Bleacher Report - Articles by Tim Croley

C VS C: An Alabama Perspective on the SEC Championship, Lessons Learned

Tim Croley — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:16:58 -0500

George Santayana once stated these famous words: Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

The 2007 football season served as a learning experience for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

That season found the team from Tuscaloosa, AL on the short end of several contests that very easily could have and should have been won—e.g. Georgia, LSU, Auburn, and Florida State. And that’s not even counting the embarrassment ‘Bama endured in the games against Mississippi State and Louisiana Monroe.

But, like I said, that season served as a great time for learning. The Tide learned to win in the fourth quarter, something that was void during the Mike Shula years. The Tide also learned to put away lesser opponents, another important aspect of winning that was deficient at times during the previous four seasons.

Now move forward to 2008. The mistakes were corrected. The embarrassment of being mediocre for more than a decade was erased as the Crimson Tide won the SEC West for the first time since 1999. They made it back to the Promised Land: the SEC Championship game. But there was one minor problem.

That one problem was the fact that ‘Bama had nothing to base this game upon or relate to from any time under Coach Nick Saban. The learning experience had not occurred yet. And still, the Crimson Tide entered the Georgia Dome for the second time last season with confidence, a No. 1 national ranking, and half a quarter of football away from going on to the national championship game.

Now in college football, half a quarter can be an eternity, especially if you are playing Tim Tebow and the Florida Gators. Unfortunately for the Crimson Tide, that game served as another learning experience in a very sobering manner.

Now, move forward to 2009. This team was suspect entering the season.

The preseason buzz was that Alabama had a talented defense, returning seven from the 2008 campaign, but the offense was questionable to say the least. Alabama would enter 2009 with a quarterback who had never started a college football game before, a true sophomore running back to carry the rock, and the loss of three offensive linemen, which included two All-Americans at the two most pivotal positions on the offensive line.

Through it all the Tide prevailed, used past experiences to find ways to win in close contests, and like the 2008 season, finished 12-0 and earned a trip to the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta to face non other than the Florida Gators.

Now, one would think by this point in time ‘Bama could possibly face-off against someone different in the SEC’s biggest game. But, I’m not so sure they would want anything different than a rematch of last year’s epic battle.

Now, with history staring ‘Bama straight in the eyes again, I have donned my crimson shaded glasses to present the history lesson of the day, and foretell how I perceive this game will unfold Saturday afternoon. In doing so, I think there are three critical areas that will be in the Tide’s favor and help them move on to the national championship game.

Defense

Now, every sports fan knows that championships are won with defense. Many teams pride themselves in their offensive greatness. And I am not taking away from the offensive contributions by any means. But, in the end, a great defense will find a way to make a stop, force a turnover, fluster a quarterback into bad decisions, or all of the above.

I truly believe that ‘Bama has the kind of defense that could win it all.

Now, Florida has a great defense as well, and there is no doubt about it, but ‘Bama’s defense should matchup against Florida’s offense much better than they did last season.

The Tide displays a talented core of men who swarm to the ball, instigate brutal tackles, and step-up when the moment arises.

Now, as good as Brandon Spikes is, and as valuable as he is to Florida’s run at a SEC and national title, Rolando McClain is perhaps the smartest defensive player I can remember seeing in a long time at the college level.

Watch as McClain talks to teammates before every play, watch as he directs others where to go, and watch as he is the ultimate leader for the Crimson Tide.

He may not be in on every tackle, but I can guarantee that he has directed someone to the tackle or set the defense in motion to be in perfect position to make the stop. In fact, it has been reported that he has sufficient knowledge of Alabama’s defense to know where every player is supposed to be on every play, and what every player’s assignment must be to stop any offensive attack.

He is the ultimate defender in terms of preparing and basically serving as a coach and captain of this defense at all times.

The overall improvement from the Alabama defensive backs should match up much better than they did against this Gator offense from last year.

Terrance Cody seems to be even better this year at chasing down offensive attacks.

If you add in the depth and the multiple looks from this defense it could be just the difference in stopping the threat of Tim Tebow and the relentless attack from the Gators that was not present in last year’s contest.

Multiple Offensive Weapons

If there is anything different about this Tide offense that stands out to me from last season, it is the use of so many different weapons.

First, the Tide has implemented the Wild Cat formation into its attack, and that has proven to be very successful.

Mark Ingram scorched a very good South Carolina defense for nearly 250 yards on the ground, while much of it came from the Wild Cat formation.

Reverses, pitch-back quarterback passes, and many other options from the Wild Cat have allowed this offense to stretch the field a bit more than last year.

In 2008, we saw a team built on strength and hard-nose football. I believe Bear Bryant would have been proud of this workmanship effort we witnessed. There was nothing fancy, nothing that gave much allurement, just strength-on-strength with hopes that the stronger would prevail. That is not the case this year.

Don’t get me wrong, the strength is there, but the availability of tight ends, including Colin Peek, who has proven to be invaluable to this team, the multiple threats from receivers, and a true freshman at running back who literally runs over any defender in his way are just a few of the options that are presented with this offense.

In addition, the Tide’s quarterback play from Greg McElroy has gone beyond most expectations coming into this season. Last week, he directed Alabama to a fourth quarter, come-from-behind win over arch rival Auburn.

He has never lost a game as a starting quarterback on the high school or college level.

The Tide faithful know they have a winner at the quarterback position. They are just hoping two more “Ws” can be added to his and the Tide’s record books this season. That all begins with a tall order against one of the nation’s best defenses Saturday afternoon.

Historical Perspective

I am not one to beat a dead horse, but history, repeat of history, and making new history is written all over this game.

The Crimson Tide has never faced another opponent in the SEC Championship Game. In those contests, Alabama has won twice and lost four times.

As mentioned in the beginning, Alabama has done everything asked of them to learn from past mistakes, correct those mistakes, and prevail when the challenge is presented.

Florida has a knack for finding ways to be victorious as well, so nothing will come easy in this game, for either team.

The Gators have been in this position before, and know how to win. The question is do they know how to win against an Alabama team as balanced and strong-willed as this one?

Can Tim Tebow “will” his team to victory like last year’s contest? Or has ‘Bama learned from history and found a way to overcome repeated doom?

Prediction: No. 2 Alabama 23 No. 1 Florida 21

For more on what should be another classic game, check out what Michael Oleszek thinks from a Florida Gator perspective.

SEC Picks Week Nine: Will UGA Upset The Gators In The WLOCP?

Tim Croley — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:08:26 -0400

As the season enters week nine the pressure mounts with each passing moment.

My overall record is now 45-11 going into week eight.

Week Eight Recap:

Week eight saw Houston Nutt and Ole Miss get reacquainted with his former team, Arkansas . The Hogs are wishing he was a bit friendlier. In my lone loss of the week, the Rebels won 30-17, while I had the Hogs by the final of 27-24.

The Wildcats of Kentucky had no problem putting away LA-Monroe . I predicted the ‘Cats to win 27-13, but they won by a few more, 36-13.

Florida and Mississippi State had some controversy in their game. But, hey, what SEC team hasn’t this year? Isn’t this becoming the norm for most teams in the SEC? The Gators managed to hang on and win 29-19, while I had the Gators winning 30-21.

The Gamecocks of South Carolina found themselves in a battle with the Commodores of Vanderbilt. I predicted a USC victory by a score of 30-10, when in fact they won 14-10.

Down in the Bayou, LSU poured it on Auburn . This battle between two Tigers resulted in a big win for the Baton Rouge bunch. LSU was the victor by the final of 31-10, while I had those same Tigers winning 20-10.

In the Game of the Week we witnessed a defensive battle from some of the best defenders the conference has to offer. In the end, it was special teams play that vaulted Alabama over Tennessee by mere inches, literally.

In what looked like an unimpressive game, and it may have been in many facets, this battle provided a classic finish in one of college football’s most heated rivalries, as Terrence “Mount” Cody blocked two field goal attempts, including the one that clinched the game and preserved the Tide’s perfect season as time expired in the fourth quarter.

I was perhaps a bit optimistic in predicting the Tide to win 31-13, when in fact the won by a slim margin of 12-10.

Week Seven Summary: While I nailed the exact score for LA-Monroe, Vanderbilt, and Auburn, my closest game of the week was between the Gators and Bulldogs. I predicted a Gator victory by a score of 30-21, when in fact they won 29-19.

Well, on to…

Week Nine Picks:

The SEC has one team sitting out this week, Alabama 8-0 (5-0), and that’s good new for me, I have been tanking when it come to picking the Tide lately.

Eastern Michigan 0-7 (0-4) at Arkansas 3-4 (1-4)

Really, is there a need to elaborate here? Eastern Michigan hasn’t won anything this entire season. For Arkansas, this should be the easiest cake-walk they’ll see this year.

Prediction: Arkansas 40 E. Michigan 6

No. 25 Mississippi 5-2 (2-2) at Auburn 5-3 (2-3)

This is a traditional clash of SEC foes. These two teams are no strangers to each other, and no love will be lost in this one.

Auburn is on a three-game skid after opening the season 5-0. Things aren’t looking good for the Tigers from the Plains.

Ole Miss, on the other hand, has bounced back after starting 3-2, and has won their last two. Ole Miss has to go on the road for this one, but I don’t think it will be that big of an issue for the Rebels.

Is it possible that it will be four straight losses for the Tigers?

Prediction: Ole Miss 24 Auburn 13

Mississippi State 3-5 (1-3) at Kentucky 4-3 (1-3)

Let’s compare these two.

Mississippi State had Florida on the ropes last week, something Kentucky never had a shot at when the Wildcats faced the Gators earlier in the season.

Facing off against another common opponent in Auburn, the Bulldogs got blown out, but UK ran all over the Tigers.

The conference record looks the same for both teams, but the overall record favors Kentucky.

Both teams seem to be showing signs that they are no longer comfortable as SEC cellar dwellers. Look for a good contest between these two teams.

Prediction: State 30 UK 27

No. 11 GA Tech 7-1 (5-1) at Vanderbilt 2-6 (0-5) at

Unfortunately for Vanderbilt, it appears they will forever remain the place mat on which every other SEC team wipes their feet.

This week the SEC loans the mat to the ACC for what may be the best one-loss team in the country right now to flex their muscles, and wipe the dirt off their cleats, of course.

Prediction: GA Tech 34 Vandy 10

Tulane 2-5 (0-4) at No. 9 LSU 6-1 (4-1)

These two schools practically live in the same yard. They share the same recruiting grounds, they pass each other on the street, but they are worlds apart in many areas.

Tulane will never be LSU, nor will they ever leave the shadow of the Tigers. That shadow is pretty big, especially this week, as LSU preps for bigger games and much larger stakes.

Prediction: LSU 37 Tulane 13

No. 22 South Carolina 6-2 (3-2) at Tennessee 3-4 (1-3)

Both Carolina and Tennessee were in tough battles last weekend.

Carolina came out on top, while Tennessee was on the short end of one of the most dramatic finishes so far in the 2009 college football season.

Both teams have stout defenses that are playing very well at this point in the season. While both teams have put up good number on offense at different points in this season, both teams continue to suffer from identity issues on the offensive side of the ball.

Carolina is vying for a significant bowl game, and Tennessee is trying to get out of this season alive. With all of this considered, I foresee a close game with both teams fighting for a much needed win.

Prediction: South Carolina 19 UT 16

Game of the Week: UGA 4-3 (3-2) vs. No. 1 Florida 7-0 (5-0)

The “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party” may not have the luster as years gone by, but make no mistake neither team will take this game lightly.

Florida has been playing sub par for a few weeks, and UGA, well, everyone knows what’s been going on with them. This isn’t typical Bulldog football we are witnessing in Athens.

Florida has had narrow escapes and controversial calls the past few weeks, while UGA has had narrow defeats and controversial calls.

I think the officiating will better this week. Those in stripes know all eye are on them. So don’t expect that to be a factor.

I would like to think the Dawgs will pull of a big upset at some point in this season. It just doesn’t seem right to have them playing this poorly.

At the same time, it seems that Florida should drop one as well. The Gators have never had an undefeated season before.

Can you smell the upset special?

Prediction: Florida 28 UGA 24

SEC Picks Week Eight: Third Saturday in October Renewed Between UT, Bama

Tim Croley — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:37:31 -0400

The games are getting much harder to pick as the season progresses. Usually you get a feel for a team and know what kind of matchup it will be. However, many SEC teams are playing Jekyll and Hyde. In spite of that, I did manage to go 5-1 for the week, thanks to a come-from-behind win for the Gators.

That brings my overall record to 45-11 going into Week Eight.

Week Seven Recap

Both LSU and Tennessee got some much-needed rest before facing some formidable foes in Week Eight.

The Kentucky Wildcats came alive after facing what are perhaps the three best defenses in the SEC in as many weeks. Auburn is experiencing deja vu and images of last season running through their head.

I nailed the Kentucky score as I picked the Tigers to win 31-21, but Auburn managed only two touchdowns, thus losing to Kentucky for the first time since 1966 by the final of 21-14.

The game in The Swamp between Florida and Arkansas had to be the surprise of the day. After leading for most of the afternoon, Arkansas witnessed some questionable officiating and let the game slip right out of their hands. The Gators got the win 23-20. I predicted a much larger spread of 40-14 in favor of the Gators.

The Salvation Army would have been proud of the Gators, as generous as they were with giving things away last week. In the end, they got the biggest gift of all: a win, with a little help from the men in stripes. So, it is true, “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”

UGA finally got another SEC win. Granted, it was against what is perhaps the worst team in the conference, Vanderbilt , but a win is a win, right? I predicted a 28-10 victory for the Dawgs. UGA pounded it out against the ‘Dores and won 34-10.

After falling from the top 25, Ole Miss faced-off against the UAB Blazers. It didn’t take much effort for the Rebels to get the win here. I predicted Nutt and his crew to win 30-10, but they won a bit more comfortably by the final of 48-13.

Dan Mullen and the Mississippi State Bulldogs got a win over Middle Tennessee State Saturday night. I had the Bulldogs all the way, 30-20, when they actually won by the final of 27-6.

In the Game of the Week , we witnessed the amazing talents of Alabama Crimson Tide Sophomore running back Mark Ingram, as he ran over, around, and through a very tough South Carolina defense. In fact, I think this was the best defense and biggest challenge the Tide has faced all year.

Just like many predicted, ‘Bama struggled with Spurrier and the Gamecocks. McElroy looked less than average, and South Carolina’s offense seemed not much different either.

Just as I predicted, Ingram made some great homecoming memories for the Crimson Tide faithful.

In the end, a 68-yard drive was put together by...oh, wait...the Tide’s Mark Ingram. Totaling 246 yards rushing, not to mention leading the receiving corps with 23 yards as well, Ingram carried the No. 2 Crimson Tide to victory by the final of 20-6. I predicted a 27-10 win for the Crimson Tide on this homecoming day.

Week Seven Summary

Those pesky Wildcats had to go and beat Auburn to mess up my perfect record for the week. Oh well, I did finish 5-1, which is not too shabby if I do say so myself.

My two closest games of the week were the ‘Bama and UGA victories. The Crimson Tide won by 14 points, 20-6, while I predicted them to win by 17 points, 27-10. In the UGA game, they won 34-10, while I had predicted a 28-10 victory for Dawgs.

Well, on to…

Week Eight Picks

The SEC has one team sitting out this week: UGA 4-3 (3-2) .

Arkansas 3-3 (1-3) at Mississippi 4-2 (1-2)

Is it just me, or does every game in the SEC seem to be so heated due to former coaches, former assistants, and so forth, going on to coach at rival SEC schools?

Well, this game will be no different, as Rebel head coach Houston Nutt faces the Arkansas Razorbacks.

The Hogs are hurting after they let last week’s game at The Swamp slip away from them. The Rebels, however, picked up a bit of speed after beating the UAB Blazers a week ago. So it would seem that the Rebels should be poised for a win in Oxford.

Prediction: Arkansas 27 Ole Miss 24

LA-Monroe 4-2 (3-0) at Kentucky 3-3 (1-3)

This is a tough one, no doubt. Kentucky is coming off a huge win over Auburn, but Louisiana-Monroe has won their last three games, all over Sun Belt competition.

The Warhawks are no stranger to SEC foes. Just ask Nick Saban’s 2007 Alabama team.

Alas, the SEC toughness Kentucky should display will be more than the Warhawks can handle this season.

Prediction: Kentucky 27 LAMO 13

No. 1 Florida 6-0 (4-0) at Mississippi State 3-4 (1-2)

Florida has struggled with its offense for a couple of weeks now. I don’t see any need for worry, though. As long as Tebow is in the backfield, it is very hard to pick against his team.

The Gators survived a scare last week at home. Can they go on the road and beat their former OC?

Dan Mullen knows the Florida playbook inside and out. Or, at least he should. He was the master-mind behind a potent offense that witnessed Tebow, Harvin, and the rest of the Gator crew rack up points on what are usually considered the best defenses in the NCAA.

The question is, can he put together a game plan strong enough to knock off the defending national champion Gators, and his former team? We’ll all see Saturday night. One thing is for sure, though: if the win comes, this will be the biggest moment in the history of State football, and in the young head coaching career of Dan Mullen.

What do I think? I think State has a chance…

Prediction: Florida 30 Mississippi State 21

Vanderbilt 2-5 (0-4) at No. 24 South Carolina 5-2 (2-2)

The team that was everyone’s Cinderella to start the 2008 season continues to see more pumpkins and hear more midnight bells toll. Yes, Vanderbilt is all but finished with the 2009 campaign.

I hate it for Johnson, because he seems like a good guy. There’s just no room for wins in Nashville, TN. Look on the bright side—midterms are over, right?

Spurrier and the Gamecocks are still fusing about the Crimson Tide loss last week. If they don’t wake up and realize they have another game this week, it could be an upset special in Columbia. I really don’t see it happening, though.

Carolina has a great defense, and it will show this week.

Prediction: USC 30 Vandy 10

Auburn 5-2 (2-2) at LSU 5-1 (3-1)

Auburn is inching closer in the direction they thought they were leaving a few weeks ago.

The West Virginia win was huge for them. However, the Razorbacks seemed to take all of the wind out of their sails last week, and Kentucky used three different quarterbacks to run straight through the Tigers from the Plains.

Can Chizik find a way to regroup his men and revitalize their egos? It will be hard, as they go on the road to the always brutal environment of Baton Rouge.

The last time LSU turned on the lights in Death Valley, the results were not so good for the Bayou Bengals.

Their offense is struggling right now, and that is no big mystery. The unknown is, however, what will Les do to create more for his offense? I think we’ll see just what he has in store for Auburn as he has had two weeks to prep for what is typically a classic SEC clash.

Prediction: LSU 20 Auburn 10

Game of the Week

Tennessee 3-3 (1-2) at No. 2 Alabama 7-0 (4-0) "Third Saturday In October"

I know the Iron Bowl is special in a lot of ways, but this rivalry trumps all others for these two teams. The feud has been ongoing for years, and I don’t see anything less than a nasty fight Saturday in Bryant-Denny.

Now the Vols have seemed to have awakened in their last game two weeks ago against UGA, but this is not your pappy’s Bulldog squad we're talking about here. Tennessee still has several holes to fill, particularly on offense.

The only thing that concerns me is the fact that Kiffin has been so quiet lately. I’m not sure if that is due to the off-week or the fact that he knows how much they have left to overcome. At any rate, I don’t think Saban and the Tide are going to overlook this game by any stretch.

So, there seems to be a grumbling among the Tide faithful concerning the offensive woes in the past couple of weeks. Does anyone not realize that these were two very good defenses the Tide was facing?

In the 1992 season, the last time ‘Bama won it all, they had two close wins over lesser foes than this year’s South Carolina squad. They beat Southern Miss 17-10, and then two weeks later fought off Louisiana Tech 13-0. In that Tech game, the offense failed to score a point, as the special teams had all 13 points off two field goals and a punt return.

This kind of tenacity to win no matter what seems to be rekindled this season in Tuscaloosa.

This is just a hunch, but I foresee a Saturday afternoon filled with something different from both teams that perhaps no one has seen so far this season.

For the Vols it will lead to some points, I believe, catching the Tide off guard on defense.

But for the Tide, I think the new wrinkle we’ve yet to see will be the straw that breaks the Tennessee backs for the game and the season.

‘Bama has won the last two over the Vols, and three of the last four. Let’s watch the Tide offense come alive once again and make it three consecutive wins for the Tide over the Volunteers.

Time to break out the cigars!

Prediction: ‘Bama 31 UT 13

SEC Picks, Week Seven: Alabama's Defense, Arkansas' Offense, UGA on the Fence

Tim Croley — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:24:12 -0400

We are at the halfway point of the college football season, and it has been a fun ride so far. I finished last week with a record of 5-3.

I admit that I have progressively gotten worse as the season has advanced, but I feel confident that I can rebound with this week’s slate of games.

For the season I am 40-10 picking the SEC. Let’s see how things looked over the past weekend.

Week Six Recap

• The Arkansas game turned out somewhat like I expected. Auburn was unable to get enough pressure on the pass rush to hinder the Hogs’ passing attack. I predicted a much closer game with a score of 38-34 in favor of the Razorbacks, but they won by a larger margin of 44-23.

• Alabama once again proved that defense can, and usually does win the game. Ole Miss learned that this is not the season they had anticipated.

The Crimson Tide literally took this one away from the Rebels, along with five turnovers, and won by the final of 22-3. I predicted the Tide to win 34-21.

• Either Tennessee had an awakening against UGA, or the Bulldogs have packed it in for the season. I thought that Mark Richt would have the Dawgs ready to bite Smokey, but UT ran all over the boys from Athens.

The final was 45-19. I predicted UGA to win 27-14.

• Houston is not playing like the same team that knocked off Oklahoma State earlier this season, but they played good enough to beat Mississippi State.

The final score was 31-24, a valiant effort by the Bulldogs. I had the Cougars winning 28-20.

• South Carolina managed to defend the two point conversion attempt by Kentucky late in the fourth quarter, and that made all the difference as the Gamecocks held on to win 28-26. I had Spurrier’s bunch winning 31-17.

• Vanderbilt managed to take the game to overtime against Army, but in the end the Knights were just too much. Although I had Vandy winning 14-13, they lost by a field goal in overtime, 16-13.

• LSU was nearly shut out by the defending national champion Florida Gators this past Saturday in the Game of the Week, which was very uncharacteristic of the Tigers in their home stadium, particularly on a Saturday night under the lights.

Tim Tebow made his return, managed the game in an un-Gator-like performance, only scoring one touchdown and a total of a mere 13 points.

Had someone told me prior to the game Florida will only score 13 points I would have surely thought LSU would win this one in Death Valley.

The final was 13-3 in favor of the Gators, when I had LSU winning 21-20.

Week Six Summary

Two unbeatens fell this past weekend, Auburn and LSU. That leaves Alabama at the top of the SEC West. With the Florida win they remain unbeaten as well. Florida and Alabama are now ranked No. 1 and 2 in the AP Poll.

My closest game of the week was the Mississippi State game. I picked Houston by eight points in a 28-20 victory, but they actually won by 7 points, 31-24.

My most lop-sided loss of the season came when UGA laid an egg against UT. I did not see that one coming at all. Well, let’s move on to…

Week Seven Picks

The SEC has two teams sitting out this week: LSU 5-1 (3-1) and Tennessee 3-3 (1-2)

Kentucky 2-3 (0-3) at Auburn 5-1 (2-1)

After spending the past two weekends on the road, Auburn comes home for a battle against the Kentucky Wildcats. Pat Dye Field will be a warm welcoming for a team that has far succeeded expectations this season.

Now, I don’ think anyone expected the Tigers to go undefeated this season. Their lack of pressure on defense was exploited by the Razorbacks, but their willingness to buy into the Chizik plan for success has been the difference between this season and the ’08 campaign that was horrendous.

Look for the Tigers to rebound and fair well in this cat fight.

Kentucky has faced some tough opposition so far this season, standing off against what is considered three of the SEC’s best defenses in as many weeks. They will be prepared for an Auburn defense that has given up a lot of points and yards so far this season.

To be honest, I thought UK was through after the ‘Bama loss. But they fought hard against the Gamecocks in an effort to gain UK’s first ever win over Spurrier. I think they’ll fight hard this week as well.

Will it be enough for the ‘Cats to pull out the win? I don’t think it will.

Auburn should have very few problems with Wildcats this weekend.

Prediction: Auburn 31, Kentucky 21

Arkansas 3-2 (1-2) at No. 1 Florida 5-0 (3-0)

Arkansas got their first SEC victory of the season last weekend as the hosted Auburn. This high flying offense was clicking on all cylinders, as was special teams and defense for most of the game.

They hardly looked like a team that had gotten blown out by Alabama two weeks earlier. In fact, they looked like they could matchup with anyone.

Florida went into the dangerous Death Valley and escaped with a very impressive defensive display and 10-point win.

So far this season they are giving up 6.4 points per game. The question is, can they maintain that stout defense against what might be the most lethal passing and overall offensive attack in the SEC?

Arkansas is averaging 37.4 points per game this year and have scored at least 41 points in every game except the ‘Bama game. The problem for Arkansas is this: Florida is averaging 39 points per game. So, what will happen in the swamp this Saturday afternoon?

I expect a defensive domination from the Gators, and a offense running scared from the Razorbacks.

Prediction: Florida 40, Arkansas 14

Georgia 3-3 (2-2) at Vanderbilt 2-4 (0-3)

Georgia simply looked like they didn’t show up last week. Now, that could be attributed to the improvement of the Vols, or it could be the let down from how the season has turned out.

I personally think that going on the road following such a heart-breaker the previous week was too much for the Dawgs.

Vanderbilt lost a close one against Army. I know that doesn’t sound like much, but Vandy is playing some tough football this season. A win this weekend would be huge for the ‘Dores, and would give them their first SEC win of the season.

Do I think Vanderbilt can pull it off? No, not really. Even as deflated as UGA may be, Vandy cannot handle them.

Prediction: UGA 28, Vandy 10

UAB 2-3 (2-1) at Mississippi 3-2 (1-2)

I have personally seen the UAB Blazers play this season, and there is one thing for sure that I know: Joe Webb is a dangerous quarterback who can beat you through the air and on the ground. Ole Miss better not take him lightly.

The Rebels were looking to upset ‘Bama and get back into the hunt for the SEC West Title, but those hopes were crushed as they managed only a 49-yard field goal. After not converting a first down the entire first half and failing on every third down attempt for the entire game, I think the Rebels will come out swinging in an attempt to regain some pride.

Prediction: Ole Miss 30, UAB 10

Mississippi State 2-4 (1-2) at Middle Tennessee State 3-2 (1-1)

The Bulldogs of Mississippi State have come up just short in the last three games. On a positive note, they are looking more consistent this season than they have in a while. I think things are changing in Starkville.

Will they ever be a contender? Only time will tell. One thing is for sure though, the opportunity is there this weekend for them to climb back closer to that .500 mark.

Middle Tennessee State is having a pretty good season so far. In their three wins they have scored at least 30 points. In their two losses they have failed to score more than 14.

I see them somewhere in the middle, but not enough to get it done this weekend.

Prediction: MSU 30, MTSU 20

Game of the Week: No. 22 South Carolina 5-1 (2-1) at No. 2 Alabama 6-0 (3-0)

I have one name that all offenses should fear this season: Norwood.

The man is a beast. Along with Cliff Matthews, Eric Norwood is largely responsible for why South Carolina is only a few points away from entering this game undefeated.

I think the Gamecock defense could give McElroy more trouble than he has ever faced in his career if they are playing up to their level of ability.

On the other side of the ball, the offensive mastermind himself has even struggled to get points on the board at times. Don’t be fooled though, Spurrier has a record of sneaking up on teams he is not supposed to beat. And he is no stranger to Alabama, nor is he afraid of the Tide.

Someone should have told the Crimson Tide you don’t schedule Steve Spurrier’s team for homecoming!

Alabama is clicking on all cylinders right now. Sure they struggled to close out drives last week, having to settle for five field goals, but they were facing a pretty stiff defense that was determined to carry the load the offense was laying upon them.

I give a lot of credit to the Rebels defense for withstanding all they did.

