It was announced this week that the Razorback game in Little Rock
next weekend will Kickoff @ 11;20. A lot of tailgaters will not be happy.
Here is this weeks haiku on the subject:
An early kickoff
Tailgaters are not happy
Start drinking early.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Five Things
1. And the Arkansas RazorBlah Streak continues this week.
After losing to Ole Miss, then playing the softest cupcake of the season, then an 11:21 a.m. kickoff (where both teams and the fans were listless through the first half), we come to the Troy game. Which falls on opening day of deer season (modern firearm) in Arkansas.
Yes, yes, Troy is 7-2, 6-0 in the Sunbelt. The Trojans aren't as cupcake-y as first thought when the schedule was released. But let's be honest here, the only Sunbelt team that would generate some buzz among Arkansas fans is based in Jonesboro, not Troy, Ala.
So if you attend the game or manage to find CSS on your cable or satellite provider, look for empty seats. More empties than in the South Carolina game. (Over/under on number of blaze orange caps and/or jackets in the stands? 57 1/2.)
Next week doesn't look much better. Yes, the game is in War Memorial Stadium against an SEC team. But it's another 11:21 kickoff. And it's opening day of duck season. Oh yeah, it's also against Mississippi State (4-5, 2-3). Given that, nobody can be blamed for choosing a Haydel Game Call over a Hog call.
2. Dear SEC, Please Upgrade To HD
In the wake of yet another SEC officiating blunder the replay officials in the booth of SEC games are watching low-definition TVs. That's right, you sitting at home with your 42-inch HD TV have a better view of plays under review than the guy actually doing the reviewing. Heck, there are people with HD TVs set up at their tailgates. Yet the SEC doesn't have HD for the replay official!?!
Even more troubling, this is an area the SEC could be monetizing. Given the craven chase for every dollar, it's inexcusable Mike Slive hasn't contracted with some manufacturer to be "The Official HD TV of the SEC." If nothing else get the local Best Buy to hook one up and slap a Golden Flake sticker on it.
3. You Can't Say That On TV (NSFW audio!)
4. Recurring Items
SportsJournalists.com Top 25 link is here.
AwfulAnnouncing provides college football announcers' schedules here and the Pammy Award update hasn't been posted yet.
5. M8B Prediction
Will Arkansas (-14.5) cover against Troy?
(Views expressed by the Magic 8 Ball do not necessarily reflect the views of this blog, the blog owner nor this post's author. Advice from the M8B is for entertainment purposes only and not for actual wagering ... especially since the Magic 8 Ball is 6-6 this season.)
After losing to Ole Miss, then playing the softest cupcake of the season, then an 11:21 a.m. kickoff (where both teams and the fans were listless through the first half), we come to the Troy game. Which falls on opening day of deer season (modern firearm) in Arkansas.
Yes, yes, Troy is 7-2, 6-0 in the Sunbelt. The Trojans aren't as cupcake-y as first thought when the schedule was released. But let's be honest here, the only Sunbelt team that would generate some buzz among Arkansas fans is based in Jonesboro, not Troy, Ala.
So if you attend the game or manage to find CSS on your cable or satellite provider, look for empty seats. More empties than in the South Carolina game. (Over/under on number of blaze orange caps and/or jackets in the stands? 57 1/2.)
Next week doesn't look much better. Yes, the game is in War Memorial Stadium against an SEC team. But it's another 11:21 kickoff. And it's opening day of duck season. Oh yeah, it's also against Mississippi State (4-5, 2-3). Given that, nobody can be blamed for choosing a Haydel Game Call over a Hog call.
2. Dear SEC, Please Upgrade To HD
In the wake of yet another SEC officiating blunder the replay officials in the booth of SEC games are watching low-definition TVs. That's right, you sitting at home with your 42-inch HD TV have a better view of plays under review than the guy actually doing the reviewing. Heck, there are people with HD TVs set up at their tailgates. Yet the SEC doesn't have HD for the replay official!?!
Even more troubling, this is an area the SEC could be monetizing. Given the craven chase for every dollar, it's inexcusable Mike Slive hasn't contracted with some manufacturer to be "The Official HD TV of the SEC." If nothing else get the local Best Buy to hook one up and slap a Golden Flake sticker on it.
3. You Can't Say That On TV (NSFW audio!)
4. Recurring Items
SportsJournalists.com Top 25 link is here.
AwfulAnnouncing provides college football announcers' schedules here and the Pammy Award update hasn't been posted yet.
5. M8B Prediction
Will Arkansas (-14.5) cover against Troy?
(Views expressed by the Magic 8 Ball do not necessarily reflect the views of this blog, the blog owner nor this post's author. Advice from the M8B is for entertainment purposes only and not for actual wagering ... especially since the Magic 8 Ball is 6-6 this season.)
This week's games
Heavenly Father, we know that you have been busy this football season with more important things, such as teaching Bob Stoops lessons in humility and cheering on your favorite professional football team (currently undefeated), but we implore thee to now turn your attention to your favorite college football team's final three games. Lord, not that you don't know better than I, but I hear there are a lot of sinners in Pittsburgh, Connecticut, and Stanford. Especially Stanford. So in closing, please guide your squad to play to the best of their abilities, and the coaches to come up with a game plan that puts the ball in Golden Tate's hands every down. In lieu of these prayers being answered, I call on thee for divine intervention to move Urban Meyer to leave Gainesville for South Bend. Let the congregation say amen.
For $800 and the Ramon Escobar Trophy, which Steve Straessle plans to use as a bookend for his Pat Conroy novels, described wonderfully in this month's issue of Arkansas Life, select your winners and e-mail them back to me by 5 p.m. Friday.
Tennessee - Ole Miss
11 a.m., Saturday, CBS
Line: Ole Miss by 4
Arizona - California
6 p.m., Saturday, Versus
Line: California by 1
Oldest Rivalry in the Deep South
Auburn - Georgia
6 p.m., Saturday, ESPN2
Line: Georgia by 4
Texas Tech - Oklahoma State
7 p.m., Saturday, ABC
Line: Oklahoma State by 4
Notre Dame - Pittsburgh
7 p.m., Saturday, ABC
Line: Pittsburgh by 7
* Underdog worth three points
Good luck.
****#****
Are you happy now, Sullivan?
* Note: The above prayer is not intended to be taken seriously by God or insult the fine residents of Pittsburgh or Connecticut.
For $800 and the Ramon Escobar Trophy, which Steve Straessle plans to use as a bookend for his Pat Conroy novels, described wonderfully in this month's issue of Arkansas Life, select your winners and e-mail them back to me by 5 p.m. Friday.
Tennessee - Ole Miss
11 a.m., Saturday, CBS
Line: Ole Miss by 4
Arizona - California
6 p.m., Saturday, Versus
Line: California by 1
Oldest Rivalry in the Deep South
Auburn - Georgia
6 p.m., Saturday, ESPN2
Line: Georgia by 4
Texas Tech - Oklahoma State
7 p.m., Saturday, ABC
Line: Oklahoma State by 4
Notre Dame - Pittsburgh
7 p.m., Saturday, ABC
Line: Pittsburgh by 7
* Underdog worth three points
Good luck.
****#****
Are you happy now, Sullivan?
* Note: The above prayer is not intended to be taken seriously by God or insult the fine residents of Pittsburgh or Connecticut.
Monday, November 09, 2009
From the Bench
Drinking the Kool-Aid Until the End
Robert Shields
The Razorback football game could not have started the second half any worse than what occurred Saturday. After South Carolina received the second-half kickoff, they went immediately to the air and tossed one for an 80-yard touchdown. Bang, that quick, the Gamecocks were back in front and in control 16-10.
But a blown play in the kicking game can tank a team for the rest of the game, and South Carolina appeared to have this problem Saturday. Instead of being up 17-10, the Gamecocks blew the extra-point try. South Carolina never recovered from that mistake. In fact, the Gamecock mistakes mounted from that point forward.
For the Hogs, though, it was notable how they responded from being down so quickly again. Except for the early deficit they recovered from against Texas A&M, the Hogs have had a tendency to press to hard after being down. In other words, the Hogs tend to play better when in the lead. Some teams play well from behind, but this team has not.
