Me and my imaginary friend Jimmy know
underdogs can dance their way to Pasadena.
Teams often (indignantly) fall short of an expected coronation. And teams finish shy of first, but still
shake up the league.
Teams belonging to history have ZERO influence on the
current squad. It simply
illustrates in this preview, where we feel an upset will occur - oh, we called
it baby. We seek no
compromise. Because me and
Jimmy? We are forthcoming.
Lets all fear for our lives together, shall we? Its go time Part III.
No. 3
Arizona State (9-3, 6-2)
QB Andrew Walter can go lights out on anyone
but adjusts to life without his All-American WR. Daryl Lightfoot, experienced
Skyler Fulton look good, but work remains. TE a drop off from last season, several
players trying to fill roles. Depth
at RB but productivity questions; Mike Williams, Cornell Canidate
among several vying for start/playing time. LG Tim Fa’aita plus all starters
return on O-Line. Ground attack
does just enough, Walter and wideouts don’t have to be perfect to put up big
points.
D-Line above average. Still, miss Terrell Suggs who
made everything go. Lightning-fast
260 pound DT Brian Montesano one of strongest players; a testament
to will & skill. Concern at LB;
Jamar Williams, Barton Hammit frontrunners to start in ASU’s
4-2-5. CB speed but coverage skills
debatable. Jason Shivers,
Riccardo Stewart very solid at Safety - but other three spots
very suspect.
Schedule: OOC opponents Iowa, N. Carolina, two waltzes. Pac-10 slate difficult games on road in
OSU, WSU. ASU misses
Washington.
PTW: LB
Jamar Williams. Guided
missile must lead in the 4-2-5;diminish loss of senior backers. Strong play last year but limited
duty.
The Jimmy Notes: Jimmy
thinks a team of monkeys could coach better defense here. And not astronaut monkeys either, just
your group of everyday simians.
Jimmy fully acknowledges success & gives credit due the staff. But Jimmy thinks it’s a damn
shame because talent resides on this D. Fascination with all things Offense in
Fall’s Koetter & Ego catalog holds ASU short of Roses. WR, TE steadily gain rapport with
Walter. Adequate running game just
enough; keeps opponents honest.
Inconsistent D the difference.
Paging J. Fred Muggs. J.
Fred Muggs please report to the Ego in the desert. Stat.
No.
2 WASHINGTON
STATE (9-3, 6-2)
Most starters set. Athletic QB Matt Kegel must
perform at higher level, doesn’t need to be all-world; relatively strong Camp
but Saturdays are benchmark. RB
Jermaine Green can take it to house every down. JCT Chris Bruhn needs to learn
system but has WSU buzzing.
LT Calvin Armstrong leads talented, veteran O-Line striving to
reach elite level within grasp. WR
depth unproven after Devard Darling; Sammy Moore steps up,
Chris Jordan will dazzle.
TE Troy Bienemann leads deepest position; all five capable of
playing time.
D-Line will simply take over. Strong, quick DEs and deep:
Isaac Brown, D.D. Acholonu start, Adam Braidwood,
Mkristo Bruce see plenty of snaps.
DT Tai Tupai looks to regain 2001 form, in best shape of
career. Phenom Will Derting
leads LB corps but replacement needed for godsend Mawuli Davis at
MLB. Secondary is tight. CB Jason David added amazing 20
pounds to frame; underrated S Erik Coleman will explode upon the
scene. Depth at corner
untested.
Schedule:
Vicious. OOC includes Notre
Dame, Colorado on road, scrappy New Mexico. Difficult Pac-10 slate but OSU, ASU,
UCLA at home. Misses
Cal.
PTW: CB
Karl Paymah. Talk of Spring
having stellar Camp. Replacing star
Marcus Trufant not expected but Paymah has all the tools to be one of the
best by career end. Speed to
thrill.
The Jimmy Notes: Bolton
& Jimmy argued violently here.
Ultimately, everything must go perfectly for return to Pasadena; simply
no room for error. Jimmy sees Kegel
alternating brilliance, inconsistency all season; and not necessarily
corresponding to opposition level.
Jimmy says RB provides the heavy lifting on O. TEs key contributors in receiving,
plowing the road. But Jimmy knows
defense ultimately carries the day.
Jimmy stresses D won’t tire as much; new ball control emphasis on
O. Coverage units yet to prove
excellence but outstanding K, P, return men alone make special teams the
X-factor. Jimmy concludes D +
running game = Victory while QB provides leadership, wins over fans.
No. 1
Oregon State (10-2, 7-1)
O-Line returns four and RB Steven Jackson
tortures opponents. 1,656 yards
rushing won’t be repeated only because O more balanced. QB Derek Anderson inconsistent
yet still had solid numbers; looking very comfortable in new system
emphasizing short/medium routes. TE
Tim Euhus leads wealth of talent at position. Look for double TE sets as
often as 3 wides in the one back system.
James Newson unbelievable WR; not enough accolades - but depth a
concern. Several candidates in mix
to step up alongside Newson.
Offense relentlessly wears opponents down with newly balanced
attack.
Speed kills; this D has it. MLB Richard Seigler is absolute
terror, two new starters at LB but very experienced. DE Bill Swancutt returns to
veteran line with 21 TFL. Secondary
is an issue. Two new corners
will have growing pains. S Mitch
Meeuwson, Lawrence Taylor rock-solid but depth behind them thin. Ultimately, Defense performs better than
on paper; speed & quickness offset shortcomings in the secondary.
Schedule: OOC
Fresno State, Boise State, two gift-wraps.
ASU,UW at home with WSU, USC,Civil War on road. Seven home games and favorable non-con
schedule significant.
PTW: WR
Mike Hass continues outstanding Camp; pushing for either
start/significant playing time.
Potentially huge; allowing Newson to shred
defenses.
The Jimmy Notes: Jimmy
says D has enough swarm & speed to keep opponents down. Jimmy thinks unit works exceptionally
well together; sum of its parts far outshines individual talent breakdown. D benefits enormously from ball control
Offense; even more than WSU.
O will be tremendous; Jackson not only talented but capable workhouse
when needed, good receiver out of backfield. Physical WR Newson simply a star; put up
great numbers with double, even triple teams. Jimmy says if WR corps produces another
threat, Newson puts up ungodly numbers.
K Kirk
Yliniemi is money, P returns,
special teams emphasized by Mike Riley; will be a strength. Jimmy recognizes new coach concerns, but
Jimmy cannot ignore this offense.
Its built for Roses.