Comments on the week from our expert panel of reporters, bankers, doctors, lawyers, ad wizards, lawn guys, bond guys, car guys, pilots, priests, principals, builders, teachers, bums, and nomads.
Continually updated throughout the day...
I've gone 0 and 3 in Clemson games before but I don't think it was ever in a 3 week period. -- Woody
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Jeff G Weekly
These are good ones. I could go 5-0 as easily as 0-5.
Hogs - even beat up, I like our chances. Esp. after watching OSU torch A&M at the end of last week's game.
MSU - Sparty better step up, dammit.
VTech - No matter what I do, I will be wrong. I will point out that Clemson is on the road this week for the first time. So they'll win, but not cover the spread - just to screw me and Vegas. So I'll go with the Hokies. Reverse psychology. If you're confused after reading this, join the club. Damn you, Clemson.
'Bama - tough call.
The Cheese a/k/a Wisconsin. I do not like the Badgers. We Marquette students routinely fought UW students - literally - when they came to Milwaukee. They were tougher than the Domers (who eventually just stopped visiting Milwaukee), that's for sure. I wish this game was in Lincoln, but alas.
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The minute I think they are for real, they will blow it, but I am going to try anyway - Clemson for the win. -- Dave M
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Redonkulous!!!!!!!!
Here are my picks:
1. Clemson
2. Clemson
3. Clemson
4. Clemson
5. Clemson
-- G Biz
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Pacheco's Picks to Go
Texas A&M - Welcome to the SEC. Wish could say Arkansas but don't see it, but hey my average this year is 1-4
Michigan State - Attended hockey game with Professor Rabal years ago…………… hate Herbstreet and hate ohio state‼‼!
Clemson - Because they beat the bag man at his own game
Alabama - Because the west is better than the east
Wisconsin - it is home to the fictional place called Genoa City………… Young and the Restless
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Great job on the Empire State of Mind remix. Although I find it hard to believe you came up with that all by yourself. -- Brendan O [EDITOR'S NOTE: Believe dat!]
F-ing Clemson (yes, I said Clemson... but only by picking them am I guaranteeing they put up a "L". The rest of teh pool can thank me on Monday) -- G Biz
Funny... I think you left a few blame games off the list... How about Martinez stupid fumbling problems... How about Martinez weird side-arm bs throwing motion... How about all the Jumping Around in Madison... How about the Wisconsin Democratic Caucus up and leaving in the middle off the halftime marching band show? -- Husker Ryan
Hooray, more Clemson. The ultimate pool-busting team. In AUBURN news: Every time I see someone wearing Auburn gear in town, I want to scream, "Are you a Davis?" at them. In more AUBURN news: anyone else hoping Arkansas goes on a three-game slide and loses this week to A&M and then to Auburn just to see if the streets will run red with the blood of suicidal Hog fans? I do! -- Jeremy P
Time for the Ags to get off the schneid in the SW Classic. -- Aggie Mark
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Regards from the Big O
Another interesting group of picks...thanks for not including the AU/South Carolina game since I'm not sure we can win (although I have hopes and our win record since the last loss to SC is longer than most pool members are old). I had, however, hoped you would list the Georgia game so I could use the most apt summary of the peach dogs I've seen in years (not original with me): "Them ain't big dogs...them's just Jawga dogs...them dawgs don't bite."
Turning to the task at hand, here are my picks for this week: 1) Texas A&M (although I would normally expect the Hogs to win, due to both defensive ends off a some what deficient defense aren't playing and real questions exist as to whether the Hog's offense is as good as last years, I have to go with the home team advantage, especially if the first half team from last week's aTm/OSU shows up); 2) Ohio State (because they are dotting the "i" at home and MSU remains somewhat questionable to me); 3) Clemson (because those tigers are much better this year and by taking FSU as I predicted last week, they have perhaps the best team in the ACC); 4) Alabama (because I'm not sure the gators defense is as good as their stats appear and, besides, LSU is going to take care of the Tawd's overly hyped offense and defense in a few weeks now that LSU's best QB will be back -- moreover, the defeat of an undefeated Tawd by LSU will drive their delusional fans even more crazy due to unfulfilled expectations); and 5) Wisconsin (because right now they appear to share with LSU the status of being the best football teams in 2011).
Now that the work is done, let me also share with you the best political bumper sticker I've heard about: "Cain vs. Unable." You've got to admit that's clever. Regards and give Daly's coin my best.
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Glenn B's NCAAFConverter
NCAAFConverter is turned off this morning while I work on evicting a few non-payment types (a/k/a rent dodgers) from a trailer park. So here are my humble picks, selected without help of my nifty machine (which is probably a good thing; the Converter gave no guidance on OSU-TAMU or Arkie-Bama, and it went 1 for 3 on the rest (how could "Indian in Death Valley" have missed the mark??).
1. Arkansas - Texas A&M
I'll take Arkansas. We have tickets to the game so if we're trailing late, I may have my wife hop the rail and run around on the field wrapped in nothing but an Arkansas Razorbacks beach towel from WalMart; maybe that'll spark the team.
2. Michigan State - Ohio State
I'll take Michigan State.
3. Clemson - Virginia Tech
Having learned my lesson twice in a row, I'll take Clemson. I may not be an early adapter but I'm no dummy. By the way, you know the story about how Clemson got its name. It used to be the University of Clem, but the Regents thought the name was too humble so they conducted an on-campus contest many years ago to rebrand the school. "Clemson" was the winning entry, and not just because the name sounds much better, but because the letters actually stood for some of the lofty goals the school set for itself and its alumni (spirit, honor, knowledge).
4. Alabama - Florida
I'll take Alabama. The Tide will drop at least one game this year, but this is not the one.
5. Nebraska - Wisconsin (Nebraska worth four points)
I have to go with the Cornhuskers, especially since you have all those shiny bonus points hung on them. Nebraska has a lot to play for and they may very well play beyond their normal human abilities in unexplicable fashion. This not to say they got greatness in them (greatness apparently dwells only in Clemson at the moment) but for tomorrow's game, I'm not betting against them.
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The buckeys sucked against Miami... of all teams..... Who were beat by k. state....... of all teams.... The line is interesting on that game to say the least.... -- Sal
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Poetry Corner with Danny K
Football kicks off at 11.
I'll definitely be drinking by then.
And by the time Nebraska takes on Wisconsin,
I'll be giving my wife the Big 10.
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I still have the faith... I will always have the faith... WE CAN DO THIS!!! GO HOGS! We really beat ourselves last week: couldn't make a tackle, couldn't hold the line, couldn't make a run...we beat ourselves! These are basic fundamentals that every team must have going into any game! If we can keep our fundamentals on the top of our minds and apply a little think about the play before we take position then we can take A&M, I know it! -- Randi P
Friday, September 30, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
From the Bench
I Drank the Kool-Aid
Robert Shields
This is Bobby Petrino’s fourth year. It was supposed to be a special year, and maybe it still will be. But what became evident Saturday is that the Arkansas football team is still a long way from being a top five program.
The gulf in talent on Saturday against the Alabama Crimson Tide was staggering. The Razorbacks were soundly defeated in every facet of the game, including coaching. Joe Adams was supposed to be the answer to Marquis Maze in the kicking game. He was not. Jerry Franklin was supposed to be the answer against Dont’a Hightower. He was not.
Even on the first series, it was evident the Crimson Tide staff was outthinking the Razorback coaching staff. The fake field goal the Tide ran went exactly as designed. They obviously saw something on film and deployment during the game went as expected.
Tyler Wilson did all he could to avoid sacks and he did, but in return he was treated like a rag doll. He was knocked from sideline to sideline and then when it was time to walk to the sideline he was abused by the coach. If there was one take away from the Alabama game, it’s that the kid can hang in the pocket and take a hit and get back up.
Going into the game, one would think that the Hogs receiving corps might be able to exploit the Alabama linebacker group. It was obvious Petrino had the same hopes as the passing game was shallow and not into the secondary.
Early in the game, Joe Adams caught a pass in linebacker territory about five yards down field in the middle. The defending linebacker was trailing. This usually spells doom for other teams as Adams always puts distance immediately between him and this defender and picks up additional yards, sometimes even a touchdown. In this game, though, he was run down and tackled immediately. Adams had six catches for 37 yards. You will never see a stat like that again in his career at Arkansas.
The play calling on Saturday was one of Petrino’s worst at Arkansas, and Alabama seemed to dictate everything on the field. One play in particular was zany. The Hogs scored to cut the score to 31-14, and the defense held Alabama. The offense began driving again into Tide territory. Arkansas faced a fourth and one.
Up until that point in the game, the Razorbacks had no success running the ball with a grand total of only seven yards rushing. Arkansas went into an I formation, which is typically the Hogs’ power running formation under Petrino, putting Tyler Wilson under center. It was power running play all the way, and everyone knew it. The tailback never had a chance as the Alabama defense ate the play up and the Hogs lost ground on the play turning it over on downs.
The play was like Pickett’s Charge. I don’t know if Petrino lost his mind on that play, was completely frustrated, thought he was outthinking Nick Saban by running into the teeth of his defense, or was delusional to that he was going to overpower the Alabama defense at the point of attack. Regardless, that play call was madness.
Although allowing almost 400 yards, the defense played well enough to keep the Hogs in the game. It really only allowed 17 points. The rest went on the board without them on the field.
The defense had the best moment of the game in holding the goal line three plays in a row to deny Alabama the end zone at the 1-yard line. It was all the more impressive because the defensive line was short Jake Bequette and Tenarius Wright, both starters.
Even though Willy Robinson will still catch heat, it was his unit that did not let the team down. The offense, though, was running for its life.
There are two rules that never change in the SEC to win. One, you better be able to run the ball. Two, great defenses beat great offenses. In other conferences, you can get away with ignoring those rules. Not in the SEC, and it takes some coaches years to learn that.
This game reminded me of several years ago when Hal Mumme would take his high-octane passing offense at Kentucky and play one of the big boys like Florida and get hammered. Arkansas took its aerial act on the road and got hammered. Jarius Wright had to feel like he was in a game, but it wasn’t football -- it was pinball.
Arkansas now has to pick itself up to face a Texas A&M team that also wants to get back on track after losing at home to Oklahoma State. And if nothing else as the SEC’s newest member, A&M wants to prove that it belongs.
The Razorbacks have to prove that even a beleaguered and beaten-down SEC team is still better than a team immigrating from the Big 12.
Send your favorite flavor of Kool-Aid to fromthebench@yahoo.com.
You can follow me on Twitter @rsfromthebench
end
Robert Shields
The gulf in talent on Saturday against the Alabama Crimson Tide was staggering. The Razorbacks were soundly defeated in every facet of the game, including coaching. Joe Adams was supposed to be the answer to Marquis Maze in the kicking game. He was not. Jerry Franklin was supposed to be the answer against Dont’a Hightower. He was not.
Even on the first series, it was evident the Crimson Tide staff was outthinking the Razorback coaching staff. The fake field goal the Tide ran went exactly as designed. They obviously saw something on film and deployment during the game went as expected.
Tyler Wilson did all he could to avoid sacks and he did, but in return he was treated like a rag doll. He was knocked from sideline to sideline and then when it was time to walk to the sideline he was abused by the coach. If there was one take away from the Alabama game, it’s that the kid can hang in the pocket and take a hit and get back up.
Going into the game, one would think that the Hogs receiving corps might be able to exploit the Alabama linebacker group. It was obvious Petrino had the same hopes as the passing game was shallow and not into the secondary.
Early in the game, Joe Adams caught a pass in linebacker territory about five yards down field in the middle. The defending linebacker was trailing. This usually spells doom for other teams as Adams always puts distance immediately between him and this defender and picks up additional yards, sometimes even a touchdown. In this game, though, he was run down and tackled immediately. Adams had six catches for 37 yards. You will never see a stat like that again in his career at Arkansas.
The play calling on Saturday was one of Petrino’s worst at Arkansas, and Alabama seemed to dictate everything on the field. One play in particular was zany. The Hogs scored to cut the score to 31-14, and the defense held Alabama. The offense began driving again into Tide territory. Arkansas faced a fourth and one.
Up until that point in the game, the Razorbacks had no success running the ball with a grand total of only seven yards rushing. Arkansas went into an I formation, which is typically the Hogs’ power running formation under Petrino, putting Tyler Wilson under center. It was power running play all the way, and everyone knew it. The tailback never had a chance as the Alabama defense ate the play up and the Hogs lost ground on the play turning it over on downs.
The play was like Pickett’s Charge. I don’t know if Petrino lost his mind on that play, was completely frustrated, thought he was outthinking Nick Saban by running into the teeth of his defense, or was delusional to that he was going to overpower the Alabama defense at the point of attack. Regardless, that play call was madness.
Although allowing almost 400 yards, the defense played well enough to keep the Hogs in the game. It really only allowed 17 points. The rest went on the board without them on the field.
The defense had the best moment of the game in holding the goal line three plays in a row to deny Alabama the end zone at the 1-yard line. It was all the more impressive because the defensive line was short Jake Bequette and Tenarius Wright, both starters.
Even though Willy Robinson will still catch heat, it was his unit that did not let the team down. The offense, though, was running for its life.
There are two rules that never change in the SEC to win. One, you better be able to run the ball. Two, great defenses beat great offenses. In other conferences, you can get away with ignoring those rules. Not in the SEC, and it takes some coaches years to learn that.
This game reminded me of several years ago when Hal Mumme would take his high-octane passing offense at Kentucky and play one of the big boys like Florida and get hammered. Arkansas took its aerial act on the road and got hammered. Jarius Wright had to feel like he was in a game, but it wasn’t football -- it was pinball.
Arkansas now has to pick itself up to face a Texas A&M team that also wants to get back on track after losing at home to Oklahoma State. And if nothing else as the SEC’s newest member, A&M wants to prove that it belongs.
The Razorbacks have to prove that even a beleaguered and beaten-down SEC team is still better than a team immigrating from the Big 12.
Send your favorite flavor of Kool-Aid to fromthebench@yahoo.com.
You can follow me on Twitter @rsfromthebench
end
Poolsville State of Mind
(Verse 1)
Yeah we’re done with Week 4 so next I’ll do a mic checka
If you picked the Hogs now you know it was a standings wrecka
Headed to face Saban Hogs said they had little fear
But at the end Petrino’s face was left with zero cheer
Now here’s a shout out to seven who got 5 and 0s
DJ U is close but still behind the leader named Big O
If you stayed up late for Arizona State to end the SC streak
Then you know to fear the fork next time they’re in the week
Gundy and the Cowboys I promise they will hex us
SEC’s gotta dump those Aggie jumpsuits down in Texas
Me I went with FSU thought it probly was no biggie
But the Clemson Curse still continues to be ridin’ with me
Say what’s up to Les Miles and those Ti-Ti-Tigers
Look out BCS you better call Paul Smyers
Did I cover everything no I can’t blame the refereeing
Still in the bottom tier and most definitely need some Tums...
(Chorus)
... in Pooooolsville
Ramon trophy that dreams are made of
There's no game you can't lose
Now you're in Poolsville
These games can make you feel like a dang fool
Well there’s always a side pool
Let's hear it for Poolsville, Poolsville, Poolsville
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Live Fan Feedback: Week 4
Comments on the week from our expert panel of reporters, bankers, doctors, lawyers, ad wizards, lawn guys, bond guys, car guys, pilots, priests, principals, builders, teachers, bums, and nomads.
Continually updated throughout the day...
Jeff G breaks it down:
A&M – no clue on this one, but I bet the A&M band is better that Okie St’s, so I’ll go with them.
‘Bama – 11 point spread? No respect. ‘Bama can beat us by at least 20.
FSU – Write it down. I will vote against Clemson every time from here on out. That’ll show you. So there. Damn right.
LSU – I don’t know much about WVU in particular, but all Big East teams are pussies, so I’ll go with the Tigers.
ASU – do not know, do not care.
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Woody's Scoredcard
OK St over TAM... Is it considered "starting a new tradition" if you move to a new conference but repeat the same thing... losing?
Bama over Ark... I hate making this choice. I want Ark to win, not that I like them or anything, and they might. But based on the schedule so far, Bama has at least been moderately challenged. One thing going for Ark is that the game is in Bryant Denny and Bama's recent home record is worse than it's road record. But maybe that stat is skewed because Auburn owns Alabama in Bryant Denny.
FSU over Clemson... Auburn's defense surrenders yards like the DOW Jones surrenders gains when ever Obama gives a speech about fixing the economy. Clemson isn't really that good.
LSU over WVU... [insert team], you have the crappiest fans and no one likes you!
USC over ASU... I had to resort to a coin toss to tell me Lane Cheater Kiffen was going to win this one.
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Since you clearly are ignoring my previous C&D letter, can you at least refer to them as "F-ing Clemson" in all future game picks! -- G-Biz
As usual Clemson will be a flash of greatness followed by a dose of mediocrity – Florida State takes it. -- Dave M.
The black bunting of mourning continues to hang throughout the Seminole Nation. Obviously, my team somehow missed the fact that I picked them to win. Please make sure my picks are faxed to each team, each week so they know what they are supposed to do. It seems that there must be a breakdown of communication somewhere along the line. >>>----;;;---;;;------> Go SEMINOLES!!!! >>>----;;;---;;;------> -- Seminole Prognosticator
I'm 11 and 4 going into week 4 without submitting any of my picks cleverly photoshoped onto some chicks boobies so not going down that path just yet. -- DJ U-Explicit Johnson
Thanks for not putting Notre Dame in this week :) They, Clemson and Auburn are seriously unpredictable. I thought the Hot Seat Bowl might be of interest. Nutt is dangerous when backed in a corner. -- Mike W.
