New Year's Day falls on a Sunday this year, so the NFL is taking over and traditional New Year's bowl games will be played on January 2nd. That is fine, but a lot of people have to work on January 2nd. Since New Year's Eve is on a Saturday, why not have the big day today?
I know today is a big bowl game day with five games, and all the participating teams are from BCS conferences, but the games still aren't the cream of the crop. A couple of those games like the Meineke Car Care Bowl and the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl could be moved up a couple days in favor of the Gator and Outback Bowl.
Then more people could watch the games they actually care to see, and January 2nd could be more spread out. Instead of three Big Ten vs. SEC matchups occurring at one time, you could just have the Capitol One Bowl at 1:00, then play the Rose at 4:00, and the Fiesta at 8:00.
JB
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
Music City Bowl
Music City Bowl Preview
Mississippi State will make back-to-back years with a bowl game appearance in this year's Music City Bowl vs. Wake Forest.
Tyler Russell sprained his MCL in practice on December 13th, and Dylan Favre announced his intentions to transfer to Pearl River Community College just three days prior to that. Although Russell will be available to play, Chris Relf should take nearly all the snaps at quarterback in his final game at MSU.
Here are the matchups:
Wake Forest offense vs. Mississippi State defense
Rushing, 118.9 (96th) vs. 161 (65th)
Passing, 255.6 (36th) vs. 194.9 (25th)
Total, 374.5 (76th) vs. 355.9 (42nd)
Scoring, 26.8 (62nd) vs. 19.9 (20th)
Mississippi State offense vs. Wake Forest defense
Rushing, 168.8 (45th) vs. 162.9 (70th)
Passing, 186.2 (94th) vs. 236.2 (72nd)
Total, 355.1 (87th) vs. 399.1 (75th)
Scoring, 25.5 (72nd) vs. 27.8 (70th)
One thing you can definitely conclude from those statistics is that Wake's D is 70-75th best in the nation for sure. MSU's defense is undoubtedly better, and should be the best the Demon Deacons have faced all year with the slight possibility of Florida State.
Look for both teams to come out firing. State has fared well early in games against weaker competition (except UAB), and Wake has gotten off to some pretty quick starts. Wake Forest has also blown some pretty sizable leads, but hopefully it won't come to that. MSU is the better team here, and should have the vast majority of the fans attending the game.
MSU 31 Wake 17
JB
Mississippi State will make back-to-back years with a bowl game appearance in this year's Music City Bowl vs. Wake Forest.
Tyler Russell sprained his MCL in practice on December 13th, and Dylan Favre announced his intentions to transfer to Pearl River Community College just three days prior to that. Although Russell will be available to play, Chris Relf should take nearly all the snaps at quarterback in his final game at MSU.
Here are the matchups:
Wake Forest offense vs. Mississippi State defense
Rushing, 118.9 (96th) vs. 161 (65th)
Passing, 255.6 (36th) vs. 194.9 (25th)
Total, 374.5 (76th) vs. 355.9 (42nd)
Scoring, 26.8 (62nd) vs. 19.9 (20th)
Mississippi State offense vs. Wake Forest defense
Rushing, 168.8 (45th) vs. 162.9 (70th)
Passing, 186.2 (94th) vs. 236.2 (72nd)
Total, 355.1 (87th) vs. 399.1 (75th)
Scoring, 25.5 (72nd) vs. 27.8 (70th)
One thing you can definitely conclude from those statistics is that Wake's D is 70-75th best in the nation for sure. MSU's defense is undoubtedly better, and should be the best the Demon Deacons have faced all year with the slight possibility of Florida State.
Look for both teams to come out firing. State has fared well early in games against weaker competition (except UAB), and Wake has gotten off to some pretty quick starts. Wake Forest has also blown some pretty sizable leads, but hopefully it won't come to that. MSU is the better team here, and should have the vast majority of the fans attending the game.
MSU 31 Wake 17
JB
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Winners and Losers in 2012 SEC Schedule
What I mean by this isn't the difficulty in each team's SEC schedule. I am talking about how the 2012 schedule will be vs. how it was supposed to be prior to Texas A&M and Missouri joining the conference.
Losers
1. LSU - They trade a game at Kentucky for one at Texas A&M.
2. Texas A&M - They only get to play three SEC home games (vs. ARK in Dallas). Although, they were planning to play one more road game than home game in the Big 12 next year. Their toughest road test was going to be Oklahoma State, now it will be Alabama. They also have to travel to Auburn and Starkville instead of Baylor, Texas, and Kansas. They are trading home games with Oklahoma and Kansas State for LSU and Florida.
3. Missouri - The Tigers were going to play five Big 12 games in 2012, they get four in the SEC. They trade home games with Oklahoma and Kansas State for Alabama and Georgia. Instead of hosting A&M, they go back to College Station again. The road schedule is a wash swapping Iowa State, Okie State, Texas, and Texas Tech for A&M, South Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee.
4. Florida - Instead of going on the road to Ole Miss, they go to Texas A&M. Instead of hosting Auburn, they host Missouri. They do get 4 SEC home games + the world's largest cocktail party.
Neutral
Ole Miss - The Bears trade a home game with Florida for a home game with A&M.
South Carolina - The Gamecocks trade a home game with Mississippi State for one with Missouri.
Winners
1. Vanderbilt - They travel to Missouri in lieu of hosting Alabama, and they get to host Auburn instead of playing on the Plains.
2. Georgia - They trade a game at Alabama for one at Missouri. Not even only 3 SEC home games could mess with that good fortune.
3. Kentucky - Instead of playing a home game with LSU they travel to Missouri. And they get to play MSU at home again.
4. Tennessee - The Vols swap Arkansas at home for Missouri at home.
5. Mississippi State - MSU drops a road trip to Columbia to pick up a home game with Texas A&M. The trade off is going back to Kentucky.
6. Auburn - They were planned to play Vanderbilt at home, but they will play in Nashville. That is a small price to pay when you can drop a road game to Gainesville and pick up A&M at home.
7. Arkansas - The Hogs trade a game at Tennessee for a neutral site game against Texas A&M. This gives them 4 SEC home games + the game in Dallas.
8. Alabama - Trading a game at Vandy for one at Missouri isn't a good deal, but losing UGA at home in favor of A&M is. They get to play four home games vs. the West (everyone else plays 3).
JB
Losers
1. LSU - They trade a game at Kentucky for one at Texas A&M.
2. Texas A&M - They only get to play three SEC home games (vs. ARK in Dallas). Although, they were planning to play one more road game than home game in the Big 12 next year. Their toughest road test was going to be Oklahoma State, now it will be Alabama. They also have to travel to Auburn and Starkville instead of Baylor, Texas, and Kansas. They are trading home games with Oklahoma and Kansas State for LSU and Florida.
3. Missouri - The Tigers were going to play five Big 12 games in 2012, they get four in the SEC. They trade home games with Oklahoma and Kansas State for Alabama and Georgia. Instead of hosting A&M, they go back to College Station again. The road schedule is a wash swapping Iowa State, Okie State, Texas, and Texas Tech for A&M, South Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee.
4. Florida - Instead of going on the road to Ole Miss, they go to Texas A&M. Instead of hosting Auburn, they host Missouri. They do get 4 SEC home games + the world's largest cocktail party.
Neutral
Ole Miss - The Bears trade a home game with Florida for a home game with A&M.
South Carolina - The Gamecocks trade a home game with Mississippi State for one with Missouri.
Winners
1. Vanderbilt - They travel to Missouri in lieu of hosting Alabama, and they get to host Auburn instead of playing on the Plains.
2. Georgia - They trade a game at Alabama for one at Missouri. Not even only 3 SEC home games could mess with that good fortune.
3. Kentucky - Instead of playing a home game with LSU they travel to Missouri. And they get to play MSU at home again.
4. Tennessee - The Vols swap Arkansas at home for Missouri at home.
5. Mississippi State - MSU drops a road trip to Columbia to pick up a home game with Texas A&M. The trade off is going back to Kentucky.
6. Auburn - They were planned to play Vanderbilt at home, but they will play in Nashville. That is a small price to pay when you can drop a road game to Gainesville and pick up A&M at home.
7. Arkansas - The Hogs trade a game at Tennessee for a neutral site game against Texas A&M. This gives them 4 SEC home games + the game in Dallas.
8. Alabama - Trading a game at Vandy for one at Missouri isn't a good deal, but losing UGA at home in favor of A&M is. They get to play four home games vs. the West (everyone else plays 3).
JB
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Christmas Songs
My Top 10 favorite Christmas Songs:
10. "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year"
9. "Carol of the Bells"
8. "Mary, Did You Know?" by Michael W. Smith
7. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"
6. "Silent Night"
5. "Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)" by Amy Grant
4. "Joy to the World"
3. "The Christmas Song" by Nat King Cole
2. "The Night Before Christmas" by Amy Grant
1. "Oh Holy Night"
JB
10. "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year"
9. "Carol of the Bells"
8. "Mary, Did You Know?" by Michael W. Smith
7. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"
6. "Silent Night"
5. "Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)" by Amy Grant
4. "Joy to the World"
3. "The Christmas Song" by Nat King Cole
2. "The Night Before Christmas" by Amy Grant
1. "Oh Holy Night"
JB
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Christmas Trees
If you really think about it, isn't it kind of weird for millions of civilized, well educated people to go buy an evergreen coniferous tree for $50-100, place it in their homes for a month and throw it away? The tree sheds all over the place, you have to water it, and in the hours immediately following installation you are rubbing sap off your hands.
But none of that is to say I am against Christmas trees. I'm not. Although in smaller living rooms they may cause your furniture to be out of order for a month. I like Christmas trees, even though I'm not sure they have anything to do with the Christian holiday.
Growing up we always had a real tree, so I figured that was the best way to go. Then, as I grew up I realized that paying for a tree is somewhat of a waste of money (see 1st paragraph). So artificial is my preference. No mess, and no annual expenses.
As far as decorations, I have never and would never like to see tinsel on my tree. That is ridiculous. Any ornament is fine, and I prefer the white lights instead of the colored ones. I could go either way on the angel or star at the top, but sometimes the angel could be creepy so a star is a safe bet.
There's my two cents on the Christmas tree. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!
JB
But none of that is to say I am against Christmas trees. I'm not. Although in smaller living rooms they may cause your furniture to be out of order for a month. I like Christmas trees, even though I'm not sure they have anything to do with the Christian holiday.
Growing up we always had a real tree, so I figured that was the best way to go. Then, as I grew up I realized that paying for a tree is somewhat of a waste of money (see 1st paragraph). So artificial is my preference. No mess, and no annual expenses.
As far as decorations, I have never and would never like to see tinsel on my tree. That is ridiculous. Any ornament is fine, and I prefer the white lights instead of the colored ones. I could go either way on the angel or star at the top, but sometimes the angel could be creepy so a star is a safe bet.
There's my two cents on the Christmas tree. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!
JB
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Tebow, 2012 Election, SNL, and Christian Bashing
Last Saturday night, SNL performed a skit where Jesus came into the Bronco's post game locker room and told them about how HE was the one behind their six straight victories. Then he told Tim Tebow to 'bring it down a notch' in reference to his unabashed public professions of faith to Jesus Christ. Then at the end of the skit, Jesus said, "and those Mormans, it's all true".
I know this skit is meant to make people laugh. Does SNL really believe God is willing the Broncos to victory? I doubt it. And although I find it highly unlikely God has anything to do with their run to 1st place in the AFC West, I don't really care if people believe God is behind it or not. But this was beyond making people laugh, this skit was laced with liberal propaganda.
Everyone knows that if Tebow were a Muslim there is no way anyone would dare mention his faith. But since Christianity is the majority in America, we have freedom of expression, and it poses such a threat to the progressive causes most media espouse, Tebow's faith is a direct target. So this skit is an easy way to 'lightheartedly' rib Tebow for always mentioning Jesus' name....suggesting that Jesus is getting tired of the praise.
I could go on and on about how liberals make fun of Christians in situations such as these in a effort to develop a mindset against conservative beliefs but I'll save it. Instead, I'll focus on what that 'and those Mormans, it's all true' remark really meant.
Pretty easy to me. It wasn't meant for Christians to be more tolerant of Mormans. No. The left would like for Romney to win the Republican nomination. Mainly because of Gingrich's debating skills and intellect, but also because of Romney's apparent 'flip-flopping' and the likelihood conservatives will simply stay home rather than hold their nose and vote like they did in '08. Mitt Romney is a Morman. That is an obvious nod to prop up the Morman faith as 'normal' and an attempt to get Republican voters to view Romney in a more favorable light.
So how can liberals turn a comedy skit into a subliminal message relating to the 2012 presidential campaign? You just saw it. And they are smart too because that video was posted all over the internet on Sunday. Watch out for their crap, don't fall victim.
JB
I know this skit is meant to make people laugh. Does SNL really believe God is willing the Broncos to victory? I doubt it. And although I find it highly unlikely God has anything to do with their run to 1st place in the AFC West, I don't really care if people believe God is behind it or not. But this was beyond making people laugh, this skit was laced with liberal propaganda.
Everyone knows that if Tebow were a Muslim there is no way anyone would dare mention his faith. But since Christianity is the majority in America, we have freedom of expression, and it poses such a threat to the progressive causes most media espouse, Tebow's faith is a direct target. So this skit is an easy way to 'lightheartedly' rib Tebow for always mentioning Jesus' name....suggesting that Jesus is getting tired of the praise.
I could go on and on about how liberals make fun of Christians in situations such as these in a effort to develop a mindset against conservative beliefs but I'll save it. Instead, I'll focus on what that 'and those Mormans, it's all true' remark really meant.
Pretty easy to me. It wasn't meant for Christians to be more tolerant of Mormans. No. The left would like for Romney to win the Republican nomination. Mainly because of Gingrich's debating skills and intellect, but also because of Romney's apparent 'flip-flopping' and the likelihood conservatives will simply stay home rather than hold their nose and vote like they did in '08. Mitt Romney is a Morman. That is an obvious nod to prop up the Morman faith as 'normal' and an attempt to get Republican voters to view Romney in a more favorable light.
So how can liberals turn a comedy skit into a subliminal message relating to the 2012 presidential campaign? You just saw it. And they are smart too because that video was posted all over the internet on Sunday. Watch out for their crap, don't fall victim.
JB
Monday, December 19, 2011
LSU Should Already Have at Least a Share of the National Title
I don't have a problem with the LSU/Alabama rematch, but really, should LSU have to beat Alabama again to be crowned national champions?
First off, LSU is the ONLY undefeated team in Division 1-A (FBS). And they did it in the toughest conference. Not even Boise State or Houston could accomplish that in lesser conferences.
Secondly, they beat Alabama, who the majority of people believe is the second best team, on the road in the regular season. I don't necessarily believe they are a better team than Alabama...you could argue Bama outplayed LSU in that game, but in the end the Tigers did win....and so we know they are at least as good as the only other team that is close to them.
Third, they beat Oregon in the first game of the season. The Ducks were ranked in the Top 5 for that game, and they ended the regular season ranked in the top 5 with a PAC 12 Championship to boot.
Fourth, they beat West Virginia, who is representing the Big East in the Orange Bowl, on the road.
The count so far: beat the only other team close to them on the road, beat PAC 12 champ at a neutral site (without their starting quarterback, WR, and a couple others), and beat the Big East champ on the road.
Fifth, they went on the road to Starkville and beat a ranked Mississippi State team at night who ended the season about 5 yards short of a 8-4 record.
Sixth, they beat Kentucky, Florida, Tennessee, Auburn and Ole Miss (all SEC teams) by an average margin of 35 points.
Seventh, they beat the #3 team at the time, and current #6 team, Arkansas 41-17 the day after Thanksgiving.
Eighth, they spanked a Georgia team 42-10 in the SEC Championship that had won 10 straight games.
Ninth, 8 of the 13 teams they played were ranked at the date of the game. 5 of those teams are currently ranked including three in the Top 10.
Tenth, they lost their top offensive lineman before the season started, their starting quarterback was suspended for the first half of the season, their leading receiver from 2010 was suspended the first 3 games, their Heisman Trophy Finalist and two others were suspended for the Auburn game. They still whipped everybody.
Unless Alabama comes out and beats LSU by 3-4 touchdowns, LSU should be guaranteed at least half of the national title. If there was a playoff, that is one thing. But for LSU to have to play only one team who they have already beaten (and on the road no less) to win it is dumb. There really doesn't need to be a national championship game because LSU is the deserving champ. If the regular season is really ultra-important, than they are the champs. Otherwise lets have some fun with a playoff.
JB
First off, LSU is the ONLY undefeated team in Division 1-A (FBS). And they did it in the toughest conference. Not even Boise State or Houston could accomplish that in lesser conferences.
Secondly, they beat Alabama, who the majority of people believe is the second best team, on the road in the regular season. I don't necessarily believe they are a better team than Alabama...you could argue Bama outplayed LSU in that game, but in the end the Tigers did win....and so we know they are at least as good as the only other team that is close to them.
Third, they beat Oregon in the first game of the season. The Ducks were ranked in the Top 5 for that game, and they ended the regular season ranked in the top 5 with a PAC 12 Championship to boot.
Fourth, they beat West Virginia, who is representing the Big East in the Orange Bowl, on the road.
The count so far: beat the only other team close to them on the road, beat PAC 12 champ at a neutral site (without their starting quarterback, WR, and a couple others), and beat the Big East champ on the road.
Fifth, they went on the road to Starkville and beat a ranked Mississippi State team at night who ended the season about 5 yards short of a 8-4 record.
Sixth, they beat Kentucky, Florida, Tennessee, Auburn and Ole Miss (all SEC teams) by an average margin of 35 points.
Seventh, they beat the #3 team at the time, and current #6 team, Arkansas 41-17 the day after Thanksgiving.
Eighth, they spanked a Georgia team 42-10 in the SEC Championship that had won 10 straight games.
Ninth, 8 of the 13 teams they played were ranked at the date of the game. 5 of those teams are currently ranked including three in the Top 10.
Tenth, they lost their top offensive lineman before the season started, their starting quarterback was suspended for the first half of the season, their leading receiver from 2010 was suspended the first 3 games, their Heisman Trophy Finalist and two others were suspended for the Auburn game. They still whipped everybody.
Unless Alabama comes out and beats LSU by 3-4 touchdowns, LSU should be guaranteed at least half of the national title. If there was a playoff, that is one thing. But for LSU to have to play only one team who they have already beaten (and on the road no less) to win it is dumb. There really doesn't need to be a national championship game because LSU is the deserving champ. If the regular season is really ultra-important, than they are the champs. Otherwise lets have some fun with a playoff.
JB
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Bruce Springsteen
My Top 10 Bruce Springsteen songs:
10. "The Promised Land", 1978
9. "Dancing in the Dark", 1984
8. "Thunder Road", 1975
7. "Something in the Night", 1978
6. "Downbound Train", 1984
5. "Jungleland", 1975
4. "The River", 1980
3. "Prove it All Night", 1978
2. "Backstreets", 1975
1. "Born to Run", 1975
JB
10. "The Promised Land", 1978
9. "Dancing in the Dark", 1984
8. "Thunder Road", 1975
7. "Something in the Night", 1978
6. "Downbound Train", 1984
5. "Jungleland", 1975
4. "The River", 1980
3. "Prove it All Night", 1978
2. "Backstreets", 1975
1. "Born to Run", 1975
JB
Friday, December 16, 2011
Broncos vs. Patriots
This week's Broncos/Patriots game is huge. It has playoff implications, and with all the Tim Tebow talk everyone will have their eyes on this game. The Patriots will be the best team Denver has played since Tebow took over as starting quarterback.
In Vegas, New England is a 6.5 point favorite. The game is getting five times the action that a typical NFL game gets! 80% of that action is on the Pats.
Tom Brady should be able to throw the ball well against a Broncos secondary that will likely start three rookies. He will also be highly motivated with the Pats in a 4-way tie in the AFC at 10-3. He also has a 1-5 career record vs. the Broncos. The question is, can Tebow and the Broncos offense play keep away from Brady and stay in the game until 'Tebow Time'. We'll see how 'the genius' Bill Belichick game plans for stopping Tebow. After all he is a defensive coach.
Everyone has gone crazy with Tebowmania. Whether it be praise or criticism, everyone is talking about it...at least in the sports world. In the last two days there has been $50,000 worth of sales for his Fathead. One thing about him, he's a leader and his teammates respect him. Despite all the hype, he remains level-headed, and you know his teammates appreciate that and are playing harder because of it. They say the game is 90% mental, and Tebow wins that part of the game every week. It will be interesting to see what happens this week.
JB
In Vegas, New England is a 6.5 point favorite. The game is getting five times the action that a typical NFL game gets! 80% of that action is on the Pats.
Tom Brady should be able to throw the ball well against a Broncos secondary that will likely start three rookies. He will also be highly motivated with the Pats in a 4-way tie in the AFC at 10-3. He also has a 1-5 career record vs. the Broncos. The question is, can Tebow and the Broncos offense play keep away from Brady and stay in the game until 'Tebow Time'. We'll see how 'the genius' Bill Belichick game plans for stopping Tebow. After all he is a defensive coach.
Everyone has gone crazy with Tebowmania. Whether it be praise or criticism, everyone is talking about it...at least in the sports world. In the last two days there has been $50,000 worth of sales for his Fathead. One thing about him, he's a leader and his teammates respect him. Despite all the hype, he remains level-headed, and you know his teammates appreciate that and are playing harder because of it. They say the game is 90% mental, and Tebow wins that part of the game every week. It will be interesting to see what happens this week.
JB
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
The Left
This past weekend, when asked about the 2012 Election, President Obama said, "people will have to choose which direction they think is best. If they think cutting taxes further including for the wealthy and corporations, and having less regulation would be better than I will lose".
When I look at that statement, I have to wonder, who is against those things?
