After correctly predicting the winner in all SEC games in my first addition of this series, I thought that my luck would surely turn south for me to lose a couple this past weekend.
Well, it didn’t. Luck seems to be on my side for picking games so far this year. Not to jinx myself, but I am beginning to like picking the games more and more.
Well, enough of the intro. Now on to the recap of last weekend’s games.
Kentucky
In case you haven’t noticed, the Wildcats are 3-0. I’m not talking about the round ball either! They caught a bye in Week Four, and they will need it too with an eight-game stretch starting this weekend.
UGA vs. ASU
I had predicted the Dawgs to walk in this one. An early struggle was nothing more than a hangover—from the long trip, that is.
I predicted UGA would win going away, 31-13. The actual score was 27-10—a one-point difference in the predicted spread. Not too bad to start it off.
S. Carolina vs. Wofford
In Week Three Carolina displayed a respectable performance against Georgia. Coming to play Wofford appeared to be a game were the wrath would be released.
You see, Wofford is kind of like the little kid who wants to play but is not quite big enough yet. The Gamecocks let the little kid play and took it easy, I guess. I’m not really sure, to be honest. Darth Visor, you’ve got me so confused.
40 comments Last one added 9 months ago — Leave a Comment
Gray Ghost 9 months ago
Son! Hush yo mouth! Is this buliding up or what! No doubt about it, Bama has got a great coach and a great team. I love Alabama, and it is so great to see them back at the upper-echelon of the SEC where they belong.
I think our receivers are going to make the bigs plays that we need to win this one (AJ Green is a name for all to remember), and that Knowshon will keeep Bama's D' on its toes. Stafford will look good in this one.
TC, this is always one of my favorite articles of the week. Outstanding as usual! POTD
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Gray Ghost 9 months ago
One other thing: A bama fan had commented that the Blackout was because the Dawgs were afraid. You won't find any fear on either sideline of this game. These teams don't operate of fear.
The blackout in my opinion, besides the emotion it creates, is a sign of respect for a great Bama team. We don't need that edge against lesser opponents. We reserve it for times when the big boys come to town.
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Timothy Croley 9 months ago
I agree that fear will be the last thing on the minds of either team. That is what really has me pumped for this game. Richt was at the Clemson game. I know each team has been keeping an eye on the other. They both know what the other is capable of doing.
Now, all that's left is to put it all out on the table. Strap up and let's go!!
I don't think you will see a more intense physical game for the entire season out of two teams. And that my friend is why I will be glued to every single aspect of every single play come Saturday night!
I agree that Green is unreal. Everyone talks about Bama's young blood, and there is a lot (15 freshmen played in the first four games), but Green will probably be the Freshman of the year in the NCAA. He is that good.
Saturday night the entire nation will have on display what SEC and college football is really all about!
Thanks for the comments and the pick. I can't wait for Saturday night! I'll be looking forward to talking with you the rest of this week and next to recap.
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12 9 months ago
The Alabama Georgia game already has me worn out. This has been the longest week already. Waiting for the Clemson game seemed like an eternity...well, actually it was an eternity, but this game needs to get here quick...my nerves can't stand mush more. Great job and a lot of work, Tim, my hat's off to you. I sincerely hope your SEC winning streak continues. Roll Tide!!!
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Timothy Croley 9 months ago
Thanks 12. I always appreciate your comments. I agree totally that this game is wearing me out. If this is just the week leading up to the game, I'm afraid of how exhausted I will be after the game. Wow, i can't imagine what the players and coaches are going through!
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GeorgiaDawg 9 months ago
Great read Timothy. Good preview of what may be the best game of the year. I think UGA has to get the edge since it's a home game. I also think UGA can slow down Bama's running attack and make JPW throw the ball. If that happens, I think UGA comes out on top. I don't think JPW can beat us.
I would wish you luck, but I'll save it for later in the year... when we need Bama to beat someone else. Gotta love the SEC!!
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Timothy Croley 9 months ago
Dawg, I undestand exactly how you feel. Thanks for the comments. I agree with the JPW point. He may not be able to pull it out if it is put on his shoulders, but hey, stranger things have happened. I think the game will be well worth the wait come Saturday. I'll be wishing you luck against FL, UT, and AU.
