Bleacher Report - Articles by Jeffrey McDaniel

Tennessee and Georgia at a Crossroads Heading Into Week 2

Jeffrey McDaniel — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:29:22 -0400

What a difference a week makes.

Last week, Georgia was ranked in the top 15. Tennessee wasn't even receiving votes.

The Bulldogs were very unimpressive against Oklahoma State, with an offense that seemed to get worse down the stretch, while Tennessee was one of the top offensive teams in the country.

Now, in Week Two, Georgia faces a must-win at home against South Carolina, and Tennessee hosts UCLA in a game that has major implications for the Volunteer program.

Both teams need to win.

A Georgia loss would send them into a tailspin early in the year. Suddenly, a number of games on their schedule seem like toss-ups.

And while Tennessee isn't exactly playing USC, the Bruins are a good test.

Tennessee can put themselves back on the map against a BCS opponent. They can all but secure a spot in the top 25 and gain a little bit more confidence and momentum heading into their Sept. 19 matchup in The Swamp against Florida.

All of those things are positive.

But a loss isn't the end of the world. It would signal to fans what they were already thinking heading into Week One. We aren't quite there.

It seems weird to say that the season could potentially pivot on this game, but it just might. But it's not the end of the world ... for Tennessee.

But Georgia?

Losing to South Carolina would be catastrophic. One year removed from a preseason No. 1 ranking, the Bulldogs at 0-2 would immediately put coach Mark Richt on the hot seat.

What seemed last week like a slight run in Georgia's hose, would become a gaping hole at quarterback.

Georgia would become 2009's Tennessee, an SEC East team with a struggling offense, led by a quarterback who replaced an effective leader (Stafford, UGA; Ainge, UT) and couldn't fill his shoes.

Jonathan Crompton looked like a different player against Western Kentucky, and I don't just mean he put up good numbers.

He made smart throws, with the exception of his first pick. He looked confident. He was, at least for the first game of the season, redeemed.

Tennessee has three tough road tests, Florida, Alabama, and Ole Miss. That's it.

Their schedule favors a 9-3 season. And if they can pull off an upset or two along the way, things could go very well for the Vols.

A week? What a difference a year makes in college football. Georgia has taken Tennessee's place in the SEC pecking order. The question is, can Tennessee take Georgia's?

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Here are a few picks for this week.

No. 3 USC at No. 8 Ohio State.

The Trojans looked very impressive last week against sub-par competition. Ohio State did not. That said, I see USC rolling again, this time by three touchdowns, 38-17.

No. 18 Notre Dame at Michigan.

The Wolverines have only one thing going for them. Lou Holtz didn't pick them to win the National Championship. Michigan rolls 21-10.

South Carolina at No. 21 Georgia.

In the Spurrier era, the most points scored by either team is 18. Given that both teams have terrible offenses, my pick has to go to South Carolina, whose QB should play just good enough not to get beaten. Sorry Joe Cox. Gamecocks win 9-3.

Mississippi State at Auburn.

I only mention this game because last season's score was 3-2 in favor of Auburn. Auburn's offense looked better last week than it did in almost every game last season. So did State's. This is really a toss up, but I think Auburn gets the pick for two reasons. One, they're at home. And two, they played an FBS school last week, which means a lot in the early part of the year. Auburn wins a squeaker, 31-27.

UCLA at Tennessee.

The Vols lost a heartbreaker last season in overtime at UCLA on a missed field goal by Daniel Lincoln. UCLA starts a different QB this year and will be going up against a better defensive unit. Norm Chow's offense against Monte Kiffin's defense will be an interesting matchup all day. Tennessee runs away in the second half to a 38-17 win.

Led By Freshmen: Vols Thump Western Kentucky

Jeffrey McDaniel — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 21:52:56 -0400

At some point during the first quarter of Saturday's 63-7 blowout of Western Kentucky, Phillip Fulmer must've been smiling.

Tennessee had just committed their second turnover, and QB Jonathan Crompton was looking more and more like his 2008 self.

Indeed, it was a very forgettable opening quarter for the Lane Kiffin era.

The Volunteers were far from impressive. They'd fumbled twice (one of which they got back), thrown an interception and scored exactly zero points.

But somewhere near the end of the first quarter, things began to click for the Vols.

It began with a 10 play, 81 yard scoring drive, capped off by a rushing touchdown by highly touted freshman Bryce Brown, and ended with another freshman sensation, David Oku, being tackled three yards shy of the end zone as time expired.

What happened in between was a sight to see.

Tennessee racked up 657 yards of total offense. They scored the aforementioned 63 points. Two backs rushed for over 100 yards.

Defensively, the Vols were even more dominant. Save for a meaningless second half touchdown, Tennessee held Western Kentucky to just 83 yards of offense.

By halftime, the Vols led 28-0. Kiffin said the Vols "should've been up by five or six touchdowns."

The second half was even more impressive. The offense looked better than it did during the 90's. The defense was more dominant than any Tennessee has seen since the days of General Neyland.

All the trash that Kiffin talked during the offseason was suddenly backed up emphatically.

For 60 minutes, Tennessee football was back.

For the 97,000 fans inside Neyland Stadium, it never really left. It was just like old times.

Tennessee's freshman gamebreakers, Brown (11 carries, 104 Yards, and one TD), David Oku (eight for 42 and two scores) and Nu'Keese Richardson (three catches for 30 yards) all looked very impressive.

Another freshman, Marsalis Teague, was maybe the most impressive of all, with six catches for 86 yards and a touchdown.

It was as good a day for Tennessee football as any in recent memory.

And somewhere, Phillip Fulmer's smile got a little bigger.

Eric Berry, Tennessee's Super DB, May Snatch Heisman From Tim Tebow

Jeffrey McDaniel — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 07:09:20 -0400

Way back in 1997, Peyton Manning was by far the best quarterback in the country(just ask Ryan Leaf), and arguably, the best football player. When he announced that he was returning for his senior season, Volunteer fans the world over rejoiced.

They would finally have a Heisman winner.

Manning was such a lock for the award that no one even needed to see him perform that year.

But a less-than-spectacular game against Florida, a team he NEVER beat, and the awardwas later lost to Charles Woodson.

Woodson was, incidentally, the last defensive player to win the award.

Fast forward to 2009.

Although the campaign doesn't officially begin until Sept. 5, Eric Berry is already a dark horse for the Heisman. To say that he's arguably the best defensive player in the country is to understate.

He plays with electricity. He has a nose for the football, something defensive coordinator, Monte Kiffin, has noticed from day one, calling him the best defensive football player he's ever seen.

The course is set, and all Berry has to do is run it. He takes an underdog Tennessee team into The Swamp to take on Tim Tebow and Florida.

Now, let's just say he intercepts Tebow and maybe returns it for a touchdown. Or, what about popping Tebow in a collision that would send tremors throughout the entire southeastern United States?

Would that be enough? One game?

Let's go back to 1997.

Charles Woodson was a relative unknown. If you didn't follow Big 10 football, you didn't hear a whole lot about him until the Ohio State game.

Woodson was the sole reason Michigan beat the Buckeyes, intercepting a pass in the end zone, returning a punt for a touchdown and making a huge catch that set up the only Wolverines score offensively.

In the biggest games of their respective seasons, Woodson showed up and won, and Manning didn't.

Its been said that 70 percent of the Earth's surface is covered by water, and the rest is covered by Eric Berry. That Tim Tebow wears Eric Berry pajamas.
Get familiar with these silly sayings.

Because if Berry has a big game against Florida, he may just be on his way to winning the Heisman.

And, winning the award would be a redemption of sorts for Tennessee fans when it come to the Heisman. They've had two runner-up finishes. Johnny Majors in 1958, and Manning.

Berry winning the award would be an homage of sorts to both Woodson and Manning. Woodson for the obvious reason that both were/are defensive players, and Woodson was a junior when he won the award.

Berry is a junior this season.

Here's another silly saying for you. Always a bridesmaid, never a bride.

With two runner-up finishes in the Heisman voting, maybe this is Tennessee's year to break through. Maybe this is the year that Tennessee can get that Heisman monkey off their backs.

Maybe the third time really is the charm.

Whatever Happened To The Tampa Bay Rays?

Jeffrey McDaniel — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:25:23 -0400

It was Sunday night, sometime before or after Jacoby Ellsbury stole home on my beloved Yankees, that my buddy Joey mentioned something I predicted in February.

