08/27/2008 - Philadelphia (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Pioneer Football League has experienced something of a renaissance era in the past few years with players like San Diego's Josh Johnson and Eric Bakhtiari and Dayton's Kevin Hoyng passing through the league.
With those players having graduated, the PFL must find a new identity with new stars this season.
San Diego has some name players back with J.T. Rogan at running back, John Matthews at wide receiver, Gabe Derricks at cornerback and versatile Ben Hannula moving to quarterback after playing receiver and defensive back.
Dayton has some great defenders returning, but must replace Hoyng at quarterback. Davidson returns the league's most experienced quarterback with Ryan Alexander and could challenge with him leading the way.
Morehead State and Drake also hope to get into the mix for title contention, while Jacksonville, Valparaiso and Butler look to improve.
The league adds Campbell this year as the Camels return to football for the first time since 1939. Marist, which is playing as an independent this year after the disbanding of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Association, will move to the PFL in 2009.
1. San Diego (9-2 overall, 6-1 conference, tied for first 2007)
Johnson (43 TD passes, one interception, 3,714 yards of total offense) has moved on to the NFL after putting up some of the best numbers in NCAA history and finishing third in last year's Payton Award voting.
Hannula looks to be his replacement and has the athleticism to keep the Torero's offense clicking. Andre Rolin was Johnson's backup in 2007 and started one game (249 yards, five TDs), but was sidelined by a shoulder injury in the spring.
Rogan rushed for 1,021 yards and 10 TDs and is also one of the best kick returners in FCS. Matthews averaged 23.1 yards with 16 TDs on 47 catches.
Bakhtiari will be missed after being a Buchanan Award finalist last year and helping USD roll up 32 sacks last season. But there are enough good players to rebuild the defense around with Patrick O'Neill (65 tackles) and Derricks (55 tackles) keying the defense.
Kicker Hutch Parker (9-of-12 on field goals) and punter John McSorley (30.2 net punting average) give the Toreros good special teams play.
Ron Caragher had a strong first year as coach after replacing Stanford-bound Jim Harbaugh and should be a strength for the team again this year. San Diego has piled up five straight winning seasons, has won or shared three consecutive PFL titles and should be the favorite to win the title again.
2. Dayton (11-1, 6-1, tied for first)
The biggest change at Dayton is the retirement of legendary coach Mike Kelly after 27 years and only one losing season, but Rick Chamberlain moves from defensive coordinator to head coach to keep the continuity in the program.
Chamberlain takes over a team that won a share of the PFL title, the Gridiron Classic and The Sportsbook Betting Lines Cup as the top mid-major school.
Hoyng rushed for 640 yards, passed for 3,317 and accounted for 40 TDs in the Flyers' new spread attack last year, so new starter Rob Florian will have some big shoes to fill. The strong-armed Florian had 411 yards passing in one start in 2006.
Ben Shappie is the best returning running back (529 yards, 4.9 average, six TDs). Dayton will also miss All-American tight end Matt Champa (59 catches, 15.9 average, nine TDs).
Defense will again be a Flyer strength with Steve McDonald (79 tackles) Corey Vossler (71 tackles), Scott Vossler (68 tackles, nine sacks) and Kalen Hemmelgarn (41 tackles, 8.5 sacks) among the six returning starters. Dayton was ranked fourth nationally in defense last year.
3. Davidson (6-4, 4-3, fourth)
The Wildcats will likely go as far as Alexander's strong arm will take them. Alexander passed for 2,238 yards and 18 TDs last year as Davidson closed ground on the top of the PFL.
Chad Barnes, Justin Williams and Kenny Mantao combined for 1,055 yards rushing last year, while Kirk Konert and Myles Potter had 27 receptions each. The line must replace a standout center in George Zoeckler.
The Wildcats averaged 31 points per game, but gave up 28 on average last year, but the defense should improve with eight starters returning. Free safety Matt Easton and linebacker Peter Bakke (71 tackles each) and nose guard Will Funderburg will be the leaders of the unit.
4. Morehead State (7-4, 5-2, third)
The Eagles were the only team to beat Dayton last year, but they missed a chance to qualify for the Gridiron Classic and win a share of the PFL title when they dropped a 27-14 decision to San Diego in their final league game.
MSU will have to replace plenty of offense with the graduation of quarterback Brian Yost (2,142 yards, 20 TDs), but new starter Evan Sawyer will have Nick Feldman (45 catches, 16.3 average) and Erick Fitzpatrick (312 yards rushing, 425 yards receiving) to rely on.
