Bleacher Report - SEC Football

Firing Willie Martinez Only Solves One Problem for the Georgia Bulldogs

Kimberley Nash — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:43:38 -0500

The regular season is over. The Georgia Bulldogs ended their year with a satisfying win over their in-state rivals—the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. However, as the lights went out on Grant Field, the simmering question that has lingered all year regarding defensive coordinator, Willie Martinez, became a full boil. No announcements have yet to be made about the embattled coache's future, or lack thereof, with the Georgia Bulldogs but the question remains nonetheless: "Is he headed for the firing line or what?" In my opinion, the answer to that question is less important than the potential backlash that could arise should he actually be given his walking papers. What follows is merely speculation, not fact, just a "what if" of what could happen should ol' Willie get the heave ho.

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Will Nick Saban Lead Alabama To the Promised Land at Long Last?

Larry Burton — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:32:59 -0500

About a year ago I wrote a saga for CBS Sports called Alabama's Return From the Desert Wilderness and Land of Mediocrity. You can see it by clicking here . I also posted a copy of it here on a site that became a home away from home for me.

CBS wanted a fan's take on what it felt like to be back in the hunt for a national title after so many years of so-so football and I took a very comical approach to the subject, including that artwork, because it was still a painful subject to talk about.

My years at Alabama were filled with nothing but SEC Championships and back to back national titles against Penn State and Arkansas. That was Alabama football. Since 1992 what I have been living though was hope and denial.

What a difference a year makes. Now instead of being in the exuberance of being back in the national hunt, it was once again an expected feeling. Alabama fans started this year expecting to be a contender, not wishing for it, and it was a very wonderful and familiar feeling to me.

Nick Saban not only brought the football team back to national prominence, but he restored the confidence to the fan base that they could expect to stay that way for years to come.

The combination of Mal Moore and Nick Saban have not just put a great team on the field, but a world class stadium to play in, and top flight facilities to work out, play and live in.

Despite tough economic times fund raising went well, ticket sales are at an all time high, and the eyes of the nation are now back upon the coach and team in Tuscaloosa. It feels like old times again to us old timers.

How all of this happened over such a short period that it's just downright shocking. Were we always just a coach away?

Having lived through the the years since Coach Bryant, I had become jaded that the next coach would be next great one. Stalling's certainly filled the bill but it was gone too soon.

Nick Saban had us less that one quarter of football away from a national championship contest last year and yet the naysayers said it was a flash in the pan, a fluke, yet here they are again, one game from a BCS Championship showdown, yet again.

And all of this took just one year of getting rid of the dead wood, moulding a team to the standards he knew would work, getting them to buy in to a term that seemed so mysterious two years ago known as "The Process" and whatever other magic Saban brought along with him.

Though we still have yet to have Saban part the sea and return us to the promised land, we are close close enough to smell the milk and honey and we all realize it's just a question of time.

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SEC Year-End Awards

Stephen Clay — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:43:42 -0500

Now that SEC league play is complete, awards are warmed up and ready to pass out. You will notice a Player of the Year and separate awards for Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year. In these awards the selections will not be the same. Some will be a surprise so enjoy! TUESDAY: ACC Year End Awards

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The SEC Championship: Is Alabama Ready To Take The Next Step in Saban's Process?

Franklin Crittenden — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:31:14 -0500

Looking back it all seems like a bad dream. Alabama had suffered through its most difficult period in over 50 years.

From 2000 to 2006 Alabama had four different head coaches and some of Alabama's players went through as many as three times that number in Coordinators and position coaches.

Alabama's rivals had a field day during this period. Teams like Auburn, LSU, and Tennessee had a combined record of 17-4 over the Crimson Tide during these trying times.

It was the worst of times and the Nick Saban entered the picuture.

Saban arrived in Tuscaloosa, Al in December of 2006 and even though Alabama fans had greeted all of Alabama's past coaches with enthusiasm, the reception that awaited Nick Saban and his family was in the realm of a homecoming for a conquering hero.

Knowledgeable Alabama fans knew that when the University of Alabama hired Nick Saban, the nightmare was finally over.

The last time Alabama fans felt that way was when Paul "Bear" Bryant was introduced to the Crimson Tide faithful in 1958.

In three short years, Nick Saban has turned Alabama from an also ran into one of the nation's premier college football programs. The Tide has spent the better part of the last two years at the top of the polls and the BCS standings.

Nick Saban calls it the "process". The process is just a matter of getting everyone involved on the same page; the players, the coaching staff, the fans, the alumni, and the institution all working as one.

Saban's first year was spent finding out who wanted to be a part of that process among the young men already on campus. Most of them bought in from the start, others are now playing football someplace else.

The next step for Saban was improving the talent level in the Crimson Tide football program, this would take some time. Alabama had some talented players mixed in with the group Saban inherited, but in order to compete at the highest level, Saban had to sell Alabama to the nation's elite athletes.

His first recruiting class in 2006 was a mix of players that were recruited by the previous coaching staff with a few players Saban managed to bring in the closing days before signing day. Those players are among Alabama's junior class who on this year's 12-0 squad. Among them, are players like Rolando McClain.

Saban's next two signing classes were ranked No. 1 by most recruiting services. Among those classes were players like Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson, Jarrell Harris Nico Johnson, Dont'a Hightower, D.J. Fluker, A.J. McCarron, and many others that will become household names in the near future.

Saban is now working on adding another stellar group of athletes to his first two recruiting classes already on campus.

Saban surprised even the most optimistic of Alabama fans by leading the Crimson Tide to its first undefeated regular season since 1992, when Gene Stallings led Alabama to a perfect 13-0 record and its 12th National Championship.

Alabama went undefeated in the SEC in 2008 and was the SEC western division champion for the first time since 1999. Alabama came up short in the SEC Championship game and lost to the Florida Gators.

A disappointed Alabama team went on to lose to No. 2 Utah in the 2009 Sugar Bowl in New Orleans to end the 2008 season on a sour note. Saban said that important lessons were learned in the final two games of 2008.

Even though 2008 ended on a sour note, there was now a new optimism at the Capstone. Alabama went into 2009 with ambitious goals of repeating as Western Division Champions in the SEC and returning to Atlanta for another go at the Florida Gators.

This year should have been a rebuilding season for the Crimson Tide with the loss of its starting quarterback, running back, most of the offensive line, and other key players. With the emergence of Greg McElroy at quarterback and Mark Ingram at running back, talk of rebuilding quickly turned into talk of championships.

Alabama patched up its offensive line with the addition of junior college transfer James Carpenter into a pretty solid group.

Alabama did return most of its top defense from 2008, but the offense was a huge question mark. That question was answered in the first game of the season when Alabama beat the highly regarded Virginia Tech Hokies 34-24. That remains the most points scored on the Hokies' stingy defense to date.

Alabama's disappointing finish to the 2008 season would be used as a motivating tool by Saban to refocus the 2009 team and accomplish Alabama's second undefeated regular season in a row.

That feat has not been accomplished by any team in the SEC since Bear Bryant's 1965 and 1966 teams did it over 40 years ago.

Now the Crimson Tide is in position again to take the next step.

Can Alabama take it to the next level by defeating the No. 1 and defending National Champions Florida Gators?

In 2003 while at LSU, Saban's LSU Tigers faced the exact same situation. LSU had finished 2002 with two disappointing losses in the SEC Championship Game to Arkansas and a loss to Texas in their Bowl Game.

Saban said later that lessons were learned that year as well. Saban led the LSU Tigers to the BCS National Championship in 2003 by beating Georgia in the SEC Championship and No. 1 Oklahoma in the BCS Championship.

Can Saban and the Crimson Tide use the lessons learned in 2008 to take Alabama to the next level in 2009 and win the SEC Championship? The winner of the SEC Championship earns a ticket to the BCS Championship in 2010 in Pasadena, Ca.

The Florida Gators would have to be considered the premier college football team in America since the arrival of Urban Meyer in 2004. The Gators won the BCS in 2006 and 2008.

Defeating the defending national champion Gators in the 2009 SEC Championship could be a tall order especially while they are still being led by Heisman Trophy winner and 2009 Heisman candidate Tim Tebow.

That is the task facing Alabama next Saturday in Atlanta at the Georgia Dome.

Florida and Alabama are the two best teams in the country right now. There is a slight possibility that the BCS could pit both Alabama and Florida in the BCS Title Game in a rematch no matter the outcome this Saturday.

That would be true especially if Alabama beats Florida in a close game.

I think in either case, that would be unfair to all involved.

Florida if favored by almost a touchdown in this game and seems to be at the top of their game.

These two teams are very similar and ranked at the top of so many statistical categories that I won't bore you with the list. Both teams are battle tested and come into this game undefeated and pretty healthy.

Alabama has lost Linebacker Donta' Hightower earlier in the year and Alabama's leading rusher, Mark Ingram sustained a hip injury in the Iron Bowl.

On the Florida side, Linebacker A.J. Jones is doubtful, but other than that everyone else should be able to play.

There has never been a No. 1 versus No. 2 matchup in the SEC Championship Game, so we will be seeing history made this coming Saturday at 4:00PM EST.

Last years game pitted the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide against then No. 4 Florida Gators. Florida won that contest and then went on to win the BCS National Championship by defeating the Oklahoma Sooners in Miami 24-14.

The Crimson Tide looks to take the next big step under Nick Saban by beating the Florida Gators and hopefully going on to play for the Tides' 13th National Championship in the process.

Maybe that is the true meaning of the word "process" that Saban often speaks about.

If so, maybe this is the year Nick Saban's "process" comes to fruition and the Alabama Crimson Tide takes another huge step towards making college football history.

Read more SEC Football news on BleacherReport.com

Florida Gators: Been A Long Road

Mike Casella — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:57:23 -0500

Wayne Peace was the quarterback for the University of Florida back in the early 1980's.

So what?

Contrary to popular belief, the Gators have not always been that dominant team. In fact, there was a time that they were referred to as, "The Choking Gators."

I know. I've spent most of my life as a fan and alumnus.

But, they came into their own beginning in the 1980's.

As a student, I'd go to every home game for five years. I'd go to many away games too.

I can clearly remember Wayne Peace quarterbacking Florida. I can also clearly remember the moaning and groaning of fans who thought our offense was too conservative.

Peace used to have this patented pass play where he'd sort of sprint out to his right or left and throw to a receiver just off the line and wide on either side. Kind of a "sideways" pass.

The offensive coordinator called it "stretching the defense horizontally." It was sort of a unique offensive concept. We weren't too familiar with it, but we'd adjust to the move, much to the chagrin of many of the Gator faithful.

That offensive coordinator used to get "killed" by the press and fans as being too predictable.

