SI's Richard Deitsch tweets Erin Andrews will be on Oprah to talk about the peephole video.
On 9/11.
Because there's no better way to remember the victims of that day?
http://twitter.com/richarddeitsch/status/3672655205
Monday, August 31, 2009
Faldon: What's your number?
6-6? 7-5? 8-4?
Here's the prediction of some dead-tree media person in Fort Smith ... What's Your Number?
Here's the prediction of some dead-tree media person in Fort Smith ... What's Your Number?
Going behind the tarp
for a Razorback practice report
From a Razorback insider...
I talked to a friend last night at church who was at the dress rehearsal the Hogs held the other night. Part of the reason for this is making sure the players knew when they were supposed to be on the field and what happens if an injury occurs (this fellow made the comment that faked a couple of injuries and woe to the substitute that wasn’t ready when his name was called and they had to use a time out t get the sub on the field.) They also worked extensively on signally plays in and under the time limit. Petrino hates blowing timeouts.
During the practices I saw Coach P had no qualms about making a team get back in the huddle and do it again. This happened a lot to Tyler Wilson and at the time I didn’t understand the reason for it (I thought lack of hustle), but having heard Tyler has had problems reading the sideline signals this now makes sense. He would come out and they would lineup in the wrong formation and of course Coach P noticed this immediately.
According to my friend, the first team offense went against the second team defense and the defense won the day. My friend said the defense just seemed more up for it and they were flying around to the ball. Maybe the defensive shakeups we heard about earlier this week has provided a little motivation for both starters and second teamers alike.
Anyway according to my friend, the 2nd team D stalled a number of the drives and if it wasn’t for the coaches intervening and allowing the offense a second chance their would have been lots of punts. It appeared that Mallett wasn’t sharp at all and missed on a lot of throws and most of them tended to be behind the receivers.
He mentioned that Reggie Fish dropped three passes that should have been caught, but all three were behind him. He also missed several wide open receivers. Broderick “Crawford” Green was given lots of work and appears to be the one the coaches will go to 3rd and 1 and goal line plays. However, my friend said the same thing that Jerry and I saw during the spring and in fall ball that although Broderick doesn’t dance at the hole he doesn’t just lower his shoulder plow over people either.
I talked to a friend last night at church who was at the dress rehearsal the Hogs held the other night. Part of the reason for this is making sure the players knew when they were supposed to be on the field and what happens if an injury occurs (this fellow made the comment that faked a couple of injuries and woe to the substitute that wasn’t ready when his name was called and they had to use a time out t get the sub on the field.) They also worked extensively on signally plays in and under the time limit. Petrino hates blowing timeouts.
During the practices I saw Coach P had no qualms about making a team get back in the huddle and do it again. This happened a lot to Tyler Wilson and at the time I didn’t understand the reason for it (I thought lack of hustle), but having heard Tyler has had problems reading the sideline signals this now makes sense. He would come out and they would lineup in the wrong formation and of course Coach P noticed this immediately.
According to my friend, the first team offense went against the second team defense and the defense won the day. My friend said the defense just seemed more up for it and they were flying around to the ball. Maybe the defensive shakeups we heard about earlier this week has provided a little motivation for both starters and second teamers alike.
Anyway according to my friend, the 2nd team D stalled a number of the drives and if it wasn’t for the coaches intervening and allowing the offense a second chance their would have been lots of punts. It appeared that Mallett wasn’t sharp at all and missed on a lot of throws and most of them tended to be behind the receivers.
He mentioned that Reggie Fish dropped three passes that should have been caught, but all three were behind him. He also missed several wide open receivers. Broderick “Crawford” Green was given lots of work and appears to be the one the coaches will go to 3rd and 1 and goal line plays. However, my friend said the same thing that Jerry and I saw during the spring and in fall ball that although Broderick doesn’t dance at the hole he doesn’t just lower his shoulder plow over people either.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Letters to Ramon: Saturday edition
Dear Sirs
Thank you for your interest in the Danger Bros.
Unfortunately the Danger Bros can not participate in your American football game pool league. They are currently working on a live action television mini-series based on the novella "The Danger Bros: Adventures at 55 MPH." Dust off your funny bone and get ready to laugh, love, and cry at 55 MPH with the Johnny Speed and Jack Turbo!
Regards,
Richard McGraw
Agent and Manager for the Danger Bros
Thank you for your interest in the Danger Bros.
Unfortunately the Danger Bros can not participate in your American football game pool league. They are currently working on a live action television mini-series based on the novella "The Danger Bros: Adventures at 55 MPH." Dust off your funny bone and get ready to laugh, love, and cry at 55 MPH with the Johnny Speed and Jack Turbo!
Regards,
Richard McGraw
Agent and Manager for the Danger Bros
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
The truth about College Colors Day
You may have heard of the marketing ploy called College Colors Day, an attempt by the Collegiate Licensing Company to get people to buy T-shirts and various other pieces of apparel to wear on Friday, September 4.
Hey, I'm all for this idea and for people wearing college football stuff on the Friday before kickoff weekend, but please Collegiate Licensing Company, don't try to tell us the reason for this day is the line below that you put on your web site.
College Colors Day strives to promote higher education in the United States through increased public awareness and celebrates the achievements of colleges and universities, acknowledging their critical and fundamental importance.
The goal is to promote higher education? Try higher sales from any store selling licensed collegiate apparel.
Hey, I'm all for this idea and for people wearing college football stuff on the Friday before kickoff weekend, but please Collegiate Licensing Company, don't try to tell us the reason for this day is the line below that you put on your web site.
College Colors Day strives to promote higher education in the United States through increased public awareness and celebrates the achievements of colleges and universities, acknowledging their critical and fundamental importance.
The goal is to promote higher education? Try higher sales from any store selling licensed collegiate apparel.
Letters to Ramon: Monday edition
"You got the Auburn and LSU traditions backwards. It's Auburn that likes to eat corndogs. That's how the septic tanks fill up so fast. New this year @ Jordan Pubic Hair stadium, the Poop Deck has been added. The way Auburn's season is predicted, fans will be hanging out in their stalls the entire time." -- Booty D
"This year there won’t be a Utah beating Alabama that keeps me from claiming the top stop. How the hell does Utah beat Alabama -- the rolling tide from the mighty SEC, the most powerful conference in the history of college football?" -- Sal C
"This year there won’t be a Utah beating Alabama that keeps me from claiming the top stop. How the hell does Utah beat Alabama -- the rolling tide from the mighty SEC, the most powerful conference in the history of college football?" -- Sal C
Friday, August 21, 2009
Letters to Ramon: Friday edition
"I've had an entire off-season, and it's taken that long, to reflect on last year's performance. I've kicked myself for poor choices... I've cursed you for your game choices... and, yes, I've shed a few tears. But I think I've moved into "acceptance," and I believe I've grown from the experience. And by "acceptance," I mean that I now accept that Scott Pacheco somehow put those s#!tty picks in my head, thereby allowing that glorious Ramon Escobar Trophy to sprint out of my grasp faster than Usain Bolt on steroids. Not again! This time the strategy's in place, and that golden b!tch is mine! By the way, my game picking handicap is 22 games. You'll give me that, right?" -- Alex T.