Mark Ingram appears to be gathering speed, confidence, and every other thing needed to run straight through the SEC competition this season. Look for him to make some memories in what should be a happy homecoming for the Crimson Tide.

And don’t forget about the defense. Thanks to McClain and company, ‘Bama is slowly crushing the dreams of every opponent they face. I foresee more of that when this chilly night draws to a close Saturday.

Prediction: ‘Bama 27, USC 10

SEC Picks Week Six: Darkness Falls On Florida In LSU's Death Valley

Tim Croley — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:42:31 -0400

Week Five proved that even the best of luck must come to an end at some point. After dropping the two biggest games of the weekend, I limped to a 5-2 finish, my worst week to date this season. My overall record is now 37-5.

Week Four Recap:

Florida was afforded a week of rest for Tebow during their bye. Will it be enough to overcome LSU in Death Valley this Saturday night? We shall see.

Alabama cruised to a fairly easy win over Kentucky. Some were thrilled with the performance, others were fearful in an attempt to compare the Tide to Florida’s pummeling of the Wildcats in the previous week. I predicted a 34-10 win for the Crimson Tide, while they won by the final of 38-20.

Auburn is without a doubt the surprise team of the year after starting the season 5-0. Tennessee found themselves on the bitter end of a tough home loss to the Tigers. I predicted a 20-17 win for the Vols, but Auburn avoided a late onslaught and hung on to win by four points, 26-22.

Arkansas did what everyone knew they were capable of doing: putting up big numbers on offense. So far it doesn’t look like any team from Texas can win in Jerry’s new house, as they simply crushed Texas A&M by a score of 47-19. I had the Hogs winning by a much closer score of 35-31.

Georgia Tech did exactly what I expected against Mississippi State. The Bulldogs are improving, but they are not back to big boy competition yet. The final score was 42-31 in favor of the Yellow Jackets, while I had Tech winning 31-23.

South Carolina did their usual thing, picking on the likes of high school competition. But hey, everyone has to play one of these games at least once a season, right? When the final second rolled off the clock, the Gamecocks reigned over SC State by the final of 38-14. I had them winning 42-6.

At no point in the game did I foresee Ole Miss falling to Vanderbilt, but they did look a little lethargic following their upset to Carolina. Ole Miss won 23-7, while I had them winning 28-7.

Georgia had a heartbreaking loss to LSU this past Saturday in the Game of the Week, which has raised questions and controversy everywhere concerning the celebration rule in college football. We’ll never know how things might have been, but that’s all in the game, fair or not.

I picked the ‘Dawgs and Tigers to have an offensive feast, but defense roared its head, keeping the score 20-13 in favor of the LSU Tigers. I predicted UGA to win it 41-35. Either way, it was close to the end!

Week Five Summary: The Ole Miss game went as expected. This was my closest game of the week, picking them to win 28-7, when in fact they won 23-7. The UGA vs. LSU game was nothing like I expected. It was almost like old fashion SEC football, until the last five minutes, of course. Well, on to...

Week Six Picks:

No. 17 Auburn 5-0 (2-0) at Arkansas 2-2 (0-2)

As previously mentioned, Auburn is the surprise team of the season, so far. Not only are they surprising the SEC, but they are catching the eyes of those watching around the entire college football world. Improvement is the only way to describe the Tigers.

Arkansas is much improved, too, at least on the offensive side of the ball. The one thing that will be in their favor this week is the lack of pass rush provided by the Tigers. I look for some points to be put up in a shootout between these two teams.

The difference in the game is the fact that Auburn hasn’t faced a good passing quarterback this season. They will come Saturday.

Prediction: Arkansas 38 Auburn 34

No. 3 Alabama 5-0 (2-0) at No. 20 Mississippi 3-1 (1-1)

I’m not a firm believer that Alabama has released all they have on offense. I do believe they will show a bit more this week against a good Rebel defense, so watch out for another wrinkle or two in this potent attack.

On the defensive side of the ball, the issues that became evident form the absence of Hightower will only be eliminated with time. Each week will prove that the shuffle in player positions will progress. Look for even more cohesion this week as they try to rattle Snead.

Ole Miss is looking a bit average following the Carolina loss and the sluggish Vanderbilt win. They have the pieces in place to beat any team if they all unite. The defense is solid, and the offense can be lethal at times.

The problem is, in my opinion, that Houston Nutt can do less with more talent than anyone in the nation. That has been my conviction for as long as I have ever seen him coach, and will ever be.

For these reasons I predict the Crimson Elephants to prevail.

Prediction: ‘Bama 34 Ole Miss 21

Georgia 3-2 (2-1) at Tennessee 2-3 (0-2)

Georgia may be limping, but they are not completely down just yet. Whether they were robbed or not has to be put out of their minds this week. I for one believe they will move on, much like they did following their Oklahoma State loss, to put up some points and play like there’s no tomorrow.

Tennessee, on the other hand, in spite of two tough performances against Auburn and Florida, just isn’t back to elite status yet. I am expecting much of the same thing we witnessed from last week’s game in Neyland. The Vols play tough, but lose to a determined Bulldog squad this week.

Prediction: UGA 27 UT 14

Houston 3-1 (0-1) at Mississippi State 2-2 (1-1)

Houston looked like they might run the table and become a BCS buster this season. Now, I’m not saying that will not happen, but they’ve got a tough hill to climb if they want to get back to that position. They can make a big statement by rolling over the Bulldogs this week.

Mississippi State has become almost too much like Vanderbilt: predictable! That’s not to say that they are as bad as the Commodores, after all, they did manage to beat Vandy a couple of weeks ago.

But you can foresee heartbreak nearly every week on their schedule. They hang around with better competition, only to lose at the end. Expect much of the same this week.

Prediction: Houston 28 MSU 20

Kentucky 2-2 (0-2) at No. 25 South Carolina 4-1 (1-1)

Kentucky has been deflated for two straight weeks. With all the talk of basketball on the horizon it appears that UK may be confused with their inability to dribble a football.

The South Carolina Gamecocks are silently creeping into the top 25, and may be looking a little too dangerous for the Wildcats this week. Unless they are looking ahead to the possible homecoming spoiler they can play next week, they should win this one by more than a few.

Prediction: USC 31 UK 17

Vanderbilt 2-3 (0-3) at Army 2-3

These two evenly matched teams don’t have much to brag about, and I, quiet frankly, don’t have much to write about, either.

On a rare note, I’ll pick Vanderbilt to win this game.

Prediction: Vandy 14 Army 13

Game of the Week: No. 1 Florida 4-0 (2-2) No. 4 LSU 5-0 (3-0)

A night game in Death Valley, against the number one team in the country, it all smells like College Gameday to me!

LSU survived the game between the hedges last week. Can they whip up some “Bayou Voodoo” this week? Or will they even have to?

At the time this article will be released, Tim Tebow will not. The doctors have not cleared the Heisman winner to practice or play since suffering his concussion against the Kentucky Wildcats. Even if he does receive the clearance to play, he hasn’t been in practice for over two weeks. What does this mean?

Well, this means something bad for Florida. You have a first-time starter going into Baton Rouge, at night, to face the number four team in the country, and a defense that is very athletic and dangerous. I don’t care how overrated anyone thinks LSU may be, this cannot be a good feeling for Meyer and the Gator Nation, at all.

The Tigers, on the other hand, looked determined to win in Athens. When they were backed against the wall, they responded. Sometimes the victor is not always the best team on the field, but the one who wants it more. And there is always something about LSU that seems like Lady Luck is on their side.

The defense will be ready to make some plays, make some people hurt, and make their fans rejoice into the night. Even if Tebow returns, you can count on a very physical defense laying the wood to him. I predict Tebow will see some playing time, and some time on his back, not to mention the sideline.

I may be wrong. I have been before. But I can foresee the excuses now. But please, please, Mr. Tebow, no more post-game crying.

Prediction: LSU 21 Florida 20

SEC Picks Week Five: Will UGA Roll or Roll Over against LSU?

Tim Croley — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:22:11 -0400

Week Four started slow when the projected winner of the Thursday night game went the wrong way for me. However, I bounced back to go 7-1 for the week and improve my overall record to 32-3.

Week Four Recap:

Auburn found themselves in another wet one against Ball State. The whole game appeared sloppy for a while, but Auburn pulled away in the end, winning 54-30. I had the Tigers winning 48-7.

Florida suffered the scare of the century when Tim Tebow went down with a concussion against Kentucky. The question of the week remains: Why was Tebow in the game while Florida was up more than 30 points? The Gators continued to roll, crushing the Wildcats 41-7, while I had them winning 34-13.

Georgia slipped past Arizona State 20-17. What a close game. I was expecting a Georgia win by the tune of 37-28.

LSU displayed true strength and determination against Mississippi State as they made a goal line stand in the last minutes of the game to preserve the victory 30-26. I was predicting a 30-17 Tiger win.

Ole Miss was ranked in the top-five, but that didn’t stop South Carolina from pulling off the biggest upset and win in the history of the school. Thursday night is owned by the Gamecocks as the improved their record on Thursday nights to 6-2 as the beat the Rebels 16-10. In my only loss of the week, I had Ole Miss winning 30-10.

Ohio gave Tennessee all they could handle in a 34-23 Vols victory. I had UT by a much larger margin of 38-6.

Vanderbilt proved too much for Rice as the beat the Owls 36-17. I had the ‘Dores by a score of 24-14.

In the Game of the Week the college football world was further impressed by the play of Greg McElroy and the Alabama Crimson Tide. Arkansas came into the game boasting big offensive numbers, but left the game having been shut down. The final score of 35-7 was much wider than the predicted score of 38-21 in favor of the Tide.

Week Four Summary: I really didn’t have any close picks as I usually tend to have. There were a couple of games that were much closer than I anticipated, and a couple of games that were not as close as expected. At any rate, well move on to…

Week Five Picks:

Florida is the only team with a bye this week. Urban must be thanking his lucky stars after the Tebow incident. All they need is a week of rest and then put Tim right back in there, right? We’ll all see next week in Baton Rouge.

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

This will be the Crimson Tide’s first true road game of the season. So, things could be a bit more out-of-sync than what we’ve seen the first four weeks. They’ve scored at least 30 points in every game so far, and I think that trend continues.

Kentucky battled strong against Florida, but they just don’t have what it takes to compete with the boys at the top of the SEC. In fact, most UK fans are gearing up for the round ball about now. They simply will not be in a position to keep pace with Alabama.

Prediction: ‘Bama 34 UK 10

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

Auburn looks to be much improved from last year; however there a couple of things to keep in mind. First, this will be their first road game. Second, Auburn started 4-1 last season before falling apart. I’m not saying that will happen this year, but I do say this to keep everyone grounded in their expectations.

As for Tennessee, they will have home field on their side, as well as the experience of playing against the number one team in the country prior to this game. So, they should benefit from how well they played against the potent Gator offense. These tow things, will make the difference got the Vols.

Prediction: Tennessee 20 Auburn 17

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

The Hogs struggled last week against a very good defense. Their highly praised offense came to a halt. The question is, can they get it going against the Aggies of A&M?

The boys from Texas A&M look to spoil the day for Bobby and his Razorbacks. The only problem they have is the level of competition they’ve played may not be as good as the level Arkansas has faced in UGA and ‘Bama.

This will be a classic showdown, but in the end the Hogs have already face enough adversity to prepare them for this one. Texas A&M, on the other hand, has struggled against weaker opponents in their 3-0 start. In tight one I have…

Prediction: Ark 35 A&M 31

No. 25 Georgia Tech 3-1 (2-1) at Mississippi State 2-1 (1-1)

Georgia Tech, though now an ACC contender, is no stranger to the SEC. The Yellow Jackets were once a power among the teams of the south. Come Saturday, Paul Johnson will prove they are not far from becoming a power once again.

The Bulldogs came up just short of knocking off LSU last week. In reality, they all but beat LSU. If not for an interception and a punt returned for touchdowns, State would have been the victor. Alas, I’m afraid the air has been deflated from the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

Prediction: Tech 31 MSU 23

SC State 3-0 (1-0) at South Carolina 3-1 (1-1)

Do I really need to elaborate on this one? By half-time Spurrier should be reading Golf Digest on the sideline, in a lawn chair, with the visor of course.

Prediction: USC 42 SC State 6

No. 21 Ole Miss 2-1 (0-1) at Vanderbilt 2-2 (0-2)

The Rebel Nation virtually disappeared from these parts once South Carolina shocked them last Thursday. What was once national championship hopes now seems like an uphill battle for Mississippi to get back in the hunt.

Vanderbilt is, well, Vanderbilt. And that is about as polite as I can be. Don’t expect any upsets this week in Nashville.

Prediction: Ole Miss 28 Vandy 7

Game of the Week: No. 4 LSU 4-0 (2-0) at No. 18 UGA 3-1 (2-0)

This one should be fun to watch. These two teams, in my opinion, match up very well.

LSU has sort of an “unknown factor” surrounding them.

They struggled in three games that were thought to be won with some ease. Without the goal line stand against Mississippi State last week, these Tigers would probably be looking at a much tougher road trip to Athens.

Some attribute this to Les being conservative with his play calling and such in the first few games, just trying to fly under the radar. Well, I’ve got news for the Bayou Bengal fans: being ranked number four in the nation is not the way to fly under the radar.

Georgia is much the same in a lot of ways. Their opening game against Oklahoma State was dreadful to say the least. Scoring for the Bulldogs seemed impossible in that first game, but then it almost seemed effortless against South Carolina and Arkansas.

My question is what happened to SEC defense? High flying offenses seem to be taking over at will. And even with the absence of Moreno and Stafford, these Bulldogs seem to be clicking with Cox and Green.

Two very talented teams will square off in the SEC Game of the Week on CBS Saturday afternoon. When the dust settles, I see the Bulldogs thanking their home crowd for the support that will help carry them through to victory.

Prediction: UGA 41 LSU 35

SEC Picks Week Four: Arkansas Has a Mountain to Overcome to Beat 'Bama

Tim Croley — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:32:29 -0400

Week Three has come and gone, and what a weekend we had in college football. There were some great games around the SEC.

As for my picks, I went unscathed for the first time this season, picking all nine games correctly. That brings my season record to 25-2.

Week Three Recap

Alabama rolled over the Mean Green with very few problems. I predicted a 48-6 victory for the Tide, but they managed to win by a few more points, 53-7.

Georgia and Arkansas found themselves in a shootout. In the end UGA reigned victorious by the final of 52-41; I had them winning 30-28 over the Hogs.

The rains they kept a-comin’, and so did the success for Auburn. They rattled West Virginia and took the game away in the fourth by the final of 41-30. I had them winning 27-20.

Kentucky won the battle in the “Bluegrass State” by the final of 31-27. What a game this was—a back-and-forth battle to the end. I predicted UK to win 30-20.

LSU had no trouble at all with Louisiana-Lafayette, winning 31-3. I had them winning 40-10.

Ole Miss played as expected against SE Louisiana. I had them winning 54-7, when in fact they won by the final of 52-6.

Mississippi State handled Vanderbilt by the final of 15-3. I predicted a close game with the Bulldogs winning 21-20.

The Gamecocks of South Carolina beat out the Owls of Florida Atlantic by the final of 38-16. I picked USC to win 39-6.

In the Game of the Week I had Florida thrashing Tennessee by a score of 45-10. The spread was high, but the score was not, as Tennessee is getting much love after falling to Florida by a mere 10 points. Florida wins 23-13, but UT steals the spotlight.

Week Three Summary

My closest pick of the week was the Ole Miss game. I predicted a 54-7 victory for the Rebels, and they almost hit that score on the head, winning 52-6. I got the Florida win, but much like those deciding the spread, I was fooled in this one. Tennessee held the lethal Gators to only 23 points.

Now on to...

Week Four Picks

Ball State 0-3 (0-0) at Auburn 3-0 (1-0)

There isn’t much to say about this one. Auburn is much improved, and Ball State would be lucky to hang with some high school teams.

Prediction: Auburn 48 Ball State 7

No. 1 Florida 3-0 (1-0) at Kentucky 2-0 (0-0)

Florida looked average against Tennessee last week, and UK looked determined against Louisville. These two rivalry games revealed a lot for both teams.

Kentucky would sure like to add win number three to their ’09 totals and win number two to this series for the past 30 years. Don’t look for it to happen as long as Tim Tebow is commanding the Gators.

Prediction: UF 34 UK 13

Arizona State 2-0 (0-0) at No. 21 UGA 2-1 (2-0)

Revenge seems to be the word circling many games this season, and this one is no exception, as the Sun Devils would sure like to leave Athens with a win Saturday.

ASU head coach Dennis Erickson knows what it takes to build a champion, so look for a good fight from his squad. However, I feel that even with a struggling defense, UGA should win this one at home.

Prediction: UGA 37 ASU 28

No. 7 LSU 3-0 (1-0) at Mississippi State 2-1 (1-1)

The Bulldogs are much improved from last season. They have one SEC win under their belts already.

After last weekend, the Washington victory is looking a bit more impressive for the Tigers. Still hard to figure LSU, but the picture is becoming clearer.

Prediction: LSU 30 MSU 17

No. 4 Ole Miss 2-0 (0-0) at South Carolina 2-1 (0-1)—Thursday Night

Ole Miss is hoping to let the nation know they deserve their No. 4 national ranking. The biggest obstacle will be playing at Carolina.

South Carolina loves their Thursday night games. In fact, Steve Spurrier is probably petitioning to have all games moved to Thursday seeing how they seem to thrive, or at least survive, on Thursdays.

I’m afraid the survival rate plummets for the Gamecocks this week.

Prediction: Ole Miss 30 USC 10

Ohio 2-1 (0-0) at Tennessee 1-2 (0-1)

The Bobcats of Ohio are hoping to pull an upset here, but UT will have nothing of it. After a tough loss to Florida, the Vols even their record with an easy win Saturday.

Prediction: UT 38 Ohio 6

Vanderbilt 1-2 (0-2) at Rice 0-3 (0-1)

Rice has had a tough slate to start this season, having to play three straight road games, two of which were at Big 12 schools Texas Tech and Oklahoma State. It won’t get any easier having to face an SEC team. Vandy will be ready for the Owls.

Prediction: Vandy 24 Rice 14

Game of the Week: Arkansas 1-1 (0-1) at No. 3 Alabama 3-0 (0-0)

This game presents a matchup of an Arkansas team that is horrible at stopping the run and an Alabama team that thrives on running the ball. In fact, ‘Bama is perhaps as deep at running back as any team in the nation.

Arkansas is threatening with a great quarterback. The only problem is, Ryan Mallett hasn’t been challenged this season. Georgia’s defense put virtually no pressure at all on him, and the Tide has worked all offseason, and in the first three games, to put pressure on the quarterback.

The one weakness for the Crimson defense is its secondary. If ‘Bama doesn’t apply the pressure, you can look for Mallett to pick apart the Tide and rack up some serious numbers.

If Arkansas doesn’t stop the run, then look for Alabama to do just the same to Arkansas, running right through them for the V-I-C-T-O-R-Y.

The winner of this game typically goes on to have a good year, while the loser typically faces a subpar season. This fact is very well noted in my article from last season discussing this rivalry.

What do I really think? I think Arkansas is good—the most improved team in the conference. But in the end, the defense will be too much for this young Hog squad.

Prediction: ‘Bama 38 Arkansas 21

SEC Picks Week Three: Florida Welcomes Lane Kiffin To SEC

Tim Croley — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:37:05 -0400

Week Two of the college football season is now in the books. After beginning the season 11-1 in the first edition of the SEC Picks, I followed up by going 5-1 in Week Two.

Week Two Recap

• I picked Alabama to win 48-6. After struggling in the first half, they finished off FIU 40-14.

• Auburn continued its high-threat offense by downing Mississippi State 49-14. I had the Tigers winning 26-13.

• Florida made short work of Troy, winning 56-6. I thought Troy would hang in there a bit closer, predicting a 38-10 Gator victory.

• Georgia bounced back after the Oklahoma State loss to beat South Carolina 41-37. I anticipated a much lower score of 21-10 in UGA’s favor.

• The Tigers of Louisiana State had a battle on their hands with Vanderbilt, but managed to pull out a 23-9 win. I had the Bayou Bengals winning 30-14.

The Game of the Week

Tennessee looked good in week one. Expectations were high for the Vols to run over the Bruins of UCLA. However, the Bruins came ready to play.

The game was a bit sloppy, in my opinion. The UT offense looked a bit lethargic. There is much work left to be done in Knoxville, but Kiffin has the tools in place to get it going in the right direction.

I expected a Vol win by the score of 33-20, but the Bruins held on to squeak out the upset by the final of 19-15.

Week Two Summary

Tennessee gave me my only loss of the week. The LSU game was my closest prediction. I had the Tigers winning by 16 when in fact they won by 14. I had Auburn doubling up on Mississippi State by a score of 26-13, but they actually doubled up the Bulldogs with one point to spare, winning 49-24. Now on to…

Week Three Picks

North Texas 1-1 (0-0) at No. 4 Alabama 2-0 (0-0)

The Mean Green are without their starting quarterback this week. It won’t make a difference though. Alabama has 10 sacks on the season already. Look for the Tide to dominate this one.

Prediction: ‘Bama 48, North Texas 6

No. 23 Georgia 1-1 (1-0) at Arkansas 1-0 (0-0)

This is perhaps the closest matchup of the week. Georgia’s defense seems to have left Athens, while the Arkansas offense looks to be very potent. On the other side of the ball, Georgia could have its way with an average Hog defense. This may come down to the team who has the ball last.

Prediction: UGA 30, Arkansas 28

West Virginia 2-0 (0-0) at Auburn 2-0 (1-0)

This one will be a closely contested battle, I do believe. Auburn will have revenge on their minds, while West Virginia will be looking to repeat from last year’s great clash in Morgantown.

Auburn looks good on offense, and the Mountaineers look to be a threat offensively as well. The winner will find themselves in the top-25 come Sunday afternoon, and in the end I believe that the home team wins.

Prediction: Auburn 27, West Virginia 20

Louisville 1-0 (0-0) at Kentucky 1-0 (0-0)

The battle of the blue grass will take place this weekend. Louisville was unimpressive in week one, while UK rolled big. They’ll need another big game this week to help them prep for the next two weeks as they host No. 1 Florida and then No. 4 Alabama.

This in-state rivalry should go to the Wildcats who I believe are a pretty decent team.

Prediction: UK 30, Louisville 20

Louisiana-Lafayette 2-0 (0-0) at No. 9 LSU 2-0 (1-0)

Not much to elaborate on here. The Tigers and Ragin’ Cajuns are no strangers, but after Saturday’s matchup one team will wish they were.

Prediction: LSU 40, Lafayette 10

SE Louisiana 2-0 (0-0) at No. 5 Ole Miss 1-0 (0-0)

Not much to elaborate with this one. Just look for it to get ugly for the Lions.

Prediction: Ole Miss 54, SE LA 7

Mississippi State 1-1 (0-1) at Vanderbilt 1-1 (0-1)

This should be a good matchup of lower-tier SEC teams. I think the Bulldogs may be slightly better, but Vandy at home will present a big challenge. Close—very close—but to the winner go the spoils. Eat up Mr. Bulldog.

Prediction: State 21, Vandy 20

Florida Atlantic 0-1 (0-0) at South Carolina 1-1 (0-1)

The Gamecocks put up some points last week. Look for more of the same this week against the Owls of Florida Atlantic. As for the Owls, look for them to double their season total in points, which ain’t sayin’ a lot!

Prediction: USC 39, FL Atlantic 6

Game of the Week: Tennessee 1-1 (0-0) at No. 1 Florida 2-0 (0-0)

Now, I know what some may be thinking: How could this possibly be the game of the week? Florida will crush that “Big Orange.”

True, Florida will crush UT this week, but could any other game be so highly anticipated? Moreover, could any other game with a 30-point line be any more anticipated? I don’t think so.

There is no love lost between these two teams. Urban won’t display it outwardly, but inwardly you know he wants to see records broken and this matter settled they way it should be: on the field.

Oh, yeah, remember that revenge is sweet, and bitter sweet. Just ask the Dawgs from Athens about receiving the bitter end of a revenge game. Just ask Florida how to execute and deliver that revenge. Or, better yet, just watch the game and experience it for yourself.

This will be a long day for the Vol Nation. I wonder what the record for chanting "Gator Bait" is?

Prediction: Florida 45, UT 10

SEC Picks Week 2: Kiffin, Tennessee Seek Revenge Against UCLA

Tim Croley — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:22:17 -0400

Week one is behind us now. I went 11-1 in the only week that will present a slate of 12 SEC teams all playing non-conference foes.

So, here is the Week One Recap:

Arkansas won 48-10 over Missouri State, while I predicted a 38-10 victory.

Auburn impressed many with a 37-13 thrashing of LA Tech. I had them winning 22-16.

I almost nailed the Florida score, 62-3 over Charleston Southern, with my 60-6 prediction.

As much as I wanted to see the Dawgs win, I knew that it would be a tough feat for UGA to pull this one off. Oklahoma State won 24-10, while I had the Cowboys 31-20.

Kentucky had no problem with Miami of Ohio, running away with a score of 42-0. I had them winning 35-17.

I thought LSU would show more muscle against Washington, but the Huskies were tough. My projected score was 37-14, but the actual score was 31-23.

Ole Miss is still a question for many, already accomplished by some Rebel fans. Winning 45-14 over Memphis looks better than my anticipated 35-13 score.

Mississippi State won by the final of 45-7 over Jackson State. I had them winning 27-10.

The South Carolina prediction was my lone loss for the week. I thought NC State could handle them 21-17, but Spurrier and the Gamecocks clambered through an ugly one, winning 7-3.

Tennessee blew the doors off Western Kentucky, prevailing by the score of 63-7. I had them winning 48-6.

Vanderbilt hosted Western Carolina, beat them 45-0, and I’m sure felt no remorse for that beat down. I had them winning 30-9.

The Game of the Week

Bama was impressive in many ways, unimpressive in three particular spots: Defending the kickoff return, defensive backs coverage, and committing penalties. In spit of this, the Tide defense dominated the Hokie offense, ran through the highly rated Tech defense, and out-gained Beamer’s crew 498 yards to 155.

Not too shabby for the first game of the season. They have much to work on if they plan on making a second trip to Atlanta this fall. I predicted a close 23-20 victory for the Tide, but they poured it on in the fourth quarter and won 34-24.

Summary: Georgia was the lone SEC team to fall this weekend, and South Carolina was the only team to put a blemish on my week one record. Now, on to…

Week Two Picks

The following teams have byes this week: Arkansas, Ole Miss, and Kentucky.

Florida International 0-0 (0-0) at No. 4 Alabama 1-0 (0-0)

Not much to elaborate here. If the Tide wish to remain in the Top 5, they need to prove they can put away the weaker opponents. This is a good week to work on special teams.

Prediction: Bama 48, FIU 6

Mississippi State 1-0 (0-0) at Auburn 1-0 (0-0)

Last year’s game was an odd one, ending 3-2 in favor of the Tigers. I believe more points will be put up by these two improved offenses.

Both teams started off the season last week much better than they ended last year’s campaigns. Alas, one must fall this week.

Prediction: Auburn 26, MSU 13

Troy 0-1 (0-0) at No. 1 Florida 1-0 (0-0)

Though Troy is step up from Charleston Southern, Florida flexes its muscle again this week against a weaker foe.

Prediction: Florida 38, Troy 10

South Carolina 1-0 (0-0) at No. 21 Georgia 0-1 (0-0)

Georgia’s trip out to Stillwater wasn’t what they hoped it would be, but neither was Carolina’s trip to visit the Wolfpack of NC State.

Both offenses struggled, to say the least, in week one. I predict a bit more scoring for both teams in week two.

Prediction: UGA 21, South Carolina 10

Vanderbilt 1-0 (0-0) at No. 11 LSU 1-0 (0-0)

The Tigers had their hands full with the Huskies of Washington last Saturday night. Vandy handled Western Carolina with ease. I predict the opposite for both squads this week.

Prediction: LSU 30, Vandy 14

Game of the Week: UCLA 1-0 (0-0) at Tennessee 1-0 (0-0)

After falling behind 14-10 early last week, the Bruins scored 23 unanswered points to put away San Diego State. Their numbers were not great: three turnovers, 7-of-16 on third down conversions, and a mere 359 total yards against the Aztecs.

