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Articles by Chris Copeland |
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Pac 10 Conference Breakdown |
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Chris Copeland Aug 13, 2008 |
Today, I'll break down the Pac 10...
1. USC 10-2 (8-1)
The defense will shine one again; but replacing four OL men will prevent the Trojans from a BCS Title appearance.
2. Arizona St 9-3 (7-2)
QB Rudy Carpenter might be the best QB in the Pac 10 and, along with fifteen other starters; the Sun Devils should be good again this season.
3 ...
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Big Ten Conference Breakdown |
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Chris Copeland Aug 12, 2008 |
This week, I'll take a look at the Big Ten...
1. Ohio St 11-1 (7-1)
With 20 returning starters and the top HS recruit in Terrelle Prior; the Buckeyes are destined for their third consecutive National Title appearance.
2. Wisconsin 10-2 (6-2)
The Badgers struggled on defense last year due to injuries. Well, those guys are back and the Badgers are ey ...
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Mountain West Conference Breakdown |
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Chris Copeland Aug 7, 2008 |
This week, the MWC is under the microscope...
t1. Utah 10-2 (6-2)
With sixteen returning starters, a duel-threat, experienced QB in Brian Johnson and TCU and BYU at home; the Utes should take home the MWC crown in 2008.
t1. TCU 9-3 (6-2)
A Week One win at New Mexico will give the Horned Frogs all kinds of momentum. TCU also sports the best defense ...
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WAC Breakdown |
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Chris Copeland Jul 26, 2008 |
This week, I'll take the WAC under the microscope...
1. Fresno St 9-3 (7-1)
Expectations are high this year and if the defense can improve just a little bit, FSU could bring home their first WAC Title since 1999.
t2. New Mexico St 8-4 (6-2)
With 15 returning starters, including QB Chase Holbrook and WR Chris Williams, the Aggies should end its 47-s ...
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Conference USA Breakdown |
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Chris Copeland Jul 22, 2008 |
This week, we break down C-USA...
East
1. East Carolina 8-4 (7-1)
If the Pirates can keep its fighting spirit alive after a most likely 0-2 start (@ VT, WVU), the rest of the schedule sets up nicely for ECU to reach the C-USA Title game.
2. Memphis 8-4 (6-2)
With seventeen returning starters, including ten defensive st ...
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Mid American Conference Breakdown |
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Chris Copeland Jul 16, 2008 |
This week at the Cappers Corner, I'll take a look at the MAC...
West
1. Central Michigan 9-3 (8-0)
QB Dan LeFevour and the Chippewa offense will explode again, and with 9 starters back on defense, it will be very tough to deny CMU a third straight MAC title.
2. Ball St 8-4 (5-3)
With 16 starters returning, including outstandi ...
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Sun Belt Conference Breakdown |
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Chris Copeland Jul 8, 2008 |
The college football season is a mere seven weeks away, so let’s get cracking on my annual conference predictions. This week, the Sun Belt Conference…
1. Florida Atlantic 9-3 (6-1)
With 17 starters returning, including QB Rusty Smith, the Owls are front-runners for a second straight Sun Belt championship.
2. Troy 7-5 (5-2)
Replacing do-everything ...
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Projecting the Field on Selection Sunday |
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Chris Copeland Mar 16, 2008 |
Here is the list of teams that, in my view, will be dancing in the NCAA Tournament.
1 seeds: North Carolina, Memphis*, UCLA*, Kansas/Texas winner
2 seeds: Kansas/Texas loser, Georgetown, Wisconsin, Tennessee
3 seeds: Duke, Louisville, Stanford, Xavier
4 seeds: Butler*, Notre Dame, UCONN, Purdue
5 seeds: Drake*, Marquette, Pitt*, Washington St
6 seeds: Va ...
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Bubble Watch: 3/15 |
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Chris Copeland Mar 15, 2008 |
Big day for bubble teams as St Joe’s, Kentucky and UNLV all reach lock status by virtue of winning or not playing. Ohio St lost and will most likely be on the outside looking in come Selection Sunday.
The mid-majors are right in the thick of things still as we head into the final weekend of play before Selection Sunday. And I will continue to reward them (ISU, VCU, USA) for playing ro ...
