Bleacher Report - Articles by Alabama Voodoo

After Hog-Tied Beating Auburn Looks Ahead to Kentucky

Alabama Voodoo — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:14:49 -0400

Reality check? Coaching letdown? Too early in the morning? Performance letdown? Lack of depth on defense?

Simply put "It's SEC football baby!"

In the wake of the beat down suffered at the hands of a desperate Arkansas Razorbacks football team, the Auburn Tigers discovered that just showing up in the SEC, especially on the road, is a recipe for disaster; sadly enough, a lesson learned every season by most good teams and rarely by great teams.

Many Auburn fans, sports writers, and especially the Tiger haters alike are explaining the occurrence that went down with furious rationale, excuses, and even so-called expert analysis.

With my knowledge of college football the human psyche suddenly resurfacing I have to break them all off proper-Lee.

It's quite comical knowing fans and especially sports writers are merely armed with the internet as their only source and a spell checker, only to ask this question: "Hey Larry what's a thesarus? Some type of dinosaur I figure."

Our favorite sport is worthy of all fans' expertise and opinions. It's amusing reading writers like my good friend Frank Crittenden dissecting all of the SEC teams and glorifying his beloved Crimson Tide.

So now it's my turn. My turn to attempt to explain the nuts and bolts of the 2009 Auburn Tigers and the direction of their season by analyzing the loss to Arkansas and the affects it had on the team.

There is no doubt about it: Auburn came out flat and laid a big fat egg. Chris Todd looked rattled early on, and the defense got punished by the Hogs' offensive line. I even got a text from a friend that simply read "Mallett for Heisman."

Now before I type anything else that may look like an excuse, let me say this: Arkansas looked like a completely different team and played lights out.

I saw many issues from the Tigers that from a leader's stand point need to be addressed.

The main issue, unfortunately, is not a quick fix. The defense is so thin from the trenches to last line of defense, they resemble the French Army and their last stand before surrendering Paris over to Germany during WWII...actually not quite that bad, but you get the point!

I know depth on defense is a serious issue and these young men are spending a significant amount of time on the field. My advice: Play harder and wrap up when tackling.

The scheme they run is to sustain energy and durability of the majority of the starters, who are playing almost every snap and will remain doing such as the competition increases.

Running a base defense with soft pass coverage to me, as an Auburn fan, is downright offensive.

Where are the blitzing linebackers? Well, they are seniors in high school and that's the reality of it all. Injuries and disciplinary actions are contributing to the Tigers' Achilles heel on defense.

Motivation, the right strategy by coaches, and players stepping up beyond their skill set are what makes up for a lack of depth on a good football team that otherwise would be average.

With a glance at the cross-state rivals and their current condition you see The Crimson Tide reveals outstanding depth is the key to their return to prominence. Alabama is a blossoming model for championship teams. It was a tough process, but rebuilding the Tide is how it's done.

The second team players for Alabama are without question a top 20 team by themselves at every position. This is very similar to the quality of riches that supported Auburn's dominance earlier in the decade.

The reload phase for Auburn football will be predominantly shorter than the Tide's rebuild and climb back to contender status by scholarship numbers alone. Auburn is not being affected by probation and the idiocy of people like DuBose and Shula running the program.

Auburn has a young and energetic coaching staff and playing time available to recruits at a major SEC program. As a proven winner, a return to being a contender is one or two years a way. And whoever said perpetrating as a contender isn't fun? It's what most programs do anyways.

Ahead of schedule or right on track? It's according to who you ask but this team plays a major role in answering such a question. The answer will be best served after the season is over by teams unity, the win/loss record, recruiting, and the immeasurables we don't even read or hear about.

In dealing with adversity, these young men are facing a challenge and a great life lesson early on: Your worth is measured during tough times and how you react not when how you are living when on top.

My philosophy: Mental toughness; get it or die!

It is well known across the SEC that Auburn is a very dangerous team and capable of deciding who if not them will be representing the West in the SEC Championship on December fifth.

Will the questions about this team be answered this weekend against a tough Kentucky football team?

I doubt it, but a win will set things back in motion and allow the Tigers to continue towards their goals and dreams for the 2009 season.

Commander's Call: Is the Crimson Tide Stain an Illness or Ignorance?

Alabama Voodoo — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 05:32:37 -0400

As an SEC West football intel analyst, I know that Alabama fans have this self-righteous proclamation to nothing but their very own superiority and class above the entire field of college football programs.

This air of greater belonging and self-medicating worth, which even their loyal fans of bottom-dwelling origins include themselves as a part of, is downright disturbing. The upper crust of football and even society, according to Alabama fans, is their prerogative.

This is regardless of their affiliation to the University itself, which generally doesn't bother me.

It’s an old and frequent state of mental instability that was never scientifically identified—until now.

This condition is called The Crimson Tide Stain.

This condition is a part of daily life where I come from. Alabama football is king, and houndstooth is vogue. It's a fact that Crimson Tide teams of their hallowed past served as the recognized symbol of college football dominance during the 1960s and 1970s. Don't you remember the Bear?

Tide fans of all ages will never let you forget Bear Bryant. I admit that we shouldn't; after all, a womanizing, mean old drunk is worth idolizing, whether we speak of my dad or the most successful college football coach of all time. It is what it is.

Now, in the age of wonder, with mass media and people's Internet voices louder and stronger than their actual backbone, this phenomenon of superiority rings louder than ever before.

Listen up! You Internet bullies need to take heed to this warning; this is a call to you gristle backs of limited experience and inundated knowledge of the past.

Lest we forget the past, we are doomed to repeat it...good thing Alabama fans sure as heck won’t allow that!

Currently about 50 percent of Alabama fans are digitally capable of spewing their enormity of mind-numbing historical football data on a widespread level, and it got me thinking: "Why aren't these Bama fans standing in the unemployment line running their mouths where they belong?"

Too easy; instead they utilize their newfound talent chastising Auburn, LSU, UF, and UT fans alike, who are doing it right back at them. Is this a great country or what?

Now that is the beauty in all of this wordplay...ignorance is bliss, and thank goodness for freedom of speech, or it would be off to Siberian work camps for the majority of my Bama friends and relatives.

The 2009 University of Alabama football team might be the best in the NCAA and on their way to a BCS Title.

Truth be told, I can't believe I typed the above sentence without a mental health evaluation, but I have watched them play, and as much as I hate to say it, "Nick Saban is that good." The O-line is dominating, and the defense is suffocating. The running backs are fantastic, and Julio Jones is supposed to marry 87 percent of Fraternity Row’s girlfriends.

Championships are won in the trenches nine times out of 10, and that is what this team is about. The offensive and defensive lines are very NFL-esque, with a QB leading them that is better than most run-of-the-mill fans are able to decipher.

I am not switching allegiances here. No way—die-hard Auburn fan thick and thin. I only pull for the Tide when they play the Gators (exceptions do apply; see below).

Caveat No. 1: I also pull for Bama based on my brother’s alcohol consumption. I learned this when I saw my drunken brother flip a couch during the Arkansas game a few years back; saying, "See that yellow flag? That's called holding and that is cheating. That game-winning TD...coming back" was not wise.

A fight ensued, and the police showed up wanting answers. Auburn won, Alabama lost. One of the policemen politely said, “OK, thanks, and keep it down” as they walked away satisfied by our out of breath answer.

Did I mention this happened in our condo in St. Petersburg, FL? That kind of answer has universal understanding. War Eagle, or should I say, Roll Tide Roll.

Caveat No. 2: I forgot to mention that when Alabama lines up against LSU, I do pull for an airborne flu-like virus to inflict the fans. No, not life-threatening, but something with a diarrhea of painful circumstances.

Whether that game is played home or away, it just doesn't matter. Baton Rouge or Tuscaloosa, it’s all no man's land just the same.

The Crimson Tide Stain is best described as a mental condition that never ends and is more like a disease the faithful Tiders have another definition for such human deficiencies. This, my fellow bleacher creatures, is their "birthright!"

