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To know list: 7 undefeated teams left in college football

Sporting News, The, Oct 25, 2004

(1) COMING SOON TO THE NFL

These guys are good--really good

So we're all geeked about the second half of the college football season (see page 10). Let's look a little further ahead, shall we? After all, these guys don't go to school just to win games for ol' State U., you know.

Even more so than usual, many college stars on star teams also will be high picks in April's NFL draft. At the top of the fist: Texas tailback Cedric Benson, Michigan wide receiver Braylon Edwards and Georgia defensive end David Pollack--who should be the first players taken at their positions Miami cornerback Antrel Rolle, Florida State offensive tackle Alex Barron and Texas linebacker Derrick Johnson also could be the first selected at their positions.

There's a common theme here: All six players could have left after their junior seasons last year and been first-round picks. Now they'll likely command more money because they're even better. But that's not necessarily a vote for coaches who claim players should stay all four years to get "ready" for the NFL.

California's Aaron Rodgers, a junior with all 15 career starts, should be the first quarterback selected--maybe at No. 1 overall--if he forgoes his senior season. Texas' Rodrique Wright, also a junior, could be the first defensive tackle taken and Virginia linebacker Ahmad Brooks, a draft-eligible sophomore, is right there with Johnson.

Some college stars, however are just that. Oklahoma quarterback and 2003 Heisman winner Jason White is a late-round pick, as are Kansas State tailback Darren Sproles and Purdue wide receiver Taylor Stubblefield.--Matt Hayes

(2) DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH

They're pretty good, too

There's the national title race, the Heisman Trophy hunt--and these guys can't get a sniff.

Five players flying under most fans' radar who have pro scouts following them weekly:

QB Dan Orlovsky, Connecticut. Scouts love his size, accuracy and ability to manage the huddle and game. The competition he has faced has been the only knock.

RB Walter Reyes, Syracuse. A strong, sturdy back with a quick burst and gameday speed. His size (5-9, 205) is a concern, but he'll shoot up draft charts with a good 40 time at Barrett the NFL Combine.

LB Barrett Ruud, Nebraska. A true run-stuffing middle linebacker. A powerful, aggressive player who sheds blocks easily and runs well.

SS Jamaal Brimmer, UNLV. His speed is an issue, but scouts overlook it because of his powerful play in run support. A mid-first round pick.

WR Charles Frederick, Washington. A project, but one that could pay off big. He'll be the best package of speed and athleticism at receiver in the draft, but he's inconsistent in route running.--M.H.

(3) YOU HEARD IT HERE

'I think this year, without question, is going to be his last year.'

--Brett Favre's friend amt former Packers quarterback Don Majkowski, discussing the banged-up 35-year-old with host Chet Coppock on Sporting News Radio

(4) THREE OF A KIND

Downshifting legends

NASCAR has been taken over by young guns, but at least the old guys are still around. Not for much longer. Two old guards--Terry Labonte and Mark Martin--revealed retirement plans last week, joining Rusty Wallace in a parade of superstars announcing that this season (Labonte) or next (Wallace and Martin) will be their last [till one. Why is this a big deal? Shift to a baseball cliche: All three are first ballot Hall of Famers.--Matt Crossman

                 Terry Labonte      Mark Martin        Rusty Wallace

First Cup race   September 4,       April 5, 1981,     May 16, 1980, at
                 1978, at           at North           Atlanta
                 Darlington         Wilkesboro

 First Cup win   September 1,       October 22,        April 6, 1986,
                 1980, at           1989, at           at Bristol
                 Darlington         Rockingham

    Career Cup   22/27              34/41              55/36
    wins/poles

        Career   He won the 1996    He finished        He won the 1989
     highlight   Winston Cup        second in the      Winston Cup
                 championship in    points race four   championship,
                 the season-        times, the most    beating Dale
                 ending race--a     notable being      Earnhardt by a
                 race won by his    1990, when he      mere 12 points
                 brother, Bobby.    lost out by 26     after winning
                                    points after a     six of 29 races.
                                    controversial
                                    46-point penalty
                                    earlier in the
                                    season.

 Career legacy   Perhaps the most   The best driver    Ninth on NASCARs
                 underrated         never to have      all-time Cup
                 driver in Cup      won a Cup          wins list,
                 history, the Ice   championship.      Wallace is a
                 Man won two                           superstar who
                 championships                         had legendary
                 with unflappable                      battles with
                 driving.                              Earnhardt.

To know list: 7 undefeated teams left in college football

Sporting News, The, Oct 25, 2004

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