After a pretty solid week one for me, it’s onto week two of the Big Ten football season.  My only two misses last week were Indiana, who lost to Ball State and Middle Tennessee, who lost to Purdue, in my upset special.  Middle Tennessee was leading Purdue by 14 points in the 4th quarter but could not hold on.  That’s alright, 10-2 is a pretty solid start.  Some interesting games on the docket this week including what will likely be a barn-burner at the Big House between Michigan and Notre Dame.  Ready for my picks?

Saturday:
Iowa vs. Iowa State
Florida Atlantic vs. (17) Michigan State
Oregon State vs. (8) Wisconsin
S. Dakota State vs. Illinois
E. Illinois vs. Northwestern
New Mexico State vs. Minnesota
(3) Alabama vs. (23) Penn State
Purdue vs. Rice
Virginia vs. Indiana
Fresno State vs. (10) Nebraska

Upset Special:
Notre Dame vs. Michigan

Blowout Game:
Toledo vs. (15) Ohio State

Season Record: 19-5

With the 2011 NFL Draft now in the books, it’s time to hand out the grades.  We’ll start with the Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers!

Green Bay Packers:

Drew Smith: A-
I liked the drafting of a tackle in the first round, which shows excellent future vision from Ted Thompson.  The fact that he also most likely replaced the significant departing free agents (Brandon Jackson, James Jones and maybe Daryn Colledge) was a solid move, and he also addressed the biggest glaring weakness of his championship team: the return game.  I love the pick of Randall Cobb, who will get a shot to be a contributor on offense, but has a chance to be a star as a returner.  Did they need two tight ends?  Probably not, but with Derek Lee probably gone, and Finley’s health still a bit of a question mark, it never hurts to have some redundancy.  I will be shocked if all ten make the roster, however.  With this group and the talent on the team now, including injured players coming back, if half make the team that will be a successful draft, seven out of the ten would make it great.

Paige Pearson: B
The Packers put great emphasis on drafting big bodies in early rounds and they did that in selecting tackle Derek Sherrod. Addressing the aging tackles (Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher) was a must for the Packers. The Packers also addressed a need by drafting Randall Cobb. The wide receiver out of Kentucky says he has no problem returning kicks and punts. As for the latter part of the Packers draft, they treated it like free agency. We’ll see if it pays off down the road.

Justin Felder: B+
It’s tough to grade, since before the draft we all pegged the Packers needs as OLB and DE; but as Dom Capers told us after all was said and done, the team seems to be much more comfortable with the guys they have than we thought they were.  Love the first round OT selection and I think you should beat the bandwagon and get your Randall Cobb jersey early because he’ll be a fan-favorite, but I feel adding talent at the spot opposite Clay Matthews would’ve been more valuable than a third running back (assuming Brandon Jackson won’t be back).  Perhaps not drafting a defensive lineman early means the team will (attempt to) bring back Cullen Jenkins, but the Packers final pick, DT Lawrence Guy, could develop into a solid DE in Capers’ system.

Doug Ritchay: B
When the players haven’t even practiced, it’s hard to grade a draft class. However, Sherrod’s addition settles the tackle position for years, and Cobb and Williams could turn into good offensive weapons.

Josh Morgan: B+
Nothing flashy, as per usual for Ted Thompson and the Packers, but the quality and quantity was definitely apparent.  Derek Sherrod eases any concerns that people have with Chad Clifton, while Randall Cobb may end up being the best pick in this draft class.  With Donald Driver not getting any younger and the possibility of losing James Jones to free-agency, Cobb will likely be asked to produce in his first year.  Driver still has some catches in him, don’t get me wrong, but his most important role this year might be to get Cobb ready for the future.  Alex Green is as tough as they come and D.J. Williams might be that diamond in the rough that most teams look for later in the draft. Don’t be surprised if he gives Andrew Quarless a run for his money in camp.  As for the rest of the draft, the Packers definitely tried to stockpile with three sixth round picks and two in the seventh. With no free-agency for now, the Packers used the end of the draft to bring some extra players in. Overall, the Packers added solid talent, high character, and plenty of depth.

