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I have created a new blog to show all the ridiculous accusations SBB has spewed over the past few months. Please go add, go follow, send it around. I will be updating it pretty frequently.
Hey everyone that is following me. I appreciate you taking time to read the articles that I’ve posted on here for you guys. Right now, my goal is to get my latest article “T Town Never Down” published in the Tuscaloosa News.
The reason the article was written was to show the nation how even a football game for three hours can remove the horror of a life changing event. The people of Tuscaloosa are the specific people that need to read this article and what better way to do that than to have it in the Tuscaloosa.
I’ve sent an email to their publisher and look forward to hearing back from him. As of right now, its day two and I understand these type of things take time. I will post as soon as I get a response.
If there is anything any of you can do to help, please do it. For now, just reblog my stuff, favorite it, show friends and encourage people to read my stuff. The more followers that see my writings the more chances I have to catch the attention of even bigger things. Thank you guys sooo much for reading.
Until next time.
-Chris
On April 27th the city of Tuscaloosa was hit by an EF4 tornado. As the twister wrapped its wind around the city, acting as a large set of hands, dismantling buildings and lives throughout a seemly quiet town the rest of the state stood in shock as the largest outbreak of tornados ravaged the rest of our state as the rest of the nation watched in amazement as the pure devastation ripped a hole in our city and our hearts.
It was a quiet day, as warm summer air for the first time in what seemed like forever swept across the state. Little did those on the campus and surrounding areas of The University of Alabama and Tuscaloosa know that, for the first time for something other than their beloved Crimson Tide their city would become known world wide just a few hours later. Students walked the quad, a large area in the center of campus as if it was just another normal day. Dogs ran and chased toys, while the rest of the city moved as normal, unaware of the destruction they would soon be in the center of.
Tuscaloosa, which had been warned of tornados in what seemed every few days for the past month, hadn’t been touched in years. Most brushed off the warnings as they had become so usual on the news. On the day of April 27th those warnings were no longer warnings, it was real and it was big. News reports littered every channel much like the debris that would litter their streets just a few hours later. Every radio station played the same warning, every airwave was covered up in reports as a large F4 formed above the heads of one of the most sports obsessed cities in America. It began as a joke, students hoping it wouldn’t hit the stadium. That shows you the love this city has for the University of Alabama. Soon those jokes were the least of their worries, the twister made it’s way through the surrounding cities of downtown Tuscaloosa destroying everything in its path. Working its way through their beloved city its path was headed straight for the most busy street in Tuscaloosa, 15th street. What was once littered with buildings, houses, apartments and stores was now littered with pure destruction. Wood, brick, paper and utter sadness flooded the street that was once a hot spot not even 10 minutes before.
Like a runaway train, the twister had left a clear path through the city, leaving families torn apart, houses destroyed and loved ones lost. In the moments after it had past residents who were unharmed or slightly injured scattered to begin to pick the pieces up of what was once a beautiful college town. In this city, losing is not an option. Your brought up with the voice of Bear Bryant pressed into your brain “The same thing win today that’s always won, you just got a bunch of excuses if you lose” and on April 27th we had a gut check but we won’t lose. That is the one thing about the “Tide”, they refuse to fold, they refuse to lose and when the going gets tough their football team will always be there to pick them back up, this season will be no different.
107 days away from football season the Crimson Tide have already begun to realize the importance of this season. 107 days from now, Bryant Denny Stadium, which remained unharmed on that historic day will be the north star, lighting up a battered Tuscaloosa skyline. Twisted metal lying around the city will serve as reminder of what the 2011 team will be playing for, it’s not for a national title, which the Crimson Tide are heavy favorites to be in contention for, it’s not for an SEC title which Alabama has played for 2 out of the last 3 seasons. It’s for their city, it’s for their community. For Carson Tinker, it’s for his girlfriend who was ripped from his hands on the day of April 27th. It’s for the former players who gave all they had during their time at the University and most of all, it’s for redemption, pride, grit, and the satisfaction of knowing that for 3 hours, they can remove the horror that has plagued this city since the storms from their minds.
