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

1. Florida
2. Alabama
3. Texas
4. Cincinnati
5. Iowa
6. TCU
7. USC
8. Boise State
9. LSU
10. Penn State
11. Georgia Tech
12. Oklahoma State
13. Oregon
14. Virginia Tech
15. Houston
16. Pittsburgh
17. Miami
18. Ohio State
19. Utah
20. South Carolina
21. West Virginia
22. Oklahoma
23. Ole Miss
24. Arizona
25. 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).

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 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.

Pass or Fail-Week 7

As the midpoint of the season has now passed, the best and the worst performers have been well documented each week.

Now that 2009 is on the back slope, the top performers are now due praise for their first-half impressions just as much as the goats are worthy of their ridicule.

Here are the mid-point winners and losers in what has been an unpredictable 2009.

Head of the Class-Mark Ingram wasn't a five-star? Explain yourself, Rivals. What Alabama running back Mark Ingram has done in the first half of the season has been nothing short of remarkable. In a backfield that came into the season by committee, Ingram has taken over roughly 75% of the carries for the Crimson Tide offense. Aside from setting his single game career high in rushing three separate times this season, Ingram has rushed for 905 yards, averaging 6.7 yards per carry, 11 total touchdowns, 30 runs of at least ten yards, and ten runs of at least twenty yards. Alabama plays a tough defense the next two weeks in Tennessee and LSU, and if Ingram can maintain a decent pace through those two games, he could coast his way to forcing voters to wait until the last minute after the SEC Championship Game before they cast their Heisman ballots.

Pass-There is football outside Boise in Potato country? The biggest story out of Idaho may no longer be the Broncos and the Smurf Turf, but possibly the Vandals out of Moscow (Moscow?) Idaho. The boys in brown and gold art sitting atop the WAC standings at 3-0 with cross-state rivals Boise State. Robb Akey is no doubt the leader for Coach of the Year, but after darlings Washington, Michigan and Miami have captured the country and fallen flat, the hopes of Vandals fans is that the same fate does not wait for them now that the rest of the country has caught on to their dirty little secret.

Fail-I hate to say I told you so, Florida fans, but I did. There was a reason I had Oklahoma as my pre-season #1 team over the Florida Gators, and it is starting to show. The explosion of the Gator attack has all but disappeared with Percy Harvin and Louis Murphy. Teams now focus on Aaron Hernandez and Riley Cooper during Tebow's passing attack, while the offense under Steve Addazio is leaning heavily upon the running game of Tebow, Demps and Moody. Under Dan Mullen last season, UF's offense was flying high. Now, the Gators struggle to put more than 23 points on the board against the SEC. There are six more games for Florida to regain their composure, or their season could get pretty long, pretty fast.

Pass-Remember when I hated the ACC? You know, like last week? Yea, about that....The ACC has quickly turned from one of the worst conferences in America in the first two weeks (they lost to two FCS teams in week one) to becoming the most competitive conference, internally, in college football. Virginia has gone from door mat to leading the Coastal Division all by themselves. Meanwhile, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech and Miami are all now in a dead-lock with each other in second place in the same division, and North Carolina, who was supposed to take a step forward this season, is sitting behind Duke. Let's not forget the Atlantic Division that has every team with at least two losses already and the demise of Florida State. It may not get the amount of press as the top teams will for the rest of the year, but it is definitely the league to watch as it seems every other conference has one team head and shoulders above the rest.

Fail-Sam Bradford has destroyed Oklahoma's season single-handedly. It all started with BYU in week 1 when the reigning Heisman winner made me look like an idiot. Now, Oklahoma is sitting at 3-3, barely hanging on to a ranking at number 25, and Bradford is 1-2 this season as a start, getting injured twice. Oklahoma should have sent in for a redshirt after the loss to Miami despite the potential to win the Big XII. Now, Bradford seems to be out for the season, his announcement is coming shortly after post time, and his chance at an extra year is questionable. Now, Bob Stoops is looking at his worst season since his first year in Norman, and the weapons around Landry Jones seem to be dwindling come next year.

Pass-Would the person who had Iowa in the mid-season Big Ten undefeated team poll, please come claim your giant jackpot. The Hawkeyes beating Penn State was not exactly surprising, having beaten the Nittany Lions six of seven times this decade, but the continued success by coming back from double digit deficits in two straight games against Wisconsin and Michigan have Iowa in the top 10. The Hawkeyes have two road games left, this week against Michigan State and November 14th at Ohio State, standing in their way of an undefeated season. It may be a long shot, but the idea of winning the Big Ten and going to the Rose Bowl is certainly in their own hands.

