- The Anthony Grant Era begins. After much anticipation, speculation, and deliberation, Coach Grant will finally put a product on the hardwood when it really means something on Saturday. It has been seven and a half months since Grant first landed in Tuscaloosa to a large crowd (by basketball standards) at the Tuscaloosa Airport. He has mentioned he wants an up-tempo style of play and a defense that covers 94 feet of the floor. The jury is a long ways out on the offense, but the defense seems to be working quite well so far. In two exhibition games against Montevallo and D-II power Augusta State, the Tide gave up an average of 54 points per game. Say what you want about the competition, but holding a team in Augusta State who shot 50% from the field last year to 55 points was a feat in itself.
- Turnovers are going to haunt the Tide early. As I said, the jury is still out on the offense after two exhibition games. The points weren't too hard to come by in game one, but game two saw a struggle from the Crimson Tide on offense. Alabama has turned the ball over 45 times in two exhibition games while trying to learn the new offense. The Tide have thrown many errant passes as well as some that are ill advised in trying to play at a much faster pace. Mikhail Torrance said in the pre-season that the goal is to score 100 every time out. Right now that is not feasible, and the sooner the Crimson Tide figures this out, the better off they will be sooner.
- JaMychal Green needs to show up in the first half. I have said numerous times in the pre-season that in order for Alabama to sniff any post season tournament, JaMychal Green must play at an All-SEC level this season. The second half of games, Green can be considered All-American at this point, but he doesn't show up on the stat sheet until the second frame of twenty. Green scored 30 points between the two exhibition games and 28 of those points came in the second half. He only missed one free throw in the exhibition games, going 10-11 from the charity stripe. Producing in the first half will be huge for Green and the Tide, but he must stay on the floor and out of foul trouble. Green sat early against Augusta State because of fouls, and he knows to do his best to avoid foul trouble since the Tide is not deep in the post this year.
- Cornell is not your basic lower tier school. Many schools want to believe they are beginning the year off with an easy win, just something to set a foundation. The truth is, not every team can play Alcorn State to begin the year. There are going to be those teams, like Rider and Niagra, who will give you a run for your money. Cornell is beyond those squads. The Big Red are the two-time defending Ivy League champions. They are the first school other than Penn or Princeton to ever win back-to-back league titles. When breaking down their team, the question arises of where to start. You can start at senior guard Louis Dale, who has been the Ivy League Player of the Year for two years now. Or maybe last season's Rookie of the Year in Chris Wroblewski. How bout Cornell's most prolific three point shooter in school history Ryan Wittman. The list goes on and on for a team who returns eight of their top nine scorers from a year ago.
- Don't be shocked by a Big Red victory. With everything that was mentioned about the Tide's woes and the Big Red's strengths, do not be surprised if the Crimson Tide drop their season opener for the second straight year. Cornell is going with a smaller lineup to try and combat the Crimson Tide's fast paced offense, but Alabama still plays a good half-court set when they choose to pass the ball inside. The Crimson Tide will not only force turnovers, but will give the ball away themselves. This game will come down to who can shoot the ball the best, and Cornell seems to be that team. It also doesn't hurt that the Big Red have a lineup laden with seniors who are full of experience in their current system.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
The Starting Five: Cornell
Five Stats, Facts, or People you need to know heading into the game against the Big Red.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Picks, Previews and Prognostications-Week 10
After taking a week off along with the Crimson Tide last week, its back to the picks along with a new Gameday out by the Crimson White sports staff.
Speaking of Gameday, I am now 28-28 for the season, back at .500 yet again, in the CW picks for the year.
For as bad as I have been this year, I am content with where I am, but compared to the rest of the staff, someone is getting their ass whipped, and that someone is me.
Overall, I am 70-42 on the season, which is 62.5% on the year. Meh.
So today starts a new campaign: The Strive for 70. Week 10 is the first chance to head in that direction, and after what looks like an easy slate to pick this week, hopefully I will be there in just one week.
To the picks!
Navy @ Notre Dame-Fighting Irish
Virginia @ Miami-The U
*Florida State @ Clemson-Tigers (and blame FSU's ugly uniforms)
Oregon @ Stanford-Ducks
Northwestern @ Iowa-Hawkeyes survive again
*Duke @ North Carolina-Duke
*Oklahoma @ Nebraska-Boomer! Sooner!
*Oregon State @ Cal-Jahvid Best didn't get worse
*South Carolina @ Arkansas-Whoooo, Pig Suey!
*Ohio State @ Penn State-Joe Pa hands The Vest #3
*LSU @ Alabama-Yea, let's go to tha Georgia Dome!
Speaking of Gameday, I am now 28-28 for the season, back at .500 yet again, in the CW picks for the year.