In Tuscaloosa they have a saying, “T-Town Never Down” and in the weeks since these powerful storms, that slogan has never been more true. As many celebrities have come to help and raise money for the rebuilding project that will likely last for years to come. In my drive around my second home I was at a loss for words. I was lost on city streets which I had driven hundreds of times. I was amazed at the pure destruction and power of these storms that had spared myself, my family and my friends. Concrete blocks that had been submerged not three weeks ago where uprooted with ease. While walking through the city of Alberta, which is a smaller city on the outskirts of Tuscaloosa, I was completely lost in the metal and wood that laid across the streets. While talking with a friend, I realized after five minutes of talking that we were standing in a living room, all that was left was the foundation, walls and doors had been ripped away like sheets of paper. While standing on that concrete slab it became obvious, this was real, this was a war zone, this was, for lack of better words, pure devastation.
The anticipation of the upcoming seasons looms heavy on the minds and hearts of all Alabama fans. We are excited at the opportunity to begin a quest for the universities 14th national title, but that’s no different than we wish for every season. This season, it’s for the 36 people that lost their lives on that day in Tuscaloosa. For families, for friends, for brothers and sisters, for mothers and fathers. 14-0, a perfect season, it’s what every collegiate football hopes for in the weeks leading up to game one, but 14-0 isn’t just a perfect season for the Crimson Tide, 14-0 means roughly 42 hours of normal-se, 14-0 means 14 days of pride, 14-0 means a perfect season and a perfect escape from reality.
This season the football players at the University of Alabama get to do something that has never been done, not by the previous 13 national title teams. They get a chance to be the one bright spot in a dark, harsh world. Nick Saban said in the aftermath “We’ve also got to support the community. We can’t just be a team for them on Saturdays. The fans are with us in the best of times, and we have to be with them in the worst of times.” That’s the power of Alabama football. In the pre-game video that plays before every game it reads “At some places they play football, at Alabama we live it”. It’s never been as true as it will be during the upcoming season. These players realize the chance they have to make a difference. Carson Tinker, who, like mentioned before, had his girlfriend taken from him at their home in Tuscaloosa on April 27th realizes the chance he has to make a difference.
In a city where “Roll Tide” is said as a form of “hello” it will mean much more this season. It will mean family, it will mean heart and it will mean desire. The desire that is in the hearts of every single Alabama fan to help our Alabama brethren. To help those who have lost loved ones. To escape. For a city that will be rebuilt, it will be rebuilt on a crimson foundation, there is little question of that. The tornado took much of Tuscaloosa, but it left Bryant Denny Stadium for a reason, and that reason is our heart beat. It’s our light in the dark. It is, our Crimson Tide. 
After a heartbreaking loss to Auburn at home on Black Friday Alabama starts to wonder where their season has gone, and where it will end. With a win Alabama would have had a great shot to still finish their season in a BCS game, more than likely the Sugar Bowl where Alabama would have loved to get the bitter taste out of their mouth from 2008 and their loss to Utah.
With the loss Alabama likely slides to the Capital One bowl to take on Michigan State as all reports I’ve heard have stated. Michigan State is an interesting match up for Alabama with Nick Saban’s ties to Michigan State and Mark Ingram’s ties to their program as well. Michigan State’s head coach, Mark Dantonio was taught by Nick Saban while an assistant on his staff. The Spartans run an offense similar to what Alabama runs, a pro style rushing attack and a passing game off play action passes. This can cause problems for the Alabama defense who will be without Mark Barron, who had surgery today on his torn pectoral muscle and will miss the bowl game. Also, up until the loss to Auburn, Alabama’s only losses were to South Carolina and LSU, two teams that run offenses very similar to the Crimson Tides. The alarming thing was the inconsistency from the defensive line to stop the opposition’s rushing attack.
Without Mark Barron and after the loss to Auburn it will be interesting to see how the Crimson Tide responds in their bowl game. The lack of intensity has been a problem for this team all year, and coming off a heart wrenching loss where Alabama had the game well in hand it will be interesting to see how they bounce back. This is likely the last time you’ll see players like Marcel Dareus, Mark Ingram, and possibly Julio Jones on the field together in a crimson uniform. Since arriving in Tuscaloosa in the 2008 recruiting class Alabama has been 35-5 in the three years these players have been on the field. I will post more later on the possible coaching changes if those actually happen, and will update on the juniors leaving early for the NFL draft. Another thing for Alabama fans to look at during the bowl game is the play calling, after an aggressive first half Alabama mailed it in during the second half, combine that with miscues on defense and it’s the perfect storm. You will get a look into the future more than likely with backup quarterback AJ McCarron getting some playing time and likely some new plays that will force the defense to cover the entire field.
9-3 is not a horrible season by any means, and finishing with a win over 11-1 Michigan State should propel this team into the offseason with high hopes next year.