Fail-Jeer, jeer to ol' Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish were expected to do great things this season, mostly because of their weak schedule. Well, they have taken advantage of the poor schedule, but have struggled to beat some of those weaker teams. Notre Dame four wins come against teams with a combined record of 12-15 and the two losses come against teams, Michigan and USC, who are 10-3. There is nothing special about Notre Dame any more, and the fact their schedule only has one remaining ranked team on it (Pittsburgh), the Irish could back their way into the BCS yet again, just to get their ass handed to them, yet again.

Epic Fail-Forget the NBA. The SEC are the ones who need replacement officials. In an unprecedented move today, the SEC suspended the officiating crew that has had an impact on both the Georgia/LSU and Arkansas/Florida games. The crew is out of work until the weekend of November 14 and may not get a bowl assignment. Sure, it may just be one crew, but the fact still remains that these men are doing this for a living, and they are having an impact on the games that make Gary Danielson salivate in joy, which is never a good thing. Mike Slive can only hope the office doesn't have to hand down another apology to another team in his league this season, or there could be some real issues to discuss come Destin next spring.

Top 25, Heisman favorites, and links: Week 7

While many of the top teams struggled this weekend, all but one escaped unharmed.

The lone ranger to fall this week was Virginia Tech, whose second loss has now dropped them out of the national title race.

Also, Oklahoma seems to have now lost all redeeming qualities in their season, so the question rises once again as to whether or not Sam Bradford should hang it up and seek a redshirt. I think if he sits now and opts for surgery, he can get that year of eligibility back, but if he takes the field again, all hope will be lost.

Enough talk, now on to this week's rankings.

Top 25

1. Florida
2. Alabama
3. Texas
4. Cincinnati
5. Boise State
6. USC
7. Iowa
8. Penn State
9. LSU
10. TCU
11. Miami
12. Oklahoma State
13. Georgia Tech
14. Virginia Tech
15. Oregon
16. BYU
17. Ohio State
18. Missouri
19. Houston
20. Pittsburgh
21. Utah
22. South Carolina
23. West Virginia
24. Kansas
25. Texas Tech

Heisman Favorites

• Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
• Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
• Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
• Tony Pike, QB, Cincinnati
• Ndamakong Suh, DT, Nebraska

Links

• The Mark Ingram for Heisman train is gaining a lot of steam. Just take a look at these people who have "Deuce-Deuce" atop their lists: Gene Menez and Stewart Mandel of SI.com, Bruce Feldman of ESPN.com, and the Orlando Sentinel.
• Not only does Stewart Mandel have Ingram at the top of his Heisman list, he was just as underwhelmed by the performances from Florida and Texas as everyone else. Also on that list, Mark Schlabach.
• The ESPN Power Rankings mirrored this week's AP poll and vaulted Alabama into the top spot.
• Also from Schlabach, his weekly Monday treat of On the Mark from ESPN.
• Tennessee attempted to wear their orange jerseys against Alabama, which I had predicted earlier in the season, just to have Mal Moore say no. Just another reason added to the list.

Top 25 and Heisman favorites, and links: Week 6

If it seemed like there was a lack in updates last week........well, the blog took Fall Break as well.

Nonetheless, with Homecoming Week this week, the blog will come roaring back and into form just in time for the Gamecocks as well as basketball practice to begin this weekend!!!

Now, on to the changes to see in the Top 25 this week, and the SEC is starting to look like those other conferences it used to be head and shoulders above. With Georgia, Auburn, and Ole Miss all losing, the SEC now boasts only four top 25 teams, three of which are in the top ten.

Also, this time next week, the first BCS standings will be out, and there is a good preview below in the links section this week.

Top 25

1. Florida
2. Alabama
3. Texas
4. Virginia Tech
5. Boise State
6. USC
7. Cincinnati
8. Penn State
9. Ohio State
10. LSU
11. TCU
12. Miami
13. Oklahoma State
14. Nebraska
15. Oregon
16. Iowa
17. BYU
18. Kansas
19. Oklahoma
20. South Florida
21. South Carolina
22. Georgia Tech
23. Notre Dame
24. Missouri
25. Pittsburgh

Heisman Favorites (remember, in no particular order)

• Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
• Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
• Tony Pike, QB, Cincinnati
• Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
• Ndamakong Suh, DT, Nebraska

Links

• On the Mark by Mark Schlabach (ESPN)
• College Football Overtime by Stewart Mandel (Sports Illustrated)
• Heisman Watch by Gene Menez aka Jon Gosselin (Sports Illustrated)
• College Football Power Rankings (ESPN)
• BCS Standings preview by Brad Edwards (ESPN)
• College Gameday Final (ESPN)
• Alabama vs. Florida seems a foregone conclusion to Chris Low (ESPN)

The Ultimate College Football/SEC Twitter Follow Friday

For as much time as I spend tweeting, I also spend just as much time following all the newest information available nationally and especially in the SEC.