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Bubble Watch: 3/14 |
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Chris Copeland Mar 14, 2008 |
Wow. What else is there to say? Every single bubble team (outside of two A-10 teams and Texas A&M) lost yesterday. By virtue of not playing, Kansas St and Arkansas move into the tournament. Kentucky will most likely join them tomorrow.
The mid-majors are right in the thick of things still as we head into the final weekend of play before Selection Sunday. And I will continue to reward ...
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Bubble Watch: 3/13 |
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Chris Copeland Mar 13, 2008 |
Well, that was interesting. The Big East Tournament started off with a bang as Syracuse got demolished and will probably have home-court throughout the NIT, while West Virginia held on against Providence and, as long as they don’t get blown out today by UCONN, will enter lock status tomorrow.
Villanova now enters the Bubble Watch and still needs to beat Georgetown to lock up a spot. I ...
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Bubble Watch: 3/12 |
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Chris Copeland Mar 12, 2008 |
Last night was relatively a calm night as Western Kentucky and Butler took care of business, thus not bursting yet another bubble. The major Conference Tournaments get underway today and should provide some clarity in figuring out who's in and who's out.
Bubble Watch will now be updated daily.
There are 31 conference winners that receive automatic bids and 34 At-Large berths ...
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Bubble Watch: 3/11 |
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Chris Copeland Mar 11, 2008 |
Bubble teams cringed last night as San Diego upset Gonzaga and now the WCC looks to send 3 teams. South Alabama also lost and the Sun Belt now sends 2. Some good news for the bubble teams; Davidson won and will be the lone representative of the So-Con.
Bubble Watch will now be updated daily.
There are 31 conference winners that receive automatic bids and 34 At-Large berths a ...
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Bubble Watch: 3/10 |
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Chris Copeland Mar 10, 2008 |
Conference tournaments are in full bloom and bubble teams need a good showing if they want that coveted invite into the tournament. Bubble Watch will now be updated daily.
There are 31 conference winners that receive automatic bids and 34 At-Large berths available.
Here are the teams/conferences that will have one bid (18): Cornell, Winthrop, Austin Peay, Belmont, America ...
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Bubble Watch: 3/7 |
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Chris Copeland Mar 7, 2008 |
Bubble teams finally decided to start helping themselves this week. St Joe’s, VT, West Virginia, Ohio St and Kentucky are just a few of the many teams on the brink that won crucial games to make that final push into the Big Dance.
There are 31 conference winners that receive automatic bids and 34 At-Large berths available. 20 conferences will send one team, while 11 will/could send mult ...
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Bubble Watch 3/3 |
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Chris Copeland Mar 3, 2008 |
What is with all the bubble home teams blowing huge leads this weekend? Syracuse, St Joe’s and Maryland all blew second half leads which could have greatly improved their chances. Now, all three face must-win games to end the regular season.
Clemson, Miss St and Pitt moved into the tourney with road wins against fellow bubble teams, while Ohio St, Kent St, Texas A&M and Houston all to ...
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Bubble Watch 2/29 |
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Chris Copeland Feb 29, 2008 |
Some moving and shaking went on this week. The biggest winners were Clemson and Maryland from the ACC. Rhode Island, San Diego St and Creighton all needed strong showings; unfortunately they all lost, pushing them all off the bubble.
There are 31 conference winners that receive automatic bids and 34 At-Large berths available. Here is the conference-by-conference breakdown of conferen ...
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Bubble Watch 2/25 |
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Chris Copeland Feb 25, 2008 |
Selection Sunday is now under three weeks away and many teams are fighting to lock up at-large berths. Here at CopeMoney Sports, we will run a Bubble watch updated every Monday and Friday, until March 11, when it will be updated daily.
There are 31 conference winners that receive automatic bids and 34 At-Large berths available. Here is the conference-by-conference breakdown of confere ...
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Home Dogs Facing Ranked Opponents: Profitable or Sucker Bet? |
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Chris Copeland Nov 5, 2007 |
Much like in college basketball, home underdogs seem to be profitable each college football season. Since we’re heading towards the end of this year, I thought I’d tally up the ATS W’s and L’s week by week of home pups that faced ranked opponents.
Week 1: 1-2
Week 2: 6-0
Week 3: 4-2
Week 4: 2-3
Week 5: 5-2
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Cope$ Power Rankings: 10/8 |
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Chris Copeland Oct 8, 2007 |
These rankings will be updated each Monday throughout the year. Enjoy!!
