Thursday NFL Draft News and Notes - Did Pat White Just Screw it up?

So one of the most curious stories from yesterday was the decision of West Virginia QB Pat White to not do the wide receiver positional drills he had said he would do back at the NFL Scouting Combine.

White, who impressed scouts back at the Combine and Senior Bowl as a quarterback, said on NFL Network he was not asked to run wide receiver drills.

And yet a league full of scouts, coaches and staff were there to what? Watch a mid round quarterback prospect throw his route? Seriously?

There's even more to this story. According to many sources, White's West Virginia coach Bill Stewart came out prior to the workout and said White was not running any receiver drills.

So as Mike Mayock put it, maybe the reason nobody requested that White run routes is because they were told he wasn't going to. But who knows where it came from because if you go to a site like Rotoworld, find Pat White and sort his news, it looks like you get several different stories and reactions.

In my opinion though, yesterday was a little bit of gamesmanship, maybe some ego and it resulted I think in a major error in judgment.

White made a promise that he would at least humor the scouts and team officials by working out as a receiver. It's why he was given a bit of a pass at the Scouting Combine. At least he was willing to do whatever it took to get in the door. Yes it's clear he intends to be a quarterback. I respect that, and I think he proved he has the potential in Mobile and Indianapolis.

But you need to get in the door first. You need to have the opportunity to show them what you can do and for some guys - and sorry Pat, you're one of them right now - you have to be willing to be flexible enough so that you get your chance.

Here's what I think happened though. Just prior to the quarterback workouts, White told teams he would work out as a wide receiver at his Pro Day. He did it becuase there were a ton of questions about him - can he handle a pro style offense having worked predominantly in the spread, is he big enough, can he make the throws - and at that point he knew he had to do anythign he could to get on a roster.

I firmly believe that he felt then he could play quarterback in the NFL, but knew that he was going to have to win folks over.

Then he worked out. And wow, did he impress. And he started hearing all about how he could make it in the NFL as a quarterback and maybe the talk about wide receiver and wildcat had been premature.

I think he read his own press.

Now let me be clear. This is my read on the situation. I don't know White, haven't talked to him or his agent and what i have heard about him personally is that he is a good kid. So this is all conjecture.

But it makes sense to me that coming off a red hot Combine performance where many people were talking about him as a quarterback, maybe White (or his agent) started thinking that they didn't need to run that route tree. Didn't need to run a gauntlet. Didn't need to do all the wide receiver dancing.

I think he started buying into his own hype. I think maybe he and his people forgot that the 2nd round buzz involved the words 'slash' and 'could also be a QB'.

You could see it in the interview he did with NFL Network's Steve Wyche. White seems to really believe he doesn't need the receiver workouts. I wonder what he will do if a team asks him for a workout, but wants him to run routes? Is he even working on them?

Meanwhile 25 reps from NFL teams showed up - including it appeared to Steelers coach Mike Tomlin - to watch him run and were told quietly ahead of time that no, White was only doing QB drills.

It's telling then that immediately after the QB drills, most of them left.

White needs to think hard about what he is doing. Other prospects have called scouts to let them know when they won't be running drills due to everything from injury to being happy with previous numbers. Scouts and officials expected him to run wide receiver drills and that's why most of them were there.

White didn't. Which means he may have done something more egregious than lie.

He wasted people's time. And that might take as much image repair as Andre Smith's bad Pro day.

And here.... we..... GO! Free Agency is off and running

Hey folks - here are the signings already - and there have been a ton involving an extrodinary amount of money.

Here are the broad strokes -

• Kellen Winslow has been traded to the Bucs for 2 undisclosed picks. Eric Mangini has made some big changes so far in Cleveland and given last season, this isn't a shock. Speculation is that Braylon Edwards could be moved as well - if that happens, who will Quinn or Anderson throw to? Stallworth?
• The Redskins land defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth with a record 7 year, $100M contract. Just saw on NFLNetwork that they have talked to him and his agent about conditioning because as we all know, the one thing sure to stop Haynesworth is Haynesworth. There does appear to be a conditioning clause. Could be huge for the Redskins defense. Skins also signed DeAngelo Hall long term.
  
• The Jets wisely retain blocking fullback Tony Richardson, thereby improving the odds Thomas Jones and Leon Washington will run the ball effectively in 2009. Rumors have it they will be signing a Raven defensive player shortly as well - though it looks to be Bart Scott not Ray Lewis.
• The Jets/Pats swapping continues - Pats have signed former Jet TE Chris Baker.
• The Ravens have signed Domenick Foxworth.
• QBs who might be on the move - Matt Cassel is rumored to be going to the 49rs and Sage Rosenfels will be moved to Minnesota.
  

Tons more to come - will try to keep you posted all day today when I can get to the computer.

Who said the market wasn't all that interesting this year?

NFL COmbine Coverage and Appearences!

Hey folks -

Have been busy in the batcave setting up some work for one of the most important weeks in football - the NFL Combine. Nothing compares to actually seeing a player PLAY but this is darn near the next best thing and these days you can get a better seat than the press AT the Combine (who cannot witness the workouts, only interview players and staff after said workouts).

If you want to know just what is going and how it impacts your favorite team, your fantasy season or the world economy, I can guarantee you answers for two of the three items listed.

Over the course of the next week I will be hosting or appearing on numerous shows, mostly on NFLDraftbible's All Access Football shows. At the top of the blog, you can see the general list (which I will add to if other things crop up). Here are some details on some of the shows.

The Thundering Blurb Football Show - tonight (Wednesday at 10pm PST/7pm PST) - Join me as I get you set for the NFL Combine with news and notes as well as an interview with California OLB Zack Follett.

Guest on All Access Football (approx. 10:10pm EST/ 7:10 pm PST) - I'll be appearing with the guys from NFLDraftbible for a short guest spot where I am sure we'll talk some Pac 10 prospects and expectations for the coming week of action.

Hosting All Access Football - Combine Show - Saturday 10pm EST/ 7pm PST - Join me for exclusive coverage of the 2009 NFL Scouting Combine. Special Guests: Justin Van Fulpen of Verius Sports * Nick Miller of Southern Utah * Darrell Mack, Greg Newman & Freddie Brown of Utah. Also discussion of the kickers (yes kickers) O-Linemen and TEs who worked out today.

Hosting All Access Football - Combine Show - Sunday 10pm EST/7pm PST - Join me for exclusive coverage of the 2009 NFL Scouting Combine. Special Guests: Will Harding of Fresno State * James Pierce of Langston. Also discussion of the QBs, WRs and RBs who worked out today.

Guest on All Access Football (approx 10:10pm EST/7:10pm PST) - Again appearing with the guys from NFLDraftbible.com to discuss the week so far as well as some PAc 10 prospects as always.

There could be some more over the course of the week and if so, I'll get them to you. Also, expect at least one article over the weekend here at the Blurb. I'll have some stuff at Draftguys.com shortly as well as some player interviews at NFLDraftbible in the coming weeks.