When Herman Cain was still in the race, the left was baffled by the prospect of him being the nominee. What could they do, a conservative black man? They have been telling black people that the right is full of racist rich white folks who are just trying to bring you down. So they came up with character assassinations to bring Cain down. It worked, although I thought him having affairs didn't have much to do with him being president as it didn't with Clinton, or Bush's alcohol, or Obama's cocaine.
But now it's down to Romney and Gingrich for who will face Obama next fall. The left has already started their campaign strategy. It was in Obama's quote above. And that is: pick a strategy for fixing the economy, liberal or conservative. They don't want to make it about Obama, about how he has handled being president for four years. He wants to run as if he's a brand new candidate. So pick based on philosophy, don't regard the decisions he's made while in office.
In the end, I hope he is brought down. "Evil corporations" have billions of dollars sitting on the sidelines, waiting for a president who doesn't hate them. Once Obama is out of office they will open up their pocketbook and we can all get back to work, and people who have a job can make more money. I am hoping for Newt, but whoever it is I will gladly cast might vote against Obama and the left.
JB
When I look at that statement, I have to wonder, who is against those things?
When Herman Cain was still in the race, the left was baffled by the prospect of him being the nominee. What could they do, a conservative black man? They have been telling black people that the right is full of racist rich white folks who are just trying to bring you down. So they came up with character assassinations to bring Cain down. It worked, although I thought him having affairs didn't have much to do with him being president as it didn't with Clinton, or Bush's alcohol, or Obama's cocaine.
But now it's down to Romney and Gingrich for who will face Obama next fall. The left has already started their campaign strategy. It was in Obama's quote above. And that is: pick a strategy for fixing the economy, liberal or conservative. They don't want to make it about Obama, about how he has handled being president for four years. He wants to run as if he's a brand new candidate. So pick based on philosophy, don't regard the decisions he's made while in office.
In the end, I hope he is brought down. "Evil corporations" have billions of dollars sitting on the sidelines, waiting for a president who doesn't hate them. Once Obama is out of office they will open up their pocketbook and we can all get back to work, and people who have a job can make more money. I am hoping for Newt, but whoever it is I will gladly cast might vote against Obama and the left.
JB
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
6-team College Football Playoff
There is always talk about a college football playoff, especially in December. A 'plus one', or 4-team playoff is gaining a ton of steam and may actually be a possibility in the near future.
The logical argument would be for the 4-team playoff to take place on New Years Day using the current BCS Bowls and then have the National Championship Game played between the winners a week later. This is much better than we have now, but there are some questions. Would the four teams be selected from a committee or would they be determined by a formula similar to the current BCS?
If you take the top 4 teams this year there are still two teams that didn't win their conference (Alabama and Stanford). There's no doubt Alabama deserves to be there, but does Stanford deserve to be over Oregon...a team they lost to by 23 points at home? The Ducks are only behind Stanford because of their loss to USC (Top 5 in the AP) and LSU (#1, and a team Stanford didn't have to play). Oregon is also the PAC 12 Champ. But then again, Stanford is 11-1 and we'd like to see them in the playoff.
Once the SEC Championship Game got out of hand, Gary Danielson filled time by presenting his playoff scenario. It was to have a 6-team playoff. The top two teams would get a bye, but in order to qualify for the bye you had to win your conference. And teams 3-6 would be selected regardless of if you won your conference or not.
I think this is a good idea. Winning your conference is still very important. Yet, strength of schedule and getting into the top six is still important. In this scenario LSU and Oklahoma State would get a bye. The other four teams would be Alabama, Arkansas, Stanford, and Oregon.
The first round could be played two weeks after Championship Saturday, which would be this coming Saturday. To keep from having in-conference teams playing in the playoff, the selection committee would have Stanford at Alabama (4:00) and Arkansas at Oregon (8:00). Games would be played on campus. This scenario is probably the most 'fair' way to do it, and would still keep the regular season really important. And the losers of these two games could go on to play in traditional bowl games a couple of weeks later. The winners of these games would go on to play LSU and OSU in the semifinal on New Year's Day. Then a week later, or maybe even the week before the Superbowl the National Championship is played.
Another scenario that would be even more fun for the fans would be an 8-team playoff. Take the top 4 rated conference champions and let them host the next four best teams. This Saturday would look like this: Alabama at Wisconsin (12:30), Stanford at Oklahoma State (3:30), Boise State at LSU (6:30), Arkansas at Oregon (9:30). That would be pretty cool.
JB
The logical argument would be for the 4-team playoff to take place on New Years Day using the current BCS Bowls and then have the National Championship Game played between the winners a week later. This is much better than we have now, but there are some questions. Would the four teams be selected from a committee or would they be determined by a formula similar to the current BCS?
If you take the top 4 teams this year there are still two teams that didn't win their conference (Alabama and Stanford). There's no doubt Alabama deserves to be there, but does Stanford deserve to be over Oregon...a team they lost to by 23 points at home? The Ducks are only behind Stanford because of their loss to USC (Top 5 in the AP) and LSU (#1, and a team Stanford didn't have to play). Oregon is also the PAC 12 Champ. But then again, Stanford is 11-1 and we'd like to see them in the playoff.
Once the SEC Championship Game got out of hand, Gary Danielson filled time by presenting his playoff scenario. It was to have a 6-team playoff. The top two teams would get a bye, but in order to qualify for the bye you had to win your conference. And teams 3-6 would be selected regardless of if you won your conference or not.
I think this is a good idea. Winning your conference is still very important. Yet, strength of schedule and getting into the top six is still important. In this scenario LSU and Oklahoma State would get a bye. The other four teams would be Alabama, Arkansas, Stanford, and Oregon.
The first round could be played two weeks after Championship Saturday, which would be this coming Saturday. To keep from having in-conference teams playing in the playoff, the selection committee would have Stanford at Alabama (4:00) and Arkansas at Oregon (8:00). Games would be played on campus. This scenario is probably the most 'fair' way to do it, and would still keep the regular season really important. And the losers of these two games could go on to play in traditional bowl games a couple of weeks later. The winners of these games would go on to play LSU and OSU in the semifinal on New Year's Day. Then a week later, or maybe even the week before the Superbowl the National Championship is played.
Another scenario that would be even more fun for the fans would be an 8-team playoff. Take the top 4 rated conference champions and let them host the next four best teams. This Saturday would look like this: Alabama at Wisconsin (12:30), Stanford at Oklahoma State (3:30), Boise State at LSU (6:30), Arkansas at Oregon (9:30). That would be pretty cool.
JB
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Dave Matthews Band
My Top 10 Dave Matthews Band songs:
10. "Say Goodbye", 1996
9. "Don't Drink the Water", 1998
8. "Dancing Nancies", 1994
7. "Drive In Drive Out", 1996
6. "Jimi Thing", 1994
5. "Too Much", 1996
4. "Crush", 1998
3. "The Best of What's Around", 1994
2. "Cry Freedom", 1996
1. "Lie in Our Graves", 1996
JB
10. "Say Goodbye", 1996
9. "Don't Drink the Water", 1998
8. "Dancing Nancies", 1994
7. "Drive In Drive Out", 1996
6. "Jimi Thing", 1994
5. "Too Much", 1996
4. "Crush", 1998
3. "The Best of What's Around", 1994
2. "Cry Freedom", 1996
1. "Lie in Our Graves", 1996
JB
Friday, December 9, 2011
Heisman Race
There's always a lot of debate around who should win the Heisman Trophy. This year they talk about it a lot. It's not for the most valuable player, it's for the most outstanding. The definition of outstanding is prominent; conspicuous; striking. Here's my list:
1. Robert Griffin III - He is really fast and throws for a ton of yards. And he doesn't dink and dunk for those yards, he airs it out...probably throwing the best deep ball in the country. To me, he is the definition of an 'outstanding player'.
2. Trent Richardson - He is a beast, no doubt. If the award was for consistency he would get it.
3. Tyrann Matheiu - Pound for pound he is the best college football player in the country. He is the most outstanding player on the best team.
4. Andrew Luck - If this award was for the most valuable player, I would give it to him, close second would be RGIII.
5. Sammy Watkins - He is the most electric player in college football. He really took Clemson to the next level this year.
6. LaMichael James - He is a product of Oregon's system but he is also really good. Four 200+ yard games this season.
7. Matt Barkley - He is a really good quarterback, but no one has paid much attention since USC is on probation.
8. Kellen Moore - He is solid, and has had a great career. Boise State doesn't play many big games but he plays very well when they do.
9. Montee Ball - He is a really good running back, but no one has paid much attention because Wisconsin is boring.
10. Courtney Upshaw - To me, he's the best player on the best defense in the country.
Honorable Mentions:
- Case Keenum
- Russell Wilson
- Brandon Weeden - But I don't think he should be considered for the Heisman because of his age. I know that 18-22 years olds are capable of stopping a 28 year old and physically they are the same. But mentally they aren't. No, he didn't play football for the 5 years he was away from the game, but he was able to mature while playing baseball, settle down and he's brought that to playing quarterback in college. There's nothing wrong with that, but I don't think he should be considered for a postseason award.
JB
1. Robert Griffin III - He is really fast and throws for a ton of yards. And he doesn't dink and dunk for those yards, he airs it out...probably throwing the best deep ball in the country. To me, he is the definition of an 'outstanding player'.
2. Trent Richardson - He is a beast, no doubt. If the award was for consistency he would get it.
3. Tyrann Matheiu - Pound for pound he is the best college football player in the country. He is the most outstanding player on the best team.
4. Andrew Luck - If this award was for the most valuable player, I would give it to him, close second would be RGIII.
5. Sammy Watkins - He is the most electric player in college football. He really took Clemson to the next level this year.
6. LaMichael James - He is a product of Oregon's system but he is also really good. Four 200+ yard games this season.
7. Matt Barkley - He is a really good quarterback, but no one has paid much attention since USC is on probation.
8. Kellen Moore - He is solid, and has had a great career. Boise State doesn't play many big games but he plays very well when they do.
9. Montee Ball - He is a really good running back, but no one has paid much attention because Wisconsin is boring.
10. Courtney Upshaw - To me, he's the best player on the best defense in the country.
Honorable Mentions:
- Case Keenum
- Russell Wilson
- Brandon Weeden - But I don't think he should be considered for the Heisman because of his age. I know that 18-22 years olds are capable of stopping a 28 year old and physically they are the same. But mentally they aren't. No, he didn't play football for the 5 years he was away from the game, but he was able to mature while playing baseball, settle down and he's brought that to playing quarterback in college. There's nothing wrong with that, but I don't think he should be considered for a postseason award.
JB
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
The Polls - End of Regular Season
1. LSU, 13-0 (1): W vs. #3 Oregon, W vs. Northwestern State, W at #16 Mississippi State, W at #19 West Virginia, W vs. Kentucky, W vs. #22 Florida, W at Tennessee, W vs. #15 Auburn, W at #2 Alabama, W vs. Western Kentucky, W at Ole Miss, W vs. #3 Arkansas, W vs. #14 Georgia
2. Alabama, 11-1 (2): W vs. Kent State, W at Penn State, W vs. North Texas, W vs. #8 Arkansas, W at #17 Florida, W vs. Vanderbilt, W at Ole Miss, W vs. Tennessee, L vs. #1 LSU, W at Mississippi State, W vs. Georgia Southern, W at Auburn
3. Oklahoma State, 11-1 (3): W vs. LA-Lafayette, W vs. Arizona, W vs. Tulsa, W at #11 Texas A&M, W vs. Kansas, W at #22 Texas, W at Missouri, W vs. #24 Baylor, W vs. #16 Kansas State, W at Texas Tech, L at Iowa State, W vs. #12 Oklahoma
4. Oregon, 11-2 (6): L vs. #4 LSU, W vs. #9 Nevada, W vs. Missouri State, W at Arizona, W vs. Cal, W vs. #19 Arizona State, W at Colorado, W vs. Washington State, W at Washington, W at #3 Stanford, L vs. #16 Southern Cal, W vs. Oregon State, W vs. UCLA
5. Arkansas, 10-2 (7): W vs. Missouri State, W vs. New Mexico, W vs. Troy, L at #6 Alabama, W vs. #13 Texas A&M, W vs. #9 Auburn, W at Ole Miss, W at Vanderbilt, W vs. #11 South Carolina, W vs. Tennessee, W vs. Mississippi State, L at #1 LSU
6. Stanford, 11-1 (4): W vs. San Jose St., W at Duke, W at Arizona, W vs. UCLA, W vs. Colorado, W at Washington State, W vs. #25 Washington, W at #21 Southern California, W at Oregon State, L vs. #5 Oregon, W vs. Cal, W vs. #24 Notre Dame
7. Southern California, 10-2 (5): W vs. Minnesota, W vs. Utah, W vs. Syracuse, L at Arizona State, W at Arizona, W at Cal, W at Notre Dame, L at #3 Stanford, W at Colorado, W vs. Washington, W at #4 Oregon, W vs. UCLA
8. South Carolina, 10-2 (14): W vs. East Carolina, W at Georgia, W vs. Navy, W vs. Vanderbilt, L vs. #14 Auburn, W vs. Kentucky, W at Mississippi State, W at Tennessee, L at Arkansas, W vs. Florida, W vs. The Citadel, W vs. #13 Clemson
9. Boise State, 11-1 (8): W at Georgia, W at Toledo, W vs. Tulsa, W vs. Nevada, W at Fresno State, W at Colorado State, W vs. Air Force, W at UNLV, L vs. TCU, W at San Diego State, W vs. Wyoming, W vs. New Mexico
10. Wisconsin, 11-2 (9): W vs. UNLV, W vs. Oregon State, W at Northern Illinois, W vs. South Dakota, W vs. #10 Nebraska, W vs. Indiana, L at #16 Michigan State, L at Ohio State, W vs. Purdue, W at Minnesota, W at Illinois, W vs. #21 Penn State, W vs. #11 Michigan State
11. Kansas State, 10-2 (11): W vs. Eastern Kentucky, W vs. Kent State, W at Miami (Fl), W vs. #12 Baylor, W vs. Missouri, W at Texas Tech, W at Kansas, L vs. #11 Oklahoma, L at #4 Oklahoma State, W vs. Texas A&M, W at Texas, W vs. Iowa State
12. Georgia, 10-3 (12): L vs. #9 Boise State, L vs. #22 South Carolina, W vs. Coastal Carolina, W at Ole Miss, W vs. Mississippi State, W at Tennessee, W at Vanderbilt, W vs. Florida, W vs. New Mexico State, W vs. Auburn, W vs. Kentucky, W at #23 Georgia Tech, L vs. #1 LSU
13. Clemson, 10-3 (14): W vs. Troy, W vs. Wofford, W vs. #1 Auburn, W vs. #14 Florida State, W at #9 Virginia Tech, W vs. Boston College, W at Maryland, W vs. North Carolina, L at Georgia Tech, W vs. Wake Forest, L at N.C. State, L at #12 South Carolina, W vs. #8 Virginia Tech
14. Baylor, 9-3 (15): W vs. #2 TCU, W vs. Stephen F. Austin, W vs. Rice, L at Kansas State, W vs. Iowa State, L at #23 Texas A&M, L at #6 Oklahoma State, W vs. Missouri, W at Kansas, W vs. #7 Oklahoma, W vs. Texas Tech, W vs. Texas
15. Michigan State, 10-3 (12): W vs. Youngstown State, W vs. Florida Atlantic, L at Notre Dame, W at Central Michigan, W at Ohio State, W vs. #11 Michigan, W vs. #4 Wisconsin, L at #13 Nebraska, W vs. Minnesota, W at Iowa, W vs. Indiana, W at Northwestern, L vs. #16 Wisconsin
16. Michigan, 10-2 (13): W vs. Western Michigan, W vs. Notre Dame, W vs. Eastern Michigan, W vs. San Diego State, W vs. Minnesota, W at Northwestern, L at #24 Michigan State, W vs. Purdue, L at Iowa, W at Illinois, W vs. #19 Nebraska, W vs. Ohio State
17. Virginia Tech, 11-2 (17): W vs. App. State, W at East Carolina, W vs. Arkansas State, W at Marshall, L vs. #11 Clemson, W vs. Miami (FL), W at Wake Forest, W vs. Boston College, W at Duke, W at #17 Georgia Tech, W vs. North Carolina, W at #22 Virginia, L vs. #20 Clemson
18. TCU, 10-2 (16): L at Baylor, W at Air Force, W vs. La-Monroe, W vs. Portland State, L vs. SMU, W at San Diego State, W vs. New Mexico, W vs. BYU, W at Wyoming, W at #6 Boise State, W vs. Colorado State, W vs. UNLV
19. Southern Miss, 11-2 (24): W vs. Louisiana Tech, L at Marshall, W at SE Louisiana, W at Virginia, W vs. Rice, W at Navy, W vs. SMU, W at UTEP, W at East Carolina, W vs. Central Florida, L at UAB, W vs. Memphis, W at #7 Houston
20. Houston, 12-1 (20): W vs. UCLA, W at North Texas, W at LA Tech, W vs. Georgia State, W at UTEP, W vs. East Carolina, W vs. Marshall, W vs. Rice, W at UAB, W at Tulane, W vs. SMU, W at Tulsa, L vs. #24 Southern Miss
21. Oklahoma, 9-2 (19): W vs. #24 Tusla, W at #14 Florida State, W vs. Missouri, W vs. Ball State, W vs. #12 Texas, W at Kansas, L vs. Texas Tech, W at #9 Kansas State, W vs. Texas A&M, L at #24 Baylor, W vs. Iowa State, L at #3 Oklahoma State
22. Nebraska, 9-3 (21): W vs. Chattanooga, W vs. Fresno State, W vs. Washington, W at Wyoming, L at #5 Wisconsin, W vs. Ohio State, W at Minnesota, W vs. #10 Michigan State, L vs. Northwestern, W at #20 Penn State, L at #20 Michigan, W vs. Iowa
23. West Virginia, 9-3 (23): W vs. Marshall, W vs. Norfolk State, W at #21 Maryland, L vs. #1 LSU, W vs. Bowling Green, W vs. UConn, L at Syracuse, W at Rutgers, L vs. Louisville, W at Cincinnati, W vs. Pittsburgh, W at South Florida
24. Penn State, 9-3 (24): W at Indiana State, L vs. #8 Alabama, W at Temple, W vs. Eastern Michigan, W at Indiana, W vs. Iowa, W vs. Purdue, W at Northwestern, W vs. Illinois, W at Ohio State, L at #20 Wisconsin
25. Arkansas State, 9-2 (NR): L at Illinois, W vs. Memphis, L at #13 Virginia Tech, W vs. Central Arkansas, W at Western Kentucky, W at LA-Monroe, W vs. FIU, W vs. North Texas, W vs. Florida Atlantic, W at MTSU
Florida State is ranked 25th in the AP.