1. LSU (6-0)
Great comeback win against Florida and is now the #1 team in my rankings by a ton.
2. California (5-0)
The Golden Bears have to make sure they stay focused, as two of their next three are away from Berkley.
3. Boston College (6-0)
Matt Rya ...
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Cope$ Power Rankings: 10/2 |
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Chris Copeland Oct 2, 2007 |
These rankings will be updated each Monday throughout the year. Enjoy!!
1. USC (4-0)
SC overcame turnovers, penalties and a late charge by the Huskies to stay unbeaten. The lack of a go-to receiver may haunt them down the road.
2. LSU (5-0)
The Tigers turned it on when they had to last week and ended up cruising over Tulane. This week is a monste ...
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Three Things We Learned On Saturday |
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Chris Copeland Sep 30, 2007 |
1. Score one for the BCS
Not that I like or condone the BCS system in any way, but in reality, how big of an impact would these losses be if we had, say an 8 team playoff? Florida, Oklahoma, West Virginia, Rutgers, Texas, Oregon, Clemson, Penn St and Alabama all lost this week. Each team has a difficult enough schedule, where, if they were to win out, they could climb back into the ...
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Cope$ Power Rankings: 9/24 |
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Chris Copeland Sep 24, 2007 |
These rankings will be updated each Monday throughout the year. Enjoy!!
1. USC (3-0)
Another easy victory for the Trojans. It’s becoming more and more evident USC won’t be challenged until Nov 27 at Eugene.
2. LSU (4-0)
Les Miles looked like the Ole Ball Coach with that fake field goal that sent LSU up for good, late in the second quarter. I’ll al ...
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Three Things We Learned On Saturday |
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Chris Copeland Sep 23, 2007 |
1. Michigan could still win the Big 10.
After watching an inspired performance by the Wolverine defense, maybe, just maybe, Michigan will still win the Big 10. Obviously, it was the spread offense with a duel-threat quarterback that gave UM problems. But looking down their schedule at the toughest remaining games; at Michigan St, at Wisconsin and verse Ohio St; all three of thos ...
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Playing The Race Card Has To Stop |
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Chris Copeland Sep 18, 2007 |
I want to take a few minutes here and comment on a story that is currently posted on ESPN.com about Donovan McNabb telling HBO that black quarterbacks, in his eyes, are more heavily scrutinized than white quarterbacks. It’s a shame when a big-time sports figure, such as McNabb, has to play the race card as a scapegoat for why fans have turned on them.
McNabb went on to say, regarding ...
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Cope$ Power Rankings: 9/17 |
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Chris Copeland Sep 17, 2007 |
These rankings will be updated each Monday throughout the year. Enjoy!!
1. USC
Was it me, or did the Cornhuskers look completely overmatched in every aspect of the game this past weekend? One road game down; five to go.
2. LSU
So, the Tigers started their 2nd team offense and defense and still won 44-0. That’s scary.
3. West Virgin ...
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The Tuesday Hangover: CFB Week Two |
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Chris Copeland Sep 11, 2007 |
I felt this week would certainly be better than last and I was on point, boasting a 5-2 record. However, if you can feel disappointed about “only” going 5-2, this was the week. The two losses, which will be discussed below, both should have covered and brought me to a 7-0 weekend. But, alas, that is the nature of my profession. Now to the picks…
Cincinnati +3.5 over Oregon St-
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Cope$ Power Rankings: 9/10 |
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Chris Copeland Sep 10, 2007 |
These rankings will be updated each Monday throughout the year. Enjoy!!
1. USC
The week has come for the Trojans to show the nation how good they really are. Nebraska is a lot better than what they showed last week and should stay competitive for at least a half.
2. LSU
Domination is the only word that comes to mind after watching the Tigers perf ...
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The Tuesday Hangover: CFB Week 1 |
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Chris Copeland Sep 5, 2007 |
When I’m introduced to strangers and am asked what I do for a living, my response, most of the time, just generates more questions. Now, don’t get me wrong. I certainly love what I do and enjoy answering why I think Team A will cover this week or if I have the inside information on Team B’s starting QB. However, if you studied football 90 hours a week looking for certain trends, while knowing a ...
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Cope$ PreSeason CFB Power Rankings |
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Chris Copeland Aug 30, 2007 |
These rankings will be updated each Monday throughout the year. Enjoy!!
