Some quick updates....
CAL:
It appears that Jahvid Best is completely healthy again and Shane Vereen has also distanced himself from the other RB's on the team so it appears that Cals backfield tandem will consist of Best and Vereen. Finally we are getting some answers regarding who's who as Cal's new skill position players. More to come I'm sure.
Just FYI, as much as I like Kevin Riley compared to Nate Longshore, I have to give Longshore credit as a fast starter. He's been especially strong at the beginning of the season when playing at home. I still like Cal laying 5 points to Mich. St. in W1 regardless of who get the start.
UCLA
UCLA still struggles to find an OL combination that is worthy of starting and ANYONE to add to their OL depth chart. An interesting stat about the Bruins OL... since 1999, no UCLA offensive lineman has been drafted by the NFL. This problem is apparently nothing new to UCLA, and especially during Dorrell's tenure, but this year their OL problem stands out like a sore thumb. Norm Chow has his work cut out for him.
OREGON
I know it's early but progress in the Duck's fall camp has been painfully slow. Maybe in week 2 of practice we'll see some things get shakin.
OREGON ST.
Impressive practices from their skilled players at most every position and very much the case with FR. RB (who looks like he won't be redshirting) Jaquizz Rogers. Moevao looks VERY improved with his accuracy throwing the ball in medium and deep patterns. James Rogers and Sammy Straughter are catching every thing thrown near them but Darrell Catchings has a case of the dropsies, very much unlike him compared to last season. The biggest question remaining on the team is their OL to start the year. Perry is guardedly playing on a healing foot and Tavita Thompson won't be seen until after Nov.1 when his bogus suspension is over. IMHO once again, this team has been grossly underrated.
STANFORD.... I'm still scratching my head over this one. This story bears some investigation and followup:
Stanford Football: Practice Is Not Hard Enough
Thomas Brown attended a Stanford practice and was quite appalled.
August 04, 2008
I had the distinct honor of attending a Stanford University summer camp practice the other day as I was passing through Palo Alto on my way to Las Vegas, Nevada.
Let me tell you something: I have never been more appalled at any college football practice since I have breathed on this earth.
I've seen many college practices in my day, and let me tell you, this was the worst one I've ever seen, hands down.
There was absolutely no energy, from the players to the coaches. It was so quiet out there that if I yelled something the entire team would have looked over.
Not to mention that Harbaugh continually played the three's the entire practice. The three's got about 20 reps during the scrimmage portion of the practice.
The coaches seem to think they are running a summer camp for little kids, not a division one football program out there.
It is like Harbaugh is running a country club up there in Palo Alto, it borders on the ridiculous. I didn't know what was more amazing: the players walking back to the huddle in between plays or the five minute water breaks he gave them in between drills.
To cap it off, Harbaugh did not even make his team condition after practice.
I am not trying to be negative, but it became quite clear to me as to why Stanford is a struggling program in the Pac-10. Harvard and Yale can beat this team. In all honesty, I do not believe that Stanford would win the Ivy League.
If you are a Stanford fan, I would encourage you to head out and watch one of their "practices" in the next couple of weeks. I think you would be sick to your stomach.
If Stanford ever wants to be a contender in the Pac-10, they are going to have to outwork opponents. They will never have the talent of a USC or Oregon due to their high academic standards. But if Harbaugh continues letting his program practice this easily for the entire camp, the Cardinal will struggle just like they always do.
arty: and :drink: this year!