I will update with coaching changes and players leaving early. Also feel free to email me at chrissimonetti@att.net
Another quick note, Texas A&M fans, your team will be going to the Cotton Bowl this year as announced earlier today.
As Black Friday approaches so does the emotion of the annual Iron Bowl. This year will be one of the most anticipated Iron Bowls in quite a while, maybe the most anticipated you’ll see for a few years as well. Auburn comes in as the number two ranked team in the nation with a Heisman candidate at the helm. Alabama comes in with a record fans haven’t seen since 08, two losses. Bryant Denny has been a house of horrors for opponents over the course of the last 2 years, as Alabama is on a 20 game win streak at home while only allowing one total rushing touchdown and giving up only 7.1ppg during the streak. Auburn comes in rushing the ball for 330 yards per game with one of the best rushing attack in NCAA history with Cam Newton taking most of the carries. For Alabama to beat Auburn they will have to do some things well, and make sure not to put themselves in a hole. In this column I will show a breakdown of key areas that Alabama will have to do well to beat a very good, talented Auburn Tigers team.
1. Tackling
Sounds like a simple task and it normally would be against anyone not named Cam Newton. A 6 foot 6, 250 pound physical freak who has the speed to run around you and the power to run over you. Alabama will have to be smart and force Newton to throw the ball. Alabama will have to contain Cam Newton by not over running the play and letting Newton getting upfield on them. Most teams this year seem to think the spy is the best way to defend a player like Newton. It’s actually the opposite. Using a spy would work for a running back because that player has no threat to have the ball leave his hands through the air, with Cam Newton you have to play man to man coverage on the outside, using your safety to come up closer to the line. In Alabama’s case, Mark Barron being only 10-15 yards behind the line of scrimmage with the ability to blitz through the middle, outside or drop back into coverage. The Crimson Tide will have to disguise a lot of blitz formations causing confusion for not only Cam Newton but his offensive line as well. If you bring the blitz, tackling is a key because Newton will be at his best if he can break through the first line of defense. This isn’t a one man show either, Michael Dyer and Onterio McCalebb are both great backs who add something new to the formations. McCalebb on the speed sweep, Dyer on the up the gut running.
The task of stopping the running attack is a hard one to accomplish. LSU’s great defense tried it and it resulted in one play, the speed sweep, being the back breaker for the LSU Tigers. You have to play your assignment and never bite on play action and also for the defensive end, to play the sweep or reverse at all times. It’s a tough task and is mentally draining. Alabama does match up better with LSU through the linebacking core, having bigger linebackers that can take Cam Newton on one on one but also have enough speed to cover ground quickly. The way to bring Newton down to tackle low, where he can’t use his stiff arm to break tackles. Squaring up with him and forcing back into the field instead of out of bounds.
2. Coverage
Staying on the defensive side of the ball, the defensive backfield will be a major key for Alabama to beat the Auburn Tigers. Most would say that the key for them would be to not blow any coverages and stick to their man. They would be right to an extent. Alabama will take chances bring the corner blitz package with Demarcus Milliner and Dre Kirkpatrick from off the edges in an effort to flood the backfield and dictate what Auburn can do while still in the backfield. When you bring a corner blitz you do leave yourself exposed in coverage or in rush defense if the play is going to opposite way. Alabama will have to time these blitzes perfectly in order to force Newton to get rid of the ball where Robert Lester and Mark Barron can try to take advantage. Alabama’s secondary has been suspect at best this year, after giving up big play after big play in both losses this season. Alabama will have to play great man to man and zone defense to win this game. Any blown coverage and this game takes a completely different turn. Darvin Adams, Cam Newton’s favorite receiver has a great ability of finding the open spot on the field and getting there, Alabama will have open spots on the field, but the key will be to make them as few and far between as possible. Disguising zone and man to man coverages, also disguising blitz packages are key to this.
If a pass is completed, the defensive backfield will have to do a good job of tackling, limiting the run after catch yards. A five yard play won’t kill you, but an eighty-five yard play will. Tackling in the secondary on run plays is a very big aspect of where Alabama can match up better than LSU did. The size in the Alabama secondary is great, but their tackling has been mediocre, against Auburn it will have to be great. Tackling Newton low, not trying to go up high where Newton will break most defensive backs tackles.