JB
2. Alabama, 11-1 (2): W vs. Kent State, W at Penn State, W vs. North Texas, W vs. #8 Arkansas, W at #17 Florida, W vs. Vanderbilt, W at Ole Miss, W vs. Tennessee, L vs. #1 LSU, W at Mississippi State, W vs. Georgia Southern, W at Auburn
3. Oklahoma State, 11-1 (3): W vs. LA-Lafayette, W vs. Arizona, W vs. Tulsa, W at #11 Texas A&M, W vs. Kansas, W at #22 Texas, W at Missouri, W vs. #24 Baylor, W vs. #16 Kansas State, W at Texas Tech, L at Iowa State, W vs. #12 Oklahoma
4. Oregon, 11-2 (6): L vs. #4 LSU, W vs. #9 Nevada, W vs. Missouri State, W at Arizona, W vs. Cal, W vs. #19 Arizona State, W at Colorado, W vs. Washington State, W at Washington, W at #3 Stanford, L vs. #16 Southern Cal, W vs. Oregon State, W vs. UCLA
5. Arkansas, 10-2 (7): W vs. Missouri State, W vs. New Mexico, W vs. Troy, L at #6 Alabama, W vs. #13 Texas A&M, W vs. #9 Auburn, W at Ole Miss, W at Vanderbilt, W vs. #11 South Carolina, W vs. Tennessee, W vs. Mississippi State, L at #1 LSU
6. Stanford, 11-1 (4): W vs. San Jose St., W at Duke, W at Arizona, W vs. UCLA, W vs. Colorado, W at Washington State, W vs. #25 Washington, W at #21 Southern California, W at Oregon State, L vs. #5 Oregon, W vs. Cal, W vs. #24 Notre Dame
7. Southern California, 10-2 (5): W vs. Minnesota, W vs. Utah, W vs. Syracuse, L at Arizona State, W at Arizona, W at Cal, W at Notre Dame, L at #3 Stanford, W at Colorado, W vs. Washington, W at #4 Oregon, W vs. UCLA
8. South Carolina, 10-2 (14): W vs. East Carolina, W at Georgia, W vs. Navy, W vs. Vanderbilt, L vs. #14 Auburn, W vs. Kentucky, W at Mississippi State, W at Tennessee, L at Arkansas, W vs. Florida, W vs. The Citadel, W vs. #13 Clemson
9. Boise State, 11-1 (8): W at Georgia, W at Toledo, W vs. Tulsa, W vs. Nevada, W at Fresno State, W at Colorado State, W vs. Air Force, W at UNLV, L vs. TCU, W at San Diego State, W vs. Wyoming, W vs. New Mexico
10. Wisconsin, 11-2 (9): W vs. UNLV, W vs. Oregon State, W at Northern Illinois, W vs. South Dakota, W vs. #10 Nebraska, W vs. Indiana, L at #16 Michigan State, L at Ohio State, W vs. Purdue, W at Minnesota, W at Illinois, W vs. #21 Penn State, W vs. #11 Michigan State
11. Kansas State, 10-2 (11): W vs. Eastern Kentucky, W vs. Kent State, W at Miami (Fl), W vs. #12 Baylor, W vs. Missouri, W at Texas Tech, W at Kansas, L vs. #11 Oklahoma, L at #4 Oklahoma State, W vs. Texas A&M, W at Texas, W vs. Iowa State
12. Georgia, 10-3 (12): L vs. #9 Boise State, L vs. #22 South Carolina, W vs. Coastal Carolina, W at Ole Miss, W vs. Mississippi State, W at Tennessee, W at Vanderbilt, W vs. Florida, W vs. New Mexico State, W vs. Auburn, W vs. Kentucky, W at #23 Georgia Tech, L vs. #1 LSU
13. Clemson, 10-3 (14): W vs. Troy, W vs. Wofford, W vs. #1 Auburn, W vs. #14 Florida State, W at #9 Virginia Tech, W vs. Boston College, W at Maryland, W vs. North Carolina, L at Georgia Tech, W vs. Wake Forest, L at N.C. State, L at #12 South Carolina, W vs. #8 Virginia Tech
14. Baylor, 9-3 (15): W vs. #2 TCU, W vs. Stephen F. Austin, W vs. Rice, L at Kansas State, W vs. Iowa State, L at #23 Texas A&M, L at #6 Oklahoma State, W vs. Missouri, W at Kansas, W vs. #7 Oklahoma, W vs. Texas Tech, W vs. Texas
15. Michigan State, 10-3 (12): W vs. Youngstown State, W vs. Florida Atlantic, L at Notre Dame, W at Central Michigan, W at Ohio State, W vs. #11 Michigan, W vs. #4 Wisconsin, L at #13 Nebraska, W vs. Minnesota, W at Iowa, W vs. Indiana, W at Northwestern, L vs. #16 Wisconsin
16. Michigan, 10-2 (13): W vs. Western Michigan, W vs. Notre Dame, W vs. Eastern Michigan, W vs. San Diego State, W vs. Minnesota, W at Northwestern, L at #24 Michigan State, W vs. Purdue, L at Iowa, W at Illinois, W vs. #19 Nebraska, W vs. Ohio State
17. Virginia Tech, 11-2 (17): W vs. App. State, W at East Carolina, W vs. Arkansas State, W at Marshall, L vs. #11 Clemson, W vs. Miami (FL), W at Wake Forest, W vs. Boston College, W at Duke, W at #17 Georgia Tech, W vs. North Carolina, W at #22 Virginia, L vs. #20 Clemson
18. TCU, 10-2 (16): L at Baylor, W at Air Force, W vs. La-Monroe, W vs. Portland State, L vs. SMU, W at San Diego State, W vs. New Mexico, W vs. BYU, W at Wyoming, W at #6 Boise State, W vs. Colorado State, W vs. UNLV
19. Southern Miss, 11-2 (24): W vs. Louisiana Tech, L at Marshall, W at SE Louisiana, W at Virginia, W vs. Rice, W at Navy, W vs. SMU, W at UTEP, W at East Carolina, W vs. Central Florida, L at UAB, W vs. Memphis, W at #7 Houston
20. Houston, 12-1 (20): W vs. UCLA, W at North Texas, W at LA Tech, W vs. Georgia State, W at UTEP, W vs. East Carolina, W vs. Marshall, W vs. Rice, W at UAB, W at Tulane, W vs. SMU, W at Tulsa, L vs. #24 Southern Miss
21. Oklahoma, 9-2 (19): W vs. #24 Tusla, W at #14 Florida State, W vs. Missouri, W vs. Ball State, W vs. #12 Texas, W at Kansas, L vs. Texas Tech, W at #9 Kansas State, W vs. Texas A&M, L at #24 Baylor, W vs. Iowa State, L at #3 Oklahoma State
22. Nebraska, 9-3 (21): W vs. Chattanooga, W vs. Fresno State, W vs. Washington, W at Wyoming, L at #5 Wisconsin, W vs. Ohio State, W at Minnesota, W vs. #10 Michigan State, L vs. Northwestern, W at #20 Penn State, L at #20 Michigan, W vs. Iowa
23. West Virginia, 9-3 (23): W vs. Marshall, W vs. Norfolk State, W at #21 Maryland, L vs. #1 LSU, W vs. Bowling Green, W vs. UConn, L at Syracuse, W at Rutgers, L vs. Louisville, W at Cincinnati, W vs. Pittsburgh, W at South Florida
24. Penn State, 9-3 (24): W at Indiana State, L vs. #8 Alabama, W at Temple, W vs. Eastern Michigan, W at Indiana, W vs. Iowa, W vs. Purdue, W at Northwestern, W vs. Illinois, W at Ohio State, L at #20 Wisconsin
25. Arkansas State, 9-2 (NR): L at Illinois, W vs. Memphis, L at #13 Virginia Tech, W vs. Central Arkansas, W at Western Kentucky, W at LA-Monroe, W vs. FIU, W vs. North Texas, W vs. Florida Atlantic, W at MTSU
Florida State is ranked 25th in the AP.
JB
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
End of the Season Grades
Best Defenses
1. Alabama, (A+) - They are incredible. Their linebackers and safeties are the best in the country, Upshaw and Barron probably being the best at their position in the country. D Line is good, corners are excellent. I think their coaching is a little better than LSU.
2. LSU, (A+) - They are incredible. The defensive line is stacked. They are stacked at linebacker. The secondary is second to none. Tyrann Mathieu and Morris Claiborne make up the best cornerback duo in the country. They have speed everywhere, and I think they have a little more of it than Bama.
3. Georgia, (A) - They have a lot of playmakers on defense, and they are evenly scattered throughout, with an underrated D Line. They've come a long way from '09 and even last year. Todd Gratham should be assistant coach of the year.
4. South Carolina, (A-) - The Gamecocks have the best defensive line in the SEC. That's lead to a great passing defense certainly helped by Antonio Allen and Stephon Gilmore. They've been the backbone of USC's 10-win season.
5. Mississippi State (B+) - Outside of the second week, and second to last week of the season the defense played great all year. They held everyone else including LSU and Alabama to under 25 points. Losing Manny Diaz figured to be a big blow, but Chris Wilson held the D up to the same level statistically.
6. Florida, (B) - The Gators had a solid defense. They held it together which Charlie's Weis offense looked for itself, and never found it either.
7. Vanderbilt (B-) - They have played well all year, keeping Vandy in all their games but one, and in that one they held Bama close until the 2nd half.
8. Arkansas (C) - The Hog's D was touted as Bobby Petrino's best defense since he's been at Arkansas. Whether it was or not is up for debate. In the end, it was just good enough.
9. Tennessee (C-) - The Vol's have some talent here but they are young like the rest of the team and have struggled at times. They play hard, but don't have much depth right now.
10. Kentucky (D+) - Danny Travathan and Winston Guy willed this unit to a strong finish, that gets them a '+'.
11. Auburn (D) - They got whipped a number of times. But they'll be better next year.
12. Ole Miss (F) - It's not even close, they were horrible. Tyrone Nix gets the award for the worst assistant in the SEC.
Best Offenses
1. Arkansas (A) - Everything is good about the Hogs offense, until they play Alabama and LSU. This is a good example of what would happen to Oklahoma State or any other high-powered offensive team when they play a super defensive team.
2. Georgia (B+) - Aaron Murray came on late and will lead a quality group of SEC QBs in 2012. UGA has plenty of talent, although they can't keep anyone healthy in the backfield.
3. Alabama (B) - Trent Richardson, a great offensive line, and decent quarterback and receivers. That's all they need with their defense.
4. LSU (B) - The Tigers philosophy is run the ball and punt if their in their own territory. If not, air it out. But in either scenario play really physical and once the 2nd half comes around there will be plenty of yards for everyone to gain.
5. South Carolina (B-) - Conner Shaw played pretty well down the stretch. Despite losing Marcus Lattimore, they were able to beat Florida and Clemson for a 10-2 record. Nice job by Steve Spurrier.
6. Vanderbilt (C+) - Once Jordan Rodgers took over this unit played really well. Zac Stacy had a great season and was probably the 2nd best tailback after Lattimore got hurt.
7. Auburn (C) - Michael Dyer is a stud. McCalleb is fast. Emory Blake is good. But Gus Malzahn is having major problems with his quarterbacks. Frazier isn't ready, but Trotter and Mosley can't do the job.
8. Mississippi State (C) - The O line was injury-proned in the first half of the season, Chris Relf lost his confidence, but Tyler Russell came in and the Dawgs finished pretty strong. Vick Ballard was the constant throughout. Chad Bumphis had a disappointing year, only coming up big in non-conference games.
9. Florida (D+) - Charlie Weis is beyond over-rated.
10. Tennessee (D) - Injuries hurt really bad, but things were not good in Knoxville.
11. Kentucky (D) - They were pretty awful all year, they had to use a WR at QB vs. Tennessee. Morgan Newton getting hurt probably saved this grade from being an 'F'.
12. Ole Miss (F) - It was probably just a 'D' for most of the year but they tanked once Nutt was fired. A pretty big waste of talent this team was.
Best Coaching Jobs
1. Les Miles, LSU - In year's past it seemed like LSU was winning in spite of Miles. But this year it seems like he has elevated their play. LSU has had a ton of distractions but they only seem to make the Tigers better. Miles hasn't done many tricks or gadgets at all...he knows what to do for this team to win.
2. James Franklin, VU - Vandy is a hard place to coach, but Franklin got the most out of this team. They could've easily been 9-3...or at least better than 6-6. Vandy played with a different swagger this year, and they are going to a bowl again.
3. Mark Richt, UGA - Georgia could have easily folded after being 0-2 and everyone calling for Richt's head. But they won 10 in a row behind a stout defense and a solid offense.
4. Steve Spurrier, USC - The last 5 games could've fallen apart for USC with the loss of Garcia and Lattimore but Spurrier held them together and now they can reach 11 wins for the first time in their history.
5. Gene Chizik, AUB - He may have won the national championship last year, but he lost an unprecedented amount of players off that team. Still, he managed to win some close games and get back to a bowl.
6. Nick Saban, UA - Saban is the best coach in the SEC, be it recruiting, X's & O's, or motivation.
7. Bobby Petrino, ARK - No one likes Petrino, but everyone agrees he can coach. The question is, can he get over the hump with his 'offense first' approach in the SEC?
8. Dan Mullen, MSU - Things didn't work out the way everyone in Starkville had hoped
this year. But the team never quit, won the Egg Bowl for the 3rd straight year and a bowl for the 2nd. Four of MSU's six loses were against top 10 BCS teams, the other two were against # 16 UGA and #25 Auburn.
9. Joker Philips, UK - Kentucky got off to a horrible start this year. They looked awful in two non-conference wins and were not competitive for the first half of the season. After their bye week (Week 7) they came out and beat Jacksonville State, played better vs. MSU, then pulled out a solid victory vs. Ole Miss. After getting smashed by Vanderbilt they fought hard and barely lost at UGA, and then Philips was able to lead the Cats to their first win over Tennessee in 27 years. For that alone he should keep his job.
10. Derek Dooley, UT - The mess he inherited at Tennessee was a tough job. He's got good players but no depth, then the injuries to key players really put a damper on the season. Still, the Vols should have lost to Vanderbilt and they did lose to Kentucky....just a sniff away from a winless SEC season. He should get another year in Knoxville, but if he doesn't win at least 7 games he's out.
11. Will Muschamp, UF - 2010 was one of the worst season's for recent Florida football, and Muschamp has brought them down from that. Charlie Weis has been a disaster at O.C., everyone's just afraid to say so. How can they not win with all the talent they have on the roster? This was a really bad coaching job.
12. Houston Nutt, UM - Ole Miss was absolutely awful this year. Nutt deserved to be fired. He has completely burnt their program to the ground and threw in the worst season in Ole Miss history to boot.
Top 25 SEC Players:
1. Trent Richardson, UA
2. Courtney Upshaw, UA
3. Tyrann Mathieu, LSU
4. Donta' Hightower, UA
5. Barkevious Mingo, LSU
6. Danny Trevathan, UK
7. Jarvis Jones, UGA
8. Ben Jones, UGA
9. Melvin Ingram, USC
10. Morris Claiborne, LSU
11. Aaron Murray, UGA
12. Alshon Jeffrey, USC
13. Sam Montgomery, LSU
14. Brandon Boykin, UGA
15. Fletcher Cox, MSU
16. Mark Barron, UA
17. Barrett Jones, UA
18. Bacarri Rambo, UGA
19. Zac Stacy, VU
20. Tyler Wilson, ARK
21. Jadaveon Clowney, USC
22. Dre' Kirkpatrick, UA
23. Jerry Franklin, ARK
24. Johnthan Banks, MSU
25. Da'Rick Rogers, UT
JB
1. Alabama, (A+) - They are incredible. Their linebackers and safeties are the best in the country, Upshaw and Barron probably being the best at their position in the country. D Line is good, corners are excellent. I think their coaching is a little better than LSU.
2. LSU, (A+) - They are incredible. The defensive line is stacked. They are stacked at linebacker. The secondary is second to none. Tyrann Mathieu and Morris Claiborne make up the best cornerback duo in the country. They have speed everywhere, and I think they have a little more of it than Bama.
3. Georgia, (A) - They have a lot of playmakers on defense, and they are evenly scattered throughout, with an underrated D Line. They've come a long way from '09 and even last year. Todd Gratham should be assistant coach of the year.
4. South Carolina, (A-) - The Gamecocks have the best defensive line in the SEC. That's lead to a great passing defense certainly helped by Antonio Allen and Stephon Gilmore. They've been the backbone of USC's 10-win season.
5. Mississippi State (B+) - Outside of the second week, and second to last week of the season the defense played great all year. They held everyone else including LSU and Alabama to under 25 points. Losing Manny Diaz figured to be a big blow, but Chris Wilson held the D up to the same level statistically.
6. Florida, (B) - The Gators had a solid defense. They held it together which Charlie's Weis offense looked for itself, and never found it either.
7. Vanderbilt (B-) - They have played well all year, keeping Vandy in all their games but one, and in that one they held Bama close until the 2nd half.
8. Arkansas (C) - The Hog's D was touted as Bobby Petrino's best defense since he's been at Arkansas. Whether it was or not is up for debate. In the end, it was just good enough.
9. Tennessee (C-) - The Vol's have some talent here but they are young like the rest of the team and have struggled at times. They play hard, but don't have much depth right now.
10. Kentucky (D+) - Danny Travathan and Winston Guy willed this unit to a strong finish, that gets them a '+'.
11. Auburn (D) - They got whipped a number of times. But they'll be better next year.
12. Ole Miss (F) - It's not even close, they were horrible. Tyrone Nix gets the award for the worst assistant in the SEC.
Best Offenses
1. Arkansas (A) - Everything is good about the Hogs offense, until they play Alabama and LSU. This is a good example of what would happen to Oklahoma State or any other high-powered offensive team when they play a super defensive team.
2. Georgia (B+) - Aaron Murray came on late and will lead a quality group of SEC QBs in 2012. UGA has plenty of talent, although they can't keep anyone healthy in the backfield.
3. Alabama (B) - Trent Richardson, a great offensive line, and decent quarterback and receivers. That's all they need with their defense.
4. LSU (B) - The Tigers philosophy is run the ball and punt if their in their own territory. If not, air it out. But in either scenario play really physical and once the 2nd half comes around there will be plenty of yards for everyone to gain.
5. South Carolina (B-) - Conner Shaw played pretty well down the stretch. Despite losing Marcus Lattimore, they were able to beat Florida and Clemson for a 10-2 record. Nice job by Steve Spurrier.
6. Vanderbilt (C+) - Once Jordan Rodgers took over this unit played really well. Zac Stacy had a great season and was probably the 2nd best tailback after Lattimore got hurt.
7. Auburn (C) - Michael Dyer is a stud. McCalleb is fast. Emory Blake is good. But Gus Malzahn is having major problems with his quarterbacks. Frazier isn't ready, but Trotter and Mosley can't do the job.
8. Mississippi State (C) - The O line was injury-proned in the first half of the season, Chris Relf lost his confidence, but Tyler Russell came in and the Dawgs finished pretty strong. Vick Ballard was the constant throughout. Chad Bumphis had a disappointing year, only coming up big in non-conference games.
9. Florida (D+) - Charlie Weis is beyond over-rated.
10. Tennessee (D) - Injuries hurt really bad, but things were not good in Knoxville.
11. Kentucky (D) - They were pretty awful all year, they had to use a WR at QB vs. Tennessee. Morgan Newton getting hurt probably saved this grade from being an 'F'.
12. Ole Miss (F) - It was probably just a 'D' for most of the year but they tanked once Nutt was fired. A pretty big waste of talent this team was.
Best Coaching Jobs
1. Les Miles, LSU - In year's past it seemed like LSU was winning in spite of Miles. But this year it seems like he has elevated their play. LSU has had a ton of distractions but they only seem to make the Tigers better. Miles hasn't done many tricks or gadgets at all...he knows what to do for this team to win.
2. James Franklin, VU - Vandy is a hard place to coach, but Franklin got the most out of this team. They could've easily been 9-3...or at least better than 6-6. Vandy played with a different swagger this year, and they are going to a bowl again.
3. Mark Richt, UGA - Georgia could have easily folded after being 0-2 and everyone calling for Richt's head. But they won 10 in a row behind a stout defense and a solid offense.
4. Steve Spurrier, USC - The last 5 games could've fallen apart for USC with the loss of Garcia and Lattimore but Spurrier held them together and now they can reach 11 wins for the first time in their history.
5. Gene Chizik, AUB - He may have won the national championship last year, but he lost an unprecedented amount of players off that team. Still, he managed to win some close games and get back to a bowl.
6. Nick Saban, UA - Saban is the best coach in the SEC, be it recruiting, X's & O's, or motivation.
7. Bobby Petrino, ARK - No one likes Petrino, but everyone agrees he can coach. The question is, can he get over the hump with his 'offense first' approach in the SEC?
8. Dan Mullen, MSU - Things didn't work out the way everyone in Starkville had hoped
this year. But the team never quit, won the Egg Bowl for the 3rd straight year and a bowl for the 2nd. Four of MSU's six loses were against top 10 BCS teams, the other two were against # 16 UGA and #25 Auburn.
9. Joker Philips, UK - Kentucky got off to a horrible start this year. They looked awful in two non-conference wins and were not competitive for the first half of the season. After their bye week (Week 7) they came out and beat Jacksonville State, played better vs. MSU, then pulled out a solid victory vs. Ole Miss. After getting smashed by Vanderbilt they fought hard and barely lost at UGA, and then Philips was able to lead the Cats to their first win over Tennessee in 27 years. For that alone he should keep his job.
10. Derek Dooley, UT - The mess he inherited at Tennessee was a tough job. He's got good players but no depth, then the injuries to key players really put a damper on the season. Still, the Vols should have lost to Vanderbilt and they did lose to Kentucky....just a sniff away from a winless SEC season. He should get another year in Knoxville, but if he doesn't win at least 7 games he's out.
11. Will Muschamp, UF - 2010 was one of the worst season's for recent Florida football, and Muschamp has brought them down from that. Charlie Weis has been a disaster at O.C., everyone's just afraid to say so. How can they not win with all the talent they have on the roster? This was a really bad coaching job.
12. Houston Nutt, UM - Ole Miss was absolutely awful this year. Nutt deserved to be fired. He has completely burnt their program to the ground and threw in the worst season in Ole Miss history to boot.
Top 25 SEC Players:
1. Trent Richardson, UA
2. Courtney Upshaw, UA
3. Tyrann Mathieu, LSU
4. Donta' Hightower, UA
5. Barkevious Mingo, LSU
6. Danny Trevathan, UK
7. Jarvis Jones, UGA
8. Ben Jones, UGA
9. Melvin Ingram, USC
10. Morris Claiborne, LSU
11. Aaron Murray, UGA
12. Alshon Jeffrey, USC
13. Sam Montgomery, LSU
14. Brandon Boykin, UGA
15. Fletcher Cox, MSU
16. Mark Barron, UA
17. Barrett Jones, UA
18. Bacarri Rambo, UGA
19. Zac Stacy, VU
20. Tyler Wilson, ARK
21. Jadaveon Clowney, USC
22. Dre' Kirkpatrick, UA
23. Jerry Franklin, ARK
24. Johnthan Banks, MSU
25. Da'Rick Rogers, UT
JB
Monday, December 5, 2011
Predictions vs. Actual Top 25
Here is the Top 25 I predicted, and in parenthesis is where the team actually finished (in the AP).
1. South Carolina (10)
2. Florida State (25)
3. Oklahoma (19)
4. Boise State (8)
5. Wisconsin (9)
6. Virginia Tech (17)
7. Oregon (6)
8. Mississippi State (NR)
9. Alabama (2)
10. Oklahoma State (3)
11. LSU (1)
12. Stanford (5)
13. Arkansas (7)
14. Texas A&M (NR)
15. Nebraska (21)
16. Texas (NR)
17. Missouri (NR)
18. Southern Cal (5)
19. Southern Miss (22)
20. Penn State (24)
21. TCU (16)
22. West Virginia (23)
23. Clemson (14)
24. BYU (NR)
25. Florida (NR)
I didn't predict the following to be ranked, but they were: Kansas State (11), Michigan State (12), Michigan (13), Baylor (15), Georgia (18), and Houston (20).
JB
1. South Carolina (10)
2. Florida State (25)
3. Oklahoma (19)
4. Boise State (8)
5. Wisconsin (9)
6. Virginia Tech (17)
7. Oregon (6)
8. Mississippi State (NR)
9. Alabama (2)
10. Oklahoma State (3)
11. LSU (1)
12. Stanford (5)
13. Arkansas (7)
14. Texas A&M (NR)
15. Nebraska (21)
16. Texas (NR)
17. Missouri (NR)
18. Southern Cal (5)
19. Southern Miss (22)
20. Penn State (24)
21. TCU (16)
22. West Virginia (23)
23. Clemson (14)
24. BYU (NR)
25. Florida (NR)
I didn't predict the following to be ranked, but they were: Kansas State (11), Michigan State (12), Michigan (13), Baylor (15), Georgia (18), and Houston (20).