Shocking, trust me, I know...however, it is not genetically ingrained, not like most serious levels of ignorance; it is taught and a learned behavior. No matter the level of intelligence or commitment to attend a JUCO or flip burgers, they got it, and it’s a cycle for generations.

Readers, fans, opponents, and onlookers, for my description and evidence that The Crimson Tide Stain is in fact a real condition, follow this everyday occurrence:

A dumb redneck scratches his head as his critical and devotional thought of Alabama football passes through. Suddenly, he blurts out this vocal gem, "When my daughter is born, we gonna name her Saban Bryant Robinson. Me and Jenny gonna call her Baby Sabie.”

It answers your rhetorical question of why he never considers why he’s been sweeping asbestos in a chicken factory for 13 years, other than the rationale of: "My daddy did it before me, and his daddy did too. It's just what we do!"

Now, this is just my interpretation of the current state and condition of the majority of Crimson Tide Fans throughout the fine state of Alabama, Georgia, and parts of Mississippi. I could be wrong, but YOU know I'm right.

For all of you who think I am biased, well, you can substitute any college team's fans from the South. For example: The Bayou Stain, The Rebel Stain, The Vol Stain—and the list goes on.

Go ahead and ask this question you already know the answer to: “Is Auburn the Tigers or War Eagles?”

Tim Tebow: Annoying and Obnoxious

Alabama Voodoo — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:07:34 -0400

Someone please answer me this question: Am I the only person who thinks that the mighty Tim Tebow is totally annoying and obnoxious? Now, I will be the first to admit that he is one amazing football player, but he is going to give himself an aneurysm if he doesn’t slow down.

Someone once said to me, it’s only a game!

Ever since this throwback stepped on the field for the first time for the UF Gators, he has bullied and bulldozed his way through the competition. With two National Titles and a plethora of individual awards coming into his senior season, Tim Tebow has set the standard for the college QB.

My problem with Tim Tebow is not his playing style nor his religious faith, both deserving kudos, but the fact that he is such a huge glory hound, and he runs around like a overzealous ruffian trying to prove he will be more than a professional fullback in the NFL. He will settle into the role of NFL backup QB if he can be humbled like all great men have before and know his role.

From his tantrums on a podium to his yelling and screaming in teammates faces, this guy can get you motivated, but he can also be the one to push his teammates away when they let him down.

It’s a simple study into the human condition. An overachieving home schooled orphanage bully. When he really lets his team down, who will be there to yell at the Golden Boy?

You must know he honed his skills stiff arming and hurdling little kids as he dreamed of Dallas Cowboy dreams while taking the punishment of his older brothers. They broke him in right because he really is one tough Gator and you better believe that. This kid can throw and run better than any combination ever seen before. Yet, we get the feeling he loves seeing himself on ESPN although he portrays the contrary.

Over and over again all you see is Tim Tebow and how great of a football player and person he is, but what you don’t see is his Chuck Norris emulation and idolization. From his press conference antics to his locker room tirades, he sort of puts himself before the team and calls out head coaches from other teams and plays the role of prima donna at pep rallies. OK, slow down Texas Ranger.

This young man needs to chill out or else he is going to be exposed beyond America’s sweetheart. He is just a kid under a lot of pressure to succeed, and he has up to this point, but this season will be the most difficult to maintain for the Gators top egomaniac!

What will he do when adversity comes to and the Gators are finally through?

Auburn's Being Overlooked, Good Thing SEC Title Game Isn't a Popularity Contest

Alabama Voodoo — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 06:55:46 -0400

The Auburn Tigers still continue with their torrent pace, clawing to a 3-0 start with a blistering offensive scheme and opportunistic defensive unit. In the wake of the 41-30 victory over the WVU Mountaineers, I saw a young yet talented team with a bright future and a lot of heart.

I have spent the past few days reading about the game and gathering other people’s opinions on this Tiger team. Very few people outside of the Tiger fans believe this team is a legit SEC contender. That’s fine, and reality is right now they are not, but...

This team forces turnovers and coming from behind and winning against a team that mule kicked the Tigers last year in Morgantown was a huge confidence booster. A lot of resolve and resiliency was discovered by the young men lacing up their cleats Saturday evening. Auburn is still under the radar but has dominated their opponents one way or another.

I have read people posting, blogging and otherwise running their mouths that Louisiana Tech was a second-rate team (OK) and that Mississippi State is the worst SEC team (Vanderbilt is), and now WVU was lousy with a weak defense and gave Auburn the victory.

OK, those attempts to downgrade the Tigers' first three weeks and their 3-0 start are ridiculous and proof that nervousness is creeping from all corners of the SEC. No, WVU did not give Auburn the victory...Auburn took it from the Mountaineers in the fourth quarter.

I bet if your team was down 21-10 and came back in the fashion the Tigers did it would be praise the anointed kings of the league. Right?

Say what you want but the SEC West is wide open as for who will represent the division in the SEC Title game.

Alabama looks strong, with a skull crushing O-line and a smothering defense, which may very well lead them to the promise land as the Western division’s clear cut favorite; for now. They have a great coach who needs to deliver the goods to live up to the hype of the uber-obsessed fan base in Tuscaloosa.

LSU can’t seem to get right offensively, and they are flat out offensive these days. However, not many teams look as good taking the field much less play with the intensity and talent of a well coached Bayou Bengals team.

Don’t get me started on the Ole Miss Rebels because that is what they are...The Ole Miss Rebels. The team from Oxford, MS will always be the Rebels; laughing ensues. They are overrated and undeserving of their lofty ranking because they are the Ole Miss Rebels.

As for the Arkansas Razorbacks and their giant QB with a porous defensive unit, what will become of their season? They will have a say in who goes to Atlanta, but it surely won’t be them. The Hogs are a year maybe two away from turning Frank Broyles Stadium into a Nolan Richardson’s 40 minutes of Hell plus 20 more in Fayetteville. Now, which is worse I ask you?

So before you go counting out the unranked Auburn Tigers look at the possible landmine games for your respected SEC programs and remember winning does a lot for the soul and character of any football team. Give me an offense that improves weekly an opportunistic defense and I will give you a 9-3 football team—enough to ruin your team’s Dream Season.

Good Luck to all the teams in the SEC West because the real season starts for just about everyone from here on out. Does your team have the resolve to make it to Atlanta and battle the obnoxious and annoying Tim Tebow with his tag-along Gators?

UFC 98: Is Ralph Macchio vs. Ahmad Rashad a Fair Fight?

Alabama Voodoo — Wed, 13 May 2009 06:39:29 -0400

Now I know it’s been quite some time since I logged on to Bleacher Report. I think the last time was in February or so, but when I heard about the main event of UFC 98! I was amazed by the dedication to the MMA fans by Dana White to make this fight a go. I had to write an article...

The Karate Kid vs. Clair Huxtable’s former husband. Now I will fork over the $59.99 for this fight on principle alone.

In the pending battle of these two has-been Titans of the 1980s, we have some serious skills to match up and a prediction to follow as well.

As we all know Ralph Macchio made a name for himself by eventually standing up to “Johnny” and his gang of punks from the Cobra Kai by becoming a student of the Miyagi Fighting Style and eventually growing a pair so he could impress the girl from across town.

The Cobra Kai were so ruthless that during the Karate Tournament when Macchio was agonizing in pain you could hear "Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaahhhh Get'em a Body Bag!" coming from the background with laughter and teenage testosterone as it's amplifier.

But the most poignant and touching part of young Daniel San’s growth and evolution was the relationship and bond he developed with his father figure played by Pat Morita. Their story is a heartfelt one about a white trash kid and his mentoring and education from a mild mannered WWII hero who liked to prune bonsai trees.

Needless to say, Ralph Macchio is a survivor. Because he is fighting in UFC 98 and I ain’t seen or heard from him since the fallout of the Karate Kid II (a.k.a The Forbidden Love).

