Bleacher Report - Alabama

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..

Begin Slideshow

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.

Read more Alabama news on BleacherReport.com

What Would it Take to Get Carl Crawford to Brandish a Tomahawk?

Cameron Britt — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 00:20:00 -0500

For those of you who have actually looked over my profile, you know that Carl Crawford listed first on my Short List under "Favorite Athletes."

To expand on that positioning, Carl Crawford is my favorite baseball player/athlete/celebrity/everything.

Speed, defense, average, a little pop, and hustle.

What's not to love?

So, when I saw this article on the St. Pete Times site, you can believe that a smile ran across my face.

Now, that piece says that the Braves and Mets have only expressed interest in the 2009 All-Star Game MVP.

That doesn't mean that anything is imminent, nor does it mean that any names have been exchanged in trade negotiations.

I know that.

But, it is interesting to think about what it would take to acquire the left-handed outfielder.

Let's start by talking about why this implications this would have for Atlanta.

Pros: Speed, Hitting, Fielding, 'Swag'

Carl Crawford brings all of those things to that table.

The dude has epic speed (362 stolen bases in six-and-a-half years), which is something that the Braves have been lacking since Rafael Furcal's final season in '05.

The guy is also a perennial .300 hitter who is a lock for 15 homers (not exceptional, but the speed, average, and doubles and triples (36) make up for it) who can get to a lot of balls.

Put all of that together, and you have a complete package.

And add that package to Heyward and McLouth (possibly down the road), and you have the best outfield in the National League.

He may not fill the "right-handed, power-hitting bat" card, but he is a dynamic outfielder who has been great for his entire career.

(sorry about the bit of bias there)

Cons: Package(s), One Year?

We all know about the Floridian mantra (since it applies to both the Rays and Marlins).

Pay less, trade more.

That's why this rumor even has the bit of legs it possesses.

But it's also what makes this deal questionable.

The Rays will (likely) not accept any veterans with salaries exceeding about $6 MM.

We're talking the Julio Tehran's, Jordan Schafer's, and Craig Kimbrel's of the world (but not necessarily those guys).

And with only one year left on his contract, is he worth that type of talent?

That's up for debate...

Now, let's discuss a potential deal.

As we just established, the Rays will likely be seeking top-flight talent.

For only one year of Crawford, however, I think any deal could be leveraged into one blue-chip prospect, and three "above-average" prospects (remember, Mark Teixeira, with 1.5 years left, came over for five prospects).

So, this is, from the Braves' perspective, as far as I would go if trading for Crawford (and Crawford only) this offseason:

Braves Get: Carl Crawford, Ramon Ramirez
Rays Get: Julio Tehran, Kris Medlen, Jordan Schafer, Brandon Hicks

There's your primo, possible Neftali Feliz-type regret, good MLB-ready arm, MLB-ready replacement (if they do choose to deal BJ Upton as well), and some organizational depth for the Rays.

Add in the fact that this type of move would absolutely require the departure of Derek Lowe or Javier Vazquez (it was probably going to happen anyway, but still...) and you have some questions to ask yourself (all asked as if I were Frank Wren) of you want to pull the trigger:

Are we sure we can get this guy to stick around? (a must)
Could we wait until July and possibly give up a little bit less?
Can we compete next offseason if he were to become a free agent?
Will this guy's skill set age well?

My ten cents?

Wait.

As much as a guy like Crawford would bring to the table, the risk-over-reward factor would make many fans (including myself) flash back to the summer of '07 when Mark T. came over.

With retain-ability and organizational depth both issues in any blockbuster like this, I would probably drop the gun and walk away.

Besides, the Braves have just as much of a shot at keeping him (in a trade) as they would acquiring him through free agency.

As hyped as I may have seemed at the beginning of this, thinking about all of that talent going to the Rays really took the wind out of my sails.

As I said...wait and try to get him in a year (by then, you may no longer need him for the offense if Cody Johnson, Jason Heyward, Jordan Schafer, and Freddie Freeman all show signs of panning out).

Read more Alabama news on BleacherReport.com

Why Auburn Gained Respect In Iron Bowl Loss

Tim Trollinger — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 21:40:46 -0500

If it’s possible to lose and still gain respect, then AU successfully completed that task Friday.

Auburn lost a thriller 26—21 to heated rival Alabama and brought an AU crowd to their feet for sixty minutes, gaining some much needed pride and respect to a team that was dismantled by the Tide in 2008.

Pushed to the limit and outplayed most of the game, No. 2 Alabama found its championship form just in time.

Auburn out gained Alabama 332—291 and dominated on the ground 151—73.

Virtually every sports writer in the State of Alabama picked the Tide to blow out the Tigers. In fact,CBS analyst Tony Barnhart announced that even after a 14—14 half time tie, the Tigers would be double digit losers.

Every Auburn Tiger fan should now realize that Coach Gene Chizik indeed has the Tigers on the right path.

Even with the tremendous lack of depth, the Tigers managed to outplay the Tide, eliminating RB Mark Ingram's chances to claim Alabama's first Heisman trophy. The Auburn defense limited RB Mark Ingram to just 32 yards on 16 carries.

No need for excuses in this one. The Tigers made a few costly mistakes that ultimately cost them the game. There’s little room for error when playing a defense as good as Alabama. Costly turnovers and field position ultimately lost this one for the Tigers.

AU fans should realize the future is bright. With a couple of good recruiting classes, AU will be right back in the hunt for an SEC title. Despite the 7—5 final record the Tigers showed they are vastly improved over the '08 Tigers.

Don’t be surprised to see the Tigers' bowl game stock go up after this game. Congratulations Tigers on a fine season. Enjoy the respect you will now receive. You earned it.

Read more Alabama news on BleacherReport.com

Quarterback Greg McElroy Grows Up in the Iron Bowl

Walter Kirkwood — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 21:23:59 -0500

Before the game, the Auburn fans were pretty vocal for an underdog. They had pestered Alabama fans all week, “We are going to shut Ingram down.” “Y'all haven't seen an offense like this.” For me, I let it roll in one ear and out the other. Lots of teams have talked smack before the game. They were all quiet by the end.

I never would have believed it, but Auburn did all of that and more.

The first quarter felt like Pearl Harbor. Auburn bombed Alabama's secondary with misdirection plays and plain old perfect execution.

Offensively, Alabama was stymied by a determined Auburn defense that was quite different from what we saw from them the first 11 weeks of the season. It seems the two week break offered them an opportunity to go the extra mile.

Auburn stacked the box, yet managed to keep the safeties in place to prevent the long play. Auburn used a spy to mirror Ingram's every move effectively taking him out of the game.

Auburn's two quick strikes got the crowd into it, they shut Ingram down, possibly derailed his Heisman Trophy bid, they got reasonable pressure on McElroy and had the lead at the half.

The second half started with yet another long strike by Auburn quarterback Chris Todd, whipping the Auburn home crowd into a frenzy.

Alabama did not panic. Instead they turned to freshman running back Trent Richardson who is a little quicker and quarterback Greg McElroy. The stop-Ingram-at-all-costs defense left gaping holes in the middle of the field and McElroy started firing strikes into Auburn's secondary.

Even with the adjustments by the middle of the fourth quarter Auburn held the lead and field position when Greg McElroy started what is already being referred to as “The Drive.” On that series of plays, with everything on the line, Greg McElroy grew up as a quarterback.

All year long, when Alabama was in trouble they turned to Ingram only asking McElroy to run the offense and not screw up. This time Ingram was down for the count. This time it was his game to win or lose. Safety was not an option, Alabama had to score.

On the drive, McElroy carved up the Auburn defense completing eight out of eight for 63 yards and a touchdown. Four of the throws went to all star receiver Julio Jones who had nine catches on the night.

But the one catch that will go down on canvas was the third-down touchdown pass to embattled senior running back Roy Upchurch playing in his final Iron bowl. The gutsy call was completely out of character, but it was brilliantly executed.

For Roy, it may be his defining moment as a player. Often injured, and known mostly for potential unrealized, this was his moment, and it will most certainly become one of those plays referred to as "A Daniel Moore Moment."

For Greg McElroy, no longer is he just a nanny for the offense. He stepped up and won a game in which Alabama had been mostly outplayed. He answered a lot of questions about what kind of player and man he is. He now stands as a weapon other teams must account for.

One more player made a huge difference, freshman Trent Richardson. While the fans debated all week if Mark Ingram or Ben Tate was the best running back in the state, it's Richardson who was the games leading rusher.

The Iron bowl marked the first time the Freshman had to play without a net, he provided a desperately needed spark when his team needed him most.

It was Richardson's 17-yard catch and run that put Alabama in scoring position, so that his teammate Roy Upchurch could step into history.

The season is done, Alabama is 12-0, and ready for the championship game.

Read more Alabama news on BleacherReport.com

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!!

Read more Alabama news on BleacherReport.com

Top Five Reasons The Close Iron Bowl Game Was Good For Alabama

Larry Burton — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 20:37:08 -0500

Ugly Win? Yes it was. Under achieving? Perhaps it was that too. But there are five good reasons why this game could actually help Alabama in it's quest for continuing wins this season and next.

1. It was a win. When it's all said and done that's number one. For Alabama to play in the BCS National Championship Game all it has to do is win. This ugly win could slip Alabama back behind Texas, but it doesn't matter if they just keep winning.

If they beat Florida, no matter how ugly, they will play for a national championship and that is the goal of this team.

2. Greg McElroy erased any doubters that he can lead this team back back from behind to a late game comeback win.

That last drive showed McElroy could not be flustered, even after some wicked sacks. He simply showed his cool, calm manner and went about his business taking what the defense would give him, draining both the clock and Auburn's hopes of winning the game.

This kind of comeback will give the whole team confidence, not just McElroy that they can will win these kinds of games if they keep their cool and do their jobs.

3. We can win when our "star" is having a bad game, and let's face it, Mark Ingram had a bad game. Auburn's game plan was simple, follow Mark Ingram.

They had someone in his face following him everywhere except the Alabama bench and the locker room at half time, and it worked.

So we had others step up. This is a lesson will that keep the team from panicking if another "star" goes down.

4. This game may have kept Mark Ingram from winning the Heisman, and if it did that, it may be the reason to end any speculation of him leaving at the end of the season for the NFL.

Not that any hint of this supposed early leaving has come from Ingram, but it should end that speculation by the press and fans alike.

Now Alabama will come back with the play makers from this offense intact for next year and that can't be a comforting thought for the rest of SEC.

5. It shows this team once again how important it is to take every team seriously and take advantage of every scoring opportunity to earn seven points and not three.

This is a game that while giving a win, gives the coaches much to point to for improvement and gives the players a reason to listen to the advice.

In all, it may have been ugly to some, but it was a thing of beauty to others.

Read more Alabama news on BleacherReport.com

Alabama Faces Florida in the SEC Title Game For The BCS National Championship

Franklin Crittenden — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 18:28:21 -0500

Yes, you read that right. It wasn't a poorly conceived headline. Alabama and Florida are actually playing for the BCS National Championship on December 5, 2009 in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA.

Oh sure, they are playing for the SEC Championship as well, but lets face it, the winner of this game will most likely win the BCS National Championship game when it's played in Pasadena, CA on January 7, 2010.

So for all intents and purposes, this game between the two top teams in the SEC will decide who is to be crowned the BCS National Champion in January. The game itself is just a formality.

Why do I believe that you ask?

Because for the last 11 years, no matter who the opponent has been, the SEC Champion has beaten all comers in the previous BCS Championship games—that is when they were allowed to participate.

So I would have to say that if the SEC Champion were to lose to whomever the BCS chooses for an opponent in the BCS title game, it would have to be considered an upset of monumental proportion.

Every time the SEC plays in the BCS Championship game, they win.

The SEC was not invited in 2004 or 2005, thus giving USC and Texas a chance to win those two titles. But based on the SEC's record in the BCS game, I would have to call those titles illegitimate. The same goes for 1999 through 2002.

Please don't bother telling me about USC. If USC played in the SEC they would be a good team, but someone in the SEC would hang at least one loss on them in the regular season every year, not to mention a possible second loss in the SEC Championship game.

Just the fact that USC doesn't have to contend with a conference championship game should disqualify them from consideration in the BCS, in my humble opinion.

Imagine if they had to face Pac-10 powerhouses Oregon or Stanford for a second time in a conference championship game? I think about half of those national championships they claim would not exist. When I call them powerhouses, I am of course just being funny.

If playing in the Pac 10 is not easy enough, the Pac-10 makes it even easier by avoiding a championship game. If the Pac-10 wants to be respected, they should add a championship game and bring some real competition like Utah and Boise State into their conference.

Everyone knows the SEC is the premiere college football conference in the nation.

The names at the top of the SEC elite have changed over the years from Tennessee to LSU to Florida, back to LSU and then back to Florida again, but the results are always the same. Lets face the facts, the winner of the SEC, if invited, always wins the BCS Championship.

This brings me to Alabama.

It just so happens Alabama has been handicapped during the BCS years, but Alabama is back and they are again operating at 100 percent. Give Nick Saban one more year to recruit and Alabama will be a running like a three deep team shredder operating at full bore!

What does that mean to the SEC and the BCS?

It means that there is about to be a new sheriff in town with a chip on his shoulder and a bad attitude.

Over the past few year, Alabama and its fans have had to sit on the sideline and watch while all the other teams have had all the fun.

Well, guess what? The fun is almost over for some of the teams who have enjoyed this free ride thanks to the folks over at the NCAA.