Oh, little did we know.

Now, that same man is called "the best offensive mind in the N.F.L."

And he was recently fired after a long run as the head coach of an N.F.L. team. He's the same man now on most team's "short lists" of potential head coaches.

The team was the Denver Broncos. And the man is Mike Shanahan.

Funny how things work out.

Read more SEC Football news on BleacherReport.com

SEC Championship Opening Line

steve tisch — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 06:18:08 -0500

SEC Championship title game—Florida Gators vs Alabama Crimson Tide.

The Southeast Conference title game will go this Saturday between the No. 1 Florida Gators and the No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide.

The game will be for more than just SEC bragging rights; a berth in the BCS championship will be up for grabs as well.

The game will be played at the neutral site of the Georgia Dome in Atlanta and the Gators have opened as 4.5-point favorites.

While top-ranked Florida is 9-0 straight up in its last nine against conference opposition, it is only 3-5-1 against the spread with seven unders, an over, and a push.

In ‘Bama’s last eight games against fellow SECers, it is 8-0 SU, 5-3 ATS with six unders and two overs.

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College Football: Baby's Losers for the First Week of December

BabyTate — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 05:37:30 -0500

The first week of December provides the opportunity to watch numerous championship games while jockeying for bowl position continues at a high level.

Baby's Losers

1. The Civil War: Oregon State @ Oregon (*See Important Note Below)

There are some games that are always full of adventure, excitement, and surprises. The Civil War is one such game, which is why we feel it is necessary to include this match in the predictions and picks for the week.

Former Alabama star cornerback Mike Riley will have his Beavers ready to repay the Ducks for knocking them out of the Rose Bowl in '08.

Baby's Loser: in a thriller, Oregon State

2. Big 12 Championship Game: Texas vs. Nebraska in Arlington, Texas

Colt McCoy will secure his Heisman Trophy with a victory over the Cornhuskers, but this will not be easy. Expect Nebraska to hold the Longhorns to 21 points or less.

Baby's Loser: Nebraska

3. ACC Title Game: Georgia Tech vs. Clemson in Tampa, Florida

Clemson had every intention of winning this game until Steve Spurrier showed the world how to control C.J. Spiller last week in Carolina's 17-point win over the Tigers.

Baby's Loser: Clemson

4. Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh

Everyone wants another unbeaten team to go to the BCS. In this corner we have a supporter of Pitt all year, but can they score enough to defeat Cincinnati?

Baby's Loser: close, Pittsburgh

5. Arizona @ Southern California

Respect for sportsmanship would not be a description of what Pete Carroll did to UCLA in the final minute of their game last week. The Wildcats had best be prepared.

Baby's Loser: Arizona

6. California @ Washington

Before the Huskies are written off here, look at the situation: The Bears are set to go bowling and have little incentive.

Sarkisian just might have UW ready for an upset.

Baby's Loser: tight, Washington

7. Wisconsin @ Hawaii

One of the reasons the Outback Bowl is hesitant to invite the Badgers is because of this game and the possible impact on attendance a month later in Florida.

Baby's Loser: Hawaii

Saturday's Tough One

8. Conference USA Championship Game: Houston @ East Carolina

Skip Holtz is being talked about as a coaching possibility for many of the positions that are opening. He'll have his Pirates ready, but the Cougar offense is too formidable.

Baby's Loser: East Carolina

Game of the Week

9. SEC Title Game: Florida vs. Alabama in Atlanta, Ga.

The teams in this clash are equal and know everything about each other.

Alabama has a true advantage in their ability to create and convert turnovers. The Crimson Tide players think they can beat Florida, but the Gator players know they can beat Alabama. That just could be the difference.

Let's go with history to repeat itself.

Baby's Loser: Alabama

Last week, Baby Tate went 6-3, missing Ga.Tech, Pitt, and Ok.St. (84-33 for the year)

9-0: No One

8-1: Zodiac, Kimberley, Ga Dawg, Taylor B., Connor, Jared, Boulder, and Fanatic.

7-2: Michael C., 007, Kevin M., Alex, Daniel H., Tom O., Scott R., Ryan H., Carl S., Mark F., Jim M., and Sean.

6-3: Baby Tate, Ronnie, 12, Dan B., Tim C., Brandon H., Daniel S., Kent, Mosang, Iceman, Mark S. Bill B., Cliff, Ryan, Blake B., and Tyler L.

5-4: Hokie Hogg, Matt S., James W.

Below Baby Tate's Mendoza Line: Red Raider, Ryan R., Josh M., and Wil

Congratulations to Kimberley who had her finest week ever as her beloved Bulldogs put it to Ga. Tech on national TV.

Same for Ga Dawg. We see he is feeling his oats this week with a fine article recapping the burning of Atlanta.

This is one of the best results record-wise we've seen as an overall group. I'm certain Zodiac will claim that he is responsible.

A tip of the hat to the first-timers who all did well.

Taylor, Connor, and Jared outdid themselves with their fine work during holiday week.

We had 43 participants for this past week. Keep up the great work.

A note of thanks to Bill B. who spent the week telling everyone how Georgia would beat Ga Tech.

*Note: In view of the importance of the Oregon State-Oregan clash, (and since it is the final week of the regular season) let's make an exception this one time only and include a weeknight game. Please have all of our picks in by Thursday night, prior to the Civil War kickoff at 9PM Eastern Standard Time.

Read more SEC Football news on BleacherReport.com

SEC Runs Over ACC in Rivalry Weekend

ACC SEC Blog — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 23:10:13 -0500

Sometimes rivalry games bring out the best in teams and sometimes they bring out the worst in teams. The best was squarely in the SEC's corner this weekend with three wins over the ACC, two in upsets.

The day started off with South Carolina beating up on Clemson 34-17. The Tigers were never able to get CJ Spiller on track after he returned the opening kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown. The senior had just 22 yards rushing on the day with his longest gain only five yards.

I thought the Gamecocks had to establish a running game and boy did they ever. South Carolina finished the game with 223 yards rushing. Where has that been all year?

The Gamecocks dominated the line of scrimmage and that was the difference.

That would be a theme for rivalry weekend.

Clemson must regroup quickly for the ACC Championship Game next Saturday. This week is very important as this upcoming game presents a cross roads for Dabo Swinney's program. A loss brings an 8-5 season with defeats in your two biggest games. A win gets you to a BCS bowl and a possible 10 win season.

Which way will the Tigers go?

FSU came up short, way short in spoiling Tim Tebow's Senior Day. The guy who may go down as college football's greatest ever had five touchdowns and passed Herschel Walker's record for total rushing touchdowns in an SEC career.

The Gators were also four for four on red zone conversions, one of their best outings all year.

I thought the Seminoles had to establish a run game to have shot in this one, but they failed miserably with only 83 yards on the day.

Florida now turns their attention to next week's SEC Championship Game after winning the state championship. Florida State is left to ponder what bowl game they will be in at 6-6 and what to do with Bobby Bowden, who has said publicly he wants to come back.

Georgia took a page right out of Georgia Tech's playbook, out rushing the Yellow Jackets 339 to 205. The Bulldogs dominated the line of scrimmage, especially on offense. There is that theme again.

By establishing the run, UGA was able to control the clock and keep GT's offense off the field, just like I thought they had to. Georgia regained state pride by doing it the way Vince Dooley would have.

GA Tech QB Josh Nesbitt was injured in the first quarter, sitting out a few series before returning from an ankle injury. His backup Jaybo Shaw threw an interception in his second series. UGA also recovered a Nesbitt fumble later in the game.

The Bulldogs turned the ball over just once and won the turnover margin for just the second time this season after coming into the game ranked 116th in the nation. Both of those game were wins too.

For Georgia Tech, they face Clemson next week for the ACC Championship and like the Tigers that game is big for the future of the program. Paul Johnson's club still has a chance at a conference title, a 12 win season, and a top ten finish by finishing strong.

A loss in Tampa will put a very sour note on what looked like a special season.

Was it me or did Alabama look like they were in quicksand on defense in the first quarter against Auburn? It looked like the Tide didn't come out with the same passion as the Tigers and it almost cost Nick Saban's club a shot at the national title.

But Alabama recovered and got the late drive they needed spearheaded by a guy who had kind of fallen of the map during the season in Julio Jones.

The passes completed on that last drive by QB Greg McElroy has to give 'Bama fans confidence heading into next week against Florida.

Auburn finishes 7-5 in a season that started out great but ended on a down slide. Recruiting will be very important this off season for Gene Chizik to be able to rebuild this program into an SEC power again.

Mississippi State made the Egg Bowl their bowl game, taking down Ole Miss for the third straight time in Starkville. Dan Mullen pressed to his team all offseason how big the game against the Rebels was and he followed it up with a win. You have to like that for the future of the Bulldogs.

Kentucky came up short again against Tennessee, extending their losing streak to the Vols to 25 straight, the longest active streak in FBS. Randall Cobb had a good game, but Montario Hardesty had a great game rushing for 179 to lead UT to an OT win.

Looks like the Liberty or Music City Bowl may be the destination for the Wildcats while the Vols could be headed to the Outback or Chick-Fil-A Bowl.

The ACC wasn't able to beat the SEC, but they were able to beat up on themselves.

Virginia Tech took UVA behind the woodshed and sent Al Groh packing. If I am Virginia, the two guys at the top of my list are Al Golden and Mike London.

Golden took Temple to nine wins this season after taking over a program in danger of losing FBS status a few years ago.

London has the Richmond Spiders back in the FCS playoffs after winning it all last season. I am believer that if you can win in FCS, you can win in FBS and London knows the state of Virginia for recruiting.

The NC State Wolfpack were led by QB Russell Wilson in an upset of North Carolina beating the Tar Heels for the third consecutive season. This should be a nice boost for NC State in an otherwise disappointing season and may convince Wilson who is a baseball prospect to come back for another season.

The Tar Heels miss out on the possibility of a 10 win season, which would have been their first since Mack Brown left.

This past weekend was not the greatest for my picks going 7-5 Straight Up and 4-8 Against the Spread. I was taken down by the home underdogs just like those SEC lines took down the ACC.

Read more SEC Football news on BleacherReport.com

College Football Thoughts and Opinions After Week 13

David Hedlind — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 21:09:40 -0500

Let the Carousel Begin

Ok, so, officially it started a couple weeks ago with Western Kentucky and UNLV. With the addition of Louisville and Virginia the annual coaching carousel is picking up speed.

More and more coaches are will find themselves out of a job in the coming weeks and some may move on quickly to another position others may be done with coaching altogether.

Championship Games

Oh the spectrum.