I told Steve W. that he needs to try to win this pool so he can buy himself a new sock tie. The old one he's wearing (the same old gold one he wore since your junior year, my sophomore year - no kidding) has faded to a tan-ish color and is now frayed where he makes the knot. If he ever tried to wear it on a plane, he'd get strip searched because some security guy would think he "just looked out of place." -- Rocket Man
Would rather have had the ND game in the picks this week. I never get Clemson game right. -- Aggie Mark
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Regards from Big O
After much study... thought... guesswork... here are my selections for this week unencumbered by loyalty to my school or dislike for Notre Dame: 1) Oklahoma State (because their offense is better and their minds may be more on moving to the SEC than this game, albeit being a home game); 2) Alabama (while my heart and my druthers rest with the Hogs, you don't remain at the top of our pool picking 11 point underdogs no matter how much you dislike their opponent); 3) Clemson (because I suspect Trickett's son will be the starter and he isn't as good as Clemson's QB, especially with their home field advantage...by the way I actually hosted Coach Trickett back when he was Pat Dye's AU assistant while presiding as President at a LR Alumni Club dinner...he cusses even more than UF's Coach Boom, by the way); 4) LSU (because they will likely finish at the head of the SEC West despite their HC's mistakes); and 5) USC (because you can never expect Arizona State to do what they should, thus leaving USC by default).
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Poetry Corner with Danny K
There's a game that we play at my house
Watching Saturday football with my spouse.
When my team drops a pass
I slap my wife on the ass
And when they catch it I click on her mouse.
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Had to call in to The Zone to call a foul on all the grief Archie Goodwin is getting... get in an on-air fight with Justin. Arky fans = bunch 'o haters. -- Mr. Kentucky
Woo-Pig! The season has had a great start but now the Hogs face their first true match up! What a game it should be! Regardless of what predictions are being made... tomorrow at 2:30 the Razorbacks have the chance to make their mark not only in the SEC but in the nation! This is the first conference match up for the Hogs and quite the matchup it should be. We know Bobby can coach and we know the boys can play... we have already seen both. All we have to do tomorrow is execute the plays with accuracy, force, and speed and another ARKANSAS RAZORBACK Victory will be on the board! GO HOGS! -- Randi P
Continually updated throughout the day...
Jeff G breaks it down:
A&M – no clue on this one, but I bet the A&M band is better that Okie St’s, so I’ll go with them.
‘Bama – 11 point spread? No respect. ‘Bama can beat us by at least 20.
FSU – Write it down. I will vote against Clemson every time from here on out. That’ll show you. So there. Damn right.
LSU – I don’t know much about WVU in particular, but all Big East teams are pussies, so I’ll go with the Tigers.
ASU – do not know, do not care.
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Woody's Scoredcard
OK St over TAM... Is it considered "starting a new tradition" if you move to a new conference but repeat the same thing... losing?
Bama over Ark... I hate making this choice. I want Ark to win, not that I like them or anything, and they might. But based on the schedule so far, Bama has at least been moderately challenged. One thing going for Ark is that the game is in Bryant Denny and Bama's recent home record is worse than it's road record. But maybe that stat is skewed because Auburn owns Alabama in Bryant Denny.
FSU over Clemson... Auburn's defense surrenders yards like the DOW Jones surrenders gains when ever Obama gives a speech about fixing the economy. Clemson isn't really that good.
LSU over WVU... [insert team], you have the crappiest fans and no one likes you!
USC over ASU... I had to resort to a coin toss to tell me Lane Cheater Kiffen was going to win this one.
-
Since you clearly are ignoring my previous C&D letter, can you at least refer to them as "F-ing Clemson" in all future game picks! -- G-Biz
As usual Clemson will be a flash of greatness followed by a dose of mediocrity – Florida State takes it. -- Dave M.
The black bunting of mourning continues to hang throughout the Seminole Nation. Obviously, my team somehow missed the fact that I picked them to win. Please make sure my picks are faxed to each team, each week so they know what they are supposed to do. It seems that there must be a breakdown of communication somewhere along the line. >>>----;;;---;;;------> Go SEMINOLES!!!! >>>----;;;---;;;------> -- Seminole Prognosticator
I'm 11 and 4 going into week 4 without submitting any of my picks cleverly photoshoped onto some chicks boobies so not going down that path just yet. -- DJ U-Explicit Johnson
Thanks for not putting Notre Dame in this week :) They, Clemson and Auburn are seriously unpredictable. I thought the Hot Seat Bowl might be of interest. Nutt is dangerous when backed in a corner. -- Mike W.
I told Steve W. that he needs to try to win this pool so he can buy himself a new sock tie. The old one he's wearing (the same old gold one he wore since your junior year, my sophomore year - no kidding) has faded to a tan-ish color and is now frayed where he makes the knot. If he ever tried to wear it on a plane, he'd get strip searched because some security guy would think he "just looked out of place." -- Rocket Man
Would rather have had the ND game in the picks this week. I never get Clemson game right. -- Aggie Mark
-
Regards from Big O
After much study... thought... guesswork... here are my selections for this week unencumbered by loyalty to my school or dislike for Notre Dame: 1) Oklahoma State (because their offense is better and their minds may be more on moving to the SEC than this game, albeit being a home game); 2) Alabama (while my heart and my druthers rest with the Hogs, you don't remain at the top of our pool picking 11 point underdogs no matter how much you dislike their opponent); 3) Clemson (because I suspect Trickett's son will be the starter and he isn't as good as Clemson's QB, especially with their home field advantage...by the way I actually hosted Coach Trickett back when he was Pat Dye's AU assistant while presiding as President at a LR Alumni Club dinner...he cusses even more than UF's Coach Boom, by the way); 4) LSU (because they will likely finish at the head of the SEC West despite their HC's mistakes); and 5) USC (because you can never expect Arizona State to do what they should, thus leaving USC by default).
-
Poetry Corner with Danny K
There's a game that we play at my house
Watching Saturday football with my spouse.
When my team drops a pass
I slap my wife on the ass
And when they catch it I click on her mouse.
-
Had to call in to The Zone to call a foul on all the grief Archie Goodwin is getting... get in an on-air fight with Justin. Arky fans = bunch 'o haters. -- Mr. Kentucky
Woo-Pig! The season has had a great start but now the Hogs face their first true match up! What a game it should be! Regardless of what predictions are being made... tomorrow at 2:30 the Razorbacks have the chance to make their mark not only in the SEC but in the nation! This is the first conference match up for the Hogs and quite the matchup it should be. We know Bobby can coach and we know the boys can play... we have already seen both. All we have to do tomorrow is execute the plays with accuracy, force, and speed and another ARKANSAS RAZORBACK Victory will be on the board! GO HOGS! -- Randi P
Games of the Week
Which of these is the reason Notre Dame is not in the pool this week? A) Contrary to accusations, Notre Dame only makes the pool if it is involved in one of the top five games of the week. B) Ben B. is tired of going to confession every week for not picking the Irish. C) Bishop Anthony B. Taylor is tired of hearing about the weird guy who comes to confession just because of Notre Dame football. D) The Facebook poll was legit this time. Answer: The games pick themselves.
Oklahoma State - Texas A&M
2:30 p.m., Saturday, ABC/ESPN2
Line: Texas A&M by 3
Arkansas - Alabama
2:30 p.m., Saturday, CBS
Line: Alabama by 11
* Underdog worth four points
Florida State - Clemson
2:30 p.m., Saturday, ESPN
Line: Florida State by 2
LSU - West Virginia
7 p.m., Saturday, ABC
Line: LSU by 5
* Underdog worth three points
USC - Arizona State
9:15 p.m., Saturday, ESPN
Line: Arizona State by 2
Good luck.
****#****
Oklahoma State - Texas A&M
2:30 p.m., Saturday, ABC/ESPN2
Line: Texas A&M by 3
Arkansas - Alabama
2:30 p.m., Saturday, CBS
Line: Alabama by 11
* Underdog worth four points
Florida State - Clemson
2:30 p.m., Saturday, ESPN
Line: Florida State by 2
LSU - West Virginia
7 p.m., Saturday, ABC
Line: LSU by 5
* Underdog worth three points
USC - Arizona State
9:15 p.m., Saturday, ESPN
Line: Arizona State by 2
Good luck.
****#****
Monday, September 19, 2011
Project Playoffs: Week 3 standings and seedings
As the conference realignment madness continues, it is clear that there is no central figure or organization guiding college football for the greater good of the game. Instead, a money grab for television revenue by college administrators, athletic directors, and conference commissioners is dictating the future of college football, and it is headed in the wrong direction.
If there were any sanity or order to college football, the conferences would look something like what you see below. Rather than a conglomerate of business interests focused solely on chasing the green, the conferences would be fairly organized in the best interests of all involved -- by geography.
As the BCS and meaningless bowl games continued to ruin the the postseason of the most passionate sport in the country, Project Playoffs was born out of the need to create an equitable plan to crown a champion. While many suggested a small playoff to solve the problem, Project Playoffs recognized that nothing would be solved without conference realignment first.
But not the kind of conference realignment college football is experiencing today. Instead of the ever-expanding mega-conferences, the conferences should be getting smaller.
Now eight years after the creation of Project Playoffs, it has become clear that the postseason is no longer the primary problem in college football. It is the greedy conferences and college administrators hypocritically citing the best interest of the student-athlete on one hand while actually caring very little about the best interest of the students or fans as long as the money continues to roll in.
Project Playoffs has taken the top 81 schools by football attendance and divided them into nine geographically correct conferences. Though it will never happen because the greedy college administrators don't want to part with their conference television money, this realignment plan is the most sensible solution to what is currently transpiring.
Using the Massey Comparison Rankings, which take every poll and computer rating into account, below is a projection of how the standings would be in each of these realigned conferences as of Week 3.
Each conference winner gets an automatic birth into the 16-team playoff, and the next best seven teams according to an all-encompassing rating system would also make the playoff. Then all 16 teams are seeded regardless of conference finish using the same all-encompassing rating system.
Click here for a full explanation of Project Playoffs.
Mid-South
1 Oklahoma (2-0)
6 Oklahoma State (3-0)
8 Texas A&M (2-0)
13 Arkansas (3-0)
TCU (2-1)
Texas (3-0)
Baylor (2-0)
Texas Tech (2-0)
Houston (3-0)
Southern
2 Alabama (3-0)
3 LSU (3-0)
Auburn (2-1)
Mississippi State (1-2)
Tennessee (2-1)
Vanderbilt (3-0)
Southern Miss (2-1)
Kentucky (2-1)
Ole Miss (1-2)
Northwest
4 Boise State (2-0)
9 Oregon (2-1)
Utah (2-1)
Washington (2-1)
Air Force (1-1)
BYU (1-2)
Colorado (1-2)
Oregon State (0-2)
Fresno State (1-2)
West
5 Stanford (3-0)
USC (3-0)
Arizona State (2-1)
San Diego State (3-0)
California (3-0)
Arizona (1-2)
Hawaii (1-2)
UCLA (1-2)
UTEP (2-1)
Midwest
7 Wisconsin (3-0)
12 Nebraska (3-0)
Illinois (3-0)
Missouri (2-1)
Iowa (2-1)
Iowa State (3-0)
Kansas State (2-0)
Kansas (2-1)
Minnesota (1-2)
Atlantic
10 Virginia Tech (3-0)
North Carolina (3-0)
Maryland (1-1)
North Carolina State (2-1)
Wake Forest (2-1)
Virginia (2-1)
East Carolina (0-2)
Marshall (1-2)
Duke (1-2)
Southeast
11 South Carolina (3-0)
14 Florida (3-0)
Florida State (2-1)
South Florida (3-0)
Clemson (3-0)
Georgia Tech (3-0)
Miami (1-1)
Georgia (1-2)
Central Florida (2-1)
Northeast
15 West Virginia (3-0)
Penn State (2-1)
Navy (2-1)
Pittsburgh (2-1)
Syracuse (2-1)
Connecticut (1-2)
Rutgers (1-1)
Army (1-2)
Boston College (0-3)
Big North
16 Michigan (3-0)
Notre Dame (1-2)
Ohio State (2-1)
Michigan State (2-1)
Louisville (2-1)
Cincinnati (2-1)
Northwestern (2-1)
Purdue (2-1)
Indiana (1-2)
Ramon's Escoblog: Week 3
The Awesome Meter:
Rating the Awesomeness of Football Weekend
O'Brien goes 5-0 to shoot up to a tie for second place (Rating: 4 -- Bayani brothers blasting "Atomic Dog" in Celica)... Robb O pledges to print "DYC" T-shirts after getting burned yet again by Clemson (Rating: 4 -- Hammerin Hank et cetera)... Oklahoma continues to prove to be absolute money in the pool during the regular season (Rating: 1 -- Tiger, Lance, Vick, LeBron)... No endangered species get injured at Auburn game this week (Rating: 3 -- Offenses run by guys in visors)... DJ U, Sir Thomas, Porkchop Butler, and Faldon's Five Thoughts jump in top group with 5-0s (Rating: 4 -- Cupid Shuffle)... SEC team gets beat by Vanderbilt (Rating: 1 -- Craigslist ad for Ole Miss bagman)... SEC team gets outgained by Sun Belt school (Rating: 2 -- Artificial turf in SEC)... Daly accepts challenge to beat leader Big O by flipping a coin every week (Rating: 4 -- Giorgio Chinaglia, 1978)... Big 12 and Big East schools defecting to add to conference realignment craziness (Rating: 2 -- Swanton Bomb or Rating: 5 -- Project Playoffs)... Condoleezza Rice claims hole in one at golf course prior to taking in Notre Dame game (Rating: 1 -- WMDs).
Rating the Awesomeness of Football Weekend
From the Bench
Time for Alabama’s Win Streak
Against Razorbacks to End
Robert Shields
Just like Sherman burned his way to the sea, the Arkansas Razorbacks have dispatched three cupcakes in a row. Troy would not go down easy, though. The Trojans battled back to make it interesting in the fourth quarter after finding themselves down by 24 points, which should cause a little bit of concern going into the Alabama game on Saturday.
What is known is that the Hogs are easily deserving of their top 20 ranking. The unknown question is whether your Hogs merit being in the top five. You find out the answer to that question this weekend.
Weeks ago, I wrote in this space not to overhype this game with the Tide. But it will be difficult not to do it. This Razorback team has looked great at times during the first three games, although it was alarming to fans when the defense almost yielded 500 yards to Troy.
The winner of the Alabama/Arkansas game takes the driver seat toward the SEC West Championship. The importance of the game is not lost on the fans. The loser though could still easily win the West.
The Hog defense will have to play better than it did against Troy to win against Alabama. But a win is a win, and you move on to the next game. You don’t hit on all cylinders every game, and if the Hogs were going to shoot a blank, it needed to be against Troy rather than Alabama. Teams tend to rise and fall with competition. You should expect an elevated level of play next week.
For the Hogs to win at Tuscaloosa, the receivers have to make big plays. They are more than capable of doing it and had some against Troy. Against the Trojans, the receivers were also bailed out in the first half on two drives on pass interference calls after the catch was not made. The drives were kept alive by those penalties and points were point on the board for the Hogs. But Arkansas cannot count on being bailed out on the road at Tuscaloosa with penalties.
The Hogs need to get out in front early on Alabama. This is an obvious statement, but against Alabama on the road it’s especially true. The Tide relies on defense. If they have the lead, their offense does not have to press and try things that are out of their comfort zone. They can just sit back on their defense and watch them crush the opponent.
The Razorbacks had them last year, but the lack of a rushing attack in that game blew up on the Hogs. Arkansas could not control the clock with the lead and could not move the sticks without a rushing attack. The only way the Hogs could pick up first downs was by the pass. Alabama knew it and its defense ate the Hogs up with two crucial interceptions.
A few years back, Bobby Petrino said, and it’s so true, that he wanted to be able to run the ball when they needed to run and pass the ball when they needed to pass. Last year, the Hogs had to pass in that Alabama game when they needed to run.
The Hogs have had success at Tuscaloosa since entering the SEC. It’s a difficult place to win, but the Hogs have won there in the past. The last time was 2003 in overtime. The first was in 1995 with the scoop catch by little J.J. Meadors. And, yes, it was a catch. It’s been eight years since the last win, so it’s time.
In the series, the Hogs have faired as well historically against the Tide as any team and have won many close games, even a few in overtime. The last time the Hogs won at home was in 2006, so the Tide has been on a streak of late. The time for it to end is now.
Send your streaks to fromthebench@yahoo.com.
Follow me on Twitter @rsfromthebench
End
Against Razorbacks to End
Robert Shields
Just like Sherman burned his way to the sea, the Arkansas Razorbacks have dispatched three cupcakes in a row. Troy would not go down easy, though. The Trojans battled back to make it interesting in the fourth quarter after finding themselves down by 24 points, which should cause a little bit of concern going into the Alabama game on Saturday.
What is known is that the Hogs are easily deserving of their top 20 ranking. The unknown question is whether your Hogs merit being in the top five. You find out the answer to that question this weekend.
Weeks ago, I wrote in this space not to overhype this game with the Tide. But it will be difficult not to do it. This Razorback team has looked great at times during the first three games, although it was alarming to fans when the defense almost yielded 500 yards to Troy.