I am not going to sit here and tell you that Alabama is one of the greatest football program in the country. I don't have to, because it is a fact .

Alabama is only second to Notre Dame by the thinnest of margins in the all time rankings and that is about to change within a blink of an eye.

Alabama is on its way to the top again while Notre Dame continues to struggle.

When Alabama wins its next national championship they will surpass Notre Dame and Alabama will once again be the college football program all others are measured by.

I hope you noticed that I said when. That was not a slip of the lip because I feel confident Alabama will win the national championship.

In fact they will win more than one in the near future.

Now before everyone starts thinking I am being arrogant or cocky, let me say this, I will not have a thing to do with it.

I am an Alabama fan, just like thousands of other Crimson Tide fans, the only thing I am going to do is support the team and the coaches and sit there with a big smile of my face and watch it all happen.

Next Saturday the Florida Gators will be the only thing standing in Alabama's way of becoming the next national champion and the premiere college football program in the country.

The Crimson Tide have caught up with the Gators and are now in position to surpass the defending national champions and represent the SEC in the BCS Championship game in January.

The Gators are very good, but the Alabama team they will face is head and shoulders better than last year's team that took them down to the wire in the 2008 SEC Championship game.

The Florida Gators' better bring their A game and a little luck if they intend on pulling this one out like they did last year.

I would suggest that anyone who loves college football tune in at 4:00 EST on December 5, 2009 on CBS and watch Alabama make history. Until then, now would be the time to give your opinion.

Read more Alabama news on BleacherReport.com

For Auburn and Alabama, Nov. 27 Is the Real New Year's Day

Matt Nunnelee — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 15:24:24 -0500

The new year: a time of reflection, evaluation, thankfulness, and most importantly, a new outlook on the year ahead.

There's a rumor going around that New Year's Day is on Jan. 1. That could be true for the rest of the nation, but not around these parts, and by "these parts," of course I mean the great state of Alabama.

Around here, New Year's Day might as well be called Iron Bowl Day.

This is the day when Auburn and Alabama faithful alike start fresh, for better or worse.

Anything is possible. The sky's the limit. This year will be the best yet.

There's one problem: These clichés shall only apply to half the state. That, of course, is the half whose beloved football team comes out victorious on Iron Bowl—check that, New Year's Day.

For those fortunate enough to cheer for the victors, only good times are ahead. For those not so lucky, to say the year will seem like an eternity would be a gross understatement.

It's kind of a yin-yang effect. Those feeling the joy and jubilation are the same ones directly causing pain and misery for the other half. And the misery always seems equal to the joy, no matter which team is victorious. It's quite a vicious cycle we put ourselves through.

I would be remiss if I did not give some credence to the thought that hope springs eternal. For every New Year's Day in the state brings hope, win or lose.

As I watched the 36-0 UA tune-up for the SEC Championship last year, I was angry. I was embarrassed. I tried to be apathetic (which would work for mere seconds at a time, tops). But you know what? Not one day later I was already daydreaming of the joys that might come next New Year's Day.

While I have not had to deal with the pain of hearing it on a daily basis from my fellow statesmen since I have relocated one state over, I have not forgotten the pain nor the happiness that comes with either being the victor or the defeated.

I grew up right in the middle of it, so I know the ups and down all too well. I'll admit, for every verbal jab I've taken, I've thrown two. For every "wait 'til next year," I've come back with a "Why wait? Let 'em play right now. We'll just pound you again."

So, as we sit on the eve of what I consider the real new year, let's reflect on Iron Bowls past, the times we've had, and the smack we've talked. Come this time tomorrow, we'll all be embarking on a new beginning—one that will no doubt be gut-wrenching, exciting, and a little surreal to us all.

Either way, let's all help make it a good one.

Have a Happy New Year everyone!

Oh yeah, have a wonderful actual Thanksgiving, too.

It's back to the turkey for me.

Read more Alabama news on BleacherReport.com

Buell's Eye: Rivalry Week Picks

Brandon Buell — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:41:58 -0500

Rivlary Week is upon us! Leno vs. Letterman. Country music vs. Rap. Moms vs. Grass Stains. Husbands vs. Mother-in-Laws. And the Detroit Lions vs. the Thanksgiving Day meal, although lately the winner of that one has been on the table. Yes, it's Thanksgiving weekend, the rivlaries abound and conference championship and bowl game placements are up for grabs. Almost every game this weekend features a rivalry, a potential upset with a spoiler that has already pulled an upset somewhere along the road this season or has shown they have the ability to get it done. Last week produced a 16-4 record, taking my overall season record to an even 200 wins and 50 losses.

Begin Slideshow

Dick Vitale Proclaims the PAC-10 Is the Best College Football Conference

BabyTate — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 04:52:54 -0500

Dick Vitale is about as famous as, well, Paul McCartney. Jack Nicholson? Donald Trump? Oprah Winfrey?

Let's just agree he is one of the most famous personalities of the past 25 years.

So when the college basketball guru makes a statement, the rest of the world perks up its ears to hear what he says.

However, one was forced to do a double take with the commentary he laid down in New York City on Wednesday night during the later stages of the Duke-Arizona State basketball contest.

With the Blue Devils moving along to another victory in the young round-ball season, ESPN play-by-play announcer Dan Shulman began to question Vitale concerning a variety of subjects to keep the TV audience from turning to another channel.

At this point, Vitale shocked the world by proclaiming the "PAC-10 is the best college football conference" this season. Shulman prodded the legendary sports analyst with hints that fans of other conferences may feel differently.

Vitale held firm, stating he felt that way "because of strength top to bottom" in the PAC-10.

Moments later, after additional queries by Shulman, Vitale declared the "Big 10 is the best basketball conference" this season.

A most likable and self-deprecating man of great charisma and accomplishments, Vitale is always available for speaking his mind and giving his opinions regarding virtually everything.

Dickie V., as he is known to his followers and detractors, is extremely knowledgeable in the major sports. His candid analysis of athletic issues underpins his position as the most famous person in the business.

While entertaining to say the very least, Vitale may have provided college football fans with a rallying cry for the season. No matter who plays in the BCS Title game, does it really matter if they advance without playing in the PAC-10?

A review concerning outside of conference schedules for teams in the PAC 10 reveal a very favorable record of 20 wins and nine losses for a 69 percent winning rate.

But a comparison to teams in the SEC casts doubt upon the veracity of Vitale's assertion of PAC-10 supremacy.

The outside of conference record of SEC teams is 39-6, an 87 percent success rate.

Surely the actual results must mean something in this debate.

To be certain, an in-depth analysis regarding quality of the outside opponents could reveal a different conclusion but, even that appears argumentative and unlikely.

So there we have it. An entire season of work and accomplishment washed down the drain by the ultimate sports announcer.

And just thinking, isn't that the responsibility of the BCS selection committee?

Read more Alabama news on BleacherReport.com

Jason Heyward: Why The Jay-Hey Kid Is The Next Willie Mays

Evan Bruschini — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:03:23 -0500

Whether you've heard of him or not, Jason Heyward is good. Really good.

I suppose those of you who are still uninformed need an explanation.

Heyward, age 21, was born in McDonough, Georgia, also the hometown of outfielder Matt Murton. As the crow flies, The Geranium City, as McDonough is known, is just 27 miles away from Atlanta, home of the Braves.

After being an All-American at Henry County High School, he was selected 14th overall by Atlanta in 2007, and signed a deal worth $1.7 million—$170,000 more than MLB's slot recommendation of $1.53 million, and the same as the 2006 14th-slot amount that the Toronto Blue Jays gave Travis Snider in 2007.

But he's not just one of those bonus-babies. The Braves know what they were getting here.

Sort of. Local pitchers were so afraid of him that he didn't get many good pitches, creating a small sample size for scouts.

He has great plate discipline. Think Albert Pujols or Jason Giambi. He's got that even temperament and a great work ethic that make naturally great players into franchise players.

It's not surprising that he was able to garner an impressive award case in his minor league career. In his first year, he was a midseason and post-season all-star for the South Atlantic League, where he won Most Outstanding Major League Prospect. He was also named to the Minor League All-Star Team.

This past year, he played in the Carolina League All-Star Game and the Futures Game in St. Louis. Then he capped it all off by becoming the 2009 Minor League Player of the Year.

So when can we expect Heyward to reach the major league level?

I would look for him to be on the fast track to the majors sometime this season. Regardless, you can expect him to be a top candidate for Rookie of the Year.

Read more Alabama news on BleacherReport.com

Billy Wagner in Atlanta: A Perfect Fit?

Cameron Britt — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:18:00 -0500

With Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez's departures nearly a given in Atlanta, the Braves have to look towards the Free Agent market for their closer.

(Well, they don't have to, but who is going to trade away a legitimate closer this offseason?)

Names that jump out include Brandon Lyon, Fernando Rodney, and Jose Valverde.

But combinations of ability and contractual issues make these guys relatively poor fits.

One name that has been established through various media outlets for the Braves, though, is Billy Wagner.

The 38-year-old lefty has drawn interest from various teams and, according to MLB Trade Rumors, is prepared to begin fielding offers next week.

The Hot Stove's beginning to heat up, no?

The one hitch that comes along with Wagner is that he is coming back from Tommy John Surgery.

But with a success rate in the 90's for TJS and a solid 17-game exposition (1.72 ERA, 26:8 K:BB, in 15.2 innings) at the end of the '09 season, the qualms many should have should be quieted a bit.

That's not to say that he should be given a $15 MM annual salary, it just means that the operation shouldn't stop anyone from making him an offer.

Anyway, here are a few reasons as to why Wagner makes sense for the Braves:

1. Despite his type-A (if the Red Sox choose to offer him arbitration), the Braves need not worry.

They'll be getting four picks from whomever signs Gonzo and Soriano, so that is not an issue.

2. According to David O'Brien of the AJC, Wagner is a "FOC (Friend of Chipper) and has made it known that he'd like to pitch for Bobby Cox."

Does that necessarily mean that he'll take a discount?

No, but it does mean that the Braves have a little leverage over some other clubs.

3. He's only (39) saves away from John Franco for the all-time lead for most saves as a left-handed pitcher.

I'm not naming that for the novelty of having Wagner set a record in a Braves' uni.

I'm saying that that means that he'll want the ball.

Then again, Bob Wickman also wanted the ball...just only in save situations (but Wagner didn't record a save in his late-season return with K-Rod and Papelbon ahead of him and didn't complain, so...).

Are there better options on the market?

Yeah, and two of them will be departing Atlanta (most likely) in the coming weeks.

But there is no other option out there that makes as much sense for the Braves.

The team saw Peter Moylan succeed in '09 after his surgery, and I would expect Wagner to do the same.

The dude is still nasty, as evidenced by his K:BB above, and has always been "mean" enough to take the ball in the ninth.

Other clubs (Cubs, Tigers, other clubs with closer-holes since he doesn't want to be a set-up-only guy) may come knocking with more cash, but the Braves come knocking with Chipper, Bobby Cox's last go-'round, and a Championship-caliber rotation (and an offense that's primed to be the same once a move or two is made).

If I'm Frank Wren, I say "Hey Bean [Stringfellow, Wagner's agent and holder of the "best name for an agent in baseball" award], how does Billy feel about a two-year contract at $15 million guaranteed to play here in Atlanta?

"We'll even throw in a third-year mutual option and performance-based incentives each year along the way that could bring each up to...say...about $9 MM?

"C'mon."

(Okay, maybe the negotiations would go a little deeper than that...but you get my point)

Read more Alabama news on BleacherReport.com

Alabama-Auburn and the Rest of Week 13 College Football Preview

Aaron Torres — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:05:17 -0500

Aaron Torres is a journalist whose work has been published by Sports Illustrated and syndicated by USA Today, AOL.com, and Slam Online. To read all of his work, as well as the rest of his Week 13 picks and his thoughts on Florida-Florida State, LSU-Arkansas and Texas-Texas A&M please click here or visit him at www.aarontorres-sports.com ).

Alabama (-10) over Auburn: Friday, 2:30 p.m.

Coming into this one, both teams are saying all the right things.

For Alabama, “this is the most important game on our schedule,” and “we’ll worry about Florida after this game,”

And, for Auburn, “we’re going to end Alabama’s undefeated run,” and “Mark Ingram isn’t winning the Heisman on us.” (Really guys, with the 89th-ranked run defense in college football? Really?)

And, while all the chatter is cute, here’s what we know: If Chris Todd is under center for Auburn, the Tigers have no chance. (Honestly, I’m surprised at this point an overzealous Auburn booster hasn’t kidnapped Todd, driven him into the woods and left him for dead like an old dog or something).

Auburn is going to throw everything they have at Alabama in the first few series and might even lead after the first quarter. But, in a rivalry game where there won’t be a letdown, talent wins out. It always does.

Alabama 24, Auburn 10.

Nevada (+14) Over Boise State: Friday, 10:00 p.m.

As hard as it might be to believe, this is the game I’m most looking forward to this weekend, and it’s not even close. Wait, what’s that? No, I didn’t have two cocktails with my lunch. Ok…maybe I did, but still, just hear me out.

Here’s what you’ve got in this game:

Two of the top four scoring offenses in college football (Boise State’s No. 1, Nevada No. 4).
Two teams that have combined to score 50 or more points 10 times, 60 or more points five times, with Nevada throwing up 70 on Idaho earlier this year for good measure.
The quarterback with the highest passer rating and second most touchdowns in all of college football (Boise’s Kellen Moore, with 33 TD and just three interceptions) on one sideline, and the first team in NCAA history to have three 1,000 yard rushers in the same year on the other sideline.
Two teams that have combined to win their last 19 games.