One area in which UCLA proved they can perform well is special teams.

Two field goals by Kai Forbath, from 49 and 50 yards, a 65-yard kickoff return that set-up the first UCLA touchdown, as well as a 70-yard touchdown off a blocked field goal, were some of the highlights that proved UCLA can execute in areas other than just on the offense.

Sophomore Rahim Moore picked off three Aztec pass attempts to help seal the deal for the Bruins.

However, had that final Aztec field goal attempt sailed through the uprights, the score would have been 26-17. That is a huge difference in the final score of 33-14.

Tennessee started off sluggish as well, going into the second quarter tied at 0 with the Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky. However, the second quarter was a different story as Tennessee quickly scored four touchdowns and never looked back.

In spite of three turnovers, including two interceptions by Jonathan Crompton, UT racked up over 650 total yards on offense, including 380 on the ground.

A lone touchdown in the third quarter by Western Kentucky was the only blemish on an eventful day for Lane Kiffin’s debut as the Volunteer head coach.

Tennessee looks to avenge last year’s overtime loss in Pasadena, and I think they will do just that come Saturday afternoon.

Prediction: UT 33, UCLA 20

SEC Picks Week 1: Saban and Tide Ready For Smoked Turkey

Tim Croley — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 16:01:40 -0400

This series is an abbreviated version of last season’s SEC Football Weekly Rundown, where, of course, yours truly gave predictions for the coming week’s games, as well as a recap of the previous week’s match-ups.

As it turns out, time will not permit me to be as in-depth as I would like to be each week. Of course, the first couple of weeks may be totally shots in the dark until a feel for the teams has been fashioned.

So, with that being said, I’d like to officially kick of this season’s “SEC Picks.”

Missouri State at Arkansas

I’m not even going to pretend I know anything about Missouri State.

I do, however, know something about Arkansas, and they have a pretty good coach roaming the sidelines.

Arkansas should see a vast improvement over last year’s offensive woes. Look for the Hogs to light it up come Saturday night.

Prediction: Ark 38 Missouri St 10

LA Tech at Auburn

And so the Chizik era begins Saturday on The Plains.

There are many questions surrounding this Tiger squad, which had one of the most disappointing seasons in recent memories.

Such questions are: who steps up at receiver, are the Tigers completely satisfied with their choice of having Chris Todd at quarterback, and many more.

One thing is for sure, Louisiana Tech is no stranger to the SEC, and they always come to play.

Just ask Mississippi State and Alabama.

Prediction: Auburn 22 LA Tech 16

Charleston Southern at. Florida

Really, do I even need to elaborate? If Florida is everything they claim to be then they’ll hit a score similar to this one.

Prediction: Florida 60 Charleston Southern 6

Georgia at Oklahoma State

Call me a homer for jumping on the bandwagon, but I feel confident that the Cowboys of OSU will be ready to go in their newly renovated stadium.

Stillwater won’t be so still come Saturday as UGA struggles to replace the number one overall pick in the NFL draft.

Plus, OSU is loaded on the offensive side of the ball. Look for some quick strikes to open up this game.

UGA will hang around, but they don't have enough to pull this one out.

Prediction: OSU 31 UGA 20

Miami (OH) vs. Kentucky (played in Cincinnati)

Rich Brooks will have his ‘Cats ready to pounce Miami this weekend.

Returning the starting center and both tackles from last year’s squad will help tremendously, not to mention Hartline returning at the QB spot and Drake at the TE spot.

Look for them to put up some good offensive numbers in this neutral site opener.

Prediction: UK 35 Miami 17

LSU at Washington

The Huskies were woeful last season, and I don’t expect much different from them in ’09.

LSU does something they normally don’t do: travel to the west coast for a late night show-down with the PAC-10.

That won’t matter though.

I look for the Tigers to blueax these pups out of the water!

Prediction: LSU 37 Washington 14

Mississippi at Memphis (Sunday 09/06)

Now’s the time for the Rebels to prove they are the real deal by coming out and owning a Sunday showdown with the Memphis Tigers after everyone recovers from Saturday.

I can picture it now.

Saturday has ended, the thrill of victories and the agony of defeats has started to both sober-up, and Nutt reigns supreme on the day that is typically dominated by the NFL.

Prediction: Ole Miss 35 Memphis 13

Jackson State at Mississippi State

The Bulldogs have a new coach and hopefully, for their sakes, a new attitude to start the ’09 campaign. After all, life has been a little dismal for Bulldog fans over the last decade or so.

Look for Mullen to start his career off on the right foot against Jackson State.

Prediction: MSU 27 Jack St. 10

South Carolina at NC State (Thursday 09/03)

In my opinion, this is a critical season for the “Ole Ball Coach.”

He needs to put together a few upsets if he plans on staying in Carolina much longer. If not, then he can spend even more time on the lovely Carolina beaches chasing that little white ball around.

Carolina will perhaps gel as the season progresses, but I believe they have their hands full right now, as Spurrier seems pretty agitated with their preseason performance thus far.

I don’t see them getting it done tomorrow night.

Prediction: NC State 21 USC 17

Western Kentucky at Tennessee

Lane Kiffin has as easy a contest as you can expect in your first game as head coach for a program.

I don’t see UT letting up, at all.

The Vol defense will perhaps score more then the Western Kentucky offense come Saturday.

Prediction: UT 48 Western Kentucky 6

Western Carolina at Vanderbilt

Vandy began the ’08 season as everyone’s Cinderella. Alas, they returned to their usual ways. They’ll have an easy start to the ’09 season.

Prediction: Vandy 30 Western Carolina 9

Game of the Week: Alabama vs Virginia Tech (Georgia Dome)

A lot has been put into this game, on both sides of the ball.

VaTech is short a running back, but Bama lost their leading rusher from last year as well.

Both have top-rated defenses, returning most of the starters for both teams.

'Bama has an unproven quarterback, but lots of options to help him early on, including proven running backs, receivers, and tight ends.

Tech returns their quarterback, known for throwing more interceptions than touchdowns, but also known for his scrambling ability. He’ll make you pay when you don’t contain the ends.

Both have good special teams. Tech is known for blocking punts and kicks, and 'Bama has the always dangerous Arenas, who may take it to the house any time he touches the ball.

The biggest question will be how both offensive lines play. Whichever line comes together the quickest, which may depend on which defense disrupts the other line the most, will be the victor in my opinion.

Right now, I’m leaning toward 'Bama’s bunch to get it done!

Prediction: Bama 23 Tech 20

Here’s to a good season. Let me know what you think.

Say What You Need To Say: Some Perspective on Popular College Football Phrases

Tim Croley — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:05:00 -0400

As I was pondering the upcoming college football season I began thinking about all the things that make this game so special. You’ve got things you cannot find at the professional level, such as marching bands, male cheerleaders, and real mascots.

The more I thought, the more I began to realize how fun the game of college football really is. Each fan has a unique perspective, a favorite team, and the team they love to hate.

The following are some of my personal perspectives from the world of college football. Some of these ideas were conjured by yours truly, while others where from friends or others with whom I love to share my college football seasons.

1. He Must Have Not Eaten His Wheaties.

This was something created by my best friend and has stuck throughout the years. Take in mind that this phrase applies not only to college football, but to any sport. However, this phrase is highly used on Saturday during the fall, and particularly used on Friday nights as we officiate high school football games together.

It is inevitable that early in the season some poor kid will suffer cramps and quickly hit the turf failing to get up under his own power. The athletic trainers scramble to get him off the field, and from across the field my friend, who is standing on the opposing sideline will undoubtedly have these words running through his.

Now, I don’t take injuries lightly. When a player goes down, from either team, fans and mothers throughout the stands collectively hold their breath. But as soon as we know that the player is alive and will be okay my friend will always turn to me and say, “He must have not eaten his Wheaties this morning.”

2. Just Rub Some Dirt in It.

This one is directly related to the first phrase, except this is typically used when one’s own player goes down.

It’s never a laughing matter when anyone goes down with a major injury, but when a minor injury occurs to one’s own player you want him to get back in the game, especially the starting quarterback of star linebacker.

Some people may say “walk it off” or “shake it off” but this one has seemed to stick with me and some friends of mine. What does dirt have to do with overcoming an injury? I’m not really sure to be honest, but having heard some older people use this expression before it seems comical to me.

So, when a running back comes up hobbling, particularly your 1000-plus yard back, you want him to just “rub some dirt in it” and get back to carrying the rock!

3. The L2 Button Didn’t Work that Time.

Oh, how the world of video games has changed the way we observe sports.

Now, anyone with any video gaming experience understands this phrase. The “L2 Button” in all reality could be any button on the controller. It simply means the ball carrier didn’t execute his planned move quite like he had planned.

When the running back is hit in the backfield while trying to stiff-arm a defensive end, when a receiver is tackled in open space while trying the juke a corner, or when a punt returner gets tagged almost instantaneously upon catching the ball, the first assumption is that man’s strategy has been debunked.

Some people love to see great runs, some love to see great catches, but for me, I love to see big hits and defensive domination. So, as long as the “L2 Button” doesn’t work for the opposing team, I’m having a great day.

4. Don’t Send in that Guy!

This is one to which we can all relate, and perhaps even scream from the stand or our recliners on Saturdays.

Many teams have that one player to which they turn in clutch situations or when the game is on the line, knowing that his joke-job of a performance from the previous week cost them the game. So why do they turn back to this guy again?

This is the guy that initiates more prayers than you’ll ever hear from a Sunday morning worship service, with hopes that this time he will come through when it counts the most.

Sometimes it might be a running back with fresh legs that needs to pick up that first down so the clock can run out. Or perhaps it might be the “special quarterback” who can throw the ball a country mile.

More often than not, however, it is a kicker that a team is relying upon to kick the 75 yard field goal to win the game as time expires.

Just ask LSU fans if they could have made the call last year in the Arkansas game would they have put in the kicker for a 60-plus yard field goal, or would they have taken their chances on another “Bluegrass Miracle.” Not that their kicker was awful, but that was an unbelievable distance.

Me personally, I would have taken my chances on the next Doug Flutie Hail Mary. But then again, I don’t get paid the millions to make the decision to “send in that guy” one more time.

5. Southwest Montana Technical Institute for the Feeble Women

This phrase is used for that opponent which is part of the watered down schedule which the coach and athletic director have decided to grace us with this season. You may have your own special name (some I must refrain from mentioning here in an effort not to debase or offend anyone), so feel free to insert as you wish.

The debate has long been that some teams or conferences invite cream puffs to participate in match-ups in an effort to fill their non-conference schedules. Why? Because the conference schedule is already filled with such arduous opponents there is no way scheduling four quality opponents could ever be feasible.

Therefore, for the three to four non-conference games scheduled against teams that would scarcely be considered worthy competition for your local high school team, one feels compelled to label them as being the “Southwest Montana Technical Institute for the Feeble Women.”

6. Please Don’t Pick My Team

Most of you may be thinking that having an “expert” pick your team to win is a good thing, but not so fast my friend.

My best friend and I have concluded that when Lee Corso picks our team to win you might as well hang it up. The rest of the day you become even more nervous with anticipation simply because we know that Corso’s picks are like some sort of omen of misfortune to befall on that team.

For me, I am pleading with the television set for Corso to please not pull out Big Al’s head, while my best friend is begging that Lee doesn’t unveil… wait for it… wait for it… Aubie’s head.

Yeah that’s right. My best friend is an Aubie.

So, while we may have our differences in so many things, one thing will forever remain the same: when Corso picks your team you’d better pull out everything, including the lucky drawers, rabbit’s foot, and any other good luck charm that may be stashed in your college football trunk.

So there you have it. These are just a few of the many personal phrases and views from the world of college football. Feel free to share your own thoughts, phrases, etc. in the comment’s section below.

Here’s to a great college football season in 2009!

Good Morning, Mr. Favre, Thanks For Disrupting My Life

Tim Croley — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 12:07:13 -0400

Good Morning, Mr. Favre.

I have three issues I would like to discuss with you, if I may.

First, you have unknowingly disrupted my emotions.

I’m sure you are aware of the influence you have had on many throughout your career. John Madden has the biggest man-crush on you in the history of the human race, but who could blame him, seeing as how you became the first ever back-to-back-to-back MVP of the National Football League.

You brought glory back to Lambeau Field and the Green Bay Packers, and in so doing you captured the heart of a young man from the sunny south. Hey, that’s where you are from!

I still remember that Sunday afternoon early in your career as you battled the Dallas Cowboys in a playoff game.

I didn’t care for the Cowboys too much. I was more in tune with the likes of the Washington Redskins and Atlanta Falcons than any other teams at that time (of course, you left that team from the ATL whom you could have brought many championships!).

But nonetheless, you were wearing green and gold, and I knew from that day forward those colors would reside in my closet.

I cannot express my feelings in any other terms but these: you had me from the first touchdown pass I saw you toss to Mr. Sterling Sharpe.

I’m sure he would have loved to have shaken your hand following that great moment, but the numbness and shattered knuckles from the velocity with which you delivered that ball to him ensured that it would be difficult to wear rings on his fingers for the remainder of his days, not to mention presenting a simple gesture such as a hand shake to someone.

You brought home a Super Bowl victory and returned the Lombardi Trophy to its home.

I’m sure somewhere the frozen tundra became a little melted and sloshy from the warmness you placed in the hearts of Cheeseheads everywhere.

I know it certainly made my day when the New England Patriots fell to the mighty Packers, the legend himself, Mr. Reggie White, and my favorite athlete in the entire world: you, Mr. Favre!

Thank you for all the disrupted emotions. I will never be apologetic for one moment for moving forward in my life from the Redskins and Falcons to embrace the Green Bay Packers and the best quarterback I could ever imagine leading my team!

However, there are still two more issues I must discuss with you, the second being the fact that you have broken my allegiance.

Now, Mr. Favre, we all know how important allegiance is. As little children we pledge it daily at school to our great country.

I have always been loyal to what I believe is important and valuable to me. Therefore, a decision was forced upon me.

Although I felt that allegiance to the Packers was evident, I felt a greater allegiance to you. After all, you were the reason I fell for the Packers in the first place.

I’m sure you can relate to this. I witnessed your tears and emotions as you moved forward in your life and decided to commit to yourself more than you had committed to the Packers.

This is not shocking at all. Everyone must move forward with their lives at some point and embark on new adventures, in spite of the abhorrence humans have for change in their lives.

You committed to what you felt was best for you.

You moved on to New York when Wisconsin decided you were no longer good enough for them.

As a result, my heart moved with you. I still have a soft spot for the Packers, and wish them well in their contests. But at that moment, my heart was with you in the Big Apple.

This was easier than I first expected. Seeing as how another great quarterback led these “Titans” back in the day, the one and only Mr. Joe Namath, I made the decision to support the New York Jets.

You see, before he was “Broadway Joe” he brought glory to the Alabama Crimson Tide when he came to play for Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. In fact, Mr. Joe “Willie” Namath was deemed the best athlete Coach Bryant ever coached.

Wow, what an accolade.

These truths carry much weight in my book of standards, because, you see, I’m from ‘Bama myself. And I love my Crimson Tide and the great legends who have worked to bring her glory throughout the years.

I have allegiance to them as well, wherever they travel in their lives.

But you know all about “Dixie’s Football Pride” yourself, don’t you, Mr. Favre? Yes, I believe you do. In fact, I believe you defeated the Crimson Tide while tossing the pigskin at Southern Mississippi.

When Mr. Namath left Tuscaloosa he went on to bring a Super Bowl to New York as he guaranteed and delivered a victory over the highly favored Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III. Thus, the Jets became the first team to win the Super Bowl besides the Green Bay Packers, your old team.

What a connection here.

So now, Mr. Favre, you came out of retirement to lead the same team Mr. Namath had led, and that was okay. My loyalty was with you all along.

You disrupted my emotions first, then you disrupted my allegiance, but it was all good.

Even so, one issue still remains, and that is the fact that you have disrupted my bank account.

How long, Mr. Favre, will you play these games of retirement, un-retirement, back to retirement, back to football, back to…stop!

Enough already!

The problem is, if you will remember from my earlier statement, my closet was adorned with Green and Gold (of course I have plenty of crimson in there as well). But last year, I was forced to shed the gold and change to a darker shade of green.

Now, you ask me to wear purple?

I cannot believe I’m even contemplating this. Purple reminds me of Barney the Dinosaur, little girls, and all the things that are not football. On top of just hating the color, I loathed the Vikings for so long!

In fact, was it not against those “Purple People Eaters” that you and Mr. Antonio Freeman hooked-up for one of the best plays in the history of the game of football?

On top of that, was it not also on Monday Night Football, one of the main stages of the great game?

Yes, I know it was. I was there watching. I remember thinking to myself that one of the greatest plays in the history of the game, one of the most remarkable catches in the history of mankind, had just unfolded before my very eyes.

It was my team who made the play, my favorite player who launched the pass to commence such greatness, it was against one of my team’s biggest rivals, and it gave the Packers the victory!

I could not have written a script greater than this.

Alas, my bank account is once again affected as I attempt to follow you on this roller coaster ride that you like to call “I’m just not done yet.”

And that is fine. That is your priority. You play until you arm falls off, they drag you off the field in a straight jacket, and are forced to carry you to a padded room somewhere in Mississippi. That is your prerogative.

I will follow you to the end, but please be aware that I may soon need you to furnish me with game day attire as my closet seems to be changing colors so rapidly now. That and the fact that my bank account has taken a hit with the combination of your desire to play for whoever will let you and the recession.

Well, at least you kept your same number.

And at least I am not forced to change all my security codes because some team couldn’t give you the “4.”

The mysteries surrounding your career are numerous: why your name is spelled Favre but pronounce Farve, why you play better in the cold weather, yet you are from the South, and why you play football in Wrangler jeans during your off-time.

Thank you for taking the time to read my letter, Mr. Favre. Thanks for all the memories throughout the years. I hope all goes well with you this season.

Thanks for disrupting my emotions. Thanks for disrupting my allegiance. But no thanks for the purple I am compelled to adorn myself in this football season.

Forever your fan,

Tim Croley

Young and Having Fun: The Future of the Crimson Tide

Tim Croley — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 18:31:25 -0400

With the season a little over a month away, one has to begin to wonder how the pieces will fit together in the puzzle that will be Alabama football in 2009. This is the time of the year when speculation runs rampant and hope begins to bloom.

This wonder and speculation primarily comes from questions unanswered. However, with the help from an inside source, I am here to help answer some of those questions, clarify some speculation, and build more hope for the Crimson Tide faithful.

First, let us begin with perhaps the biggest question of all: the offensive line.

Worry should be calmed when it comes to replacing what was considered one of the best offensive lines in the nation last season.

JUCO transfer James Carpenter has locked down one side of the line, while veteran Drew Davis has the other side anchored as well. DJ Fluker, the highly anticipated beast of a lineman that is expected to dominate any and all defensive threats, will have to wait his turn.

While many are expecting him to fight for the starting spot, this news should only bring joy to the hearts of 'Bama nation, knowing that a year under his belt from the sideline may not be a bad thing. Along with Tyler Love, our offensive line should have the depth it has needed for many years.

Next, it is rumored that Saban thinks more highly of this year's linebackers than any he has every coached, including the two years he spent with the NFL's Miami Dolphins. That, to me, speaks volumes.

When you think of what is already back there—McClain, Hightower, Anders, and Reamer—along with the group of young guns coming in—Nico Johnson, Tana Patrick, Jerrell Harris, and Jonathan Atchinson—it should send chills down your spine, as well as the spines of opposing teams. In fact, Atchinson, although rated only three stars in last years recruiting, is said to be a freak of an athlete.

As for the QB spot, Greg McElroy is hands down the best 'Bama has to offer. He has the touch pass, the poise, and the leadership the offense needs. In fact, it was said that G-MAC is the "undisputed leader" of the unit. All players and coaches are giving him the respect he has earned from riding the pine and waiting his turn.

He knows the system, he manages the game, and he has the tools in place at running back and receiver to run a more threatening offense than most are anticipating.

Saban is pleased to have the needed options that will not require his QB to carry the team, but a QB that is willing to carry them if he has to. Mark it down: G-MAC will surprise some teams this season.

The next biggest question is who will be the backup, should 'Bama need one. Star Jackson is what most are expecting, but some sources say otherwise. The "freshman from Mobile" is reported to be the solid number two even before he reports.

Based upon his raw talent and the confidence Saban and the other coaches apparently have in A.J. McCarron, the other "MAC," he could force Jackson to start auditioning for other positions soon.

Sure, they have to play the actual games before they can be heralded as All-Americans, but this team is looking bright. In fact, Saban believes this class, along with last year's greats and the upcoming class of 2010, will be the stars that play a major role in separating Alabama from the rest of the pack very, very soon!

Four Reasons College Football Fans Won't Be Let Down in 2009

Tim Croley — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 12:26:45 -0500

With the 2008 college football season now behind us, one has to wonder what is in store for 2009.

Some speculate that 2009 will be even better. I, for one, agree with that sentiment. Therefore, I give you my top four reasons for the 2009 college football season to trump all the glory and greatness that was 2008.

4. The use of younger players.

Right about now you are probably scratching your head and wondering, “How can younger players be mature enough and know the game well enough to give us a better season in 2009?”

To counter that statement, I give you prime examples one, two, and three: 1) Julio Jones, 2) A.J. Green, and 3) Travis Lewis.

Jones led the Crimson Tide in receptions, yardage, and receiving touchdowns. Green led UGA in receiving yards, with nearly 1,000, and added an astounding eight touchdowns. Lewis led the national champion contender Oklahoma Sooners in tackles with 136, including 12 for loss, and four interceptions.

All three accomplished great things in just their freshman campaigns. Do you not think that the game will begin to see more and more young guys step up, especially with many players bypassing the ends of their college careers to enter the NFL Draft?

At one time freshman players were not even allowed to play with upperclassmen. Now they are making some of the loudest noise you will see in the game.

Look for such players as D.J. Fluker, 6’7” 350-lb. OT, Reuben Randle, 6’3” 195-lb. WR, and Devon Kennard, 6’3” 257-lb. DE, to make an impact on the college game from the time they step onto campus in 2009.

3. The unanswered questions will be answered.

Several questions have come forth following the 2008 season.

First, can Florida repeat?

They have all the tools in place, including a Heisman trophy winner, a two-time national championship coach at the helm, and a team of seniors that have already won the title twice.

Winning three championships in four years would place Florida as one of the premier dynasties among college football history, and certainly the best team over the past 20 seasons. Somewhere, there should be Gators praising Steve Spurrier like no one’s business.

Second, can Big Game Bob actually win a big game?

Chants of OSWho have now been simplified to OWho, as Oklahoma has replaced Ohio State as being the team everyone wishes to receive as a foe come BCS bowl time.

With a great returning squad and a coach who has won a national championship already, the only thing remaining is to get that monkey off the back and bring respect back to Norman. I believe the championship is not out of reach, but sooner than later they must take hold of it.

Third, can Charlie Weis continue to bring Notre Dame out of the depths of ruin?

As mentioned in my previous article, having Notre Dame succeed is a benefit to college football as a whole. Whether you like the Irish or not, having them succeed helps college football succeed.

Winning their first bowl game since the early '90s, Weis has slowly but surely restored some hope within the Fighting Irish family. Can he improve upon last year’s success, or was it simply a flash in the pan and a teaser of yesteryear’s glory?

Will Bobby Bowden surpass JoePa? Will Mark Richt finally win the SEC? Will Pete Carroll finally make it through Pac-10 play unscathed, or will USC’s season be spoiled at the hands of another underdog?

There are many more questions surrounding the impending season, but time will not allow for all of them. Having so much to anticipate will leave us drooling all summer long and impatiently twitching until these questions are answered.

2. The competitiveness and acknowledgment of coaches.

Don’t get me wrong, coaches have always held a high profile position. However, it seems that the game is producing better coaches with each passing year, and those coaches are gaining an increase in recognition.

Urban Meyer has cemented his name into the historical greatness of college football coaches by winning his second national title.

Nick Saban’s process has revived a team from the mediocrity of college football to a team that once again has hope and determination to be more than just average.

Georgia Tech’s Paul Johnson is at work himself, waking what could be a sleeping giant.

In addition, no team can afford to overlook the effectiveness Houston Nutt has had at taking a team from 0-8 in conference play to a real contender in just his first season in Oxford.

Pete Carroll continues to bring one of the best teams to play, year-in and year-out.

Mack Brown has solidified his spot by continued success at Texas, and a record that does not lie. The man has never won fewer than nine games in a single season since taking over the reins in Austin.

As a whole, there are currently 12 head coaches with national championship rings to sport. Moreover, many current head coaches have won titles as assistants, and a few coaches have even led their team to undefeated seasons. When you add it all up, that makes for a competitive field.

1. The return of two Heisman Memorial Trophy winners.

Who can tell me the last time there were two Heisman Trophy winners playing in the same season? Anyone?

Unless my calculations are incorrect, there have never been two in the game at the same time.

Tim Tebow won the award as a sophomore, becoming the first to ever accomplish that feat. Sam Bradford also won the award as a sophomore. Both will be forgoing the NFL draft to make this the first occurrence in the history of the game.

All previous winners were either a junior or a senior, thus eliminating the possibility of playing the next season with a previous winner.

I believe this is a very significant occurrence and something we may become more accustomed to if the impact of younger players leads to the commencement of winning the award as a sophomore and electing to remain in college until graduation.

Will one of these two win the Heisman again? Their chances are both good.

One thing is for sure, though. Tebow and Bradford will both fight to lead their teams to play in Pasadena in January 2010.

A rematch, perhaps? One could only hope to see these two meet again somewhere before it is all said and done.

Was the 2008 College Football Season Really That Good?

Tim Croley — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 08:47:21 -0500

The 2008 college football season was one of the best that the football world has seen in several years. Many have projected the upcoming 2009 season to be just as good, if not better. I believe there are several factors contributing to the success of the 2008 season.

Here are my top four reasons for the success of the 2008 college football season:

4. The underdog still played his part, while not completely embracing the entire season.

The 2007 season witnessed its share of underdog upsets, and 2008 seemed poised to do the same with the runs of East Carolina and Vandy during the first half of the season.

While this season did not necessarily see the upsets of “Appy State over Michigan,” it did however witness one of the traditional powerhouses, Alabama, taking a bow to a team, Utah, better known for, well, a team that is really unknown. Moreover, it all took place on one of college football’s biggest stages, the Sugar Bowl.

Oregon State played the spoiler to USC’s national title hopes on national television, and Ole Miss nearly did the same to the eventual champion Florida Gators.

Everyone loves to see an underdog story, and 2008 had its share to make this season great.

3. Some of college football’s traditional powerhouses did make a return to the national scene.

Just think about it, when teams like USC, Notre Dame, and Alabama succeed everyone is interested in college football a little more.

Alabama spent five weeks in the No. 1 spot before falling to the national champions in one of the best games of the season, the SEC Championship game. That run of 12-0 during the regular season had many college football fans enthralled.

Notre Dame did something that most of their players perhaps cannot even remember ever happening in their lifetime—they won a bowl game! Moreover, they did it convincingly over what was virtually a home game for Hawaii. Notre Dame is returning to prominence and that helps the college football world.

When you throw in the continued success of such traditional powers as USC, Texas, Oklahoma, Penn State, and other greats, you have the formula for a season worth watching.

2. The match ups were phenomenal.

While some of the traditional rivalries did not meet the expectations, most did and others were nothing short of spectacular—particularly in the BIG XII.

The Oklahoma-Texas game was just a teaser leading up to the Texas-Texas Tech game, perhaps one of the top three games of the season.

Penn State and Ohio State seemed equally matched in arguably one of college football’s biggest rivalries.

And even a down-trodden Auburn team managed to make a great game with UGA, the “South’s Oldest Rivalry.”

In the end, the national title game proved to be one of the best title games of the BCS era.

The traditional, once-a-year rivalries and the great match ups of college football, unlike anything found in most sports, is reason No. 2 for the success of 2008.