Arizona Cardinals: B+
Kind of feels like they took the “best-player-available approach.” Probably got the best player in the draft in Patrick Peterson, and Ryan Williams is going to be a star. Picking up LB’s Sam Acho and Quan Sturdivant later were great value picks.

Atlanta Falcons: B
Made the biggest draft splash by trading up to get Julio Jones, but didn’t really address their needs on defense. LB Akeem Dent will contribute, but won’t be a difference-maker. RB/ATH Jacquizz Rodgers is a dynamic player and dynamite talent. But will they stop anyone?

Baltimore Ravens: B
Of course the Ravens went defense in the first round, albeit after missing their slot. Jimmy Smith is a physical corner with a ton of upside. They also picked up a couple WR’s to bring some youth to an aging receiving corps.

Buffalo Bills: B+
The Bills just got a lot better on defense. DE Marcell Dareus will be an instant difference-maker along the Bills defensive line, while CB Aaron Williams is a first-round talent they were able to get in the second round.  The only reason this isn’t an A is because the Bills did nothing to help a mediocre offense.

Carolina Panthers: C-
Well, they got QB Cam Newton. But Newton’s still a project and the rest of the picks aren’t going to be household names any time soon.  The worst team in the NFL didn’t get much better…

Chicago Bears: B-
The Bears had to be happy getting a guy like OT Gabe Carimi to fall to them late in the first and Stephen Paea is a beast at DT, but with only five picks in the draft the Bears weren’t able to address any needs on offense.

Cincinnati Bengals: B+
You just gotta love the top two picks in WR A.J. Green and QB Andy Dalton. If nothing else, these two picks bring some excitement to a franchise that doesn’t have too much to be exited about.

Cleveland Browns: B
Browns got great value in this draft by making the early trade with the Falcons.  They were able to move back in the first round and still get great talent and a BIG body in DT Phil Taylor.  DE Jabaal Sheard will likely start for the Browns next season and WR Greg Little will be a threat for the lackluster Browns offense.

Dallas Cowboys: B-
Some nice variety for the Cowboys in the first three rounds with OT Tyron Smith, LB Bruce Carter and RB/ATH Demarco Murray.  Unfortunately, I’m not sure Demarco Murray fits this team very well and they failed to draft anyone of note in the secondary.

Denver Broncos: C+
LB Von Miller will be my preseason pick for Rookie of the Year, but John Elway appears to still be learning at this whole NFL Draft.  Then again, he didn’t handle it very well when he was drafted either…

Detroit Lions: A-
DT Nick Fairley was the steal of the draft at no. 13 and I can’t wait to see him next to Ndamukong Suh next season.  Titus Young is a dynamic receiver and RB Mikel Leshoure provides the “thunder” to go along with 2010 selection Jahvid Best’s “lightning.” Lions are still thin in their back seven though. Probably should have been addressed.

Houston Texans: A+
Bottom line, the Texans got three players with first-round talent. Adding DE’s J.J. Watt and Brooks Reed will provide quite a scare for opposing QB’s when teamed up with pro-bowler Mario Williams, while Brandon Harris very well might start at corner when the Texans open up the 2011 season.

Indianapolis Colts: C+
The Colts got a couple guys that will help protect Peyton Manning in OT Anthony Castanzo and OT Ben Ijalana, but defense is still a huge concern. I understand wanting to protect the franchise, but this Colts defense is nowhere near championship caliber.

Jacksonville Jaguars: B
The Jags got their quarterback of the future to fall to them at them at no. 10.  They then took the rest of the draft off…Okay, that might be a little harsh, but I don’t see any of these guys stepping in and making a difference this season. Gabbert alone, however, is enough to carry this draft class to a decent grade.

Kansas City Chiefs: C-
Apparently the Kansas City Chiefs can’t handle success. After a surprising 2010 season, the Chiefs followed it up with one of the worst draft classes in the league.  They reached for WR Jonathan Baldwin and they reached for C Rodney Hudson. Third-round pick, LB Justin Houston, who was thought to be a late-first, early-second round talent was a nice pick in the third.  Chiefs needed weapons on offense, not sure they got them.

Miami Dolphins: C+
The Dolphins went with the safe pick in the first round with C Mike Pouncey.  But then they went with a luxury pick in RB Daniel Thomas in the second round and questionable WR choice in Edmond Gates in the third. Miami has needs and they weren’t addressed, in my opinion.