Bobby Petrino’s play calling starts to change when playing from behind, often going for the big strike quickly. When in front, Petrino leans on the opposing team a little more with the run.
Saturday, after the quick strike by South Carolina that followed halftime, the Hogs did not panic and neither did Petrino. Instead, they were very patient with the offense not looking for it all at once with the big play. The Hogs came out from their 27-yard line and methodically moved the ball down the field, avoided mistakes and penalties, and finished off the drive with a strong running attack. The final play was Ryan Mallett sneaking it over the goal line from the 1-yard line.
The Hogs took control from that point on the rest of the game. It was an impressive drive against a good defense. Earlier in the year against Georgia, the Hogs were only down by one score, got the ball back, and the offense failed to advance. The same can be said in the second half against Ole Miss. The Hogs instead looked impatient in both of those games and tried to press the offense, which is difficult to do against a good defense.
Speaking of being patient, Broderick Green has dramatically improved since the start of the season. Many fans, especially on the call-in sports radio shows, were very impatient with him and not giving the kid much of a chance. Many were already giving up on him as he had a few failed attempts in short yardage situations. He has since proved to be a very tough back typically always picking up the short yardage that is needed in drives and at times over the last two games showing some dangerous speed for the opposing defense to deal with.
Give Petrino credit -- he never wavered on the kid and continued to use him even after his failures. Green has started to show flashes of why USC wanted him. He is even becoming a big threat catching the ball out of the backfield.
A wrinkle that I had not picked up on much this year, but was evident in this game, is D.J. Williams coming out of the fullback position. The best wrinkle, though, is seeing Joe Adams back on the field. He is such a playmaker for this team. And it’s great to know the kid is doing better.
The other talk of the weekend: Michael Dyer, the state’s all time leading rusher, decided to go to Auburn.
I want to give a special thanks to all those that made my book signing a great success. For more on my book, “The Economics of Sex”, www.lulu.com/fruitbatbooks
Send your thoughts about Dyer to fromthebench@yahoo.com
Robert Shields
The Razorback football game could not have started the second half any worse than what occurred Saturday. After South Carolina received the second-half kickoff, they went immediately to the air and tossed one for an 80-yard touchdown. Bang, that quick, the Gamecocks were back in front and in control 16-10.
But a blown play in the kicking game can tank a team for the rest of the game, and South Carolina appeared to have this problem Saturday. Instead of being up 17-10, the Gamecocks blew the extra-point try. South Carolina never recovered from that mistake. In fact, the Gamecock mistakes mounted from that point forward.
For the Hogs, though, it was notable how they responded from being down so quickly again. Except for the early deficit they recovered from against Texas A&M, the Hogs have had a tendency to press to hard after being down. In other words, the Hogs tend to play better when in the lead. Some teams play well from behind, but this team has not.
Bobby Petrino’s play calling starts to change when playing from behind, often going for the big strike quickly. When in front, Petrino leans on the opposing team a little more with the run.
Saturday, after the quick strike by South Carolina that followed halftime, the Hogs did not panic and neither did Petrino. Instead, they were very patient with the offense not looking for it all at once with the big play. The Hogs came out from their 27-yard line and methodically moved the ball down the field, avoided mistakes and penalties, and finished off the drive with a strong running attack. The final play was Ryan Mallett sneaking it over the goal line from the 1-yard line.
The Hogs took control from that point on the rest of the game. It was an impressive drive against a good defense. Earlier in the year against Georgia, the Hogs were only down by one score, got the ball back, and the offense failed to advance. The same can be said in the second half against Ole Miss. The Hogs instead looked impatient in both of those games and tried to press the offense, which is difficult to do against a good defense.
Speaking of being patient, Broderick Green has dramatically improved since the start of the season. Many fans, especially on the call-in sports radio shows, were very impatient with him and not giving the kid much of a chance. Many were already giving up on him as he had a few failed attempts in short yardage situations. He has since proved to be a very tough back typically always picking up the short yardage that is needed in drives and at times over the last two games showing some dangerous speed for the opposing defense to deal with.
Give Petrino credit -- he never wavered on the kid and continued to use him even after his failures. Green has started to show flashes of why USC wanted him. He is even becoming a big threat catching the ball out of the backfield.
A wrinkle that I had not picked up on much this year, but was evident in this game, is D.J. Williams coming out of the fullback position. The best wrinkle, though, is seeing Joe Adams back on the field. He is such a playmaker for this team. And it’s great to know the kid is doing better.
The other talk of the weekend: Michael Dyer, the state’s all time leading rusher, decided to go to Auburn.
I want to give a special thanks to all those that made my book signing a great success. For more on my book, “The Economics of Sex”, www.lulu.com/fruitbatbooks
Send your thoughts about Dyer to fromthebench@yahoo.com
Friday, November 06, 2009
This time, we are serious
SEC drops the boom on Urban Meyer to the tune of 30 grand for his commentary on the refs.
Yes, yes, because Florida never gets the calls.
Here's the release.
MEYER FINED
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Nov. 6, 2009) – University of Florida head football coach Urban Meyer has been fined $30,000 by the Southeastern Conference for his public comments concerning officiating, Commissioner Mike Slive announced Friday.
The fine is the first since the conference’s Athletic Directors, with the full support of the league’s Presidents and Chancellors, voted to have all violations of SEC Bylaw 10.5.4 enforced by suspensions and fines.
“Coach Meyer has violated the Southeastern Conference Code of Ethics,” Slive said. “SEC Bylaw 10.5.4 clearly states that the coaches, players and support personnel shall refrain from public criticism of officials. The league’s Athletics Directors and Presidents and Chancellors have made it clear that negative public comments on officiating are not acceptable.”
In other news: Enjoy this photo.
Yes, yes, because Florida never gets the calls.
Here's the release.
MEYER FINED
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Nov. 6, 2009) – University of Florida head football coach Urban Meyer has been fined $30,000 by the Southeastern Conference for his public comments concerning officiating, Commissioner Mike Slive announced Friday.
The fine is the first since the conference’s Athletic Directors, with the full support of the league’s Presidents and Chancellors, voted to have all violations of SEC Bylaw 10.5.4 enforced by suspensions and fines.
“Coach Meyer has violated the Southeastern Conference Code of Ethics,” Slive said. “SEC Bylaw 10.5.4 clearly states that the coaches, players and support personnel shall refrain from public criticism of officials. The league’s Athletics Directors and Presidents and Chancellors have made it clear that negative public comments on officiating are not acceptable.”
In other news: Enjoy this photo.
Michael Dyer commits to Dakota
Wait, the headline is wrong.
Michael Dyer commits to Auburn in a Friday morning press conference
So there you go, Arkansas lovers, kool-aid drinkers and Nutt haters. Bobby Petrino loses, at least for now, the biggest in-state recruit. Will you now put Bobby P's head on a stick?
The correct answer is, no, unless South Carolina wins tomorrow and then the grumbling begins!
Michael Dyer commits to Auburn in a Friday morning press conference
So there you go, Arkansas lovers, kool-aid drinkers and Nutt haters. Bobby Petrino loses, at least for now, the biggest in-state recruit. Will you now put Bobby P's head on a stick?
The correct answer is, no, unless South Carolina wins tomorrow and then the grumbling begins!
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Bowl Possibilities
It looks like Arkansas will make a bowl appearance this year. So I came up with the possibilities in a haiku:
Shrevport or Nashville
Bowl desinations for hogs
Win out for Cotton.
Shrevport or Nashville
Bowl desinations for hogs
Win out for Cotton.
Five Things
1. Yet another "Most Important Game in the Razorbacks Season" is upon us.
But does anybody care?
Following that cupcake last Saturday (bonus points if you stayed for the entire game or even watched the entire game) and combined with the 11:21 a.m. kickoff, there is little to no buzz for this game. Perhaps it'll pick up by breakfast on Saturday. We'll see.
This is actually a dangerous time for the UA when it comes to losing the fans.
