PAGE 10B PRESS & DAKOTAN/PLAIN TALK ■ FALL SPORTS 2013 College Football: Pick-Six Categories — Contenders, Heisman Favorites, Sleepers And Sliders BY KEVIN LYTTLE © 2013 Austin American-States- man, Texas NATIONAL TITLE SHOTS

Alabama: Some people are being too cute reaching for a new No. 1. The Tide have won three of the last four ti- tles and have the entire pack- age to make it four of five. Vegas says they’re the 3-to-1 favorite. Ohio State: Maybe it takes an ex-SEC two-time national champ to beat an SEC champ. Urban Meyer has a much smoother road to the BCS final through the soft Big Ten. Vegas: 6-to-1. Oregon: Chip Kelly’s gone, but his jacked-up offense isn’t. The Nike flagship pro- gram has 16 returning starters from a 12-1 team, though the Ducks won’t be plus-21 in turnover margin again. Vegas: 8-to-1. Georgia: The Bulldogs were so close last year. They have eight 10-or-more win seasons under Mark Richt. Talk about knocking on the door. But the opening sched- ule is a beast. Vegas: 12-to-1. Stanford: One of the most ferocious defenses returns nine starters. A road-grading offensive line has four NABIL K. MARK/CENTRE DAILY TIMES/MCT starters back, and Kevin Taylor Martinez of Nebraska runs through the Penn State defense during their meeting last November. The Sept. 14 matchup between Nebraska and UCLA could be one Hogan is an emerging force at of the non-conference games to watch this season. QB. His receivers are un- proven. Vegas: 17-to-1. Texas A&M: Seems like good vibe going with the HEISMAN CON- early Heisman QB showdown Gamecocks. Jadeveon there’s bad karma here. So Hoosiers. Anthony Barr (UCLA between Murray (3,893 yards, Clowney chases Aaron Mur- much depends on the status TENDERS OLB): The converted running 36 TDs) and Tajh Boyd (3,896 ray. That ought to be enter- of Johnny Manziel. The Ag- STOCK FALLING back set the world on fire in yards, 36 TDs). taining. his first year as a defensive TCU vs. LSU (Aug, 31, Ar- Alabama at Texas A&M gies also need to overhaul a Braxton Miller (Ohio State defense that wasn’t anything starter. He had 13.5 sacks, 83 lington): One of two Big 12 vs. (Sept. 14): If the Crimson LSU: We’re not predicting QB): Meet your new Heisman tackles, 10 for losses, and five SEC showdowns on opening Tide avenges its home-field special last year. Vegas: 18-to- dire things for the Tigers, but favorite. Miller led the Buck- 1. pass breakups. The senior is day, and this outshines Okla- defeat to the Aggies last fall, it will be near impossible for eyes to 12-0 by passing for projected as a top-10 NFL homa State-Mississippi State. it should be clear sailing until a team that lost 11 guys to 2,039 yards and 15 TDs and draft pick. Which QB steps up: the Nov. 9 against LSU, a game STOCK RISING the NFL to win 10 games running for 1,271 and 13 TDs. Kyle Van Noy (BYU OLB): Frogs’ Casey Pachall or the that’s in Tuscaloosa. against a schedule that in- He’s sort of like Manziel with- The only player in the coun- Tigers’ Zach Mettenberger. Florida State at Clemson Texas: The Longhorns cludes Georgia, Florida, Ole out the baggage. try who posted a stat in Will The Mad Hatter outfox (Oct. 19): If the ACC produces could find the perfect storm. Miss, Alabama, Texas A&M Teddy Bridgewater every defensive column, plus Gary Patterson? Notre Dame a national contender, it They have 19 returning and TCU. Especially with a (Louisville QB): The Cardi- a blocked kick and a fumble- at Michigan (Sept. 7): Always should come out of this starters from a 9-4 team that mediocre passing attack. nals precocious junior al- return TD, according to Phil a classic, the ND-UM stakes game. The Seminoles look