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2006 College Football Preview: Teams, Trends, and Players to Watch

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the new college football season is about to kick off, teams are buzzing with excitement, and players are gearing up to make their mark on the sport. The ESPN The Magazine's 2006 College Football Preview provides an in-depth look at the teams, trends, and players to watch. From Notre Dame's Brady Quinn to West Virginia's Owen Schmitt, the magazine highlights the key players who will make this season unforgettable.

Key Takeaways:

  • Notre Dame's Brady Quinn is flying high under the guidance of coach Charlie Weis, who has kept him grounded despite the team's high expectations.
  • West Virginia's Owen Schmitt, known as one of the strongest men in college football, has channeled a lifetime of teasing into becoming a true warrior on the field.
  • The magazine's Power 16 list features 16 teams that should have a say in this year's BCS, including teams like USC, Florida State, and Ohio State.
  • Miami's A.J. Pierzynski must emulate his tough side to help the team repeat as World Series champions.
  • Houston Astros third baseman Morgan Ensberg shares a harrowing story of being held at gunpoint six years ago, citing that the scars on his wrists may never disappear.
  • The Arizona Cardinals' new home is America's inaugural entry into world-class stadium design, also serving as a symbol of the team's commitment to excellence.
  • New Orleans' Superdome has made a successful comeback after being severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina, serving as a beacon of hope for the city.
  • San Diego's Shawne Merriman has found success in life after a life of wandering, but it was this journey that made him the on-field terror he is today.
  • Former tennis champion Martina Hingis is now facing the daunting question of whether her comeback to the sport is worth it amid her fears of not coming back to her former form.

Statistics:

  • 16 teams featured in the Power 16 list (ESPN The Magazine, 2006)
  • 3 teams mentioned in the article as having a say in this year's BCS (USC, Florida State, Ohio State)
  • 1 World Series champion team mentioned in the article (Miami)
  • 1 player highlighted for his harrowing experience of being held at gunpoint (Morgan Ensberg)
  • 1 example of a successful stadium design in the sports industry (Arizona Cardinals' new home)

Sources:

  • ESPN The Magazine (2006)
  • "MAN BEHIND THE MASK: THE LEGEND OF OWEN SCHMITT" by Ben Raab and Bruce Feldman (ESPN The Magazine, 2006)
  • "TOTAL ACCESS: EXERCISE TO EXORCISE" by Mike Kuchar (ESPN The Magazine, 2006)
  • "COLLISION COURSE" by Carmen Renee Thompson (ESPN The Magazine, 2006)
  • "WHITE NOISE" by Tim Keown (ESPN The Magazine, 2006)
  • "I ALMOST FEEL LIKE I CAN SEE EVIL" by Tom Friend (ESPN The Magazine, 2006)
  • "RAISING THE ROOF" by Anuj Desai (ESPN The Magazine, 2006)
  • "AND IF IT'S BROKE, WE FIX IT" by Elena Bergeron (ESPN The Magazine, 2006)
  • "COMFORT ZONE" by Rachel Nichols (ESPN The Magazine, 2006)
  • "CHANGEOVER" by Lindsay Berra (ESPN The Magazine, 2006)

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