Next week, Troy plays at Fayetteville. As if playing a Sunbelt team in November isn't bad enough, Nov. 14 is the opening day of deer season (modern firearm) in Arkansas. So tens of thousands (if not hundreds of thousands) will be wearing blaze orange and camo that day instead of cardinal and cream or red and white or whatever it is you call Razorback colors.
Arkansas better win this Saturday or whatever enthusiasm for this football season will be on the verge of slipping away entirely.
2. The South Will Rise Again
Over at Ole Miss, Houston Nutt continues to be the luckiest coach in the SEC. Instead of fans discussing how the Rebels went from top 5 to unranked, from manhandling Arkansas to getting whipped by Auburn, they're focused on this foofaraw about "From Dixie with love" (a bastardized version of "American Trilogy" by Elvis) and how students yell "The South Will Rise Again!" during it.
Background here ... http://www.ajc.com/sports/uga/ole-miss-may-drop-184268.html
Shepard Smith, Fox News and Ole Miss alum, weighs in ... http://sharing.theflip.com/session/05fa6bb33a230502020f4f90ef349de5/video/7100423
The defenders of such practices always trot out the "It's celebrating our heritage, not hate." Fine. Then to celebrate my heritage at Saturday's Arkansas game, I'll be ambushing people traveling on I-540 and scalping the victims. It's about heritage, not hate. The Cherokees Will Rise Again!
3. Hognoxious has nothing on this Mountain West fan ...
4. Recurring Items
SportsJournalists.com Top 25 link is here.
AwfulAnnouncing provides college football announcers' schedules here and the Pammy Award update is here.
5. M8B Prediction
Will Arkansas (-7) cover the spread against South Carolina?
(Views expressed by the Magic 8 Ball do not necessarily reflect the views of this blog, the blog owner nor this post's author. Advice from the M8B is for entertainment purposes only and not for actual wagering ... especially since the Magic 8 Ball is 6-5 this season.)
But does anybody care?
Following that cupcake last Saturday (bonus points if you stayed for the entire game or even watched the entire game) and combined with the 11:21 a.m. kickoff, there is little to no buzz for this game. Perhaps it'll pick up by breakfast on Saturday. We'll see.
This is actually a dangerous time for the UA when it comes to losing the fans.
Next week, Troy plays at Fayetteville. As if playing a Sunbelt team in November isn't bad enough, Nov. 14 is the opening day of deer season (modern firearm) in Arkansas. So tens of thousands (if not hundreds of thousands) will be wearing blaze orange and camo that day instead of cardinal and cream or red and white or whatever it is you call Razorback colors.
Arkansas better win this Saturday or whatever enthusiasm for this football season will be on the verge of slipping away entirely.
2. The South Will Rise Again
Over at Ole Miss, Houston Nutt continues to be the luckiest coach in the SEC. Instead of fans discussing how the Rebels went from top 5 to unranked, from manhandling Arkansas to getting whipped by Auburn, they're focused on this foofaraw about "From Dixie with love" (a bastardized version of "American Trilogy" by Elvis) and how students yell "The South Will Rise Again!" during it.
Background here ... http://www.ajc.com/sports/uga/ole-miss-may-drop-184268.html
Shepard Smith, Fox News and Ole Miss alum, weighs in ... http://sharing.theflip.com/session/05fa6bb33a230502020f4f90ef349de5/video/7100423
The defenders of such practices always trot out the "It's celebrating our heritage, not hate." Fine. Then to celebrate my heritage at Saturday's Arkansas game, I'll be ambushing people traveling on I-540 and scalping the victims. It's about heritage, not hate. The Cherokees Will Rise Again!
3. Hognoxious has nothing on this Mountain West fan ...
4. Recurring Items
SportsJournalists.com Top 25 link is here.
AwfulAnnouncing provides college football announcers' schedules here and the Pammy Award update is here.
5. M8B Prediction
Will Arkansas (-7) cover the spread against South Carolina?
(Views expressed by the Magic 8 Ball do not necessarily reflect the views of this blog, the blog owner nor this post's author. Advice from the M8B is for entertainment purposes only and not for actual wagering ... especially since the Magic 8 Ball is 6-5 this season.)
Letters to Ramon: Week 10
"I'm not falling for your trick of picking for bonus points... All favored teams and probably another 2 - 3 weekend. There is a reason Brent goes overboard on the Blackshirts... They deserve it! Suh for Heisman Baby!" -- Blackshirt Ryan
"I have yet to pick an Arkansas game correctly this year, I hope I start now." -- Brian R.
"I may be nuts, especially since I seem to be the only one with faith in USCe, but travel along with early game and emotions after UT, gotta go with Bobby P." -- Jeff K.
"Do you think Spurrier is done after this year? He’s got to be missing the golf course right now. The Tide’s weakness is at QB, but with that line and Ingram, it doesn’t matter that much. Until Pryor can prove he can make a decision beyond which direction to run, I will pick against OSU. Classic trap game for the Pac-10 leader, but Oregon appears to have a little more focus than those primal scream head-cases at USC." -- Jeff G.
"Some of my picks aren't necessarily b/c I think these teams will win; but I am WILLING them to win!" -- Dorian W.
"Tell Margot and Janis I want some of the water they are drinking. Well, I think they are drinking water." -- School of Noise
"Ahhh, fall is in the air and so are footballs. Does it get any better than this? Well, to be honest it does but football season is pretty dang sweet! Started slow and gaining momentum is SP's way of doing things! The Sem Prog is feeling good this week and thusly will share his keen insights into this weeks Gridiron Glory. To all my dear Arkansas friends who are die hard fans, please forgive me for picking your team. My track record this year has been pick Hogs, Hogs lose. But I have soiled myself enough this year and just can't pick the Gator anymore. Probably going to be Bama but I need the upset points so get a bit tipsy, start a fight, marry a cousin and Geaux Togers!!! Tough call but I think OU is OK so NU is PU! SEMINOLE TRIVIA: Did you know that Florida State has one of only two collegiate circuses in the United States. A unique tradition on the campus of The Florida State University since 1947, the Circus is a year-round program in which FSU students can participate. I have been told I am a clown but this circus actually does have them as well as trapeeze and high wire acts. Really a cool and unique deal." -- Seminole Prognosticator
"While trying to send you my picks just now, our dog (Rowdy) just grabbed something off the table and I've just chased him all over the house to get it back... even at my age, persistence wore him out. Isn't the 'companionship' of a 74 pound lapdog just great? Almost as much work as raising two boys. Anyway, here they are: 1) SOUTH CAROLINA (for no other reason than to take a risk to catch up with the field which I assume will pick the Hogs out of loyalty); 2) LSU (because it might eliviate some of the 'man love' for everything lil' bit found amongst most sports talking heads such as the disgusting Vern Lundquist and admittedly a current strong dislike for AU's cross-state adversary); 3) OHIO STATE (because I need the extra points to catch the boys and that overrides my dislike for the Buckeyes); 4) OREGON (because it isn't quiz time nor a uniform beauty contest); and 5) OKLAHOMA (because Chizik's boys at ISU decimated the Cornhuskers earlier this year). Well, guess I'll have to figure out how to get our game through pay-for-view against that powerhouse Furman (at least they have won a few games this year) Saturday since the War Wagon needs resting." -- Big O
"My lesson for David - don't pick a game just for the extra points! I bet you he is picking almost every team with extra points. It will be interesting this week!" -- Kay S.
"Gotta go with underdogs to have a shot...but I will never pick against the Hogs... ever" -- Jimmie D.
"Big 10 is terrible… can we get rid of this conference?" -- Joe C.
"In 2005, I sucked in the pool and things turned out good for the Horns, so I’m hopeful this year. We’re going to Pasadena baby!!!" -- Yo Sal
"I'll throw in UH as an underdog bonus. They are actually 2 point underdogs to Tulsa. So if I get all 6 games right, how many points is that worth?" -- Danny K.
"It'll be bird v. bird (Ducks v. Hawkeyes) for the national championship - when was the last time that happened (and yes, both Florida and Tejas will drop one before January)." -- Glenn B.
"I have yet to pick an Arkansas game correctly this year, I hope I start now." -- Brian R.