We're ramping up hard - hold on tight, it's going to be a bumpy ride!

ps - Make sure you check out NFLDraftbible's COMPLETE coverage of the Combine. Not only will they have shows daily with guests ranging from Draftguys Cecil Lammey and Sigmund Bloom to beat writers to the players themselves but they will have folks on the ground in Indianapolis and reporting in daily.

You want blanketed Combine coverage? Next to NFL network, there's nobody better than the boys at NFLDraftbible.com.

Favre retires - REACT

Hey folks, hope you are having a fine Wednesday.

As promised, the site is gearing up again and what better way to start off than with the announcement that Brett Favre will be retiring. again. Maybe for real.

NFLDraftbible.com has compiled some reaction to the imminent departure of Brett the Jet, myself among them.

Click the link for some other thoughts on it, but here is what I had to say:
"Brett Favre has retired yet again and while the season didn't exactly go the way he or the Jets envisioned, that's not what leaves me with a poor taste in my mouth. It's the rumors that he has, once again, asked to be released prior to deciding to retire (presumably to play for the Vikings, where he wanted to go last summer) that really will stick in my craw. Will we see a repeat of last off-season, when Favre pitched a fit as he once again flip-flopped on retirement and, failing to force his outright release, then settled for a trade to the Jets? For the Jets, being able to move forward with their quarterback situation prior to free agency and the draft while dumping Favre's $13 million cap hit is a positive. But one has to wonder - will the Favre controversy from 2008 rear its ugly head in 2009, all dressed up for a repeat performance?

Let me be clear on this - I love Brett Favre. I think he is a heckuva competitor and has put together a fine career which should not be much marred by the sub-par end of last season. The Jets collapse was not just his fault - he was part of many issues.

That said, I have to wonder if he will ever get that he is not in control. Twice now he has (allegedly) tried to force an outright release to (allegedly) play for the Vikings (who are a QB and good playcalling away from being a legit Super Bowl contender).

I like Favre - I still think the trade for him was a no-brainer, no-lose situation which played out very well for part of the season, only to peter out for many reasons at the end. I am happy I have a Brett favre jersey. I am glad he played for the Jets. Maybe Pennington would have had the success he had with the Dolphins, had he stayed with the Jets. But I doubt it (though some of the failure rests on Mangini's hands - best of luck Brady Quinn).

Regardless it was a risk worth taking and I think the Jets made the right call.

Right now I'm hoping Favre makes an equally good call and stays retired. I really don't want to see him again in yet another uniform for a team that is good, though far from great.

Still, given last year, you have to wonder.

Best of luck, Brett - enjoy hunting season.

Sanchez to leave USC early - Pete Carroll unhappy

So as we expected (and talked about last night on The Thundering Blurb Football Show - haven't heard it yet - click HERE) Mark Sanchez has decided to forgo his final year at USC and head off into the NFL Draft.

Now I am of two minds here - first off another year would definitely improve Sanchez. I know he looked better as the year progressed and great in the Rose Bowl but the dude has never been touched, has just one year under his belt and occasionally makes some bad throws. Now, he's athletic, coach-able and driven, so some of what he is doing can be changed. I just hope he gets a year or so to work behind a good vet OR he is behind a good Oline wherever he goes, until he can get his feet wet.

But on the other hand, with Bradford and Tebow staying, his only real competition (right now, and it is early) is Matt Stafford of Georgia. And really, Sanchez could very easily beat him out as top QB in the draft.

Now that is no guarantee he'll go top 10 or even first round. According to Carroll on an interview at www.am570radio.com (look under the Petros and Money show aka PMS - second hour I believe) he didn't even get as good a draft feedback as he expected from the NFL Scouts.

Even though Carroll and Sanchez indicate money wasn't a big indicator, you have to think that he could make a ton more this year, versus going out next year in what might be a glutted QB class. And I have heard things from several people who know things that Sanchez was a little concerned about injury. Both are understandable and totally valid concerns.

If it were me, I would be hard pressed to stay in school. Especially in this economy.

Now USC Coach Pete Carroll didn't sugarcoat his feelings. Interestingly inthe AM570 interview one thing he said was his comments were more a message to recruits and other players than Sanchez. Carroll points to many players - Sedrick Ellis and Keith Rivers from last years' class (whom I interviewed at USC Pro Day last year - check it out on youtube by clicking their names) among them - as having made a ton more money by staying and improving their games. He believes it and in the above clip, it comes clear (if a little angry) in his speech.

But Sanchez is moving on. I'll keep you updated on his progress and of course we'll have analysis of him here at the Blurb as well as at NFLDraftbible.com and Draftguys.com.

Thundering Blurb Football Show - special guest

Hey guys

Just a quick reminder that the Thundering Blurb Football Show will be on tonight at it's regularly scheduled 9pm EST/6pm PST time and we will be once again welcoming Eric Boland, Jets beat writer for New York Newsday and Newsday.com.

I'm sure we'll have a lot to talk about both for the Jets and the newly signed head coach of the Browns, Eric Mangini.

Should be good - check it out live or download it via ITUNES or Blogtalkradio.com. Subscribe to the feed and never miss a show!

Blurb finishes 8 out of 64 teams in Fantasy Sportswriter Association League

Hey folks

I've mentioned it a few times this August I joined the Fantasy Sportswriter Association's Experts League. The playoffs just wrapped up and I finished 8th in the playoffs (16 teams) which is also 8th overall out of 64 teams. These teams included people like Michael Fabiano of NFL.com, Stephania Bell and Chris Harris of ESPN as well as less known names like CBSSports.com's Jamey Eisenberg and George Winkler from the Sporting News.

We all got smoked by Sigmund Bloom of Footballguys.com. The man was on a mission, got out of the gates fast during the playoffs and never looked back. The playoffs were more 15 teams fighting for 2nd as Sig just went off. I am very happy for my Drive-Block co-host - he worked hard and it showed.

Still, amongst this illustrious group, to finish 8th is an achievement I am very proud of. I won my 16 team division and had a nice little run in the playoffs - which were not head to head but total overall points (regular season was head to head).

Not bad for a small indie site.

For those interested, here was the Blurb's team:

Donovan McNabb			QB
Matt Forte			RB
Le'Ron McClain			RB
Larry Fitzgerald			WR
Kevin Walter			WR
Terrell Owens			WR
Vincent Jackson			WR
Greg Olsen			TE
Joe Nedney			K
Arizona Cardinals			Def/ST
Joe Flacco			QB
Willie Parker			RB
Leon Washington			RB
LenDale White			RB
Chad Ocho Cinco			WR
Nate Washington			WR
Domenik Hixon			WR
Bo Scaife			TE
Matt Bryant			K
Buffalo Bills			Def/ST

Sunday News Updates!

Brian Westbrook is playing and starting against the Giants. Even against a tough matchup, after 9 days rest you should get him in, though if you have a very solid RB1, I would move him to 2 or flex.

Matt Schaub is active and starting today against the Packers. I wouldn't want to start him this week but if you have him and Culpepper or Marc Bulger - you might feel you have to. But rust and the GB secondary could make him a bad start.

Reggie Bush is also active and starting and a much better start against Atlanta. He played well last week and I expect him to roll along nicely as a lower end RB1 or a rock solid RB2.