He said, "It's funny that you never hear anything about the Rays anymore!"

I said when pitchers and catchers reported that the Rays were a one-hit wonder. I was ridiculed in much the same way Screech Powers is everyday of his life.

But, was I wrong?

The Rays are 8-12 and in last place in the toughest division in the majors, five-and-a-half games back. They found themselves in almost this exact same spot last season before winning 26 of their next 36 games to finish 33-21 at the end of May.

They were able to put together that very impressive run in large part because they were operating under the radar. In other words, they snuck up on the rest of the division.

The Rays went 20-7 in August before finishing 13-14 in September. That means they finished the season's last two months with an identical record to the first two months, at 33-21.

The glaring difference is that the Rays were on the decline the last few weeks of the season. Tampa ran out of gas and coasted to the finish line, just two games ahead of Boston and eight ahead of an injury-depleted Yankees team.

Fast-forward to this season. The rays are the defending AL pennant winners. They aren't sneaking up on anybody this time.

In fact, they have a bullseye on their backs.

The Rays had an 8-8 record in September against the Yankees and Red Sox, when both teams were in hot pursuit...8-8. Does that sound like a team that was hungry for a title?

One of their two wins against the Yankees came when New York pitched Darrell Rasner. Yeah, Darrell Rasner.

Tampa Bay's September performance last season lends support to the idea that the Rays had a hard time handling the pressure of the spotlight. Both Boston and New York are used to that spotlight.

And, the Rays wouldn't have even won the pennant if not for home-field advantage.

If the Rays can roll off another hot streak in May, then they have a chance to actually defend their pennant. But this time, things will be a lot tougher.

Boston is scorching right now. Toronto is better, and Baltimore is waiting on Matt Weiters. The Yankees are still the Yankees, only with a better lineup and a tougher pitching staff.

The Rays can't just sneak up and take the division. And they won't, unless they've got another ace in the hole.

Japan-China: Yu Darvish Dazzles in WBC Opener

Jeffrey McDaniel — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 08:14:31 -0500

Japan and China combined for just 10 hits, but a home run and a solid performance out of the Japanese bullpen allowed the defending World Baseball Classic champions to successfully defend their title with a 4-0 victory in the opener of the 2009 WBC in Tokyo.

In his much-anticipated international debut, Japan’s Yu Darvish was as good as advertised, tossing four innings of no-hit baseball and allowing just one base runner in the opener of the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

Darvish also had three strikeouts, befuddling the Chinese hitters with a steady mix of fastballs and hard sliders.

Japan plated three runs in the third, helped along by a two-run homer off the bat of Shuichi Murata that sailed deep into the seats in left field.

The result could’ve been much worse if not for a few timely defensive plays turned by the Chinese infield. Japan stranded seven base runners.

Seattle right fielder Ichiro Suzuki went 0-5 but made a dazzling running catch on a sharply hit ball to the gap in right-center off the bat of Chu Fujia in the third to preserve the Darvish no-hitter.

The story of the night was the Japanese pitching staff.

In addition to Darvish’s dominant start, where he only threw 49 pitches and had a three-ball count to only two of the 12 hitters he faced, Japan’s bullpen carried the bulk of the load, scattering five hits and walking none.

The Chinese hitters struggled to get into a rhythm against a solid Japanese defense that turned two double plays to kill potential rallies.

To make matters worse, China didn’t get a single runner past first base.

Japan’s offense was led by Norichika Aoki, who went 2-4 with a single and a double. Aoki hit a hard line drive in the fourth that was speared by China’s first baseman, ending a potential big inning.

Next for Japan is the winner of tomorrow’s matchup between Korea and Chinese-Taipei. China faces the loser of that game.

The United States opens play Saturday against Canada at the Rogers Centre in Toronto.

Alex Rodriguez Finally Faces Steroid Allegations

Jeffrey McDaniel — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:28:23 -0500

A few years ago, Barry Bonds walked into the clubhouse for spring training and was confronted with allegations of steroid use.

Bonds denied everything in an effort to protect his legacy.

His plan backfired. No one believed him, and the denials of his use of performance enhancers has actually clouded his career legacy.

Most people view Bonds as a cheater and a liar, and almost no one outside of San Francisco is willing to give him credit for hitting 762 (I had to look that number up) home runs legitimately.

Even the ball he hit out to break the most sacred record in all of sports was trivialized with an asterisk, or almost launched into orbit, or something like that.

Then came Roger Clemens.

He, too, was accused of using performance enhancing drugs, an accusation he vehemently denied. But the evidence was too strong.

Clemens threw everyone he possibly could under the bus, including his wife and his good friend and training buddy, Andy Pettitte.

Bonds is facing federal perjury charges, and it was announced yesterday that Clemens will face charges soon. And all either one of them was trying to do was protect the Hall of Fame legacy they'd already established.

So when Alex Rodriguez admitted to steroid use this week, he was also trying to protect his legacy, but in a different way.

Rodriguez has seen what lying will get him. He has watched as Clemens and Bonds have been paraded in front of federal grand juries.

He saw what happened to Mark McGwire when he went before Congress with his "I'm not here to talk about the past" routine. He saw how Rafael Palmeiro faded into oblivion after testing positive not long after that same congressional hearing, where he denied ever taking steroids.

Rodriguez knows he'll be criticized by fans in visiting parks over this. He knows his numbers will be looked at a little more closely now than during his years in Texas.

But most of all, he knows that by admitting to using performance enhancers, he is in a unique position is baseball.

Rodriguez is one of the best players in the game today, and during his interview with Peter Gammons, he stated that he has played better in the years since he stopped using. His 2007 season stands as one of the greatest statistical seasons in baseball history (.314 avg., 54 HR, 156 RBI).

He can be an advocate for cleaning up baseball. The fact that he had the best year of his career after quitting steroids should say something.

And, if it tarnishes his numbers and casts a shadow over his career, then that's something he knows he'll have to live with. He's still a Hall of Famer who came clean about doing something that seemingly almost everyone else was doing too.

Rodriguez has nine years left in New York, and during that time, he should pass Aaron for the home run record. Add to that all the personnel moves in the Bronx during this offseason, and Rodriguez stands a good chance of winning a few rings.

And he'll be clean through all of it.

The worst thing about the Rodriguez steroid allegations?

Somewhere, Jose Canseco is telling all of us he told us so.

An Open Letter to The New York Yankees

Jeffrey McDaniel — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 18:35:52 -0500

Dear New York Yankees,

Look at that smile.

He must love playing baseball, or, more to the point, love hitting a baseball.

Since 2004, when he and buddy David Ortiz personally saw to it that the Yankees were embarrassed in the ALCS, he has been one of the most feared hitters in the game.

Yet, he remains unsigned.

He almost single-handedly put the Los Angeles Dodgers in the playoffs last season when he hit nearly .400, with 17 home runs and 52 runs batted in during the final two months of the season.

The supposedly cancerous malcontent in Boston was able to bring fun and games to the Dodger clubhouse, and almost a pennant.

Yet, he remains unsigned.

I feel it is my obligation to ask you, the greatest, most successful franchise in the history of all professional sports, why?

Why has this sure-fire, first ballot hall-of-famer, with at least four more good years of driving opposing pitchers crazier than Tyra Banks, not on your 2009 roster yet?

I say yet because, as the days pass and he doesn't re-sign with the Dodgers, it becomes more and more likely that he'll be a Yankee in 2009.

So okay, maybe he comes across as a little bit nutty. I'll give you that.

But, you do remember who owns the team. George and Hank Steinbrenner are just as loopy.

Only they can't routinely hit down-and-away, 98 mile-per-hour fastballs into the left-center field bleachers at Wrigley Field when it matters in the postseason, so cut him a break.

And, I realize he looks kind of scruffy, what with the dreadlocks and chin whiskers, but he doesn't look homeless like Johnny Damon did in 2005 when he joined the Yankees. (If there was a guy on that 2004 Boston team who seemed less likely to shave than Damon, we never saw him.)

Think of the marketing campaign. Burnett, Sabathia, Teixeira and Manny all in pinstripes, promising championship No. 27. A-Rod would become the fifth or sixth-best player on the team, which might actually help him come up with the big hits in September and October instead of March and April.

Plus, Manny is from the Bronx.

Don't act like you don't have the money. We all know you do. And, we as fans, are willing to pardon Manny for all of his past transgressions against the Yankees if he is willing to bring his loose, fun-loving style with him.