JB
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Alan Jackson
My Top 10 Alan Jackson songs:
10. "Don't Rock the Jukebox", 1991
9. "Country Boy", 2008
8. "Chattahoochee", 1993
7. "Remember When", 2003
6. "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)", 2001
5. "Here in the Real World", 1990
4. "Midnight in Montgomery", 1992
3. "Livin' on Love", 1994
2. "She's Got the Rhythm (And I Got the Blues)", 1992
1. "Like Red on a Rose", 2006
JB
10. "Don't Rock the Jukebox", 1991
9. "Country Boy", 2008
8. "Chattahoochee", 1993
7. "Remember When", 2003
6. "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)", 2001
5. "Here in the Real World", 1990
4. "Midnight in Montgomery", 1992
3. "Livin' on Love", 1994
2. "She's Got the Rhythm (And I Got the Blues)", 1992
1. "Like Red on a Rose", 2006
JB
Friday, December 2, 2011
Week 14 Preview
I was watching the BCS Countdown show on ESPN last Sunday night. They were saying how unfair it was that LSU had to play in the SEC Championship and Alabama didn't. I guarantee Alabama doesn't feel that way. Maybe in the Big 12 or PAC 12 the championship game doesn't matter, winning the conference doesn't matter as much...the number one goal is the national championship. I don't see it that way, and I don't think most SEC fans do either. The SEC Championship is what it's all about. When I dream about Mississippi State having an amazing year, I dream about winning the SEC, not the BCS. LSU has plenty of motivation to beat Georgia tomorrow. They want to win an SEC Championship.
LSU vs. Georgia - This is the 3rd time these two teams have met in the SEC Championship Game (2003, 2005). They both have won one and lost one. This will be the 3rd time this year Georgia has played in Atlanta in 2011 and the second time in the Dome. LSU is better, plain and simple. On paper, though, it looks like a good game. Georgia is near the top of the SEC in every category in offense and defense. But they still haven't really played anyone. Their 10 wins this year have come against 9 FBS teams with a combined record of 49-59 and one FCS team. Out of those nine teams, one has eight wins (GT), one has seven (Auburn) and the rest have six or fewer. So we don't really know just how good UGA is, although we know they are pretty good to real off 10 straight wins. If Georgia can play a close, defensive game they could win. Tyler Wilson couldn't do much last week, but I think Aaron Murrey is a better cornerback. If Isiah Crowell can keep run enough to draw LSU's safeties in Georgia could score some points....and by that I mean more than 14. Otherwise the Tigers beat them in every phase of the game and so I have to pick LSU to win here, 27-17.
Oregon over UCLA for the PAC 12 Championship.
Houston over Southern Miss for the CUSA Championship.
Baylor over Texas, RGIII dominates.
Oklahoma State over Oklahoma by 17 points.
Wisconsin over Michigan State for the Big Ten Championship.
Clemson over Virginia Tech for the ACC Championship.
JB
LSU vs. Georgia - This is the 3rd time these two teams have met in the SEC Championship Game (2003, 2005). They both have won one and lost one. This will be the 3rd time this year Georgia has played in Atlanta in 2011 and the second time in the Dome. LSU is better, plain and simple. On paper, though, it looks like a good game. Georgia is near the top of the SEC in every category in offense and defense. But they still haven't really played anyone. Their 10 wins this year have come against 9 FBS teams with a combined record of 49-59 and one FCS team. Out of those nine teams, one has eight wins (GT), one has seven (Auburn) and the rest have six or fewer. So we don't really know just how good UGA is, although we know they are pretty good to real off 10 straight wins. If Georgia can play a close, defensive game they could win. Tyler Wilson couldn't do much last week, but I think Aaron Murrey is a better cornerback. If Isiah Crowell can keep run enough to draw LSU's safeties in Georgia could score some points....and by that I mean more than 14. Otherwise the Tigers beat them in every phase of the game and so I have to pick LSU to win here, 27-17.
Oregon over UCLA for the PAC 12 Championship.
Houston over Southern Miss for the CUSA Championship.
Baylor over Texas, RGIII dominates.
Oklahoma State over Oklahoma by 17 points.
Wisconsin over Michigan State for the Big Ten Championship.
Clemson over Virginia Tech for the ACC Championship.
JB
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Faith
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 10:12. Think of that for a minute, 'being sure of what we hope for'. God wants us to have faith by trusting that he will provide for what we need. God gave us three things: faith, hope and love...the greatest is love; 1 Corinthians 13:13. Hope is defined as [the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best]. We 'hope' things will turn out for the best, and we can express 'faith' by placing that hope in God.
Throughout 2011 the one lesson that keeps coming back to me is Faith. When we moved to Georgia in 2008 the financial meltdown ensued. From that point forward it has been a struggle to maintain our small construction company. There has been gaps between jobs that have lasted 2-3 months. I have had the feeling that I want to store up savings so when things get really bad we'll have something to fall back on. We rented an apartment and then a house for the first 3 years we lived here and I was happy about that because there was no pressure of having to make a mortgage payment. I missed several paychecks, and I would dream about finding a project that would provide us with guaranteed paychecks for the next six months. That way I wouldn't have to worry. Coming into 2011 I had been married for 3 and a half years but I didn't really want to think about having kids because I didn't think I was doing a good enough job providing for just two people.
Then 2011 happened and my world was turned upside down. My wife suffered through illness, I missed paychecks, I could barely see more than a week into my future. Everything was uncertain. But that's when I knew, you have to turn your worries over to God. Matthew 6:25 says, "therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear". Verse 26 & 27: "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"
The fact is, I may want to control my life, but I am not in control at all. And I know that if I let God take the wheel everything will work out. It's scary to do, after all you have to be certain of what you do not see; but as the passage says in Hebrews that is part of what faith is.
As the year moved along I realized that I had to rely on God to make things work together for good, I could not do it. And then I learned another lesson about faith, 'just do it'. I was in a Bible study and a woman said, 'we all look for a sign from God about whether or not we should do something, but unless you're struggling with a moral issue than you just have to step out on faith and do it'. That was huge for me and my wife. What we realized was that while we were praying for signs we were also procrastinating to take leaps of faith.
We had used up almost all our savings for various reasons by the summertime, but we found a way we could purchase a house. And with no projects on the books at work we made an offer and signed a contract to buy one. A week later, we landed a big project. That's just how God works. If you trust in him, having faith that he will provide, then he will. He will open a door when you need it. He will close a door when he doesn't want you to go there. It seems like every week that point keeps getting driven home to me: keep the faith. Once you take that huge monkey of 'worry' off your back, it is amazing. Having faith that God will provide for you and your family is the most comforting feeling in the world.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
JB
Throughout 2011 the one lesson that keeps coming back to me is Faith. When we moved to Georgia in 2008 the financial meltdown ensued. From that point forward it has been a struggle to maintain our small construction company. There has been gaps between jobs that have lasted 2-3 months. I have had the feeling that I want to store up savings so when things get really bad we'll have something to fall back on. We rented an apartment and then a house for the first 3 years we lived here and I was happy about that because there was no pressure of having to make a mortgage payment. I missed several paychecks, and I would dream about finding a project that would provide us with guaranteed paychecks for the next six months. That way I wouldn't have to worry. Coming into 2011 I had been married for 3 and a half years but I didn't really want to think about having kids because I didn't think I was doing a good enough job providing for just two people.
Then 2011 happened and my world was turned upside down. My wife suffered through illness, I missed paychecks, I could barely see more than a week into my future. Everything was uncertain. But that's when I knew, you have to turn your worries over to God. Matthew 6:25 says, "therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear". Verse 26 & 27: "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"
The fact is, I may want to control my life, but I am not in control at all. And I know that if I let God take the wheel everything will work out. It's scary to do, after all you have to be certain of what you do not see; but as the passage says in Hebrews that is part of what faith is.
As the year moved along I realized that I had to rely on God to make things work together for good, I could not do it. And then I learned another lesson about faith, 'just do it'. I was in a Bible study and a woman said, 'we all look for a sign from God about whether or not we should do something, but unless you're struggling with a moral issue than you just have to step out on faith and do it'. That was huge for me and my wife. What we realized was that while we were praying for signs we were also procrastinating to take leaps of faith.
We had used up almost all our savings for various reasons by the summertime, but we found a way we could purchase a house. And with no projects on the books at work we made an offer and signed a contract to buy one. A week later, we landed a big project. That's just how God works. If you trust in him, having faith that he will provide, then he will. He will open a door when you need it. He will close a door when he doesn't want you to go there. It seems like every week that point keeps getting driven home to me: keep the faith. Once you take that huge monkey of 'worry' off your back, it is amazing. Having faith that God will provide for you and your family is the most comforting feeling in the world.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
JB
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
The Polls - Week 14
Things are basically set up for an LSU/Alabama rematch. But I could see a scenario where Oklahoma State gets in. OSU is #2 in half of the computers and #5 in the coach's and Harris poll. If they beat Oklahoma pretty good (2 touchdowns or more) and Virginia Tech loses to Clemson I think the Cowboys will get the majority of 3rd place votes, and they will likely be #2 in all the computers with the boost to their strength of schedule beating #10 Oklahoma. That could be enough for them to jump Alabama. I don't think there is any reason for LSU to not be #1 after next week. Unless Georgia beats them by 5 touchdowns they have gone through the gauntlet this year and creamed just about everyone they've played so they have earned the right to play in the BCS Title Game no matter what happens in the SEC Championship.
As for who should play LSU, it should be Alabama because they are undoubtedly the second best team in the country. But, I know there are plenty of non-SEC fans who have "SEC-fatigue" and really do not want to see that game whether it's a rematch or not. So, to be honest, I would rather have Oklahoma State play LSU instead just so the Tigers could crush them. The first Alabama/LSU game was a classic to me, and I'd like to see another one, but I'd rather see an SEC team crush the best team from 'the field' just so the SEC could continue it's dominance in the title game.
If LSU wins the SEC Championship, they should be guaranteed at least a share of the national championship. I don't remember anyone being as dominate against as tough of a schedule as they have been this year. If Alabama or Oklahoma State beats them in the BCS Title Game it should be a split national title.
1. LSU, 12-0 (1): W vs. #3 Oregon, W vs. Northwestern State, W at #16 Mississippi State, W at #19 West Virginia, W vs. Kentucky, W vs. #22 Florida, W at Tennessee, W vs. #15 Auburn, W at #2 Alabama, W vs. Western Kentucky, W at Ole Miss, W vs. #3 Arkansas
2. Alabama, 11-1 (2): W vs. Kent State, W at Penn State, W vs. North Texas, W vs. #8 Arkansas, W at #17 Florida, W vs. Vanderbilt, W at Ole Miss, W vs. Tennessee, L vs. #1 LSU, W at Mississippi State, W vs. Georgia Southern, W at Auburn
3. Oklahoma State, 10-1 (3): W vs. LA-Lafayette, W vs. Arizona, W vs. Tulsa, W at #11 Texas A&M, W vs. Kansas, W at #22 Texas, W at Missouri, W vs. #24 Baylor, W vs. #16 Kansas State, W at Texas Tech, L at Iowa State
4. Oregon, 10-2 (8): L vs. #4 LSU, W vs. #9 Nevada, W vs. Missouri State, W at Arizona, W vs. Cal, W vs. #19 Arizona State, W at Colorado, W vs. Washington State, W at Washington, W at #3 Stanford, L vs. #16 Southern Cal, W vs. Oregon State
5. Arkansas, 10-2 (6): W vs. Missouri State, W vs. New Mexico, W vs. Troy, L at #6 Alabama, W vs. #13 Texas A&M, W vs. #9 Auburn, W at Ole Miss, W at Vanderbilt, W vs. #11 South Carolina, W vs. Tennessee, W vs. Mississippi State, L at #1 LSU
6. Stanford, 11-1 (4): W vs. San Jose St., W at Duke, W at Arizona, W vs. UCLA, W vs. Colorado, W at Washington State, W vs. #25 Washington, W at #21 Southern California, W at Oregon State, L vs. #5 Oregon, W vs. Cal, W vs. #24 Notre Dame
7. Houston, 12-0 (8): W vs. UCLA, W at North Texas, W at LA Tech, W vs. Georgia State, W at UTEP, W vs. East Carolina, W vs. Marshall, W vs. Rice, W at UAB, W at Tulane, W vs. SMU, W at Tulsa
8. Virginia Tech, 11-1 (5): W vs. App. State, W at East Carolina, W vs. Arkansas State, W at Marshall, L vs. #11 Clemson, W vs. Miami (FL), W at Wake Forest, W vs. Boston College, W at Duke, W at #17 Georgia Tech, W vs. North Carolina, W at #22 Virginia
9. Southern California, 10-2 (9): W vs. Minnesota, W vs. Utah, W vs. Syracuse, L at Arizona State, W at Arizona, W at Cal, W at Notre Dame, L at #3 Stanford, W at Colorado, W vs. Washington, W at #4 Oregon, W vs. UCLA
10. South Carolina, 10-2 (14): W vs. East Carolina, W at Georgia, W vs. Navy, W vs. Vanderbilt, L vs. #14 Auburn, W vs. Kentucky, W at Mississippi State, W at Tennessee, L at Arkansas, W vs. Florida, W vs. The Citadel, W vs. #13 Clemson
11. Michigan State, 10-2 (11): W vs. Youngstown State, W vs. Florida Atlantic, L at Notre Dame, W at Central Michigan, W at Ohio State, W vs. #11 Michigan, W vs. #4 Wisconsin, L at #13 Nebraska, W vs. Minnesota, W at Iowa, W vs. Indiana, W at Northwestern
12. Oklahoma, 9-2 (13): W vs. #24 Tusla, W at #14 Florida State, W vs. Missouri, W vs. Ball State, W vs. #12 Texas, W at Kansas, L vs. Texas Tech, W at #9 Kansas State, W vs. Texas A&M, L at #24 Baylor, W vs. Iowa State
13. Boise State, 10-1 (7): W at Georgia, W at Toledo, W vs. Tulsa, W vs. Nevada, W at Fresno State, W at Colorado State, W vs. Air Force, W at UNLV, L vs. TCU, W at San Diego State, W vs. Wyoming
14. Georgia, 10-2 (12): L vs. #9 Boise State, L vs. #22 South Carolina, W vs. Coastal Carolina, W at Ole Miss, W vs. Mississippi State, W at Tennessee, W at Vanderbilt, W vs. Florida, W vs. New Mexico State, W vs. Auburn, W vs. Kentucky, W at #23 Georgia Tech
15. Kansas State, 9-2 (16): W vs. Eastern Kentucky, W vs. Kent State, W at Miami (Fl), W vs. #12 Baylor, W vs. Missouri, W at Texas Tech, W at Kansas, L vs. #11 Oklahoma, L at #4 Oklahoma State, W vs. Texas A&M, W at Texas
16. Wisconsin, 10-2 (15): W vs. UNLV, W vs. Oregon State, W at Northern Illinois, W vs. South Dakota, W vs. #10 Nebraska, W vs. Indiana, L at #16 Michigan State, L at Ohio State, W vs. Purdue, W at Minnesota, W at Illinois, W vs. #21 Penn State
17. Baylor, 8-3 (19): W vs. #2 TCU, W vs. Stephen F. Austin, W vs. Rice, L at Kansas State, W vs. Iowa State, L at #23 Texas A&M, L at #6 Oklahoma State, W vs. Missouri, W at Kansas, W vs. #7 Oklahoma, W vs. Texas Tech
18. Michigan, 10-2 (20): W vs. Western Michigan, W vs. Notre Dame, W vs. Eastern Michigan, W vs. San Diego State, W vs. Minnesota, W at Northwestern, L at #24 Michigan State, W vs. Purdue, L at Iowa, W at Illinois, W vs. #19 Nebraska, W vs. Ohio State
19. TCU, 9-2 (19): L at Baylor, W at Air Force, W vs. La-Monroe, W vs. Portland State, L vs. SMU, W at San Diego State, W vs. New Mexico, W vs. BYU, W at Wyoming, W at #6 Boise State, W vs. Colorado State
20. Clemson, 9-3 (21): W vs. Troy, W vs. Wofford, W vs. #1 Auburn, W vs. #14 Florida State, W at #9 Virginia Tech, W vs. Boston College, W at Maryland, W vs. North Carolina, L at Georgia Tech, W vs. Wake Forest, L at N.C. State, L at #12 South Carolina
21. Nebraska, 9-3 (20): W vs. Chattanooga, W vs. Fresno State, W vs. Washington, W at Wyoming, L at #5 Wisconsin, W vs. Ohio State, W at Minnesota, W vs. #10 Michigan State, L vs. Northwestern, W at #20 Penn State, L at #20 Michigan, W vs. Iowa
22. West Virginia, 8-3 (22): W vs. Marshall, W vs. Norfolk State, W at #21 Maryland, L vs. #1 LSU, W vs. Bowling Green, W vs. UConn, L at Syracuse, W at Rutgers, L vs. Louisville, W at Cincinnati, W vs. Pittsburgh
23. Penn State, 9-3 (20): W at Indiana State, L vs. #8 Alabama, W at Temple, W vs. Eastern Michigan, W at Indiana, W vs. Iowa, W vs. Purdue, W at Northwestern, W vs. Illinois, W at Ohio State, L at #20 Wisconsin
24. Southern Miss, 10-2 (24): W vs. Louisiana Tech, L at Marshall, W at SE Louisiana, W at Virginia, W vs. Rice, W at Navy, W vs. SMU, W at UTEP, W at East Carolina, W vs. Central Florida, L at UAB, W vs. Memphis
25. Arkansas State, 9-2 (NR): L at Illinois, W vs. Memphis, L at #13 Virginia Tech, W vs. Central Arkansas, W at Western Kentucky, W at LA-Monroe, W vs. FIU, W vs. North Texas, W vs. Florida Atlantic, W at MTSU
Florida State is ranked 25th in the AP.
SEC Power Rankings:
1. LSU (BCS Title Game)
2. Alabama (BCS Title Game)
3. Arkansas (Cotton Bowl)
4. South Carolina (Outback Bowl)
5. Georgia (Capitol One Bowl)
6. Auburn (Chick-Fil-A Bowl)
7. Florida (Gator Bowl)
8. Mississippi State (Music City Bowl)
9. Vanderbilt (Liberty Bowl)
10. Kentucky
11. Tennessee
12. Ole Miss
JB
As for who should play LSU, it should be Alabama because they are undoubtedly the second best team in the country. But, I know there are plenty of non-SEC fans who have "SEC-fatigue" and really do not want to see that game whether it's a rematch or not. So, to be honest, I would rather have Oklahoma State play LSU instead just so the Tigers could crush them. The first Alabama/LSU game was a classic to me, and I'd like to see another one, but I'd rather see an SEC team crush the best team from 'the field' just so the SEC could continue it's dominance in the title game.
If LSU wins the SEC Championship, they should be guaranteed at least a share of the national championship. I don't remember anyone being as dominate against as tough of a schedule as they have been this year. If Alabama or Oklahoma State beats them in the BCS Title Game it should be a split national title.