Kellen Winslow is out as expected.

Detroit WR Shaun McDonald is out and that leaves Keary Colbert opposite Calvin Johnson. That isn't great but not much worse than usual, unfortunately.

Willis McGahee is reportedly struggling with migraines. I know more than a few people who have this issue and it can be completely dibilitating. It could explain some of these streaks where he doesn't play but is dressed. But it's really just one more thing with this guy.

Steven Jackson reportedly wants "everyone to know" he is returning from a torn quad muscle, not a strain. Which makes him a little more dicey than I like but also explains why he took so long to fully get back on the field.

John Carney will be kicking today.

Clinton Portis is active and playing but his injuries and the matchup make me nervous.

Tashard Choice starts in place of Barber. Great to watch for Dynasty purposes but he should be nowehere near your lineup against the Steelers.

Dwayne Bowe gets overrated Dre Bly in coverage today. Might be a better day than I expected. Champ Bailey is out which could be good news for Bowe, Gonzo and Thigpen this week.

That's all for now - back if anything major breaks!

Last minute news

Reggie Bush is active today - I still think Pierre Thomas is a safer start but Bush has more upside. If you need a home run - swing for the fences with Bush. If you just need points and feel conservative, go with Thomas. David Patten is inactive in case you were wondering.

Johnathan Stewart is active, but I don't expect much for him.

Eddie Royal is a game time decision. On a late game.

Portis is active and should be a pretty good start. I will roll with him for sure.

Brandon Jacobs is active and Bradshaw was seen in a neck brace yesterday and while it seems like he is still active, don't expect much. (edited - just saw Bradshaw is INACTIVE on another site. Either way, not a start for you.)

See you all later if I see more fun news!

Sunday Morning News - 8:30pst/11:30EST

Hey guys - some updates for the morning - will not be around for the afternoon (son's birthday party) for sure, so keep an eye on rotoworld and footballguys.com for game day updates and scratches.

Clinton Portis is unlikely to play in tonight's game - this was confirmed by John Clayton of ESPN..... Even if he does play he will not be the usual centerpiece of the offense so get him out.... Peyton Hillis gets the starts in Denver according to Foxsports.com and the local papers and since he can catch the ball, he's a great flex spot starter..... If Earnest Graham and Warrick Dunn are healthy, Cadillac Williams might not see the field for quite a while. That's why I have been saying, stash him on you bench only if you can afford to have a spot that will not generate points right now.... Larry Johnson is expected to get @15 carries according the NFLN's Adam Shefter - so start him as a flex or a low end RB2.... Derrick Mason will be active for today's day against the Giants. Always a middling start, the injury and the defensive matchup make him a guy better off on your bench....

That's all for now. Will try to keep an eye on things as we approach morning kickoff....

Hasselbeck OUT/Palmer OUT Week 7

According to the Tacoma News Tribue - Matt Hasselbeck is out due to a bulging disc in his back. The hyperextended knee is not a huge factor - though it is a worry. Still, this was not on anyone's radar and is bad news. They have sent him to a specialist in Los Angeles where he will rehab and try to get back for week 8.

Not good news for folks though Seneca Wallace will probably take over for Charlie Frye.

Remember when Frye was the starter in Cleveland? Ugh.

Carson Palmer has not talked to Marvin Lewis since he met with the Mets' doctor (as I mentioned on the morning Stampede) but has already ruled him out. Apparently the doctors recommended a conservative approach with Carson's elbow. Which leaves Ryan Fitzpatrick in charge against the Steelers..... him and his not-strong-enough-to-air-it-out arm.

Yeeeaaaaaahh........... Do I need to warn you off about everyone on Cinci this week?

More as it comes in - WR performers tonight during the game.

Top Suprise Fantasy Studs - Week 1

So as always, there were folks who popped up and played staggeringly well in Week 1. Guys who -while we may have had them on the bench as sleepers, got up early.

Here are some of my surprise studs and my thoughts on whether they will repeat in week 2 and beyond.

Michael Turner - 226 total yards, 2 tds
Turner is a guy we knew could do great things. Very few people expected this so quickly. He'll be a good play all year but won't play the Lions all year. He will get the rock, if just to keep the dogs off Matt Ryan who had a nice game himself. Turner remains a rock solid #2, but check your expectations. He faces a much tougher D in Tampa Bay this weekend. Should play well, but the numbers will drop significantly.

Willie Parker - 138 rushing yards and 3 TDs
Now before you rush off and say 'you're crazy, how could Willie be a surprise?', go back and look over most analysts and see how hard they were hedging on him. Also, think about how he was going in drafts - 5th round and on quite often. Viewed as no more than a #2 back, FWP outperformed his ADP significantly this week. I have long said he was way undervalued and the TD total last year was an aberration. The Oline still has issues but Parker will get the lion's share of carries and the matchup this week - Cleveland, who was torched by Marion Barber - is prime. As you picked him up as a #2 in most cases, you could see a season where your #2 plays close to a #1.

Matt Forte - 141 total yards, 1 TD and 3 catches
I can say I missed this one last week. I know the Colts can make a runner look good, but wow did he look good. Forte ran with authority and vision and looked like anything but a rookie. I liked Forte going into the season - he's the #1 RB in Chicago and a good runner. But he played out of his shoes Sunday night. Carolina will provide a stiffer challenge and I think we will see a dip in production but if Orton can move the ball and keep the defense honest, Forte may contineu to put up decent numbers, though I am not ready to crown him a sure thing #2 until I see him vs a better run D. Carolina might provide that test, so be careful this weekend. But high hopes overall for the season on Forte.

Hines Ward - 6 catches, 76 yards and 2 TDs
Everyone assumed Santonio Holmes would emerge as the #1 and Ward would fade off into the sunset. Instead, Ward put up the solid numbers he always does. Still, this was a blowout against a team that was overmatched defensively from the get-go. I like Ward to repeat the catches (he's always Big Ben's safety blanket) and maybe the yards. The TDs are shakier, but do recall cobversations on The Thundering Blurb Fantasy Football Podcast (tonight and every Wed at 9pm EST/6pm PST) and The Drive Block (Thursdays 10pmEST/7pm PST) that since they do not have a sure fire red zone RB, targets in the final 20 could go to the air - and Ward is a guy the Steelers look to in the end zone. Liek with FWP, Cleveland looks to be a godo matchup this weekend for Ward. Incidentally, I expect Holmes to rebound this weekend.

Eddie Royal - 9 catches, 155 yards and 1 TD
Couldn't avoid talking about him could I? I loved his potential but he blew past expectations Monday. Will he repeat? Well, I do think he will emerge as a solid play most weeks, several things factor into his production: 1) Brandon Marshall returns from suspension. Marshall - if he can keep his head together - is the #1 here and will get a lot of the touches Royal did. 2) Defenses (better than the Raiders) will now key on Royal. The rookie might find it tougher when he isn't facing oft burned DeAngelo Hall. Opposing Ds now have tape on him and that will make his life harder. The Chargers - the week 2 matchup - are angry and even without Merriman, will come out firing. I think you need to be careful with Royal from here on out. Play him like you did prior to Monday - don't plug him into your #2 spot (or God forbid, the #1) and benefit from good numbers in your 3, 4 or flex spots.