The SEC will do what it normally does and match up two highly ranked teams, the two highest in fact.

The ACC game just lost all luster and appeal with both participants losing to middle tier SEC teams in their rivalry games.

The Big XII will favor the South division Texas again. Nebraska could make the game somewhat interesting though.

Lou Holtz Needs to Wake Up

Notre Dame is not the best job in the nation. It is not the same job it was when he was there. Not every coach will sell out from their current position to take on the Notre Dame job should it become open. Jobs that once were probably never even considered to be mentioned in the same conversation as Notre Dame will see their coaches tell Notre Dame thanks but no thanks.

Look for the Pac 10 to Continue Upward

It has been argued that the recent success of USC has forced the rest of the Pac 10 to improve. In my eyes I feel as though this is true. Last season the conference went 5-0 in bowls. This season even more teams became bowl eligible and every game really did matter in the race for the Rose Bowl. There is still one more to go with the winner of the Civil War between Oregon and Oregon State going to the Rose Bowl.

My suspicion is that next year will be no different. Many key players on most of the teams will be returning. I am sure that USC will be picked at the top with Oregon right with them. Arizona and Oregon State should get some top votes as well. All in all thought the conference should for at least another year increase their value.

Well except Washington State.

BCS at large

By my count there should be two at large bids to go out. The six automatic bids and TCU by virtue of their ranking will take seven spots. The loser from the SEC title game should get to the Sugar Bowl. I would be surprised if the Big 10 doesn’t get an at large for either Iowa or Penn State.

One scenario is what if Nebraska beats Texas in the Big XII title game? Nebraska will get the automatic to the Fiesta Bowl. It seems likely that Texas would get an at large bid.

Another is what if Pitt beats Cincinnati? Split title but Pitt would win the tie breaker and get the automatic bid.

If that doesn’t happen and there is still an at large bid some would argue for Boise State to get it, many would still argue against it but I don’t know how strong of an argument you would have with the other teams likely to be eligible.

It Isn’t Over Yet

There were close games all weekend.

There were 23 games that were one possession games. One score away from going the other way or going beyond regulation. Four more games went to overtime.

Then there was DIAA Montana vs. South Dakota State

South Dakota State took a first quarter lead of 14-0.

At the half it was 34-14. South Dakota State was still in the lead.

They traded scores in the third to make it 48-27 heading into the final 15:00.

From there, Montana scored five more touchdowns. Unanswered. Montana won 61-48. From the end of the third quarter the Grizzlies scored 40 unanswered points including a kick return, a passing touchdown, a running touchdown, and an interception returned for a touchdown.

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Tim Tebow Has Entered the Favre Zone

Jay Hendry — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 19:44:07 -0500

As we approach the final hour of Tim Tebow's fantastic college career, Gators fans can look back and remember the greatest four years in University of Florida football history. I say "can," but I really mean "are forced to."

Why? Because Tebow has entered the Favre zone.

The Favre zone is an area, roughly the size of North America, occuppied by Brett Favre and Tim Tebow (and probably some other players that I'm failing to remember right now). It is maintained by a network of sports writers and TV personalities who burst a virtual dam of praise any time one of these two players comes up.

You know those parents who always brag about their kids being so advanced for the kid's age? "My little Jimmy can walk now. Did you know he's walking three weeks earlier than average kids?" Yeah, those ones. The entire nation of sports personalities turns into those parents as soon as a member of the Favre zone is brought up.

Tim Tebow and Brett Favre can do no wrong. Also, they lead the world in "We announcers have nothing to talk about so we'll just bring up someone random and roll with it" moments.

If the Browns are playing the Rams and it's not a 70 point offensive explosion or someone isn't streaking on the field, the conversation shifts to Favre. If Dan LeFevour runs for a touchdown, it's "Tebow–ish." Favre and Tebow probably combine for 75 percent of the filler talk that goes on during a football event.

So how did we get to this point? What created the Favre zone? I believe it's a combination of five things.

1. Perceived Accessibility

This goes beyond personality and willingness to give interviews. Charles Barkley iss funny as hell and he'll talk to anyone, but he'll never be in the Favre zone. Why? Because the majority of the media can't connect with him. He's an intimidating black athlete with a knack for busting people's balls. Some people don't want their dirty laundry aired, and if you spend time with Barkley, he'll put it out there.

The athlete has to appear nice, willing, and unthreatening. So what if Favre had his own locker room and alienated himself from the Jets? He did it with a sheepish smile on his face!

2. Stats, Stats, Stats

At the very least the player has to be in some "greatest" discussions. Consistency is key too. While college football doesn't allow for much consistency (you've got about 50 games to make your mark), it's hard to argue against Tebow being one of the most consistent players ever. He's only had one truly bad game, the two INT performance against Mississippi St.

Favre has consistently been the prototypical gunslinger for nearly my entire life. Sure, he's had some down games, but he's always playing. He's managed to put his name next to quite a few passing records as well.

3. Transcendence

Tebow is an amateur surgeon, prison motivational speaker, and all–around great guy. He's a model student athlete (3.6 GPA), and human–athlete. Basically, there's more to him than football.

Favre has none of those things, but he still manages to check off this one. Hell, I'm pretty sure that football is the only thing keeping Brett Favre alive at this point.

However, John Madden, football's most transcendent figure has a total man-crush on Brett Favre and mentions him at every opportunity. The constant mentions snowballed until everyone had a Favre story, or at least a reason to mention Favre.

4. Relevance

The Favre zone is a fickle place. It holds little reverence for the dead, or in this case, the no-longer relevant. If Tebow becomes a backup, or an NFL washout, he's ejected from the Favre zone. Once Favre retires for more than a year, he's gone too.

5. Hyperbole

This is more the conclusion of entering the Favre zone than a requirement for entry. Inevitably, the gushing takes an impossible to prove turn, as those maintaining the Favre zone start making ridiculous comparisons.

Is Tebow better than Vince Young, Herschel Walker, or Barry Sanders? I don't know. Does he mean more to his teams than those guys? I have no idea.

But the Favre zone pushes people to do crazy things, and people who disagree push back.

"Tebow is overrated/Tebow sucks." This is the counter-argument by many who grow wary of the overwhelming praise, and is equally impossible to prove.

It's not like this is new for Tebow. He's been circling around the outside of the Favre zone for a while now. He's the most polarizing, most popular college athlete ever.

However, the recent national farewell tour with everyone participating takes it to a new level (from CBS covering UF-FSU as Tim Tebow Day to the 15 "We'll miss you Tebow!" national articles that followed the game), and that places him in the black hole of media ultra–love that is right at the center of the Favre zone.

Read more SEC Football news on BleacherReport.com

From Gainesville With Love, An Open Letter To Alabama Fans

David Russell — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:03:16 -0500

Well, here we are again and we all knew this was coming. Heck, I bet some of you bought your tickets to Atlanta last February.

Like a juggernaut Army, our football teams have laid waste to the SEC landscape, leaving crying children and jealous alumni wondering to their cars in the parking lots pouting and wondering what future seasons could bring. These are momentous times for both of us, and much is at stake for both teams.

For you, Alabama fans, it is an ascension back to some rightfully owned parking spot at the elite football club. For us, it is an attempt to make one of the most historic runs in college football history. And like a Cowboys-49ers NFC championship game in the mid-90's we both know this is the real game.

Ultimately, this is the one that really counts.

Sure, before the season, many of you were probably humble. And and like us, when asked by some random SEC fan how we thought the season would turn out before the season actually began, we shrugged our shoulders and said “It will probably be us and Florida, but you never know.”

In the end, that was not the truth, you knew this was coming, and surely you knew your Crimson flags would fly high over the SEC west but you didn't want to seem pompous or over confident.

Like us, you know your team is the cream of the crop, the pride of the SEC west, led by an intense and confident coach who rarely sweats under pressure. And in this time of thanks, let us all be thankful that our teams are at the top of the SEC pile, and in turn, the top of the college football world.

Tebow and Ingram, Jones and Haden, Dunlap and Cody, Spikes and McClain, Saban and Meyer. These are the names we will be recanting to our grandchildren and names sportscasters in the NFL will be uttering to their audiences for many years to come.

Like Generals assessing their armies through binoculars, our teams have been under the respective microscope of each others fans.

From 400 some odd miles away, each of us have discussed endlessly what this game will look like almost all year long; what advantage one may have over the other, which players will ultimately end up looking overrated, and which ones will be heroes, forever intertwined and revered in each others history and lore.

Last year may not matter, but you know Meyer can figure out a way to beat you. We know how good Julio Jones and Mark Ingram are, even if we have little regard for your prototypical quarterback and we also know Saban is foaming at the mouth to avenge the loss from last year.

We fully expect nothing short of war under those Atlanta lights and we know that your team is probably the only one that can competently provide that war.

So let's have fun this week, with both of us being undefeated this is, in all likely-hood, the biggest game in SEC Championship history. Bust out the grill, say a prayer, call up the friends and let the banter begin.

If you are going to Atlanta, then fill the bars (I hope to) and special events with Crimson Red and Orange and Blue, for we are the pinnacle of college football and no one can take that away from us.

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Alabama's Quarterback Greg McElroy Heating Up at The Right Time

Larry Burton — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 15:51:20 -0500

Before the season even started rumors that turned out to be fact came drifting from the Manning Passing Academy, a special summer camp for the elite quarterbacks to attend, that this "new kid" from Alabama was raising everyone's eyebrows and putting some of the big name quarterbacks to shame.

He burst onto the college football world with a big second half in the Virginia Tech game but still many doubted that this was a man that Saban could pin his hopes on for a national championship run.

Then came the Arkansas game where Bobby Petrino sold out to stop the run and force Alabama to beat them with this first year starter. The result was a 35-7 stomping that saw McElroy throw for 291 yards and three touchdowns.

And this was the same Arkansas team that almost beat Florida, the same team that held Tim Tebow to just one touchdown toss in a 23-20 Florida come from behind win.

Then came the "slump". McElroy's numbers did in fact go down, but Mark Ingram's rushing numbers went up as did his Heisman hype. Doubters began wondering about McElroy again.

McElroy quickly put that doubt to rest with impressive wins over LSU and great completion ratios in the ones that followed. And then came "The Drive". With the game on the line, McElroy once and for all should have quieted the last of the doubters with a 15 play drive that killed both the clock and Auburn's hope of an upset.

He went seven of nine and slowly and methodically moved the Tide to the end zone with a nice pass to Sr. Roy Upchurch. In that drive he was cool on third downs unflappable after being hit and unfazed while being rushed.

Bama fans have now come to see Greg as an upgrade from last year's Sr. quarterback, John Parker Wilson and a man that has yet to lose a game as a starter, or make costly mistakes that have almost cost his team a loss.