3. Sustain Drives
Alabama will have to sustain long drives while killing clock and picking up first down after first down. The longer Auburn’s offense is on the sidelines, the less chances they will have to put points on the board. Auburn has been great at forcing you to play their game because their rush defense is very solid. If you can force Auburn to having no choice but to score a touchdown on every possession the pressure mounts on their offense. By taking the air out of the ball through the ground game, you limit the drives Auburn will have therefore forcing their offenses hand. Alabama will face some major third downs that will change not only the field position but the type of game that will be played. Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson will be key in this effort, having a slow season this year I expect a big game from one, if not both of these players. The passing game will be open as Auburn has the 11th ranked passing defense in the SEC, but the true key in beating Auburn isn’t attacking that weakness. A dropped pass, an interception all stop the clock and give Auburn more time to attack on their own. Alabama will have to be able to run the ball to keep the defense off balance allowing play action passes and misdirection plays.
Alabama will need to take advantage of Julio Jones on a weak secondary, taking chances vertically and in the screen game, where Auburn doesn’t have the best tackling secondary. A two yard pass may result in a 12 yard pass or more with a few moves from Julio. Limit mistakes and keep Auburn honest with draw plays and screens forcing the defensive line to be slow out of the break for the chance Alabama may run right past them.
4. Field Position
The kicking game will be a very important and overlooked part of this game. Alabama hasn’t gotten great production from their punter over the last few weeks. Alabama will rely on their punter to change the field position when their drives stall. Alabama will not score on every possession during the game, so the punting game will be important. Good blocking and high hanging punts will flip the field position in favor of Alabama, giving Auburn a short field is like taking a kid to a candy shop, leaving him a few inches from chocolate and hoping he won’t grab it. Also, if a drive stalls in the red zone for Alabama they will have to rely on Jeremy Shelly to make those kicks consistently. On the flip side, forcing Auburn to kick field goals from a long distance can change the dynamic of the game. A miss gives Alabama good field position, and if Auburn makes it, 3 points is surmountable rather than having to score touchdowns.
5. Blocking
Nick Fairley is a dominating force on the Auburn defensive line. One of the best linemen in all of college football this year. Fairley made his name known early in the season against Mississippi State and has been talked about ever since, some good, some bad. Last week Fairley had a couple of questionable hits on Georgia quarterback Aaron Murry including a late hit late in the game which sparked a small fight between both teams. Alabama will have to have good blocking on the line, allowing the running game to have time to develop and giving Greg McElroy enough time to survey the field while looking for a receiver downfield. This will be a great matchup to see how Alabama handles Nick Fairley and the rest of the Auburn line, do they double team Fairley and take chances on the rest?
Also, in the passing game the running backs will be forced to be great a picking up blitzes. Mark Ingram who is a very good blocker will have his hands full making the right choice on who to pick up giving McElroy time to get rid of the ball.
Alabama will pull out all the stops on offense and defense for the Auburn Tigers while I expect Auburn to do nothing less than the same. This match up is great across the board. Alabama’s secondary against Auburns receivers. Alabama’s line play against Auburn’s line play. Cam Newton. Mark Ingram. Julio Jones. Darvin Adams. Greg McElroy. Michael Dyer. Trent Richardson. There are more than enough future NFL players on the field during the game this year. The 2010 Iron Bowl has a chance to be one of the most memorable Iron Bowls to date. The only thing that wasn’t mentioned in this article is crowd noise but I think that goes without saying. The crowd won’t be a problem in this one. So after enjoying Thanksgiving dinner and laying around Thursday, get ready to watch an all out battle on the field in Bryant Denny Stadium. It’s the greatest rivalry game in college football, just sit back and enjoy it.
Alright, it’s about time for the weekend. So it’s almost time to start picking some games. Last week I went 1-3, not happy with that outcome. So this weekend I will try to hit at least 3 out of the 4. Also, if your reading this, please add this site, feel free to send emails and messages to me on here.
My email address is ChrisSimonetti@att.net, feel free to contact me about anything you would like for me to talk about, or any questions you might have.
Another week, another Cam Newton story, I’m not going to touch this subject until something is uncovered that is complete proof with facts backing it. Until then, this weekly update will not involve Cam Newton.