That's the top 5 (in no order really) - here are the quick hits on the next five -
Chris Johnson could be in the above list easily - (127 total yards, 1 TD, 3 catches) and the thing holding him back most might be being a little banged up, but he should continue to play very well as a #2 or flex RB..... DeSean Jackson saw 6 catches and 106 yards- what is more telling is he got 10 targets. That's more than Westbrook got and equals the targets of TE LJ Smith. I think Jackson will be a good source of fantasy points but like Eddie Royal, keep him in your 3, 4 or Flex spot until we see more work especially since Dallas would be a tougher challenge than woeful St. Louis...... TE Dante Rosario surprised everyone (especially the Chargers on that last TD) with 7 catches for 96 yards and a TD, but I am not buying the hype right now - get him off waivers, but bench him if you have a more consistent option..... Speaking of Tight Ends, Anthony Fasano (8 catches for 84 yards and 1TD) may continue to reap the benefits of a relationship with Bill Parcells and Pennington's weak arm against Arizona, but again, it's early to risk on a guy who never did anything before last weekend.... Hank Baskett isn't a guy I expect to repeat his 102 yard, 1 TD day - it was only 2 catches and damned flukey...

More later - and I have a Daily News Stampede coming at noon EST/ 9am PST and the Thundering Blurb Fantasy Football Show tonight at 9pm EST/6pm PST.

IR reports come out tonight so we will see who pops up on those as well today. See you later

Monday Stampede

Hey folks - great first week of football. Some pretty big injuries we'll have to watch and wait on to know for sure how bad they are.

We touched on Tom Brady's injury yesterday and while Belichick was tight lipped (shocker!), reports are surfacing that he told the team to be prepared to play the season with backup Matt Cassel as their starter. That, coupled with reports of Chris Simms and Tim Rattay showing up to workout for the Pats point to the reports of Brady being done for the season as accurate.

You'll downgrade Moss & co. of course, but how much remains to be seen. Cassel and Moss seemed to get on fine and Moss will be his top option. Wes Welker caught 6 for 51 yards, so that's not great but not bad. But adjustments to the rest of the offense could change that and we'll have to see whether the Pats run the ball more or if Cassel looks to different guys more often. Certainly Cassel is no Tom Brady - he's not a guy you can just replace. There will likely be a drop off somehwhere - it's just hard to say where.

In other news -

Vince Young
We all know by now that VY tore his MCL. What is interesting is that the Nashville Tennessean is reporting that right before the play when he tore it, he tried to take himself out with what was apparently tightness in his hamstring. He didn't look for treatment, but wasn't in the huddle when the team was on the field. Furthermore, the cloumnists seems to think that HC Jeff Fisher forced him back out there when he wasn't 100%. Fisher waffled on it during his presser. In some ways, it's almost irrelevent given that Young is gone for at least 2-4 weeks, but it's an intriguing back story to the injury. It's certainly a rift worth noting if true.

Marion Barber
Barber had a great performance Sunday with 101 all purpose yards and 2 TDs but was out the 4th quarter with an apparent rib injury. In all likelyhood, Barber could have finished out the game, but with the game a blow out, why risk it? Regardless, X-rays came back negative but ESPN has reported he had some damage to the cartiledge in his rib cage. He says it's nothing and expects to be ready to go next Monday against the Eagles.

Chris Johnson
Johnson limped off the field yesterday late in the game against the Jaguars but came back later. His performance at that point had been everything we'd hoped for and more (15 carries for 93 yards, 3 receptions for 34 yards and a TD). It appears the rookie cramped up which only highlights what we all know about rookies - they will have moments where they get a bit overwhelmed. Still, Johnson will impact LenDale White's carries as long as he isn't cramping up and while it's early to crown him, could be a good play the rest of the way as a #2RB.

That's all for now - join me on the Daily News Blurb at noon EST/9am PST and I'll catch you up to date with all the info from Sunday's games and the injury aftermath.

Sunday Stampede

This will update sporadically when I see/hear news up until game time and then again near the second games.

I'm going to just spit it out and there may be a lot of it - so get yer eyes ready!

Javon Walker
Lane Kiffin still isn't sure if Javon Walker will play on Monday Night Football. As I have said before, I wouldn't touch him.

Jamal Lewis
According to ESPN's John Clayton reports that Jamal Lewis is likely to play in Sunday afternoon's game against the Cowboys. This is one to watch but if you have a healthy RB with a good matchup you may want to plug him in and not worry. I will track this throughout the day.

Deuce McAllister/Aaron Stecker
According to Adam Shefter Deuce McAllister is active today and Stecker is not. How much will McAllister play? How effectively? Thos are big questions and more than I want to risk today - week 1.

Matt Hasselbeck
Hasselbeck apparently had an epidural shot for a bulging disc in his back. It might not amount to much, but it's a worry - how will that back react come that first hit?

Ricky Williams
Reports remain that Ricky Williams will start today's game against the Jets. Expect Williams to carry the load for the first few weeks as Brown eases in. Williams is a decent start this weekend but we don't know how the Jet defense will play against the run.

Reggie Brown inactive
DeSean Jackson will get the nod to start - could be a big game here. A risky start BUT may be worth a roll as your #3 or 4.

More as I hear it..... if there's nothing, best of luck to you this weekend....

Friday Radio Appearence!

Hey folks,

Will be appearing on the Jake Stevens Show 'There It Is!' on ESPN 1230 Bakersfield. I will be on just after 7:30 and we'll be talking some matchups we like, some news and as Jake turns out to be a Jet fan, likely some Brett Favre love as well.

For those of you not in Bakersfield and it's surrounding area, you may stream it off the link on Jake's page or just click right here and it will take you to the page streaming.

Very excited to hang with the crew on the show tomorrow - tune in ahead of time and check out the whole show - Jake is on from 7-9am every weekday.

Back with more a little later.

Thursday Morning Stampede

Pretty quite here on 'the big day' - there will likely be more news as the day goes on, but it's like the calm before the storm.

Kickoff tonight for the Giants and Redskins is 7PM EST - same as the Drive Block - and we're off and running for the 2008 season!

Here's the morning news -

Carolina Panthers
Matt Moore will be out 4-6 weeks with a fractured fibula. He had a nice run last year while there were so many injuries to the QB position, but lost the #2 gig when Josh McCown came by. With a little luck, Delhomme will stay healthy and Moore wouldn't have been a factor anyway, but the young QB was a guy on many people's radar this off season.

Kansas City Chiefs
Rookie WR Will Franklin had a great preseason going until he hurt his knee. Many folks thought he was a nice sleeper pick - but between this (he will be questionable to start the season and may not play Sunday), questionable skill at the QB position and an being in the slot in an offense that will probably not go 3 WRs often, Franklin is no more than shaky bench depth right now in Fantasy Leagues.

Also in KC, rookie Branden Albert will start at left tackle after he lost most of preseason to a foot injury. That's a big concern - the guy was already moving postions (he played guard in college) missed a ton of important preseason work and he's still starting? Let's hope that learning curve isn't too steep. This whole offense is a concern, which is why Larry Johnson dropped pretty far in many drafts this year. Shaky, shaky, shaky.