The winner of the Alabama/Arkansas game takes the driver seat toward the SEC West Championship. The importance of the game is not lost on the fans. The loser though could still easily win the West.
The Hog defense will have to play better than it did against Troy to win against Alabama. But a win is a win, and you move on to the next game. You don’t hit on all cylinders every game, and if the Hogs were going to shoot a blank, it needed to be against Troy rather than Alabama. Teams tend to rise and fall with competition. You should expect an elevated level of play next week.
For the Hogs to win at Tuscaloosa, the receivers have to make big plays. They are more than capable of doing it and had some against Troy. Against the Trojans, the receivers were also bailed out in the first half on two drives on pass interference calls after the catch was not made. The drives were kept alive by those penalties and points were point on the board for the Hogs. But Arkansas cannot count on being bailed out on the road at Tuscaloosa with penalties.
The Hogs need to get out in front early on Alabama. This is an obvious statement, but against Alabama on the road it’s especially true. The Tide relies on defense. If they have the lead, their offense does not have to press and try things that are out of their comfort zone. They can just sit back on their defense and watch them crush the opponent.
The Razorbacks had them last year, but the lack of a rushing attack in that game blew up on the Hogs. Arkansas could not control the clock with the lead and could not move the sticks without a rushing attack. The only way the Hogs could pick up first downs was by the pass. Alabama knew it and its defense ate the Hogs up with two crucial interceptions.
A few years back, Bobby Petrino said, and it’s so true, that he wanted to be able to run the ball when they needed to run and pass the ball when they needed to pass. Last year, the Hogs had to pass in that Alabama game when they needed to run.
The Hogs have had success at Tuscaloosa since entering the SEC. It’s a difficult place to win, but the Hogs have won there in the past. The last time was 2003 in overtime. The first was in 1995 with the scoop catch by little J.J. Meadors. And, yes, it was a catch. It’s been eight years since the last win, so it’s time.
In the series, the Hogs have faired as well historically against the Tide as any team and have won many close games, even a few in overtime. The last time the Hogs won at home was in 2006, so the Tide has been on a streak of late. The time for it to end is now.
Send your streaks to fromthebench@yahoo.com.
Follow me on Twitter @rsfromthebench
End
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Live Fan Feedback: Week 3
Comments on the week from our expert panel of reporters, bankers, doctors, lawyers, ad wizards, lawn guys, bond guys, car guys, pilots, priests, principals, builders, teachers, bums, and nomads.
Continually updated throughout the day...
Actually, I think all the Notre Dame fans want you to stop putting their games in here also! -- Brett W.
And this is why I didn’t even bother to put in my vote for the games this week, as I KNEW you would still have Notre Dame (of which I still have no idea which team will show up) and Auburn (which I actually feel better about this week than last) in the pool. -- Jeff K.
ND - Sending up a prayer to St. Jude, the patron saint of lost causes, on this one. -- Senor Daily
I can't believe you put Clemson and Notre Dame in the same pool week. Hurricane Irene, Tropical Storm Lee, tornadoes, heat waves this year. We just had the 10 year anniversary of 9/11. Are you tempting fate? I am concerned all five games will even get played. -- Lee D.
Last weeks victory by Texas brings back memories of my (stupid) decision in September 1987 to attend a similar matchup in favor of seeing the Cult with opening act Guns n Roses. What an idiot! -- E-Man
Woo-Pig!!! This is the last week for the Hogs before conference play begins... we have good momentum building and I think W's are in our future!!! And hopefully a free lunch in mine! Go Hogs! -- Randi P.
My picks = gold. -- Airbrush Artist
-
Jeff G's Weekly Analysis
LSU – I forgot that Manny Diaz went to TX - that makes a difference. I don’t think MSU can hang physically with LSU for the entire game.
Auburn – maybe Clemson will surprise me and hand AU a loss. Then again, maybe not.
MSU – Just as Straessle is obligated to pick the Domers, I am contractually obligated by marriage to pick MSU. Not that I’m confident at all in that pick.
Miami – Miami looked pretty good against Maryland in Week 1…and it was a close game, too.
OU – FSU is overrated and OU doesn’t choke until later in the season.
-
Dear Mr. Dishongh:
This firm represents Greg Bizzoso. If you are represented by legal counsel, please direct this letter to your attorney immediately and have your attorney notify us of such representation.
We are writing to notify you that your unfotunate picking of Clemson in your weekly football pool infringes upon our client’s exclusive rights not to endure the Clemson Curse. Accordingly, you are hereby directed to
CEASE AND DESIST SELECTION OF CLEMSON IN YOUR WEEKLY COLLEGE FOOTBALL POOL, herby known as the Ramon Escobar Football Challenge.
Gregory Bizzoso is the victim of various aspects of The Clemson Curse. Under United States Anti-Voodoo statutes Gregory Bizzoso has been effected negatively in both an emotional and physical manner by your continued selection of CLEMSON.
It has come to our attention that you have been intentionally and willfully selecting Clemson to torment our client, Gregory Bizzoso as well as numerous and untold other participants.
We demand that you immediately (A) cease and desist your unfortunate selection of Clemson and (B) provide us with prompt written assurance within ten (10) days that you will cease and desist from further selection of Clemson in the weeks to come.
If you do not comply with this cease and desist demand within this time period, Gregory Bizzoso is entitled to use your failure to comply as evidence of “willful torment” and seek monetary damages and equitable relief for your willful torment. In the event you fail to meet this demand, please be advised that Gregory Bizzoso has asked us to communicate to you that it will contemplate pursuing all available legal, supernatural and otherwise obnoxious remedies, including seeking monetary damages, injunctive relief, doing the chicken dance and automatically selecting Clemson’s opposition in all future weekly selections and an order that you pay all Gregory’s beer, wing, and blood pressure medicine costs . Your liability and exposure under such legal action could be considerable.
Before taking these steps, however, my client wished to give you one opportunity to discontinue your willful torture by complying with this demand within ten (10) days. Accordingly, please sign and return the attached Agreement within ten (10) days to
Buffalo Wild Wings
180 Route 35 South # 2004A
Monmouth Mall
Eatontown, NJ 07724
(732) 542-9464
If you or your attorney have a great wing recipe or now of a local beer special, please notify me at once.
Sincerely,
Gregory Bizzoso
-
So, it was all a lie and the voting did not count? Reminds me of 2000. -- Kate D.
ND… there was a time that this was a no-brainer, that time has passed. -- Christie H.
Dude, easy picks this time... This week, Brian Kelly will finally realize that he needs to be even more animated on the sidelines. A three hour stream of vein-popping profanities, accompanied by a continuous barrage of flying spittle that would make Mr. Marczuk proud, will finally spur the Irish on to victory. -- Aggie Mark
Not sure what your obsession is with Notre Dame, but I'll pick 'em this week even if I run the risk of validating their continued inclusion... Irish for the win -- Dave M.
Is it wrong that I was looking forward to the first Clemson entry? Damn them. -- Robb O
-
Regards from Big O
Here we go again: 1) LSU (the MSU cow bellers are still hurting from the banging they got from our pups last Saturday -- besides, LSU is probably the best overall team in the SEC, at least until our pups grow some more); 2) Auburn (again, of course; besides we have Gus who, like Obie Wan, is going to take his understudy, Luke Skywalker, back to school); 3) Notre Dame (surprise and proof I'm not anti-Catholic; because even ND can't give away three games in a row and I hear on good account that the Pope -- please note, I capitalized the Pope, which my son failed to do earlier -- has given special dispensation for the coach's public swearing); 4) Miami (really think they are both losers, but OSU is slower and Miami is at home); and 5) Oklahoma (this could be a big surprise as Jimbo has done a good job, but as the front runner, I have an obligation not to get out too far on the picks b y picking against the consensus number one). And no, I'm not going to send my picks out to all concerned as some because I don't want to educate the masses before the Thursday kickoff. Now, if you need some well reasoned material for Poolsville, you might consider Scarbinsky's surprisingly candid article today. One thing I learned from the article I didn't know already was that the NCAA has acknowledged that the Cryer's 3-way telephone conference actually occurred. And incidentally, you really have to get over this "bag man" stick before it gets rancid.
-
My wife's picks are in parenthesis and don't count as my official choice. I'm only including them because if I would have listened to her last week I would have been 5-0. I want to keep track of what picks we have different so I can see if I should start listening to her. -- Brian R.
Clemson - surely satan can't find another way to make his team win again. -- Dr. Aristotle Ditka
-
Mike Paco says:
Master Dishongh, these games suck donkey balls!!!!!!!!!
LSU……….. because after this season we will be replacing their endzone seating!!!!!
Auburn…………. for O Bag man!!!!!!!!
Michigan State because years ago I attended a hockey game there with Professor Rabal………
Miami………… better at compensating players than competition!!!!!!
Oklahoma……… because Zach and Nic had OU hats at one time
-
For the love of God, why are you so anti-Notre Dame? What part of 'Rudy' didn't inspire you? -- Jamie L.
-
Poetry Corner with Danny K
Except for one pick, these are too close to call.
But I have to predict, another Notre Dame fall.
For the rest of these games, I haven't a clue.
From ridiculous Clemson all the way to the U.
But there's just one thing for sure and on this I'm not wrong.
Is my wife fetching beers all Saturday long.
-
In the words of George (Seinfield)... "I'm back baby!!!" It should be a fun year with the footbal team but I have stopped drinking the Kool-aid! Not sure if the D-line is a good as advertised, Wilson is solid but I want to see him perform under some "SEC bullets." I think he takes too long to make decisions, so his time to make those will depend on if we can establish a run game. Which I am not sure the coaches are too worried about. The question I ponder to the group.... "has Childs lost a step or is the other receivers just elevating their games?" -- Double R AKA D Romeo
You show 'em Dishongh! It doesn't matter how many people don't want to see the suck asses from Notre Dame on the schedule again, ever. Poolsville is not a democracy, it's about FOOTBALL !!! -- the Moose, loose
Miami - my son picked them because he likes their dolphin mascot. I told him they were the Hurricanes. He then asked what Ohio State was. I told him they were the buckeyes. He gave me a weird look. I said it’s a type of nut but you can’t eat it. He stuck with Miami. I should have told him that many believe that a buckeye has lucky power. But I had already talked him off one team. Picking ND is like losing a coin toss 50 times when it lands on heads every time and on flip 51 you still pick tails because you're certain this time it will be. -- From the Bench
-
Jeremy's Calling
From a college football perspective, the most interesting thing about my recent trip to California was a) reading about college football without the built-in SEC bias and b) just how little people care. My day trip to Mexico can be summed up this way: I came, I saw, I pooped, but I digress.
I base the former on the LA Times uniformly excellent college football coverage as penned by Chris Dufresne. He's outstanding. He also has Arkansas at No. 20 in the most recent poll I saw. But it wasn't just that, even though as the designated pool heel I must always cheer when the beloved Piggies are denigrated by the national media — hooray! — it is the kind of perspective a person can get from a distance. When you live in a bubble, you start to believe everything in that bubble. You breathe that same oxygen. Elsewhere, the air's different. A hint of ocean, or, perhaps, raw sewage.
The latter is formed by my reading of the local papers — and being a confirmed newspaper junkie, I snatched as many as I could. (On Tuesday, I read five, no wait, six if you count the color leaflet that is the USA Today. Hi, oh zing!)
And outside of local college coverage, that was mostly it, besides Dufresne's stalwart work in the Times. Just a few paragraphs here or there or some outrage about San Diego State and Michigan not being seen in the San Diego metro area.
We have this perception, here in the south, in our little bubble, that college football is king. It really isn't. Pro football, major league baseball, those were the things that carried the sports sections I saw and like I said, I saw plenty of them.
-
Going with Cam Green until I lose a game. My 5-0 last week has me higher in the pool than I have been in a while. Meanwhile, Auburn haters and ND lovers such as yourself find themselves at the bottom. -- Jerry Winner
Continually updated throughout the day...
Actually, I think all the Notre Dame fans want you to stop putting their games in here also! -- Brett W.
And this is why I didn’t even bother to put in my vote for the games this week, as I KNEW you would still have Notre Dame (of which I still have no idea which team will show up) and Auburn (which I actually feel better about this week than last) in the pool. -- Jeff K.
ND - Sending up a prayer to St. Jude, the patron saint of lost causes, on this one. -- Senor Daily
I can't believe you put Clemson and Notre Dame in the same pool week. Hurricane Irene, Tropical Storm Lee, tornadoes, heat waves this year. We just had the 10 year anniversary of 9/11. Are you tempting fate? I am concerned all five games will even get played. -- Lee D.
Last weeks victory by Texas brings back memories of my (stupid) decision in September 1987 to attend a similar matchup in favor of seeing the Cult with opening act Guns n Roses. What an idiot! -- E-Man
Woo-Pig!!! This is the last week for the Hogs before conference play begins... we have good momentum building and I think W's are in our future!!! And hopefully a free lunch in mine! Go Hogs! -- Randi P.
My picks = gold. -- Airbrush Artist
-
Jeff G's Weekly Analysis
LSU – I forgot that Manny Diaz went to TX - that makes a difference. I don’t think MSU can hang physically with LSU for the entire game.
Auburn – maybe Clemson will surprise me and hand AU a loss. Then again, maybe not.
MSU – Just as Straessle is obligated to pick the Domers, I am contractually obligated by marriage to pick MSU. Not that I’m confident at all in that pick.
Miami – Miami looked pretty good against Maryland in Week 1…and it was a close game, too.
OU – FSU is overrated and OU doesn’t choke until later in the season.
-
Dear Mr. Dishongh:
This firm represents Greg Bizzoso. If you are represented by legal counsel, please direct this letter to your attorney immediately and have your attorney notify us of such representation.
We are writing to notify you that your unfotunate picking of Clemson in your weekly football pool infringes upon our client’s exclusive rights not to endure the Clemson Curse. Accordingly, you are hereby directed to
CEASE AND DESIST SELECTION OF CLEMSON IN YOUR WEEKLY COLLEGE FOOTBALL POOL, herby known as the Ramon Escobar Football Challenge.
Gregory Bizzoso is the victim of various aspects of The Clemson Curse. Under United States Anti-Voodoo statutes Gregory Bizzoso has been effected negatively in both an emotional and physical manner by your continued selection of CLEMSON.
It has come to our attention that you have been intentionally and willfully selecting Clemson to torment our client, Gregory Bizzoso as well as numerous and untold other participants.
We demand that you immediately (A) cease and desist your unfortunate selection of Clemson and (B) provide us with prompt written assurance within ten (10) days that you will cease and desist from further selection of Clemson in the weeks to come.
If you do not comply with this cease and desist demand within this time period, Gregory Bizzoso is entitled to use your failure to comply as evidence of “willful torment” and seek monetary damages and equitable relief for your willful torment. In the event you fail to meet this demand, please be advised that Gregory Bizzoso has asked us to communicate to you that it will contemplate pursuing all available legal, supernatural and otherwise obnoxious remedies, including seeking monetary damages, injunctive relief, doing the chicken dance and automatically selecting Clemson’s opposition in all future weekly selections and an order that you pay all Gregory’s beer, wing, and blood pressure medicine costs . Your liability and exposure under such legal action could be considerable.
Before taking these steps, however, my client wished to give you one opportunity to discontinue your willful torture by complying with this demand within ten (10) days. Accordingly, please sign and return the attached Agreement within ten (10) days to
Buffalo Wild Wings
180 Route 35 South # 2004A
Monmouth Mall
Eatontown, NJ 07724
(732) 542-9464
If you or your attorney have a great wing recipe or now of a local beer special, please notify me at once.
Sincerely,
Gregory Bizzoso
-
So, it was all a lie and the voting did not count? Reminds me of 2000. -- Kate D.
ND… there was a time that this was a no-brainer, that time has passed. -- Christie H.
Dude, easy picks this time... This week, Brian Kelly will finally realize that he needs to be even more animated on the sidelines. A three hour stream of vein-popping profanities, accompanied by a continuous barrage of flying spittle that would make Mr. Marczuk proud, will finally spur the Irish on to victory. -- Aggie Mark
Not sure what your obsession is with Notre Dame, but I'll pick 'em this week even if I run the risk of validating their continued inclusion... Irish for the win -- Dave M.
Is it wrong that I was looking forward to the first Clemson entry? Damn them. -- Robb O
-
Regards from Big O
Here we go again: 1) LSU (the MSU cow bellers are still hurting from the banging they got from our pups last Saturday -- besides, LSU is probably the best overall team in the SEC, at least until our pups grow some more); 2) Auburn (again, of course; besides we have Gus who, like Obie Wan, is going to take his understudy, Luke Skywalker, back to school); 3) Notre Dame (surprise and proof I'm not anti-Catholic; because even ND can't give away three games in a row and I hear on good account that the Pope -- please note, I capitalized the Pope, which my son failed to do earlier -- has given special dispensation for the coach's public swearing); 4) Miami (really think they are both losers, but OSU is slower and Miami is at home); and 5) Oklahoma (this could be a big surprise as Jimbo has done a good job, but as the front runner, I have an obligation not to get out too far on the picks b y picking against the consensus number one). And no, I'm not going to send my picks out to all concerned as some because I don't want to educate the masses before the Thursday kickoff. Now, if you need some well reasoned material for Poolsville, you might consider Scarbinsky's surprisingly candid article today. One thing I learned from the article I didn't know already was that the NCAA has acknowledged that the Cryer's 3-way telephone conference actually occurred. And incidentally, you really have to get over this "bag man" stick before it gets rancid.
