I'm exhausted from moving all week, don't feel like writing a paragraph on each game. So I'll just pick the games...but I'll pick against the spread...
Mississippi State (+6.5) over Georgia
Arkansas (+2.5) over Texas A&M
LSU (-30.5) over Kentucky
Buffalo (+28.5) over Tennessee
Auburn (+10) over South Carolina
Alabama (-3.5) over Florida
Ole Miss (+3.5) over Fresno State
Clemson (+7) over Virginia Tech
Wisconsin (-9) over Nebraska
JB
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
MLB Playoffs
I placed this post for this date about a month ago, when I thought for sure the Braves would be in the playoffs. But then they managed to completely blow a 10 game lead in the wild card. They played awful down the stretch...it's difficult to see that happen when you've been watching them play all spring and summer, then they blow it at the end of the season. But I guess the Red Sox also collapsing, even worse, softens the blow a little...at least the Braves weren't the only team. Plus the Braves would've been swept in the first series anyway the way they were playing.
I go ahead with my predictions anyway:
NLDS
Phillies over Cardinals in 5 games
Brewers over Diamondbacks in 4 games
ALDS
Rangers over Rays in 4 games
Yankees over Tigers in 4 games
NLCS
Phillies over Brewers in 6 games
ALCS
Rangers over Yankees in 7 games
World Series
Rangers over Phillies in 6 games
JB
I go ahead with my predictions anyway:
NLDS
Phillies over Cardinals in 5 games
Brewers over Diamondbacks in 4 games
ALDS
Rangers over Rays in 4 games
Yankees over Tigers in 4 games
NLCS
Phillies over Brewers in 6 games
ALCS
Rangers over Yankees in 7 games
World Series
Rangers over Phillies in 6 games
JB
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
If I Were in Charge of the Big 12...
I don't really care what happens to the Big 12. Whether they stay a conference or not, I really only care about the SEC. But if I were in charge of the Big 12 I think there is something I'd be pushing...and that's major conference expansion.
As we all know, the Big 12 is hanging by a thread and just staying together would be an accomplishment. But since the PAC 12 has denied Oklahoma, Texas, Oklahoma State, and Texas Tech, the conference still has life. Texas A&M has officially joined the SEC, so they now have 9 teams in the Big 12. I would make a strong push towards 16 teams if I were them.
Everyone is talking about four 16-team super-conferences. The Big 12 should be making it's way towards becoming the first. It's easy to me. You've already got nine. Add West Virginia, Cincinnati and Louisville since the Big East is falling apart. That makes 12. Then add TCU, Boise State, BYU and SMU. Then go ahead and change the name to the Big 16. This would also serve as a way to include TCU and especially Boise State into the BCS.
We all know Texas is the main problem. While the PAC 12 says they didn't admit those four teams because of academics, the real problem is the Longhorn Network. Many people say Texas has strapped itself financially alongside having the Longhorn Network so they can't live without. If this is too much of a sticking point then drop Texas and add Houston to the Big 16. This would still be a strong league, most likely stronger than the ACC. Now of course, if Texas were to drop the Longhorn Network to keep the Big 12 together, chances are OU, TT, and OSU would pack their bags again for the PAC 12 to form the PAC 16...and this is moot. But I don't think Texas is going to drop it.
The assumption is that the four 16-team super-conferences will break off to form a division separate from the current FBS. If this Big 16 were to happen, it would give us five solid conferences, and the one with the least would be the ACC. Fearing a fall into obscurity Florida State, Virginia Tech, Clemson, Georgia Tech, Miami and maybe N.C. State try to join the SEC. The SEC accepts FSU, VT, and Clemson, but reject GA Tech and Miami since their big city location doesn't fit with the style of SEC schools.
So that makes two 16-team super-conferences (Big 16 & SEC), two 12-team conferences (PAC 12 & Big Ten) and one 14-team conference (ACC - I think they add UConn, Rutgers, and South Florida after losing those three schools to the SEC). Notre Dame and possibly Texas are left as independents. The BCS now realigns and only considers the SEC, Big 16, PAC 12, and Big 12 BCS conferences with a caveat for the ACC and Notre Dame/Texas that if they are in the Top 5 they are invited in. The Rose Bowl goes back to the traditional Big Ten vs. PAC 12 champ. The Sugar Bowl and Fiesta Bowl rotate hosting the SEC vs. Big 16 champ. The ACC Champ or Notre Dame/Texas plays the top at-large in the Orange Bowl. Recalculate the polls after the BCS and have the BCS Title Game at one of the four locations like there is now.
Example using current rankings:
Rose Bowl: #6 Stanford vs. #7 Wisconsin
Sugar Bowl: #1 LSU vs. #2 Oklahoma
Orange Bowl: #3 Alabama vs. #4 Boise State
Fiesta Bowl: #5 Oklahoma State vs. #8 Nebraska
*Maybe 1 in 5, or 1 in 4 years would have #1 vs. #2 facing each other like this...so maybe a rule is put in place so that if after these games are played there is a unanimous #1 (95% of the vote--save the doufus trying to create a game) then that's it, a champion is crowned. In this case it would be LSU (because no way OU could beat them). This isn't perfect, but like I've always said, I'm for a playoff...but this is better than nothing.
Recap: (2) 16-team, (1) 14-team, and (2) 12-team conferences, plus (2) independents makes 72 Division 1-A schools. If you're not in one of those conferences then you are in Division 1-AA.
JB
As we all know, the Big 12 is hanging by a thread and just staying together would be an accomplishment. But since the PAC 12 has denied Oklahoma, Texas, Oklahoma State, and Texas Tech, the conference still has life. Texas A&M has officially joined the SEC, so they now have 9 teams in the Big 12. I would make a strong push towards 16 teams if I were them.
Everyone is talking about four 16-team super-conferences. The Big 12 should be making it's way towards becoming the first. It's easy to me. You've already got nine. Add West Virginia, Cincinnati and Louisville since the Big East is falling apart. That makes 12. Then add TCU, Boise State, BYU and SMU. Then go ahead and change the name to the Big 16. This would also serve as a way to include TCU and especially Boise State into the BCS.
We all know Texas is the main problem. While the PAC 12 says they didn't admit those four teams because of academics, the real problem is the Longhorn Network. Many people say Texas has strapped itself financially alongside having the Longhorn Network so they can't live without. If this is too much of a sticking point then drop Texas and add Houston to the Big 16. This would still be a strong league, most likely stronger than the ACC. Now of course, if Texas were to drop the Longhorn Network to keep the Big 12 together, chances are OU, TT, and OSU would pack their bags again for the PAC 12 to form the PAC 16...and this is moot. But I don't think Texas is going to drop it.
The assumption is that the four 16-team super-conferences will break off to form a division separate from the current FBS. If this Big 16 were to happen, it would give us five solid conferences, and the one with the least would be the ACC. Fearing a fall into obscurity Florida State, Virginia Tech, Clemson, Georgia Tech, Miami and maybe N.C. State try to join the SEC. The SEC accepts FSU, VT, and Clemson, but reject GA Tech and Miami since their big city location doesn't fit with the style of SEC schools.
So that makes two 16-team super-conferences (Big 16 & SEC), two 12-team conferences (PAC 12 & Big Ten) and one 14-team conference (ACC - I think they add UConn, Rutgers, and South Florida after losing those three schools to the SEC). Notre Dame and possibly Texas are left as independents. The BCS now realigns and only considers the SEC, Big 16, PAC 12, and Big 12 BCS conferences with a caveat for the ACC and Notre Dame/Texas that if they are in the Top 5 they are invited in. The Rose Bowl goes back to the traditional Big Ten vs. PAC 12 champ. The Sugar Bowl and Fiesta Bowl rotate hosting the SEC vs. Big 16 champ. The ACC Champ or Notre Dame/Texas plays the top at-large in the Orange Bowl. Recalculate the polls after the BCS and have the BCS Title Game at one of the four locations like there is now.
Example using current rankings:
Rose Bowl: #6 Stanford vs. #7 Wisconsin
Sugar Bowl: #1 LSU vs. #2 Oklahoma
Orange Bowl: #3 Alabama vs. #4 Boise State
Fiesta Bowl: #5 Oklahoma State vs. #8 Nebraska
*Maybe 1 in 5, or 1 in 4 years would have #1 vs. #2 facing each other like this...so maybe a rule is put in place so that if after these games are played there is a unanimous #1 (95% of the vote--save the doufus trying to create a game) then that's it, a champion is crowned. In this case it would be LSU (because no way OU could beat them). This isn't perfect, but like I've always said, I'm for a playoff...but this is better than nothing.
Recap: (2) 16-team, (1) 14-team, and (2) 12-team conferences, plus (2) independents makes 72 Division 1-A schools. If you're not in one of those conferences then you are in Division 1-AA.
JB
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
The Polls - Week 5
1. LSU, 4-0 (1): W vs. #3 Oregon, W vs. Northwestern State, W at #16 Mississippi State, W at #19 West Virginia
2. Oklahoma, 3-0 (2): W vs. #24 Tusla, W at #14 Florida State, W vs. Missouri
3. Stanford, 3-0 (6): W vs. San Jose St., W at Duke, W at Arizona
4. Alabama, 4-0 (3): W vs. Kent State, W at Penn State, W vs. North Texas, W vs. #8 Arkansas
5. Wisconsin, 4-0 (7): W vs. UNLV, W vs. Oregon State, W at Northern Illinois, W vs. South Dakota
6. Boise State, 3-0 (4): W at Georgia, W at Toledo, W vs. Tulsa
7. Oklahoma State, 4-0 (5): W vs. LA-Lafayette, W vs. Arizona, W vs. Tulsa, W at #11 Texas A&M
8. Oregon, 3-1 (9): L vs. #4 LSU, W vs. #9 Nevada, W vs. Missouri State, W at Arizona
9. Virginia Tech, 4-0 (11): W vs. App. State, W at East Carolina, W vs. Arkansas State, W at Marshall
10. Nebraska, 4-0 (8): W vs. Chattanooga, W vs. Fresno State, W vs. Washington, W at Wyoming
11. Clemson, 4-0 (13): W vs. Troy, W vs. Wofford, W vs. #1 Auburn, W vs. #14 Florida State
12. Baylor, 3-0 (17): W vs. #2 TCU, W vs. Stephen F. Austin, W vs. Rice
13. Texas A&M, 2-1 (14): W vs. SMU, W vs. Idaho, L vs. #9 Oklahoma State
14. Auburn, 3-1 (NR): W vs. Utah State, W vs. #14 Mississippi State, L at Clemson, W vs. Florida Atlantic
15. South Carolina, 4-0 (10): W vs. East Carolina, W at Georgia, W vs. Navy, W vs. Vanderbilt
16. Arkansas, 3-1 (18): W vs. Missouri State, W vs. New Mexico, W vs. Troy, L at #6 Alabama
17. Florida, 4-0 (12): W vs. Florida Atlantic, W vs. UAB, W vs. Tennessee, W at Kentucky
18. TCU, 2-1 (20): L at Baylor, W at Air Force, W vs. LA-Monroe, W vs. Portland State
19. Texas, 3-0 (17): W vs. Rice, W vs. BYU, W at UCLA
20. Michigan, 4-0 (19): W vs. Western Michigan, W vs. Notre Dame, W vs. Eastern Michigan, W vs. San Diego State
21. South Florida, 4-0 (16): W at Notre Dame, W vs. Ball State, W vs. Florida A&M, W vs. UTEP
22. Georgia Tech, 4-0 (21): W vs. Western Carolina, W at MTSU, W vs. Kansas, W vs. North Carolina
23. Illinois, 4-0 (24): W vs. Arkansas State, W vs. South Dakota State, W vs. #24 Arizona State, W vs. Western Michigan
24. Arizona State, 3-1 (25): W vs. UC Davis, W vs. #17 Missouri, L at Illinois, W at #25 Southern California
25. West Virginia, 3-1 (22): W vs. Marshall, W vs. Norfolk State, W at #21 Maryland, L vs. #1 LSU
Teams that are currently ranked, but wouldn't make this poll are: Florida State (23).