In other words, this game is going to be a weird mix of a super high-scoring Madden game, a NASCAR race, and one of those movies where a guy takes too many mushrooms, wanders into the desert and starts seeing things.

After awhile you’ll start thinking your seeing things, too.

Nope this is just some good old fashioned WAC football. Save the defense for the SEC.

Clemson (-3) over South Carolina: Saturday, 12:00 p.m.

So, the last time we saw Stephen Garcia, he had a collapsed lung and was bleeding internally after getting thrown around like one of Ike Turner’s girlfriends by Florida’s defense.

Even with a week off, South Carolina still doesn’t having a running game, and they’re still not winning this one. Also C.J. Spiller is my favorite Heisman candidate that has no chance of actually winning the award.

Georgia Tech (-7 ½) at Georgia: Saturday, 8:00 p.m.

These two teams are like the bizzaro versions of each other.

Tech chews up the clock (No. 1 ranked team in time of possession), doesn’t make mistakes, and wears you out with smarts more than skill. Georgia commits dumb penalties, misses tackles, shoots themselves in the foot at inopportune times and always seems to find new and creative ways to lose games. (Did you see their last drive against Kentucky? I rest my case).

The only thing that concerns me about picking against Georgia is that they always seem to play best when no one has any expectations of them. And, of course, that they’re playing for the memory of UGA VII. (Honestly, I don’t even know how they took the field last week. Just emotional, emotional stuff).

Even after that though, I’m sticking with Tech. Eleven games is a pretty good sample size, and I’ve seen nothing that indicates to me that Georgia is going to win this game. Or that it’ll even be close.

Stanford (-10) over Notre Dame: Saturday, 8:00 p.m.

And the uncomfortable, sexually suggestive quote of the week goes to…Toby Gerhart’s girlfriend, for calling the Stanford running back “One big muscle ,” in an interview last week. (On a side note, I think I’m just going to keep my comments to myself on this one. I’m terrified that anything I say will end with the Palo Alto Gay and Lesbian Alliance picketing on my front lawn. Maybe we should just move on).

I said in my column Monday, and I’ll say it again here, Stanford is really good, they were just due for a letdown last weekend. They’d won too many big games, gotten too many pats on the back in biochemistry class, and had too many girls swinging by the dorms late at night to “celebrate.” We’ve seen it happen a million times before, and we’ll see it a million times again.

The Cardinal will come back and be just fine this week against Notre Dame. Stanford by two touchdowns.

And, oh yeah, one more thing: Thanks for reading, and everybody have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

(To read the remainder of this article, including Aaron's thoughts on Florida-Florida State, LSU-Arkansas and Texas-Texas A&M, please visit him at www.aarontorres-sports.com)

Read more Alabama news on BleacherReport.com

Alabama Fan Sets the Iron Bowl Straight

Beau Hinely — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:23:59 -0500

This article is long overdue. I have seen the Auburn faithful spin the Iron Bowl statistics far too long. They've gotten away with it recently because of "6." As a result, the orange and blue nation has published articles ad nauseum of how Auburn has "dominated Alabama" throughout their great history together. But the Tide has turned, and now is the time to set straight the Iron Bowl history, and put this great rivalry in perspective.

To begin, the Auburn people are famous for using "selective statistics" to support their argument for their "dominance over Alabama." Initially, they'll pit head-to-head records by decade to "prove" how they have "dominated" the series since the beginning. The article below is one example.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/283671-flag-wars-an-auto-anatomy-of-the-rivalry-between-auburn-and-alabama/page/2

Then, they boast about what they did "before Bear came" to Alabama, and what they've accomplished against us "after Bear left." This argument isn't even worthy of a response. But it gives me great joy to know that the men and women of Auburn can't even MENTION the coach Bryant era.

Yes, it was that bad for the Auburn faithful; as head coach of The University, he won 19 games against Auburn in 25 years, and during that span, he won nine in a row, five in a row, and four in a row!

But, to be truthful, that ISN'T what digs at Auburn's side. What digs at their side is the championships. It's the national championships and the conference championships. Coach Bryant won 13 conference titles and six national titles. Auburn will never have a coach that accomplishes that feat. But they're not alone; no one in the entire country will ever have a coach that will accomplish that feat. Not in my lifetime.

But let's set another record straight. Despite their lack of championships, be it national or in the conference, the Auburn people share a passion for their football program that takes a back seat to no one! They live and die for all things Auburn football, and as a die-hard fan of college football and everything that surrounds it, I truly respect it. It's what makes this rivalry so great, and it's what makes high school football in the state of Alabama so great.

However, that love for all things Auburn has caused some to lose a little perspective. But it's understandable, and it's one of the reasons for writing this article. And so, with that, here are the major myths dispelled.

Here is one of the famous quotes I've seen through the years: "The Bear was hired to end Auburn's dominance."

Part of the reason that coach Bryant was hired was to beat our rival. If you don't beat your rivals, you get fired. You guys know that as well as we do. But that was only a very small part of the reason, and I'll explain why.

From 1892 until Coach Bryant was hired in 1958, Alabama was the face and flag bearer of football in the South. In 1922, Alabama was the first team to win above the Mason-Dixon line when we beat mighty Penn (considered of the best teams in the country) in Pennsylvania. And, as it has been heavily recorded, Alabama was the first team to be invited to and win the Rose Bowl in 1926.

That win was considered one of the most important moments in the HISTORY of the South at the time, as the team witnessed massive celebrations at every stop across the South on their train ride home from California, congratulating the first of our six national championships before the Bryant Era.

But, more than anything else, Coach Bryant was hired to return Alabama to NATIONAL prominence, which has been ingrained in The University ever since the great George Denny became president in 1912. Our focus is, and always will be, to be the best in the COUNTRY. And when that happens, being the best in our state will fall in line.

Coach Bryant has forever changed the landscape of college football in the entire country, let alone the landscape of our great rivalry. But while we're speaking of coach Bryant's dominance, did you Auburn fans know that, during the first six games of his nine-game winning streak, Auburn scored only six touchdowns! In six years! The only other scoring Auburn did was kick four field goals during that span. Now that's dominance, and I would DEFINITELY hate Alabama because of it, if I were an Auburn fan.

But don't lose perspective, friends of the orange and blue. Coach Bryant only won HALF of our national titles (I know, I know: The Auburn faithful has written dissertations on how Alabama really hasn't won 12 national titles. My only response is to check out the NCAA Web site and let me know how many national titles they say we, and Auburn, have).

We won many before he was hired, and we'll win many more in the post-Bryant era.

Ask ANY coach in the country: they coach the game to win conference and national championships. Everything else is secondary. Gene Chizik is at Auburn for one reason: to win a championship.

Now, since this fact is true, and Auburn holds the edge over Alabama (for now) over the past 20 years, what has Auburn done with their recent "dominance" over Alabama? Here's what Auburn has won in the past 20 years: one conference championship in 1989 and one conference championship in 2004. In other words, they won two conference titles in 15 years, and only one of them during one of the darkest periods in the history of their arch rival, if not the darkest period. It's called epic fail , and the outlook doesn't look good.

I was honored to experience our 12th national title in the 1993 Sugar Bowl, and let me tell you, Auburn men and women, THERE IS NOTHING LIKE IT IN THE WORLD. Do you want to know why Alabama fans are crazy? Do you want to know why we have so many sidewalk alumni (which I love how you guys try to spin it as something that's a bad thing. So what if a person from another school wants to be a fan of the Alabama football program? Are we supposed to turn them down at the door, or in their homes, or at the game?)?

Until we hired coach Saban, do you want to know why we continued our tireless search for a coach who would believe in himself and in the players he recruits enough to get us back to NATIONAL PROMINENCE after coach Bryant retired? It is because we have been to the top. It's because we've sat at the table of the best team in the country, and we want our seat back. It's two words: national championships.

It's two words that will forever separate Alabama and Auburn.

Everyone likes a winner, and it's too difficult to put into words the feeling of being there as your team is crowned as the best team in the entire country, but no other feeling compares to it; outside of becoming a Christian, getting married, and having children. But the last part is just my personal opinion.

But for a minute, let's put aside national titles. What's the only other thing that will make for an acceptable season? Conference championships. I have debated with the Auburn faithful—more times than I can count—about whether or not we can say our team had a successful season if it didn't win the conference title. My thought is this: If your goal is to win the SEC title, and you don't win it for that given year, then you didn't reach your goal. If you didn't reach your primary goal—the thing you wanted the most—you didn't have a successful season.

I will never believe there was ever an Auburn team who's primary goal wasn't to win the conference title, especially since the title game's inception in 1992. But it's all subjective.

However, I submit that, if you seek to claim an edge over Alabama's football program, start with winning the Western Division and getting to Atlanta. In other words, have you been a frequent or consistent visitor of the SEC championship game?

You can start by going three years in a row, and going four times in five years. Auburn has attended only three times in 11 years, and won it only once in 2004.

Including this year's SEC championship game, Alabama will have made back-to-back trips to the title game twice now. The goal is to not be a flash in the pan. You've got to strive to be a consistent winner. The great tradition of Alabama is due to winning consistently, and dominating your opponents consistently. Alabama does not play a team on its schedule that it has a losing record against.

Here's a final note to the supposed decade dominance, and selective statistics: The Auburn people claim they have dominated every decade before and after the coach Bryant era. That's not true. In the '90s, Alabama holds that edge 7-3.

My other problem with that argument is, why do people from Auburn pick decades to argue how "Auburn has dominated Alabama"? You're twisting statistics to make something appear to be there that's not really there. Here's what I mean: You say that Auburn dominated Alabama in the '80s. But if you add two years to both sides of the '80s (1978-79 & 1990-91), Alabama holds the edge 8-6.

You see what I'm doing? I'm twisting statistics. Decades are nothing but years grouped in tens for dating purposes. That's why everyone uses the TOTAL number of games played: because everything else is arbitrary . Besides, even if I didn't add those four years, Alabama still wasn't dominated by Auburn in the '80s.

In conclusion, my honest wish is that both teams will one day be great as they renew their annual game in the Iron Bowl, and make this great rivalry an even greater one, as it was in the early '70s, late '80s, and early '90s. "Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer."

Roll Tide!

Read more Alabama news on BleacherReport.com

Auburn-Alabama Preview: Tide Defense Is Too Much for Tigers

ACC SEC Blog — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:16:21 -0500

Alabama Crimson Tide at Auburn Tigers
Friday 2:30 PM ET TV: CBS

Line: Alabama -10

The Iron Bowl will be played for the 74th time, but this time on the Friday afternoon after Thanksgiving. Alabama leads the series 39-33-1 and won last year's contest 36-0, the largest margin of victory in 46 years.

Not much is different for Alabama this season as they are undefeated again with a rematch against Florida looming next week. But don't expect the Tide to overlook an improved Auburn team from a year ago.

Auburn is much better on offense this year largely due to the hiring of Gus Malzahn as the Offensive Coordinator.

But this game is going to swing with Alabama's defense which ranks first in total defense and rush defense in the SEC. Alabama's defense will be able to slow down the third ranked Auburn rushing attack and force Tiger QB Chris Todd to beat them. Oh yeah, Alabama is pretty good in pass defense as well.

Alabama runs away with this one in the second half, but don't expect a beating like last year.

Alabama Wins
Alabama Covers -10

This article and many others is at The ACC & SEC Blog

Read more Alabama news on BleacherReport.com

Does Sam Bradford Prove That Oklahoma Is a Lousy Team?

Larry Burton — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:13:33 -0500

First, let's explain that headline.

Sam Bradford is a great quarterback. After all, they don't give Heisman Trophies to hacks, and with Bradford at the helm, Oklahoma does as well as almost any team in college football.

But without him, they are a 6-5 team. And one that even Sooner fans would agree is a far cry from the one that was expected to contend for a national championship this year.

There are good teams that win despite the loss of a star or two, and then there are teams that are thought to be great, but are exposed as an average team without their star.

And while every team has its stars, most teams can still win without them. However, there is a danger to relying too heavily on just one star, and it was apparent this year in Norman, Oklahoma.

When Florida lost Tim Tebow earlier this year, they could rely on a smothering defense, a solid ground game, and a backup quarterback to help them win games. They did the same last year when wideout Percy Harvin was out.

Alabama lost one of its top defensive players, Donta Hightower, early for the entire season, yet they start this weekend as the top defense in all of college football. Many others thought they couldn't make a run this year without their best running back who had jumped to the NFL. Instead, his replacement is in the lead for the Heisman.

Another knock against Alabama's title run was their quarterback situation. John Parker Wilson also left for the NFL and in his place was a young man who had never started a single college football game.

That freckle faced young man is currently surpassing John Parker Wilson's offensive statistics and has already entrenched himself as a leader, a winner, and a championship contending quarterback.

There are teams and then there are supporting casts.

Oklahoma has a bunch of good players, but they proved that at best they are Sam Bradford's supporting cast, and not a team.

It makes one wonder what life will be like for Texas once they lose Colt McCoy. Can they make that transition? Are they still a good team? The argument can go either way.

We know that Florida will have life after Tebow and once Mark Ingram leaves, few in Alabama doubt the abilities of Trent Richardson and Eddie Lacey.