-
My wife's picks are in parenthesis and don't count as my official choice. I'm only including them because if I would have listened to her last week I would have been 5-0. I want to keep track of what picks we have different so I can see if I should start listening to her. -- Brian R.
Clemson - surely satan can't find another way to make his team win again. -- Dr. Aristotle Ditka
-
Mike Paco says:
Master Dishongh, these games suck donkey balls!!!!!!!!!
LSU……….. because after this season we will be replacing their endzone seating!!!!!
Auburn…………. for O Bag man!!!!!!!!
Michigan State because years ago I attended a hockey game there with Professor Rabal………
Miami………… better at compensating players than competition!!!!!!
Oklahoma……… because Zach and Nic had OU hats at one time
-
For the love of God, why are you so anti-Notre Dame? What part of 'Rudy' didn't inspire you? -- Jamie L.
-
Poetry Corner with Danny K
Except for one pick, these are too close to call.
But I have to predict, another Notre Dame fall.
For the rest of these games, I haven't a clue.
From ridiculous Clemson all the way to the U.
But there's just one thing for sure and on this I'm not wrong.
Is my wife fetching beers all Saturday long.
-
In the words of George (Seinfield)... "I'm back baby!!!" It should be a fun year with the footbal team but I have stopped drinking the Kool-aid! Not sure if the D-line is a good as advertised, Wilson is solid but I want to see him perform under some "SEC bullets." I think he takes too long to make decisions, so his time to make those will depend on if we can establish a run game. Which I am not sure the coaches are too worried about. The question I ponder to the group.... "has Childs lost a step or is the other receivers just elevating their games?" -- Double R AKA D Romeo
You show 'em Dishongh! It doesn't matter how many people don't want to see the suck asses from Notre Dame on the schedule again, ever. Poolsville is not a democracy, it's about FOOTBALL !!! -- the Moose, loose
Miami - my son picked them because he likes their dolphin mascot. I told him they were the Hurricanes. He then asked what Ohio State was. I told him they were the buckeyes. He gave me a weird look. I said it’s a type of nut but you can’t eat it. He stuck with Miami. I should have told him that many believe that a buckeye has lucky power. But I had already talked him off one team. Picking ND is like losing a coin toss 50 times when it lands on heads every time and on flip 51 you still pick tails because you're certain this time it will be. -- From the Bench
-
Jeremy's Calling
From a college football perspective, the most interesting thing about my recent trip to California was a) reading about college football without the built-in SEC bias and b) just how little people care. My day trip to Mexico can be summed up this way: I came, I saw, I pooped, but I digress.
I base the former on the LA Times uniformly excellent college football coverage as penned by Chris Dufresne. He's outstanding. He also has Arkansas at No. 20 in the most recent poll I saw. But it wasn't just that, even though as the designated pool heel I must always cheer when the beloved Piggies are denigrated by the national media — hooray! — it is the kind of perspective a person can get from a distance. When you live in a bubble, you start to believe everything in that bubble. You breathe that same oxygen. Elsewhere, the air's different. A hint of ocean, or, perhaps, raw sewage.
The latter is formed by my reading of the local papers — and being a confirmed newspaper junkie, I snatched as many as I could. (On Tuesday, I read five, no wait, six if you count the color leaflet that is the USA Today. Hi, oh zing!)
And outside of local college coverage, that was mostly it, besides Dufresne's stalwart work in the Times. Just a few paragraphs here or there or some outrage about San Diego State and Michigan not being seen in the San Diego metro area.
We have this perception, here in the south, in our little bubble, that college football is king. It really isn't. Pro football, major league baseball, those were the things that carried the sports sections I saw and like I said, I saw plenty of them.
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Going with Cam Green until I lose a game. My 5-0 last week has me higher in the pool than I have been in a while. Meanwhile, Auburn haters and ND lovers such as yourself find themselves at the bottom. -- Jerry Winner
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Games of the Week
WEEK 3 -- Which of these people let out the loudest groan upon seeing these games? A) Everyone who has been burned repeatedly and mercilessly by Clemson in past seasons. B) All the Auburn fans sitting at the top of the standings whose loyalty to the Family will be again tested. C) Anyone who has completely lost count of how many players are still suspended at Ohio State and Miami. D) The numerous Notre Dame haters who voted against including the Notre Dame game in the Facebook poll. Answer: E) Rocket-Man, who is bound by the Diocese of Little Rock and Bishop Andrew B. Taylor to pick Notre Dame every time.
BONUS Comment of the week: "As for my normal detractors, such as Daly, anyone can over time average 50% by simply flipping a coin or paying Danny Sheridan." -- Big O
LSU - Mississippi State
7 p.m., Thursday, ESPN
Line: LSU by 3
Auburn - Clemson
11 a.m., Saturday, ABC
Line: Clemson by 3
Battle for the Megaphone
Michigan State - Notre Dame
2:30 p.m., Saturday, NBC
Line: Notre Dame by 5
* Underdog worth three points
Ohio State - Miami
6:30 p.m., Saturday, ESPN
Line: Miami by 2
Oklahoma - Florida State
7 p.m., Saturday, ABC
Line: Oklahoma by 3
Good luck.
****#****
BONUS Comment of the week: "As for my normal detractors, such as Daly, anyone can over time average 50% by simply flipping a coin or paying Danny Sheridan." -- Big O
LSU - Mississippi State
7 p.m., Thursday, ESPN
Line: LSU by 3
Auburn - Clemson
11 a.m., Saturday, ABC
Line: Clemson by 3
Battle for the Megaphone
Michigan State - Notre Dame
2:30 p.m., Saturday, NBC
Line: Notre Dame by 5
* Underdog worth three points
Ohio State - Miami
6:30 p.m., Saturday, ESPN
Line: Miami by 2
Oklahoma - Florida State
7 p.m., Saturday, ABC
Line: Oklahoma by 3
Good luck.
****#****
Monday, September 12, 2011
From the Bench
UA and City Messing Up a Good Thing
for War Memorial Golf Course Tailgaters
Robert Shields
The Arkansas Razorback football team put a shellacking on another patsy. The Hogs operated almost flawlessly and probably could have scored 80 in their debut in Little Rock had the offense not been a little slow getting started. But a game with such a low-rent opponent is not really news. The real action on Saturday took place in the sea of tailgating around War Memorial Stadium.
The weather cooperated beautifully and the late cloud cover was welcomed as temperatures started to climb when the sun was out around noon. In one of the great traditions in all of college football, the Razorback team buses approached the stadium to the usual fanfare down Markham Street – except for in one particular area that I will get to in a minute.
I heard grumblings about the parking in scholarship lot 5, which is the main parking lot on the east side of the stadium. I heard some people were even arrested and some cars were towed. Apparently, some fans wanted to pick their space in the lot, but authorities wanted them to park in a more orchestrated manner that does not allow friends to tailgate next to friends who arrive at different times.
As a side note on lot 5, more than 90 percent of the vehicles parked there are jumbo SUVs, which must be the status symbol for fat-cat donors these days. Looking at that parking lot, it could just as easily been parking for one of P. Diddy’s parties in the Hamptons.
The golf course filled up early as expected even for this lame opponent the UA really had no right to charge $55 per ticket to see, and by 8 a.m. the course was getting pretty full. But like in lot 5, parking here did not go as planned for many, either. Tailgaters coming to the golf course were forced to turn in the entrance by the club house instead of continuing on to another entrance as has been the case for years. This backed up traffic down Markham and all the way down University Avenue to Interstate 630.
There was also a problem for those coming down Van Buren Street to enter the golf course as it was barricaded where the street becomes Fair Park Avenue, and this forced people to circumnavigate the golf course to get onto I-630 to exit at Fair Park. All this created a new, weird, and not well-received traffic flow to the stadium and tailgating.
An oddity developed early in the tailgating as the fairway on the 18th hole west of the creek remained empty. This is usually filled by 7 a.m. as it’s a prime tailgating spot that parallels Markham. It also provides easy access to the street to welcome the approaching Razorback team bus.
I was informed later that scholarship parking somewhere else was lost and it was moved to that location on the 18th green. The donors with passes for that area arrived late, and to be honest, that is very bad form for the golf course. Those people are lucky their cars were not overturned by the partiers who remain on the course during the game.
If you’re going to take over such a prestigious spot, you need to do it right, and that’s not arriving an hour before the game. If the late arrival to parking on the golf course continues for this area, it should be stripped from them as they are not worthy to occupy it.
I am also sure that some fans who arrived early at 4 a.m. to get these prized spots along Markham -- the bulk of the course is first come, first served -- were very disappointed as they were shoved to the hinterlands. I am sure many had tailgated in those areas for years only now to be moved.
As the team buses arrived, you could tell that some who had not parked there before were not tuned to the idea of greeting the team buses when the approaching police sirens are heard. The crowd on that west end of Markham was diminished from years past. One can only hope that they will learn.
I liken this move by the UA to the time they took the first three rows of the student section in basketball and gave them to big-money grips who would come and sit there with their trophy wives to be part of the social scene. After being doused with confetti game after game after game, the UA got the idea and gave the seats back to the students the following season.
The reserved tailgating area that is boxed by Markham east of the creek and Fair Park was overloaded with tailgaters. More space in that reserved section was lost when the golf course was reworked with a new entrance to War Memorial park. Some spots were relocated. Unfortunately, they jammed some of those spots to an area north of the 18th tee box. By doing so, it blocked the traditional path to the stadium for many fans.
As a result, the rope around the 18th tee box meant to keep people off of it was torn down early in the morning and it became the new path. Like water, people take the path of least resistance. Next year, the planners need to move the GG reserved spots to some other location because surely it was never the intent to have people go to the stadium via the tee box.
All in all, it was a great day to cook, visit, and discuss football as there were almost more television screens on the golf course than cars. It used to be unique when someone busted out the satellite on the course to watch football games. Now, it is unique if you don’t have a TV at your tailgate spot.
One favorite activity for many is the people watching. Last year, the golf course was estimated to have some 80,000 fans on it before the LSU game, and I have no doubt of that number. It’s the Burning Man festival a la Razorback style. But you have to wonder if there is ever a point where someone is deemed inappropriately dressed at this massive outdoor party. Based on what I saw Saturday, I think apparently not.
Tailgating at the War Memorial golf course is one of the great experiences in college football, and let’s hope ESPN Gameday will finally come calling on Nov. 19 to expose the rest of the country to this incredible tradition.
As the city of Little Rock was exploring ideas to renovate War Memorial Park, I said over and over that they should take into consideration the park’s biggest use – tailgating twice a year for Razorback games. Judging from all the new parking areas and traffic flow, they didn’t listen.
And the University of Arkansas isn’t listening, either. Some traditions are worth more than money.
Send your pictures of appropriate dress to fromthebench@yahoo.com
You can follow me on twitter @rsfromthebench
end
for War Memorial Golf Course Tailgaters
Robert Shields
The Arkansas Razorback football team put a shellacking on another patsy. The Hogs operated almost flawlessly and probably could have scored 80 in their debut in Little Rock had the offense not been a little slow getting started. But a game with such a low-rent opponent is not really news. The real action on Saturday took place in the sea of tailgating around War Memorial Stadium.
I heard grumblings about the parking in scholarship lot 5, which is the main parking lot on the east side of the stadium. I heard some people were even arrested and some cars were towed. Apparently, some fans wanted to pick their space in the lot, but authorities wanted them to park in a more orchestrated manner that does not allow friends to tailgate next to friends who arrive at different times.
As a side note on lot 5, more than 90 percent of the vehicles parked there are jumbo SUVs, which must be the status symbol for fat-cat donors these days. Looking at that parking lot, it could just as easily been parking for one of P. Diddy’s parties in the Hamptons.
The golf course filled up early as expected even for this lame opponent the UA really had no right to charge $55 per ticket to see, and by 8 a.m. the course was getting pretty full. But like in lot 5, parking here did not go as planned for many, either. Tailgaters coming to the golf course were forced to turn in the entrance by the club house instead of continuing on to another entrance as has been the case for years. This backed up traffic down Markham and all the way down University Avenue to Interstate 630.
There was also a problem for those coming down Van Buren Street to enter the golf course as it was barricaded where the street becomes Fair Park Avenue, and this forced people to circumnavigate the golf course to get onto I-630 to exit at Fair Park. All this created a new, weird, and not well-received traffic flow to the stadium and tailgating.
I was informed later that scholarship parking somewhere else was lost and it was moved to that location on the 18th green. The donors with passes for that area arrived late, and to be honest, that is very bad form for the golf course. Those people are lucky their cars were not overturned by the partiers who remain on the course during the game.
If you’re going to take over such a prestigious spot, you need to do it right, and that’s not arriving an hour before the game. If the late arrival to parking on the golf course continues for this area, it should be stripped from them as they are not worthy to occupy it.
I am also sure that some fans who arrived early at 4 a.m. to get these prized spots along Markham -- the bulk of the course is first come, first served -- were very disappointed as they were shoved to the hinterlands. I am sure many had tailgated in those areas for years only now to be moved.
As the team buses arrived, you could tell that some who had not parked there before were not tuned to the idea of greeting the team buses when the approaching police sirens are heard. The crowd on that west end of Markham was diminished from years past. One can only hope that they will learn.
I liken this move by the UA to the time they took the first three rows of the student section in basketball and gave them to big-money grips who would come and sit there with their trophy wives to be part of the social scene. After being doused with confetti game after game after game, the UA got the idea and gave the seats back to the students the following season.
The reserved tailgating area that is boxed by Markham east of the creek and Fair Park was overloaded with tailgaters. More space in that reserved section was lost when the golf course was reworked with a new entrance to War Memorial park. Some spots were relocated. Unfortunately, they jammed some of those spots to an area north of the 18th tee box. By doing so, it blocked the traditional path to the stadium for many fans.
As a result, the rope around the 18th tee box meant to keep people off of it was torn down early in the morning and it became the new path. Like water, people take the path of least resistance. Next year, the planners need to move the GG reserved spots to some other location because surely it was never the intent to have people go to the stadium via the tee box.
All in all, it was a great day to cook, visit, and discuss football as there were almost more television screens on the golf course than cars. It used to be unique when someone busted out the satellite on the course to watch football games. Now, it is unique if you don’t have a TV at your tailgate spot.
Tailgating at the War Memorial golf course is one of the great experiences in college football, and let’s hope ESPN Gameday will finally come calling on Nov. 19 to expose the rest of the country to this incredible tradition.
As the city of Little Rock was exploring ideas to renovate War Memorial Park, I said over and over that they should take into consideration the park’s biggest use – tailgating twice a year for Razorback games. Judging from all the new parking areas and traffic flow, they didn’t listen.
And the University of Arkansas isn’t listening, either. Some traditions are worth more than money.
Send your pictures of appropriate dress to fromthebench@yahoo.com
You can follow me on twitter @rsfromthebench
end
Column bonus
Thursday, September 08, 2011
LR game haiku
Since the Razorback are playing in LR this weekend,it is only fitting I include it in a haiku:
War Memorial
Kick A$$ place for tailgating
Time to party on.
War Memorial
Kick A$$ place for tailgating
Time to party on.
Live Fan Feedback: Week 2
Comments on the week from our expert panel of reporters, bankers, doctors, lawyers, ad wizards, lawn guys, bond guys, car guys, pilots, priests, principals, builders, teachers, bums, and nomads.
Continually updated throughout the day...
Like there's any option besides B in my household. My mother, self-proclaimed Mark Richt's biggest fan, was lighting the "Fire Mark Richt" texts by three minutes into the second quarter on Saturday. It breaks my heart a little. But there are few things I hate more than the idea of Spurrier winning anything between the Sanford Stadium hedges. -- Hilary D.
Michigan because I've only picked an ND game correctly once in four years. -- Senor Jeff
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Faldon's Additional Thoughts
Mississippi State - I don't care what ESPN calls it, the 11:30 a.m. game will always be the Jefferson Pilot Game of the Week to me.
South Carolina - An SEC sweep of Poosville games!?! I'm doomed for these predictions.
Texas - You think Texas is regretting that whole Longhorn Network thing now? I mean, it's bad enough when A&M decides to divorce you. It's even worse when the Iowa States and Texas Techs are threatening to file lawsuits if they don't get to stay with you. Jerry Springer couldn't sort this mess out.
-
Man, I suck at this! At least your pool leaves me with NO desire to ever gamble on sports! -- Alex O.
In my time in the pool, I have not seen two worse teams in any one week than Notre Dame and Michigan. I truly believe that the atrociousness of these two teams outweighs the tradition enough for them to not be in the pool. But maybe that's just me. -- Brendan O.
I was flying home from Paris last Sunday when I realized I'd forgotten to send in my picks. I let slip a few expletives in the cockpit (I fly for American Airlines) and my flying partner said, "What's wrong!" Visibly upset, I told him I forgot to send in my picks. He didn't seem to grasp the gravity of the situation even after I explained the pool in great detail. He seemed more concerned with the fact that I'd startled him. Some people! Anyway, my first picks of the year follow. Picking Notre Dame consistently has left me feeling like Charlie Brown trying to kick the football while Lucy holds." -- David H.
While I will choose ND to win this game, I am waging my own (silent) protest against all future ND games selected for the pool. Clearly the most frustrating and befuddling of matchups involve ND. Word. -- Gator Brooks
I have a new tutor, and I think she will be fine for the duration of the season. Correction, she will be my advisor for the rest of the season since she has a PhD from the School of Noise and she snatched the pebble from my hand. -- School of Noise
-
Jeff G.'s Winners
MSU - not impressed with Auburn - at all. Although I would probably take them to beat that spread.