Now Ahmad Rashad, formerly known as the Oregon Duck football star Bobby Moore, is a completely different model of respect. Basically a glory hound his entire life he went through several media laden events to garner attention to his pretty face.

Now Ahmad loved the spotlight and who could blame him?

After all, Ahmad was a great football player, both collegiality and professionally, and eventually became a fully fledged celebrity and TV icon on Thanksgiving Day 1995.

During the pregame show to the Lions and Jets game, the always venerable spotlight ranger asked Phylicia Ayers-Allen to marry him. Needless to say this pretty boy won her heart and hand in marriage that lasted 16 years. Not bad for a third marriage…For both of them.

Some of Ahmad’s credits and roles include Real TV, Celebrity Mole, and NBA Inside Stuff. He definitely served well as Michael Jordan’s biggest hanger on from press row and continues to make money; I mean a name for himself by stepping up and fighting the Karate Kid in UC 98.

I expect this fight to be extremely close but look for Rashad to pull it out in the fifth round by a KO. Macchio has a lot to prove, but Rashad is ready to beat him to submission if needed.

Black History Month: A Time to Recognize Heroes That Paved the Way

Alabama Voodoo — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 11:04:27 -0500

With the recent inauguration of our new Commander-In-Chief Barack Obama, it is an amazing time to be alive and witness this contemporary chapter of American history.

It’s also a time to give thanks to both black and white Americans who stood against racism, bigotry, and fought for social equality over the past 200 years. It should also be a time to reflect on the importance of Black History Month and to celebrate the heroes as well as everyday people that shaped our great Nation we live in.

As we look back and assess the changes that occurred in the United States over the past 60 years, it is completely defined as a remarkable era in our short history.

Today’s current political landscape is a reflection of the hearts, minds, and actions of the men and women that stood up and refused oppression by destroying segregation, fighting for equal rights, and abolishing the ignorant Jim Crow laws during the peak of the Civil Rights Movement.

Without the brave men and women who peacefully fought against the “Societal Norm” of our country during the 1950s and 1960s, our new President would not be Barack Obama. During the era of the Civil Rights Movement, the United States was engulfed with racial ignorance and violent bigotry on an accepted and frightening level.

However, during the 1950s and 1960s, when racial tension and ignorance was paramount throughout our country, individuals like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Linda Brown, Thurgood Marshall, Edgar Nixon, and Medgar Evers became icons and leaders for racial equality.

These great men and women, plus countless more, led the Civil Rights Movement in a peaceful manner hand in hand with black and white citizens with no regard of an imminent danger.

Shockingly enough, there were acts of terrorism in our country, like the September 1963 bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, AL, where this hideous act killed four young African-American girls attending Sunday school.

The incorrigible Ku Klux Klan and similar white supremacist organizations continued hate crimes on the premise of fear and violent tactics much like Al-Qaeda and other terrorist organizations do today in Iraq.

The senseless murders, beatings, and torture of men and women during this era were a catalyst of our forefathers, who began leading peaceful demonstrations in Montgomery, Selma, and Birmingham, AL while being attacked by club-wielding policemen, dogs, tear gas, and fire hoses.

At this time, our country looked on in a state of fear and embarrassment of the powers that be.

Although hundreds of thousands of lives, possibly more were lost in the battle for civil rights and although heartbreaking in their appearance, a cultural revolution was spawned as a reaction.

With the harrowing numbers of crimes against humanity that were based on race, religion, sex, and ethnicity, those crimes eventually inspired daring leaders who promised the people of the United States that change was forthcoming and prejudicial crimes and discrimination against all minorities would not be tolerated anymore.

You cannot judge a Man by the color of his skin.

The continued courage of African-American activists like Dr. King and his eloquent “I Have a Dream” speech vindicated the Civil Rights movement in the eyes of people who really had no clue or turned the other cheek.

Other activists like Malcolm X, who lived by the mantra “Any means necessary,” and the Black Panther Party had different approaches to obtain equality and civil liberties for African Americans.

Obviously, there is justification in the tactics and philosophies that may have been deemed confrontational and militant, but protests and gatherings of this nature made perfect sense in light of events that were taking place against African-Americans throughout the United States in the 1950’s and 1960’s.

Eventually our nation’s key leaders had to take notice of the state of our nation.

Two individuals who played a major role in the Civil Rights Movement were President John F. Kennedy and Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson. These men pushed through the Civil Rights Bill of 1963, which was proposed by President Kennedy and helped passed into law in 1964 following his assassination by President Johnson.

There are an infinite number of moments that led to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which is one of the most important bills passed in our Nation’s history.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was most recognized for ending racial discrimination in restaurants, hotels, bathrooms, and forced integration of similiar service businesses. It also gave equal opportunity for employment in the workplace, for women as well as racial, religious, and ethnic minorities.

We know that just because the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed it did not change the United States overnight, as the struggle for Civil Rights and equality continues to this day. Yet, the changes many of us witnessed and our parents witnessed are a major proponent of our successfully evolving Nation.

The importance of celebrating Black History Month for me is paying homage to all African-Americans who helped shape, mold, and influence our great society that we live in today. Their legacy is echoed by the sacrifices made, and their fight for equality is simply justified by our very own Preamble to the Constitution.

Which states:

“We the People of the United States in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity.”

Commander's Call: Auburn Moving in the Right Direction...After All

Alabama Voodoo — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:23:46 -0500

It's been a long and joyous Christmas and New Year's Holiday for my family and I. Took nearly three weeks of leave from work and got some needed time with the family and friends.

Now I am back to the grind of the United States Army, but the Lord knows I am ready to start writing again and hanging out with my extended family here in the bleachers as well.

So it seems a lot has gone on in the three weeks I've been away. I saw some amazing football games, i.e. WV/UNC, Mizzou/Northwestern, Utah/Alabama (Franklin and Larry), and I even attended the Capital One Bowl and watched UGA show up late in the second half.

But the thing that has intrigued me the most this holiday in the sports world is the direction Auburn football is moving in. I was a little confused about the Chizik hire...who wasn't?

However, I must admit I accepted it and got excited about it as well. Obviously it was a time for change. The Powers that be and Coach Tuberville were never going to see eye to eye, and my beloved Tigers have fallen into a rut.

The potential for this recent season's rut to turn into a four to five-year abyss was at one point impending, yet Gene Chizik has shown smarts and guts in the hiring of his new staff to guide the Tigers into the 2009 SEC season.

Listen up, Auburn haters and current sports experts: Gus Malzahn is the right OC to run a potent and dangerous offense in the SEC. You can sit there and say Auburn doesn't have the athletes to run his offense, just like you did for Tony Franklin's offense.

Truth be told, Auburn has more than enough talented players to run any offense that is put into place. If teams like Troy and Tulsa are successful, and they have one-fourth the talent AU does, then it's just a matter of coaching and developing the proper scheme.

I have said at times it is more about the Jimmys and Joes than X's and O's. However, proper tutelage and coaching can produce amazing results with even average talent, but poor management and mentoring can produce disastrous results with talent-laden teams.

Obviously this is where Auburn failed miserably last season, with Tuberville giving Franklin the keys to the family car but telling him to be home by 9pm or he would be on restriction—as well as saying these are the friends I want you to hang out with, i.e. Nall, Gran, Ensminger, etc.

Things are looking "up" on the plains once again. Charles Barkley, the unofficial voice of the Auburn Tigers, has called AU the loveliest village on the plantation, considered them racist and a part of the Good Ol' Boy System.

However, his reputation has taken a huge hit after the suspicion of DUI while looking for a place in the dark to get busy with some random lady he picked up at a bar. Instead of spending his money on floozies and casinos, he should give money to the university and maybe he would have a reputable voice in Auburn.

As if passing up Turner Gill was race-related with choosing Chizik as the new head coach. It seems contrary to popular belief with the assistant coaches landing jobs on his coaching staff at Auburn. You ever think that maybe some African American coaches don't get the job because they aren't qualified, maybe not a good interview, or just not ready?

