Sports Editors:
College Football Editors:
Digest of college football preview stories for the weekends of Aug. 11-12 and Aug. 18-19. Photos will move with each story. Questions should be directed to Ralph D. Russo (212) 621-1630. For repeats, call the service desk: 1-800-838-4616.
The AP Preseason Top 25 will be released Aug. 18.
MOVING IN ADVANCE FOR WEEKEND OF AUG. 11-12:
FBC–COLLEGE FB OVERVIEW
UNDATED – There’s a new savior in Alabama, and new head coaches at 22 other schools. New rules will mean more football in 2007 – or at least more plays – which is never a bad thing. Unless you’re playing Southern California. The Trojans are loaded and look as if they might be unbeatable. That’s nothing new. By College Football Writer Ralph D. Russo
With FBC–BCS Forecast. By College Football Writer Ralph D. Russo.
FBC–PAC-10 PRIDE.
LOS ANGELES – Move over, New Orleans. In the eyes of LSU coach Les Miles, the Pac-10 is the real Big Easy. Miles recently told a gathering of LSU fans that Southern California has a “much easier road to travel” than LSU to the BCS title game in the Superdome. Miles’ remarks were met with disbelief and dismay in the Pac-10. But it underscored the reality of the Pac-10, which battles for national respect despite its achievements on the field. By College Football Writer Andrew Bagnato.
With
– FBC–Ranking the Conferences. By College Football Writer Ralph D. Russo
FBC–RAISING RUTGERS.
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers got a taste of the big-time last year, putting together its greatest season to become one of college football’s best stories. The once woebegone Scarlet Knights became a top-15 team. The next step? Do it again and become a top-15 program. By College Football Writer Ralph D. Russo
With
– FBC–Programs on the Rise. By College Football Writer Ralph D. Russo.
– FBC–Programs on the Decline. By College Football Writer. Ralph D. Russo.
FBC–RUNNING WILD.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – There was a time in college football when ball carriers were the big men on campus. In this pass happy era, quarterbacks dominate. Although there’s no sign of the wishbone making a comeback, there’s a large contingent of talented tailbacks – led by Heisman runner-up Darren McFadden – who could keep the QBs on the sideline when the Heisman invites are handed out. By Noah Trister.
With FBC–Heisman Hopeless. By College Football Writer Ralph D. Russo.
FBC–CONFERENCE TV.
NEW YORK – The Big Ten and Mountain West have formed their own television networks, but don’t expect other conferences to follow their lead – at least not right away. Most of the other BCS leagues are taking a wait-and-see approach, and they wouldn’t be able to do anything until long current TV contracts end. By Rachel Cohen.
With FBC–Best Game Days.
MOVING IN ADVANCE FOR WEEKEND OF AUG. 18-19
– LOS ANGELES – FBC–ON FOOTBALL-MONSTER TEAMS. By College Football Writer Andrew Bagnato.
– UNDATED – FBC–BCS CURSE. By National Writer Eddie Pells.
– UNDATED – FBC–THE BOISE EFFECT. By College Football Writer Ralph D. Russo.
– TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – FBC–SABAN TO THE RESCUE. By National Writer Paul Newberry.
– MIAMI – FBC–COMPETING AGAINST PROS. By Tim Reynolds.
– DENTON, Texas – FBC–HIGH SCHOOL TO COLLEGE. By John Carlson.