Those are teams. The title for best TEAM might just be decided in the SEC Championship game and not the National Championship game after all.

Read more Alabama news on BleacherReport.com

College Football Predictions Week 13: Who's on Upset Alert?

Sportscaster007 — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:49:58 -0500

It's Thanksgiving weekend, and there are plenty of great slate games on the schedule to be thankful for. After having my worst week of the season in Week 11, I responded with my best week of the season in Week 12. Arguably my worst pick was having Utah barely escape San Diego State, but it turned out to be a landslide. Thanksgiving Week is also Rivalry Week, so there's always a great chance of a top tier team going down with big rivalry match-ups. Many teams this week have a great chance of going under, and losing their shot at playing for the Title. Last Week: 23-3 (18-2 in Top 25) Overall: 200-48

Begin Slideshow

BCS Bowl Predictions: Seperating the Contenders from the Pretenders

Caleb M. — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:59:55 -0500

What a season of college football! It has had its share of upsets, smackdowns, bitter rivalries, bias, and everything else that makes for an exciting season of action packed football.

As we near the end, that crystal ball is coming into focus. The bowl games are looking more and more solid and the BCS games are all but finalized. It's time to separate the contenders from the pretenders.

National Championship, January 7, 2010 (BCS No. 1 vs. BCS No. 2)

Florida, Alabama, and Texas are the powerhouses of the season. These "Big Three" have been playing solid football all season. However, with Alabama and Florida facing off in the SEC Championship game, one will be out of the national championship picture.

I see Alabama's stud running back Mark Ingram, along with their impenetrable defense, taking down an over-ranked Florida team, putting them in the title game. I personally hope that Texas loses, allowing TCU a chance to face off against Alabama, but I doubt it will happen.

Colt McCoy is my favorite quarterback to watch, and he should put up quite a fight against the Crimson Tide. But Ingram and company will outlast them, winning the national championship in what looks to be a defensive matchup.

Alabama 27, Texas 17

Orange Bowl, January 5, 2010 (ACC Champion vs. At-Large)

The ACC Champion is a lock for the Orange Bowl. This appears to be Georgia Tech. However, Clemson is underrated and overlooked in my opinion, and will definitely give the Yellow Jackets a run for their money.

Facing off against Georgia Tech, will be TCU. TCU will miss out on a chance to play for the title, but will get the first at-large bid in the Orange Bowl.

TCU has an incredible defense, and a good offensive scheme that always gets the job done. TCU is another fun team to watch, and I suspect Georgia Tech will be in for a long game against the Horned Frogs.

TCU 31, Georgia Tech 14

Fiesta Bowl, January 4, 2010 (Big 12 Champion/At-Large vs. At-Large)

The Big 12 winner is locked into the Fiesta Bowl.

This is where things get tricky...

Texas is going to the national championship. That said, Oklahoma State is most likely to finish second, assuming they beat Oklahoma this weekend.

If Oklahoma wins, then Iowa gets the spot as they will be ranked over Oklahoma State. Otherwise, it's the Cowboys receiving the Fiesta bid.

They will be facing an undefeated Boise State team. Kellen Moore actually has to face a challenge this year, and the defense will be tested like never before. Can they stand the pressure? They've upset an Oklahoma team here before...

Even if Boise State were to face Iowa, I believe Iowa has scooted by all year, and they have almost lost to a few cupcake teams. Boise doesn't have the most impressive defense in the world, but Kellen Moore will come out guns-a-blazin' and rip apart an overrated Iowa team.

Oklahoma State is a solid team that has played other solid teams (having only lost to ranked Texas and Houston), and have bounced back from almost slipping out of the rankings and losing Dez Bryant.

Boise won't be able to stand up to the Cowboys, so they'd better hope Oklahoma State loses this weekend.

Oklahoma State 42, Boise State 34 or Boise State 35, Iowa 32

Sugar Bowl, January 1, 2010 (SEC Champion vs. Big East Champion)

Florida, as stated earlier, will lose to Alabama in the SEC title game. That puts Florida in the Sugar Bowl. Cincinnati, another team that will just miss out on the national championship will play here as well.

If Pittsburgh beats Cincinnati, then that would change everything, pushing TCU down to the Sugar Bowl, and moving Pittsburgh up to the Orange Bowl. But that's a big if.

More than likely, it'll be Tim Tebow and company facing off a high scoring offense and a little known defense in Cincinnati. All in all, it should prove too much for the Bearcats to handle.

Florida 42, Cincinnati 24

Rose Bowl, January 1, 2010 (Pac-10 Champion vs. Big 10 Champion)

Ohio State is locked into the Rose Bowl no matter what. Oregon is the most likely choice to win the Pac-10 championship. But Civil War will decide all, and Oregon State could get in.

It would take a lot to stop Oregon, who scores more than 40 points on average. But there's a chance...

Jacquizz Rodgers must be shut down, along with his brother James, in order for Oregon to walk out Pac-10 champions.

It looks like Ohio State will face off against one of the best freshman in the nation, LaMichael James, and a Ducks' defense that has been pretty much solid all year.

Oregon has learned it's lesson, and won't make the same mistakes they did against Boise and Stanford.

Oregon 41, Ohio State 35 or Ohio State 45, Oregon State 28

Overall, it looks to be a great bowl season. Who do you think will take home the title? Will one of the three powerhouses be upset by year's end? Tell me who you think will win the BCS games!

Read more Alabama news on BleacherReport.com

The Iron Bowl Match Up: Dream Team Versus Team Still Dreaming Pt II

jonathan fravel — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:26:53 -0500

The Nick Saban Era

House Cleaning

In 2006, none of the players on the Alabama roster were recruited by Saban while he coached at rival LSU. Not one. But when he arrived on campus in January 2007, he talked to them individually and let them know what it would take to make his team.

He assembled a high quality coaching staff with updated football philosophy. Saban established an educational program specifically for the players to instill a higher moral standard in life. In addition, he brought with him a highly developed 4th quarter off season training program that demands top physical conditioning.

Despite his efforts to change the character of the program and the athlete, in the midst of a successful start in 2006, a book scandal rocked the program. Off field issues with Shula's recruits continued to present themselves in the morning on front page news releases.

Saban started cleaning house.

Gone are the problem players such as Jimmy Johns, Prince Hall, Simeon Castille and others who for whatever reason could not stay focused on the task of playing football for the University. Scholarships were re-harvested and awarded to worthy athletes.

When you clean house, you sometimes find a few jewels that you thought had been lost or tossed out with the trash. When you throw out a few items you think you need but really don't, you realize you can get by with a little less and excel even more.

Saban has learned that Mike Shula had a few jewels that had become covered up by yesterdays trash. Some of this talent would have arrived at the Capstone no matter who was head coach. Some of these fine young men had a burning desire to play football for the University of Alabama.

Rashad Johnson was a glaring example of the opportunity Mike Shula was willing to give to young, determined athletes. A skinny runt out of Sulligent, Johnson got no respect from the big time programs in state or out.

Rashad Johnson, much like DeMeco Ryans knew what he could do if he were given the chance. He had a burning desire to play for the University of Alabama. Mike Shula gave him the opportunity to walk on, mature and develop his skills.

Other memorable athletes given that rare opportunity include Rudy Griffin, Wallace Gilberry, and superstar, Javier Arenas.

Rebuilding Phase

Through the process, Saban has rediscovered the talent Shula placed in the cupboard. He polished it up and put it on display in 2008. In addition, he got out on the recruiting trail and piled on exceptional skill players in two of the best recruiting classes put together for any program, bar none.

Drew Davis is the only player on the current roster from the 2004 signing class. Gone is classmate Brandon Fanney. A starter last season and exemplary player, Fanney will finish his career with the North Alabama team in Huntsville due to his lack of dedication in the classroom.

Dustin Drew Davis played high school football in the Alabama Independent School Association for Sparta Academy in Evergreen, Alabama. Davis started as an eighth grader on the defensive line. As a senior, Davis was an AISA All-State selection and was named AISA Lineman of the Year.

He is a simple man who came to the Capstone with a simple plan. To play football at the University of Alabama, to get an education and to do all of this with integrity and grit. He is the kind of player Saban would recruit if he were bigger, faster and stronger.

Lorenzo Washington of Logansville, GA originally signed with Davis to enter in 2004 but academics forced Washington into a detour at Hargrave Military Academy. Washington focused his mind and made the grades to get to the Capstone with the 2005 signing class.

In addition to Washington, the Class of 2005 includes many current starters and contributors.

Brandon Deaderick, Baron Huber, Michael Johnson, Cory Reamer, Chris Rogers, Ali Sharrief and Roy Upchurch have played pivotal roles in the success of the 2008 and 2009 seasons under Nick Saban.

Ali Sharrief and Cory Reamer are the only remaining members of the 2005 class from the state of Alabama.

Notable players from the state of Alabama in the 2005 class include Sam Burnthall, Charles Hoke, Scott Deaton, Evan Cardwell, Bobby Greenwood, Desmond Jennings, Chris Keys, Travis McCall, Michael Ricks and John Parker Wilson.

These players made their marks as best they could and have since moved on and into a new phase of life. A few of the notable names on this list were big contributors to the success of the 2008 season.

2008, Almost there

Last year's seniors ended their regular season tenure at the Capstone with the largest margin of victory against in-state rival Auburn since 1962. The first victory against the Tigers since the 2002 season was a bomb shell to the storied career of then Head Coach, Tommy Tuberville.

Their phenomenal undefeated regular season put Alabama back on the national map for programs headed in the right direction. Unfortunately, Florida would defeat the Tide in the SEC Championship Game.

A loss to the senior laden Utah Utes added salt that burned into the fresh wound in the heart of the boys from Alabama. A team put together by Urban Meyer and held intact by the talented head coach Kyle Whittingham put a beat down on the Bama team in New Orleans.

While still giving credit to the 2008 senior class, Saban used that defeat to pound home his message to the returners of the 2009 team. He finished his coaching season in February, by bringing in another stable of highly talented (but still raw) high school athletes to compliment the talent returning to the program.

In 2009: Be a Champion

Nick Saban's comments at his opening press conference as head coach of Alabama football is a statement about his own life. He is a champion and his process for success is a formula to develop champions on and off the field.

In 2009, the process has worked. Saban has blended together differing levels of talented student athletes into one of the finest football teams fielded by any university across the nation.

In the eyes of the Alabama fan base, it truly is a dream team. Quarterback Greg McElroy, for all his deficiencies pointed out by others, is an undefeated quarterback as a starter.

This undefeated streak dates back to his first start as a senior high school player. He is a champion in the state of Texas and has a SEC West Division championship.

Mark Ingram is the finest running back wearing the crimson jersey since the days of Bobby Humphrey and Shaun Alexander. He is an over-sized Shaud Williams with the power of LeRon McClain.

Julio Jones is explosive power, strength and speed at the wide receiver position. His presence on the field requires double coverage attention. Marquis Maze cannot be covered one on one. It's been tried and the attempts have been unsuccessful.

Earl Alexander and Mike McCoy are both deep threat options. Darius Hanks does not fear crossing the middle and will catch the ball at all cost.

The offensive line anchored by William Vlachos and led by seniors Mike Johnson and Drew Davis has exceeded all expectations. Juco transfer James Carpenter has stepped into the shoes of All American Andre Smith allowing the early departure of the left tackle to go unnoticed.

Tight End Colin Peek is a complete package for the position. He blocks and runs patterns to perfection. His soft hands and field awareness allow him to pose a threat on deep and short routes, alike. The Tide is three deep at this position using players with similar skills.

Defensively, The Crimson Tide is the best in the nation. The defensive line is immense, with a total weight of the front three exceeding 950 pounds of flesh, mostly lean. Personally, someone needs to check under the hood of Hummer, Terrance Cody. I think you might find a Hemi.

Linebackers Cory Reamer, Eryk Anders, Nico Johnson and Rolando McClain are the best second line of defense on any team in the SEC, and they can match-up with any offensive backfield in the country.

The defensive backs are extremely talented and battle tested. Nearly every team that has challenged the 2009 Alabama team has pointed to weakness in the secondary as their point of attack. None have been successful. Not to say that some have not had success, but the defensive backs have won the war on the field.

They have been tested by talented quarterbacks across the SEC. Mallet at Arkansas looked mediocre against the Crimson Tide. Garcia, Crompton (his best game of the year), Jefferson, and Snead have each given up interceptions to these fine defenders.

On special teams, Javier Arenas is the best that has ever played the returner position at the Capstone. His record setting touchdown against the UTC Mocs put the stamp on his productive career. Lord willing, in the next two games, opportunities will abound.

It's Time to Rumble in Jordan-Hare

That's right Auburn, this dream team is headed you way. On Friday, they plan to make a statement to the state and to the nation that Alabama football is back and that means domination. They don't just plan on winning. The plan is to dominate every facet of the game.

36-0 was a warm up. This team is better, faster and stronger than the 2008 version of the Crimson Tide. This team will bring a Tsunami into Jordan-Hare with the mission of avenging all prior losses. All prior fears of the hand and the thumb will be washed away.

Elephants have a very good memory and memories haunt unless they are redeemed. The Auburn nation has not been dignified during their reign as champion. The ruler on the plains was not a kind leader. The tiger is no longer king in the state.

The oppression was short lived. The Crimson Empire has returned. Dominance must be re-established. The majestic War Elephant is ready to stomp. Return of the rightful King will happen this Friday, in your house, nationally televised for the world to view in prime time.