Boston is back-pedaling faster than they can say Bill Buckner. They are on the ropes. Signing Manny will be the knockout blow.

Imagine the punishment you'll be inflicting on all those cocky Red Sox fans when they are the ones having to watch their pitchers face Manny late in a close game in October.

It's time to shake things up. Everyone expected you to sign Sabathia and Teixiera. Bring Manny home! Make that smile even bigger!

Yours in pinstripes,

Every last Yankee fan

And The 2008 Heisman Trophy Winner is...

Jeffrey McDaniel — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 06:08:50 -0500

That's Tim Tebow, or the 2008 Heisman Trophy winner.

He plays for the Florida Gators, or the best team in college football.

Now before everyone pulls out their Jump to Conclusions Mat, let me say this. I hate Florida. I hate seeing them succeed.

I loved watching them lose to Ole Miss, watching Tebow struggle and subsequently fail to pick up the first down in the waning seconds of that game.

See, I remember hearing Gary Danielson of CBS near the end of Florida's thumping of Tennessee, which doesn't look so bad next to the Gators' blowouts of Georgia and LSU, all but offer to give Tebow a postgame rubdown.

It was at that point that I began hoping to see the ESPN Bottom line read something like, "Florida QB Tim Tebow arrested following discovery of illegal narcotics and several prostitutes at his Gainesville apartment."

I was growing tired of seeing all the puff pieces on College Gameday and elsewhere, labelling Tebow as this squeaky clean, choir-boy/missionary who happens to be a really good quarterback, when he's not standing in on third-world surgical procedures or preaching to inmates.

Tebow was just too good to be true. There had to be a skeleton in his closet.

If Florida could lose to Ole Miss, who else might they lose to?

Of course, no one knew how good Ole Miss was at that point.

But then, Tebow made his tearful proclamation to the media. He would not let his team lose.

In a time when players guarantee victories, only to lose by three touchdowns, Tebow's words were to be taken with a grain of salt.

Only Tebow meant those words. He hated losing. He hated that his team might be out of the National Championship mix. But he could do something about it.

And he did.

Since the loss to Ole Miss, Tebow has thrown 19 touchdown passes against just two interceptions. During that same time, he has rushed for almost 400 yards and another 10 touchdowns.

Now while those aren't exactly Heisman numbers, his leadership of the Gator offense is. Since the loss to Ole Miss, Florida has scored 414 points, including 56 against South Carolina, then ranked third nationally in total defense.

Also consider that Tebow has to date thrown 104 fewer passes and 73 fewer rushing attempts than he did in 2007.

Statistically speaking, Archie Griffin's 1975 season was less impressive than his 1974 season when he won his second Heisman Trophy.

The Big three out of the Big 12 seem to be the collective favorites. Graham Harrell, Colt McCoy and Sam Bradford all have better numbers, but they've been playing against Mickey Mouse defenses all year.

Meanwhile, Tebow has shredded some of the best defenses in the country, and on Saturday, he'll continue his march to the National Title against Alabama.

And Florida will beat Alabama. The Crimson Tide have narrowly escaped against LSU and Ole Miss, neither of which is as strong offensively as the Gators.

Florida's loss to Ole Miss was a fluke at the time, but has since revealed that the Rebels are a legitimate threat to Alabama's SEC West title next season.

Tebow should be the favorite to win the Heisman, just like Florida is the favorite to win the National Title. The Big 12's best don't stand a chance against the Gators, who are the most complete team in the nation.

As much as I hate to say it.

Tennessee-Chattanooga: Volunteers Look Impressive in Blowout Win

Jeffrey McDaniel — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 11:50:35 -0500

There have been a number of concerns expressed in the preseason about whether or not the 2008-09 Tennessee Basketball Volunteers could match the scoring output, particularly from the perimeter, with the loss of Chris Lofton (above) and JaJuan Smith. Both were two of the team’s top scorers from a year ago.

At least for now, those fears can be put to rest.

The No. 14 Volunteers made 11 of 29 three pointers and set a school record for assists as they coasted to a 114-75 blowout of Chattanooga.

Tennessee had six players scoring in double figures, led by Tyler Smith’s 21 points. Junior college transfer Bobby Maze added a double-double with 12 points and 10 assists.

"Our pressure was disruptive, and we obviously shot the ball tremendously well with 32 assists on 43 baskets," Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl said.

Tennessee’s pressure defense forced overwhelmed Chattanooga into committing 24 turnovers.

"We thought we were ready, but we just didn't bring it. Our team has a lot of work to do, and it showed tonight. We're not ready yet,” Mocs senior forward Nicchaeus Doaks said.

Chattanooga is one the preseason favorites to win the Southern Conference. The Mocs haven’t been to the big dance since their improbable run to the Sweet 16 in 1997.

The Volunteers were physical, dominating the game almost from the beginning. Their tremendous depth was a cause for concern for Chattanooga going into the game, and indeed Tennessee had ten players logging double-digit minutes.

Considering they were playing against one of the best out of the Southern Conference, this win gives the Big Orange faithful something encouraging as football season winds down.

Tennessee also extended their home winning streak to 33 games, tying the previous school record from back in 1968.

The Volunteers opened the game slowly.

The Mocs jumped out to an early 8-7 lead almost four minutes in, before Tennessee turned up the pressure with a 12-0 run over the next minute and a half, and never looked back as they built a 60-37 halftime lead.

One of the keys to winning had to do with establishing a presence in the post, thereby limiting UTC’s second chance opportunities. The Volunteers had 29 defensive rebounds against just seven offensive rebounds for the Mocs.

Last season at Chattanooga, the Mocs had 17 offensive rebounds, while Tennessee grabbed 15 on the defensive end.

Today though the Volunteers got solid defensive play on the interior from Brian Williams and Wayne Chism, who also had a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds.

“With the exception of Doaks, they had a hard time scoring on the inside,” Pearl said, adding, “This basketball team could’ve pushed around physically, and they didn’t.”

The Big Orange will continue their tour of Tennessee with games this week against UT-Martin on Tuesday and at Middle Tennessee on Friday night.

Granted, it is just one game, but Tennessee looked good enough to justify the lofty expectations of repeating as SEC Champions. They have away dates with Temple and Kansas, and welcome Gonzaga and Memphis to Thompson-Boling Arena before starting their SEC slate.

Manny Ramirez Sweepstakes to Begin Thursday

Jeffrey McDaniel — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 08:48:54 -0500

Thursday. That's the deadline for the Los Angeles Dodgers to make Manny Ramirez an offer he can't refuse.

So far, they haven't. And if their latest offer is the best they can do, things don't bode well for The Boys of Summer.

On the table, where it appears to be staying, is a two-year deal worth more than $37 million with an option for a third season. To buy out that third season, the Dodgers would have to pay $7.5 million.

Super agent Scott Boras, who represents Ramirez, is wanting something closer to a six-year deal. Manny would be 42 when that deal ended. There aren't very many teams in baseball who would be willing to pay out that much money, given Manny's perceived attitude in his final days in Boston.

Ramirez was clearly unhappy, but that won't matter to most of the teams with the kind of money it will take to land him on their roster. There would be a calculated risk that Manny might become a malcontent in a few years, wherever he ends up. That's why there are really only three or four teams with a realistic shot at getting Manny Ramirez.

The Los Angeles Angels

The Angels have been making moves for a long time to become as recognizable as the Dodgers, and landing Manny Ramirez would go a long way in helping that cause.

See, the Angels have always been seen as sort of the Dodgers' little brother. Just three years ago they managed to get the Los Angeles tag back. Owner Arte Moreno is ready and willing to shell out the kind of money that Boras thinks Ramirez is worth.

Add to that the fact that Ramirez will be given the freedom to do as he pleases, and the Angels are a legitimate possibility.

The Los Angeles market is exactly why Manny was so successful with the Dodgers. When he is competing with the likes of a drunk and pantiless Paris Hilton and a mentally unstable and pantiless Britney Spears, he'll look classy and incredibly sane by comparison.

Ramirez would thrive in Los Angeles and put up the kind of numbers that would warrant writing a big check. Plus, unlike A-Rod, Manny has two rings and will bring instant offense to whichever team signs him.

In just 53 games in Los Angeles, Manny hit almost .500, with 17 home runs and 53 RBI. That's an all-star shortstop's entire season. He almost single-handedly took the Dodgers to the NLCS.

