Thoughts on the 2013-14 College Football Season (8/27/13), Re-visited

At the beginning of the college football season, I made several predictions and projections. In light of the regular season ending, let me confirm and revise/comment on several of my predictions:

10 Modest Hopes for the CFB Season:

1.  Aaron Murray breaks the SEC passing records.  
Regardless of whether you like Georgia or not, Murray's work ethic and decision to come back to Georgia are respectable qualities.  Of course I am biased, but I wish him the best. Indeed, Aaron Murray did set numerous SEC passing records and had a superb senior season. Was hard to watch him go out with an ACL on senior night. One of the best to wear red and black. 

2.  The Traditional 6 SEC Powerhouses regain prominence.  
Sure, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and LSU have upheld their end of the bargains, but Auburn and Tennessee have struggled recently.  Not that it's a bad thing for South Carolina and Texas A&M to be solid teams, but Tennessee and Auburn are top 15 programs of all time. So, Tennessee is still a work in progress, but Auburn, a traditional power, won the SEC and is returning to the National Championship. 

3.  Lee Corso retires at the end of the season.  
Totally respect what Corso has done throughout his career as an analyst, but he has become a tad senile. Who knows what's happening here. 

4.  Bill O'Brien continues success with the Penn State Nasty Lions.  
Can you imagine being an alumnus, student, athlete, or fan affiliated with Penn State over the past couple of years? I can't, but was impressed by O'Brien's first year success and dedication to rebuilding Penn State. Given the sanctions and restrictions from last year, going 7-5 and defeating Michigan and Wisconsin is still impressive. Nice work, Coach O'Brien. 

5.  Stanford wins the Pac-12.  
Yes, Oregon has been good over the past several years, but they just seem gimmicky to me.  Sure, they can beat teams with less speed, but lose to more physical teams with larger O and D-lines.  Stanford is built to be a legitimate power, playing anyone. Every one of my predictions here came true. Oregon proved once again that they're not built to win a national title, and Stanford won the Pac-12 again in convincing fashion over Arizona State. 

6.  Lou Holtz chokes on his lisping spit and Mark May is caught stealing eggplant.  
Does anyone truly like Dr. Lou or Mark May? I find Dr. Lou to be overly biased, which is a mockery of journalism and reporting, and Mark May to be arrogant and bitter. Props to Rece Davis, but can we get a new secondary gameday crew? Maybe Mark May will get caught stealing eggplant?

7.  Dabo Swinney gets kicked in the balls celebrating with his team.  
Did anyone see how Swinney reacted when Clemson beat Auburn back in 2011 (http://youtu.be/B72qHHdCeMY)? Yea, it was a bit much. Should Georgia lose to Clemson, I would find humor watching Swinney jump on a pile of players in celebration, only to have one of the players lift his leg at the wrong time. Enjoyed watching FSU beat Clemson 51-17. 

8.  There's nowhere in the world that I would rather be...  
Remember this? http://youtu.be/IZ1BO0vAUD8 (un)Fortunately, she made a few more. 

9.  Speaking of which, I hope the Human Badger fails  
When Bret Bielema's Wisconsin Badgers ran up the score on "powerhouse" Indiana a few years ago, scoring 83 points to gain style points, I quickly gained remorse for Bielema.  Further, the Human Badger stated back in 2012, “We at the Big Ten don’t want to be like the SEC—in any way, shape or form."  He now coaches Arkansas. Arkansas started 3-0 and then lost their last 9. Arkansas did not win any games in the SEC. You're right, Human Badger, you are not like the SEC. 

10.  Kansas State gets rid of their creepy mascot 
Need I say anything else? ?

2013  "Bergies"

MVP: Braxton Miller (Ohio State) Jameis Winston (FSU)

Coach of the Year: Art Briles (Baylor) or Charlie Strong (Louisville) Gus Malzahn (Auburn)

Scariest Player: Jadeveon Clowney (South Carolina) Todd Gurley (UGA)

Most Intimidating Atmosphere: Bryant-Denny Stadium (Alabama) Jordan-Hare Stadium (Auburn)

Best Tailgate: World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party (Georgia vs. Florida) Iron Bowl

Keep an eye on: Lache Seastrunk (Baylor)  Andre Williams (Boston College), Tre Mason (Auburn), Nick Marshall (Auburn)

Freshman Phenom: Robert Nkemdiche (Ole Miss) Jameis Winston (FSU)

Conference and National Championship Predictions

AAC: Louisville Central Florida

ACC: Florida State

Big 10 with 12 Teams: Ohio State Michigan State

Big 12 with 10 Teams: Texas Baylor

Pac 12: Stanford

SEC: Alabama Auburn

National Championship: Alabama over Louisville Auburn vs. Florida State