"I am in his year. Hell, the corresponding e-mail addresses alone are worth $10. You have a ‘who’s who’ of bankers, doctors, lawyers, lawn guys, bond guys, car guys, pilots, priests, principals, builders, bums, nomads, and more… Plus, as Ramon’s teammate on the famed ’82 Wabbits Dynasty, I feel compelled to compete for the coveted trophy." -- Keith C.
"I am in his year. Hell, the corresponding e-mail addresses alone are worth $10. You have a ‘who’s who’ of bankers, doctors, lawyers, lawn guys, bond guys, car guys, pilots, priests, principals, builders, bums, nomads, and more… Plus, as Ramon’s teammate on the famed ’82 Wabbits Dynasty, I feel compelled to compete for the coveted trophy." -- Keith C.
Friday's Razorback practice report
From an observer at Razorback Stadium:
Some quick notes -- Jim Youngblood worked at fullback and tight end today and did not work at QB. He was wearing receivers gloves and during the handoff and passing drills Nick Petrino and Brandon Mitchell were working with the 3rd team. I only saw 1 pass thrown to Youngblood in the skeleton drills and it was not caught, but it would have been a difficult catch by anyone. This move makes sense to me. Brandon Mitchell, who I still believe will be a redshirt, has a canon for an arm and runs like a fullback. He has got a future a QB. I admire Youngblood and his stick-to-itness and if we had a place for a running QB he would be it, but we don’t. He is willing to try something else to be a Hog, so more power to him. I know Van Horn would love to have him on the baseball team as a pitcher.
London Crawford is practicing again, but he has a very noticeable limp. He probably should be resting it, but it's probably easier to practice than to go through the “walking wounded” drills. However Greg Childs (#85) is really making a push. Mallett overthrew one pass today that only Wilt the Stilt could have caught and Childs was 5’ of the ground to catch it. He made several good catches as did most of the receivers. For those of you who don’t get the Arkansas papers Lucas Miller broke his collarbone.
The newest Razorback is Garry Gray, a running back from Alpharetta, Ga. He is wearing #42. As you know only 105 players can practice early. When school starts walk-ons can come out. With Adrian Moore not eligible it opened up a spot for Gray. The kid is 6’ 233 pounds and looked fairly fast and a pounder. It was kind of funny. We were sitting near Dudley Dawson and we noticed Gray because he was the only one in shorts and shoulder pads. I asked Dudley who the new 42 was and Dudley pointed to a nice-looking couple behind and said, “It’s their son.” I asked for his name and the Mom said, “Garry” with 2 r’s. I guess the lady thought I was with some newspaper and I needed to get it right. I should have told her I was the sports editor for the Arkansas Catholic newspaper.
As I stated earlier there were lots of great catches because most of the time the d-backs were right on top of the receivers.
One last thing. When you come into practice there is typically one big guy, we call him “the cop,” who reminds you that you can’t take pictures or use a cell phone. He has warned me before and others. He walks around as well. There was one guy this morning who had been on his cell for over an hour. He seemed to be giving a blow by blow of each play. Others noticed it and one mentioned it to “the cop” who proceeded to walk his way, veer off, and went down to the field for a drink –- chickens%$t.
Oh by the way parking is horrible in all the lots around the stadium. I had to walk a couple of hundred yards for a space. They need to send some of these students home.
Some quick notes -- Jim Youngblood worked at fullback and tight end today and did not work at QB. He was wearing receivers gloves and during the handoff and passing drills Nick Petrino and Brandon Mitchell were working with the 3rd team. I only saw 1 pass thrown to Youngblood in the skeleton drills and it was not caught, but it would have been a difficult catch by anyone. This move makes sense to me. Brandon Mitchell, who I still believe will be a redshirt, has a canon for an arm and runs like a fullback. He has got a future a QB. I admire Youngblood and his stick-to-itness and if we had a place for a running QB he would be it, but we don’t. He is willing to try something else to be a Hog, so more power to him. I know Van Horn would love to have him on the baseball team as a pitcher.
London Crawford is practicing again, but he has a very noticeable limp. He probably should be resting it, but it's probably easier to practice than to go through the “walking wounded” drills. However Greg Childs (#85) is really making a push. Mallett overthrew one pass today that only Wilt the Stilt could have caught and Childs was 5’ of the ground to catch it. He made several good catches as did most of the receivers. For those of you who don’t get the Arkansas papers Lucas Miller broke his collarbone.
The newest Razorback is Garry Gray, a running back from Alpharetta, Ga. He is wearing #42. As you know only 105 players can practice early. When school starts walk-ons can come out. With Adrian Moore not eligible it opened up a spot for Gray. The kid is 6’ 233 pounds and looked fairly fast and a pounder. It was kind of funny. We were sitting near Dudley Dawson and we noticed Gray because he was the only one in shorts and shoulder pads. I asked Dudley who the new 42 was and Dudley pointed to a nice-looking couple behind and said, “It’s their son.” I asked for his name and the Mom said, “Garry” with 2 r’s. I guess the lady thought I was with some newspaper and I needed to get it right. I should have told her I was the sports editor for the Arkansas Catholic newspaper.
As I stated earlier there were lots of great catches because most of the time the d-backs were right on top of the receivers.
One last thing. When you come into practice there is typically one big guy, we call him “the cop,” who reminds you that you can’t take pictures or use a cell phone. He has warned me before and others. He walks around as well. There was one guy this morning who had been on his cell for over an hour. He seemed to be giving a blow by blow of each play. Others noticed it and one mentioned it to “the cop” who proceeded to walk his way, veer off, and went down to the field for a drink –- chickens%$t.
Oh by the way parking is horrible in all the lots around the stadium. I had to walk a couple of hundred yards for a space. They need to send some of these students home.
Robert Shields thrown into the debate on new SEC media restrictions to generate revenue
Arkansas Times editor Max Brantley throws Poolsville contributer Robert Shields into the mix in discussing the SEC's crackdown on new and old media.
"But I was also was thinking about Robert Shields, a self-made sports columnist who labored long, hard and well to cover the Razorbacks with mostly contempt from the Hog press lords. (The Times has no dog in this hunt. We've never been denied press coverage rights because we haven't sought them in years.) Why should the D-G and a select few others be granted a free franchise to coin money off the Hogs and not anyone else? Simple question, unaddressed by today's coverage and most of the other coverage I've seen. (I almost wrote this same piece yesterday, after reading the Times. Wish I had so you couldn't have raised the red herring about D-G. Who defines "legitimate" media?"
"But I was also was thinking about Robert Shields, a self-made sports columnist who labored long, hard and well to cover the Razorbacks with mostly contempt from the Hog press lords. (The Times has no dog in this hunt. We've never been denied press coverage rights because we haven't sought them in years.) Why should the D-G and a select few others be granted a free franchise to coin money off the Hogs and not anyone else? Simple question, unaddressed by today's coverage and most of the other coverage I've seen. (I almost wrote this same piece yesterday, after reading the Times. Wish I had so you couldn't have raised the red herring about D-G. Who defines "legitimate" media?"