won its bowl game, and there West Virginia: If the Moun- ready is showing up No. 1 Steele. Had 13 sacks and were raised when Brady Hoke sneaky good; the Tigers is a serious power void atop taineers could only go 7-6 overall in some 2014 NFL eight other QB hits. chided the Irish for "chicken- might have their best shot the Big 12. Somebody’s got to with last year’s spectacular mock drafts after completing Anthony Johnson (LSU ing out" of the series by an- since 1981. fill it. offensive talent, what will nearly 70 percent of his darts DT): An inside run-stuffer nouncing it will end in 2014. Georgia vs. Florida (Nov. Miami: The Hurricanes are they do without all that fire- in 2012. who also provides a push up Florida at Miami (Sept. 7): 7): The old cocktail party re- flying below the radar, but power in 2013? Mississippi Jadeveon Clowney (South the middle and looks like the The Sunshine State rivals tains its elite status with the they appear poised to emerge State: The Bulldogs have just Carolina DE): Charles Wood- next great LSU d-lineman. haven’t hooked up in five Dawgs’ irresistible offensive from the NCAA doghouse a dozen starters back from a son (Michigan ‘97) is the only C.J. Mosley (Alabama ILB): years. The Hurricanes, after force vs. the Gators’ immov- with a vastly improved team team that went 1-5 in its last primary defender to win the This year’s leader of the some tough times, should fi- able defensive object. led by QB Stephen Morris six games. The SEC West is statue, but Clowney has the fierce Tide defense does a bit nally have a team that can Oregon at Stanford (Nov. and RB Duke Johnson. the wrong place to be. necessary hype (and skill) to of everything. Had 107 tack- wrestle with the Gators. 7): Somebody’s gotta face the Ole Miss: Even though the Rutgers: The Scarlet at least get in the conversa- les, four sacks and two inter- UCLA at Nebraska (Sept. SEC champ in the BCS title top-10 recruiting class won’t Knights won nine games in tion. ceptions in 2012. 14): Fascinating QB show- game. Perhaps it will be the make much impact this year, 2012 and nearly beat Johnny Manziel (Texas Bradley Roby (Ohio State down between the Bruins’ survivor of this Pacific North- the Rebels are on the rise Louisville to make their first A&M QB): Odds are falling CB): Topped the Big Ten with Brett Hundley and the west showdown. Great con- with 18 returning starters BCS bowl. Now they rebuild like a rock on Johnny Foot- 19 passes defensed, and NFL Huskers’ Taylor Martinez trast in styles between the from a bowl winner that im- with just 10 starters back and ball, who’s gone from 4-to-1 scouts say he’ll go in the top (doesn’t this seem like his Ducks’ finesse and the Cardi- proved dramatically late in a challenging schedule. to 12-to-1. Only Archie Griffin 15 next May. eighth year at NU?). nal’s power. the year. Syracuse: The Orange (1974-75) has won it twice. Louis Nix (Notre Dame Oklahoma at Notre Dame Ohio State at Michigan USC: After last year’s spec- went 8-5 and won a bowl last Aaron Murray (Georgia NG): Nobody budged this 6-3, (Sept. 28): Intersectional (Nov. 30): The Buckeyes have tacular flameout, the Trojans year and figure to slip way QB): The SEC has become a 357-pounder. OK, Alabama heavyweight matchups are a good chance to take an 11-0 are being discounted. But back in their ACC debut with- quarterback-strong league, did. But nobody else. few and far between, so treas- record into the Big House for there are too many blue-chip- out coach Doug Marrone and Murray might be the best ure round two of this one. the annual Big Ten grudge pers on campus to go 7-6 (Buffalo Bills), QB Ryan Nas- pure