"I may be nuts, especially since I seem to be the only one with faith in USCe, but travel along with early game and emotions after UT, gotta go with Bobby P." -- Jeff K.
"Do you think Spurrier is done after this year? He’s got to be missing the golf course right now. The Tide’s weakness is at QB, but with that line and Ingram, it doesn’t matter that much. Until Pryor can prove he can make a decision beyond which direction to run, I will pick against OSU. Classic trap game for the Pac-10 leader, but Oregon appears to have a little more focus than those primal scream head-cases at USC." -- Jeff G.
"Some of my picks aren't necessarily b/c I think these teams will win; but I am WILLING them to win!" -- Dorian W.
"Tell Margot and Janis I want some of the water they are drinking. Well, I think they are drinking water." -- School of Noise
"Ahhh, fall is in the air and so are footballs. Does it get any better than this? Well, to be honest it does but football season is pretty dang sweet! Started slow and gaining momentum is SP's way of doing things! The Sem Prog is feeling good this week and thusly will share his keen insights into this weeks Gridiron Glory. To all my dear Arkansas friends who are die hard fans, please forgive me for picking your team. My track record this year has been pick Hogs, Hogs lose. But I have soiled myself enough this year and just can't pick the Gator anymore. Probably going to be Bama but I need the upset points so get a bit tipsy, start a fight, marry a cousin and Geaux Togers!!! Tough call but I think OU is OK so NU is PU! SEMINOLE TRIVIA: Did you know that Florida State has one of only two collegiate circuses in the United States. A unique tradition on the campus of The Florida State University since 1947, the Circus is a year-round program in which FSU students can participate. I have been told I am a clown but this circus actually does have them as well as trapeeze and high wire acts. Really a cool and unique deal." -- Seminole Prognosticator
"While trying to send you my picks just now, our dog (Rowdy) just grabbed something off the table and I've just chased him all over the house to get it back... even at my age, persistence wore him out. Isn't the 'companionship' of a 74 pound lapdog just great? Almost as much work as raising two boys. Anyway, here they are: 1) SOUTH CAROLINA (for no other reason than to take a risk to catch up with the field which I assume will pick the Hogs out of loyalty); 2) LSU (because it might eliviate some of the 'man love' for everything lil' bit found amongst most sports talking heads such as the disgusting Vern Lundquist and admittedly a current strong dislike for AU's cross-state adversary); 3) OHIO STATE (because I need the extra points to catch the boys and that overrides my dislike for the Buckeyes); 4) OREGON (because it isn't quiz time nor a uniform beauty contest); and 5) OKLAHOMA (because Chizik's boys at ISU decimated the Cornhuskers earlier this year). Well, guess I'll have to figure out how to get our game through pay-for-view against that powerhouse Furman (at least they have won a few games this year) Saturday since the War Wagon needs resting." -- Big O
"My lesson for David - don't pick a game just for the extra points! I bet you he is picking almost every team with extra points. It will be interesting this week!" -- Kay S.
"Gotta go with underdogs to have a shot...but I will never pick against the Hogs... ever" -- Jimmie D.
"Big 10 is terrible… can we get rid of this conference?" -- Joe C.
"In 2005, I sucked in the pool and things turned out good for the Horns, so I’m hopeful this year. We’re going to Pasadena baby!!!" -- Yo Sal
"I'll throw in UH as an underdog bonus. They are actually 2 point underdogs to Tulsa. So if I get all 6 games right, how many points is that worth?" -- Danny K.
"It'll be bird v. bird (Ducks v. Hawkeyes) for the national championship - when was the last time that happened (and yes, both Florida and Tejas will drop one before January)." -- Glenn B.
This week's games
This could be a bonus-point bonanza week with four of the five games offering extra points to underdog winners. If all four bonus teams won, a 5-0 would be worth a 14-point swing to the lucky contestant. So can visitors 6-3 South Carolina and 7-1 LSU, or home teams 5-3 Stanford and the 5-3 Blackshirts (I love Brent Musberger but please don't let him call this game because he goes way overboard on the Blackshirts) pull out some bonus points for you? It's double-or-nothing smoothie time, Larry Brannan. I will take a Blue Lagoon and Rockin' Raspberry.
For $800 and the Ramon Escobar Trophy, which Margot Vogel plans to put on display next to the football that Pulaski Academy superstar Sam Vogel is going to intercept and run back for a touchdown in the showdown against Little Rock Christian happening Friday night on ESPNU, select your winners and e-mail them back to me by 5 p.m. Friday.
South Carolina - Arkansas
11:20 a.m., Saturday, SEC Network
Line: Arkansas by 7
* Underdog worth three points
LSU - Alabama
2:30 p.m., Saturday, CBS
Line: Alabama by 7
* Underdog worth three points
Ohio State - Penn State
2:30 p.m., Saturday, ABC/ESPN2
Line: Penn State by 3
Oregon - Stanford
2:30 p.m., Saturday, Fox Sports Net
Line: Oregon by 6
* Underdog worth three points
Oklahoma - Nebraska
7 p.m., Saturday, ABC
Line: Oklahoma by 5
* Underdog worth three points
Good luck.
****#****
For $800 and the Ramon Escobar Trophy, which Margot Vogel plans to put on display next to the football that Pulaski Academy superstar Sam Vogel is going to intercept and run back for a touchdown in the showdown against Little Rock Christian happening Friday night on ESPNU, select your winners and e-mail them back to me by 5 p.m. Friday.
South Carolina - Arkansas
11:20 a.m., Saturday, SEC Network
Line: Arkansas by 7
* Underdog worth three points
LSU - Alabama
2:30 p.m., Saturday, CBS
Line: Alabama by 7
* Underdog worth three points
Ohio State - Penn State
2:30 p.m., Saturday, ABC/ESPN2
Line: Penn State by 3
Oregon - Stanford
2:30 p.m., Saturday, Fox Sports Net
Line: Oregon by 6
* Underdog worth three points
Oklahoma - Nebraska
7 p.m., Saturday, ABC
Line: Oklahoma by 5
* Underdog worth three points
Good luck.
****#****
Monday, November 02, 2009
From the Bench
Road to Bowl Passes Through South Carolina Defense
Robert Shields
What did we learn from the Eastern Michigan game? Joe Adams is back, and he is a huge lift to the team for the rest of the season. Eastern Michigan was not paid enough for that beating.
The good coming out of the game is that the Hogs have pulled back to 4-4 and need only two more wins to go to a bowl game. The likely candidates on the remaining schedule appear to be Troy and Mississippi State, both at home.
Then there is South Carolina. If the Hogs win it next week, the possibility of going 7-5 becomes likely and 7-5 is great improvement from 5-7 last season.
Can the Hogs beat South Carolina? It will be a difficult task. South Carolina has looked good all season, and even in its losses it has played very tough. The Gamecocks have a good defense, and the Hogs have struggled against solid defensive teams.
From first glance, the key for the Hogs beating South Carolina will be getting pressure on Stephen Garcia. The Hogs have gotten to the quarterback effectively in its good wins against Texas A&M, Auburn, and Florida. I know the Gators won, but most of the nation knows the Hogs won and sacked Tebow a half-dozen times.
In the games where the Hogs failed to cause pressure, especially against Georgia and Ole Miss, those quarterbacks picked the Hogs apart. If you have seen South Carolina this year, and they have been on television a few times, you know Garcia can pick a defense apart if he is given time and the Gamecock receivers are capable of making the catch. Conversely, Garcia is not going to beat the Hogs with his legs. In many ways, he is very similar to Ryan Mallett.
Mallett is not going to beat someone with his legs, and when teams get pressure on him, he gets shaky. No surprise, most quarterbacks are effected by pressure -- it’s just a matter of degree. Garcia and Mallett are affected by pressure more than other quarterbacks because of the inability to beat teams with their mobility.
The one-time defensive coordinator for the Hogs (for one hour, maybe a little longer) will certainly be dialing up the pressure on Mallett. Razorback coach Bobby Petrino will be billed with the task of finding a way to keep it off of Mallett.
With Adams being back, that task for Petrino has gotten a little easier.
