Category Archives: NCAA
Vols go with Cincy's Jones as new Head Football Coach
Hosted by Tim Kelly-Host,Owner, and Founder of The Real Sports Talk
Follow Tim on Twitter @KashKelly_TRST
Tennessee has struggled to replace Phillip Fulmer. First they went with Lane Kiffin. Kiffin talked a big game, and appeared to have Tennessee headed in the right direction, before bolting fo the USC job after just one season. Tennessee then went with Derek Dooley, who struggled to put together a winning formula in the SEC, and was fired after finishing off his third season with a record of 15-21.
The Vols hope that the third time is the charm in replacing Fulmer, as they are set to announce today that Butch Jones of Cincinnati will take over as their next head coach. Jones, will reportedly sign a 6-year contract, with the monetary value not yet disclosed.
Jones, who spent three years as Cincy's head coach, went 23-14 after replacing Brian Kelly as Head coach in 2010.
Tags: Butch Jones Vols, Derek Dooley fired, mrkellstar, Tennesee new head coach, the real sports talk, trst, Vols new head coach
Notre Dame defeats USC 22-13-Headed to National Title! Manti Hesiman? Kiffin out in USC?
By Tim Kelly-Host,Owner, and Founder of The Real Sports Talk
Tags: Alabama vs Notre Dame national title, Georgia vs Alabama SEC Title, Georgia vs Notre Dame national title, lane kiffin fired, Matt Barkley, Mrkellsta, Notre Dame beats USC, Silas Redd, the real sports talk, trst
#1 Kansas State & #2 Oregon upset! Is Notre Dame-Alabama National Title up next?
Tags: BCS National Title, Johnny Football, Kansas State upset, mrkellstar, Notre Dame vs Alabama, Oregon loses, the real sports talk, trst
2012-13 College Basketball Preview (Top 5)
By Brian Hays
Follow Brian on Twitter: @brian8556utube
Check out Brian on YouTube at YouTube.com/brian8556
Here is the Top 25 for the College Basketball USA Today/ESPN poll and my preview on it.
1. Indiana: This is the biggest Indiana team in a while. Last year, they defeated Kentucky, giving the national champions their only loss of the year. Led by Cody Zeller, this team should be the best team in the Nation. Expectations are high, as Zeller manned the cover of Sports Illustrated last week, but the talent is in Indian to lead the Hooisers to a National Title. Key Players: Center Cody Zeller: Last Year: 15.6 points per game and 6.6 rebounds per game, Power Forward Christian Watford: Last Year: 12.6 points per game and 5.8 rebounds per game, and Point Guard Jordan Hulls: Last Year: 11.7 points per game, 2.5 rebounds per game and 3.3 assists per game. Postseason Prediction: National Champions.
2. Louisville: They may have lost Kyle Kuric, their best scorer last year, but they still have their best overall and most athletic player, shooting guard Peyton Siva. This team is in the hands of Siva, Center Gorgui Dieng and Pointguard Russ Smith.Rick Pitino has a group returning that leads Louisville fans to have the mindset of National Title or bust. Key Players: Shooting Guard Peyton Siva: Last Year: 9.1 points per game, 3.2 rebounds per game and 5.6 assists per game, Point Guard Russ Smith: Last Year: 11.5 points per game, 2.5 rebounds per game and 1.9 assists per game, and Center Gorgui Dieng: Last Year: 9.1 points per game, 9.1 rebounds per game and 3.4 blocks per game. Postseason Prediction: Elite 8.
3. Kentucky: The defending national champs have lost so many players from this past year. Now without Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and more, it should be a rebuilding year, right? Wrong. Behind Coach Cal, the best recruiter in the country, Kentucky has brought in another talent laden recruiting class. Now with recruits Power Foward Nerlens Noel, Shooting Guard Archie Goodwin and Small Foward Alex Poythress, Kentucky has the chance to be very dangerous again this season, and if things fall their way, make a run at back to back National Titles. Key Players: Power Forward Nerlens Noel: Freshman, Shooting Guard Archie Goodwin: Freshman, Small Forward Alex Poythress: Freshman, Center Kyle Wiltjer: Last Year: 5 points per game, 1.8 rebounds per game and 0.4 assists per game, and Point Guard Ryan Harrow (transfer) (NC State): 9.3 points per game, 1.9 rebounds per game and 3.3 assists per game. Postseason Prediction: Final 4.