The new attitude on the Hill from CEO Long
This comment is from an observer who regularly attends Razorback football practice:
Afternoon practice was called off. I called Sports Information around 3:30 to find out and they switch me to Media Relations office and I got some jerk. You would have thought I was asking him for a loan instead of, “Is there practice this afternoon?” A real jerk. I like Coach P, but it seems like from Jeff Long down if it isn’t some kind of a deal where they are going to pick up a little extra green they could care less about the average fans. (I am still pissed off about the $30 turkey sandwich and a bag of chips we received at the Kickoff Luncheon.) Nate Allen, local sportswriter, said they have been really rude to the skybox people -- “Where’s your payment? It is due in a week” type messages. I might have mentioned this before, but one of the physician groups up here basically severed their ties from doing the Hogs' work. On top of being told to donate $500,000, they were told to reduce their rates. In the past JFB would take them out to dinner wine and dine them. Jeff Long sends a couple of his boys and they put down their demand.
Afternoon practice was called off. I called Sports Information around 3:30 to find out and they switch me to Media Relations office and I got some jerk. You would have thought I was asking him for a loan instead of, “Is there practice this afternoon?” A real jerk. I like Coach P, but it seems like from Jeff Long down if it isn’t some kind of a deal where they are going to pick up a little extra green they could care less about the average fans. (I am still pissed off about the $30 turkey sandwich and a bag of chips we received at the Kickoff Luncheon.) Nate Allen, local sportswriter, said they have been really rude to the skybox people -- “Where’s your payment? It is due in a week” type messages. I might have mentioned this before, but one of the physician groups up here basically severed their ties from doing the Hogs' work. On top of being told to donate $500,000, they were told to reduce their rates. In the past JFB would take them out to dinner wine and dine them. Jeff Long sends a couple of his boys and they put down their demand.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
A Rick Reilly classic:
Why college football is better than pro
This appeared in Sports Illustrated back in the day before the Internet. It's always worth an annual revisit before the season starts...
No Contest
by Rick Reilly
Anybody who has not had large portions of his cerebellum removed for scientific purposes knows that college football is better than pro football in the way that Sean Connery is better than Roger Moore. Still, it's always nice to remind ourselves why.
For one thing, college football has Ralphie, Uga, Reveille, and Smokey the Blue Tick Hound. Pro football has Crazy George on too many Jolt Colas.
College football has picnic blankets with candelabras at Havard-Yale, brats on the grill at Michigan-Ohio State, cold beers at the Esso gas pumps before Clemson home games. Pro football has Stadium nachos-now with actual foodlike cheese substance!
College football has Auburn's Tiger Talk radio show with Terry Bowden and calls like the following one:
"Coach Bowden?"
"Yessir."
"This is Bobby Dan Tallbutt down in Huntsville."
"Yessir, Bobby Dan."
"Just wanted to say War Eagle."
"War Eagle, Bobby Dan."
Pro football, meanwhile, has 103 FM's 24-hour Sports Zoo, in which Mad Mike continually screams things to the Captain, such as: "It's time the truth was told!!! Gale Sayers sucked!!!"
College football has the Rose Bowl, the Sugar Bowl, the Orange Bowl, and a bowl system that, despite its flaws, has produced three stirring games in the last four years that were do-or-die for the ultimate national champion. Pro football has 1) the Super Bowl (average margin of victory in the last 11 years: 22.4) and 2) the Bud Bowl (average margin of IQ points lost by watching it: 22.4).
College football has rich traditions: walking the Grove at Ole Miss, the 12th Man at Texas A&M, dotting the i at Ohio State. Pro football, on the other hand, has rich marketing guys with not enough to do. If pro football had its way, we would have AT&T Presents the i Plan: dotting the i with today's guest dotter -- Willard Scott!
College football has The Notre Dame Victory March, On Wisconsin, Hail to the Victors. Pro football has Houston Oilers No. 1, which goes:
Houston Oilers
Houston Oilers
Houston Oilers No. 1
College football has rivalries that have not changed for 50 years: Army-Navy, Texas-Oklahoma, Stanford-Cal, Florida-Georgia, and about 25 others that keep players awake all night and cause receptionists to answer phones by saying, "Beat Texas, Monolith Oil, how can I help you?" The best pro football can do is Chicago-Green Bay, which hasn't been a decent rivalry since Johnson-Goldwater.
College football is bonfire at Texas A&M, between the hedges at Georgia, up on Rocky Top at Tennessee. Pro football is performance-weighted draft picks offsetting a free agent sell-off to skirt the salary cap.
College has Steward to Westbrook. Pro football has Anaheim to St. Louis.
College football will get you so delirious, you'll wear your school's underwear and throw an Also Receiving Votes Party. Pro football will have you wondering if you can leave early in the fourth in order to get home for the beginning of She's the Sheriff.
College football has Athens, Ga.; Eugene, Ore.; and Madison, Wis. Pro football has not one, but two teams in East Rutherford, N.J.
College football is the high water pants. The lisp. The white visor. Pro football is Buddy Ryan in one of those horrid NFL Properties sweaters in which the team name gets swallowed up in an ocean of fat rolls.
College football is an Ohio State helmet adorned with Buckeyes, a Florida State helmet adorned with hatchets, a Penn State helmet adorned with nothing. Pro football is basically a whole lot of black and teal now, though some teams are trying something vastly different and refreshing: teal and black.
In college football, nobody is a free agent. Nobody gets traded. Nobody sits out their option year. In pro football this off season, more than 200 players changed teams. What you’re basically doing is rooting for your team's uniform design against the other team's uniform design.
College football is yell practice. Point push-ups. Shining the helmets. Pro football is the Buffalo Bills' professional cheerleaders, the Buffalo Jills, who recently formed a union (Chief complaint: Thurman Thomas keeps pretending to lose his helmet in our dressing room).
College football is LSU's Tiger Stadium at night. Spring football in Strawberry Canyon at Cal. Annapolis when the leaves turn. Pro football is owners fanning themselves in the pleasure boxes at the Pontiac Silverdome.
College football is the Southern University Jaguar Band halftime show, runny makeup on homecoming queens, a 92-year-old halfback at midfield waving to alumni with long memories. Pro football is a halftime show with Michael Jackson attempting a groin pull.
College football has Keith Jackson saying, "Whoa Nellie, we're fixin' to have a barn burner!" Pro football has Beasley Reece and Jerry Glanville discussing the roll-up-zone.
A college football player will tell you he loves his team, will play there for four years, and will wear his school ring the rest of his life. A pro football player will tell you he loves his team, will play there for six months, sign with a team in the same division, play for six other teams before his career is over -- and wear his school ring for the rest of his life.
No Contest
by Rick Reilly
Anybody who has not had large portions of his cerebellum removed for scientific purposes knows that college football is better than pro football in the way that Sean Connery is better than Roger Moore. Still, it's always nice to remind ourselves why.
For one thing, college football has Ralphie, Uga, Reveille, and Smokey the Blue Tick Hound. Pro football has Crazy George on too many Jolt Colas.