I will be the first to say that there are definitely not enough African-American head coaches in all sports, professional and college a like. Do I believe race plays a part? You better believe it, and I think it's wrong, but every time an African-American gets passed over, the masses scream "Racism!"

James Willis was retained, and with the hiring of Trooper Taylor, Curtis Luper, and Jay Boulware, Auburn currently sits with four African-American coaches on their staff, second in the SEC only behind Ole Miss, who has five.

Coaching makes a difference. As a Head Coach, you are only as good as the people you hire to surround you. Unlike the stagnant staff Tuberville had, this staff breathes fire and is hungry to prove that Auburn is and always will be one of the top programs in the Nation.

One down season does not equate to a cataclysmic fall from grace. Maybe it was just a sign that change was needed. The prospects this staff give to a future at Auburn that a month ago seemed so bleak to now being resilient and hopefully back to their winning ways in 2009.

As if the epic rise of Alabama was truly prognosticated, the quick fall from the pinnacle has been harsh, disturbing, and just as shocking. When we are dealing with 19, 20, and 21-year-old kids, moods and morale change like the direction of a Southern summer breeze.

Just as Auburn's for sure demise was predicted half way through the season; College Football is a funny and fickle sport. I expect both Alabama and Auburn to win eight to 10 games and to be in the thick of the SEC Title race throughout 2009 and beyond.

The Harder They Come in MMA, the Harder They Fall: UFC Needs a Tournament

Alabama Voodoo — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 01:39:45 -0500

As an original fan of UFC and the tournament style of their origin, I think it is time to have another tournament to crown a "King of the Octagon" and conduct one every two years. The amount of revenue from this type of event would be astounding with proper marketing and promotion.

The very first UFC event we ordered at my house was the UFC 8 David vs. Goliath, and it culminated in Don Frye beating Gary Goodrich in the final. I have to admit it is the main reason Don Frye is probably my favorite MMA fighter of all time.

Soon after that UFC 10 was going to be in Birmingham, Alabama at the fairgrounds. My friends and I couldn't believe it was happening in our hometown. Needless to say, I was there and was devastated when Mark Coleman defeated Don Frye in the finals.

I was there where Coleman invented the ground and pound technique as he ripped through the competition in a blistering and brutal pace. He was a beast and seemed so unbeatable at the time.

Soon after attending UFC 10, I slowly lost interest in MMA and to this day am not really sure why. At one point I had a friend who was the "Cable Guy," so these events just came on at my house: Tyson-Holyfield I, all the WWE you could ask for, etc. But my desire for MMA just dwindled.

It wasn't until five years or so ago that I started getting back into MMA when I discovered Pride FC. The first one I watched was Pride 16 at a friend's house in St. Petersburg, FL, and of all people Don Frye was on the card!

Don Frye was decked out in an American flag and representing the USA just weeks after the horrific events of Sept. 11, 2001. If you would have seen it live, you would have been blown away and moved just like everyone in attendance and watching on TV.

The ridiculous thing was that Gary Goodrich and Mark Coleman were on the card as well. I was trying to relate my history of being an MMA fan but was disregarded as a meager fan of MMA competitions by my Florida friends.

Little did they know I knew who the people that were being worshipped in Japan were before they ever did. Either way, it was such a mesmerizing event to watch, especially the night of Pride FC 16. For the first time I saw the Antonio "Minotauro" Nogueira bait and defeat the overzealous and monstrous Mark Coleman.

Who was this Minotauro individual, I thought? Soon I started getting into Pride FC and became a fan instantly. They had tournament-style fighting events. These had that ancient warrior feel to them.

The Japanese crowds, fans, and announcers ruled the scenery and setting. It reminded me sort of the movie Bloodsport just in the fact that it was in the "Orient" and these fighters were from all four corners of the globe.

Now some seven years later Pride is all but a distant DREAM, and UFC, although it delivers, just doesn't have the appeal I desire. Will the UFC get better? Will the UFC go to tournament-style fights ever again? I hope so.

Top 10 MMA Fighters: Past and Present

Alabama Voodoo — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 05:39:07 -0500

My list starts with Anderson Silva at the top, just like everyone else...Not. For me, it has to be (1) Fedor Emelienko. I have always liked this guy's fighting style.

Fedor bum-rushes his opponents, delivers a little ground and pound, and before you knew it, you had to tap out or your arm would snap in half. He is ugly, mean, and ruthless in the ring.

His record in the heavyweight division is practically unreal. He's 28-1 and he delivered beatings to all Pride FC could offer. There are few left who can take him, even today, past his prime.

After Fedor, obviously, I have to give props to "The Spider" (2) Anderson Silva—the savviest fighter in the world. This warrior is a menace to his opponents with a style that has yet to be duplicated.

Whether it is the violent Muay-Thai knees he delivers or the combinations from his lightning-quick hands, this guy can dot your eye in a split second. A great wrestler as well, he has not been tested in years.

Next has to be (3) Don Frye. Now, this guy here delivered beatdowns to people all across the globe. He was American and as John Wayne as he could be. He seemed like the wrong dude to smart off too in a bar for sure. WHAM! WHAM!

Don Frye was what I interpreted as the brawler with a chin. We are all aware of his wrestling background—college teammate of Cotoure—but his hands were like cement bricks.

I always liked (4) Chuck Liddell, and it may seem a bit redneck of me, but this guy was a tremendous wrestler, but what he was known for was the KO's he delivered. Wow, how quick we forget the punishing beatdowns he delivered.

If you don't like (5) Wanderlai Silva, you just didn't know MMA, or you have no idea what kind of drive percolates in this man's head. Any questions, refer them to Quentin Jackson.

Remember the first time you saw (6) Mirko Filipovic fight? A kickboxer delivering shots that would echo in an arena holding 30,000 spectators. Now that is vicious, and he beat some folks down.

I have to admit I am a (7) B.J. Penn fan as well. People talk about his striking skills, and yes, he does hit hard. But no one really see's the grappler who looks like he has two sets of hands when he is on his opponent.

I always gave it up to my man (8) Randy Cotoure. When I saw him defeat a young Vitor Belfort, I was in utter disbelief. "Captain America" never disappointed in his career as a true warrior in the ring.

I don't much care for anything Canadian except for (9) Georges St. Pierre. Now, this guy is a Martial Artist, who, guess what, learned to wrestle. He is so scary good right now, and with the rematch with B.J. Penn coming up, it's on. We have a real treat for the entire MMA community when they enter the octagon.

Finally, I will give it up for (10) Dan Henderson. His collegiate and Olympic career sum up what he really is...One of the toughest son of a guns in MMA, ever. A warrior and a fighter who never backed down.

Honorable Mention

Evan Tanner, Liyota Machida, Matt Hughes, Tim Sylvia, Antonio Nogueria, Matt Serra, Forrest Griffin, Rampage Jackson, Maurice Smith, Vitor Belfort, Gary Goodrich, The entire Gracie Clan, Dan Severen, Roger Heurta, Maurico Rua, Josh Koschek, Kazuyuki Fujita, Alister Overeem, Mike Swick, Josh Barnett, Mark Coleman, and every MMA fighter who is contributing to the best hand-to-hand combat sport in the world.

Thanks for your time.

Auburn Will Win Nine Games in Gene Chizik's First Year

Alabama Voodoo — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 02:16:40 -0500

I am getting sick and tired of Auburn fans totally trashing Gene Chizik as the hire and questioning his integrity. Look, the object in life as a family man is to do what? It is to provide and do what is best for you and, most importantly, your family.

That is what Coach Chizik has done his entire life while doing the job he loves. Who wouldn't take a better job where you make more money for a better company? If you say me, then you are a liar or you really enjoy being a sham artist.

To hire a coach with a losing record from Iowa State may seem questionable, but is it as questionable as hiring a losing coach from Texas A&M? Let's take a look into the career of the legendary Gene Stallings.