#24 Kansas St @ #17 Missouri (12:30PM ET)
A week after upsetting Texas, if beating Texas can be called that this season, the Wildcats travel to Missouri and face the Tigers. Missouri is on a two game losing streak since upsetting #1 Oklahoma. After losses to Nebraska and Texas Tech, both on the road, the Tigers get to come back home and end their season on a high note. Missouri holds the nations 8th best scoring defense only allowing 16 points per game on average. Kansas State has the nations 36th best scoring offense, this week something will give. Kansas State, after only being in the top 25 for a week will drop out this week. Missouri will win this game by a good amount. The Tigers will also finish the season with wins against Iowa State and Kansas making their season record 10-2. Kansas State will easily win their last 2 games against Colorado and North Texas, making their season record 8-4.
Project Winner: Missouri
#19 Mississippi State @ #12 Alabama (7:15PM ET, ESPN2/ESPN3)
The Crimson Tide come back to Tuscaloosa, and hopefully reality after their brief visit to Baton Rouge. Alabama lost it’s second game of the year, and fourth game in 3 years. Mississippi State travels to Bryant Denny after two weeks of distractions, from the Cam Newton allegations coming from Mississippi State boosters and former players, to the death of teammate Nick Bell. This could be a game where both teams have their head in other places, Alabama is out of the national title race with regular season games to be played for the first time since 2007. Mississippi State is grieving the loss of a great teammate. Alabama will come out and be slow getting around, sluggish overall as will the Bulldogs of Mississippi State. Alabama will eventually kick into gear and win this game by 10-17 points. The depth of the Crimson Tide will catch up to Mississippi State in the second half when Alabama mounts a few long scoring drives and 3 and outs. Alabama will stop the bleeding and get the win at home. Also, before I can even predict next week, Alabama wins by a lot against Georgia State.
Project Winner: Alabama
#23 South Carolina @ #22 Florida (7:15PM ET, ESPN/ESPN3)
Steve Spurrier and his South Carolina Gamecocks travel to his former college job in The Swamp. Spurrier has the Gamecocks in position to clinch the SEC East with a win here. The same can be said for the Florida Gators, a win Saturday and those early season losses don’t seem as bad. Last week the Gators seemed to have figured out their offense and got it jump started, which is a great sign for Florida. The opposite happened last week for South Carolina when they were blown out at the hands of Ryan Mallett and the Arkansas Razorbacks, who put on show as they dissected the Gamecocks defense. Sadly for Spurrier, I don’t see this week being any different. With Florida’s team speed on defense and their offensive firepower I don’t see South Carolina getting the win on the road. Florida will end up as the SEC East champion taking on Auburn, Alabama or LSU depending on who the winner of the next game is.
Project Winner: Florida
Georgia @ #2 Auburn (3:30PM ET, CBS)
Cam Newton, Cecil Newton, agents, boosters, 200,000 dollars. These things are the same things Auburn players have heard about all week, actually, make that two weeks. Gene Chizik has said all the right things, as Cam Newton has, but if you don’t think this is wearing on this team, the uncertainty of their quarterback, then your just plain wrong. The Auburn Tigers come in ranked number 2 in the nation, 3 wins away from a national championship and the pressure mounts. Two straight rivalry games, 3 weeks of hearing the allegations about their quarterback and coaches. Now the Georgia Bulldogs come in, they are in the perfect position, unranked, not respected, and Auburn’s head is in the cloud thinking about a national championship, not a Georgia team that started 1-4. Most people know AJ Green, some may know Aaron Murray, but people seem to forget that their defense isn’t quite as pushover. The Bulldogs boast the nations 22nd best scoring defense allowing 19.4 per game and the nations 26th best scoring offense averaging 33.8 points per game. The game being at Auburn would usually keep people away from this one but in this series the road team is usually the winner. I’m going to go WAYYYY out on a limb here and say that Georgia sneaks up on a non level headed Auburn team that is eager to get through the bye week and to Alabama. Georgia comes into Auburn, AL and through a steady dose of AJ Green and Weshaun Ealey and a defense that is good enough to keep them in the game, Georgia pulls the shocker off, knocking the #2 ranked Auburn Tigers out of the top 5 and into their bye week scratching their heads.
Project Winner: Georgia
UPDATE: Went 2-2 this week.
A little over 24 hours after the 3 point loss to LSU this Alabama team is still left with a sickening feeling. After leading the game at halftime, the Crimson Tide crumbled under the pressure after falling behind by 10. A quick scoring drive in the latter portion of the fourth quarter quieted the crowd and instilled hope into the Alabama sidelines. But, even after cutting LSU’s lead to 3 Alabama gave up a 44 yard gain on 3rd down and 13 due to a blown coverage. After that, this team had a last second miracle in mind, taking the ball with 15 seconds left in the game at our own 15. 3 plays later and we were left scratching our head and wondering what could have been.