How about Tulsa's schedule so far this year? They are 1-3, losing to current AP #2 Oklahoma, #5 Oklahoma State, and #4 Boise State...all on the road. They should be well tested for their upcoming CUSA schedule (which they are already 1-0 beating Tulane 31-3).
SEC Power Rankings:
1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Florida
4. South Carolina
5. Arkansas
6. Auburn
7. Tennessee
8. Georgia
9. Mississippi State
10. Vanderbilt
12. Ole Miss
12. Kentucky
JB
2. Oklahoma, 3-0 (2): W vs. #24 Tusla, W at #14 Florida State, W vs. Missouri
3. Stanford, 3-0 (6): W vs. San Jose St., W at Duke, W at Arizona
4. Alabama, 4-0 (3): W vs. Kent State, W at Penn State, W vs. North Texas, W vs. #8 Arkansas
5. Wisconsin, 4-0 (7): W vs. UNLV, W vs. Oregon State, W at Northern Illinois, W vs. South Dakota
6. Boise State, 3-0 (4): W at Georgia, W at Toledo, W vs. Tulsa
7. Oklahoma State, 4-0 (5): W vs. LA-Lafayette, W vs. Arizona, W vs. Tulsa, W at #11 Texas A&M
8. Oregon, 3-1 (9): L vs. #4 LSU, W vs. #9 Nevada, W vs. Missouri State, W at Arizona
9. Virginia Tech, 4-0 (11): W vs. App. State, W at East Carolina, W vs. Arkansas State, W at Marshall
10. Nebraska, 4-0 (8): W vs. Chattanooga, W vs. Fresno State, W vs. Washington, W at Wyoming
11. Clemson, 4-0 (13): W vs. Troy, W vs. Wofford, W vs. #1 Auburn, W vs. #14 Florida State
12. Baylor, 3-0 (17): W vs. #2 TCU, W vs. Stephen F. Austin, W vs. Rice
13. Texas A&M, 2-1 (14): W vs. SMU, W vs. Idaho, L vs. #9 Oklahoma State
14. Auburn, 3-1 (NR): W vs. Utah State, W vs. #14 Mississippi State, L at Clemson, W vs. Florida Atlantic
15. South Carolina, 4-0 (10): W vs. East Carolina, W at Georgia, W vs. Navy, W vs. Vanderbilt
16. Arkansas, 3-1 (18): W vs. Missouri State, W vs. New Mexico, W vs. Troy, L at #6 Alabama
17. Florida, 4-0 (12): W vs. Florida Atlantic, W vs. UAB, W vs. Tennessee, W at Kentucky
18. TCU, 2-1 (20): L at Baylor, W at Air Force, W vs. LA-Monroe, W vs. Portland State
19. Texas, 3-0 (17): W vs. Rice, W vs. BYU, W at UCLA
20. Michigan, 4-0 (19): W vs. Western Michigan, W vs. Notre Dame, W vs. Eastern Michigan, W vs. San Diego State
21. South Florida, 4-0 (16): W at Notre Dame, W vs. Ball State, W vs. Florida A&M, W vs. UTEP
22. Georgia Tech, 4-0 (21): W vs. Western Carolina, W at MTSU, W vs. Kansas, W vs. North Carolina
23. Illinois, 4-0 (24): W vs. Arkansas State, W vs. South Dakota State, W vs. #24 Arizona State, W vs. Western Michigan
24. Arizona State, 3-1 (25): W vs. UC Davis, W vs. #17 Missouri, L at Illinois, W at #25 Southern California
25. West Virginia, 3-1 (22): W vs. Marshall, W vs. Norfolk State, W at #21 Maryland, L vs. #1 LSU
Teams that are currently ranked, but wouldn't make this poll are: Florida State (23).
How about Tulsa's schedule so far this year? They are 1-3, losing to current AP #2 Oklahoma, #5 Oklahoma State, and #4 Boise State...all on the road. They should be well tested for their upcoming CUSA schedule (which they are already 1-0 beating Tulane 31-3).
SEC Power Rankings:
1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Florida
4. South Carolina
5. Arkansas
6. Auburn
7. Tennessee
8. Georgia
9. Mississippi State
10. Vanderbilt
12. Ole Miss
12. Kentucky
JB
Monday, September 26, 2011
BBQ Chicken
Every one can grill some chicken and brush some BBQ sauce on them. But how about making a homeade BBQ sauce that taste unique but delicious.
Take out a sauce pan and put in:
1 cup of butter
1 tablesppon of Worcestershire sauce
some lemon juice
about 5 shakes of the following: onion salt, pepper, accent, poultry seasoning, paprika (if you don't have one of these, just leave it out).
Simmer all those ingredients together on low heat for about 5 minutes. Remove it from the heat and add one egg, then whisk it. Put it back on low heat and baste the chicken while you are grilling it...all the while keeping the sauce on low heat (either on the stove or sitting on top of the grill).
Then you're done, and it should be really good.
JB
Take out a sauce pan and put in:
1 cup of butter
1 tablesppon of Worcestershire sauce
some lemon juice
about 5 shakes of the following: onion salt, pepper, accent, poultry seasoning, paprika (if you don't have one of these, just leave it out).
Simmer all those ingredients together on low heat for about 5 minutes. Remove it from the heat and add one egg, then whisk it. Put it back on low heat and baste the chicken while you are grilling it...all the while keeping the sauce on low heat (either on the stove or sitting on top of the grill).
Then you're done, and it should be really good.
JB
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Third Day
My Top 10 Third Day songs:
10. "Consuming Fire", 2000
9. "Mountain of God", 2005
8. "Call My Name", 2009
7. "City on a Hill", 2000
6. "I've Always Loved You", 1999
5. "Theif", 1996
4. "Carry My Cross", 2005
3. "May You Wonders Never Cease", 2003
2. "Love Song", 1996
1. "Offering", 2003
JB
10. "Consuming Fire", 2000
9. "Mountain of God", 2005
8. "Call My Name", 2009
7. "City on a Hill", 2000
6. "I've Always Loved You", 1999
5. "Theif", 1996
4. "Carry My Cross", 2005
3. "May You Wonders Never Cease", 2003
2. "Love Song", 1996
1. "Offering", 2003
JB
Friday, September 23, 2011
Week 4 Preview
Georgia at Ole Miss - Hot Seat Bowl! Wow, these two head coaches...and coaching staffs are feeling the pressure right now. I would say Houston Nutt is feeling it a little more, at least UGA is improving week-to-week. The Bulldogs are 8.5 point favorites in this one, and for good reason...the Rebs suck. Nutt will have to come up with his best speech this week after the alumni and fans are calling for not only his head but the entire Ole Miss administration. They looked awful at Vandy, and I don't know why they'd be any better here. Georgia has been riddled with injuries, and if it were any other team in the SEC -leave Kentucky- I'd say they lose this week. But the Dawgs have Aaron Murrey and rising star Isiah Crowell, and even behind a patchwork O-line and air at linebacker, I think Georgia wins here. It might be real close, and it might be a blowout.
Arkansas at Alabama - This is the big one this week. I was surprised to see such as big spread in this game at Bama -11.5. I think the game will be closer than than, as evidence my picking this game to be the 2nd best SEC game all year. I had picked Arkansas to win it, but then switched my pick when Knile Davis went down--still I think this game is close. The big matchup for me is Arkansas' WRs vs. Alabama's secondary. Tyler Wilson has thrown for over 300 yards in each game so far, and he's got three very talented receivers...which is huge, giving him three options for guys to get open against such a strong defense--a luxury most QBs don't have. Alabama's defense has not been tested yet. The Penn State was nothing more than a road game in front of a lot of people, they could not match up with the Tide at all. I think this is a tight game all the way down to the wire, and could go the Hogs way if they can get a defensive turnover on Bama's young QB(s). But since it's it Tuscaloosa, I'll go with Alabama to win the game.
Florida at Kentucky - Blow out, Gators are telling jokes on the sideline before the half.
Vanderbilt at South Carolina - This one is very interesting considering USC left all their games in doubt until late or very very late in the game. Vandy is hot and 3-0 just like the Gamecocks but South Carolina has more talent at every position (maybe equal at cornerback) so they should win the game, especially at home.
Florida Atlantic at Auburn - Auburn really needs this game at this exact point, that or a week off. MSU ran 97 plays on them, then Clemson ran 91. Clemson should send MSU a thank you card for tiring down an already weak defense. But FAU is horrible and Auburn will win this game big and catch up on plenty of rest before entering October--one of the most brutal months anyone has ever played.
Louisiana Tech at Mississippi State - State has stood toe-to-toe with some tough competition and been knocked down a couple times...so this is when Mickey gives Rocky some easy fights to get his confidence back up, get on the winning track. MSU gets up big, LA Tech has a decent offense so they make the score respectable, but good win for the Dawgs.
LSU at West Virginia - LSU has already beaten two ranked teams away from Death Valley, so why wouldn't they win this one? They are better than WVU at every position other than QB, but when you've got a defense like they've got, you can compensate for that. LSU will wear-you-out. West Virginia may be ill about being denied by the SEC this week...but...it's not enough. LSU wins by 14.
JB
Arkansas at Alabama - This is the big one this week. I was surprised to see such as big spread in this game at Bama -11.5. I think the game will be closer than than, as evidence my picking this game to be the 2nd best SEC game all year. I had picked Arkansas to win it, but then switched my pick when Knile Davis went down--still I think this game is close. The big matchup for me is Arkansas' WRs vs. Alabama's secondary. Tyler Wilson has thrown for over 300 yards in each game so far, and he's got three very talented receivers...which is huge, giving him three options for guys to get open against such a strong defense--a luxury most QBs don't have. Alabama's defense has not been tested yet. The Penn State was nothing more than a road game in front of a lot of people, they could not match up with the Tide at all. I think this is a tight game all the way down to the wire, and could go the Hogs way if they can get a defensive turnover on Bama's young QB(s). But since it's it Tuscaloosa, I'll go with Alabama to win the game.
Florida at Kentucky - Blow out, Gators are telling jokes on the sideline before the half.
