is that he is the all-time leader in games played by a non-punter or placekicker in NFL history with 303. He also is the all-time touchdown scorer with 208. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010, his first year as an eligible.

3. Brett Favre (Quarterback, Southern Mississippi, 1987-1990)

Born in Gulfport, but raised in Kiln, Favre went to Southern Miss, the only college that recruited him. Initially was thought as a defensive back, but Favre won the starting quarterback position in his freshman year, and in his sophomore year he lead the Eagles to a win in the Independence Bowl against Texas-El Paso. In 1990 he led the Golden Eagles to the All-American Bowl, and although they lost against North Carolina State, Favre was named MVP. He finished with the school all-time passing records, but most of them were broken by current St. Louis Rams quarterback Austin Davis.

Favre was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2nd round of the 1991 NFL Draft. Seeing little action as a rookie, he was traded the next year to the Green Bay Packers, where he starred and started for 16 years. Favre led the Packers to a Super Bowl title (their first since the Vince Lombardi era), and another Super Bowl appearance, was three times the League's MVP, went to 11 Pro Bowls, was 3 times All-Pro and he holds every passing record, including . He finished his career with one season with the New York Jets and two for the Minnesota Vikings. He played in 302 regular season games (one less than Jerry Rice), including 297 consecutive starts. His records are been threatened by a player with Mississippi roots: Peyton Manning (his parents and brothers all attended Ole Miss, the University of Mississippi. Peyton attended the University of Tennessee).

4. Steve McNair (Quarterback, Alcorn State, 1991-1994)

Born in Mount Olive, McNair attended Division I-AA Alcorn State since other colleges wanted to convert him to a running back. In his senior season he ran and passed for nearly 6,000 yards and threw or ran for 53 touchdowns. He won the Water Payton Award and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting.

In the 1995 NFL Draft, McNair was selected third overall, at the time the highest rank by a black quarterback, by the Houston Oilers. In 1999, after the Oilers moved to Nashville and became the Tennessee Titans, McNair led them to a Super Bowl appearance against the St. Louis Rams. In 2003 he was NFL co-MVP with Peyton Manning. He played his last two seasons for the Baltimore Ravens, where in 2007 he finished his 13-year NFL career. McNair was murdered in 2009 in Nashville by his lover, but he is still considered one of the best players in Titans history.

5. Eli Manning (Quarterback, Mississippi, 2000-2003)

Manning was born in New Orleans, Louisiana due to his father's job (quarterback for the Saints at that time), but both his parents attended Ole Miss. Archie Manning (his father, who also was a quarterback for the Rebels from 1967-1970, is a living legend down there, as attested by his number 18 retired and eighteen miles serving as the limiting speed on campus. Archie was selected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989 and surely would have made this list if he had the fortune to be on a playoff participant in his 14 seasons in the NFL. As he couldn't be on a winning team on the pro level, we'll give Archie an Honorable Mention, and let's look on Eli:

He became the full-time starter in his sophomore season, and as a junior and senior he led the Rebels to bowl victories. He also was named the 2003 Southeastern Conference MVP, 34 years after Archie, and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting.

He was the top overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft and has been the New York Giants starting quarterback since the middle of his rookie year. He has led the Giants to two Super Bowl titles in his 11-year career.

Honorable Mention: Ray Guy (punter, Southern Mississippi 1969-1972)

Last, you have to include a player who, like Walter Payton, has an award named after him. The Ray Guy Award is given to the Nation's best punter each year. Guy is inducted in both the College and Pro Football Hall of Fame, and revolutionized the art of punting. He also was the first punter to be drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft.