Bleacher Report - Articles by Henry Ball

Hits Keep Coming for Les Miles: LSU AD Confirms Recruiting Investigation

Henry Ball — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 01:10:26 -0500

Jordan Blum of 2theAdvocate.com is reporting that LSU is self-investigating possible violations involving the football team.

Athletic Director Joe Alleva confirmed the investigation on Monday and indicated that the probe was focused on one assistant coach and a single student-athlete, who has not yet played during any live game action for the Tigers.

In Alleva's statement, he said, “Compliance issues are routinely monitored by our compliance staff and LSU is currently researching possible violations involving one assistant coach and one student-athlete in the sport of football. By procedure, the Southeastern Conference Office has been made aware of this circumstance.”

Alleva also noted that privacy concerns prevent him from discussing details and specific individuals at this time.

It appears that the coach in question is wide receivers coach D.J. McCarthy, who has recruited some of LSU's brightest young talent since joining the staff in 2007.

McCarthy recruits include five-stars DT Chris Davenport and WR Rueben Randle, four-stars DB Karnell Hatcher, DT Akiem Hicks, and RB Michael Ford, and several other potential impact players.

If the player in question has not yet reached the field, Tiger fans have to be wondering if Hicks, Ford, or another one of McCarthy's charges might be in jeopardy of suspension or worse.

Ford was dressed for Saturday's game in Tiger Stadium and was available to play in case of emergency, according to head coach Les Miles.

That could indicate that Ford is not expected to be implicated in the investigation.

Blum's story in The Advocate also pointed out that McCarthy was the only offensive coach that did not receive a raise this year.

This revelation comes at a precarious time for Coach Miles, who has experienced heavy scrutiny in the aftermath of the Ole Miss loss last Saturday in Oxford, MS.

One of the Internet's primary sources for LSU news and discussion, And the Valley Shook, posted the news just as the heated debate over whether or not Miles should be retained began to settle down.

One of the attributes that most Tiger fans seem to have appreciated most about Coach Miles to this point is his character and that he has run a clean program.

That character was questioned in light of his initial remarks following the Ole Miss game when some felt he was passing the buck and blaming his young quarterback for the loss.

In his weekly press conference, he clarified his remarks and accepted full responsibility for the mismanagement of the game resulting in the loss. This welcomed accountability was by and large accepted by his players, the media, and fans alike.

Now he will have to answer questions regarding yet another distraction and potential setback facing his team as they begin to turn their attention to preparing for what is likely to be a CapOne Bowl game versus Iowa or Penn State.

There is no indication at this time that this is a serious violation that could lead to major sanctions.

Nonetheless, for those Tiger fans that have already turned on Coach Miles, this will undoubtedly fuel the fire to go in another direction.

For his most ardent supporters, of which I have been and remain, this is a scary situation that must and undoubtedly will be handled properly by the athletic department and Coach Miles.

For those on the fence, the tug of war continues.

If this turns out to be worse than it seems now or is not handled properly, then the tug of war will be won by the change now crowd.

With the way things are going, they might just pull hard enough to bring along some of those that are currently firmly in the Miles camp.

By Henry Ball (Southern Man, CFB Czar) Featured Columnist, Syndicated Writer

@ Bleacher Report , College Gameday Network , and other Sports Media outlets.

Another Must Read: Is Les Miles on the Hot Seat?

Sources: 2 the Advocate, LSUsports.net, And The Valley Shook

LSU Tigers: A Battle Cry for Coach Les Miles From Death Valley

Henry Ball — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 01:10:31 -0500

In the recently released movie "The Blind Side" about former Ole Miss left tackle Michael Oher, his guardian explains to him that “The Charge of the Light Brigade,” Lord Alfred Tennyson's classic poem is in reality about the Rebels' rivalry game against LSU, now known as the Magnolia Bowl.

The guardian explains that the cavalry, in a display of courage and unity, charges into a heavily fortified valley at the behest of their flawed but courageous and patriotic leader.

Oher then writes an essay relating this story to his own life and wins over a skeptical teacher who was the final obstacle in his path to NCAA eligibility and being able to accept a scholarship offer to play at Ole Miss—or virtually any other university of his choosing.

I must admit, I have followed LSU athletics my entire life and I have always been slightly embarrassed by not having an answer to the question, “Why is Tiger Stadium called Death Valley?”

Of course there is the Wikipedia version—allegedly posted by a Clemson University grad—which is popular with Clemson fans, who claim that their stadium was the first to be dubbed in honor of the Valley of Death.

I’ve also heard explanations related to Mike the Tiger our ‘man eating’ mascot.

Sean Tuohy’s (Oher's guardian) version—however far from being historically accurate—works for me.

More importantly, a cursory look at the story of the Light Brigade draws some fascinating comparisons—in a creative and literary sense—to the current plight of LSU’s Tiger Nation.

The Light Brigade, led by it’s (insert d word) strong and patriotic (loyal) Major General, the Earl of Cardigan found themselves charging into the valley based on misdirected order’s from an underling. Unprotected at their flanks, they faced an insurmountable enemy.

The valley would become known as "the Valley of Death."

Cardigan and his 600 charged into the onslaught of Russian artillery expecting to have back up from the Heavy Brigade, led by the Earl of Lucan, who coincidentally was Cardigan’s predecessor as commander of the Light Brigade and his estranged Brother in Law.

Perhaps it was enmity or distrust, but the Heavy Brigade watched from on high as Cardigan's men were slaughtered.

A national controversy ensued and Cardigan was questioned; surely he was the villain. Why oh why would he charge so outmanned—surely his troops deserved better leadership, perhaps a better man.

Yet, the men of the brigade, those who survived the charge, would rally around their leader: courageous, loyal, flawed and strong.

Lord Tennyson would memorialize their charge and pen the battle psalm:

When can their glory fade?

O the wild charge they made!

All the world wonder’d.

Honour the charge they Made!

Honour the Light Brigade,

Noble six hundred!

Last Saturday, LSU had been out-played physically statistically and on the scoreboard against Ole Miss, but made a wild and valiant charge in the last two minutes and had victory in their sight.

Inexplicably, the Tiger’s through a series of misses (calls, communication, game/clock management, etc…) or a tragedy of errors , if you will, retreated from victory’s view.

Yet, as if fate had deemed it necessary the admittedly flawed yet courageous and loyal leader—head coach Les Miles—still had one last ditched attempt to gain victory yet watched it slip from his grasp.

Like the Earl of Cardigan, the Hat of LSU leads from the front. And like Cardigan, all of the disdain, vitriol and chagrin of the nation (Tiger Nation) has been aimed squarely at him. "If only he’d been more like the former great commander, Lucan our old friend."

In the aftermath, with calls for his head, one thing has been missed and his case must be pled. Those men that charged with him, all aware of each other’s flaws have come to his side and here is what they have said.

“It makes you earn so much more respect for a man who comes out and says something like that,” senior tight end Richard Dickson said.

“Coach Miles has done great things here, been a great coach. The way he comes out and says that means a lot to you as a player and as a man. I earned a lot of respect for our coach for the way he talked to us.”

RB Stevan Ridley added, “I respect him. Any head coach that does that in front of the team and in front of the assistants, that comes up there and says, ‘This was my fault,’ it takes a lot for somebody to swallow their pride and say, ‘I messed something up.’

“He did what he needed to do. There’s nothing else that needs to be said. It says a lot about the person he is, and not just the coach. The team, that was something we needed to hear.”

“He tried to take the blame for the whole game, but I don’t think that’s fair,” LSU guard Lyle Hitt said. “There’s more to the game than just the last 30 seconds. That loss is on everybody’s shoulders.”

Added linebacker Kelvin Sheppard, “People are trying to say the end of the game is the big reason we lost, but the game could’ve been won at any time during the game. He’s taking all the pressure, and it’s really not his fault.”

The men, or soldiers if you will, have taken this leader’s left flank (the ‘blind side’) and the nation (Tiger Fans) needs to take up arms on the right.

This brigade, the mighty Bengal Tigers and its phenomenal senior class, have one more chance for victory in the valley and it comes this Saturday night against the Arkansas Razorbacks!

When the Sun sets and night falls on Death Valley may ALL you Tigers roar.

Do not let their glory fade?

O the wild charge they made!

The entire world did wonder.

But honor the charge they made!

Honor the Senior Class and the leader whom they choose!

Honor them for courage, loyalty and the Victory we shall come to know!

Geaux Tigers!

Sources: Baton Rouge Morning Advocate, LSUsports.net, Lord Tennyson, Microsoft Images

By Henry Ball (aka Southern Man, CFB Czar) Featured Columnist, Syndicated Writer

Contributor @ Bleacher Report , College Gameday Network , and other Sports Media outlets.

Another Must Read: Is Les Miles on the Hot Seat ?

Meyer To Remain In Florida: Where Does Notre Dame Turn Now?

Henry Ball — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:41:17 -0500

ESPN is reporting that Urban Meyer will remain at Florida, in his own words, "for as long as they will have me!"

The announcement coming after rampant speculation that Meyer would be the primary target for Jack Swarbrick, Notre Damn's Athletic Director, who is expected to terminate current head coach Charlie Weis at the end of this season.

Swarbrick has not publicly acknowledged that Weis will be fired, only that "the football program will be evaluated at the end of the season."

If the evaluation includes a review of the expectations set by Charlie Weis himself,who said theat he was not hired to go 6-5 and that 6-5 wasn't good enough,then it can't be good for Weis who is currently 6-5.

Assuming the Fighting Irish blogosphere is correct, he will be out.

Names for his replacement have ranged from Urban Meyer to Bob Stoops and a possible return of the Doctor, Lou Holtz. After all, he is only 72 years old and is mostly coherent in ESPN's Gameday courtroom,where he regularly annihilates co-analyst Mark May with superior football knowledge and wisdom.

Will an aging Irish icon be roaming the sidelines under the watchful eye of touchdown Jesus next year? Probably not.

It will not likely be Charlie Weis or Urban Meyer either so the big question is, who's the next target for the Irish?

By Henry Ball (aka Southern Man and CFB Czar) Featured Columnist and Syndicated Writer

Henry contributes to Bleacher Report, College Gameday Network, and other Sports Media outlets.

Is Les Miles on the Hot Seat, and Does One Second Define His Tenure at LSU?

Henry Ball — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:30:41 -0500

If you believe some of the sentiment found on blogs such as ‘And the Valley Shook’ as well as other Internet outlets, including the new Facebook feature allowing comments on LSU’s official website, LSU Sports, the Tigers’ most successful coach—by winning percentage anyway—could find his tenure defined by one single second on the clock.

Coach Les Miles has never won over all LSU fans—for some it’s that he’s not his predecessor (Nick Saban), while for others it’s that he never will be—despite having as much, if not more, success as Saban, or any coach in school history for that matter; comparatively.

Yet, his career at LSU might not be defined by how well he’s lived up to the expectations foisted upon him, but by one simple mistake made with one second left on the clock during the game against the Ole Miss Rebels (8-3; 4-3 SEC) on Saturday night.

With the game on the line and the Tigers down 25-23 to the Rebels with one second left on the clock—though a review of the replay clearly shows there should have been three seconds—Miles’ team looked confused and befuddled, and made one of the most bizarre mistakes in recent memory.

However, before that final second even ticked off the gameclock, the “Fire Les” crowd in Tiger Nation was already miles down the road on their journey to find a new coach.

Several fans have been calling for LSU to hire the recently fired Tommy Tubberville, the soon-to-be-fired Charlie Weis, or the “should-be-fired” analyst for ESPN, Lou Holtz.

All of this, again, because of one mistake with one second left on the clock.

The confusion came at the end of a drive that was the result of a perfectly-executed on-side kick recovered by Senior WR Brandon LaFell that was forwarded to the LSU 42-yard-line with 1:06 left in the game.

Facing a second-down after that on-side kick recovery, Sophomore QB Jordan Jefferson—who had been inconsistent at times, but finished with 250 yards on 19-of-37 passing with two touchdowns and one interception—connected with LaFell on a spectacular pass-and-catch, with Brandon dragging several defenders to the Ole’ Miss 32-yard-line for a 26-yard gain.

That’s when everything went South.

With the Tigers already within field-goal range for kicker Josh Jasper—who’d already kicked a 50-yarder in the game—the decision was made by Offensive-Coordinator Gary Crowton (whose play-calling has also come under heavy fire) to pass the ball rather than kick it right there.

With heavy pressure from the Rebels’ DE Kentrell Lockett, Jefferson threw an incomplete pass on first-down. On second-down, he dropped back into the pocket, and again under heavy pressure, was unable to avoid the rush and took his fourth sack of the night.

Now out of field-goal range and facing a third-and-long situation, the Tigers ran a bubble screen to fourth-string tailback Steven Ridley that resulted in another loss of seven yards. Ridley was the No. 1 option for the Tigers due to the season-ending injury to Senior RB Keiland Williams.

This is where things get really dicey.

In his post-game interview, coach Miles—who took full responsibility for the loss it must be added—stated the Tigers had verbally called timeout immediately following the third-down play, and felt the referees had acknowledged it.

Apparently they hadn’t, and subsequently allowed the clock to tick all the way from twenty-three seconds to just nine seconds before granting LSU their final timeout.

Now on Ole’ Miss’ 48-yard-line and facing fourth-and-26, the Tigers called the old “Hail Mary” play.

As the pass from Jefferson floated in the air it was clear Sophomore Terrance Tolliver—who had five receptions for 107 yards on the night—had a bead on it.

Leaping high he clearly went up nearly three feet higher than any defender on the field and came down with the ball securely cradled in his arms yards from the goal-line.

Tigers fans were elated for roughly one-half second before watching in sheer horror as the offense looked around trying to figure out what to do. The field-goal unit, meanwhile, was still on the sideline; apparently practicing holds for next week’s game.

Jefferson then lined up the offense and snapped the ball and attempted to spike it, depleting the last tick on the clock—and a lot of goodwill for the soon-to-be beleaguered coaching staff—right into the grass at Ole’ Miss’ six-yard-line.

As mentioned above, Miles took responsibility after the game for the clock mismanagement during the contest, and for the missed opportunity.

“I can only tell you that the management at the back end of the game was the issue…again, I take that to myself.” He said.

For the livid LSU fans, and apparently the ESPN personnel covering the game, the question wasn’t who was responsible, but how could the game have ended that badly.

Regardless, other questions have to be posed.

Is this proof Miles’ detractors have been right all along? Has LSU officially fallen into mediocrity?

Personally, I think not.

Yes, I’ve been very supportive of Coach Miles (here, here, and here), and I will continue to be. I agree with him that he’s primarily responsible for the fact LSU “did not finish first” in its second-consecutive “Magnolia Bowl.”

On the other hand, I likewise believe he’s primarily responsible for finishing first in fifty contests to this point—with two games yet to play this season—in his first five years at the helm; giving him the highest winning-percentage of any multi-year (more than two years) coach in school history.

In addition, I believe he’s primarily responsible for LSU finishing first—by a large margin—in 4-of-4 bowl games, including two BCS games and the 2007 National Championship.

Last year, when the Co-Defensive-Coordinator experiment, featuring Bradley Dale Peveto and Doug Mallory, failed to meet expectations Miles quietly worked with his assistants to secure them other employment, then went out and made a terrific hire in John “Chief” Chavis; who has returned the Tigers’ defense to the top of the conference.

So, while the last-second lapse in judgment is squarely on Miles’ shoulders, the preceding plays that led to the Hail Mary, and the ineptitude of the offense for most of the year, really isn’t.

True Sophomore Jordan Jefferson still hasn’t yet matured into the SEC-caliber quarterback he undoubtedly will some day. As much as it hurts to hear, Miles did the right thing in dismissing Ryan Perriloux; who would have been in his senior season this year. While Perriloux currently leads all of college football in passer rating, and it’s taken some time to reset LSU’s quarterback rotation, this move will have its upside.

Additionally, the offense seems to lack continuity, and is by many accounts over-complicated. Crowton, known as an offensive genius, has also been accused of employing a gumbo-style (a little bit of everything) offense that seems to be confusing his young signal-caller(s).

Clearly an offense ranked No. 100 or worse in the FBS is not acceptable for a program like LSU; particularly one with all these weapons.

I’m not calling for any coaching changes; per se. If Coach Miles feels a change is needed his track record (Bo Pelini and John Chavis) indicates he’ll make a good decision. He’s certainly earned the opportunity to make that call.

Yet, if the Tigers don’t turn it around in a big way next week in the annual “Battle of the Boot,” the calls for Miles to get the ‘boot’ might reach a fever pitch.

By Henry Ball (aka Southern Man and CFB Czar) Featured Columnist and Syndicated Writer

Henry contributes to Bleacher Report, College Gameday Network, and other Sports Media outlets.

LSU: Over-Matched and Out-Manned, But Dangerous—UConn Up Next at NIT

Henry Ball — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:53:12 -0500

Trent Johnson, the 2008-09 SEC Coach of the Year, might be making an early case for a repeat with the returns from the NIT South Region.

LSU stands at 3-0 on the season, and has won the opening round of the Dick’s Sporting Goods’ NIT Tip-Off, hosted in Baton Rouge.

After a dominant 82-62 win against Louisiana-Monroe the Tigers dispatched Indiana State, 56-45, in the opening game of the tournament.

With an impressive 71-60 upset victory over the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers—the overwhelming Favorite of the Sun Belt Conference and Top 25 vote getter—the Tigers advance to the Big Apple for the Pre-Season NIT Finals to face No. 12 UConn (3-0) in the Semi-Final.

Beating the Huskies might be a tall order for coach Johnson’s squad—picked to finish at or near the bottom of the SEC and left completely out of the top 25 conversation—who won the SEC outright last year and appeared in the second-round of the NCAA tournament.

The snub is understandable, considering what the Bayou Bengals lost—SEC Player of the Year Marcus Thornton, one of the league's best defensive big-men in Chris Johnson, ball-handler Garrett Temple, and talented workmen Terry Martin, Quintin Thornton and Delwan Graham—to graduation and the NBA draft.

What they do have is a well-coached and disciplined (if not deep) squad that seems to be playing very well together.

Yet, despite the losses, it might be perilous to underestimate the talent of this team.

The Tigers' 6-7 small forward Tasmin Mitchell averaged over 16 points and seven rebounds last year and has been named to the Naismith Award Watch List. Their power forward, Storm Warren, has taken a lot of pressure off of Mitchell and has been downright nasty (with three double-doubles in as many games and shooting over seventy percent from the field) for opponents thus far.

Their shooting guard, Bo Spencer, is one of the most underrated players in the SEC, and led the way against the Hilltoppers with a career high 28 points; including a back-breaking three-pointer that gave the Tigers the lead for good after being tied late in the game.

With senior guard Alex Farer out with a knee injury, and four walk-ons rounding out the young roster, the Tigers can ill-afford further injury or undisciplined play.

Nor can they afford the long shooting dry-spells that kept their first three opponents closer than necessary.

Connecticut, on the other hand, is (re)loaded with talent after a Final Four appearance last year, and like LSU they play tough, hard-nosed defense.

Unlike the Tigers, the Huskies are big; with three seven footers. They're also deep, with a nice mix of experience and youth, and could be one of the most talented teams in the country from top to bottom.

Jim Calhoun, despite an NCAA cloud hanging over his head, is unquestionably one of the elite coaches in NCAA History, and has a knack for having his teams focus on the task at hand instead of distractions or infractions or whatever.

For the Tigers, Trent Johnson might lack the lengthy resume of Calhoun, but he is well respected and looks to be on his way to building a solid program in Baton Rouge. His teams are known to be well-conditioned and play with strong fundamentals.

If the Tigers can keep it close anything can happen.

The national media will show no respect for LSU in the lead up to this one. Vegas will likely have the Tigers a double-digit underdog, and hopefully UConn will be more focused on the ‘probable’ match-up with Duke in the NIT Final.

That’s all well and good, and frankly the Huskies probably should be a heavy favorite: Nonetheless, LSU is going to go ahead and make the trip.

You might be surprised at how good this team is, and maybe, just maybe, they’ll take a big ol' Bayou Bengal bite out of the Big Apple!

SEC West Note: Alabama, Auburn, and Mississippi State have all suffered an upset by inferior teams and Arkansas was blown out by Louisville. Only Ole Miss (2-0) and LSU (3-0) remain unbeaten, with LSU having the most impressive win—over WKU. Another win or two in the NIT would certianly force voters to re-evaluate the Tigers ranking, or lack thereof.

By Henry Ball (a.k.a. Southern Man) Featured Columnist and Syndicated Writer

Henry contributes to the Bleacher Report , College Gameday Network and other Sports Media outlets.

Trent Johnson's LSU Tigers Look To Bright Future, What About This Year?

Henry Ball — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:53:15 -0500

The 2008 - 2009 SEC Coach of the Year, Trent Johnson recently announced the signing of a top ten early recruiting class and looks to be in position to put together a very special squad for the 2011 team.

The apparent recruiting success as well as Johnson's first year results—27-8 finish, SEC Championship, and second round NCAA appearance—have the Bayou faithful feeling like the future is so bright they are going to need shades!

The only problem—with LSU losing SEC Player of the Year Marcus Thornton, one of the league's best defensive big-men in Chris Johnson, ball-handler Garrett Temple, and talented workmen Terry Martin, Quintin Thornton and Delwan Graham—is no one is running out to invest in the Ray-Bans just yet.

The Tigers are figured to finish at or near the bottom of the SEC West in a year that many experts feel the league will be vastly improved .

Indeed, a rebuilding year would be perfectly understandable for Johnson's crew that includes only two seniors, one of which has already been sidelined for at least six weeks as guard Alex Farer—a projected starter—sustained a kneecap injury in a preseason scrimmage.

The other senior may be the key to another surprising season. Tasmin Mitchell the 6'7" small forward averaged over 16 points and seven rebounds last year and has been named to the Naismith Award Watch List. He was also a unanimous pick for the Coaches Pre-Season All SEC First Team.

Mitchell decided to forego the NBA draft to return for his senior season. With Tasmin almost certainly being a key feature of the offense it could be a special year.

Power forward Storm Warren could take a lot of pressure off of Mitchell if he is able to play to his potential, which at times last year made him unstoppable. Yet he remained inconsistent and made costly mistakes in critical situations down the stretch.

Point guards Bo Spencer and Chris Bass will both see a lot of playing time though Spencer will clearly be the starter and could be one of the most underrated players in the SEC.

Sophomore center Garrett Green, who wore a red shirt last year due to back injuries, will need to be healthy and improve his production from his freshmen year in 2007 - 2008 (1.8 ppg, 1.6 rpg, .02 blks).

Depth will by far be the biggest issue; until Farer returns coach Johnson will only dress eight scholarship players with four walk-ons. Additional injuries could decimate this team.

Johnson's teams are known to be well conditioned and play with strong fundamentals and solid defense, if that is the case the Tigers could stay in a lot of games and have chances late to steal wins from deeper teams.

It is not unreasonable to think that this might be a tough year for the Bayou Bengals.

On the other hand, Johnson has done more with less in the past by taking undermanned Nevada to the Sweet 16 and guiding Pac 10 middle-weight Standford to four straight post seasons, including a Sweet 16 appearance two years ago.

Tiger fans are being cautiously optimistic, even as Coach Johnson—In an effort to build excitement for this year's team—joined the Athletic Department in purchasing 500 tickets to offer freely for this Friday's opener versus UL-Monroe at the Maravich Assembly Center.

My advice to Tiger Nation; get behind this team, take the free ticket and geaux (go) buy the Ray-Bans, the future starts now!

By Henry Ball (a.k.a. Southern Man) Featured Columnist and Syndicated Writer

Henry contributes to the Bleacher Report , College Gameday Network and other sports media outlets.

For a good laugh, read this !

{Note: I have been asked to cover the LSU Basketball team as a Featured Columnist. I invite all you Tiger Fans and anyone just wanting to keep up with some good basketball to join me in the LSU BB Community for a great season - Thanks!}

* Photo from lsusports.net

Roll Tide, Bambi Died, and the Top Eight Reasons My Weekend Tanked!

Henry Ball — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:11:32 -0500

When Bleacher Report’s Alabama Featured Columnist John Fravel asked me to join him at the LSU - Alabama game this weekend I have to admit I thought I was being punk’d. When I realized that he was just being a really nice guy I thought, ‘well this is great, I get to talk my wife (that was fun) into letting me off the hook’ – in my part of playing host to the sixty women coming to my house for a baby shower on Saturday. With short notice and my wife unable to join me I offered the other ticket to a friend that happens to be a huge Tennessee fan. A Volunteer and a Tiger travelling 500 miles (from Charlotte, NC) to Tuscaloosa for an Alabama Game, what could go wrong?

Begin Slideshow

Alabama's Evil Genius Meets LSU's Mad Hatter With Everything At Stake (C v C)

Henry Ball — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:11:12 -0500

In addition to getting bragging rights, the winner when No. 9 LSU meets No. 3 Alabama in Tuscaloosa this Saturday will be in the driver’s seat to win the SEC West. That should, in turn, secure the winner a spot in the SEC Championship for what has become the annual play-in for the BCS National Title game.

For the Tide perspective see Walter Kirkwood's Take:

Here is a detailed look at the game from a Tiger's perspective:

Overview: This might have been the most highly anticipated and heavily scrutinized year in recent Tiger memory as LSU fans hoped the team would rebound from a disappointing 2008 campaign.

After wins—yet less than dominant performances—against the likes of Washington, Vanderbilt, and Mississippi State, no one seemed to be buying anything more than another five-loss flop this year.

That seemed to be all but certain when the anemic offense was unable to scrounge more than three points and a dozen first downs against Florida at Home.

Three short weeks and two impressive offensive out-bursts (netting 73 points) later and the Tigers seem to be peaking at the perfect time.

Sophomore QB Jordan Jefferson—who may have been protected, if not hidden by early season game-planning—has really blossomed and the play book has opened up.

The defense, under first year coordinator John "The Chief" Chavis, has steadily improved with each outing since an inauspicious start in Seattle.

After shutting down fierce rival and then No. 1 offense Auburn and shutting out forgotten rival Tulane, LSU is again near the top of the SEC in scoring defense allowing just 12.1 points per contest.

In fact, in the last three games, which includes Florida and Auburn, the Tigers’ defense has yielded just 7.6 points per game and is without question the strength of the team.

An x-factor could be special teams. The Tigers aren’t exactly known for "Beamer Ball" type special teams but they do have the ability to turn a game around with all phases of their kick-off and return teams.

The final piece of the puzzle lies under the brim of the second most famous hat in the history of college football. Les Miles earned the nick name as "The Mad Hatter" for being willing to make gutsy calls in big situations with everything hanging in the balance.

As much as Miles has been criticized this year (and last) for not continuing to make those calls, don’t be surprised if the Hat comes roaring back this Saturday. The key to those calls, despite the accusations that it was all the luck of a riverboat gambler, is opportunity, personnel, and confidence.

Since 2007, the personnel and confidence have been the issue, most notably at the quarterback position. The Auburn game’s play-calling would suggest that Miles’ and by extension, offensive coordinator Gary Crowton’s confidence in Jordan Jefferson has reached a higher level.

That could mean a "Return of the Riverboat Gambler" theme for College Gameday Final on Saturday Night, which would suit LSU fans just fine—no matter how wrong the label might be.

Rating the Teams:

Offense: Given the poor performance in early games and as recently as three weeks ago versus Florida it is hard to imagine the No. 100 ranked total offense putting up many points against the, at times over whelming, extremely well coached defense of the Crimson Tide, which ranks No. 4 in the country.

Nonetheless, the offense, has improved immensely and has the weapons—WRs Brandon LaFell, Terrance Tolliver, Ruben Randall; RBs Charles Scott, Keiland Williams as well as WMDs Russell Sheppard and Trindon Holliday—to score from anywhere at any time.

Moreover, they may only need to generate moderate scoring and enough time of possession to keep the Tide’s offense off the field as much as possible.

On the other sideline, Heisman hopeful Mark Ingram and the Tide’s running game – ranked No.4 in the SEC – is very good at exploiting the outside edges and controlling the line of scrimmage, which happens to be LSU’s Achilles’ heel.

If the Tide can establish the power running game against LSU, like Florida and others have, they could run down the defense, the clock and the Tigers' emotion and will not have to worry much about LSU being able to figure out how to score.

Edge = Push: Both offenses have struggled at times but either one could make use of endless weapons at skilled positions to win a low scoring defensively dominated thriller.

______________________________

Defense: While neither squad is the ‘eye-gouging’ No. 1 defense (sorry, I couldn’t resist) in the conference, it is unquestionably the strength of both teams. LSU ranks No. 4 in the SEC in total defense and No.3 in scoring, while Alabama is No. 2 in both of those categories.

Both defenses are extremely well coached and can be difficult for quarterbacks (particularly young and inexperienced ones) to read.

Nick Saban loves to disguise blitzes and run combo (zone/man) coverage that allow his safeties and or corners to provide big plays, which often turn into points. They are also No. 1 in sacks and tackles for loss, which could be an issue for Jordan Jefferson who has been sacked more than any other SEC quarterback.

On the Tigers' sideline, Chavis is also very effective disguising his defense and while they do not tally a lot of sacks they do force QBs to make good decisions and are No. 1 in the league in turnover margin.

If the Tigers score points off of turnovers it could be the demise of the Tide’s Championship dreams.

Edge = Push: Both defenses have dominated opponents and neither is likely to allow the opposing offense to enjoy a field day on Saturday.

The game might be decided on a pick-six or a returned fumble, which could bode well for either team.

______________________________

Special Teams: Chad Jones/Trindon Holliday or Javier Arenas could change this game in about 8 seconds.

Edge = Push: The league’s best Punter - Derek Helton should be back according to Les Miles, if he is not then the edge shifts to Alabama.

_______________________________

Coaching: This is the component that give’s the game it’s moniker, Saban Bowl. Rightly so, as it is truly one of the most interesting match ups in all of college football.

Not because of the history of the coaches or their common link to one of the programs involved, but because it is two of the best coaches in college football that use entirely different styles to achieve strikingly similar results.

Saban is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest football minds of our era. He employees an aggressive, hard-hitting, well coached defense that has won (and will win future) championships.

On offense, he allows his coaching staff to do their jobs but conspicuously the offense often resembles him; well managed, methodical and able to succeed even when you (think you) know how to beat them.

Across the field and ‘miles’ away in terms of philosophy and style, Les Miles employees more of a CEO style. Like his predecessor – Nick Saban – he has been one of the best recruiters in the country both of talented players and successful coaches.

Gary Crowton, known as an offensive genius and the aforementioned ‘Chief’ John Chavis are allowed to do their job within the context of Miles’ overall game/program plan but, as we’ve seen in the last couple of weeks – with Mile’s strolling the sideline, laminated play sheet in hand – he will step in and make the calls he feels he needs to.

Edge = LSU: If you ask ten experts (not connected to either school) who they would want coaching their team on game day, eight of them will say Saban, with no disrespect meant toward Miles. Yet, this Saturday they would be wrong.

This game will be tailor-made for the proverbial ‘Rabbit’ to pull something out of the proverbial ‘Hat’.

It should be a hard hitting battle/survival of the fittest right to the last tick of the clock. No two teams in the country are more evenly matched with play-makers, speed, athleticism, and talent.

It very well could come down to a single play or ‘gutsy’ call late in the game. If it does, Saban is out of his league.

_______________________________

The Tiger’s will win if:

Jefferson can keep from spending too much time on his back side.
It’s a close game late.
Mark Ingram is contained.
The Defense can force McElroy to make mistakes.

The Tiger’s will lose if:

The O-line can’t slow the pass rush and make a few holes for the run.
The defense can’t keep Alabama’s run game in check.
It becomes anything that resembles a shoot-out.

Prediction: With my head I see this as a very close game that Alabama ‘should’ win at home.

With my heart and ‘my gut’ I see it being too close to favor the home team.

In his weekly press conference Nick Saban basically admitted that the pressure on his team has affected their play. No doubt, he has spent the off week trying to focus his team on “what they need to do to get the results” but these are 18 to 21 year old men and one extra week is not going to remove the pressure.

On the other hand, the Tigers are a complete after-thought. No one expects to see them in Atlanta and they really have nothing to lose. I expect them to be well prepared, hungry, loose AND victorious.

LSU 24 – Alabama 23

By Henry Ball (a.k.a. Southern Man, CFB Czar) Featured Columnist and Syndicated Writer

Henry contributes to the Bleacher Report , College Gameday Network and other Sports Media outlets.

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Czar Report: Texas Locks Horns on No. 1 "Destiny" Ranking, but Who's No. 2?

Henry Ball — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:34:40 -0500

Despite the current No. 2 BCS ranking, Texas is clearly the best team in the country right now. After shellacking back-to-back conference opponents on the road @ Missouri (41-7) then No. 14 Oklahoma State (41-14) in Stillwater, Ok on Saturday, the Longhorns are firmly in control of their own destiny.

If they win the remaining games on their schedule, as well as the Big 12 Championship Game, they will play for the BCS Title in Pasadena, CA on Jan. 7, 2010.

Florida, who remains No. 1 in the current polls, did overcome its recent sluggishness on offense to beat Georgia (41-17) like a peach-state housewife beating the red clay dust out of a cheap Persian rug, yet the question remains—outside of the Creator’s own progeny, Tim Tebow—can the Gators depend on anything else? Do they need to?

Mt. Cody and the beleaguered Crimson Tide had the weekend off to lick a few wounds and prepare for the showdown that is sure to determine the Western Division.

Perhaps they had an opportunity to watch Daniel Lincoln’s replacement Chad Cunningham (Tennessee’s kicker) pick up where he left off as Cunningham’s first line drive (failed) FG attempt should have reminded the Tide just how fortunate they are to still be undefeated.

Speaking of Lane Kiffin, he is not currently the first SEC coach (or any that I can think of) in recent memory (or ever) to be suspended for pointing out the ineptitude of college officiating, but stay tuned.

In actual football related news; Tennessee’s dominating performance over No. 22 South Carolina (31-13) clinched the Eastern Division for the "Friends of Referees Club" chairman, Urban Myer and his fighting Tebows.

Apparently that wild herd of zebra that had been menacing big-game Gator and Elephant hunters for the last several weeks made their way to the happy hunting grounds in Big-Ten country’s Kinnik Stadium.

No. 7 Iowa remained in the national title hunt by virtue of a bumper pool eight-ball in the side-middle-corner-other side-pocket touchdown and three of the worst officiating (and replay reviewed) calls in recent memory.

Yet, one has to wonder if the Hawkeyes can continue to be that lucky—with seven turnovers versus Indiana in a game the Hoosiers really should have won. It’s clear that they are not THAT good! (42-24, despite being down 24-14 entering the fourth quarter.)

No. 9 LSU, the only once beaten team that could control its own destiny, continued to prepare for Saban Bowl III with a painless and uneventful scrimmage against forgotten rival, Tulane (42-0).

This one wasn’t available to the national audience, nor does it seem like ESPN or the college powers/pundits that be acknowledge the existence of the Mad Hatter and his Tigers, but they may be peaking at the right time and could become very hard to ignore after this Saturday in Tuscaloosa.

In the "come on, you had to see that coming" game of the week, the No. 10 Oregon "ugly uniformed" Ducks claimed control of the Pac-10 by demolishing the once great and No. 4 Men-now Boy's-of Troy (47-20 and it wasn't that close!).

No. 5 Cincinnati, No. 6 Boise State, and No. 8 TCU all polished off their weekly (and weakly) cupcakes to remain unbeaten and in the "please Lord, let all of the big boys lose" sweepstakes.

Yet, when it is all said and done, Texas and an undefeated or even single loss SEC team followed by an undefeated Iowa should go in ahead of any of them.

There are still four weeks to play out, and as is always the case with college football, anything can and probably will happen. So forget about the polls, which continue to be a confusing and fickle, the Czar has listed the order of control for the top 10 teams still in the hunt for the National Title.

The Czar's Destiny Dime (Top-10 based on their destiny, assuming they win out)

1. Texas

2. Alabama

3. Florida

4. LSU

5. Iowa

6. Boise

7. Oregon - (Special shout out to the Ducks – Wow, great game against the "boy's" from Troy!)

8. TCU

9. Cincinnati

10. Georgia Tech / Penn State

By Henry Ball (a.k.a. Southern Man) Featured Columnist and Syndicated Writer

Henry contributes to the Bleacher Report, College Gameday Network and other Sports Media outlets.

Bonus Section: War for the West Coverage

Since early September The Czar report has chronicled the War for the SEC West which COULD be decided this Saturday in Tuscaloosa when Alabama’s Evil Genius meets LSU’s Mad Hatter in a showdown with no less than everything on the line.

This rivalry has really heated up with the resurgence of the once mighty Crimson Tide, led by the Tigers former head coach Nick Saban. In what has become the annual "Saban Bowl" (Satan Bowl to the most jilted of the Tiger fan base,) the results have been split with each team winning one and both being more competitive than the "experts" thought going in.

The early trend has been for the team that is favored to win, but it has come ugly and late. Les Miles looks to buck that trend on Saturday as the Tigers come in as the underdog and a national after thought.

Perhaps the one thing going in LSU’s favor is the fact that their coach and the team itself seem to be at its best when no one expects it.

One of the game’s prizes might be a trip to Atlanta with an opportunity to knock off the Gators and earn a trip to Pasadena but the sure thing is the annual bragging rights—both fan bases want the edge to claim supremacy in the West, which is arguably the best division of any conference in all of college football.

Both coaches will no doubt have their troops ready for the battle but Saban’s forces should prevail according to conventional wisdom.

On the other hand, Les Miles and his Tigers are anything but conventional.

For a complete preview of Saban Bowl III follow this link: Creature v Creature – LSU @ Alabama [COMING SOON!]

Czar Report, Dominion in Doubt: Texas, UF, Alabama, LSU Control Destiny

Henry Ball — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 04:07:26 -0400

From the Bleacher Report:

Who's No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, who cares?

Clearly, Texas can make a case for being one of the best, if not the best, teams in the country after soundly beating Missouri in Columbia, MO on Saturday.

Yet, despite an epic battle with a rebuilding Tennessee team-that required Mt. Cody to block two field goals with his face mask—and another Florida win, that may have been at least aided by the wild herd of Zebra that has been menacing big-game Gator hunters for the last four weeks, the Tide and Fighting Tebows remained unbeaten.

Any of three could be ranked No. 1 or No. 2 or No. 3 but then it gets a little murky. If we are ranking based on body of work or who is playing the best right now or who looks the prettiest in uniform we come up with many different answers.

The Czar, however, chooses to focus on what is important; who is in control of their own destiny, and that takes us right to the War Zone in the SEC.

One could make the case that Iowa after surviving again this weekend, TCU for sending BYU on a mission—to find a lid for the industrial sized can of whooping the Frogs opened up—and Cincinnati, as well as Boise-pending the results of their Luau in Hawaii are still in control of their destiny.

Yet, when it is all said and done, Texas and an undefeated or even single loss SEC team would likely go ahead of any of them.

So what’s happening in the SEC War Zone?

No. 1 Florida 7-0 (5-0 SEC) @ Mississippi State 3-5 (1-3 SEC)

Is it just me or is Florida a two trick pony?

Trick one-one heck of a defensive unit. Trick two-Tim Tebow.

Not Tim Tebow of Heisman fame mind you, surely he’s not still in contention, but the somewhat mortal and really needing some help version.

Since the running game isn’t providing the help and their really doesn’t seem to be any wide receivers capable of coming to his aid the officials have had to provide the assistance.

In the last four games the officials are 4-0 and coincidentally so are the Gators!

Florida 29 – MSU 19 (But it was much more competitive than the score would suggest.)

Outlook: The Gators have a rough road ahead with the Cocktail party looming and South Carolina on the road before finishing up with FIU and FSU at the Swamp.

They will be tested and cannot continue to rely on bad officiating to get by but with a two game cushion Florida should be the East representative in Atlanta.

_________________________________________________

Tennessee 3-4 (1-3 SEC) @ No. 2 Alabama 8-0 (5-0 SEC)

Alabama’s offense continues to struggle against stout defenses, even as sophomore RB Mark Ingram rushes his way past 1000 yards on the season and perhaps takes another step toward etching his name on the Heisman trophy.

In the end, the Tide needed Tennessee to miss a FG and have two more blocked to escape the upset bid before a much needed bye week.

Alabama 12 - Tennessee 10

Outlook: The Bye week couldn’t come at a better time for Nick Saban and the Alabama offense. Nick Saban said they were tired and just need a little rest.

From what we saw in Death Valley on Saturday night, the extra week to prepare for Saban Bowl III might just come in handy.

Despite road games @ MSU and Auburn down the road LSU seems to be the only threat to Alabama’s bid to return to Atlanta.

An 11-1 regular season and Sugar Bowl berth might seem like a let-down to some of the Bama faithful but they’ll have a little time to get used to it.

_________________________________________________

Auburn 5-3 (2-3 SEC) @ No. 9 LSU 6-1 (4-1 SEC)

Things can get a little crazy when the big Cats of the SEC hook up. This time Jordan Jefferson answered the "crazy" fans calling for him to be benched in favor of backup Jarred Lee.

Lee did see some action after Jefferson’s career performance put the game out of hand.

On the other side of the ball the Bayou Bengals defense was spectacular and continues to improve each week under first year coordinator John Chavis.

With one of the best performances of the year by LSU’s defensive front four Auburn QB Chris Todd found himself under pressure constantly and was unable to rely on a usually potent running attack.

LSU held the No. 8 (nationally) offense to less than half of its season average with only 193 total yards and its lowest point production of the season.

This one was all LSU all the time.

LSU 31 - Auburn 10

Outlook: LSU is peaking at the right time; with a home game against drastically over matched Tulane next Saturday Night in Tiger Stadium to prepare for what could be the game of the year on Nov. 7 in Tuscaloosa and Ole Miss the only road games remaining the Bayou Bengals are not out of the National Title hunt by any stretch of the imagination.

There is a long way to go and Saban Bowl III is a tall order but don’t sleep on the Mad Hatter, he just might have a little more magic under the brim!

_________________________________________________

National Outlook

No doubt Texas, USC, Iowa, Boise State, TCU, Cincinnati and others will still have their say and of course this is college football with about five weeks to play so anything and everything can happen.

Yet, it is hard to argue with the strength of the SEC as the only major conference with two unbeaten teams, three in the top ten and all three still control their own destiny for the BCS.

That being said, Texas looks to be firmly in control of their fate and would provide a sensational matchup for any of the SEC's big three assuming they survive the conference with no more than one loss.

The Czar's Destiny Dime (Top-Ten based on their destiny assuming they win out)

1. Texas

2. Alabama

3. Florida

4. LSU

5. Iowa

6. Boise

7. USC

8. Oregon

9. TCU

T10. Cincinnati / Georgia Tech

By Henry Ball (a.k.a. Southern Man) Featured Columnist and Syndicated Writer

Henry contributes to the Bleacher Report, College Gameday Network and other Sports Media outlets.

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Doomed By History: What LSU Fans Need To Learn From Nebraska's Solich

Henry Ball — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 12:45:31 -0400

Oct. 18, 2009—From the Bleacher Report:

"I will not let Nebraska gravitate into mediocrity," said Steve Pederson, then Athletic Director at the University of Nebraska, after firing head coach Frank Solich in 2003.

Steve Pederson had acquiesced to the outcry from the loudest corn-critics; those that impatiently demanded an immediate return to the final days of Tom Osborne's tenure when the Corn Husker Nation was awarded three national championships in four years.

Those voices were dismissive of the success Solich had enjoyed—National Runner-up and Fiesta Bowl Champion in his second year, two division, and one conference championship in his first four years, and 58 wins in six years, which was better than both of his predecessors, Tom Osborne and Bob Devaney who are in the College Football Hall of Fame—claiming that he had enjoyed that success 'only because of Tom Osborne’s recruits'.

To make matters worse, Solich had rebounded from a disappointing 7-7 2002 campaign that was crowned by a loss in the Independence Bowl to up-and-coming Eli Manning's Ole Miss Rebels.

In 2003 Solich got Nebraska off to a 5-0 start with wins versus Oklahoma State and Penn State, before suffering its first loss to conference foe Missouri. That loss rattled the nay-sayers, and the "Fire Frank" campaign was in high gear.

Despite finishing the year with a very respectable 9-3 record, and invitation to the Alamo Bowl, and a Top 20 ranking, Steve Petersen made the move and infamous statement mentioned above.

Of course, the move allowed the Corn Huskers to by-pass mediocrity, and fall straight to futility, eventually costing Petersen his own job.

It was reported at the time that Dave Wannstedt, Al Saunders, Houston Nutt, Mike Zimmer, and even Steve Spurrier turned down the opportunity to coach the historical power-house Corn Huskers.

One could only speculate that perhaps the unceremonious firing of a very successful coach with only one rebuilding year on his resume, indicated an athletic department and fan base that was far too demanding.

Is it delusional to expect nothing less than three national championships in four years?

Recruits apparently thought so. Despite Bill Callahan's NFL pedigree, and the Husker's history, Nebraska's recruiting took a turn for the worse.

Callahan only enjoyed one Top 25 class ranking during his tenure, and though rankings were not available throughout the Solich years, I for one remember the days when Nebraska was one of those teams who had their pick of the best talent in the country.

Nebraska fans turned to Osborne to resurrect the program after four dismal years of Solich’s predecessor, and most corn fanatics are optimistic with his decision to hire former defensive coordinator Bo Pelini, so far—though Blog’s such as Corn Nation have already highlighted some "overreactions" to recent losses.

Only time will tell if Bo Pelini can restore the once prominent program to national relevance, but as of right now the Huskers have only "gravitated" back up to mediocrity.

What does all this have to do with LSU you ask?

Well aside from some eerily similar circumstances with the coaching staff, it serves as a warning message to a somewhat restless Tiger Nation.

As one who has followed LSU Football since I was knee-high to a grasshopper (and trust me when I tell you as a man who stands 6'7" inches tall, that was a long time ago) I have never seen some of my fellow Tigers more discontented.

When I read (LSU) blogs that question Les Miles job security, decry "the fall back to mediocrity" and discuss how horrible it is to be 5-1, I want to reach out and collectively shake my fellow Tigers in to consciousness.

"Wake up, Wake up, there is a fire…"

And YOU are setting it in your sleep.

Put down the matches Tiger Fans, wake up and educate yourself as to what’s really going on with the program, and for the love of goodness remember the Huskers!

The simple case for Les Miles

Results are what matters, and he gets them. With his next victory he will have as many victories (48) as his predecessor, with fewer losses, and he has won all of his bowl games by lop-sided margins.

In his third year at the helm he won his second division title, the conference, and a national championship.

He also publicly pledged his loyalty to LSU by rejecting an offer to become the next head coach at his alma-mater, and dream job, the University of Michigan.

For this alone LSU fans should be more than willing to give this man a chance to right the ship if it is taking on water.

But is the ship really taking on water?

In 2002 when Nick Saban finished 8-5 did we call for his head? Did we panic and decide that the best days were behind us?

In 2003 when we lost our sixth game to Florida (7-19) in Baton Rouge with an anemic seven point offensive output, did we mail it in and start making plans for the next year and the next coach?

No, we relied on a solid defense that would become the best in the Nation by the end of the season. We watched as Jimbo Fisher made some adjustments offensively, which allowed the Tigers to become a near unstoppable force running roughshod over the rest of the SEC, including Top-Five Georgia for a second time in the SEC Championship game, and then Oklahoma in the BCS National Championship Game.

Will the 2009 Tigers fulfill a similar destiny, who knows?

What we do know, is that destiny is still firmly in our grasp, and to fall asleep on these Tigers might be a big mistake.

Remember the Huskers

Regardless of what happens this year—another national championship, or an 8-5 campaign—Tiger fans need to be careful what they wish for.

When the Husker’s demanded Solich’s head they just knew that any coach would jump at the chance to reside in Lincoln. They didn’t.

When the Husker’s demanded Solich’s head, they took for granted that top athletes would always chose to reside in Lincoln. They didn’t.

When the Husker’s demanded Solich’s head they just thought they were asking for what they deserved. That they were, and they got it—they just didn’t know that they deserved to be looking UP at mediocrity.

That’s where we are Tiger Nation, the cross-roads between continuing greatness and looking up at mediocrity, if you are in that growing minority that is calling for "big changes", just know that you might get what you deserve.

Have faith in the Hat, support the Tigers, and get ready for a great second half.

Geaux Tigers!

By Henry Ball – Syndicated Writer and Feature Columnist at Bleacher Report

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A Rush to Judgment: Should the NFL Ban Rush Limbaugh's Ownership Bid?

Henry Ball — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:46:11 -0400

Oct. 13, 2009 from the Bleacher Report:

Rush Limbaugh, the controversial conservative talk-radio host, recently confirmed his bid for partial ownership of the St. Louis Rams' NFL franchise.

This set off a firestorm of opposition from the likes of Rev. Al Sharpton, DeMaurice Smith, head of the NFL Players Association, sports writers, and some active players.

Smith urged the Player's union to oppose the bid, writing, "Sport in America is at its best when it unifies, gives all of us reason to cheer, and when it transcends. Our sport does exactly that when it overcomes division and rejects discrimination and hatred."

New York Giant's player Mathias Kiwanuka told the New York Daily News that he would not play for the Rams if Rush Limbaugh was allowed to participate in ownership.

Bleacher Report Featured Columnist for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Nick DeWitt published a piece claiming that, "Mr. Limbaugh is not the kind of owner the NFL wants."

Really then, what kind of owner does the NFL want?

Indeed, how does denying Mr. Limbaugh the free market right to purchase a team reject discrimination and hatred?

The main reason for opposing Mr. Limbaugh seems to be the claim that he has made a bevy of racist comments and that he indeed is a racist.

Let's assume for a moment that being a racist, that is to say, believing the race of one is superior and therefore more entitled than another is a crime for which one guilty of such thought should be stripped of all freedom and dignity.

Accepting that assumption, let me ask, where is the proof of Mr. Limbaugh's racism?

His comments about Donovan McNabb?

Here is what he actually said;

"I think what we've had here is a little social concern in the NFL. The media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well,'' Limbaugh said. "There is a little hope invested in McNabb, and he got a lot of credit for the performance of this team that he didn't deserve. The defense carried this team."

Sorry, but that is not racist. McNabb was overrated for a long-time, now he is mostly viewed as a serviceable NFL QB, but not many think he will ever end up in Canton.

Then there is the "Barrak the Magic Negro" charge. The funny thing about that is Rush was not the one who said it. It was African-American columnist, David Ehrenstein, of the LA Times.

Limbaugh turned it into a satire about then Candidate, Barrak Obama.

Perhaps that—Limbaugh’s opposition to President Obama—is the real motivation behind the resistance to the legal purchase of the Rams.

Mr Smith of the Player’s Association, a former DC attorney has known ties to the Obama administration and the Rev. Sharpton has been very vocal in his support of the president.

Could that be the motivation? I’ll let you decide.

The more important question; does the NFLPA or the NFL have a right to deny this man or any American they might disagree with the right to purchase a franchise?

Back to the race issue. One definition of racism is hatred or intolerance of another race or other races. This does not only apply to old white men.

The political intolerance in this country has gotten way out of hand. Every issue is turned to race and everyone that disagrees with a point of view or popular politician is a racist.

Once we deem that person a racist, then is it ok to take away their rights?

Welcome to Hitler’s Germany.

Before you call me a racist or Republican or whatever, understand that I don’t have a dog in the hunt. I personally believe in political neutrality and follow the Bible’s creed that every man (that does God’s will) is acceptable to him.

The bottom line, if Michael Vick has a right to earn a living in the NFL—and I believe he does—then so does Rush Limbaugh.

If you don’t like that you have a right not to support the NFL by spending your money on their product, but you don’t have a right to decide who should or shouldn’t be involved in their league.

By Henry Ball - Syndicated Writer and Featured Columnist @ the Bleacher Report

*Photo from rushlimbaugh.com

The Czar Report: Alabama Winning the War in the SEC West

Henry Ball — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 10:28:22 -0400

October 11, 2009 - From the Bleacher Report: Going into week six with three unbeaten and four top 25 teams, including two in the top four, the SEC West continued to look like the strongest division of any conference in all of college football. Though perennial western power LSU had a scare with traditional bottom dweller MSU a couple of weeks ago in Starkville the first major head to head battles were waged on Saturday and the War for the (SEC) West is heating up. It’s time for you the fan to review the progress (or retreat) for your favorite army. Your duly (self) appointed college football Czar has provided the reports from the front lines. Here’s a look at this weekend’s action as well as an update on who’s marching on and who’s in retreat.

Begin Slideshow

Florida-LSU: Tebow Could Start and Why That's Good News For LSU

Henry Ball — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:29:33 -0400

The national sports media faced its Waterloo on September 26th when its All-Time Hero to the World, Tim Tebow, was hospitalized after his helmet struck teammate Marcus Gilbert's leg during a sack at Kentucky.

Immediately pundits began to ponder, had The LSU Tigers been granted their second Blue Grass Miracle?

Would Tebow start in this Saturday’s showdown with the No. 4 Tigers in Death Valley?

More importantly for Tebow’s family and supporters, would this concussion have any long-term impact on the Heisman Trophy recipient’s long-term future?

These questions will be answered over time but the injury to Tebow may indeed be the turning point in both Florida and LSU’s respective seasons.

While Florida was pre-ordained as this year’s champion, and most current subject of the media’s "Greatest Team to Ever Play the Game" (see the '03 Sooners, the '05 Trojans, and '06 Buckeyes for other examples) comedy series, the Tigers have headlined the "Upset Alert" segment on ESPN’s College Game Day virtually every week.

Neither team has done much, at least from the media’s perspective, to change anyone’s mind so Florida goes into this road game with questions at quarterback, playing at one of the World’s roughest venues, against the No. 4 tough-minded Tigers as a ten-point favorite.

That may be just fine with the Tigers, who have excelled in the underdog role in recent years ('09 at UGA, '08 Peach Bowl, '07 National Championship game, etc…) and know how to face adversity—perhaps better than any team in the country.

More importantly, Tebow’s injury forces Florida to change its offense, whether Tebow starts or not, to play to the Tigers' strength on defense.

Sophomore QB John Brantley is traditionally a dropback passer and lacks the fullback ability of Tebow. With his best weapon—wide receiver Deonte Thompson, who has been out several weeks with a hamstring injury—still questionable, the Tigers should be able to live on man coverage and stack the line to stop the Florida running game.

This could lead to a lot of opportunities for Jordan Jefferson and the Tigers high-powered, though yet-to-be fully weaponized offense to see if it can get on track and hit the mark against Florida’s ruthless defense.

No easy task, exploiting the No. 1 defense (scoring and total) in the SEC, but the Tigers have the personnel—SEC Offensive Player of the Week Charles Scott, All-American Brandon LaFell, world class speedster Trindon Holiday, and a bevy of speed and skill throughout the line up—to get it done.

You might well say, that it will require the Tigers' best effort of the season. But isn’t that exactly what the Tigers have delivered every week, with each week’s performance improving over the last?

Ah, "But what if Tebow starts?," you ask?

Call me crazy, and I’m sure many will, but I for one think that would be better for the Tigers!

When Tebow announced his arrival to LSU by running over the Tigers' "Hit King" Darry Beckwith a couple of years ago, and when he lamblasted Tennessee’s All-American defensive stud Eric Berry earlier this year, it was called "Tebow, being Tebow." That’s all it was.

The Gators have been at their absolute best when Tebow is just being Tebow; that is, running a punishing triple spread option offense like a fullback with an arm and a heart of steel.

Frankly it’s hard to argue with the results: 7033 yards total offense, 111 touchdowns (38 rushing), 26 wins as a starter, two National Title rings, a Heisman Trophy and counting…

Yet, even for Superman, there is Kryptonite.

Early in the season last year, Urban Meyer experimentally took away the fullback duties and tried to convert Tebow into a pocket passer.

The results netted Florida several unimpressive wins versus lesser opponents and one upset at the hands of the Ole Miss Rebels.

Without the dynamic of Tebow on the ground as a primary option for the defense to contend with, the Gators were somewhat pedestrian on offense.

Two weeks later, the offense was unleashed with speedsters Jeffery Demps, Chris Rainey, and Tebow, back to being Tebow.

The result was the worst beat down LSU had been on the receiving end of in generations.

The Gators drowned LSU in the Swamp, 51-21, and went on to average over 50 points per game through the balance of the regular season en route to their second National Title in three years.

But ask yourself this question, with (even a mild) traumatic brain injury still healing inside his soon-to-be worth millions upon millions skull, can he afford to just be Tebow?

Better question, will Meyer allow him to risk his entire future even if he is cleared to play?

If you do see Tebow on the field Saturday Night, don’t expect him to be the leading rusher, and don’t expect him to be dropping his shoulder and plowing head first over Kelvin Sheppard, Jacob Cutrera, and other Tiger defenders.

To do so would definitely be "Tebow, being Tebow" but it would also be Meyer being foolish—and that he is not.

Truth be told, this game is losable for both teams, neither needs to win to keep their division, SEC, or National hopes alive. For the loser would still hold its own destiny by virtue of winning out and likely forcing a rematch in Atlanta.

Nobody wants to lose and you can bet both coaches will do everything in their power to lead his team to victory.

Florida will have to do it with the pocket passer formerly known as Superman or his side-kick and heir-apparent John Bradley. Either way, it spells trouble in Death Valley.

LSU 24 – Florida 17

By Henry Ball – Syndicated Writer and Featured Columnist @ Bleacher Report

Click Here to enjoy another great article by Henry Ball.

SEC Preview & Poetry For Breast Cancer Awareness Week

Henry Ball — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 02:56:34 -0400

Friday, October 2, 2009:

I figured if the NFL could go Pink your ole' Southern Man could pen a little poetry in honor of all the women in our lives.

It's also time to take a look at the SEC action for week five.

In terms of excitement this week the critics underrate, ESPN passed on all the big matchups to run a tribute show for Boston College and Florida State.

This week may determine a lot of teams fate in the ending, and could say a lot about who'll contend and who's pretending.

Let's start at Jerry's new mecca, shall we?

Arkansas 1-2 (0-2 SEC) v. Texas A&M 3-0

Petrino's Hogs need a big win. This much is true, but these Aggies are balling and Jerrod Johnson is too.

This kid for the Heisman—you better not laugh. You can talk Tebow and Mac but just for the Draft. If you don't know this kid you soon will.

TAMU 41 - Arkansas 34

_________________________

No. 21 Ole' Mississippi 2-1 (0-1 SEC) @ Vanderbilt 2-2 (0-2 SEC)

The Rebels are yelling; still feeling the hurt. Can these Vandy Commodores win on their own turf? Probably Not!

Ole Miss 38 - Vandy 24

_________________________

South Carolina State 3-0 (1-0) @ USC 3-1 (1-1 SEC)

The Ole Ball Coach might be looking to poach, but if you sleep on State you might wake up too late.

Close early then Carolina gets Cocky.

USC 38 - SC State 23

_________________________

No. 25 Ga. Tech 3-1 (2-1 ACC) @ Mississippi State 2-2 (1-2 SEC)

The Yellow Jackets run with Paul Johnson's buzz, but Mississippi State is trying to forget the (goal line) stand that was.

Don't leave the Dog's on the porch and they'll need more cow bell, but State will be barking, they will bite as well!

UPSET ALERT!

Miss State 24 - GTech 17

_________________________

No.1 Florida (Idle)

A rest for the Gators comes none to soon! Will a knock to the super noggin mean impending doom?

_________________________

Tennessee 2-2 (0-1) @ Auburn 4-0 (1-0)

Kiffin the younger plans to catch some Zs (ChiZik, MalZahn) @ Rocky Top.

Will Crompton again be a goat or will he finally open the Big Orange pop?

Auburn 41 - UT 24

_________________________

No.3 Alabama 4-0 (1-0 SEC) @ Kentucky 2-1 (0-1 SEC)

The Evil Empire takes a trek to the Hills, don't expect a Blue Grass revolt, the elephant will march at will!

Alabama 100 - UK 3 (It could be worse!)

_________________________

No.4 LSU 4-0 (2-0 SEC) @ No.14 UGA 3-1 (2-0 SEC)

Betixt the hedges, it looks like war. Will the paper Tigers finally roar?

Will the scrappy Dawg have it's day? I'm afraid not, can you pass the mustard my way?

Hot dawgs. Get your hot dawgs!

LSU 37 - UGA 24

_________________________

That's all for now, I'm afraid. It's all I've got. Enjoy the weekend, because this season is getting HOT!

By Henry Ball (a.k.a. Southern Man) Syndicated Writer

Henry contributes to the Bleacher Report, College Gameday Network and other Sports Media outlets.

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

Just Win, Baby! Monster Goal Line Stand Allows LSU to Remain Unbeaten

Henry Ball — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 20:34:51 -0400

Sept. 26, 2009 from the Bleacher Report:

It has not been easy and it most certainly hasn't been pretty, which is not necessarily a bad thing when you think about where the LSU Tigers are after four weeks of play.

With today's 30-26 win in Starkville, Miss., LSU improves its record to 4-0 (2-0 SEC).

Like the first three games, vs. Washington, Vanderbilt and UL-Lafayette, it wasn't easy.

First-year head coach Dan Mullen inspired his Bulldogs to get off the porch and run with the Tigers. Sr. RB Anthony Dixon led the way with 106 yards on 27 carries with two touchdowns.

Overall, the offense was able to put up 374 total yard with three touchdowns. Sr. QB Tyson Lee was able to shake off three interceptions and lead a comeback that culminated in their final drive that found the Bulldogs inside the two-yard line with first and goal and just a little over a minute on the game clock and down by only six.

Getting to that point may have been ugly in the eyes of some LSU Tiger fans, but the ensuing four plays were anything but.

On third and ten from LSU's 20 yard line, Dixon broke several tackles to rush for 18 yards before being pushed out of bounds by Chris Hawkins at the two.

After being stuffed on first and second down, the Bull Dogs lined up in a power I and looked intent to try to force it in on all four downs, if necessary.

When Lee took the snap and faked the hand-off, TE Marcus Green slipped off his block and was seemingly wide open for the winning touchdown. S Chad Jones, the Tigers MVP, did not bite on the fake and made a spectacular play, knocking down the pass.

The touchdown saving play set up fourth and goal from the one for all the marbles. Lee faked an option pitch to Dixon and attempted to slide into the end zone.