Vanderbilt at South Carolina - This one is very interesting considering USC left all their games in doubt until late or very very late in the game. Vandy is hot and 3-0 just like the Gamecocks but South Carolina has more talent at every position (maybe equal at cornerback) so they should win the game, especially at home.
Florida Atlantic at Auburn - Auburn really needs this game at this exact point, that or a week off. MSU ran 97 plays on them, then Clemson ran 91. Clemson should send MSU a thank you card for tiring down an already weak defense. But FAU is horrible and Auburn will win this game big and catch up on plenty of rest before entering October--one of the most brutal months anyone has ever played.
Louisiana Tech at Mississippi State - State has stood toe-to-toe with some tough competition and been knocked down a couple times...so this is when Mickey gives Rocky some easy fights to get his confidence back up, get on the winning track. MSU gets up big, LA Tech has a decent offense so they make the score respectable, but good win for the Dawgs.
LSU at West Virginia - LSU has already beaten two ranked teams away from Death Valley, so why wouldn't they win this one? They are better than WVU at every position other than QB, but when you've got a defense like they've got, you can compensate for that. LSU will wear-you-out. West Virginia may be ill about being denied by the SEC this week...but...it's not enough. LSU wins by 14.
JB
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
The Polls - Week 4
Here's Week 4 of the polls. This week I've included the team's record, their current AP rank, and who they've played.
1. LSU, 3-0 (2): W vs. #3 Oregon, W vs. Northwestern State, W at #16 Mississippi State
2. Oklahoma, 2-0 (1): W vs. #24 Tusla, W at #14 Florida State
3. Stanford, 3-0 (5): W vs. San Jose St., W at Duke, W at Arizona
4. Wisconsin, 3-0 (6): W vs. UNLV, W vs. Oregon State, W at Northern Illinois
5. Boise State, 2-0 (4): W at Georgia, W at Toledo
6. Alabama, 3-0 (3): W vs. Kent State, W at Penn State, W vs. North Texas
7. Oregon, 2-1 (10): L vs. #4 LSU, W vs. #9 Nevada, W vs. Missouri State
8. Arkansas, 3-0 (14): W vs. Missouri State, W vs. New Mexico, W vs. Troy
9. Oklahoma State, 3-0 (7): W vs. LA-Lafayette, W vs. Arizona, W vs. Tulsa
10. Virginia Tech, 3-0 (13): W vs. App. State, W at East Carolina, W vs. Arkansas State
11. Texas A&M, 2-0 (8): W vs. SMU, W vs. Idaho
12. Nebraska, 3-0 (9): W vs. Chattanooga, W vs. Fresno State, W vs. Washington
13. Baylor, 2-0 (17): W vs. #2 TCU, W vs. Stephen F. Austin
14. Florida State, 2-1 (10): W vs. LA-Monroe, W vs. Charleston Southern, L vs. #4 Oklahoma
15. Clemson, 3-0 (21): W vs. Troy, W vs. Wofford, W vs. #1 Auburn
16. Auburn, 2-1 (NR): W vs. Utah State, W vs. #14 Mississippi State, L at Clemson
17. South Carolina, 3-0 (12): W vs. East Carolina, W at Georgia, W vs. Navy
18. Florida, 3-0 (15): W vs. Florida Atlantic, W vs. UAB, W vs. Tennessee
19. West Virginia, 3-0 (16): W vs. Marshall, W vs. Norfolk State, W at #21 Maryland
20. TCU, 2-1 (20): L at Baylor, W at Air Force, W vs. LA-Monroe
21. Texas, 3-0 (19): W vs. Rice, W vs. BYU, W at UCLA
22. Florida International, 3-0 (NR): W vs. North Texas, W at Louiville, W vs. #19 Central Florida
23. Michigan, 3-0 (22): W vs. Western Michigan, W vs. Notre Dame, W vs. Eastern Michigan
24. South Florida, 3-0 (18): W at Notre Dame, W vs. Ball State, W vs. Florida A&M
25. Southern California, 3-0 (23): W vs. Minnesota, W vs. Utah, W vs. Syracuse
Teams that are currently ranked, but wouldn't make this poll are: Illinois (24), and Georgia Tech (25).
SEC Power Rankings:
1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Arkansas
4. Florida
5. South Carolina
6. Auburn
6. Tennessee
6. Mississippi State
9. Georgia
10. Vanderbilt
much further back...
11. Ole Miss
11. Kentucky
JB
1. LSU, 3-0 (2): W vs. #3 Oregon, W vs. Northwestern State, W at #16 Mississippi State
2. Oklahoma, 2-0 (1): W vs. #24 Tusla, W at #14 Florida State
3. Stanford, 3-0 (5): W vs. San Jose St., W at Duke, W at Arizona
4. Wisconsin, 3-0 (6): W vs. UNLV, W vs. Oregon State, W at Northern Illinois
5. Boise State, 2-0 (4): W at Georgia, W at Toledo
6. Alabama, 3-0 (3): W vs. Kent State, W at Penn State, W vs. North Texas
7. Oregon, 2-1 (10): L vs. #4 LSU, W vs. #9 Nevada, W vs. Missouri State
8. Arkansas, 3-0 (14): W vs. Missouri State, W vs. New Mexico, W vs. Troy
9. Oklahoma State, 3-0 (7): W vs. LA-Lafayette, W vs. Arizona, W vs. Tulsa
10. Virginia Tech, 3-0 (13): W vs. App. State, W at East Carolina, W vs. Arkansas State
11. Texas A&M, 2-0 (8): W vs. SMU, W vs. Idaho
12. Nebraska, 3-0 (9): W vs. Chattanooga, W vs. Fresno State, W vs. Washington
13. Baylor, 2-0 (17): W vs. #2 TCU, W vs. Stephen F. Austin
14. Florida State, 2-1 (10): W vs. LA-Monroe, W vs. Charleston Southern, L vs. #4 Oklahoma
15. Clemson, 3-0 (21): W vs. Troy, W vs. Wofford, W vs. #1 Auburn
16. Auburn, 2-1 (NR): W vs. Utah State, W vs. #14 Mississippi State, L at Clemson
17. South Carolina, 3-0 (12): W vs. East Carolina, W at Georgia, W vs. Navy
18. Florida, 3-0 (15): W vs. Florida Atlantic, W vs. UAB, W vs. Tennessee
19. West Virginia, 3-0 (16): W vs. Marshall, W vs. Norfolk State, W at #21 Maryland
20. TCU, 2-1 (20): L at Baylor, W at Air Force, W vs. LA-Monroe
21. Texas, 3-0 (19): W vs. Rice, W vs. BYU, W at UCLA
22. Florida International, 3-0 (NR): W vs. North Texas, W at Louiville, W vs. #19 Central Florida
23. Michigan, 3-0 (22): W vs. Western Michigan, W vs. Notre Dame, W vs. Eastern Michigan
24. South Florida, 3-0 (18): W at Notre Dame, W vs. Ball State, W vs. Florida A&M
25. Southern California, 3-0 (23): W vs. Minnesota, W vs. Utah, W vs. Syracuse
Teams that are currently ranked, but wouldn't make this poll are: Illinois (24), and Georgia Tech (25).
SEC Power Rankings:
1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Arkansas
4. Florida
5. South Carolina
6. Auburn
6. Tennessee
6. Mississippi State
9. Georgia
10. Vanderbilt
much further back...
11. Ole Miss
11. Kentucky
JB
Monday, September 19, 2011
Cajun Chicken Sandwich
This is a really easy sandwich to make and it's very good.
First you take a boneless, skinless chicken breast and grill it...use a typical marinade like Worcestershire if you want, or don't.
Take an onion, and either wrap it in aluminum fold, coat it in butter and put it on the grill or sautee it on the skillet with some butter.
Once the chicken is done, slice it up into small cubes (similar to a caramel square). Then be generous with the Tony's and get the chicken speckled on all sides.
Take some hoagie buns, put a layer of mayo on, then the chicken, then the cooked onion. That's it.
JB
First you take a boneless, skinless chicken breast and grill it...use a typical marinade like Worcestershire if you want, or don't.
Take an onion, and either wrap it in aluminum fold, coat it in butter and put it on the grill or sautee it on the skillet with some butter.
Once the chicken is done, slice it up into small cubes (similar to a caramel square). Then be generous with the Tony's and get the chicken speckled on all sides.
Take some hoagie buns, put a layer of mayo on, then the chicken, then the cooked onion. That's it.
JB
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Tim McGraw
My Top 10 Tim McGraw songs:
10. "Real Good Man", 2002
9. "Southern Voice", 2009
8. "My Little Girl", 2006
7. "Where the Green Grass Grows", 1997
6. "Indian Outlaw", 1994
5. "She Never Lets it Go to Her Heart", 1995
4. "My Best Friend", 1999
3. "Refried Dreams" 1994
2. "Watch the Wind Blow By", 2002
1. "Everywhere", 1997
JB
10. "Real Good Man", 2002
9. "Southern Voice", 2009
8. "My Little Girl", 2006
7. "Where the Green Grass Grows", 1997
6. "Indian Outlaw", 1994
5. "She Never Lets it Go to Her Heart", 1995
4. "My Best Friend", 1999
3. "Refried Dreams" 1994
2. "Watch the Wind Blow By", 2002
1. "Everywhere", 1997
JB
Friday, September 16, 2011
Week 3 Preview
Auburn at Clemson - Clemson's rush defense is 107th through two games against poor competition, Michael Dyer is going to run all over them. I picked Clemson before the year, but Auburn showed me they are better than I thought after beating my Dawgs. I'll go with Auburn here, even on the road.
Ole Miss at Vandy - I want Vanderbilt to win this game, and I think they can. Neither team has looked that good so far, and that includes Vandy beating the defending Big East champs. The game is in Nashville, so I'll go with the 'Dores.
Georgia gets their first win, Alabama and Arkansas cruise. South Carolina might struggle a little big with Navy, but I think they will surge ahead and win by a couple scores. Louisville is not good, and Kentucky may be worse. The game is in Lexington...I don't want to watch UK play anymore, it's too awful...but maybe they'll win.
Tennessee at Florida - People are starting to notice the Vols...they are scoring rather easily and Tyler Bray is looking like a world beater. I'm sure plenty of people are going to pick Tennessee to win, but I'm not so sure. If the game was in Knoxville maybe. But the Vols are about to go up against a defense a lot different than the two they've played so far. Florida wins.
Oklahoma at Florida State - I picked Florida State to go to the national championship game, and I don't see any reason to change my course here. Doak Campbell isn't a very intimidating place, but it is home for the 'Noles. They will have enough defense to hold Oklahoma long enough to stay in the game and pull it out in the end.
JB
Ole Miss at Vandy - I want Vanderbilt to win this game, and I think they can. Neither team has looked that good so far, and that includes Vandy beating the defending Big East champs. The game is in Nashville, so I'll go with the 'Dores.
Georgia gets their first win, Alabama and Arkansas cruise. South Carolina might struggle a little big with Navy, but I think they will surge ahead and win by a couple scores. Louisville is not good, and Kentucky may be worse. The game is in Lexington...I don't want to watch UK play anymore, it's too awful...but maybe they'll win.