After Coach Stallings' last season at Texas A&M, he had compiled a dismal record of 27-45-1. We all know the Aggies have a rich tradition and losing there is not a regularity. They have higher standards than Iowa State.

Now Gene Stallings did have an extended break as a head coach and for obvious reasons, but many years later the Crimson Tide came calling, and all he did was win a National Championship and compile a 70-16-1 record.

It just seems silly that Alabama fans and, more importantly, Auburn fans keep saying this is the worst hire Auburn has ever had, and why would we hire a coach with a 5-19 record? To be honest, I don't know, but the talent is there. Always has been and always will be.

Auburn is one of the top 20 programs in the history of college football. They play a part in two of the nation's best rivalries. Auburn will always be a place that kids want to play at. Not of the magnitude of Alabama and Texas, but what schools have that?

Once Auburn opens up the 2009 season with a win against West Virginia and this football team that was built to run the rock starts using the O-line to run block 60-70 percent of the game, the new staff will look like geniuses.

All the crow will be served, and Gene Chizik will look like a smart hire. He has the credentials and the experience to win given the right kids and attitude. That was always lacking at Iowa State. I mean, they are the Cyclones for crying out loud.

Auburn will win nine games next season, and we will see a newfound attitude and passion at Auburn for the years to come. Three words can sum it up...WAR DAMN EAGLE!

Auburn Hires Gene Chizik: Whaaaaat?

Alabama Voodoo — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 02:01:00 -0500

Ever since I heard the rumor that Gene Chizik was going to be announced as Auburn's new head coach, I was trying to reminisce about some of my favorite Auburn teams. Those teams had players like Karlos Dansby, Reggie Torbor, Carlos Rogers, and Junior Rosegreen.

Those are some of the players Gene Chizik was coaching when he was Auburn's defensive coordinator. They were fast, they gang tackled, and they flew all over the field. The 2004 Auburn defense was unbelievable.

I am still disappointed to this day, and I will never be able to let go of the fact that the 2004 Auburn Tigers did not get a shot to play in the National Championship game. That team had style and what appeared to be awesome coaching as well.

When I would watch Gene Chizik on the sidelines I thought someday he will make a really good head coach.

In the famous words of former Auburn offensive coordinator Al Borges: "It's more about the Jimmies and Joe's than the X's and O's."

That quote rings true today, like a shotgun blast on duck hunting season's opening day.

I just don't know what to think now. I read countless articles by amateur and professional journalists saying Auburn doesn't have any talent. Well, personally, that is a bunch of malarkey. Auburn has talent and will always get "good" talent.

Now the serious issue is, will Auburn get "good" coaching? When Auburn forced Tubs out, I was extremely disappointed, but I thought, "Hey, if this is the case, then let's get a coach in here that's either hungry and marketable or a proven winner on some level."

So, what does the athletic department do in the wake of forcing out a proven winner and class act? They hire a coach who left Auburn to take the co-defensive coordinator job at Texas! Perplexing I know, and wishy washy at best.

Did nobody really want the job? Did Auburn just settle, or did this guy give a great interview and show he has the tools and philosophy to make Auburn a contender in light of this potential fall from national respect and contention.

His head coaching record is horrible, but he did get an extension at the end of this season at Iowa State. Makes you wonder why? But my interpretation of a 10-game losing streak is, "What a bozo, now he's our HEAD COACH!?!"

Hopefully things work out for my beloved Auburn Tigers. Maybe they know something I don't. Surely they do, but it still makes you think of the classic Joe Dirt response to the lack of explosives in Kicking Wing's fireworks stand.

"Whaaaaa?"

SEC: The Suspect Elitist Conference (What a Shame)

Alabama Voodoo — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 05:50:51 -0500

The Bottom Line as an SEC fan and a die-hard Auburn fan is...the SEC is horrible this year across the board. The list of explanations follows.

The following three teams are usually an SEC contender

Auburn—Sucks.
Arkansas—Sucks.
Tennessee—Sucks.

These teams underachieved

LSU—Average.
South Carolina—Average.
UGA—Failure to utilize overall talent level.

These teams overachieved

Ole Miss—Shocker.
Alabama—A fool would think they duplicate this type of season in 2009.
Vanderbilt—Whaaaaaa?

These teams always Stink

Kentucky—They don't even compete in hoops anymore.
Mississippi State—Garbage.

This Team Never Stinks

Florida—Emmitt Smith was at the beginning of this program's rise.

The truth hurts, and it may continue to hurt even more. Pending the hire of Auburn's new coach, it's hard to fathom the new head coach will be a step up from Tommy Tuberville.

Lane Kiffin must have the best interview skills in modern football because he was hired as the Raiders coach with no head coahing experience experience, and now he is the coach at University of Tennessee!?!

As far as I am concerned, and probably most other fans of the SEC are as well, with UT and Auburn having losing seasons while LSU stumbled through mediocrity, this subject had to be addressed that the SEC was totally overrated.

I always defend my favorite conference and usually no one has a legitimate gripe as the top conference year in and year out. But this year the SEC was so boring and hard to watch it was pathetic.

I can't believe I am about to say this, but the Big 12 and maybe even the Pac-10 are better than the SEC this year. Now that hurts.

Lisa Horne spelled it out in her most recent article. Quarterback play in the SEC in particular was atrocious this year, and I am not even going to touch that subject.

Alabama returned from the dead in emphatic fashion as the only legitimate contender against the perennial powerhouse Gators. While no one else put up a fight for conference supremacy. It was painful to watch as traditionally rich rivalry games turned into blowouts (i.e. Alabama 36, Auburn 0).

Roll call was conducted this year in the SEC, and practically no one answered the call. I am sure it went like this.

Tennessee—silence ensued.

Auburn—silence ensued.

LSU—a whimper was heard.

Georgia—a loud bark was heard, but that’s it.

And what is sad is Ole Miss and Vanderbilt sounded off with a loud and boisterous “ALL PRESENT” when called upon. There is something so fundamentally wrong with the fact that this conference in whole fell from grace all together.

Not taking away from the great season that the Crimson Tide and Gators had, because it was a magical run at one time during this season. But reality reared its ugly head. The SEC looked like the Big 12 did in the recent years: a two-pony show with nobody else willing to put up a fight.

UFC: Is the Violence Too Much? Or Is It a Societal Renaissance?

Alabama Voodoo — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 13:01:06 -0500

Every time UFC or an MMA event comes on television, I try to get one of my close friends to watch it. His response is usually along the lines of, "It's too boring and there is not enough violence."

Well, last night I convinced him to watch UFC's Fight for the Troops, and he was ecstatic about the amounts of blood, bruises, concussions, and broken bones. In a nutshell, some people really got their asses kicked last night, and I got to say, "Now that...is how it's done!"

My rational for enjoying UFC so much is, as a man, I do have an innate desire for violence. It's human nature, but men over time have continually been pacified by either societal and or Christian norms while evolving from hunter to gatherer.

I have personally spent the recent years of my life as part of an organization that makes a living for all intents and purposes in the fury, control, release, and sustainment of violence.

I got to the point where nothing shocks me, nothing at all—whether it is a broken arm, or someone bragging about breaking an arm. I have a high tolerance to life, limb, or eyesight injuries. Is it easy to overcome normalcy in chaotic situations? What do you think?

So when I see a sport with gladiatorial lineage and it is about the survival of two entities facing off, I refuse to say it's too violent. Now, is there class in breaking an arm and mocking the victim? Not at all, but we must accept the fact it is what it is: a fight with an option to quit.

I feel like a lot of people were upset about the so called "mismatches" and the ruthlessness of Steve Cantwell and Mike Swick, but all these fighters are paid professionals who think that they are championship material, so there is no pity party for a beatdown.

We are men and woman who are attracted by the survival mechanism of a fight. I not only condone this sport as a professional sporting event but even as a sport for children to participate in, in a controlled and supervised environment.