Again, the Tigers stopped him cold and LSU took over at their own one-yard line.

The loss drops MSU to 2-2 (1-1 SEC) and leaves the Dogs on the bottom looking up in one of the toughest divisions in the country.

On the other hand, No. 7 LSU remains undefeated, is battle tested and is staring at what could be the defining stretch of their season with four of the next five at No. 21 Georgia, No. 1 Florida, and currently unbeaten Auburn in Baton Rouge before traveling to Tuscaloosa for a wild (SEC) west showdown with No. 3 Alabama.

Tiger fans across the country - including the 30-plus at Providence Road Sundries in Charlotte, N.C., where your humble correspondent took in the game with the Carolina LSU Alumni Association - were left with as many questions as were answered.

So. QB Jordan Jefferson (15-28 233 yards, two tds) was spectacular early, connecting with receivers Brandon Lafell, R.J.Jackson and Terrance Tolliver for deep strikes of 58, 40 and 39 respectively, answering the question: can he throw the ball effectively?

At the same time, questions abound in the trenches, particularly on the offensive side. Jefferson, typically hard to corral, was sacked twice and hurried on countless plays.

Perhaps more disconcerting was the inability to open holes for the talented backfield. The Tigers were only able to net 30 yards on the ground.

On the defensive side MSU was able to move the ball effectively at times, but the Tigers forced four turnovers and turned MSU back four times on fourth down including the aforementioned game-saving goal-line stand.

Additionally, special teams play was mixed. Chad Jones’ 93 yard punt return for a touchdown highlighted a strong night for the return team.

On the other hand, a third snap in four games, deep in their own territory, sailed over punter Derek Helton’s head setting up a one yard touchdown drive for the Bulldogs.

There was also a missed extra point due to a bad snap-hold transition after Patrick Peterson’s interception touchdown on the first play of the game.

At the end of the day, (the dreary, wet, mushy, rainy day) it wasn’t pretty, it wasn’t easy, it may not have even been fun but like the not-so pretty king of the hard way, Al Davis, likes to say, “Just win, Baby!”

The Tigers keep doing that and that’s the bottom line.

By Henry Ball (Southern Man) Syndicated Writer @ the Bleacher Report

See also: CFB Czar Declares War!

I Are One: Why LSU Fans Need to Remember Where We Came from

Henry Ball — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 22:44:37 -0400

I was 10 years old and already a long suffering Tiger fan when LSU hired Jerry Stovall, a legendary player at LSU and in the NFL, who would be the first head coach AM (After McClendon).

Actually he was the second head coach AM but Edward 'Bo' Rein, who had been hired as Charlie McClendon's successor, died in a tragic plane crash when his plane veered off course by over 1,000 miles before going down in the Atlantic Ocean.

A harbinger of things to come.

Stovall's tenure started on a promising note going 7-4, but 1981 would be an abysmal year as the Tigers would only win three times and finish the season by getting blown out by Tulane in New Orleans.

In 1982 I learned the lesson that I want to share with you in this article. Still smarting from the '81 season, Tiger fans were elated when the Tigers won their first three games—including a huge win over No. 4 Florida at The Swamp in Gainesville.

The following week I was at Tiger Stadium when the Bayou Bengals tied in a disappointing nail-biter with the Tennessee Volunteers. After the game I was pissing and moaning about what the Tigers did wrong and who wasn't playing well and on and on and on...

My big brother told me to SHUT UP and be happy, the Tigers were still "undefeated." He then reminded me that if they lost the rest of their games they would still be better than last year.

Well that didn't happen. The Tigers won the next four, including the famous "20 to 10" game that knocked Bear Bryant and Alabama out of National Championship contention.

It was the best year in my young memory of which there would be few and far between for the next two decades. Like Bo Rein's plane, the Tiger's Football Program would find itself pilot-less and way off course searching desperately for the right coach to bring it all together.

Through that 20-year sojourn in the wild blue yonder there was one constant, though. One thing that you could always count on, one thing that made LSU a sleeping giant, a team that intimidated even when they weren't intimidating.

The Fans.

The purple and gold-blooded Tiger nation has always been known as one of, if not the most, loyal and supportive fan bases in the nation.

Fast forward to 2009: We have arguably the best program of this century; a loyal, tough, and proven head coach; a successful and experienced coaching staff; one of the deepest and most talented teams in the country; and a big fat 2-0 record in our first two games.

Yet it would seem like Les Miles is on the hot seat. He and the team has been berated and torn apart by virtually every sports publication in the state and on the web. What's more, Tiger stadium is half empty at halftime in a close game against a pretty good SEC team, and fans are booing a 19-year-old kid who had the misfortune of being thrown to the wolves in what was supposed to be his red shirt freshman year.

So in the words of my big brother that changed my perspective so many years ago, let me say to you Tiger fans that are pissing and moaning, "SHUT UP, we are still undefeated and we have a lot to be thankful for!"

GEAUX Tigers!!!

By Henry Ball – Syndicated Writer and Bleacher Report Scribe

Make sure to check out this article: Was KY Coach Responsible for Player’s Death?

Was Kentucky HS Coach Responsible For Player's Death?

Henry Ball — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:31:45 -0400

9/17/2009 From the Bleacher Report:

LOUISVILLE, KY—David Jason Stinson, a 37-year-old former high school football coach was found not guilty today by a jury of his peers.

Stinson had been charged with reckless homicide and wanton endangerment in the death of Max Gilpin, a 15-year-old lineman on the Pleasure Ridge Park High School football team.

It took the jury less than 90 minutes to decide coach Stinson's innocence. When asked if he had ever seen a homicide case decided so quickly, Alex Dathorne, Stinson's attorney said, "Yes, when the defendant is innocent and there is absolutely no evidence that he did anything wrong!"

Indeed, the prosecution offered no evidence or testimony that Gilpin had actually dehydrated, yet several medical experts called by the defense told jurors that it appeared a combination of heat, the use of a dietary supplement (creatine), the drug Adderall-used to treat attention deficit disorder, and being ill were the main factors in Gilpin's death.

The defense experts classified the death as an accident.

Did the coach step over the line in ordering the players to run extra wind sprints on that day when the temperature reached 94 degrees?

According to Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Jon Heck, Stinson ran the Aug. 20, 2008, practice like a “boot camp,” running players until someone quit the team.

Not so according to some of Gilpin's teammates who said they only ran a few sprints more than normal.

Now the case will move to civil court, as Gilpin's family apparently does intend to pursue damages in a wrongful death suit. The burden of proof is much lower in civil court so coaches beware.

Jimmie Reed, executive director of the Kentucky Football Coaches Association, said he followed the trial daily and expected most of the coaches in the state were doing the same. He said a conviction would have had lasting ramifications for all teams.

"Any type of coaching where you're dealing with student-athletes, where there's some type of tragic accident, then it would have been scrutinized to the liability of the coach no matter what the sport was," he said.

And here is where we should all pay attention to this case, if this man's life is ruined for running a tough practice then football in America will suffer.

Who would want to except the liability associated with coaching? Remember Bear Bryant, he would have been sentenced to life in prison after his first fall camp at Texas A&M and Alabama might not have all those National Championships if held to the standard for liability that was sought by the prosecution.

Certainly what happened to young Max Gilpin was tragic and most unfortunate but according to a jury of his peers, it was not coach Stinson's fault.

As difficult as it is to lose a loved one, the Gilpins need to forgive and move on. My prayers go out to them.

By Henry Ball - Syndicated Writer and Bleacher Report Scribe

*above picture from Google images*

Make sure to check out:LSU Fans Need to Remember Where we Came From

Now That You've Seen the Product, Are You Buying the Ole Miss Rebels?

Henry Ball — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:44:46 -0400

After finishing 2008 with an impressive win in the Cotton Bowl against Texas Tech and a solid 9-4 (5-3 SEC) record, the excitement in Oxford prior to head coach Houston Nutt’s second stanza has been electric.

The AP’s Top 25 Poll had the Rebs in at No. 8 with only Florida and Alabama ranked ahead of them in the SEC. Sports Illustrated had them ranked at No. 6 and put them on the August 17th cover, calling them BCS party crashers.

Nutt, no stranger to party crashing, has a long history of being the giant killer, as evidenced by Ole Miss’ improbable upset of eventual National Champion Florida last year. The question for many is whether the coach can bag the big ones when he is the hunted and not the hunter?

Ole Miss will not be sneaking up on anyone this year with junior quarterback Jevan Snead and senior receiver Dexter McCluster on everyone’s watch lists.

In fact, with four of the top five receivers back, Ole Miss will be plenty capable of putting points on the board and everyone expects it.

The only real question about the team was if some big time play-makers could emerge on the defense, which returns eight starters but no clear cut studs from last year. If so, the party crashing plans might just come to fruition.

What we learned from game one versus Memphis:

According to Bleach Report Senior Writer Leroy Watson, who was on location in Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium to provide coverage of the Rebels’ opponent, “Whoever wins the SEC West is going to have to go through Houston Nutt’s Rebels, these guys are for real.”

The game was hotly contested for three quarters and the Tigers gained the momentum and pulled to within 10 points with 9:09 remaining.

With the issue still in doubt, Ole Miss then ripped off a seven-play, 69-yard TD drive to extend the lead to 31-14. From that point on the Rebels dominated.

“Our defense was outstanding today,” Rebel head coach Houston Nutt said after the game. “One strength we had was the defense being able to rotate some guys so we could keep everyone fresh.”

In fact, Ole Miss was able to pressure the Memphis quarterbacks (Arkelon Hall & Will Hudgens) all game long, though only two sacks were recorded.

They converted two interceptions and a forced fumble into 14 points. The Tigers also turned over on downs twice, which the Rebels offense promptly converted into another 14 points.

This is good news to those wondering if the Rebel’s defense could produce big plays and force the other team to make mistakes.

On the other hand, Memphis put up a good fight for most of the game. “You have to give them credit,” said coach Nutt. “Now I think Memphis is much better. They have some big weapons that we were afraid of.”

There were definitely some issues for Houston Nutt and his coaching staff to be concerned about. Three turnovers, a soft offensive line, and the shaky play by Snead early in the game will not cut it in the SEC West, which looks like the toughest division of any conference in the country.

Nevertheless, Rebel fans are more excited now than they were going in. According to Red Cup Rebellion, a popular fan blog, the last time there was this much buzz in Oxford a guy named Eli was in town.

Even then it was more about the quarterback and not the whole team. This time around the Rebels seem to have the whole package, including the man in charge.

Yes, there is a long way to go with a lot of football to be played. But now that we’ve seen the product on the field, I’m buying Ole Miss as a legitimate contender in the SEC West.

Of course, there are a few other SEC teams that still may have something to say about all that and I’m sticking with my "fearless prediction," but Houston Nutt’s second year in Oxford could be special.

Now That You've Seen the Product, Are You Buying Alabama's Crimson Tide?

Henry Ball — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 08:14:01 -0400

After finishing 2008 with an undefeated regular season Nick Saban’s Tide began his third-year at the helm in Tuscaloosa with expectations sky high.

The AP’s Top 25 Poll had the Tide in at No. 5 with only Florida at No. 1 ahead of them in the SEC. Many expect a rematch of last year’s SEC championship versus Florida with a ‘Bama having a chance to play for a nation championship.

With the majority of one the nation’s top defenses returning along with a boat load of talent on both sides of the ball the only questions going into the opener against Virginia Tech were could first year starter Greg McElroy and a revamped offensive line effectively move the ball and put points on the board.

What we learned from Game One versus Virginia Tech:

Alabama’s defense is as good as, maybe better, than advertised. The defensive line made life miserable for Tech's speedy senior quarterback Tyrod Taylor early in the game.

Alabama’s aggressive defense did not allow the Hokies to get on track offensively until late in the first half when Ryan Williams bulled his way into the end zone for a one yard touchdown with 1:02 left in the half.

To that point Tech kept the score close with a little classic "Beamer Ball" scoring off of a turnover and on a 98 yard kick-off return for a touchdown by Dyrell Roberts’

In the second half and down the stretch Alabama became more dominate as they took control of the game with a very balanced offensive attack led by McElroy who connected on 15 of 30 pass attempts for 230 yards and a touchdown.

The ground game was also effective rushing for 268 yards led by sophomore running back Mark Ingram who had an outstanding night with 26 carries for 150 yards and one touchdown.

Several wide receivers were terrific in the game. Sophomore Marquis Maze only had two catches for 57 yards but they were spectacular and one-a 48 yard bomb from McElroy set up a six yard touchdown run by Ingram.

Julio Jones, who drew a lot of double coverage, and fellow sophomore Darius Hanks played very well and showed that the offense, while perhaps youthful and to this point relatively inexperienced is indeed dangerous and capable of putting a lot of points on the board.