So who are all these people that I follow? Well, below is a good overview of who they are, broken down by national, Southeastern Conference, and then teams in the SEC.

Of course, I am constantly looking for people to follow, so if you have any good additions, let me know @ng11787. Until then, take a look at the list complied below.

College Football
@PeteThamelNYT-college sports reporter for the New York Times
@ESPN_BigEast-Brian Bennett, ESPN's Big East Blogger
@ESPN_Others-Graham Watson, ESPN's blogger for FBS Independent teams
@ESPN_Pac10-Ted Miller, ESPN's Pac-10 Blogger
@ESPN_BigTen- Adam Rittenberg, ESPN's Big Ten Blogger
@ESPN_ACC- Heather Dinich, ESPN's ACC Blogger
@ESPN_Big12-Tim Griffin, ESPN's Big XII Blogger
@AP_Top25-AP Top 25 poll, providing big news and the new poll each week.
@CBSSports-official twitter page of CBSSports.com
@SI_CoryMC-Sports Illustrated columnist/writer Cory McCartney
@chickfilabowl- Chick-fil-a Bowl and Chick-fil-a Kickoff Game
@GamedayFootball-official twitter page of the College Gameday crew
@ESPN_Now-official twitter page of ESPN press releases
@OregonFootball-official twitter page of the Oregon Ducks
@TimBrando- Sporting New Radio and CBS host Tim Brando
@DrSaturday-college football blogger who is always worth a read
@BCSFootball-official twitter page of BCS team news
@ESPN_CollegeFB-twitter page for all ESPN College Football bloggers
@BFeldmanESPN-ESPN national college football blogger Bruce Feldman
@Mark_Schlabach-ESPN national college football writer Mark Schlabach
@Andy_Staples-Sports Illustrated college football columnist Andy Staples
@edsbs-twitter page of college football blog Every Day Should Be Saturday
@philsteele042-official twitter page of preview mag extrodinaire Phil Steele
@ESPNU-official twitter page of ESPNU
@NCAAFootballMan-Orlando Sentinel's Matt Humphrey covers the country
@MusicCityBowl-official twitter page of the Music City Bowl
@UM_CoachRod-Michigan head football coach Rich Rodriguez
@schadjoe-ESPN analyst/ESPN Radio sideline reporter joe Schad
@PeteCarroll-twitter page of Southern Cal head football coach Pete Carroll
@Ivan_Maisel-ESPN national college football writer Ivan Maisel
@NDHFC-twitter page of Notre Dame head football coach Charlie Weis
@ESPNCFBLive-twitter page of ESPN's College Football Live television show
@collegehof-twitter page of the College Football Hall of Fame
@PapaJohns_Bowl-twitter page of the Papa John.com Bowl
@bcsbowl-twitter page of the Bowl Championship Series
@ATTCottonBowl-twitter page of the Cotton Bowl
@FiestaBowl-twitter page of the Fiesta Bowl
@SIMandel-Sports Illustarted college football columnist Stewart Mandel
@espn4d-ESPN college football and basketball columnist Pat Forde
@SI_24Seven-twitter feed of SI.com and Sports Illustrated
@MrCFB-Atlanta Journal-Constition columnist Tony Barnhart
@espn-twitter feed of all ESPN articles and stories

Southeastern Conference
@ESPN_SEC-twitter page of Chris Low, ESPN's SEC Blogger
@SEConESPN-all news concerning the SEC and ESPN deal
@SECSportsMan-news on all 12 institutions
@SECNetwork-0fficial twitter page of the SEC Network
@JOXRecruiting-covering all recruiting in the Southeast
@SECQuoteBox-Quotes from SEC coaches and players
@MoreSEConds-extra info and quotes around the SEC
@SECSportsUpdate-twitter page of the SEC offices
@dandbradio-Dunaway and Brown radio show out of Birmingham, AL
@finebaum-Paul Finebaum radio show out of Birmingham, AL