'Bama - Hopefully a good, old-fashioned SEC ass-kicking is in store for another Big Ten poser. I can’t remember - is PSU in the Leaders or the Legends division?
USC - The UGa unis made it last week's game difficult to watch. Luckily the team was so bad that it made easy my choice to change the channel. USC didn’t look like world beaters vs ECU, but I think they can put a nail in UGa's coffin.
UT - John Smith shined down on BYU last week, but two weeks in a row might be too much to ask. It's not like he's God or anything.
Michigan - Lock of the Week. The Domers can't keep up with UM on either side of the ball.
-
I'm off to the best start of my career. Always wondered what the rest of the world looked like from the vantage point of the leader board. Wells was disappointed in his picks from last week. Says he was shooting for 0-5 but accidentally picked one winner. Jackass. The internet is running smooth again and the Rockets travel to #4 North Little Rock Friday night. Game prediction: Rockets 28, Charging Wildcats 24. -- Rocket-Man
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Regards from the Big O
It looks like Sue and I will be leaving early Friday for the Loveliest Village of the Plains and the MSU challenge for our 21 Freshmen who played their first game last Saturday (that doesn't include the multiple RS Freshmen that also played). Accordingly, here are my selections for this week: 1) Auburn (is a reason necessary -- if so, in part to tell Coach Mullen's wife, who probably initiated much of the Cam misinformation, that we really appreciate her efforts); 2) Alabama (almost brought back the stomach pains the meds have diminished to type that blasphemous selection, but as much as I don't think sa$en's minions are unbeatable, the JoePas aren't the one to do it first); 3) South Carolina (because this will be the second nail in the Uthuga's coach's demise this year and the cocks have the SEC's '10 best coach); 4) Texas (just because one can come back against Ole Miss doesn't mean BYU can take on successfully the entire High School football farm system for the State of Texas' golden boys); and 5) Michigan (because the Gipper is long dead and buried).
-
I will be in the Michigan alumni section - usually we get good camera coverage due to the many hookers and generally slutty women the university provides for us. Look for me! -- E-Man
-
Glenn B's NCAA app
Well, NCAAFConverter, while showing promise, is still not ready for primetime. After successfully picking the winners in both Week 1 bonus point games (USF Bulls buck the Leprechaun, Buttercup the Bulldog looked as as pathetic in real life has he (she?) did in the back of a lower Manhattan vintage Ford Bronco. But the Converter failed to appreciate that the Cougars had Nutt's number in Oxford (http://www.cougarnuts.com/) and that the move-in ready Baton Rouge dream home at 555 South Eugene was in fact a "handyman's dream" with major structural damage. And although NCAAFConverter accurately predicted Maryland over Miami, the post-game obvious conversion result should have been Two-Face of DC Comics fame (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two-Face).
Time has been short this week so other than a few whacks at NCAAFConverter down in the basement lab, I'm just setting it to "run" again - let's see what pops out.
1. Mississippi State - Auburn (Tigers worth three points)
NCAAFConverter : RND 13 Bulldogs v Sea Eagles; a National Rugby League match from earlier this year in which the Canby Sea[War] Eagles eviscerated the Manly Bulldogs. Actually, I did not know how this ended until I watched the highlight reel (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HalRvj5EjIs) but after watching the slaughter, all I can do is take AUBURN and the bonus point, thank you very much.
2. Alabama - Penn State (Nittany Lions worth four points)
NCAAFConverter : Lions v. Elephant. Of all the battles that exist in the in the natural world none is more titanic than lions versus elephants and truth be told, you don't need to click on this link (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOE4RzS7JPY) or any of the other 47 "Lion v. Elephant" video clips on YouTube because you already know in your heart how it ends - with a shot of a fat lion hanging off the branch of some scraggly African tree picking elephant remnants out of his teeth. So I'll take PENN STATE and the bonus points, thank you very much.
3. South Carolina - Georgia
NCAAFConverter : French Bulldog VS. Damn Chicken (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yftsgFfwRJk) and I'll tell you, with this one, the Converter is firing on all cylinders. First, note the way at the beginning of the clip the rooster is not even paying attention to the bulldog (Buttercup?) until she lobs in a jaunty yap yap yap. The tension grows throughout the clip but the video unfortunately ends right before the damn chicken has had enough and pecks out Buttercup's eyes. Old Ball Coach will do the same to Richt tomorrow, so I'll take SAKERLINA, thank you very much.
4. BYU - Texas (Cougars worth three points)
NCAAFConverter : Cougar Cattle Call — Docu To “Empower” Single MILFs. What can I say, that's what the Converter came up with. But even though the article goes on to report that a bunch of hapless British producers were having trouble finding cougars to shoot for a planned Los Angeles documentary on "girlfriends who are great looking and who date younger guys and who younger guys seem to be attracted to", I'm going to go with my gut on this one; I see Cougar success on the horizon (http://www.huntingcougar.com/2009/09/28/cracking-the-group/). (In unrelated news, there is nothing to see here (http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/tfr/307225854.html). Really. Nothing at all.)
5. Notre Dame - Michigan
NCAAFConverter : [Obvious malfunction]. Maybe the machine is gummed up after successfully predicting a Bulls win over Our Lady; this week, NCAAFConverter would only link to Mobile, Alabama Leprechaun Crackhead Pot of Gold (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DM7CL-Vyo1U). Maybe there is a messag here but I don't see it. I'm on my own on this one, so I'll take MICHIGAN, thank you very much. Blue is back.
-
Why the love for ND? Catholic people sux! -- Joe C.
I had a long talk with Ethan, whose only goal is to do better than me. Ha, it won't be that easy! Let Ethan wallow in his dispair after ND get's belly punched like a crack whore by Michigan. I guess his trip to Detroit won't be so fun after all. -- Moose
-
Poetry Corner with Danny K
Once again they pissed me off
I can't stand Notre Dame.
I won't make that mistake again
The "Fighting" Irish are lame.
For four big points, screw the SEC
If Penn State wins I will cheer.
Then slap my wife on the ass, grab a handful of %*%s
And tell her to fetch me a beer.
Continually updated throughout the day...
Like there's any option besides B in my household. My mother, self-proclaimed Mark Richt's biggest fan, was lighting the "Fire Mark Richt" texts by three minutes into the second quarter on Saturday. It breaks my heart a little. But there are few things I hate more than the idea of Spurrier winning anything between the Sanford Stadium hedges. -- Hilary D.
Michigan because I've only picked an ND game correctly once in four years. -- Senor Jeff
-
Faldon's Additional Thoughts
Mississippi State - I don't care what ESPN calls it, the 11:30 a.m. game will always be the Jefferson Pilot Game of the Week to me.
South Carolina - An SEC sweep of Poosville games!?! I'm doomed for these predictions.
Texas - You think Texas is regretting that whole Longhorn Network thing now? I mean, it's bad enough when A&M decides to divorce you. It's even worse when the Iowa States and Texas Techs are threatening to file lawsuits if they don't get to stay with you. Jerry Springer couldn't sort this mess out.
-
Man, I suck at this! At least your pool leaves me with NO desire to ever gamble on sports! -- Alex O.
In my time in the pool, I have not seen two worse teams in any one week than Notre Dame and Michigan. I truly believe that the atrociousness of these two teams outweighs the tradition enough for them to not be in the pool. But maybe that's just me. -- Brendan O.
I was flying home from Paris last Sunday when I realized I'd forgotten to send in my picks. I let slip a few expletives in the cockpit (I fly for American Airlines) and my flying partner said, "What's wrong!" Visibly upset, I told him I forgot to send in my picks. He didn't seem to grasp the gravity of the situation even after I explained the pool in great detail. He seemed more concerned with the fact that I'd startled him. Some people! Anyway, my first picks of the year follow. Picking Notre Dame consistently has left me feeling like Charlie Brown trying to kick the football while Lucy holds." -- David H.
While I will choose ND to win this game, I am waging my own (silent) protest against all future ND games selected for the pool. Clearly the most frustrating and befuddling of matchups involve ND. Word. -- Gator Brooks
I have a new tutor, and I think she will be fine for the duration of the season. Correction, she will be my advisor for the rest of the season since she has a PhD from the School of Noise and she snatched the pebble from my hand. -- School of Noise
-
Jeff G.'s Winners
MSU - not impressed with Auburn - at all. Although I would probably take them to beat that spread.
'Bama - Hopefully a good, old-fashioned SEC ass-kicking is in store for another Big Ten poser. I can’t remember - is PSU in the Leaders or the Legends division?
USC - The UGa unis made it last week's game difficult to watch. Luckily the team was so bad that it made easy my choice to change the channel. USC didn’t look like world beaters vs ECU, but I think they can put a nail in UGa's coffin.
UT - John Smith shined down on BYU last week, but two weeks in a row might be too much to ask. It's not like he's God or anything.
Michigan - Lock of the Week. The Domers can't keep up with UM on either side of the ball.
-
I'm off to the best start of my career. Always wondered what the rest of the world looked like from the vantage point of the leader board. Wells was disappointed in his picks from last week. Says he was shooting for 0-5 but accidentally picked one winner. Jackass. The internet is running smooth again and the Rockets travel to #4 North Little Rock Friday night. Game prediction: Rockets 28, Charging Wildcats 24. -- Rocket-Man
-
Regards from the Big O
It looks like Sue and I will be leaving early Friday for the Loveliest Village of the Plains and the MSU challenge for our 21 Freshmen who played their first game last Saturday (that doesn't include the multiple RS Freshmen that also played). Accordingly, here are my selections for this week: 1) Auburn (is a reason necessary -- if so, in part to tell Coach Mullen's wife, who probably initiated much of the Cam misinformation, that we really appreciate her efforts); 2) Alabama (almost brought back the stomach pains the meds have diminished to type that blasphemous selection, but as much as I don't think sa$en's minions are unbeatable, the JoePas aren't the one to do it first); 3) South Carolina (because this will be the second nail in the Uthuga's coach's demise this year and the cocks have the SEC's '10 best coach); 4) Texas (just because one can come back against Ole Miss doesn't mean BYU can take on successfully the entire High School football farm system for the State of Texas' golden boys); and 5) Michigan (because the Gipper is long dead and buried).
-
I will be in the Michigan alumni section - usually we get good camera coverage due to the many hookers and generally slutty women the university provides for us. Look for me! -- E-Man
-
Glenn B's NCAA app
Well, NCAAFConverter, while showing promise, is still not ready for primetime. After successfully picking the winners in both Week 1 bonus point games (USF Bulls buck the Leprechaun, Buttercup the Bulldog looked as as pathetic in real life has he (she?) did in the back of a lower Manhattan vintage Ford Bronco. But the Converter failed to appreciate that the Cougars had Nutt's number in Oxford (http://www.cougarnuts.com/) and that the move-in ready Baton Rouge dream home at 555 South Eugene was in fact a "handyman's dream" with major structural damage. And although NCAAFConverter accurately predicted Maryland over Miami, the post-game obvious conversion result should have been Two-Face of DC Comics fame (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two-Face).
Time has been short this week so other than a few whacks at NCAAFConverter down in the basement lab, I'm just setting it to "run" again - let's see what pops out.
1. Mississippi State - Auburn (Tigers worth three points)
NCAAFConverter : RND 13 Bulldogs v Sea Eagles; a National Rugby League match from earlier this year in which the Canby Sea[War] Eagles eviscerated the Manly Bulldogs. Actually, I did not know how this ended until I watched the highlight reel (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HalRvj5EjIs) but after watching the slaughter, all I can do is take AUBURN and the bonus point, thank you very much.
2. Alabama - Penn State (Nittany Lions worth four points)
NCAAFConverter : Lions v. Elephant. Of all the battles that exist in the in the natural world none is more titanic than lions versus elephants and truth be told, you don't need to click on this link (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOE4RzS7JPY) or any of the other 47 "Lion v. Elephant" video clips on YouTube because you already know in your heart how it ends - with a shot of a fat lion hanging off the branch of some scraggly African tree picking elephant remnants out of his teeth. So I'll take PENN STATE and the bonus points, thank you very much.
3. South Carolina - Georgia
NCAAFConverter : French Bulldog VS. Damn Chicken (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yftsgFfwRJk) and I'll tell you, with this one, the Converter is firing on all cylinders. First, note the way at the beginning of the clip the rooster is not even paying attention to the bulldog (Buttercup?) until she lobs in a jaunty yap yap yap. The tension grows throughout the clip but the video unfortunately ends right before the damn chicken has had enough and pecks out Buttercup's eyes. Old Ball Coach will do the same to Richt tomorrow, so I'll take SAKERLINA, thank you very much.
4. BYU - Texas (Cougars worth three points)
NCAAFConverter : Cougar Cattle Call — Docu To “Empower” Single MILFs. What can I say, that's what the Converter came up with. But even though the article goes on to report that a bunch of hapless British producers were having trouble finding cougars to shoot for a planned Los Angeles documentary on "girlfriends who are great looking and who date younger guys and who younger guys seem to be attracted to", I'm going to go with my gut on this one; I see Cougar success on the horizon (http://www.huntingcougar.com/2009/09/28/cracking-the-group/). (In unrelated news, there is nothing to see here (http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/tfr/307225854.html). Really. Nothing at all.)
5. Notre Dame - Michigan
NCAAFConverter : [Obvious malfunction]. Maybe the machine is gummed up after successfully predicting a Bulls win over Our Lady; this week, NCAAFConverter would only link to Mobile, Alabama Leprechaun Crackhead Pot of Gold (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DM7CL-Vyo1U). Maybe there is a messag here but I don't see it. I'm on my own on this one, so I'll take MICHIGAN, thank you very much. Blue is back.
-
Why the love for ND? Catholic people sux! -- Joe C.
I had a long talk with Ethan, whose only goal is to do better than me. Ha, it won't be that easy! Let Ethan wallow in his dispair after ND get's belly punched like a crack whore by Michigan. I guess his trip to Detroit won't be so fun after all. -- Moose
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Poetry Corner with Danny K
Once again they pissed me off
I can't stand Notre Dame.
I won't make that mistake again
The "Fighting" Irish are lame.
For four big points, screw the SEC
If Penn State wins I will cheer.
Then slap my wife on the ass, grab a handful of %*%s
And tell her to fetch me a beer.
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
Games of the week
WEEK 2 -- Which of these stories will you be talking about this weekend? A) The Auburn Family looks to get back on track against a team it barely squeaked by last season and now finds itself as a seven-point underdog -- at home. B) Georgia fans consider soliciting the services of a select group of Arkansas fans on the best way to oust a coach. C) More BYU students get lost to the Honor Code after a personal tour of Sixth Street guided by "Hook 'em" Sal. D) You go 5-0 to make up for last week's 1-4. Answer: Make it D.
Mississippi State - Auburn
11:20 a.m., Saturday, SEC Network
Line: Mississippi State by 7
* Underdog worth three points
Alabama - Penn State
2:30 p.m., Saturday, ABC
Line: Alabama by 10
* Underdog worth four points
South Carolina - Georgia
3:30 p.m., Saturday, ESPN
Line: South Carolina by 3
BYU - Texas
6 p.m., Saturday, ESPN2
Line: Texas by 7
* Underdog worth three points
Notre Dame - Michigan
7 p.m., Saturday, ESPN
Line: Notre Dame by 3
Good luck.
****#****
Mississippi State - Auburn
11:20 a.m., Saturday, SEC Network
Line: Mississippi State by 7
* Underdog worth three points
Alabama - Penn State
2:30 p.m., Saturday, ABC
Line: Alabama by 10
* Underdog worth four points
South Carolina - Georgia
3:30 p.m., Saturday, ESPN
Line: South Carolina by 3
BYU - Texas
6 p.m., Saturday, ESPN2
Line: Texas by 7
* Underdog worth three points
Notre Dame - Michigan
7 p.m., Saturday, ESPN
Line: Notre Dame by 3
Good luck.
****#****
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
King's Things
Larry King's People: News & Views
Fort Smith, Arkansas, hello... Thrilling end to the first week of games. This is the first time in pool history two games have produced bonus points in the first week. Could be a wild season... Bad scene on Saturday at Notre Dame Stadium. I haven't heard that many Catholics booing at one time since Father Antony mistakenly invited the Shiloh Christian athletic director to the St. Joe fish fry... Big win on the road in the SEC for BYU. Unfortunately, half the BYU band is now in violation of the Honor Code after a pregame march through the Grove... Who doesn't like eggs?... I'm not saying I called it, but I knew Oregon's offense was in trouble early when one of those signs had a picture of Beano Cook... After the loss to Boise State, Mark Richt's job is so in jeopardy that he got an unexpected vote of confidence from Frank Broyles... In my day, reality television meant kick the balloon on the Bozo show, gang... I love the uniforms the kids are doing these days, but when I see Maryland's helmets all I can think of is the last time I went to medieval laser-tag night at Playtime Pizza.
From the Bench
Childs, Please, We Still Don’t Know What Future Holds for Hogs
Robert Shields
After the Arkansas Razorbacks played a team on Saturday night that was marginally better than Lehigh, what do you know about this team that you didn’t know a week ago?
You knew Knile Davis would be missed. This past week confirmed that fact as the Hogs struggled to get more than 100 yards rushing the ball. De’Anthony Curtis still has to learn to hold onto the ball or he just won’t see the field. Kody Walker has potential but has a lot of learning to do. Never forget that Knile Davis was third or fourth string tailback last year before breaking onto the scene. I have my hunch one running back will step forward.