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Nick The Only 9 months ago
I hope Florida shuts out Ole Miss. They have been so close to a shut out in their first 3 games.
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Timothy Croley 9 months ago
I know what you mean. A shut out can do a lot to build confidence for the defense. Ole Miss is not a really bad team, but still I think Florida will have no problem with them, they are just that much better than the Rebels.
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Justin Goar 9 months ago
wow, bama over uga. wow.
i like it.
while i like the dawgs in this one, a bama win would not surprise me and it would be a signature saban win in his t-town tenure.
btw, good job with the spread (unlike auburn) sorry i had to.
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Timothy Croley 9 months ago
That last line was too easy for you not to take, Justin. The UGA-Bama game will be close, I believe. Could go either way. But after what has happened so far this year, it's gonna be hard for me not to pick the Tide when they are rolling like they have been. This will be their first true test, but hey, it went to overtime last year, and that Bama team was not nearly as good as this one.
Last year they let Arkansas back in the game after having them almost put away (should have been put away). They had LSU beat and let it slip in the last few minutes. They had UGA, they had Miss State, they had all the teams they lost to right in sight of putting the pressure on their necks and not letting up. This team has a different attitude.
If they get ahead early I think we will hold on this year. But that's the only thing that worries me. We haven;t trailed in a game this year. How the players handle that will show their true character.
And yes, this would be the win of his short Alabama career. I can't imagine the spirits getting any higher thanthey are right now, but a win could vault them even higher!
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TigerInGatorLand 9 months ago
I don't know who to root for, I don't like either team very much. While LSU plays both later this season, Alabama is in the same division as us. So I'm going to have to hope your prediction dosn't come true about that game. If Saban actually pulls this win off we are going to be guaranteed an amazing football game. BUT I CAN'T BRING MYSELF TO ROOT FOR ALABAMA!
Rooting for an Alabama loss but also a close game won out at the end by UGA.
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Timothy Croley 9 months ago
I understand your position, Tiger, and respect you for that. I will be pulling for UGA on October 25th. Nothing personal, just got to do it for my Tide. Thanks for stopping by.
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TigerInGatorLand 9 months ago
If you didnt, I would think something was up lol
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Dale Weaver 9 months ago
Nice read...I think Ga. will take care of business but if you continue you picking trend - I'm taking you to Vagas. Take care.
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Timothy Croley 9 months ago
Thanks Dale. I have been hot so far this year with all my picks, not to be bragging. But hey, it could turn south at any time. Either way, I think we are in for another great week of SEC football!
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Quantumt 9 months ago
great job Tim. whats your prediction for the UF/Old Miss game?
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Timothy Croley 9 months ago
Gators 40 Rebels 14 - I think Florida is really getting things going. On the road it might be different, a little closer. But in the Swamp I see lots of trouble for the Rebels.
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J Wiley 9 months ago
Tom Hanks to Private Ryan: Earn this. The team that comes out the victor on this Saturday in Athens, amid all the hype and too-long ESPN induced times out, will have earned it. Both teams want this and need this soooo much. Hopefully #7 gets us some points early, and Curran and Ellerbee spend a lot of time in the bama backfield looking down on dudes in white-crimson jerseys. Could be another fourth quarter "who wants this the most" struggle. Hopefully not OT because midnight is late enough.
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Timothy Croley 9 months ago
J, I think you are dead on. I think this will be the most physical game between two college football teams this year! Who ever mans up and takes it will come out on top. "If you want come and get it" should be the motto for this match-up. I am getting tired just thinking of everything that could possibly take place. I think the winner will earn much respect that is over due this year so far. Can't wait. It is going to be a battle for sure!
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Dash Karins 9 months ago
I know you are undefeated in your picks, but your Bama favorism is showing through on this one... I agree that Bama has looked impressive both against the run and running the ball... But to be fair, UGA has a better run defense, (3rd fewest yards allowed in the nation). I know both teams have stacked up numbers against mediocre teams, but both have played what were once top 20 teams and some pretenders. You seem to blow off the fact that UGA also has a great run defense, which will make JPW beat us. In between the hedges. At night. During a blackout. We saw what happened to senior Brandon Cox in a similar atmosphere last year.