The Los Angeles Dodgers

Clearly, the Dodgers have the inside track. They have exclusive negotiating rights until Thursday, and supposedly they are still trying.

The thing is, the Dodgers aren't the Dodgers anymore. Before this year, they hadn't won a playoff series since 1988.

They still have the money and with Joe Torre as their manager they are showing that they are willing to commit to getting the team back to where it was in the late '70s and early '80s.

The fact that they haven't worked out a deal doesn't bode well for them.

Scott Boras botched the A-Rod contract negotiation with the Yankees during the 2007 playoffs, causing Rodriguez to work out a deal on his own. Boras is notorious for driving up the price, practically holding his clients for ransom. If Los Angeles can't work out a deal now, the price is only going to go up.

Just like with the Angels, Manny can be himself. He can roll around in the outfield, cut off throws from center field, and be happy doing it.

Plus, I think he liked playing under Torre.

The New York Yankees

Whenever there is a major player on the market, the Yankees will always be in the hunt. Manny can give that lineup something he can't give to any other lineup in baseball. Imagine seeing A-Rod and Manny back-to-back with runners on base.

The Yankees have as much talent as anybody else, but sometimes it seems like they're way too tight. Manny would loosen things up.

And, don't forget how trigger happy baby Steinbrenner is to live up to the legacy of Senior Steinbrenner. He might be willing to pay anything to bring Manny to New York, especially since Manny would make the Yankees the clear favorite to win the World Series.

The biggest problem the Yankees had this past season had more to do with offense than pitching. Sure, losing Joba Chamberlain after the All-Star break made for a huge hole in the pitching staff, but the Yankees over that same span lost 13 games in which they scored two or fewer runs.

Most important of all, the Yankees have the money to spend.

Until the Thursday deadline comes, the Dodgers are the front runner, and they control their own destiny, so to speak. If the deadline comes and goes without an agreement, the likelihood of the re-signing him diminishes, leaving the Yankees and Angels as the only teams willing or able to attend the Manny auction.

And with Boras as the auctioneer, no price is too high.

Ramblings in The Wake Of Tennessee-Wyoming

Jeffrey McDaniel — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:20:09 -0500

(Note: This is just a series of random thoughts. When I sat down at my computer, I meant to try and figure out what happened Saturday against Wyoming. But after two hours of rambling, this is all I could come up with.)

The coaching carousel is moving in Knoxville, and following Tennessee's 13-7 loss to Wyoming on Homecoming Saturday, the Volunteers are pretty close to rock bottom. At 3-7, the Big Orange are eliminated from the postseason conversation, and can only hope to upset Vanderbilt in two weeks, and Kentucky on Senior Day.

It's hard to say where this season went wrong. Was it at UCLA in the season opener, when Daniel Lincoln missed three field goals, two from outside of 50 yards?

Was it against Florida two weeks later, when the offense moved the ball well, out-gaining the Gators, but could only muster six measly points?

Or at Auburn, when Jonathan Crompton mishandled a handoff to Arian Foster on their own goalline, giving the Tigers the game winning touchdown?

What about their narrow escape against Northern Illinois, 13-9?

All of those games came before back-to-back three touchdowns losses to then No. 2 Alabama and at South Carolina.

Wyoming? Seriously? I think I heard handicapper Fat Jack saying on Friday morning that the Volunteers were a lock at something like 28 point favorites. Ouch!

Tennessee stands in last place at 1-5 in conference play. But, Kentucky is 2-4 and Vandy is 3-3. Winning out puts the Volunteers ahead of both in the SEC East standings, even though both might qualify for a bowl game.

Winning out will likely put them ahead of other SEC comrades like Auburn, whose two remaining games are against Georgia at home and at Alabama.

There's no argument. Tennessee isn't the same team they were as recently as 2004. Back then, games against Georgia and Florida were toss ups, and Alabama wasn't a threat like they are now. Urban Meyer coming to the SEC with his spread option changed things.

Hell, Tim Tebow changed things. ( Incidentally, Tebow is making a late surge for a repeat run at the Heisman.) I'm saying it now, Tebow repeats, much to the dismay of Ohio State fans.

But, Phillip Fulmer didn't change things. At least not yet. When he announced his resignation, he had the No. 6 recruiting class in the nation. Who knows where that team may have ended up? Now, no one ever will.

One thing is for certain, whoever gets the job needs to work quickly. Leading candidates are Butch Davis ("The long and short of it is, the administration and I are completely and firmly committed to building a championship football program at North Carolina. My family and I are very happy in Chapel Hill.") and Mike Leach (noncommittal).

Rumors are swirling around Knoxville about such names as Lane Kiffin, Jon Gruden and even Bill Cowher having bought houses or being spotted at the airport.

But, is this rock bottom?

Only time will tell.

A Dark Day for the Big Orange as Phil Fulmer Steps Down

Jeffrey McDaniel — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 10:19:24 -0500

Tennessee Head Football Coach Phillip Fulmer met with university officials Monday morning to discuss the future of Volunteer football. By mid-afternoon, word had spread throughout that Fulmer was out. He would be leaving on his own terms, sort of.

But Fulmer’s tearful media address Monday afternoon seemed to suggest that this wasn’t what he wanted at all.

Fulmer pointed to his 2009 Top 10 recruiting class as a sign that the trend is reversing, but the university thought otherwise.

Now, it seems that the university asked Fulmer to resign, effective at season’s end.

Fulmer’s fate is part of a trend in college football, where tenured coaches are being chased away from programs where they’ve had success.

The worst part is that Fulmer isn’t to blame.

When he took the reins officially in 1993, he quickly made Tennessee football relevant on a national scale. That year, he ended a seven-year losing streak to Alabama, tying the Tide 17-17 in Birmingham. Later that year, he signed Peyton Manning.

During the better part of the 1990s, only one team stood in Tennessee’s way: Florida. Fulmer had no problem crossing into Georgia for the top players. He recruited on a national level.

What hurt Fulmer the most was Georgia’s hiring of Mark Richt. Richt closed the state of Georgia almost completely (Eric Berry is from Georgia) to Tennessee recruiting.

Georgia was good in Richt’s first year, and only got better. There is a reason why the SEC is considered the best conference in college football.

Over the last seven years, everybody got better. Even Vanderbilt!

Urban Meyer brought Florida a national title in year two. Bruce Pearl brought Tennessee a powerhouse Men’s basketball program with someone else’s players in year one, and they weren’t even that good.

Throw in Nick Saban’s success at Alabama, the Tide are unbeaten and No. 1 in the current BCS standings, and Fulmer didn’t stand a chance. Fans began asking familiar questions like, What have you done for us lately? Why can’t we get a coach who will win for us in the first couple of years?

Disgruntled fans failed to realize that the 2005 Volunteers were two fumbles in the end zone (going in, mind you!) away from finishing 7-4. Both fumbles were sure-fire touchdowns. Both resulted in no points. Tennessee lost those two games by a total of four points.

Few fans wanted to know what Fulmer has actually done for them lately. The Volunteers actually earned a trip to Atlanta for the SEC title game just last season. And they didn’t back their way in, as many media stuffed shirts might suggest. For proof, see Kentucky in four overtimes, http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=273280096 .

Among the many criticisms, is Fulmer’s record against the Big Three, Alabama, Georgia and Florida. Since 2000, Fulmer’s teams have beaten Florida three times (2001, 2003 and 2004), Georgia three times (2004, 2006 and 2007) and Alabama five times (2000, 2001, 2003, 2005 and 2006).

Fulmer ran the program with dignity and class. Tennessee was never found guilty of any NCAA violations. Volunteer players routinely went onto the NFL.

In his media address Monday, the word “family” kept coming up. Senior offensive lineman, Ramon Foster had the sound bite of the day.

“Tennessee [football] is a family, for one, and we take care of each other,” said Foster, adding, “that right there wasn’t very stand-up of Tennessee.”

Over the next few months, it’s gonna be a question of whether Tennessee can stand up and hire the right guy, especially since the right guy just resigned.

A Modest Proposal For The BCS Playoff

Jeffrey McDaniel — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 15:50:37 -0400

To coincide with the release of the first BCS poll of the 2008 season, it seemed like an appropriate time to introduce my plan for a six team, college football playoff in 1,100 words or less.

To begin with, the playing field isn’t level for all teams. Almost every team plays 12 games. Almost every team belongs to a conference, but not all conferences host a championship game. Some conferences, the Big East for example, only play seven conference games, while other conferences play eight, giving teams like Louisville and West Virginia five non-conference games, thus improving their chances of earning a BCS Bowl berth by scheduling three or four cupcakes.