Florida's game plan to stop Alabama is simple. Stop the run first. Pressure McElroy and force this young quarterback make plays against the best defense he's seen all year.

That has already been tried and they didn't like the results.

This is a different Alabama team that Florida faced last year even though the majority of the faces remain the same. The biggest different is the quarterback in Crimson and his ability to win games, and unfortunately for Florida, he's getting hot again at just the right time.

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The Biggest Game in Our Lifetime? The 2009 SEC Championship

Jim Folsom — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 12:58:30 -0500

We have all heard them. The stories of legends past. The stories of Knute Rockne and the Four Horsemen. We know of Glenn Davis and Doc Blanchard. We have heard the stories of Bud Wilkinson's Sooners.

If some of us are old enough, we may remember Bear Bryant's Alabama teams or John McKay's Trojans or maybe even Woody Hayes's Ohio State teams. These are college football icons. They have and will stand the test or time.

Have you ever wondered what it must've been like when those teams were in their hey day? Have you ever wished you could go back in time and see those teams play? How cool would it have been to watch the Army-Navy game and see Roger Staubach play or watch Auburn-Alabama with Joe Namath? Well wonder no more.

This Saturday, you will know what it's like. You will be watching Tim Tebow and the undefeated Florida Gators play the undefeated Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2009 SEC Championship Game. This is, without a doubt, the biggest game in SEC football history.

And that is saying something. It's the second straight year these two have met in Atlanta to decide the SEC Champ. It's the second straight year both were ranked No. 1 and No. 2. It's the fourth straight year the winner of this game will play for the National Title. The winner is already three for three in those four years.

If Alabama wins, they will tie Notre Dame atop the all time college football programs with their eighth National Championship. They will have come all the way back to the days of the Bear. The days when 'Bama was always a contender. Nick Saban will have 'Bama back as the dominant team in the SEC west for the foreseeable future. A win this week could easily parlay into multiple SEC and BCS titles.

If Florida wins, they are already there. This senior class will have a chance to got to the BCS Championship Game at the Rose Bowl and become college football icons. It will give the Gators three titles in four years. This will put them forever in the conversations with the all time great teams.

Tim Tebow will forever be linked with the great names of the past. Forty years from now, Lord willing, if they are still playing college football in this country, Tebow's name will come up every time some great QB does something amazing. Florida's name will come up whenever a great team gets on a roll.

Big games in the future will be measured against this game. All SEC Title games will pale in comparison. Whenever some pretty good east team meets up with a pretty good west team in a fairly meaningful SEC Title Game, the announcers will say something like "It's big. It's not Florida Alabama Big. But it's Big."

And you can turn to your grandkids and say "I know what game he's talking about. I saw it. It was the biggest game ever."

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The SEC Championship Games: What Each Must Do and Not Do to Win

Larry Burton — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 12:38:23 -0500

For Florida:

The Must Do's

They must make the passing game work because the running game won't. Everybody thinks they have the team that can run against Alabama and yet nobody has, so the passing game must work.

They must let Tim Tebow be Tim Tebow. Don't force him into a game plan that he's not comfortable with, let him run the offense. After all, hasn't he proven he IS the offense?

They must cover Julio Jones with two men or lose. Julio Jones can turn an eight yard out into a 45-yard touchdown because he's hard to bring down one on one.

They must pressure Greg McElroy. He is virtually unsung outside of Alabama fandom, but, if given time, Greg McElroy can be one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in all of college football.

Teams that sell out to stop the run have found this out for themselves.

The Must Not's

They must not let Javier Arenas beat them, and he's perfectly capable of doing so in a close game. Kick away from him and kick out of bounds or risk catastrophe.

They must not forget about Alabama's deep ball. Alabama's percentage of completing long balls of 40 yards or more is among the highest in the nation. Marquis Maze has world class speed and can get a step on any back Florida puts against him. Julio Jones makes doubling this threat a real nightmare.

They must not allow Alabama to get the running game going. This only sets up a passing game that is even deadlier when the play calling is balanced.

Lastly, they must not allow Alabama touchdowns in the red zone. This has been a struggle for Alabama all season and Florida should not allow them to find the cure this weekend.

For Alabama:

The Do's

They must be patient with the run. Florida wears down on defense and with Alabama's ability to keep pounding with fresh backs they must keep the defense honest and keep running.

Greg McElroy must bring his A game. He has already seen some of the best defenses in the country this year, now he sees the best not in Crimson uniforms. It helps he can practice against one just as good, but he needs to relax and look for second and third option receivers as Florida is sure to blanket Julio.

Alabama must designate on defensive player to Tim Tebow on every play that will follow him everywhere but the Florida sideline and bathroom. They must stop Tim Tebow from being a running back.

Alabama must score touchdowns in the red zone as this will be a close game and every point scored could be the difference.

The Must Not's

They must not give too many cracks to Jeffrey Demps, that's all he needs to bust one to the endzone. Doing this for four quarters will be as tough a task as Alabama has faced all year.

Alabama must not give up punt and kick returns to give Florida good starting field position. This team is dangerous enough when starting from the 20 and Alabama has shown a tendency to let the coverage teams dig them a hole.

They must not sell out in wholesale blitzes without leaving one man to contain Tim Tebow should he avoid the initial rush. Tebow kills teams more with his feet and third down conversions running than his passing.

Alabama must not let Florida jump out to an early lead while they start in their usual lethargic manner. Alabama can not count on wearing Florida down as they have other teams.

And as football fans there is one thing we must not do, we must not miss a minute of this game. It has all the makings of a great game.

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SEC Championship Game Preview: Alabama vs Florida, Strength vs. Strength

Larry Burton — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 11:09:42 -0500

This is not one of those games that has two teams facing off pitting one's strengths against another team's weakness. These two teams are too much alike. These are two gladiators that will swap punches for four quarters, mano a mano.

There will be no quarter given and no excuses offered. That is the way it should be in a championship game. Many sports fans feel this game is really for the national title though I'm sure a lot of Texans may disagree.

On both paper and reality this game matches up as a battle royal. The nation's top two defenses line up against solid but less spectacular offenses. These are two teams that usually win by finally exerting their will, conditioning and depth onto a weaker opponent.

There will not a knockout in this game, both teams will be standing at the end exhausted yet still willing to trade haymakers. It is and will be a game worthy of what a championship game is supposed to be about.

The few edges one team may have on another are all arguable but let's explore a few of them and attempt to sort out an outcome.

The following stats come from cfbstats.com and only reflect stats through 11-21-2009 as the last game's stats are not included.

Special Teams

In a tight race, I've heard many a good coach say it could come down to special teams and field position. Both teams are good in this area.

Kickoff return yards—about dead even.

Kickoff return yards allowed—five yard edge to Florida.

Punt return yards—16.5 yard advantage to Alabama.

Punting yardage—virtual tie.

Field goal percentage—Alabama wins 86 percent to 69 percent.

Special Teams Edge to Alabama

Offense

Scoring—Four point advantage to Florida, but in common opponents seven point advantage to Alabama.

Time of Possession—Virtual tie.

Total offense—Advantage Florida by 27 yards a game, but against common opponents, the reverse is true.

Third Down Conversion rate—Advantage Florida, 38 percent to 47.5 percent.

Rushing—Virtual tie.

Fumbles lost—Alabama 6, Florida 9. Advantage Alabama.

Passing—Virtual tie.

Interceptions—Tie.

Offense—Slight edge to Florida due to Mr. Third Down, Tim Tebow

Defense

Scoring allowed_Virtual tie, but in common opponents seven point lead for Alabama.

Total yardage allowed—Virtual tie.

Third down conversion rate allowed—Slight advantage Alabama by 2 percent.

Rushing Allowed—Advantage Alabama by about 200 yards over the season.

Passing Allowed—Advantage Florida by 200 yards over the season.

Turnovers created—Interceptions: Tie. Fumbles: Advantage Alabama by two.

Defense—Slight edge to Alabama due to statistics

Other factors that influence the outcome

As previously stated, common opponents mean a lot, especially when Florida has the reputation for running up the score and Alabama is content to just win. In those common opponent games, Alabama has fared better in almost every statistical category including most importantly, the score.

On offense and defense, Alabama rotates players in and out at a greater rate than Florida does. Alabama appears to be slightly deeper at key positions that Florida, and in a game when such heavyweight punches will be thrown, that can be a key issue.

The "TEBOW FACTOR" There's an old saying attributed to Coach Bryant that says, "I ain't nothin' but a winner." The Tim Tebow factor is just that. No player in recent years has been better in taking a team on his shoulders and simply exerting his own will to win better than Tim Tebow. He was the difference in the last game and could be this time too.

Play makers and the WOW factor. Each team has a couple of players that have that speed and those moves that leave others reaching for air. For Florida, Jeff Demps is just that kind of guy and for Alabama Javier Arenas is that guy who makes every coach hold his breath when they punt. Yes there are others on each team, but they pretty well balance out. Demps will certainly get more touches however.

Team trends for this year - Both teams have had some great wins and ugly wins this season. But overall for the year, Florida is down from last year's stats in almost every major category, while Alabama's stats are better than last year's team. Given the fact that last year's game was so close, with Alabama leading going into the fourth quarter, that could be a big trend indeed to favor the Tide.

Final Scenario and Outcome

Florida starts out fast and finishes slowly, Alabama starts out slowly and finishes strong. I can't help but think of the old tortoise and hare here.

I expect this to be a physical, bruising SEC type game that could turn on just one or two big plays.

It could come down to a field goal and Alabama would certainly have the advantage there with Lee Tiffin doing the kicking.

You could virtually flip a coin in this one and Las Vegas has yet to put out their pick. But given the special teams advantage, the fact that Alabama did better against common opponents and the overall trends of last season vs this season, Alabama would seem to have what it takes this year.

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By the Numbers: Georgia Runs All Over Georgia Tech

GeorgiaDawg — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 10:56:49 -0500

In case you missed it last night, Georgia Tech's dominance over the Georgia Bulldog came to a sudden end at Bobby Dodd Stadium.

For one solid year, many in the Bulldog nation have endured a flood of verbal abuse from Jacket fans. After last year's victory the Jackets pranced around Sanford Stadium as if they had won 10 straight over the Dawgs.

Tech players acted as if they had never been there before (I guess there is a reason for that), tearing up the hedges at Sanford Stadium. Showing the same lack of respect they have accused Georgia players and fans of for years.

Last night all of that came to an end. Last night order was restored to the football universe in the state of Georgia. Last night the annoying buzz of a Yellow Jacket was swatted into the turf.