Alabama
@MTorrance2-Basketball guard Mikhail Torrance's twitter page
@wendellhudson-head women's basketball coach Wendell Hudson
@jhknox40-Basketball forward Justin Knox's twitter page
@jzenor-AP writer for the state of Alabama
@CStewartSports-twitter page of basketball/baseball announcer Chris Stewart
@UACoachMurphy-official twitter page of head softball coach Patrick Murphy
@AlabamaVB-twitter page of Alabama Volleyball/head coach Judy Green
@BOLWalsh-twitter page of BamaOnLine writer/reporter Christopher Walsh
@AlabamaHoops-official twitter page of Alabama Basketball
@ChaseGoodbread-Tuscaloosa News writer Chase Goodbread
@DrewSteele25-Basketball guard Andrew Steele's twitter page
@travisreier-twitter page of BamaOnLine writer Travis Reier
@Tide_Source-Birmingham News beat writer Don Kausler, Jr.
@AlabamaSoccer-official twitter page of Alabama Soccer
@Star2Tide-Football quarterback Star Jackson's twitter page
@BamaBeat-Mobile Press-Register beat writer Gentry Estes
@GVMcElroy-Football quarterback Greg McElroy's twitter page
@UA_Athletics-official twitter page of the Alabama Athletic Department
@shaneyoungblood-twitter page of BamaOnLine writer Shane Youngblood
@rollwiththetide-twitter page of the Alabama football coaching staff
@tommydeas-Tuscaloosa News reporter Tommy Deas
@InsideTheTide-instant news from all Alabama sites on all sports
@UACrimsonTide-instant news from all Alabama sites on all sports

Arkansas
@ArkRazorbacks-official twitter page of ArkansasRazorbacks.com
@johnpelphrey-official twitter page of head basketball coach John Pelphrey
@bmoore504-basketball forward Brandon Moore's twitter page
@Cfortson4-basketball forward Courtney Fortson's twitter page
@AR_Razorbacks-all news about Hogs sports
@NWARobbie-Northwest Arkansas sports writer Robbie Neiswanger
@NWAOnlineHogs-all news/stories from the Northwest Arkansas sports staff
@wholehogsports-news from staff at NWA Times and Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Auburn
@ausports-Follow all news about Auburn Athletics from multiple sites
@AUTigers-instant news from all Auburn sites on all sports.
@auburnbeat-Mobile Press-Register beat writer Evan Woodberry
@HABOTN-Montgomery Advertiser beat writer Jay Tate
@AUGoldMine-Birmingham News beat writer Charles Goldberg

Florida
@GatorZoneNews-Official twitter page for GatorZone.com
@osgators-Gator news from the Orlando Sentinel sports staff
@Florida_Gators-instant news from all Florida sites on all sports
@UFCoachBillyD-official twitter page of head basketball coach Billy Donovan
@CoachUrbanMeyer-official twitter page of head football coach Urban Meyer
@twstephens-Orlando Sentinel sports editor Tim Stephens

Georgia
@UGABulldogs-instant news from all Georgia sites on all sports
@DawgWire-constant updates on all UGA athletic teams
@abhsports-articles and news from the Athens Banner Herald sports staff
@redandblack-official twitter page of the student newspaper in Athens
@jeffowens95-Football Defensive Lineman Jeff Owens' twitter page
@GeorgiaDogs-official twitter page of the Georgia Athletic Department
@MarkRicht-official twitter page of head football coach Mark Richt

Kentucky
@UKAAWildcats-Official twitter page of the Kentucky Athletics Department
@wildcats-Louisville Courier-Journal beat writer Brett Dawson
@johnclayiv-Lexington Herald-Leader beat writer John Clay
@WildcatWire-instant news from all Kentucky sites for all sports
@UKCoachBrooks-official twitter page of head football coach Rich Brooks
@UKCoachCalipari-official twitter page of head basketball coach John Calipari

LSU
@LSUSportsNews-Twitter page of LSUSports.net
@LSUSports-twitter page of the official website of LSU Athletics
@LSUBeatTweet-Lafayette Daily Advertiser beat writer Glenn Guilbeau
@LSUCoachMiles-official twitter page of head football coach Les Miles

Mississippi State
@bradlocke-Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal beat writer Brad Locke
@mstateathletics-Official twitter page of mstateathletics.com
@RicksRowdiesMSU-twitter page of the Bulldogs basketball student section
@msuhoopsgregg-basketball media relations director Gregg Ellis
@CoachDanMullen-official twitter page of head football coach Dan Mullen
@kyleveazey-Jackson Clarion-Ledger beat writer Kyle Veazey