1. USC
Loaded with talent at every position. Not completely sold on John David Booty however. I’m anxious to see how he handles Nebraska in Lincoln in a couple weeks.
2. LSU
If Matt Flynn can play anywhere close to how he did in the Peach Bowl a few years back, the Tigers will win ...
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Way too Early BCS Bowls and Heisman Trophy Predictions |
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Chris Copeland Aug 26, 2007 |
Yes, yes. I know it’s still August and the season hasn’t even started. But I feel the best way to pass the time before kickoff is to give out some way too early predictions. So, without further ado, here’s how the BCS Bowls and Heisman Trophy race will shape out…
ROSE BOWL Pasadena, Calif.
Jan. 1, 4:30 p.m. (ABC) Bowl Championship Series
USC-30 vs. Wisconsin ...
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Pacific (PAC) 10 Conference Breakdown Part I |
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Chris Copeland Aug 25, 2007 |
Pac 10
USC seems to be head and shoulders above the rest of the conference. Can anyone slow down the Trojans? Or will SC hop and skip their way to New Orleans?
USC
2006 Record- 11-2
2006 ATS Record- 7-6
Offense: 6 Returning Starters
John David Booty leads an offense that will be explosive. A plethora of running backs to choo ...
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Pacific (PAC) 10 Conference Breakdown Part II |
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Chris Copeland Aug 25, 2007 |
Arizona St
2006 Record- 7-6
2006 ATS Record- 7-5
Offense: 9 Returning Starters
New coach Dennis Erickson’s main focus will be getting QB Rudy Carpenter back on track after a dismal sophomore campaign. There are enough playmakers around him, so if Rudy gets back to where he was as a freshman; look out.
Defense: 5 Returning Starters
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South East Conference (SEC) West Breakdown |
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Chris Copeland Aug 13, 2007 |
SEC West
Is LSU the run-away favorite to take home the division crown? Can Nick Saban turnaround the program at Bama? And will Heisman candidate Darren McFadden lead his Hogs back to the conference title game?
LSU
2006 Record- 11-2
2006 ATS Record- 8-5
Offense: 6 Returning Starters
Senior QB Matt Flynn finally gets his chan ...
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South East Conference (SEC) East Breakdown |
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Chris Copeland Aug 13, 2007 |
SEC East
Is Florida still the team to beat even with a depleted defense? Which Senior QB will shine? And is this the year South Carolina breaks through and competes for the division crown?
Tennessee
2006 Record- 9-4
2006 ATS Record- 7-6
Offense: 6 Returning Starters
Senior QB Erik Ainge returns and is the leader of this Volun ...
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Big 10 Breakdown Part II |
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Chris Copeland Aug 5, 2007 |
Northwestern
2006 Record- 4-8
2006 ATS Record- 5-6
Offense: 8 Returning Starters
The Wildcats are the only team in the Big 10 to consistently use two quarterbacks and that system will be in place again in 2007. Senior QB C.J. Bacher has the strong arm, while sophomore QB Mike Kafka can hurt teams with his running ability. The top two backs also return ...
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Big 10 Breakdown Part I |
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Chris Copeland Aug 5, 2007 |
Big Ten
Can the Michigan Wolverines compete for a conference and possibly a national title crown with their depleted defense? Can Ohio St, with a bunch of new faces on offense, stay competitive? Or will 2007 be the year of the Badger or perhaps, the Nittany Lion?
Wisconsin
2006 Record- 12-1
2006 ATS Record- 9-2-1
Offense: 9 Returnin ...
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Big East Breakdown |
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Chris Copeland Jul 30, 2007 |
Big East
Are West Virginia and Louisville national contenders this season? Can Rutgers have another dream season or will the slipper be worn by another school in its conference; (paging Matt Grothe).
West Virginia
2006 Record- 11-2
2006 ATS Record- 5-6-1
Offense: 7 Returning Starters
Pat White and Steve Slaton are the best ...
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College Football Prop Bets |
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Chris Copeland Jul 25, 2007 |
Every year around this time, I take a trip to Las Vegas and make a couple of season-long prop bets on team’s win totals. Here’s a few that might be worth your while...