Georgia came into this game with a chip on their shoulder. That was obvious from their first offensive drive. Washaun Ealey and Caleb King ran all over Tech. Tech's defensive front was pushed around like they were a middle school team.

They simply had no answer for Georgia's suddenly dominant run game.

The Dawgs put up Tech like numbers on the ground, finishing with a Mark Richt era high of 339 yards rushing. Ealey and King tag teamed the Jackets for long runs, highlighted by King's 76 yard burst. King left Tech's players in his wake, never looking back as he split the middle of the field.

Tech's vaunted offense had it's moments, but Georgia's strength at defensive tackle shutdown Dwyer up the middle and contained Nesbitt enough to slow Tech down.

For Tech fans this will be a bitter loss. My guess is that they will be a classless in defeat as they were in victory last year.

They will point to their 10-win season, and their ACC Championship game berth. They will point to Georgia's five losses and their second-tier-bowl berth. They will try to find satisfaction.

They will fail.

Georgia can simply smile through the bitter reaction that is sure to come over the next 365 days. This one will be sweet.

But unlike Tech's win last year, it is not sweet because it is so rare. No, this one is sweet because it shuts the buzz up for 12 wonderful months.

Georgia owns Tech, there is no doubt about that. The Dawgs have now won 15 of the last 19 games played in this series.

Although the two teams don't agree on the number of games played, one thing is undeniable, Mark Richt has put Tech in it's place for almost a full decade.

Richt is now 8-1 against Tech. The great Paul Johnson is now 1-1 against the Dawgs.

So Georgia now awaits a bowl invitation. Hopefully the Music City bowl will call and the Dawgs will head to Nashville. Any bowl will be nice considering what this season has become.

Tech now heads to play another ACC team that couldn't handle a "mediocre" SEC team in their conference championship game. Tech and Clemson will meet to see which BCS bowl will have to endure an over rated ACC team as one of it's teams.

So to all my Tech friends out there, I say enjoy your championship game. Enjoy your BCS bowl game (if you get it).

Just remember one thing...on Nov. 28 in Atlanta, you couldn't beat the Dawgs...again. Ding dong, the streak is dead...the Tech win streak is dead at one!!

Go Dawgs!!!

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SEC Bowl Projections as Blurry Now as Before Season

Chris Yow — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:49:47 -0500

It was not exactly what you would call expected, but it was possible.

With Auburn's loss to Alabama on Friday, the Tigers were 7-5, but were still looking at a pretty good bowl game because at least two SEC foes should finish 6-6 after South Carolina loses to Clemson and Georgia fell to Georgia Tech.

But the SEC proved to be the superior conference over the ACC on Saturday when both South Carolina and Georgia upended the two teams that will play for the ACC title.

And that put a few flies in the ointment when looking at the bowl picture.

Here is a list of teams that are 7-5: Arkansas, Auburn, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee.

Where does that put these five football teams come the bowl season? Let's look at the overall picture and see if placing them is possible.

History is the best way to place teams into bowl games.

The BCS Championship game semifinals will be played Saturday with Alabama and Florida vying for a trip to Pasadena and the other settling for a Sugar Bowl trip.

After that, it looks like LSU will head to the Capital One (Citrus) Bowl at 9-3.The Capital One Bowl must take the SEC team with the next best record, or a team within one win of the next best record.

Ole Miss will most likely return to Dallas after falling in the Egg Bowl and finishing 8-4, seeing as the Cotton Bowl will get to pick first from the West.

And now for the fun part.

The first pick is the Outback Bowl and history says that either Tennessee or Georgia will make the trip to Tampa. Since the Bowl has first pick of teams from the East, they could take either team.

The other team will go to Atlanta in the Chick-Fil-A (Peach) Bowl.

Then the Music City Bowl gets to pick. After last season, the Kentucky Wildcats will surely be the team going to Nashville. They brought a great crowd to the last three bowl games.

The Liberty Bowl could pick Arkansas, since the Hogs are very close to home in Memphis. However, they could take Auburn as well.

The Independence Bowl gets the next selection and could take Arkansas, Auburn, or South Carolina, depending on whether Arkansas or Auburn go to Memphis.

The Papajohns.com Bowl gets last pick, but you can rest assured they will do whatever it takes to get the Tigers from Auburn into this bowl game. Can you imagine the crowd in Birmingham if Auburn were in this bowl? I can. Wow!

No matter how you shake it, this bowl season is going to be fun to watch before it even starts.

Who will play in what bowl and what teams will they play.

Can the SEC go undefeated like it has in the past?

We will not have to wait much longer to find out.

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BCS Bowl Predictions: Final Week

Brian Nelson — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 05:52:09 -0500

This week featured some of the most compelling and meaningful games of the season.

Oklahoma State's buckling at the Bedlam game had by far the most significant impact on final BCS destinations. The Cowboys lost 27-0 to the 6-5 Sooners. It's amazing this team was just one win away from the "exclusive" BCS.

Just like the Big 12 itself, OSU was vastly overrated.

Perhaps, the nation should have paid more attention to what last year's bowl results were telling us. The Pac-10, the SEC and the MWC are for real and the Big 12 seemed mediocre.

The big winners this week were Boise State and the SEC.

Boise State seemed to be on the outside looking in until Oklahoma State fell.

The SEC manhandled the ACC over the weekend. Florida was too much for the Seminole defense and two mid-tier SEC teams whipped both ACC division champions.

Alabama survived another close call. This week pulling it out at the last minute against Auburn in the Iron Bowl. Props to the Tide and to Greg Mcelroy who looked terrific.

Although, I am very surprised the Tigers called two running plays during the one minute drill. I think the idea is to run plays that stop the clock and that actually move the chains.

The biggest loser this week aside from the ACC and Oklahoma State may have been the Big East. Pitt's loss to West Virginia takes a lot of glimmer off next week's de facto conference championship game.

In addition, if Texas were to somehow fall to Nebraska next week, it will be increasingly difficult for Cincinnati to pass up TCU in the Final BCS standings.

Either way, I see Pitt winning next week. Dion Lewis and Pitt's explosive running game will prove to much for Cincinnati's suspect run defense.

Here is how I see the BCS Bowl playing out on selection Sunday:

National Championship Game: Texas vs. Florida.

Texas does not deserve to be in this game. I know they were victims of the system last year and this will be a killer match-up, McCoy vs. Tebow, two major powerhouses. The ratings will be through the roof. Which is probably all the BCS cares about anyway.

The BCS should really take a stand on Texas' schedule. They certainly have no problem doing it with non-BCS teams. That hypocrisy will cost them one day. Big time.

Playing for the Crystal Football, Charlie Strong exposes Texas weak running game and the Gators' disciplined secondary keeps McCoy in check. Shipley returns a punt for a touchdown but the defending champions prevail, again.

Florida 27, Texas 17

Rose Bowl: Oregon vs. Ohio State

Ohio State continues their pathetic January play by folding to Jeremiah Masoli and Chip Kelly's brilliant offense, who always seem to play better and better as the year progresses.

Oregon 28, Ohio State 20

Orange Bowl: Pitt vs. Clemson

Dude, seriously could this game get any uglier? The Orange Bowl, with the third at-large pick, selects Pitt in order to avoid a Clemson-TCU rematch.

Four-loss Clemson advances to the Orange Bowl automatically after knocking off Paul Johnson's Yellow Jackets.

Pitt knocks off Cincinnati with their stellar run game and terrific defensive line play. They do the same to Clemson despite 250 all-purpose yards from C.J. Spiller.

Pitt 13, Clemson 10

Fiesta Bowl: Penn State vs. Boise State

By losing Texas to the National Championship Game and Oklahoma State due to deficiency, the Fiesta Bowl has the honor of selecting two at-large teams. Knowing that their last pick will inherently be a less desirable non-BCS team, the Fiesta selects Penn State over the more deserving Iowa Hawkeyes, banking on the pull of Joe Pa and the strong, traveling fan base of the Nittany Lions.

While Iowa travels well too, the Fiesta views Penn State as the higher octane offense that can keep up with the Boise State Broncos.

Despite TCU's stronger resume, the Fiesta Bowl pulls from past experience and opts for the more proven commodity in Boise State. A team that has historically traveled better than TCU.

The Big Ten's woes in BCS games continue.

Boise State 42, Penn State 31

Sugar Bowl: TCU vs. Alabama

I love the Tide and suffer from Tebow-fatigue. But even a very talented, well-coached and well-balanced like this year's Alabama won't get by Urban and Tim in the national championship semi-final.

While Mcelroy and Julio Jones looked terrific against Auburn on Friday, Alabama's passing game won't be strong enough to keep up with Tim Tebow and Riley Cooper, despite Mark Ingram hobbling to 100 plus rushing yards.

Once again, the Tide will have to "settle" for another Sugar Bowl with another inferior MWC team. Saban learns his lesson from last year and does not provide any bulletin board fodder by discounting the MWC.

But he still overlooks TCU and their capable run defense.

The Tide faithful lay claim that they would've demolished TCU had Andre Smith suited up.

TCU 31, Alabama 17

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College Football's 11 Best 11s For December: The SEC Rules The ACC

BabyTate — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 03:44:21 -0500

During the final week of the regular season each season, arch-rivals in the two conferences who define southern sports meet to settle their differences.

The two leagues are the Southeastern Conference and the Atlantic Coast Conference, SEC and ACC to friends and foes alike.

Arrogant and powerful, each conference considers itself head and shoulders above any other in the primary college sports, the SEC in football and the ACC in basketball.

All apologies to the other BCS conferences, PAC10, Big10, Big East, and Big 12 but, until you can wrest the National Championship in each sport away from the two conferences it is the reality of the current situation.

Fans recognize Alabama taking on Florida in SEC football, and Duke and UNC battling in ACC basketball, make the sports world come to a stop. However, it is the inter-conference rivalries in football that create the extended family atmosphere.

This situation happens in the states of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina when the Gators meet the Seminoles, the Yellow Jackets meet the Bulldogs, and the Tigers take on the Gamecocks.

The basketball season is young so, the jury is still out as to who is the boss of who this year. Not so with football.

Saturday's results proved the SEC is clearly superior to the ACC in football this season.

Ga Tech, pride of the ACC and ranked No. 7 in the BCS poll, was beaten by a middle-of-the-road Georgia, 30-24.

Clemson, who face the Yellow Jackets for the ACC title in Tampa next week and feature possible Heisman Trophy finalist C.J. Spiller, received a beatdown from Steve Spurrier's South Carolina Gamecocks, 34-17.

Florida State, for years the big gun of the ACC, was mauled by No. 1 ranked Florida 37-10 in a game never as close as the final score indicates.