passer in the bunch. EARLY ATTRAC- The Irish probably won’t con- match. again. sib (N.Y. Giants) and his re- T.J. Yeldon (Alabama RB): tend for a national title again, Arizona State: The Sun ceivers. Or it could be A.J. McCarron, TIONS but Brian Kelly has awakened North Carolina State: Los- Alabama QB. But if Yeldon the echoes in South Bend. CROSBY-JAEGER Devils have 15 starters, in- (non-conference games) cluding QB Taylor Kelly, back ing QB Mike Glennon and half (1,108 yards, 6.3 average, 12 FUNERAL HOME INC. from an 8-5 team that won its their starters from a 7-6 bowl TDs) is the work horse, he’ll Avon, SD team and bringing in a new be formidable. Georgia at Clemson (Aug. MARQUEE CONFER- bowl game 62-28. 31): The week 1 highlight. 119 N. Poplar St. Indiana: The Hoosiers wel- coaching staff spells overhaul ENCE GAMES for the Wolfpack. IMPACT DEFEND- The Bulldogs are No. 5 in the Wagner, SD come back 19 starters from a coaches poll, the Tigers No. 4-8 team. Experienced losers? 124 E. Hwy 50 ERS . . . 8. These should be two of the South Carolina at Georgia Perhaps, but former Okla- more explosive offenses in (Sept. 7): After starting with 384-3781 homa OC Kevin Wilson has a (not named Clowney) the country, and it’s also an Clemson, the Dawgs draw the Springfield, SD 604 8th St. 369-2488 to the BCS title game is also a trip to the BCS title game for Iowa State High On must for a McCarron Heis- Mariota and the Ducks, will Jim & Julie Jaeger and Chad Peters Heisman man. seem like a disappointment. From Page 9B 5) Jadeveon Clowney, DE, Oregon will need to be just South Carolina. If Clowney is about perfect to have its first QB Sam Richardson going to be the first defensive Heisman winner. Commercial BY LUKE MEREDITH end of 2012 was enough to Murray a shot to get a huge player to win the Heisman, AP Sports Writer convince coach Paul Rhoads jump on the competition. he’ll need to put up a huge EXTRA POINT: State Bank and his staff that Richardson Boyd has three big tests to sack total. The official NCAA Six more prime Heisman ~ Since 1902 ~ AMES, Iowa (AP) — Nearly could be something special. pass (Georgia, Florida State, record is 24 by Terrell Suggs contenders: Teddy Bridgewa- all the so-called surprise Richardson was buried on Oct. 19, and at South Car- of Arizona State in 2002. The ter, QB, Louisville; Kevin (605)384-3646 teams in the Big 12 in recent the depth chart nearly all sea- olina, Nov. 30) in an other- late Derrick Thomas had 27 Hogan, QB, Stanford; Jordan 204 South Main • Wagner, SD years were led by big-time son as the third-stringer. He wise ho-hum schedule. for Alabama in 1988 before Lynch, QB, Northern Illinois; quarterbacks who put their only got a shot in mid-Novem- Clemson needs to go at least sacks became an official stat. Braxton Miller, QB, Ohio Fax: (605)384-3403 The magic sack number for State; Casey Pachall, QB, www.commercialstate.com programs over the top. ber because the coaching staff 2-1 in those games and win Email – [email protected] Can Iowa State sophomore had become completely exas- the Atlantic Coast Conference Clowney? Twenty sounds TCU; Lache Seastrunk, RB, Sam Richardson be the next perated with co-starters Jared for Boyd to win the Heisman. about right. Also, he’ll proba- Baylor. unknown to emerge as a star? Barnett and Steele Jantz. 