Who's Dak?

  Rayne Dakota Prescott, quarterback of the no.1 Mississippi State Bulldogs and current Heisman trophy front-runner is leading MSU to one of the most magical seasons in the school's history. Dakota, better known as "Dak" has the Bulldogs sitting with a record of 9-0 (5-0 in the SEC), and has been doing it in an impressive fashion. Currently, Prescott has a combined 29 touchdowns- 18 passing, 11 rushing.

  Prescott, a Junior(RS) player, is proving to be one of the more dominant players in college football right now as he is leading the Bulldogs through, what is to be seen as one of the most difficult conferences in all of college football, maybe even sports period, in the SEC West. He hasn't had the easiest path thus far, either. Earlier in the season Prescott took the Bulldogs on the road earlier this season to beat the then-ranked no.8 LSU Tigers, he also led his team past last years last years SEC champion, then-ranked no.2 Auburn Tigers, who were projected to win the SEC again. In Both games combined, Prescott had over 500 yards passing, three passing touchdowns, and three rushing. And they also walked over the then-ranked no.6 Texas A&M team that started out very hot.

  Dak Prescott isn't the best passer as far as "mechanics" but he's not Tim Tebow (no disrespect to Tebow). He's playing like a Heisman front-runner should. Winning big games, and having impressive numbers while doing it.

  The Bulldogs have two big games ahead of them still. Nov. 15 they go on the road to face-off against the no.5 Alabama Crimson Tide, and they close out the season against a very tough Mississippi (Ole Miss) team as well. Both games could both have NCAA playoff berths on the line.

  Dak has a very special story, like a lot of these players do.

Video courtesy of tube test

  Mississippi State is looking to have it's greatest season ever, and if they win out would be one of the four teams in the first ever, college football playoffs. Could Prescott do what Jameis Winston did last season, win the Heisman trophy and lift the NCAA National Championship as well? Only time will tell. Regardless if he does either, he and this Mississippi State team have had one heck of a season and have a bright future.

SportZone Podcast

Midseason Awards for NFL

  We are now halfway through the NFL regular season and I will give my prediction for who I believe deserves which award, as of right now, based off of their performance.

Mohamed Sanu

  Most Improved Player: Mohamed Sanu- With A.J. Green having injury problems this season and Marvin Jones being out for the entire season, Sanu had to step-up his performance and he answered. Currently, Sanu is in the top 20 in the NFL in receiving yards and leads the Cincinnati Bengals in every receiving category this season, he also has a passing touchdown to quarterback, Andy Dalton. The Bengals have been plagued by injuries all season but one thing has been consistent, Mohamed Sanu, who is showing that he could be a very good no.2-option opposite side of Green, 

Andrew Luck

  Offensive Player of the Year: Andrew Luck- The Indianapolis Colts started off this season 0-2, since, they've gone 5-1. I would say that Lucks' production has had something to do with that. in 7/8 games Luck has passed for 300+ yards and has a passing touchdown in every game, so far. Luck has over 2,700 passing yards and 22 touchdowns to 9 interceptions. He is currently leading the NFL in passing yards, passes of 20 yards or more, and is tied with Peyton Manning for most touchdown passes. The Colts aren't "lucky" they just have Luck. 

Luke Kuechly (#59)

  Defensive Player of the Year: Luke Kuechly- He won the award last season. He, again, is leading the league in tackles (97), has a sack and a forced fumble. . The Carolina Panthers aren't as good as what everyone believed that they would be early on, but Kuechly has been more than what people believed. He is maybe the most consistent defender in the league the past three season and looks to be on the verge of winning his second consecutive DPOY award.

Sammy Watkins (Right)

Offensive Rookiie of the Year: Sammy Watkins- Nobody believed the Bills would be a contender in the AFC East, this season. With the departure of Stevie Johnson (traded to 49ers), very average running attack, the Bills have found a comfort blanket in Sammy Watkins. He is the current leader of every receiving category on the team, and is on pace for over 1,000 receiving yards and double-digit touchdowns for the 2014-15 season. Watkins is almost a sure thing to win this award, especially if the Bills make the playoffs. 