Dawgs by 14.
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Michael Inglis 9 months ago
JPW is no Brandon Cox. Is he the greatest? No. But he can lead Bama down the field for a big score, just like he did last year against UGA to force OT.
Hopefully the battle will be won in the trenches because Bama has the edge there.
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Timothy Croley 9 months ago
Dash, it's not due to favorism, it's due to what I have seen so far this year. I think the game could go either way.
And no, I am not counting out UGA's rush Defense. What I am counting on is the play of what could be one the best offensive lines in college football and the SEC's #1 rush offense. We have four running backs that could all start. I think they could all start for any team in the country. They are all very good. UGA's defense is good, that's why I think they will match-up well.
Also, I think the pressure is on Stafford rather than JP. I'm guessing you saw the Clemson game and what happens to a young offensive line that goes up against Terrance Cody and Co. He will have to be double teamed at worst, possibly triple teamed. Can Stafford step up and make the plays when Moreno is held in check? That will be the difference I believe. We have been vulnerable in our pass D. So, that's why I worded it that way in the article.
What pressure does JP have? We are predicted to lose the game. The line is in UGA's favor. You even pointed to it - we are no better than Auburn last year. We are destined tolose already. Shouldn't even show up to play. You have the game won!! So, if we know we are supposed to lose, what does it matter if we go out there and let lose with some game plan know one has seen yet? What does it matter if we cheat up on defense or take shots down field? What does all that matter? We're gonan lose anyway, right? Now, tell me, if you know you have already lost, what pressure do you have placed on your back? Man I love being the underdog!!!
Lastly, shrubbery, night games, blackouts, whatever else you want to throw at us, it's all for show. The men inside the uniforms are the ones who have to play, not the uniforms! It's all mental. We have played teams in orange, white, red, so black will be just another color. Brandon Cox, please, the underwear model? You thought he was a leader? Being a good QB is more than just passing the ball.
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BabyTate 9 months ago
This must be how Dr. Frankenstein felt when he said "He's alive, he's alive"!
Well done Timothy, well done.
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Timothy Croley 9 months ago
BT, almost didn't recognize you there with the new pic. Thanks for the comments. How do you think the UGA-Bama game will really go? You think the monster will awake for real this Saturday night?
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Dash Karins 9 months ago
You're right, JPW is no Brandon Cox.
JPW record after 2 years and 4 games as a starter (Not including his 4 as a freshman, I cant remember which ones he started): 17-13
Brandon Cox record as a 3 year starter: 29-9
Even if Wilson goes undefeated this year, Cox (Who beat Bama 3 times btw, so no Bama fan has a right to diss him) would still have a superior record to JPW. Wilson also played as a freshman so he had more experience.
Also, his senior year was arguably cox's worst, so dont whine and moan that Parker will come through this year. He might. I was just trying to make an interesting comparison about an unproven QuarterBacks between the hedges at night... mainly, they tend to fall apart (See Jared Zabransky circa 2005)
Instead of just blindly defending your quarterback by making generalizations about his ability, try and come up with some interesting talking points.
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Timothy Croley 9 months ago
I'll make a point. JP has been off with the long throws so far this year. I think he has hit a couple of deep passes, but other than that they have been thrown too far or behind the receivers. However, on a good note, he has not killed us yet like he did in three games that I can think of off the top of my head. Plus, JP has had a lot of experience. There's no doubt about it.
But like I said above, he hasn't been called on to do anything out of his ability so far this year. Plus, we haven't been in tough situations like coming from behind or anything. So who knows what this team is made of? UGA came from behind to beat Spurrier, a sign of toughness and endurance. I can tell you this though, Bama's defense will be stronger and faster than Carolina.
Bama came from behind to beat Arkansas last year, and who was there to lead that drive and throw the game winning TD? JP, yep, that's right. So, he's done it. He has led this team. Now we have better players in position to win games, so don't you think it will be easier for him to led a team to win a close, though game?