Minnesota Vikings: C
After what was almost a comical year for the Vikes, they didn’t do much to stop that downward momentum.  QB Christian Ponder was a huge reach at No. 12 and while Kyle Rudolph is a great talent at tight end, last time I checked the Vikings had a pro-bowl caliber tight end in Visanthe Shiancoe.  DT Christian Ballard was a good value pick later on, but otherwise pretty ho-hum for the Vikes.

New England Patriots: C-
Why is everyone so excited about this Ryan Mallett pick? The Patriots have a back-up QB that they are very high on in Brian Hoyer.  I’m kind of getting sick of the Patriots antics in the draft and really not impressed with the talent they accumulated.  Nate Solder will be a good tackle, and that’s all I’ve got…

New Orleans Saints: B+
Despite picking near the end of the first round, the Saints made the most of it.  They started with the very talented DE Cameron Jordan from Cal and then traded up to get RB Mark Ingram.  If the Saints can find a way to work Reggie Bush into that offense it’s going to be tough to stop.  Greg Romeus was a great value pick in the 7th round.

New York Giants: B+
The Giants did some nice work in the early rounds with CB Prince Amukamara falling to them at no. 19 and then getting DT Marvin Austin in the second round.  And look out for WR Jerel Jernigan from Troy. With a solid WR corps in New York, look for Jernigan to be open quite a bit across the middle.

New York Jets: B
DT Muhammad Wilkerson was a nice get late in the first round while DT Kendrick Ellis will help solidfy the middle of that Jets defensive line. I also really liked the pick of Jeremy Kerley in the 5th round.  Watch out when that guy touches the ball.

Oakland Raiders: D
And the Raiders have once again proved why they are the Raiders. Oakland didn’t have a first round pick and they didn’t seem to pay much attention after that. Stefen Wisniewski will probably end up being a good center, but they could have got drafted him at least a round later.  CB DeMarcus Van Dyke is fast, but that’s about it.

Philadelphia Eagles: B-
Well, apparently the Eagles weren’t impressed with David Akers’ misses in the playoffs against the Packers.  They made a pretty loud statement by taking kicker Alex Henery in the 4th round.  Of course, they did have 11 picks so they had to pick someone there. But really, the 4th round?

Pittsburgh Steelers: B
DE Cameron Heyward will be a staple of the Steelers defense for years to come and Marcus Gilbert will eventually work his way into a starting role. Probably could’ve addressed some needs at the skill positions but they’re the Steelers, they’ll be fine.

St. Louis Rams: B+
Well, this grade is based off the big unknown that is DE Robert Quinn.  After being suspended for the entire 2010 season at UNC, Quinn will at least be fresh when he suit up for the Rams.  As for the rest of the draft, St. Louis made sure they got some weapons to put around last year’s top pick Sam Bradford with TE Lance Kendricks, and WR’s Austin Pettis and Greg Salas.

San Diego Chargers: B
Well, the Chargers couldn’t play defense last year, so they made sure they tried to fix that.  First three rounds went DE Corey Liuget, DB Marcus Gilchrist, and LB Jonas Mouton.

San Francisco: C+
Really like LB Aldon Smith…in a 4-3 defense. Unfortunately the Niners run a 3-4. He’s a good enough player to make the transition but it might take awhile. Not convinced Colin Kaepernick is the QB of the future in San Francisco either. Let’s wait and see on this one…

Seattle Seahawks: C
Don’t mid the Seahawks going offensive line with their first two picks except for the fact that 1st round pick James Carpenter should have been picked in the 2nd round at the earliest. And I guess they’re hoping that one of the three defensive backs they drafted can guard someone.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B+
This could end up being the best draft class, or it could blow up in the Bucs face. Both DE Adrian Clayborn and DE Da’Quan Bowers have medical concerns but if they can find a way to stay healthy, both guys will start next season. Bowers could be a pro-bowler as a rookie. Also look for DB Ahmad Black to start in 2011.

Tennessee Titans: B-
Jake Locker over Blaine Gabbert? I don’t see how.  I guess they said he’s the anti-Vince Young…in that case, great pick. In any other case, that’s a reach. LB Akeem Ayers was a nice grab in the second round, but the quarterback will continue to be a problem in the Music City.