College football has picnic blankets with candelabras at Havard-Yale, brats on the grill at Michigan-Ohio State, cold beers at the Esso gas pumps before Clemson home games. Pro football has Stadium nachos-now with actual foodlike cheese substance!
College football has Auburn's Tiger Talk radio show with Terry Bowden and calls like the following one:
"Coach Bowden?"
"Yessir."
"This is Bobby Dan Tallbutt down in Huntsville."
"Yessir, Bobby Dan."
"Just wanted to say War Eagle."
"War Eagle, Bobby Dan."
Pro football, meanwhile, has 103 FM's 24-hour Sports Zoo, in which Mad Mike continually screams things to the Captain, such as: "It's time the truth was told!!! Gale Sayers sucked!!!"
College football has the Rose Bowl, the Sugar Bowl, the Orange Bowl, and a bowl system that, despite its flaws, has produced three stirring games in the last four years that were do-or-die for the ultimate national champion. Pro football has 1) the Super Bowl (average margin of victory in the last 11 years: 22.4) and 2) the Bud Bowl (average margin of IQ points lost by watching it: 22.4).
College football has rich traditions: walking the Grove at Ole Miss, the 12th Man at Texas A&M, dotting the i at Ohio State. Pro football, on the other hand, has rich marketing guys with not enough to do. If pro football had its way, we would have AT&T Presents the i Plan: dotting the i with today's guest dotter -- Willard Scott!
College football has The Notre Dame Victory March, On Wisconsin, Hail to the Victors. Pro football has Houston Oilers No. 1, which goes:
Houston Oilers
Houston Oilers
Houston Oilers No. 1
College football has rivalries that have not changed for 50 years: Army-Navy, Texas-Oklahoma, Stanford-Cal, Florida-Georgia, and about 25 others that keep players awake all night and cause receptionists to answer phones by saying, "Beat Texas, Monolith Oil, how can I help you?" The best pro football can do is Chicago-Green Bay, which hasn't been a decent rivalry since Johnson-Goldwater.
College football is bonfire at Texas A&M, between the hedges at Georgia, up on Rocky Top at Tennessee. Pro football is performance-weighted draft picks offsetting a free agent sell-off to skirt the salary cap.
College has Steward to Westbrook. Pro football has Anaheim to St. Louis.
College football will get you so delirious, you'll wear your school's underwear and throw an Also Receiving Votes Party. Pro football will have you wondering if you can leave early in the fourth in order to get home for the beginning of She's the Sheriff.
College football has Athens, Ga.; Eugene, Ore.; and Madison, Wis. Pro football has not one, but two teams in East Rutherford, N.J.
College football is the high water pants. The lisp. The white visor. Pro football is Buddy Ryan in one of those horrid NFL Properties sweaters in which the team name gets swallowed up in an ocean of fat rolls.
College football is an Ohio State helmet adorned with Buckeyes, a Florida State helmet adorned with hatchets, a Penn State helmet adorned with nothing. Pro football is basically a whole lot of black and teal now, though some teams are trying something vastly different and refreshing: teal and black.
In college football, nobody is a free agent. Nobody gets traded. Nobody sits out their option year. In pro football this off season, more than 200 players changed teams. What you’re basically doing is rooting for your team's uniform design against the other team's uniform design.
College football is yell practice. Point push-ups. Shining the helmets. Pro football is the Buffalo Bills' professional cheerleaders, the Buffalo Jills, who recently formed a union (Chief complaint: Thurman Thomas keeps pretending to lose his helmet in our dressing room).
College football is LSU's Tiger Stadium at night. Spring football in Strawberry Canyon at Cal. Annapolis when the leaves turn. Pro football is owners fanning themselves in the pleasure boxes at the Pontiac Silverdome.
College football is the Southern University Jaguar Band halftime show, runny makeup on homecoming queens, a 92-year-old halfback at midfield waving to alumni with long memories. Pro football is a halftime show with Michael Jackson attempting a groin pull.
College football has Keith Jackson saying, "Whoa Nellie, we're fixin' to have a barn burner!" Pro football has Beasley Reece and Jerry Glanville discussing the roll-up-zone.
A college football player will tell you he loves his team, will play there for four years, and will wear his school ring the rest of his life. A pro football player will tell you he loves his team, will play there for six months, sign with a team in the same division, play for six other teams before his career is over -- and wear his school ring for the rest of his life.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Poolsville listed on preeminent blog index
Sports Illustrated calls College Football Resource's blog index "the definitive listing of the college football blogosphere... a must-read for sports fans."
So it is with special thanks that College Football Resource has placed our very own Poolsville in its preeminent list with 99 other college football blogs.
I've been checking out College Football Resource since back in the day when the site expressed interest in ProjectPlayoffs.com (before it went offline after the hosting service sold the domain to a scammer).
One of my favorite features on CFR is the coaches' Twitter updates. Great idea signing up for every coach's Twitter feed and then posting their feeds. There's a lot of interesting stuff for college football fans on this site.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Foulest 40 villains of them all
ESPN's Pat Forde and Ivan Maisel put together a list of their top 40 villains in college football, and here are a few of my favorites...
2. Bear Bryant -- Alabama coach, 1958-82
Hated by: Georgia Tech, among all the other Southern schools crushed by the Crimson Tide.
Claim to Infamy: In 1962, Bryant was the target of liquor bottles thrown from the stands when the Crimson Tide played on the road at Georgia Tech. That was a year after some Yellow Jackets and members of the Atlanta media labeled Bryant a dirty coach when one of his players severely injured a Tech player on a punt return. When Bama returned to Atlanta in 1964, Bryant went out for pregame warm-ups wearing a helmet to lessen the potential blow from any projectiles. Tech, which had left the SEC after 1963, canceled its contentious series with the Tide.
7. Phillip Fulmer -- Tennessee coach, 1992-2008
Hated by: Alabama.
Claim to Infamy: Talked to NCAA investigators about alleged wrongdoing by the Crimson Tide on the recruiting trail, most notably in Memphis. Subsequently became the focus of all evil energy from Alabama, much of which might have been better directed at infamous booster Logan Young and disgraced former coach Mike DuBose. Skipped 2004 SEC media days for fear of being subpoenaed in a libel case against the NCAA by former Tide assistant coaches Ronnie Cottrell and Ivy Williams. Four years later, Fulmer was subpoenaed at SEC media days in a different libel suit, this one brought against the NCAA by disassociated Bama booster Wendell Smith.
15. Jimmy Johnson -- Miami coach, 1984-88
Hated by: Notre Dame, among others.
Claim to Infamy: Brought the greatest glory and most opponent disdain to the Hurricanes during his five-year run. The combat fatigues were worn to the 1987 Fiesta Bowl on Johnson's watch, as the program's swagger fully took hold after being born under Howard Schnellenberger. Johnson supplied the classless coup de grace to the Gerry Faust Era at Notre Dame, running up the score in the second half of a 58-7 rout of the Fighting Irish in Faust's last game as coach in 1985. Irish freshmen on that team were seniors when Johnson brought the Hurricanes into Notre Dame Stadium in 1988, and they were ready. The teams engaged in a pregame brawl outside the entrance tunnel and then Notre Dame upset the No. 1 Canes 31-30 in the "Catholics vs. Convicts" T-shirt game. Perma-sprayed hair also a nationwide annoyance.