The Eagles ranked first nationally in rushing defense, giving up just 54 yards per game and were 10th overall. Six starters return from that group, including linebacker Wes McDermott (64 tackles, 7.5 tackles per loss). All-American defensive back David Hyland had eight interceptions and 11 pass breakups last season and also caught 10 passes on offense.
5. Valparaiso (5-6, 2-5, tied for sixth)
After four consecutive losing seasons, the Crusaders hope to make some headway this season. Warren Arnold has a chance to become an elite quarterback in the league after rushing for 750 yards, passing for 1,912 yards and accounting for 17 TDs last season.
Valpo loses running back Jeff Horton (3,072 career yards) and will look for Ross Wiemer (397 yards) and John Popper (291 yards) to take up the slack. Steve Ogden (42 catches, 15.9 average, seven TDs) should be Arnold's top receiving target again and Ryan Kozay anchors what should be a solid line.
On defense, the Crusaders are excited to have 19 of their top 20 tacklers returning from a unit that ranked 39th defensively last year in FCS. Adam Rundh (7.5 sacks) and Andrew Mack (5.5 sacks) head up an experienced defensive line and Ryan Koepke (79 tackles) leads the linebackers. Cornerback Kyle Himmelwright is the top returner among a secondary that returns four starters.
6. Drake (6-5, 3-4, fifth)
It was a strange year for a senior-oriented Bulldog squad last year. Veteran coach Rob Ash took the Montana State head coaching job during the spring and Steve Loney was named as interim coach.
Loney's team managed to upset No. 7 ranked Illinois State in the first game and was ranked No. 1 in the Sportsbook Betting Lines for part of the year. Drake won five of its first six games, losing only to Northern Iowa, but dropped four of its final five and brought in Chris Creighton as the new coach.
The offense loses its all-time leading rusher, Scott Phaydavong (5,830 career yards), but can build around quarterback Cole Ingle (1,387 yards, 11 TDs). Michael Bialas (122 yards five TDs) is the top returning rusher, while Zach Brower (47 catches, 13.9 average) is a receiving threat.
The offensive line lost All-American Dave Pammer, but returns Quinn McVey.
Drake has six starters back on defense, including linebackers Ben Morrison (87 tackles) and Stephen Platek (74 tackles) and defensive tackle Andrew Asbell (32 tackles, six sacks), but must replace top-notch safety Andy Green.
7. Jacksonville (3-8, 2-5, tied for sixth)
The Dolphins took some steps forward and others backwards in Kerwin Bell's first year as coach. They struggled running the ball and defending the run to finish 87th in scoring offense (21.8 points per game and 99th in scoring defense (31.9).
Jacksonville found a gifted running back in freshman Rudell Small, who ran for 490 yards and nine TDs in partial year as a starter. Small, Tommie Rogers and Ron Harris combined for 1,036 yards. Erik Stapleton takes over a quarterback after throwing for 657 yards in a backup role for a team that returns six offensive starters, including receiver Geavon Tribble (41 catches, 17.1 average, five TDs).
The defense only has five starters returning. Free safety Robson Noel (80 tackles) has been the Dolphins' most productive performer.
8. Butler (4-7, 0-7, eighth)
Hopes were high when the Bulldogs won their first four games last year, but then they failed to win again in PFL play. Butler has compiled six straight losing years, but the four wins were the most since 2002.
The offense ranked 105th nationally offense and can only improve. Matt Kobli (575 yards of total offense) takes over at quarterback and has Scott Gray (547 yards, 15 TDs) to count on as a running back. Dan Bohrer is the best returning receiver with 36 catches for a 10.8 average last season.
The defense was solid against the run (33rd nationally), but struggled against the pass (100th). Six starters are back, including defensive end Derek Guggenberger (68 tackles, three sacks) and safety Mike Bennett (57 tackles, eight tackles for loss), but the Bulldogs could struggle again on this side of the ball.
9. Campbell (first year program)
Dale Steele, a longtime assistant coach with Southern Conference and FBS roots, takes over a program that will play for the first time in 58 years. The Camels will play a non-Division I schedule before embarking on their PFL slate.
Wesley Snow is expected to be the quarterback in the spread offense, while Carl Smith rushed for 114 yards in the spring game and looks to be the top rusher, along with Earl Kemp. Ray Griffis has established himself as a go-to receiver, while guard Andy Johnson has opened eyes on the offensive line.
The 4-3 defense will likely be one of the smallest in the league, averaging 242 pounds, but Steele has found a couple of gems in defensive tackle Randal Herring and free safety Chris Dixon.
10. Marist (3-8, 2-1 MAAC, tied for first)
The Red Foxes will try to get through an independent season before being eligible for the PFL title in 2009. With no league title to compete for, motivation could be difficult for the team.