1. It doesn’t have to be perfect to be great!

With all of the fuss over college football’s postseason, I believe that the fact that the system is not perfect is one of the substantial reasons why more and more people are flocking to the sport.

Why does it have to be mapped out perfectly and have everything set in precise order? If you think a playoff will help, then answer this one question honestly: Do playoffs always work fairly?

The answer is a definite no. Some team as equally as good as the lowest seed will always be left out because of some technicality, and the argument of the systems reliability is again questioned.

If you rely on the college basketball playoff, then you run into the fact that too many games will be required in such a short span. Football players simply cannot play two games in three days.

Did USC deserve a spot in the title game? Perhaps. However, did they deserve it more than Texas who had beaten one of the title contenders? That answer is a resounding no—in my humble opinion.

Did Utah deserve a shot at the title? I think yes but it just did not work that way. Fair or not, the system’s imperfection reflects upon the imperfection in 18-22 year old kids and the coaches who try to steer and control them throughout their college careers.

For those who are successful, congratulations on your success. For those who cannot be, it is still okay. You provide us with entertainment and joy unlike anything else.

That, my friend, is why I think the 2008 college football season was one of the best we have seen in recent years.

Look soon for my next article on the top four reasons why 2009 will be even better than this year!

Creature Vs. Creature: A Crimson Tider on the SEC Championship Game

Tim Croley — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 06:05:10 -0500

Prior to the start of the season, anyone who would have predicted 'Bama to be undefeated and playing in the SEC Championship Game this season has to be either a delusional 'Bammer who thinks they are going all the way each and every year, or that person has to be the best long-shot gambler the college football world has ever seen.

At best, most thought 'Bama would come away with nine wins and second place in the division. No one that I know had 'Bama picked to win the Western Division, but oh, how the tables have turned!

I credit much of the success this season to the difference in attitudes that have been displayed on and off the field. Players are actually finishing the routes on all plays. The team is working as a complete unit.

And, now, finally toward the end of the season, Alabama is clicking on all cylinders, playing all four quarters, and playing solid football on offense, defense, and special teams.

'Bama has ended all streaks that were against them: two woeful years to Mississippi State, not to mention not scoring an offensive touchdown on State since 2004, a five game skid to the Bayou Bengals of LSU, and, finally, the six-in-a-row to hated rival Auburn. They also won games in November…all four of them!

The scores have been settled, business has been handled, and now a classic match-up with the Florida Gators takes me back in time to somewhere in the mid-1990s when it was almost a given that these two would square off when December rolled around.

Florida has been the “hot” team as of late. There is no doubt why the Gators, even as a one-loss, lower ranked team, come into this battle as a ten-point favorite. They have won the past five games by at least 30 points each time, including wins over rival Florida State and handing former head coach Steve Spurrier the worst loss of his carrier.

Oh, and did I mention that two of the conference’s premier coaches will face-off for the first time ever?

Wow, this is going to be a game for the ages!

'Bama Will Win If…

1) The offensive line can dominate, and take advantage of Florida’s woes, thus controlling the clock and keeping Florida’s offense on the sideline.

The Tide offensive line has been great this year, and there is little doubt why.

If my memory serves me correctly, center Antione Caldwell, senior and co-captain, has started at all five positions on the offensive line during his career.

His experience at each position, along with the fact that he has been a starter since his freshman days, provides leadership and guidance for the big uglies up front, and he anchors what many consider the best offensive line in the nation.

The left side has been our strong side all year, with All-American Andre Smith pancaking and making holes that even I could run through at times. There is no wonder this guy is in the top-10 of the NFL’s underclassman making the draft. This giant of a man is hard for any defensive lineman to get around.

Now that defenses have started keying and sending extras to the left side, we are witnessing some great play calling from the booth, with Coffee and Co. running counter plays to the right side.

This has allowed our talented backfield to run behind the much-improved Drew Davis, just like the play that broke the Auburn game open when Coffee rumbled for 41 yards and the game’s first touchdown.

Factor in that Florida is banged up on the defensive line and this could spell trouble for the much-improved Gator defense from just a year ago. The news of Gator defensive lineman sustaining injuries has been front and center for several weeks now.

Defensive tackle Matt Patchan is done for the year after suffering a torn medial collateral ligament. The proclaimed “comeback player of the year,” DT Brandon Antwine, who had been a key backup player for the Gator defense, is also out for the year after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament tare.

The good news for Florida is that DT Lawrence Marsh has just been deemed 100 percent healthy, thus putting the starting interior defensive line intact again, and ready for this week’s colossal clash up front. Will it be enough to slow the threatening rush attack of the Tide?

2) The Tide play their game.

Several things must happen throughout the course of the year for a team to go undefeated, and so far all of those things have come for Alabama.

First, to continue undefeated a team cannot make foolish mistakes.

Now I’m not saying 'Bama has been perfect this year, but their record is. As a team, overall, they are perfect. That may all fall apart come Saturday, but I have witnessed this team go through the season with very few penalties. In fact, they average just four penalties a game for an average of 35 yards per contest.

Only three times in 12 games have the Crimson Tide committed more penalties than their opponents. Those games were Tulane, Kentucky, and Mississippi. In all three games they struggled.

Penalties can be huge; they can be game changers. If 'Bama can eliminate the penalties, they will do just fine.

Second, to continue undefeated a team cannot turn the ball over.

Again, only three times this season has the Tide committed more turnovers than they have gotten from their opponents. In fact they are plus-nine in turnover ratio this season. A good team doesn’t turn the ball over, and they take advantage of their opponents by taking the ball away.

Florida knows this very well, also, as they are great in the turnover ratio. In fact, they are making everyone else look like amateurs at taking the ball away and keeping it to themselves with a whopping plus-21 turnover ratio! Let there be no questions, Florida will take it if 'Bama gives it up, something that may be key to this game.

A third factor that helps, but is not something you can practice for nor can you predict is the injury factor.

Alabama has been very lucky to have come through the season with as few injuries as they have, and with the slight degree of severity of the few they have sustained. 'Bama looks healthy, and Florida is a bit worn. Can this play into the game come Saturday?

'Bama Will Lose If…

1) Florida is able to utilize their world-class speed.

It is no big secret that Florida has speed at every position. It is no big secret that when the pocket collapses, Tim Tebow will carry the weight of the team upon his shoulders. It is no big secret that the backfield has stepped up tremendously this season to help Tebow carry the running game.

It is no big secret that Harvin will touch the ball and sprint toward the end zone at some point.

Florida has the speed to run all over the defense of the Crimson Tide if the Tide doesn’t step up and stop it. Plain and simple, the Tide must stop the speed or it will be a long night in the ATL.

The utilization of a 3-4 defense, with Terrance Cody basically serving as nearly two men up front, has made the difference for the Tide’s defensive attack the season. Using four linebackers to keep things boxed in and contained from one sideline to the other has been a stronghold and will be needed perhaps more than anything else this week.

If the speed gets to the corners, watch out!

All the speed in the speed in the world will not do you any good if it is contained and shut down. That’s when the true skill of the players must arise. This will be a test to see if the Tide defense or the Gator offense wants it more on Saturday.

'Bama will hit, and hit hard, but will it be enough to slow this lethal Gator speed?

2) Florida’s defense and special teams outplay Bama’s.

The special team play of the Gators has been a significant part of the success Florida has had this year. As previously mentioned, the defense has turned the corner and has learned how to play solid football as well. When you throw that in it is hard to stop a team.

However, I believe if you can seriously disrupt one facet of the game, other parts will suffer and things will go south. If you start making big plays on special teams, it will affect the offense or defense.

For example, the defense has had a strong stop, but the special teams fumbles the punt, then the defense goes right back out there and must do it all over again. That puts pressure on the defense, a lot of pressure.

On the other hand, if a defense gives up a long play to get a team in field goal range and then the special teams steps up and blocks the field goal, then the defense is bailed out and can be rejuvenated.

I believe that some scenario like this could play out and be a huge factor in which way the game swings. Florida has been great on special teams this year, while 'Bama has struggled at times. If Florida executes and takes advantage, 'Bama will be hurting.

The Difference

Who Wants it More

I believe the difference in the game will be determined at the line of scrimmage. 'Bama has been deadly with the lines, on both sides of the ball, all season.

Can they continue to make holes for their tandem of running backs?

Will they continue to give John Parker Wilson the time he needs to make passes?

Or, will the Gator defense penetrate and shut down the Tide’s offense?

Can the Gator offensive line step up and push Cody, McClain, Johnson, and the rest of the Tide defense all around the field?

I believe the game will come down to whoever makes the biggest play, which will be determined by which line steps up and allows that play to be made.

One last thing to add. For what it it worth, the Tide has already been to the GA Dome once this year. That might help, just slightly, to giving 'Bama some kind of edge.

The time for talk is over. We will see who wants it more this Saturday. Best of luck to both teams, with a little extra in Bama’s favor!

Prediction

It has all been laid out on the line. Whoever wants needs to come and get it. The winner moves on the BCS Championship game in Miami, while the loser goes to New Orleans for a Sugar Bowl bout.

I do believe that 'Bama will control the defensive line of Florida enough to get the running game going, which in turn will make Florida play honest to the run and open up the passing game.

I believe that other teams have tried to utilize three defensive linemen to stop Florida all season, by freeing up extra linebackers. However, 'Bama has been doing this all season. It is what they know and do each week.

I think McClain, Reamer, and Hightower will control everything and keep it from going north and south. The speed in my opinion will be slowed down.

The passing game will have to win it for Tebow and the Gator gang, but I think Rashad Johnson and the defensive backs will step up and make some plays. Toss in a couple of corner blitzes and you have a Tide upset!

Bama 30 Florida 28

For the other side, check out Michael the Gator's take on how he thinks Florida will do in this classic showdown.

Creature Vs. Creature: A Crimson Tider on Bama-LSU

Tim Croley — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 02:27:22 -0500

This is the game that has been circled on the calendars of many LSU and Tide fans since that glorious day back in January of 2007.

Sure, last year’s meeting was special, but this time Saban will be traveling to the place that really put his name among the elite college football coaches in this country: Baton Rouge. Anyone who does not think there will be a lot of emotion surrounding this one either is out of touch with reality or has been hiding under some rock for the last several months.

I agree that the players may not have as much emotional attachment to this game as perhaps the fans. After all, none of the players for Alabama have any ties to anything LSU, and all of “Saban’s recruits” have left LSU.

Saban himself has stated numerous times that this game has no emotional tug at his heartstrings (like anyone actually thought Saban has heartstrings). Taking his typical businesslike approach, Saban is dismissing this as just another game on the schedule, another obstacle in the way of the Crimson Tide reaching their goals.

Do I believe that? Well, to be honest, I do. I do think Saban will have a few flashbacks as he enters Tiger Stadium for the first time since he left for the Miami Dolphins, but at the same time, I feel as if he is insensitive in a lot of ways and has a focus like very few have ever displayed.

He is so hard at work on the task at hand that I’m not sure he really does have the time to reflect on much. He is so focused he doesn’t have time to deal with all the outside hoopla and distractions that don’t really affect the game.

But the fans—yes, the fans—will be the emotional ones at this battleground, and that just adds fuel to the fire that is known as Death Valley. The only thing that may keep this stadium on its foundation is the fact that CBS has selected this game for the afternoon kickoff, thus nullifying Tiger fans of the joy they long for in wreaking havoc in the darkness of night.

And, oh yeah, a Crimson victory would secure a spot for Alabama in the SEC Championship Game as the Western Division champions, a feat that Bama has not accomplished yet this century.

So I would say this is a pretty significant game in a lot of ways.

Bama Will Win If...

1) The Tide applies the pressure up front on defense.

Alabama has the personnel to shut down most offensive attacks if they simply play within themselves, don't try to go beyond their own individual abilities, and rely on each other as a unit.

The change to the 3-4 defense just before the season began has been the saving grace for Bama in a lot of ways this season. Dominating the front line with three men, thanks to JUCO standout Terrence Cody, allows an extra linebacker to roam around as a virtual headhunter.

Usually that comes in the form of Rolando McClain, Dont’a Hightower, or converted safety Corey Reamer. Watch for the tackles being made throughout the game, and you will most likely see the numbers 25, 30, and 13 somewhere in the mix.

If the Tide defense can come out and continue to dominate the rushing game, as they have all season, then that puts all the pressure on young LSU QB Jarrett Lee. Once the rush is stopped, and Lee has been put under the pressure as well, we’ll see what type of ability he really has.

Add in a few licks from Bama’s quick corner blitz, and most likely they will have the Tigers’ offense contained.

2) The offensive line can dominate, as they are accustomed to.

Dominating the line of scrimmage is something many teams talk about doing. In Tuscaloosa, the big guys up front have actually been living up to it pretty consistently this season. If they come out and play Saturday like they are capable of doing, the Tide offense should be able to put up enough numbers to win this thing.

The Crimson Tide’s offensive line is perhaps one of the best in the country. In fact, the left side often opens up holes that even I would feel confident running through. Well, maybe not myself personally, but I do often have to pop my eyes back in place as they are widened as much as the lanes Coffee, Ingram, Upchurch, and Grant have had to run through all season.

On top of that, the pressure on John Parker Wilson has been kept to a minimum this season. That is why JPW has been able to manage the game. He doesn’t do anything flashy. He doesn’t pass for 300 yards. He simply has enough time and enough relief from defensive pressure to make the smart choice. That has improved his pass efficiency and has built his confidence.

Basically, if the Tide can dominate both lines of scrimmage, then you will see another great road win from this young team. That seems simple, I know, and one would think that controlling the line on both sides of the ball was a key factor in every game, for every team, but this really has been the game plan so far. It seems to work, so why change?

Bama Will Lose If...

1) LSU can cause Bama to make the most mistakes.

In big, tense games, both teams usually seem to make a few errors. What makes the difference, however, is who can control the mistakes to a minimum and who can overcome the big mistakes that do occur.

The Crimson Tide has prided itself on being mistake-free most of the season. In the UGA game Bama was virtually penalty-free, while UGA committed a huge roughing the passer penalty early in the game that gave the Tide a first down and extended what would have been a stalled drive to open the game. Bama took advantage and never looked back.

On the contraire, Bama made the most mistakes of the season during the Kentucky game as they continually committed some uncharacteristic penalties. That game, largely due to those mistakes, kept Kentucky in the game and gave Bama their worst scare of the season so far, as they managed to escape with a three-point victory.

Bama has been bitten with the fumble bug lately as well, particularly with Glen Coffee. If that occurs, and LSU takes advantage, it could be deadly for the Tide.

2) LSU can keep the first half close.

This will largely relate to how well LSU controls the mistakes, or how many they force Bama to make early, but if they can keep within 10 points or fewer at halftime, then they will have a shot at pulling this thing out.

Getting up on their foes early in the game is the second of Bama’s biggest prides this season, right behind not making mistakes, and they dearly want to hold on to this one. This has, however, hindered them as they seem to put things in cruise control for the second half and “coast” to the finish. That will eventually catch up with them, as it almost has in three games, if they don’t learn from this.

Hints of Bama learning to play in the second half came against Tennessee and Arkansas State, but I would by no means place this LSU team in a category with those two teams. A close halftime score could be the difference, as Bama often seems to run low in the second half. Last year’s meeting between the Tide and Tigers is a prime example of the “cruise control” that cost Bama the game.

The Difference

The Attitude

Call it arrogant. Call it haughty. Call it what you will, but the attitudes have changed in T-Town, and to be quite honest, I was a little scared when I first thought about it.

Players have been coming forth making statements that sound like they have been programmed to become some mindless robot: “We have one mission, that is the next game, we don’t know anything else.”

Wow, Saban really has been transforming players. When I finally gathered myself, I realized that it was not some mindless chant. Rather, it was determination from a team that is working as one unified force.

When you can take on an attitude that the next game is the most important of the season, whether it is Central High School or USC, then you don’t have to worry about teams sneaking up on you.

That has been the word all year. Bama is going to allow some team to sneak up on them. Just wait and see.

When they managed to hang on for two straight weeks against Kentucky and Ole Miss, I think they finally realized that the cruise control no longer works. That being said, I believe Bama will be ready for any team they play, taking nothing lightly, but finishing the job they started.

Prediction

All right, here goes. You can probably tell from most of my above comments who I think will win. You know I am a "Bammer," so you are probably just waiting to see the margin I predict. Right?

Well, I do think that while Bama has a ton of pressure on them to perform and live up to the number one ranking, and to protect the image of Nick Saban as he “returns home” this weekend. However, that pressure has been their driving force and what they have thrived off this season. That has been their motivation, and I predict it will be the same this weekend.

Alabama has been stellar on the road this season, outscoring their opponents by an average of 25 points, including the 20-point victory over rival Tennessee just two weeks ago.

Bama has also played better historically in Baton Rouge than they have at home. Factor in how well Bama has played on the road earlier this season, and you are looking at a recipe for victory.

LSU stole one from Bama in 2005, keeping the Tide from going to Atlanta and ending their dreams of having a perfect season. With a shot at going to the ATL on the line again this year, I think this squad has overcome too much and has everything right where they need it to be not to take advantage.

LSU’s victory over Auburn is looking less special right now. The victory over South Carolina looked like a solid win. However, the two losses are hard to overlook, particularly with the way they lost both games, with the Georgia debacle coming after everyone thought they had learned from the initial 50-plus points they had hung on them in the Swamp.

The Tigers are not terrible, but they are looking more like a middle of the pack team. They struggled somewhat with an MSU team that even Tennessee was able to dismantle.

Does LSU have enough in the tank to pull this one out? Is there enough emotion and adrenaline to transfer from the stands onto the field? Can they somehow catch lightning in a bottle to knock off such a determined Crimson Tide team?

I think LSU has too much to overcome this season with a young quarterback. I think Bama has too much determination to let up now.

Bama 28, LSU 16

Check out Brian Scott's take on how he thinks LSU will do in this epic battle.

SEC Football Weekly Rundown: Florida Looking for Revenge Against Georgia

Tim Croley — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 07:27:20 -0400

Some have been arguing, especially lately, that the SEC is down this year. While that may be true, I can stand firm on the fact that I love SEC football whether it is having a “down” season or not.

To me it just seems like another year of exciting football from college football’s toughest bunch.

Well, my record going into the week was 30-6. Let’s see if I could improve upon that with this past weekend's picks.

Week Nine Recap

South Carolina

I’m sure Spurrier had a great weekend of golf during the bye week. Now back to work as they take on Tennessee and “Mr. Dead Man Walking” himself, Phil Fulmer.

Mississippi State vs. MTSU

The mighty Crooms took on Middle Tennessee this past weekend. To be honest, all I saw from this was the box score on ESPN. State won, and that’s all that matters when you are struggling.

My game prediction was MSU 21 and MTSU 20, but the actual score was 31 to 22 in favor of the Bulldogs. A 1-0 start this week is good!

Vanderbilt vs. Duke

While I thought that Vandy had figured out what was going wrong and would get back to the winning ways they had seen for the first five games of the year, Duke proved to be too much.

In a true battle of the “Geeks Inheriting the Turf,” Cutcliffe didn’t allow the familiar ways of SEC football to intimidate his up and rising Blue Devil team.

My game prediction was for Vandy to win 24-14, but they fell 10-7.

Ole Miss vs. Arkansas—The “Nutt Bowl”

Ole Miss is on the rise, and Arkansas, well, it seems as if it may take some time for them to get back up.

At any rate, the emotion and pride surrounding this game was off the charts. I had a good feeling that the more talented team would win, and that Houston would be able to say, “I told you so.”

My game prediction was for Ole Miss to win going away 34-17, but they just managed to squeak by with a score of 23-21.

Auburn 3-3 vs. West Virginia

I had this one pegged, and then Devine had to go and ruin my perfect prediction.

This was a crucial game for Auburn, who is plunging about as fast as the stock market is these days. They just couldn’t manage to hold on after taking a big lead early.

Much to West Virginia’s credit, they came back after committing some huge mistakes in the first half to display a stellar performance in half number two, thus taking the game from Tuberville and the Tigers.

My game prediction was West Virginia 27 and Auburn 17, but Devine scored a late TD to put the final score at 34-17, giving me perhaps my best prediction of the week.

Kentucky vs. Florida

Okay, so can anyone tell me what the difference between a 5-1 Florida team and a 5-2 Kentucky team is? Give up? The answer is 58 points!

This Florida team is playing better than any team in the nation right now, in my humble opinion. Kentucky, on the other hand, is quickly falling off the face of the earth following a 4-0 start to their season.

I had predicted Florida to win 35-21, but they destroyed Kentucky, winning 63-5.

Alabama vs. Tennessee—“Third Saturday in October”

Alabama put forth what was perhaps their best performance of the season, scoring points in all four quarters and controlling the game completely. Even without Cody up front on defense, Alabama was able to control Tennessee’s running attack all night.

Tennessee, on the other hand, fell to Alabama in consecutive years for the first time since the 1991-92 seasons, and for the first time under Fulmer’s reign. Winning three of the next four games to bring this team to 6-6 for the season would be the only attainable goal for which this team could feasibly shoot.

I had predicted Bama to win 37-17, a 20-point spread. Several people told me that 20 points was ridiculous. After Bama won 29-9, by a spread of 20 points, things I guess are looking pretty ridiculous.

Game of the Week: UGA vs. LSU

I had a good feeling that UGA would show its ugly head and beat the Bayou Bengals Saturday night down in Baton Rouge. However, I never would have thought they would put up more points against the Tigers than Florida did in the Swamp two weeks earlier.

Georgia is looking more and more like a team hungry for something. LSU is looking more and more like a team about to fall apart.

My game prediction was UGA 23 and LSU 20, but neither team wanted to play defense, so the score soared to a final of 52-38 in favor of the Dawgs.

So, after this week’s picks, my record did improve. I now sit at a record of 36-7 for the season—84 percent. Not too shabby, if I do say so myself. Let’s see how I do with...

Week Ten Outlook

Vanderbilt 5-3 (3-2)

Vanderbilt gets the lone bye this week. Three straight losses will make any team wish every week was a bye week. Rest up, ol’ chumps, you still have four slobber-knockers left to play!

Arkansas 3-4 (1-4) vs. Tulsa 8-0 (5-0)

Arkansas

The Hogs just endured a heartbreaking two-point loss to former coach Houston Nutt.

They were pummeled earlier in the season by Alabama, Texas, and Florida in three consecutive weeks by a combined score of 139-31. They managed to bounce back the next week by beating Auburn by three points but have since dropped the last two to Kentucky and Ole Miss by one point and two points respectively. This team is really struggling.

But hey, everyone knew that, right? After their first win of the season, I heard a Hog fan call in and make the statement that they probably wouldn’t win another game the rest of the season. Well, I know it is not much to hang your hat on, but they have since managed to win two more.

A 3-5 record is not what the Razorback nation wants to see, but they are in a rebuilding year, to say the least.

Can senior quarterback Casey Dick lead the Hogs to a fourth victory of the year and jubilation for homecoming Saturday? We will see against a Hurricane team that is determined to keep their undefeated season alive.

Tulsa

Tulsa is no slouch, not by any means.

A perfect record is on the line as they travel to Arkansas Saturday.

They have scored at least 45 points in each game this season, except for a trip to SMU where they scored a measly 35! The six-point win over SMU was their closest margin of victory this year. Beyond that, you will have to look at the first game of the season, where they managed to get by with a 23-point win over UAB.

This team is a scoring machine, and though Arkansas has shown some improvement in the last few games, overall they have not been good at stopping opponents from putting up the numbers this year. For that reason, I predict a homecoming upset.

Game Prediction: Tulsa 40, Arkansas 30

Alabama 8-0 (5-0) vs. Arkansas State 4-3 (2-1)

Arkansas State

A huge win over Texas A&M got this team started off on the right foot. They proved they could hang with the big boys, even though A&M is having a sub-par season. They went on to follow that up by scoring 83 points the next week against Texas Southern!

I don’t care who you are—if you can put up 83 points, you are doing something right on offense.

Well, two 500-yard rushers and a quarterback who has passed for nearly 1,500 yards this season will help put points on the board, no doubt.

The Red Wolves are in a fight for the top spot in the Sun Belt. They have had a great season so far. Can they continue with an upset of the number two-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday, in the second homecoming game on this week’s slate?

Well that will depend on several factors, particularly whether or not Bama will stay focused, as was not the case in their showdown with another Sun Belt opponent last season.

Alabama

The Crimson Tide must take every game seriously if they are going to finish the task at hand. A record of 8-0 (5-0) looks great, but an upset could come at any point if they slip up.

Will Bama be focused enough to get it done this week?

Can they refrain from looking ahead to the “Saban Bowl” in Baton Rouge next week?

Well, you be the judge from the following report from ESPN U’s Chris Low.

Alabama coach Nick Saban says it with pride, and his players nod their heads confidently when they hear it.

"We're a blue-collar team," Saban said. "We've got to play good defense. We've got to be able to run it. We've got to be able to throw it. We've got to have balance."

The Crimson Tide had all the above and more Saturday night in making the kind of statement all championship-caliber teams make this time of year in a 29-9 bludgeoning of Tennessee.

They're in this thing for the long haul.

With LSU losing Saturday, Alabama (8-0, 5-0) now has a two-game lead in the Western Division race. The Tide could lose their game at LSU on Nov. 8 and still get to the SEC Championship Game by winning their remaining two games against Mississippi State and Auburn.

But all anybody wanted to talk about outside the Alabama locker room on Saturday night was the here and now. Sophomore middle linebacker Rolando McClain huffed when somebody brought up the fact that LSU had lost earlier in the day.

"We don't really care about LSU," McClain said. "We'll get to them whenever we play them. Right now, we'll enjoy this for 24 hours and get ready for next week."

If he sounds like Saban, you're right. This whole team is starting to sound like Saban, which means it's highly unlikely that anybody is going to catch Alabama napping.

So, I’ll say yes, they are as focused as anyone can imagine. They want to finish the season strong and lay aside the doubts that have come from the 0-9 record they have in November dating back to 2005.

Game Prediction: Bama 38, Ark State 6

LSU 6-2 (3-2) vs. Tulane 2-5 (1-3)

Tulane

The Green Wave has a potent offense that has actually outgained its opponents so far this season, both on the ground and through the air. In fact, they average nearly 100 more yards per game than the teams they face.

Time of possession is also another stronghold for the Green Wave. Unfortunately, they have been outnumbered where it counts the most—on the scoreboard.

What is killing Tulane is their penalties and turnovers—two categories you never want to have the lead in over your opponents.

Head coach Bob Toledo is a proven leader and does not fear any team he faces. Can he pull some magic this weekend and upset the Bayou Bengals, hoping they might be looking ahead to the showdown with Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide next week?

LSU

The Tigers have struggled in two of their last three games, giving up 51 points to Florida and 52 to Georgia.

Quarterback issues have once again started to take a toll on this team. Can the young Lee be the leader this Tiger offense needs?

On the other side, the defense looks simply baffled, giving up so many points against two of the conference’s best. There must be a counter-attack to slow opposing offenses down, but what is the answer for this LSU team?

Can they stop the bleeding this week against an out of conference foe? All signs point to yes, even though Les Miles won’t need any magic eight ball to get the answers he needs this week.

This should prove to be a good “relief” game, if there is such in the SEC, and a teaser leading up to the showdown with Saban returning to Baton Rouge for the first time since leaving LSU.

Game Prediction: LSU 33, Tulane 17

Mississippi State 3-5 (1-3) vs. Kentucky 5-3 (1-3)

State

Sylvester Croom has SEC football running in his veins. He has put his total focus towards bringing this State team out from the depths of humiliation. Just when you think he has them up, someone knocks him back down. Then, as soon as they look like they are down for the count, they punch you in the face and steal one from you.

Will they be able to keep pace with at least the middle-tier teams in the SEC? Time will only tell. A 1-3 SEC record doesn’t look too promising, but then again, you never know which Jekyll and Hyde team will show up.

The Bulldogs of Mississippi State managed to bounce back and beat Middle Tennessee State last week, thus giving them a 2-1 record against the state of Tennessee in the last three weeks. Can they hold on to beat a team from just north of the Volunteer state this weekend?

Kentucky

The Wildcats of Kentucky got humiliated last week at Florida.

How do you get back up when you’ve been handed a 58-point loss? Well, Rich Brooks better find a way to do it, whatever it takes.