For as bad as I have been this year, I am content with where I am, but compared to the rest of the staff, someone is getting their ass whipped, and that someone is me.
Overall, I am 70-42 on the season, which is 62.5% on the year. Meh.
So today starts a new campaign: The Strive for 70. Week 10 is the first chance to head in that direction, and after what looks like an easy slate to pick this week, hopefully I will be there in just one week.
To the picks!
Navy @ Notre Dame-Fighting Irish
Virginia @ Miami-The U
*Florida State @ Clemson-Tigers (and blame FSU's ugly uniforms)
Oregon @ Stanford-Ducks
Northwestern @ Iowa-Hawkeyes survive again
*Duke @ North Carolina-Duke
*Oklahoma @ Nebraska-Boomer! Sooner!
*Oregon State @ Cal-Jahvid Best didn't get worse
*South Carolina @ Arkansas-Whoooo, Pig Suey!
*Ohio State @ Penn State-Joe Pa hands The Vest #3
*LSU @ Alabama-Yea, let's go to tha Georgia Dome!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Bama Basketball Ignorance at its Finest
Waking up this morning at 7am to register for classes as a final semester Senior was bad enough, but thanks to Daylight Savings Time, it still felt like 8am, so all was well with the world.
That is, until I was alerted to an opinion column in today's Crimson White concerning basketball. You can read it here.
Considering my stature and overall over-the-top support of Alabama Basketball, I was excited to read said column.
I soon regretted having such aspirations for this column by Wesley Vaughn.
You see, many students who are avid basketball fans often feel slighted by the Crimson White's coverage of the team. I have had many students tell me that the CW revels in the team losing and can't write a decent article in support of the team.
Vaughn's slaughtering of anything and all basketball did not help.
For starters, his Facebook box says, "Sarcasm is my defense for not knowing anything." This actually explains everything.
(For those wondering how I know this? From his Facebook. Don't act like you haven't looked me up once in a while after some things I write. You are going straight to hell if you say you have never Facebook investigated a writer, football player, or potential blind date to your roommate's girlfriend's sorority formal.)
Now, before I destroy said column, I must point out the places that I agree with Mr. Vaughn.
That is, until I was alerted to an opinion column in today's Crimson White concerning basketball. You can read it here.
Considering my stature and overall over-the-top support of Alabama Basketball, I was excited to read said column.
I soon regretted having such aspirations for this column by Wesley Vaughn.
You see, many students who are avid basketball fans often feel slighted by the Crimson White's coverage of the team. I have had many students tell me that the CW revels in the team losing and can't write a decent article in support of the team.
Vaughn's slaughtering of anything and all basketball did not help.
For starters, his Facebook box says, "Sarcasm is my defense for not knowing anything." This actually explains everything.
(For those wondering how I know this? From his Facebook. Don't act like you haven't looked me up once in a while after some things I write. You are going straight to hell if you say you have never Facebook investigated a writer, football player, or potential blind date to your roommate's girlfriend's sorority formal.)
Now, before I destroy said column, I must point out the places that I agree with Mr. Vaughn.
- I agree that "the basketball team has underwhelmed the past few years."
That's all.
For starters, the attempt at humor in this article is beyond poor. Having to explain jokes in parentheses takes away from said joke and in Vaughn's case, makes the joke worse than it actually was to begin with.
Wondering "why we put our faith in a man with two first names" before calling out John Kerry and calling Florida "soon-to-be-named the University of Tim Tebow" shows that you do, in fact, know nothing about Alabama Basketball.
Going further to say he (Grant) "should implement" an up-tempo style, that under Gottfried "the team lacked any style or scheme," and that this team "still lacks a center" just supports the fact I stated at the end of the last paragraph about you. (By the way, while I'm on it, note how parentheses are supposed to be used, Mr. Vaughn. Our coaches name is not meant to induce humor in that situation through clarification. Its JUST clarification.)
First off, if Vaughn did any research before his column, he would know that Grant has already stated this up-tempo style will be coming to Tuscaloosa. Second, Gottfried did have a scheme and it was called the UCLA high post. The reason it didn't work is because Richard Hendrix is not Bill Walton and Andy Katz told the entire country our offense during the Mani Invitational last season. Ok, who am I kidding, if the nine year-olds to my right at basketball games know what we are running, even John Brady could figure it out.
Ok, no he didn't. It was known by everyone already because the second play in Gottfried's playbook was to inbounds the ball over half court to [insert whichever former Alabama point guard who left Alabama early to get away from Gottfried].
Third, Vaughn obviously has no clue that a center in basketball is going the way of media on the floor in Coleman Coliseum. Very few teams still play with a true center anymore, and I am willing to be that Vaughn had no earthly idea that JaMychal Green was a five-star recruit who plays as Alabama's center. He certainly doesn't know that Green has gotten bigger since his freshman season last year since, well, he hasn't heard from Grant's first presser that he will in fact be using an up-tempo style.