So many times since entering the SEC, this game against South Carolina has always had such a huge bearing on bowl eligibility, outcome of the season, and bowl placement. This year appears to be no different. And as a fan, you can feel it in that if the Hogs beat South Carolina, the LSU game seems like it’s back on the table. A win against South Carolina almost assures a strong finish to the season by the Hogs. A loss this weekend and the Hogs are trying to find a way to cobble six wins together against Troy and Mississippi State, backing their way into a bowl game all tied up at 6-6.
The Tour
A book signing for my book “The Economics of Sex” will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, at Wordsworth Books in the Heights of Little Rock. For more on the book, visit lulu.com/fruitbatbooks.
Send your season-ending predictions to fromthebench@yahoo.com
Robert Shields
What did we learn from the Eastern Michigan game? Joe Adams is back, and he is a huge lift to the team for the rest of the season. Eastern Michigan was not paid enough for that beating.
The good coming out of the game is that the Hogs have pulled back to 4-4 and need only two more wins to go to a bowl game. The likely candidates on the remaining schedule appear to be Troy and Mississippi State, both at home.
Then there is South Carolina. If the Hogs win it next week, the possibility of going 7-5 becomes likely and 7-5 is great improvement from 5-7 last season.
Can the Hogs beat South Carolina? It will be a difficult task. South Carolina has looked good all season, and even in its losses it has played very tough. The Gamecocks have a good defense, and the Hogs have struggled against solid defensive teams.
From first glance, the key for the Hogs beating South Carolina will be getting pressure on Stephen Garcia. The Hogs have gotten to the quarterback effectively in its good wins against Texas A&M, Auburn, and Florida. I know the Gators won, but most of the nation knows the Hogs won and sacked Tebow a half-dozen times.
In the games where the Hogs failed to cause pressure, especially against Georgia and Ole Miss, those quarterbacks picked the Hogs apart. If you have seen South Carolina this year, and they have been on television a few times, you know Garcia can pick a defense apart if he is given time and the Gamecock receivers are capable of making the catch. Conversely, Garcia is not going to beat the Hogs with his legs. In many ways, he is very similar to Ryan Mallett.
Mallett is not going to beat someone with his legs, and when teams get pressure on him, he gets shaky. No surprise, most quarterbacks are effected by pressure -- it’s just a matter of degree. Garcia and Mallett are affected by pressure more than other quarterbacks because of the inability to beat teams with their mobility.
The one-time defensive coordinator for the Hogs (for one hour, maybe a little longer) will certainly be dialing up the pressure on Mallett. Razorback coach Bobby Petrino will be billed with the task of finding a way to keep it off of Mallett.
With Adams being back, that task for Petrino has gotten a little easier.
So many times since entering the SEC, this game against South Carolina has always had such a huge bearing on bowl eligibility, outcome of the season, and bowl placement. This year appears to be no different. And as a fan, you can feel it in that if the Hogs beat South Carolina, the LSU game seems like it’s back on the table. A win against South Carolina almost assures a strong finish to the season by the Hogs. A loss this weekend and the Hogs are trying to find a way to cobble six wins together against Troy and Mississippi State, backing their way into a bowl game all tied up at 6-6.
The Tour
A book signing for my book “The Economics of Sex” will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, at Wordsworth Books in the Heights of Little Rock. For more on the book, visit lulu.com/fruitbatbooks.
Send your season-ending predictions to fromthebench@yahoo.com
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Malzahn 1, Nutt 0
Or, more accurately, 33-20. And 401 yards of offense by Auburn against Ole Miss.
I wonder if Nutt has any fingernails left after today?
I wonder if Nutt has any fingernails left after today?
Upon further review...
Eric Sims and Chris O'Brien did not attend the Razorback game together Saturday. In fact, this footage that aired during tonight's game is more than two years old. Nice one, ESPNU. I guess if I commit a crime in Little Rock tonight I can use this footage as an alibi.
Friday, October 30, 2009
I Like Oregon's Form This Year
When USC visits Oregon Saturday (ABC/ESPN2, 7 p.m. central) the real battle will be on the sidelines. Have Oregon's cheerleaders overtaken the USC Song Girls to become the hottest in college football? And how is this possible in a dirty hippy town like Eugene? We can only hope that both squads have special costumes for their Halloween game. I suggest they all go as lesbians and put on a very special halftime show.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Another Rivalry
Last week Houston Nutt took on his former team and beat them for a
second year in a row. This week, he takes on the team is former Offensive
Coordinator coaches, the Auburn Tigers. I came up with a haiku for the
occasion.
Houston "Disco" Nutt
Gus "the old cuss" Malazahn
Vince, please sign a match.
second year in a row. This week, he takes on the team is former Offensive
Coordinator coaches, the Auburn Tigers. I came up with a haiku for the
occasion.
Houston "Disco" Nutt
Gus "the old cuss" Malazahn
Vince, please sign a match.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Letters to Ramon: Week 9
"Tell me this doesn't send chills down your spine." -- Mr. Kentucky
"Mack Brown is a former Seminole tailback (yes, I was a tailback as well... Every time I got off the bench, coach would yell to get my tail back!). Longhorns all the way." -- Seminole Prognosticator
"What? No Georgia-Florida? A chance for me to pick up some ground with the underdog points I'd surely win with the Bulldog upset of the still-young century?" -- Andrew D.
"We have two tickets to the Razorback game this Saturday against Eastern Michigan in Fayetteville this Saturday if anyone would like them. We can't make the game." -- Rene S.
"Where is Arkansas this week? West Virginia–South Florida -- what’s up with this game? Nobody cares for the Big Least!" -- Joe C.
"West Virginia - Which makes me think of John Denver, which makes me wonder — why do the Baltimore Orioles play "Thank God I'm a country boy" during the 7th inning stretch? I'd say I lie awake at night pondering questions like that. But it would be a lie. But that's where my stream of consciousness went when I saw this game. So, really, it's all your fault, Matt, that I'll now spend several minutes trying to Google an answer to the Orioles-John Denver connection." -- Scott F.
"I will try something new by taking all the lines. It can’t hurt." -- Cat
"You picked some tough ones this week. I don’t think it matters – Mr. Wells would have to stop playing right now in order for someone to catch him. Ole Miss – talk about a grudge match. Nutt v. Malzahn I (it is the first game against eachother, right?). OSU – can the Cowboys put the brakes on yet another team from Texas like they did to TTech last year? If this was the first week Howard was suspended, I would say no. But he’s been out for 3 weeks now and OSU is still winning, so I think they have a shot." -- Jeff G.
"West Virginia - WVU was so embarrassed by Auburn they've picked up their game. Ole Miss - Obviously Matt is doing this to me on purpose. Tennessee - Tennessee was so embarrassed by Auburn they've picked up their game." -- Seve Chang
"My prediction, Iowa goes to the championship. FL, Bamer + TX are due for a loss somewhere." -- My D.
"If Iowa wins the NC game, I will toss in another $100 to sweeten the pot - kind of like buying shots for all your buddies in a bar." -- Johnny V
"On the eve of my next trip to Auburn, this time leaving Jacob and Sarah to 'trick' the residents of Little Rock, I have fortunately remembered to send you my dismal list of picks - although they were better than my two offspring's picks last week for a change. Along with explanations, they are as follows: 1) West Virginia (because they were good enough to be beat by Auburn during its win stretch); 2) Auburn (because I am the ultimate optimist willing to add another 1000+ miles to the War Waggon); 3) Tennessee (see reason for first pick above); 4) Oregon (because I really don't like USC and they need another loss so as to avoid their being in the National Championship game); and 5) Texas (because NCAA Powers That Be will decree it)." -- Oscar
"I love corn dogs, hence it must be true!!!" -- LSU fan
"AwBarn... come on, Trey! I'm not using the Vegas line... no matter what I do, I lose 3-4. Dr. Selligman would be proud!" -- Dr. Aristotle Ditka
"It appears Ramon is not destined for my Big Blue Shrine." -- Mr. Kentucky
"Leave it to a man to use sex (even if it's between animals) to reduce a friendly, wholesome fantasy football league into a filthy, hillbilly free for all!!! Will Johnson should be BANNED!!!! He has desecrated the spirit of the email background football pool design theme, not to mention the good name and reputation of rabbits everywhere. If I had a white glove I would slap him and challenge him to a duel." -- Robyn E.