A promising 4-0 start has dwindled to a meager 5-3 record. Still, the record isn’t terrible, but it is far removed from the hopes that were present at the end of September. What a difference a month makes!

So, how do you get back up from a 58-point loss? I’m no coach, but I think playing Mississippi State is one way to do it.

If Tennessee can hang 30-plus on them, I think UK can handle them as well.

Game Prediction: UK 35, MSU 10

Auburn 3-4 (2-3) vs. Ole Miss 4-4 (2-3)

Auburn

Can anyone name me any team that has fallen off the map as quickly as this Tiger team has? I mean, many teams have fallen, big plummets, even from the top 10. But it is hard to name a team that has just completely gone off the radar.

The only other team I can even think of has to be another Tiger team, Clemson. It looks like Tommys and Tigers are having a bad year.

It doesn’t help that a former team of head coach Tuberville is the next on the docket for Auburn. Wow, the degrees of separation around the SEC are not very much anymore.

Ole Miss just beat their head coach’s former team, Arkansas, last week. Now they host a former coach of their own in the form of Tommy Tuberville and the Auburn Tigers. What drama, what storylines surrounding these SEC games!

After appearing to have things turned around in the first half of last week’s game in Morgantown, Auburn is back to the disappointing ways it has been too familiar with this season.

Can the bleeding stop, or has Auburn packed it in for the season?

Ole Miss

Ole Miss is having a better than expected year, I believe.

They upset Florida in the swamp. They went on the road to beat Arkansas. And they have been in every game they have played this season.

The truth is, they very well could be undefeated right now.

I think they have a solid team that is only getting better. They will be a force to reckon with in the next few seasons. This week they move on to regaining a winning record.

Game Prediction: Ole Miss 24, Auburn 17

Tennessee 3-5 (1-4) vs. South Carolina 5-3 (2-3)

Tennessee

Things are getting hairy in Knoxville. The team is not playing well, and frustration appears to have set in.

Fulmer, after leading Tennessee to some great years, which included a national tile in 1998, is now in what seem like his last days as the Vols head coach.

If anything could have been salvaged from this team, it would have had to come last year, one would have thought. However, with four games left on the schedule, UT still has a chance at a winning record. The question is whether the team can pull it together and do something they haven’t done all year: Win at least two in a row.

That will all depend on if they can get the first win under their belt this Saturday against Spurrier and the Gamecocks. If so, it seems probable that a win over Wyoming will come the next week, thus bringing their record back to 5-5. So, there may actually be some hope left.

What is there left to lose? Fulmer, I think, pulls out all the punches this week.

South Carolina

The Gamecocks have had had a decent season so far, overall, yet their conference record has not been very good at 2-3. This week they could pull back to .500 in conference play with a win over Fulmer and the Vols.

If quarterback consistency can continue, then maybe this team will have a strong finish and a promising postseason outlook. If not, then as the saying goes, as the quarterback goes, so does the team. I look for Spurrier to have settled the backfield down a bit during the bye week.

Does the Ol’ Ball Coach still have it in him? Some think his better days have passed, and while I may agree, I think he still has enough to keep his team above the bottom of the pack and enough disgust for UT to have his team ready for them.

Spurrier has had two weeks to get his guys ready to play Tennessee. That could be the difference in this game, even with UT laying it all out on the table.

Game Prediction: USC 20, UT 17

Game of the Week: UGA 7-1 (4-1) vs. Florida 6-1 (4-1)—“WLOCP”

UGA

Stafford is putting up some pretty impressive numbers right now. I guess he wants to end all the talk of him not being an elite quarterback. Plus, when you have one of the best young wide receivers the game has seen in several years in the form of A.J. Green, it makes things easier through the air.

Moreno ran like crazy last week, to the left, to the right, and straight up the middle. He was virtually unstoppable.

After routing LSU last week—and yes, the score was no indication of how bad UGA blew the doors off the Les Miles Tiger express—UGA is looking to make it two in a row over the mighty Gators.

The Dawgs are playing great football right now, and I think they remember the disappointment of being left out of the SEC championship game last season. They are hungry, they are determined, and they are laying it all out on the table.

Wow, this is going to be a classic battle!

Florida

The Gators, in my humble opinion, are playing as well as any team in the nation right now.

I have to admit, I was a little uncertain of the Gators' chances to make it this season, as they started the season with roughly a one-man show on offense. I thought that Superman would eventually fold under so much pressure.

However, I think the loss to Ole Miss earlier in the year woke up everyone else on the team and made them realize that Tebow couldn’t carry the entire load, at least not every week.

This team has the complete package and is now playing together as one solid unit. The offense has been there, the defense is now playing out of their minds, and special teams are getting it done as well. What more could you ask for as a coach?

Oh yeah, and there is the little lingering memory of the celebration from UGA last year. I don’t think Florida will forget that until they have had their vengeance.

Both teams match up well, but ultimately, I give the edge to...

Game Prediction: Florida 35, UGA 31

SEC Football Weekly Rundown: UGA and LSU Meet for a Baton Rouge Battle

Tim Croley — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 09:30:32 -0400

Another wild week of SEC football kicks off Thursday night as Auburn travels up to Morgantown to take on the Mountaineers of West Virginia.

Alabama goes to Neyland to take on Tennessee in the “Third Saturday in October” rivalry game, and Georgia makes its way down to Baton Rouge for a tussle with the defending champion LSU Tigers.

Wow, what another great week this is going to be. But before, I get to all of that, let’s recap last week’s action.

Week Eight Recap

My record for picking the SEC games this season was 26-5 going into last week.

Wins from Bama, UGA, Kentucky, and Tennessee gave me four wins for the week, while a Carolina loss brought my weekly record to 4-1 and 30-6 for the season.

Auburn

Taking the week off was a good break for the Auburn Tigers following back-to-back losses. However, as supposed by many, the time off gave way for a couple of distractions.

In Tommy Tuberville’s weekly press conference, he denounced rumors that he had indeed suffered a stroke the previous week. What?!

Who even thought he had a stroke? I had not heard anything of this until the press conference, nor had most of the college football world.

Why would he even have to address something like this?

Tuberville went on to declare that he planned on staying with the Auburn program for at least 10 more seasons. Good! I am sure that relieves the pressure from the Auburn nation on questions surrounding the program at this point.

One more side note worth mentioning during the off week is the fact that one of Auburn’s best athletes, junior LB Trey Blackmon, will unfortunately miss the remainder of the season after sustaining a cracked bone in his right wrist.

Florida

The Gators perhaps had what seemed to be the longest bye week ever following the crushing victory over LSU. Two weeks to prepare, from this dangerous Gator team that has already tasted the agony of defeat this season, doesn’t look good for any team. Watch out UK!

Mississippi State vs. Tennessee

Granted, it was the Mississippi State Bulldogs whom the Volunteers defeated last Saturday to give them their first SEC win of the season, but the Vols seemed pretty impressive as their backs were pushed up against the wall.

State seemed unimpressive as usual, reverting to its usual ways.

My game prediction was UT winning 13-12, when in fact they won 34-3.

Arkansas vs. Kentucky

Kentucky had to fight for this one. After opening the season a perfect 4-0, the ‘Cats lost two straight, and for most of the game it appeared they might drop their third straight.

However, they determined Saturday not to make it three in a row as they took the lead with just over two minutes left to play.

Arkansas deserves some recognition. They beat Auburn in the previous week and were one point away from erasing some early season miseries.

My game prediction was Kentucky 30 and Arkansas 17, when the final was actually 21-20 in favor of UK.

Vanderbilt vs. UGA

Everyone’s Cinderella this season, Vanderbilt, has finally witnessed the clock strike midnight. Wow, doesn’t this seem oh so eerily similar to what happened with their brothers on the hard court last winter?

Well, don’t you give up yet, Mr. Commodore, there is till much to play for in this long season. Three SEC games await, and winning two of the three is well within your reach.

As for UGA, you managed to win, and that’s about it. Not to take away from the victory by any means, but this wasn’t supposed to be a flashy game. Vandy was stiff and you managed to control the game enough to pull it out. Now, you have bigger fish to fry this weekend as you travel to Cajun country.

My game prediction was UGA winning 31-14, when they won by the score of 24-14. Why? Why couldn’t you just score one more TD to help make me look like a genius, Mr. Dawg?

LSU vs. USC

I had this game on the radar, expecting Spurrier to work his magic, and it all seemed to be going my way...well, until the second half started, that is.

Carolina had some gutsy, perhaps even lucky play calling in the first half to give them an impressive seven-point lead at half. But all that changed as the Tigers scored 14 unanswered to win the second half and the game.

LSU, you really had me fooled there for a minute. I thought Florida had put you down and USC was finishing you off. But you showed grit and determination. Congratulations on a great victory on the road Saturday night.

My game prediction was USC 27 and LSU 23. However, Miles and Co. won 24-17, thus giving me my only loss for the week.

Game of the Week: Ole Miss vs. Alabama

Ole Miss came to Tuscaloosa looking to upset the Tide. Being the first team to take a lead on Alabama and being the first to score on them in the first quarter were two things in their favor in this endeavor.

Yet it all went south as Bama scored the next 24 points.

Then the Rebels came storming back, starting with a fake field goal in the third quarter. They scored the next 17 points before falling to the Tide 24-20.

Ole Miss did have a drive going late in the fourth before an incomplete pass ended their chances.

At the same time, it left the Tide faithful scratching their heads for a third straight game, wondering what happened at halftime and why the Crimson Tide stumbled to the finish.

My game prediction was 31-13 in favor of the Tide. What seemed to be a blowout in the first half turned into a nail-biter as the actual score was 24-20, with Bama hanging on to win.

My key thoughts for Week Eight were:

1) Can Bama continue its streak of not allowing a first quarter point this season? Answer: no.

2) Can LSU come out with any intensity following the brutal loss to Florida? Answer: yes.

3) Can anyone stomach the State-UT game? Answer: unknown. Anybody here watch the game?

4) Can Auburn manage to embarrass themselves again even in the bye week? Answer: almost a no, but yes during TT’s press conference Monday.

Okay, on to Week Nine...

Week Nine Outlook

South Carolina

This is the only team with the week off. After opening the season with eight straight games, this team deserves a week off.

Their record is 5-3 (2-3). Their coach is probably looking to hit the greens this weekend for a change.

Mississippi State 2-5 (1-3) vs. Middle Tennessee State 2-5 (1-3)

MTSU

Quite frankly, I just don’t watch nor keep up with the Blue Raiders, unless of course they are playing any team of interest, as was the case with their season opener when they played Troy. They lost that matchup but managed to surprise the Maryland Terrapins the following week, 24-14.

MTSU is familiar with SEC football, having played several SEC teams in the past, and having already played one this season, Kentucky, where they lost by six points.

Outside of that, I just don’t know much about them. So to sit here and speculate would be an injustice.

MSU

State has been up and down this season. After pulling off an upset over Vanderbilt two weeks ago, they managed to get crushed by Tennessee this past weekend.

The question on everyone’s mind, at least for those who follow either of these programs, is which team will show up to play this weekend.

State has struggled horribly on the road this season. Luckily for them this game is at home.

This could actually present a good matchup. Just look at the records above. So, I’m taking a shot in the dark here with my...

Game Prediction: MSU 21, MTSU 20

Vanderbilt 5-2 (3-2) vs. Duke 3-3 (1-3)

Indeed, the Geeks shall inherit the turf, particularly this weekend.

Duke

David Cutcliffe, head coach of the Blue Devils, is no stranger to the ways of the SEC, having played for the legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant at Alabama and having coached at Tennessee and Ole Miss.

So far this year the Devils have impressive wins over Navy and Virginia, but have sustained crushing defeats at the hands of Georgia Tech and Miami.

Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt was on top of the world just three short weeks ago, following the College GameDay appearance on campus and the upset of Auburn. Now the ‘Dores have been brought back down to reality following back-to-back losses to Mississippi State and Georgia.

This week will present a real challenge to see if Vanderbilt can bounce back and finish the season on a strong note. The question is whether they have enough left after so many emotional highs to start this season have drained them.

What do I think? I think that the Geeks may need to stick to the roundball, but a good ole gridiron matchup will be not be bad.

Game Prediction: Vandy 24, Duke 14

Ole Miss 3-4 (1-3) vs. Arkansas 3-3 (1-3)

Ole Miss

The Rebels poured it all out onto the field last week. They fought their way back into the Bama game, and with the help of a great fake field goal call in the third, they captured all momentum and had a chance to win in the end.

This is not a bad team by any stretch. They beat a very good Florida team and have gone toe-to-toe with every team they have played this season. They very well could be undefeated. That being said, this team is perhaps the most dangerous in the league, flying under the radar but possessing the ability to beat anyone.

Having experienced an up and down season, this is their week to win again, but will they do it?

Well, this is Nutt’s chance to show the Arkansas faithful what they are missing with him gone. He will pour his heart into this game.

Arkansas

The Hogs have three very close wins this season, a respectable loss, and three losses I wouldn’t wish upon many teams.

It is obvious that anything they can get this year will be a plus as Petrino tries to rebuild and keep respect until he has time to put his plan in place.

Petrino beat the team that almost hired him to be the head coach some seven years ago. That sent a strong message, and I think he prepared well for that game. That’s definitely a plus there.

Can he beat the team that now has the coach whom he replaced? I think he understands how all these scenarios work, but I just don’t think he has enough to beat them yet, not even at home. I just don’t see him having many more “pluses” this weekend, nor do I see many for the remainder of the season.

Game Prediction: Ole Miss 34, Arkansas 17

Auburn 3-3 (1-3) vs. West Virginia 4-2 (2-0)

Auburn

The Tigers have struggled this season, to say the least. Having lost Trey Blackmon for the season during the off week just adds insult to injury, so to speak, considering that the defense is basically their only stronghold left.

Now the Tigers must go on the road to play in a very hostile environment Thursday night. As any fan can tell you, they have not fared well in night games this season. Nor have they fared well with ESPN on the scene.

On a positive note, Auburn has had nearly two weeks to prepare and get things ready.

Can they stop the landslide? Can they find someone to take the reins at the QB spot? Can they run out of Morgantown having stopped the bleeding and halted a three-game skid?

Well, that all depends on...

West Virginia

West Virginia, after dropping two non-conference games early on this season, is back on track to win the Big East and make a run for a BCS spot.

Pat White is back. However, a question of concern is, will he pick right back up where he left off? That will be a key factor in this game, I believe.

I think even more important for the Mountaineers is controlling mistakes and taking advantage of Auburn’s mistakes. That may sound like a no-brainer there, but I think the team that controls the turnover battle and takes advantage of the other team’s mistake will come out on top.

Home field is always a plus, and that makes the difference in this game.

Game Prediction: West Virginia 27, Auburn 17

Kentucky 5-2 (1-2) vs. Florida 5-1 (3-1)

The Wildcats finally put an end to their losing woes last weekend by coming from behind to beat Arkansas by one point. They will have a much more difficult task this weekend as they take on the mighty Gators of Florida.

I think their pass game is their strength. If they can execute early with the short stuff underneath, it might just open up the longer passes. If they falter and fail to get off to a good start, it could be a long day for the ‘Cats.

On the defensive side of the ball, they have to be able to at least slow down Tebow. Stopping him may be an impossible task, but making others make plays is what will give them a chance.

Florida

The Gators have had a long layoff to think about the win over LSU and prep for this one. Perhaps the layoff may have been too long.

What do you do in two weeks following such a huge win? How do you keep the players focused? How do you bring them back down to earth?

These are some tough questions to tackle, and everyone knows about the hangover effect. But what do you do with a hangover and a bye? Wow, you might just go insane thinking about all of that.

Well, I can guess that Urban has them ready and spent plenty of time working on the mistakes that have popped up so far this season.

It might be closer than expected, but not close enough for an upset.

Game Prediction: UF 35, UK 21

Alabama 7-0 (4-0) vs. Tennessee 3-4 (1-3): “Third Saturday in October”

Bama

Alabama puts its perfect record on the line this Saturday night. They had better get used to it—now everyone is gunning for them.

The pressure is definitely on them to show up and perform. So far this season they have played great on the road. Will it continue in Knoxville?

The question surrounding them is their second half woes. They start every game on such a high note. They dominate the first two quarters, but seem to leave it in the locker room. That will come back to bite them, hard, if they don’t fix this soon.

To dispel some of this, Saban allowed some insight as to why this has been the recurring factor in their closer than wanted wins after dominating the first half of games this year.

According to an interview with Saban following last week’s win over Ole Miss, Bama was getting away from the initial game plan at the half, resorting to more conservative play, thus hurting them and getting them out of a rhythm.

What I took from that was that halftime changes were being made, adjustments if you will, when really no adjustments were needed, thus killing the momentum of the offense and giving teams a chance to get back in it.

The defense will be without its great anchor Terrence Cody for this game, as well as the next. That will factor in, no doubt. Will it be enough to make a difference?

Tennessee

Tennessee has been in every game this season, except for the Florida game. They are starting to make a little noise following a great win over Mississippi State last week. Will that gained momentum continue this week?

Fulmer and the Vols have their backs against the wall here, almost like a wounded animal. That could be very dangerous for any team they face, especially for Alabama in a rivalry game that Fulmer is so very familiar with.

I think he brings his best this week, but will it be enough to upset the Tide? Many people think so. They think this is the week for the Tide to fall.

Well, with the adjustments made by both teams in respect to their ailments, I think...

Game Prediction: Bama 37, UT 17

Game of the Week: UGA 6-1 (3-1) vs. LSU 6-1 (3-1)

UGA

The Dawgs have turned things around since the first half of the Bama game. I think anyone who has followed them would agree. In fact, I have heard that statement made several times in the past couple of weeks.

Georgia is a well-balanced team. When clicking on all cylinders they can be as lethal as any in the country.

If Richt can have them ready, I think they will show up and show out. He has lost too many big games that have decided the fate of his Georgia teams. With it all on the line he has to win to keep pace with Florida.

LSU

LSU managed to surprise me last week, coming back with intensity on the road after getting crushed by Florida the week earlier.

That being said, I have learned one thing: Don’t count Miles out of any game, ever. He apparently has a way with swaying and motivating his teams to play and overcome adverse situations.

On the road, down, and about to be two back in the SEC West, the Tigers did what they had to do to win it, much like last season’s championship run. It’s never really fancy, just getting the W’s on the board. I think any true fan will take that any day. I know Justin Goar would agree with me on that one.

What I don’t think he will agree with me on is the fact that I feel I must count Miles out of this one, after learning not to count him out.

Game Prediction: UGA 23, LSU 20

SEC Football Weekly Rundown: Ole Miss-Bama look to Collide Following Bye Week

Tim Croley — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 06:30:59 -0400

Well, I knew this would happen.

I knew there would come a week when my luck at picking the SEC games would turn south.

This was that week. I could almost see it coming, and, sure enough, my record for the week was a dismal 2-3.

That almost sounds like an Auburn football score or something, but anyway…

My overall record for the season is 26-5, let’s see if I can improve upon that in week eight.

Week Seven Recap

Bama/Ole Miss

The only two teams in the SEC not playing in week seven had the week off to prepare for a showdown with each other in Tuscaloosa this weekend.

CBS has jumped on this game, and both sides are excited to be playing football again this week. Man has it been a long layoff!

So, as I expected, lots of college football fans are starting to like the Rebels in this one, seeing as to how they upset Florida just three weeks ago.

I’m not going to give anything away yet, so see below for more on this action, in this week’s outlook.

Arkansas vs. Auburn

Surely this game was a surprise to most.

Arkansas was unable to get anything going in the three previous weeks against Bama, Texas, and Florida.

Auburn has a solid defense, and was playing at home, so you would think a road game for Arkansas was just too much.

Well, what proved to be too much was Auburn’s loss to Vandy and the fact that they have been unable to get any consistency with their offense.

You have to think that Tony Franklin was getting a few laughs in Saturday night, knowing that he had nothing to do with the offense and yet Auburn continued to struggle.

Tuberville said it right in his weekly news conference last Tuesday that making major changes mid-season would be a major disaster.

After removing offensive coordinator Tony Franklin just days before facing perhaps the worst team in the SEC, that disaster did indeed hit.

I had predicted Auburn to win 20-9, but Arkansas pulled off the upset at Jordan-Hare 25-22.

Mississippi State vs. Vanderbilt

I had been on this Vandy wagon since they upset Miami (OH) in the first game of the season. Then after watching them come from behind to beat Spurrier and the Gamecocks for the second straight year, I knew something good was happening in Nashville.

A win over Auburn in front of ESPN’s College GameDay and national television only further prompted to wagon to fill up.

I think the wheels might have rolled off this past weekend when they allowed the Bulldogs of Mississippi State to bite them hard!

They got down and a tough State defense kept them on the ground. Very impressive, Coach Croom.

I had predicted a Vandy win to vault them into the top ten, by a score of 20-6, but the Bulldogs feasted on a much-needed win by defeating Vandy 17-14.

South Carolina vs. Kentucky

Quarterback controversy settled. Quarterback controversy open again.

Quarterback controversy settled. Quarterback controversy open again

Back-and-forth it has gone for the Gamecocks, but as long as Carolina is winning, I’m sure Spurrier doesn’t really care who is manning this ship.

I thought Kentucky would come out and perform this week following a close loss to Alabama the week before. But, like my first two picks this week, number three was also wrong.

I had the ‘Cats winning by a score of 21-18, but Carolina had an impressive 24-17 victory, with Spurrier improving to 16-0 lifetime against Kentucky.

Tennessee vs. Georgia

So, 0-3 to start the week had me a little down, but nothing a Tennessee loss to UGA couldn’t fix.

If UT pulled this one out, I would have to give up picking, at least for this season. This is the worst Vols team I have ever seen.

UGA did win, and on top of that, I had the score almost dead on.

The predicted score was UGA winning 28-13, when in fact they won 26-14. My best game of the week by far!

Game of the Week – LSU vs. Florida

I had a feeling LSU would give up too many big plays. I just had no idea Florida would execute so well and produce as many big plays as they did.

This one was not even close, unlike the prediction so many had given, including myself.

Florida was on a mission, and LSU was put into submission. Enough said.

LSU needs to regroup fast. Another road game this week against a fast rising Carolina team could spell trouble for LSU.

Florida, on the other hand, now has a bye week to rest before the last slate of games is presented.

My game prediction was a Florida win, by two points, 24-22. However, Florida laid the wood to LSU, giving Les Miles his worst loss as LSU head coach, by a final of 51-21.

Wow, 30 points! Now, who would have ever picked that margin of victory?

Okay, so now on to…

Week Eight Outlook

Auburn

The Plainsmen get the week off this week. Hopefully, Tuberville will get this train back on track.

Back-to-back road games, starting with a trip up to Morgantown next week could be a lot for this team to take on considering the struggles thus far in the season.

Florida

This team came out of the gates swinging against LSU. Now they can rest easy for a week before taking on Kentucky in the swamp next Saturday.

That, my friend, will be a teaser before the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party begins.

Mississippi State vs. Tennessee

Mississippi State

Let me go ahead and get this one out of the way while I am feeling up to stomaching it.

State managed to pull off a huge upset over Vanderbilt last week. That should give the Bulldogs some much needed confidence and hope before heading to Knoxville.

The thing that stands out to me is this: State has not won on the road this season, which includes a loss to Louisiana Tech and LSU.

The question is whether their defense can remain strong on the road as they have been at home.

Tennessee

The Vols have struggled like no one’s business.

I mean, even State has a SEC win this year, while the Vols are looking to become Ole Miss’ replacement as the cellar dweller with no SEC wins.

Has anyone actually considered Fulmer being gone yet? Things are quiet around here, but that may have much to do with Auburn’s current situation and the buzz surrounding that whole ordeal.

The only way I see Fulmer making it out alive would be to win out, starting this week with Mississippi State.

At home, I can envision a Volunteers win, thus prompting that win out scenario, but we will just have to wait until next week to reevaluate those possibilities.

So for now…

Game Prediction:

UT 13

State 12

Arkansas vs. Kentucky

Arkansas

The Hogs went on the road and won their first SEC game of the year, and the first SEC win of Petrino’s career. Congratulations. That’s something for Arkansas to celebrate.

They actually broke 20 points against a talented defense. Again, worthy of praise, Mr. Hog.

The disappointing news coming form all of this is that Auburn is suffering perhaps its worst season under the Tuberville reign. And the toil on the team has apparently moving over to the defensive side of the ball now.

So, while Arkansas has some momentum heading up to Lexington, I don’t think it’s worthy of considering a complete 180 for the Hogs.

Kentucky

After starting the season 4-0, the Wildcats suffered a close defeat to Alabama two weeks ago. I for one thought that would be a learning situation and motivation for the Cats to beat Spurrier.

That was not the case as Kentucky has now lost two straight and is 0-2 in SEC play.

Can they make things right by beating a limping Razorbacks team at home this week?

I think they can!

Game Prediction:

Kentucky 30

Arkansas 17

Vanderbilt vs. UGA

Vandy

This year’s Cinderella has finally seen the clock strike midnight.

Nevertheless, hope has not been diminished yet. The season is long, and dreams may still come true if tough football can be played from Bobby Johnson’s Commodores.

I see good things in the future of the Commodore football team, it just may not come this weekend as they travel to Athens.

UGA

Georgia seems to be back on track now. The only thing that could put them in jeopardy this week would be looking ahead to the trip down to Baton Rouge.

I don’t think Mark Richt will allow his team to lose focus again. I think he knows how well some teams are starting to play, and two losses would be hard to overcome in getting to the championship game.

UGA plays hard this week, and in a workmanship manner, they simply run the ball down Vanderbilt’s throat.

Game Prediction

UGA 31

Vandy 14

LSU vs. USC

LSU

The Bayou Bengals suffered their first loss of the ’08 season in perhaps the worst way possible.

Two things I would take from this game if I were a Tigers fan:

1) Being exposed is bad, but being exposed in virtually every area could be good news rather than bad. You may be thinking I am outside my own mind. But allow me to explain.

Now you know everything that is wrong. Just go fix it, and know that you will be back to playing good football again.

Having every weakness exposed is like having a tune-up on your car. You now can fix all the problems and be running like new again. So, go fix it. And…

2) Remember that with two losses, two SEC losses, you managed to fight your way into the SEC Championship game and then go on to win the National Title as well. So, chin up.

South Carolina

The Gamecocks came ready to play last week and are now looking for a fifth straight win. Don’t forget either that this is the same team that was very close to pulling off a huge upset of UGA in week three.

I think Spurrier has seen his better coaching days, but I also think he has seen worse days as well. While the offense has struggled, the defensive side of Carolina is for real!

Taking on LSU this week is a huge task. Having them at home is a huge pressure release.

With Carolina clicking now, and LSU trying to get that “car out of the shop”, I just think the Tigers have too many weak points to fix in such a short time, especially having to go on the road this week again.

Spurrier will utilize everything from the Florida win to his advantage.

Game Prediction

USC 27

LSU 23

Game of the Week: Ole Miss vs. Alabama

Ole Miss

The Rebel nation has been on a rollercoaster of a ride this year, wining and losing back and forth for a 3-3 record.

They have already surpassed last year’s SEC win total, which didn’t take a lot, but the mentality of having to deal with that pressure was immense, but is now gone.

They have some real athletes, and I for one don’t think they are intimidated by any team, they just may not be up to speed yet with other caliber team.

Rest assured though, Houston Nutt will get this team up to speed in the SEC soon.

They managed to beat Florida in the Swamp earlier this season. Can Nutt and the bunch work their magic once again on the road as they travel to T-Town?

Alabama

The Tide should be rested, and what few injuries they have had in the first half of the season should be mended.

This team has to be one of the bigger surprises of the season so far, now that a few former undefeated teams have suffered defeats.

The youth of this team is evident, which makes some of the wins, and ways in which they won, an even bigger surprise.

However, the front lines, experienced on both sides of the ball, have been the difference makers in this season. This has allowed younger, more inexperienced guys to step up and make plays.

Perhaps the week off has settled some of the anxious feelings spawned early on, thus giving more focus to this team finishing the season just as they have started.