Plus, have you seen Bama's teams over the past three years in comparrison to Auburn? Auburn had the better athletes. Every team had better athletes. But that's all changing. You can see with the way these young guys have come in and stepped up so far this year. So Cox had better players to help him win games. Now, JP has better players to help him win games.
JP may not win this game, but I think it says a lot when you have 15, count em! 15! freshmen who have played so far this year. We only have 9 seniors on the whole team! Now, what does that tell you about our future?
I don't know what the outcome will be for this team at season's end. But I can assure you this, every team we play will remember us!
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Michael Inglis 9 months ago
Wow dash, you just pulled out the dumbest stat possible. Good job, that must have been hard for you.
Basically all that stat means is Cox played on a better team. Ken Dorsey has a better record than Peyton Manning, does that mean Dorsey is better? See how dumb your stat is.
If you knew anything about football at all you would know talent wise JPW is better. Do you ever see Cox play? JPW will finish with more TDs and less INT for his career than Cox. Why didn't you mention that.
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Dash Karins 9 months ago
Ok looking back, maybe that was a bit harsh. Personally I don't think JPW can lead a championship team, but I have been wrong before. I will beleive it when I see it I guess.
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Timothy Croley 9 months ago
Dash, my whole point of everything is this, JP doesn't have to led this team to victory if other guys step up and help him. This team is playing like a team, working together on every play. So, as important as I know the QB position is, I don't think it all lies on his shoulders. That's all I'm saying. I think the Bama defense may surprise everyone and win this game, so there again JP will not have to do it. But if he is called upon to led this team to march down the field late in the game, don't expect him to fold like in games past.
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Dash Karins 9 months ago
So your argument is... he probably wont have to be the one to beat Uga... but if he does... We shouldn't expect him to fold like he has in the past... why exactly shouldn't we expect this? You said yourself he has not been called on to do anything outside of his ability this year.
JPW WILL have to step up in this game in order for you to win. Don't kid yourself, you can't win championships or big games without having your quarterback step up big a few times.
LSU is the perfect example of this. LSU's offense merely requires its quarterback to be a good game manager in order to succeed. You seem to be suggesting that Bama runs a similar type offense. For all his talent, Jamarcus Russell was not as successful a game manager as either Matt Mauk or Matt Flynn. Still those players NEEDED to step up and make plays a few times a game.
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Michael Inglis 9 months ago
Matt Mauck was more than just a game manager if that is what you are suggesting.
When you have the school record for TD passes in a season then you did more than just managed the game.
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Dash Karins 9 months ago
As for talent level, I have been impressed with Saban's recruiting classes. Just dont forget, teams like LSU, UGA, and UF have 4 of those classes sitting in their ranks, so its not like all of a sudden BAMA has the best athletes in the SEC. I do think that they (Bama) are here to stay as a conference power as long as Saban is running the show.
Looks to like Bama is filling the spot vacated by Tenn in recent years. (though their drop in prestige hasn't stopped them from kicking our ass the last two years).
It looks like this is the team that gets it started for Saban. He needs to accomplish two things this season to be "Back" to an elite level.
1) Beat Auburn. Priority number 1. End it here and now before it becomes an issue (Saban cant beat Tommy etc)
2) Beat a top 10 team (other than Auburn) He has a shot this Saturday. He might have a shot against LSU later. And should Bama make the SEC championship, he will likely get another shot at either UF of UGA (or Vandy, HA!)
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Timothy Croley 9 months ago
I have not forgotten any team or recruiting. You are talking to a guy who has seen his team go from top of the world to being humiliated the past decade. If you read some of my earlier articles and comments you will see that I don't take anything for granted, not do I overlook any aspect of the game, which includes other programs. I know what it is like to suffer. We are now seeing the light of day again for the first time in quite some time. So, believe me, this is still just one game at a time, especially in SEC play!
We have already beaten a top ten team. Remember Clemson. Oh yeah, everyone thought they were so good throughout the summer, but now all of a sudden, just because Bama beat them , everyone thinks they are horrible. Does anyone ever stop to think that maybe they are good and Bama just took the wind out of their sail???