Here’s the fix. Every team plays the same number of total games (11 or 12) and the same number of conference games (8). Every conference holds a championship game. Your team doesn’t belong to a conference? Join one.

Of the BCS conferences, only one doesn’t have enough teams to play an eight game schedule, the Big East. If Notre Dame, Army and Navy joined, there would be more than enough teams. If a team refuses to join a conference, they are no longer eligible for the playoffs.

Incidentally, Notre Dame would annually play one of the toughest schedules, and meet all of the forthcoming qualifications for playoff eligibility just by keeping some of their traditional rivalries like Stanford, USC and Michigan if they joined the Big East or the Big Ten.

With all teams playing the same number of conference games, it then becomes a matter of the non-conference portion of the schedule. To keep the playing field even, teams can only play one 1AA (FCS) team, and if they choose to schedule a 1AA team, their remaining non-conference games must be against BCS conference opponents.

If they choose not to play a 1AA opponent, then at least one of their games out of conference must be against a BCS conference team. At least one of the non-conference games must be played on the road during an 11 game schedule, two during a 12 game season.

Now that every team is playing the same number of conference games and regulations are in place to limit the number of weak opponents a team can schedule, the current BCS formula will work, only with two minor tweaks. One, as long as a team is undefeated, and meets all of the above criteria, they remain in the playoff hunt.

And two, teams must at least tie for their division in conference play, with a maximum of two teams from any one conference. Any team that doesn’t meet the above requirements is ineligible for the playoffs.

This way, wins count for more against BCS teams, while losses count for less. Wins against FCS teams count for less and losses, like the one Michigan suffered against Appalachian State would be catastrophic for a team’s title hopes.

There would be incentives for scheduling tougher teams, and because more teams are playing against better competition each week, there would also be a weeding out of sorts. The top teams would naturally rise to the top.

Now, the playoff doesn’t mean that the other bowls would be eliminated. Fans of the Meineke Car Care Bowl would still be able to celebrate their champion. And, the creation of new bowls won’t be necessary for this playoff idea to work. The traditional BCS Bowls can serve as the playoff games for both the first and semifinal round games, keeping the BCS Title Game for the umm…BCS Title Game.

Here is where this playoff idea is different from most of the ideas that are currently being suggested. Beginning on New Years’ Day, the Sugar and Orange Bowls alternate from year to year serving as the site of the first round game and the East regional final, with the Rose and Fiesta doing the same out West.

The top two teams in the final BCS poll (polling would begin in Week Eight and end after the conference championships) get byes in the first round and play the winners of the opening round games the following week.

This does two things.

One, it keeps teams from having to travel across the country two or three weeks in a row. Two, it allows fans to know in advance where their next game will be played and when. This overcomes the objections about fans having to travel cross-country several weeks at a time to support their team.

One of the biggest arguments against a playoff is that it would render regular season games meaningless. Under this format, however, every game would be just as important as it is under the current system. Teams would still be vying for one of six spots. In fact, it might make games more important since at least tying for one’s division is a prerequisite for the playoff.

Phil Steele of philsteele.com made a compelling argument for a four-team playoff in 2007, when he said that the fifth team in the BCS poll rarely had a case for deserving to play for the National Championship. Likewise here, the seventh team in the BCS poll would be too far-removed from the top to make a strong enough case. Likely, the seventh team in the BCS would be happy to be number seven, getting the best remaining bowl bid.

Like March Madness, the last team out could make numerous cases for their inclusion, but in the end, they would have to answer for one of three things. Did they win every game? Did they at least tie for their division in-conference? And, did they schedule the right teams? Besides, the teams that are left out would still get to play in one of the remaining 25 or so bowl games.

With this system in place, college football could more legitimately crown a National Champion, and teams that were left out of the picture would still get to go out with a chance to play one more game in tropical climes. And, think about the drama that would unfold.

Most importantly, the NCAA still makes a large profit off the bowl season, and fans everywhere are happy because the championship will finally be decided on the field, where it belongs, instead of in the minds of some shortsighted, agenda-driven sportswriters and their laptops, where it doesn’t.

After all, the media is supposed to report the drama that unfolds in sports, not help to create it.

The SEC Gridiron Gradebook: Vol. II

Jeffrey McDaniel — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 15:48:06 -0400

Though it was hardly an upset this season, Vanderbilt knocked off No. 13 Auburn, 14-13, giving the Commodores a perfect 3-0 SEC record for the first time in decades. Kentucky proved they still belong in the conversation, losing a heartbreaker at Alabama, 17-14. South Carolina helped their cause with a big road win in Oxford over Ole Miss.

In this week’s Gridiron Gradebook, there were a few changes in the middle, but the Crimson Tide remained at the top, though they weren’t nearly as impressive against the Wildcats as they were last week at Georgia.

1. Alabama (Grade: B-)

It wasn’t pretty, but the Tide held on. Glen Coffee was very impressive, rushing for 218 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback John Parker Wilson was seven for 17 passing and threw for 106 yards and an interception. Alabama rushed for 282 yards against a defensive unit that had allowed an average of just 73 yards per game on the ground.

The Tide jumped out to an early 14-0 lead and looked ready to score again when Coffee fumbled at the Wildcat five-yard line. Add to that Leigh Tiffin’s two missed field goals, and that’s 13 potential points that the Tide left on the field in the first half.

Defensively, Alabama’s secondary gave up four plays of more than 20 yards in the second half, including a big touchdown late in the game. Against top tier teams in the SEC, that won’t cut it. If they play like this against LSU, there won’t be a changing of the guard in the West this year.

2. Vanderbilt (Grade: B+)

There really is something special going on at Vanderbilt this season. They beat Auburn for the first time since 1955. The last time they were 5-0 was during the Truman administration. They hadn’t won a game as a ranked team since 1956. All of that has changed.

It’s hard for fans to recognize the Commodores. They’re contenders now, and they can win the SEC East for three reasons.

They control their own destiny, with games against Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, and Tennessee all still to come. They are no longer afraid of those perennial bullies. Above all else, they are better at almost every position over last year's team. Can you imagine this team with Jay Cutler at QB or Earl Bennett at WR?

Their defense held Auburn scoreless after the first quarter, and they made several big plays down the stretch, including a game-saving interception.

Sure, they could lose every game the rest of the way, including Duke. But honestly, they could win every game the rest of the way too.

3. LSU (Grade: B)

For a team that looked complacent for much of the second half against Mississippi State, the bye week may have a negative effect on the Tigers. LSU took the week off before Florida to prepare for Tim Tebow and the rest of the Florida playmakers, who’ll have revenge on their minds after last season’s tough loss.

Saturday would have been the perfect time for the Tigers to make a case for the top spot in the SEC. We’ll see this week if the extra rest and preparation can help LSU leapfrog Vandy and Alabama.

4. Florida (Grade: B+)

The Gators thumped Arkansas, the worst team in the SEC and one of the worst teams in the country, 38-7. Their play wasn’t spectacular, but the result was never in question.

Tim Tebow, fresh off his promise of harder, more inspired play, did a solid job managing the offense, passing for 217 yards and two scores.

The Gators gained 278 yards on the ground and punished the Razorback defense on seemingly every possession of the second half.

Florida gave Arkansas every opportunity, including penalties on four straight plays in the first half, which forced a punt. The only problem: Arkansas fumbled away to the Gators, who scored three plays later.

5. Georgia (Grade: A)

The off week couldn’t have come at a better time. Following their loss at home to Alabama, the Bulldogs needed the rest.

Running back Knowshon Moreno is questionable for Saturday against Tennessee, a game Georgia absolutely must win. Losing to the Volunteers would almost surely sink both their SEC and National Title hopes instantly.

6. Kentucky (Grade: B)

The Wildcats were impressive despite their loss at Alabama. What helped were the three turnovers they were able to force, including one when the Tide was driving deep in Kentucky territory. Otherwise, it would have been the “Blood Bowl” I predicted last week.

Kentucky proved that they could stay with big teams, which is good considering they still have Florida, Georgia, and Vanderbilt to play.

Next week’s game at South Carolina may actually tell us more about the Wildcats than Saturday’s game in Tuscaloosa. Kentucky showed a lot of moxie against Alabama, proving they are a better team than I thought.