After the game, Bobby Petrino said that Walker would learn that he was running too upright and that he would learn to get lower. Ronnie Wingo still has to come to grips with the concept of attacking the line of scrimmage. His hesitation will cost him when the Hogs enter SEC play.
Greg Childs will have to learn to be patient. He’s not a starter right now and that has to hurt the ego being only a few games from leaving early for the NFL draft last season. An injury and a year later, he finds himself down on the depth chart, but for good reason. Jarius Wright will continue to play the slot and be the team’s possession receiver. He is sure-handed and quarterback Tyler Wilson obviously likes to throw to him.
Joe Adams is the most dangerous person on the field when he gets his hands on the ball. Then there is Cobi Hamilton who has the biggest play potential of any receiver. When Childs went down last year, Hamilton stepped into his position and the team never seemed to miss a beat.
This is the dilemma that Childs finds himself thrust into this season. He will still get plenty of playing time as this team rotates receivers frequently, but he will have to make the most of his time on the field. He will also find more time because, sad to say, someone will get injured. Two years ago, Adams was having medical problems. Last year, Childs hurts his knee. Someone will go down because it’s a violent game.
Mitch Smothers right now looks like he will grow quickly into the job at tackle, which is amazing for a true freshman. The offensive line still has a long way to go, but it will get there sooner rather than later.
The defense was dominant, but it should have been against Missouri State. You know as you did last week that it will be a good defense. You still don’t know if it will be a great defense.
Dennis Johnson has had big games against big opponents. The Hogs will need him to have one at Tuscaloosa. I doubt that you will see Johnson this weekend against New Mexico.
Lastly, Tyler Wilson looks ready to have a great season. He will exploit other team’s defenses, but he needs help from the running game.
-
Weather Delays Are Ridiculous
I know it’s a rule that games must be delayed for threatening weather. I know someone could get struck by lightening. I know when I wrote this last year that I was lambasted. But I think it’s crazy that games are delayed for any kind of weather.
It’s a violent sport. You’re one snap away from a spinal injury on any given play, and every week scores of players are helped off the field with injuries. Studies are showing that with every little hit in the game (not the big ones that cause concussions), you’re getting dumber. When was the last time you remember a player being struck by lightning while watching major college football on television? I can’t remember it ever happening.
The game delays are getting ridiculous. Play the game. Is that the society that we have become? It’s football. The game that was called this past weekend was crazy. What’s next? It’s too hot? It’s too slick? It’s too windy? It’s too cold? If someone wants to leave the stadium, they can. It’s a free country, but it has become a slave to fear.
Send what delays you to fromthebench@yahoo.com. Your spouse can’t be the answer.
You can follow me on twitter @rsfromthebench
end
Robert Shields
After the Arkansas Razorbacks played a team on Saturday night that was marginally better than Lehigh, what do you know about this team that you didn’t know a week ago?
You knew Knile Davis would be missed. This past week confirmed that fact as the Hogs struggled to get more than 100 yards rushing the ball. De’Anthony Curtis still has to learn to hold onto the ball or he just won’t see the field. Kody Walker has potential but has a lot of learning to do. Never forget that Knile Davis was third or fourth string tailback last year before breaking onto the scene. I have my hunch one running back will step forward.
After the game, Bobby Petrino said that Walker would learn that he was running too upright and that he would learn to get lower. Ronnie Wingo still has to come to grips with the concept of attacking the line of scrimmage. His hesitation will cost him when the Hogs enter SEC play.
Greg Childs will have to learn to be patient. He’s not a starter right now and that has to hurt the ego being only a few games from leaving early for the NFL draft last season. An injury and a year later, he finds himself down on the depth chart, but for good reason. Jarius Wright will continue to play the slot and be the team’s possession receiver. He is sure-handed and quarterback Tyler Wilson obviously likes to throw to him.
Joe Adams is the most dangerous person on the field when he gets his hands on the ball. Then there is Cobi Hamilton who has the biggest play potential of any receiver. When Childs went down last year, Hamilton stepped into his position and the team never seemed to miss a beat.
This is the dilemma that Childs finds himself thrust into this season. He will still get plenty of playing time as this team rotates receivers frequently, but he will have to make the most of his time on the field. He will also find more time because, sad to say, someone will get injured. Two years ago, Adams was having medical problems. Last year, Childs hurts his knee. Someone will go down because it’s a violent game.
Mitch Smothers right now looks like he will grow quickly into the job at tackle, which is amazing for a true freshman. The offensive line still has a long way to go, but it will get there sooner rather than later.
The defense was dominant, but it should have been against Missouri State. You know as you did last week that it will be a good defense. You still don’t know if it will be a great defense.
Dennis Johnson has had big games against big opponents. The Hogs will need him to have one at Tuscaloosa. I doubt that you will see Johnson this weekend against New Mexico.
Lastly, Tyler Wilson looks ready to have a great season. He will exploit other team’s defenses, but he needs help from the running game.
-
Weather Delays Are Ridiculous
I know it’s a rule that games must be delayed for threatening weather. I know someone could get struck by lightening. I know when I wrote this last year that I was lambasted. But I think it’s crazy that games are delayed for any kind of weather.
It’s a violent sport. You’re one snap away from a spinal injury on any given play, and every week scores of players are helped off the field with injuries. Studies are showing that with every little hit in the game (not the big ones that cause concussions), you’re getting dumber. When was the last time you remember a player being struck by lightning while watching major college football on television? I can’t remember it ever happening.
The game delays are getting ridiculous. Play the game. Is that the society that we have become? It’s football. The game that was called this past weekend was crazy. What’s next? It’s too hot? It’s too slick? It’s too windy? It’s too cold? If someone wants to leave the stadium, they can. It’s a free country, but it has become a slave to fear.
Send what delays you to fromthebench@yahoo.com. Your spouse can’t be the answer.
You can follow me on twitter @rsfromthebench
end
Saturday, September 03, 2011
On the triumph of the Hillbillies
I awoke Saturday morning with a spring in my step.
My high school alma mater, Ozark, and, in fact, not Little Rock Catholic, had beaten its biggest rival — Booneville — Friday night. Faced with a long list of Saturday tasks, I picked up the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette sports section expecting to see at least something resembling a story about the game.
I knew that Lane Kramer, a sportswriter for that paper had covered the game and as had Grant Tolley with the Times Record in Fort Smith.
But nothing in the Little Rock paper. Grant's fine story can be read here, http://www.swtimes.com/sports/article_a8701710-d5ee-11e0-b82d-001cc4c002e0.html
So, as something of a joke and because I've done it for a living, when we got home last night, I banged out a quick 400 words on the game and sent it to the Hootens of Hootens Arkansas Football fame. I know Chad and Chris both and they are fine people. They might actually use some of what I sent.
But as a public service to those living in Little Rock because the Democrat-Gazette has failed in its basic mission of covering the state, I post online what I have done.
That's what follows. Enjoy, or not.
Ozark beats Booneville, 21-7
My high school alma mater, Ozark, and, in fact, not Little Rock Catholic, had beaten its biggest rival — Booneville — Friday night. Faced with a long list of Saturday tasks, I picked up the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette sports section expecting to see at least something resembling a story about the game.
I knew that Lane Kramer, a sportswriter for that paper had covered the game and as had Grant Tolley with the Times Record in Fort Smith.
But nothing in the Little Rock paper. Grant's fine story can be read here, http://www.swtimes.com/sports/article_a8701710-d5ee-11e0-b82d-001cc4c002e0.html
So, as something of a joke and because I've done it for a living, when we got home last night, I banged out a quick 400 words on the game and sent it to the Hootens of Hootens Arkansas Football fame. I know Chad and Chris both and they are fine people. They might actually use some of what I sent.
But as a public service to those living in Little Rock because the Democrat-Gazette has failed in its basic mission of covering the state, I post online what I have done.
That's what follows. Enjoy, or not.
Ozark beats Booneville, 21-7
OZARK — In his head coaching debut, Jeremie Burns notched the first and biggest win of his career as the Ozark Hillbillies beat long-time rival Booneville, 21-7, on Friday night in front of a packed house at Hillbilly Stadium.
Burns, a veteran assistant coach, took over at Ozark after Brooks Coatney left this summer for Van Buren.
Burns has deep roots in the River Valley and was an easy choice for the Ozark administration. He's a former all-state football player at Alma and is married to former Ozark star athlete and professional basketball player Penni Peppas. He was the defensive coordinator for Ozark last season as the Hillbillies lost in the second round of the Class 4A playoffs to Pulaski Academy.
Ozark got off to a shaky start with a fumble on its first offensive play of the game and Booneville turned the miscue to the game's first score, to go up 7-0.
Ozark junior quarterback Jonathon McKenzie also fumbled the ball away on the goal line that ended a potential scoring threat in the second quarter.
"I told them [at halftime] all they needed was one play to get back in it," Burns said after the game. "Just one play."
His players listened and it was one play that got everyone standing up as Brandon Brokeshoulder took the second half's opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown and the "Thrill" was back for the Hillbillies.
Ozark took the lead for good when McKenzie found Brokeshoulder in the end zone for another score.
The Thrillbillies put the game away in the fourth quarter with a blocked punt returned for a touchdown.
The run of long-time rivals continues for Ozark as the Hillbillies take on Clarksville next Friday. After that, Charleston, and then off to the hills for conference games against relatively unfamiliar foes in Gravette and such before Shiloh Christian heads down the mountain for its game at Ozark on Oct. 28.
The game was also something of a family affair as Burns' brother, Jarrod, is the middle school principal at Ozark and worked a ticket booth. Both their parents, along with Jeremie Burns' mother-in-law sat in lawn chairs near the end zone. One brother-in-law, Josh Peppas, kept the game's stats in the press box. Burns' son, Bryant, worked the sidelines as a ball boy and another of his brother-in-laws, Jeremy Peppas, a no-account reporter of middling talent, also took in the game from a lawn chair near the end zone.
It was Jeremy Peppas who, after his late night return to Little Rock, got the notion to sit down and peck out a poorly written e-mail to the fabulous Hooten brothers in case they needed cliché ridden copy to flesh out their web/broadcast products.
— Jeremy Peppas, one proud as punch brother-in-law, who likely won't make another Ozark game until Shiloh in October
Friday, September 02, 2011
SEC Coaches' Candid Quotes On Conference Rivals
"Link to story"
Each year we ask college football coaches to tell us what they really think about the other teams in their conference. But we don't want the cliche'd press conference platitudes, so we ask them to give us their quotes off-the-record and anonymously. Here are this year's quotes in alphabetical order for each team in the SEC.
What SEC Coaches Are Saying About: Alabama
"You have to give (Nick) Saban credit: Other than a stinker at South Carolina, they nearly ran the table again. LSU and Auburn were lucky to beat them, and Alabama finally put it all together in the bowl game, by just annihilating Michigan State."
"They only have to replace four starters on offense, but three of those have been so huge to the program’s success — quarterback Greg McElroy, running back Mark Ingram and wide receiver Julio Jones."
"I know Ingram won the Heisman and Jones had the capability of scoring every time he touched the football, but I think the one they’ll miss the most out of those three is McElroy. The kid was brilliant and just a flat-out winner. He might not have been the strongest, fastest or have the best arm, but he was such a tremendous leader."
"Trent Richardson and Eddie Lacy will be just as productive, or more, than Ingram. Also Marquis Maze will fill in nicely for Jones."
"If the offense struggles, the defense should be able to bail them out. They return nearly everyone, including linebacker Dont’a Hightower."
"Their secondary could be one of the nation’s best units with the entire group back intact."
"Even with only 14 seniors, I still would not be surprised if them or LSU ends up playing for the national title."
"They have so much talent. Nick has done such a great job stockpiling talent there. It’s amazing how many good players they have."
What SEC Coaches Are Saying About: Arkansas
"Obviously the big guy, (Ryan) Mallett is gone on offense. Tyler Wilson is slated to be the replacement and was impressive in limited action last year. He had a monster game against Auburn (332 yards, four touchdowns), so he’s proven he’s quite capable of directing the offense. The schedule sets up nicely for him to build his confidence (opening with three home games against Missouri State, New Mexico and Troy) before a killer back-to-back stretch against Alabama and Texas A&M."
"They’ve had a lot of good backs in the past few years, but no one seized the job until Davis last year. He was great."
"The defense has slowly improved under (Bobby) Petrino and coordinator Willy Robinson and should be as strong or better this fall. It was a weakness a few years ago. Not so much anymore."
"Defensive end Jake Bequette is one of the best in the league, and tackle Byran Jones is a solid force up front."
"I think last year they responded very well to the pressure of being a dark horse to win the league, losing only to Alabama and Auburn. This year with the expectations not as high, I think the Razorbacks will jump up and surprise some people as long as Wilson can be consistent at quarterback.”
What SEC Coaches Are Saying About: Auburn
"No Cam Newton, no Nick Fairley and no chance for the Tigers to repeat as SEC or national champions. How far down the standings will the Tigers plummet?"
"Newton was obviously ‘the team’ last season and even with all the controversy surrounding him and (his father Cecil), he still carried that team on his back and never faltered even with a tremendous amount of pressure on him on and off the field. I think that, as much as his physical skills, are what Auburn will miss the most."
"It looks like they’re unsettled at quarterback, but one possibility could be a highly touted incoming freshman (Kiehl Frazier) from Arkansas. I don’t know how successful in this league you can be with a freshman quarterback, but Auburn might find out real quick."
"(Gus) Malzahn will always get his quarterback to play well, but no one will do what Newton did for them."
"Whoever replaces Newton better be elusive, because the right tackle (Brandon Mosley) is the only returning starter on the offensive line."
"Running back Michael Dyer gave a glimpse of his big-play ability in the BCS title game."
"Fairley will be a huge loss, but the Tigers also have several other holes to fill on defense."
"(Gene) Chizik shocked the world last year winning the national title. We’ll see how it works this time around."
"It will be interesting to see how they handle themselves this year. They are the defending national champs but expectations are low. Not a ton of pressure on them.”
What SEC Coaches Are Saying About: Florida
“Jeremy Foley is widely considered among the top ADs to work for in the nation, but the common theme among coaches I’ve talked to in the SEC wonders if Will Muschamp’s hiring will be a Billy Donovan hiring for Foley or a Ron Zook-type of hire? Muschamp is widely respected within the coaching ranks, but having his first head coaching job at a place like Florida is going to be tough."
"Charlie Weis’ hiring as offensive coordinator is interesting to say the least. He can X-and-O with anyone, but I don’t think Florida has the Jimmys and the Joes to win the SEC this year."
"Besides losing (Urban) Meyer, the Gators also lost 23 seniors. That will be tough to do in one season."
"(Quarterback) John Brantley should benefit most from Weis’ pro-style attack. He was horrendous last year, trying to run the spread. If he doesn’t perform, I’ve heard a lot of good things about early enrollee Jeff Driskel. He could get a shot back there as well, but it’s tough for a freshman in this league."
"It will be interesting to see if they can finally run the ball with Weis in charge. They did a lot of great things under Meyer, but run the ball with a more traditional running back wasn’t one of them."
"They weren’t very good last year, but still had a chance to win the (SEC) East if they could have beaten South Carolina. But they couldn’t get it done."
What SEC Coaches Are Saying About: Georgia
“While it was unfortunate, I really think the whole fiasco with A.J. Green’s suspension for selling his jersey took the wind out of Georgia. He sat those first four games and before they knew it they started 1–4. They did manage to put together a few wins to get bowl-eligible, but another loss to rival Florida and to UCF in the Liberty Bowl is not good for Mark Richt’s job security."
"Incoming freshman running back Isaiah Crowell is a stud, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in the mix for playing time."
"I really like Aaron Murray at quarterback, and he’ll be even better with another year of experience."
"Murray will have to find another go-to receiver. In addition to Green, they also lose Kris Durham. I’d expect him to look for (tight end) Orson Charles more this year."
"Defensively, I think they were a work in process with a new defensive staff in place. Having had a year to adjust to defensive coordinator Todd Grantham’s 3-4, the Bulldogs should be somewhat improved, but I don’t think they have enough to compete for the SEC East title, and Georgia alums are not going to like to hear that."
What SEC Coaches Are Saying About: Kentucky
"Joker (Phillips) did a nice job in his first season as head coach, getting Kentucky to a bowl game. His second season might be somewhat tougher, especially since he has to replace Randall Cobb and Derrick Locke. Cobb was one of the nation’s top wideouts and just a spectacular all-around threat. I, for one, am glad that I don’t have to face him again. People don’t understand how good that guy was."
"The quarterback (Mike Hartline) also is gone, so I don’t know where they’re going to get their offense from. Hartline really came on last year. He wasn’t very good early in his career, but he was pretty solid as a senior. "The good news is they are strong up front (returning four offensive line starters). Guards Larry Warford and Stuart Hines are the anchors on that unit."
"The defense is loaded and returns virtually intact. Linebacker Danny Trevathan and safety Winston Guy are as good as anyone in the SEC. They could play for anyone."
"Rick Minter, the former Cincinnati coach, was named co-defensive coordinator. Word is he’ll look to implement a 3-4 defense."
"The key for Kentucky is a three-game stretch against Florida, LSU and South Carolina. If they could steal one of those games, I think they could have a special season. If not, they could be fighting to get to a bowl."
"They need some skill guys to emerge. They have had playmakers over the past few years, but I don’t see anyone who really scares you — at least not yet."