Read more Alabama news on BleacherReport.com

The Iron Bowl Matchup: Dream Team Versus Team Still Dreaming Part I

jonathan fravel — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:06:24 -0500

The 2009 University of Alabama football team is composed of some of the finest athletes in the country.

Nick Saban and his staff have taken the raw talent possessed by high school recruits in classes that date from 2004 to 2008 and refined them into some of the best football players on the landscape of the college gridiron.

Getting the Alabama football program back to a position of relevance since the 1992 season has been nothing short of a painful process and near death encounter with the NCAA. Recounting this journey is material for another article at some other time.

Before we take a look at the Alabama Dream Team of 2009, we need to review a few significant facts about the cross-state rival Auburn Tigers.

The Tuberville Era

Tommy Tuberville left Ole Miss and entered the campus of Auburn University as head coach of the football program following the completion of the 1998 regular season. Taking over a declining program from Terry Bowden, a 3-8 (1-7 in the SEC) campaign in 1998, Tuberville's first season finish of 5-6 (2-6 in the SEC) in 1999, didn't show a lot of promise.

But from 2000 through 2007, the Auburn Tigers never suffered a losing season. The pinnacle of Tuberville's tenure as head coach of the War Eagles was in 2004. His team was a perfect 13-0 (8-0) and Sugar Bowl champion.

In 10 years at Auburn, Tuberville established football dominance in the state of Alabama. With excellence in recruiting, punishing defenses, and a power running game, the Tigers were led to 85 wins against 40 losses. This success included an unprecedented six straight wins against in-state rival Alabama.

"Tubby" led the Tigers to four conference division Titles and one conference championship. Each consecutive victory over the Crimson Tide came with a signature "in your face" bitch slap from the man with the largest ears in the college coaching ranks.

The message from Tuberville to in-state recruits was that the Alabama program would not recover from the imposed sanctions of the NCAA. The Bear was dead, and so was the Alabama football program.

Moreover, the coaching turnstile constantly spun in Tuscaloosa. Following the short but effective tenure of Gene Stallings, coaching scandals and NCAA investigations tarnished and debased the reputation of the Alabama football program.

Fallout from the poor state of affairs at the Capstone gave credibility to the statements made by "Tubby" on the recruiting trail across the yellow hammer state. Alabama was an embarrassment in the state and across the nation.

Mike DuBose, Dennis Franchoine, and Mike Price each allowed themselves and the Alabama program to become an easy target for abuse by the Auburn head coach and fans across the state.

In addition, after years of legitimate complaints of having to play the Iron Bowl game in Birmingham, the Auburn boosters won another in-state battle. They convinced the Iron Bowl commission to allow the games to be played as home games at Jordan-Hare and Bryant-Denny Stadiums.

Although the respective Presidents and Athletic Directors on both campuses were in favor of the change in venue, the move was viewed more as a victory for the Auburn program than a common victory for both schools.

In-state talent formerly choosing the Capstone were heading to the plains or moving out of state to develop college football skills. In 2001, Carnell Williams was a huge catch for Coach Tuberville, snatching him out of the grip of Phillip Fulmer and the Volunteer nation.

He filled the roster with out of state, high-grade talent in the form of Jason Campbell and Ronnie Brown. Tuberville raided the surrounding states of quality talent for five consecutive years. The offense and defensive lines were stacked with talented athletes weighing 280 lbs. or more, two and three deep at every position.

The 2002 recruiting class at Auburn included in-state four- and five-star talents such as Brandon Cox, Ben Obomanu, Montae Pitts, and Tommy Jackson. In addition, the out of state recruits were four- and five-star quality as well.

The 2002 Auburn class ranked sixth in the nation. 2003 was another good year for Auburn recruiting but primarily for out of state talent. Brandon Jacobs, Quentin Groves, Stanley McClover, and Tim Duckworth headlined the 11th-ranked class in the nation.

Meanwhile, ranking for the Alabama recruiting classes fell way below par, far below Auburn and well out of the top 20 in the nation. Although not all the quality talent went Auburn's way, the few talented athletes committing at the Capstone were not enough to build on for immediate or downstream success.

Much of what Tuberville was telling recruits and media across the South was coming true right before the very eyes of the faithful Alabama fanbase. Humiliation of the Alabama program was at an all-time high with the debacle of the Mike Price hire and fire before a single game was played.

The Mike Shula Bailout

With nowhere to turn following the most embarrassing incident to befall the Alabama football program, Mal Moore leaned on Mike Shula to return to his alma mater. Shula, with one of the most recognized names in the college and pro ranks alike, returned to the Capstone as head football coach.

He immediately built a respectable coaching staff by calling in favors and leaning on long-term friendships. Former head coaches of other programs, such as Joe Kines and Dave Rader, returned to the Capstone to piece together a quality program.

In addition, his name, his disposition, and his integrity brought back immediate respect to the Alabama program. Despite his "deer in the headlights look" during the announcement ceremony of his hire, he was initially a media darling.

His recruiting efforts were effective. He began to pull talent out of the deep Florida pool and mixed it with quality in-state recruits. High school talent formerly choosing to leave the state for programs such as UGA, LSU, UF, Louisville, and Arkansas were deciding to buy into Shula's philosophy and stay home to play college ball.

The NCAA sanctions and scholarship limits were eliminated during the Shula tenure, and it was parlayed into success for the program's recruiting efforts as well. In 2003, with no input from the Shula staff, Alabama landed 15 quality in-state recruits out of a class of 19 athletes. But the class still ranked lower than the top 25.

2004, 2005 and 2006 were different story lines altogether. In 2004, Alabama broke into the top 20, landing 15th in the nation, six places better than Auburn. 2005 and 2006 recruiting classes also landed top 20 classes, competitive athletes, and class rankings with the in-state rival.

Despite success in recruiting and growing success on the gridiron, there were signs of inconsistent efforts in coaching and play calling. Off the field, players were not disciplined and were often found in violation of public law.

These events led skeptics to question if Shula could keep Alabama out of further trouble with the NCAA while rebuilding the program to a position of prominence. Athletic director Mal Moore had to make more than one visit to the practice field and administrative offices to discuss matters with the young Alabama head coach.

At the end of the 2005 season, Moore decided to make a coaching change.

Back to the In-State Rivalry on the Field of Play

Though Shula had some on-field successes, his record against the Auburn Tigers left much to be desired by the Alabama Nation. During his tenure, he never defeated the in-state rival.

Prior to last year's victory, no player entering the Alabama football program since 2002 had taken part in a victory against the Tigers. That was unacceptable.

Included in the long list of players are some notable standouts such as Brodie Croyle, Roman Harper, Charlie Peprah, Ken Darby, Juwan Simpson, DeMeco Ryans, Derrick Pope, Ramzee Robinson, Matt Caddell, Ray Hudson, Tyrone Prothro, Tim and Simeon Castille, Wallace Gilberry, Le'Ron McClain, Keith Saunders, Keith Brown, Ezekiel Knight, and D.J. Hall.

Despite ultimately failing to lead the program back to national prominence, Mike Shula had his share of success at the University of Alabama during his short tenure. Regardless of what people think of his performance on the field, Coach Shula answered the call when Mama rang the phone.

Part II follows with an assessment of the Saban Era.

Read more Alabama news on BleacherReport.com

Know Your Prospects: Jason Heyward, RF, Atlanta Braves

Dylan Sharek — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:53:00 -0500

Jason Heyward was chosen by the Atlanta Braves as the 14th pick in the first round of the 2007 Major League Baseball draft.

Now, according to Baseball America and USA Today, he's the No. 1 prospect in all of Minor League Baseball. And with the Stephen Strasburg hype machine chugging along at full steam, Heyward has, in a way, become the forgotten uber prospect of 2009.

But hey, he's used to it.

Nearly half of Major League Baseball couldn't see Heyward's incredible promise; the then 17-year-old high school product from Georgia's McDonough High was passed on by 12 other teams in 2007's stacked draft class. Outside of Baltimore's Matt Wieters and Tampa Bay's David Price, he's thoroughly surpassed all of his contemporaries and will become 2010's premier impact prospect.

It's a funny story how Heyward fell to the Atlanta Braves. In the high school circuit, the lefthanded Heyward was a feared hitter renowned for his plate discipline. He was pitched around frequently and refused to chase anything out of the zone.

As a result, regional MLB scouts rarely saw a full at-bat. When the draft came around, no one was truly sure of the skills Heyward possessed because they simply hadn't seen them.

But for Atlanta Brave's scouting director Roy Clark, proximity to the prospect was both a luxury and an advantage.

Heyward was sent to the club's rookie level teams in the Gulf and Appalachian leagues after the draft. The short stints did little to clarify exactly what Atlanta had signed in Heyward, but the 17-year-old held his own.

Heyward finished third in the low Class A South Atlantic League in batting average (.323) and fourth in on-base percentage (.388) in 2008. A brief call up to the high Class A Myrtle Beach Pelicans at the end of the season wasn't a success, but the rookie campaign was enough to solidify the rightfielder as Atlanta's No. 2 prospect behind righthander Tommy Hanson.

Any debate surrounding Heyward's potential disappeared as he rocketed through three levels of professional baseball in 2009. With the same high Class A Myrtle Beach club where he hit a paltry .182 to finish 2008, Heyward started his dominating season by hitting 10 home runs, driving in 31 runs and scoring 34 runs in just 49 games.

The performance garnered a promotion to the Double A Southern League, where Heyward slammed 7 home runs, 30 RBI, and 31 runs in 47 games. The plate discipline that had frustrated high school pitchers and intrigued pro scouts returned: in 195 plate appearances, Heyward walked 28 times compared to just 19 strikeouts. His batting average soared to .352.

The tremendous performance earned him a three-game showcase with the International League's Gwinnett Braves. He hit .364 in limited action.

Heyward's progression has many comparing him to former-Brave's wonderkid Jeff Francoeur. Others seem more satisfied comparing him to a young Frank Thomas, a franchise player that was once the epitome of patience, power, and discipline.

A hybrid of the two seems the most appropriate evaluation.

Heyward's offensive accomplishments often overshadow his defensive prowess. For a 6'4", 220 pounder, Heyward is surprisingly lithe patrolling the outfield. He profiles as an above-average corner outfielder with an extremely strong arm a notch below Francoeur's cannon. Some speculate that Heyward could possibly play centerfield, but his barely above-average speed makes the notion merely a pipe dream.

Offensive comparisons to Francoeur seem uninspired. Francoeur was a strikeout machine at the minor league level, notching 262 punchouts to just 88 base-on-balls. This hacking approach at the plate belied future struggles to come; Francoeur's inability to adapt to major league breaking balls earned him a return trip to the minors in 2008.

Heyward, on the other hand, has struck out just 138 times and earned 108 walks. His plate discipline has markedly improved at every level and his approach has been described as "cerebral" and "commanding."

It's incredibly optimistic to call him the "next Frank Thomas," but Heyward's plate presence is extremely polished for a 20-year-old.

Heyward and Francoeur's power numbers, however, are undoubtedly similar. In his first two full professional seasons, Heyward hit 11 and 17 home runs, respectively; Francoeur notched 14 and 18 through the same time period. No matter which level he begins the oncoming season in, Heyward will most likely test his power stroke at the expense of a few batting average points.

He doesn't have incredible speed, but he is just as smart on the basepaths as he is in his outfield routes: he's been successful 26 times out of 31 tries, an 84 percent success rate.

According to the Brave's brass and Heyward himself, there is no definitive timeline for Heyward's ascension to Major League Baseball. If he plays well enough in Spring Training, he'll make the team and if the team decides he's not ready, he won't.

But Atlanta has patience. And for a 14th pick that has the potential to be a game-changer, they'll make all the time in the world.

This article can originally be found at Blogging About Baseball.

Read more Alabama news on BleacherReport.com

College Football: Iron Bowl Comes Down To Four Important Factors

Justin Hokanson — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:28:07 -0500

No matter the rivalry, the phrase, "throw out the record books," always seems to come up. People assume that because it's a rivalry of immense proportions, like the annual game between Alabama and Auburn, is that records and stats don't matter.

Well, they are wrong.

Yes, this game is a fierce battle, and the underdog always comes to play, but that doesn't mean they will win. They rarely do.

Of the 32 meetings between these two teams where they are separated by three games or more in the win column, like they are this year with 11-0 Alabama and 7-4 Auburn, the team with the better record has won 29 of those meetings.

Many times an underdog has covered a spread against the favorite, but very few times as an underdog, especially one that's a double digit underdog like Auburn is Friday, gone into a game and won it outright.

With all the emotion that goes into the game from the fans perspective, the players still have to execute the gameplan and the game has to be won on the field. Bottom line.

So what are the key factors in this game, or any game for that matter?

Here are four crucially important factors to victory for Auburn and Alabama come Friday, and judging from the last seven years, these stats are very telling of who will win the ball game.

In this rivalry, it all starts with the run game. The team with the most rushing yards almost always wins the game. In the last seven years, the team with the most rushing yards is 7-0, and the team with the most rushing attempts is 6-1.

Alabama comes in with a leading Heisman candidate in sophomore running back Mark Ingram, who leads the SEC in rushing and leads an Alabama team ranked 10th nationally in rushing. But don't count out Auburn.

Auburn has the third leading rusher in the SEC in senior Ben Tate, and sits at 11th nationally in rushing themselves. Just one place behind second ranked Alabama

Advantage: Alabama.