Left: C.J. Mosley; Right: Ray Lewis

  Defensive Rookie of the Year: C.J. Mosley- Since hall-of-famer, Ray Lewis retired, the Baltimore Ravens have been looking for the replacement. I think Mosley is it. Currently, he is fourth in the league in tackles, has two interceptions, and a forced fumble. The Ravens have been known for their defense throughout history, Mosley is a player that will keep this team with that identity. Right now he's the best defensive rookie in the league hands down. 

DeMarco Murray 

  MVP: DeMarco Murray-  "How about them Cowboys"! Nobody saw this coming. NOBODY! Murray in previous years had shown flashes of greatness, the only issue is he has injury problems which held him back from showing all of his talents. Murray already has over 1,000 yards on the ground, 200 carries, and seven rushing-touchdowns. Murray is the first player in the history of the NFL to rush for 100 yards in the first seven games of the season, as well as a rushing-touchdown. The Cowboys are known for their great passing attack, led by Tony Romo and Dez' Bryant. This season, Murray has been the topic of conversation with the Cowboys. It's safe to say, Murray is on pace to break Erick Dickerson's' record for most rushing yards in a season. And if the Cowboys (6-2) stay on this pace they could end up with a playoff spot, and Murray could end up with the MVP award. 

Don't Call it a Comeback!

  Atlanta Falcons' wide receiver, Julio Jones has been on a roll so far in 2014, he is leading the team in receptions, receiving yards, and is tied with Antone Smith for most receiving touchdowns on the team (3).

 Jones, 25, was drafted in 2011 (no.6 overall) by the Falcons had suffered a major setback in 2013, when he went down with a foot injury, five games into the season, on the same foot that he had injured before. Coming into the draft Jones had some injury issues, some questioned his abilities to stay healthy and thought that he could potentially be a gamble being taken as a top-10 draft pick.

  So far this season, Jones is second in the NFL in receptions (44), third in receiving yards (620), and is first in receptions of 20+ yards (13).

  The Atlanta Falcons have not gotten off to the best start, they are currently (2-4) and in third place- one game behind the New Orleans Saints- in the NFC South. On the bright side, the season is still fairly young and as of now, their division appears to be struggling, so they are still in the race to win the division. One thing I do know, Julio Jones has come back from that injury and has been looking better than ever. He can still make every catch, run every route and run through defenders. As of right now, I would say he appears to be the front-runner for the 'comeback player of year' award.

Is Dalton Earning His Stripes?

  With the 2014 NFL season right around the corner, the Cincinnati Bengals will have a lot to figure out, on the field and off. The Bengals having lost both, their offensive and defensive coordinator from last season, as both of them landed head coaching jobs. They also lost key players such as, defensive end, Michael Johnson and offensive tackle, Anthony Collins. But that's over with, those people are gone, no longer with the organization, merely a thing of the past. However, the Bengals have to determine if there is someone they can't afford to lose after this season. That someone is quarterback, Andy Dalton.

Dalton, 26, former second-round pick in 2011 is coming up on the last year of his rookie contract. The Bengals have to decide if they want to give him a new contract, which would guarantee the QB extra seasons in Cincinnati, and more than likely would pay him handsomely. They also have the option of waiting and giving him the franchise-tag, for next season, which wouldn't guarantee him anything but one extra year and a nice amount of money.

Can the Bengals really afford not to give the 26-year-old QB a contract extension?

