Jimmer Fredette Leads BYU Into National Scene

Jimmer Fredette could be one of the two best men's college basketball players, the other is UConn Kemba Walker. Fredette led the BYU Cougars on a NCAA Tournament run last season. This past week he scored 43 points while giving Mountain West rival San Diego State University, their first loss of the season. The two teams will meet at SDSU in late February, which probably will decide the regular season conference title. Plenty of NBA scouts were in Provo for the game. Fredette is more than just a knock down three point jump shooter. During the off season Jimmer has become bigger and stronger, he can take defenders off the dribble and handle the physical contact in the lane, while going to the basket. Jimmer can also create for others and himself, while finding opening teammates with his passing ability. Both teams were ranked in the top ten on Wednesday, with the victory, BYU will move deeper into the top ten rankings next week.

Fisher Leaves Titans After 16 Seasons

November 14, 1994 - January 28, 2011, those are the dates when Jeff Fisher was hired by the Houston Oilers and left the Tennessee Titans. Jeff Fisher led a suprising Titans team to Superbowl XXXIV before losing to St. Louis, coming up one yard short of tying the game on the final play. The Titans last great regular season under Fisher was in 2008, Tennessee was the AFC's #1 seed, however they lost to Baltimore in the Divisional Playoffs. Fisher and quarterback Vince Young had a rocky relationship. Now with Fisher gone, it'll be interesting to see if Young stays or goes from Nashville. Jeff Fisher went from being a defensive cordinator to a head coach and co chairmen of the NFL competition committee. Key questions remain, who will replace Jeff as the next Titans head coach and will he decide to coach again ?

Mendenhall Helps Steelers Run Over Jets And Into The Superbowl

Big Ben didn't have his best game, he threw a pair of interceptions, however he was able to keep drives alive with his arm and legs. Running back Rashard Mendenhall was a work horse running for well over 100 yards against the New York Jets defense, especially in the first half. Pittsburgh led New York 24-3 at halftime following a Steelers defensive touchdown. Mark Sanchez and the Jets scored 17 second half points and the defense picked up a 2 point safety. Nevertheless for the second year in a row, New York fell short in the AFC Championship Game. Pittsburgh advanced to Superbowl XLV with a 24-19 win. The Steelers will be aiming for their 7th Superbowl title and they are playing in the game for the 3rd time in the last 6 years.

Rodgers, Packers KO Cutler, Bears Advance To Superbowl

Green Bay 21 Chicago 14, the Packers defeated the Bears in Chicago to advance to Superbowl XLV. Green Bay will make their first appearance in the Superbowl since 1996. Chicago was looking to make their second Superbowl in the last five seasons. Green Bay scored all 21 of their points in the first half, then allowed Chicago to get back into the game following a pair of Aaron Rodgers interceptions. Speaking of interceptions, the Packers scored the winning touchdown on a pick six and secured the game off another interception. Chicago used two additional quarterbacks after Jay Cutler was knocked out and couldn't continue in the second half. Green Bay has become the NFC's first six seed to advance to Super Sunday. The Packers were able to win in Philadelphia, Atlanta and Chicago respectively. There has been a total team effort in this run from Rodgers and unknown rookie running back James Starks on offense, to the likes to Raji, Williams, Woodson and Matthews on defense. The Bears won the NFC North however they lost to their rivals twice over the past five weeks.

Holmes Homecoming In Pittsburgh For A Trip To Texas

Pittsburgh defeated Baltimore to advance to the AFC Championship Game, while the Jets talked the talk then walked the walk, defeating 14-2 New England in Foxborough. Former Superbowl MVP Santonio Holmes will make his way back to Heinz Field this Sunday to lead the Jets vs. the Steelers. Holmes made a terrific catch in the back off the endzone, similar to the catch he made vs. Arizona to bring Pittsburgh it's 6th title in franchise history. Big Ben led a second half comeback vs. Baltimore after trailing 21-7 at halftime. He'll look to lead Pittsburgh to it's 3rd Superbowl appearance in 6 years. New York will aim for it's first Superbowl appearance since Superbowl III. During the regular season the Jets won in Pittsburgh. New York is in the AFC Championship game in back to back postseasons, they'll look to win it this time, they lost to the Colts last year. Can second year coach and quarterback Sanchez & Ryan get the job done ?

Packers vs. Bears For Trip To Dallas

Green Bay vs. Chicago are the NFL's longest rivalry they'll meet for the 3rd time this season and an opportunity to represent the NFC in Super Bowl XLV. Solider Field will be the site this upcoming Sunday in Chicago. Rogers vs. Cutler along with Hawk vs. Peppers, the NFC's #6 seed vs. #2 seed. Green Bay has won in Philadelphia and in Atlanta knocking out the top seed this past weekend. Chicago defeated Seattle coming off a first round bye. Both teams one at home as they split the season series this year. Keep in mind Chicago had a chance to eliminate Green Bay from playoff contention the last week of the season. Green Bay won 10-3 and put itself into the playoffs. Green Bay will be looking for it's first Superbowl appearance since 1998 & Chicago for the first time since 2007.

Newton Gets Last Laugh Leds Tigers To Title Over Ducks

Cameron Newton, prior to declaring his self eligible for the upcoming NFL Draft had some unfinished business. The Heisman Trophy winner, led Auburn past Oregon 22-19 in the BCS National Championship Game in Glendale,Arizona. Newton battled through injuries in this game, similar to the way he battled through controversy all season. Despite his father appearing in the news all season long, Newton was able to win individually and as a team. Now similar to Reggie Bush when he was at USC, will Newton be in the news in the next few years. Keep in mind Bush last year turned in his Heisman Trophy after his name and his parents name appeared in the news from his time at school.