Bad blood between blood relatives in these three situations.

And there is always next year.

The 11 Best 11s

Ranking This Week Ranking Last Week

1. Texas 1.

2. Alabama 2.

3. Florida 3.

4. Texas Christian 4.

5. Boise State 5.

6. Cincinnati 6.

7. Oregon 9.

8. Ohio State 10.

9. Iowa 11.

10. Penn State N/R (On The Porch)

11. Oregon State N/R (On The Porch)

On The Porch: Georgia Tech, Pittsburgh, Va. Tech, Nebraska, LSU

Alabama presented a case for becoming No. 1 with an inspired 26-21 comeback victory over arch-enemy Auburn. The Crimson Tide will will meet Florida this Saturday to determine who is the Champion of the SEC.

Tennessee pulled out a 30-24 overtime win at Kentucky while LSU needed an extra period to subdue Arkansas, 33-30. Mississippi State surprised high-riding Ole Miss in Egg Bowl action, 41-27.

While the SEC settled their differences, the PAC-10 provided some of the best action of the weekend.

Southern California and UCLA, two schools who know a thing or two about rivalries, staged a magnificent contest in the Coliseum for nearly 60 minutes.

The final moments created the stir when Bruin head coach Rick Neuheisel called time out, apparently to cramp the Trojan victory celebration. Trojan overseer Pete Carroll did not appreciate the gesture and responded with a "bomb" pass play for a touchdown.

Properly incensed over the matter, the Bruins attempted to start a rumble. Cooler heads prevailed and the Men of Troy went home with a 28-7 win over their crosstown rival.

Houston showed no mercy to their city rival, the Rice Owls. Leading 59-0 at halftime, the Cougars went on to a 73-14 act of destruction.

The Apple Cup was settled early on as the Huskies dominated Washington State 30-0.

In the desert battle between Arizona and Arizona State, the Wildcats scored on a last second field goal to escape the clutches of Dennis Erickson's nasty boys defense.

Stanford put a merciful end to the season of Notre Dame and the much-maligned Charlie Weis. Behind the powerful running of Toby Gerhart, the Cardinal overhauled the tiring Irish in the second half for a 45-38 victory.

Boise State took the pistol offense of Nevada and clobbered the Wolfpack with the handle, 44-33 while TCU destroyed hapless New Mexico, 51-10.

Brigham Young had to work overtime to defeat Utah 26-23 in the Battle of the Beehive State but it was the remarks of the Cougars' star quarterback Max Hall that made the most noise.

"I don’t like Utah. In fact, I hate them. I hate everything about them. I hate their program, their fans. I hate everything,” Hall said. “It felt really good to send those guys home.”

“I think the whole university [Utah] and their fans and the organization is classless,” Hall said. “They threw beer on my family and stuff last year and did a whole bunch of nasty things. I don’t respect them and they deserved to lose.”

Max, tell us how you really feel.

In Big 12 action, Texas withstood a furious Texas A&M attack to pull out a win on Thanksgiving evening, 49-39. The Oklahoma Sonners blanked the Oklahoma State Cowboys 27-0 in the Bedlam series.

Kansas fell to Missouri 41-39 in the Border War, Texas Tech defeated Baylor 20-13, and Nebraska punched out Colorado 28-20 despite some good news around the Hawkins family household. Coach Dan will be back for another season as head coach in Boulder.

Around the Big East stories circulated concerning the demise of Louisville coach Steve Kragthorpe following another losing season, this one punctuated by a Friday loss to Rutgers by the tune of 34-14.

Illinois bowed to Cincinnati 49-36, Syracuse fell to UConn 56-31, and in the Backyard Brawl Pittsburgh fell on the final play of the game to West Virginia, 19-16.

The ACC-Big East showdown between South Florida and Miami ended with the Hurricanes rolling to a 31-10 victory. In other action, Boston College downed Maryland 19-17, N.C. State handed UNC another defeat 28-27, Wake Forest escaped Duke 45-34, and Virginia Tech destroyed Virginia, 42-13.

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ACC, Pac-10, and SEC Football Capsules Week 13

Asher Feldman — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 01:25:18 -0500

Atlantic Coast Conference

Conference Leaders: Clemson (Atlantic Division; 8-4, 6-2 ) and Georgia Tech (Coastal Division; 10-2, 7-1) have both clinched their respective divisions and will meet for the ACC Championship Game and the ACC’s BCS bowl bid.

Game of Last Week: NC State 28 vs. UNC 27. A blocked field goal secured victory for the Wolfpack and let NC State fans rejoice even though their team will not be making a bowl this season

Game of Next Week: Georgia Tech vs. Clemson. The ACC Championship Game will be between two teams coming off tough losses to rivals, and will be looking to cap off good seasons with a BCS bowl bid.

Bowl Eligible Teams: Boston College Golden Eagles, Miami Hurricanes, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Virginia Tech Hokies, North Carolina Tar Heels, Florida State Seminoles, Clemson Tigers.

Pac-10

Conference Leader : Oregon (9-2, 7-1)

Lurking: Oregon State (8-3, 6-2)

Game of Last Week: Arizona 20 vs. Arizona State 17. After painting the huge “A” on the hillside at Arizona State in Wildcat red, the Wildcats took a victory in this western rivalry game on a last second field goal.

Game of Next Week: Oregon vs. Oregon State. Another de facto conference championship game—on a Thursday—the winner likely heading to the Rose Bowl as the Pac-10’s BCS bid receiving team.

Bowl Eligible Teams: Oregon Ducks, USC Trojans, California Bears, Arizona Wildcats, Stanford Cardinal, Oregon State Beavers, UCLA Bruins.

SEC

Conference Leaders: Florida (East Division; 12-0, 8-0) and Alabama (12-0, 8-0) have both clinched their respective divisions and will face off in the SEC Championship Game for a bid in the National Title game and the SEC’s automatic BCS bowl bid.

Game of Last Week: Tennessee 30 vs. Kentucky 24. A game for possible bowl positioning, the Volunteers took a huge game from Montario Hardesty and beat Kentucky for the 25th straight time.

Game of Next Week: Alabama vs. Florida. The SEC Championship Game will be a national semifinal, and the loser will likely still get a bid to a BCS bowl game.

Bowl Eligible Teams: Florida Gators, Alabama Crimson Tide, South Carolina Gamecocks, LSU Tigers, Auburn Tigers, Ole Miss Running Rebels, Kentucky Wildcats, Georgia Bulldogs, Arkansas Razorbacks, Tennessee Volunteers.

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Larry's Losers in the SEC and the SEC Championship Game

Larry Burton — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:02:04 -0500

After a few days off visiting relatives, eating turkey and being stuck in the car on two long trips, Baccardi the wonder dog and I have just gotten home and are ready to end this season's regular season and conference championship game on a high note.

Well, Baccardi, we finished another regular season and this last week provided us some upsets and some near upsets and this week, the prognostication process proved pitiful.

The Old Ball Coach proved you better not make his reservation at the nursing home just yet as he dished out an upset to Dabo Swinney's Clemson Kitty Cat Club. That was a shocker, but not like the one that took place in Mississippi.

Dan Mullen's mutts have been kicked like a yard dog this season as far as the check marks go in the win column, but they, the kickers, have pulled back legs with quite a few tooth marks in them. It was only a question of time until the dogs had their day.

Well that day came today and they just completely ripped the wheels off the 10-win express that Houston Nutt was hopin' to sport around in this off season.

The Rebels came into this dog pound and got mauled by a pack of pooches that had so many other good teams on the ropes, only to see them jump over the fence and get away at the last minute.

Lane Kiffin improved the Vols bowl hunt with an overtime win against Rich Brooks and them Kentucky Kitties. Baccardi and I both felt this was an upset in the making, but it just didn't come through.

Would the Les Miles Meltdown continue in Louisiana? We picked that upset. At least this week Miles figured out that when the clock numbers get smaller that means time is going off the clock and he got the field goal team out there just in time to get it to overtime.

Seems like these two teams never can settle the argument in the regulated time and last year when it went to continued contestin', the Hogs came out a winner, and this year it was payback time for the Tigers.

And lastly Mark Richt, proved you can't keep a good dog down and he upset the little smart pill machine with a win over Georgia Tech in what would prove to be the second SEC over ACC upset of the day and neither did I or Baccardi see it coming.

These five misses brought about the worst week in week Larry's Losers history and is making me and Baccardi rethink the whole smart pill machine thing. It just ain't workin'.

This brought the season total down to 73-20 or 77 percent. A coach winning 77 percent of his games would have a 10 win season out of 13 games, and that'll keep your job, so Baccardi and I will be back next year, but we'll be bakin' up some "Smart Cookies" to help us be one smart cookie ourselves.

As far as the only two we got right, Gene Chizik reached into the Tiger trunk of tricks and almost pulled out an upset, but an Elephant knows that slow and steady usually win the final race, and the pachyderms finally trampled the Tigers.

And lastly, Urban Meyer kept Bobby Bowden from strolling into retirement wearing any new Gator skin boots and they snapped and chewed the Seminoles as predicted and now prepare for the final SEC match up of the year.

And how will that go?

The Gators are coming in fat and happy after feeding off all their opponents this year and they are no doubt confident after their final course of Seminole Souffle.

And that last drive of Alabama's down in little brother's backyard is gonna give the Tide the belief that they can do anything once their mind is set on it.

This Saturday's game is really for the national championship, as the winner should walk over Texas for yet another title coming home to the SEC.

This game will have great defense, a few big plays and maybe a nail-biting ending but when it's all over, the Elephants will prove to more than a mouthful for the Gators and they will come out on top.

Larry's loser: Florida.

Baccardi and I need to go out on top with this last SEC match up, but we'll have one more chance to set the bar a little higher for next year with Larry's Losers in the SEC Bowl Games in the next installment.

So once the bowls have all been decided, old Baccardi and I will have all the details worked out on that recipe and have us some smart cookies ready to make some gallant guesses at the bowl games to come.

Thanks for sticking with us this season and we'll see you back next year if the good Lord's willin' and the hurricanes don't blow us out to sea.

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Tim Tebow Says Goodbye to Gator Nation Against FSU and Bobby Bowden

James Walker — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 23:49:14 -0500

When it was all said and done, the Florida Gators defeated the Florida State Seminoles in The Swamp as most predicted. However, that story-line was the second most important of the day for the Gator Nation; by far it will always be remembered as the day Tim Tebow said goodbye to The Swamp.

As each Senior was introduced prior to the game, the 90,000+ people in the stands cheered and waited until the last player ran out of the tunnel to greet his coach and parents. Fittingly, No. 15 was the last name called, and when Tebow's name was announced, the crowd in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field roared like never heard before.