Pressing forward beyond what most people I have talked to could stomach, Vaughn second-guesses the naming of the group openly.
Its obvious this self-proclaimed "sports fanatic" isn't enough of one to be on the UA Athletic email list to receive the instructions about how the name would be selected. Going with Crimson Chaos would be a permanent name. And relate more with basketball? Wouldn't a sports fanatic realize that the upgrades to Coleman are lipstick on a pig in a half-buried beer keg?
There is nothing to support what it should be called, Wesley. Your opinion is obviously far-fetched to begin with.
After all this shady, opinionated garbage, Vaughn takes the cake in his final claim. bviously, I have already sipped the Anthony Grant Kool-Aid (sugar-intense strawberry flavored, if you were wondering [Actually, Wesley, I didn't give a $#^t.]) Can you blame me though?He can only improve our over-shadowed and historically non-competitive program."
Are you kidding me?!?!?! Alabama has arguably the second-best history in the SEC when it comes to Basketball.
The Crimson Tide own the second-most SEC titles to Kentucky. Sure, Alabama hasn't made a final four while teams such as LSU, Florida, and Mississippi State have, but that's not all that matters.
Alabama has put plenty of players into the NBA over the past two decades, most coming before 2005.
According to Jeff Sagarin, who's computer poll is one of six in the BCS, has Alabama has the No. 43 All-Time program in college basketball, behind Kentucky, Arkansas and Tennessee (somehow), and ahead of Vanderbilt, Florida, Mississippi State, and UAB.
Alabama is a respectable basketball program, but many people, such as Wesley, have their heads too far up their rears to realize this.
I am glad that Mr. Vaughn is already sipping the Kool-Aid of coach Grant. Maybe he can learn what a jump shot is when he visits Coleman on Wednesday.
Top 25, Heisman favorites, and links: Week 9
Ding dong, the golden boys are gone. If there is anyone reading this blog who didn't want USC to lose, thank you for searching me out through the interweb from what ever non-Southeastern city you may live in.
Oregon's detonation of USC's season, which took way to look to happen for how bad USC was this year, has finally brought what is right back into view: USC is not a one-loss team that can make the title game. The computers knew this, but it took another loss for the coaches and AP voters to realize this.
Besides that, both Texas and Iowa remained unbeaten after officials blew calls that would have changed the momentum in both of their games.
Iowa is lucky their endzones are painted black on their AstroPlay turf. Terrance Turner of Indiana had the ball in his grasp and dragged in his foot for a touchdown, but the black beads that pop out of AstroPlay turf could not be seen to confirm this against the black painted endzones, and Iowa then got a missed field goal to keep momentum after returning a fluke interception for an 86-yard touchdown.
Texas was just as lucky as Iowa. The Longhorns had the ball up 17-7 with just under two minutes until halftime. Texas was at their own 20, and on second down, Colt McCoy completed a pass to James Kirkendoll for four yards before he was stripped by Oklahoma State. Officials would not review the play themselves, so Coach Gundy took a timeout, in which he was told forward progress was awarded to Texas, thus they kept the ball. The 'Horns would then score before halftime, score a FG right after halftime, and then intercept Zac Robinson for six. In seven minutes, a game that could have been 17-14 at half, was 34-7 five minutes into the third. Huge game-changing missed call by the Big XII.
Enough of me going on about things I will repeat numerous times this week and on to the Top 25.
Top 25
Oregon's detonation of USC's season, which took way to look to happen for how bad USC was this year, has finally brought what is right back into view: USC is not a one-loss team that can make the title game. The computers knew this, but it took another loss for the coaches and AP voters to realize this.
Besides that, both Texas and Iowa remained unbeaten after officials blew calls that would have changed the momentum in both of their games.
Iowa is lucky their endzones are painted black on their AstroPlay turf. Terrance Turner of Indiana had the ball in his grasp and dragged in his foot for a touchdown, but the black beads that pop out of AstroPlay turf could not be seen to confirm this against the black painted endzones, and Iowa then got a missed field goal to keep momentum after returning a fluke interception for an 86-yard touchdown.
Texas was just as lucky as Iowa. The Longhorns had the ball up 17-7 with just under two minutes until halftime. Texas was at their own 20, and on second down, Colt McCoy completed a pass to James Kirkendoll for four yards before he was stripped by Oklahoma State. Officials would not review the play themselves, so Coach Gundy took a timeout, in which he was told forward progress was awarded to Texas, thus they kept the ball. The 'Horns would then score before halftime, score a FG right after halftime, and then intercept Zac Robinson for six. In seven minutes, a game that could have been 17-14 at half, was 34-7 five minutes into the third. Huge game-changing missed call by the Big XII.