Left: A.J. Green. Right: Andy Dalton. (picture courtesy of huffingtonpost.com)

  Since 2011 (since drafting Dalton) the Bengals have a 30-18 record. the Bengals won 30 games from 2000-2005. Every season since he's been playing his numbers have improved, and you know what they say, numbers don't lie. in 2011, Dalton passed for 20 TD's, 13 INT's and completed 58 percent of his passes. 2012, 27 TD's, 16 INT's while completing 62 percent of his passes. 2013, 33 TD's, 20 INT's while completing 62 percent of his passes. But i'm not going to just throw stats out, sometimes numbers don't tell the whole story. Dalton, along with all-pro receiver, A.J. Green have not only helped the Bengals organization win, but they've helped change the culture in Cincinnati. Before they came, the Bengals' fans seemed content with an 8-8 season. Let's be honest, the Bengals weren't really getting eight wins in a season. In 2005, the Bengals went 11-5 and you would hear people bragging about making the playoffs and having an 11-win season. Now, Bengals' fans are use to both, winning and making the playoffs. However, Dalton may be a victim of his own doing. He helped create a winning atmosphere, now, fans want more and expect more. They want a playoff win. Indeed, Dalton has not won a playoff game, so far in his career (0-3). But Cincinnati fans, think about this, if Dalton doesn't get a new contract and the next QB struggles, can the team afford to go backward and "rebuild". Every season, something has improved, whether it's Dalton's TD amount, the win total, or even the amount of season-ticket holders. But these are all good things, the team looks to be in a good position, right now.

  Should Dalton get the extension before the season? I don't think it matters. Should he get the contract extension at all? Yes. I don't just say that because he's given the organization three consecutive above-.500 seasons (which hasn't been done in Cincinnati since the 1970s). I say that because the best player on the team, A.J. Green, publicly came out and spoke on the issue and says he supports Dalton. That's a big deal because Green isn't very vocal about much, so him speaking-out about Dalton should let you know what he thinks about Dalton's abilities. Also, that he wants Dalton here and wants to grow and develop with him more. Knowing that both of these players have yet to reach their prime should excite Bengals fans. Hopefully, going into next season the Bengals work out something out to tie-in Dalton for years to come. Not only for Dalton but for the Bengals' fans and the organization, because I believe they could be on verge of a playoff win that the city is long overdue for.

Sports Talk: James Rapien and Mario DeRamus

James and I talk Lebron, NBA eastern conference going forward. Also, we take a look at the upcoming NFL season, as we talk AFC North and much more.

10 Rookies That Will Make an Impact This NFL Season

  Every year, there's a group of rookies that make a significant impact on their team. Guys in the past such as A.J. Green, Robert Griffin III, Andrew Luck and Kiko Alonso, all made a big difference on the team and in the organization in their first season. This season, the tradition will continue.

  There are 10 rookies that are almost certain to make an impact on the field, in the 2014 season. These players are not all first round draft picks, but they are on teams that will allow them to see ample playing time to make extraordinary plays for their teams.