The hopes of repeating as national champions are gone. The hopes for a third straight SEC title game are gone. But this Alabama team does have something left to play for. Pride. This Alabama team has the ability to show their heart and soul in the next 3-4 games. Overlooking Mississippi St could lead to even more problems. The Crimson Tide may feel that all is lost but they can still end their hated rivals chance for a title game appearance.
There is no denying the fact Alabama has one of the most talented teams in the nation with one of the best coaching staffs, but for some reason this team never quite clicked like an offense that was picked to be one of the best in the nation. Averaging only 27 points a game in SEC play, which is a bit deceiving due to the fact the numbers are a bit skewed by the 41 points we scored on a bad defensive Tennessee team and 31 to a reeling Florida team earlier in the season. I will not make excuses for this team. They never bought into the fact of playing one down at a time, and bringing what they have been taught on the practice field to the actual field. It’s very disappointing for a team loaded with NFL talent to muster only 7 points in the first half to a defense that gave up over 400 yards rushing just 2 weeks ago. It’s disturbing to see blown coverages and missed assignments this late in the season. It’s sickening to see the offensive line get manhandled like a bunch of high schoolers this late in the season. And it’s down right confusing on why this team hasn’t shown the fire and will to win.
I want to believe that Alabama can beat Mississippi St handily, but right now I can’t. I want to believe that Alabama can stop Cam Newton and beat the little brothers from down the road, but after sitting back and watching this defense grow, if that’s what you can call it, I just can’t. I do believe we have a chance to win both games by a lot, but at the same time, I do believe we have the chance to lose both games by a lot. There lies the problem, consistency. This team could look like world beaters in the first half, and look like a high school squad in the second. We look like an unstoppable machine one game, and a Windows 95 powered computer the next. Some will blame the Quarterback, those who do, probably have not played much football. Greg McElroy held the ball too much against South Carolina, but against LSU he dissected a very good LSU secondary. He found the open receiver, delivered the ball at the right time even his one INT was a good thrown pass that bounced off the hands of the receiver and directly into LSU’s linebacker Sheppard. For those who want AJ McCarron in the game, probably haven’t watched Texas this year with Garrett Gilbert. I’m not doubting McCarron’s ability to throw the ball, he is a better pure quarterback but throwing in your freshman this late in the season will not only cause problems (and more than a few mistakes will be made with McCarron at the helm) this season but will carry over to the next year because you show you don’t have the faith in your players to let them right the ship.
Alabama’s has some questions to ask like what is “what is the identity of this team?”, will we lay down and come out flat against the Bulldogs of Mississippi State or are we going to respond and unleash 60 minutes of hell on the next 3 opponents? Are we going to let the media decide how good this team is, or are we going to show the media what we are? Are we going to complain about not getting respect, or are we going to go and grab that respect by the horns? This Alabama team isn’t just fighting for a good record this year, but they are fighting for the identity of next years team as well. We have all the talent to win the rest of our games and ruin Auburn’s title hopes, the only question that really matters is, will we continue to fight or will we, like some of our fans have, give up? I haven’t given up, have you?
In the aftermath of the LSU game, here is a reminder that it could be worse for us. I’ll update a LSU story sometime tonight/tomorrow afternoon.
good god, texas. i’ve heard of an off/rebuilding season but this is just sad. did all the good TX recruits go to TCU? at this point even the dallas cowboys could beat you.
The biggest news out right now involves Cam Newton and the alleged agent he had while being recruited from Junior College. This story will be talked about for weeks maybe even months. In the meantime he is eligible, according to Auburn head coach Gene Chizik. Now that this story has broken we can gather information and move on. The NCAA will do it’s own investigation and we will know the results here in a short time. Now on to how I see this weeks big games going.
#21 Baylor @ #17 Oklahoma St (12:30ET)
Baylors quarterback Robert Griffin may be one of the most underrated players in the nation but after a good showing against Texas last week, he gets another chance to shine. Baylor, who is 7-1 overall, has a defense that is starting to step up. They aren’t what you’d call a shut down defense but they are a strong defense which can hold opponents enough to allow Griffin and company to score more than their opponents. This week it may be a little different, Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State’s star wide out and the rest of the Oklahoma State Cowboys offense comes calling. OK State’s offense averages 45 points a game but does allow a little over 28. This game will be a shoot out in every possible way. With the home crowd in Stillwater, OK going crazy I think the Cowboys get the offense jump started early and out score Baylor despite Robert Griffin having a good day. This game will come down to which team can get a few stops on defense and grab a lead and hold on for dear life.