Washington Redskins: C-
How don’t you draft a quarterback? Donovan McNabb won’t be back and Rex Grossman has already proved he’s not the answer.  DE Ryan Kerrigan will be a stud on defense but defense isn’t the problem right now.

After a banner year for the Wisconsin Badgers football team, which came oh so close to a win in the Rose Bowl, a number of players are now looking to the next level.  Six players, in my opinion, at least have a chance of getting drafted when then NFL Draft kicks off on April 28th.  Here’s a breakdown of where I think they might land.

J.J. Watt – Defensive End:

What a player.  There’s not a team in the NFL that wouldn’t want a player like J.J.  His motor is endless, yet he’s not just a motor guy.  He’s talented, he’s smart, and he has a nose for the football.  He just seems to be a part of every play.  Whether he’s knocking down a pass, sacking the quarterback, or even blocking a kick, Watt was one of the biggest impact defensive players in the country.

Projection: 1st Round, 18th overall, to the San Diego Chargers

Gabe Carimi – Offensive Lineman:

One of the best offensive linemen in the country.  The 2010 AP All-American and Outland Trophy winner (best offensive lineman in the country), was probably the best pass blocking lineman in the country.  He’s big, strong, and maybe most importantly, athletic.  And just like his defensive counterpart Watt, Carimi is incredibly smart both on the field and in the classroom.  He likely won’t be the first or second offensive lineman taken, but you can count on Carimi being a staple of any offensive line for the next 10 years.

Projection: 1st Round, 22nd overall, to the Indianapolis Colts

Lance Kendricks – Tight End:

One word.  SLEEPER! Comes from a long line of great Badgers tight ends over the last five years including Travis Beckum (Giants) and Garrett Graham (Texans). The 2nd -team All-American has had a number of injury problems but his talent is unquestionable.  Had the Badgers been more of a pass-friendly offense, Kendricks could’ve been the top tight end in the country.  Needs to become a little better blocker to be a good pro, but the guy can get open and has great hands.  He’ll probably drop further in the draft than he should, but whoever takes a chance on him won’t be sorry.

Projection: 3rd round, 80th overall, to the Jacksonville Jaguars

John Moffitt – Offensive Lineman:

Joined his offensive lineman counterpart Gabe Carimi on the 1st-team All-American list.  He’s not nearly as athletic as Carimi, but don’t sleep on how quick this 314-pound beast can be.  He started 42 of 45 games in a Badgers uniform and is poised to start for a very long time in the NFL.  The only thing that drops Moffitt in this draft is that athleticism.  Is he gonna be able to hang with the top-tier defensive linemen play after play in the NFL?  Probably not right now, but give him some time. Moffitt, like the rest of his Badgers teammates, is a very smart and coachable player.  Let’s see what a little time in the league can do for him.  I think he could be a steal in the fourth round.

Projection: 4th round, 131st overall, to the Green Bay Packers

Scott Tolzien – Quarterback:

Tolzien is a tough one.  You want to think there is potential for him in the NFL, and there very well may be.  But right now he’s nothing more than a backup.  Tolzien obviously played in a very run-oriented offense at Wisconsin, so it will be interesting to see how he responds in a more balanced attack.  Tolzien can play from under center as well as in the shotgun.  He’s a tough kid that’s willing to take a hit, unfortunately his courage is not always rewarded.  His mediocre arm-strength is definitely a cause for concern.  He just seemed to make too many unforced errors, even when things appeared to be rolling at times.  I do think he gets drafted though, and I strongly believe he can make a roster.  Let’s give him a few years, you never know with a guy like Scott, you just never know.

Projection: 6th round, 199th overall, to the Kansas City Chiefs

John Clay – Running Back:

Oh what could’ve been for John Clay.  It’s not how we all expected it to end for the bruising running back.  Arguably one of the best backs in program history, leaves the Badgers quietly after his junior season for the NFL.  If Clay is at any other school he probably returns for his senior season.  But with the emergence of Montee Ball and James White, the John Clay era in Madison rightfully came to and end.  He would share carries and probably have his draft stock fall even further than it has.  But, that’s not to say I’ve given up on Clay.  I still think there’s some potential and a fresh start in the right situation could be a game-changer.  He’s still a darn good back and has some size and athleticism to make defenders think.  But there are obviously some questions.  Can he stay healthy?  Can he stay committed?  I hope he can, because big John can still be a player, I have no doubts.