"Great - the old-time adage "beware the directional schools" has no application here. I'll take South Florida (a region, and by the way, maybe it should be West Central Florida, since Tampa is not south of, say, half the state) over West Virginia (a state), since US(WC)F managed to upset WVA in 2006 and 2007. I'll take Auburn over Ole Miss (come on, Gus). Maybe an Ole Miss booster should do a stadium fly-over with a big banner reading 'High School.' It is not USC''s year - I'll take Oregon over USC and think I should get a bonus point for this pick. But maybe Oregon's getting back to its salad days ([i]n the 1916 season, Oregon went undefeated with five wins and one tie under head coach Hugo Bezdek, shutting out all their opponents except California; they opened the season against Willamette University, defeating them 97-0) and this is not all that much of a stretch." -- Glenn B.
"Mack Brown is a former Seminole tailback (yes, I was a tailback as well... Every time I got off the bench, coach would yell to get my tail back!). Longhorns all the way." -- Seminole Prognosticator
"What? No Georgia-Florida? A chance for me to pick up some ground with the underdog points I'd surely win with the Bulldog upset of the still-young century?" -- Andrew D.
"We have two tickets to the Razorback game this Saturday against Eastern Michigan in Fayetteville this Saturday if anyone would like them. We can't make the game." -- Rene S.
"Where is Arkansas this week? West Virginia–South Florida -- what’s up with this game? Nobody cares for the Big Least!" -- Joe C.
"West Virginia - Which makes me think of John Denver, which makes me wonder — why do the Baltimore Orioles play "Thank God I'm a country boy" during the 7th inning stretch? I'd say I lie awake at night pondering questions like that. But it would be a lie. But that's where my stream of consciousness went when I saw this game. So, really, it's all your fault, Matt, that I'll now spend several minutes trying to Google an answer to the Orioles-John Denver connection." -- Scott F.
"I will try something new by taking all the lines. It can’t hurt." -- Cat
"You picked some tough ones this week. I don’t think it matters – Mr. Wells would have to stop playing right now in order for someone to catch him. Ole Miss – talk about a grudge match. Nutt v. Malzahn I (it is the first game against eachother, right?). OSU – can the Cowboys put the brakes on yet another team from Texas like they did to TTech last year? If this was the first week Howard was suspended, I would say no. But he’s been out for 3 weeks now and OSU is still winning, so I think they have a shot." -- Jeff G.
"West Virginia - WVU was so embarrassed by Auburn they've picked up their game. Ole Miss - Obviously Matt is doing this to me on purpose. Tennessee - Tennessee was so embarrassed by Auburn they've picked up their game." -- Seve Chang
"My prediction, Iowa goes to the championship. FL, Bamer + TX are due for a loss somewhere." -- My D.
"If Iowa wins the NC game, I will toss in another $100 to sweeten the pot - kind of like buying shots for all your buddies in a bar." -- Johnny V
"On the eve of my next trip to Auburn, this time leaving Jacob and Sarah to 'trick' the residents of Little Rock, I have fortunately remembered to send you my dismal list of picks - although they were better than my two offspring's picks last week for a change. Along with explanations, they are as follows: 1) West Virginia (because they were good enough to be beat by Auburn during its win stretch); 2) Auburn (because I am the ultimate optimist willing to add another 1000+ miles to the War Waggon); 3) Tennessee (see reason for first pick above); 4) Oregon (because I really don't like USC and they need another loss so as to avoid their being in the National Championship game); and 5) Texas (because NCAA Powers That Be will decree it)." -- Oscar
"I love corn dogs, hence it must be true!!!" -- LSU fan
"AwBarn... come on, Trey! I'm not using the Vegas line... no matter what I do, I lose 3-4. Dr. Selligman would be proud!" -- Dr. Aristotle Ditka
"It appears Ramon is not destined for my Big Blue Shrine." -- Mr. Kentucky
"Leave it to a man to use sex (even if it's between animals) to reduce a friendly, wholesome fantasy football league into a filthy, hillbilly free for all!!! Will Johnson should be BANNED!!!! He has desecrated the spirit of the email background football pool design theme, not to mention the good name and reputation of rabbits everywhere. If I had a white glove I would slap him and challenge him to a duel." -- Robyn E.
"Great - the old-time adage "beware the directional schools" has no application here. I'll take South Florida (a region, and by the way, maybe it should be West Central Florida, since Tampa is not south of, say, half the state) over West Virginia (a state), since US(WC)F managed to upset WVA in 2006 and 2007. I'll take Auburn over Ole Miss (come on, Gus). Maybe an Ole Miss booster should do a stadium fly-over with a big banner reading 'High School.' It is not USC''s year - I'll take Oregon over USC and think I should get a bonus point for this pick. But maybe Oregon's getting back to its salad days ([i]n the 1916 season, Oregon went undefeated with five wins and one tie under head coach Hugo Bezdek, shutting out all their opponents except California; they opened the season against Willamette University, defeating them 97-0) and this is not all that much of a stretch." -- Glenn B.
Five Things
1. Last Saturday's Arkansas game was a debacle. No doubt about it.
Having used their last emotional chip against Florida, the Arkansas players were spent. And, unlike the vast majority of Razorback fans, the players don't have a burning hatred of Houston Nutt from which they could have built up some anger before kickoff.
The game exposed what might be a flaw in Bobby Petrino. After years of "Rah-rah! Who cares about Xs-and-Os!?!" coaching by Nutt, Arkansas has swung the other direction. And, perhaps, too far the other direction. Petrino doesn't strike me as a great motivational speaker. He's much more cerebral than Nutt (so is my 10-month old, so it's not saying a lot). But there are times when you've got to tap into the rah-rah speechifying when you're a college coach.
Perhaps I'm wrong about Petrino and he can deliver Knute Rockne-esque halftime speeches. But from what we've seen, do you think he can?
2. Another WTF? High School Football Play
More on the play here.
3. Kids, remember, tattoos are sort of permanent
This is Josh Haden ...
As you can see by his chest tattoo, Haden is a Boston College fan. It makes sense, given he's a running back who's carried 58 times for 213 yards and one TD. Yet despite his inked devotion to the Eagles, Haden has announced he's transferring at the end of the season.
Remember, tattoos are permanent. It's something Peppas remembers every day when he sees the DEVO tattoo he got across the knuckles on his right hand. (No truth to the rumor WHAM is tattooed on his left knuckles.)
4. Recurring Items
SportsJournalists.com Top 25 link is here.
AwfulAnnouncing provides college football announcers' schedules here and the Pammy Award update is here.
5. M8B Prediction
Since Arkansas is playing one of the worst NAIA ... what? ... Eastern Michigan is a Division I team? Really!?! Man, it's times like this I wish the NCAA employed the promotion/relegation structure of European soccer. "Nope, sorry Eastern Michigan, you're being sent down to Division II. Congrats Minnesota Duluth, you're now in the Mid-American Conference and playing Arkansas on Halloween."
Anyway, since Arkansas is playing a creme-filled, icing-crusted cupcake we'll use the Magic 8 Ball on another in-state team.
Will Arkansas State (+4) cover the spread against Louisville?
Well, it seems even the Magic 8 Ball doesn't care about ASU. Just like most Arkansans.
(Views expressed by the Magic 8 Ball do not necessarily reflect the views of this blog, the blog owner nor this post's author. Advice from the M8B is for entertainment purposes only and not for actual wagering ... especially since the Magic 8 Ball is 6-5 this season.)
Having used their last emotional chip against Florida, the Arkansas players were spent. And, unlike the vast majority of Razorback fans, the players don't have a burning hatred of Houston Nutt from which they could have built up some anger before kickoff.
The game exposed what might be a flaw in Bobby Petrino. After years of "Rah-rah! Who cares about Xs-and-Os!?!" coaching by Nutt, Arkansas has swung the other direction. And, perhaps, too far the other direction. Petrino doesn't strike me as a great motivational speaker. He's much more cerebral than Nutt (so is my 10-month old, so it's not saying a lot). But there are times when you've got to tap into the rah-rah speechifying when you're a college coach.