Enough of me going on about things I will repeat numerous times this week and on to the Top 25.
Top 25
- Florida
- Alabama
- Texas
- Cincinnati
- TCU
- Boise State
- Oregon
- LSU
- Iowa
- Penn State
- Georgia Tech
- Houston
- Pittsburgh
- Miami
- Utah
- USC
- Ohio State
- Oklahoma
- Notre Dame
- Arizona
- Oklahoma State
- Virginia Tech
- South Florida
- Wisconsin
- BYU
Heisman Favorites
- Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
- Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
- Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
- Jeremiah Masoli, QB, Oregon
- Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame
Links
Monday, October 26, 2009
Top 25, Heisman favorites, and links: Week 8
It was a frightening weekend for many Top 25 teams, some for longer times than others, but many have moved on to fight another day unscathed. That is, except for Miami.
The Hurricanes lost their chance at a national championship after their great start, and are almost certainly out of the ACC Coastal race, after losing in OT to Clemson.
Meanwhile, Alabama and Iowa used last-second plays to keep their undefeated seasons alive as well as their chase for a place in Pasadena.
At the bottom of the poll, the revolving door of teams continue to jump in and out as more win and others lose.
For a look at this week's poll, take a gander below.
Top 25
The Hurricanes lost their chance at a national championship after their great start, and are almost certainly out of the ACC Coastal race, after losing in OT to Clemson.
Meanwhile, Alabama and Iowa used last-second plays to keep their undefeated seasons alive as well as their chase for a place in Pasadena.
At the bottom of the poll, the revolving door of teams continue to jump in and out as more win and others lose.
For a look at this week's poll, take a gander below.
Top 25
- Florida
- Alabama
- Texas
- Cincinnati
- Iowa
- TCU
- USC
- Boise State
- LSU
- Penn State
- Georgia Tech
- Oklahoma State
- Oregon
- Virginia Tech
- Houston
- Pittsburgh
- Miami
- Ohio State
- Utah
- South Carolina
- West Virginia
- Oklahoma
- Ole Miss
- Arizona
- Notre Dame
Heisman Favorites
- Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
- Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
- Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
- Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame
- Ndamakong Suh, DT, Nebraska
Links
- Tony Barnhart on CBSSports.com makes a good point that it doesn't matter how you when, it just matters if you win.
- Stewart Mandel with the weekly College Football Overtime and already looking forward to USC visiting Oregon.
- Gene Menez on SI.com still has Mark Ingram on top of his list, and I am glad he uses the support that he did. Great minds think alike.
- Sports Illustrated has a College Football survey up on their site, and they want your input, so why not give it to them.
- Pat Forde has a little column up on Terrance Cody after attending his first Bama-UT game on Saturday.
- ESPN's College Gameday Final
- On the Mark by Mark Schlabach
- ESPN College Football Power Rankings
- Bruce Feldman wraps up the week that was from last Saturday with a huge focus on Alabama's game against Tennessee (ESPN insiders only).
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Picks, Previews and Prognostications-Week 8
It has been a few weeks since time was available for not only a full picks, previews, and prognostications post, but its been two weeks since I even posted score predictions!
Who's a slacker? This guy is.
Nonetheless, I kept up with the CW picks at least, and I can say that it has been extremely ugly. Since the last post of PPnP, I've gone 7-14 in those games, so I am now 23-26 in CW picks. Ouch.
Overall, I am 61-38 on the year, at least finding some success in the games I pick on Rock n Jock each Wednesday night on 90.7 FM from 10-Midnight. Yes, that was a shameless plug.
So with time on my hands for the (4th) Saturday in October, here's what will hopefully happen this week and get me back in the the swing of things.