17. David Langner and Bill Newton -- Auburn defensive players, 1972
Hated by: Alabama.
Claim to Infamy: "Punt Bama Punt," as it quickly became known in Auburn circles, a giddy takeoff on Alabama's "Roll Tide Roll" cheer. The No. 2-ranked, undefeated Crimson Tide were on their way to a convincing victory over the archrival Tigers, leading 16-3 in the fourth quarter. That's when Newton blocked an Alabama punt, which Langner scooped up and returned 25 yards for a touchdown. Several minutes later, déjà vu struck Legion Field: Newton blocked another punt, Langner retrieved it and scored another touchdown. With the extra points, Auburn led 17-16. Then Langner sealed the shocking comeback with an interception.
21. Urban Meyer -- Florida coach, 2005-present
Hated by: All of SEC, with special antipathy in Georgia.
Claim to Infamy: Biggest problem is obnoxious win total: 44-9 in first four seasons in Gainesville, with 2009 team favored to win a third national title on his watch. Has gained something of a bloodthirsty reputation after ordering late field goal in a 23-point win over Miami and using every timeout late in a 39-point mauling of Georgia last year. Considered by some critics to be excessively pleased with himself.
24. Richard M. Nixon -- U.S. president, 1969-74
Hated by: Penn State, which beat the Watergate rush.
Claim to Infamy: On Dec. 6, 1969, Nixon flew to Arkansas to attend the hugely hyped Texas-Arkansas showdown. Nixon stated before the game that the winner would be No. 1, and then presented a plaque as national champions to the Longhorns after their thrilling, 15-14 comeback victory. Only problem: The bowls had not yet been played, and undefeated Penn State felt just a bit left out of the proceedings. (It should be noted that the Nittany Lions later turned down a bid to play Texas in the Cotton Bowl, opting for the Orange Bowl instead.)
25. Houston Nutt -- Ole Miss coach, 2008-present
Hated by: Arkansas.
Claim to Infamy: Benched adored true freshman quarterback Mitch Mustain in 2006 despite his 8-0 record as Arkansas' starter. Engaged in hissy in-fighting with Mustain's mother, Beck Campbell, provoking statewide dissension between Nutt backers and those championing Mustain and other members of the so-called "Springdale Mafia." (Springdale High School is where Mustain, coach Gus Malzahn and several other players achieved glory before matriculating to misery in Fayetteville.) Text messages to TV anchor scrutinized and program atmosphere poisoned, Nutt jumped out and landed at SEC West rival Ole Miss. Defeated Razorbacks last season on the way to surprising 9-4 record and Cotton Bowl victory, while Arkansas struggled to 5-7 record.
29. Saban, Nick -- Alabama coach, 2007-present
Hated by: LSU.
Claim to Infamy: Jilted Tigers for the NFL, then returned after two seasons to coach LSU rival Alabama in same division of same conference -- notably doing so after definitively stating that he was not going to Alabama. Bad feelings exacerbated by quickly returning Crimson Tide to prominence last season, winning the SEC Western Division and defeating LSU in Baton Rouge.
32. Steve Spurrier -- Florida coach, 1990-2001
Hated by: Entire SEC, most notably Tennessee and Georgia; Florida State as well.
Claim to Infamy: Head Ball Coach won huge and unapologetically tweaked his victims for 12 years while building the brand at his alma mater. Volunteers fans can still hear, "You can't spell Citrus (Bowl) without U-T" ringing in their ears. Bulldogs fans can still hear him referring to 1990s coach Ray Goff as "Ray Goof." And Seminoles can still hear the Spurrier barb, "Free Shoes University." Unlikely that any SEC coach had more fun angering more people than Spurrier.
34. Tim Tebow -- Florida quarterback, 2006-present
Hated by: All non-Gators in SEC, plus sizeable pockets of resistance elsewhere.
Claim to Infamy: Too virtuous and too celebrated for many rivals' tastes. Scripture on eye black construed as religious grandstanding in some corners. Willingness to run over opposing linebackers and/or sever a limb to win does not help his standing with opposing fans. Mainly because he does win with tiresome regularity and irksome wholesomeness.
36. Tommy Tuberville -- Auburn coach, 1999-2008
Hated by: Ole Miss.
Claim to Infamy: Declared that the only way he would leave his first head-coaching job, with the Rebels, would be "in a pine box." Two days later, alive and well, he accepted job at SEC West rival Auburn.
40. Vince Young -- Texas quarterback, 2003-05
Hated by: USC
Claim to Infamy: Almost single-handedly stopped favored Trojans' bid for national title threepeat in 2006 Rose Bowl. Ran through USC defense for 200 yards and three touchdowns, the last coming with 19 seconds to play, to give the Longhorns the 41-38 victory and their first national championship since 1970. Lack of carryover to successful professional career further galls Trojans, who could at least feel better if they'd been destroyed by the next great NFL quarterback.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Stafford's summer shenanigans
I see you degenerates posted the photo of Melonhead Matt Stafford* on a boat with some young ladies. But did you know the ever-observant and lecherous bloggers out there have pointed out ... well ... umm ... it seems some of his Detroit Lions' signing bonus went to a gift for his girlfriend.
The Stafford Cup Size Controversy
* - Look at the size of that boy's heed. I'm not kidding, it's an orange on a toothpick. That's a huge noggin, a virtual planetoid. Has its own weather system. I'm not kidding, that boy's head is like Sputnik; spherical but quite pointy at parts.
The Stafford Cup Size Controversy
* - Look at the size of that boy's heed. I'm not kidding, it's an orange on a toothpick. That's a huge noggin, a virtual planetoid. Has its own weather system. I'm not kidding, that boy's head is like Sputnik; spherical but quite pointy at parts.
Nutt 2, Hogville/Wally/Beck 0
The know-it-alls in the media who were so vicious in helping to usher the exit of Houston Nutt are falling all over themselves to serve as public-relations agents for Bobby Petrino as he enters his second season.In Friday's column, Wally Hall says a record of 7-5 would be "an acceptable improvement" and that "it has been more than a decade since there has been this much excitement and optimism among fans."
First, I find it funny in the midst of all the predictions of nine or 10 wins from fans on the talk shows and Internet that the statewide columnist feels the need to temper expectations to soften the blow to all these fans in what will most likely be a six-win season. Wally then goes on to tout how great it would be for the Razorbacks to make it to the Liberty Bowl.
Wow, where were those low expectations for Nutt, Wally? He did the same thing for Stan Heath after taking over for Nolan. It's almost like he has a computer program that spits these formats out whenever he gets a coach fired to talk up the replacement.
Second, there hasn't been this much excitement for Razorback football in more than a decade (which is coincidentally the tenure of the former coach)? Call me crazy, but the 10-4 season in 2006 that included a visit from ESPN Gameday and a trip to the SEC championship game was pretty exciting for most of us (for everyone other than the Springdale crazies), and it may be a long time before the Razorbacks win 10 games again.