7. South Carolina (Grade: B-)

The Gamecocks won on the road in the SEC against a feisty Ole Miss team coming off a big upset at Florida. While South Carolina isn’t out of the SEC East race just yet, they are on the outside looking in.

Quarterback Chris Smelley looked solid, throwing for 327 yards and three touchdowns, and South Carolina forced three Rebel turnovers.

A big test looms in Lexington, where the Gamecocks hope to catch Kentucky off guard.

8. Auburn (Grade: C-)

Auburn looked poised early to end the party in Nashville, but Vanderbilt had the last laugh. It’s becoming a theme with the Tigers: stellar defense, terrible offense.

Installing the spread offense is looking more and more like a mistake, hopefully prompting Tommy Tuberville to make a change at QB. Chris Todd isn’t getting the job done.

9. Ole Miss (Grade: D+)

Following last week’s upset of Florida, Ole Miss came out firing against South Carolina, taking an early 14-3 lead. But two costly first half turnovers gave the Gamecocks the lead, and Ole Miss couldn’t get back any momentum. The road gets tougher this week at Alabama.

10. Tennessee (Grade: D)

The good news is Tennessee beat Northern Illinois. The bad news is it was by only four points, 13-9. The Volunteers are worse than possibly anybody thought they were.

Even breaking in a new starting quarterback, Tennessee should have scored more than one touchdown against Northern Illinois. Nick Stephens did play better than Jonathan Crompton, throwing for 156 yards and a touchdown.

If Tennessee wants to salvage this season, they need only look back to last year. Heading into the Georgia game, Tennessee seemed lost and destined for obscurity until the Volunteers dominated the Bulldogs.

Georgia awaits in Athens on Saturday.

11. Mississippi State (Grade: B)

The Bulldogs spent their bye week getting ready for Vanderbilt. What used to be an SEC pillow fight has become a tough game for Mississippi State.

12. Arkansas (Grade: D-)

The Razorbacks may be able to turn things around under Bobby Petrino, but it certainly won’t happen this season, and maybe not even next. Arkansas looked like a high school team against Florida, and the Gators gave the Hogs loads of help in the form of penalties. They were penalized 12 times for 110 yards.

Arkansas was still in the game until the fourth quarter. Michael Smith rushed for 133 yards and a touchdown, and Casey Dick was 24 of 38 for 220 yards with an interception. Those were the bright spots, though.

Their defense allowed 541 yards, a season high—and you might remember they were blown out by Alabama, 49-14, and Texas, 52-10. As predicted, Arkansas was blown out by Florida, although not as badly as I thought.

The biggest question I have is this: Given his track record of leaving teams high and dry, how long will Petrino tolerate coaching a terrible team before he leaves for greener pastures?

Upset Special, Part II: Week Six College Football Picks

Jeffrey McDaniel — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 07:39:39 -0400

The upsets have begun.

South Florida fans can always look ahead to next season, as their national title and Big East title hopes took a hard hit last night at home against Pittsburgh. If Tuesday night’s thriller between Florida Atlantic and Middle Tennessee is any indication, this week’s going to be something to see. But can the upsets continue?

Here are the picks for this week.

No. 23 Oregon at No. 9 USC

The Ducks have the unenviable task of traveling to Southern California just a week after the Trojans were blindsided by Oregon State. Watching USC quarterback Mark Sanchez walk off the field in Corvallis, I realized one thing. He is a real competitor, who took that loss on the chin. I look for Sanchez to have a big night against Oregon.

USC’s defense was embarrassed on numerous occasions by the Beavers’ freshman running back Jacquizz Rodgers. Rodgers rushed for 186 yards and two touchdowns on 37 carries. He almost single-handedly beat the Trojans.

USC’s defense faces two talented running backs again this week in LaGarrett Blount and Jeremiah Johnson. The Trojan defense will need to shut down these two backs, which have combined for over 900 yards and 14 touchdowns.

If Oregon can successfully run the ball against USC’s defense, then they have a shot at pulling off the upset. I just don’t see Mark Sanchez and the celebrated Trojan offense being shut down two weeks straight.

USC in a shootout, 41-37.

No. 13 Auburn at No. 19 Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt has been bullied around in the SEC for years. They haven’t started the season 5-0 since 1943, and this season they have a legitimate chance to get to Atlanta.

The Commodores are facing an Auburn team whose offense struggled against Tennessee, scoring only seven points, and had a difficult time moving the ball across the 50-yard line in the second half.

This may be good news to a Vanderbilt defense that has played very well so far. Their secondary has intercepted 10 passes this season. By juggling between Kodi Burns and Chris Todd, the Tigers may be playing right into Vanderbilt’s hands.

Vandy’s offense hasn’t been spectacular by any means, but quarterback Chris Nickson manages the game well. By limiting mistakes, Vanderbilt has overpowered teams down the stretch, and taken advantage of turnovers.

Auburn’s defense held tough against Tennessee in the second half, and spent most of the half with their backs to their own end zone. Vanderbilt is better, offensively, than Tennessee. If Auburn can’t put together sustained drives against the Commodores, their stay in the Top 25 will be short, and I don’t see how they can improve that much in just a week.

Vanderbilt beats Auburn for the first time in 13 tries, 22-17.

No. 14 Ohio State at No. 18 Wisconsin

Imagine how big this game would be if Ohio State hadn’t been blown out by USC, and Wisconsin hadn’t slipped up against Michigan last week.

It’s hard to get excited about this game since neither team is the favorite to win the Big Ten this season, but consider this: the Buckeyes have a knack for surviving until they are the only team standing at the end of the season. This game may well be for the Big Ten Championship as the Badgers host Penn State next week. Whoever wins this game still has a chance.

Wisconsin is a running team. If they want to win, they need to control the line of scrimmage. They have loads of talent and experience up front on the offensive line, and halfback PJ Hill is on pace for his third straight 1,000-yard season. As is becoming the theme this season, quarterback play will be the key to a Badger win.

Ohio State is starting Terrell Pryor against Wisconsin, which means that the Badgers will need to get after him behind the line of scrimmage with constant pressure.
If Pryor is allowed the time to make plays with either his feet or his arm—he’s thrown five touchdowns or rushed for three—it might be a long night for Wisconsin.

In Pryor’s official coming out party, the Buckeyes roll 31-20.

The Rest of the Best…

No. 1 Oklahoma at Baylor

The Sooners don’t slip up before their meeting with Texas, and dominate Baylor, 45-7.

Kentucky at No. 2 Alabama

I called this one “The Blood Bowl” and I’m not changing my tune now. The Tide will flunk an untested Kentucky defense, 49-21.

No. 12 Florida at Arkansas

The Razorbacks have been blown out each of the last two weeks. Florida makes it three in a row, 55-3. Look for a big game from Tim Tebow.

No. 24 Connecticut at North Carolina

This may be the biggest game of the week. North Carolina is on the rise. So is Connecticut. Get ready for a double overtime thriller, with the Tarheels pulling it out, 39-38.

Last Week: 3-1

The Very First SEC Gridiron Gradebook

Jeffrey McDaniel — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 08:32:40 -0400

It was a topsy-turvy week for many teams across the college football landscape. In the SEC, Alabama made a big statement in the West, while losses by Georgia and Florida opened up the race in the East.

After five weeks, I give you the first SEC Gridiron Gradebook.

1. Alabama

The Crimson Tide did more on Saturday night than even they may be fully aware.

First, they remain one of only three teams in the SEC without a loss, which ultimately means that they have an inside track to winning the Western Division. By beating No. 3 Georgia, they shook up the race in the Eastern Division as well. Finally, by blowing out the Bulldogs, they sent the message that Alabama football is back.

Alabama scored five times and led 31-0 before their first punt midway through the third quarter and never seemed fazed by the hostile crowd in Athens. John Parker Wilson was as confident on the field, surrounded by guys who wanted to tackle him, as he no doubt is on Friday nights when surrounded by college girls who want to do the same thing.

The Tide defense was downright scary in the first half, and it’s entirely possible that they got bored in the fourth quarter.

The most important number of all for the Tide is two. That’s how many games they play away from the friendly confines in Tuscaloosa: first against a Tennessee team that has a huge question mark at QB, and then against an unproven LSU team that continues to serve up some kind of whacky Kool-Aid to poll voters like they’re Jim Jones.

Grade: A

2. Vanderbilt

The Commodores are 4-0 for the first time in decades, and with an extra week of practice before their toughest game of the season so far against Auburn, they actually have a shot to get to 5-0.