Auburn is not top ten talent either, so no need to stress the "other than Auburn" point. I saw them personally last week. They were lucky to be in that game. Their kicking game is not good. LSU gave them a touchdown early. In years past they would have pounded the ball in the second half and won that game, never allowing LSU a chance to get back in it. Now their play calling is as bad as Bama's used to be. Play action pass on fourth?? Pass the ball when you are trying to kill the clock??
Anyway, Dash, I'm not trying to get in a war with you. I may be wrong. Bama may lose by 30. I said the same thing before the Clemosn game. But if they do, oh well. The season is not over. We still control our own destiny. We are still 4-1 and are having a better than expected season. So, I may be wrong, but I think Bama's defense will keep them in this game.
You asked if a team could be successful without having a QB to help them sometime during the year. A QB who will have to step up and make big plays in big games. I'm not sure to be honest. But Bama won it all in 92 with a sophomore QB who was never called upon to play outside his abilities. The defense simply dominated. They ran the ball successfully. They had great special teams play in returning the ball. Those things are similar to thise team. Now I'm not saying this team is that good, to win it all or be compared to the 92 team, but the do have a pretty good defense, great return guys for punts and kickoffs, and a great running game.
Finally, what I say about Bama being good or at least decent has nothing to do with UGA, nor am I saying UGA is a bad team. In fact, I will be pulling for UGA the rest of the year, I usually do.
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Dash Karins 9 months ago
I dont mean to seem like I am starting a war here either, I love these kind of discussions, especially with someone who knows what they are talking about.
As for the Auburn LSU game, they may not have the ground game that they had in the past, but I find it interesting that LSU took command of that game when they had a quarterback who stepped up and made some plays for them when the ground game wasn't getting the job done. I don't care how good your offensive line is, teams will stack the box and make JPW beat them. Yes of course if your defense creates points and turnovers, it significantly helps the quarterback, but four games into the season, I dont think anyone is ready to say that Bama's (or Georgia's) defense is at that level where they can win games by themselves (yet). Its too early to be hoping for that from anyone.
I sure wish you guys were playing UF this year too, believe me. Damn Gators have the easiest schedule of any of us.
Side note on Clemson... come on. Its Clemson. (Okay... maybe thats a cop out for you calling me on the top 10 note... I should have said top 10 SEC team lolz)
Btw this is the most expensive ticket I have ever payed for as a dawgs fan, including SEC championship and Sugar Bowl tickets. Knew I shouldnt have waited until game week.
May the best team win sir.
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Timothy Croley 9 months ago
Okay, let's just leave it at that. May the best team win.
I hope you come back next week as I recap and preview the SEC again, inlcuding the game of the week: Vandy vs. Auburn or Kentucky vs. Bama. Wow, you know it's a down week when those two games are at the top. Only thing is, Vandy is going to Jordan-Hare undefeated, and UK ahould do the same going to Bryant-Denny. USC lost last night too, so the top 10 is going to be moving around some more. So, please stop in again on either Tuesday or Wednesday.
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Timothy Croley 9 months ago
Dash, I'm really not being cocky or anything, but do you understand now why I feel so good about our line play on both sides of the ball? They are monsters! That really was thie difference, just as I had thought. The RB's carried us and JPW made the "safe" throws when called upon. He didn't do anything fancy, but we won and the QB didn't have to carry us. Great game. Who knows, we could meet again in ATL come December. That one could be scary for us if we do!!
I still hope you will check out this week's recap and preview. I should have it written by Wednesday.
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Heath McGuff 9 months ago
greta read i hope the streak stays alive. but this week if alabama catshes a few breaks i think they could sneak out of athens with a win
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Timothy Croley 9 months ago
Thanks Heath. I agree. I think Bama will need some breaks to make it out alive. I think any team going on the road in the SEC needs breaks to be honest. Unless of course you're going to somewhere like Fayetteville. Then of course you just need to wait for them to screw up.
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yupp yupp 9 months ago
what ya'll think now.....
"JPW cant beat us"
HELL YEA HE CAN
HE JUST DID IT!
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