Projected Winner: Oklahoma St
#3 TCU @ #5 Utah (3:30ET)
The Horned Frogs have won 22 straight regular season games while Utah has won 21 straight home games. Something is going to give this weekend. Andy Dalton and the Horned Frogs offense is a very potent offense but across the field isn’t a weak offense either. This game will be a great game to sit back and watch. The Utes will come out firing at home, a place where TCU hasn’t played well. I still see this game being a 20-30 point type game, it won’t be a shoot out. Both teams have good defenses, this game will come down to which team can consistently move the ball on offense. I think the running attack of TCU will dictate the game and I have a hard time picking against them. I think these two teams are very even and I’d give the edge to Utah only because they are the home team.
Project Winner: Utah
#18 Arkansas @ #19 South Carolina (7:00ET ESPN/ESPN3)
Ryan Mallett and the vaunted Arkansas passing attack come into Columbia, SC where the Gamecocks have been impressive this year. S. Carolina is still fighting for the SEC East. Arkansas can score from anywhere on the field, normally, this week will be different. Greg Childs, Arkansas’ top receiver, is out for the game, S. Carolina will confuse Mallett who hasn’t played well on the road in his career and win this game by 2-3 TDs. I think Alshon Jefferys has a good day catching the ball for the Gamecocks along with Marcus Lattimore I think S. Carolina leaves no doubt who the better team is on the field. The biggest question will be can Mallett find another target while still maintaining poise on the road.
Project Winner: South Carolina
#6 Alabama @ #10 LSU (3:30ET CBS)
Alabama comes back to Baton Rouge for the first time since 2008 where they escaped in overtime. Both teams are coming off their bye weeks so look for a fresh Mark Ingram and Courtney Upshaw to have big games this weekend in Louisiana. The LSU Tigers come in with one of the best defenses in the nation, despite being run around, over and through by Auburn two weeks ago. Patrick Peterson and Julio Jones match up on the outside will be another battle. Peterson who is arguably the best cover cornerback in the nation against Jones who is one of the nations best receivers. Julio got the last laugh last year when Patrick Peterson left the game due to cramps and Julio Jones broke a long touchdown run which put the Tide back in front. LSU’s defense will try to shut the run down and make Alabama throw the ball on them and I think they will, and will be successful in throwing as well. LSU has little to no offense and their two quarterback system hasn’t worked too well for them. I think Alabama wins a tough one by 10-13 points. Alabama will control the line of scrimmage and force LSU to have to drive the ball long distances to score. Tiger Stadium will be a big factor in this though, if Alabama starts slow and allows the crowd to get into the game it could be a lot closer. The turnover battle is a major point of emphasis for Alabama this week, not turning it over, while on defense forcing as many as possible. Alabama escapes and moves on to next week likely at #3-#4 in the BCS.
Project Winner: Alabama
I went 1-3 for this week. Obviously wrong on Utah, Alabama and S. Carolina. Bad week for me. Looking to rebound next week.
As I mentioned earlier this week I will start doing a post every week on things I see happening throughout Saturday, and hopefully I am right. I successfully called Wisconsin beating Ohio State and also called the Missouri over Oklahoma correctly. So I figured why not put it on a site so people can see if I’m smart or just lucky.
This week we will look at potential upsets I see happening.
#1 Auburn @ Ole Miss (6:00est ESPN2 & ESPN3)
Being #1 has been a horror for the past 3 number ones. I think this week will be no different. Cam Newton and the Auburn Tigers are going on the road to Oxford, MS to play the Ole Miss Rebels. Houston Nutt has always been successful at upsetting a team he shouldn’t during the year. Two years ago it was Tim Tebow and the Florida Gators. I think Ole Miss has the defensive front to slow the Cam show down and the offense to move the ball on Auburns defense. The Rebels will have the crowd support as well playing at home, while Auburn travels after a hard fought win over LSU. This Auburn team is tired, and pretty thin across the board, that plays directly into Ole Miss’ hands. The biggest question will be can Ole Miss get some key defensive stops at the start of this game to get their team and their fans to believe they can do it? Jeremiah Masoli will have a good game for the Rebels as they keep this one close for 2-3 quarters. I still see Auburn pulling away on a long drive near the end of the game, but I do believe this game will be closer than most will believe. Ole Miss will be in this game for a long time, long enough to hang around and who knows…turnovers are key in this game.