The Friday column comes the day after Wally and his radio buddy Shawn Arnell spent a good 10 minutes trashing Nutt for touting new artificial turf at Ole Miss. Any excuse they can get to bring up Nutt and get their digs in, they take. Wally even criticized Nutt for pushing for new athletic facilities while he was at the University of Arkansas. What would Wally have said had the coach not wanted to constantly improve facilities??? He would have trashed him for that too.
What Wally and Shawn need to understand is that not everyone in their listening audience is one of these trolls on Hogville who wakes up every morning obsessed with their hatred for Nutt. That segment of the fan base is not representative of the majority. No wonder the ratings for Sports Rap are so low -- people are so tired of listening to that garbage from the callers much less the hosts.
Another guy who can't open his mouth without pumping up Petrino is Jimmy Dykes, the frequent guest on Bo Mattingly's radio program. Dykes, the self-proclaimed "guy who studies sports for a living" so we must accept that he is always right, recently said Petrino was "the absolute right hire even if he only wins five games this year." Again, where were these passes for Nutt from these people?Dykes went on to gush about how "efficient" Petrino's practices are (after reminding us again that he has been to the practices and studies sports for a living) and that he will get everything out of his players there is to get. Oh yeah, isn't this what Nutt is heralded for by his coaching peers in the SEC and elsewhere? Again, this sounds like the Stan Heath lovefest all over again when the experts were telling us how great his practices were and how it is so nice to finally have a coach who stresses rebounding.
A better topic for Dykes to address on the radio show -- Has he ever condoned recruiting as athletic director at Shiloh Christian?
As the pundits in the media and fans in Arkansas do everything to trash Nutt, meanwhile everyone else outside Arkansas is talking about what a great coach he is and putting Ole Miss in various slots in the preseason top 10. The scoreboard at the end of the season will judge who is right.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
2009 SEC Predictions
OK, here it is, the long-awaited, highly anticipated 2009 SEC predictions. You may not like, but you gotta love, 'cuz it the best thing going....today.
And big props to Tom Watson...if he could have only hit that putt that I know the rest of us would have all made.
SEC Title Game (I can't believe I am going to say Ole Miss is going to win the west, but its true)
FU over Ole Miss
SEC Offensive Player of the Year - Tim Tebow, QB, FU (I know, big stretch)
SEC Defensive Player of the Year - Eric Berry, S, UT (I do like Norwood at LB for USC also)
EAST
1 - FU (11-1, 7-1)
What can I say that the rest of the world hasn't already anointed on Tim Tebow and the rest of the gator nation. I just can't pick a team to go undefeated, but the SEC East is just so weak, that I had to struggle to find a loss, which of course I did. The weak spot is the O-Line and RB's, but with Tebow, I don't think you need those positions anyway. He's not the best passer in the world, and a physical defense will give him some problems, but FU is just too good all around. The have 37 starters back on defense, which doesn't always equate to a dominating defense, but with lack of experienced QB's in the East, it should be a pretty easy road for Florida.
2 - USC (10-2, 6-2)
So this might be real stretch, but who else in the East is worthy? Of course, this entire pick hinges on knucklehead Stephen Garcia at QB. Uncharacteristically for the Ol' Ball Coach, the defense will again be very good. Led by Eric Norwood at MLB and coached by Ellis Johnson, if Garcia can play well enough to get a lead and not throw a pick six, the defense will be able to hold it. The RB's and WR's are inexperienced, but talented, so if Garcia can be the next great Spurrier QB, USC will get the season the expected when thy hired Spurrier 5 years ago.
3 - UGA (7-5, 5-3)
As much as I love Joe Cox at QB for UGA, I don't see any real playmakers on offense. Yes, I know AJ Green is there at WR, and yes, he is good, but he has no help. The O-line might be good, but Cox is game manager, not a gamemaker. There are no proven RB's, as the best runner, Caleb King, is scared to run between the tackles. The defense needs to improve and hasn't really been the same since Brian Van Gorder left for Ga Southern. I think this is a rebuilding year for UGA, but if Cox plays better than expected and USC stumbles, spots 2 and 3 could easily be reversed.
4 - Kentucky (7-5, 3-5)
I know, Kendall, what are you thinking? Richie, Keeter and all the rest of you UT people just hold your water. UK isn’t' great, but they aren't that bad either. I like them in this spot mainly because of Rich Brooks. He has instilled a sense of confidence in this team, not really seen since the days of the old drunk guy coaching before he made his escape to uat because momma was calling. Anyway, they have speed everywhere and a good SEC QB in Mike Hartline. They might even throw in some of the "wildcat" formation with Randall "don't call me Tex" Cobb. With 8 starters back on offense, and a bowl game is definitely possible. The only reason the UK Faithfull will be clamoring for b-ball is because of the new coach and probable #1 ranking.
5 - UT (5-7, 2-6)
Does new coach Lane Kiffin know how to stir things up or what? Lucky for him, he has a hot wife to go home to every night, though after his comments (I guess he thought he was still an assistant at Southern Cal) he should be spending more time trying to figure out who is going to be the QB instead of going home anyway. UT fans had high hopes for Jonathan Crompton, but it seems he has gotten worse every year. Is that really possible? His back-up Nick Stevens really isn't any better, though he does give them a little more mobile QB. Maybe Kiffin should go the Ga Tech route and run the triple option with all the RB's they have...which is the strength of the team. Though not a totally experienced group yet, loads of talent. Other positions are average, plus breaking in a coach who has never really coached will make for a year of growing pains in Knoxvegas.
6 - Vandy (4-8, 1-7)
I am terribly vexed by picking Vandy this low. They have had a good run over the past few years, and Bobby Johnson has done more with less than any other coach in D1, but I just don't see the talent or experience this year. All world DJ Moore is gone to play on Sundays, and no skill positions return on offense. The defense has 9 starters back, but this looks to me to be a typical Vandy team...play tough defense for 3 quarters, then tire out, because the offense can't do anything. They will sneak up and win a game they shouldn't, but in typical Vandy fashion, they will lose one they shouldn't either. I am betting on UK for the surprise win and Rice as the surprise loss.
West
1 - Ole Miss (10-2, 6-2)
I know, this one shocked me too. I think Ole Miss just had all the pieces just fall into place last year, and that usually doesn’t happen twice...especially with Houston Nutt at the helm. He is the poster boy for overachiever and underachiever all in the same man. I did go through the schedule game by game, they have the tough ones at home, a superstar in the making with QB Jevon Snead, and an All-American in Greg Hardy rushing passer. The offense should be good, and the defense should be good, neither great, but both good enough to make it to Atlanta.
2 - uat (9-3, 6-2)
I don't want to talk about the 'necks much. New QB, so-so RB, new OL, Julio on O, and a typical Nick Satan defense. They will struggle on offense, and win with the D.