4) AJ McCarron, QB, Ala- bly need to score a touch- The Cyclones believe so Richardson was put in bama. The Crimson Tide are down and/or pick off a pass. — even though he’s only during the third series almost too good to have a And lead the Gamecocks to thrown 79 career passes. against Kansas with bowl eli- Heisman winner. With so the SEC title game. Despite all Iowa State thinks they’ve gibility on the line. Richard- much talent surrounding Mc- the hype, realistically, finally found a dual-threat son was a revelation, Carron (receiver Amari Clowney is a long shot to win playmaker in Richardson, a throwing for 250 yards and Cooper, tailback T.J. Yeldon, the Heisman. Wagner Red Raiders sophomore who will get his four touchdowns on 23 of 27 etc.) it’s hard for him to 6) Marcus Mariota, QB, third career start on Saturday passing — albeit against one stand out. And his raw num- Oregon. Mariota’s problems Football against Northern Iowa. of the nation’s worst de- bers will always lag behind are similar to McCarron’s. As 8/30 @ Tri-Valley 7 p.m. 10/4 @ Todd County 7 p.m. good as Mariota is, the Ducks 9/6 McCook Cent.-Montrose 7 p.m. 10/11 Bon Homme 7 p.m. Of course, no one is ready fenses — in a 51-23 win. other top quarterbacks be- 9/20 Parkston 7 p.m. 10/18 @ Canton 7 p.m. to declare Richardson a pro- Richardson wasn’t nearly cause of Alabama’s balance are loaded. Do-everything- 9/27 Beresford 7 p.m. 10/24 @ Winner 7 p.m. back De’Anthony Thomas gram-changing talent along so spectacular in losses to and ability to easily dispatch Volleyball the lines of Robert Griffin III West Virginia and Tulsa to so many opponents. To sepa- might be the most dynamic and dangerous player in the 8/31 Parkston Tourn. 8:30 a.m. 10/8 Scotland 6:30 p.m. or Kansas State’s Collin Klein close out the season. But rate himself from the pack, 9/3 @ Platte-Geddes 6:30 p.m. 10/12 Chester Classic TBA just yet. But the Cyclones Iowa State’s loss to the Moun- McCarron will need more mo- country. The Ducks’ propen- 9/5 @ Chamberlain 6:30 p.m. 10/14 Mount Vernon-Plankinton sity to pound their oppo- 9/12 Gregory 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. can’t stop raving about their taineers came on a day when ments like he had at LSU last 9/17 @ Avon 6:30 p.m. 10/15 @ Parkston 6:30 p.m. promising quarterback. extremely gusty wind made season, when he led the Tide nents provides plenty of 9/21 Cavalier Clash 8:30 a.m. 10/17 Andes Central 6:30 p.m. fourth-quarter rest for Mari- 9/24 Bon Homme 6:30 p.m. 10/22 Winner 6:30 p.m. “The best quality that Sam to a last-minute, game-win- 9/30 @ Vermillion 6:30 p.m. 10/26 SESD (Chamberlain) 10 a.m. ning touchdown. Another trip ota. And anything less than a 10/3 @ Winner 6:30 p.m. 10/28 @ Burke-South Central is that he’s always composed, CYCLONES | PAGE 11B 10/5 @ Tri-Valley 1:30 p.m. (Bonesteel) 6:30 p.m. he knows what’s going on 10/7 @ Tripp-Delmont-Armour and he’s aware,” Iowa State (Armour) 6:30 p.m. senior running back Jeff Cross Country Woody said. “He’s got a good FORT RANDALL 8/31 Mitchell Inv. 10 a.m. 9/21 Wagner Inv. 9 a.m. arm, and (the) dude can run. 9/3 McCook Central-Montrose Inv. 9/23 Bon Homme Inv. 2 p.m. (Salem) 4:15 p.m. 9/28 Platte-Geddes Inv. 10 a.m. But the best thing Sam has TELEPHONE CO. 9/7 Corsica-Stickney Inv. 9 a.m. 10/3 South Central Inv. 4:15 p.m. got is between his ears, and 9/9 Scotland Inv. 4:15 p.m. 10/7 SESD (Scotland) 3 p.m. that’s something that instills 9/19 Chamberlain Inv. 2:30 p.m. 10/10 Parkston Inv. 4:15 p.m. confidence in the team be- Boys’ Golf cause we know exactly 9/5 Chamberlain Inv. 10 a.m. 9/17 Winner Inv. 10 a.m. what’s going on.” 563-2863 9/9 Parkston Inv. (Mitchell) TBA 9/23 Pre-Regional (Pierre) TBA Richardson’s resume is Please Thank Your Local Businesses Who Sponsored This Calendar limited to a three-game stretch that was both bril- Centerville, SD A Touchstone Energy Coorperation liant and inconclusive. But that brief look at the Lake Andes, SD 57356 (605)487-7321