Perhaps I'm wrong about Petrino and he can deliver Knute Rockne-esque halftime speeches. But from what we've seen, do you think he can?
2. Another WTF? High School Football Play
More on the play here.
3. Kids, remember, tattoos are sort of permanent
This is Josh Haden ...
As you can see by his chest tattoo, Haden is a Boston College fan. It makes sense, given he's a running back who's carried 58 times for 213 yards and one TD. Yet despite his inked devotion to the Eagles, Haden has announced he's transferring at the end of the season.
Remember, tattoos are permanent. It's something Peppas remembers every day when he sees the DEVO tattoo he got across the knuckles on his right hand. (No truth to the rumor WHAM is tattooed on his left knuckles.)
4. Recurring Items
SportsJournalists.com Top 25 link is here.
AwfulAnnouncing provides college football announcers' schedules here and the Pammy Award update is here.
5. M8B Prediction
Since Arkansas is playing one of the worst NAIA ... what? ... Eastern Michigan is a Division I team? Really!?! Man, it's times like this I wish the NCAA employed the promotion/relegation structure of European soccer. "Nope, sorry Eastern Michigan, you're being sent down to Division II. Congrats Minnesota Duluth, you're now in the Mid-American Conference and playing Arkansas on Halloween."
Anyway, since Arkansas is playing a creme-filled, icing-crusted cupcake we'll use the Magic 8 Ball on another in-state team.
Will Arkansas State (+4) cover the spread against Louisville?
Well, it seems even the Magic 8 Ball doesn't care about ASU. Just like most Arkansans.
(Views expressed by the Magic 8 Ball do not necessarily reflect the views of this blog, the blog owner nor this post's author. Advice from the M8B is for entertainment purposes only and not for actual wagering ... especially since the Magic 8 Ball is 6-5 this season.)
This week's games
Traditionally in past years, the games for the week have been sent out on Thursday morning. But since there has been a Thursday night game in seven of the eight weeks so far this year, I'm just going to go ahead and keep the announcement day on Wednesday for the rest of the season for consistency, even on weeks when there is no Thursday night game –– like this one, which instead has three potential tricks on Halloween night.
For $800 and the Ramon Escobar Trophy, which David "Mr. Kentucky" Wallace plans to place in his shrine to Blue and White basketball (now featuring a bended NCAA rule book and a corner commemorating the day in April their fans sold their souls to the devil), select your winners and e-mail them back to me by 5 p.m. Friday.
West Virginia - South Florida
7 p.m., Friday, ESPN2
Line: West Virginia by 3
Ole Miss - Auburn
11:20 a.m., Saturday, SEC Network
Line: Ole Miss by 3
The Halloween Game
South Carolina - Tennessee
6:45 p.m., Saturday, ESPN
Line: Tennessee by 5
* Underdog worth three points
USC - Oregon
7 p.m., Saturday, ABC/ESPN2
Line: USC by 3
Texas - Oklahoma State
7 p.m., Saturday, ABC/ESPN2
Line: Texas by 9
* Underdog worth four points
Good luck.
****#****
For $800 and the Ramon Escobar Trophy, which David "Mr. Kentucky" Wallace plans to place in his shrine to Blue and White basketball (now featuring a bended NCAA rule book and a corner commemorating the day in April their fans sold their souls to the devil), select your winners and e-mail them back to me by 5 p.m. Friday.
West Virginia - South Florida
7 p.m., Friday, ESPN2
Line: West Virginia by 3
Ole Miss - Auburn
11:20 a.m., Saturday, SEC Network
Line: Ole Miss by 3
The Halloween Game
South Carolina - Tennessee
6:45 p.m., Saturday, ESPN
Line: Tennessee by 5
* Underdog worth three points
USC - Oregon
7 p.m., Saturday, ABC/ESPN2
Line: USC by 3
Texas - Oklahoma State
7 p.m., Saturday, ABC/ESPN2
Line: Texas by 9
* Underdog worth four points
Good luck.
****#****
Monday, October 26, 2009
Bits and pieces: Eagles!
Some random things from a Saturday spent watching college football.
Numbers lie: Ryan Mallett might be the worst QB in the SEC. Here's why: Mallett's numbers are deceiving. Going into the Ole Miss game he had 17 completions of 30 yards or longer. Good, right? Well, here's where numbers hurt. The long completions accounted for roughly half of Mallett's passing yards for the season and always looking for the long bomb means that Arkansas is forced into long second and third downs if first down is an incomplete pass. It means the other team's defense knows what is coming and can scheme accordingly. It takes the running game out of the offense, unless it is a draw. It takes the tight end out of the offense. Mallett's passing is like a running back that has 14 carries for 110 yards and a touchdown. Good, right? Okay, but one carry is for 88 yards and most of the carries are no-gains or one-yard. The numbers look good on paper, but when you put them in context, they suddenly take a turn for the worse.
Just wondering: A top-ranked SEC team struggles in conference and observers note that it reflects the strength of the conference. A team from any other conference struggles and observers note that it means that the top-ranked team isn't as good as everybody thinks. That strike anyone else as a bit odd? I don't want to go off on one my patented rants on the strength of the Pac-10, but I'm sorely tempted. I just don't think it is fair to dismiss a conference because it isn't the SEC. I think the SEC is a strong league, but it is an apples-to-oranges comparison to look at a conference that requires every team play each other versus a conference where the top-ranked team would only play one ranked opponent in the regular season and skip half of the other division.
Celebrate good times, c'mon: Terrance Cody rips off his helmet, and it looks like the clock is still ticking. No call. Florida runs back an interception, reviewed and ruled a touchdown. Replay clearly shows he lost possession at the 2-yard line. Great teams get lucky on occasion, umm, okay, but c'mon. Wonder why a team that isn't undefeated doesn't get those "breaks?"
He said what?: Did Herby really say on ESPN that "Arkansas shot its wad against Florida." That is some kind of awesome if true.
I forget: I had one more thing to add, but I don't remember it now. Oh, wait, here's a question for the stat heads: Has Arkansas ever had a perfect Saturday? Meaning have all the Arkansas football playing colleges won on the same Saturday. It would have to be non-conference games since the old AIC and the current Gulf South have Arkansas teams playing each other. I suspect a perfect Saturday has happened, but I'm curious on the when.
Numbers lie: Ryan Mallett might be the worst QB in the SEC. Here's why: Mallett's numbers are deceiving. Going into the Ole Miss game he had 17 completions of 30 yards or longer. Good, right? Well, here's where numbers hurt. The long completions accounted for roughly half of Mallett's passing yards for the season and always looking for the long bomb means that Arkansas is forced into long second and third downs if first down is an incomplete pass. It means the other team's defense knows what is coming and can scheme accordingly. It takes the running game out of the offense, unless it is a draw. It takes the tight end out of the offense. Mallett's passing is like a running back that has 14 carries for 110 yards and a touchdown. Good, right? Okay, but one carry is for 88 yards and most of the carries are no-gains or one-yard. The numbers look good on paper, but when you put them in context, they suddenly take a turn for the worse.
Just wondering: A top-ranked SEC team struggles in conference and observers note that it reflects the strength of the conference. A team from any other conference struggles and observers note that it means that the top-ranked team isn't as good as everybody thinks. That strike anyone else as a bit odd? I don't want to go off on one my patented rants on the strength of the Pac-10, but I'm sorely tempted. I just don't think it is fair to dismiss a conference because it isn't the SEC. I think the SEC is a strong league, but it is an apples-to-oranges comparison to look at a conference that requires every team play each other versus a conference where the top-ranked team would only play one ranked opponent in the regular season and skip half of the other division.
Celebrate good times, c'mon: Terrance Cody rips off his helmet, and it looks like the clock is still ticking. No call. Florida runs back an interception, reviewed and ruled a touchdown. Replay clearly shows he lost possession at the 2-yard line. Great teams get lucky on occasion, umm, okay, but c'mon. Wonder why a team that isn't undefeated doesn't get those "breaks?"