The Tide's defense will make it very tough for Auburn to run the ball, and Auburn's front seven are just too thin to slow down the Alabama run game the way they'd like to.

The next key aspect to winning Friday will be average yards per pass attempt. It might sound like an obscure statistic, but it certainly is not.

The team that's had the higher average in this category is also 7-0 in the last seven meetings.

Auburn actually comes into the game holding the better average. Senior Chris Todd has averaged over eight yards per pass attempt this year, while his counterpart junior Greg McElroy has averaged seven and a half yards per pass.

The reason this is important is because first, the better the average the more you are backing off the defense. Constantly throwing underneath for short yardage means nobody is getting open downfield and you certainly aren't threatening the defense with big play ability.

Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn loves to attack the defense downfield, and he will do it on any down regardless of down and distance. The question may be how much faith does Malzahn have in his quarterback against a talented Alabama secondary.

For Alabama, McElroy and offensive coordinator Jim McElwain love to go play action and really take some shots down the field. With Auburn's recent struggles to keep receivers in front of them, I'd expect to see McElroy taking shots early and often against the Auburn secondary.

Advantage: Auburn.

The reason I think Auburn may win that battle is because unlike in the Tennessee game where Malzahn didn't really test the good Vol secondary deep, this game is different. There is nothing to lose for Auburn, I expect them to have trouble running the ball against Alabama, and I expect Alabama to feed Mark Ingram the ball a lot. So Auburn might be the more desperate team and the one more in need of the big play.

The last major point of emphasis in any game, but especially the Iron Bowl, is third down conversions. With the importance placed on running the football in this series, third downs are crucial to convert and keep drives alive and keep your defense off the field.

In the last seven meetings, the team with the better conversion rate is 6-1. Auburn comes into the game leading that category as well converting 41 percent of their third down's, while Alabama comes in converting 36 percent of its third downs. The numbers are even more in Auburn's favor when you take into account Auburn is playing at home, where the Tigers convert 46 percent on third down and Alabama drops down to 33 percent on conversions.

The key though, will likely be the Alabama defense. While Auburn's defense is letting their opponent convert 33 percent on third down, the Alabama defense is only giving up 28 percent on third down, and an even better 17 percent on the road.

Advantage: Alabama.

You know what to expect from Auburn's defense against the Alabama offense. The key is if Alabama's defense stays close to their norm, they should win this very important battle, and whoever can keep the other defense on the field more will win the game.

So while this game to the fans is about tradition, passion, hatred, bragging rights, and everything else that comes with what I think is the best rivalry in college football, ultimately this game comes down to the Xs and Os, regardless of where it's played.

I'm not telling Auburn fans to not think they can win Friday afternoon in Jordan-Hare Stadium, they certainly can.

Just don't make the mistake of thinking because emotions are running high that it erases what the previous eleven games of the season. As shown by previous encounters, most of the time, the better team wins.

Read more Alabama news on BleacherReport.com

Iron Bowl 2009: Why The Tide Will Pull Off the Big Road Win

Ingram Worley — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:14:18 -0500

Welcome, everyone, to my favorite week of the year.

Alabama and Auburn are scheduled to square off Friday afternoon for the 73rd installment of, not the "Deep South's Oldest Rivalry," not the "World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party," certainly not the "Third Saturday in October," and definitely not for anything called the "Egg Bowl," or even the "Saban Bowl."

No, the Tide and the Tigers meet again in their annual blood-feud better know as the Iron Bowl. I could regurgitate here all of the reasons why this is the greatest rivalry on Earth.

The fact remains, though, if you have lived it, then you believe it. If you, unfortunately, have not, then you don't.

You can have your USC/Notre Dames, your Ohio State/Michigans, your Texas/Oklahomas, and even your Army/Navys. I will see all of those and raise you the most intense, bile-inducing, hatred-filled rivalry in all of sports...our game...The Iron Bowl.

People who have lived the rivalry not only know, but feel the following phrases:

"Punt, Bama, punt"

"Wrong-way Bo"

"The kick"

"The Reverse"

"Go crazy, Cadillac, go crazy"

"Honk if you sacked Brodie"

"Honk if you scored in the 2008 Iron Bowl"

The joy/excruciating pain that those simple words can induce in the members of this state and many outside of it serves to paint a picture of what this game really means... everything.

We live in a state that is consistently the butt of national jokes—at least the ones that don't involve Mississippi ("Thank God for Mississippi," I've heard it said). For a long period of time, football was one of the few nationally respectable ventures in Alabama.

For a state in the Union to carry the reputation of being so far behind—in everything—so dilapidated, so depressing, to give birth to not one, but two national football powers was nothing short of miraculous.

For many years, the folks of Alabama have been rewarded with a day in November—usually—when their two beloved football teams strap it up to play in a winner—take—state game.

Generally, records entering into an Iron Bowl are nothing more than window dressing, but for my purposes, the inaugural "Rory Turner Waxed the Dude" Iron Bowl preview will start right here.

This is going to be a long one, so feel free to select an intermission point.

I'll start with a look at each offense, and how it stacks up against the defense.

AUBURN QUARTERBACK CHRIS TODD

In the Gus Malzhan-themed spread-attack offense, Chris Todd has been given ample opportunity to heave the rock. To be exact, he has been given it 272 times.

Todd's numbers as a whole show him as a very able quarterback. On throwing downs, Auburn averages over eight yards per attempt. His TD-to-INT ratio is strong, standing at 19-5. His completion percentage is near 60 percent, and the ever-confusing efficiency rating lists his at 147.1.

In short, the guy can move the football quickly. Heavy on big plays and light on mistakes, Todd came within one throw of setting Auburn's record for most consecutive completions earlier this year.

The knocks on Todd are his lack of mobility and his sometimes hasty check downs to the safety receivers.

Important stat: Five picks in 11 games doesn’t lend one to believe he's going to chuck up three of them in this game. Limiting mistakes will be key, as Auburn likely won't be able to afford any points off of turnovers.

ALABAMA QUARTERBACK GREG MCELROY

McElroy holds a slight advantage in completion percentage, but is nearly a yard behind Todd in average yards gained when a pass-play is called. The TD—to—INT numbers are similar, with McElroy hooking up for 14 TDs and four INTs. His efficiency rating is well below Todd's at 137.6.

McElroy's "plus" grades exist in game management, and his ability to throw a catchable deep ball when coverage is broken. He also seems to have a knack for changing called plays when he senses trouble.

A negative about McElroy is his tendency to get a little rushed in the pocket, and his tendency to get down on himself. The ability to shake off mistakes will be key in his development as a quarterback.

Important Stat: McElroy is a winner. He started one season in high school, went 16-0, and won a state title in Texas—where I hear they do actually play some high school ball. You know his record at Alabama.

ADVANTAGE (Stat-based)—Chris Todd

ADVANTAGE (Intangibles)—Greg McElroy

The homer in me wants to lean in Alabama's favor, but I can't, impartially, do it. McElroy needs a road—rivalry game to test the thickness of his skin (Mississippi State doesn't count, at least not like this).

BACKS

Much has been made in the past couple of weeks about the Ben Tate/Mark Ingram debate. Both are very skilled, hard-nosed backs that thrive after contact. Both are phenomenal at getting four tough yards when you need them.

What sets Ingram apart is his ability to wreak havoc in the second level when he gets there.

While he is not likely to bust one for 80 yards, Ingram turns a five-yard gain into a 15—yard gain as well as any back I have ever seen. Most of those yards are earned on his own. His ability to find holes, hit them, and do major damage afterwards is what sets him apart from Tate.

Remember, Tate is an outstanding back in his own right, and his numbers speak for themselves. The most important number to me, however, is yards per carry, where Ingram holds a 6.8 to 5.4 advantage.

Both teams have the luxury of depth at this position, in pass-catching specialists Mario Fannin and Roy Upchurch. Both have solid No. 2 running options in Trent Richardson and Ontario McCalebb.

Although all are skilled in their own ways, Richardson has elevated from the group, as well as McCalebb. Both have similar numbers, but vastly contrasting styles.

The difference for me comes in the form of Mark Ingram, and his ability to eat up first downs on clock—munching drives. Add to that his success from the Wildcat formation, and I think you have to lean toward the Tide here.

Advantage—Alabama

RECEIVERS

There is a very interesting comparison here, because, judging only by the numbers, Auburn seems to have quite an advantage at wide receiver.

Auburn's two leading receivers, Darvin Adams and Terrell Zachary, have combined for nearly 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns. The leading two for the Tide, Julio Jones and Marquis Maze have combined for less than 900 yards and only 6 touchdowns.

While few would argue that the most skilled receiver on the field—at least physically—would be Julio Jones, Alabama simply has not found enough ways to get the ball into his hands.

If Auburn's defense finds a way to neutralize Jones, it is advantage Auburn. With a banged-up secondary and a multitude of guys in the box to stop the run, one—on—one coverage from a second string corner may not turn out well for them. I see a couple of plays from Jones making a difference...

Advantage (slight)—Alabama

DEFENSE

I truly believe that statistics only tell the outline of the story in football. They exist as a kind of guidebook when handicapping a game. In this case, though, I think they deserve a closer look.

Stat #1: Points given up/game

Alabama: 9.9, Auburn 27.0

This may be the most damning of all statistics, because, in the end, points are what matter. Against very similar schedules, Auburn's defense allows, on average, an additional field goal and two touchdowns when compared to Alabama's.

Stat #2: Yards allowed/game

Alabama: 226.5, Auburn: 359.2

Stat #3: Turnovers caused

Alabama: 25, Auburn: 19

I believe when a team holds a decided advantage in these three key areas, only one conclusion can be made.

Advantage—Alabama

SPECIAL TEAMS

Both teams have struggled in kick coverage at times. Both teams house incredibly accurate kickers. Both have returned kickoffs well.

The punt return game is a little bit different. As a unit, Auburn averages right at five yards per punt return. Meanwhile, Alabama possesses Javiar Arenas, a cornerback—don't dare call him a return specialist—who is in reach of setting the NCAA record for career punt return yards, and is one touchdown away from tying that mark as well. One big blow by Arenas can change the makeup of any game.

Advantage—Alabama

COACHING

I don't want to spend too many words on this, but Nick Saban has proven his stock. Gene Chizik still could, but hasn't yet.

Advantage—Alabama

INTANGIBLES

The very first and most significant intangible is Auburn's home-field advantage. Auburn is not an easy place to play for anyone, let alone in this game when emotions run at their highest.

The place will be packed, and as we know, the underdogs tend to yell louder. A major piece of the puzzle to this game is how well McElroy and the Alabama offense manage the atmosphere early in the game.

A couple of crowd-induced mistakes, and this game could turn. On the other hand, if Alabama can successfully quiet the crowd early, this could have a detrimental effect on Auburn—the reverse home-field advantage has been seen and used many times in this series. In a 90,000 seat stadium, the silence can sometimes be even more deafening.

Another key that won't show up in the stat book is Alabama's mounting pressure to finish off a perfect regular season—again. Saban has showed incredible focus in not letting his players see beyond the moment at hand, but a road game at Auburn will put that to the test like no other scenario.

Perhaps less significant is Alabama's first real Heisman shot, tailback Mark Ingram. Ingram certainly hasn't played the role of a stat—hawking glory monger. However, I do believe they will do whatever they can, within the confines of a sensible game plan, to see that he generates the numbers necessary to keep him in the forefront of the discussion.

I've never thought more carries for Ingram meant anything but good for Alabama, but a point of diminishing return does exist in there somewhere. Alabama must by wary of that.

Whew.

After looking at all of the numbers, as an Alabama fan I should feel even more confident. In some ways I do. But the old cliche about games not being played on paper is a true one, and rivalry games showcase that statement to the nth degree.

In the end, I just can't see Auburn's thin defense hanging tough long enough to keep Alabama within striking distance.

I believe if Nick Saban had his way, McElroy would throw the ball 20 times maximum, and the Tide would do the majority of the dirty work on the ground, wearing on the already depleted Auburn defense.

Big plays and turnovers change games, though, and they could certainly come from either side.

When the clock runs out, I see the score Alabama 30, Auburn 13.

I say hopefully, one of the minority voices singing Rammer Jammer at the end will be mine, and all will be well with the world once again.

Read more Alabama news on BleacherReport.com

Alabama's Corey Reamer and Baron Huber Trade Old Dreams for New Dreams

Larry Burton — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:33:05 -0500

Two young men, each with a dream that didn't come true. Neither boy ever expected to play in crimson uniforms, and only one ever expected to play in an Iron Bowl.

One wanted to don the orange of the Tennessee Volunteers and run the the "T" in Neyland Stadium; the other, to sing the "War Eagle" fight song after an Iron Bowl win.

However, fate and luck won out, and those childhood dreams are now long forgotten.

Instead, the boys ended up as friends, roommates, and teammates in crimson, together helping rebuild Alabama's football program into a championship contender.

Corey Reamer comes from a family of Auburn Tigers, and his parents were less than thrilled when Auburn didn't seem as excited to have him as Mike Shula (Alabama) did. In the end, despite his boyhood loyalty to Auburn, Reamer came to Alabama.

Reamer was a special team machine who had made a high school career out of blocking punts and kicks. He also had a reputation for some bone-jarring tackles.

The other young man couldn't be much more meshed in the Vol tradition. He grew up in the shadow of Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, but out of high school, Phillip Fulmer (Tenessee) wasn't sure what he could do and passed on him.

Most schools weren't sure what to do with Huber either. Many thought defensive lineman, but Shula saw a bruiser who might be a better fullback.