Overall, Alabama may have made a statement on Saturday night with a convincing win over a Virginia Tech team that may very well prove to be the class of the ACC.

After the Game Nick Saban said “I am happy with this team—we’ve got a look of work to do but I’m happy with the way we played.”

Indeed, there is a long way to go with a lot of football to be played but now that we’ve seen the product on the field, I’m buying Alabama as a front runner in the SEC West, a contender for the SEC crown and in the conversation for the National Title.

Of course there are a few other SEC teams that still may have something to say about all that and I’m sticking with my ‘fearless prediction’ but Nick Saban’s third year should be a good one.

Oregon's Chip Kelly Finds the High Road: What Road is Boise Taking?

Henry Ball — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 01:44:44 -0400

The AP is reporting that Boise State will not discipline junior defensive end Byron Hout for his role in the incident following the No. 14 Bronco’s 19–8 win over No. 16 Oregon.

Instead BSU Spokesman Max Corbet said that head coach Chris Petersen will "spend time" with Hout to "help him learn" from what happened.

What?

LeGarrette Blount already helped him learn. When Blount responded to Hout’s taunting by slobber knocking him to his knees, I think Hout learned the lesson—once you’ve won the argument keep your mouth shut and move on.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not condoning Blount’s action in any way. In fact, Oregon’s rookie head coach Chip Kelly did the right thing in suspending Blount for the entire year.

This is not a move that helps the Ducks in a year when many thought they had a puncher’s (pardon the pun) chance at winning the Pac-10.

Without its dark horse (former) Heisman candidate running back that chance may be lying on the Blue carpet of the Humanitarian Bowl.

Nonetheless, Kelly quickly found the high road after the game last night. Speaking about the contest and incident on Thursday night a subdued Kelly said: “It shouldn't be marred by something after the fact, they beat us, and to react poorly after the game is not what we're all about.''

He then put his money where his mouth is with the suspension of Blount on Friday.

On the other hand, coach Petersen’s initial statement released on Boise State’s website said that the incident was "unfortunate" and that there would be disciplinary consequences as a result of the incident.

Apparently Petersen "spending time" with players is considered punishment.

Unfortunately he will have to limit the discipline to about a half hour as there is just so much time in a week and you know that pesky 20 hour rule the NCAA imposes on football activities—wouldn’t want to go down the Rich Rodriquez road, right?

Maybe even that road is too high from Boise.

Contributed by Henry Ball (Southern Man) - Syndicated writer and Bleacher Report Scribe.

CFB Preview—Week One In a NUT Shell

Henry Ball — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 04:00:33 -0400

Thursday, September 03, 2009 - From The Bleacher Report: Today should be a national holiday-the dog days of summer are behind us, The images of Erin Andrews on our TV screens will not be the result of a crime, and big time college football is back! I must admit, NUT that I am, I am all cracked up over week one. Typically unheard of in the first week or two of the season, 2009 is starting off with a bang. There are several games that could have national implications, four pitting ranked teams, a top seven match up, a few up-set specials and even a couple of must-win games. It’s like going cold turkey in reverse-seven months of nothing and BAM, let’s get this party started!

Begin Slideshow

Personal Piece: A Love Note To My Georgia Girl

Henry Ball — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:14:48 -0400

Note: This is a personal piece, you are welcome to enjoy it but I'm not posting it for the intent of public consumption—It is strictly a little note to my Georgia Girl.

I tend to compartmentalize, I work, I stress, I decompress. My wife experiences, cares and shares. Understandably, she gets frustrated because she feels like I shut her out, not that she's missing anything just that I am not sharing my experience. More often than not it is a protection mechanism; for her, for me, for both, maybe nobody—who knows?

On top of that, at times I can be obsessive. I'm a work-a-holic, CFB only occupies four divisions of the calendar—yet I follow all 12. I eat from my purple and gold dishes year round and when summer starts turning to fall my dear wife proclaims herself a football widow, though she too is a fan. (Dawgs, wouldn't you know)

To add to her plight, about six months ago I found this thing called Bleacher Report—an outlet for 20 plus years of pent up creative musing—I started a new business venture in the midst of an economic collapse inspiring echoes of depression-light perhaps great and I accepted a time consuming personal responsibility that often makes her pray.

So twice in the last few days my wife has asked me if I need her anymore. Not knowing how to properly respond I probably engaged the aforementioned mechanism but I have really been trying to come up with the right response.

So here goes

Dear Georgia Girl,

When my truck wouldn’t start I realized I need you more than that truck needs a battery —I certainly need you more than my old sales boss needed flattery.

When I look into an aquarium I see that I need you like fish need water, I’m sure that I need you more than clay needs the potter.

I know I need you like banks need their money, in fact I’m sure that I need you more than bees need honey.

Turn on your TV and I think you will see—I need you like a starlet needs her fame, I really believe I need you more than a forest needs rain.

You know that I love you, you KNOW that I want you and after all that you have read—I think you will see, I need you just as much as I need my breath.

Love—Me

Some Alabama Fans Need Focus

Henry Ball — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 19:41:42 -0400

Disclaimer: This message is not intended for the vast majority of Tide fans. To those of whom this message does not apply, I wish you a very prosperous year and good tidings!

To the rest of you who can't find anything better to do than write lies about Les Miles, call him derogatory names, or just flat out misrepresent the facts—could you focus on your own team or get another hobby? The jock envy is getting ridiculous!

I'm not going to re-argue the case or state the facts again, but until your savior actually wins a championship—with Shula's players or his own—can you give the dynasty crap (and self-aggrandizing bully behavior) a rest?

It is childish, and like Forrest Gump's Momma always said, "Stupid is as stupid does"—so stop being stupid.

The Ryan Perrilloux Effect: Latest Suspension a Reminder to LSU Fans

Henry Ball — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 07:47:15 -0400

Aug. 23, 2009, from Bleacher Report—On Friday, Aug. 21, Jacksonville State University head football coach Jack Crowe announced a one-game suspension of quarterback Ryan Perrilloux for an undisclosed violation of team rules. Crowe declined to share the details of the infraction but confirmed that it was not a legal issue.

Perrilloux, a senior quarterback in his second season at JSU following two years at LSU as a backup to JaMarcus Russell and Matt Flynn, has yet to live up to the lofty expectations set during his recruitment from East St. John High School in Reserve, Louisiana.

At ESJHS Perrilloux amassed an amazing 12,705 yards of total offense (9,025 passing, 3,680 rushing) while accounting for a total of 155 touchdowns (84 passing, 71 rushing).

At LSU Perrilloux showed flashes of brilliance and had the potential to accomplish great things under center for the Tigers. In his first start against Middle Tennessee State, in 2007, he led the Tigers in a dominating 44-0 rout by completing 20 of 25 pass attempts for 298 yards and three touchdowns.

His second start—due to a Flynn injury—in the 2007 SEC championship game again shined a light on his potential, as he completed 20 of 30 pass attempts for 243 yards with one touchdown.

Thanks in part to his MVP performance in the 21-14 victory over the Tennessee Volunteers in the SEC Championship, the Tigers found themselves in the BCS National Championship Game versus the Ohio State Buckeyes, where they claimed their second BCS title in four years.

Perrilloux, who had compiled a long list of transgressions that included numerous violations of team rules, several run-ins with local law enforcement, and being a named target in a federal investigation, finally ran out of chances with head coach Les Miles on May 2, 2008, when he was permanently dismissed from the football program at LSU.

Prior to the dismissal, LSU was in much the same position Florida is in today: coming off a national championship loaded with talent and experience and expected to be a favorite to compete for a second consecutive BCS title.

The aftermath wasn't pretty: The Tigers finished 2008 with an 8-5 (3-5 SEC) record.

However, given the recent events at JSU, most fans and pundits understand that cutting Perrilloux loose was absolutely the right thing to do.

It has been well documented that result of the dismissal led LSU into last year precariously inexperienced at quarterback.

It can also be argued that the defensive collapse, particularly late in the season, was partially caused by the ineffective and sometimes catastrophic play at quarterback.

This is not to diminish the challenges in the coaching staff, yet it must be acknowledged that the defense—more often than not—found they were digging out of deep holes caused by the offense.

Moreover, with the experienced, skilled, talented, and speedy defense now in the capable hands of longtime University of Tennessee defensive coordinator "Chief" John Chavis, the defense is expected to be much better.

What is more, many Tiger fans, according to longtime LSU sporting guru "Dandy" Don Long, believe that LSU’s poor (by LSU standards) performance in 2008 was a "fluke"—I personally call it the Ryan Perrilloux Effect (RPE).

The question is, will the RPE cast a shadow over 2009 as it did 2008? Will Jordan Jefferson and the more experienced (Jarrett Lee) quarterbacking corps—which also includes the nation's top 2009 dual-threat quarterback recruit, Russell Shepard—bring the offense back to 2007's record-breaking form, or will offensive coordinator Gary Crowton and Miles again have to recalibrate the offense to hide the signal caller?

Tiger fans can't wait to find out. In his Saturday morning update, Dandy Don said that in his many years of covering LSU sports, "this might be the most highly anticipated season ever." Indeed, the LSU faithful believe that they have lived through the RPE and are looking forward to fighting another day.

If the attitude (more on that in an upcoming article) surrounding the program is any indication, then Tiger fans will soon be celebrating the JJE (Jordan Jefferson Effect)!

Image by Steve Latham. Media Sources: AP, Dandy Don’s LSU News

By Henry Ball, Independent Writer & Bleacher Report Scribe.

Upcoming Article: Attitude Makes Altitude—How Good are These LSU Tigers?

Upcoming Article: CFB Czar—The Southern Fried Football Playoff

Obama to Appoint College Football Czar: Southern Man Up to Task

Henry Ball — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 14:18:53 -0400

According to Wendell Goler at Foxnews.com President Barack Obama (our Commander and Sports Fan-in-Chief) has appointed over three dozen ‘Czars’ to manage virtually every aspect of American Life from closing the Guantanamo Bay detention center, overseeing Health Care to doling out rebates in the cash for clunkers program. Yes, we have the Health Czar, the Pay Czar, the Car Czar, and many say Rhambo (Rahm Emanuel) is the Czar Czar consolidating power of the federal government in a way not seen previously under the Constitution of the United States. Many pundits in Washington, DC have complained and charge that this affinity for the Czar(s) is further evidence that Mr. Obama favors, shall we say, a more autocratic style of government. I’ll let you be the judge of that but I see an opportunity for your humble correspondent to fix some serious problems facing the world… of College Football. I hereby nominate myself to be nominated by you to have President Obama nominate me to be appointed by way of nomination as the College Football Czar. Once I’m appointed as Czar of College Football (Pigskin Czar for short) a couple things are going to change, not just for the sake of hope and change but to make College Football (during the regular AND post season) the greatest game, sport and entertainment choice on the planet! In a series of articles, starting with this one, I will tackle the issues and provide solutions to the serious problems facing the sport! Make sure to lend your support by voting in the poll(s) and hit that little “like” button below if you think me worthy. Please note: This article/series is not an expression of any political position. The use of politicians, their policies, views or campaign slogans is purely satirical! Contributed by Henry Ball (a.k.a. Southern Man, a.k.a. Pigskin Czar) – Independent Writer and Bleacher Report Scribe.

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LSU Will Win the SEC and Six Other Fearless College Football Predictions for 2009

Henry Ball — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 18:57:56 -0400

Virtually every mainstream media outlet has already proclaimed the defending SEC and National Champion Florida Gators as the overwhelming favorite to repeat both accomplishments this year in route to Tim Tebow's second Heisman and general coronation as 'the Greatest' CFB player of all time. The growing legend of Tiberius Tebow, Towering Tim, if you will, may in fact be well founded.... But Superman he is not, Dwight Howard has already claimed that honor. There can be little doubt, however, that Florida will be the team to beat this year and that picking them to win it all is the safe, if not smart call. Nonetheless, these are my 'FEARLESS' predictions:

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With Friends Like These: LSU's 2009 Non-Conference Schedule

Henry Ball — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 22:18:52 -0400

The standard excuse for SEC teams scheduling weak out of conference opponents is that they have to contend with the rigors of the SEC. Therefore, scheduling brutal OOC (out of conference) games is unnecessary, risky and quite frankly just not in the team’s best interest.

After all, with “friends” like Florida, Georgia, Alabama and Ole Miss…why go out and seek “enemies” like Ohio State, Virginia Tech, or West Virginia?

Teams like USC and Ohio State would say, "Hey, we schedule tougher OOC opponents, why can’t you?"

The typical answer: If you are in the Big 10 or Pac 10, you have to schedule at least two, if not three, strong OOC opponents to keep any credibility in your SOS (strength of schedule) since the rest of your conference is so weak (I'm not stating that as fact, just that it is the prevailing argument).