4. Ohio State: Now that Jared Sullinger and William Buford are gone after 4 dominant years Ohio State is looking for some new stars. The Buckeyes do return Pointguard Aaron Craft, who will be a Senior this year. But the Buckeyes not only have a dominant point guard back, they also have dominant Forward in DeShaun Thomas, who is only a Junior. Key Players: Point Guard Aaron Craft: 8.8 points per game, 3.2 rebounds per game and 4.4 assists per game, Small Forward/Power Forward DeShaun Thomas: 15.9 points per game and 5.4 rebounds per game, and Shooting Guard Amedeo Della Valle: Freshman. Postseason Prediction: Final Four.
5. Michigan: Michigan lost a couple good pieces in Stu Douglass and Zach Novak, but they still have their 2 best players from last year, in Point Guard Trey Burke and Shooting Guard Tim Hardaway Jr. The Wolverines also return another one of last year's key players, Jordan Morgan. Also, they brought in two good recruits, Power Foward Mitch McGray and Small Foward Glen Robinson. Michigan could definitely be one of the best teams in the NCAA. Key Players: Point Guard Trey Burke: Last Year: 14.8 points per game, 3.5 rebounds per game and 4.6 assists per game, Shooting Guard Tim Hardaway Jr.: Last Year: 14.6 points per game, 3.8 rebounds per game and 2.1 assists per game, Small Forward Glen Robinson: Freshman, Power Forward Jordan Morgan: Last Year: 7.3 points per game and 5.6 rebounds per game, and Mitch McGray: Last Year: Freshman. Postseason Prediction: Runners-Up.
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Posted in College Basketball, NCAA
Tags: aaron craft, AP College Basketball rankings, Cody Zeller, College Basketball National Title Prediction, College Basketball Season preview, college basketball top 5, DeSahun Thompson, March Madness, mrkellstar, Peyton Siva, the real sports talk, Tim Hardaway Jr., trst
Jonathan Franklin powers UCLA to 36-30 upset over #16 Nebraska-TRST Game of the Week
Hosted by Tim Kelly-Editor, Host, and Founder of TRST and Nate Sarmir-TRST College Football Analyst
Follow Tim on Twitter @KashKelly_TRST Nate on Twitter @NaterSarms
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Tags: arkasasupset, BrettHundley, collegefootballweek2, DevonWalkerbroeknneck, JonathanFranklin, Ka$hKellyandAC, louisianamonroeupsetsarkansas, mrkellstar, Nebraskaupset, sportsreport, TheNFLFinalScore, therealsportstalk, trst, Tulanesafetybreaksneck, UCLAbeatsNebraska
#2 Alabama roughts #8 Michigan 41-14-TRST College Football Game of the week
Tags: Aj McCarron, Alabama beats michigan, Alabama National Title, Alabama number 1, Denard robinson, Ka$h Kelly, michigan state beats boise state, mrkellstar, ohio upsets penn state, penn state upset, tj yeldon, trst
National Title and Heisman Prediction-Will Matt Barkley take both?
Tags: 2012CollegeFootballPreview, Alabama, Andre Luck, College Football, Geno Smith, Hesiman Watch, Ka$hKellyandACSportsreport, Landry Jones, LSU, Matt Barkley, MichiganvsAlabama, mrkellstar, Robert Griffin, Silas Redd, therealsportstalk, trst, tyrann mathieu, USC
TRST Pre-Season College Football Top 25! 5-1!
By Nate Sarmir-TRST College Football Analyst
Follow Nate on Twitter @NaterSarms
Click Here to read 25-21!