What SEC Coaches Are Saying About: LSU
"Les (Miles) is loaded this year. He’s got the majority of his team back, and I think either LSU or Alabama, whoever survives the SEC West, will play for the national title and make it six national championships in a row for our league. Whether it’s LSU or not may depend on what happens at quarterback. Jordan Jefferson certainly has had his moments, but Miles has opened it up and made his quarterback derby a three-man competition between Jefferson, Jarrett Lee and Zach Mettenberger. Mettenberger is the most intriguing. That kid is a hoss."
"(Cornerback and return specialist) Patrick Peterson is gone, but they have so many athletes back there he won’t be missed a great deal — and yes, I know how strange that sounds."
"Miles has been, let’s just say, very fortunate in the past, such as against Florida with the bounce-pass fake field goal and against Alabama with some late trick plays. Somehow, someway everything always seems to go Miles’ way. If that continues I don’t see many people stopping the Tigers."
"They are loaded. Everyone knows that. But they still scare me because Jefferson is inconsistent at quarterback. Now, he played well down the stretch, but if he is the guy, do you trust him to win you a national title?"
What SEC Coaches Are Saying About: Mississippi State
"I thought they were one of the nation’s most underrated teams last season. Just look at their four losses — Auburn, LSU, Alabama and Arkansas. And they probably should have beaten Auburn. Then the way they ended the season by simply destroying Michigan (52–14) in the Gator Bowl. Wow. I was very, very impressed with Dan Mullen’s second season to say the least and how much progress they made from his 2009 debut. And the scary thing is: This year might be even better."
"Chris Relf is back at quarterback and Vick Ballard at running back. Those two seniors will provide tremendous leadership."
"Relf has really turned into a good player. I was not impressed with him a few years ago. It looked they wanted to go with (Tyler Russell), but Relf just played too well."
"The one unknown is how the team will respond to the departure of defensive coordinator Manny Diaz to Texas. Chris Wilson and Geoff Collins will share the duties, and they’ll enjoy coaching defensive tackles Fletcher Cox and Josh Boyd."
"(Receiver) Chad Bumphis is a good player. They don’t throw the ball a ton, so we don’t see a lot of him, but the guy can make plays."
"I think another bowl game is a certainty for the Bulldogs. If people sleep on them, they’re going to be in for a rude awakening."
What SEC Coaches Are Saying About: Ole Miss
"There was so much hype and hope with the addition of (quarterback) Jeremiah Masoli — and then that first game happened. I really think that overtime loss to Jacksonville State in the season-opener just killed their season. Maybe they were never going to be better than 4–8, but they had no big-time victories."
"Their best player is running back Brandon Bolden. I also like (Jeff) Scott. He was really good last year as a freshman. He’s fast. Good player."
"Who replaces Masoli at quarterback is a big unknown, but Houston Nutt brought in Dolphins assistant David Lee as offensive coordinator and Oklahoma State assistant Gunter Brewer (as passing game coordinator). That should give the offense a boost from last season. I’d expect to see more Wildcat this year."
"It sounds like Randall Mackey was the guy in the spring. That will be a tough decision for the staff."
"The defense remains a question mark. They were just good enough to get you beat last season. Losing (D.T.) Shackelford (to a torn ACL) is a tough blow. He’s a hard-nosed player."
"What’s in store this season? They could improve slightly, but it looks like another sub.-500 season."
"Who are they going to be better than in the SEC West? No one. They have some talent, but the West is so good now."
What SEC Coaches Are Saying About: South Carolina
"The soap opera that is Stephen Garcia’s career took another turn (when he was suspended in the spring). I know (Steve) Spurrier has got to be fuming about this latest episode. It will be interesting to see if this causes a distraction within the team."
"Connor Shaw is a capable backup and has pushed Garcia in the past. The offense should be just fine with tailback Marcus Lattimore and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery. Both of those guys are among the best in the country. Lattimore is such a beast and Jeffery is a spectacular talent."
"As much as turnovers killed them last year, the defense got lit up in their losses. They need to be more consistent on that side of the ball and should be this fall."
"They were good last year, but it wasn’t a great year for the division. They picked a good year to be good. They were in the middle of the pack statistically (seventh in total offense and seventh in total defense). Again, don’t want to take anything away from them, because it’s hard to get to Atlanta, but they weren’t a great team."
"The secondary is solid with several starters back."
"The biggest question is how will they deal with these huge expectations and also will Garcia be there to lead the way?"
What SEC Coaches Are Saying About: Tennessee
"Well, you can say one thing about Derek Dooley’s debut season with Tennessee: It certainly wasn’t boring. I thought he did a tremendous job, and if not for some wacky endings against LSU and North Carolina, the Volunteers would have had a solid eight-win season. To be able to rebound strong from a dismal 2–6 start showed a lot of character from the Vols. Although I can understand some people attributing their last four-game winning streak (against Memphis, Ole Miss, Vanderbilt and Kentucky) to an easy schedule, but it still was an impressive turnaround."
"Quarterback Tyler Bray keyed the strong finish as a freshman and should improve from last season. Tauren Poole is a serviceable option at tailback, and the Vols’ offensive line should be better. They have a lot of guys back."
"They’ve got some really good young receivers. Justin Hunter is a stud. They will miss Denarius Moore and Gerald Jones, but with guys like Hunter and Da’Rick Rogers, they still have plenty of weapons for Bray."
"The defensive front seven has to be rebuilt, but the secondary returns three starters (cornerbacks Marsalis Teague and Prentiss Waggner and safety Brent Brewer so they’ve got a decent chance to return to a bowl game."
"They are getting better, but still not ready to challenge the top teams in the division. Maybe in 2012. But not yet."
"Keeping (defensive coordinator) Justin Wilcox was big. You need to keep continuity with your coordinators."
What SEC Coaches Are Saying About: Vanderbilt
"James Franklin steps into a great position in his first year as coach. No matter what he does should be a big improvement, and the Commodores should be improved. They have nearly their entire team back, and Franklin has infused the program with a winning attitude. That may sound funny at Vanderbilt, but from what I’ve heard their kids are buying into it."
"Franklin comes in with a reputation as a good recruiter, and he did a good job with his first class. Got some pretty good players, especially at the quarterback position."
"They have some pretty good players on defense. The linebacker (Chris Marve) is really good. Been around forever. And the cornerback (Casey) Hayward is outstanding. Been a starter since his sophomore year and really locks people up. I like Sean Richardson, the big safety, too."
"Vanderbilt will never out-talent anyone in the SEC, but I think you’ll see some real progress this fall and even next year. They’ve got a young bunch. They’re not going to challenge for the SEC East title, but they might jump up and surprise someone."
"The running backs are pretty good, especially Warren Norman, but they don’t have anybody on the outside who scares you. That makes them much easier to play against."
Each year we ask college football coaches to tell us what they really think about the other teams in their conference. But we don't want the cliche'd press conference platitudes, so we ask them to give us their quotes off-the-record and anonymously. Here are this year's quotes in alphabetical order for each team in the SEC.
What SEC Coaches Are Saying About: Alabama
"You have to give (Nick) Saban credit: Other than a stinker at South Carolina, they nearly ran the table again. LSU and Auburn were lucky to beat them, and Alabama finally put it all together in the bowl game, by just annihilating Michigan State."
"They only have to replace four starters on offense, but three of those have been so huge to the program’s success — quarterback Greg McElroy, running back Mark Ingram and wide receiver Julio Jones."
"I know Ingram won the Heisman and Jones had the capability of scoring every time he touched the football, but I think the one they’ll miss the most out of those three is McElroy. The kid was brilliant and just a flat-out winner. He might not have been the strongest, fastest or have the best arm, but he was such a tremendous leader."
"Trent Richardson and Eddie Lacy will be just as productive, or more, than Ingram. Also Marquis Maze will fill in nicely for Jones."
"If the offense struggles, the defense should be able to bail them out. They return nearly everyone, including linebacker Dont’a Hightower."
"Their secondary could be one of the nation’s best units with the entire group back intact."
"Even with only 14 seniors, I still would not be surprised if them or LSU ends up playing for the national title."
"They have so much talent. Nick has done such a great job stockpiling talent there. It’s amazing how many good players they have."
What SEC Coaches Are Saying About: Arkansas
"Obviously the big guy, (Ryan) Mallett is gone on offense. Tyler Wilson is slated to be the replacement and was impressive in limited action last year. He had a monster game against Auburn (332 yards, four touchdowns), so he’s proven he’s quite capable of directing the offense. The schedule sets up nicely for him to build his confidence (opening with three home games against Missouri State, New Mexico and Troy) before a killer back-to-back stretch against Alabama and Texas A&M."
"They’ve had a lot of good backs in the past few years, but no one seized the job until Davis last year. He was great."
"The defense has slowly improved under (Bobby) Petrino and coordinator Willy Robinson and should be as strong or better this fall. It was a weakness a few years ago. Not so much anymore."
"Defensive end Jake Bequette is one of the best in the league, and tackle Byran Jones is a solid force up front."
"I think last year they responded very well to the pressure of being a dark horse to win the league, losing only to Alabama and Auburn. This year with the expectations not as high, I think the Razorbacks will jump up and surprise some people as long as Wilson can be consistent at quarterback.”
What SEC Coaches Are Saying About: Auburn
"No Cam Newton, no Nick Fairley and no chance for the Tigers to repeat as SEC or national champions. How far down the standings will the Tigers plummet?"
"Newton was obviously ‘the team’ last season and even with all the controversy surrounding him and (his father Cecil), he still carried that team on his back and never faltered even with a tremendous amount of pressure on him on and off the field. I think that, as much as his physical skills, are what Auburn will miss the most."
"It looks like they’re unsettled at quarterback, but one possibility could be a highly touted incoming freshman (Kiehl Frazier) from Arkansas. I don’t know how successful in this league you can be with a freshman quarterback, but Auburn might find out real quick."
"(Gus) Malzahn will always get his quarterback to play well, but no one will do what Newton did for them."
"Whoever replaces Newton better be elusive, because the right tackle (Brandon Mosley) is the only returning starter on the offensive line."
"Running back Michael Dyer gave a glimpse of his big-play ability in the BCS title game."
"Fairley will be a huge loss, but the Tigers also have several other holes to fill on defense."
"(Gene) Chizik shocked the world last year winning the national title. We’ll see how it works this time around."
"It will be interesting to see how they handle themselves this year. They are the defending national champs but expectations are low. Not a ton of pressure on them.”
What SEC Coaches Are Saying About: Florida
“Jeremy Foley is widely considered among the top ADs to work for in the nation, but the common theme among coaches I’ve talked to in the SEC wonders if Will Muschamp’s hiring will be a Billy Donovan hiring for Foley or a Ron Zook-type of hire? Muschamp is widely respected within the coaching ranks, but having his first head coaching job at a place like Florida is going to be tough."
"Charlie Weis’ hiring as offensive coordinator is interesting to say the least. He can X-and-O with anyone, but I don’t think Florida has the Jimmys and the Joes to win the SEC this year."
"Besides losing (Urban) Meyer, the Gators also lost 23 seniors. That will be tough to do in one season."
"(Quarterback) John Brantley should benefit most from Weis’ pro-style attack. He was horrendous last year, trying to run the spread. If he doesn’t perform, I’ve heard a lot of good things about early enrollee Jeff Driskel. He could get a shot back there as well, but it’s tough for a freshman in this league."
"It will be interesting to see if they can finally run the ball with Weis in charge. They did a lot of great things under Meyer, but run the ball with a more traditional running back wasn’t one of them."
"They weren’t very good last year, but still had a chance to win the (SEC) East if they could have beaten South Carolina. But they couldn’t get it done."
What SEC Coaches Are Saying About: Georgia
“While it was unfortunate, I really think the whole fiasco with A.J. Green’s suspension for selling his jersey took the wind out of Georgia. He sat those first four games and before they knew it they started 1–4. They did manage to put together a few wins to get bowl-eligible, but another loss to rival Florida and to UCF in the Liberty Bowl is not good for Mark Richt’s job security."
"Incoming freshman running back Isaiah Crowell is a stud, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in the mix for playing time."
"I really like Aaron Murray at quarterback, and he’ll be even better with another year of experience."
"Murray will have to find another go-to receiver. In addition to Green, they also lose Kris Durham. I’d expect him to look for (tight end) Orson Charles more this year."
"Defensively, I think they were a work in process with a new defensive staff in place. Having had a year to adjust to defensive coordinator Todd Grantham’s 3-4, the Bulldogs should be somewhat improved, but I don’t think they have enough to compete for the SEC East title, and Georgia alums are not going to like to hear that."
What SEC Coaches Are Saying About: Kentucky
"Joker (Phillips) did a nice job in his first season as head coach, getting Kentucky to a bowl game. His second season might be somewhat tougher, especially since he has to replace Randall Cobb and Derrick Locke. Cobb was one of the nation’s top wideouts and just a spectacular all-around threat. I, for one, am glad that I don’t have to face him again. People don’t understand how good that guy was."
"The quarterback (Mike Hartline) also is gone, so I don’t know where they’re going to get their offense from. Hartline really came on last year. He wasn’t very good early in his career, but he was pretty solid as a senior. "The good news is they are strong up front (returning four offensive line starters). Guards Larry Warford and Stuart Hines are the anchors on that unit."
"The defense is loaded and returns virtually intact. Linebacker Danny Trevathan and safety Winston Guy are as good as anyone in the SEC. They could play for anyone."
"Rick Minter, the former Cincinnati coach, was named co-defensive coordinator. Word is he’ll look to implement a 3-4 defense."
"The key for Kentucky is a three-game stretch against Florida, LSU and South Carolina. If they could steal one of those games, I think they could have a special season. If not, they could be fighting to get to a bowl."
"They need some skill guys to emerge. They have had playmakers over the past few years, but I don’t see anyone who really scares you — at least not yet."
What SEC Coaches Are Saying About: LSU
"Les (Miles) is loaded this year. He’s got the majority of his team back, and I think either LSU or Alabama, whoever survives the SEC West, will play for the national title and make it six national championships in a row for our league. Whether it’s LSU or not may depend on what happens at quarterback. Jordan Jefferson certainly has had his moments, but Miles has opened it up and made his quarterback derby a three-man competition between Jefferson, Jarrett Lee and Zach Mettenberger. Mettenberger is the most intriguing. That kid is a hoss."
"(Cornerback and return specialist) Patrick Peterson is gone, but they have so many athletes back there he won’t be missed a great deal — and yes, I know how strange that sounds."
"Miles has been, let’s just say, very fortunate in the past, such as against Florida with the bounce-pass fake field goal and against Alabama with some late trick plays. Somehow, someway everything always seems to go Miles’ way. If that continues I don’t see many people stopping the Tigers."
"They are loaded. Everyone knows that. But they still scare me because Jefferson is inconsistent at quarterback. Now, he played well down the stretch, but if he is the guy, do you trust him to win you a national title?"
What SEC Coaches Are Saying About: Mississippi State
"I thought they were one of the nation’s most underrated teams last season. Just look at their four losses — Auburn, LSU, Alabama and Arkansas. And they probably should have beaten Auburn. Then the way they ended the season by simply destroying Michigan (52–14) in the Gator Bowl. Wow. I was very, very impressed with Dan Mullen’s second season to say the least and how much progress they made from his 2009 debut. And the scary thing is: This year might be even better."
"Chris Relf is back at quarterback and Vick Ballard at running back. Those two seniors will provide tremendous leadership."
"Relf has really turned into a good player. I was not impressed with him a few years ago. It looked they wanted to go with (Tyler Russell), but Relf just played too well."
"The one unknown is how the team will respond to the departure of defensive coordinator Manny Diaz to Texas. Chris Wilson and Geoff Collins will share the duties, and they’ll enjoy coaching defensive tackles Fletcher Cox and Josh Boyd."
"(Receiver) Chad Bumphis is a good player. They don’t throw the ball a ton, so we don’t see a lot of him, but the guy can make plays."
"I think another bowl game is a certainty for the Bulldogs. If people sleep on them, they’re going to be in for a rude awakening."
What SEC Coaches Are Saying About: Ole Miss
"There was so much hype and hope with the addition of (quarterback) Jeremiah Masoli — and then that first game happened. I really think that overtime loss to Jacksonville State in the season-opener just killed their season. Maybe they were never going to be better than 4–8, but they had no big-time victories."
"Their best player is running back Brandon Bolden. I also like (Jeff) Scott. He was really good last year as a freshman. He’s fast. Good player."
"Who replaces Masoli at quarterback is a big unknown, but Houston Nutt brought in Dolphins assistant David Lee as offensive coordinator and Oklahoma State assistant Gunter Brewer (as passing game coordinator). That should give the offense a boost from last season. I’d expect to see more Wildcat this year."
"It sounds like Randall Mackey was the guy in the spring. That will be a tough decision for the staff."
"The defense remains a question mark. They were just good enough to get you beat last season. Losing (D.T.) Shackelford (to a torn ACL) is a tough blow. He’s a hard-nosed player."
"What’s in store this season? They could improve slightly, but it looks like another sub.-500 season."
"Who are they going to be better than in the SEC West? No one. They have some talent, but the West is so good now."
What SEC Coaches Are Saying About: South Carolina
"The soap opera that is Stephen Garcia’s career took another turn (when he was suspended in the spring). I know (Steve) Spurrier has got to be fuming about this latest episode. It will be interesting to see if this causes a distraction within the team."
"Connor Shaw is a capable backup and has pushed Garcia in the past. The offense should be just fine with tailback Marcus Lattimore and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery. Both of those guys are among the best in the country. Lattimore is such a beast and Jeffery is a spectacular talent."