PS: Opening kickoff returned for a touchdown by Ole Miss (okay, not really but 3 weeks in a row having the opening kickoff returned for a touchdown against a #1 team would be awesome to see)
#5 Michigan St @ #18 Iowa (3:30est ESPN/ABC/ESPN3)
Sparty goes on the road to what looks to be their biggest Big 10 game left on the schedule. Iowa is coming off a heartbreaking 31-30 loss to Wisconsin. Iowa will get to redeem themselves by knocking off the cardiac kids from Michigan St. Iowa’s defense is built to stop teams like Michigan State. Iowa has an aggressive defensive front that will get pressure on Michigan St’s quarterback Kirk Cousins. They will shut down the running game from the Spartans and force Cousins to beat them through the air. On offense Iowa will pound the ball right into the teeth of Michigan St’s defense and I believe they will be successful doing so. This week Sparty’s luck runs out as they drop their first game of the year to the Hawkeyes. The key will be can Iowa establish it’s run game early in the game which will open up some play action passes and keep Michigan St’s defense off balance. For Michigan St the key will be the same, run game to open the pass. I don’t believe the record shows this, but I believe Iowa is the better team in this matchup. We will know soon enough if Michigan St is a contender or a pretender.
#7 Missouri @ #14 Nebraska (3:30est ESPN/ABC/ESPN3)
Beating the #1 team in the nation is impressive, but winning the week afterwards is even more impressive. The Missouri Tigers played a great game against a great team last week upsetting former #1 Oklahoma. The Tigers are a very good team who is very athletic but Nebraska is not impressed yet. The Cornhuskers come into this game after a shootout with Oklahoma St winning 51-41. Playing at home is a huge factor in this game as it is in most top 15 battles. I think Missouri’s offense is very potent with a very effect Blaine Gabbert at the helm but I just think Nebraska is too physical for this game. Missouri’s defense looked great against Oklahoma, which played directly into their hands running a hurry up offense and rarely pounding the ball at the Tigers, which is where I believe they aren’t nearly as strong defensively. Nebraska will run the ball straight at Missouri until they prove they can stop it, then they will run to the opposite side and repeat. Defensively, Nebraska is a physically imposing team (didn’t show it last week), that will bring pressure on Gabbert and force mistakes. I do not see this as a high scoring game, somewhere in the mid 20s/early 30s. I think Nebraska gets back to it’s old self (Controlling the clock, running the ball, limiting opportunities for the opposing team) T. Martinez will have a good game running the ball as well. Like I said, beating the #1 team in the nation is impressive but the hardest part is staying grounded for a week and coming back and playing a good game against a good team. This week it’s just too much for the Tigers.
**Going Out On A Limb**
#2 Oregon @ USC (8:00est ABC)
The Oregon Ducks take their high powered, fast paced offense on the road to Southern California to face the Trojans of USC. While I do believe Oregon has the most deadly offense in the nation, I do believe it can be schemed, and schemed effectively. Monty Kiffin who is USC’s defensive coordinator and one of the best in the business has had an extra week to prepare for this spread attack. While on the other side of the ball USC’s offense seems to be hitting their stride with quarterback Matt Barkley stepping up and being effective at the position. On paper this game is no contest but “that’s why they play the game”. USC has no chance of a bowl game this year due to probation so they will treat this game like their bowl game. USC will have the fans in this one for a while. Monty Kiffin & the USC defense will slow this attack down (I don’t think you can stop it) and give the USC offense a chance to make plays on a very talented and fast defense from Oregon. USC will control clock and run the ball as to not play into the hands of Oregon and limit Oregon’s number of drives throughout the game. If USC can force some mistakes and turnovers I think they are good enough to capitalize and get points on the board. The real key is going to be, how many times can the Trojans stop Oregon? and how many times can USC score (there can not be any field goals and missed opportunities). I think Oregon can pull away, but don’t be surprised if the Trojans of USC don’t keep this closer than they should. This is the game I am least sure about, which is why it’s my Going Out On A Limb pick of the week.
I hope you enjoy, I will post back after Saturday so you can see how I do in these games. Hoping for 4-0.
**UPDATE**
I went 3-1 in the 4 games.
My only loss wasn’t really a loss. Auburn won like I had picked but it wasn’t as close as I expected. This weeks will be posted Wednesday/Thursday.