You see, what can you really ever know about yourself if you've never been in a fight, or better yet, had your ass kicked? These are two fundamental rights of passage in becoming a man and can be character-defining and humbling all together.

The whole concept of a Mixed Martial Arts competition is exciting and can be intoxicating as the world's best warriors bring different styles to the mat. This sport is not for the faint of heart. It is violent and competitive. If you don't like it, that's OK—then it is not for you!

Oklahoma Sooners: History, Translation & Definition

Alabama Voodoo — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 05:18:22 -0500

In light of recent BCS disasters and snubs, this year’s "Oops I did it again" award goes to the BCS committee, and the ridiculous formulas for selecting No. 1 and No. 2 for the so-called National Championship game. It is specifically appropriate for the Oklahoma Sooners being selected over the Texas Longhorns.

The award is only logical, as it is the third time since the 2003 season that the OU Sooners have been pegged to get pummeled in the BCS Title Game. They clearly have been outclassed on two separate occasions and you would think the NCAA would put a ban on their participation in a BCS Title Game.

After Oklahoma had 55 points put up on the scoreboard by the USC Trojans in 2004, I know certain influential people in NCAA Division I Football put out the following statement "Oklahoma has been banned from playing in the BCS Title Game, pending further investigation into allegations that they refuse to 'Man Up' in big games outside of the Big 12."

This investigation was then further supported by the lackluster performances put up by the Sooners when they were humiliated by the out-manned Boise State Broncos in the 2006 season Fiesta Bowl, and then demolished in 2007 by the West Virginia Mountaineers 48-28!

Now, the Oklahoma Sooners, with a clearly disgusting track record in BCS games, have back-doored their way once again into the BCS Title Game, where they will be properly punished by the Florida Gators and disgraced once again in College Football’s biggest spotlight.

Recently, I did a study into the origin and definition of the words Oklahoma and Sooner. As you will see the results are somewhat prognostic from their historical and proud Native American Cherokee language and make total sense to me as well as the rest of the college football world outside of the Sooner state.

Oklahoma: Translated into English as the phrase "Clearly lays down in big games."

Sooner: Translated from mascot title to the phrase "We will get are butts kicked sooner than later...believe that!"

I know some of these definitions and translations may come as a surprise to Oklahoma fans, but the rest of America understands that those definitions ring true; the only people who forget are the two idiots who sit next to Chris Fowler on College Gameday, and the numb-skull coaches who voted OU high enough to trump the Longhorns!

The BCS should be dead and gone, but it continues to let teams like Oklahoma play and other worthy opponents are continually left out. A true National Champion can never be crowned!

Oscar De La Hoya Gets the Julio Cesar Chavez Treatment

Alabama Voodoo — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:21:21 -0500

Oscar De La Hoya got outclassed by Manny Pacquiao, a fitting end to a career for an overrated, pompous and arrogant boxer in the twilight of his average career. He was outclassed, which always seemed to happen in his biggest fights.

I remember the way De La Hoya acted in 1998 when he defeated the great Julio Cesar Chavez in their second fight. Chavez was a statesman and a legend, a boxing icon who got pummeled into submission by Oscar and it never should have gotten to that.

He showed no respect and pranced around in a fashion that only Sugar Ray Leonard was allowed to do!

A lot of boxing fans and experts adorned the "Golden Boy" as one of the greatest boxers of his era and possibly all time. His record says otherwise.

Trinidad - Loss
Mosley - Loss
Mosley II - Loss
Hopkins - Loss
Mayweather Jr. - Loss
Pacquiao - Loss

Just kind of funny, you know? Anyone with guts or who wasn't completely over-the-hill basically played Oscar for the wet noodle he truly was. Can we agree his biggest victory ever was over a 66-year old Pernell Whitaker?

Oscar was more of a constant annoying itch than a solid representative of boxing, and when it was truly a big fight against a game competitor, he laid down.

And in fitting fashion, just like the way he disrespected Julio Cesar Chavez, Oscar went out with a whimper against a fighter who was clearly out to prove that De La Hoya was an over-the-hill, never was, also ran former champion.

OJ Simson: Karma, The Universe and Crime & Punishment

Alabama Voodoo — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 14:35:21 -0500

I have to say that it's hard when one of my childhood heroes turned out to be such a sad case of the human condition. A jealousy riddled double murder, a botched kidnapping/armed robbery do equal the sad tale of OJ Simpson's fall from grace.

I remember the first football "jersey" I owned was a Buffalo Bills t-shirt with the number 32 on it. I wore it everyday. Playing in the front yard, back yard all by myself or with friends imagining I was the "juice."

Cutting, jukeing and breaking tackles of imaginary tacklers named Lambert, Jones, and Hamm.

Now, no one remembers the days of his amazing and storied football career. His meteoric rise to the top of every football fans top running backs list of all time. He is a novelty, a joke with a forgotten Heisman trophy, and the magical 2000 yard season.

OJ Simpson has become a yardbird.

With the vagueness of our fine nation's very own laws and constitution several sleaze bag lawyers like Johnny Cochran (Karma victim—Monsanto), our laws are left for the best and most interesting interpretation that sway and convince the plant life that sit on jury duty in court rooms today.

Because of lawyers, this man, OJ Simpson, has been living free since the day he was found "not guilty" in Los Angeles in 1995.

But just like the famous novel by Dostoevsky, Crime and Punishment, just because you get away with murder or no one cares, etc., it doesn't mean you are getting away with murder. The mental anguish and fall from grace this man suffered was the punishment for his crime. OJ is the definition of his own punishment for a crime committed he never did a day in jail for.

HOWEVER it is absolutely ridiculous to say karma is why OJ got a minimum of nine years for this most recent criminal chapter in his life. Or is it? Depends on your view of the universe. It can be very hostile, and OJ is feeling the clench of it's awesome power.

Yet, what makes me the angriest about this entire sentencing is the severity of what OJ got for kidnapping/armed robbery against some individuals who weren't exactly made up of fine moral fiber.

You see, the sentence he received is worse than what most child molesters serve in prison. You got to think there is something really wrong with our justice system.

Sadly OJ was found "not guilty" for the murder of Nicole Brown and Ronald Goldman 13 years ago.

You have to ask: Is he being punished for those crimes today?

There must be a bit of redemption for the Goldman and Brown families this day, and I am happy for them. But this sentence sheds light on the imperfections of our justice system.

Somewhere in Georgia, California, and even Nevada a child molester will do seven years and be back on the streets prowling and preying on innocent children!

WHERE IS THE REAL JUSTICE?

MMA: The Change Has Been Made From Boxing To UFC

Alabama Voodoo — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 02:03:25 -0500

I grew up watching the greats like Ali, Frazier, Sugar Ray, Hagler, Hearns, Tyson, Holyfield, Chavez, and other boxers of significance as a kid.

We used to go watch the Golden Gloves championship and on the way to the arena my parents spoke of Marciano, Lewis, Robinson, LaMotta, and other heroes of the past.

Boxing was such an amazing sport. The pure science it was and the ultimate test of one on one in professional sports. But as time and corruption changed the sport, it lost its luster and most of all its credibility.

The heavyweight division faded and the sport was left with Roy Jones Jr. (a blow hard who actually never fought anyone in his prime), Oscar DeLa Hoya, and Bernard Hopkins (a menacing fighter of redemption and resiliency).

Floyd Mayweather has been a great champion and a devastating student of the boxing game, so good that no one has even blemished the pretty boys face or image for that matter. Yet, we are still left asking is that it?

Well the emergence of Pride, K 1, and eventually the UFC has given way to the purest form of professional fighting. It pits the greatest fighters in the world representing all different schools of hand to hand combat and pitting them in the ring or octagon for that matter.

It's hard to not be intrigued by the brutality of this sport and the overall excitement generated by a kick-boxer fighting a college All American wrestler and a jujitsu black belt taking on a mui thai expert.