More important than the extra week of preparation may be the fact that they didn’t have to play on a day when ranked college football teams decided to fall down the stairs.

The funny thing is that Vandy dominates teams by not dominating them, if that makes sense. They wore down South Carolina in Week Two. Offensively, they aren’t spectacular, but they play well enough to win. They’ve only turned the ball over five times all season, and all have been fumbles.

Quarterback Chris Nickson is proving to be a solid leader, leading the team with almost three hundred yards rushing and passing, and six touchdowns, three passing and three rushing.

With only one major road test left in the SEC, at Georgia on Oct. 18, the Commodores could do something special this year. Saturday’s game against Auburn marks the first time in school history that Vanderbilt has hosted College GameDay.

Grade: A-

3. LSU

The thing about LSU is that they somehow manage to win games. On Saturday against Mississippi State, they just didn’t seem to want to put the Bulldogs away.

The Tigers have picked on weaker teams so far. Their most impressive victory so far came at Auburn, and we’ve seen how overrated Auburn is.

Despite their tough remaining schedule, LSU only plays at Florida, South Carolina, and Arkansas, all of which they will enter as the favorite. Arguably, the two biggest games they have left are at home against Georgia and Alabama.

Until they prove me wrong, they are the fifth-best team in the country, and only time will tell.

Grade: B-

4. (tie) Florida and Georgia

At this point in the season, the Gators and Bulldogs are the same team. Both were upset at home on Saturday, and both had glaring weaknesses exposed.

For Florida, Tim Tebow has not lived up to the expectations after last year’s Heisman Trophy.

Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt outcoached the Gators' golden boy, Urban Meyer—and if Nutt can do it, odds are any one of four coaches left on Florida’s schedule can do the same.

Prior to the 2008 season, Tebow stated that his main goal was to win an SEC Championship. To do so, he may need to return for his senior year.

Georgia is left wondering what might have been. After Alabama thumped them on Saturday night, the Bulldogs learned the hard way that a weak non-conference schedule hurts. Offensively, they couldn’t convert on third and long. Defensively, they couldn’t get a stop on third and long.

Now they have to worry about whether Knowshon Moreno will be available against Tennessee.

Florida was caught off guard and exposed by a lesser team. The Bulldogs simply weren’t ready for Alabama. Georgia and Florida could both lose four more games. Vanderbilt and LSU are looming for both, and Georgia still has to travel to Auburn.

Grades: C+

6. Auburn

If not for a gift-wrapped touchdown following a Jonathan Crompton fumble on the goal line, Auburn would have lost Saturday to Tennessee. Defensively, the Tigers were solid. They contained the Vols’ passing game and limited Tennessee to only 191 total yards, plus they scored the Tigers’ only touchdown.

As good as the defense played, the offense played that poorly. For most of the second half, Auburn stayed behind the 50-yard line, with four three-and-outs in the fourth quarter, and they needed a fluke play to keep the final drive—if you could call it that—alive. The road doesn’t get any easier for the Tigers.

Grade: C

7. Kentucky

The Wildcats are severely untested this season. Their 27-2 victory over Louisville isn’t nearly as impressive now as it was when it happened, and they play at Alabama this weekend in what may become known as the Blood Bowl.

They dominated Western Kentucky on Saturday, 41-3, but allowed Hilltopper Bobby Rainey to gain 99 yards on just nine carries. Alabama is much better than Western Kentucky. Still, Kentucky is unbeaten entering SEC play.

Grade: C

8. Ole Miss

Ole Miss put the rest of the country on upset watch, where we stayed for the remainder of the night. They exposed many weaknesses in Florida’s game plan, forced three turnovers, and limited Tim Tebow on the ground, where he is most dangerous.

Offensively, the Rebels made big plays, including the 86-yard touchdown pass to Shay Hodge that put the Rebels up 31-24 with 5:26 left.

Think about this. If not for their two-point loss at Wake Forest and a heartbreaking loss to Vanderbilt in the final minute, the Rebels would be undefeated. Then again, “if” is the middle word in life.

Grade: C

9. Tennessee

Phillip Fulmer began the week by announcing an open competition for the starting quarterback job, which has to be music to the ears of Volunteers everywhere. That remains their only major question, and Gerald Jones is likely to get more chances there.

The defense kept Auburn pinned deep in their own end for most of the second half, and if not for a first half fumble in the end zone, which Auburn recovered for the deciding touchdown, they would have won.

The weirdest thing is that Tennessee isn’t out of the running for the Eastern Division. If they want to make a move, they need Crompton, or whoever else plays at quarterback, to complete more than eight passes for 67 yards.

Grade: D+

10. South Carolina

The Gamecocks squeaked past UAB, 26-13. One bright spot was quarterback Stephen Garcia, who stepped up to lead South Carolina with 131 yards and a touchdown through the air, as well as 86 yards rushing and another touchdown.

Defensively, the Gamecocks played well, forcing three turnovers and limiting UAB to just over 200 yards.

Without teams like Wofford and UAB to beat up on, the season is about to get a lot longer for South Carolina. They play at Kentucky, Florida, and Clemson, and host LSU.

Grade: D-

11. Mississippi State

Mississippi State showed a lot of heart by hanging with LSU. The Bulldogs refused to go away. They gained 110 yards rushing against a Tiger defense that was allowing just over 50 yards per game, and they have played one of the toughest schedules thus far in the SEC.

Grade: C

12. Arkansas

The Razorbacks beat Western Illinois 28-24 and Louisiana-Monroe 28-27 to open the season. Then they were blown out by Alabama, 49-14, and steamrolled by Texas, 52-10. I call that bad karma for Bobby Petrino.

The only thing worse than their offense is their defense. The Hogs could get blown out five more times this season.

Grade: F-

Who's Next? A Few Week Five College Football Predictions

Jeffrey McDaniel — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 11:59:12 -0400

Not so fast.

While USC’s upset loss to Oregon State may have opened the door for a number of teams in this week’s Top 25, we’ve only been playing for three weeks.

With four of the modified Top 10 teams playing ranked teams this weekend, only Missouri, Texas Tech and BYU are completely safe from the upset bug. That's only because they are idle this week.

This season is far from being decided. Last year, I predicted that the National Champion would have two losses. I’m not so sure that that won’t happen this year too. But, let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves.

Here are this week’s picks.

No. 24 TCU travels to second-ranked Oklahoma this week for what might prove to be a tougher test for the Sooners than they expected.

Oklahoma has scored more than 50 points in each of their first three games this season. Quarterback Sam Bradford has thrown for over 800 yards and 12 touchdowns.

DeMarco Murray, has split the rushing load with Chris Brown, leads the Sooners in rushing. His lowest yardage output of the season was 88 yards against Cincinnati three weeks ago.

TCU has won both of the last two meetings in Norman, and they have an offense every bit as dominant as Oklahoma’s.

Where they might have trouble is in running the football. Oklahoma has limited their first three opponents to only 190 yards combined. Granted, those opponents were Chattanooga, Cincinnati and Washington.

If TCU can find success running the football, they have a chance in a shootout, but Oklahoma’s offense is potent, and can score at will.

Oklahoma wins this one running away in the fourth quarter, 45-28. The Sooners face another huge test in two weeks against No. 7 Texas.

Eighth-ranked Alabama comes into Saturday night’s game at No. 3 Georgia riding a wave of momentum. They thumped Clemson in Week One, 31-10, and followed that with a narrow escape against Tulane, 20-6, before beating Western Kentucky and Arkansas by an average of 35 points.

When Nick Saban arrived in Tuscaloosa, this is exactly the kind of game fans had in mind. Glen Coffee is coming off a 162-yard, two-touchdown performance against Arkansas.

Georgia played very well last week at Arizona State. Matthew Stafford has thrown for nearly 1,000 yards and five touchdowns already, and its games like this one that will determine just how worthy a candidate he is for the Heisman.

Then there’s Knowshon Moreno. Moreno has rushed 455 yards and nine touchdowns in just four games. He might be a future Heisman candidate someday soon.

The game will actually hinge on how these offenses fare against the opponents defense. Both Alabama and Georgia have stingy units.

The Crimson Tide hasn’t given up more than 14 points in a single game all season, and shut down Clemson’s dual running threat to just 20 total yards. Georgia seemed almost bored at times against Arizona State.

Ultimately, Georgia is just a little bit better. They have more playmakers, and in a game as good as this one should be, playmakers make all the difference. Georgia wins, 21-17.