Tennessee at Florida - People are starting to notice the Vols...they are scoring rather easily and Tyler Bray is looking like a world beater. I'm sure plenty of people are going to pick Tennessee to win, but I'm not so sure. If the game was in Knoxville maybe. But the Vols are about to go up against a defense a lot different than the two they've played so far. Florida wins.
Oklahoma at Florida State - I picked Florida State to go to the national championship game, and I don't see any reason to change my course here. Doak Campbell isn't a very intimidating place, but it is home for the 'Noles. They will have enough defense to hold Oklahoma long enough to stay in the game and pull it out in the end.
JB
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Mississippi State vs. LSU
How will MSU respond to that heartbreaking loss to Auburn? The good news is, the game will be at home and the crowd will hopefully be able to lift the Bulldogs intensity. It's not the Top 15, big time game everyone had hoped for, but it's still a huge game. If State can win this one, it will quickly get the bad taste out of our mouths from last week's crushing defeat.
Everyone is always quick to judge how good a team is after one or two games. Remember when everyone thought Auburn was awful because they almost got beat by Utah State? Same goes for LSU, they are getting a lot of love after they beat up on Oregon. Analysts would have you believe the LSU defense is so amazing not even an NFL team could score on them. Yes, they are good, but let's take a step back for a minute.
In the Oregon game, LSU was the beneficiary of two fumbles inside their opponent's 20 yard line, one of which they scored on after recovering. That's 14 of their 40 points. Oregon has a lot of undersized players on the line of scrimmage, MSU's lines are a lot bigger. LSU won't be able to dominate in that area like they did in Dallas. If State can manage to not turn the ball over, they can hang with LSU.
Conventional wisdom is that LSU's speed off the edge is so great, it will take away the option play that MSU ran so effectively against Auburn. If that is the case, then Chris Relf will likely have to throw more, against probably the first or second best secondary in the country. It's going to be a tough game plan for Dan Mullen. MSU's top rated SEC offense will surely be put to the test.
LSU's offense is far from prolific. They still are without Russell Shepard at WR, and Jordan Jefferson is long gone. Spencer Ware is a solid running back, and they will most likely rely on him and the defense to win the game. State's defense has to show up for this game. Auburn ran circles around the defensive line for most of the game last week, but State has to bring the intensity in this one or LSU is going to blow their doors off. Somehow, someway, turnovers have to be forced. Whether it's bringing pressure to force Jarrett Lee to make a bad throw and get an interception, or trying to strip the ball, State will probably need to get a pivotal turnover in this game to change the tide.
Mississippi State's offense is very good. LSU defense is very very good. Both LSU's offense and the MSU defense have a lot to prove. The special teams is what could decide this game. MSU started four drives inside the 20 against Auburn. The top programs who recruit in the Top 10 every year may not have experience but they have speed, and a decent kicker plus lots of speed usually means good special teams. Those are hidden yards that Mississippi State has to find a way to negate. Field position will be key in this game. It is tough to score on LSU, if State has to drive 90 yards, it is next to impossible.
State can win this game, but they cannot turn the ball over. They need to play better on special teams, keeping LSU's speedy kick returners from bringing it back to the 40, 50 yard line. Mississippi State is a 4.5 point underdog in this game, I think it will be that close as well. If State can get a turnover, especially in LSU territory, then they will win the game.
JB
Everyone is always quick to judge how good a team is after one or two games. Remember when everyone thought Auburn was awful because they almost got beat by Utah State? Same goes for LSU, they are getting a lot of love after they beat up on Oregon. Analysts would have you believe the LSU defense is so amazing not even an NFL team could score on them. Yes, they are good, but let's take a step back for a minute.
In the Oregon game, LSU was the beneficiary of two fumbles inside their opponent's 20 yard line, one of which they scored on after recovering. That's 14 of their 40 points. Oregon has a lot of undersized players on the line of scrimmage, MSU's lines are a lot bigger. LSU won't be able to dominate in that area like they did in Dallas. If State can manage to not turn the ball over, they can hang with LSU.
Conventional wisdom is that LSU's speed off the edge is so great, it will take away the option play that MSU ran so effectively against Auburn. If that is the case, then Chris Relf will likely have to throw more, against probably the first or second best secondary in the country. It's going to be a tough game plan for Dan Mullen. MSU's top rated SEC offense will surely be put to the test.
LSU's offense is far from prolific. They still are without Russell Shepard at WR, and Jordan Jefferson is long gone. Spencer Ware is a solid running back, and they will most likely rely on him and the defense to win the game. State's defense has to show up for this game. Auburn ran circles around the defensive line for most of the game last week, but State has to bring the intensity in this one or LSU is going to blow their doors off. Somehow, someway, turnovers have to be forced. Whether it's bringing pressure to force Jarrett Lee to make a bad throw and get an interception, or trying to strip the ball, State will probably need to get a pivotal turnover in this game to change the tide.
Mississippi State's offense is very good. LSU defense is very very good. Both LSU's offense and the MSU defense have a lot to prove. The special teams is what could decide this game. MSU started four drives inside the 20 against Auburn. The top programs who recruit in the Top 10 every year may not have experience but they have speed, and a decent kicker plus lots of speed usually means good special teams. Those are hidden yards that Mississippi State has to find a way to negate. Field position will be key in this game. It is tough to score on LSU, if State has to drive 90 yards, it is next to impossible.
State can win this game, but they cannot turn the ball over. They need to play better on special teams, keeping LSU's speedy kick returners from bringing it back to the 40, 50 yard line. Mississippi State is a 4.5 point underdog in this game, I think it will be that close as well. If State can get a turnover, especially in LSU territory, then they will win the game.
JB
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Sickness
Why must there be sickness? If God is good, why would he allow sickness?
Some people think sickness is punishment for sin. Is it? AIDS seems like it is. But what about cancer? I don't necessarily believe sickness is a punishment for sin. I think sickness is a tool God uses to teach us, to guide us, and mold us into where and what we need to be.
God is good, and there is a place with no sickness - heaven. We are not in heaven, but on Earth...so as long as we are here on Earth there will be sickness. I believe there is a reason why people get sick, and it's not because God is punishing them or God has forgotten about them. I believe God knows exactly what is going on, and has a plan and reason for the struggles that are happening.
Sickness is only temporary. Someone may be going through the worst pain imaginable, they may be deteriorating at a record pace. But that only matters if the grave is your final destination. But in heaven we all get brand new-no fail bodies that don't get sick and don't wear out. Everything that happens on earth is preparation for eternity, and sickness is something that effects most people in some way. If we have faith in God's plan for our lives, we can rest assured that no matter the outcome on earth, the final result will be one of triumph.
"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
Some people think sickness is punishment for sin. Is it? AIDS seems like it is. But what about cancer? I don't necessarily believe sickness is a punishment for sin. I think sickness is a tool God uses to teach us, to guide us, and mold us into where and what we need to be.
God is good, and there is a place with no sickness - heaven. We are not in heaven, but on Earth...so as long as we are here on Earth there will be sickness. I believe there is a reason why people get sick, and it's not because God is punishing them or God has forgotten about them. I believe God knows exactly what is going on, and has a plan and reason for the struggles that are happening.
Sickness is only temporary. Someone may be going through the worst pain imaginable, they may be deteriorating at a record pace. But that only matters if the grave is your final destination. But in heaven we all get brand new-no fail bodies that don't get sick and don't wear out. Everything that happens on earth is preparation for eternity, and sickness is something that effects most people in some way. If we have faith in God's plan for our lives, we can rest assured that no matter the outcome on earth, the final result will be one of triumph.
"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, September 13, 2011
The Polls - Week 3
I continue the continuation of the polls from the end of last season. If a team looks too high or low, look where they were in last week's poll (September 7th post). Actual current ranking in parenthesis.
1. Auburn............(21)
2. LSU...............(3)
3. Stanford..........(6)
4. Oklahoma..........(1)
5. Wisconsin.........(7)
6. Ohio State........(17)
7. Boise State.......(4)
8. Alabama...........(2)
9. Oregon............(12)
10. Arkansas.........(14)
11. Oklahoma State...(8)
12. Michigan State...(15)
13. Virginia Tech....(13)
14. Florida State....(5)
15. Texas A&M........(9)
16. Mississippi St...(25)
17. Nebraska.........(10)
18. Baylor...........(19)
19. UCF..............(NR)
20. South Carolina...(11)
21. Maryland.........(NR)
22. TCU..............(23)
23. Florida..........(16)
24. Arizona State....(22)
25. West Virginia....(18)
Teams that are currently ranked, but wouldn't make this poll are: South Florida (20), and Texas (24).
SEC Power Rankings:
1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Arkansas
4. South Carolina
5. Florida
6. Tennessee
7. Auburn
8. Mississippi State
9. Georgia
10. Vanderbilt
11. Ole Miss
12. Kentucky
JB
1. Auburn............(21)
2. LSU...............(3)
3. Stanford..........(6)
4. Oklahoma..........(1)
5. Wisconsin.........(7)
6. Ohio State........(17)
7. Boise State.......(4)
8. Alabama...........(2)
9. Oregon............(12)
10. Arkansas.........(14)
11. Oklahoma State...(8)
12. Michigan State...(15)
13. Virginia Tech....(13)
14. Florida State....(5)
15. Texas A&M........(9)
16. Mississippi St...(25)
17. Nebraska.........(10)
18. Baylor...........(19)
19. UCF..............(NR)
20. South Carolina...(11)
21. Maryland.........(NR)
22. TCU..............(23)
23. Florida..........(16)
24. Arizona State....(22)
25. West Virginia....(18)
Teams that are currently ranked, but wouldn't make this poll are: South Florida (20), and Texas (24).
SEC Power Rankings:
1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Arkansas
4. South Carolina
5. Florida
6. Tennessee
7. Auburn
8. Mississippi State
9. Georgia
10. Vanderbilt
11. Ole Miss
12. Kentucky
JB
Monday, September 12, 2011
Recent Sports Stuff
Conference Realignment:
All August everyone talked about Texas A&M moving to the SEC and conference realignment. Now, even with football season having started, people are still talking about it. So, I might as well chip in. I have no problem with it. And here is how I see it shaking out if indeed there does become four 16-team superconferences:
(I've only listed teams that are making a move)
SEC:
Texas A&M - Obviously A&M wants to come to the SEC and it's almost a done deal.
Missouri - This makes sense because it broadens the SEC's scope to the big State of Missouri which includes two major cities.
Florida State - FSU said no to the SEC in the early 90s, and I don't think they will go if they only expand to 14. But if we're talking about going to 16, I think stretching into new markets is over, and the SEC looks for quaility programs...so FSU gets the invite and accepts.
Clemson - Clemson is basically a misplaced SEC school. They round out the 16 nicely.
Big 10 (assuming they don't change to Big 16 like they should):
Notre Dame - They are forced to make a move. A. because it is too much money to pass up. B. they don't want to be left behind as an independent
Syracuse or Rutgers - The Big 10 wants to get into the New York market, this allows them to.
TCU - This allows the Big 10 to get into the Texas market and Texas recruiting.
Kansas or BYU - Kansas seems like a good pick for basketball reasons, but it's not a big market and supposedly Kansas is a package deal with KSU so it might not work out. BYU has a national following among Mormans, and a pretty good football program.