Philadelphia Eagles
We were already assuming this, but it's a nice confirmation - rookie DeSean Jackson will start on Sunday against the Rams. It's a decent matchup for the young WR, who while a little undersized, is electrifying with the ball after the catch. Question is, who is the other WR? Curtis is out, Brown has a bum hammy - are we looking at the re-emergence of Hank Baskett, who was a brief Fantasy Darling a few years ago? Keep an eye on it - you know I'm no Reggie Brown fan.

Back to Jackson - keep your expectations checked - he's a rookie, the Eagles will spread the ball around and Westbrook and TE LJ Smith will get plenty of looks. But Jackson could be a nice #3/4 with upside this weekend.

That's all for now - we'll see what news perks up between now and the Daily News Stampede at Noon EST/9am PST.

See you then!

Tuesday

Quick reminder that today will launch the Thundering Blurb Daily News Stampede - Monday through Friday I'll drop you a quick 15 minutes of news you'll need to know to get the edge on your league mates.

A few stories of note this morning:

Baltimore Ravens
Willis McGahee returned to practice on Monday and while it's clear he's still coming back from surgery, what isn't clear is who will start. My money is on rookie Ray Rice, but McGahee could steal carries if he practices well enough. Couple that with the fact that I think either runner will face 8 men in a box as the Bengals dare Joe Flacco to beat them with his arm - and I suspect either running back is a risky choice, even against the Bengals. Speaking of quarterbacks, Troy smith is home from the hospital and has dropped an astonishing 20 pounds. He won't be playing anytime soon, hence the rumors Joey Harrington and former Jaguar Todd Bourman might sign with the team.

Oakland Raiders
Javon Walker also returned to practice yesterday and while NFLN's Adam Shefter reports that he is considered questionable with a hamstring injury, he looked fine, though he did have trainers check his leg out. Walker is not someone I want to have to start at all this week against Denver.

Seattle Seahawks
Matt Hasselback was back at practice Monday and said his back was not going to be a factor going against the Bills week 1. While I am always concerned with a back injury, I may be more concerned with the beat up wide receivers. Hass could be a risky play against an improving Bills secondary.

That's all for now - remember to subscribe to ITunes and get the News Stampede delivered right to your door!

More later....

Rudi Johnson, Detroit Lion

No sooner do I say it's been slow when Detroit goes and signs Rudi Johnson to their roster.

This should spell the end of the Tatum Bell experience in Motown and Johnson should spell rookie Kevin Smith enough to have some potential bye-week upside, if not more. If Smith burns out (as rookies tend to) near the end of the season, RudiJ could have some nice value at the end of the year.

Final NFL Cut list

A few cuts are still trickling in here and there but here is the basic list of those that fell in the annual 'Great Saturday Massacre'. Once again, props to FBG Jeter23 whose list in the Shark Pool at footballguys.com was a great reference. I have some thoughts on some of the cuts I will follow up with as well, but for now just try not to hurt yourself with the mass amount of names. Some (Andre Woodson, Marcus Thomas) will end up on the practice squad (Woodson already did I believe) and may get work later if there is an injury.

And now - the list of the fallen:

49ers -- DT Joe Cohen, TE Cooper Wallace, S Lewis Baker, QB Kyle Wright, G John Booker, WR Jerard Rabb, WR Robert Ortiz, OL Chris Patrick, P Ricky Schmitt, WR Dominique Zeigler, T Joe Toledo, G Brian de la Puente, TE J.J. Finley, LB Larry Grant, DE Louis Holmes, S D.J. Parker, CB Markus Curry, DL Walter Curry, RB Thomas Clayton, DT Atiyyah Ellison, LB Dennis Haley, FB Moran Norris, DT LaJuan Ramsey, T Alan Reuber, WR Cameron Colvin, WR Ashley Lelie

Bears -- WR Marcus Monk, CB Ricky Manning Jr., LB Rod Wilson, OL Tyler Reed, OL Cody Balogh, OL Ryan Poles, WR Mike Hass, FB Lousaka Polite, DE Daniel Bazuin, RB P.J. Pope, LB Michael Okwo, S Leonard Peters, DE Ervin Baldwin, DE Joe Clermond, WR Brandon Rideau, TE Fontel Mines, G Anthony Oakley, LB Joey LaRocque

Bengals -- OT Willie Anderson, RB Rudi Johnson, LB Ahmad Brooks, QB Jeff Rowe, WR Mario Urrutia, DT Antwon Burton, S John Busing, DE/OLB Eric Henderson, RB James Johnson, CB Deltha O'Neal, LB Jim Maxwell, TE Nate Lawrie, G Nate Livings, T Dane Uperesa, G James Blair, DE Angelo Craig, DLs Anthony Hoke and Dan Howell, WR Maurice Purify, WR Clyde Logan

Bills -- DB Kennard Cox, WR C.J. Hawthorne, P D.J. Fitzpatrick, DE Shaun Nua, TE Courtney Anderson, CB Will James, LB Donnie Spragan, RB Dwayne Wright

Broncos -- WR Samie Parker, DL Josh Mallard, WR Lorne Sam, S Josh Barrett and DE Paul Carrington, DE Larry Birdine, QB Darrell Hackney, OL P.J. Alexander, TE Chad Mustard, WR Glenn Martinez, TE Brett Pierce, OL Mitch Erickson, WR Marquay McDaniel, P Sam Paulescu, G Dylan Gandy, LB Jordan Beck, CB Wale Dada, DT Steven Harris, WR Cliff Russell, DB Tyrone Poole, and S Vickiel Vaughn

Browns -- DE Chase Pittman, RB Travis Thomas, OL Derrick Morse, OL Marvin Philip, TEs Brad Cieslak and Kolomana Kapanui, WRs Lance Leggett and Steve Sanders, CBs A.J. Davis and Jereme Perry, S Travis Key and Brandon Mitchell, LBs Chase Ortiz and David McMillan, OT James Lee, K Jason Reda, LB Shantee Orr and waived DL Melila Purcell, OT Jonathan Palmer, WR Travis Wilson, WR Steve Sanders, WR Efrem Hill

Buccaneers -- WR Paris Warren, LB Antoine Cash, S Donte Nicholson, QB Chris Simms, DT Dre Moore, LB Ryan Nece, WR Brian Clark, DE Patrick Chukwurah, CB Darrell Hunter, WR Chad Lucas, DE Charles Bennett, RB Clifton Smith

Cardinals - WR Jemalle Cornelius, CB Marcus Brown, C Hercules Satele, DL Bryan Robinson, CB Travarous Bain, CB DeMario Minter, S Dennis Keyes, LBs Brandon Moore, Matt Stewart, Chris Harrington, and Joe Tafoya, DB Michael Adams, DL Jason Banks, DL Keilen Dykes, WR Jamaica Rector, RB Stevie Baylark, RB Chris Vincent, OLs Kelly Butler, Carlton Medder, Peter Clifford and Jasper Harvey, TE Alex Shor, TE Brent Miller, C Pat Ross, QB Anthony Morelli