On the other side of things, the week off could prove to have the Tide out of rhythm, looking ahead to the rivalry game with Tennessee next week, and thus presenting a Rebels team ready to knock them off their pedestal as the nation’s number two team.

We will see which holds true Saturday afternoon, but I’ll stick with my guns and choose the former, believing Bama will be focused this weekend.

Game Prediction: Bama 31 Ole Miss 13

*Key things to look for in week eight:

1) Can Bama continue its streak of not allowing a first quarter point this season?

2) Can LSU come out with any intensity following the brutal loss to Florida?

3) Can anyone stomach the State-UT game?

4) Can Auburn manage to embarrass themselves again even in the bye week?

SEC Football Weekly Rundown: Tigers-Gators in the Swamp Highlights Week Seven

Tim Croley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 09:41:01 -0400

Guess who’s back?

I’m here for Week Six recaps and Week Seven outlooks from around the SEC gridiron.

I dropped another game last week, with South Carolina pulling it off in Oxford. That brings my record of picking SEC games in the past four weeks to 24-2. Not too bad if I do say so myself, including a few upset picks in Bama over UGA and Vandy over Auburn.

Week Six Recap

Week Six proved to be another wild and crazy weekend.

There were not as many upsets, but things were still shuffled enough to bring some interesting highlights.

UGA

The Bulldogs got a much deserved week off to regroup after the Alabama game.

I think Richt will have these Dawgs ready to take a bite out of UT’s poor Ol’ Smokey.

LSU

A week off helped them make it out of September still unblemished. The question is whether or not they can maintain that unbeaten streak as they travel to the Swamp and look to make it two straight over Urban and the Gators.

Mississippi State

Did you rest well? Good. You won’t have any breaks coming up in the next four weeks, starting with a solid Vanderbilt squad.

Tennessee vs. Northern Illinois

I expected an ugly, close win for the Vols, and that’s exactly what they got. I didn’t watch the game, and don’t think many outside of Neyland did either, but I heard Tennessee almost slipped up at the end. Hey, I told you the Huskies would come to play.

The game prediction was UT 21 and UNI 20. The actual score was 13 to 9 in favor of the Vols.

Florida vs. Arkansas

I thought Arkansas would bring more, but apparently there is just no gas left in the tank.

My only disappointment with the game was Florida not cracking 40 points. I thought they would surely do that.

Either way, I predicted the Gators to win by 24 points, 44-20. However, they got it done by 31, with a final score of 38-7.

South Carolina vs. Ole Miss

After securing a solid win over the Gators in the Swamp, the Rebels came out on the short end of things Saturday night at home.

This proved to be an exciting game as Spurrier worked his magic and beat Houston and Nutt and Ole Miss 31-24. I had predicted a 28-13 win by the Rebels. Maybe I should have reversed that “1” and “3” for Carolina.

Kentucky vs. Alabama

I had a pretty good idea that Bama would give up 14 to the Wildcats. What I didn’t know was that Bama would fumble away and botch, literally, opportunities to score for themselves. That really hurt my game prediction, considering they could have had 13 more points.

My prediction was a 34-14 win for the Tide. They won 17-14.

Bama moved on to 6-0 (3-0) and the ‘Cats dropped to 4-1 (0-1).

Game of the Week: Auburn vs. Vanderbilt

I had a feeling Vandy would come out and play and that Auburn would waste away more opportunities this season. My predictions did not disappoint.

Vandy took full advantage of every opportunity and mistake Auburn made. It turned out to be a great game down to the very end.

All along I had predicted a one-point game in Vandy’s favor, simply because they were at home and Auburn has struggled with most games this year. The final score was 14-13, when I had predicted a score of 17-16, perhaps my best prediction of the season.

Okay, now on to Week Seven action!

Alabama

Alabama has exceeded expectations of almost every logical thinking fan in the nation.

This week off will be great to regroup and refocus on finishing what was started. Undefeated after six games is great, but focus needs to be at directing full devotion to each game, taking them one at a time. That will begin by resting up this week. It’s a long season yet.

Ole Miss

Coincidentally, the Rebels of Ole Miss have the week off as well before the showdown with the Tide.

Also of coincidence, the boys from Oxford have surpassed many expectations as well, especially with the huge win over Florida. A 3-3 record (1-2) is already looking better than last season’s dismal performance.

Rest up Rebels—you’ll be facing the nation’s No. 2 team next week.

Arkansas vs. Auburn

Arkansas

The Hogs need something to stop the bleeding, bad!

There were times last week that Arkansas actually looked like they were getting some things straight, but then Florida struck like lightning.

The Hog defense is awful. What can be done to help this team overcome some issues that have mounted both in play as well as in mental aspects of the game?

They have allowed 138 points in the last three games while only putting up 31 points in those three games. So, when you think about it, they have averaged just a bit over 10 points per game in those three big contests. Considering their competition this week, you might think that will be enough to at least compete.

What better way to help the morale than bring in a dismal offense in the form of Auburn?

Auburn

Less than 24 hours after Tommy Tuberville spoke in his weekly press conference and told the Tiger nation that firing someone in midseason would be nothing short of a major disaster, that disaster has indeed struck!

What will become of this ‘08 Tiger team?

Everyone had such high expectations following last season’s bowl win over Clemson under the direction of the Tony Franklin spread offense. Now it appears they are heading back to square one and will simply pound it out in a physical, Tuberville hands-on approach.

More questions surround this team’s identity and direction than the direction of the nation’s economy. Wow!

Even though Auburn is struggling, Tuberville will not allow Petrino to come home to steal the show and add further distraction to this team.

Game Prediction: Auburn 20, Arkansas 9

Mississippi State vs. Vanderbilt

State

The Bulldogs are pretty bad.

Croom has his hands full in trying to win another game this season, considering the schedule that lies ahead. He may pull one out against either Middle Tennessee or Arkansas, but he won’t beat this Commodore bunch.

Vandy

Vanderbilt pulled off the biggest upset in their team’s history. The question on everyone’s mind is whether or not they can keep up their intensity. It is a long season yet, but they can get over the halfway hump this week and move to 6-0 with a win.

Game Prediction: Vanderbilt 20, State 6

South Carolina vs. Kentucky

South Carolina

The Gamecocks managed to upset the Rebels last week. Now they finally have that SEC win under their belt and that monkey off their back.

The quarterback controversy seems to have settled. A good sign of improvement is evident.

The Gamecocks are almost to the end of a brutal eight-game stretch to open the season. I for one believe a win over Kentucky could be the biggest win they could hope for in vaulting them to a good finish this season. However, a loss might do them in for good in ‘08.

Kentucky

The Wildcats put up a good battle in Tuscaloosa last week, but the streak of never winning against Alabama away from home continues to be the story of that series.

I am impressed with what they have done this season.

Sure, they have played some less than average teams, but they have been consistent in many areas.

Their offense is not as good as last year’s, but it isn’t any slouch either. Add in a solid defense, and you have a team that will contend with a lot of really good teams.

Game Prediction: UK 21, USC 18

Tennessee vs. Georgia

Tennessee

This is the worst Volunteer team I can ever remember seeing. However, they always seem to play Georgia tough, so this game could be interesting, but I think it ultimately will not be.

That being said, there are two things that come to mind:

1) There is not much left to say about this team that hasn’t already been said. They're not good, at all. And...

2) This team could be dangerous, kind of like a wounded animal, never knowing what will happen.

UGA

Georgia has had the week off to lick their wounds following the Alabama game. If they want any hope of making it to Atlanta, it starts with doing things right this weekend, as they enter their toughest stretch of the year, having to face Vandy, LSU, and Florida in the next three weeks.

I don’t see Richt letting this one get away, though it could be closer than some want to think.

Game Prediction: UGA 28, UT 13

Game of the Week: LSU vs. Florida

LSU

I have seen this LSU team play in person once this season. I was impressed with their depth, but I was unimpressed with their intensity at times, particularly to start the game.

I was impressed with their smart play, but I was unimpressed with the way they gave up way too many big plays that should have never happened.

They are the defending champions, which could put a lot of pressure on them to keep the wins coming.

Florida

Florida has already tasted the agony of defeat this season. Their response to it is yet to be determined, having only faced the miserable Arkansas Razorbacks.

Tebow has seemed to be their only option on offense much of this season, which helps defenses focus and shut down the Gator attack.

Percy Harvin needs to help, but so do other players, whoever they are on the offensive side of the ball.

Well, I couldn’t imagine the Gators losing two in a row at home, nor to the Tiger team that edged them out last year.

I think these are two evenly matched teams in a lot more ways than people realize.

In Baton Rouge I give this one to LSU, but in the Swamp I have to give the edge to...

Game Prediction: UF 24, LSU 22

SEC Football Weekly Rundown: Week Six Displays UK vs. Bama and Auburn vs. Vandy

Tim Croley — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 05:14:59 -0400

Week five proved to be crazy in college football – everywhere!

Teams were dropping faster than the stock market.

I, like most things in this country right now, also took a turn for the worse after being unblemished in my first two weeks. Lucky for me it was just one loss.

But hey, who would have ever thought the Rebels would have shocked the Gators, in the Swamp? I guess I should have looked a little closer at the history of this game.

So, entering week six, my third week at recapping and predicting the games, I have suffered a single blow to the hands of Houston Nutt and the Ole Miss Rebels. Enough with all of that though, let’s get straight to the action.

Week Five Recap

Vanderbilt

You have to give credit where credit is due. The ‘Dores got the week off after opening the season 4-0. They play host to Auburn this week, as well as ESPN's College GameDay. Look for this game to produce some attention!

Arkansas

If I have ever dropped the ball on a B/R article it was here, having Arkansas listed as having the week off. It seems I had forgotten all about that whole Ike, Texas game cancelation, rescheduled for last week ordeal. Oh well, I don’t think anyone had them even coming close to winning.

Poor Arkansas. They are now officially the bottom dweller of the SEC, and college football in the south!

Kentucky

Eventually I will get this right.

I also had the ‘Cats down as playing host to Temple, when in fact they were hosting Western Kentucky.

That is my second writing blunder of the week with this article, but hopefully that is behind me now. I have double-checked and finally have a reliable SEC schedule. Besides that, I think I know who Kentucky is really playing this Saturday.

Either way they secured the win last week and look to do the same again this week as they head into Tuscaoloosa at 4-0.

I had them down to win 44-9 over Temple, when in fact they won 41-3 over Western Kentucky.

South Carolina

The Gamecocks are doing just enough to hang on to the Poinsettia Bowl hopes, BabyTate. Anymore poor performances out of Spurrier's crew and they can go ahead and punch their ticket to the Toilet Bowl!

Did anyone even watch this game?

Considering it was not on television, I guess only die hard Gamecock fans were the only ones to endure this one.

I had South Carolina down to win 24-10. They won an ugly one, 26-13. Only a one-point difference in my predicted spread.

Ole Miss

Give them credit. The Rebels played ball Saturday afternoon. Who would have thought that would have happened.

Well, I can bet there is someone out there who saw this one coming. I just don’t personally know anyone who did.

After dropping the two of the first four games to Wake and Vandy, I thought Ole Miss was done for the year, having all the air taken out of their sail. I was wrong. They are starting to play some ball.

History has proven that Ole Miss has Florida’s number. Saturday was no different.

Florida

What can I say to you Florida fans?

You beat down Fulmer and the Vols, and then you let the Rebels pull off one of the biggest upsets of the year.

Why not try the field goal. I mean, I don’t know who your kicker is, but apparently Urban has no faith in him.

Plus, when your Heisman quarterback has to come out and apologize after the game that says one thing to me: The Gators did not prepare!

Enough said with this one. I got my first loss of the season and am having to eat a little humble pie myself with this one, Gray Ghost. The prediction was 40-14 in favor of the Gators, but the Rebels pulled it off 31-30.

Mississippi State/LSU

This Mississippi State team is so bad I’m not even going to waste my time.

But wait, didn’t they play LSU tough? No. Not really.

I may be wrong, but I believe LSU had a let-down game after that big win over Auburn. At least I hope that’s what it was for LSU’s sake.

LSU, this was a wake-up call. This one was closer than expected. Now it is time to turn on the burners you Bayou Bengals.

The prediction was a 26 point spread, 32-6, in LSU’s favor, but the actual score was a little closer with LSU still taking the game 34-24.

Tennessee/Auburn

This one falls into the same category as the LSU and State game. Not much to bring up here.

Tennessee is too bad to even bother mentioning.

Auburn, if you don’t play better on offense you will be in the same boat with the Vols and the Bulldogs from Mississippi. You are lucky Tennessee gave you an early Christmas gift in their own end zone.

Tennessee lost, as expected, by a score of 14-12. I thought Auburn’s defense would score twice. I was wrong with my 23-10 spread. Still I got the winner right.

UGA

The blackout backfired, sorry. Well, I’m not that sorry. My team did win. Anyway….

Georgia really does have a good team. I think they just got lost in all of the hype. I have a feeling the black jersey’s will be put to the back of the locker room and stored away for a while.

Don’t fret though, Mr. Dawg, you still have hopes. Florida lost on Saturday as well and if you win out, you will still go to play for the SEC Championship at season’s end.

Alabama

What can I say that you haven’t seen on the field already?

You did it. You surpassed in one single night the expectations that most had for you for the season. Now the heat is on! The entire country is looking to you, waiting for you to fumble the season away.

Remember this: no one expected you to be here, so, whatever you get this year is just extra. Go out and play lights out and you’ll be just fine.

The prediction was Bama by four points, 27-23. They showed up and showed out, jumping to a 31-0 halftime lead before taking it home 41-30.

Wow, it’s going to be hard to follow all of that excitement this week, but here goes…

Week Six Games

UGA

The Dawgs will have the week off to lick their wounds following the black eye - I mean the blackout. This should give them plenty of time to prepare for a game of revenge over Fulmer and the Vols. Sick ‘em Dawgs!!

As a side note, I have heard many people say that LSU is no longer the worst school to visit in the SEC. Apparently many students at the university were noted by some prominent sports writers, broadcasters, etc., as having thrown beer at them, poured beer on top of them, and other lewd acts during the broadcast of their respective shows. In fact, one in particular said that he would personally replace the branding that has been placed on LSU’s fan base and now place it on UGA.

Personally, I hate that this has happened. I hate that any SEC school would be thought of in this way. I have always had respect for Georgia and their fans. I still do, but it makes me sad that this would take place.

I know that college kids will do stupid things sometimes, but when more you have several sportswriters come on the air Monday and all report the same thing having personally happened to them, you know it was not some isolate incident. UGA students/fans, you are classier than that!

LSU

Coming out of September flawless in the SEC is beginning to mean more and more as these teams are as competitive as ever. LSU, my hat’s off to you.

You endured a hurricane, had a long layoff between games, went on the road to win your SEC opener, and now you get some much deserved rest before traveling to the swamp next Saturday.

Enjoy it while you can. Your about to face your toughest stretch of the year, playing three of the conference’s best in a five week period.

Mississippi State

Where did you go Mr. Bulldog? After a surprising 2007 season, the “Fighting Crooms” are looking more like the dog I saw laying on the side of the road the other day!

Where is the intensity? Where is the passion?

I know LSU blew you out in last year’s opener, but you fought back. You made a respectable season out of it. You beat both teams from the state of Alabama.

Now, I’m not sure if you could beat Alabama State!

Rest up, ole boy, four more losses, I mean games, before you get another rest.

Northern Illinois vs. Tennessee

I’ll go ahead and get this one out of the way.

Tennessee

While I don’t know much about this Northern Illinois team, I do know this. I witnessed in person them upsetting my Crimson Tide in 2003.

This Husky team is not going to come in and roll over. They will fight.

The question is, will UT fight as well?

If the last two games are any indication of what this Vols team has left in the tank, I’d say they are running on less than a quarter tank and there is still about 500 miles to go before the season is over.

Tennessee does have the longest consecutive game stretch of any SEC team, as they are in the midst of nine straight, which includes six of their eight conference games.

They’ll make it past this road bump in the form of Northern Illinois, but the next four games could be brutal!

Game Prediction: UT 21 UNI 20

Florida vs. Arkansas

Arkansas

You know what your problem is? Well, I would tell you but I don’t think I have the time. I’ll just narrow it down to these two: your offense and your defense.

I think your special team squad is okay. It could probably hang with some in the country.

And hey, Mr. C. Dick, you are a pretty good quarterback. Too bad you don’t have a team to go along with it.

You were supposed to get the week off before hosting the Gators, but Ike had different plans for you.

After being outscored 101- 24 in the past two games, I think you are beyond embarrassing. I just hate it for you that Florida lost last week. You might just see 40-plus hung on you for a third straight week.

Florida

Gator nation, don’t give up hope yet. UGA got thumped Saturday night, so your woes from earlier that day should have been soothed somewhat.

You still have hopes for making it to the ATL in December.

You still have the Heisman Trophy winner.

You still have as much if not more than most teams in this country.

What I don’t know if you have or not is the will to fight back to the top.

Go out and rear your ugly head this week as you chomp down on some tasty ribs, sausage, and bacon! That’s all it will take to boast you back up.

Game Prediction: Gators 44 Hogs 20

South Carolina vs. Ole Miss

South Carolina

The Gamecocks managed to come away with a 3-2 September record. The bad thing is that both losses were at the hands of SEC foes, thus plummeting them to the bottom of the SEC title race.

On a positive note, you played hard against two of the best teams in the East right now, UGA and Vandy. Wow, I can’t believe Vandy is leading the SEC East!

Anyway, you were able to scrap away and win the last two games. Traveling to Ole Miss this week will require a bit more scrapping.

Ole Miss

The Rebels are on an emotional high after upsetting the Gators in Gainesville.

Houston Nutt got his first Mississippi Gatorade bath. Fitting, considering the University of Florida is the birthplace of Gatorade.

Two things stood out to me that the Rebels can take with them to make a run at having a good season:

1) They faced adversity in a big way, but simply outplayed Florida’s offense. They controlled that line and held Tebow in check. It wasn’t even close on that last desperation plow on fourth and inches.

2) They got the monkey off their backs by finally winning an SEC game. Now, that the pressure is off, just go out there and play ball.

Just don’t let that Sports Illustrated curse get to you!

How does two SEC victories in a row sound Rebel nation?

Game Prediction: Ole Miss 28 South Carolina 13

Kentucky vs. Alabama

Kentucky

Okay, so Kentucky comes in this game undefeated. They are flying high right now. But can they keep it up?

Their level of competition has not been the greatest, but still they are undefeated. That’s more than a few others who expected to win it all this year can say going into month two of the season.

Kentucky comes to town with the best scoring defense in the nation, giving up a mere 5.5 points per game. That is pretty impressive.

So, this may be an interesting game, to see how Kentuckyhandles Bama’s tough rushing attack, and how Bama scores against this stingy defense.

Alabama

Has any team been more impressive this season?

Who else has beaten two top-ten teams, convincingly, as underdogs???

Nevertheless, who else is due for the biggest let down of all the college football teams in the country?

Two things to remember:

1) This Kentucky team is not the same Andre Woodson-led team that stunned LSU last year, in Lexington.

2) This Bama team is not the same that lost to LAMO last year either.

Bama may come in a little down, but trust me, they will get the job done. They can see the gold at the end of the rainbow. They know what lies ahead and that they hold destiny in their own hands.

Bama has dominated this series with an all-time record of 33-2-1, including an 8-0 record in Tuscaloosa. Yeah, expect a let down, for about the first two minutes of the game.

Game Prediction: Alabama 34 Kentucky 14 – Question: When was the last time both teams faced each other undefeated? Has it ever happened?

Game of the Week – Auburn vs. Vanderbilt

Auburn

The offense is struggling. That’s no surprise.

Many fans want Kodi Burns to take over and run things under center. That is no surprise either.

The defense has held this team together so far this year. Again, no surprise.

If Auburn is going to win on the road their defense must step up once again and bail out the terrible offense. You guessed it, no surprise!

Ready for the surprise? Here it is…

Vanderbilt

Yep, that’s right. Vanderbilt could be the surprise team of the SEC this year, more so than Alabama.

Wow, this season has had some crazy turns so far, and the ‘Dores are right there in the mix.

Vanderbilt is the number one team in the SEC East, and they have been playing just smart, tough football.

Bobby Johnson is getting overlooked for what he has done in the Music City, and Commodore players are really smart, really.

The telling lines of this game will be whether they can refrain from turning the ball over against Auburn’s defense and take advantage of a woeful Tiger spread with their own defense. If so, then they will play the spoiler of the week and move to 5-0.

I believe their defense will get it done this week against a less than stellar Auburn spread, but can their offense play smart enough against a great Tiger defense?

College Game Day is in town, solid SEC defenses will once again be on stage, and the spirits are flying high…well, at least for one team.

Hey Auburn, Vanderbilt is better than Mississippi State, in my opinion; therefore, they get it done at home in a thriller.

Game Prediction: Vanderbilt 17 Auburn 16

LSU-Auburn Recap: An Outsider's View

Tim Croley — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 09:06:09 -0400

An outsider’s perspective is always a good thing, right? It allows for an unbiased view as to how successful or unsuccessful a particular operation or scheme or project may be.

Now, most would argue that an Alabama fan taking in the Auburn-LSU game is not very unbiased. Some would even argue that it is like enemy troops coming into camp to spy things out.

Oh, on the contraire my friend. I had no dog in the fight.

Because I was with a friend who is an Auburn fan, I chose to remain neutral and take in the game in its entirety, with no emotion for either side. I wondered how this would happen as the time drew near but was surprised as to how unemotional I was for each side.

I simply wanted to see a great football game—and let me tell you, I was not disappointed.

Pregame

Upon entering campus, several things jumped out at me.

First, although I had been on campus twice before, this was the first game day experience, so I could actually get a real feel for it for the first time. It was different.

Maybe I wasn’t used to the way everything was laid out. You see, in T-Town I walk down the streets and see houses leading all the way up to the stadium. There are stores pretty close to the stadium. And who could overlook Greenwood Cemetery, a site you can actually see from the upper deck levels of Bryant-Denny?

The whole scenery was just different.

Second, fans from many different schools were there. Most notably were the Tide fans present. Even though I am one, I had better sense than to walk down the streets of Auburn in my crimson shirt Saturday night, yet there were about 10 of them hanging around campus. I’m not sure if that was boastfulness from the big win earlier that afternoon or just plain stupidity.

Well, they weren’t the only ones. UGA faithful were in full force too, with a couple of fans hanging around. I believe I saw one other, but can’t remember off the top of my head right now which fan it was. Nevertheless, it was crazy.

One car in particular was sporting a Georgia tag, Auburn flag, Bama flag, and UGA flag. Is that even possible? “Wow” was my only reaction.

Third, the pregame festivities are different. It seemed really random at some points in the afternoon, but overall everyone was just taking it easy, I suppose, having the lay-off in between GameDay and Tiger Walk.

Tiger Walk was pretty good, I’ll admit. Nothing great about it, but just a tradition that allows you to slap hand with every player on the team, and even Tubs himself, which I did. Yes, I said it. I slapped hands with Tuberville.

My friend asked if I would ever wash that hand again. I said, “No, I’m probably gonna cut it off and burn it.”

Well, it was all in good fun. I almost said “Roll Tide” when I did it. But hey, I like my body intact the way it is. Plus, there again you have that “troops in the enemy camps” feeling going on. It was kind of like giving Auburn the black mark before the game.

Other teams have their walk. The Walk of Champions at Tide games doesn’t have gates to keep fans back, but you also can’t get as close to the players. That may not be a bad thing, to be honest. I mean, can you imagine how long it would take Saban and the players to get in the stadium?

I’m not exaggerating—Bama’s walk has had a lot more people lined up for it than I saw at Auburn’s. Most fans were still hanging out watching the widescreens and cooking burgers while all of this was going on. They were not ready, I guess, to come out and cheer on their team yet. Oh well, they made up for it inside the stadium.

Ticket sales continued until we went in, an hour and a half before kickoff. They were going for as much as $500 a pair that soon before the game. That didn’t surprise me. It was, after all, the game of the week.

These are just a few of the pregame activities. On a scale of one to 10, I’d give it a seven.

Game Time

Inside the stadium didn’t feel quite as big as others I have been to. I know they seat only about 5,000 less than Bryant-Denny, but it felt a lot smaller. That could have an impact on the noise level, because it got loud! As loud as any game I’ve ever been to, and it was loud from start to finish.

The noise also might have something to do with the layout of the stadium being different. Either way, the stadium filled quickly, yet few took their seats.

We had seats in the end zone opposite the jumbo screen. They were 18 rows from the field. They were not low enough to miss anything and just high enough to see it all. I guess it helps to have family ties to get such great seats.

The intro to the game with the band and dancers marching around the field was good college football fun, as was Nova, the eagle of choice to fly around before kickoff. That is a unique part of Auburn’s football history. I’m just surprised some hunter from the stands doesn’t shoot it down some day. Anyway...

The game started slow. Then the bafflement of Auburn’s play call and decision-making set in.

In the first quarter Tubs called for time to ice the LSU kicker on a field goal attempt. I guess after the MSU game he was afraid of any points going up by the opposition. But hey, Tubs! This is the first quarter! If you are that scared of your offense then you need to go back home. Have some confidence in your Tigers, Ears.

LSU’s field goal was their lone score of the first half—unless you give them credit for the INT gift they gave away just before half.

It looked like Auburn had things in hand. I felt confident the game was far from over but still thought Auburn would hold LSU’s woeful first half offense to little or no points in half number two. But then all doubt was removed, and I began to realize that LSU had a chance.

This took place as I was taking care of some business at halftime. The guy at the urinal next to me, an Auburn fan, was talking to the guy on the other side of him. His words were something to the tune of, "We're gonna be all right. We are gonna get things going. We're gonna be all right. We just got to...well...well, you know. It's gonna be all right."

The second half for Auburn went as shaky as the tone in that guy's voice!

LSU looked to be finished when Andrew Hatch went stumbling to the sidelines. Auburn’s defense was looking pretty strong.

But then came in Jarrett Lee. And who, honestly now, would have thought he was going to lead them back? Hands, anyone?

This kid deserves all the credit for keeping his composure. He got hit, and hit hard! He went down but got right back up.

LSU showed grit and determination. Auburn, on the other hand, showed a lack of depth. They looked tired toward the end of the game, especially the defense on LSU’s touchdown winning drive.

A busted play that I think Auburn got lucky on was the only thing that kept them in it. That long pass got them within range to put up another touchdown. That busted play showed a weak spot for LSU as well.

LSU is a pretty good team, possibly great, but we’ll see about all of that on Oct. 11.

Overall, the game would receive a grade of an A-. LSU and Auburn both showed some weak spots but ultimately were pretty competitive and put on a great college football performance.

The puzzling thing is that as improved as Auburn did look against the defending national champions, people are still calling for Franklin and Tuberville’s heads. Why? LSU was predicted to win by what, three points? They won by five. Why is that such a surprise to Auburn fans?

I guess what really crawls the Auburn fans are two plays in particular. First, the play action pass on fourth down that was intercepted. Why not at least attempt a field goal at that point? Hey, remember Tubs, that’s how you beat Florida last year.

Auburn was up at that point and could have possibly put LSU out of it. But instead Auburn threw an interception down around the five-yard line or so.

Auburn fans said that was as good as a punt to pin them deep, but I disagreed. I thought a field goal attempt would have been the smarter move. But then again, I don’t get paid millions to play call and recruit 17-year-olds.

The second play of the game that got under the Auburn fanbase’s skin was the pass on second down on the Auburn drive immediately preceding LSU’s last drive. Why not run the ball and kill the clock? It may have not made a difference in the whole scheme of things, but why not at least make that effort?

The punt on fourth didn’t help any, but still, why do you not try to kill the clock?

Postgame

My sister, who unfortunately is an Auburn fan, was at the game as well. She called me after the game to ask if we made it back to the car okay. She went on to tell me that all four tires were slashed on several cars near where she parked.

Of course, the first thought was that LSU fans had slashed the tires for whatever reason. Usually you see the visiting team’s cars vandalized following a loss, but these were all Auburn cars.

The back and forth jawing was all in good fun all night. Both sides were very civil, unlike my experience with the Tennessee-Alabama rivalry. So why did this happen?