1. LSU, 12-0 (1): W vs. #3 Oregon, W vs. Northwestern State, W at #16 Mississippi State, W at #19 West Virginia, W vs. Kentucky, W vs. #22 Florida, W at Tennessee, W vs. #15 Auburn, W at #2 Alabama, W vs. Western Kentucky, W at Ole Miss, W vs. #3 Arkansas
2. Alabama, 11-1 (2): W vs. Kent State, W at Penn State, W vs. North Texas, W vs. #8 Arkansas, W at #17 Florida, W vs. Vanderbilt, W at Ole Miss, W vs. Tennessee, L vs. #1 LSU, W at Mississippi State, W vs. Georgia Southern, W at Auburn
3. Oklahoma State, 10-1 (3): W vs. LA-Lafayette, W vs. Arizona, W vs. Tulsa, W at #11 Texas A&M, W vs. Kansas, W at #22 Texas, W at Missouri, W vs. #24 Baylor, W vs. #16 Kansas State, W at Texas Tech, L at Iowa State
4. Oregon, 10-2 (8): L vs. #4 LSU, W vs. #9 Nevada, W vs. Missouri State, W at Arizona, W vs. Cal, W vs. #19 Arizona State, W at Colorado, W vs. Washington State, W at Washington, W at #3 Stanford, L vs. #16 Southern Cal, W vs. Oregon State
5. Arkansas, 10-2 (6): W vs. Missouri State, W vs. New Mexico, W vs. Troy, L at #6 Alabama, W vs. #13 Texas A&M, W vs. #9 Auburn, W at Ole Miss, W at Vanderbilt, W vs. #11 South Carolina, W vs. Tennessee, W vs. Mississippi State, L at #1 LSU
6. Stanford, 11-1 (4): W vs. San Jose St., W at Duke, W at Arizona, W vs. UCLA, W vs. Colorado, W at Washington State, W vs. #25 Washington, W at #21 Southern California, W at Oregon State, L vs. #5 Oregon, W vs. Cal, W vs. #24 Notre Dame
7. Houston, 12-0 (8): W vs. UCLA, W at North Texas, W at LA Tech, W vs. Georgia State, W at UTEP, W vs. East Carolina, W vs. Marshall, W vs. Rice, W at UAB, W at Tulane, W vs. SMU, W at Tulsa
8. Virginia Tech, 11-1 (5): W vs. App. State, W at East Carolina, W vs. Arkansas State, W at Marshall, L vs. #11 Clemson, W vs. Miami (FL), W at Wake Forest, W vs. Boston College, W at Duke, W at #17 Georgia Tech, W vs. North Carolina, W at #22 Virginia
9. Southern California, 10-2 (9): W vs. Minnesota, W vs. Utah, W vs. Syracuse, L at Arizona State, W at Arizona, W at Cal, W at Notre Dame, L at #3 Stanford, W at Colorado, W vs. Washington, W at #4 Oregon, W vs. UCLA
10. South Carolina, 10-2 (14): W vs. East Carolina, W at Georgia, W vs. Navy, W vs. Vanderbilt, L vs. #14 Auburn, W vs. Kentucky, W at Mississippi State, W at Tennessee, L at Arkansas, W vs. Florida, W vs. The Citadel, W vs. #13 Clemson
11. Michigan State, 10-2 (11): W vs. Youngstown State, W vs. Florida Atlantic, L at Notre Dame, W at Central Michigan, W at Ohio State, W vs. #11 Michigan, W vs. #4 Wisconsin, L at #13 Nebraska, W vs. Minnesota, W at Iowa, W vs. Indiana, W at Northwestern
12. Oklahoma, 9-2 (13): W vs. #24 Tusla, W at #14 Florida State, W vs. Missouri, W vs. Ball State, W vs. #12 Texas, W at Kansas, L vs. Texas Tech, W at #9 Kansas State, W vs. Texas A&M, L at #24 Baylor, W vs. Iowa State
13. Boise State, 10-1 (7): W at Georgia, W at Toledo, W vs. Tulsa, W vs. Nevada, W at Fresno State, W at Colorado State, W vs. Air Force, W at UNLV, L vs. TCU, W at San Diego State, W vs. Wyoming
14. Georgia, 10-2 (12): L vs. #9 Boise State, L vs. #22 South Carolina, W vs. Coastal Carolina, W at Ole Miss, W vs. Mississippi State, W at Tennessee, W at Vanderbilt, W vs. Florida, W vs. New Mexico State, W vs. Auburn, W vs. Kentucky, W at #23 Georgia Tech
15. Kansas State, 9-2 (16): W vs. Eastern Kentucky, W vs. Kent State, W at Miami (Fl), W vs. #12 Baylor, W vs. Missouri, W at Texas Tech, W at Kansas, L vs. #11 Oklahoma, L at #4 Oklahoma State, W vs. Texas A&M, W at Texas
16. Wisconsin, 10-2 (15): W vs. UNLV, W vs. Oregon State, W at Northern Illinois, W vs. South Dakota, W vs. #10 Nebraska, W vs. Indiana, L at #16 Michigan State, L at Ohio State, W vs. Purdue, W at Minnesota, W at Illinois, W vs. #21 Penn State
17. Baylor, 8-3 (19): W vs. #2 TCU, W vs. Stephen F. Austin, W vs. Rice, L at Kansas State, W vs. Iowa State, L at #23 Texas A&M, L at #6 Oklahoma State, W vs. Missouri, W at Kansas, W vs. #7 Oklahoma, W vs. Texas Tech
18. Michigan, 10-2 (20): W vs. Western Michigan, W vs. Notre Dame, W vs. Eastern Michigan, W vs. San Diego State, W vs. Minnesota, W at Northwestern, L at #24 Michigan State, W vs. Purdue, L at Iowa, W at Illinois, W vs. #19 Nebraska, W vs. Ohio State
19. TCU, 9-2 (19): L at Baylor, W at Air Force, W vs. La-Monroe, W vs. Portland State, L vs. SMU, W at San Diego State, W vs. New Mexico, W vs. BYU, W at Wyoming, W at #6 Boise State, W vs. Colorado State
20. Clemson, 9-3 (21): W vs. Troy, W vs. Wofford, W vs. #1 Auburn, W vs. #14 Florida State, W at #9 Virginia Tech, W vs. Boston College, W at Maryland, W vs. North Carolina, L at Georgia Tech, W vs. Wake Forest, L at N.C. State, L at #12 South Carolina
21. Nebraska, 9-3 (20): W vs. Chattanooga, W vs. Fresno State, W vs. Washington, W at Wyoming, L at #5 Wisconsin, W vs. Ohio State, W at Minnesota, W vs. #10 Michigan State, L vs. Northwestern, W at #20 Penn State, L at #20 Michigan, W vs. Iowa
22. West Virginia, 8-3 (22): W vs. Marshall, W vs. Norfolk State, W at #21 Maryland, L vs. #1 LSU, W vs. Bowling Green, W vs. UConn, L at Syracuse, W at Rutgers, L vs. Louisville, W at Cincinnati, W vs. Pittsburgh
23. Penn State, 9-3 (20): W at Indiana State, L vs. #8 Alabama, W at Temple, W vs. Eastern Michigan, W at Indiana, W vs. Iowa, W vs. Purdue, W at Northwestern, W vs. Illinois, W at Ohio State, L at #20 Wisconsin
24. Southern Miss, 10-2 (24): W vs. Louisiana Tech, L at Marshall, W at SE Louisiana, W at Virginia, W vs. Rice, W at Navy, W vs. SMU, W at UTEP, W at East Carolina, W vs. Central Florida, L at UAB, W vs. Memphis
25. Arkansas State, 9-2 (NR): L at Illinois, W vs. Memphis, L at #13 Virginia Tech, W vs. Central Arkansas, W at Western Kentucky, W at LA-Monroe, W vs. FIU, W vs. North Texas, W vs. Florida Atlantic, W at MTSU
Florida State is ranked 25th in the AP.
SEC Power Rankings:
1. LSU (BCS Title Game)
2. Alabama (BCS Title Game)
3. Arkansas (Cotton Bowl)
4. South Carolina (Outback Bowl)
5. Georgia (Capitol One Bowl)
6. Auburn (Chick-Fil-A Bowl)
7. Florida (Gator Bowl)
8. Mississippi State (Music City Bowl)
9. Vanderbilt (Liberty Bowl)
10. Kentucky
11. Tennessee
12. Ole Miss
JB
Monday, November 28, 2011
More Tim Tebow
If you watch a lot of sports then there is plenty of Tim Tebow talk. Here's some more.
Since Day one I have thought Tim Tebow would be a success in the NFL. I certainly didn't think he would take a 1-4 Broncos teams and turn them into a 6-5 team that is the first team out of the playoff race going into December...so he has even surprised me.
His first start this year was against an 0-5 Dolphins team in Miami. I was especially anxious to see the game since he had been named the starter two weeks prior (bye week), but I couldn't since it wasn't on locally. The Broncos won the game in overtime and I saw the highlights, and heard everyone blast him for how poor he played despite the win...which of course was only due to the Dolphins being horrible they said. Since that game the Dolphins are 3-2.
In his second game the Lions thrashed the Broncos 45-10. Statically, he had his best game: 18 of 39 (50%) for 172 yards and one touchdown. He threw a lot, and they lost. Albeit teams throw a lot when they are behind. He threw his only INT of the year in this game. The Lions are 7-4 this year.
Game #3 was on the road vs. the Raiders. This game I did get to see, and after hearing all the critics for two weeks I was glad I could see for myself. What I saw was that Tebow looked just like he did at Florida. He threw for 124 yards and rushed for 118. Granted it was only Carson Palmer's second game back from his sofa (but he had a bye week before this) and the Raiders committed a ton of penalties the Broncos still won by two touchdowns....and scored 38 points - tied for the most Oakland has given up all year. The Raiders are 7-4, first place in the AFC West.
Then the Broncos played at Kansas City. This is the game where everyone cringed because they won despite Tebow only completing 2 passes. The Chiefs had won 4 out of 5 games coming in but they couldn't win at home even though Knoshawn Moreno and Willis McGahee went down with injuries in the first quarter. Tebow goes to 3-1 as the starter.
The second game I was able to watch was the Thursday night game vs. the Jets. The Jets pride themselves on defense, and they were able to shut down Tebow for most of the game....lots of 3 and outs. But then it came to "Tebow Time" and down 13-10 he leads the team on a 95 yard drive to win the game. That final drive was great to watch, and everyone knew what was going to happen. Everyone who was watching that game just knew Tebow would get it done. The Jets are a good team too, now 6-5.
And then yesterday, the Broncos go to San Diego to face the Chargers who had lost 5 in a row. Tebow fought the entire game, brought the team back from a 10-0 deficit and won in OT 16-13. He had 22 carries, the most in over 50 years for a quarterback, and he had a passer rating 20 points higher than Philip Rivers (who for the last 5 years everyone has said is a Top 5 NFL QB). Now he's 5-1 as the starter.
Just like I said in my October 20th post, he is proving the doubters wrong. He is unconventional, but he just wins. He has 8 touchdowns to 1 interception. That is reminiscent of his Florida stats when he would throw for 30+ TDs and have 3 INTs. The fact is he doesn't turn the ball over and he is clutch. He runs the ball and has some good running backs who milk the clock thereby helping the defense out as they don't have to be on the field as long. Von Miller is a stud and the Broncos defense gets better every week.
The Jets got burned when they blitzed and Tebow ran them over. The Chargers stuck to a 3 man rush and Tebow picked his spots to make the play when they needed it the most. The defense knows what's coming and they still can't stop it. They try to contain him in the pocket and he throws a good pass or breaks out for a positive play. They try to put pressure on him and he throws it away or takes off running for a huge play. NFL defensive coordinators are scratching their heads about defending a guy who can't play quarterback? Well, he can. He's doing it. And I'm pulling for him wholeheartedly.
If you're still not convinced that Tebow is a good quarterback, then take a look at his stats compared to John Elway through the first nine games of their careers. This should convince everyone that it's way too early to say he 'can't play'.
JB
Since Day one I have thought Tim Tebow would be a success in the NFL. I certainly didn't think he would take a 1-4 Broncos teams and turn them into a 6-5 team that is the first team out of the playoff race going into December...so he has even surprised me.
His first start this year was against an 0-5 Dolphins team in Miami. I was especially anxious to see the game since he had been named the starter two weeks prior (bye week), but I couldn't since it wasn't on locally. The Broncos won the game in overtime and I saw the highlights, and heard everyone blast him for how poor he played despite the win...which of course was only due to the Dolphins being horrible they said. Since that game the Dolphins are 3-2.
In his second game the Lions thrashed the Broncos 45-10. Statically, he had his best game: 18 of 39 (50%) for 172 yards and one touchdown. He threw a lot, and they lost. Albeit teams throw a lot when they are behind. He threw his only INT of the year in this game. The Lions are 7-4 this year.
Game #3 was on the road vs. the Raiders. This game I did get to see, and after hearing all the critics for two weeks I was glad I could see for myself. What I saw was that Tebow looked just like he did at Florida. He threw for 124 yards and rushed for 118. Granted it was only Carson Palmer's second game back from his sofa (but he had a bye week before this) and the Raiders committed a ton of penalties the Broncos still won by two touchdowns....and scored 38 points - tied for the most Oakland has given up all year. The Raiders are 7-4, first place in the AFC West.
Then the Broncos played at Kansas City. This is the game where everyone cringed because they won despite Tebow only completing 2 passes. The Chiefs had won 4 out of 5 games coming in but they couldn't win at home even though Knoshawn Moreno and Willis McGahee went down with injuries in the first quarter. Tebow goes to 3-1 as the starter.
The second game I was able to watch was the Thursday night game vs. the Jets. The Jets pride themselves on defense, and they were able to shut down Tebow for most of the game....lots of 3 and outs. But then it came to "Tebow Time" and down 13-10 he leads the team on a 95 yard drive to win the game. That final drive was great to watch, and everyone knew what was going to happen. Everyone who was watching that game just knew Tebow would get it done. The Jets are a good team too, now 6-5.
And then yesterday, the Broncos go to San Diego to face the Chargers who had lost 5 in a row. Tebow fought the entire game, brought the team back from a 10-0 deficit and won in OT 16-13. He had 22 carries, the most in over 50 years for a quarterback, and he had a passer rating 20 points higher than Philip Rivers (who for the last 5 years everyone has said is a Top 5 NFL QB). Now he's 5-1 as the starter.
Just like I said in my October 20th post, he is proving the doubters wrong. He is unconventional, but he just wins. He has 8 touchdowns to 1 interception. That is reminiscent of his Florida stats when he would throw for 30+ TDs and have 3 INTs. The fact is he doesn't turn the ball over and he is clutch. He runs the ball and has some good running backs who milk the clock thereby helping the defense out as they don't have to be on the field as long. Von Miller is a stud and the Broncos defense gets better every week.
The Jets got burned when they blitzed and Tebow ran them over. The Chargers stuck to a 3 man rush and Tebow picked his spots to make the play when they needed it the most. The defense knows what's coming and they still can't stop it. They try to contain him in the pocket and he throws a good pass or breaks out for a positive play. They try to put pressure on him and he throws it away or takes off running for a huge play. NFL defensive coordinators are scratching their heads about defending a guy who can't play quarterback? Well, he can. He's doing it. And I'm pulling for him wholeheartedly.
If you're still not convinced that Tebow is a good quarterback, then take a look at his stats compared to John Elway through the first nine games of their careers. This should convince everyone that it's way too early to say he 'can't play'.
JB
Saturday, November 26, 2011
John Mayer
My Top 10 John Mayer songs:
10. "In Repair", 2006
9. "Gravity", 2006
8. "Say", 2007
7. "Vultures"
6. "Heartbreak Warfare", 2009
5. "In Repair", 2006
4. "Edge of Desire", 2006
3. "St. Patrick's Day", 2001
2. "Something's Missing", 2003
1. "Assassin", 2009
JB
10. "In Repair", 2006
9. "Gravity", 2006
8. "Say", 2007
7. "Vultures"
6. "Heartbreak Warfare", 2009
5. "In Repair", 2006
4. "Edge of Desire", 2006
3. "St. Patrick's Day", 2001
2. "Something's Missing", 2003
1. "Assassin", 2009
JB
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Week 13 Preview
Happy Thanksgiving!
Instead of having the order be game times I'll make the order for this week which rivalry is the biggest, starting with the least...
8. Vanderbilt at Wake Forest - I'm not even sure if this constitutes a rivalry, but they are playing this weekend. Both schools are academic-first. And both have decent teams this year. Everyone has felt like Vandy would make a bowl this year, but here we are, last game of the season and they only have 5 wins. Wake is already bowl eligible at 6-5. The 'Dores are a handful of plays away from being 9-2 this year. James Franklin has done a great job. I think they muster enough to get the job done and make a bowl game.
7. Tennessee at Kentucky - 26 straight losses to the Vols for UK. Ouch. That streak is just embarrassing. Kentucky has not beaten Tennessee since I've been alive. In 2007, it took triple overtime to UT to beat the Cats, but they did. If only UK would've pulled that one out Georgia would have won the East, and being the hot team they were, they may have beaten LSU in the SEC Championship Game and won the National Title. But it didn't happen. Because Kentucky can't beat Tennessee. Why would this year be any different? Tennessee wins.
6. Arkansas at LSU - This is the biggest game of the week no doubt. In the rivalry department it's not that big...it was kind of manufactured when Arkansas joined the SEC. One of Arkansas' players died on Sunday, and that will no doubt have a profound effect on the emotions of this game. How will they respond? There is a chance, considering that, playing in Death Valley, and LSU being the best team in the country that UPig gets blown out. I think the Hogs will hang tough though. They should matchup pretty well against LSU's defense. And if Arkansas' defense plays as well as they did last week vs. MSU then this will be a great game for sure. Wright, Adams, and Co. did not have a good game when they played Alabama, and this secondary is just as good. That is the key to the game right there. Arkansas is 1-2 in true road games this year. And those two wins were a 5 point come from behind win over Ole Miss and a game they should have lost to Vanderbilt. LSU 35 Arkansas 24
5. Georgia at Georgia Tech - "Clean Old Fashioned Hate". Although it really could be said GT fans hate UGA fans and really really want to beat them. It hasn't happened often while Mark Richt's been in Athens. This game could absolutely go either way. It's probably good Georgia is facing a good team before they walk into the Lion's den next week...Auburn didn't bring much to the table 2 weeks ago. The Dawgs defense has a lot of athletes and I think their 3-4 scheme is a good fit for the triple option. This one is close, but Georgia pulls it out 28-21.
4. Clemson at South Carolina - Two 9-2 teams from the Palmetto State? The Gamecocks have only had one 10-win season in their history (1984) and they've never had an 11-win season which they could accomplish with a win here and in a bowl game. The Tigers are looking for their first ACC Title since 1991 next week in the ACC Championship Game, but the season would be as special without a victory over USC who they've lost two in a row to. South Carolina has done well to go 3-1 without Marcus Lattimore, but Clemson is a solid team and should be able to win this game unless they lay an egg like they did last week. If Sammy Watkins plays, Clemson will certainly win the game.
3. Ole Miss at Mississippi State - This game presents MSU with a chance to win the Egg Bowl for the 3rd time in a row, something they haven't done in 70 years. And go to a bowl game. And make this Ole Miss' worst season ever losing 10 games. There is no reason why Ole Miss should make this close as MSU is better and it is in Starkville. State 41 Ole Miss 13
2. Florida State at Florida - This game has really been reduced to almost nothing. Neither team has anything on the line except bragging rights. Bowl are bowl-eligible, but barely. Both have quarterbacks with nagging injuries. This has been a pathetic year for two successful programs in recent years. The game is in the Swamp, and I'll go with the Gators to pull out a close one.
1. Alabama at Auburn - The Tigers certainly don't look like they can compete with the Tide. But you probably thought that two years ago and the game went down to the wire. This is the best rivalry in all of sports. On paper, the 21 point spread is accurate, but I think Bama only wins by 10.
JB
Instead of having the order be game times I'll make the order for this week which rivalry is the biggest, starting with the least...
8. Vanderbilt at Wake Forest - I'm not even sure if this constitutes a rivalry, but they are playing this weekend. Both schools are academic-first. And both have decent teams this year. Everyone has felt like Vandy would make a bowl this year, but here we are, last game of the season and they only have 5 wins. Wake is already bowl eligible at 6-5. The 'Dores are a handful of plays away from being 9-2 this year. James Franklin has done a great job. I think they muster enough to get the job done and make a bowl game.
7. Tennessee at Kentucky - 26 straight losses to the Vols for UK. Ouch. That streak is just embarrassing. Kentucky has not beaten Tennessee since I've been alive. In 2007, it took triple overtime to UT to beat the Cats, but they did. If only UK would've pulled that one out Georgia would have won the East, and being the hot team they were, they may have beaten LSU in the SEC Championship Game and won the National Title. But it didn't happen. Because Kentucky can't beat Tennessee. Why would this year be any different? Tennessee wins.
6. Arkansas at LSU - This is the biggest game of the week no doubt. In the rivalry department it's not that big...it was kind of manufactured when Arkansas joined the SEC. One of Arkansas' players died on Sunday, and that will no doubt have a profound effect on the emotions of this game. How will they respond? There is a chance, considering that, playing in Death Valley, and LSU being the best team in the country that UPig gets blown out. I think the Hogs will hang tough though. They should matchup pretty well against LSU's defense. And if Arkansas' defense plays as well as they did last week vs. MSU then this will be a great game for sure. Wright, Adams, and Co. did not have a good game when they played Alabama, and this secondary is just as good. That is the key to the game right there. Arkansas is 1-2 in true road games this year. And those two wins were a 5 point come from behind win over Ole Miss and a game they should have lost to Vanderbilt. LSU 35 Arkansas 24
5. Georgia at Georgia Tech - "Clean Old Fashioned Hate". Although it really could be said GT fans hate UGA fans and really really want to beat them. It hasn't happened often while Mark Richt's been in Athens. This game could absolutely go either way. It's probably good Georgia is facing a good team before they walk into the Lion's den next week...Auburn didn't bring much to the table 2 weeks ago. The Dawgs defense has a lot of athletes and I think their 3-4 scheme is a good fit for the triple option. This one is close, but Georgia pulls it out 28-21.
4. Clemson at South Carolina - Two 9-2 teams from the Palmetto State? The Gamecocks have only had one 10-win season in their history (1984) and they've never had an 11-win season which they could accomplish with a win here and in a bowl game. The Tigers are looking for their first ACC Title since 1991 next week in the ACC Championship Game, but the season would be as special without a victory over USC who they've lost two in a row to. South Carolina has done well to go 3-1 without Marcus Lattimore, but Clemson is a solid team and should be able to win this game unless they lay an egg like they did last week. If Sammy Watkins plays, Clemson will certainly win the game.
3. Ole Miss at Mississippi State - This game presents MSU with a chance to win the Egg Bowl for the 3rd time in a row, something they haven't done in 70 years. And go to a bowl game. And make this Ole Miss' worst season ever losing 10 games. There is no reason why Ole Miss should make this close as MSU is better and it is in Starkville. State 41 Ole Miss 13
2. Florida State at Florida - This game has really been reduced to almost nothing. Neither team has anything on the line except bragging rights. Bowl are bowl-eligible, but barely. Both have quarterbacks with nagging injuries. This has been a pathetic year for two successful programs in recent years. The game is in the Swamp, and I'll go with the Gators to pull out a close one.
1. Alabama at Auburn - The Tigers certainly don't look like they can compete with the Tide. But you probably thought that two years ago and the game went down to the wire. This is the best rivalry in all of sports. On paper, the 21 point spread is accurate, but I think Bama only wins by 10.
JB
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
LSU, Alabama, and Arkansas Scenarios
Is the SEC the best conference, hmmm...let me see. 5 straight national championships. 4 different national champions during that span. 5 different #1 teams during that span. And now, 1. LSU 2. Alabama and 3. Arkansas.
1. LSU beats Arkansas, Alabama beats Auburn - LSU plays in the SEC Championship Game and Alabama sits at #2. If LSU wins the SEC they stay at #1 and play Alabama for the BCS Title. If they lose to UGA I think they just move to #2 and still play Alabama for the BCS Title. LSU's resume is just too strong to deny them. In this scenario they will have beaten 3 top 10 teams (Oregon, Alabama, and Arkansas).
Most likely BCS Title Game........#1 LSU vs. #2 Alabama
2. LSU beats Arkansas, Alabama loses to Auburn - I imagine this is the scenario everyone who hates the SEC is hoping for. LSU plays in the SEC Championship Game, and even if they lose it I think it would be a long shot for anyone other than Okie State to jump them since Stanford won't win the PAC 12 and VT's schedule is so weak.
Most likely BCS Title Game........#1 LSU vs. #2 Oklahoma State
3. Arkansas beats LSU, Alabama loses to Auburn - Then Arkansas probably jumps to #1, LSU is #2 and Alabama is #5 or 6. Either way, it would be the head-to-head between ARK and LSU in this case and ARK goes to the SEC Championship Game. If they win the SEC and Oklahoma State beats Oklahoma then there is a slight chance they play OSU for the BCS Title....maybe 25%, otherwise I think they have a re-match with LSU. If ARK loses to UGA then it will be LSU vs. Oklahoma State or Virginia Tech or Stanford.