Chargers -- QB Casey Bramlet, WR Billy Pittman, TE John Tereshinski, WR Marco Thomas, K/P Billy Vinnedge, RB Eldra Buckley, DE Andre Coleman, NT Keith Jackson, TE Keith Grennan, DT Lamar Divens, LB Antwan Applewhite, LB Erik Bakhtiari, WR Gary Banks, S Tra Battle, CB Josh Bell, TE Wade Betschart, SS Brian Bonner, RB Marcus Thomas, G Erik Robertson, LB Carlos Polk, OT Tony Pape, LB Terna Nande, OT Tyler Luellen, WR Mark Jones, OL Brandyn Dombrowski

Chiefs -- LB/FB Oliver Hoyte, DE Trevor Johnson, OT Ken Shackleford, K Conner Barth, LB E.J. Kuale, LB Steve Octavien, S Khayyam Burns, OT Anthony Alabi, TE Michael Allan, C Rob Smith, WR Kevin McMahan, OL Travis Leffew, G Ed Harrison, WR Sergio Joachim, WR Jabari Arthur, DE Jason Parker, DT Johnny Dingle, DT Derek Lokey, CB Rashad Barksdale, WR Bobby Sippio, T Will Svitek, G Tre' Stallings, G Rob Smith, LB Lerue Rumph, FB Chris Manderino, TE Tim Massaquoi, LB Jon Banks, LB Marcus Buggs, LB Blake Costanzo, OL Dustin Dickinson, OT Patrick Estes, FB Jonathan Evans, OL Robert Felton, DB Dustin Fox, OL Christian Gaddis, RB Bruce Hall, WR Felton Huggins, DT Jason Jefferson, DE Derrick Jones, DT Corey Mace, WR Scott Mayle, OL Nevin McCaskill, DT Teraz McCray

Colts -- RB Clifton Dawson, LB Marcus Richardson, P/K Adam Crossett, WRs Devin Aromashodu, Onrea Jones and Sam Giguere, Dls Joe Bradley, Jeff Charleston, Dan Davis, Colin Ferrell and Ben Ishola, OL Tala Esera, Darren Marquez and Michael Toudouze, DBs Brannon Condren and Brandon Foster, TE Tyrice Thompson, LB Victor Worsley, LB Kyle Shotwell, QB Quinn Gray, QB Jared Lorenzen, RB Kenton Keith, RB Chad Simpson

Cowboys -- FB Ronnie Cruz, CB Quincy Butler, QB Jeff Terrell, P Jay Ottovegio, WR Daniel Polk, G Adam Stenavich, QB Richard Bartel, WR Mark Bradford, WR Mike Jefferson, TE Rodney Hannah, TE Drew Atchison, RB Alonzo Coleman, FB Julius Crosslin, C Ryan Gibbons, OT Cory Lekkerkerker, DE Marcus Smith, DE Marcus Dixon, NT Junior Siavii, NT Remi Ayodele, LB Darrell Robertson, LB Erik Walden, LB Tyson Smith, LB Tearrius George, S Dowayne Davis, WR Todd Lowber, WR Danny Amendola, RB Keon Lattimore

Dolphins -- S Keith Davis, FB Reagan Mauia, S Courtney Bryan, TE Justin Peelle, OLB Junior Glymph, RB Lex Hilliard, CB Will Billingsley, LB Titus Brown, C Mike Byrne, WR Jayson Foster, LB Maurice Fountain, NT Anthony Toribio, LB Edmond Miles

Eagles -- WR Bam Childress, LB Pago Togafau, CB Nick Graham, CB Therrian Fontenot, G Stefan Rodgers, RB Ryan Moats, TE/FB Kris Wilson, LB Justin Roland, DT Montae Reagor, LB Andy Studebaker, CB Kyle Arrington, DE Jerome McDougle, FB Jed Collins, FB Jason Davis, WR Michael Gasperson, DT Michael Marquardt, WR Shaheer McBride, G Scott Young

Falcons -- G Kynan Forney, OL D'Anthony Batiste, C Doug Datish, DE Brandon Miller, DT Montavious Stanley, TE Marcus Pollard, LB Cameron Vaughn, DL Rashad Moore, OT Terrance Pennington, DE Willie Evans, S Deke Cooper, TE Keith Zinger, CB Wilrey Fontenot, WR Chandler Williams, WR Eric Weems, LB Mickey Pimentel, CB Glenn Sharpe, S Daren Stone, S Eric Brock, OT Michael Butterworth, QB Joey Harrington

Giants -- WR DJ Hall, S Craig Dahl, S Miguel Scott, WR Michael Jennings, WR Marcus Monk, FB Robert Douglas, OG Kurt Quarterman, TE Eric Butler, DT Ogemdi Nwagbuo, LB James Terry, OL Cliff Louis, LB Tank Daniels, K Josh Huston, DB Geoff Pope, OL Andrew Bain, S Stuart Schweigert, QB Andre Woodson, TE Jerome Collins, DE Alex Morrow, DE Wallace Gilberry, OL Na'Shan Goddard, OL Digger Bujnoch, DT Jeremy Clark, WR Brandon London, DT Rodney Leisle.

Jaguars -- OL Chris Liwienski, WRs John Broussard, Clyde Edwards, Jeron Harvey, DL Alex Boston, WR Ryan Hoag, OL Pete McMahon, CB Isaiah Gardner, WR D'Juan Woods, CB Rashod Moulton, DB Trae Williams, TE Chris Brown, DE Mkristo Bruce, OT Andrew Carnahan, TE Charles Davis, QB Todd Bouman, RB Ciatrick Fason, LB Tony Gilbert, DT Jesse Mahelona, LB Lamar Myles, DEs Kenny Pettway and Bo Schobel, G/C Drew Miller, CB Michael Grant

Jets -- RB Musa Smith, S Ron Girault, RB Rodney Kinlaw, OT Thaddeus Coleman, LB Matt Chatham, CB Hank Poteat, TE A.J. Schable, DL Thomas Johnson, RB/FB Jehuu Caulcrick, TE Jason Pociask, DL Ropati Pitoitua, WR Paul Raymond, LB Brandon Renkart, WR David Ball, G Jacob Bender, WR Larry Brackins, CB Rudy Burgess, OL Stanley Daniels, OL Kyle DeVan, OL Nate Garner, S James Ihedigbo, DE Bryan Mattison, G Matt McChesney, LB Blair Phillips

Lions -- K Dave Rayner, CB Stephen Howell, LB Tyrone Pruitt, G Carroll Madison, DE Claude Harriott, WR Taye Biddle, WR Devale Ellis, CB Dovonte Edwards, TE Clark Harris, DB LaMarcus Hicks, WR Brandon Middleton, G Corey Hulsey, QB Drew Henson, WR Ron Bellamy, LB Darnell Bing, S Greg Blue, LB Buster Davis, G Frank Davis, DE Victor DeGrate, RB Artose Pinner, WR John Standeford, WR Kenneth Moore, CB Kiwaukee Thomas, T Jonathan Scott, LB Leon Joe, DE Rudy Hardie, LB Anthony Cannon and FB Sean McHugh