Clemson @ Miami
The Tigers seem no better or worse this season under Dabo Swinney, but the talent level is not what it was last season. CJ Spiller is still on campus, but the defense doesn't seem as up to snuff as it was last season. Meanwhile, Miami is right in the think of the ACC Coastal race with Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech after all three teams went 1-1 against each other. None of those teams have faced Virginia yet, the team who leads the division at 2-0, but let's be real here. Virginia WILL go 0-3 vs. all those teams. The Hurricanes know what is at stake, and only having one loss, they feel they have a chance for more than just the ACC title. Miami 35, Clemson 17
*Penn State @ Michigan
It has been over 10 years since Joe Pa beat Michigan in the Big House, and the Nittany Lions have only won one of the past four games against the Big Blue. Both teams will be running a version of the spread offense, so there should be no surprises on offense by either team for the opposing defense. The difference in the game should be Daryll Clark, the Penn State quarterback. He has not let Penn State have a letdown so far this season in games they shouldn't have (Iowa is starting to look like the better team), and I don't expect this week to be any different. Tate Forcier has been consistent for Michigan, but he needs to go above and beyond that to keep the streak alive in Ann Arbor. Not happening. Penn State 24, Michigan 20
Iowa @ Michigan State
Iowa has just continued to get behind just to give their fans panic attacks as the game continues. In back to back weeks, the Hawkeyes have come back from 10-point deficits, not to mention a 9-point comeback in Happy Valley. Sparty almost had a huge letdown against Michigan, but won out in overtime. Iowa seems to be a much better team than Michigan so far, especially on defense, but one of these days, getting behind is going to bite them. Michigan State is too good for Iowa to look over them. Road team wins for the first time in ten meetings. Iowa 23, Michigan State 17
Oregon @ Washington
The Ducks have been on a tear since their opening night loss, going 5-0 over those games. They now travel to face Jake Locker and the sea of purple in Seattle where one Pac-10 power has already fallen this season. Coach Sark has turned the Huskies around in less than a year, but Jeremiah Masoli, even at half strength, will give the guys in purple fits. Oregon won't overlook Washington in preparation for a huge showdown with USC, potentially for the Pac-10 title, next week in Eugene. Oregon 27, Washington 14
*South Florida @ Pittsburgh
The Bulls gave Cincinnati a scare last Thursday, but the Bearcats took care of business despite Tony Pike coming out of the game. Now, South Florida is travelling up to Pittsburgh to play the Panthers in a pivotal Big East showdown for both teams. Pitt has yet to lose in conference this season and won't play Cincinnati until December 5th. South Florida is playing for bowl position in this game since they lost to Cinci. Winner of this game will be in great shape for a New Years Day bowl. Congrats, Pitt. Pittsburgh 21, USF 15
Texas @ Missouri
Missouri is on a two-game skid after choking away a lead against Nebraska in the matter of five minutes and then losing to Oklahoma State in Stillwater. There is still confidence in Missouri's offense to move the ball, but the past two games would not support that. Meanwhile, Texas is still rolling along despite no running game and a defense that has been doing well to keep opponent's to roughly 15 points a game, but the Big XII isn't what it used to be on offense this season. Anyway, Texas has a much better passing game than Nebraska, and the 'Huskers tore up the Mizzou secondary once things dried up in Columbia. Clear skies expected today in Tiger country. Texas 35, Missouri 14
*Oklahoma @ Kansas
The Sooners travel to Lawrence with Sam Bradford out yet again with a shoulder injury. Sure, Landry Jones has done well for OU, but the best QB in the game this afternoon will be Todd Reesing. The Sooners have only played a Robert Griffin-less in conference so far, so the Jayhawks are obviously a lot better than the Bears without their star. Oklahoma's season is already down the drain, and they will be unranked for the first time since 2005 after this week. Kansas 31, Oklahoma 27
Boston College @ Notre Dame
The Fighting Irish this season are still looking for their first win over a team with a winning record at the time they played. Boston College, being from the ACC, is as bi-polar as they come in college football. I talked about both of these teams earlier this week, and there is no clue how either of them will respond this Saturday. Jimmy Clausen is still looking for a high caliber win for his Heisman campaign. This game is far from it, and there is no game on their schedule until the final weekend against Stanford that could really act as a high profile game. Today, this game will come down to how Boston College plays, because Notre Dame has been consistent most of the season, playing each game within seven points outside of Nevada. That streak won't end today, but the inability to beat a team with a winning record will. Notre Dame 27, Boston College 24
*TCU @ BYU
The battle in Provo between the Cougars and Horned Frogs means a lot more in the Mountain West than it does nationally. If BYU wins, no matter what their fans think, voters will not forget the fact that the Cougars lost to a hapless Florida State team. TCU needs this win if they want to have a chance of passing Boise State in the BCS standings to gain that guaranteed automatic bid. Both of these teams should coast after this game, so winning today is even more important. TCU is known for strong defense, and BYU QB Max Hall will need to have a great day to lead the Cougs to victory. Too bad TCU will win this game and put themselves in position to pass the Broncos. TCU 24, BYU 14
Florida @ Mississippi State