3 - LSU (9-3, 5-3)
I am not all that confident in Les Miles, just like all the LSU fans, and the Satan recruits are now gone...or close to it. The defense actually has alot of holes, but the offense should actually be decent with Jefferson at QB and Charles Scott at RB. Throw in a bunch of drunk cajuns and you have a shot at a 9 win season. For Les is more, is it possible for a coach with a national title and averaging 10 wins a year for 4 years actually be on the hot seat....I think so. After last years collapse(ok, so they won 8 games), Les needs to produce this year or he may start to wish he was back at Oklahoma State. LSU should still win 7 games on pure talent alone, with the other two coming just because they are LSU and this is the SEC.
4 - Auburn (9-3, 5-3)
I know, I am looking at Auburn threw rose-colored glasses, but after going through the schedule, Auburn could be as high as 10-2 or as low as 6-6. The typical strong defense will be back again, led by potential All-American DE Antonio Coleman. Last year Auburn struggled because on NO offense, and had problems with that for two reasons, the coaching staff didn't buy into the spread and Tony Franklin's version is a pass-oriented system. Enter a new coaching staff, with a spread guru in Gus Malzahn, who runs the Rich Rodriguez-run-oriented spread. So with just a bad offense, Auburn should be better, and when the starting QB job is given to Neil Caudle, good things should happen. The RB's are solid, if not typical Auburn RB's, but the WR position has to step up for the 10 win season, hence just nine wins. The season schedule rests on UT, LSU and uat games, with a probable loss in Athens.
5 - Arkansas (6-6, 2-6)
Bobby Petrino ~ THIS IS NOT THE BIG EAST! I really like Ryan Mallett, the transfer from Michigan, but there just isn’t alot of talent around him. Michael Smith is a good RB, but Petrino will forge about him as the season wears on. There are 9 returning starters on defense, but as I said earlier, just because you have a bunch of returning starters, it doesn't mean they will be good. The West doesn't have the best team in the SEC, but it has 2, 3, and 4...and 5 may be debatable. Petrino is recruiting some good offensive players, but we all know, you have to have a little bit of D to win. He will have time, but I think Arkansas is a year a way form being able to really compete.
6 - Miss St (3-9, 0-8)
A 3-2 loss to Auburn last year is all I really need to say here. Urban Meyer's former assistant takes over, but the next Tim Tebow ain't going to Starkville any time soon. Sly Croom could coach the boys up and instill confidence, he just couldn't get much talent there. They have along way to go.
That's all I got this year, let the commenting begin.
War Eagle!
And big props to Tom Watson...if he could have only hit that putt that I know the rest of us would have all made.
SEC Title Game (I can't believe I am going to say Ole Miss is going to win the west, but its true)
FU over Ole Miss
SEC Offensive Player of the Year - Tim Tebow, QB, FU (I know, big stretch)
SEC Defensive Player of the Year - Eric Berry, S, UT (I do like Norwood at LB for USC also)
EAST
1 - FU (11-1, 7-1)
What can I say that the rest of the world hasn't already anointed on Tim Tebow and the rest of the gator nation. I just can't pick a team to go undefeated, but the SEC East is just so weak, that I had to struggle to find a loss, which of course I did. The weak spot is the O-Line and RB's, but with Tebow, I don't think you need those positions anyway. He's not the best passer in the world, and a physical defense will give him some problems, but FU is just too good all around. The have 37 starters back on defense, which doesn't always equate to a dominating defense, but with lack of experienced QB's in the East, it should be a pretty easy road for Florida.
2 - USC (10-2, 6-2)
So this might be real stretch, but who else in the East is worthy? Of course, this entire pick hinges on knucklehead Stephen Garcia at QB. Uncharacteristically for the Ol' Ball Coach, the defense will again be very good. Led by Eric Norwood at MLB and coached by Ellis Johnson, if Garcia can play well enough to get a lead and not throw a pick six, the defense will be able to hold it. The RB's and WR's are inexperienced, but talented, so if Garcia can be the next great Spurrier QB, USC will get the season the expected when thy hired Spurrier 5 years ago.
3 - UGA (7-5, 5-3)
As much as I love Joe Cox at QB for UGA, I don't see any real playmakers on offense. Yes, I know AJ Green is there at WR, and yes, he is good, but he has no help. The O-line might be good, but Cox is game manager, not a gamemaker. There are no proven RB's, as the best runner, Caleb King, is scared to run between the tackles. The defense needs to improve and hasn't really been the same since Brian Van Gorder left for Ga Southern. I think this is a rebuilding year for UGA, but if Cox plays better than expected and USC stumbles, spots 2 and 3 could easily be reversed.
4 - Kentucky (7-5, 3-5)
I know, Kendall, what are you thinking? Richie, Keeter and all the rest of you UT people just hold your water. UK isn’t' great, but they aren't that bad either. I like them in this spot mainly because of Rich Brooks. He has instilled a sense of confidence in this team, not really seen since the days of the old drunk guy coaching before he made his escape to uat because momma was calling. Anyway, they have speed everywhere and a good SEC QB in Mike Hartline. They might even throw in some of the "wildcat" formation with Randall "don't call me Tex" Cobb. With 8 starters back on offense, and a bowl game is definitely possible. The only reason the UK Faithfull will be clamoring for b-ball is because of the new coach and probable #1 ranking.
5 - UT (5-7, 2-6)
Does new coach Lane Kiffin know how to stir things up or what? Lucky for him, he has a hot wife to go home to every night, though after his comments (I guess he thought he was still an assistant at Southern Cal) he should be spending more time trying to figure out who is going to be the QB instead of going home anyway. UT fans had high hopes for Jonathan Crompton, but it seems he has gotten worse every year. Is that really possible? His back-up Nick Stevens really isn't any better, though he does give them a little more mobile QB. Maybe Kiffin should go the Ga Tech route and run the triple option with all the RB's they have...which is the strength of the team. Though not a totally experienced group yet, loads of talent. Other positions are average, plus breaking in a coach who has never really coached will make for a year of growing pains in Knoxvegas.
6 - Vandy (4-8, 1-7)
I am terribly vexed by picking Vandy this low. They have had a good run over the past few years, and Bobby Johnson has done more with less than any other coach in D1, but I just don't see the talent or experience this year. All world DJ Moore is gone to play on Sundays, and no skill positions return on offense. The defense has 9 starters back, but this looks to me to be a typical Vandy team...play tough defense for 3 quarters, then tire out, because the offense can't do anything. They will sneak up and win a game they shouldn't, but in typical Vandy fashion, they will lose one they shouldn't either. I am betting on UK for the surprise win and Rice as the surprise loss.
West
1 - Ole Miss (10-2, 6-2)
I know, this one shocked me too. I think Ole Miss just had all the pieces just fall into place last year, and that usually doesn’t happen twice...especially with Houston Nutt at the helm. He is the poster boy for overachiever and underachiever all in the same man. I did go through the schedule game by game, they have the tough ones at home, a superstar in the making with QB Jevon Snead, and an All-American in Greg Hardy rushing passer. The offense should be good, and the defense should be good, neither great, but both good enough to make it to Atlanta.
2 - uat (9-3, 6-2)
I don't want to talk about the 'necks much. New QB, so-so RB, new OL, Julio on O, and a typical Nick Satan defense. They will struggle on offense, and win with the D.