I submit that it has more to do with the BCS. Teams are doing what they feel like they have to do in order to place themselves in the best possible position to make it to a BCS Bowl and/or the National Championship game.

Consider that any loss can and normally does (LSU’s 2007 Championship notwithstanding) have a devastating impact on rankings and bowl position. Therefore, teams simply can’t afford to schedule a gauntlet out of conference game, particularly when they face a rigorous conference slate like teams in the SEC.

Moreover, despite efforts to factor "style points" out of the equation, the voters (for poll rankings) will look at USC more favorably for thumping San Jose State than they will if Alabama squeaks out a last-second victory over Virginia Tech.

So teams try to make the most of their three or four out of conference opportunities.

Florida, the defending National Champion, and LSU, the previous champion, are prime examples.

Although Florida normally features two tough OOC games against in-state rivals FSU and Miami. This year, Miami is off the schedule and Charleston Southern High School (I’m sorry is that actually a college?) marks the warm-up game for the real opener with the juggernaut from Troy.

Doth I protest too loudly?

Don’t worry; I remember that it took the greatest comeback in school history for LSU to beat these guys last year.

Florida does end the season with their annual run-in with what could be a much improved FSU team (though the sanctions and some attrition could reverse that), but not before the other in-state game with FIAU.

FIAU? What happened to Miami? Well, if nothing else, there could be a good fist fight (Remember FIAU v Alabama a couple of years ago).

LSU is in a similar, if not the same, boat.

This year’s OOC Schedule is weak at best. The most difficult thing about the opener at Washington’s Husky Stadium is getting a normally supportive fan base to make the 2,029 mile trip to Seattle. (And really, this will not be a problem for the Tigers!)

Some pundits are tagging this game as a possible upset for a number of reasons.

One reason is an unreasonable lack of respect for Les Miles, another is how the Tigers struggled last season, and the final reason is heightened expectations due to the coaching (and hopefully attitude) changes at Washington.

While I approach every game (as a fan) with humility and an abundance of caution, I do not feel the Huskies pose a major threat.

In addition to the trip to the Great Northwest, the Tigers will welcome three in-state rivals (if you can call them that) to Death Valley: UL-Lafayette, Tulane and La. Tech.

In this article, Thomas Delatte breaks down the individual games, but none of these should result in anything less than a blow-out victory for the Tigers.

Bottom line for the Tigers this season; get through a difficult conference schedule, (which includes road trips to Athens, Tuscaloosa, and Oxford), and a trip to Atlanta for a rematch of the October 10^th Florida war may be in order.

The bigger question to me is why is there a continuing trend of weak OOC opponents?

As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, I believe it has a lot to do with the BCS.

Back in the 80’s, when there was no BCS, Bowl Coalition, or Bowl Alliance (The BCS’ predecessors) rankings had a lot more to do with who you played and how you fared.

Now, for better or worse, it is more about how bad you beat them and what your average margin of victory was.

Where’s the evidence you ask?

I submit the Tigers 2009 OOC Schedule and a comparative look at the trends of the last 20 years.

For the entire decade of the 80’s, LSU never faced one Division II team. More importantly, they faced a plethora of ranked teams and high profile (elite) programs in that time span.

From 1980-89, the Tigers faced 13 ranked OOC opponents, which included the likes of FSU, Notre Dame, USC, Washington, Oregon State, Miami, Texas A&M, Ohio State and many others.

In fact, from 1980-1991, the year prior to the Bowl Coalition’s launch, the Tigers faced 19 ranked OOC Opponents. In the 17 years since, they have faced seven, with three of them being Texas A&M in '92, '93 and '95, which was a scheduling commitment that pre-dated the Coalition.

However, it’s not just that the teams were ranked at the time of the contest; the programs being scheduled were and largely still are powerhouse programs.

Today, we are scheduling teams like Troy, North Texas, App State and MTSU as out of state, out of conference opponents.

Moreover, the Tigers for several reasons, including the economic redevelopment of the state in the wake of hurricane devastation, have been fulfilling a commitment to build up in-state programs such as Tulane, La. Tech and UL Lafayette.

Athletic Director Joe Alleva seems to be committed to trending toward better opponents and is reportedly renegotiating some of the in-state contracts (This Article). However, he is also considering more FCS opponents like McNeese State and Northwestern State.

The scheduling of the Washington series (despite the current state of affairs at UW), as well as upcoming home and home series’ with WVU (2010, 11), TCU (2013, 14) and ASU (2015, 16), indicates that there is at least hope that future OOC schedules will be more respectable.

To kick it up a notch, dates with OU and NC State are being negotiated. I have also heard unsubstantiated rumors that discussions are being held with Ohio State.

The bottom line is that until the BSC changes and adopts a playoff format that awards teams for playing stronger competition week in and week out, it's not likely to change significantly.

I for one believe that to be the best, you have to beat the best, so I want the Tigers to play teams like OSU, USC, OU and Texas in the regular season, not just in the BCS Championship.

For now, though, I’ll "settle" for that!

Article submitted by Henry Ball (a.k.a. Southern Man)—Independent writer and Bleacher Report scribe.

Geaux Rilla Ball: LSU Drops Hogs Into Loser Bracket

Henry Ball — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 22:44:28 -0400

6/15/09 Omaha—The No. 1 ranked LSU Tigers went all General Ursus on the poor pitiful humans (Arkansas Razorbacks) in Game Six of the College World Series in Omaha tonight.

Mikey Mahtook kicked off the Geaux-rilla ball fest in the first inning with a monster three-run home run, allowing the Tigers to take the early three-run lead in the first. The Razorbacks got one back on an RBI double in the bottom of the first. That run would be the only run given up by 2009 Pitcher of the Year Louis Coleman, who would pitch six innings (6IP, 6H, 1R, 1ER, 1BB, 7SO). It would also be the only run of the night for the humans (Hogs).

Ryan Schimpf delivered an RBI double in the second, and it would never get any closer. In the fifth inning, the Geaux-rillas (er Tigers) would put the game away for good with a Blake Dean two-run homer and a solo shot by Freshman SS Austin Nola. Two sport star Jared Mitchell (Football) added a double in the fifth and had a nice night in the field and at the plate going three for five with the double and an RBI.

In all, the Tigers are pounding the ball, having scored 18 runs in two games, and now stand one win away from the Championship Game.

It was reported that Dr. Zira and Cornelius are experimenting with more pitiful humans from other far reaching constellations such as Texas, North Carolina, Arizona State, Virginia, and others. They may have some very bad days ahead when they run into Capitan Mainieri and the Geaux-rilla ballers!

Geaux Tigers!!!

Gold Standard: The Age of the Tigers

Henry Ball — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 07:31:55 -0400

As stocks and bonds continue to experience generationally unprecedented volatility, investors and would be retirees are looking to gold as their shelter from the economic storm.

Why? because Gold is a precious metal that has held value for all of recorded human history and when national currencies can’t be depended on the Gold Standard shines as bright as the stadium lights in Death Valley on a Saturday Night.

In college Athletics, LSU is setting the Gold standard on an unprecedented level. From Track & Field, to women’s Basketball, Softball, Baseball, Golf, Men’s Basketball and virtually every other sport that the Tigers compete in LSU is competitive at the Championship level.

The opportunity for LSU to be a dominate athletic program has existed almost as long as the university has fielded athletic teams. All the way back in 1908 Edgar Wingard led Doc Fenton and the Tiger's football team to an undefeated season, their second conference (SIAA) championship and the School’s first (unofficial) national championship.

Louisiana has been crazy about the Tigers ever since. In the 1930’s LSU won championships in baseball, basketball, football, track and field and golf. In the late 1950’s the Football Team gave Tiger Fans a taste of what a dominate program would look like.

For a generation Tiger fans anxiously waited for 1959 to come, LSU was ranked No. 1 to start the year and the odds on favorite to repeat after the 1958 National Championship. They fell short and it would be 45 years before Tiger Fans could again cheer for a (Football) National Champion.

Today much is made of the success on the Football field, and I must confess my own fandom is 80 percent football and 20 percent whatever Tiger Team is playing today.

I submit, however, that the foundation for LSU’s current success and the entry into the Golden Age of Tiger Athletics began with the Baseball team and Legendary Coach Skip Bertman in 1984.

While leading the Tigers to 16 CWS and winning 5 National Championships Bertman raised the bar at LSU. At the same time, Sue Gunter was building a powerhouse program and hall of fame legacy in Women’s Basketball.

The Dale Brown era in Men’s Basketball produced a couple of deep runs in the tournament and brought in the likes of Chris Jackson and Shaquille. In the early 90’s Curley Hallman was hired with high expectations and failed miserably so Joe Dean, then Athletic Director brought in Gerry DiNardo to try and get the football program going in the right direction.

Thus ‘began’ football’s Golden era. DiNardo, for the first time in ages, took advantage of LSUs natural resources. As Louisiana’s flag ship University and only nationally important program, LSU has an unfair advantage in recruiting in one of the most competitive high school states in the country.

DiNardo was successful in bringing LSU out of the wilderness after 7 straight losing seasons and ended LSU’s Bowl misfortunes. LSU had only won 2 bowl games since 1972 (2-9) but won 3 in a row under DiNardo and has only lost 2 (10-2) since. However, DiNardo faltered due in large part to some untimely injuries to (a lot of) key players and posted 4 wins in 98 and 3 wins in 99. LSU fan’s demanded more.

Enter the Dragon. Nick Saban became the 31st Head Football Coach in Tiger history in November of 1999. During his first couple of years at LSU he and the afore mentioned Skip Bertman, who became AD in 2001, committed the LSU Football and entire Athletic program to being a top five program annually and they delivered!

After helping set in motion many of the projects that rank LSU’s athletic facilities among the very best in the nation, Nick Saban brought the Tigers to a new level of success on the field.

In his second year, he lead them to the SEC Championship game as a heavy underdog to top ranked Tennessee, who just needed to beat the lower ranked Tigers to play for the National Title, UT’s championship dreams were dashed, sorry Phil.

Two years later, it was 1959 (2003) and Tiger Fans got their 2nd National Championship!

The true testament however to LSU’s power as a program is the ability to replace Great Coaches and ADs without missing a beat. Sue Gunter became ill, eventually retired and later passed away leaving a legacy that included taking the Lady Tigers to the NCAAs 14 times and to the Elite 8 twice with one appearance in the Final Four.

She was replaced by Pokey Chatman who continued the winning ways by leading the Lady Tigers to 3 straight final fours. When Chatman was forced out due to an improper relationship with a player she was replaced by another hall of fame coach in Van Chancellor, the winning continues!

Likewise, when Skip Bertman retired, Smoke Laval, faced with replacing a legend put in a yeoman’s effort skippering the Baseball team but good is no longer good enough so enter Paul Mainieri. He has the tigers back in the CWS for the second year in a row and is looking VERY much like a contender. (We’ll see how that ends.)

Then we have the football team; Nick Saban decided to bring his totalitarian style to the NFL after the 2004 Season and many a Tiger Fan wondered would the winning ways continue? Skip went out and hired this guy that most of us had never heard of, Les Miles.

He barely had a decent record at OSU but seemed to do well in big games with back to back beatings of OU. We had our doubts. In the off season he picked up a few recruits and kept most of our home grown talent, despite the fact that the state was down that year.

He did have a late start but no one thought much of his recruiting efforts. There was, however, much anticipation and trepidation leading up to the season. Then Katrina.

By all accounts, Les Miles was a stalwart for the team and he encouraged them to take care of family, friends and neighbors. They did, and in spite of the hardships, some critical of Miles said that team underachieved.

From a humanitarian, leadership and spirited standpoint those critics seemed petty. LSU abruptly ended its preparations for the season and contributed to the relief effort. Many students had to bring their entire families into their dorm rooms as some were suddenly homeless.

Tiger Stadium became a relief center and the Tigers early season Schedule was decimated, leading to their first home game being played in the Arizona desert.

But the Tigers then gave Louisianans some much needed diversion and something to cheer for as Miles led the Tigers to an 11-2 record while winning the SEC West and pounding a top 10 Miami team in the Peach Bowl.

The Les Miles era and the third chapter of football’s golden age was well underway. A few top 5 recruiting classes, 2 SEC West crowns, an SEC Title and a National Championship later and it is clear that the man who is currently the winningest coach (by percentage) in school history was indeed the right man to replace Coach Saban.

As Coach Mainieri and the Baseball team go after a 6th National Championship and as the summer burns away leading to what promises to be another exciting and competitive football season, know that all is well in Baton Rouge, the Golden years are just getting started and our future is so bright we gotta wear shades!