Ole Miss
@RebelCoachNutt-official twitter page of head football coach Houston Nutt
@davidbrandt-Jackson Clarion-Ledger beat writer
@OleMiss_Sports-staying up to date on all things Rebels Athletics
@UM_Rebels-instant news from all Ole Miss sites on all sports
@parrishalford-Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal beat writer Parrish Alford
@CoachAK-official twitter page of head basketball coach Andy Kennedy

South Carolina
@sethemerson-The State beat writer as well as gogamecocks.com
@Gamecocks-instant news from all South Carolina sites on all sports
@gamecocksblog-Charleston Post and Courier beat writer Travis Haney

Tennessee
@Tyler_Smith_1-Tyler Smith's twitter page
@Vols_Beat-Knoxville News Sentinel beat writer Austin Ward
@TennesseeVols-instand news from all Tennessee sites on all sports
@UTAthletics-official twitter page of the Tennessee Athletic Department
@mgrif32-GoVolsXtra reporter Mike Griffith
@johnadamskns-Knoxville News Sentinel columnist John Adams
@knsdavehooker-Knoxville News Sentinel reporter Dave Hooker
@wesrucker-Chattanooga Times Free Press beat writer Wes Rucker
@GoVolsXtra-coverage of Tennessee from the Knoxville News Sentinel
@Swiperboy-basketball guard Renaldo Woolridge's twitter page
@UTbasketVOLS-official twitter page of Tennessee basketball team
@berry14-football safety Eric Berry's twitter page
@CoachBrucePearl-official twitter page of head basketball coach Bruce Pearl
@LaneKiffinUT-official twitter page of head football coach Lane Kiffin

Vanderbilt
@vucommodores-Official tweets from Vanderbilt Athletics Department
@commodoresports-instant news from all Vanderbilt sites on all sports
@VandyMBB-twitter page of the Vanderbilt Basketball team

Pass or Fail-Week 5

Almost halfway into the season, things are finally starting to take shape.

The best teams and players are now starting to hit their stride while all the pretenders are now falling by the wayside, and nothing was more evident this weekend than this separation taking place.

Head of the Class: Alabama missing a linebacker? Really? When Dont'a Hightower went down for Alabama, many fans were left wondering how how the Crimson Tide would cope without him. Enter Rolando McClain, who was the only 'Bama player who didn't switch positions after the injury, and managed to step up when Alabama needed him most. McClain helped quell an Alabama defense that gave up 133 rushing yards by coming up with 12 tackles and an interception against Kentucky. The Crimson Tide seem to be rotating around the linebackers for the rest of the season and will get Jerrell Harris back next week.

Pass: A.J. Green is a man among boys. With so many people discussing who is the better receiver between Green and Julio Jones, Green has separated himself as possibly the best receiver in the country now. After being a part of the destruction of the Arkansas secondary as well as the key figure in the Bulldogs win over Arizona State, Green once again rose to the occasion against LSU, hauling in five balls for 99 yards and a touchdown. In his past three games, Green has 20 catches for 389 yards and four touchdowns...plus a blocked kick. It is safe to say that Green will continue to be a force for Georgia no matter who is at quarterback.

Fail: No one can compete with the Almost Competitive Conference...because its just that bad. It was bad enough for the ACC to start the season, losing to two FCS teams and another high profile game. This weekend, it just got worse. For starters, Virginia Tech, fresh off of a mauling of Miami, couldn't put away a Duke team. Then, a North Carolina team who was looking to finally take a step forward this season, lost to Virginia, much to the ire of Cavalier fans who might now be stuck with Al Groh for yet another year. Finally, Florida State decided that enough is enough and had the trustees chairman publicly ask for the removal of Bobby Bowden at the end of the season. The ACC is slowly and quickly being passed up as the season progress, and if the rumors of Tuberville to Louisville do come true, the ACC may find themselves at number six in the BCS power rankings.

Pass: Nevada was 0-3 before Saturday? Nothing a trip to Vegas can't fix. When the Wolfpack travelled out to Las Vegas to take on UNLV, they had lost their first three games, two to BCS teams, and had no direction to their season. Enter the Rebels, who not only got doubled up on the scoreboard 63-28, but also on the stat sheet, as Nevada racked up 773 total yards, 559 of them on the ground, all the while having four turnovers in the game. UNLV managed only 70 yards on the ground themselves, but they did beat out the Wolfpack on one stat: the Rebs at least converted a fourth down.