He said what?: Did Herby really say on ESPN that "Arkansas shot its wad against Florida." That is some kind of awesome if true.
I forget: I had one more thing to add, but I don't remember it now. Oh, wait, here's a question for the stat heads: Has Arkansas ever had a perfect Saturday? Meaning have all the Arkansas football playing colleges won on the same Saturday. It would have to be non-conference games since the old AIC and the current Gulf South have Arkansas teams playing each other. I suspect a perfect Saturday has happened, but I'm curious on the when.
Punchlines only
I said send me the video of Shawn Andrews... More like Hogville.nut because he owns them... And that's how Iowa got in the BS national championship game.
Letters to Ramon: Week 8 postscript
"Crazy. Every week I say, man if I had just picked that one game right I'd be in the upper tier. That said, if I had picked one more game wrong, I'd be a tier lower. I need a 5-0 to take it up a tier. I just couldn't take Ole Miss since their QB looked so pathetic against SC and Bama. I have not had good luck picking Hog games this year. How about Nutt being 2-0 against Arkansas? How long will 'Petrino is building the program' be an excuse? Everyone talks about how Nutt can't coach, but he takes these talented teams and makes them winners instantly. People said last year, oh he inherited a bunch of talent that anyone could win with. Well, apparently not the previous coach. Same thing when he came to Arkansas. I mean when was the last time Ole Miss was in the Top Ten? Not since segregation ended. They'll also say he can't recruit, but we could name a long list of incredibly talented players that were here under his watch. I do not agree with some of his coaching, though. Why would they manage the clock so poorly at the end of the half and not even attempt to get into FG range. Really terrible and of course Facebook started lighting up with comments from Nutt haters. They had a good point there." -- Shaft III
From the Bench
Razorback Football Teeters on Edge of Disaster
Robert Shields
The Arkansas-Ole Miss game was predictable. How many times have you seen a team have a huge emotional game one week and then let down the next?
The Hogs lacked focus all day, which was evident in dropped passes in double digits. Many of the dropped passes were certain touchdowns or first-down sustaining drive catches. The lack of focus was evident in the missed tackles against Dexter McCluster. The lack of focus was evident in the constant fumbled kickoffs. The lack of focus was evident in the complete lack of touch Ryan Mallett had on the ball.
Often a team being distracted during a game comes from poor preparation and lack of concentration during practice leading up to the game. Coaches often know how their team is going to perform based on practice during the week. My hunch is that practice was not sharp all week even though Bobby Petrino said one day during the week that it was their best practice of the year. I doubt it.
The game did not have a single player who stood out for the Hogs. Arkansas rolled out maybe its worst game of the year and looked like a team that was still wondering how it lost last week while Ole Miss looked like the team that had two weeks to prepare for the game.
Ole Miss played with excitement while the Hogs constantly looked frustrated all day. The defense that looked spectacular the last three weeks against spread offenses struggled against the very traditional offense of Houston Nutt.
Once the Rebels got the run going with the ever-present stretch play with McCluster, then everything seemed to work as it often does with a play-action pass offense. Once the run started for Ole Miss, the bootleg and screen passes started to pile onto the Hog’s defense.
Give the Ole Miss defense some credit as it was the second best defense the Hogs will face all year. It succeeded in getting pressure on Mallett all day.
Poor Alex Tejada. When the Hogs seemed to be hanging in the game, Tejada hit a crucial 52-yard field goal only to have it wiped out by a delay-of-game penalty. The team never recovered from that bad break, and it was cruel in the fact Florida hit a field goal of almost the same distance last week when time had expired on the play clock. You knew then it was not going to be a game for the Hogs. The Hogs let Florida beat them twice.
The Hogs get a breather next week with Eastern Michigan and they need it. The team now stands at an unimpressive 3-4 overall and 1-4 in the SEC. Petrino will have his work cut out convincing this team that the season is not over and that they are still playing for a bowl game.
A bowl game will be important for the team as it needs one to build on for the future and to show progress over last year. Nothing is certain from this point going forward as this team teeters on the edge of disaster, but the good news is it does not have to face another SEC team next week.
CONTEST CONTINUES
Answer the question, what is the mascot of Eastern Michigan correctly to enter a drawing for a free copy of my latest book, “The Economics of Sex,” now available on Amazon. The winner will be announced on Friday, October 30, on lulu.com/fruitbatbooks. Send your answer to fromthebench@yahoo.com.
Robert Shields
The Arkansas-Ole Miss game was predictable. How many times have you seen a team have a huge emotional game one week and then let down the next?
The Hogs lacked focus all day, which was evident in dropped passes in double digits. Many of the dropped passes were certain touchdowns or first-down sustaining drive catches. The lack of focus was evident in the missed tackles against Dexter McCluster. The lack of focus was evident in the constant fumbled kickoffs. The lack of focus was evident in the complete lack of touch Ryan Mallett had on the ball.
Often a team being distracted during a game comes from poor preparation and lack of concentration during practice leading up to the game. Coaches often know how their team is going to perform based on practice during the week. My hunch is that practice was not sharp all week even though Bobby Petrino said one day during the week that it was their best practice of the year. I doubt it.
The game did not have a single player who stood out for the Hogs. Arkansas rolled out maybe its worst game of the year and looked like a team that was still wondering how it lost last week while Ole Miss looked like the team that had two weeks to prepare for the game.
Ole Miss played with excitement while the Hogs constantly looked frustrated all day. The defense that looked spectacular the last three weeks against spread offenses struggled against the very traditional offense of Houston Nutt.
Once the Rebels got the run going with the ever-present stretch play with McCluster, then everything seemed to work as it often does with a play-action pass offense. Once the run started for Ole Miss, the bootleg and screen passes started to pile onto the Hog’s defense.
Give the Ole Miss defense some credit as it was the second best defense the Hogs will face all year. It succeeded in getting pressure on Mallett all day.
Poor Alex Tejada. When the Hogs seemed to be hanging in the game, Tejada hit a crucial 52-yard field goal only to have it wiped out by a delay-of-game penalty. The team never recovered from that bad break, and it was cruel in the fact Florida hit a field goal of almost the same distance last week when time had expired on the play clock. You knew then it was not going to be a game for the Hogs. The Hogs let Florida beat them twice.
The Hogs get a breather next week with Eastern Michigan and they need it. The team now stands at an unimpressive 3-4 overall and 1-4 in the SEC. Petrino will have his work cut out convincing this team that the season is not over and that they are still playing for a bowl game.
A bowl game will be important for the team as it needs one to build on for the future and to show progress over last year. Nothing is certain from this point going forward as this team teeters on the edge of disaster, but the good news is it does not have to face another SEC team next week.
CONTEST CONTINUES
Answer the question, what is the mascot of Eastern Michigan correctly to enter a drawing for a free copy of my latest book, “The Economics of Sex,” now available on Amazon. The winner will be announced on Friday, October 30, on lulu.com/fruitbatbooks. Send your answer to fromthebench@yahoo.com.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Nutt 2, Hogville/Wally/Beck 0
All your sad and lost apostles hum my name and flare their nostrils
Choking on the bones you toss to them
Well I'm not one to sit and spin
'Cause living well's the best revenge
Baby, I am calling you on that
Choking on the bones you toss to them
Well I'm not one to sit and spin
'Cause living well's the best revenge
Baby, I am calling you on that
Ole Miss 30, Arkansas 17
“That’s about as disappointing as it gets,” Petrino said. “They beat us in all phases. They beat our defense up. They beat our offense up and they won the special teams. We didn’t match thier intensity early. We didn’t come out and execute on offense and had a hard time protecting the quarterback and running the ball. So it’s about as disappointing as you can get after having a great battle last week and then taking a huge step backwards.”
“That’s about as disappointing as it gets,” Petrino said. “They beat us in all phases. They beat our defense up. They beat our offense up and they won the special teams. We didn’t match thier intensity early. We didn’t come out and execute on offense and had a hard time protecting the quarterback and running the ball. So it’s about as disappointing as you can get after having a great battle last week and then taking a huge step backwards.”
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