Lynch's Touchdown Run As Improbable As Seattle Win Over New Orleans

Marshawn Lynch, was traded mid season from Buffalo to Seattle, after his dramatic 67 yard touchdown run where he broke 8 tackles, he'll be remembered for a long time in Seattle. Seattle was nursing a 4 point lead versus the defending world champion Saints, when Lynch appeared to be shot out of a cannon in route to a score, while sending Seattle to Chicago for the NFC Divisional Playoffs. Seattle was talked about all week from a negative standpoint after winning the NFC West with a 7-9 record. Many believed they had no chance against New Orleans. Veteran quarterback Matt Hassleback threw for 4 touchdowns on the day as well. It's been a great run for New Orleans, now it comes to an end.

James Starks Help Packers Eliminate Vick & Eagles

James Starks, a rookie running back took advantage of his opportunity. During Green Bay's week one victory over Philadelphia, they loss starting running back Ryan Grant for the season. Starks ran for 123 yards on 23 carries as the NFC's #6 seed defeated the #3 seed 21-16. Aaron Rodgers won his first playoff game and will take on top seed Atlanta, this Saturday at the Georgia Dome. Michael Vick threw an interception in the final 30 seconds as he went for rookie Riley Cooper in the endzone, for a potentional game winning touchdown. Nevertheless the Packers play ball control offense and solid defense, keeping the Eagles offensive confused for most of the game. It'll be an interesting and long off season in Philadelphia, as they attempt to right their wrongs once again.

Rondo & Stoudemire Early Season MVP Candidates

Rajon Rondo is the quarterback that makes the Boston Celtics go. Rondo is already a top three NBA point guard. While playing in a pair of NBA Finals and winning a title in 2008. He's responsible for getting the basketball to three future Hall of Fame players : Paul Peirce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. He is also an extension of head coach Doc Rivers, a former NBA floor general. Rondo is currently averaging 10ppg & 14apg. Rajon is a MVP candidate because he's leading the Eastern Conference number one team record wise, without scoring, he's affecting games with his decision making. Amare Stoudemire, heard all summer he wouldn't be the same without Steve Nash after he left Phoenix, when signing with New York as a free agent. Currently the Knicks are a playoff team in the Eastern Conference. Amare and his teammates have brought life back to Madison Square Garden. Amare is averaging 26ppg & 9rpg. As the season goes on, obviously the MVP race will play itself out with the success of individuals and their respective teams.

Luck Stays At Stanford While Harbaugh Exits

Andrew Luck and Jim Harbaugh led Stanford to a blowout victory versus Virginia Tech in the 2010 Orange Bowl. Andrew Luck decided not to enter the NFL draft, where he would have probably been the number one selection. Jim Harbaugh has been hired as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers after being saught after by several teams. Harbaugh will need to address the quarterback position. However he has playmakers on offense with Frank Gore, Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis. We can not forget about all pro linebacker Patrick Willis on defense.

ER Edsall In Rodriguez Out

UConn head coach Randy Edsall left the program for the University of Maryland head coaching job. Edsall won 2010 Big East coach of the year, also lead the Huskies to their first BCS Bowl game. UConn were defeated by Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl. The following day he accepted a new position. While Rich Rodriguez was fired by the University of Michigan after they were blown out by Mississippi State in the Gator Bowl. He left West Virginia for Michigan, however during his time in Ann Arbor, Rodriguez could never get a signature win especially versus rival Ohio State. Where will Rodriguez go from here ? How well will Edsall do at Maryland ?

Young Bucs Have A Bright Future Under Morris

Tampa Bay Buccaneers, second year head coach has his team heading in the right direction. Unfortunately for Morris his team didn't qualify for the postseason, however they went 10-6 and finished in 3rd place within the NFC South. Morris is a coach on the rise, Tampa is a team on the rise. The average age of these young Bucs are 25, led by the likes of quarterback Josh Freeman, wide receiver Mike Williams and running back Legarrette Blount. Tampa ended their 2010 season with a strong 23-13 victory in New Orleans versus the playoff bound and defeating world champion Saints.

Dalton Leads TCU To Undefeated Season With Rose Bowl Victory

TCU ranked 3rd from the Mountain West Conference took on 5Th ranked Wisconsin from the Big Ten in the Rose Bowl Game 2011. TCU is from a non BCS Conference and left the game with a perfect record and undefeated season. Andy Dalton the TCU senior quarterback played an outstanding game in Pasadena. Dalton ran for a touchdown, while passing for 219 yards in another touchdown as the Horn Frogs defeated the Badgers 21-19. TCU was denied of playing in the BCS Championship Game, however they didn't allow the snub to affect them. TCU opened the season by defeating a top ten ranked Virginia Tech team at that particular time, they clearly can play with the big boys of college football.

Meyer Defeats Paterno During Final Game At Florida

46 year old Urban Meyer took on 84 year old Joe Paterno, during the 2011 Outback Bowl in Tampa, Florida. Meyer resigned in 2009 for health reasons, however came back for another season. The Outback Bowl would be his final game as head coach of the University of Florida. Meyer wants to move on and spend more time with his family. Paterno came into the game with the most wins by a head coach in bowl history. Meyer was aided by a defense that took advantage of 5 interceptions by Penn State, the final interception was returned for a Florida touchdown. Florida 38 Penn State 24, Meyer along with Tim Tebow won 2 National Championships with the Gators. It's possible Urban Meyer will become a college football analyst on television next season.