These types of match-ups have this barbarian gladiatorial feel to them as the world's best fighters are matched with no significant national implications as fans like fighters from around the world.

The skills necessary to be a consistent champion in this sport are striking, grappling, submission holds and most importantly the mental edge that separate contenders from pretenders.

They come from all walks of life and from the worlds four corners. They talk the talk and most walk the walk.

Personally I was an old school boxing fan who refused to give MMA a reasonable look until about five years ago as I spent hours with a MMA fanatic on the Internet watching highlights and fights of Don Frye, Cro Cop, Wanderlai, Andersen, Chuck, Serra, Fedor, Cotoure, and other great warriors of the new "fight game."

Since then I have been a huge fan and ask the question of boxing fans who refuse to give MMA a glance...

"Do you not realize the amount of great fighting you are missing?"

Commander's Call: Has the Fat Lady Already Begun To Sing?

Alabama Voodoo — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 06:58:15 -0500

As long as I can remember, people have said, "It ain't over til the fat lady sings."

Right now, your cousin Vickie, you know the fat obnoxious cousin, is too busy eating Twinkies and drinking Red Bull's to even warm up her vocal chords.

With the current landscape in college football, there is way to much football to play in the next two weeks of the regular season/championship week before she can get up off that couch at the house, and serenade the fans of USC, Texas, Alabama, Oklahoma, Florida, and Texas Tech.

With all the "so-called" experts out there, your's truly included, we have an abundance of predictions of how this BCS fiasco will play out, and that is one of the countless joys of college football.

Everybody has a say and everyone has an opinion, but opinions are like _____ and everyone has one.

Hopefully, this year will prove again the debilitating effect the BCS has on college football as the title game again leaves out one, two, maybe even three worthy opponents, and for what?

The almighty dollar, or the lack of football knowledge of the Harris poll voters, better yet the pathetic first place votes of the coaches staying within "Conference" for their No. 1 vote only knowing that the BCS revenue will be coming to their school and program.

In some instances, I can imagine it is personal between coaches and how they vote, and that's if they don't let the graduate assistant vote in their place. There has got to be some sort of reformation in this process. Take a deeper look into the Big 12 South's possible train wreck!

We have a one-loss Texas, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma teams flirting with Conference and BCS let downs. All three of these teams are outstanding, although Oklahoma gutted and ransacked the Texas Tech Red Raiders with disgusting ease late Saturday night.

Now, we wake up on Monday to see Texas is ahead of Oklahoma as expected but with a grain of salt attached. The BCS can't EVEN DECIDE A NATIONAL CHAMPION but will decide the BIG 12 SOUTH representative if all three win this Saturday?

I'd rather see a coin toss, better yet a coaches battle royal in a WWE sanctioned cage match!

The USC Trojans have a great program, tradition, and current team out west, but the question is who have they played? Well, if you ask them and their fans, they will say "Nobody, we have crushed them all, well except for the upstart Beavers of Oregon State."

However listening to their coach whine about the BCS looks pathetic because in 2004, when Utah and Auburn didn't have a shot at the National Championship the BCS was "A O.K."

So let me say to the fans of college football maybe with some serious luck the Fat Lady can stand up and sing to the tune "The BCS is dead and over!"

Yeah right...dream on.

Alabama-Auburn: Seven Keys to an Iron Bowl Victory

Alabama Voodoo — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 06:52:45 -0500

In what is possibly the biggest regular season game in Alabama's past 20 years, the stage is set with an emotionally damaged Tiger football team creeping into Tuscaloosa with a six-game winning streak in this storied series.

There is an imposing Alabama team that carries an 11-0 record with SEC championship and National Title aspirations waiting for them vehemently.

The two-week time period before this game leaves for a lot of finger pointing, name calling, fist fighting, and rewritten wills, and that just pertains to my family alone!

This game has the potential to swing its mighty pendulum of fate on either program with the loser left picking up the pieces of a crushed season.

The depth and magnitude of this rivalry hasn’t reached a boiling point of this proportions as the Crimson Tide look to regain control of college football within its own state before it can move onto loftier goals.

Meanwhile, the Auburn Tigers sit at an all time low heading into the Iron Bowl.

No one expected the Iron Bowl to have an 11-0 Alabama and a 5-6 Auburn team as its participants, and if the so-called sportswriters who predict the SEC and forecast our National rankings had been correct it would’ve been the 8-3 Tide verses the 9-2 Tigers.

But this is why preseason rankings and predictions aren’t worth the paper they are printed on.

SEVEN KEYS TO VICTORY

1. The Line of Scrimmage

As in all major match-ups, the linemen are the most important players on the field. Control the line of scrimmage, and you control the tempo of the game.

In recent years, Auburn had won games with defensive line play that was as good as any in the nation; however, lack of depth has left Auburn with a few standout players like Antonio Coleman, and Sen’Derek Marks sucking wind and fighting injuries all season long.

The Tide, on the other hand, has had a resurgence of talented offensive linemen who have dominated all season.

Auburn's offensive line would be better if they were spending the entire season putting a helmet to helmet instead of pass blocking for so long.

Big Terrence Cody at the nose-tackle position has been unstoppable all season and looks to wreak havoc in the middle all game long.

ADVANTAGE: ALABAMA

2. Quarterback

Well, long gone are the days of “real violent” football when Alabama was in its glory days of the 1960’s and 1970’s when the winning game-plan was simple: KILL THE OPPONENTS' QUARTERBACK AND YOU WIN.

Well, nowadays you can’t do that and expect to stay in the game yourself because you will be penalized and can cost your team dearly.

Both quarterbacks have the potential to cost their teams dearly with their play or lack of play. Auburn has spent the entire season trying to get right at the position, going with the erratic Kodi Burns while John Parker Wilson has enjoyed a year of practically mistake free football.

It is obvious, however, Kodi has nothing to lose and could develop into a true leader in a defining moment in the 2008 Iron Bowl. Will it happen? Surely not.

ADVANTAGE: ALABAMA

3. Running Backs

Auburn and Alabama both have a long tradition of running backs and this year is filled with “under the radar” type backs who can make big plays minus the big stats and nationwide recognition.

Alabama is led by Glen Coffee, a disturbingly good back with over 1,000 yards this season. His blue collar approach is refreshing to the game and his style is punishing thanks to his amazing offensive line.

His back-up is Mark Ingram, and all he has done is rush for 600 yards and nine TDs!

All along, Auburn fans have been waiting to see Mario Fannin return to tailback, and his first start produced some exciting plays from the line of scrimmage against Georgia.

He is explosive and a game-breaker for sure. His teammate in the backfield is Ben Tate, a straight-ahead runner who has rushed for over 600 yards and three TDs.

ADVANTAGE: ALABAMA

4. Special Teams

A touchy subject for many, as Auburn’s kicker Wes Byrum has failed to deliver all season long.

Alabama’s kicker, on the other hand, is Leigh Tiffin who has produced a yeoman’s type of consistency.

Now if you told me to pick between Javier Arenas or Tristan Davis, I would say let me pick straws because they are equally dynamite in a bottle and could spark a comeback or a final dagger in a close battle.

ADVANTAGE: TIE

5. Location

As all fans of this rivalry know, Auburn has never lost in Tuscaloosa. Most of those victories have come since 2000, has Auburn has won every year played at Bryant Denny since that cold rainy day in November.

Does the location really matter? Has Auburn have some sort of voodoo on this venue? NO, and an emphatic NO, as the Alabama crowd will be the rowdiest and craziest it has been in 20 years.

Without question this is going to be a wild and crazy setting for the Auburn Tigers to overcome.

ADVANTAGE: ALABAMA

6. Guts

When the game is on the line, who will have the fortitude to make the big play and finish of the opponent? This is the one rivalry when records mean nothing and both teams will lay it on the line.

No one has ever been accused of laying down in this rivalry and nor will it happen in two weeks. No matter the score, both teams will give their all. The players will have millions of adoring fans screaming for them to pull this one out.