Packers -- RB DeShawn Wynn, RB Ryan Powdrell, WR Chris Francies, OL Ryan Consodine, S Tyrone Culver, WR Taj Smith, WR Jake Allen, WR Brett Swain, WR Johnny Quinn, CB Joe Porter, CB Scorpio Babers, FB Corey White, TE Joey Haynos, LB Spencer Havner, LB Danny Lansanah, G Ryan Keenan, C Brennen Carvalho, T Orrin Thompson, DT Conrad Bolston, DT Daniel Muir, DT Alfred Malone, RB Vernand Morency, RB Noah Herron

Panthers -- QB Lester Ricard, CB Curtis DeLoatch, TE Chris Conklin, DE Casper Brinkley, RB LaBrandon Toefield, RB DeCori Birmingham, FB Troy Fleming, WR Travis Taylor, WR William Buchanon, WR Chris Hannon, TE Chad Upshaw, OGs Toniu Fonoti, Milford Brown, and Evan Mathis, and OTs Geoff Schwartz, and Rueben Riley

Patriots -- RB Kyle Eckel, CB Jason Webster, OL Ryan Wendell, CB Jeff Shoate, C Jimmy Martin, TE Jonathan Stupar, NT Steve Fifita, C Mike Flynn, QB Matt Gutierrez, RB Benjarvus Green-Ellis, DL Tituss Adam, TE Tyson DeVreen, S Mark Dillard, LB Vince Redd, CB Mike Richardson, T Stephen Sene, G John Welbourn, and DL Santonio Thomas, LB Victor Hobson, CB Fernando Bryant, DB Antwain Spann

Raiders -- S Jarrod Cooper, DL Greg Spires, LB Grant Irons, QB Jeff Otis, WR Johnathan Holland, C Jesse Boone, CB Darrick Brown, DE Derrick Gray, DE Greyson Gunheim, FB Luke Lawton, CB-S Nate Lyles, WR Chris McFoy, P Glenn Pakulak, RB Louis Rankin, FB Marcel Reece, G Brandon Rodd, CB Nick Sanchez, and LB Shane Simmons, TE Darrell Strong, DB Marviel Underwood, CB Michael Waddell, TE Chris Wagner, LB Adam Archuleta, RB Adimchinobe Echemandu DT Josh Shaw

Rams -- WR Marques Hagans, S Jerome Carter, WR Matt Caddell, TE Nick Cleaver, CB Tanard Davis, CB Cortney Grixby, C Donovan Raiola, LB Marcus Riley, DL Henry Smith, DL Willie Williams, WR Reche Caldwell, WR Brandon Williams, DE C.J. Ah You, WR Derek Stanley, C Dustin Fry, CB Darius Vinnett, T Mark LeVoir, RB Lance Ball, LB Marc Magro, CB David Macklin, FB Russ Weil

Ravens -- DE/OLB Dan Cody, RB Alex Haynes, TE Keith Heinrich, OL Adam Kraus, LB Robert McCune, WR Justin Harper, TE Adam Bergen, QB Casey Bramlet, DT Darrell Campbell, WR Patrick Carter, OG Adrien Clarke, DT Amon Gordon, RB Allen Patrick, CB/S Ronnie Prude, OT Joe Reitz, OT Chad Slaughter, LB/DE Gary Stills, WR Ernie Wheelwright, DL Lorenzo Williams, WR Matt Willis, DT J'Vonne Parker

Redskins -- LB Matt Sinclair, S Vernon Fox, WR Burl Toler, DT Babatunde Oshinowo, DE Dorian Smith, WR Burl Toler, WR Billy McMullen, WR Horace Grant, LB Curtis Gatewood, LB David Holloway, CB Cedrick Holt, G Fred Matua, WR Maurice Mann, WR Anthony Mix, DT Matthias Askew, DT Ryan Boschetti, RB Nehemiah Broughton, T Devin Clark, G Andrew Crummey, QB Derek Devine, S Patrick Ghee, P Derrick Frost, OT Todd Wade, RB Marcus Mason, CB Byron Westbrook, CB Matteral Richardson, LB Danny Verdun Wheeler, T Tavares Washington, WR Billy McMullen, WR Horace Grant, LB Curtis Gatewood, LB David Holloway, CB Cedrick Holt, G Fred Matua, WR Maurice Mann

Saints -- FB Kevin Dudley, WR Todd Blythe, S Curome Cox, C Rob Hunt, P Waylon Prather, TE Ronnie Ghent, S Lance Schulters, DE Jeremy Geathers, DE Marcus Pittman, S David Roach, G Isaiah Ross, OT Brian Stamper, QB Tyler Palko, TE Buck Ortega, DE Josh Savage, FB Olaniyi Sobomehein, WR/PR Skyler Green, DL Orien Harris, OL Tim Duckworth, LB Jo-Lonn Dunbar, RB Lynell Hamilton, LB Will Kershaw, WR Joe West, K Tyler Mehlhaff, G Andy Alleman

Seahawks -- CB Omare Lowe, WR Joel Filani, FB David Kirtman, LB Dallas Sartz, TE Joe Newton, P Reggie Hodges, C Ben Claxton, C Nick Jones, DBs Jamar Adams and Kelin Johnson, QB Dalton Bell, DT Kevin Brown, WRs Michael Bumpus and Trent Shelton, T Kyle Williams, DE Nu'u Tafisi, DT Larry Tripplett and WR Bryan Gilmore

Steelers -- WR Jeremy Bloom, QB Mike Potts, DL Martavius Prince, TE Lee Vickers, LB Patrick Bailey, WR/KR Eddie Drummond, P Paul Ernster, FB Billy Latsko, OG Doug Legursky, OG Matt Lentz, CB Roy Lewis, S Grant Mason, DE Ryan McBean, OT Jeremy Parquet, DT Scott Paxson, DE Jordan Reffett, WR Willie Reid, WR Micah Rucker, TE Dezmond Sherrod, RB Justin Vincent, CB Travis Williams, LB Mike Humpal, S Ryan Mundy

Texans -- FB Jameel Cook, WR Tim Carter, G Mark Fenton, RB Darius Walker, RB Marcel Shipp, S Glenn Earl, WR Mark Simmons, QB Shane Boyd, DL Gabe Long, DL Jesse Nading, DE/OLB Rosey Colvin, DT Anthony Maddox, CB Jamar Fletcher, WR Darnell Jenkins, LB Ben Moffit, DE Tim Bulman

Titans -- DT Barry Booker, T Brandon Torrey, WR Chris Davis (WFU), LB Jorge Cordova, QB Ingle Martin, CB Cary Williams, K John Vaughn, S Tony Joiner, WR Edward Williams, RB Omar Cuff, CB Marquice Cole, S Tuff Harris, OLs Isaac Snell, Jason Murphy, Enoka Lucas, Fernando Velasco, LB Jerrell Freeman, WR Roydell Williams, FB/LB Jeremy Cain, DE Eric Taylor, WR Biren Ealy, S Calvin Lowry, DT Antonio Johnson, DE Sean Conover, TE Jamie Petrowski, FB Casey Cramer