ACC:
Florida State and Clemson leave for greener pastures in the SEC.
After the Big 10 takes their picks from the Big East, the ACC gets the leftovers.
South Florida - This move replaces Florida State's absense in the ACC...up and coming program from a big market in Tampa.
West Virginia - WVU would like to go to the SEC, but aside from a rabid SEC-like fanbase, West Virginia doesn't offer that much to the SEC...but they are a good program so they land in the ACC.
Pitt - Big market, the only reason the Big 10 didn't take them was because of Penn State. Maintains the Pitt/WVU rivalry.
Rutgers or Syracuse - Whichever team the Big 10 doesn't get.
Louisville - Pretty populated city in Louisville, potential for a good football program.
UConn - Not much more to choose from.
PAC 16:
Oklahoma - The PAC 16 offers them a solid conference that is less difficult to win than the SEC.
Oklahoma State - They follow Oklahoma.
Texas - They go ahead and move West, probably abandoning the Longhorn Network.
Texas Tech - They follow Texas.
Baylor, Boise State, Iowa State, Kansas State, TCU or Kansas, and Cincinnati were once in top conferences but are left without a chair when the music stops.
Atlanta Braves:
The Braves have been playing horrible of late. Losing 6 out of 8 and letting the wild card lead slip to four and a half games ahead of the St. Louis Cardinals. Everything was looking great...the starting rotation was good, the bullpen was excellent, and the lineup was looking like one that could contend for a World Series. Then Tommy Hanson and Jair Jurrjens got hurt and the Braves have struggled since. I think they will be able to find their way out of this funk and clinch a postseason berth, but they'll have to find some starting pitching (ah,em Derek Lowe) for the playoffs.
U.S. Open:
It was good to see two American players make the quarterfinals this year. John Isner played a really good match against Andy Murrey on Friday...too bad the top four are so good, including Nadal wasting Roddick.
Melanie Oudin, who is from Marietta, GA lost in the first round for singles but won mixed doubles alongside Jack Sock with little fanfare. The funny thing about that is, they had never played together before the Open and only decided to join forces a couple weeks ago.
Today's men's final is going to be a good one, Nadal vs. Djokovic...the two best players in the world. Not only is it a rematch of last year's final, but Nadal is the defending champion and Djokovic took Nadal's Wimbeldon title away this year too. I'm predicting Nadal will win today.
UGA Football:
Mark Richt is in hot water for sure. It's not that they are 0-2, it's the way they've become 0-2. One more slip up and he is gone. I don't think he'll be fired before the end of the year unless it all falls apart, but his fate will be sealed with another loss in the next 3-4 games. I don't know what the magic win number is, but if he doesn't win 8, maybe 9 games I don't think he can save his job. It's too bad, because he's a really great person. But in all honesty, Georgia is an elite program, and he's not getting the job done.
JB
All August everyone talked about Texas A&M moving to the SEC and conference realignment. Now, even with football season having started, people are still talking about it. So, I might as well chip in. I have no problem with it. And here is how I see it shaking out if indeed there does become four 16-team superconferences:
(I've only listed teams that are making a move)
SEC:
Texas A&M - Obviously A&M wants to come to the SEC and it's almost a done deal.
Missouri - This makes sense because it broadens the SEC's scope to the big State of Missouri which includes two major cities.
Florida State - FSU said no to the SEC in the early 90s, and I don't think they will go if they only expand to 14. But if we're talking about going to 16, I think stretching into new markets is over, and the SEC looks for quaility programs...so FSU gets the invite and accepts.
Clemson - Clemson is basically a misplaced SEC school. They round out the 16 nicely.
Big 10 (assuming they don't change to Big 16 like they should):
Notre Dame - They are forced to make a move. A. because it is too much money to pass up. B. they don't want to be left behind as an independent
Syracuse or Rutgers - The Big 10 wants to get into the New York market, this allows them to.
TCU - This allows the Big 10 to get into the Texas market and Texas recruiting.
Kansas or BYU - Kansas seems like a good pick for basketball reasons, but it's not a big market and supposedly Kansas is a package deal with KSU so it might not work out. BYU has a national following among Mormans, and a pretty good football program.
ACC:
Florida State and Clemson leave for greener pastures in the SEC.
After the Big 10 takes their picks from the Big East, the ACC gets the leftovers.
South Florida - This move replaces Florida State's absense in the ACC...up and coming program from a big market in Tampa.
West Virginia - WVU would like to go to the SEC, but aside from a rabid SEC-like fanbase, West Virginia doesn't offer that much to the SEC...but they are a good program so they land in the ACC.
Pitt - Big market, the only reason the Big 10 didn't take them was because of Penn State. Maintains the Pitt/WVU rivalry.
Rutgers or Syracuse - Whichever team the Big 10 doesn't get.
Louisville - Pretty populated city in Louisville, potential for a good football program.
UConn - Not much more to choose from.
PAC 16:
Oklahoma - The PAC 16 offers them a solid conference that is less difficult to win than the SEC.
Oklahoma State - They follow Oklahoma.
Texas - They go ahead and move West, probably abandoning the Longhorn Network.
Texas Tech - They follow Texas.
Baylor, Boise State, Iowa State, Kansas State, TCU or Kansas, and Cincinnati were once in top conferences but are left without a chair when the music stops.
Atlanta Braves:
The Braves have been playing horrible of late. Losing 6 out of 8 and letting the wild card lead slip to four and a half games ahead of the St. Louis Cardinals. Everything was looking great...the starting rotation was good, the bullpen was excellent, and the lineup was looking like one that could contend for a World Series. Then Tommy Hanson and Jair Jurrjens got hurt and the Braves have struggled since. I think they will be able to find their way out of this funk and clinch a postseason berth, but they'll have to find some starting pitching (ah,em Derek Lowe) for the playoffs.
U.S. Open:
It was good to see two American players make the quarterfinals this year. John Isner played a really good match against Andy Murrey on Friday...too bad the top four are so good, including Nadal wasting Roddick.
Melanie Oudin, who is from Marietta, GA lost in the first round for singles but won mixed doubles alongside Jack Sock with little fanfare. The funny thing about that is, they had never played together before the Open and only decided to join forces a couple weeks ago.
Today's men's final is going to be a good one, Nadal vs. Djokovic...the two best players in the world. Not only is it a rematch of last year's final, but Nadal is the defending champion and Djokovic took Nadal's Wimbeldon title away this year too. I'm predicting Nadal will win today.
UGA Football:
Mark Richt is in hot water for sure. It's not that they are 0-2, it's the way they've become 0-2. One more slip up and he is gone. I don't think he'll be fired before the end of the year unless it all falls apart, but his fate will be sealed with another loss in the next 3-4 games. I don't know what the magic win number is, but if he doesn't win 8, maybe 9 games I don't think he can save his job. It's too bad, because he's a really great person. But in all honesty, Georgia is an elite program, and he's not getting the job done.
JB
Sunday, September 11, 2011
9/11
Ten years ago I was a senior in high school. I was just getting out of 1st period (which was P.E.), walking out of the locker room and the coach had a TV on.
In the coming weeks, I remember thinking that I would be ready and willing to fight overseas when I turned 18 (only a few months away).
But now, in 2011, there are two types of fights all true Americans must stand up for. The first are those terrorists from overseas who want to destoy this country. The second are the people who are citizens of this country but want to change it because they believe it is a flawed nation.
Every nation is flawed, because this is not heaven. But the United States of America is the greatest nation. We were founded on a solid footing, and this day should remind us that we need to clear away all those who don't like that footing, and are trying to chip away at it so they can change America into what they want. I'm proud to be an American, and I hope one day soon we'll have a president who is as well.
JB
In the coming weeks, I remember thinking that I would be ready and willing to fight overseas when I turned 18 (only a few months away).
But now, in 2011, there are two types of fights all true Americans must stand up for. The first are those terrorists from overseas who want to destoy this country. The second are the people who are citizens of this country but want to change it because they believe it is a flawed nation.
Every nation is flawed, because this is not heaven. But the United States of America is the greatest nation. We were founded on a solid footing, and this day should remind us that we need to clear away all those who don't like that footing, and are trying to chip away at it so they can change America into what they want. I'm proud to be an American, and I hope one day soon we'll have a president who is as well.
JB
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Lynyrd Skynyrd
My Top 10 Lynyrd Skynyrd songs:
10. "Sweet Home Alabama", 1974
9. "Saturday Night Special", 1975
8. "Free Bird", 1973
7. "Gimme Three Steps", 1973
6. "I Ain't the One", 1973
5. "Was I Right or Wrong", 1978
4. "Call Me The Breeze", 1974
3. "The Ballad of Curtis Loew", 1974
2. "Simple Man", 1973
1. "Tuesday's Gone", 1973
JB
10. "Sweet Home Alabama", 1974
9. "Saturday Night Special", 1975
8. "Free Bird", 1973
7. "Gimme Three Steps", 1973
6. "I Ain't the One", 1973
5. "Was I Right or Wrong", 1978
4. "Call Me The Breeze", 1974
3. "The Ballad of Curtis Loew", 1974
2. "Simple Man", 1973
1. "Tuesday's Gone", 1973
JB
Friday, September 9, 2011
Week 2 Preview
Start the day off with Central Michigan at Kentucky. If Kentucky plays like they did in Week 1, they will lose. No, CMU (horrible acronym for a college) is not good. But they do have 14 returning starters and if Joker Philips doesn't get the offense moving then even with a win he will start feeling some discomfort in Lexington. I think the Cats will pull it out.
Mississippi State at Auburn - The Tigers can put some of their stellar athletes up front on the D-line and contend and make plays in the first half on raw talent and effort alone. Even though their defensive line looked awful last week, I wouldn't be surprised if Relf gets sacked once or twice, maybe Ballard gets caught behind the line of scrimmage. At least in the first half, I think Auburn's D will maintain State's offense to a degree, hold them to 14-21 points. As Auburn's D-line wears down from the brutality of an SEC O-line they've never had to play a full game against (or never been in an SEC game) they will not be able to make as many plays. And as they are unable to pressure Relf, I think MSU's WRs will be able to get open against Auburn's poor secondary. Look for State to control the ball and run plenty in the second half, hopefully getting 5-7 yards per carry. There's no doubt Gus Malzahn will find a way to score. He's still got playmakers in Emory Blake, Ontario McCaleb, Michael Dyer, and Philip Lutzenkirchen. He was good with Chris Todd in '09, he'll make Trotter into at least a middle of the road SEC QB on scheme alone. So as much pressure as I think State's D-line can put on Trotter, which I think is a lot due to their very inexperienced O-line, Malzahn will run misdirection and who knows what to get his skill players in open space. I'm going to assume they will have at least 3-4 20+, maybe 30+ yard plays from scrimmage in the game. State's biggest advantage is State's D-line vs. Auburn's O-line. Auburn's lineman will have a tough time keeping pressure off Trotter and MSU's linebackers will be able to stay in coverage to see what kind of plays are developing instead of moving up to stop the run. I think this will be a huge advantage to the defense and will probably result in some INTs when Trotter is pressured. The Tigers struggle to keep up and State puts the game away with 6-7 minutes to go in the game, walk away with a 35-20 victory.