Projection: Undrafted free agent

Here’s a look at my 2011 NFL Mock Draft.

Here’s a look at a Badgers Photo Gallery.

Okay, so who had all four of these teams in the Final Four?  How about three?  All right, two?  One?  None of them?  Yeah, me either.   Despite our lack of skill picking these teams to make it to Houston, I can’t say that I am particularly upset with the quality of the tournament to this point.   I wouldn’t be surprised if the NCAA selection committee is throwing a party every time VCU upsets another team, because the only Final Four the Rams should be playing in is the NIT.

That being said, don’t think I won’t pick them to win the National Championship this weekend at Reliant Stadium.  They’re hot, they have no regard for the game, and they are playing with a chip on their shoulder unlike one I’ve ever seen before in my life.  Not one person thought VCU should be in this tournament. I’m not even so sure head coach Shaka Smart thought his team deserved to be dancing.  But the Rams have two-stepped their way down to Texas and no team deserves to be there more.

In fact, let’s start with the Rams:

Virginia Commonwealth:

Road to Houston:

First Round: Beat No. 11 USC 59-46
Second Round: Beat No. 6 Georgetown 74-56
Third Round: Beat No. 3 Purdue 94-76
Sweet 16: Beat No. 10 Florida State 72-71
Elite 8: Beat No. 1 Kansas 71-61

Analysis: As I mentioned before, how can you bet against a team like VCU?  How can you bet against a coach like Shaka Smart?  This is a team that plays with a reckless abandon, yet are very disciplined.  Let’s call it organized chaos.  I can’t tell you how many times I said to myself “what a terrible shot” when I saw some of those three’s go up against Kansas late in the game.  But who am I to question the way they play?  It’s got them this far and it’s hard to believe it won’t get them a step further.  They’ve got a hard-nosed point guard in Joey Rodriguez and a go-to scorer in Bradford Burgess.  They’ve had arguably the hardest road in the tournament and the only team to have to played five games.  They’ve won and they’ve won convincingly…can they keep it going?

Butler:

Road to Houston:

Second Round: Beat No. 9 Old Dominion 60-58
Third Round: Beat No. 1 Pittsburgh 71-70
Sweet 16: Beat No. 4 Wisconsin 61-54
Elite 8: Beat No. 2 Florida 74-71 OT

Analysis: Speaking of a team you shouldn’t bet against!  Back-to-back Final Four’s for the Bulldogs now and this time without Gordon Hayward.  Brad Stevens is quickly establishing himself as one of the top coaches in the country.  If there’s one team in the tournament that represents its mascot, it’s the Butler Bulldogs.  They just find ways to beat you and are lead by the biggest Bulldog in the country in Matt Howard.  He hit a game-winning lay-up at the buzzer in their opener, the game-winning free throw against top -seeded Pitt, and came down with a hug rebound in the closing seconds of their OT win against Florida.  This is a team of winners and a team that’s been here before.  Now they are just one win a way from back-to-back national title appearances.

Kentucky:

Road to Houston:

Second Round: Beat No. 13 Princeton 59-57
Third Round: Beat No. 5 West Virginia 71-63
Sweet 16: Beat No. 1 Ohio State 62-60
Elite 8: Beat No. 2 North Carolina 76-69

Analysis: This wasn’t supposed to be the Kentucky team that made it to the Final Four.  This was the Kentucky team that was going to have to find a way to replace the NBA’s top-overall pick John Wall and fellow lottery pick DeMarcus Cousins.  Of course, they didn’t do a bad job replacing those guys with players like Brandon Knight, Terrence Jones, and Doron Lamb.  But Kentucky struggled in the middle of the year until finally putting a run together late in the season and into the SEC tournament.  And remember, less than two weeks ago they almost fell victim to a huge second round upset to Princeton.  If not for a Brandon Knight scoop shot with less than five seconds remaining, we wouldn’t be talking about the Wildcats.  But a win’s a win no matter how you get it, especially in March.  Kentucky has looked better in each game they’ve played.  They’ve beat Ohio State and North Carolina in back-to-back games and are clicking on the offensive end.  They face their third straight powerhouse in UConn this weekend.  Can the kids keep filling it up?  Can’t wait for this one!