Marist will again feature a strong rushing attack with Obozua Ehikioya (631 yards, seven TDs) and Keith Mitchell (405 yards) returning. Will Brown (35 catches, 11.0 average) is the best experienced receiver, but the Red Foxes will be inexperienced at quarterback. John Schaeffer is the likely starter.
Rory Foley (66 tackles) may move from linebacker to safety, while Kurt Steubing (63 tackles) will continue to bolster the linebacking corps. The defensive line must replace all three starters, though Terrence Turner has come on strong.
The Red Foxes must improve on both sides of the ball after being ranked 90th offensively and 82nd defensively last year.
<< Pena's homer provides lone run as Rays edge Blue Jays
St. Petersburg, FL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Carlos Pena homered and Matt Garza went
7 2/3 strong innings as Tampa Bay edged Toronto, 1-0, in the second tilt of a
three-game series at Tropicana Field.
Garza (11-7) allowed only six hits without
<< Johnson goes the distance to lead Fish past Bravos
Atlanta, GA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Josh Johnson's brilliant four-hitter marked the
first complete game of his career and Dan Uggla was the offensive catalyst, as
the Florida Marlins defeated the Atlanta Braves, 4-1, and evened their three-
game se
<< Portland signs F Jackson, two rookies
Portland, OR (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Portland Trail Blazers signed a trio
of players Wednesday including forward Luke Jackson and two rookies, center
Steven Hill and guard Jamaal Tatum.
Per team policy, terms of the contracts were no
<< Braves obtain Dessens
Atlanta, GA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Atlanta Braves signed pitcher Elmer
Dessens on Wednesday to a contract through the end of this season. He is
expected to be added to the club's roster later this week.
Dessens, 37, last pitche
Redding, Nats edge reeling Dodgers >>
Washington, DC (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Tim Redding pitched six solid innings and
Ryan Zimmerman hit his first home run since May 17, as the Washington
Nationals held on for a 5-4 win over the reeling Los Angeles Dodgers, in the
second
Delgado leads Mets past Phils, back into first place >>
Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Carlos Delgado hit a pair of home runs
and drove in three, as the New York Mets rallied to beat Philadelphia, 6-3,
and leapfrog the Phillies to retake the lead in the NL East.
In the first game o
Pedroia helps BoSox slam Yanks >>
Bronx, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Jason Bay finished 2-for-4 with four RBI and
Dustin Pedroia added a grand slam as Boston routed the New York Yankees,
11-3, in the middle contest of a three-game set from Yankee Stadium.
Jacoby Ellsbu
Oswalt strong again as Astros top Reds >>
Houston, TX (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Roy Oswalt continued his mastery of the Reds
with seven strong innings to lead the Houston Astros to a 4-1 win over
Cincinnati at Minute Maid Park.
Oswalt (12-9) allowed one run on five hits with
BILLS (+10) at Steelers SPORTSBOOK LINES
It's impossible to gauge how a team will react after something like the Steve Everett situation, and it probably doesn't matter. That being said, the Bills are going to lose several games this year where they keep things close but fall short in the end to superior teams. Ben Roethlisberger and company could have a field day against Buffalo's decimated defense, but I like the Bills to cover.
BENGALS (-7) at Browns SPORTSBOOK LINES
All you can ask out of your NFL team is that it has a plan. You may not always agree with it as a fan, but as long as it appears the organization is going in some sort of direction, you have to go with it. Which brings us to the Cleveland Browns. You flip a coin to determine whether Chuck Frye or Derek Anderson should start the preseason opener. You start Frye in Week 1, but pull him in the first half. And then you deal him to the Seahawks for a sixth-round pick? Hmm... the Bengals could get six turnovers again this week.
COLTS (-7) at Titans SPORTSBOOK LINES
Tennessee signed ex-Colts cornerback Nick Harper in the offseason so that should help slow down Peyton Manning. Just ask Jason David and the Saints. Oh wait... One of these weeks, I'm going to learn to not pick against Tennessee, which has won seven of its last eight games. But it's not happening against Indy.
TEXANS (+6.5) at Panthers SPORTSBOOK LINES
Houston's Mario Williams, the first pick in the '06 draft, has more touchdowns than Reggie Bush after one week. Somehow I don't see that lasting. Meanwhile, Carolina bottled up what was expected to be a pretty high-octane offense in St. Louis in Week 1. Could this be the Panthers' defense everyone expected last year? Maybe. This feels like a 20-16 Carolina win.
RAMS (-3) vs. 49ers SPORTSBOOKS LINES
Absolutely love this game. Everyone's favorite pick for this year's surprise team -- the 49ers -- laid an egg on Monday night (not that anyone was watching with the game ending in the middle of the night for those of us on the East Coast). St. Louis wasn't much better, delivering a lackluster effort against the Panthers that included two Steven Jackson fumbles and panic from his fantasy owners. Jackson rebounds this week, and the Rams get their first win.