Cincinnati at Tennessee - The Bearcats beat the stew out of Austin Peay last week. But UT did the same to Montana. Tyler Bray looked really good in the opener, and he looks poised to become the next great Vol QB. Justin Hunter is also a stud at tailback, I expect Tennessee to play well and win this game...fairly easily.
Alabama at Penn State - Alabama is just plain better than Penn State. Better at every single position. Even though this game is on the road, there is no reason why the game should be in doubt in the 4th quarter...and I don't think it will be. This is a nice game to Bama to play, to see bigger athletes that will test them and prepare them for Arkansas in two weeks. But Bama wins 31-14.
South Carolina at Georgia - Folks in the Peach State are getting tired of Mark Richt. He's a great guy, but he's 14-14 in his last 28 games. Wow, that is not good at UGA. And if this game makes him 14-15 he might not be able to recover aside from running the table. The Dawgs had a lot of trouble against Boise State's Top 5 defensive line. Well, South Carolina's is better...probably a good bit better. There is no reason for me to think that Ingram, Clowney, and Co. will not be in the backfield all game long. I don't think Georgia can stop South Carolina's offense either. This one isn't close to me. Vegas says USC -3. I say USC -17.
Southern Illinois at Ole Miss - Houston Nutt is falling apart. Lucky for him his opponent this week is from the FCS. Rebs win.
Florida beats UAB, Arkansas beat New Mexico, and LSU beats Northwestern State.
UConn at Vanderbilt - Both teams played easy competition in week one so nothing was learned. UConn has 9 returning starters on defense and Larry Smith is an awful QB, so Casey Hayward and the Vandy D are going to have to step up. UConn lost their 1,758 yard rusher, Jordan Todman, and the QB from last year, they will most likely be relying on a true freshman at QB in this game. Vandy wins 13-10.
Others...
Nevada at Oregon - Nevada plays their first game of the season with 12 returning starters from a team that finished #11 in the country last year. Could the Ducks lose two in a row?
BYU at Texas - BYU shot themselves in the foot all day long in Oxford last week and still won. Texas will win this one, BYU did not impress me.
JB
Mississippi State at Auburn - The Tigers can put some of their stellar athletes up front on the D-line and contend and make plays in the first half on raw talent and effort alone. Even though their defensive line looked awful last week, I wouldn't be surprised if Relf gets sacked once or twice, maybe Ballard gets caught behind the line of scrimmage. At least in the first half, I think Auburn's D will maintain State's offense to a degree, hold them to 14-21 points. As Auburn's D-line wears down from the brutality of an SEC O-line they've never had to play a full game against (or never been in an SEC game) they will not be able to make as many plays. And as they are unable to pressure Relf, I think MSU's WRs will be able to get open against Auburn's poor secondary. Look for State to control the ball and run plenty in the second half, hopefully getting 5-7 yards per carry. There's no doubt Gus Malzahn will find a way to score. He's still got playmakers in Emory Blake, Ontario McCaleb, Michael Dyer, and Philip Lutzenkirchen. He was good with Chris Todd in '09, he'll make Trotter into at least a middle of the road SEC QB on scheme alone. So as much pressure as I think State's D-line can put on Trotter, which I think is a lot due to their very inexperienced O-line, Malzahn will run misdirection and who knows what to get his skill players in open space. I'm going to assume they will have at least 3-4 20+, maybe 30+ yard plays from scrimmage in the game. State's biggest advantage is State's D-line vs. Auburn's O-line. Auburn's lineman will have a tough time keeping pressure off Trotter and MSU's linebackers will be able to stay in coverage to see what kind of plays are developing instead of moving up to stop the run. I think this will be a huge advantage to the defense and will probably result in some INTs when Trotter is pressured. The Tigers struggle to keep up and State puts the game away with 6-7 minutes to go in the game, walk away with a 35-20 victory.
Cincinnati at Tennessee - The Bearcats beat the stew out of Austin Peay last week. But UT did the same to Montana. Tyler Bray looked really good in the opener, and he looks poised to become the next great Vol QB. Justin Hunter is also a stud at tailback, I expect Tennessee to play well and win this game...fairly easily.
Alabama at Penn State - Alabama is just plain better than Penn State. Better at every single position. Even though this game is on the road, there is no reason why the game should be in doubt in the 4th quarter...and I don't think it will be. This is a nice game to Bama to play, to see bigger athletes that will test them and prepare them for Arkansas in two weeks. But Bama wins 31-14.
South Carolina at Georgia - Folks in the Peach State are getting tired of Mark Richt. He's a great guy, but he's 14-14 in his last 28 games. Wow, that is not good at UGA. And if this game makes him 14-15 he might not be able to recover aside from running the table. The Dawgs had a lot of trouble against Boise State's Top 5 defensive line. Well, South Carolina's is better...probably a good bit better. There is no reason for me to think that Ingram, Clowney, and Co. will not be in the backfield all game long. I don't think Georgia can stop South Carolina's offense either. This one isn't close to me. Vegas says USC -3. I say USC -17.
Southern Illinois at Ole Miss - Houston Nutt is falling apart. Lucky for him his opponent this week is from the FCS. Rebs win.
Florida beats UAB, Arkansas beat New Mexico, and LSU beats Northwestern State.
UConn at Vanderbilt - Both teams played easy competition in week one so nothing was learned. UConn has 9 returning starters on defense and Larry Smith is an awful QB, so Casey Hayward and the Vandy D are going to have to step up. UConn lost their 1,758 yard rusher, Jordan Todman, and the QB from last year, they will most likely be relying on a true freshman at QB in this game. Vandy wins 13-10.
Others...
Nevada at Oregon - Nevada plays their first game of the season with 12 returning starters from a team that finished #11 in the country last year. Could the Ducks lose two in a row?
BYU at Texas - BYU shot themselves in the foot all day long in Oxford last week and still won. Texas will win this one, BYU did not impress me.
JB
Thursday, September 8, 2011
NFL Predictions
I have spent absolutely no time thinking or investigating any type of thing related to the NFL. I have seen some of the trades and free agent signings but that is it. With that said, here are my predictions for 2011..
NFC
South
1. Falcons
2. Bucs
3. Saints
4. Panthers
North
1. Packers
2. Lions
3. Vikings
4. Bears
East
1. Eagles
2. Giants
3. Cowboys
4. Redskins
West
1. Rams
2. Cardinals
3. 49ers
4. Seahawks
AFC
South
1. Colts
2. Texans
3. Jaguars
4. Titans
North
1. Steelers
2. Ravens
3. Browns
4. Bengals
East
1. Patriots
2. Jets
3. Dolphins
4. Bills
West
1. Chargers
2. Broncos
3. Raiders
4. Chiefs
Thoughts: I watched Mike Vick for a bunch of years in Atlanta, he always gets hurt. Julio Jones and Roddy White will be the best WR combo in the NFL this year. I'm picking the Lions to make the playoffs.
Superbowl: Falcons over Chargers
P.S. I wrote this post at least a week before Peter King came out with his predictions.
JB
NFC
South
1. Falcons
2. Bucs
3. Saints
4. Panthers
North
1. Packers
2. Lions
3. Vikings
4. Bears
East
1. Eagles
2. Giants
3. Cowboys
4. Redskins
West
1. Rams
2. Cardinals
3. 49ers
4. Seahawks
AFC
South
1. Colts
2. Texans
3. Jaguars
4. Titans
North
1. Steelers
2. Ravens
3. Browns
4. Bengals
East
1. Patriots
2. Jets
3. Dolphins
4. Bills
West
1. Chargers
2. Broncos
3. Raiders
4. Chiefs
Thoughts: I watched Mike Vick for a bunch of years in Atlanta, he always gets hurt. Julio Jones and Roddy White will be the best WR combo in the NFL this year. I'm picking the Lions to make the playoffs.
Superbowl: Falcons over Chargers
P.S. I wrote this post at least a week before Peter King came out with his predictions.
JB
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
The Polls - Week 2 / SEC Power Rankings / Rant about Boise State
As previously mentioned in my August 31st post, I'm going to use the final AP poll from last year, and then take what happens this year and adjust accordingly to see how it matches up with the current AP poll.
If this method was actually used, this past weekend we would've seen #1 (Auburn) almost get beat, and then #2 (TCU) and #3 (Oregon) lose. But we don't so it didn't really seem like a wild weekend. Here's how it shakes out for Week 2:
1. Auburn............(NR)
2. LSU...............(2)
3. Stanford..........(6)
4. Ohio State........(15)
5. Oklahoma..........(1)
6. Wisconsin.........(8)
7. Boise State.......(4)
8. Alabama...........(3)
9. Nevada............(NR)
10. Arkansas.........(14)
11. Oklahoma State...(9)
12. Michigan State...(17)
13. Oregon...........(13)
14. Mississippi St...(16)
15. Virginia Tech....(11)
16. Florida State....(5)
17. Missouri.........(21)
18. Texas A&M........(7)
19. Nebraska.........(10)
20. Baylor...........(20)
21. UCF..............(NR)
22. South Carolina...(12)
23. Maryland.........(NR)
24. TCU..............(25)
25. N.C. State.......(NR)
Teams that are currently ranked, but wouldn't make this poll are: Florida (18), West Virginia (19), South Florida (22), Penn State (23), & Texas (24).
Of Note: If this poll were used, then the Nevada vs. Oregon game this week would be a big time game, as it stands now it's just a don't think twice about it non-conference game for the Ducks.
My SEC preseason power rankings were on the August 8th post. Here they are for Week 2:
1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Arkansas
4. Mississippi State
5. South Carolina
6. Florida
7. Tennessee
8. Georgia
9. Auburn
10. Vanderbilt
11. Ole Miss
12. Kentucky
Boise State beat Georgia, just like I thought they would. And that had a lot to do with Georgia being over-rated, but also Boise is legit. I've defended Boise State a lot on this blog and I even did a 3-day series on the November 2-4 of last year. They have great offensive and defensive lines which allow them to play with anyone. And they have a great coaching staff and strength program that allows them to take two and three star players and mold them into a group that can compete with BCS competition. I see that more than ever, now that Mississippi State has basically used the same approach to become a winning program. By BSU winning this past weekend's game, we are sure to hear all the talk again later this year if not sooner about their inclusion in the national championship race.
As much as I think Gary Danielson has poor opinion's, I think he came up with a good one when he stated this: Boise State has no gripe unless they become an independent, schedule tougher opponents, win, and are still left out. He pointed out how Florida State was eager for respect in the late 70s and early 80s and they scheduled whoever they could on the road or wherever and they beat them, and then they got their due respect. Well, with BYU going independent, why shouldn't Boise just go ahead. One thing I will say is that their coaches and players don't gripe, but their athletic department has before...so if they want to grip I think they should go down the independent road.
With all the talk of superconferences, I certainly think Boise should be included in one. They are legit. Maybe they should change their turf to green so people will take them more seriously, but their team deserves a chance to hang with the big boys when college football splits between the haves and have nots. For this year, they might as well write that #5 ranking in sharpie because they aren't going anywhere with that poor schedule. But as we move forward into the vast unknown of the future college football, let's include this program.