Latter I found out that it was suspected that the slashing was done by Auburn fans upset because they couldn’t get tickets. That really makes no sense either, but hey, we got out alive, and we got a great night of entertaining football to take in.

Well, at least I felt that way.

I tried to console my friend. He took it very well. He was upset about the same couple of things I mentioned above: the two pass plays.

All in all, my first Tiger Bowl turned out all right. But don’t expect me to grow soft or say I like either of the teams any better than before I walked through the gate of Jordan-Hare.

SEC Football Weekly Rundown: Georgia-Alabama Blackout Highlights Week Five

Tim Croley — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 04:59:28 -0400

After correctly predicting the winner in all SEC games in my first addition of this series, I thought that my luck would surely turn south for me to lose a couple this past weekend.

Well, it didn’t. Luck seems to be on my side for picking games so far this year. Not to jinx myself, but I am beginning to like picking the games more and more.

Well, enough of the intro. Now on to the recap of last weekend’s games.

Kentucky

In case you haven’t noticed, the Wildcats are 3-0. I’m not talking about the round ball either! They caught a bye in Week Four, and they will need it too with an eight-game stretch starting this weekend.

UGA vs. ASU

I had predicted the Dawgs to walk in this one. An early struggle was nothing more than a hangover—from the long trip, that is.

I predicted UGA would win going away, 31-13. The actual score was 27-10—a one-point difference in the predicted spread. Not too bad to start it off.

S. Carolina vs. Wofford

In Week Three Carolina displayed a respectable performance against Georgia. Coming to play Wofford appeared to be a game were the wrath would be released.

You see, Wofford is kind of like the little kid who wants to play but is not quite big enough yet. The Gamecocks let the little kid play and took it easy, I guess. I’m not really sure, to be honest. Darth Visor, you’ve got me so confused.

Carolina was predicted to win 38-10. However, the less than woeful Spurrier-led team beat the Terriers by a mere 10 points, 23-13.

Vandy vs. Ole Miss

This was perhaps the closest picked game of the day, along with the Tiger Bowl. Both teams were riding fairly high, particularly the Commodores. I assumed they would continue that flight, and thus they did.

Predicting them to win by one point over Houston Nutt’s squad, 24-23, seemed like a safe bet. So it was, as the actual score was 23-17 in Vandy’s favor.

Florida vs. Tennessee

If ever Fulmer needed a win, it was at home Saturday afternoon over a top five-ranked Florida Gators squad. But after Urban and boys took full advantage of a sloppy offensive performance from the Vols, noise of “FIRE FULMER!” went echoing through the night.

I had the Gators picked to be the victors 31-24. Oh, how my heart leaped with joy as I read the score scroll across 30-6 in favor of Florida.

Bama vs. Arkansas

For all of those fans out there who doubted the Tide, or who picked a Hog upset, I hope you stay in for a week to catch your breath. The humiliation that was witnessed from the stadium formerly known as “The Nutt House” is the reason why, BabyTate, everyone was throwing Petrino and his Arkansas team under the bus.

I predicted Bama to meet a resilient Razorback group but come out on top in the end, 29-13. What joy, what joy, when the wrath of the Tide is unleashed on others! I don’t care who you are. If you are in the SEC, you don’t get beat 49-14!

MSU vs. Tech

Sylvester Croom came oh so close to pulling off the upset for the second straight year over Tuberville and the Tigers in Week Three. That had given me reason to believe they would make a game of it with the Yellow Jackets. Boy, was I wrong!

Georgia Tech came in with a mission, and now I’m afraid that for Croom the handwriting is on the wall. A predicted loss of 24-16 seemed respectable, but 38-7 spells T-R-O-U-B-L-E for the Maroons’ leader.

LSU vs. AU

I made it known to several in the B/R community that I would be attending my first game at Jordan-Hare this past weekend. Let me tell you, it was an experience! I’m not sure if it was a good experience or a bad one, but it was an experience.

Tiger Bowl 2008 lived up to all the hype. The fans were so nervous you could almost see the color leaving their skin. For an outsider with no dog in the fight—well, maybe a small dog—I was taken aback by the emotion for some and a lack thereof for others.

I will plan to expound on this in a lengthier manner, dedicating a whole article to this event. It is still in the works, so look for it at my profile page.

The prediction was 20-17 in favor of the Tigers—um, LSU Tigers, not the Plainsmen. It turned out to be not much different in a 26-21 victory for the Bayou Bengals. Only two points off the predicted spread.

So, much like my start, a one-point spread difference in the UGA game, I ended on what I considered a great note (on many levels) with the two-point spread difference for the Tiger Bowl.

Okay, enough of the past. Let’s look forward to what should prove to be nothing less than another great weekend of SEC football!

Week Five Games

I’ll probably be somewhat random with this week with the order of the games. But hey, it’s my article, and I will be as random as my brain will possibly allow me to be.

Vanderbilt

Talk about a team deserving a break! This ‘Dores squad has put on a show for the first quarter of the season. Bobby Johnson, I’m not sure what you have been giving your team to drink, but can I have some?

If you thought Vandy would come out of the first four games with a record better than 2-2, you are looking as smart as those players from Nashville. If you thought they would survive and be better than 3-1, then you need to visit Vegas!

A week off to prepare for Auburn could turn out to be more trouble for a limping Tiger bunch.

Arkansas

On the opposite end of the spectrum, in a lot of ways, this team could use another rest as well.

Ike postponed the Texas game in Week Three, giving Arkansas an unscheduled early season break. Well, I guess Bama decided to score enough for the Tide and the Longhorns last week. Talk about receiving a black eye. Petrino had better use this week off wisely—the Gators are on the horizon.

UK vs. Temple

Well, let’s start off easy. Kentucky is looking to go 4-0 this week before starting their SEC stretch to end the season. That’s right, Kentucky will play eight straight SEC games! Who makes their schedule?

The Louisville game got the season started right. It served as a springboard that should have them gunning for a formidable position in the SEC East. Keep in mind, though, that so far the opponents have been nothing much for which to write home.

I don’t know much about the Temple team, but I look for a solid performance from the ‘Cats to help build their confidence before squaring off against Alabama in Week Six. Taking no prisoners, Kentucky pounds it to the Owls.

Game Prediction: UK 44, Temple 9

South Carolina vs. UAB

The Gamecocks came into last week hurting...bad!

They were very close to knocking off the Georgia Bulldogs. Spurrier really had his guys up for that one, but it just didn’t work out.

Well, last week proved to us that Carolina is back on track—the track to beat up on the likes of Wofford! South Carolina is still hurting. The quarterback situation is horrendous. The offense is a nightmare if you are Spurrier. I mean, didn’t he have a better offense at Duke?

Thankfully for Steve and the Gamecocks, UAB is pretty bad. Even Tennessee beat them in Week Three by 32 points. So as bad as things may seem in Columbia, another week of playing the equivalent of a high school team should help their feelings before Nutt sends them to 0-3 in SEC play.

Game Prediction: SC 24, UAB 10

Ole Miss vs. Florida

Florida

Tebow and Co. picked right back up where they left off by winning. See, I told you two weeks off would prove to be too much for the Vols. Now they have the pleasure of hosting Houston Nutt to his first trip to The Swamp as head coach of the Ole Miss Rebels.

Everyone had wondered where Percy Harvin had been this season. Now they know. This team made a statement—a BIG statement.

Who says that going on the road to play in Neyland, in front of 100,000-plus orange shirts, in about just as many shades of orange, is no easy task? Not this guy! It was as easy as giving away food at the Fulmer residence. You just knew that the platters would be licked clean!

You could just see Florida taking full advantage of the turnovers. You could just see the Great Orange Mass on the sidelines about to cry!

I almost felt bad for them. After all, who wants a tear-stained, faded orange sweater?

The Gators are playing strong ball—perhaps a little too strong for the young Rebel team coming to town.

Ole Miss

Houston Nutt has been in these types of games before. Last year as the Arkansas coach, he pulled off a great win over the eventual national champions as sort of a last hurrah before leaving town.

This 2-2 team has played well so far. They came up just short in a heartbreaker against Wake Forest. Vandy toyed with them last week. Up and down they have gone, beating up on the smaller team and falling just short of teams who appear to be equal competition.

This week Nutt has his first losing record at Oxford, as the Gators prove to be more than just an equal team.

Game Prediction: Gators 40, Rebels 14

Mississippi State vs. LSU

State

A miserable performance against the Yellow Jackets was basically the straw that broke the Bulldogs’ back last Saturday.

Having come so close to upsetting Auburn at home, the “Fighting Crooms” went on the road to take on a Georgia Tech team that appeared at first to present a great matchup. But as Lee Corso says, “Not so fast, my friend.” Mississippi State is back to where they were before Sylvester revived them: at the bottom of the barrel.

I tried to look at the Bulldogs and pull some positives from their season so far. What I found was that they are good at...no, I’m sorry. What they do well is...wait, I’ll get it soon.

Um...yes, two things! They play in the SEC, so they can brag about that for the rest of the season by riding on the coattails of other great SEC teams, and they will probably have a shot at beating the terrible Razorbacks.

There you go: two positives for Croom and the Dogs.

LSU

LSU, on the other hand, is on cloud nine following the come from behind win on the road at Auburn last Saturday. The game was electric—well, at least on LSU’s side.

LSU is not without fault. They basically gave Auburn a touchdown right before halftime. They played into Auburn’s hands a couple of times. They proved that when Auburn had busted plays, they too scrambled and left someone open for shots down the field.

So LSU has some work left to do still. What they do have that is worthy of resting upon is the fact that they are still very deep. Late in the game they were a lot fresher than the other Tigers. They simply outlasted Auburn, thus making the difference in the game.

LSU will have a game they really need this week, sort of like a scrimmage to work out the mistakes of last week.

Croom and the Dogs have more than they can handle this week. They couldn’t hang with LSU last year in Starkville when they had a better team. This poor team certainly will not hang with LSU this year either!

Game Prediction: LSU 32, State 6

Tennessee vs. Auburn

Tennessee

Talk about embarrassment: This team must have forgotten it was game time Saturday. They are lucky that Florida didn’t roll them for more points.

For those of you who think Fulmer is on the hot seat, you’re wrong! The truth is that the seat is so hot he can no longer sit down. The question is, “Do they make ice packs that big?” Just curious.

Anyway, Tennessee is like a wounded animal, so you would expect them to bite at any moment. No reasons needed. No questions asked. They look like a team so desperate to win that they’ll just take names after the bodies have been collected.

They come to Auburn, AL this week to face off with Tubs and his own limping crew.

Auburn

The Tiger Bowl was all it was supposed to be: Auburn putting up better numbers than we saw against Mississippi State, LSU feeling right at home in a night game, Auburn proving to have a better offense than was seen earlier in the year, but most importantly LSU covering in the end.

Auburn did show significant signs of life after State. They scored 14 points on offense. The other seven came from the defense, so I am sure Tony Franklin was sending LSU’s offense and Auburn’s defense thank you notes at halftime.

I think Auburn is somewhat of a wounded animal themselves. The big difference is that UT is a wounded hound dog going up against a wounded Tiger!

Cheer up, Auburn. This may be the only time Bama fans will even consider cheering for you—when you play Fat Phil and the Vols!

Game Prediction: Auburn 23, Tennessee 10

Bama vs. UGA—Game of the Week

(Note: Due to local programming this section may be blacked out in some locations.)

UGA

The Dawgs went on the road and took care of business last weekend. Enough said.

Coming into the season ranked in most preseason polls as number one, a lot of pressure was put upon their shoulders. Now that USC has managed to jump them, as has Oklahoma, one has to wonder if the pressure has been released or if more is mounting, knowing they must do something to get back to at least the number two spot to play for the national championship.

Well, I for one hold Mark Richt in high regard. He will have his team ready for whatever comes their way this year. He has done a great job at Georgia for the most part.

Now he has dropped a few games that should have been won. There’s no doubt about that. But overall, he has had his team at or near the top of the SEC for several years now. Other teams respect him and take him seriously. I’m sure that Urban Meyer and Steve Spurrier, as well as many other coaches, would attest to that statement.

But this game coming up Saturday is different. It is different for a number of reasons. One is that Bama and UGA don’t normally face off every year, so this matchup of traditional powerhouses doesn’t get displayed very often.

That won’t stop the hype that’s being poured into this game, and for good reason.

This is only the ninth time that two top 10 teams have played between the hedges. UGA has a 5-3 record in those first eight top 10 games, including a 21-0 win over Bama in 1976. The Dawgs were ranked sixth nationally, and the Tide was ranked number 10 in that contest.

Everyone knows about the blackout. The seniors requested it, and Richt gave the thumbs up. Why not let the seniors have reason to get pumped for this game? Why not let them have a little fun? Isn’t that what the game is all about?

I’m sure by now everyone has heard the YouTube video from T-Town. I mean, this stuff happens every week, really. You just don’t see it until the big games come around and all eyes are focused on two teams.

Rumors are circulating that the video is being played in Georgia’s locker room. I don’t doubt it. Even if it were not, these Dawgs are smart enough to look it up themselves on the Internet.

Hype? Yeah. I’d say it’s all around this game. Some may look as hype as a bad thing. I think it just adds excitement. After all, who besides Gator fans didn’t love the dance at the Cocktail Party last year?

So, here we go. The preseason number one faces off against the preseason’s unknown: the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Bama

Coming into the season, the Clemson game was thought to have been Bama’s biggest challenge. Why is that?

Well, many thought Clemson would have a great shot at making it to the national championship. The ACC is down. They have some great players. Bama, their only real non-conference foe, was too young to hang with them. So Clemson, not the number one ranked Bulldogs, would pose the Tide’s biggest challenge, most believed.

Okay, Clemson down 34-10, 11 more to go. That has been the season’s motto. One game—no, wait, one play at a time. Finishing every detail before moving on to the next. Bama has done that so far this year, outperforming most expectations, including mine.

Tulane was a bump in the road, but after the Clemson game it was perhaps the best thing that could have happened to Bama: a wake-up call! The Tide rolled in the next two games and is not looking back! Now UGA sits at the top of the biggest games this year.

Bama is pounding it out on the ground, averaging 230-plus yards rushing per game this year. That’s pretty impressive—impressive enough to put them at the top in rush offense in the SEC. Throw in a great rush defense, and you have two pretty impressive lines on both sides of the ball.

I think this season has worked to Bama’s favor so far, the way everything has been lined up and the way Bama has responded. Now, when the Tide is hitting on all cylinders, it’s time to go east and face off with the Dawgs, a real challenge.

This game is big, no doubt about it. Even a lesser Tide team got up for this one and fell just short in overtime last year. You don’t think they remember how close they came to knocking off the Bulldogs in ‘07? They do! They don’t need any tactics to get them up for it.

If the game itself is not reason enough to get motivated, then bring on the black unis, right? If it takes something to get you pumped for the number eight team in the nation, then by all means, pull out the black.

Game Prediction

Two things are in Bama’s favor. First, all the pressure is on UGA. They were the preseason number one and national champion contenders. Bama, on the other hand, was predicted by some to finish 3-2 at best in the month of September.

The Crimson Tide has surpassed all expectations, and still not many think they will knock off UGA. Therefore, this young team can go out there, lay it all out on the line, and play their game. Nothing is there to lose, and everything is there to gain!

Second, the young Tide defense is playing out of this world. Granted, it has been against some of the lesser opponents on their schedule, but they have stepped up.

Bama's linebacker depth has proven not to be as big a problem as was thought over the summer, and the D-line is playing out of this world. Now they will face off against a young Georgia offensive line. Can Georgia’s young line hold off the likes of Terrance Cody? That will be the telling story of the game.

John Parker Wilson is being handed over to the wolves, but the running backs at Bama WILL carry this team. The pressure will be on Matt Stafford. Can his young line hold off the defensive pressure of Bama to get those screen passes and long bombs?

That, in my opinion, will be the difference of the game. Bama’s D will be too much on the young offensive line. Just ask Clemson’s young front what it’s like to go up against Bama’s D-line!

Bama gets an early lead, and unlike the Gamecocks earlier this season, holds on to win it.

Bama 27, UGA 23

College Football: Why We Love to Hate Our Rivals

Tim Croley — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 07:42:54 -0400

A Georgia fan, an Auburn fan, and an Alabama fan all go hunting together one day.

They all meet up during the middle of the day, and the Georgia fan has killed a deer. The other two ask, "How'd you get that deer?" He replied, "I found tracks, followed tracks, got me a deer."

Later in the day, they all meet up again. This time the Bama fan has killed a bear. The other two ask, "How'd you get that bear." He replied, "I found tracks, followed tracks, got me a bear."

At the end of the day, they all meet to go home. The Auburn fan looks about half dead. His clothes are torn, and he is bleeding from head to toe. The other two are amazed to find him like this and ask, "What happened." The Auburn fan replied, "I found tracks, followed tracks, got hit by a train."

We have all heard the jokes before.

We have all shared in the sending and receiving of emails that carry such pictures as the one above, and I'm certain it was created by an Alabama fan somewhere. Oh, how they make me so proud...most of the time.

But why? Why do we fill our lives with such jokes and images?

Do we really hate our rivals?

Well, it seems like it at times, especially in the midst of the season or when the rivalry week draws near.

For Auburn and Alabama fans, the time of the year does not matter.

Both Auburn and Alabama have other schools to play this weekend, but the talk radio programs throughout the state cease to have callers already commenting on who will win or lose that game.

In mid-April you will hear "Roll Tides" and "War Eagles" back and forth just as if it were late November, probing the likes of local news and media on who will win the Iron Bowl this year.

Come on now. How can you predict or ask another person to predict the outcome of a game that is months away? Yet fans will ever do this!

I am sure the same rings true for Buckeyes and Wolverines, or for Trojans and Bruins, or for any great college football rivalry. It lasts all year long!

Texas hates A&M, Miami hates FSU, and believe it or not, Alabama hates Tennessee.

But what makes us love to hate our rival?

Is it simply because it is our rival, and that is the noble thing to do to remain in good standing with our team?

Is it because it is fun and funny and beats trying to accept them?

Or does it run deeper?

Well, I don't want to get into a history lesson here. We all know that a disagreement between school officials postponed the Iron Bowl game for several years.

We all know that Alabama holds the all-time record.

We all know that Auburn has won six straight, thus closing the gap on that all-time record.

Either way, we know it can get down right intense at times, to say the least.

But then again, it has its lighter moments. Former Auburn head coach Pat Dye, upon being asked how long it would take him to beat Alabama, was quoted as saying, "60 minutes."

Man, why didn't I think of that? Even as a Bama fan I found some humor in that.

Michigan and Ohio State also have some reasons to lay claim as being the best college football rivalry.

Michigan holds the all-time record in this series, but Ohio State has won four straight and seven of the last 10, thus prompting a shift in the power rankings of this rivalry and adding more fuel to the fire.

This rivalry, much like the Alabama and Auburn rivalry, has led to the dismissal or firing of several coaches.

Championships have been determined, seasons have been spoiled, businesses have been disrupted, and even marriages have ended because of such fierceness associated with these rivalries.

ESPN has even made a few laughs off the rivalries, when a few years back there was a series of commercials promoting the rivalries and college football.

One such commercial witnessed a lady Wolverine and a Buckeye gentleman. As the man gets into the car they start talking and it is apparent they are meeting for the first time.

On down the road the lady mentions that she is a Wolverine fan. Immediately the car door opens and the man leaps from the moving vehicle, only to land and roll down a hill.

The lady stops the car to see what is happening, when the man yells from the bottom of the hill, "Go Buckeyes!"

So, of course, the lady speeds away while you distinctly hear the tires squealing.

While that is a great, humorous commercial, and perhaps it displays accurately the hatred between the two schools to the point that fans refuse to even ride with one another, it is intensified by the fact that there is so much reality in it.

Another commercial features an A&M fan refusing to solve the puzzle in a game of Pictionary because the answer is “Hook ‘em Horns.” He would rather lose the game than solve the puzzle. That kind of puts a new spin on the meaning of competitiveness, doesn’t it?

We have books written specifically to be filled with jokes about our rivals. I have even seen DVDs dedicated to jokes directed toward the schools we hate.

We give each other the finger. We scream ludicrous, appalling, and uncalled for names at one another.

Message boards are filled with bashings. Email boxes even more so.

“Bammers” and “Barners” have become words in our everyday conversations.

Perhaps it stemmed from years past. I mean, even the Bear referred to Awbarn as the “Cow College.” Woops, did I just write Awbarn? See, it has even spilled over into my writing.

And these are all the nice gestures!

I’m not too familiar with the names given to other schools amidst bitter rivalries, so I’ll allow the comments’ section to be filled with those.

But going back to my original thought, why do we love to hate our rival?

Are we born with it?

We claim to be “American by birth, and Longhorns by the grace of God.” We claim to “bleed red and black.” We claim to be Vols at birth and Vols at….well, maybe not the last one, but I think you get my point.

We are loyal. We are dedicated. We are passionate. We are college football fans.

Above all else, we love to hate our rivals!

Now, I will admit. Two of my closet and dearest friends pull for Auburn. Scary, right?

They were both even in my wedding! But, as sad as this may sound to some, they are never in my house when Bama is playing.

Sure we talk about the games. We talk about each school. We even joke on one another, but we never bash one another. Never!

There is respect there, because those friendships run deeper. But when friends are out of the way, watch out, because a lot has probably built up that needs to be released toward the “other” team.

So, whether you love to hate Tennessee, and who doesn’t, or you love to hate Notre Dame, nothing else matters in a bitter rivalry.

Whether you love to hate USC, or you love to hate Oklahoma, you cannot budge.

Whether you love to hate Michigan, or you love to hate Florida, it doesn’t matter as long as you let everyone know where you stand.

Why? Because all that matters is that you are a fan of your team and your hatred for the rival will forever be embedded in you as some privilege or entitlement as American citizens and fanatics of college football.

It’s hard to explain at times. And sometimes, no other reason is given except for, “My granddaddy loved to hate that team, my daddy loved to hate that team, I will forever love to hate that team, and if my son doesn’t love to hate them also, well then he will simply be disowned!”

Oh the feeling of loving to hate our rivals. Unhealthy as it may possibly be, it’s like no other feeling in this world.

So, why do you, the college football fan, love to hate your rival?

SEC Football Rundown: LSU-Auburn, Florida-Tennessee Highlight Week Four

Tim Croley — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 06:52:24 -0400

Before I get started with this week’s outlook and predictions, let’s recap last weekend’s great games.

UGA vs. USC

Spurrier hates the Dawgs. I should have seen it coming, but I didn’t. He had his guys ready to play and was very close to pulling off the upset. My pick was 35-13 UGA, while the actual score was 14-7. Even though I got the score wrong, I got the win.

UK vs. Middle Tenn.

Apparently, the SEC schedule I have is not the updated version. I had Kentucky playing Akron. Instead, the Cats faced a very stiff Middle Tennessee team. I had predicted UK to win over Akron 35-24. The actual game score was 20-14. Kentucky won either way, thanks to the playing field being 100 yards long instead of 99.

UT vs. UAB

Tennessee struggled early, but eventually it was no contest, just as I had assumed. The Vols won 35-3, and my prediction was 45-10. Not too bad—only a three-point difference in the predicted and actual margins of victory.

Vandy vs. Rice

I had Vandy winning 31-30, considering both teams were coming off great wins the previous week. Apparently the ‘Dores are better than anyone really could have expected. Winning the game 38-21 and improving to 3-0 (1-0 SEC) has them looking pretty good heading into Week Four.

Bama vs. W. Kentucky

The Tide seemingly struggled against Tulane in Week Two. Thus, picking Bama big was not popular among everyone in Week Three. Nevertheless, I had Bama winning 38-6. The actual score was 41-7, only a two-point difference in the pick and the actual margin, turning out to be one of my better picks of the week.

Do not forget either that in the end Tulane gave a pretty good East Carolina team all they could handle last weekend, thus validating their toughness against Bama.

Ark vs. Texas

Ike was wreaking havoc on the great state of Texas last weekend. Our thoughts and prayers are with all in the path of this immense storm. The cancellation of the game was the least of most people’s worries. Ark should be relieved that the Texas embarrassment has been postponed.

Auburn vs. State

I predicted a close nail-biter. I was not disappointed. My predicted score was a 26-23 overtime win for the Tigers. The actual score, in case you fell off the face of the earth and did not get to watch Baseball Tonight Saturday, was 3-2.

A two-run shot from State pulled the game within one, but they just did not have enough juice to get another run to send it into extra innings. Auburn gave them every opportunity to win—State just kept sending the wrong batters up to the plate.

LSU vs. North Texas

The Mean Green were anything but Saturday. LSU played exactly as I had predicted, with intensity and passion following a week off. LSU rolled to a 41-3 victory. I had them 48-9, so again, a close prediction with only a one-point difference in the actual spread! My closet pick in terms of margin of victory.

Ole Miss vs. Samford

I was at the Troy vs. Alcorn State game Saturday as I heard the score come over the PA: “In the first, Samford leads Ole Miss seven to six.” Well, the Rebels turned it on and cruised away for the win, 34-10. I predicted 41-7.

Week Three Overall

I finished the week perfect in terms of picking winners. Auburn and UGA gave me a scare, as did UK at the end. UT, Bama, and LSU were money. I missed the margin of victory for UT by three points, Bama by two, and LSU by one.

Now, let’s move on to Week Four!

This week’s sleeper is Kentucky—and no, I don’t mean the team that will pull the upset.

After fumbling the schedule last week, I’m proud to say I know I will get Kentucky’s opponent correct in Week Four.

Having the week off will help the Cats prepare for Temple in Week Five. Wow, I can’t believe we are inching closer to Week Five already! Wow, I can’t believe I’m wasting my time talking about UK having two weeks to prep for Temple!

UGA vs. ASU

Forget the talk about Georgia having not played out of the Deep South since whenever. All that talk is for people who want to talk bad about teams or those who cannot argue anything else.

I mean, these are new players. UGA has not been dressing out the same team for the past 50 years. If that were the case, then I would say UGA hasn’t played west of the Mississippi in ever how many years.

But the truth is, many PLAYERS have never traveled. It is not some breaking news that teams get new players. All of that has really gotten to me, if you cannot tell, since I first heard it back during the summer.

The Sun Devils, besides all of this useless travel talk, lost to UNLV! Are you kidding me, Dennis Erickson? The week before one of your biggest games of the season, the biggest out-of-conference by far, and you let UNLV put it to you. Wow. That’s all I have to say about that.

Now, ASU is not a bad team, don’t get me wrong, but Stafford and the Dawgs make a national statement following the close win over the Gamecocks. Get ready for a longer than expected season, Dennis.

Game Prediction: UGA 31, ASU 13

USC vs. Wofford

Spurrier, chin up. You virtually have a week off. You almost pulled the upset against a top five team. You are not that bad. Hey, at least Smelley was looking better. He passed for over 250 yards against Richt and a tough defense.

Turnovers have been the storyline for the Gamecocks this year. If you take away one turnover from the past two weeks, you would probably have a 3-0 team! So, not all is bad. Plus, you get Wofford to beat up on and then UAB for dessert the next week. Now is the time to improve.

Sure 1-2 (0-2 SEC) looks bad, but come Week Six you should be 3-2 and ready to win an SEC game against Ole Miss.

One final note: I appreciate the control over the visor tossing last week, and be kind to Wofford.

Game Prediction: USC 38, Wofford 10

Vanderbilt vs. Ole Miss

Vandy is looking great sitting at 3-0. A win against Mississippi this week should place them somewhere they have not been in nearly 25 years: in a top 25 college football poll. Hey, I even voted for them in the B/R poll to be in last week after beating Carolina. They have proved it to me.

A solid win over a Rice team coming off their own high-spirited win was enough to prove to me that the ‘Dores have the right outlook and are focused. Don’t overlook this team for any reason.

Ole Miss is looking up from last year. Houston Nutt has them on the right track. Perhaps they could have beaten Samford by a bigger margin. That would have really impressed me.

But they did hang in there with Wake two weeks ago. They haven’t folded at any point this year so far. And hey, a win over Vandy will give them more SEC victories than they totaled all of last season.

This is perhaps the hardest game for me to pick this week. I give Vandy the edge on performance so far this year. I give Ole Miss the edge at home. Vandy has the next week off. Ole Miss goes to the Swamp. This is too close to call.