Vikings -- LB Derrick Pope, WR Daniel Davis, OLs Sean Dumford, OL Brock Pasteur, WR Martin Nance, C Dan Mozes, OT Chase Johnson, TE Braden Jones, CB Dee McCann, WR Jaymar Johnson, DE Martail Burnett, and DE Leger Douzable, G Brian Daniels and RB Albert Young, LB Rufus Alexander, LB David Herron Jr., WR Nate Jones, CB Brandon Sumrall, DE Chris Norwell, QB Brooks Bollinger, K Steven Hauschka, CB Marcus Walker, LB J Leman, C Tim Mattran, WR Darius Reynaud

I'll try to give a full practice squad accounting but I make no promises. I know Woodson (NYG), RB Marcus Thomas (DET) and Darius Walker (HOU) have been signed to practice clubs or in Thomas' place, onto the roster directly. The cut by the Chargers cost them a solid back, though one they can spare. Thomas might be a very nice short yardage guy for the Lions and could kill Rudi Johnson's chances of catching on in Detroit.

More later - have a good one!

College Football Season - Woo-Hoo!

Although it technically started Thursday, College Football season kicked into high gear today as the bulk of the NCAA locked horns for the first weekend of the season.

Some of the highlights:
#1 Georgia started their season off with a 45-21 drubbing of Georgia Southern. QB Matthew Stafford threw for 275 yards (his highest career total to date) and 2 TDs. Knowshon Moreno didn't carry the ball much (just 8 carries for 59 yards) but totaled 3 TDs and added 2 catches for 53 yards as Georgia put up 24 points in the first half, then took off and never looked back.

#2 Ohio State didn't let up in their opening matchup against Youngstown State either, as they blanked the Pengiuns 43-0. Of course the biggest impact may be the potential loss of Heisman Hopeful RB Beanie Wells as he was carted off the field with an injury to his right foot. According to ESPN, X-rays were negative and Wells was back on the sidelines wearing a protective boot. Seeing the injury it seemed like a freak thing - like he planted his foot oddly and slipped. It is unknown if he will miss time, but early indications are it isn't serious. Lost in this was frosh QB Terrelle Pryor who ran the ball for 52 yds and a TD and threw the ball for 52 yards. Back to Wells, be may miss the next game in order to be fully healed for the week 3 matchup with USC which will have huge impact on the BSC race.

Speaking of #3USC, they were no less impressive in their opening game, shelacking Virginia 52-7. Marc Sanchez looked like he suffered no ill effects returning from his off-season knee injury, throwing for a tremendous 338 yards and 3 TDs, a performance not marred in the least by 1 INT. As is the case often with USC, multiple backs contributed to production at the position: Stafon Johnson ran in a TD from the 2, Joe McKnight carried the ball 6 times for 60 yards (and added 24 more through the air) while CJ Gable rushed for 73 yards and a TD. USC also seems to have found a pair of solid recievers in Ronald Johnson (3-78yds-1TD) and Damian Williams (7-91yds). USC's next game is in 2 weeks against Ohio State.

#4 Oklahoma continued the top team trend of annhilating the opposition, pounding Chattanooga 57-2. Sooner Qb Sam Bradford threw for 183 yds and 2 TDs while the gorund game of Chris Brown and DeMarco Murray combined for 187 yards and 5 TDs. Teh game was delayed for about an hour at halftime due to lightning and while the Sooners didn't match the first half stats, they gave no quarter.

Rounding out the top 5, #5 Florida beat Hawaii with a relatively balanced attack. Heisman Winner (and frontrunner) Tim Tebow did well, though not spectacularly so (9/14, 137 yds, 1TD) and instead the Gators scored everywhere else - defense, special teams, and with great play by their running backs, most notably Jeffrey Demps who ripped off a 62 run for a TD and Chris Rainey who blew off a 33 yd TD run. It's got to be nice when the Heisman Winner from 2007 is merely a tool in a blowout win, not the reason for it. And terribly scary for upcomign foes who know Tebow is capable of breaking out when needed - and now seems to have teammates who can do the same.

The rest of the rest:
#6 Missouri beat #20 Illinois 52-41 and while Illinois made a game of it after the half, it wasn't THAT close. #7 LSU didn't repeat Michigan's blunder against Appalachian State, beating them 41-13. Like much of the nation, our prayers are with them and the whole of the Gulf Coast as Hurricane Gustav bears down on the area. #8 West Virginia doubled up on Villanova 48-21 as Pat White threw for 208 yards and 5TDs. Amazingly, Villanova had more yards (399-354) than Virginia and more 1st downs as well. That has to change of the Mountaineers want to challenge for the BCS title. The UPSET SPECIAL SPECIAL turned out to be #24 Alabama as they beat #9 Clemson 34-10. The Crimson Tide's defense was the story as they shut down Clemson, smothering the run game completely and holding the whole offense to 189 yards total. #10 Auburn took care of business and shut out tomato can Louisiana-Monroe 34-10. #11 Texas beat Florida Atlantic 52-10 on a night when they retired Vince Young's jersey. They didn't miss Young at Qb tonight, though as Colt McCoy went 24/29 for 222 yards and 3 TDs, popping back up after three late hits after which things got choppy. Hey Coach Schnellenberge - think the Longhorns are tough now? Graham Harrell, #12 Texas Tech's QB threw for a staggering 536 yards and 2 TDs as the Red Raiders spanked Eastern Washington 49-24. #13 Wisconsin beat Akron 38-17 as Badger RB PJ Hill went off for 210 yards and a pair of TDs. He is human though - and fumbled on the goal line. #14 Kansas beat Florida International 40-10 with QB Todd Reesing going 37-of-52 for 256 yards and three TDs. #15 Arizona State isn't done beating Northern Arizona yet but after 3 quarters it's 30-3 and QB Rudy Carpenter has already totalled 388 yards through the air, a TD and then another 40 yards on the ground and has now taken a seat. That's what we at the Blurb call 'over'. #16 Brigham Young beat Northern Iowa 41-17 while QB Maz Hall threw for 486 yds and 2 TDs. East Carolina stunned #17 Virginia Tech to the tune of 27-22 as TJ Lee blocked a punt and returned it 27 yards for a TD with 1:52 left the game. #19 South Florida spanked Tennessee-Martin, who they limited to just 96 yards on offense. Like with #15 ASU, #21 Oregon leads their game with authority, ahead of Washington 37-10 in the 4th quarter. Joe Paterno tied Bobby Bowden for most wins by a college coach with a 66-10 win by his #22 Penn State Nittany Lions over Coastal Carolina. And then he tried to tell us he doesn't care. Sure Joe, sure. #23 Wake Forest already pounded Baylor 41-13 on Thursday, lead by a very efficient Riley Skinner (27/36 for 220 yds and 3 TDs). Finally, Bowling Green took down #25 Pitt, 27-17 as the Panthers turned the ball over 4 times and made too many mistakes to get by the Falcons, even though they outgained them in total offensive yards.

#18 Tennessee meets UCLA on Monday.

How's that for a kickoff weekend?