Epic Fail: Celebrate good times (with 15 yard penalties). C'mon! For too long, there has been an uproar each time an officiating crew calls an excessive celebration penalty in the fourth quarter of a game. It happened to Vanderbilt in 2005, Washington in 2008, and now Georgia this year, resulting directly, or at least affecting, a losing outcome for all the teams previously mentioned. The subjectivity of this rule is what draws the most ire from pundits and public alike, and if the definition was changed to taunting, it would not be such a hindrance to most people. Jumping up and down and acting like a college kid during a touchdown is no big deal, and the sooner officials realize this, as well as Mike Slive, this will no longer be an issue. That is, unless a double-standard is upheld (Tim Tebow and Knowshon Moreno vs. John Parker Wilson).

Top 25 and Heisman favorites: Week 5

Not much to shake out at the top, but there were plenty of Top 25 match ups this past weekend to cause a shake-up.

So, who falls where and who moves up in preparation of a big weekend ahead?

1. Florida
2. Texas
3. Alabama
4. Virginia Tech
5. Boise State
6. USC
7. LSU
8. Cincinnati
9. Ohio State
10. Penn State
11. TCU
12. Miami
13. Oklahoma State
14. Mississippi
15. BYU
16. Oregon
17. Iowa
18. Kansas
19. Missouri
20. Nebraska
21. Wisconsin
22. Oklahoma
23. Auburn
24. South Florida
25. South Carolina

Heisman Favorites

• Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
• Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
• AJ Green, WR, Georgia
• Tony Pike, QB, Cincinnati
• Greg McElroy, QB, Alabama

Picks, Preview, and Prognostications-Week 5

Hello week five with plenty of picks to salivate over and spend all afternoon enjoying on the couch as the Crimson Tide are on the road.

Last week, I continued on the road of domination, going 5-2 once again, putting me at 10-4 the past two weeks. On the season, I am now 16-12 in Crimson White picks and worked my way into being tied for third.

Overall, the record sits at 46-20 on the season, putting me at 70% on the season.

Of course, that needs to continue if I want to brag some more, so here is what will (hopefully) happen this weekend:

@Minnesota 28, Wisconsin 21

Penn State 35, @Illinois 20

*Washington 28, @Notre Dame 24

@Stanford 35, UCLA 30

*Michigan 30, @Michigan State 28

Arkansas 48, Texas A&M 45 (in Arlington, TX)

Ole Miss 24, @Vanderbilt 17

@Boston College 30, Florida State 20

Georgia Tech 35, Mississippi State 21

* @Tennessee 17, Auburn 14

* @Georgia 27, LSU 24

* @Cal 24, USC 23

*Oklahoma 28, Miami 24

*Alabama 38, @Kentucky 7

Who is Kentucky Anyway?

The Wildcats are once again preparing for a top five team after playing the Florida Gators last week.

Kentucky coach Rich Brooks has already said that playing Alabama "will test our manhood" in front of the Big Blue Nation. Of course, Brooks just needs to wish that at least someone camping out in front of Memorial Coliseum for Big Blue Madness tickets shows up for the game.

On offense, Kentucky still has Mike Hartline at QB and no longer has to worry about Randall Cobb taking his job over as Cobb is now a full time wide out. The Wildcats are struggling to get things going on the offensive side of the ball to the point Rich Brooks has tweeted about it. The bad news for the Kentucky offense will be the missing link on the offensive line as RT Justin Jefferies will be out of the game. The trick for UK is going to be controlling the line and allow Hartline any time to make a play against the Crimson Tide.

On defense, Kentucky has been average for most of the season and took an absolute thrashing from Florida. Sure, Wyndham may have gotten a good hit on Tebow, but other than that, the Wildcats did nothing. Kentucky will also be in trouble in the secondary as Paul Warford will be out for the game, but Trevard Lindley is one of the better corners in the SEC. The only problem for Kentucky is that Alabama is no longer a one-trick pony on the outside. With so many options, the pressure will be on Kentucky to make all of the plays to even have a chance.

On special teams, Kentucky is replacing former kick returner Dicky Lyons, who was one of the good guys in the SEC. Also, Alabama has a history of long returns in Lexington, and Javier Arenas is itching to break one this season.

The keys for Kentucky in this game is starting fast and just pray for the best. The Wildcats have never played back-to-back teams ranked this high, and Coach Brooks has been very impressed in preparing for Alabama. He will get his chance to view the Tide in person Saturday morning while he fans continue to wait for basketball practice tickets.