It was an appropriate tribute to the greatest Gator, and quite possibly the greatest college football player in the history of the NCAA.

When the game actually begun, the Gators were fired up and ready to do battle with their in-state rivals. In years past, Florida State was a big-time annual event for in-state bragging rights, but today it was simply a stop on the road to Atlanta and Pasadena.

The only difference with this game was it was Tebow's last in The Swamp.

Tebow's production was typical. He passed for 221 yards and three TDs going 17 of 21. He also rushed for 90 yards on 15 carries scoring two TDs. It also kept him in the running for this year's Heisman Trophy.

When Tebow walked off the field in the fourth quarter, he did it in his legendary unselfish manner. He was replaced by future starting QB John Brantley, and he stood on the sidelines cheering like the fans that were in the stands.

The week preceding today's game saw several tributes to Tebow. ESPN's College Gameday crew was on campus for the game, and of course they were there to pay homage to Tebow. Each tribute was nicely done, but none could capture what Tebow has meant to the University of Florida or the college football world.

Coach Urban Meyer was emotional during his weekly press conference this past Tuesday as he described how it was coaching and working with Tebow. It was more personal than professional for Meyer the past four years, and it has been refreshing to see a strong relationship between coach and player.

If Tebow was nervous or feeling meloncholy during the game, it didn't show. He led the Gator offense like he always did with the skill of an experienced Field Marshall. He passed, he ran, and he scrambled. When it was all said and done, he was victorious.

Even though the Gator fans celebrated the win, they also felt sorry that their beloved Tebow would never play football in The Swamp ever again. History had arrived, and it was bittersweet.

There are two games left for the Gators, and both have championship implications.

First is Alabama. Both the Gators and Crimson Tide are undefeated, ranked No. 1 and 2 respectively, but one will lose and one will go on to Pasadena for the National Championship.

No matter what happens in the coming weeks, the Gator Nation can fall back on the memories Tim Tebow provided. The book is almost over, but two chapters need to be written to complete the story.

Unfortunately, we can't skip to the end to see how it ends.

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Notre Lamed: Irish Lose Heartbreaker at Stanford and Other Rivalry Week Tales

Alex Ferguson — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 23:25:00 -0500

We've got a lot to talk about in a little time, bearing in mind that's we've been watching football all day and we're a little tired.

This couldn't be a better rivalry week—or more's the case, rivalry evening.

At the end of it, the only coach crying was Charlie Weis (well, he probably wasn't, but there we go). On fourth-and-job, Jimmy Clausen's Hail Mary was batted down by a Stanford secondary that had done its best to hand the Irish the game, and the Cardinal beat the Catholics 45-38.

If Stanford running back superstar Toby Gerhart (dear God did I take a long time to get that name right!) doesn't go to the NFL, then we're pretty sure he'd be a good minor league baseball player, or any college should take him about as future running backs coach or head coach. He's all heart baby.

We also got to see some redemption, which is always nice on a rivalry week where smack is talked from start to finish.

So here's the list:

LSU coach Les Miles: With over a minute on the clock in regulation, needed a minute to tie to the game against Arkansas, and instead of royally screwing up like he did against Ole Miss, the Tigers coaching staff and offense managed to get its head together and force overtime.

They then played poorly in OT, but thanks to the closest 'wide right' field goal miss you'll ever see by Arkansas, the Tigers won, much to the joy of around 92,000 people, some of whom were seen (to my laughter) using the 'F' word opening in front of ESPN cameras to question Miles' coaching efforts. I only wish we'd been there.

Georgia's Reshad Jones: The talented safety missed a tackle in the 2008 home loss to Georgia Tech that essentially gave the nerds a rare victory in Good Old Fashioned Hate.

Jones was brilliant on Saturday night, making a last-gasp tackle to force a player out-of-bounds with seconds on the clock to essentially save Georgia's 30-24 victory over 15th-ranked Georgia Tech at the high school stadium known as Bobby Dodd. Best sign goes to the Tech fans though: "And The Nerds Shall Take Over The World."

South Carolina: No-one could have given South Carolina more crap than we did throughout the year—especially quarterback Stephen Garcia. Don't get me wrong, we still think he's one of the SEC's poorer quarterbacks, but he—and a tremendous defense - helped to engineer an upset of hated rival Clemson.

Georgia defensive co-ordinator Willie Martinez: He might well be out of Athens by Monday, but boy, his 'D' battled today—especially against Georgia Tech's tremendous running game, which was stifled all night long.

Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen: For all intents and purposes, Mississippi State had been a laughing matter when talked about as a possible SEC West destination for good recruits. At the start of the season, we didn't expect MSU, with their new head coach, to beat Ole Miss in the Egg Bowl this year. They did, and we can shut up now.

And a quick bit of love for Mississippi State's band, who may just get into the VFA's top ten cheerleading squads for 2009—if a band is indeed cheerleading (which we think it is). I love the copy of "Rammer Jammer." It's not been sung very often.

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The Swamp Says Goodbye to College Football Icon

Chad Minton — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 15:50:46 -0500

One of the best college football players off all time is suiting up for his last game at the Swamp. I think you know that guy is Tim Tebow.

Not only does Tebow have a chance to win his second Heisman trophy, but he's also got an even better chance at winning his third national championship.

He's got to most likely beat in-state rival Florida State today to make both of those happen. That shouldn't be too much of a problem.

As with every Senior Day, emotions always pour onto the field when the seniors play their last game before making their respective journeys past college football. Some will make the NFL and others will go onto other careers that aren't playing football.

For Tim Tebow, his future is also a little cloudy. He will obviously play football somewhere, but it's not so certain that he'll play at the same position that has already made him the icon that he has become.

That shouldn't be looked at as an insult to his football ability. If anything it should be looked at as a compliment. Not too many quarterbacks have gone onto the NFL to play another position. It shows that Tebow isn't just a quarterback. He's an all-around good football player that Florida will miss greatly after this year.

It's a good possibility that Tebow will play fullback or tight end in the NFL. Personally I think he could make a team's Wildcat formation extremely tough to stop for opposing defenses.

There are numerous instances you can look back on that justify him as one of the toughest and most passionate players we've ever seen play the game.

Things like the synonymous jump pass against LSU as a freshman, to his famous "the promise" speech after the tough loss to Ole Miss, to coming back from a concussion to lead the Gators to a huge win over LSU this season all show that Tebow isn't you're ordinary football player.

We've already seen Urban Meyer's emotions spill onto the table when discussing Tebow's departure, and I'm sure there's thousands who feel the same way.

These people aren't upset because they think the future of Florida football is in jeopardy when he leaves. That's the last thing they're worried about. This program will continue to be one of the best long after Tebow is gone.

They're upset about losing a player who is an all-around good guy that the sports world needs more of. He may not be a future NFL Hall of Famer, but I guarantee you you'll hear about him doing things in the community far more important than how many MVP's he wins at the end of his career.

That's the guy that will suit up for the Gators in the Swamp one final time today. Forecast calls for plenty of Gator chomps with a 90% chance of the Seminoles getting run out of the stadium.

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How Tim Tebow and Florida Fans Won Over a Rabid USC Trojan Honk

Rick McMahan — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 12:00:55 -0500

Before I explain the title of this article, let me first confess some sentiments that are borne of being a fanatic USC Trojan fan.

I don't like the SEC or their fans.

More specifically, I have never liked or appreciated Florida fans.

As a USC fan, not liking Florida or their fans felt like a moral obligation.

Of course, in some ways, Florida fans have made it easy for me not to like them.

I have written several articles, some of which were not very complimentary to the SEC, and in return, I have received some very obnoxious replies. The worst of which came from those same Florida fans whom I confessed my distaste for.

Of course, on the field Florida has represented excellence and this too has threatened me, because Florida, over the years, is the only team I believe rivals my Trojans in terms of overall greatness.

And then there is Tim Tebow.

You know, "Superman."

I couldn't stand the guy for his first two years.

However, despite my efforts to maintain a distance emotionally from Tebow, he has won me over in the last couple of years.

After all, the guy is a great player and leader.

But more importantly, he is a great human being.

So despite my efforts to the contrary, I have come to like Tim Tebow.

"That's okay," I thought to myself, "I still can't stand those damn Florida fans!"

And then this morning arrived and that changed too.

While watching ESPN's "college gameday," who are broadcasting from Gainesville, Florida, the home of the Gators, a segment was devoted to my USC Trojans and their efforts on behalf of a soon to be blind seventh grade boy named Jake Olson.

The young man, an avid Trojan fan like myself, had cancer which attacked his eyes.

When he was very young, his left eye had to be removed and eight different times the cancer returned to attack his right eye.

Eight times he beat the cancer but when it returned for a ninth time, it didn't respond to treatment and it was determined the eye would have to be removed, thus sentencing him to a lifetime without sight.

Pete Carroll and the Trojans responded by granting young Jake's final wish before he lost his sight...to be with his beloved Trojans.

An extremely touching story to be sure and one that brought tears to my eyes.

But that isn't what this article is about.

No, this article is about what happened after the segment aired.

Florida fans, those same folks that I developed such distaste for, clapped in appreciation of the Trojans and young Jake Olson.

I was shocked.

Florida fans acting civilized and compassionate? Impossible!

Then on cue, as if they were consciously sending me a message some two thousand miles away, they did something else.

They started chanting.

"Jake!," "Jake!," "Jake!"

Over and over again.

And with each chant, I felt my distaste for Florida fans slowly ebbing away.

Now all is forgiven.

Of course, this can all change if I continue to receive personal insults every time I innocently write an article that questions Florida or the SEC's supposed superiority.

But in the meantime, from a rabid Trojan fan, thanks Florida fan for your kindness and compassion.

Now what am I going to do with all this distaste and no one to direct it toward?

Oh yeah, UCLA is playing my Trojans tonight.

Problem solved.

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Auburn-Alabama: Tigers' Performance Shows They're on the Right Track

Tiger Histalmos — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 10:57:32 -0500

As like the rest of the Auburn family, watching that last minute touchdown by Alabama made my stomach turn sour. Watching the final Hail Mary get knocked down to seal the deal for Alabama made me realize it would be another 364 days before Auburn has another shot.

But in the amidst of the Alabama crowd that was cheering victory, fellow Auburn fans and myself did something I hadn't seen in a while.

As the Auburn band played the fight song, the Auburn crowd started singing and clapping along, cheering the team as they made their trek into the locker room.

Chants of "Its Great...To Be...An Auburn Tiger!" filled Jordan-Hare, overshadowing the joyful celebration of the Crimson Tide fans.