The key stat of the week is obvious: Florida hasn't won in Starkville since 1986. Sure, its only been four times in that span of 23 years, but the fact still remains there seems to be a hex in Davis Wade Stadium. The Gators are 2-4 all-time there, and will be facing off against their former offensive coordinator Dan Mullen. Mullen has been with Meyer since the Bowling Green days, and Tebow has struggled without him this season. Florida is also without three defensive starters today on a defense that returned everyone on the two-deep depth chart but hasn't shown the same tenacity this season. No on knows Tebow better than Mullen, and sticking with my Rock n Jock pick, it will show up on Saturday. Mississippi State 28, Florida 27
*Arkansas @ Ole Miss
The Hogs have played well the past few weeks against Florida and Auburn, and should have won both of those games. Ole Miss has a great defense, and this is the game for Jevan Snead to get back on track for the Hogs. The problem with this may be that Arkansas' defense has become a strong point these past few weeks as well. Ryan Mallett should also have a field day IF Michael Smith can get things going on the ground for the boys from Fayetteville. The Rebels' season will continue downward as Arkansas will take a huge step in fulfilling my prediction of finishing in the top half of the SEC West this season. Arkansas 35, Ole Miss 24
*Auburn @ LSU
The battle of the Tigers in Baton Rouge is going to come down to when LSU is on offense and Auburn is on defense. Auburn's strong point used to be defense, but now those Tigers are 11th in the SEC this season. LSU is dead last in the SEC on offense and 112th in the nation with the football. Auburn is still hoping that Eltoro Freeman can get back on the field this week and need Antonio Coleman to get in the LSU backfield. The Bayou Bengals need Jordan Jefferson to step up in this game and hit his talented receivers to make plays against a suspect secondary. Once it is all said and done, LSU will begin their new streak of night games won at Tiger Stadium. LSU 24, Auburn 21
*Tennessee @ Alabama
In a battle of defenses, either team is going to need their respective team to score on that side of the ball. Mark Ingram should still have a big day, even against a very good Tennessee defense. Monte Kiffin should have plenty of surprises ready for Greg McElroy and continue his struggles. Special teams will be big for both teams as well, as neither team is over the hundred line in kickoff coverage, and talking to UT beat writer Wes Rucker earlier this week, he predicts an Alabama special teams touchdown. Paul Finebaum told me that Jonathan Crompton will spend more time on his back than a porn star (and he has the 'stache to match), and Alabama's defense should be the difference in this game. Alabama 24, Tennessee 6
Who's a slacker? This guy is.
Nonetheless, I kept up with the CW picks at least, and I can say that it has been extremely ugly. Since the last post of PPnP, I've gone 7-14 in those games, so I am now 23-26 in CW picks. Ouch.
Overall, I am 61-38 on the year, at least finding some success in the games I pick on Rock n Jock each Wednesday night on 90.7 FM from 10-Midnight. Yes, that was a shameless plug.
So with time on my hands for the (4th) Saturday in October, here's what will hopefully happen this week and get me back in the the swing of things.
Clemson @ Miami
The Tigers seem no better or worse this season under Dabo Swinney, but the talent level is not what it was last season. CJ Spiller is still on campus, but the defense doesn't seem as up to snuff as it was last season. Meanwhile, Miami is right in the think of the ACC Coastal race with Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech after all three teams went 1-1 against each other. None of those teams have faced Virginia yet, the team who leads the division at 2-0, but let's be real here. Virginia WILL go 0-3 vs. all those teams. The Hurricanes know what is at stake, and only having one loss, they feel they have a chance for more than just the ACC title. Miami 35, Clemson 17
*Penn State @ Michigan
It has been over 10 years since Joe Pa beat Michigan in the Big House, and the Nittany Lions have only won one of the past four games against the Big Blue. Both teams will be running a version of the spread offense, so there should be no surprises on offense by either team for the opposing defense. The difference in the game should be Daryll Clark, the Penn State quarterback. He has not let Penn State have a letdown so far this season in games they shouldn't have (Iowa is starting to look like the better team), and I don't expect this week to be any different. Tate Forcier has been consistent for Michigan, but he needs to go above and beyond that to keep the streak alive in Ann Arbor. Not happening. Penn State 24, Michigan 20
Iowa @ Michigan State
Iowa has just continued to get behind just to give their fans panic attacks as the game continues. In back to back weeks, the Hawkeyes have come back from 10-point deficits, not to mention a 9-point comeback in Happy Valley. Sparty almost had a huge letdown against Michigan, but won out in overtime. Iowa seems to be a much better team than Michigan so far, especially on defense, but one of these days, getting behind is going to bite them. Michigan State is too good for Iowa to look over them. Road team wins for the first time in ten meetings. Iowa 23, Michigan State 17
Oregon @ Washington
The Ducks have been on a tear since their opening night loss, going 5-0 over those games. They now travel to face Jake Locker and the sea of purple in Seattle where one Pac-10 power has already fallen this season. Coach Sark has turned the Huskies around in less than a year, but Jeremiah Masoli, even at half strength, will give the guys in purple fits. Oregon won't overlook Washington in preparation for a huge showdown with USC, potentially for the Pac-10 title, next week in Eugene. Oregon 27, Washington 14
*South Florida @ Pittsburgh