1. Khalil Mack (Raiders): He was the no.5 overall pick for a reason. He was the most versatile defensive player in the draft- he can rush the passer, fill the box, and drop back in coverage- and he will show why he should have been the no.1 overall pick in the draft. Having pass rushers, Justin Tuck and Lamarr Woodley will be big for Mack, it will allow him to drop back in coverage more and make more plays on the ball. 
2. Ha'Sean "Ha Ha" Clinton-Dix (Packers): No M.D. Jennings, no worries. Clinton-Dix was the best safety in college, last season, hands down. He is a natural born play maker and with a Packers secondary that has been injury prone, Clinton-Dix is sure to see playing time and with as good as that front seven is in Green Bay, that should allow him to make some big-time plays. 
3. Jordan Matthews (Eagles): He's a 6-foot-3, 205 pound, slot receiver. That sums it up. Also, in this very productive and high-powered Chip Kelly offense, Matthews is sure to see the field a lot. Especially since Desean Jackson is now with the Washington Redskins. There will only be two receivers ahead of him (Riley Cooper and Jeremy Maclin). Matthews had more receiving yards last season than Sammy Watkins, as he finished fourth in the NCAA. He made also made an average offense at Vanderbilt look very good, the past two season. With this offense, Matthews is sure to have a big season, if he can stay on the field.
4. Marqise Lee (Jaguars): Two years ago, Lee would've been a top 10 draft choice. But he was drafted this year, in the second round. You better believe he has a chip on his shoulder. With Lee most likely to compete for the no.1 receiver spot on the depth chart with Cecil Shorts, since Justin Blackmon is likely going to be suspended for the season. Lee will be sure to see a lot of passes thrown his way, I mean, since there are really not many options, anyway. 
5. Tre Mason (Rams): Mason was among the top 5 in rushing yards in college, last season. He helped to lead Auburn to a National title appearance. With the Rams using a two-back system and Daryl Richardson no longer on the team, you can be sure that Mason will see the field this season, and a couple of touches is all that he should need to make his impact. He has incredible foot work and is able to make cuts quickly and get in-and-out of lanes, fast. 
6.  Kelvin Benjamin (Panther): No more Steve Smith, Ted Ginn Jr. or Brandon LaFell in Carolina, which means, it's all on Benjamin. He has tremendous upside, which is why the Panthers used their first-round pick on him. He is a big, athletic receiver. A lot of people compare his build and play to Lions' all-pro receiver, Calvin Johnson. With Benjamin receiving passes from Cam Newton, he should look to have a very good rookie campaign. 
7. Devante Adams (Packers): Adams was second in the NCAA, last season in receiving yards, first in receiving touchdowns and receptions. Adams was a work horse at Fresno state and in Green Bay, it should be a little different. With an offense full of weapons (when they're healthy) it should take the load off of Adams. However, with only Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson appearing to be ahead of him on the depth chart, it should allow for Adams to see the field in a lot of packages. He can play outside or the slot. Oh, did I ever mention Aaron Rodgers is his quarterback. Adams should have no problem clicking with this offense, all he has to do is learn the playbook and he should fit in just fine. Hopefully, he'll pick up where he left off at, his last season at Fresno State. 
8. Andre Williams (Giants): With uncertainty of David Wilson's health, after suffering a neck injury last season, Andre Williams will certainly get a lot of reps with the first-team in training camp. Williams led the NCAA in rushing yards last season and was a Heisman finalist, you better believe he has a huge chip on his shoulder. Williams didn't impress much at the combine and that's one reason he fell to the fourth round. However, leading the nation in rushing in college is still a big deal. Call this a sleeper or whatever you want, I think Williams will produce his rookie season and will prove that he deserves the starting position. 
9. Teddy Bridgewater (Vikings): Went from a top-10 prospect to the final pick of the first round. Bridgewater feels that he has a lot to prove. He believed he was the best quarterback in this years draft, there were two drafted in front of him- Blake Bortles and Johnny Manziel- and he's out to make 31 other NFL teams pay. Bridgewater proved that he can make every throw and he has the football smarts to run an NFL offense, now he'll get that chance in Minnesota. It's not set in stone that he'll win the job, however, it's his job to lose. With a team being led by first-year head coach, Mike Zimmer, Bridgewater should get the green light. He has some weapons in place, also, such as Adrian Peterson, Cordarrelle Patterson, Greg Jennings and Kyle Rudolph. I look for Bridgewater to have a good year against an NFC North division that seems to give up a lot of big yards through the air. 
10. Sammy Watkins (Bills): He's in the same category as players like A.J. Green, Julio Jones, Calvin Johnson when they were coming into the league. He may still have to prove himself to be "elite" at the professional level, but this guy is a straight STUD! He can run every route, he has killer speed and big-time hands. There's nothing he can't do. With no Stevie Johnson in town, he'll be the no.1 guy. I mean, the Bills did trade up for a reason. He will be victim to a very young offense but with Manuel going into his second season, he and Watkins should be a nice duo. His biggest downfall this season might be playing in the same division as Darrelle Revis, but I don't even think Revis Island will be ready for this young thunderstorm called Sammy Watkins. 

***BONUS***

  Jadeveon Clowney is going to be a very good player. He's opposite side of J.J. Watt, in a Romeo Crennel defense. I believe it's safe to say that he'll have a major impact in the NFL. You didn't really need me to put him on the list, did you? He's a freak of nature and has the potential to be one of the best defensive players in the league, with his athleticism and build, he's almost a sure thing.