That alone should tell everyone that this team is far beyond last season, and beyond certain expectations this team has garnered in the preseason.

For a team that doesn't have much depth defensively, they held Heisman Trophy candidate Mark Ingram to a total of 30 yards rushing.

For a team that many determined early they wouldn't score a touchdown on the vaunted Alabama defense, they scored three times in the end zone.

Although Auburn's record shows only seven wins, the team is together again. The fan base has come together again. This feeling of togetherness and family has been something that has been missing for a long time.

Even when Auburn was winning under Tommy Tuberville.

In retrospect of the regular season, except for the LSU game, Auburn was competitive in each contest. Auburn had its opportunities, and fell short four times this season.

Auburn also won some games it should have lost, as the game against West Virginia will tell.

There can be much to think about the season if Auburn had it's depth, a few plays here and there, and a bit more luck.

Everyone in orange and blue should hold their head high today and into the future. Hanging in there with the No. 2 team in the nation, your in-state arch rival, for nearly 60 minutes should give this program and its fans pause for little concern into the future.

Detractors will say Auburn failed five times this season.

Supporters will say Auburn had a chance in eleven games this season.

Give Alabama credit for pulling it out when it mattered, but give Auburn credit for giving Alabama their toughest game of the season. This wasn't exactly the "warm-up" game against Florida that most were predicting.

For his first season, Coach Gene Chizik and his staff have done a great job with what they were given to start the season. There is something, however, that they have given the players, and the fans to an extent, that wasn't there for a long time.

Auburn has become close again as a unit. To quote Chizik:

"We have built a great foundation for what we are going to do in the future, and I am just very proud of our kids. I appreciate our fans supporting our guys as we were running off the field, which is not surprising. I am very proud of our team."

The foundation is there coach. The Auburn family can't wait to see what is in store for the future.

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Why Didn't Alabama and Auburn Play Football Against Each Other for 40 Years?

BabyTate — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 05:05:12 -0500

It does seem difficult to believe but, it is true. Alabama and Auburn went 40 years without playing their annual rivalry game. The most obvious question should be "Why" but, the more interesting details may surround "Who" as in who was responsible for ending and then recreating the series that seems so much a part of each football season? For whatever reason, the rivalry was suspended from 1907 to 1948. The following information suggests possible reasons for the 40 year void in the record books of one of America's most intensely fought yearly competitions..

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Alabama-Auburn: Post-Thanksgiving Humble Pie Is a Treat for Crimson Tide

jonathan fravel — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 00:58:04 -0500

Although Bama fans had hoped the Crimson Tide would have had a more convincing victory against the in-state rival Auburn Tigers, this win is the best thing that could have happened to this team on the weekend just before the SEC Championship game.

Alabama fans and players alike now know that an average team in the SEC can put together a complete game and rock the hopeful dreams of any championship into another dimension.

The Auburn Tigers took a week off, rested, schemed and practiced a plan that worked to perfection in the first quarter of the 2009 Iron Bowl.

What is different this year, is this Alabama team has a different demeanor from the one a year ago. This team in 2009 does not accept defeat as an option.

Despite being down 14 points in less than five minutes after the opening kickoff, this team had no intention to lay down and quit.

With the deficit before them, the defense gathered together and re-assessed the goals set prior to kickoff. They studied still frames and listened to the coaches' advice about how to defend against the revamped Auburn offense. While the defense was regrouping, the Alabama offense went to work.

The entire offense contributed to the second-quarter success of the Tide. There were no spectacular individual efforts. At the end of the first half, The score was tied and Alabama even had a chance to take the lead before the break in action.

In the second half, the Crimson Tide outscored the Tigers 12-7 for a five-point victory in the closest game since 1997, that being a one-point victory for the Tide. The Crimson Tide is now 12-0.

The games against Tennessee, LSU, and Auburn have allowed this team to mature into a championship caliber unit. Prior to these classic SEC matchups, the Tide had sailed to an 7-0 record without much of a challenge.

These last few wins have caused the team to overcome adversity in a variety of ways. The team has responded favorably to the challenges. Like a prize fighter punched in the mouth and dazed by an underdog competitor, the Crimson Tide rose to the challenge and shook off the blows.

The end result is a group of high quality athletes that know how to depend on each other for support and strength when their own strength has been sapped. There are no individuals who stand alone, this is a solid team.

As Mark Ingram sat on the sidelines, unable to contribute due to a hip pointer and shoulder stinger, true freshman Trent Richardson buttoned his chin strap and went to work.

Third-string senior running back Roy Upchurch stood in when his number was called and scored a game-winning touchdown on third and goal, late in the fourth quarter.

On the game-winning drive, Quarterback Greg McElroy was 8-of-10 passing, and the Tide traveled 80 yards in 15 plays for the score. Julio Jones stepped up as a receiver and made catch after catch during the late fourth quarter drive.

The last Alabama offensive possession of the game drained 7:03 from the clock, leaving less that 1:30 for the Auburn offense to work with after the ensuing kickoff. Auburn had burned their time outs during the drive in an attempt to save what time they could for their last effort on the home field. 1:30 would not be enough.

This completed a second straight undefeated regular season for the Crimson Tide. Despite the errors along the way, it is a perfect record in the toughest conference across the country, two years in a row.

Two consecutive undefeated regular seasons in the SEC is not a feat easily achieved. In fact, the last two SEC champions that have finished as National Champions have not completed the regular season undefeated.

The University of Florida has never accomplished the feat even once.

The next game will, in fact, be against the defending National Champion and SEC Champion Florida Gators. The Gators will be ready for the Tide, and the Tide will come prepared as well.

This conference championship game may very well determine who will be the eventual 2009 National Champion.

Two games left for the Crimson Tide. These games will determine how this team stacks up with previous Alabama champions.

This writer would be interested to know what the Alabama fans on this site think regarding this team compared to past championship teams.

Please leave your assessment in the comment section for debate or affirmation.

RTR into the 2009 SEC Championship. With hard work and perseverance, they should then roll into the 2009 National Championship game in Pasadena.

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Alabama Crimson Tide Survives in Last Stand: Perfect Outcome in Long Run

Hank Gray — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 00:37:53 -0500

I will begin this article by giving my respect to the Auburn Tigers and Gene Chizik. They could not have been coached better, and they could not have played with more heart than they did against a VERY good Alabama team.

They came out and ran many trick plays that brought success, and left Alabama with a fourteen point deficit five minutes into the game. Their fans remained in the game for all four quarters, and played a big part in their success.

I owe that to the Auburn Tigers, they shocked the nation

Now, on to the team that took a bullet to the chest, but was able to tough it out and get the victory. The Alabama Crimson Tide did not play their best game, which is obvious to everyone that has a clue about football.

Auburn had Heisman Hopeful Mark Ingram's number, holding him to 30 yards rushing.

Many had a sick feeling in their gut when they saw Mark Ingram's stats.

I began to, but ended up grinning in satisfaction

As Ingram got wiped off the map, freshman Trent Richardson stepped up and proved that he could produce when it was crunch time. Although it is not proven in the stats, Richardson played an important role in the Tide's victory

Julio Jones had been hiding for most of the season, but he came ready to play against Auburn

Julio is a great receiver, but he is almost guaranteed to drop a pass or two almost every game. He made several key catches that led Alabama to a win over Auburn

All doubt in Greg McElroy has been removed, and he proved that he can lead a comeback. He may not put up unbelievable numbers, but he gets the job done

Next week, Alabama is scheduled to face off against top ranked Florida

I believe that the Auburn game reminded Alabama that if they do not show up to play, they will have their rear-ends handed to them

A huge victory over Auburn would have got them on a high, and possibly lead them to believe that they are flawless

Now, they will be a lot more focused, and hopefully will bring their "A" game

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Auburn Football: Gene Chizik Era: Off to the Bowls

Kevin McGrady — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 21:14:51 -0500

I guess no person in the state of Alabama other than us fans believed a game like we witnessed was possible. Our Auburn team, one year removed from a 36-0 beating from our arch rival, Alabama, just played them to a standstill. This was the Alabama team that is better than last year's version.

This was the Alabama team that came in and played an inspired, flawless game. There was not an Alabama player that did not play their best. Our Auburn Tigers, one year removed from a 5-7 season, beat the mighty Tide in offensive and defensive statistics.

It would have been better to have won in score as well, but this is in no uncertain terms a win. Alabama fans are stunned; they are handing out kudos left and right to the great Auburn effort.

There will be no humiliating talk of domination this year! The same fans that walked into the stadium today predicting a 40-3 shellacking of our team, left saying wow!, maybe the best team did not win here. This is true and false, Alabama is the most talented team in college football.

They prepared for the same two weeks for this game as Auburn. Their own head coach even admitted this. The difference was the game plan and game coaching. Gene Chizik and staff may or may not win the SEC. Gene Chizik and staff may or may not win a National Championship. Gene Chizik and staff may or may not succeed at Auburn.

Today, Gene Chizik and staff out coached arch rival Alabama in every facet of the game.

They out coached the rookie coaches of Mississippi State, Tennessee, and the experienced staff of Ole Miss. Today, they out coached the Western Division Champion Alabama Crimson Tide staff and it was not even close.

The only alternative to this is to say Alabama played poorly. This in a game where both Greg McElroy and Julio Jones had career days. Punt returner Arenas had a banner day. Auburn was intercepted and held under their season average on offense. Alabama made no mistakes and executed flawlessly. Yet this Auburn team beat them everywhere but the scoreboard. The only thing left is coaching.

Auburn and Gene Chizik made a statement today. This statement was loud enough and clear enough to shake the Bama Nation to the core. It simply said we are injured and thin, we are young and we make mistakes, we are not loaded with talent, but we are Auburn and we will not be dominated. If you come to our house, you better come to play. We will give every play our best effort and leave it all on the field for posterity to judge.

This is what Coach Gene Chizik has said in a thousand ways since he arrived. It is a simple message. We are Auburn. We do not quit. We will never give up. We will never be dominated. We will hold our head high and be proud of who we are. If there is anyone that watched this game that did see that message ingrained in our players, they did not watch the same game as I.

I was proud of our team today. I was proud of Alabama's team today. It was a great game and a tribute to our State. It was the very essence of what is good about college football.

Auburn is now headed for a bowl game. Before today, it was looking like a lower level bowl like the Liberty. It might still wind up that way. I suspect we shall be invited to the Chick Fil-A Bowl. It does not matter what bowl we are invited to.

We are going to a bowl after missing one last year. We know our team will account well for themselves and not quit. We know we can hold our heads high. We know our fans and our team are having fun again. We know recruits are looking at our school with a positive eye again. This was a tremendous success for a first season with Coach Gene Chizik!!

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