The Bulls gave Cincinnati a scare last Thursday, but the Bearcats took care of business despite Tony Pike coming out of the game. Now, South Florida is travelling up to Pittsburgh to play the Panthers in a pivotal Big East showdown for both teams. Pitt has yet to lose in conference this season and won't play Cincinnati until December 5th. South Florida is playing for bowl position in this game since they lost to Cinci. Winner of this game will be in great shape for a New Years Day bowl. Congrats, Pitt. Pittsburgh 21, USF 15
Texas @ Missouri
Missouri is on a two-game skid after choking away a lead against Nebraska in the matter of five minutes and then losing to Oklahoma State in Stillwater. There is still confidence in Missouri's offense to move the ball, but the past two games would not support that. Meanwhile, Texas is still rolling along despite no running game and a defense that has been doing well to keep opponent's to roughly 15 points a game, but the Big XII isn't what it used to be on offense this season. Anyway, Texas has a much better passing game than Nebraska, and the 'Huskers tore up the Mizzou secondary once things dried up in Columbia. Clear skies expected today in Tiger country. Texas 35, Missouri 14
*Oklahoma @ Kansas
The Sooners travel to Lawrence with Sam Bradford out yet again with a shoulder injury. Sure, Landry Jones has done well for OU, but the best QB in the game this afternoon will be Todd Reesing. The Sooners have only played a Robert Griffin-less in conference so far, so the Jayhawks are obviously a lot better than the Bears without their star. Oklahoma's season is already down the drain, and they will be unranked for the first time since 2005 after this week. Kansas 31, Oklahoma 27
Boston College @ Notre Dame
The Fighting Irish this season are still looking for their first win over a team with a winning record at the time they played. Boston College, being from the ACC, is as bi-polar as they come in college football. I talked about both of these teams earlier this week, and there is no clue how either of them will respond this Saturday. Jimmy Clausen is still looking for a high caliber win for his Heisman campaign. This game is far from it, and there is no game on their schedule until the final weekend against Stanford that could really act as a high profile game. Today, this game will come down to how Boston College plays, because Notre Dame has been consistent most of the season, playing each game within seven points outside of Nevada. That streak won't end today, but the inability to beat a team with a winning record will. Notre Dame 27, Boston College 24
*TCU @ BYU
The battle in Provo between the Cougars and Horned Frogs means a lot more in the Mountain West than it does nationally. If BYU wins, no matter what their fans think, voters will not forget the fact that the Cougars lost to a hapless Florida State team. TCU needs this win if they want to have a chance of passing Boise State in the BCS standings to gain that guaranteed automatic bid. Both of these teams should coast after this game, so winning today is even more important. TCU is known for strong defense, and BYU QB Max Hall will need to have a great day to lead the Cougs to victory. Too bad TCU will win this game and put themselves in position to pass the Broncos. TCU 24, BYU 14
Florida @ Mississippi State
The key stat of the week is obvious: Florida hasn't won in Starkville since 1986. Sure, its only been four times in that span of 23 years, but the fact still remains there seems to be a hex in Davis Wade Stadium. The Gators are 2-4 all-time there, and will be facing off against their former offensive coordinator Dan Mullen. Mullen has been with Meyer since the Bowling Green days, and Tebow has struggled without him this season. Florida is also without three defensive starters today on a defense that returned everyone on the two-deep depth chart but hasn't shown the same tenacity this season. No on knows Tebow better than Mullen, and sticking with my Rock n Jock pick, it will show up on Saturday. Mississippi State 28, Florida 27
*Arkansas @ Ole Miss
The Hogs have played well the past few weeks against Florida and Auburn, and should have won both of those games. Ole Miss has a great defense, and this is the game for Jevan Snead to get back on track for the Hogs. The problem with this may be that Arkansas' defense has become a strong point these past few weeks as well. Ryan Mallett should also have a field day IF Michael Smith can get things going on the ground for the boys from Fayetteville. The Rebels' season will continue downward as Arkansas will take a huge step in fulfilling my prediction of finishing in the top half of the SEC West this season. Arkansas 35, Ole Miss 24
*Auburn @ LSU
The battle of the Tigers in Baton Rouge is going to come down to when LSU is on offense and Auburn is on defense. Auburn's strong point used to be defense, but now those Tigers are 11th in the SEC this season. LSU is dead last in the SEC on offense and 112th in the nation with the football. Auburn is still hoping that Eltoro Freeman can get back on the field this week and need Antonio Coleman to get in the LSU backfield. The Bayou Bengals need Jordan Jefferson to step up in this game and hit his talented receivers to make plays against a suspect secondary. Once it is all said and done, LSU will begin their new streak of night games won at Tiger Stadium. LSU 24, Auburn 21
*Tennessee @ Alabama
In a battle of defenses, either team is going to need their respective team to score on that side of the ball. Mark Ingram should still have a big day, even against a very good Tennessee defense. Monte Kiffin should have plenty of surprises ready for Greg McElroy and continue his struggles. Special teams will be big for both teams as well, as neither team is over the hundred line in kickoff coverage, and talking to UT beat writer Wes Rucker earlier this week, he predicts an Alabama special teams touchdown. Paul Finebaum told me that Jonathan Crompton will spend more time on his back than a porn star (and he has the 'stache to match), and Alabama's defense should be the difference in this game. Alabama 24, Tennessee 6
Friday, October 23, 2009
Who is Tennessee, Anyways?