Click Here to read 15-11
Click Here to read 10-6
5. Oregon Ducks– The surprising departure of quarterback Darron Thomas (2493yards and 30 touchdowns) was a setback to Oregon's chances of winning the Pac-12, but the Ducks remain the favorite to win the North Division. Sophomore Bryan Bennett (391 yards and 6 touchdowns) should be Thomas' replacement, as he showed plentyof promise in limited action last season. Although running back LaMichael James(1646 yards and 17 touchdowns) will be missed, the one-two combination of Kenjon Barner (909 yards and 11 touchdowns) and De'Anthony Thomas (1200 total yards and 16 total touchdowns) will give the backfield plenty of talent in 2012. The defense finished fifth in the Pac-12 in points allowed, but could be even better next season returning 8 starters including All-Conference players: Defensive end Dion Jordan and Free Safety John Boyett. The Ducks have an experienced team,hungry for titles. Projected Record: 11-1
4. Louisiana State University Tigers– The Tigers were easily blown out in the national title game by Alabama, but all is not lost going into 2012. LSU has one of the top returning rosters next season, but it also features a handful of question marks. The offense will have one of the top backfields, Michael Ford (756 yards and 7 touchdowns)and Spencer Ware (707 yards and 8 touchdowns) and offensive lines, including twoAll-Conference offensive tackles Chris Faulk and Alex Hurst, in the nation, butthe Tigers will have to rely on Zach Mettenberger (92 yards and 1 touchdown) to improve the quarterback play. The defense will miss cornerback Morris Claiborne,tackle Michael Brockers, and Cornerback Tyrann Mathieu, but this unit shouldstill rank among the nation's best. The defense returns five startersincluding All-Conference Defensive end Barkevious Mingo and Free Safety Eric Reid, and All-American Defensive end Sam Montgomery. Projected Record: 10-2
3. Oklahoma Sooners-The Sooners were one of the favorites to win the national title in 2011,but slipped to a 10-3 record and a fourth-place finish in the Big 12. Althoughit was a disappointing season for Oklahoma, they should finish back in the top10 this year. The offense never recovered after an injury to receiver Ryan Broyles (1157 yards and 10 touchdowns), but the passing attack should be better withan offseason to sort everything out. Dominique Whaley's (627 yards and 9 touchdowns) return from a broken ankle should help bolster the rushing offense and help totake the pressure off of quarterback Landry Jones (4302 yards and 28 TDs). The defense returns eight starters including All-Conference Cornerback Demontre Hurst. Also the addition of former Arizona coach Mike Stoops as defensive coordinator figures to only help this group get better in 2012. Projected Record: 12-0
2. Alabama Crimson Tide– After claiming the national title, Nick Saban and his coaching staffhave some work to do in order to get this team back to No. 1 by the end of nextseason. The Crimson Tide suffered some key losses on both sides of the ball, but Saban has recruited well and this team should be able to reload by midseason. AJ McCarron (2400 yards and 16 touchdowns) had a breakout performance in the national championship against LSU and will be expected to build upon that game in 2012. Losing Trent Richardson is a huge blow to the offense, but Eddie Lacy (631 yards and seven touchdowns), Kenny Bell (255 yards and 2 TDs), and Jalston Fowler (385 yards and4 TDs) are a capable group. The offensive line is verystrong with four returning starters including All-Conference Offensive GuardChance Warmack and All-American Offensive tackle Barrett Jones. Six startersare gone off the nation's best defense, which returns five experienced starters including four seniors. The defense will be tested early with games againstArkansas and Michigan in September. Record: 12-0
1. University of Southern California Trojans– If any team is going to end the SEC's run of dominance, the Trojans are going to be that team. Quarterback Matt Barkley(3528 yards and 39 touchdowns) decided to return for his senior year and will be throwing to one of the top receiving corps in the nation. Also the Trojans added ex-PSU running back Silas Redd (1241 yards and 7 touchdowns) after the sanction fallout at PSU. Replacing offensive tackle Matt Kalil will be one of the biggest question marks for Coach Kiffin.The defense showed improvement last year, but must replace four starters,including all-conference selection defensive end Nick Perry. The defense still has talent though with four All-Conference players: Defensive End Wes Horton,Strongside linebacker Dion Bailey, Cornerback Nickell Robey, and Free Safety T.J. McDonald. The Trojans won't have the depth of LSU or Alabama, but there's plenty of talent coming back to Los Angeles for a run at the national title next year, the Trojans return two All-American players and seven All-Conference players for 2012. Record: 12-0 and 2012 NCAA National Champions.
Tags: BCS, College Football start, College Football top 25, Fiesta Bowl, Ka$h Kelly and AC Sports Report, Landry Jones, Matt Barkley Hesiman, National Title, National Title PReview, silas redd usc, the real sports talk, The Real Sports Talk Network, therealsportstalk, trst
TRST Pre-Season College Football Top 25! 10-6!