ADVANTAGE: TIE

7. Intangibles

This is the unseen, the unheard and the underlying stories of this match-up. Will the Alabama players find a way to finish off the Auburn Tigers? Does anyone know how to beat Auburn on this Alabama football team?

The facts are this rivalry has been ruled by six years of dominance and puts a ton of pressure on the undefeated Tide, more than anyone is willing to admit.

Players, coaches, and fans alike think this is a “reckoning,” and payback is on the horizon as written by my colleague Franklin Crittenden.

However, the amount of expectations and pressure on these “kids” could swallow them up. In this key to victory, Alabama truly has everything to lose!

ADVANTAGE: AUBURN

PREDICTION: A double overtime game with Auburn and Alabama battling out to a hard fought victory for the Auburn Tigers 31-28.

Readers leave your picks and score in the comment section of this article

Crimson Tide Bully Their Way Into The Iron Bowl With 11-0 Record

Alabama Voodoo — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 09:58:27 -0500

The Alabama Crimson Tide are on a roll and it seems that the number one ranking does not necessarily go with the "Underdog" mentality adopted by the coach, players and fans alike. This team is for real, and finding ways to win SEC games like this equals championship teams.

This team is more about physical dominance than anything else. You can have the best skill players you want on a team, but championships are won and lost in the trenches, and this is where Alabama governs their opponents. Ask any team 'Bama has played this season- in particular Clemson and Georgia.

The offensive line is one of the best I have ever seen and they pummel defensive units every single game. With this approach to winning football games we see it as the main formula to almost all successful teams. Give me a great offensive line before you give me a great running back any day of the week.

The defensive line has a beast in the middle in nose tackle Terrence Cody - he's huge and immovable to say the least. Plugging up the middle with his fellow teammates on the defensive line give those speedy Alabama linebackers the chance to run around the field like a bunch of pro bowl caliber guys "Just having a good time!"

Making plays when they are needed the most is something that even Nick Saban can't coach. It just happens as players step up and a teams unity becomes more and more apparent as they take the field. The "I got your back" mentality that is fostered and developed over a season, this team has that mentality.

This season we've seen the mentality in abundance: whether its punt returns for touchdowns, or an interceptions returned as a pick 6s, or just a clutch pass by a quarterback who is just managing the coaches gameplan.

Great teams find ways to win games, this team is no different. Whether the SEC is down this year or not, the Crimson Tide are still 11-0 with three more games to go.

Stay tuned for the 7 keys to an Iron Bowl victory and who should win the game article 17November2008 on BleacherReport.com.

Hey Alabama Fans..."This Ain't Your Daddy's Crimson Tide!"

Alabama Voodoo — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 08:34:13 -0500

The words are being yelled, written, and posted in every single corner of college football land by delusional Alabama fans:

"We're baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!"

"No. 13 is coming"

"Back on top of college football where we belong."

And my personal favorite, "Count them...we got 12 National Titles!"

OK, first and foremost let's not count our chickens before they hatch, Alabama fans. Of course we will acknowledge your team's season as being a surprise to everyone and I mean everyone. But to be so smug and superior in your run to 10 wins and no loses does not automatically mean you have returned to prominence nor does it mean that you will win the National Championship or the SEC title for that matter.

Let's keep it real for once and look at the recent history of Alabama football and assume the majority of the loudmouth Alabama fans recite the dominant years of the Bear Bryant era as a rebuttal to anything when they or their precious program is questioned!

Let us consider 1982 the end of the so called Bear Bryant era in which Alabama has dropped 16 games to their in-state rival alone, and had only one team worthy of mention and a National Title in 1992. Basically the University of Alabama has been mediocre at best and an also ran in their own state. With today's fans living off the memory of Daddy and Grandpa Jed's Crimson Tide and thus making their gripes and declarations even much more comical in present day discussions.

Either way Alabama fans, recognize that your once dominating and proud football program of of the 60's and 70's has turned into the second tier football program in your very own state. Consider it an education in current History instead of a re-education in ancient history!

And although Auburn is having a rough season, overlooking them and failing to understand that the Tide does NOT have one player on the team that knows how to beat Auburn is a grave mistake, thus proving the grave ignorance of your so called rise to the top.

No Clinton Portis Could Spell Doom in DC for the Redskins

Alabama Voodoo — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 06:44:33 -0500

In this weekend's NFC East showdown, the Redskins look to take on the division rival without Clinton Portis who is listed as doubtful for the Sunday night game against the Cowboys.

The Dallas Cowboys are on the ropes and the return of Tony Romo is imminent. This game has the making to mangle the playoff race for the division, and more importantly the conference.

As always in this rivalry, expect a hard-hitting, in-your-face game, but with a distinct advantage going to the Dallas Cowboys, although the Redskins clearly are having a better year up to now, it seems like timing for an injury, however unfortunate, is giving the Cowboys a legitimate shot to turn their season around.

The Redskins can win this game, as Jason Campbell is a blossoming star in the league, but with Ladell Betts coming off the DL, and a washed up Shaun Alexander as the only other viable option, it will be hard to pull off the victory.

Give Redskins Coach Zorn the benefit of the doubt and imagine his experience in the league can come up with a gameplan to make up for the absence of the MVP candidate.

If he can do that, the Redskins have a shot. The west coast offense is capable of maintaining a run like pass game through short dink and dunks however as we have seen without the run...defenses tend to pin their ears back and blitz from all angles.

Either way look for a hard fought battle Sunday night and a close game as Dallas returns to the playoff picture with a hard fought 23-20 win in the nation's capital.

BCS, SEC, Big 12, and the Trojans' Tears Out West!

Alabama Voodoo — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 02:31:22 -0500

Once again we are left heading into the final month of the college football with about as much uncertainty as ever before. As always, the BCS MESS has got everyone in a frenzy trying to figure out who will play for the so-called "National Title."

It is quite obvious the SEC is down this year. The evidence is Auburn and Tennessee suffering through their worst seasons in recent history, while the Georgia Bulldogs lay down in their biggest games, Arkansas stinks when usually you could count on them for a tough game, and LSU has three losses.

Alabama is on top, and that accomplishment up to now has been a heartfelt run, yet we see a collision course with the UF Gators on the horizon. The Gators are playing great football, but they lost at home to a well-coached Ole Miss team, which we all know should've never happened.

For the first time ever it seems like the Big 12 is truly the top conference in college football from top to bottom. In the Big 12 you get exciting high-paced offense and superstars all over the field, particularly the QB position. But there seems to be some unfair business about to go on in the Big 12, especially if Oklahoma beats the Texas Tech Red Raiders in eight days.

Using the BCS as the tiebreaker in the Big 12 South is not only stupid, it also makes for a biased choice, leaving a possible one-loss team with less tradition and national recognition out of the National Title picture!

However, this is why they play the games—to see who wins out. All these so-called scenarios get fans in a tizzy, but where is the fairness and the equality in picking a team above another who have the same record, but the one who may represent the Big 12 South lost to the team it is being chosen over!

Let us not forget the USC Trojans and the whining coming from South Central Los Angeles. Coach Carroll says the BCS is unfair. Well, Coach...no kidding. It seems in 2004 it was just fine as an undefeated Auburn team got left out, but now that the Trojans are not in the "circle of trust," suddenly it is wrong?

Joke's on the BCS but on USC as well. Heck, they may not even win their Conference championship. We all saw that fiasco breakdown on Thursday night a few months ago when the Beavers thumped them in the Pacific Northwest.

Either way, the BCS is a joke. We all know that, and this year will prove it even more. What it comes down to is the most important thing is winning your conference championship. That is the only thing that is tangible...at least until these tiebreakers come into effect.

The NCAA needs to do it like I-AA, D-II, and D-III. Play it out with 16 teams. At least that way we know the top 10 are in and let these kids settle it on the field. The revenue would be sick, and every single fan in America would be in pigskin ecstasy!