Georgia Tech over/7 wins
I feel the public is riding the under strong here with the loss of All-American Chad Johnson. What the squares should know is Tech has a lot of depth at receiver and RB Tashard Choic ...
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ACC Atlantic Breakdown |
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Chris Copeland Jul 24, 2007 |
ACC Atlantic
Can Florida St. rebound off its poor 2006 showing and take the division in 2007? Or will the son finally overtake Daddy Bowden and win the crown?
Florida St
2006 Record- 7-6
2006 ATS Record- 6-7
Offense: 6 Returning Starters
2006 was an obvious down year for the usually high-powered FSU offense and they look to get ...
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ACC Coastal Breakdown |
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Chris Copeland Jul 24, 2007 |
ACC Coastal
This division is filled with monster defenses, (V.Tech, G.Tech, Miami). The question remains to be seen, which offense can step up and win the division?
Virginia Tech
2006 Record- 10-3
2006 ATS Record- 7-5
Offense: 8 Returning Starters
QB Sean Glennon will look to be more consistent and make better decisions come ...
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Big 12 Breakdown |
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Chris Copeland Jul 17, 2007 |
Big 12 North
The Big 12 North will be a two-team race with Missouri and Nebraska leaps and bounds above the rest of the division talent wise. The October 6 game should be a great one!!
Missouri
2006 Record- 8-5
2006 ATS Record- 7-5
Offense: 8 Returning Starters
Chase Daniel is the real deal and this Tiger offense should be expl ...
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Mountain West Conference Breakdown |
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Chris Copeland Jul 2, 2007 |
Mountain West Conference
How will the conference’s top 3 teams (BYU, TCU, UTAH) handle losing their QB’s? Can TCU make a Boise-esque run and crash the BCS party?
TCU
2006 Record- 11-2
2006 ATS Record- 9-3
Offense: 6 Returning ...
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MAC West Division Breakdown |
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Chris Copeland Jun 24, 2007 |
Can Central Michigan and their power offense repeat as division champions? Or will intra-state rival Western Michigan knock the Chippewa’s off the totem poll?
Western Michigan
2006 Record- 8-5
2006 ATS Record- 8-5
Offense: 9 Returning Starters
With so many starters returnin ...
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MAC East Division Breakdown |
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Chris Copeland Jun 24, 2007 |
Can Ohio, even with no passing game, repeat as division champ? Or will the more balanced offense of Kent St or Bowling Green take down the Bobcats?
Ohio
2006 Record- 9-5
2006 ATS Record- 7-5-1
Offense: 5 Returning Starters
Frank Solich did a tremendous job last year going to the MAC Title game with virtual ...
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Conference USA East Division Breakdown |
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Chris Copeland Jun 16, 2007 |
Conference USA East Division
Will Southern Miss represent the East Division once again in the Conference Title game? Or will one of the rebuilding teams from a year ago step up and take charge?
Southern Miss
2006 Record- 9-5
2006 ATS Rec ...
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Conference USA West Division Breakdown |
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Chris Copeland Jun 16, 2007 |
Conference USA West Division
The West is loaded with talented offenses and stout defenses. Who will emerge and take on likely opponent Southern Miss in the Conference Title Game?
Tulsa
2006 Record- 8-5
2006 ATS Record- 6-6
O ...
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Sun Belt Conference Breakdown Part 1 |
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Chris Copeland Jun 9, 2007 |
Sun Belt Conference
Will Troy repeat as Conference Champion? Or will middle-of-the-pack teams from a year ago surge up and take control of the top spot; i.e. Middle Tennessee St or Arkansas St? And will any team play defense this season?
Troy
2006 Record- 8-5
2006 ATS Record- 7-5
...
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Sun Belt Conference Breakdown Part 2 |
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Chris Copeland Jun 9, 2007 |
The bottom four Sun Belt teams look like this:
Middle Tennessee St
2006 Record- 7-6
2006 ATS Record- 7-5
Offense: 6 Returning Starters
The offense will struggle this season as the Raiders lose their QB and top RB, along with three starters off the offensive line. Like most te ...
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Independent Conference Break-down |
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Chris Copeland Jun 2, 2007 |
Each Saturday leading up to the opening weekend of College Football, I will break-down each of the 12 conferences and give my take on each team. This week we open with the “depleted” Independent teams who lost Temple to the MAC this season and now are down to just three.
Independent
Notre Dame
...
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