10. Arkansas Razorbacks– Arkansas's offseason started with turmoil, after Head Coach Bobby Petrino was dismissed for a very public affair, the Razorbacks got back to football. As they got back to football, it became very apparent that the Razorbacks are closing in on the reign of Alabama and LSU, and that they will have a good chance to make some noise in the SEC this year. All-Conference Quarterback Tyler Wilson (3422 yards and 22 TDs)turned down the NFL for another season with the Razorbacks, and the offense will get a boost with the return of running back Knile Davis (1322 yards and 13TDS in 2010) who returns from a leg injury that prevented his participation last season. The running back position will be a battle for Davis though because while he was out Dennis Johnson was All-SEC last year gaining 670 yards and 3 TDs. The receiving corps must be revamped, but wide receiver Cobi Hamilton (542 yards and 4 TDs) and tight end Chris Gragg (518 yards and 2 TDs) provide a solid foundation to rebuild around. New defensive coordinator Paul Haynes will have his work cut out for him in 2012, as the Razorbacks will be replacing three of their top players; Defensive end Jake Bequette, linebacker Jerry Franklin and safety Tramain Thomas. That taken into consideration, seven starters are returning to the Razorbacks defense. All-Conference punter Dylan Breeding will also stay for his senior year. Projected Record: 10-2
9. South Carolina Gamecocks– After finishing 11-2 and sweeping the SEC East for the first time in school history, Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks look to repeat in 2012. Although Georgia is favorited over the Gamecocks in the SEC East, they will have to battle the Gamecocks in South Carolina. Quarterback Connor Shaw (1218 yards and 12TDs) played well at the end of the season, and the offense will get a boost with running back Marcus Lattimore (818 yards and 10 TDs) returning from a torn ACL. Replacing receiver Alshon Jeffery is the biggest question mark facing the offense in 2012. The Gamecocks will have some stability though with Wide Receiver Ace Sanders (338yards and 2 TDs) and TE Justice Cunningham (142 yards and 1 TD) returning. The Gamecocks finished third nationally in total defense in 2011, but suffered somekey departures, including end Melvin Ingram and cornerback Stephon Gilmore.They return 7 starters including All-Conference Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.The future also looks bright at the QB position with the recruitment of PA Gatorade Player of the year and State Champion Quarterback Brendan Nosovitch. Projected Record: 11-1
8. Michigan Wolverines– With Ohio State ineligible for the Big Ten title, the balance of power in the Big Ten is clearly resting in the Legends Division. The Wolverines are the early favorites, thanks to the return of quarterback Denard Robinson (2056 yards and 18 TDs) and an improving defense. Coach Brady Hoke's first year in Ann Arbor was a success, as Michigan won 11 games and played in a BCS game for the first time since the 2007 Rose Bowl. For the Wolverines to crack the top five, Robinson has to cut down on his interceptions (15) and improve his completion percentage (55%). The defense showed big progress under coordinator Greg Mattison, but will be replacing two key starters on the line. The Wolverines will have one of the nation's best secondaries led by J.T. Floyd. Also middle linebacker Kenny Demens looks to surpass 100 career tackles this year. The Wolverines won't have an easy schedule next year, as Alabama and Notre Dame await in their non-conference play, while they have conference road games against Ohio State and Nebraska. Projected Record: 10-2
7. Florida State Seminoles– This Seminoles did not have the big season most expected in 2011, but the pieces are in place to win the ACC Championship in 2012. And when youconsider the losses at Clemson and Virginia Tech, Florida State becomes an evenbigger favorite to win the ACC. The defense should be among the best in thenation with returning All-Conference players such as Defensive end Brandon Jenkins and Free Safety Lamarcus Joyner, while the young talent on offense should be improved with another offseason to work with quarterback EJ Manuel(2417 yards and 16 TDs) and running back Devonta Freeman (531 yards and 8 TDs).How well this young offensive line can develop will determine just how high Florida State can climb next season.Projected Record: 9-3
6. Georgia Bulldogs-It's not crazy to think Coach Mark Richt could go from almost losing his job after a disappointing 2011 to contending for the national title in 2012. The Bulldogs have the pieces to contend for a top-five finish this year, starting with quarterback Aaron Murray(2861 yards and 33 TDs) and a defense that returns nearly everyone including All-Americans OLB Jarvis Jones and FS Bacarri Rambo. Improving the rushing attack, Isaiah Crowell (847 and 5 TDs), was one of the priorities during preseason practices. The offensive line will have to replace two key stalwartsin left tackle Cordy Glenn and center Ben Jones. The receiving corps looks solid with the return of starters Malcolm Mitchell (665 yards and 4 TDs)and Tavarres King (705 yards and 8 TDs). Projected Record 11-1
Tags: alabama vs michigan, College Football, College Football Preview, College Football top 25, Denard robinson, Denard Robinson Heisman, Ka$h Kelly, Ka$h Kelly and AC Sports Report, Marcus Lattimore, mrkellstar, Nate Sarmir, NFL, the real sports talk, Tim Kelly, trst