Most likely BCS Title Game........#1 Arkansas vs. #2 LSU
4. Arkansas beats LSU, Alabama beats Auburn - Now we're talking...chaos! The only way to keep Alabama out of the SEC Championship in this scenario is for Arkansas to remain #3 or Bama slip to #3. But those are both unlikely, you have to figure if Arkansas goes to Death Valley and wins LSU will be #3. So Alabama goes to the SEC Championship Game. If they win they will almost certainly be in the BCS Title Game as SEC Champion. The argument would rage between ARK and LSU for #2...should it be head-to-head or resume? Surely head-to-head will win out. If Alabama loses then you have to figure it would be an LSU/ARK re-match similar to scenario #3.
Most likely BCS Title Game........#1 Alabama vs. #2 Arkansas
Think about that last one for a minute. We all know the tiebraker rule - top two teams in the BCS head-to-head, but is there a logical way to sort out those teams to determine the fairest #1,2,3? This is a crazy situation, so fairness based on resume is the only way to do it I think. Right now it seems like Arkansas is the weakest of the three, but if they beat LSU that won't be the case. Here is what the resumes would look like:
Alabama: Beat #19 Penn State (possible Big Ten 'Leaders' division champs) in Happy Valley. Played Arkansas and LSU at home. Opponents from SEC East: at Florida, Vanderbilt, Tennessee.
LSU: Beat #10 Oregon (probable PAC 12 North division champs) at a neutral site and West Virginia (possible Big East champs) in Morgantown. Played Alabama on the road and Arkansas at home. Opponents from SEC East: Kentucky, Florida, at Tennessee.
Arkansas: Beat Texas A&M at a neutral site. Played Alabama and LSU on the road. Opponents from SEC East: at Vanderbilt, South Carolina, Tennessee.
If I'm looking at those 3, I have to say #1 LSU, #2 Arkansas and #3 Alabama. And in that case ARK would go to Atlanta and deservedly so having just beaten LSU in Baton Rouge. Nonetheless this gives more merit to a playoff. I've been a proponent of a 4 or 8 team playoff for years. Based on what's happened this year...motion for an 8 team playoff. All conference champions with a caveat that if you are in the Top 5 and not a conference champion you get an at-large selection...and the lowest ranked conference champions are not selected as equaled to the number of at-large selections.
There are a couple of scenarios where the BCS Title Game is made up of two SEC teams that did not even win the conference:
1. LSU and Alabama win this week, LSU loses to UGA next week but still holds onto #2. UGA is SEC Champ and goes to Sugar Bowl.
2. Arkansas and Alabama win this week, Alabama loses to UGA next week and LSU and Arkansas play for the BCS Title. UGA goes to the Sugar Bowl and Bama slips to the Capitol One Bowl.
JB
1. LSU beats Arkansas, Alabama beats Auburn - LSU plays in the SEC Championship Game and Alabama sits at #2. If LSU wins the SEC they stay at #1 and play Alabama for the BCS Title. If they lose to UGA I think they just move to #2 and still play Alabama for the BCS Title. LSU's resume is just too strong to deny them. In this scenario they will have beaten 3 top 10 teams (Oregon, Alabama, and Arkansas).
Most likely BCS Title Game........#1 LSU vs. #2 Alabama
2. LSU beats Arkansas, Alabama loses to Auburn - I imagine this is the scenario everyone who hates the SEC is hoping for. LSU plays in the SEC Championship Game, and even if they lose it I think it would be a long shot for anyone other than Okie State to jump them since Stanford won't win the PAC 12 and VT's schedule is so weak.
Most likely BCS Title Game........#1 LSU vs. #2 Oklahoma State
3. Arkansas beats LSU, Alabama loses to Auburn - Then Arkansas probably jumps to #1, LSU is #2 and Alabama is #5 or 6. Either way, it would be the head-to-head between ARK and LSU in this case and ARK goes to the SEC Championship Game. If they win the SEC and Oklahoma State beats Oklahoma then there is a slight chance they play OSU for the BCS Title....maybe 25%, otherwise I think they have a re-match with LSU. If ARK loses to UGA then it will be LSU vs. Oklahoma State or Virginia Tech or Stanford.
Most likely BCS Title Game........#1 Arkansas vs. #2 LSU
4. Arkansas beats LSU, Alabama beats Auburn - Now we're talking...chaos! The only way to keep Alabama out of the SEC Championship in this scenario is for Arkansas to remain #3 or Bama slip to #3. But those are both unlikely, you have to figure if Arkansas goes to Death Valley and wins LSU will be #3. So Alabama goes to the SEC Championship Game. If they win they will almost certainly be in the BCS Title Game as SEC Champion. The argument would rage between ARK and LSU for #2...should it be head-to-head or resume? Surely head-to-head will win out. If Alabama loses then you have to figure it would be an LSU/ARK re-match similar to scenario #3.
Most likely BCS Title Game........#1 Alabama vs. #2 Arkansas
Think about that last one for a minute. We all know the tiebraker rule - top two teams in the BCS head-to-head, but is there a logical way to sort out those teams to determine the fairest #1,2,3? This is a crazy situation, so fairness based on resume is the only way to do it I think. Right now it seems like Arkansas is the weakest of the three, but if they beat LSU that won't be the case. Here is what the resumes would look like:
Alabama: Beat #19 Penn State (possible Big Ten 'Leaders' division champs) in Happy Valley. Played Arkansas and LSU at home. Opponents from SEC East: at Florida, Vanderbilt, Tennessee.
LSU: Beat #10 Oregon (probable PAC 12 North division champs) at a neutral site and West Virginia (possible Big East champs) in Morgantown. Played Alabama on the road and Arkansas at home. Opponents from SEC East: Kentucky, Florida, at Tennessee.
Arkansas: Beat Texas A&M at a neutral site. Played Alabama and LSU on the road. Opponents from SEC East: at Vanderbilt, South Carolina, Tennessee.
If I'm looking at those 3, I have to say #1 LSU, #2 Arkansas and #3 Alabama. And in that case ARK would go to Atlanta and deservedly so having just beaten LSU in Baton Rouge. Nonetheless this gives more merit to a playoff. I've been a proponent of a 4 or 8 team playoff for years. Based on what's happened this year...motion for an 8 team playoff. All conference champions with a caveat that if you are in the Top 5 and not a conference champion you get an at-large selection...and the lowest ranked conference champions are not selected as equaled to the number of at-large selections.
There are a couple of scenarios where the BCS Title Game is made up of two SEC teams that did not even win the conference:
1. LSU and Alabama win this week, LSU loses to UGA next week but still holds onto #2. UGA is SEC Champ and goes to Sugar Bowl.
2. Arkansas and Alabama win this week, Alabama loses to UGA next week and LSU and Arkansas play for the BCS Title. UGA goes to the Sugar Bowl and Bama slips to the Capitol One Bowl.
JB
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
The Polls - Week 13
1. LSU, 11-0 (1): W vs. #3 Oregon, W vs. Northwestern State, W at #16 Mississippi State, W at #19 West Virginia, W vs. Kentucky, W vs. #22 Florida, W at Tennessee, W vs. #15 Auburn, W at #2 Alabama, W vs. Western Kentucky, W at Ole Miss
2. Alabama, 10-1 (2): W vs. Kent State, W at Penn State, W vs. North Texas, W vs. #8 Arkansas, W at #17 Florida, W vs. Vanderbilt, W at Ole Miss, W vs. Tennessee, L vs. #1 LSU, W at Mississippi State, W vs. Georgia Southern
3. Arkansas, 10-1 (3): W vs. Missouri State, W vs. New Mexico, W vs. Troy, L at #6 Alabama, W vs. #13 Texas A&M, W vs. #9 Auburn, W at Ole Miss, W at Vanderbilt, W vs. #11 South Carolina, W vs. Tennessee, W vs. Mississippi State
4. Oklahoma State, 10-1 (5): W vs. LA-Lafayette, W vs. Arizona, W vs. Tulsa, W at #11 Texas A&M, W vs. Kansas, W at #22 Texas, W at Missouri, W vs. #24 Baylor, W vs. #16 Kansas State, W at Texas Tech, L at Iowa State
5. Oregon, 9-2 (9): L vs. #4 LSU, W vs. #9 Nevada, W vs. Missouri State, W at Arizona, W vs. Cal, W vs. #19 Arizona State, W at Colorado, W vs. Washington State, W at Washington, W at #3 Stanford, L vs. #16 Southern Cal
6. Stanford, 10-1 (4): W vs. San Jose St., W at Duke, W at Arizona, W vs. UCLA, W vs. Colorado, W at Washington State, W vs. #25 Washington, W at #21 Southern California, W at Oregon State, L vs. #5 Oregon, W vs. Cal
7. Houston, 11-0 (8): W vs. UCLA, W at North Texas, W at LA Tech, W vs. Georgia State, W at UTEP, W vs. East Carolina, W vs. Marshall, W vs. Rice, W at UAB, W at Tulane, W vs. SMU
8. Southern California, 9-2 (10): W vs. Minnesota, W vs. Utah, W vs. Syracuse, L at Arizona State, W at Arizona, W at Cal, W at Notre Dame, L at #3 Stanford, W at Colorado, W vs. Washington, W at #4 Oregon
9. Michigan State, 9-2 (11): W vs. Youngstown State, W vs. Florida Atlantic, L at Notre Dame, W at Central Michigan, W at Ohio State, W vs. #11 Michigan, W vs. #4 Wisconsin, L at #13 Nebraska, W vs. Minnesota, W at Iowa, W vs. Indiana
10. Oklahoma, 8-2 (12): W vs. #24 Tusla, W at #14 Florida State, W vs. Missouri, W vs. Ball State, W vs. #12 Texas, W at Kansas, L vs. Texas Tech, W at #9 Kansas State, W vs. Texas A&M, L at #24 Baylor
11. Virginia Tech, 10-1 (6): W vs. App. State, W at East Carolina, W vs. Arkansas State, W at Marshall, L vs. #11 Clemson, W vs. Miami (FL), W at Wake Forest, W vs. Boston College, W at Duke, W at #17 Georgia Tech, W vs. North Carolina
12. South Carolina, 9-2 (14): W vs. East Carolina, W at Georgia, W vs. Navy, W vs. Vanderbilt, L vs. #14 Auburn, W vs. Kentucky, W at Mississippi State, W at Tennessee, L at Arkansas, W vs. Florida, W vs. The Citadel
13. Clemson, 9-2 (18): W vs. Troy, W vs. Wofford, W vs. #1 Auburn, W vs. #14 Florida State, W at #9 Virginia Tech, W vs. Boston College, W at Maryland, W vs. North Carolina, L at Georgia Tech, W vs. Wake Forest, L at N.C. State
14. Boise State, 9-1 (7): W at Georgia, W at Toledo, W vs. Tulsa, W vs. Nevada, W at Fresno State, W at Colorado State, W vs. Air Force, W at UNLV, L vs. TCU, W at San Diego State
15. Georgia, 9-2 (13): L vs. #9 Boise State, L vs. #22 South Carolina, W vs. Coastal Carolina, W at Ole Miss, W vs. Mississippi State, W at Tennessee, W at Vanderbilt, W vs. Florida, W vs. New Mexico State, W vs. Auburn, W vs. Kentucky
16. Kansas State, 9-2 (16): W vs. Eastern Kentucky, W vs. Kent State, W at Miami (Fl), W vs. #12 Baylor, W vs. Missouri, W at Texas Tech, W at Kansas, L vs. #11 Oklahoma, L at #4 Oklahoma State, W vs. Texas A&M, W at Texas
17. Baylor, 7-3 (21): W vs. #2 TCU, W vs. Stephen F. Austin, W vs. Rice, L at Kansas State, W vs. Iowa State, L at #23 Texas A&M, L at #6 Oklahoma State, W vs. Missouri, W at Kansas, W vs. #7 Oklahoma
18. Michigan, 9-2 (20): W vs. Western Michigan, W vs. Notre Dame, W vs. Eastern Michigan, W vs. San Diego State, W vs. Minnesota, W at Northwestern, L at #24 Michigan State, W vs. Purdue, L at Iowa, W at Illinois, W vs. #19 Nebraska
19. TCU, 9-2 (19): L at Baylor, W at Air Force, W vs. La-Monroe, W vs. Portland State, L vs. SMU, W at San Diego State, W vs. New Mexico, W vs. BYU, W at Wyoming, W at #6 Boise State, W vs. Colorado State
20. Wisconsin, 9-2 (15): W vs. UNLV, W vs. Oregon State, W at Northern Illinois, W vs. South Dakota, W vs. #10 Nebraska, W vs. Indiana, L at #16 Michigan State, L at Ohio State, W vs. Purdue, W at Minnesota, W at Illinois
21. Penn State, 9-2 (20): W at Indiana State, L vs. #8 Alabama, W at Temple, W vs. Eastern Michigan, W at Indiana, W vs. Iowa, W vs. Purdue, W at Northwestern, W vs. Illinois, W at Ohio State
22. Virginia, 8-3 (24): W vs. William & Mary, W at Indiana, L at North Carolina, L vs. Southern Miss, W vs. Idaho, W vs. #12 Georgia Tech, L vs. North Carolina State, W at Miami (FL), W at Maryland, W vs. Duke, W at Florida State
23. Georgia Tech, 8-3 (25): W vs. Western Carolina, W at MTSU, W vs. Kansas, W vs. North Carolina, W at North Carolina State, W vs. Maryland, L at Virginia, L at Miami (FL), W vs. #4 Clemson, L vs. #15 Virginia Tech, W at Duke
24. Notre Dame, 8-3 (22): L vs. South Florida, L at Michigan, W vs. #12 Michigan State, W at Pittsburgh, W at Purdue, W vs. Air Force, L vs. Southern Cal, W vs. Navy, W at Wake Forest, W vs. Maryland, W vs. Boston College
25. Nebraska, 8-3 (22): W vs. Chattanooga, W vs. Fresno State, W vs. Washington, W at Wyoming, L at #5 Wisconsin, W vs. Ohio State, W at Minnesota, W vs. #10 Michigan State, L vs. Northwestern, W at #20 Penn State, L at #20 Michigan
SEC Power Rankings:
1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Arkansas
4. Georgia
5. South Carolina
6. Auburn
7. Florida
8. Mississippi State
8. Vanderbilt
8. Tennessee
11. Kentucky
12. Ole Miss
JB
2. Alabama, 10-1 (2): W vs. Kent State, W at Penn State, W vs. North Texas, W vs. #8 Arkansas, W at #17 Florida, W vs. Vanderbilt, W at Ole Miss, W vs. Tennessee, L vs. #1 LSU, W at Mississippi State, W vs. Georgia Southern
3. Arkansas, 10-1 (3): W vs. Missouri State, W vs. New Mexico, W vs. Troy, L at #6 Alabama, W vs. #13 Texas A&M, W vs. #9 Auburn, W at Ole Miss, W at Vanderbilt, W vs. #11 South Carolina, W vs. Tennessee, W vs. Mississippi State
4. Oklahoma State, 10-1 (5): W vs. LA-Lafayette, W vs. Arizona, W vs. Tulsa, W at #11 Texas A&M, W vs. Kansas, W at #22 Texas, W at Missouri, W vs. #24 Baylor, W vs. #16 Kansas State, W at Texas Tech, L at Iowa State
5. Oregon, 9-2 (9): L vs. #4 LSU, W vs. #9 Nevada, W vs. Missouri State, W at Arizona, W vs. Cal, W vs. #19 Arizona State, W at Colorado, W vs. Washington State, W at Washington, W at #3 Stanford, L vs. #16 Southern Cal
6. Stanford, 10-1 (4): W vs. San Jose St., W at Duke, W at Arizona, W vs. UCLA, W vs. Colorado, W at Washington State, W vs. #25 Washington, W at #21 Southern California, W at Oregon State, L vs. #5 Oregon, W vs. Cal
7. Houston, 11-0 (8): W vs. UCLA, W at North Texas, W at LA Tech, W vs. Georgia State, W at UTEP, W vs. East Carolina, W vs. Marshall, W vs. Rice, W at UAB, W at Tulane, W vs. SMU
8. Southern California, 9-2 (10): W vs. Minnesota, W vs. Utah, W vs. Syracuse, L at Arizona State, W at Arizona, W at Cal, W at Notre Dame, L at #3 Stanford, W at Colorado, W vs. Washington, W at #4 Oregon
9. Michigan State, 9-2 (11): W vs. Youngstown State, W vs. Florida Atlantic, L at Notre Dame, W at Central Michigan, W at Ohio State, W vs. #11 Michigan, W vs. #4 Wisconsin, L at #13 Nebraska, W vs. Minnesota, W at Iowa, W vs. Indiana
10. Oklahoma, 8-2 (12): W vs. #24 Tusla, W at #14 Florida State, W vs. Missouri, W vs. Ball State, W vs. #12 Texas, W at Kansas, L vs. Texas Tech, W at #9 Kansas State, W vs. Texas A&M, L at #24 Baylor
11. Virginia Tech, 10-1 (6): W vs. App. State, W at East Carolina, W vs. Arkansas State, W at Marshall, L vs. #11 Clemson, W vs. Miami (FL), W at Wake Forest, W vs. Boston College, W at Duke, W at #17 Georgia Tech, W vs. North Carolina
12. South Carolina, 9-2 (14): W vs. East Carolina, W at Georgia, W vs. Navy, W vs. Vanderbilt, L vs. #14 Auburn, W vs. Kentucky, W at Mississippi State, W at Tennessee, L at Arkansas, W vs. Florida, W vs. The Citadel
13. Clemson, 9-2 (18): W vs. Troy, W vs. Wofford, W vs. #1 Auburn, W vs. #14 Florida State, W at #9 Virginia Tech, W vs. Boston College, W at Maryland, W vs. North Carolina, L at Georgia Tech, W vs. Wake Forest, L at N.C. State
14. Boise State, 9-1 (7): W at Georgia, W at Toledo, W vs. Tulsa, W vs. Nevada, W at Fresno State, W at Colorado State, W vs. Air Force, W at UNLV, L vs. TCU, W at San Diego State
15. Georgia, 9-2 (13): L vs. #9 Boise State, L vs. #22 South Carolina, W vs. Coastal Carolina, W at Ole Miss, W vs. Mississippi State, W at Tennessee, W at Vanderbilt, W vs. Florida, W vs. New Mexico State, W vs. Auburn, W vs. Kentucky
16. Kansas State, 9-2 (16): W vs. Eastern Kentucky, W vs. Kent State, W at Miami (Fl), W vs. #12 Baylor, W vs. Missouri, W at Texas Tech, W at Kansas, L vs. #11 Oklahoma, L at #4 Oklahoma State, W vs. Texas A&M, W at Texas
17. Baylor, 7-3 (21): W vs. #2 TCU, W vs. Stephen F. Austin, W vs. Rice, L at Kansas State, W vs. Iowa State, L at #23 Texas A&M, L at #6 Oklahoma State, W vs. Missouri, W at Kansas, W vs. #7 Oklahoma
18. Michigan, 9-2 (20): W vs. Western Michigan, W vs. Notre Dame, W vs. Eastern Michigan, W vs. San Diego State, W vs. Minnesota, W at Northwestern, L at #24 Michigan State, W vs. Purdue, L at Iowa, W at Illinois, W vs. #19 Nebraska
19. TCU, 9-2 (19): L at Baylor, W at Air Force, W vs. La-Monroe, W vs. Portland State, L vs. SMU, W at San Diego State, W vs. New Mexico, W vs. BYU, W at Wyoming, W at #6 Boise State, W vs. Colorado State
20. Wisconsin, 9-2 (15): W vs. UNLV, W vs. Oregon State, W at Northern Illinois, W vs. South Dakota, W vs. #10 Nebraska, W vs. Indiana, L at #16 Michigan State, L at Ohio State, W vs. Purdue, W at Minnesota, W at Illinois
21. Penn State, 9-2 (20): W at Indiana State, L vs. #8 Alabama, W at Temple, W vs. Eastern Michigan, W at Indiana, W vs. Iowa, W vs. Purdue, W at Northwestern, W vs. Illinois, W at Ohio State
22. Virginia, 8-3 (24): W vs. William & Mary, W at Indiana, L at North Carolina, L vs. Southern Miss, W vs. Idaho, W vs. #12 Georgia Tech, L vs. North Carolina State, W at Miami (FL), W at Maryland, W vs. Duke, W at Florida State
23. Georgia Tech, 8-3 (25): W vs. Western Carolina, W at MTSU, W vs. Kansas, W vs. North Carolina, W at North Carolina State, W vs. Maryland, L at Virginia, L at Miami (FL), W vs. #4 Clemson, L vs. #15 Virginia Tech, W at Duke
24. Notre Dame, 8-3 (22): L vs. South Florida, L at Michigan, W vs. #12 Michigan State, W at Pittsburgh, W at Purdue, W vs. Air Force, L vs. Southern Cal, W vs. Navy, W at Wake Forest, W vs. Maryland, W vs. Boston College
25. Nebraska, 8-3 (22): W vs. Chattanooga, W vs. Fresno State, W vs. Washington, W at Wyoming, L at #5 Wisconsin, W vs. Ohio State, W at Minnesota, W vs. #10 Michigan State, L vs. Northwestern, W at #20 Penn State, L at #20 Michigan
SEC Power Rankings:
1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Arkansas
4. Georgia
5. South Carolina
6. Auburn
7. Florida
8. Mississippi State
8. Vanderbilt
8. Tennessee
11. Kentucky
12. Ole Miss
JB
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Jimmy Buffett
My Top 10 Jimmy Buffett songs:
10. "Take Another Road", 1989
9. "Fins", 1980
8. "He Went to Paris", 1973
7. "A Pirate Looks at Forty", 1974
6. "Grapefruit, Juicy Fruit", 1973
5. "Come Monday", 1974
4. "Havana Daydreamin", 1976
3. "Creola", 1986
2. "One Particular Harbour", 1983
1. "Tin Cup Chalice", 1974
JB
10. "Take Another Road", 1989
9. "Fins", 1980
8. "He Went to Paris", 1973
7. "A Pirate Looks at Forty", 1974
6. "Grapefruit, Juicy Fruit", 1973
5. "Come Monday", 1974
4. "Havana Daydreamin", 1976
3. "Creola", 1986
2. "One Particular Harbour", 1983
1. "Tin Cup Chalice", 1974
JB
Friday, November 18, 2011
Week 12 Preview
Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, and Auburn all face FCS schools and they will all win easily.