PACKERS (+1.5) at Giants SPORTSBOOKS LINES
Do you really trust this guy to win an NFL game if Eli Manning can't go? I say no. I'd feel alot better about this Packers team if it had any semblance of a running game, but I still think Green Bay's defense is good enough to give it a 2-0 start.
JAGUARS (-10) vs. Falcons SPORTSBOOKS LINES
Does it scare me to pick Jacksonville to cover a double-digit spread after it scored just 10 points last week against the Titans? Absolutely. But can I bring myself to pick Atlanta under any circumstances? No. Check out this poll on ajc.com. It asks what Atlanta's most urgent deficiency is: offense, defense, specials teams or all of the above. "All of the above" has 57 percent of the votes. Ouch.
SAINTS (-3) at Buccaneers SPORTSBOOKS LINES
I'm picking way too many road teams this week. Oh well. New Orleans has had some time to reflect on its lackluster showing in the opener, and the Buccanneers just aren't a very good football team. Anyone else surprised Tampa Bay hasn't made a move to sign Byron Leftwich? I thought that's what they do.
VIKINGS (+3) at Lions SPORTS BETTING LINES
Run the ball and stop the run. Minnesota can do both, and that will keep them in a lot of games this season. Even though it was only one week, Adrian Peterson looks like he was a steal at No. 7 in last year's draft. Not only will he produce, but Peterson delivers excitement to what otherwise would be one of the league's most boring teams.
DOLPHINS (+3.5) vs. Cowboys SPORTS BETTING LINES
Lost in the Tony Romo lovefest is just how bad the Cowboys' defense was last week. I know they're banged up, but Dallas' 'D' allowed 438 yards to the Giants' offense, and backup running back Derrick Ward averaged 6.8 yards per carry. Meanwhile, Cam Cameron's decision to split carries between Ronnie Brown and Jesse Chatman sounds about as can't-miss as Larry David's plan to show up to Marty Funkhouser's party a night late. Still, gotta go with Miami to cover at home.
SEAHAWKS (-2.5) at Cardinals SPORTS BETTING LINES
I'm probably missing something, but this game seems too easy. Arizona blew Monday night's game against the 49ers in typical Cardinals fashion, and the Seahawks beat Tampa Bay by two touchdowns. Love Seattle in this one.
BRONCOS (-9.5) vs. Raiders SPORTS BETTING LINES
Special teams was a major story line in Week 1. Take a look at the Broncos. They had to rush on to the field to get a Jason Elam field goal as time expired against the Bills. Denver drove into Buffalo territory on eight of 10 drives but came away with just a pair of field goals and a touchdown. Look for more scoring from the Broncos this week against an Oakland defense that gave up 36 points to Detroit in Week 1.
BEARS (-12) vs. Chiefs SPORTS BETTING LINES
Everyone talks about Rex Grossman when dissecting the Bears' offense, but Chicago's quarterback got no help in last week's loss to the Chargers. Meanwhile, Kansas City confirmed what we all thought while watching Hard Knocks: The Chiefs are going to stink this year. It could be a rough first month for Larry Johnson fantasy owners. Kansas City's RB was limited to 43 yards on 10 carries in Week 1, and the Chiefs face the Bears, Vikings and Chargers the next three weeks, all formidable run defenses.
RAVENS (-10) vs. Jets SPORTS BETTING LINES
A big dose of Willis McGahee and a usual sound defensive effort will give the Ravens their first win. According to Football Outsiders, no team in the NFL rushed only three defenders on pass plays last year more than the Jets. And according to my special Jets correspondent Ben Stauber, New York did the same in Week 1. Whoever starts at quarterback for the Ravens should have all day to throw.
PATRIOTS (-3) vs. Chargers SPORTS TRASH TALK
Friends and I were discussing how Bill Belichick goes about paying his $500,000 fine for cheating. Does he just write one check to the NFL? Do you need some sort of clearance to make such a monstrous financial transaction? I guess I shouldn't complain about the security deposit I have to put down on my new apartment. Anyway, two of the league's best teams square off in what should be a good one Sunday night. The Patriots always respond well just when you think they're in trouble. And their offensive attack was the story in Week 1.
Note: Monday night game will be picked Monday. Lines used are from football betting.
Sports Betting News: NFL Team History | Football Betting | Baseball Betting | Basketball Betting | Hockey Betting | Golf Betting | Tennis Betting | Auto Racing Betting | Horse Racing Betting | Soccer Betting