Now together at Alabama, the enthusiasm and intensity they put into every play is evident.

Both players have won individual awards at Alabama. After 2009 spring practice, Reamer won the Woodrow Lowe Linebacker Award, and Huber won the Derrick Thomas Community Service Award. In addition, Reamer has been a two-time SEC Academic Honor Roll selection.

Both are enthusiastically praised by their coach Nick Saban for the way they affect other players on the team with their energy and zest.

About Huber, Saban said, in terms that let you know how much he loves the guy, “Some people play five plays and complain they didn’t play 10, but this guy is happy to give everything on every play he gets, and you have to love how his enthusiasm motivates and affects the other players.”

Baron was named a team captain for this year’s Tennessee game, and it was an honor he certainly earned.

“This is a guy who looked like he was going to just be a good special teams player, but he’s worked so hard to put himself in the position he’s in now,” Saban said of Reamer.

“He’s got great instincts and puts himself in the right position to make plays.”

Reamer teased that he’s so used to being yelled at by Saban that recently when he did something really great in practice and Saban complimented him on it, he felt awkward and so did Nick, so they both had a laugh about it.

Both Reamer and Huber fit well into the team, which runs like a well-oiled machine, and it would be hard to imagine the Tide doing so well without them.

Huber plays on all the special teams and is also a fullback and tight end when needed. You'll always see No. 40 in on all of the 3rd-and-short type plays as he pancakes opposing linemen.

Reamer has the versatility to go wherever he's needed. He's practiced at every linebacker spot and has proven to be invaluable to the Tide this year after Dont'a Hightower went out with a season-ending injury.

Even with one of Alabama's best starters out, players like Reamer have helped to elevate the play to the point where the Tide's is the No. 1 defense in college football.

Both are known for their almost devilish hits on opposing players and their enthusiasm both before and after the play.

Alabama says goodbye to both these men this season, and they will go down in crimson lore not just for their statistical contributions, but also for their love of the game and the passion they brought to the team.

It's good for Alabama that these men did not get to live out their childhood dreams because they are helping Alabama fans realize a much bigger dream that may just come true in Pasadena, Calif., this January.

And not only will the Bama Nation think these are better dreams, both men will agree that it's a better dream than any they had imagined as children.

Read more Alabama news on BleacherReport.com

Alabama Barely Edges Out Florida: Week 12 College Football Power Poll

Phil Aiello — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:03:07 -0500

Week 12 Power Poll

It's been quite the year for undefeated squads in college football. This week we saw the power three take control as each team annihilated their opponent leaving absolutely no doubt they continue to belong above the rest of the pack. I see a distinct separation between the top three and the rest of college football, but you never know when any team can slip up nowadays.

It looks like after the top three, there are about three other teams that could challenge at the top, while the next fifteen or so all have the potential to be really good but have lacked consistency this year.

No one is safe in the NCAA as parody is really starting to catch up in the college game as many teams hanging around or even outside the top 25 (Arizona?!?!) look more than able to take down a highly ranked foe any week. Lets take a look at this weeks power teams and what they accomplished:

Week 12

1. Alabama - I know many people like Texas the way Colt and Shipley have come on recently. But, I honestly believe that Bama (up to this point in the season) has the highest quality wins and has proved week in and week out that nobody wants to mess with Saban, Ingram, and this defense. Oh yeah and it's scary to think Julio Jones isn't even getting the ball much, right?!?!

2. Florida - I don't even enjoy the media's darling, Tim Tebow. However, at least I can admit that he is just a gamer, straight up. Even with last years' playmakers gone, Tebow still finds ways to get it done while the defense is just completely shutting down what the other team is running, regardless of scheme.

3. Texas - Colt, Shipley and company are heating up and making (not that they need it) a lasting impression on the BCS committee right on time. The defense is stifling while the offense seems to be rolling at the expense of cupcakes. Nebraska in the Big 12 championship game should be a great test for either Bama's or Florida's defense in the title game. Beat 'em and you're playing for the big one.

4. TCU - The defense is playing lights out and the offense has been scary good recently. Oh, and beating up on Clemson and Bringham Young earlier in the year is looking pretty good right about now.

5. Boise State - This is based purely off of a thorough win against a really good Oregon squad. But, It helps to have Kellen Moore leading an offense that just seems to be on cruise control right now...even with some close calls against some lightweights (see Louisiana Tech).

6. Georgia Tech - The No. 1 team in a hugely underrated ACC conference is running through teams like Jim Brown used to back in the day. They have more talented running backs than some conferences. The option is working to perfection under Paul Johnson's intellect.

Hint: Get off the tracks when the train is coming through. Also, don't sleep on Demaryius Thomas either, the guy is a beast. They just rolled over and pounded a better than average Duke squad.

This is where I believe it gets a little tricky...

7. Oregon - This team just amazes me every week. Masoli just continues to make enough plays to win while James runs with the speed, power, and quickness reminiscent of the record-setting, vintage Deangelo Williams.

8. Cincinnati - They have enough quarterbacks on this team for a third of the Big East conference. Seriously though, you can bet that Pike and Ginyard are both licking their chops ready to take on the Panther secondary in two weeks. Don't sleep on Illinois this week please!

9. Ohio State - This team has bounced back nicely after that mid season hiccup against Purdue. The defense has picked up the slack the last month and Pryor has shed the early season struggles from his game that plagued the Buckeyes against a couple of those teams.

Technically, OSU is three to four plays away from being undefeated. A potential match against Oregon would pitt one of college football's most prolific offenses against a top shelf, swarming defense.

If you want to argue that Iowa, Oklahoma State, Pittsburgh, or Penn State belongs here I will not argue with you. However, lets look at each team. Oklahoma State lost the two big games on their schedule to date. With the state of The Notre Dame football program this year I would argue Pitt doesn't really have one marquee win yet.

Iowa looked average in a loss to Northwestern a couple weeks back. Penn State dropped close ones to the only (relatively) big games on their schedule. As much as I like Joe Paterno, I can't possibly put Penn State ahead of Iowa or Ohio State (teams that have beaten the Nittanay Lions) anyway.

So, the No. 10 team in the nation in NCAA football right now is...

10. Virginia Tech - Here we are with a red hot Virginia Tech team that has three narrow losses to arguably three of the hottest teams in all of college football right now. This squad has struggled on defense giving up too many big plays early in the season but has clamped down as of late with some milder competition.

However, NC State had a legit offense before getting rocked in Lane this past week.

Tyrod Taylor continues to impress as a passer while the emergence of some young receivers like Jarret Boykin and Dyrell Roberts has taken pressure off of Ryan Williams to do it all on offense. His hard nosed yet quick paced running style has opened up the passing lanes for Tyrod's development. No one wants to play VT in the Chick-Filet or Gator Bowl right about now.

11. Iowa - This team just is not the same without Stanzi. Talk about a heartbreaking loss. That guy was the heart and soul of the Hawkeyes. Still, they are in good position for an at-large bid by taking care of a scrappy Minnesota squad to end their season.

12. Pittsburgh - I do not believe this team has played anyone of note outside of a decent Notre Dame team that can't seem to find any resemblance of a defense or make open field tackles. That said, I can't discount the star power on both sides of the ball with Stull and Lewis on FIRE.

Dion Lewis is a monster freshman at running back. He, alongside LaMichael James (Oregon) and Ryan Williams (VT), form what I like to call the power trio also known as the new era freshman studs. Lookout in 2010!

13. Penn State - Penn STate is a tough team to figure out. No one (outside of maybe the Hokies) blows out the cupcakes but drops the big boy games better. They have played a joke schedule outside of a couple Big Ten squads. They have won those games...in convincing fashion. They can't seem to pull out the tough ones.

Until they do, the Nittany Lions belong right here at number 13. On a positive note, I love how that defense is playing and the way CLark is leading this team to close out the season.

14. LSU - Les Miles' boys from the Bayou have nothing to be ashamed about. They have three losses to all teams in the top 25, two of them coming to my top two squads in Alabama and Florida. They dropped a nail biter to Ole Miss by two points.

Had they taken care of business there then we could theoretically say LSU is the thrid best team in the country behind those two powerhouse SEC squads. The team is playing good defense and Jefferson and Lafell team up with Scott to form an above average offense with lots of potential heading in to bowl season to light up a team from a weaker conference. Watch out for this team come late December.

15. UNC - Where would this team be had they not drank the hype koolaide and started the season how they were capable of? Defensively, they have been unreal this last month. They create more turnovers than O'Bama does healthcare problems. Offensively, they have started to come along with Houston taking over the reigns at RB while Yates has been manageable at the helm.

16. Miami - Another team that has played up and down all year long. The Canes are a headache for analysts because (I believe) they play to the level of their competition.

The Oklahoma win looks average right now but the Canes barely dropped one to the tigers earlier in the year and have a huge win at home against red hot Georgia Tech earlier in the year. Jacory Harris must find a way to decrease the turnovers if the Canes hope to get by an underrated and inspired USF team next week.

17. Clemson - C.J. Spiller, C.J. Spiller, C.J. Spiller. Oh yeah, and Kyle has come along okay the past couple games too. But, C.J. Spiller.

18. Oregon State - Another puzzling team to figure out. They have two great wins against Stanford and California yet they struggled against USC, Cincinnati, and Arizona. They have the talent (Jacquizz Rogers) and potential to knock off Oregon in a huge civil war game this weekend. It's make or break time for Oregon State if they want to smell roses!

19. Mississippi - The defense has been underrated all year long not allowing an opponent to score over 20 until LSU this past week...and they had 23. Snead is finally playing how experts expected him to from the start and McClusker is looking like a legit All-SEC back as of late.

20. USC - USC's departures have finally taken the toll we all expected last year! Unreal how people just expect this team to reload year after year. Still a tough bunch to beat, but clearly the losses have shown they're far from invincible. The defense has struggled recently, but watch for Taylor Mays and company to finish strong and close out in a highly sought after bowl game.

On the cusp...

Arizona, Houston, BYU, Stanford, Nebraska, Cal, Utah.

Read more Alabama news on BleacherReport.com

20 Thoughts From Another Saturday In College Football

Aaron Torres — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:28:38 -0500

(Aaron Torres is an accomplished journalist whose work has been published by Sports Illustrated online and syndicated by USA Today, AOL.com and Slam Online. To read all of his work, including this article in its entirety, please visit him at www.aarontorres-sports.com )

After spending another Saturday on my couch with my remote in hand, here are 20 more thoughts from Saturday’s college football action.

1. Saturday Is What Makes College Football Great: So all we heard all week leading up to the games, was that this college football season has been a dud, and Saturday was going to be boring. I mean seriously, why bother even tuning in?

Except for one thing: It ended up being maybe the second best college football Saturday of the season (I still put Oct. 17 at No. 1). While they weren’t all pretty, and they weren’t all perfectly played, LSU-Ole Miss, UConn-Notre Dame, Stanford-Cal and Oregon-Arizona, were nothing if not entertaining.

And on a day that was supposed to be the most boring of the season, what more could you ask for?

2. Moving On to a Serious Subject: I’m starting a petition to get Amanda Beard on College GameDay full-time.

For those of you who missed it, the former Arizona and Olympic swimmer, was Saturday’s “guest picker,” in the final segment of the show, and absolutely knocked it out of the park. Not only was she bubbly, not only was she nice to look at, not only did her and Lee Corso have palpable sexual chemistry, but the girl knew her football.

So seriously, can we bring her full-time? Please? Would anyone object?

3. I’m just going to say it: It didn’t seem like a college football Saturday without Alabama and Florida playing meaningful games. How many days until Atlanta again?

4. As for the important games, let’s start with Notre Dame-UConn: Look, Charlie Weis is a dead man walking, you know that and I know that, so there’s no need to talk about it here.

But I want to make the case that it’s Notre Dame’s offense that is going to get Weis fired, not his defense. No, seriously, hear me out.

All year we’ve been hearing how great Jimmy Clausen, Michael Floyd and Golden Tate are, and to a certain degree they are. But they also combine to make two or three really dumb, game-altering mistakes every week.

Think about it. Against Michigan, Golden Tate didn’t get out of bounds on the last play of the game. Against Navy, Floyd ran the wrong route and had a ball bounce off his back for a late game, drive-ending interception. And Saturday it was Floyd getting stripped on the UConn 18-yard line with Notre Dame going in for a game clinching scoring drive.

Watching Notre Dame every week, you start to realize these aren’t isolated events, but a recurring theme. More importantly they are a sign of bad preparation and bad coaching (do you ever see those kinds of things happen to Alabama, Cincinnati, Florida or Texas?). And it’s the biggest reason, more than Notre Dame’s defense, that Weis is going to be looking for a new job in a week.

(I told you to hear me out. I just talked you into that, didn’t I?)

5. Another thought from Saturday’s Notre Dame-UConn game: If anyone saw Jimmy Roberts’ halftime feature on the death of Jasper Howard and didn’t get chills, well honestly, we might need to break out the defibrillator to get your heart going again.

It was the perfect blend of solid journalism with the right mix of emotion and storytelling. It wasn’t too pushy, preachy and didn’t end with some stupid throwaway line like, “UConn may not have been winners on the field recently, but they’re winners in life,” like so many of these other features do.

One of the best stories I’ve seen in awhile.

6. The underrated final story line from the game: How about UConn (and former Notre Dame) quarterback Zach Frazer, going back to Notre Dame and beating a bunch of his former classmates on their Senior Day?