3 - LSU (9-3, 5-3)
I am not all that confident in Les Miles, just like all the LSU fans, and the Satan recruits are now gone...or close to it. The defense actually has alot of holes, but the offense should actually be decent with Jefferson at QB and Charles Scott at RB. Throw in a bunch of drunk cajuns and you have a shot at a 9 win season. For Les is more, is it possible for a coach with a national title and averaging 10 wins a year for 4 years actually be on the hot seat....I think so. After last years collapse(ok, so they won 8 games), Les needs to produce this year or he may start to wish he was back at Oklahoma State. LSU should still win 7 games on pure talent alone, with the other two coming just because they are LSU and this is the SEC.
4 - Auburn (9-3, 5-3)
I know, I am looking at Auburn threw rose-colored glasses, but after going through the schedule, Auburn could be as high as 10-2 or as low as 6-6. The typical strong defense will be back again, led by potential All-American DE Antonio Coleman. Last year Auburn struggled because on NO offense, and had problems with that for two reasons, the coaching staff didn't buy into the spread and Tony Franklin's version is a pass-oriented system. Enter a new coaching staff, with a spread guru in Gus Malzahn, who runs the Rich Rodriguez-run-oriented spread. So with just a bad offense, Auburn should be better, and when the starting QB job is given to Neil Caudle, good things should happen. The RB's are solid, if not typical Auburn RB's, but the WR position has to step up for the 10 win season, hence just nine wins. The season schedule rests on UT, LSU and uat games, with a probable loss in Athens.
5 - Arkansas (6-6, 2-6)
Bobby Petrino ~ THIS IS NOT THE BIG EAST! I really like Ryan Mallett, the transfer from Michigan, but there just isn’t alot of talent around him. Michael Smith is a good RB, but Petrino will forge about him as the season wears on. There are 9 returning starters on defense, but as I said earlier, just because you have a bunch of returning starters, it doesn't mean they will be good. The West doesn't have the best team in the SEC, but it has 2, 3, and 4...and 5 may be debatable. Petrino is recruiting some good offensive players, but we all know, you have to have a little bit of D to win. He will have time, but I think Arkansas is a year a way form being able to really compete.
6 - Miss St (3-9, 0-8)
A 3-2 loss to Auburn last year is all I really need to say here. Urban Meyer's former assistant takes over, but the next Tim Tebow ain't going to Starkville any time soon. Sly Croom could coach the boys up and instill confidence, he just couldn't get much talent there. They have along way to go.
That's all I got this year, let the commenting begin.
War Eagle!
If Michael Dyer goes to Auburn...
... will it be because of this encounter with Auburn graduate Trey D. in Wal-Mart?
"I was checking out and there was a young man with a ball cap pulled down low that was talking to the cash register guy who was also a young man. I didn't think much of it until I overheard one of them mention all the football recruiting and how busy he was. I then looked at the guy in the cap and he had on some navy blue shorts that said Warriors. I was then pretty sure he was Michael Dyer because my wife works there and my kids go to school there as well. I said, 'Hey, do you go to Little Rock Christian Academy?' He said yes. I said, 'Are you Michael?' He said yes. I then told him I went to Auburn and he and his Walmart buddy both yelled out, 'It's a sign!' I told him yes, it's a very big sign. I then gave him a big War Eagle and wished him luck this season and with his decision. I hope he becomes a Tiger. That would be awesome. (In case you didn't know, Michael is rated as one of the top 4 running back recruits in the country.)"
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And while the topic is on the Little Rock Christian Warriors, this was submitted by BR as their new helmet logo and mascot...
"I was checking out and there was a young man with a ball cap pulled down low that was talking to the cash register guy who was also a young man. I didn't think much of it until I overheard one of them mention all the football recruiting and how busy he was. I then looked at the guy in the cap and he had on some navy blue shorts that said Warriors. I was then pretty sure he was Michael Dyer because my wife works there and my kids go to school there as well. I said, 'Hey, do you go to Little Rock Christian Academy?' He said yes. I said, 'Are you Michael?' He said yes. I then told him I went to Auburn and he and his Walmart buddy both yelled out, 'It's a sign!' I told him yes, it's a very big sign. I then gave him a big War Eagle and wished him luck this season and with his decision. I hope he becomes a Tiger. That would be awesome. (In case you didn't know, Michael is rated as one of the top 4 running back recruits in the country.)"
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And while the topic is on the Little Rock Christian Warriors, this was submitted by BR as their new helmet logo and mascot...
Monday, August 10, 2009
Fat Matt continues to make Georgia proud
Matt Stafford, the greatest quarterback ever, has a new workout regime in place.
Jeff Seidel with the Detroit Free Press took a long and thoughtful look.
"I base this off several photos of Stafford on the Internet. In these photos, Stafford is practicing, uh, different quarterback techniques with several beautiful women, who happen to be wearing bikinis.
Lions coach Jim Schwartz noticed the photos, too. At the first team meeting, according to a report on mlive.com, Schwartz showed the players some of his family vacation photos and said, 'I thought I had a fun vacation until I saw this.'"
Read the whole column at
http://freep.com/article/20090810/COL38/908100318/Special-maneuvers-show-Stafford-s-skill
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Prediction from the Bleacher Report
October 3rd:
University of Arkansas Razorbacks at Jerry’s World in Arlington
This is Texas A&M’s first true test of the season. The Razorbacks ended the season on a pretty high note last year, defeating LSU at home.
But Arkansas is a hard team to figure out.
Last season they barely won games against teams they should have rolled over. They defeated No. 20 Auburn. Yet they played Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and Kentucky down to the wire. If they had any consistency last year, this team could have been 8-4 and played in a respectable bowl game.
A&M will be 3-0 coming into Arlington to face a Razorback team that will be 1-2. A deceiving record considering those two losses will be at the hands of Georgia and Alabama. For A&M to win this game they must to keep transfer QB Ryan Mallett and Arkansas offense of the field. They can only do that by running the ball against the Razorbacks suspect rushing defense that finish last in the SEC. This is a swing game for the Aggies and unfortunately it will swing in favor of Arkansas. It will be close but chalk this one up as the Aggies first loss of the season.
University of Arkansas Razorbacks at Jerry’s World in Arlington
This is Texas A&M’s first true test of the season. The Razorbacks ended the season on a pretty high note last year, defeating LSU at home.
But Arkansas is a hard team to figure out.
Last season they barely won games against teams they should have rolled over. They defeated No. 20 Auburn. Yet they played Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and Kentucky down to the wire. If they had any consistency last year, this team could have been 8-4 and played in a respectable bowl game.
A&M will be 3-0 coming into Arlington to face a Razorback team that will be 1-2. A deceiving record considering those two losses will be at the hands of Georgia and Alabama. For A&M to win this game they must to keep transfer QB Ryan Mallett and Arkansas offense of the field. They can only do that by running the ball against the Razorbacks suspect rushing defense that finish last in the SEC. This is a swing game for the Aggies and unfortunately it will swing in favor of Arkansas. It will be close but chalk this one up as the Aggies first loss of the season.
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