"As much as turnovers killed them last year, the defense got lit up in their losses. They need to be more consistent on that side of the ball and should be this fall."
"They were good last year, but it wasn’t a great year for the division. They picked a good year to be good. They were in the middle of the pack statistically (seventh in total offense and seventh in total defense). Again, don’t want to take anything away from them, because it’s hard to get to Atlanta, but they weren’t a great team."
"The secondary is solid with several starters back."
"The biggest question is how will they deal with these huge expectations and also will Garcia be there to lead the way?"
What SEC Coaches Are Saying About: Tennessee
"Well, you can say one thing about Derek Dooley’s debut season with Tennessee: It certainly wasn’t boring. I thought he did a tremendous job, and if not for some wacky endings against LSU and North Carolina, the Volunteers would have had a solid eight-win season. To be able to rebound strong from a dismal 2–6 start showed a lot of character from the Vols. Although I can understand some people attributing their last four-game winning streak (against Memphis, Ole Miss, Vanderbilt and Kentucky) to an easy schedule, but it still was an impressive turnaround."
"Quarterback Tyler Bray keyed the strong finish as a freshman and should improve from last season. Tauren Poole is a serviceable option at tailback, and the Vols’ offensive line should be better. They have a lot of guys back."
"They’ve got some really good young receivers. Justin Hunter is a stud. They will miss Denarius Moore and Gerald Jones, but with guys like Hunter and Da’Rick Rogers, they still have plenty of weapons for Bray."
"The defensive front seven has to be rebuilt, but the secondary returns three starters (cornerbacks Marsalis Teague and Prentiss Waggner and safety Brent Brewer so they’ve got a decent chance to return to a bowl game."
"They are getting better, but still not ready to challenge the top teams in the division. Maybe in 2012. But not yet."
"Keeping (defensive coordinator) Justin Wilcox was big. You need to keep continuity with your coordinators."
What SEC Coaches Are Saying About: Vanderbilt
"James Franklin steps into a great position in his first year as coach. No matter what he does should be a big improvement, and the Commodores should be improved. They have nearly their entire team back, and Franklin has infused the program with a winning attitude. That may sound funny at Vanderbilt, but from what I’ve heard their kids are buying into it."
"Franklin comes in with a reputation as a good recruiter, and he did a good job with his first class. Got some pretty good players, especially at the quarterback position."
"They have some pretty good players on defense. The linebacker (Chris Marve) is really good. Been around forever. And the cornerback (Casey) Hayward is outstanding. Been a starter since his sophomore year and really locks people up. I like Sean Richardson, the big safety, too."
"Vanderbilt will never out-talent anyone in the SEC, but I think you’ll see some real progress this fall and even next year. They’ve got a young bunch. They’re not going to challenge for the SEC East title, but they might jump up and surprise someone."
"The running backs are pretty good, especially Warren Norman, but they don’t have anybody on the outside who scares you. That makes them much easier to play against."
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Live Fan Feedback: Week 1
Comments on the week from our expert panel of reporters, bankers, doctors, lawyers, ad wizards, lawn guys, bond guys, car guys, pilots, priests, principals, builders, teachers, bums, and nomads.
Continually updated throughout the day...
Jeff G's weekly picks:
UND - I want to be wrong
BYU - Southpark said that the Mormons are the true religion, so I have to give them the nod over that sinner Nutt.
LSU - I can't pick a team with unis as terrible as Oregon. That comment is limited to the football players only. Their cheerleaders are properly attired.
UGa – Besides Clemson, UGa has been my biggest nemesis over the years. No matter how I pick them, I usually lose. Therefore I respectfully request that UGa and Clemson be removed from all subsequent games here. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to your reply.
Maryland - Count me among those taking pleasure in Miami's recent unpleasantness. Hopefully that will manifest itself on the field.
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This was hard to choose for the opening 1st week. I see your rep is still strong for 2011/12. I think I might add tudors to the School of Noise this season. -- School of Noise
The BYU Honor Code will be put to the test in the Grove. -- Brendan
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Faldon's Five More Thoughts:
Notre Dame - That laughter you hear is the Golden Domers' response to being asked to join the LonghornSooner Conference.
BYU - Those Mormons ... err, Latter Day Saints ... can ball.
Oregon - Bigger detriment to LSU's chances this week than the QB being suspended? Artifical turf prevents Les Miles from having a pregame snack.
Boise State - Did you know Boise State has a Chick-fil-A on campus? And it's the only CFA in the entire state?
Maryland - Which campus suffered more damage? Maryland from Hurricane Irene or Miami from Hurricane Nevin Shapiro? Oh, and "Homicide: Life on the Streets" > "CSI: Miami"
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Boise State airs it out over Georgia, Georgia blames the uniforms (34-31 Boise) -- Jeremy A.
Considering the fact that there are two more nights available to party and the word is that Dallas has some clubs, I am reluctant to pick oregon-LSU prior to the deadline, but I will abide by the rules. Just think there should have been a waiver on this game until 6:45 saturday night. -- Dean of Sportswriters
And so it begins... all the choices, deleting the choices and going with the other, then calling yourself dumb and "going with your gut" then losing the game anyway - 5 months of second guessing and remorse, handfuls of "what if" and "if I only had", finding yourself asking your customers "can I get you another beer and, by the way, who do you like in the Notre Dame/USC game (and keeping a mental score card for the e-mail to be sent later) - damn, I have missed this... -- Dave M.
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The System
By Glenn B.
I determined this week's picks by running the games through my new custom app NCAAFConverter, which converts and translates any given matchup to an equivalent relationship in a wholly unrelated field. I'm still working a few bugs out of the system but here is what NCAAFConverter has come up with so far:
1. South Florida - Notre Dame (USF worth four points)
NCAAFConverter : Leprechaun riding mechanical bull, and we all know how that will end. So I'll take South Florida and the bonus points, thank you very much. (My only concern here is that NCAAFConverter did yield an alternative outcome: Leprechaun slamming Red Bull, and if this second conversion is the right one, then my pick is DOOMED.)
2. BYU - Ole Miss
NCAAFConverter: Black Bear versus cougar! And we all know how that will end. So in the interest of seeing if my faith in NCAACFConverter is well placed, I'll go against my gut and take Ole Miss, thank you very much. (Actually, I was too impatient to wait for the video to load so I just scanned the comments; this one is representative: "Black bear uses swipe! But it missed! Cougar uses slash! But it's not very affective. Cougar flees! Black bear gained 32 exp.") (Interestingly, on this one, NCAAFConverter yield two alternative outcomes: Col. Reb versus cougar, and: shark versus cougar, so apparently my Ole Miss pick is solely attributable to UM's choice of a stupid black bear as its new, non-racist mascot.)
3. Oregon - LSU
NCAAFConverter: 555 South Eugene is WINNING! in Baton Rouge! You know you are ready to make an offer so act now!
So I'll take Oregon, thank you very much.(NCAAFConverter really had a hard time with this one; it kept substituting the Auburn Tiger for LSU's Bengal Tiger, yielding a consistent Tiger win but only so long as the Tiger squad was adequately compensated.)
4. Boise State - Georgia
NCAAFConverter: Buttercup cruising Manhattan in a sweet '73 Ford Bronco. Actually, I don't know how this one will end. I'm sorry, I hate to go against an SEC team, but with a name like Buttercup, and taking into account the possible infallibility of NCAFConverter, I have to go with the (sweet) Bronco; so I'll take Boise State, thank you very much.
(P.S., Mark Richt, don't feel bad when UGA VII (?) terminates your contact by peeing on it at the end of this season; you are a quality coach and you will find there's a bright future ahead of you in the Big East or ACC.)
5. Miami - Maryland
NCAAFConverter: Diamonback terrapins released into hurricane-ravaged salt marsh, and we all know how that will end (SARCASM). Actually, I'm sorry, maybe I launched NCAAFConverter too early because I have no clue what this means. Is this terrapin over hurricane because the reintroduction of these baby turtles into the marsh shows the resiliency of the species? Or is the main point that the hurricane slaughtered so many turtles in this marsh that now scientists are having to bring them in via bucket brigade? So I am going with my gut on this one, I'll take Maryland and the bonus point, thank you very much.
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I am extremely confident in these picks, which reflect my newfound love of the SEC. I look forward to sitting pretty at 2-3 going into week #2. -- Aggie Mark
And we're off. I had a rush order put on the school internet feed being repaired just so I would not have to explain to Wells how one can get email on a cell phone. Such a conversation would have led to questions about email in general. So... it was a better use of my time to give a rush order to Comcast so I could get my picks in. They were here until 8:00 last night all due to Poolsville. -- Rocket Man
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Regards from the Big O
Football is finally here and these are my picks for this week: 1)South Florida (who knows the first week of football, and ND may have just listened too many ESPN prognosticators); 2)BYU (because the projections that the Black Bears are getting out of the West's cellar are at best imaginary); 3)Oregon (Lee at QB just doesn't get it); 4)Boise State (because this dawg won't hunt either); 5)Maryland (the U doesn't have the players with character to play on through their media storm like a certain team last year). That's it for a lot of upsets and a different attitude towards AU's fellow SEC members this year... learned the hard way. Also, I'm making the picks while taking Hydrocodone.
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It seems that we should have some sort of pool on where each Big XII team ends up. Is it more of will Big XII add a member or dissolve by end of the year? Though with the way this works, they could add a member and then Oklahoma bolts and it dissolves, all in one season. My hope for the Sooners is a 16 member Pac-12. Definitely no SEC (sorry). I don't see a worthwhile option for adding to the Big XII. -- Sean O.
Traveling for work otherwise woulda blown yur shit up with anotha DJ-U Hip Hop Ya' Don't Stop Pick Pic. -- DJ U-Explicit Johnson
S.E.C. Teams have been fighting the West Team's popularity for years. We still do not get the respect we deserve, despite the recent nat'l championships. "What is the Deal"?? Most interesting - Coach Nutt and the surprise flexbone??? Not much of a surprise, or a factor. BYU Wins... -- Al G
As you can tell from my picks, I despise the SEC with all of my being and hope every team has a losing record this year. Go Frogs and go Canes!!! -- G. Berry
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Danny K's Poetry Corner
The time has come
The picks are in
Football season is here.
I've grabbed the remote
Smacked my wife on the ass
And told her to grab me a beer.
Continually updated throughout the day...
Jeff G's weekly picks:
UND - I want to be wrong
BYU - Southpark said that the Mormons are the true religion, so I have to give them the nod over that sinner Nutt.
LSU - I can't pick a team with unis as terrible as Oregon. That comment is limited to the football players only. Their cheerleaders are properly attired.
UGa – Besides Clemson, UGa has been my biggest nemesis over the years. No matter how I pick them, I usually lose. Therefore I respectfully request that UGa and Clemson be removed from all subsequent games here. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to your reply.
Maryland - Count me among those taking pleasure in Miami's recent unpleasantness. Hopefully that will manifest itself on the field.
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This was hard to choose for the opening 1st week. I see your rep is still strong for 2011/12. I think I might add tudors to the School of Noise this season. -- School of Noise
The BYU Honor Code will be put to the test in the Grove. -- Brendan
-
Faldon's Five More Thoughts:
Notre Dame - That laughter you hear is the Golden Domers' response to being asked to join the LonghornSooner Conference.
BYU - Those Mormons ... err, Latter Day Saints ... can ball.
Oregon - Bigger detriment to LSU's chances this week than the QB being suspended? Artifical turf prevents Les Miles from having a pregame snack.
Boise State - Did you know Boise State has a Chick-fil-A on campus? And it's the only CFA in the entire state?
Maryland - Which campus suffered more damage? Maryland from Hurricane Irene or Miami from Hurricane Nevin Shapiro? Oh, and "Homicide: Life on the Streets" > "CSI: Miami"
-
Boise State airs it out over Georgia, Georgia blames the uniforms (34-31 Boise) -- Jeremy A.
Considering the fact that there are two more nights available to party and the word is that Dallas has some clubs, I am reluctant to pick oregon-LSU prior to the deadline, but I will abide by the rules. Just think there should have been a waiver on this game until 6:45 saturday night. -- Dean of Sportswriters
And so it begins... all the choices, deleting the choices and going with the other, then calling yourself dumb and "going with your gut" then losing the game anyway - 5 months of second guessing and remorse, handfuls of "what if" and "if I only had", finding yourself asking your customers "can I get you another beer and, by the way, who do you like in the Notre Dame/USC game (and keeping a mental score card for the e-mail to be sent later) - damn, I have missed this... -- Dave M.
-
The System
By Glenn B.
I determined this week's picks by running the games through my new custom app NCAAFConverter, which converts and translates any given matchup to an equivalent relationship in a wholly unrelated field. I'm still working a few bugs out of the system but here is what NCAAFConverter has come up with so far:
1. South Florida - Notre Dame (USF worth four points)
NCAAFConverter : Leprechaun riding mechanical bull, and we all know how that will end. So I'll take South Florida and the bonus points, thank you very much. (My only concern here is that NCAAFConverter did yield an alternative outcome: Leprechaun slamming Red Bull, and if this second conversion is the right one, then my pick is DOOMED.)
2. BYU - Ole Miss
NCAAFConverter: Black Bear versus cougar! And we all know how that will end. So in the interest of seeing if my faith in NCAACFConverter is well placed, I'll go against my gut and take Ole Miss, thank you very much. (Actually, I was too impatient to wait for the video to load so I just scanned the comments; this one is representative: "Black bear uses swipe! But it missed! Cougar uses slash! But it's not very affective. Cougar flees! Black bear gained 32 exp.") (Interestingly, on this one, NCAAFConverter yield two alternative outcomes: Col. Reb versus cougar, and: shark versus cougar, so apparently my Ole Miss pick is solely attributable to UM's choice of a stupid black bear as its new, non-racist mascot.)
3. Oregon - LSU
NCAAFConverter: 555 South Eugene is WINNING! in Baton Rouge! You know you are ready to make an offer so act now!
So I'll take Oregon, thank you very much.(NCAAFConverter really had a hard time with this one; it kept substituting the Auburn Tiger for LSU's Bengal Tiger, yielding a consistent Tiger win but only so long as the Tiger squad was adequately compensated.)
4. Boise State - Georgia
NCAAFConverter: Buttercup cruising Manhattan in a sweet '73 Ford Bronco. Actually, I don't know how this one will end. I'm sorry, I hate to go against an SEC team, but with a name like Buttercup, and taking into account the possible infallibility of NCAFConverter, I have to go with the (sweet) Bronco; so I'll take Boise State, thank you very much.
(P.S., Mark Richt, don't feel bad when UGA VII (?) terminates your contact by peeing on it at the end of this season; you are a quality coach and you will find there's a bright future ahead of you in the Big East or ACC.)
5. Miami - Maryland
NCAAFConverter: Diamonback terrapins released into hurricane-ravaged salt marsh, and we all know how that will end (SARCASM). Actually, I'm sorry, maybe I launched NCAAFConverter too early because I have no clue what this means. Is this terrapin over hurricane because the reintroduction of these baby turtles into the marsh shows the resiliency of the species? Or is the main point that the hurricane slaughtered so many turtles in this marsh that now scientists are having to bring them in via bucket brigade? So I am going with my gut on this one, I'll take Maryland and the bonus point, thank you very much.
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I am extremely confident in these picks, which reflect my newfound love of the SEC. I look forward to sitting pretty at 2-3 going into week #2. -- Aggie Mark
And we're off. I had a rush order put on the school internet feed being repaired just so I would not have to explain to Wells how one can get email on a cell phone. Such a conversation would have led to questions about email in general. So... it was a better use of my time to give a rush order to Comcast so I could get my picks in. They were here until 8:00 last night all due to Poolsville. -- Rocket Man
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Regards from the Big O
Football is finally here and these are my picks for this week: 1)South Florida (who knows the first week of football, and ND may have just listened too many ESPN prognosticators); 2)BYU (because the projections that the Black Bears are getting out of the West's cellar are at best imaginary); 3)Oregon (Lee at QB just doesn't get it); 4)Boise State (because this dawg won't hunt either); 5)Maryland (the U doesn't have the players with character to play on through their media storm like a certain team last year). That's it for a lot of upsets and a different attitude towards AU's fellow SEC members this year... learned the hard way. Also, I'm making the picks while taking Hydrocodone.
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It seems that we should have some sort of pool on where each Big XII team ends up. Is it more of will Big XII add a member or dissolve by end of the year? Though with the way this works, they could add a member and then Oklahoma bolts and it dissolves, all in one season. My hope for the Sooners is a 16 member Pac-12. Definitely no SEC (sorry). I don't see a worthwhile option for adding to the Big XII. -- Sean O.
Traveling for work otherwise woulda blown yur shit up with anotha DJ-U Hip Hop Ya' Don't Stop Pick Pic. -- DJ U-Explicit Johnson
S.E.C. Teams have been fighting the West Team's popularity for years. We still do not get the respect we deserve, despite the recent nat'l championships. "What is the Deal"?? Most interesting - Coach Nutt and the surprise flexbone??? Not much of a surprise, or a factor. BYU Wins... -- Al G
As you can tell from my picks, I despise the SEC with all of my being and hope every team has a losing record this year. Go Frogs and go Canes!!! -- G. Berry
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Danny K's Poetry Corner
The time has come
The picks are in
Football season is here.
I've grabbed the remote
Smacked my wife on the ass
And told her to grab me a beer.
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