Kentucky at Georgia - Has there ever been an easier game to clinch a division? And at home no less? This is a microcosm of how easy UGA's schedule has been. If they wouldn't have allowed two defensive scores and a fake punt touchdown to South Carolina they would've won that game. Then if they wouldn't have scheduled Boise State they'd be 10-0 and ranked #3 right now. The Dawgs are a 30.5 point favorite. I would be surprised if they don't cover.
Mississippi State at Arkansas - Finally my Bulldogs make the game of the week. Both teams matchup very well against one another. I think we're in for a game like last years double overtime thriller instead of the 13 point spread Vegas has. As long as State can keep Joe Adams from getting too many yards on special teams this game comes down to late in the 4th quarter. I'm picking MSU 31-30.
LSU at Ole Miss - The Rebels are suspending players, they've fired the coach, the mascot is putting a box over his head. It's getting ugly. Now they face the best team in the nation...30 point spread. It's up to LSU to determine how much they want to beat them. If LSU is really Ole Miss' rival like the Rebs say, it will be 40+.
Vanderbilt at Tennessee - I am very surprised Vandy is favored (-1.5) in this game. But to my surprise they were also favored in Fulmer's last year, 2008. The 'Dores did beat the Vols in Knoxville '05 when Jay Cutler was the QB. The time before that was 1982, however, there have been plenty of very close games including several when UT was in the Top 5 in the 1990s. My instinct says to pick Tennessee because they have a spell over Vandy they can't ever beat them no matter the circumstances. But the Vandy team is really good behind Zac Stacy's great running and Jordan Rodgers great quarterback play. I don't think UT can score enough points. VU 28 UT 21
JB
Kentucky at Georgia - Has there ever been an easier game to clinch a division? And at home no less? This is a microcosm of how easy UGA's schedule has been. If they wouldn't have allowed two defensive scores and a fake punt touchdown to South Carolina they would've won that game. Then if they wouldn't have scheduled Boise State they'd be 10-0 and ranked #3 right now. The Dawgs are a 30.5 point favorite. I would be surprised if they don't cover.
Mississippi State at Arkansas - Finally my Bulldogs make the game of the week. Both teams matchup very well against one another. I think we're in for a game like last years double overtime thriller instead of the 13 point spread Vegas has. As long as State can keep Joe Adams from getting too many yards on special teams this game comes down to late in the 4th quarter. I'm picking MSU 31-30.
LSU at Ole Miss - The Rebels are suspending players, they've fired the coach, the mascot is putting a box over his head. It's getting ugly. Now they face the best team in the nation...30 point spread. It's up to LSU to determine how much they want to beat them. If LSU is really Ole Miss' rival like the Rebs say, it will be 40+.
Vanderbilt at Tennessee - I am very surprised Vandy is favored (-1.5) in this game. But to my surprise they were also favored in Fulmer's last year, 2008. The 'Dores did beat the Vols in Knoxville '05 when Jay Cutler was the QB. The time before that was 1982, however, there have been plenty of very close games including several when UT was in the Top 5 in the 1990s. My instinct says to pick Tennessee because they have a spell over Vandy they can't ever beat them no matter the circumstances. But the Vandy team is really good behind Zac Stacy's great running and Jordan Rodgers great quarterback play. I don't think UT can score enough points. VU 28 UT 21
JB
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Bowl Projections
BCS Title Game: LSU - The Tigers are #1 and undefeated, they will be in New Orleans if they continue to win.
Sugar Bowl: Alabama - The Tide could possibly force a rematch if Oklahoma State loses, but since they play Oklahoma in Stillwater I'll assume they go undefeated and Bama lands here.
Capitol One: Georgia - If UGA beats Georgia Tech in Atlanta they will end up here, if not they may go to the Outback Bowl. This is, of course, assuming they lose in the SEC Championship Game. If they are able to win the SEC Championship they will go to the Sugar Bowl and force either Bama or LSU to the Capitol One. If they win the SEC and Oklahoma State loses then the SEC would probably get 3 teams in the BCS (Bama vs. LSU in BCS Title) and everyone would move up in the bowl pecking order.
Cotton Bowl: Arkansas - If the Hogs lose at LSU then they land here. How about this scenario: 1. Arkansas beats LSU 2. Alabama wins the West by virtue of head to head between two top SEC teams in BCS 3. Georgia beats Alabama in SEC Championship and Arkansas ends up in BCS Title Game vs. Oklahoma State OR 4. Okie State loses to Oklahoma and Arkansas plays LSU or Oregon in BCS Title Game.
Outback Bowl: South Carolina - If USC can beat Clemson at home and Georgia loses to GT then the Gamecocks could be in the Capitol One bowl...otherwise they land in Tampa.
Chick-Fil-A Bowl: Auburn - The records fall off quite a bit after USC, but Auburn is likely to be the only 7-5 team.
Gator Bowl: Florida - The Gators end their worst season in many years with a trip to Jacksonville. This is an easy choice for the Gator Bowl...the University of Florida is the 'Gators' and their campus is about 70 miles away.
Music City Bowl: Mississippi State - If Tennessee is available, they might pick them...but UT came there last year and their fans aren't crazy about a 6-6 season, while MSU fans are happy to go bowling and travel well. Even though Vanderbilt seems like a logical choice being in Nashville, their fans can't even fill up their own 40,000 seat stadium.
Liberty Bowl: Tennessee - This is only if the Vols can get to 6-6...they have to beat Vandy this week. This would give UT fans in Memphis a chance to see the team in person, and a down year for them is still a better draw than an excellent year from Vanderbilt.
BBVA Compass Bowl: Vanderbilt - If Vandy can beat Tennessee and Wake Forest then they can wind up in the Gator Bowl and push everyone else down a rung. But if they are 6-6 then they will get last choice since their fans don't show up.
JB
Sugar Bowl: Alabama - The Tide could possibly force a rematch if Oklahoma State loses, but since they play Oklahoma in Stillwater I'll assume they go undefeated and Bama lands here.
Capitol One: Georgia - If UGA beats Georgia Tech in Atlanta they will end up here, if not they may go to the Outback Bowl. This is, of course, assuming they lose in the SEC Championship Game. If they are able to win the SEC Championship they will go to the Sugar Bowl and force either Bama or LSU to the Capitol One. If they win the SEC and Oklahoma State loses then the SEC would probably get 3 teams in the BCS (Bama vs. LSU in BCS Title) and everyone would move up in the bowl pecking order.
Cotton Bowl: Arkansas - If the Hogs lose at LSU then they land here. How about this scenario: 1. Arkansas beats LSU 2. Alabama wins the West by virtue of head to head between two top SEC teams in BCS 3. Georgia beats Alabama in SEC Championship and Arkansas ends up in BCS Title Game vs. Oklahoma State OR 4. Okie State loses to Oklahoma and Arkansas plays LSU or Oregon in BCS Title Game.
Outback Bowl: South Carolina - If USC can beat Clemson at home and Georgia loses to GT then the Gamecocks could be in the Capitol One bowl...otherwise they land in Tampa.
Chick-Fil-A Bowl: Auburn - The records fall off quite a bit after USC, but Auburn is likely to be the only 7-5 team.
Gator Bowl: Florida - The Gators end their worst season in many years with a trip to Jacksonville. This is an easy choice for the Gator Bowl...the University of Florida is the 'Gators' and their campus is about 70 miles away.
Music City Bowl: Mississippi State - If Tennessee is available, they might pick them...but UT came there last year and their fans aren't crazy about a 6-6 season, while MSU fans are happy to go bowling and travel well. Even though Vanderbilt seems like a logical choice being in Nashville, their fans can't even fill up their own 40,000 seat stadium.
Liberty Bowl: Tennessee - This is only if the Vols can get to 6-6...they have to beat Vandy this week. This would give UT fans in Memphis a chance to see the team in person, and a down year for them is still a better draw than an excellent year from Vanderbilt.
BBVA Compass Bowl: Vanderbilt - If Vandy can beat Tennessee and Wake Forest then they can wind up in the Gator Bowl and push everyone else down a rung. But if they are 6-6 then they will get last choice since their fans don't show up.
JB
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
The Polls - Week 12
1. LSU, 10-0 (1): W vs. #3 Oregon, W vs. Northwestern State, W at #16 Mississippi State, W at #19 West Virginia, W vs. Kentucky, W vs. #22 Florida, W at Tennessee, W vs. #15 Auburn, W at #2 Alabama, W vs. Western Kentucky
2. Alabama, 9-1 (3): W vs. Kent State, W at Penn State, W vs. North Texas, W vs. #8 Arkansas, W at #17 Florida, W vs. Vanderbilt, W at Ole Miss, W vs. Tennessee, L vs. #1 LSU, W at Mississippi State
3. Oklahoma State, 10-0 (2): W vs. LA-Lafayette, W vs. Arizona, W vs. Tulsa, W at #11 Texas A&M, W vs. Kansas, W at #22 Texas, W at Missouri, W vs. #24 Baylor, W vs. #16 Kansas State, W at Texas Tech
4. Oregon, 9-1 (4): L vs. #4 LSU, W vs. #9 Nevada, W vs. Missouri State, W at Arizona, W vs. Cal, W vs. #19 Arizona State, W at Colorado, W vs. Washington State, W at Washington, W at #3 Stanford
5. Arkansas, 9-1 (6): W vs. Missouri State, W vs. New Mexico, W vs. Troy, L at #6 Alabama, W vs. #13 Texas A&M, W vs. #9 Auburn, W at Ole Miss, W at Vanderbilt, W vs. #11 South Carolina, W vs. Tennessee
6. Clemson, 9-1 (7): W vs. Troy, W vs. Wofford, W vs. #1 Auburn, W vs. #14 Florida State, W at #9 Virginia Tech, W vs. Boston College, W at Maryland, W vs. North Carolina, L at Georgia Tech, W vs. Wake Forest
7. Oklahoma, 8-1 (5): W vs. #24 Tusla, W at #14 Florida State, W vs. Missouri, W vs. Ball State, W vs. #12 Texas, W at Kansas, L vs. Texas Tech, W at #9 Kansas State, W vs. Texas A&M
8. Stanford, 9-1 (8): W vs. San Jose St., W at Duke, W at Arizona, W vs. UCLA, W vs. Colorado, W at Washington State, W vs. #25 Washington, W at #21 Southern California, W at Oregon State, L vs. #5 Oregon
9. Houston, 10-0 (11): W vs. UCLA, W at North Texas, W at LA Tech, W vs. Georgia State, W at UTEP, W vs. East Carolina, W vs. Marshall, W vs. Rice, W at UAB, W at Tulane
10. South Carolina, 8-2 (14): W vs. East Carolina, W at Georgia, W vs. Navy, W vs. Vanderbilt, L vs. #14 Auburn, W vs. Kentucky, W at Mississippi State, W at Tennessee, L at Arkansas, W vs. Florida
11. Boise State, 8-1 (10): W at Georgia, W at Toledo, W vs. Tulsa, W vs. Nevada, W at Fresno State, W at Colorado State, W vs. Air Force, W at UNLV, L vs. TCU
12. Georgia, 8-2 (13): L vs. #9 Boise State, L vs. #22 South Carolina, W vs. Coastal Carolina, W at Ole Miss, W vs. Mississippi State, W at Tennessee, W at Vanderbilt, W vs. Florida, W vs. New Mexico State, W vs. Auburn
13. Michigan State, 8-2 (13): W vs. Youngstown State, W vs. Florida Atlantic, L at Notre Dame, W at Central Michigan, W at Ohio State, W vs. #11 Michigan, W vs. #4 Wisconsin, L at #13 Nebraska, W vs. Minnesota, W at Iowa
14. Virginia Tech, 9-1 (9): W vs. App. State, W at East Carolina, W vs. Arkansas State, W at Marshall, L vs. #11 Clemson, W vs. Miami (FL), W at Wake Forest, W vs. Boston College, W at Duke, W at #17 Georgia Tech
15. TCU, 8-2 (19): L at Baylor, W at Air Force, W vs. La-Monroe, W vs. Portland State, L vs. SMU, W at San Diego State, W vs. New Mexico, W vs. BYU, W at Wyoming, W at #6 Boise State
16. Southern California, 8-2 (18): W vs. Minnesota, W vs. Utah, W vs. Syracuse, L at Arizona State, W at Arizona, W at Cal, W at Notre Dame, L at #3 Stanford, W at Colorado, W vs. Washington
17. Kansas State, 8-2 (16): W vs. Eastern Kentucky, W vs. Kent State, W at Miami (Fl), W vs. #12 Baylor, W vs. Missouri, W at Texas Tech, W at Kansas, L vs. #11 Oklahoma, L at #4 Oklahoma State, W vs. Texas A&M
18. Wisconsin, 7-2 (15): W vs. UNLV, W vs. Oregon State, W at Northern Illinois, W vs. South Dakota, W vs. #10 Nebraska, W vs. Indiana, L at #16 Michigan State, L at Ohio State, W vs. Purdue, W at Minnesota
19. Nebraska, 8-2 (17): W vs. Chattanooga, W vs. Fresno State, W vs. Washington, W at Wyoming, L at #5 Wisconsin, W vs. Ohio State, W at Minnesota, W vs. #10 Michigan State, L vs. Northwestern, W at #20 Penn State
20. Michigan, 8-2 (20): W vs. Western Michigan, W vs. Notre Dame, W vs. Eastern Michigan, W vs. San Diego State, W vs. Minnesota, W at Northwestern, L at #24 Michigan State, W vs. Purdue, L at Iowa, W at Illinois
21. Southern Miss, 9-1 (22): W vs. Louisiana Tech, L at Marshall, W at SE Louisiana, W at Virginia, W vs. Rice, W at Navy, W vs. SMU, W at UTEP, W at East Carolina, W vs. Central Florida
22. Georgia Tech, 7-3 (NR): W vs. Western Carolina, W at MTSU, W vs. Kansas, W vs. North Carolina, W at North Carolina State, W vs. Maryland, L at Virginia, L at Miami (FL), W vs. #4 Clemson, L vs. #15 Virginia Tech
23. Penn State, 8-2 (21): W at Indiana State, L vs. #8 Alabama, W at Temple, W vs. Eastern Michigan, W at Indiana, W vs. Iowa, W vs. Purdue, W at Northwestern, W vs. Illinois
24. Baylor, 6-3 (25): W vs. #2 TCU, W vs. Stephen F. Austin, W vs. Rice, L at Kansas State, W vs. Iowa State, L at #23 Texas A&M, L at #6 Oklahoma State, W vs. Missouri, W at Kansas
25. Virginia, 7-3 (NR): W vs. William & Mary, W at Indiana, L at North Carolina, L vs. Southern Miss, W vs. Idaho, W vs. #12 Georgia Tech, L vs. North Carolina State, W at Miami (FL), W at Maryland, W vs. Duke
Teams that are ranked in the AP that aren't in my poll: Florida State (23) and Notre Dame (24).
SEC Power Rankings:
1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Arkansas
4. Georgia
5. South Carolina
6. Auburn
7. Florida
7. Mississippi State
7. Vanderbilt
10. Tennessee
11. Kentucky
12. Ole Miss
JB
2. Alabama, 9-1 (3): W vs. Kent State, W at Penn State, W vs. North Texas, W vs. #8 Arkansas, W at #17 Florida, W vs. Vanderbilt, W at Ole Miss, W vs. Tennessee, L vs. #1 LSU, W at Mississippi State
3. Oklahoma State, 10-0 (2): W vs. LA-Lafayette, W vs. Arizona, W vs. Tulsa, W at #11 Texas A&M, W vs. Kansas, W at #22 Texas, W at Missouri, W vs. #24 Baylor, W vs. #16 Kansas State, W at Texas Tech
4. Oregon, 9-1 (4): L vs. #4 LSU, W vs. #9 Nevada, W vs. Missouri State, W at Arizona, W vs. Cal, W vs. #19 Arizona State, W at Colorado, W vs. Washington State, W at Washington, W at #3 Stanford
5. Arkansas, 9-1 (6): W vs. Missouri State, W vs. New Mexico, W vs. Troy, L at #6 Alabama, W vs. #13 Texas A&M, W vs. #9 Auburn, W at Ole Miss, W at Vanderbilt, W vs. #11 South Carolina, W vs. Tennessee
6. Clemson, 9-1 (7): W vs. Troy, W vs. Wofford, W vs. #1 Auburn, W vs. #14 Florida State, W at #9 Virginia Tech, W vs. Boston College, W at Maryland, W vs. North Carolina, L at Georgia Tech, W vs. Wake Forest
7. Oklahoma, 8-1 (5): W vs. #24 Tusla, W at #14 Florida State, W vs. Missouri, W vs. Ball State, W vs. #12 Texas, W at Kansas, L vs. Texas Tech, W at #9 Kansas State, W vs. Texas A&M
8. Stanford, 9-1 (8): W vs. San Jose St., W at Duke, W at Arizona, W vs. UCLA, W vs. Colorado, W at Washington State, W vs. #25 Washington, W at #21 Southern California, W at Oregon State, L vs. #5 Oregon
9. Houston, 10-0 (11): W vs. UCLA, W at North Texas, W at LA Tech, W vs. Georgia State, W at UTEP, W vs. East Carolina, W vs. Marshall, W vs. Rice, W at UAB, W at Tulane
10. South Carolina, 8-2 (14): W vs. East Carolina, W at Georgia, W vs. Navy, W vs. Vanderbilt, L vs. #14 Auburn, W vs. Kentucky, W at Mississippi State, W at Tennessee, L at Arkansas, W vs. Florida
11. Boise State, 8-1 (10): W at Georgia, W at Toledo, W vs. Tulsa, W vs. Nevada, W at Fresno State, W at Colorado State, W vs. Air Force, W at UNLV, L vs. TCU
12. Georgia, 8-2 (13): L vs. #9 Boise State, L vs. #22 South Carolina, W vs. Coastal Carolina, W at Ole Miss, W vs. Mississippi State, W at Tennessee, W at Vanderbilt, W vs. Florida, W vs. New Mexico State, W vs. Auburn
13. Michigan State, 8-2 (13): W vs. Youngstown State, W vs. Florida Atlantic, L at Notre Dame, W at Central Michigan, W at Ohio State, W vs. #11 Michigan, W vs. #4 Wisconsin, L at #13 Nebraska, W vs. Minnesota, W at Iowa
14. Virginia Tech, 9-1 (9): W vs. App. State, W at East Carolina, W vs. Arkansas State, W at Marshall, L vs. #11 Clemson, W vs. Miami (FL), W at Wake Forest, W vs. Boston College, W at Duke, W at #17 Georgia Tech
15. TCU, 8-2 (19): L at Baylor, W at Air Force, W vs. La-Monroe, W vs. Portland State, L vs. SMU, W at San Diego State, W vs. New Mexico, W vs. BYU, W at Wyoming, W at #6 Boise State
16. Southern California, 8-2 (18): W vs. Minnesota, W vs. Utah, W vs. Syracuse, L at Arizona State, W at Arizona, W at Cal, W at Notre Dame, L at #3 Stanford, W at Colorado, W vs. Washington
17. Kansas State, 8-2 (16): W vs. Eastern Kentucky, W vs. Kent State, W at Miami (Fl), W vs. #12 Baylor, W vs. Missouri, W at Texas Tech, W at Kansas, L vs. #11 Oklahoma, L at #4 Oklahoma State, W vs. Texas A&M
18. Wisconsin, 7-2 (15): W vs. UNLV, W vs. Oregon State, W at Northern Illinois, W vs. South Dakota, W vs. #10 Nebraska, W vs. Indiana, L at #16 Michigan State, L at Ohio State, W vs. Purdue, W at Minnesota
19. Nebraska, 8-2 (17): W vs. Chattanooga, W vs. Fresno State, W vs. Washington, W at Wyoming, L at #5 Wisconsin, W vs. Ohio State, W at Minnesota, W vs. #10 Michigan State, L vs. Northwestern, W at #20 Penn State
20. Michigan, 8-2 (20): W vs. Western Michigan, W vs. Notre Dame, W vs. Eastern Michigan, W vs. San Diego State, W vs. Minnesota, W at Northwestern, L at #24 Michigan State, W vs. Purdue, L at Iowa, W at Illinois
21. Southern Miss, 9-1 (22): W vs. Louisiana Tech, L at Marshall, W at SE Louisiana, W at Virginia, W vs. Rice, W at Navy, W vs. SMU, W at UTEP, W at East Carolina, W vs. Central Florida
22. Georgia Tech, 7-3 (NR): W vs. Western Carolina, W at MTSU, W vs. Kansas, W vs. North Carolina, W at North Carolina State, W vs. Maryland, L at Virginia, L at Miami (FL), W vs. #4 Clemson, L vs. #15 Virginia Tech
23. Penn State, 8-2 (21): W at Indiana State, L vs. #8 Alabama, W at Temple, W vs. Eastern Michigan, W at Indiana, W vs. Iowa, W vs. Purdue, W at Northwestern, W vs. Illinois
24. Baylor, 6-3 (25): W vs. #2 TCU, W vs. Stephen F. Austin, W vs. Rice, L at Kansas State, W vs. Iowa State, L at #23 Texas A&M, L at #6 Oklahoma State, W vs. Missouri, W at Kansas
25. Virginia, 7-3 (NR): W vs. William & Mary, W at Indiana, L at North Carolina, L vs. Southern Miss, W vs. Idaho, W vs. #12 Georgia Tech, L vs. North Carolina State, W at Miami (FL), W at Maryland, W vs. Duke
Teams that are ranked in the AP that aren't in my poll: Florida State (23) and Notre Dame (24).