For those who don’t know, Frazer was the first quarterback recruited by Weis, and came to South Bend in the fall of 2006, with guys like Sam Young, Eric Olson and Sergio Brown, guys who were wrapping up their Notre Dame careers on Saturday.

As a matter of fact I was so inspired by Frazer’s performance (OK, who am I kidding, UConn won the game despite him, not because of him), that we’ll forever refer to that game as “Frazer’s Revenge.” Sure that sounds like an awful Nic Cage movie, but still, it’s got a catchy ring to it, doesn’t it?

7. Moving on to Michigan-Ohio State: My only thought from the Michigan side of things was how bad I felt for Brandon Graham.

The Wolverines defensive end was a monster Saturday, only nobody would ever know it, you know, considering he’s surrounded by young guys who aren’t quite ready, and older guys were never quite good enough (not to mention Michigan’s defense is coached by Greg Robinson, a guy who spends approximately 80 percent of his time staring into the distance like a kid watching cartoons, and the other 20 percent picking his nose. Needless to say, I’m not a huge Greg Robinson fan).

Put Graham on even a halfway decent team and we’re talking about him the way we talk about Terrence Cody and Carlos Dunlap. Instead, having him on this particular defense is like having a $10,000 painting in a $250 a month, one bedroom apartment. What’s even the point?

8. As for Ohio State, here’s my question on them: Alright, so last year we had Chris “Beanie,” Wells. This year, it’s Dan “Boom,” Herron. Seriously, who’s coming up with these nicknames, and why doesn’t Brandon Saine have one yet?

I’ve decided to appoint a one-man committee of ABC broadcaster/bad joke extraordinaire Matt Millen to come up with one. Matt, you’re on the clock.

9. Speaking of Matt Millen: I can’t lie, I was a little disappointed in Millen’s work Saturday during the Michigan-Ohio State game. Usually he’s good for around five truly unbearable, “put the TV on mute,” jokes per broadcast. Saturday, the best he came up with was, “May the Schwartz be with you,” in reference to Buckeyes receiver Grant Schwartz.

Why was Millen so quiet, I don’t know? Maybe he realized he’s not funny. Or maybe Sean McDonough threatened to strangle him with a headset cord, I’m not quite sure. Either way, it wasn’t his best day Saturday. I expect better come bowl season.

10. Two thoughts, and two thoughts only from Stanford-Cal:

A. Stanford’s not as bad as they looked Saturday, and they weren’t overrated coming in. This was just a classic case of the Cardinal beating a few good teams, getting a few too many pats on the back, having a few too many girls show up at their dorm rooms to “celebrate,” late at night (yes even at Stanford), and simply losing focus. That’s it, nothing more, nothing less. They’re still going to beat Notre Dame by three touchdowns Saturday.

B. I enjoyed seeing Jim Harbaugh have some dirt kicked in his face, especially after his “holier than thou,” running up the score against an injury depleted USC two weeks ago.

Hey coach, think you should have saved some of those points for this weekend?

(To read Aaron's 10 remaining thoughts, and the remainder of this article, please CLICK HERE , or visit him at www.aarontorres-sports.com )

Read more Alabama news on BleacherReport.com

Alabama-Auburn: Five Reasons Why Tigers Won't Topple The Tide

Jeff Mathheus — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:52:14 -0500

Five reasons why the Auburn Tigers will not repeat their performance of upsetting Alabama in the Iron Bowl in 2009 as they did in 1989 at Jordan Hare stadium. I will take a look at how the 2009 defenses between Alabama and Auburn match up, head to head common opponents that the Tide played over the year, historical records for the first year head coaches in the Iron Bowl rivarly, the matchup between Mark Ingram and Ben Tate, and the matchup between Nick Saban and Gene Chiznik. This article is a prediction based on historical facts and seasonal statistics to why the outcome in 1989 will not happen in 2009 in the Iron Bowl at Jordan Hare Stadium.

Begin Slideshow

Alabama vs. Auburn: The Iron Bowl's Golden Era

Walter Kirkwood — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:51:56 -0500

The annual slug fest between bitter rivals Alabama and Auburn has a long and storied past. There has been drama throughout the series, but nothing quite like the early 1980s. In that span of time, the Iron Bowl was as hotly contested as any series in the country. Televising the game was a no-brainer. You were almost guaranteed a photo finish.

To set the stage, you have to get into the mindset of Auburn fans. I know it's hard for some of us, but legendary coach Bear Bryant had dominated Auburn for the better part of a quarter century.

There had been a victory here and there for Auburn, but it was almost a once a decade sort of thing. As a youngster myself during this time, I never even thought about losing to Auburn—it was like a white Christmas, more myth than reality.

In the waning weeks of the 1982 season, Bear Bryant and the Crimson Tide were showing their age. Alabama had lost the two previous games coming into the Iron Bowl. Much like Bobby Bowden today, teams throughout the south were whispering into recruits' ears that Bear was going to retire, you don't want to go to Alabama.

The weakness allowed other teams to get players who normally would be bound for Tuscaloosa; most notably a young running back from McCalla, Alabama by the name of Vincent Jackson, otherwise known as Bo.

In 1982, Alabama dominated the game, racking up 507 yards to Auburn's 257. The real star of the show was young Bo Jackson. Alabama seemingly couldn't tackle Jackson as he racked up 144 yards, including the game-winning touchdown to give Auburn the 23-22 victory.

The Game was the final Iron Bowl for Bear Bryant and sadly it was a losing effort. Weeks later, Alabama defeated Illinois 21-15 in the Liberty Bowl and soon after that, Bear Bryant was dead.

Pat Dye had guided Auburn to their first victory in a very long time and kick-started the most exciting era of Tide-Tiger football.

Just to prove that the previous victory wasn't a flash in the pan, Pat Dye whipped Alabama again in 1983. This time, Bo Jackson destroyed the Tide, rushing for 256 yards and two touchdowns, including a 71-yard dash that gave Auburn the 23-22 victory and their first SEC title since 1957.

Forgotten in the loss was a 142-yard rushing effort by Alabama's Kerry Goode. The loss marked the first Iron Bowl for Alabama coach Ray Perkins, who had been named Bear Bryant's successor.

The win was a bitter pill to swallow for Perkins, but he would get his revenge, and that revenge was not long in coming.

Perkins' 1984 season was a disaster. Alabama had graduated most of its offensive talent the year before. Alabama stumbled to a 4-6 record coming into the Iron Bowl.

They faced a vastly superior Auburn team and nobody gave them much of a chance. Bo Jackson once again rushed for over 100 yards with Alabama, countering with a mixed bag of players and a young quarterback named Mike Shula.

Auburn was driving for what would have been the winning touchdown, when, on 4th-and-goal, Pat Dye dialed up running back Brent Fullwood. Bo Jackson was supposed to block on the play. Unfortunately for Auburn, he went the wrong way. Fullwood was dropped for a three-yard loss by Alabama's Rory Turner to preserve the unlikely 17-15 victory.

The 1985 game marked the 50th meeting between the Tide and Tigers and stands today as perhaps the standard by which the rest are measured. It was possibly the most exciting back and forth game I've ever seen.

The drama of the final period began when Bo Jackson scored on a one-yard plunge to give Auburn a 17-16 lead. Not to be outdone, Alabama's Jene Jelks broke loose on a 74-yard gallop to put the Tide back on top, 22-17. Auburn methodically drove 70 yards once again and scored to put them back up 23-22, leaving only 57 seconds left on the board.

At the time, Alabama and Auburn split the tickets 50/50 at Legion Field, so the Auburn half of the stadium was in full celebration while the Crimson Half sat in silent pain.

What followed was possibly the most unlikely string of plays I could have imagined. Alabama managed a 20-yard reverse on fourth down in which quarterback Mike Shula had to throw the key block.

Shula then hit Alabama receiver Greg Richardson for 19 yards. Richardson had to drag an Auburn defender from the hashmark to the sideline in order to stop the clock.

When Richardson made that catch and got out of bounds, the Auburn half of the stadium, which had been celebrating wildly, fell silent. It seemed time came to a halt as Alabama Kicker Van Tiffin trotted onto the field.

The Auburn fans looked on in disbelief as Tiffin calmly booted a 52-yard strike as time expired to give Alabama the 25-23 win.

When the ball cleared the goal and the hands went up, the Alabama half of the field erupted like a volcano. You could have heard a pin drop on the Auburn side. There are Auburn fans today who still say that was the most painful loss they had ever suffered.

Auburn was far from dead as a program, however. In 1986, the game featured two premier runners, as Alabama's Bobby Humprey rushed for 204 yards and Auburn's Brent Fullwood tallied 145.

Auburn engineered two fourth-quarter touchdowns to come from behind. The final touchdown, a seven-yard reverse by Lawyer Tillman, gave Auburn the final 21-17 victory.

After the 1986 game, Alabama coach Ray Perkins took the head coaching job with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Alabama replaced Perkins with former Georgia Tech coach, Bill Curry.

Curry was successful in some respects, but his teams not only failed to beat Auburn, but also failed to even come close to winning the year's most important game. That reason, more than any other, was his demise.

There have been great Iron Bowl Games since, but the series has not regained the grand luster of the competitive and unpredictable 1980s.

Read more Alabama news on BleacherReport.com

Derek Lowe: What's His Trade Market?

Adam Bernacchio — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:19:39 -0500

On January 13, 2009, the Atlanta Braves signed Derek Lowe to a four-year, $60 million deal. The Braves signed Lowe after they failed to sign AJ Burnett, who signed with the New York Yankees.

Now less than one year later, the Braves are looking to trade the 6′6” righty.

Why would the Braves look to trade Lowe after just one year? Well, for one, they feel they have an excess of pitching. And two, if they are able to trade Lowe, they could free up some money to add offense.

The Braves want to unload Lowe

So can the Braves trade Lowe? Let’s take a look at the pros and the cons of Lowe and what teams would be interested in trading for the former member of Red Sox Nation.

Pros

If you trade for Lowe, you are going to trade for one of the most durable pitchers in the game.

Lowe has started 30-plus games every season since moving from the bullpen to a starter in 2002. And since moving to the National League in 2005, Lowe has led the league in starts three out of those five years.

Over the last three years, Lowe is third in the National League in innings pitched with 605. In a sport where quantity counts just as much as quality for a pitcher, Lowe’s durability goes a long way.

Perhaps Lowe’s best asset is his ability to pitch well in big games. We all know what he did in the 2004 playoffs for the Red Sox winning the clinching game in all three series.

Lowe was also solid in two out of his three starts for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2008 playoffs.

Cons

Can you believe Lowe is going to be 37-years-old next year? It’s a little surprising considering that he looks a lot younger.

And with Lowe getting older, perhaps his age started to show in 2009. Lowe’s ERA rose from 3.24 in 2008 to 4.67 in 2009 and Lowe’s hits/9 increased to 10.7, which was his highest since 2004 (11/9).

Lowe K’s/9 went down from 6.3 in 2008 to 5.1 in 2009 and his BB/9 went up from 1.9 in 2008 to 2.9 in 2009. And while Lowe is known as a sinkerball/groundball pitcher, in 2009 he threw a lower percentage of groundballs (56.3) than at any point during his career.

It’s never a good sign when a groundball pitcher is throwing more flyballs than ever.

Lastly, the biggest con Lowe has going for him is his contract. Lowe still has three years and $45 million on his contract. The Braves overpaid for Lowe last year and they are going to be hard pressed to move that size contract in this economy.

Now that we have looked at the pros and cons of Lowe, let’s take a look at the teams that might be interested in trading for the native of Dearborn, MI.

Milwaukee Brewers: There was a lot of talk recently of a Lowe for Corey Hart swap, but that was correctly turned down by the Brewers.

I know the Brewers are desperate for starting pitching, but even if all things were equal I wouldn’t have made that move if I was the Brewers’ GM.

New York Yankees: The Yankees had their choice between Burnett and Lowe last year and went with the younger Lowe. However, if Andy Pettitte doesn’t come back they feel Phil Hughes is still better suited to be in the pen, then Lowe could be an option.

It would be a long shot, but an option none the less.

Seattle Mariners: Another long shot, but the Mariners do need a number two starter and perhaps the Mariners could bring back the pitcher they traded away almost 12 years ago.

For those of you not familiar with what I am talking about, the Seattle Mariners traded Lowe and Jason Varitek to the Boston Red Sox for Heathcliff Slocumb.

I’ll check that one off as a win for the Red Sox.

Texas Rangers: Unless the Braves ate a significant portion of Lowe’s contract, it would be hard for the Rangers to acquire Lowe.

However, the Rangers could use a guy like Lowe and if they can get the Braves to eat a large portion of Lowe’s contract, then he would make sense for the Rangers.

As I have mentioned, the biggest problem the Braves will have with trading Lowe is his contract. Unless the Braves eat a significant portion of the deal, they are going to have a tough time trading him.

Now if it were my decision, I wouldn’t trade Lowe. This whole “the Braves have an excess of pitching” is comical to me.

Guess what? There is no such thing in baseball. The Red Sox had more pitching depth than any team in baseball going into 2009 and they still had to bring in Paul Byrd off his couch in August.

I guarantee that if the Braves trade Lowe or Javier Vazquez, something will happen to one of their remaining starters and they will be searching for a starter by the July 31st trading deadline.

That’s just the way baseball works.

You can follow The Ghost of Moonlight Graham on Twitter @ theghostofmlg

Read more Alabama news on BleacherReport.com