Connecticut:

Road to Houston:

Second Round: Beat No. 14 Bucknell 81-52
Third Round: Beat No. 6 Cincinnati 69-58
Sweet 16: Beat No. 2 San Diego State 74-67
Elite 8: Beat No. 5 Arizona 65-63

Analysis: Two words…Kemba Walker.  This guy is amazing.  When will he finally play a bad game?  Or won’t he?  If he doesn’t, this team is your national champion.  The Huskies have now won 12 straight tournament games including three at the Maui Invitational, five at the Big East Tournament, and now four in the Big Dance.  This team is battle tested and have the best player/leader in the land in Kemba.  This team is young though and have often times relied on Kemba to win games for them. They’re gonna need a full team effort to beat Kentucky.  Jim Calhoun is a Final Four regular and will have his hands full keeping his young players emotions in check.  But what a legendary run it could be for UConn if they can win their last two games and make it 11 straight tournament wins to end the year.

Final Four Picks:

No. 11 Virginia Commonwealth vs. No. 8 Butler

Winner: Virginia Commonwealth

No 4. Kentucky vs. No. 3 Connecticut

Winner: Kentucky

National Championship:

No. 11 Virginia Commonwealth vs. No. 4 Kentucky

Winner: Virginia Commonwealth

Call me crazy, but there’s no way I’m betting against a team playing with this much passion.  This game will change college basketball forever and I can’t wait to be a part of it!

Technically, the 2010 Heisman Trophy presentation isn’t until Saturday, but let me be the first to tell you there’s no need to tune into the incredibly boring ceremony on ESPN—unless of course you’re looking to see a variety of inspirational stories and interviews with the four Heisman finalists, their families and their coaches, that somehow span out over the course of two painful hours.

When Oregon’s LaMichael James, Stanford’s Andrew Luck, and Boise State’s Kellen Moore arrive at the Downtown Athletic Club in New York City, it will be first time this season those three players will walk into a situation where they have no chance of winning.

I’m sorry to ruin it for you, but this race has been over for weeks,

Auburn’s Cam Newton will be your Heisman Trophy winner and not even the egregious allegations that he has faced over the course of the season will derail this dream from becoming a reality…and here’s why:

Let’s start on the field.  Cam Newton has put up video game type stats this season for the Tigers while leading them to a perfect 13-0 record and a spot in the national title game against James and Oregon.

Try these numbers out for size:

Completion Percentage:                   67.1                Rushing Attempts:            242

Passing Yards:                               2,589               Rushing Yards:               1,409

Touchdowns:                                    28                   Rush Yards/Game:        108.4

Interceptions:                                   6                     Touchdowns:                     20

That’s a combined 3,998 yards and 48 touchdowns!  In fact, Cam never accounted for fewer than two touchdowns in any game this season, while saving his best for last when he accounted for six TDs (four passing, two rushing) in the SEC Championship game against South Carolina.  I’m sorry folks, but you just can’t deny those numbers.

Now let’s move off the field, where Newton has made just as many headlines as he did on it.  After a spectacular start to the season, numerous stories and allegations began to surface regarding Newton and how he ended up at Auburn.  The most serious of which regarding an alleged ‘pay-to-play’ scheme in which his father apparently ‘shopped’ his son to numerous schools in return for Newton’s services.

Newton was actually ruled ineligible by Auburn University the Monday before the SEC Championship game, but was quickly reinstated by the NCAA the following day because “[The NCAA does] not have sufficient evidence that Cam Newton or anyone from Auburn was aware of this activity…”

Of course, if any of these allegations are indeed true, I find it hard to believe Cam wasn’t at least aware of the activity regardless of how much involvement he may or may-not have had.

But guess what, the amount of involvement, if any, that Newton had is not what’s up for vote this Saturday.  The award for the best player in college football is.  Now, I understand that there is an obligation to maintain the integrity of the most prestigious award in college football, but there’s also an obligation to give this award to the best player…and that’s not even a question.