Game Prediction: Vanderbilt 24, Ole Miss 23

Florida vs. Tennessee

I know many of you have been waiting for this week and this game for too long. For Florida fans, Miami was just a teaser. The ‘Canes have not yet returned to national prominence, but they did offer an early season taste of greater football to come.

Florida put it to Hawaii in Week One. That was no surprise. Miami was stiff against the Gators early on in game two, but Florida ran away late. Now, with two weeks to salivate and anticipate a trip to Knoxville, you can bet Tebow and company are ready. You can bet that Urban and the boys from Gainesville are ready to stick it to Fulmer and the Vols.

Two weeks can seem like an eternity in the middle of a college football season, but I think I know exactly where the Gator focus is, especially for this matchup.

The team from Knoxville, Tennessee did a pretty good job licking their wounds from Week One. A Week Two bye and practically another last week has the Volunteer nation back up to speed. Playing a stable game last week should keep UT in rhythm and help maintain focus. However, more questions are now emerging from the UCLA debacle.

For example, if UT lost to UCLA, who got embarrassed by BYU, then is either team any good at all? Or was it just a battle of two mid-tier teams who wish to return to glory? Was beating up on UAB a sign of Fulmer and Smokey putting their team back in the hunt on the right trail?

Okay, go ahead and bash me, Vol nation. Tell me UT won the SEC East last year. Tell me they are really good. Tell me they will beat other teams from Alabama this year. Go ahead. I can take it. (After the Auburn game Saturday, I think you might beat another state of Alabama team this year).

However, what you will not do is beat a team from the “Sunshine State” this weekend, even if you are playing in Neyland Stadium. Heisman winner Tim “He is (the) Man” Tebow will have a great day and lead the Gators to a solid win after having two weeks to prepare.

Game Prediction: Gators 31, Vols 24

Alabama vs. Arkansas

As BabyTate mentioned in his Week Four picks article, this game carries a lot of tradition and history despite the limited times these two teams have met. As I mentioned in my “Bama Beware” article, the series has been oh so close over the past decade, with each team winning five games.

The Tide looked great against Western Kentucky, for what all that is worth. Now, following Tulane’s performance against East Carolina, fans are recognizing Bama’s struggles against the Green Wave as more great play by Tulane than simply bad play from the Crimson Tide.

John Parker Wilson has been consistent on most areas so far. He still lacks the skill needed for the long pass. Look for him to open that up this week against a vulnerable Hog defense.

Also of note from last week, Bama used five running backs in the game. Not one missed a beat as they were subbed in. Bama also utilized play from three quarterbacks. The depth is beginning to take form.

Arkansas got it done against Western Illinois in Week One. They squeaked by Louisiana-Monroe in Week Two. They were fortunate enough to have Ike cancel their showdown with Texas in Week Three.

Thus, you have a matchup of two undefeated teams in the SEC West. Tell me one person who would have predicted this before the season began.

Extra time to prepare for the Tide is great news for the Hogs. Not having to play Texas the week before is even better news. God be with the people of Texas who have suffered, but I’m sure Petrino felt relief when he heard the game was canceled.

You see, Petrino has a long way to go with this team. Casey Dick is a good quarterback, no doubt, and there are some other bright spots at Arkansas, I am sure. Petrino is just saving them. He didn’t want to show them early on, right? I don’t know. You tell me.

The way I see it, having to come from behind to beat Louisiana-Monroe is embarrassing.

And yeah, I know. Bama lost to the Warhawks last year. Don’t remind me. But that’s the point. Teams who struggle with or lose to LAMO are not good teams. Bama was not a good team last year. They had problems. Those times have changed.

Alabama has only nine seniors heading into what is virtually their first road game and SEC opener. That is the lowest numbered senior class in the nation. They also have played 15 freshmen so far this year. That is the highest number of freshmen played by any team in the nation.

What does that say about the way they have performed thus far? Well, it tells me that they are a young team full of talent, hungry to win, and ready to punch you in the mouth. Basically, they are the new, young bully who thinks he owns the block. Until someone tells them different, they are going to continue to push people around and own that block.

Bama owns the neighborhood yet another week as they go on the road to open in SEC play.

Game Prediction: Bama 29, Ark 13

MSU vs. GA Tech

Croom was oh so close to pulling off the upset of Tuberville and the Tigers Saturday night. On top of good defensive play from the Bulldogs, Auburn tried their best to hand it to them.

I don’t know what went wrong. I hate to say it, but I think Sylvester’s coaching genius of last season may have been a one-time show.

He lost in Week One this season to Louisiana Tech. He couldn’t win at home against an Auburn team that faltered on offense and continuously handed him the ball.

He went for a 4th-and-15 with enough time on the clock to pin Auburn deep and play good defense, which State had been doing all night, but he didn’t. Why?

Why not just let your defense continue to do what they had been doing all game? Why not hope for another Auburn turnover, which is what happened? You would have been right there in position to win.

Tech, on the other hand, as ugly as the ACC is this year, managed to hang with a decent Virginia Tech team. Just three points decided the battle of the “Techs.” They beat a Boston College team that many thought would challenge for the ACC in Week Two. Overall they have been more impressive to me, and at home they get the nod.

Game Prediction: Tech 24, State 16

LSU vs. Auburn

Okay, sit down and hold on tight. There are many comparisons to be made in this next section of what should be the game of the week. So please refrain from pulling out your bashing sticks until I am finished.

LSU performed exactly as I expected in Week Three. Having so much time in between games made the Bayou Bengals just that much hungrier for a big win, and that is exactly what they got. Crushing the Mean Green was great, but looking to a night game in Auburn this weekend is going to be a bit different.

Opening the SEC season is always interesting. Last season witnessed a beatdown of Mississippi State on Thursday night to open SEC play and the college football season. That 45-0 thumping was on the road, similar to this year’s SEC opener—on the road at night. The difference is the opponent.

I can imagine that playing in Jordan-Hare is a bit different from playing at Davis Wade Stadium. However, the Auburn squad looked very evenly matched against Croom’s squad Saturday.

I know it is somewhat like comparing apples to oranges, but Auburn opened their SEC season last week much as LSU did last year: on the road, at night, against State. Both Tiger teams played on an ESPN network. Both teams won. Both teams gave us much to talk about. The difference is that the talk comes from different ends of the spectrum.

LSU won 45-0. Auburn won 3-2. Now a win is win, but 3-2?

LSU went on to win the national championship, and Mississippi State made it to a bowl game last season. So LSU beat a respectable Bulldog team on the road to get things kicked off.

This season State will be lucky to go to the toilet bowl if they can’t turn things around. They are much worse, as can be seen from the first three weeks. Thus the question for Auburn is, where were you Saturday night? This is not as good a State team as we saw in ’07. You should have laid the wood to them!

Are you telling me this is the high-flying Tony Franklin offense everyone was so giddy about in January? Is Auburn on the level of Mississippi State? Is this the same team that was predicted at SEC Media Days to win the West? Help me out here people. I need some answers.

I heard someone state yesterday that Auburn’s win over State was more impressive than Bama’s win over Western Kentucky. Once I stopped laughing, I realized that there could be more truth in that than I first could have imagined. Then I started laughing again.

Sure, the Tide played the equivalent of a high school squad, some could argue. But they did play five deep at running back. They did play three deep at quarterback. They spread the wealth around once the game was out of hand.

The Auburn game, however, was out of hand early. It was awful.

Auburn, you should have put that game away in the second quarter. Are you telling me that State is that good, to hang with Auburn? Remember now before you answer, this is the same team that lost to LA Tech to open the season.

I listened to the Auburn game on the radio, and I’ll tell you right now that I was not impressed one bit. If Auburn was impressive, then they sure need to reconsider their play-by-play announcers, because they made Auburn out to be an ill-prepared, struggling with their offense team.

If that is not the case, then I say you call for the heads of Stan White and whoever else is in the booth, because they bashed that great, overpowering offense.

Okay, now that I’m through with my rant for the week, I say that Auburn has reality hit them square on the chin this week. Wake up Auburn—your athletes deserve better than Tony Franklin. Tuberville needs to get playmakers in there. I’m not joking—Auburn has some. I have seen them.

I just hate they are wasting away on the bench. Regardless of whether or not I like Auburn or wish for them to win, I think this new offense is creating a mosh pit on the sidelines for the talent that in former years would have been punching other teams in the mouth.

I'm not as sold on LSU as perhaps I should be, but I have witnessed Auburn's dismal offense for two straight weeks.

Game Prediction: LSU 20, Auburn 17

* BTW, this just reported. The real reason for all the panic yesterday on Wall Street was due to the mass selling of stock in Tony Franklin Offense, Inc.

SEC Football: Weekly Rundown

Tim Croley — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 09:25:31 -0400

In what will hopefully become a weekly writing for me, I have decided to embark on a journey that will weekly explore each SEC team - the games, the injuries, the media hype, etc.

That being said, I don't think any other introduction is due. So, without further delay, I give you the SEC Weekly Rundown.

Florida Gators

The Swamp will be quiet this week, as the Gator Nation rests following the solid win over the Miami Hurricanes. This rest will be needed before tackling Tennessee and a four-game stretch before receiving their second break for the year.

Tim Tebow, aka Superman/Mr. Do It All/Heisman Hopeful, has lived up to his name so far. With two weeks to prepare to travel to Rocky Top, he should be looking to have a great game and lead his team into a brutal SEC Eastern Division showdown. This game will be hyped, no doubt, with more coming next week.

Georgia Bulldogs

So far, the Dawgs have played two c*pc*ake teams (you’ve got me doing it now, GrayGhost). However, wins are wins, and the UGA offense, especially Knowshon Moreno, has looked great. Moreno racked up 168 yards and scored three touchdowns in the win over Central Michigan.

If Moreno has just a hint of this kind of performance against a struggling South Carolina team, the Dawgs will be looking for more than just revenge for last year’s upset and exemption from the conference championship, and possibly the national championship. Mark Richt has learned from past mistakes and this Georgia team is ready to play ball come Saturday.

South Carolina

Now for the flip side. Carolina experienced a loss that very few saw coming, including yours truly. Following an very ugly 34-0 win over NC State, two thoughts went through my head.

First, I thought that maybe NC State was just so terrible they could not win even if the Gamecocks tried to give it away.

Second, I thought that if Carolina could win big they way they did with the horrendous play on offense, then maybe they would be better in week two, but I was clearly wrong.

South Carolina really is that bad. How could this be a Spurrier-led team? I’m beginning to question a lot with him in his last days. Keep in mind though that Spurrier tends to have his team ready to go for the big games–always!

Even still, this game will be over by the second quarter, I believe.

Game Prediction: UGA 35, S. Carolina 13

Kentucky Wildcats

The Wildcats are looking strong so far. However, keep in mind that they have played a very down Louisville team and Norfolk. Norfolk? I couldn’t even tell you what state they are in.

I’m not trying to bash the ‘Cats, too much. But before you get on the bandwagon look at what they have done. Akron comes calling this week before a bye and then Temple. So the Bluegrass team could possibly be 4-0 heading to T-Town for the start of eight straight games of SEC play beginning with Alabama on Oct. 4.

Coach Brooks does have his team, particularly the defense, on the right track. In Week One, defensive tackle Myron Pryor created a fumble, picked up another to run it back for a touchdown, and led the ‘Cats to an impressive defensive performance against Louisville.

The defense is for real, against much lesser competition, so don’t get all geeked up yet. Akron did, after all, put up 42 on Syracuse. Now, this isn’t your daddy’s Syracuse team, but neither are the Zips. This should be close, but SEC trumps in the end.

Game Prediction: UK 35, Akron 24

Tennessee Volunteers

The Vols, coming off a week of rest following the UCLA meltdown, should be back on track and looking to take the frustration out on a defenseless UAB Blazer team.

UCLA did all they could to hand the game to UT, much like Carolina tried to do for NC State, but the Volunteers were just too prideful to take the gift. A win in the Rose Bowl is the dream of many college football players, but apparently dreams don’t come true in Knoxville.

I thought Tennessee was just being rude by not putting away the game in the first half, but then it hit me, they felt too bad for the Bruins and decided to hand it back. I mean, how could you do such a thing to the coach and team that are taking back Los Angeles?

Thus, Tennessee must have thought that having a week off would help everyone forget about the loss, plus adding in a UAB stomping would put them back on track, and decided to ultimately be the bigger person and give it back to UCLA in the end.

Two bright spots for UT: 1) UCLA is a non-conference game, so a loss doesn’t kill them like one coming to Florida in Week Four, and 2) humiliating UAB, perhaps the only team they will beat from Alabama this season, will help their feelings.

Game Prediction: UT 45, UAB 10

Vanderbilt Commodores

Pulling off a huge win over Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks of South Carolina made it two in a row! Yes, that’s right. Spurrier has lost two straight to Vandy!

The ‘Dores were underdogs to Miami, Ohio. They pulled the upset there and then stuck it to Carolina on national television last Thursday night. They are on fire and on top of the world, but so is their competition come Saturday: Rice.

Trailing by eight with just minutes to play, Rice pulled off an unbelievable comeback over Memphis. They are also on cloud nine. This could be a better game than anyone could have predicted heading into the season.

With a rising Ole Miss on the horizon for week four, the question is whether or not Vandy can play level headed or will they still be floating from nine days prior.

Game Prediction: Vandy 31, Rice 30

Alabama Crimson Tide

Bama must have left their “A-game” in the ATL.

After punching Clemson in the mouth and rolling over the Tigers much like a semi would to a half-dead armadillo, Alabama forgot to continue to play in Week Two vs. Tulane.

It took special teams play to lift Alabama over the Green Wave. Javier Arenas was honored as the special teams player of the week in the SEC due to his 212-yard performance on punt and kickoff returns, which included to an 84-yard punt return for a touchdown. However, many questions and some controversy surround this game.

Many believe the Tide was still living off a Week One thumping of Clemson, while others believe the Bob Toledo-led Tulane Green Wave had all summer to work up to their first-game showdown with the Tide.

Thus, they came out and smacked Bama much the same way Clemson was smacked. Some contribute the struggle to the Tide’s recent injuries, which had been avoided all summer.

The difference is that good teams find a way to win, even when they are having an off- week. This was a wake-up call I believe for Saban’s Crimson squad. Bama is good, not great, but better than what was shown last Saturday. In fact, I whole-heartedly believe Alabama would have lost that game to Tulane last season.

Bama plays host to a Western Kentucky team that may feel the wrath of Saban’s anger following a dismal performance in Week Two, as the defense works to pitch a third straight game with no touchdowns given up.

Game Prediction: Bama 38, Western Kentucky 6

Arkansas Razorbacks

The Hogs have seen better days. Bobby Petrino will receive his first of what looks to be many losses as the Arkansas head coach when they travel to play the Texas Longhorns Saturday.

I hate to be short with Arkansas, but a four-point win over Western Illinois and single-point, come-from-13-points-behind win over Louisiana-Monroe doesn’t impress me any more than watching ice melt. I’d probably flip a coin if I were forced to do watch one, hoping to get the ice. At least it wouldn’t take three and a half hours in this south Alabama heat.

For Arkansas’ sake, I hope they can at least stay in the stadium with Texas. Or perhaps they should make like Auburn did with FSU back in the nineties and see if it is too late to just buy out.

Game Prediction: Texas 45, Arkansas 13

Auburn Tigers

I will admit that I bashed the Tigers in Week One because of a sputtering passing attack. But in week two, they came out strong against Southern Mississippi.

But I do have to ask, why did they grease down their players when they got inside the red zone? Was Tuberville trying to take one from Phil Fulmer’s book and humbly give the game back to the Golden Eagles?

Either way, Auburn came out on top of what could have been much worse. Southern Miss should thank the Tigers for letting up. The game could have been as much as a 42-7 blowout by the team from the “Loveliest Village on the Plains.”

Auburn should also be thankful that the Eagles decided not to take advantage of all those turnovers. It could just have easily been a much closer game.

This week’s game features another team from Mississippi, this time a half-whipped Bulldog squad. Yes, the same Fighting Crooms that upset Auburn on the Plains last season.

Mississippi State Bulldogs

Could it be that Sylvester Croom simply had the wool pulled over everyone’s eyes last year, or was he just playing straight up good football against teams who overlooked him? I’ll take the later, but am afraid for his sake it might have been a one-time dream season.

I like Croom, don’t get me wrong. But this year started off perhaps as poorly as last year. I know the Thursday night loss to LSU last year was downright sick, but so was losing to Louisiana Tech.

Southeast Louisiana provided a bounce back week for the Starkville bunch. Could this week continue that trend? No one saw last year coming, but a win over Auburn and the second straight over the Tide proved that Sylvester owned the state of Alabama.

And taking an SEC team for granted is the most dangerous thing to do on autumn Saturdays in the South.

History tends to repeat itself. Auburn is oh so familiar with that from the repetitive wins over Alabama.

I predict that Tuberville is forced to work his magic one too many times this weekend as the “Mississippi River Boat Gambler” in the state he swore he would only leave in a pine box, and it ends up biting him.

All I have heard for the last two days is “not again this year” from the Auburn crew. And like I said history tends to repeat itself, and Tuberville gets bitten.

That being said, the key words are “tends” and “bitten” with no certainty and no death slaying from Croom.

Game Prediction: Auburn 26, State 23 (OT)

LSU Tigers

As was so clearly depicted by Justin Goar in his weekly article, the LSU nation simply wants some football. It doesn’t matter when or where or how. They want some football after being forced to postpone the Troy game. Unfortunately for the Mean Green of North Texas, it will come at their expense.

On the opposite end of the spectrum from Arkansas, I am leaving this short and sweet and invite you to check out Goar’s article for more on this. LSU is hungry to just simply play!

Game Prediction: LSU 48, North Texas 9

Ole Miss Rebels

Houston Nutt almost pulled it against what is shaping up to be the ACC’s best, Wake Forest. A back-and-forth battle turned out to be an entertaining game Saturday afternoon.

Many have overlooked Ole Miss coming into this season, largely because of the 0-8 SEC debacle from last year. The Rebels are however better than that, and I think it is quickly showing.

Nutt and the Rebel team will face Samford this week. It should prove to be a game that will help the feelings of the Oxford faithful after being deflated last week.

Samford (from Birmingham for those of you who didn’t know) was relentless last week against a feeble NAIA Faulkner University Eagle squad, pounding them 62-0. Yes, this is the same Faulkner University mentioned in my bio: my alma mater. However, the difference is Samford and Faulkner is perhaps as big as the difference between Ole Miss and Samford.

Faulkner is just in their second season of football, having an all-time record of 1-10. Samford has been around for a while. But Ole Miss is an SEC team that helped write the book. They need to play like that this week if they expect to be taken seriously this year.

Remember what goes around comes around, Mr. Bulldog from Sanford.

Game Prediction: Ole Miss 41, Samford 7

What Sports Illustrated Curse? Alabama Has SEC on Notice

Tim Croley — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 03:15:34 -0400

Talk from most fans is that landing the front cover of Sports Illustrated is not always the best thing that can happen to an individual or a team.

Sure, the publicity is great—and who wouldn't want their mug plastered on one of the most popular magazines?

But the "curse" is inevitable, according to many.

In fact, many fans believe it goes hand-in-hand with the Madden football video game cover curse. If you make the cover, it is almost a given that something bad will happen.

Now, after the fact is okay, like celebrating a championship at season's end. No one would ever argue or feel superstitious about a post-cover experience.

But when you start the season off the way Alabama did against Clemson this past Saturday in the Georgia Dome, with ESPN's College GameDay on site, and you're broadcast prime time on national television, it's kind of hard not to get a lot of recognition.

Alabama football fans everywhere should be proud of the accomplishments that have been made in this first game. It is evident that much work and dedication has gone into preparing for this season, which has been void in seasons past.

Bama is no stranger to opening the season against big opponents.

In 2000 and 2001, Bama opened the season with UCLA in a home and home series. Bama dropped both of those games.

In 2002 and 2003, Bama played Oklahoma the second game of both seasons. Like the UCLA series, Bama fell short in both contests.

On Aug. 30, 2008, Alabama took on Clemson in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic. This time the results for the Crimson Tide opening with a formidable opponent were different—very different!

Alabama is no stranger to magazine covers as well.

Now the Tide is no Michael Jordan (who has landed the cover of Sports Illustrated some 50-plus times), but they have had their share of magazine covers.

Paul "Bear" Bryant was the face of magazine covers throughout his career at Alabama. In fact, he landed a spot on Time, a non-sports publication, long before Nick Saban got his recent props on a national magazine not known for sports reporting.

It was Forbes that recently featured Coach Saban on their cover, proclaiming him to be sports' most powerful coach.

Last August, Sports Illustrated featured Saban on the cover with a story titled "Raising Alabama."

In 2005, former Alabama quarterback Brodie Croyle was on the cover of SI following the thumping of the Florida Gators, declaring “Bama’s Back.”

All of this national attention is great, in my opinion.

It definitely doesn't hurt with recruiting and national exposure.

But is there really a "curse" that accompanies the placement on the cover?

Last season the Tide started the season 6-2, including a huge win over rival Tennessee and an overtime loss to Georgia, one of the best teams in the nation. However, they faltered and got embarrassed by Louisiana-Monroe on the way to winning just one of their last five games.

Was this due to the SI cover, or was it due to the fact that players gave up on the season and refused to buy into Saban’s program like they should have? I’ll let junior defensive end Brandon Deaderick give you that answer.

“Last year was disappointing, we let a lot of games slip by. This year everybody's made up their mind, we don’t want to be a mediocre team anymore. For so long we’ve had talent, we’ve had skill, we’ve just let everything slip away. Now everybody's like we’ve gotta do something. If you don’t fight against the current you’re going to get washed out to sea.”

The 2005 Tide team, who was undefeated at the time of making the cover of SI, stumbled to the finish line, finding it hard to score on offense and losing to LSU and Auburn before barely pulling out a Cotton Bowl win over Texas Tech.

Now was it the curse? Or was it because Tyrone Prothro, the Tide’s most dangerous offensive and special teams threat, suffered a career-ending injury during that great Florida game?

I’ll take the latter, not giving a second thought to the former. Also, it probably had more to do with the man in charge at that time also.

Only time will tell if Alabama will falter following the latest flow of limelight.

As far as the latest SI cover proclamation is concerned, I’d have to say I agree: The SEC and nation better beware.

Saban made the statement when he arrived. Now it’s time for Bama to take back the state and the nation!

As far as the curse is concerned, I don’t really believe in all of that.

And I’d bet Nick Saban doesn’t even give it a second thought either!

Alabama Crimson Tide Football: Great Win, But Still Room to Improve

Tim Croley — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 05:08:46 -0400

It's only one game.

There are still eleven more to go.

It's a long season yet.

And one game will not make an entire season.

While these are all very true statements, Saturday night made this Alabama fan feel better about the Crimson Tide program than he has in a long time.

Is the Tide "back" as so many are proclaiming? I don't know to be honest.

Saturday's game against the number nine team in the nation looked great. But so did the Tennessee game last season before the Tide stumbled to a 7-6 finish. And so did the Florida game in 2005, with the Sports Illustrated cover declaring “Bama’s Back,” only to have their national title hopes shattered by LSU.

Fans are frivolous, and they have every right to be. After all, the best running back duo in the country was held to just 20 yards combined rushing.

According to Bruce Feldman of ESPN, “Alabama might've been the only team with a more impressive opener than USC.”

Bama was more impressive than the most dominate team this century? Yeah, I’d say the Tide nation has much to be proud of and reason to rejoice.

To offset the performance of Alabama, I have heard since Saturday night from many fans that are opposed to Bama, that Clemson was overrated. I hear people coming forth now stating that the Clemson backfield was not really that good.

Are you kidding me? Clemson’s backfield has been heralded as the best in the nation! In fact, some have even been caught speaking Heisman talk for the Tiger backfield.

It sure didn’t seem that way Saturday night verse a very fast, very physical Crimson Tide defense.

I’ll admit that I’m as excited as any Bama fan, but as I have been trying to preach for several weeks now, don’t let it get to your head. Remember where we were, where we are, and where we have to go to be back at the top again.

Six for six scoring in the red zone helps.

Holding Clemson's offense to a combined zero rushing yards helps.

Having young guys step in and play like seasoned veterans definitely helps as well.

So, there is much to look forward to. High times are on the horizon. But right now, don’t get greedy Tide fan. Take what you can get. Anything good for Alabama, like the beat down handed to Clemson Saturday night, is just a positive that we can take with us.

Now, we move on to the next game: Tulane.

But Tulane is a pushover.

After what Bama did to Clemson, they are going to mop the floor with the Green Wave.

Tulane is going to be shaking in their shoes.

Bama is going all the way!!!

While these may be all very true statements as well, nothing is a given. Just ask Louisiana Monroe.

Bama looked great Saturday night, as good as anyone else in the country. But that game is now over. It’s in the past.

Now the task at hand is staying level headed and preparing to finish the Tulane game the way the Clemson game was finished.

This team has the potential to be very good, maybe even great.

It can be a special season if Bama continues to press forward and work on the things that still have room for improvement. Just note the room for improvement from Saban’s Monday press conference:

“We are pleased and proud of the way our players competed in the game. They played hard and were physical. They controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and that was probably a real key to the outcome of the game. We won the turnover battle and had a few more explosive plays but the bottom line is there are a lot of things that we can do better and that should be the focus on what we look forward to do. We had some unforced errors on offense that we need to clean up on a discipline standpoint. We certainly could have finished some things a little bit better at times and that is something that we will focus on. Defensively when they did make plays we made some mental errors in terms of who we covered and making adjustments. Those are ongoing things we always want to try and eliminate totally. In another area that we need to do a lot of work in and improve on is special teams. We just didn’t do a good job in kickoff coverage. We had some young guys run down the field and we didn’t really cover the kicks the way we should have all night. We didn’t adjust and make the corrections that we needed to make. We made them sometimes but didn’t execute them the way we wanted to. That is certainly something we need to improve on. The number one special team for us (last year) was kickoff coverage. The challenge for this team is to improve, show we can play with consistency, and perform well week in and week out. The challenge is to play to our level of capabilities and make a mental, physical and emotional commitment to playing to our capabilities relative to what we do and how we do it. That is something we need to prove we can do. That consistency was not something that we have shown that we can do and certainly something we need to work on if we are going to try and be a team that plays with consistency in terms of the way we compete.

I applaud the performance of the Tide and remind all that good things are just ahead. Please be patient until those things come consistently. Roll Tide!

Also, I remind all others teams to watch out. Soon and very soon this Crimson squad will be your worst nightmare!

Who Makes the Cut on the All-Time College Football Team?

Tim Croley — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 03:36:46 -0400

The wait is over! The All-Time College Football Team is now available for your viewing pleasure.

Go ahead, take your shots.

Go ahead, tell me why these picks are wrong. But, remember, you are the ones who have made these picks.

So, without further delay, here is the team:

COACHING

HC: Steve Spurrier (for his stint at Florida); honorable mention to Bear Bryant, who finished second

OFFENSE

QB: Tommie Frazier (Neb)

HB: Herschel Walker (UGA)

FB: Sam Cunningham (USC)

WR: Tim Brown (ND) and Keyshawn Johnson (USC); honorable mention goes to Desmond Howard (Mich)

TE: Dave Casper (ND)

C: Dave Rimingtom (Neb)

G: John Hannah (Bama) and Jim Parker (OSU)

T: Orlando Pace (OSU) and Tony Boselli (USC)

DEFENSE

S: Ed Reed (Miami) and Ronnie Lott (USC)

CB: Deion Sanders (FSU) and Charles Woodson (Mich)

LB: Derrick Brooks (FSU) Lawrence Taylor (UNC) and Brian Bosworth (OK)

DT: Warren Sapp (Miami) and Bruce Smith (VT)

DE: Reggie White (Tenn) and Terrell Suggs (ASU)

So, what do you think?

*For positions that were tied in the voting process, I used my discretion to pick the one(s) I thought were best-suited for that spot.

**Also, I noticed that I forgot to put in special teams—punter, place-kicker, returner—so, if you have suggestions for those positions, I'll enter them in the lineup.