The Volunteers come in to Tuscaloosa on a bit of a high note after destroying Tennessee in Knoxville two weeks ago, 45-19. Quarterback Jonathan Crompton, the perennial doormat of the SEC quarterback fraternity, threw for four touchdowns against what has been a suspect Georgia defense this season.
After an off week, the Vols confidence is still high knowing that Alabama is next on the schedule and anything can happen in a rivalry game.
The offense is totally centered around their running game, with senior Montario Hardesty and freshman Bryce Brown leading the offensive charge. Hardesty has the bulk of the carries, taking 125 balls for 672 yards and six touchdowns. The Vols use end-arounds with wide receivers Nu'Keese Richardson and Tauren Poole, who are averaging double-digits on their runs this season. Through the air, Crompton has thrown thirteen touchdowns, five of which came against Western Kentucky. In UT's other five games, Crompton has thrown for eight touchdowns to seven interceptions. He has also thrown for 1210 yards this year, and only one receiver has more than 200 yards this year.
Tennessee's defense is light years ahead of where their offense is currently. Monte Kiffin is now the mastermind behind the defense this season after John Chavis left for LSU in the off season. The Vols lost linebacker Nick Reviez for the season to injury, but he has still been a huge motivational tool from the sideline. The Tennessee secondary is stacked with freshman Janzen Jackson living up to potential and, of course, Eric Berry, who IS Tennessee football right now. Berry is only a junior, but is surely expected to go pro after this season. He only has one interception on the season, but many teams are well aware of where he is on the field at all time. Berry has been making an impact in other places, tallying 50 tackles so far.
On special teams, the Vols are also struggling on kickoff coverage, allowing two return touchdowns already this year as well, and rank 118th in FBS in kickoff coverage. It could be a very safe bet to believe one team will have a special teams touchdown on Saturday.
There is no question who is the coach of the Vols, none other than the Village Idiot, Lane Kiffin. After pronouncing that he was sorry at SEC Media Days for all the crap he caused when he was hired, Kiffin has not held back during the season. He makes his first trip to play "the best coached team in the league" on Saturday and can only hope that daddy can help out his offense when crunch time hits.
After an off week, the Vols confidence is still high knowing that Alabama is next on the schedule and anything can happen in a rivalry game.
The offense is totally centered around their running game, with senior Montario Hardesty and freshman Bryce Brown leading the offensive charge. Hardesty has the bulk of the carries, taking 125 balls for 672 yards and six touchdowns. The Vols use end-arounds with wide receivers Nu'Keese Richardson and Tauren Poole, who are averaging double-digits on their runs this season. Through the air, Crompton has thrown thirteen touchdowns, five of which came against Western Kentucky. In UT's other five games, Crompton has thrown for eight touchdowns to seven interceptions. He has also thrown for 1210 yards this year, and only one receiver has more than 200 yards this year.
Tennessee's defense is light years ahead of where their offense is currently. Monte Kiffin is now the mastermind behind the defense this season after John Chavis left for LSU in the off season. The Vols lost linebacker Nick Reviez for the season to injury, but he has still been a huge motivational tool from the sideline. The Tennessee secondary is stacked with freshman Janzen Jackson living up to potential and, of course, Eric Berry, who IS Tennessee football right now. Berry is only a junior, but is surely expected to go pro after this season. He only has one interception on the season, but many teams are well aware of where he is on the field at all time. Berry has been making an impact in other places, tallying 50 tackles so far.
On special teams, the Vols are also struggling on kickoff coverage, allowing two return touchdowns already this year as well, and rank 118th in FBS in kickoff coverage. It could be a very safe bet to believe one team will have a special teams touchdown on Saturday.
There is no question who is the coach of the Vols, none other than the Village Idiot, Lane Kiffin. After pronouncing that he was sorry at SEC Media Days for all the crap he caused when he was hired, Kiffin has not held back during the season. He makes his first trip to play "the best coached team in the league" on Saturday and can only hope that daddy can help out his offense when crunch time hits.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