SEC Power Rankings:
1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Arkansas
4. Georgia
5. South Carolina
6. Auburn
7. Florida
7. Mississippi State
7. Vanderbilt
10. Tennessee
11. Kentucky
12. Ole Miss
JB
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Kenny Chesney
My Top 10 Kenny Chesney songs:
10. "Old Blue Chair", 2005
9. "Don't Happen Twice", 2000
8. "When I Close My Eyes", 1996
7. "Better As A Memory", 2007
6. "Anything But Mine", 2004
5. "Baptism", 1999
4. "The Road and the Radio", 2005
3. "On the Coast of Somewhere Beautiful", 2002
2. "All I Need to Know", 1995
1. "What I Need to Do", 1999
JB
10. "Old Blue Chair", 2005
9. "Don't Happen Twice", 2000
8. "When I Close My Eyes", 1996
7. "Better As A Memory", 2007
6. "Anything But Mine", 2004
5. "Baptism", 1999
4. "The Road and the Radio", 2005
3. "On the Coast of Somewhere Beautiful", 2002
2. "All I Need to Know", 1995
1. "What I Need to Do", 1999
JB
Friday, November 11, 2011
Week 11 Preview
Hold the phone - a week 11 preview on 11/11/11? Now, how did that work out?
Just quick picks today...
South Carolina over Florida
Vanderbilt over Kentucky
Auburn upsets Georgia
Arkansas over Tennessee
Alabama over Mississippi State
LSU over Western Kentucky
Louisiana Tech over Ole Miss
Oregon over Stanford
JB
Just quick picks today...
South Carolina over Florida
Vanderbilt over Kentucky
Auburn upsets Georgia
Arkansas over Tennessee
Alabama over Mississippi State
LSU over Western Kentucky
Louisiana Tech over Ole Miss
Oregon over Stanford
JB
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
The Polls - Week 11
The LSU/Alabama game lived up to the hype for me. A lot of people called it boring, or an exhibition of bad quarterback play, but I thought it was very entertaining game. When it's a shootout, like Okie State had with KSU, no one play could mean the entire game, but with a 9-6 defensive SEC struggle, you hang on every play because a big one could mean the game. I keep LSU and Alabama #1 and 2, but if OSU or Stanford go undefeated then I agree they deserve a shot at LSU in the BCS Title Game. No, they will not be one of the two best teams in the country in my opinion, but they do play in a legitimate conference and deserve a chance - one in which Bama already had, at home no less.
1. LSU, 9-0 (1): W vs. #3 Oregon, W vs. Northwestern State, W at #16 Mississippi State, W at #19 West Virginia, W vs. Kentucky, W vs. #22 Florida, W at Tennessee, W vs. #15 Auburn, W at #2 Alabama
2. Alabama, 8-1 (4): W vs. Kent State, W at Penn State, W vs. North Texas, W vs. #8 Arkansas, W at #17 Florida, W vs. Vanderbilt, W at Ole Miss, W vs. Tennessee, L vs. #1 LSU
3. Stanford, 9-0 (3): W vs. San Jose St., W at Duke, W at Arizona, W vs. UCLA, W vs. Colorado, W at Washington State, W vs. #25 Washington, W at #21 Southern California, W at Oregon State
4. Oklahoma State, 9-0 (2): W vs. LA-Lafayette, W vs. Arizona, W vs. Tulsa, W at #11 Texas A&M, W vs. Kansas, W at #22 Texas, W at Missouri, W vs. #24 Baylor, W vs. #16 Kansas State
5. Oregon, 8-1 (6): L vs. #4 LSU, W vs. #9 Nevada, W vs. Missouri State, W at Arizona, W vs. Cal, W vs. #19 Arizona State, W at Colorado, W vs. Washington State, W at Washington
6. Boise State, 8-0 (5): W at Georgia, W at Toledo, W vs. Tulsa, W vs. Nevada, W at Fresno State, W at Colorado State, W vs. Air Force, W at UNLV
7. Arkansas, 8-1 (8): W vs. Missouri State, W vs. New Mexico, W vs. Troy, L at #6 Alabama, W vs. #13 Texas A&M, W vs. #9 Auburn, W at Ole Miss, W at Vanderbilt, W vs. #11 South Carolina
8. Oklahoma, 8-1 (7): W vs. #24 Tusla, W at #14 Florida State, W vs. Missouri, W vs. Ball State, W vs. #12 Texas, W at Kansas, L vs. Texas Tech, W at #9 Kansas State, W vs. Texas A&M
9. Clemson, 8-1 (9): W vs. Troy, W vs. Wofford, W vs. #1 Auburn, W vs. #14 Florida State, W at #9 Virginia Tech, W vs. Boston College, W at Maryland, W vs. North Carolina, L at Georgia Tech
10. Houston, 9-0 (11): W vs. UCLA, W at North Texas, W at LA Tech, W vs. Georgia State, W at UTEP, W vs. East Carolina, W vs. Marshall, W vs. Rice, W at UAB
11. South Carolina, 7-2 (15): W vs. East Carolina, W at Georgia, W vs. Navy, W vs. Vanderbilt, L vs. #14 Auburn, W vs. Kentucky, W at Mississippi State, W at Tennessee, L at Arkansas
12. Georgia, 7-2 (14): L vs. #9 Boise State, L vs. #22 South Carolina, W vs. Coastal Carolina, W at Ole Miss, W vs. Mississippi State, W at Tennessee, W at Vanderbilt, W vs. Florida, W vs. New Mexico State
13. Michigan State, 7-2 (13): W vs. Youngstown State, W vs. Florida Atlantic, L at Notre Dame, W at Central Michigan, W at Ohio State, W vs. #11 Michigan, W vs. #4 Wisconsin, L at #13 Nebraska, W vs. Minnesota
14. Southern California, 7-2 (18): W vs. Minnesota, W vs. Utah, W vs. Syracuse, L at Arizona State, W at Arizona, W at Cal, W at Notre Dame, L at Stanford, W at Colorado
15. Virginia Tech, 8-1 (10): W vs. App. State, W at East Carolina, W vs. Arkansas State, W at Marshall, L vs. #11 Clemson, W vs. Miami (FL), W at Wake Forest, W vs. Boston College, W at Duke
16. Kansas State, 7-2 (17): W vs. Eastern Kentucky, W vs. Kent State, W at Miami (Fl), W vs. #12 Baylor, W vs. Missouri, W at Texas Tech, W at Kansas, L vs. #11 Oklahoma, L at #4 Oklahoma State
17. Georgia Tech, 7-2 (20): W vs. Western Carolina, W at MTSU, W vs. Kansas, W vs. North Carolina, W at North Carolina State, W vs. Maryland, L at Virginia, L at Miami (FL), W vs. #4 Clemson
18. Wisconsin, 6-2 (19): W vs. UNLV, W vs. Oregon State, W at Northern Illinois, W vs. South Dakota, W vs. #10 Nebraska, W vs. Indiana, L at #16 Michigan State, L at Ohio State, W vs. Purdue
19. Auburn, 6-3 (24): W vs. Utah State, W vs. #14 Mississippi State, L at Clemson, W vs. Florida Atlantic, W at #15 South Carolina, L at #11 Arkansas, W vs. Florida, L at #1 LSU, W vs. Ole Miss
20. Penn State, 8-1 (12): W at Indiana State, L vs. #8 Alabama, W at Temple, W vs. Eastern Michigan, W at Indiana, W vs. Iowa, W vs. Purdue, W at Northwestern, W vs. Illinois
21. Nebraska, 7-2 (19): W vs. Chattanooga, W vs. Fresno State, W vs. Washington, W at Wyoming, L at #5 Wisconsin, W vs. Ohio State, W at Minnesota, W vs. #10 Michigan State, L vs. Northwestern
22. Texas, 6-2, (21): W vs. Rice, W vs. BYU, W at UCLA, W at Iowa State, L vs. #2 Oklahoma, L vs. #9 Oklahoma State, W vs. Kansas, W vs. Texas Tech
23. Southern Miss, 8-1 (25): W vs. Louisiana Tech, L at Marshall, W at SE Louisiana, W at Virginia, W vs. Rice, W at Navy, W vs. SMU, W at UTEP, W at East Carolina
24. Michigan, 6-2 (22): W vs. Western Michigan, W vs. Notre Dame, W vs. Eastern Michigan, W vs. San Diego State, W vs. Minnesota, W at Northwestern, L at #24 Michigan State, W vs. Purdue, L at Iowa
25. Cincinnati, 7-1 (23): W vs. Austin Peay, L at Tennessee, W vs. Akron, W vs. N.C. State, W at Miami (OH), W vs. Louisville, W at South Florida, W at Pittsburgh
SEC Power Rankings:
1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Arkansas
4. South Carolina
5. Georgia
6. Auburn
7. Florida
8. Mississippi State
8. Vanderbilt
10. Tennessee
11. Kentucky
12. Ole Miss
Ole Miss fans got what they wanted this week with Pete Boone and Houston Nutt stepping down. Nutt's time in Ole Miss can be looked at like this: he took a losing team with good athletes, made them a winner, then blew it up...and it's in worse shape now than when he got there 4 years ago despite two Cotton Bowl victories. One of the quickest rises and falls I can ever remember (Charlie Weis at ND being a close second). I will say this for Nutt, he had a $6 million buyout coming his way and he desperately wanted to succeed, but the hole he dug was too great. My hope is that they make the wrong hire, and go even further down the toilet...into an oblivion that takes 20 years to get out of.
JB
1. LSU, 9-0 (1): W vs. #3 Oregon, W vs. Northwestern State, W at #16 Mississippi State, W at #19 West Virginia, W vs. Kentucky, W vs. #22 Florida, W at Tennessee, W vs. #15 Auburn, W at #2 Alabama
2. Alabama, 8-1 (4): W vs. Kent State, W at Penn State, W vs. North Texas, W vs. #8 Arkansas, W at #17 Florida, W vs. Vanderbilt, W at Ole Miss, W vs. Tennessee, L vs. #1 LSU
3. Stanford, 9-0 (3): W vs. San Jose St., W at Duke, W at Arizona, W vs. UCLA, W vs. Colorado, W at Washington State, W vs. #25 Washington, W at #21 Southern California, W at Oregon State
4. Oklahoma State, 9-0 (2): W vs. LA-Lafayette, W vs. Arizona, W vs. Tulsa, W at #11 Texas A&M, W vs. Kansas, W at #22 Texas, W at Missouri, W vs. #24 Baylor, W vs. #16 Kansas State
5. Oregon, 8-1 (6): L vs. #4 LSU, W vs. #9 Nevada, W vs. Missouri State, W at Arizona, W vs. Cal, W vs. #19 Arizona State, W at Colorado, W vs. Washington State, W at Washington
6. Boise State, 8-0 (5): W at Georgia, W at Toledo, W vs. Tulsa, W vs. Nevada, W at Fresno State, W at Colorado State, W vs. Air Force, W at UNLV
7. Arkansas, 8-1 (8): W vs. Missouri State, W vs. New Mexico, W vs. Troy, L at #6 Alabama, W vs. #13 Texas A&M, W vs. #9 Auburn, W at Ole Miss, W at Vanderbilt, W vs. #11 South Carolina
8. Oklahoma, 8-1 (7): W vs. #24 Tusla, W at #14 Florida State, W vs. Missouri, W vs. Ball State, W vs. #12 Texas, W at Kansas, L vs. Texas Tech, W at #9 Kansas State, W vs. Texas A&M
9. Clemson, 8-1 (9): W vs. Troy, W vs. Wofford, W vs. #1 Auburn, W vs. #14 Florida State, W at #9 Virginia Tech, W vs. Boston College, W at Maryland, W vs. North Carolina, L at Georgia Tech
10. Houston, 9-0 (11): W vs. UCLA, W at North Texas, W at LA Tech, W vs. Georgia State, W at UTEP, W vs. East Carolina, W vs. Marshall, W vs. Rice, W at UAB
11. South Carolina, 7-2 (15): W vs. East Carolina, W at Georgia, W vs. Navy, W vs. Vanderbilt, L vs. #14 Auburn, W vs. Kentucky, W at Mississippi State, W at Tennessee, L at Arkansas
12. Georgia, 7-2 (14): L vs. #9 Boise State, L vs. #22 South Carolina, W vs. Coastal Carolina, W at Ole Miss, W vs. Mississippi State, W at Tennessee, W at Vanderbilt, W vs. Florida, W vs. New Mexico State
13. Michigan State, 7-2 (13): W vs. Youngstown State, W vs. Florida Atlantic, L at Notre Dame, W at Central Michigan, W at Ohio State, W vs. #11 Michigan, W vs. #4 Wisconsin, L at #13 Nebraska, W vs. Minnesota
14. Southern California, 7-2 (18): W vs. Minnesota, W vs. Utah, W vs. Syracuse, L at Arizona State, W at Arizona, W at Cal, W at Notre Dame, L at Stanford, W at Colorado
15. Virginia Tech, 8-1 (10): W vs. App. State, W at East Carolina, W vs. Arkansas State, W at Marshall, L vs. #11 Clemson, W vs. Miami (FL), W at Wake Forest, W vs. Boston College, W at Duke
16. Kansas State, 7-2 (17): W vs. Eastern Kentucky, W vs. Kent State, W at Miami (Fl), W vs. #12 Baylor, W vs. Missouri, W at Texas Tech, W at Kansas, L vs. #11 Oklahoma, L at #4 Oklahoma State
17. Georgia Tech, 7-2 (20): W vs. Western Carolina, W at MTSU, W vs. Kansas, W vs. North Carolina, W at North Carolina State, W vs. Maryland, L at Virginia, L at Miami (FL), W vs. #4 Clemson
18. Wisconsin, 6-2 (19): W vs. UNLV, W vs. Oregon State, W at Northern Illinois, W vs. South Dakota, W vs. #10 Nebraska, W vs. Indiana, L at #16 Michigan State, L at Ohio State, W vs. Purdue
19. Auburn, 6-3 (24): W vs. Utah State, W vs. #14 Mississippi State, L at Clemson, W vs. Florida Atlantic, W at #15 South Carolina, L at #11 Arkansas, W vs. Florida, L at #1 LSU, W vs. Ole Miss
20. Penn State, 8-1 (12): W at Indiana State, L vs. #8 Alabama, W at Temple, W vs. Eastern Michigan, W at Indiana, W vs. Iowa, W vs. Purdue, W at Northwestern, W vs. Illinois
21. Nebraska, 7-2 (19): W vs. Chattanooga, W vs. Fresno State, W vs. Washington, W at Wyoming, L at #5 Wisconsin, W vs. Ohio State, W at Minnesota, W vs. #10 Michigan State, L vs. Northwestern
22. Texas, 6-2, (21): W vs. Rice, W vs. BYU, W at UCLA, W at Iowa State, L vs. #2 Oklahoma, L vs. #9 Oklahoma State, W vs. Kansas, W vs. Texas Tech
23. Southern Miss, 8-1 (25): W vs. Louisiana Tech, L at Marshall, W at SE Louisiana, W at Virginia, W vs. Rice, W at Navy, W vs. SMU, W at UTEP, W at East Carolina
24. Michigan, 6-2 (22): W vs. Western Michigan, W vs. Notre Dame, W vs. Eastern Michigan, W vs. San Diego State, W vs. Minnesota, W at Northwestern, L at #24 Michigan State, W vs. Purdue, L at Iowa
25. Cincinnati, 7-1 (23): W vs. Austin Peay, L at Tennessee, W vs. Akron, W vs. N.C. State, W at Miami (OH), W vs. Louisville, W at South Florida, W at Pittsburgh
SEC Power Rankings:
1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Arkansas
4. South Carolina
5. Georgia
6. Auburn
7. Florida
8. Mississippi State
8. Vanderbilt
10. Tennessee
11. Kentucky
12. Ole Miss
Ole Miss fans got what they wanted this week with Pete Boone and Houston Nutt stepping down. Nutt's time in Ole Miss can be looked at like this: he took a losing team with good athletes, made them a winner, then blew it up...and it's in worse shape now than when he got there 4 years ago despite two Cotton Bowl victories. One of the quickest rises and falls I can ever remember (Charlie Weis at ND being a close second). I will say this for Nutt, he had a $6 million buyout coming his way and he desperately wanted to succeed, but the hole he dug was too great. My hope is that they make the wrong hire, and go even further down the toilet...into an oblivion that takes 20 years to get out of.
JB
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Joe Paterno Should Be Fired Today
Jerry Sandusky, Penn State assistant coach for 30 years (23 as D-coordinator) under Joe Paterno, has been charged with 40 counts of molesting eight young boys over a 15-year period. He founded a children's charity, The Second Mile, to help young boys...but as we now know that was just his avenue to find potential prey. This story involves Sandusky which makes it high-profile, but it also ropes in Joe Paterno and the Penn State administration.
In 2002, a graduate assistant eye-witnessed Sandusky performing sexual acts on a 10-year-old boy in the shower section of the Penn State football locker room. The graduate assistant reported it to Paterno, and he reported it to the PSU administration. According to the Pennsylvania legal system, JoePa acted in full accordance to the law, and the grand jury has praised him for his cooperation. Meanwhile, the administrators (A.D. Tim Curley and V.P. Gary Schultz) have been charged with perjury and failure to report suspected child abuse. But why is Joe Paterno getting a pass?
Paterno seems to intimate he only thought it was 'horseplay' or just inappropriate activity from Sandusky in the 2002 incident. Well, that could be anything. When the grad assistant told him about it, did he write it down? Was there a formal complaint issued to Joe Paterno or the Penn State administrators? Or is this a game of telephone - the G.A. says this, JoePa says this, and by the time it gets to the top the story is much different than when it started out? This happens a lot, so why is Paterno getting a pass? What if the administrators did not get the full story and did not see a reason to contact the authorities? Then Joe Paterno - and the G.A. are at fault, aren't they?
Or what if there was a formal, written report which stated the accounts of Sandusky's actions by the G.A. Then JoePa handed that report to the administrators and they did nothing. Then it is certainly on the PSU administration for a complete cover-up. Even if Sandusky is completely innocent (which there is no way), then they covered it up from the police. But what about Paterno? If, after getting a full and graphic report that should have infuriated him to the nth degree, wouldn't he want to follow up on that to make sure matters were being taken care of? He should've taken this matter to the police! Not only that, but having known this report he still let Sandusky come around the Penn State program in the years that followed the incident.
Bottom line, either way, there is no 'out' for Joe Paterno in my book. He should be fired from Penn State today and his name should be stripped from anything associated with PSU. Even if Pennsylvania law is so convoluted that it has statutes that say he isn't responsible for reporting it to the police as long as he reports it to the administration, then doesn't he have a moral obligation to do so? This isn't stealing, cheating, or even murder...this is child abuse, and in my opinion, and most everyone else's there is nothing worse.
I've never had anything against JoePa, although I've always thought he should've retired a while ago. But that is neither here nor there, this is a horrible offense and he should either resign or be fired without further delay. If, or when, Sandusky is found guilty he should be mutilated on national television. In all seriousness, what he did is the most disgusting, horrifying thing anyone can possibly do. In a terrible turn of events, he can only face life in prison in Pennsylvania. I would prefer that he be beaten with the blade of an ax until death.
JB
In 2002, a graduate assistant eye-witnessed Sandusky performing sexual acts on a 10-year-old boy in the shower section of the Penn State football locker room. The graduate assistant reported it to Paterno, and he reported it to the PSU administration. According to the Pennsylvania legal system, JoePa acted in full accordance to the law, and the grand jury has praised him for his cooperation. Meanwhile, the administrators (A.D. Tim Curley and V.P. Gary Schultz) have been charged with perjury and failure to report suspected child abuse. But why is Joe Paterno getting a pass?
Paterno seems to intimate he only thought it was 'horseplay' or just inappropriate activity from Sandusky in the 2002 incident. Well, that could be anything. When the grad assistant told him about it, did he write it down? Was there a formal complaint issued to Joe Paterno or the Penn State administrators? Or is this a game of telephone - the G.A. says this, JoePa says this, and by the time it gets to the top the story is much different than when it started out? This happens a lot, so why is Paterno getting a pass? What if the administrators did not get the full story and did not see a reason to contact the authorities? Then Joe Paterno - and the G.A. are at fault, aren't they?
Or what if there was a formal, written report which stated the accounts of Sandusky's actions by the G.A. Then JoePa handed that report to the administrators and they did nothing. Then it is certainly on the PSU administration for a complete cover-up. Even if Sandusky is completely innocent (which there is no way), then they covered it up from the police. But what about Paterno? If, after getting a full and graphic report that should have infuriated him to the nth degree, wouldn't he want to follow up on that to make sure matters were being taken care of? He should've taken this matter to the police! Not only that, but having known this report he still let Sandusky come around the Penn State program in the years that followed the incident.
Bottom line, either way, there is no 'out' for Joe Paterno in my book. He should be fired from Penn State today and his name should be stripped from anything associated with PSU. Even if Pennsylvania law is so convoluted that it has statutes that say he isn't responsible for reporting it to the police as long as he reports it to the administration, then doesn't he have a moral obligation to do so? This isn't stealing, cheating, or even murder...this is child abuse, and in my opinion, and most everyone else's there is nothing worse.
I've never had anything against JoePa, although I've always thought he should've retired a while ago. But that is neither here nor there, this is a horrible offense and he should either resign or be fired without further delay. If, or when, Sandusky is found guilty he should be mutilated on national television. In all seriousness, what he did is the most disgusting, horrifying thing anyone can possibly do. In a terrible turn of events, he can only face life in prison in Pennsylvania. I would prefer that he be beaten with the blade of an ax until death.
JB
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