Penn State is having another fine season, and it’s all attributed to their HD offense. With a solid run/pass attack, the Nittany Lions are already being crowned Big Ten Champions well before the end of the year.

They haven’t scored fewer than 45 points all season, and they blew out Oregon State, which as we all know by now knocked off No. 1 USC.

Juice Williams has been solid so far, passing for over 700 yards and seven touchdowns. Illinois played fairly well against Missouri to open the season, but barely got past Louisiana-Lafayette in Week Two.

That inconsistency puts Penn State over the top. If the Illinois team that was two fourth quarter interceptions away from possibly beating Missouri shows up and plays for 60 minutes against Penn State, they still won’t beat Penn State.

The Nittany Lions should roll in this one. The Illini defense just can’t keep up with Daryll Clark who has only thrown one interception all season. Penn State 41-21.

I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t say something about Tennessee’s trip to No. 15 Auburn. The Volunteers and Tigers are both coming off disappointing losses, and if either of these teams wants to cling to hopes of an SEC Championship, they simply can’t lose. Last Season, Tennessee earned a trip to Atlanta with two conference losses, and from their win over Georgia through their dramatic, overtime victory over Kentucky, every play mattered. With an inexperienced quarterback running a new offense, Tennessee just can’t take that kind of drama all season. Beating Auburn will give them a little breathing room, because I think both Georgia and Florida will lose at least two conference games, and Vanderbilt might beat both of them.

Auburn is in the same boat. Since LSU has the inside track to Atlanta, Auburn needs to win out. They have a pretty easy schedule the rest of the way. Their only key road games are at Vandy next week and at Alabama on November 29. They renew The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry with Georgia on the plains this season, and they have revenge on their minds.

I’ve said this before in this space. Tennessee’s defense is good enough to keep them in every game the rest of the way. It really is up to the offense. If Jonathan Crompton can figure out how to run the offense, Tennessee can shake things up in the SEC. This week might be a good time to start. Auburn’s run defense is solid, though they did give up big stretches of ground to Charles Scott, which freed up Jarrett Lee to throw all over the field in the second half of last week’s game.

Tennessee shakes off the offensive cobwebs, but Auburn wins in dramatic fashion 24-23.

1-2 Record Sounds Familiar to Tennessee

Jeffrey McDaniel — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:06:00 -0400

Before being blown out last season in The Swamp 59-20, the Tennessee Volunteers had, in order, traveled to the West Coast, where they lost in a nationally televised game to a team from the Pac-10 (Cal, 45-31), and dominated, in less-than-impressive fashion, a team from Conference USA (Southern Miss, 39-19).

Following the beating they took at Florida, many Vol fans expressed their concern for the team’s fortune in as many media outlets as they could find. There were the obligatory calls for the job, if not the head, of Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer.

Tennessee went on to finish the regular season 9-3 overall, and 6-2 in the SEC, which was good enough to send them to Atlanta for the SEC Championship Game. The Volunteers lost a heartbreaker to LSU, 21-14, before knocking off Wisconsin in the Outback Bowl.

All in all, it was a good season. There were dozens of FBS coaches who would have loved to win 10 games.

Fast-forward to last Saturday’s blowout loss to Florida in Knoxville. The Volunteers have, in order, traveled to the West Coast, where they lost in a nationally televised game to a team from the Pac-10 (UCLA, 27-24), and dominated, in less-than-impressive fashion, a team from Conference USA (UAB, 35-3).

The similarities don’t end there. The 2007 Volunteers committed six turnovers through three games. They have committed seven in 2008. Both offenses, while they moved the ball successfully, failed to score on numerous occasions. Brandon James returned a punt for a touchdown in 2007, and repeated that feat again Saturday.

Against Cal last season, the defense fell down the stairs, allowing the Bears to score two big second half touchdowns. The returned almost that same group this season. UCLA scored two big second half touchdowns this year.

At Florida last season, the offense suffered one critical momentum killer after another. Last Saturday in Knoxville, two first half fumbles and an interception wiped what probably would have been 14 points off the board.

The similarities end there.

The offense, against both UCLA and UAB, suffered the same problem, inconsistency. At times during both games, quarterback Jonathan Crompton looked confused. He made bad decisions. He made bad throws. However, during the final drive at UCLA, he got the team in field goal range with less than 30 seconds on the clock. That should count for something.

Fulmer and new offensive coordinator, Dave Clawson, contend that the offense is getting better. And, both keep using the word consistency.

The good news is Tennessee can do much better. Hypothetically speaking, they could have been in the game against Florida if not for the aforementioned punt return and the two turnovers in the red zone. Maybe even won the darn thing. Crompton has nowhere to go but up.

The ground game is solid, if not better than last year, and that can be attributed to an offensive line that returns all five starters. That unit only allowed four sacks in 2007.

The defense is more experienced, and it remains to be seen if they aren’t actually deeper than last year. Eric Berry is asserting himself as the best defensive back in the SEC. If the defense just learns to tackle, they will be very successful.

Tennessee’s success begins and ends with Crompton. He has nowhere to go but up, and if he can get a firmer grasp on the offense, the Volunteers might be able to challenge Georgia and Florida for the SEC Eastern Division crown.

One huge difference between 2007 and 2008 is where Tennessee goes from here. Last year, they followed the Florida loss with a home game against Arkansas State, and most of their key SEC games were in Neyland Stadium. This year, they follow Florida with a trip to Auburn, with away games down the road against Georgia, South Carolina and Vanderbilt. Tennessee was 2-4 away from home in 2007.

With his back to the wall, Fulmer has always managed to fight his way out, and it’s safe to say that’s where he is right now.

Volunteers Look to Rebound Following Florida Flop

Jeffrey McDaniel — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 20:37:40 -0400

By the time Brandon James streaked past the Tennessee punt team midway through the first quarter, the game was practically over. His 78-yard return was the second in his career against the Volunteers, and as he darted down the field, Big Orange fans had to wonder if he was running away with more than just the game.

Namely, the rest of the season.

With three SEC games remaining at home against No. 8 Alabama, Mississippi State and Kentucky, Tennessee will need to hold serve in Knoxville. After being blown out in Tuscaloosa last season, the Volunteers should have revenge on their mind against Alabama. And, if they don’t improve, Kentucky and Mississippi State could give them problems.

They also have to travel to No. 15 Auburn, who is coming off a heartbreaking loss to LSU, and with one of the toughest defensive units in the SEC, Tennessee’s offense could have a hard time moving the football. No. 3 Georgia has lost two in a row to the Vols, and haven’t forgotten last season’s 35-14 blowout in Knoxville.

Then there’s No. 21 Vanderbilt, who is easily the biggest surprise of the season so far. The Commodores have tried to climb out of the SEC cellar in recent years, and this may be the year, making the Volunteers tough schedule even tougher after Saturday’s loss.

The offense, which outgained the Gators 258-243, showed signs of improvement, but lost three costly turnovers, two of which were inside the Florida five-yard line. Tennessee put together three sustained drives, which is encouraging, but came away with only six points.

If Jonathan Crompton can continue to improve, the Volunteers can go a long way, but it is imperative that they take care of the football. He tends to rush his throws when facing pressure, and still doesn’t make the best decisions with the football.

By employing a committee of running backs, the Vols managed to throw several different looks at the Gator defense, but were still outrushed 147-96. Arian Foster carried the ball 14 times for just 37 yards, and has a history of fumbling the football in clutch plays. Montario Hardesty continues to make his case for more touches after gaining 22 yards on seven carries.

As usual, the defense played well enough for the Vols to win, if not for the turnovers and special teams’ mistakes. They limited Tim Tebow to just 96 yards passing and 26 yards rushing on 12 carries, but Florida’s running backs managed to pick up sizeable chunks of yardage on several third downs.

The defense seemed geared to stop only Tebow. It looked at times like Florida could move the ball at will. Eric Berry anchored the secondary, which was the most dependable unit, but didn’t create any turnovers. Tebow only attempted 15 passes all day, which indicates how important stopping the run was to Tennessee.

Britton Colquitt will return in two weeks to help bolster the punting game. They are currently ranked 118 out of 119 FBS teams.

The Volunteers are still one of the top teams in the SEC, and they are always in the mix in September. If they can make a few adjustments, the defense will play well enough to keep them in every game this season. They just can’t afford to give the ball away as they did Saturday.