JB
If this method was actually used, this past weekend we would've seen #1 (Auburn) almost get beat, and then #2 (TCU) and #3 (Oregon) lose. But we don't so it didn't really seem like a wild weekend. Here's how it shakes out for Week 2:
1. Auburn............(NR)
2. LSU...............(2)
3. Stanford..........(6)
4. Ohio State........(15)
5. Oklahoma..........(1)
6. Wisconsin.........(8)
7. Boise State.......(4)
8. Alabama...........(3)
9. Nevada............(NR)
10. Arkansas.........(14)
11. Oklahoma State...(9)
12. Michigan State...(17)
13. Oregon...........(13)
14. Mississippi St...(16)
15. Virginia Tech....(11)
16. Florida State....(5)
17. Missouri.........(21)
18. Texas A&M........(7)
19. Nebraska.........(10)
20. Baylor...........(20)
21. UCF..............(NR)
22. South Carolina...(12)
23. Maryland.........(NR)
24. TCU..............(25)
25. N.C. State.......(NR)
Teams that are currently ranked, but wouldn't make this poll are: Florida (18), West Virginia (19), South Florida (22), Penn State (23), & Texas (24).
Of Note: If this poll were used, then the Nevada vs. Oregon game this week would be a big time game, as it stands now it's just a don't think twice about it non-conference game for the Ducks.
My SEC preseason power rankings were on the August 8th post. Here they are for Week 2:
1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Arkansas
4. Mississippi State
5. South Carolina
6. Florida
7. Tennessee
8. Georgia
9. Auburn
10. Vanderbilt
11. Ole Miss
12. Kentucky
Boise State beat Georgia, just like I thought they would. And that had a lot to do with Georgia being over-rated, but also Boise is legit. I've defended Boise State a lot on this blog and I even did a 3-day series on the November 2-4 of last year. They have great offensive and defensive lines which allow them to play with anyone. And they have a great coaching staff and strength program that allows them to take two and three star players and mold them into a group that can compete with BCS competition. I see that more than ever, now that Mississippi State has basically used the same approach to become a winning program. By BSU winning this past weekend's game, we are sure to hear all the talk again later this year if not sooner about their inclusion in the national championship race.
As much as I think Gary Danielson has poor opinion's, I think he came up with a good one when he stated this: Boise State has no gripe unless they become an independent, schedule tougher opponents, win, and are still left out. He pointed out how Florida State was eager for respect in the late 70s and early 80s and they scheduled whoever they could on the road or wherever and they beat them, and then they got their due respect. Well, with BYU going independent, why shouldn't Boise just go ahead. One thing I will say is that their coaches and players don't gripe, but their athletic department has before...so if they want to grip I think they should go down the independent road.
With all the talk of superconferences, I certainly think Boise should be included in one. They are legit. Maybe they should change their turf to green so people will take them more seriously, but their team deserves a chance to hang with the big boys when college football splits between the haves and have nots. For this year, they might as well write that #5 ranking in sharpie because they aren't going anywhere with that poor schedule. But as we move forward into the vast unknown of the future college football, let's include this program.
JB
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Drilling For Oil
I've got a quick and easy way to fix all our economic and international problems: drill for oil, on our soil, now!
I just don't understand it, we've got billions and billions of barrels of oil under U.S. soil. North Dakota recently found they have as much oil as Saudi Arabia. What's standing in our way? The left, sponsored by the 'green' brigade of progressive nutbags of course.
If we could get rid of the environmentalist standing in our way we could produce thousands if not millions of jobs for American citizens. But that's just the first positive benefit. Second, and maybe most importantly, we quit buying our oil from the Middle East, a place where they don't share the profits with their people, they buy more guns and bombs so they can fight us and scheme of ways to destroy us. So we are buying something that we don't have to because already have it, and then the people we are buying from are using the money to try to kill us and their own people.
Then there's the obvious decrease in gas prices it would cause. This is good for everyone and everything we want to buy. All of the sudden everyone will have more money to buy things and that will spike the economy into a boom.
What's not to love about this idea? We use about 20 million barrels of gas per day, and about 60-70% of that comes from other countries. Why not make that zero from other countries and let's all reap the benefits of it. And then we can start selling the oil and get out of debt.
JB
I just don't understand it, we've got billions and billions of barrels of oil under U.S. soil. North Dakota recently found they have as much oil as Saudi Arabia. What's standing in our way? The left, sponsored by the 'green' brigade of progressive nutbags of course.
If we could get rid of the environmentalist standing in our way we could produce thousands if not millions of jobs for American citizens. But that's just the first positive benefit. Second, and maybe most importantly, we quit buying our oil from the Middle East, a place where they don't share the profits with their people, they buy more guns and bombs so they can fight us and scheme of ways to destroy us. So we are buying something that we don't have to because already have it, and then the people we are buying from are using the money to try to kill us and their own people.
Then there's the obvious decrease in gas prices it would cause. This is good for everyone and everything we want to buy. All of the sudden everyone will have more money to buy things and that will spike the economy into a boom.
What's not to love about this idea? We use about 20 million barrels of gas per day, and about 60-70% of that comes from other countries. Why not make that zero from other countries and let's all reap the benefits of it. And then we can start selling the oil and get out of debt.
JB
Monday, September 5, 2011
Decorating
I like the idea of having a house that is decorated, and doesn't look like a pig lives in the house. However, I do not like to decorate it nor do I have any ideas for decorating it. So, I am glad my wife does all that.
I don't want to live in a house with no pictures on the wall, no Christmas decorations, nothing except a mattress in the corner of the bedroom, a couch in the living room and a TV sitting on a fold-out table. But that's probably how I would live if I didn't have someone to show me what to do.
I like to come home to a house that doesn't smell like dude. I like for someone to tell me what my house should look like. I like to have my meals planned for me. I like someone to tell me what clothes to buy. I don't know about these things. I like having a wife.
JB
I don't want to live in a house with no pictures on the wall, no Christmas decorations, nothing except a mattress in the corner of the bedroom, a couch in the living room and a TV sitting on a fold-out table. But that's probably how I would live if I didn't have someone to show me what to do.
I like to come home to a house that doesn't smell like dude. I like for someone to tell me what my house should look like. I like to have my meals planned for me. I like someone to tell me what clothes to buy. I don't know about these things. I like having a wife.
JB
Sunday, September 4, 2011
U.S. Open
I like the U.S. Open tennis tournament, but why do they wait until football season starts to play it?
Maybe they don't think tennis fans are also football fans. It's too bad, it's enjoyable to watch but it gets overruled. They had all of August while I was searching for something to watch, but instead they get into the meat of it while football is kicking off.
Nevertheless, the Americans are doing pretty well this year. Roddick, Fish, Isner, and Donald Young are still remaining in the round of 16. Maybe one of those guys will make a run.
JB
Maybe they don't think tennis fans are also football fans. It's too bad, it's enjoyable to watch but it gets overruled. They had all of August while I was searching for something to watch, but instead they get into the meat of it while football is kicking off.
Nevertheless, the Americans are doing pretty well this year. Roddick, Fish, Isner, and Donald Young are still remaining in the round of 16. Maybe one of those guys will make a run.
JB
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Alabama
My Top 10 Alabama songs:
10. "The Closer You Get", 1983
9. "Christmas in Dixie", 1985
8. "Lady Down on Love", 1983
7. "Born Country", 1991
6. "Jukebox in My Mind", 1990
5. "Southern Star", 1989
4. "Feels So Right", 1981
3. "Song of the South", 1988
2. "Dixieland Delight", 1983
1. "My Home's in Alabama", 1980
JB
10. "The Closer You Get", 1983
9. "Christmas in Dixie", 1985
8. "Lady Down on Love", 1983
7. "Born Country", 1991
6. "Jukebox in My Mind", 1990
5. "Southern Star", 1989
4. "Feels So Right", 1981
3. "Song of the South", 1988
2. "Dixieland Delight", 1983
1. "My Home's in Alabama", 1980
JB
Friday, September 2, 2011
Week 1 Preview
Ah, yes, it is finally here! A Saturday full of college football games.
The day starts off with Utah State at Auburn. Utah State may return 9 starters on offense but they were a poor 4-win team last year with the 97th best offense in the country. They aren't very good and will be a good first game for Auburn's youthful defense. It will be interesting to see what Barrett Trotter has, but Auburn has too much talent for this game to be close. Auburn by 2 or 3 scores.
Kent State at Alabama - The question here will be, can Kent State get past the 50 yard line, or can they get more than 3 first downs?
BYU at Ole Miss - Randall Mackey has been suspended for this game, making Barry Brunetti the starter. I don't know that either player is better than the other, but Mackey does have some experience above the high school level, and is a couple years older. Still, I have a feeling Brunetti will be able to lead the offense behind the solid O-line and very good tailbacks against a Mountain West (used to be anyway) defense. The question is - will Ole Miss' D be able to stop BYU? The Cougers have 10 returning starters on offense, including their highly touted QB. They may have only ranked #52 in offense, but BYU always has a good offense and the QB was a freshman last year. And this guy is being thought of like he could end up the best BYU QB ever, and that's a school with Steve Young, Jim McMahon, and Ty Detmer. I don't think Ole Miss' defense will be able to stop BYU. It will be high scoring, and the Cougers win 38-28.
Montana at Tennessee - I think this one's on pay-per-view. I'm sure UT will win 52-10.
South Carolina vs. East Carolina - This game is at a neutral site in Charlotte, but I'm sure USC will have at least 3/4 of the stadium filled with their faithful. East Carolina has a good passing attack with a QB who threw for over 4,000 yards and 37 touchdowns last year. That is South Carolina's weakness, but they do have Stephon Gilmore at cornerback who should be able to blanket their top receiver, Lance Lewis. South Carolina is too good, and they will win the game by a couple touchdowns, probably more.
Florida Atlantic at Florida - We know Florida's defense will be able to stuff FAU, the only thing to look for in this game is what will Florida's offense look like? Last year, they struggled in the first game against Miami of Ohio and then struggled the rest of the year. We'll see how this game goes for the Gators..but they win this one easily.
Missouri State at Arkansas - The over/under here is: will Tyler Wilson get 300 yards in the first half?
Elon at Vanderbilt - Vandy should come out fired up behind their new coach. I expect a beatdown here, and the Dores need to get this game under their belt to fine tune for UConn next week.
Georgia vs. Boise State - I'm sure the Georgia Dome will be packed with UGA fans, but Boise will probably bring some folks too, I'm guessing an 80/20 crowd. I don't think that matters though, Boise State will be prepared as always. Kellen Moore is experienced and even though they lost their top two receivers to the NFL, he will have the offense clicking in Game 1. Georgia's offense has a lot of question marks for me...Murrey and Orson Charles aren't, but what about that O-line that performed horribly last year and has been injury-proned this summer? Running backs are a major question mark and the loss of A.J. Green will hurt badly. Boise State has one of the best defensive lines in the nation, and if the Dawgs O-line isn't prepared to get hit full force Boise will gain momentum quick, and with a young running back and RB turned LB turned RB Richard Samuel in the backfield, it could mean a few fumbles. This will be a good game no doubt, there is plenty of motivation for both teams. Boise State is a 3 point favorite, but I think most people are picking them, and UGA has something to prove. But in the end, Boise State has the most to lose in this game as this is pretty much their whole season. The Broncos win the game 24-17.
LSU vs. Oregon - This game is, of course, huge. It is very tempting to say that Oregon will win the game because the LSU team has been overcome by off the field issues and suspensions of key players...but will it? Losing Jordan Jefferson hurts, but Jerrett Lee does have experience. And even if that experience involves throwing a ton of pick-6's, he is a senior and that might just change. Russell Shepard will also be gone, and that hurts a lot. Suffice it to say there is no way LSU is going to win this game if they get into a shootout with Oregon. The Ducks have their QB back and Heisman Trophy candidate, James, from last year back. They rely on smaller, quicker offensive lineman to run their fast paced offense. But the way I see it, LSU is just the defense to counter something like that. They stockpile defensive talent, and with an entire summer to prepare, I'm sure John Chavis will come up with something. I don't think Oregon will be scoring a ton. A. - it's the first game of the season. B. - LSU has tons of speed and Oregon won't be able to. LSU's D-line is big, fast, and physical. If Oregon can't get to the outside quickly they could be looking at a lot of negative plays. Throwing the ball won't be easy either against one of the best secondaries in the nation. But, will LSU be able to score? Not sure, but Oregon lost a lot of senior leadership on defense. Josh Dworaczyk, LSU's left tackle and probably best offensive lineman, went down this week and I just don't know if you can lose 3 key offensive starters a week before a game like this and win. Oregon gets a big win, 28-24.
Other games of note:
South Florida at Notre Dame - Everybody is back again this year to tell us Notre Dame will be good. I'm not going to hold my breath. I would not be surprised at all if South Florida wins this game. I will predict that it at least comes down to the final 5 minutes.
Tulsa at Oklahoma - Don't sleep on this game. Tulsa went 10-3 last year in CUSA and they have 18 returning starters including 10 on offense. Oklahoma is the better team here, but they were also the better team a few years ago when they lost to BYU to open the season. Could be much closer than the 21 point spread.
UCLA at Houston - This is an interesting game. UCLA has 17 returning starters and this is expected to be a make or break year for Rick Neuheisal. Case Keenum got injured in L.A. last year, he comes back for his 6th year of eligibility behind a team that's been pretty good the last few years. It should be a good game, and I'll pick Houston.
JB
The day starts off with Utah State at Auburn. Utah State may return 9 starters on offense but they were a poor 4-win team last year with the 97th best offense in the country. They aren't very good and will be a good first game for Auburn's youthful defense. It will be interesting to see what Barrett Trotter has, but Auburn has too much talent for this game to be close. Auburn by 2 or 3 scores.
Kent State at Alabama - The question here will be, can Kent State get past the 50 yard line, or can they get more than 3 first downs?
BYU at Ole Miss - Randall Mackey has been suspended for this game, making Barry Brunetti the starter. I don't know that either player is better than the other, but Mackey does have some experience above the high school level, and is a couple years older. Still, I have a feeling Brunetti will be able to lead the offense behind the solid O-line and very good tailbacks against a Mountain West (used to be anyway) defense. The question is - will Ole Miss' D be able to stop BYU? The Cougers have 10 returning starters on offense, including their highly touted QB. They may have only ranked #52 in offense, but BYU always has a good offense and the QB was a freshman last year. And this guy is being thought of like he could end up the best BYU QB ever, and that's a school with Steve Young, Jim McMahon, and Ty Detmer. I don't think Ole Miss' defense will be able to stop BYU. It will be high scoring, and the Cougers win 38-28.
Montana at Tennessee - I think this one's on pay-per-view. I'm sure UT will win 52-10.
South Carolina vs. East Carolina - This game is at a neutral site in Charlotte, but I'm sure USC will have at least 3/4 of the stadium filled with their faithful. East Carolina has a good passing attack with a QB who threw for over 4,000 yards and 37 touchdowns last year. That is South Carolina's weakness, but they do have Stephon Gilmore at cornerback who should be able to blanket their top receiver, Lance Lewis. South Carolina is too good, and they will win the game by a couple touchdowns, probably more.
Florida Atlantic at Florida - We know Florida's defense will be able to stuff FAU, the only thing to look for in this game is what will Florida's offense look like? Last year, they struggled in the first game against Miami of Ohio and then struggled the rest of the year. We'll see how this game goes for the Gators..but they win this one easily.
Missouri State at Arkansas - The over/under here is: will Tyler Wilson get 300 yards in the first half?
Elon at Vanderbilt - Vandy should come out fired up behind their new coach. I expect a beatdown here, and the Dores need to get this game under their belt to fine tune for UConn next week.
Georgia vs. Boise State - I'm sure the Georgia Dome will be packed with UGA fans, but Boise will probably bring some folks too, I'm guessing an 80/20 crowd. I don't think that matters though, Boise State will be prepared as always. Kellen Moore is experienced and even though they lost their top two receivers to the NFL, he will have the offense clicking in Game 1. Georgia's offense has a lot of question marks for me...Murrey and Orson Charles aren't, but what about that O-line that performed horribly last year and has been injury-proned this summer? Running backs are a major question mark and the loss of A.J. Green will hurt badly. Boise State has one of the best defensive lines in the nation, and if the Dawgs O-line isn't prepared to get hit full force Boise will gain momentum quick, and with a young running back and RB turned LB turned RB Richard Samuel in the backfield, it could mean a few fumbles. This will be a good game no doubt, there is plenty of motivation for both teams. Boise State is a 3 point favorite, but I think most people are picking them, and UGA has something to prove. But in the end, Boise State has the most to lose in this game as this is pretty much their whole season. The Broncos win the game 24-17.
LSU vs. Oregon - This game is, of course, huge. It is very tempting to say that Oregon will win the game because the LSU team has been overcome by off the field issues and suspensions of key players...but will it? Losing Jordan Jefferson hurts, but Jerrett Lee does have experience. And even if that experience involves throwing a ton of pick-6's, he is a senior and that might just change. Russell Shepard will also be gone, and that hurts a lot. Suffice it to say there is no way LSU is going to win this game if they get into a shootout with Oregon. The Ducks have their QB back and Heisman Trophy candidate, James, from last year back. They rely on smaller, quicker offensive lineman to run their fast paced offense. But the way I see it, LSU is just the defense to counter something like that. They stockpile defensive talent, and with an entire summer to prepare, I'm sure John Chavis will come up with something. I don't think Oregon will be scoring a ton. A. - it's the first game of the season. B. - LSU has tons of speed and Oregon won't be able to. LSU's D-line is big, fast, and physical. If Oregon can't get to the outside quickly they could be looking at a lot of negative plays. Throwing the ball won't be easy either against one of the best secondaries in the nation. But, will LSU be able to score? Not sure, but Oregon lost a lot of senior leadership on defense. Josh Dworaczyk, LSU's left tackle and probably best offensive lineman, went down this week and I just don't know if you can lose 3 key offensive starters a week before a game like this and win. Oregon gets a big win, 28-24.
Other games of note:
South Florida at Notre Dame - Everybody is back again this year to tell us Notre Dame will be good. I'm not going to hold my breath. I would not be surprised at all if South Florida wins this game. I will predict that it at least comes down to the final 5 minutes.
Tulsa at Oklahoma - Don't sleep on this game. Tulsa went 10-3 last year in CUSA and they have 18 returning starters including 10 on offense. Oklahoma is the better team here, but they were also the better team a few years ago when they lost to BYU to open the season. Could be much closer than the 21 point spread.
UCLA at Houston - This is an interesting game. UCLA has 17 returning starters and this is expected to be a make or break year for Rick Neuheisal. Case Keenum got injured in L.A. last year, he comes back for his 6th year of eligibility behind a team that's been pretty good the last few years. It should be a good game, and I'll pick Houston.
JB
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Mississippi State Football - 2011
Well, the season starts today. This is a really big year for Mississippi State football. When I started following MSU football, Jackie Sherrill had just become the coach and he led State to the Liberty Bowl in his first year. State went 33-15 from 1997-2000 and won the SEC West in 1998. In 2001, State was preseason ranked #18 and there were very high exceptions; but Sherrill's long list of JUCO transfers didn't pan out and the bottom fell out of that season, and the next, and the next, and so Sherrill retired. Sly Croom spent 4 years re-molding State's roster to get it out of the black hole and MSU finally made it back to a bowl in 2007, after missing one in each of the previous six years. In '08, expectations were high with an easy schedule and a lot of returning starters but Croom couldn't deliver and State went 4-8. So he resigned and Dan Mullen came in, going 5-7 with the toughest schedule in '09 and then 9-4 last year with one of the toughest schedules in the country. So expectations are high for 2011, only the 3rd time in the last 10 years.
Mississippi State has the easiest non-conference schedule, and if they are not able to go 4-0 in it, that would be a big disappointment. Then there are two SEC games in which State should have more experience and/or talent: Ole Miss & Kentucky. So at the very minimum MSU should be able to go 6-6 and return to a bowl game. Anything less than that would be a very big disappointment.
The other 6 games are Auburn, LSU, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, and Arkansas. Three at home and three on the road. If State wants to be considered a team in the top half of the SEC, we need to win at least two of these games and take the home games down to the wire....which was done last year. A 7-5 year would be acceptable, but another 8-4 year is more like it. If Mullen can improve and go 9-3, that would be awesome, and if State can go 10-2 I think everyone would consider 2011 an exceptional year.
But the great thing about 2011 is that MSU fans can go into the season knowing the football team has a chance in every game, and there is a small chance out there that State could win the West. This may not be the year for that, but hopefully it is a successful one that will allow Mullen to keep moving up towards that goal of winning the West and the SEC.
As for tonight's game, I think State will dominate a weak Memphis team from the kickoff, and even cover the 27 point spread. 56-10 Dawgs.
JB
Mississippi State has the easiest non-conference schedule, and if they are not able to go 4-0 in it, that would be a big disappointment. Then there are two SEC games in which State should have more experience and/or talent: Ole Miss & Kentucky. So at the very minimum MSU should be able to go 6-6 and return to a bowl game. Anything less than that would be a very big disappointment.
The other 6 games are Auburn, LSU, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, and Arkansas. Three at home and three on the road. If State wants to be considered a team in the top half of the SEC, we need to win at least two of these games and take the home games down to the wire....which was done last year. A 7-5 year would be acceptable, but another 8-4 year is more like it. If Mullen can improve and go 9-3, that would be awesome, and if State can go 10-2 I think everyone would consider 2011 an exceptional year.
But the great thing about 2011 is that MSU fans can go into the season knowing the football team has a chance in every game, and there is a small chance out there that State could win the West. This may not be the year for that, but hopefully it is a successful one that will allow Mullen to keep moving up towards that goal of winning the West and the SEC.
As for tonight's game, I think State will dominate a weak Memphis team from the kickoff, and even cover the 27 point spread. 56-10 Dawgs.
JB
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